Shadows of a Nameless Fear by Budgielover
Cuthalion · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 21: In a Place Silhouetted by Sunshine
Marvelous - I'm so glad that I decided to give in all those weeks ago and try this adventure! That idea with Marly coaxing his painful story out of the Ringbearer was sweet and gentle, and of course such a delightfully hobbit-centered tale ends with - mushrooms! *bows before a mistress of storytelling* Cúthalion
Author's reply
I don't know if I deserve the bow (or the designation), Cúthalion, but I am grateful!
Cuthalion · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
My dear, my dear, I have no words - well, I'm not entirely speechless, or you wouldn't find my review here. This is so splendid... the armies of Gondor and Rohan, forced to leave poor Pip at the mercy of an orc, and then Arwen of all people runs to the rescue. No embroidery needle this time, no sir! *crows with delight* And the topping of the cake - of course - is two hobbits sneaking into the arms of the two loveliest women of Rohan and Gondor, and Faramir and Aragorn left behind to muse about the undoubtable skills of hobbits to charm corageous heroines... Absolutely wonderful (and sorry hat it took me so long fto find my way here)! Cúthalion
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it ... and picked up on MY favorite parts. Somehow those 'poor little hobbits' keep coming out ahead, don't they? The two loveliest woman there cooing over them and totally ignoring (other than to reprimand) their beloveds. All I can say, is that it is a good thing Hobbits have no desire to rule the world... :)
eiluj · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 21: In a Place Silhouetted by Sunshine
Whew! That story was aaal-most too stressful for me. Your threats of death and disaster are overly convincing! So I'm extra glad to have such a long and comforting final chapter. Loved Pippin's continued food-fixation -- even in the midst of his dreams. And it was nice to see Marly and Peter's family again.
Author's reply
*faints* 'aaal-most too stressful' for YOU??? Then my work is done indeed on this story. Wait a second ... you said 'almost...' I guess I'll just have to work harder on the next one! :D
Bodkin · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Yes! Good for Arwen! She's unlikely to trust an orc as far as she could spit him - and knows just how much you could rely on his word. And Pippin is not only free, he and Merry are having the most comfortable and caring escort back to Frodo. That'll be a relief for everyone! A most unexpected rescue.
Author's reply
*grins* A few people picked up on the horsemen, Bodkin, but only one person picked up on the rescue being Eomer's men, and no one picked up on Arwen actually saving Pippin. After all that careful wording of Aragorn's! This was a wonderfully fun chapter to write, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so.
Periantari · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
How amazing. I really adored this exciting chapter that dealt with the rescue of Pippin so darn well. So exciting that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! for a heartbeat, his authority over his men had faltered, pushed to the limit from love of one young halfling. I love that line--indeed Aragorn sacrificed all arms save one to save PIppin--and oh the angst of Merry and then the resolution of Merry finding PIppin... The soft arms released him to the care of his cousin, and Merry wrapped himself around Pippin and joined him in weeping, hugging each other in disbelief that both their lives had been given back to them. awww~! seriously, i am so glad for that. So glad. WHat an ordeal that Pippin had to go through and i'm just glad that he was found. And the bit with Arwen-- that rascal Pippin. Love him... lol that really was so Budgielover-like humor at the end of the adventure and angst. ::loves this story::
Author's reply
My turn to say "Awwww," Periantari. Thank you so much for your generous review. It is very sweet of you to list those lines; I appreciate that because I worked on them so. You know how you want a certain emotion to come across in a story, and the positive joy you feel when it does. Thank you!
