Shadows of a Nameless Fear by Budgielover
Pearl Took · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Between White Stone and Shadows
Bye Pip :( "Merry ghosted after the Man, silent as the bitter wind plucking at his cloak." Love that imagry!!! Keep writting, Budgie!!
Author's reply
Always, Pearl! Thank you for letting me know you are still reading!
harrowcat · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Between White Stone and Shadows
Oh poor Pippin I bet he is getting really fed up with being carried around by ors. And he must be so worried about poor Frodo.
Author's reply
It is cruel of fate (and writers) to do it to him again, isn't it? Poor Pippin, he is probably wondering what he ever did to deserve all this torture. Then he is going to recover his sword and hunt up a few fan fiction writers he knows of...
Elflingimp · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Between White Stone and Shadows
Aw!Elflingimp feels bad for poor Pippin. It looks hopeless for him. Merry sure has alot of spunk! I hope there is some form of rescue soon! This torture is to much Agh!!!
Author's reply
Never fear, Elflingimp - there is rescue ... eventually. Think of this story like the infamous Chinese water torture ... drip ... drip ... drip... *grins*
GamgeeFest · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Between White Stone and Shadows
You do know how to drag out the suspense. The little flashback to Boromir's training was lovely. I could just see Merry getting more and more engaged as he failed time and time again. He learned his lesson well but he won't be able to get much out of the man, I'm afraid. And again, poor Pippin. That was a good last effort for escape, but he just couldn't get away. And now they're outside Minas Tirith. Meep! This does not bode well for him.
Author's reply
*grins* As for 'dragging out the suspense,' GamgeeFest, that's half the fun, isn't it? This could go on indefinitely, I suppose, but we are just about to the turning point. I sense readers as well as hobbits are about to revolt. *hides*
Lindelea · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Between White Stone and Shadows
Aaargh! No time to comment on the lovely bits, like Merry "ghosting". Whew! You can't just leave it there!
Author's reply
That's adapting a noun to a verb, isn't it? But it provides such a lovely visual picture. And you are right, Lindelea - I can't leave it there; Chapter 13 will not require such a wait. Back to Frodo!
grumpy · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Good old Gandalf got Frodo out alive. Had to laugh at Frodo's efforts on Pippin's behalf, and no one gets what he is trying to say. I am shouting from the wings that Pippin is missing, but they don't hear me either.
Author's reply
I know what you mean, Grumpy. 'My' characters don't listen to me very well, either. They tend to take a scene I outlined for them and do whatever they feel like. I'd complain more but it is so interesting to see where they take the action... :)
lotrgirl1415 · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Shall we be having an update in time for my birthday(august23rd)?OoOoOhHhH a Birthday present update..???lol In case u r wondering my screen name DOES lie about my age...I am neither 14 NOR am I 15..I shall be turning 18....*sigh* *feels old* I've just had that email addy since i was like 14..lol but i still luv the sn... Not really a review at all just a lil poke on ur arm to keep them updates coming.. ~Katie
Author's reply
Katie, I missed your birthday, but will you accept a belated Happy Birthday? I do apologize for the long time this one took - the more action the longer it takes to choose the wording so the reader sees what is happening as clearly as I do. I accept the poke and will try not to take so long with the next.
Linda Hoyland · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
A very exciting chapter.I'm glad Frodo is safe(as I'm sure Aragorn and Elrond can help him)but poor Pippin !
Author's reply
Frodo is 'safe,' Linda? Ohhhhhh ... I hope you will enjoy the next chapter!