Hai Took · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Whew! That is quite a story and still some left. I have read all of it and it was certainly an "edge-of-your-seat" kind of story. I loved the devotion shown in Merry, Pippin and Sam to Frodo. Of course we wouldn't expected less but I had never thought of such awful circumstances! Kidnapped by Orcs when all is suppose to be over!! Poor Pippin taking Frodo's place with the vile creatures to save Frodo. It was all very frightening and exciting at the same time! I loved the ending of this chapter with the hobbits procuring the best seats they could possibly have had. Speaking of, yay for Arwen! She came in just the right way and right time! It was GREAT! Unexpected. I was thinking it might perhaps be Eowyn since she isn't exactly a Rider but Arwen was a great surprise! Thanks for a wonderful tail and I'm certainly looking forward to the end! :)
Author's reply
Hello, Hai! Thank you so much for the compliments! This story ought to teach the poor hobbits 'it's never really over.' I hope you enjoy the next part of the tale as much. (Old betas never die ... they just tease you now and then.)
Queen Galadriel · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
ROTFL! I'd forgotten about Pip's infatuation with Arwen, and to see the ladies completely taken with the two small heroes of the day...hahahahahahaha! I love it, I love it! Poor Aragorn and Faramir. *grins* *laughs at self* Maybe I shouldn't tell what I thought the shaking might be at the end of the last chapter. Was I the only one that didn't catch on? :( I'm sure glad I was wrong, though. I must say, Shunt was a very scary Orc, and I'm glad he's done with. I can't wait for Frodo and his cousins to be reunited! Yea for comfort! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I can just see the King and Prince Faramir trailing after Arwen and Eowyn, 'eating dust' as horseriders say, while the hobbits are being cooed over and coddled by the ladies. That'll show those men their places! I'm glad you enjoyed that scene and would love to hear what you thought the approaching dust cloud was. Who knows, it might spawn a plot bunny. I would give you credit!
Elanor Silmariën · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Omigosh! That had me so scared! I knew Pippin couldn't die, but still... *is scared* I am glad the chapter ended so happily, though. I'm really enjoying this story, even though I haven't reviewed much. God bless, Ellie
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying the story, Ellie! It's always a pleasure to hear that.
grumpy · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Glad that all that earth shaking was caused by the arrival of the Eomer and his men.(and lots of horses) Ah those cunning hobbits, I do believe that Aragorn and Faramir must put a stop to this wife pliffering.
Author's reply
I still like your elephants better, Grumpy. Now that's imagination. As to your second comment, I wouldn't think that Aragorn and Faramir would have a chance against Merry and Pippin. Tall, dark and handsome doesn't compare to short, fair, and absolutely darling. *Merry and Pippin beam happily*
Andrea · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
The Riders of Rohan? I had completely forgotten about them! Huzzah indeed! And Arwen came in the nick of time! “You will let me go?” Pippin quavered. “I swear it,” the orc said solemnly, then laughed. Leaning down close to Pippin’s ear, it whispered, “But I never said alive.” That's the point when I wished I had a spear myself. But stabbing the computer would not have helped Pippin ;-) I'm really glad, he's safe now. It was funny to see how easily hobbits get what they want! Éomer snickered into his hand, and (safely out of his sister’s hearing) engaged Gimli and Legolas in a discussion of the demanding nature of females and hobbits... LOL!!! So, I bet there is a certain cousin who will be very happy to have his Pippin back. Those two will have a lot to talk about! (P.S.: I don't know if the verb "stab" can be used in connection with a spear, but you know what I mean, don't you?)
Author's reply
Bless you, Andrea; that was exactly the response I was shooting for. The Riders were hinted at but the reader was supposed to forget about them until the rescue. And I think that 'stab' as an active verb absolutely goes with the act of spearing; that's just enliving a sentence. I'm always ragging on the people I beta for - use active voice!
AspenJules · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Oh Budgie - what a wonderful ending to a tense and stressful chapter! Looks like Arwen's been taking lessons from Eowyn! Good for her! And then those naughty hobbits! LOLOL, I couldn't stop giggling! They are traveling back in comfort and style indeed. I love how Merry went the whole "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!" route. It's easy to tell who will be in charge in both those marriages! Great job, and thank heavens all the hobbits are safe now and on their way to being together again!