Frodo Baggins · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
WHAT?!?! You're just going to quit there? That's...that's not fair in the least bit, Budgielover! You simply must write more or this Frodo Baggins will die of anticipation! Hurry!! Please! Pippin needs help...and Frodo...hurry!! Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
But FB, that IS the definition of a cliffhanger - quitting at the most horrible moment imaginable. You wouldn't want me to fall under the mark, would you? My reputation would suffer. *grins*
Frodo Baggins · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
Oh my goodness! You had better take care of Pippin! ANd poor Frodo! If you let either of them die...you won't, though. Right? I officially dub you Master Cliff Hanger! I must keep reading, or I'll go mad! GOd BLess, Frodo Baggins
Frodo Baggins · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Amongst the Scattered Stones
Oh, wow! YOur powress as an author amazes me! That was so wonderful! It's amazing how desperation can make us do things we never knew were possible. I can imagine those ruffians were in for more than they bargained for! I'm sorry you only had one cousin. I myself have...uh, over eighteen. But six are the closest to us. Family reunions are so much fun. Anyway, hannon le for this story. It's been wonderful. Namarie! GOd Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Frodo Baggins, I envy you. So many cousins! I envy you those family reunions, too - treasure them. They must give you wonderful ideas for plot bunnies for hobbit gatherings. You are most welcome for this story, and I am glad you are enjoying it so.
Lotrgirl1415 · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Oh my…What to say…what to say! OH, I know! I LOVED it! But I was kinda hoping for a Gandalf POV section (for the part when he was searching for Frodo)…. But that doesn’t matter, I still thought this chapter was great! Poor Frodo and his lil broken body of sexy…erm…I mean… and his lil broken body of hobbit…ness *yetanotherfangirlmomentofstupidness* I am very worried about my lil Frodo-kins and his condition…but I know you will worsen his condition immensely, so that there will be mucho angst (which I so desperately crave and you so unselfishly deliver) and I, of course, can’t wait! I know I am always rambling on about Frodo (well…Frodo IS my fave LOTR character) but don’t fret my dear Budgie-kins, I haven’t forgotten about our lil Pippin-kins. I do hope he doesn’t get hurt too much by those evil orcs. Oh I was daydreaming…or rather thinking of possibilities of this story in my head… in my boring Math class the other day; (I hate that I have to have yet ANOTHER Math class in my SENIOR year! After all, I’ve been on the honor roll for my entire high-school career…. But that’s beside the point) I was thinking about the events that are taking place and what might come next. I thought…what if they (Faramir Merry etc) find Pip in the next chapter or two and the orcs get away, but learn that Pippin wasn’t Frodo? Will the orcs go after Frodo again in a horrible way that could very nearly cost Frodo his life!?!? DUN DUN DUN! Well okay maybe I got a lil bit carried away with that whole “dun dun dun” part…but you get the point. But anyway, I thought it would be cool to the max! I am sorry about rambling on and on throughout this entire review, while I was writing this I was waiting for my digital camera to upload my cool pics that I took today of my new sword, masquerade masks, and parasol. (Not that you needed to know that, sorry) Thanks you for reading this review that wasn’t totally helpful to you. I realize you can just about imagine what kind of person that I am through my typing and grammar. But I just wanted you to know that I just got a lil bit type-happy during this review and I’m not really as crazy as I seem…lol Oh, and next time that I leave a review I’ll try my darnest to not whine about things that have absolutely nothing to do with this story. At least I wrote a longer review/note than my first one for this chapter…lol I look forward to your next update. Lots of hobbity love! Your devoted fan, Katie
Author's reply
Katie! As I told you before, I enjoy your reviews, and am grateful for them. I love your writing style - seriously. You express your enthusiam so unselfishly, with such joy, that no author could take umbrage with phrasing. I do take umbrage with thinking about stories during school! But how can I scold you ... you are so delightful and generous in your expression. Your plot suggestions made me laugh ... I do not think you will be disappointed. This story is nowhere near finished, and lots more has to take place before the end. (Poor, poor hobbits!)
Pearl Took · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
I'm glad for Frodo. In good hands he'll be well cared for. Now to get dear Pippin cared for :) Nasty Orcs!!!! This is a very good, very intense story, well done Budgie!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. This one has been amazingly difficult to plot and then put down on paper ... not only the cruelness to hobbits but the interweaving of all the action. Ah well, if it were easy it wouldn't be fun, and we wouldn't do it.
harrowcat · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Out of the burning house and definitely into the fire! You do know how to up the tempo and the tension Budgielover. Pippin is good at trying to leave messages even when he doesn't believe they will be found! Poor Pippin! More soon please!
Author's reply
Harrowcat, I don't know if I am good at tempo and tension or just sadistic. *grins* Actually, this is the type of story I love to read myself, packed with action and adventure, angst, love, pathos, bravery, humor, inside jokes ... at least, I hope it is. And, I assure you, Pippin appears in the next chapter. I fear you have it right... 'Poor Pippin!'
Queen Galadriel · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
*wipes eyes* Oh no, no no no nooooooo!!!!! Budgie, you're going to *kill* me! Oh, please have mercy! I give up. I'm doomed to be wrapped round the fingers of all Hobbit writers who love tormenting their long line of devoted readers with cliff-hangers, and I ought just to peacefully accept my fate. *mournful sigh* LOL! But seriously, I've been away for a while, you know, and didn't get to check my e-mail that much at all, but every time I saw you'd updated it would get me itching to find out what was happening here, and I couldn't because I didn't have time! So naturally I was thrilled to find *five* chapters to catch up on! Eeeeeeee! :) And I've sat here alternately laughing, shivering, and crying, and loving every minute of it. Good grief, how do you do it? This is better than a movie! I wish I could write action like you. I intend to try soon, but well.... As usual, I'm in perfect sympathy with Sam here. Duh, Aragorn, that won't work, trying to keep Sam from following you in search of his beloved Mr. Frodo. Wouldn't work on me either! *hugs Gimli* Oh, Frodo! So much blood...he's so hurt...Oh, please let him be all right! I could just hug Pippin to death; is there a sweeter Hobbit in the Shire? "Cellars have cellar doors, Frodo dear." *tears up again* I don't know why that's so touching, it just is. And bless his heart, making such an amazing sacrifice...oh wow! Actually at the moment I don't know who I'm more afraid for-Frodo or Pippin. I guess Pippin because Frodo is in Elven and Numenorian hands, and Pippin is in the hands of those hateful Orcs. I wonder those creatures are even considered living things; they obviously don't have a bit of heart in them, to murder those men as they did. Don't get me wrong, I didn't like the filthy wretches, but I pity them almost for being killed so cruelly, with no chance of redemption. But that's over so...just please rescue Pip, and let's have some Hobbit healing and loving times. Please? This might sound odd, but you can make a sickroom seem such a comfortable place, as I know from "Recovery in Rivendell". All right, I'll hush. After I say thank you, thank you, thank you! for this. I've been having a hard time "warming up" again since I got to dive back into fanfic, and this has helped tremendously! BTW, it must be a wonderfully powerful feeling to know you've got at least one entirely in your spell now, and can get any reaction you like out of her with your words. Is it? LOL! Okay, *now* I'll hush. Hope I haven't talked you to death! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Your Majesty, you absolutely haven't 'talked me to death' - I am overwhelmed by the generosity of your review. It is such a delight to hear what is going on in a reader's head; it is so helpful in hammering out plot details, and many, many times, I have taken a phrase that struck me and worked it into the story. (With appropriate credit, of course!) I cannot thank you enough for telling me what resonates with you, what you care about, and that you care. Fanfiction should do more than entertain (long-form, anyway), it should engage. I appreciate the effort you went to, and reassure you that Pippin will indeed escape those horrible orcs ... eventually. *cough* *grins*
Elemmírë · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