Author's reply
Yup, AspenJules, we are on our way to the 'comfort' part - shameless hobbit indulgence. Of course, from our lads' view, simply well-deserved pampering. Chapter 21 is proving to be a lot of fun to write... :D
Gentle Hobbit · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
*giggle* I loved the ending to this chapter. Merry and Pippin have everyone wrapped around their little fingers, and Arwen and Eowyn are cheerfully aiding and abetting it. At last Frodo will be able to see Pippin again. What a relief!
Author's reply
And don't you know, Gentle Hobbit, that Arwen and Eowyn were glad to be wrapped. Who wouldn't be? So glad you enjoyed that little lighter touch at the end!
Dreamflower · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
*grin* What a perfect rescue! I love it! Very, very suspenseful and thrilling--and just the right kind of cuddling and humor at the end! “I want to ride with Lady Arwen!” “Pip!” Merry whispered repressively, “She’s married now!” “Merry,” Pippin whispered back, “You are my dearest cousin and I love you with all my heart. But if you don’t let me ride with Arwen, I will make you sorry for the rest of your life.” I love how quickly Merry takes advantage of his cousin's example, LOL! Yes, Faramir and Aragorn need to make quite sure that Eomer's future wife will give him every bit as much trouble as their own give them.
Author's reply
I thought the story needed that lighter touch at the end of the chapter, Dreamflower. I first wrote in Pip's infatuation with Arwen in "Recovery in Rivendell," long long ago. It was fun to dredge it up for the note of humor here. I think you will very much enjoy the opening of Chapter 21...
lwarren · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
I was COMPLETELY surprised by the one who actually ended up saving Pippin. I kind of thought the Rohirrim would show up...then I figured one of the 3 elves would sneak a shot off at an opportune time...but Arwen? Whooohooo! You go, Your Majesty! Nicely done, Budgielover! Totally unexpected! As for Pip snuggling up to the Queen...I am not surprised! *g* I remember his speechless fascination with her in Imladris! This has been a great story - I have been on pins and needles since...oh, the beginning! I'm so glad Frodo will get to see his cousin again...for a while, I wondered. Again, wonderful story! Linda
Author's reply
Hi, Lwarren! I am delighted to hear that; that was the goal, after all. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm, and for letting me know how much you are enjoying the story.
Pearl Took · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Huzzah! Bravo!! Those rascally young hobbits! They have a well cushioned ride indeed! LOL Well done, Budgie, Excellently well done!!!
Author's reply
*bows* Thank you, Pearl dear! Though I suppose Pippin and Merry do deserve a little of that credit. If they weren't so utterly irrespressible, we couldn't put them in such positions - to the delight of readers and writer both.
Larner · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Safe at last. It's about bloody time!
Author's reply
*laughs* Yes, Larner, safe at last. I wanted to tell you that you were first one to correctly identify Pippin's rescuers as Eomer's Eored. Some guessed that Aragorn and his soldiers were coming, but of course that could not be. It is a delight to see your sharp mind at work!
GamgeeFest · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
Yay! I was right! I figured the Rohorrim would be making an appearance. Arwen was surprising though. Aragorn is really going to have an eventful marriage indeed. ;) And the end with the hobbits cuddled into their riding mates was too funny. They are so very clever and conniving. lol
Author's reply
A sugared biscuit for GamgeeFest! Good for you; you are one of the few who remembered that carefully-buried reference to the Eored made by Elladan and Elrohir. I'm so glad you enjoyed the last scene ... the chapter needed to end on a lighter note there. You will, I think, very much enjoy the opening of Chapter 21... *tease, tease*
lotrgirl1415 · 28 December 2006 · Chapter 20: Alone in a Circle of Many
*Whew* Good thing Pippin is okay! ^-^ Had me worried there for a second. God I LOVE flirty Hobbits! Oh how I wish I could be Arwen or Eowyn right about now.... *Sigh* Any person who isn't a LOTR mega fan like us would we thinking at this moment "*teehee* silly lotrgirl1415...and her antics of fancying fictional characters...." But we all know they ARE real right? :) Loved this chappy. Lots of love No galu govad gen Looking forward to the next update ---Katie xoxoxoxo
Author's reply
Ah, Katie, you and I KNOW the only people are worth knowing are LotRs fans! Everyone else is just taking up breathing space. I vote for removing half the world's population and replacing them with hobbits. I can just imagine that as a campaign platform... :D
Linda Hoyland · 25 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
Poor Pippin ! i loved the scene for Merry and Aragorn. I eagerly await more.