I guessed right as to Frodo's injuries! A tension hemo-pneumothorax. As a healthcare professional who deals entirely with lungs and breathing, I am quite interested to see how you go about treating this in Middle-earth fashion. :D (It's a good thing both Elrond and Aragorn are present, as I think Frodo will need both their skills) Will he have to suffer from smoke inhalation too? He was trapped in there an awfully long time with such an intense fire. He checked the hobbit’s head, then his neck, then felt down his backbone. Elrond did the same along Frodo’s lower body... When he pressed over Frodo’s ribs, the hobbit moaned and pain etched his face. Sam echoed his master’s cry as a bubble of blood formed on Frodo’s lips and ran down from his mouth. “The breaks are in the curved portion of the outer part of the rib cage. ” “Is there costochondral separation?” “I cannot tell if the cartilage has torn from the breastbone. The ground is too uneven.” Aragorn’s face darkened as Frodo coughed and blood ran from his nose. Elrond leaned closer. “His breaths are shallow and fast. He is blue around the nose and mouth.” Placing an arm on each side of the hobbit, he sank down and put his ear against Frodo’s chest. I absolutely LOVE your descriptions of how Frodo's injuries were assessed by Aragorn and Elrond. It was highly accurate even down to the terminology used. I also liked how you had Elrond use a medical word or two and then Aragoen explain the definition in layman's terms in his answers. Very effective for those who don't understand medical speak. It's funny how basic first aid techniques haven't really changed much over the course of history. The blood seeping out of Frodo's nose and mouth, the blue lips, etc. were also very accurate details given the type of injury you chose. Ah, Sam's dismantling of the sedan chair had a far greater purpose. Sam is always so very practicle. Flames billowed around the tall figure, flames gone from red to yellow to white with heat. They seemed to curl around the wizard, dancing through his hair, licking at his robes, but they did not burn him and they did not touch the small, still figure in his arms. That is such an awesome and vivid desription of Gandalf's powers, Budgie! I hope poor, courageous Pippin gets rescued or thwarts the orcs soon! Thank goodness his actions saved Frodo from what could have been some very serious burns. Looking forward to more, Budgie! (Especially the comfort and healing)
Author's reply
Elemmírë, your review quite overwhelmed me. Not its length as much (though I was impressed and grateful for that), but for your enthusiasm. You are the third healthcare professional to comment on the accuracy of the medical details - I hope I do not disappoint. I did extensive research on Frodo's symptoms, but do not have first-hand knowledge of his injuries (thank God) as I do have first-hand knowledge of tracking, hunting, and fishing. Anyway, we are drawing closer to the comfort and healing part - and a surprise. Thank you for going to such an effort!
Frodo Baggins · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Oh my goodness!! What's going to happen?! Must...keep...reading!! hannon le for this amazing story. Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Andrea · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Oh my! That was one of those moments when I would have liked to jump directly into the story to tell a certain King that Frodo was very much aware of what was going on, and only wanted to tell him that he should look for Pippin - immediately! Stupid man, but the discovery of Gimli and Gandalf's comment should have made him alert. I'm really glad that Frodo now is in the care of the two best healers of ME, and Sam is by his side. But what about Pippin? The soldier was so close. Maybe someone will find his message on the wall. I really hope so! Each stride forward was a stride away from Frodo. Tears of grief and terror merged in his eyes and ran down his upside-face, lodging in his hair like little pricks of ice. For Frodo, he thought as his face bumped against the creature’s stinking back. For Frodo. For Frodo - I will never forget that scene in the movie! Brave Pippin! There has to be someone to find that note. And where is Merry?
Author's reply
I loved that scene, too, Andrea. And your indignation over Aragorn's failing to understand what Frodo was trying to tell him. How typical of Men. I am delighted you are so involved in the story, and assure you your question on Merry's whereabouts will be answered in the next chapter.
Bodkin · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
If Gandalf is looking for a new job now that Sauron has fallen, he could do worse than the Fire Service... I'm glad Frodo is in the hands of the healers - and that they have learned enough to worry about Pippin. But someone needs to track him down quickly - before anything worse happens. By the way - I love Sam's acceptance of being carried by Legolas ... and his comment.
Author's reply
'before anything worse happens' - er...funny you should mention that... *cough* *grins*
Lindelea · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Read it again, and was particularly struck by this: Pippin grit his teeth, determined not to hinder the orc carrying him like a sack of grain over its shoulder. Each stride forward was a stride away from Frodo. Tears of grief and terror merged in his eyes and ran down his upside-face, lodging in his hair like little pricks of ice. For Frodo, he thought as his face bumped against the creature’s stinking back. For Frodo. Yes, a true sacrifice, a step taken with his eyes fully open, knowing the consequences to himself, yet setting all thoughts of self-preservation aside. Very noble. I do hope you will rescue him soon, relatively intact, and deal with those orcs as they deserve. Might, perhaps, a sharp-eyed Elf or Half-elven eyes see the inscription? (O my. Just the thought of Elladan and Elrohir, and their mother, and now Pippin is in the hands of Orcs...)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea, for remarking on that passage - I worked on it very hard for I felt it was important. And I'm so glad you haven't forgotten Elladan and Elrohir... *grins*
GamgeeFest · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Stairs? Sam will be lucky if he gets to set foot on *any* surface for the next few weeks. Aragorn should command that he has to be carried everywhere just to prove his point, and then find him a wheelchair once Sam learns his lesson. ;D *resists urge to smack Aragorn* Frodo isn't asking where Pippin is. He's saying Pippin's in danger! Surely someone has to notice that he's wearing Pippin's clothes! I guess they are assuming that Pippin was the one to kill the Men. You'd think they would then wonder why Pippin left Frodo there to burn or why he didn't show up once they arrived. Poor Pippin! He was so close to be rescued. His half-hearted 'help' in the stone wall dust was so sad. He's pretty much resigned himself to the fact that he might never be found. If those orcs get him out of the city, he won't be! Can't wait for more!!
Author's reply
GamgeeFest, thank you for being indignant for Frodo's sake! Aragorn, being a typical Man, didn't listen to Frodo with his heart as well as his ears. Can you imagine the look on the King of the West's face if you did slap him upside the head? I loved your idea of ordering Sam to be carried everywhere - but I think Sam wouldn't obey. *grins* I remember in one of my short stories, Elrond asks Aragorn, "Cannot you manage one little hobbit?" (meaning Frodo) Aragorn looks at his boots and thinks, "No. And how shall I manage four of them?" He probably made the Shire independent just to spare himself the grief.
Elflingimp · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Poor Pippen what a sorry mess he is in,how could you leave him with that creepy orc? Cruel cliffhanger! again! I really love the angst in this story and I wish I didnt have to stop reading it but I have to wait for you to post the next chapter so hurry up now(just kidding)
Author's reply
Elflingimp, if you are enjoying the Pippin/orcs plot line, you will enjoy the next chapter very much. Well ... maybe 'enjoy' isn't quite the right word. Upon consideration, it probably isn't the right word at all. Er... (Now that I have tormented you, I will say 'thank you!')
Lindelea · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
O drat. I'm right there with Pippin. You certainly have a way of pulling the reader into the story!
Author's reply
'Praise from the praiseworthy.' Thank you!
Fiondil · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
Have been enjoying this story very much. Discovered it just before leaving for China, where I will be living for the next year, so I didn't get a chance to review it and have only just caught myself up on the story. I love the way you have portrayed such people as Aragorn and Elrond, Faramir and the hobbits. And your sense of timing is great as are the descriptions of the city. Almost makes me think I am really there seeing it all. Keep up the good work and I look forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Hello, Fiondil, and thank you for your kind words. China? I lived in Taipei for three years, and loved it. I assume you have Internet access there from your words? Thank you for your compliments and your review, and hope you enjoy the rest of the story as much.
Lotrgirl1415 · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Out of a House of Flame
YAY and update...the chapters keep getting better and better! i g2g 4 now cuz it's a school night but the next time I'm on I'll leave a better review!!xoxoxo ~Katie
Author's reply
You mean all the angst isn't killing you, Katie? I shall have to try harder! *grins*