Author's reply
And more is coming, Linda dear! I'm so glad you enjoyed that little scene, a break from all the action and angst. I think you will like the opening of Chapter 21 very much, too.
Bodkin · 19 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
Aragorn's ears must be burning indeed if he's shocked by Merry's ability to express himself forcefully. In multiple languages. But it's taking them so much time to make their way out of the city! It's no wonder that they are convinced that there is no chance of rescuing Pippin. However, I am hoping that - somehow or other - a certain hobbit manages to survive this particular crisis. And make it home. (Or history will change!) Scary. Very scary.
Author's reply
I think after all this time, Bodkin, you can be assured that 'a certain hobbit' will indeed survive the crisis. How else could he be launched into another upcoming crisis (and you know there will be one, if not in this story then in the next... :D ).
Andrea · 17 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
The earth is shaking? I desperately hope it comes from horses, lots of horses bringing the rescue team! Once again, this chapter was great. Merry's fear for Pippin, Aragorn's need for reassurance that Frodo is indeed well, and Sam's refusal to lie to his master. And Frodo's first thought, of course, is about the well-being of his cousins and Sam. But poor Pippin! He has no strenght left. His stomach "has given up on him". That's an alarming sign for a hobbit! I really hope the shaking was caused by horses...
Author's reply
Since Chapter 20 is now published, Andrea, I can tell you that you were right. Just not the horses you were expecting, I hope! Heavens forbid anything should ever be straightforward and simple in one of MY fics... *grins*
Queen Galadriel · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
"Can things get any worse?" I asked. "They can always be worse," comes the reply from the very earth itself this time. Yet this might just be a good thing, because the Orcs are distracted. Poor Pippin *hugs him* And poor, dear, devoted Merry! Frodo seems to be doing much better, but how long will Sam be able to forestall the questions? And will Frodo and Elrond end up making a relaxing kind of peace? :) Somehow I doubt that. :) Love the humour--nice to relieve the angst! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
So many questions, Your Majesty! I can just envision you sitting in front of your monitor, clenching your fists... *grins* It is so much fun to tease!
Larner · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
The Rohirrim, maybe? Certainly it appears the cavalry has arrived just in time. And hope they can ease Frodo toward healing before he must know the dreadful danger Pippin's been under. As for Pippin pushing at limits.... That I can certainly see and appreciate.
Author's reply
I've been planning another "Getting to Know You" short story about Pippin exercising this talent of his for 'pushing', so I guess that leaked over into this story. I think we can all empathize with the section because we've all experienced it - as pusher or pushee. Back to the comfort part!
grumpy · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
How what Pippin is feeling is coming from a bunch of horses with men coming to his rescue, and not just the annual migration of elephants from east to west.
Author's reply
'Annual migration of elephants' - why didn't I think of that!! But if you are thinking the shaking is caused by Aragorn and his soldiers, Grumpy ... no. *evil, evil grin*
harrowcat · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths
Oh I loved it that even Aragorn needs the reassurance about Frodo from one of the hobbits and successfuly diverts Merry from asking about the meaning of THAT word! *g* But I have to admit to still being curious! As for the rest.... how much further than my mouth can my heart get?
Author's reply
Actually, Harrowcat, I don't want to dwell on the speculation of how much farther your heart could go ... the visual image reminds me too much of a Monty Python cartoon. Thank you for liking the bit between Merry and Frodo. It's good to write just the two of them for a moment.