Shadows of a Nameless Fear by Budgielover
harrowcat · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
And it is not only Sam that is crying that! Keep it coming Budgielover a great chapter to come home to.
Author's reply
*bows* If this chapter brightened your home-coming, then I am honored!
grumpy · 5 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
I liked that part where Sam is brought up on the (once) sedan chair. All the men were looking at anything but Aragorn being outsmarted by a hobit. Now for Gandalf to make it through the fire.
Author's reply
It is funny to imagine all those battle-hardened soldiers avoiding Aragorn's gaze, isn't it? They are probably wondering if they should be looking at the stars and whistling. La de dah ... not seeing this... It's those little bits of humor that keep this fic from getting too dark.
Bodkin · 5 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Well - Gandalf was the right person to go in after Frodo, but to reiterate Sam's question, “Why aren’t they coming out?” Is Gandalf having to do some essential Frodo-repair before they can attempt it? Or is it too hot for the hobbit and he's having to seek an alternative exit? And then there's Pippin! Was Frodo aware enough to know what was happening there? Or has Gandalf found his livery? Or will Merry save the day? Too many question! Far too nerve-wracking! Update essential!
Author's reply
Bodkin, I have this mental image of you hunching over your computer screen and chewing both hands' fingernails at the same time. The terse sentence structure of your review was just delightful. Thank you for being so involved in this tale!
Linda Hoyland · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
This is so exciting.I love the way the fellowship word together to try to save Frodo.Sam and Aragorn are just priceless ! I very eagerly await more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! Poor Sam, he is certainly "catching it hot" in this story. Better than being kidnapped and/or injured, though he might not think so.
lotrgirl1415 · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Hello my dearest Budgielover! I read your story actually last night but I had to get offline to baby-sit earlier this morning...then I was busy registering for my senior year *sarcastic whoot* lol Enough for excuses.. I liked this chapter a lot! That’s our lil sneaky Sam! *hugsandkissies4him* GASP! I hope that Gandalf gets Frodo of the fire b4 they get too burnt. Ohhhh! I can't wait till you let us loyal readers know how this will turn out! *Drools at possibilities* I am sorry...I'm a nerd. But I don’t care! *actsallnerdyanyways* "Talk Nerdy to me"...lol Anyhoodles *wagspionterfingeratyou*...You better update again very soon young lady! Love ya! xoxoxoxox ~Katie
Author's reply
Katie dear, congratulations on your senior year! What a wonderful time in your life. I know you will be very busy, but hope you will always find time for LotRs and fanfiction. Your reviews never fail to give me a lift, and make me want to work harder so you will enjoy the chapter.
Frodo Baggins · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 2: In the Rooms of a Ring-bearer
Oh darn. I'm falling asleep at the computer (should have been in bed hours ago), but I couldn't stope and now I have the writing bug. I'll continue this story tomorrow...*yawn* if I wake tomorrow and don't sleep till dinner. Namarie and hannon le for this story! GOd Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
That's fanfiction for you ... "disturbers of the peace." *grins and wishes you a restful night*
Frodo Baggins · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 1: In the Halls of the King
Aww. Poor Frodo. Actually...hiding in a tomb is very smart when trying to get some peace and quiet. But Poor Aragorn! That is so...I would refuse. That just sounds so..so..*shudders*. I love the way you do the Cousins. Very realistic. I am enjoying this story! Keep up the good work. Namarie, God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
FB, thank you for your compliment on my handling of the Cousins. Professor Tolkien gave us such a wonderful framework, and fan fiction has built on it until we have the delightful, loving relationship between them today. I have to use my imagination; I only had one cousin, which I always thought was very unfair. I'm so glad you are enjoying the story (and lots more cousin-ship to come).
GamgeeFest · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Oh yay! They almost have Frodo! But they still have no clue that Pippin's missing. *worries* I absolutely LOVED Sam putting Aragorn in his place, and all the soldiers shocked reactions to his talk-back. Aragorn took it in good humor, being familiar with the ways of hobbits. He's right - he should have been more explicit in his orders to Sam. Legolas is such a show off. :)
Author's reply
GamgeeFest, I appreciate so much you telling me what you liked about this chapter. This was a really hard chapter to plot, and to know that the action made it from my mental eye to yours is a relief. That little passage on Legolas (and you're right - he was showing off) took over an hour. Thank you for following this story!
girlofring · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
ok, enough is enough. Have to wait another chapter to make sure Frodo gets out safely and into the hands of a healer quick! Please do not make us (the frantic readers) wait too long. I go on vacation in a week!
Author's reply
The next chapter should be waiting for you when you get back, GoR. (Hopefully ... don't take that as a promise.) May you have a wonderful (I know it is well-deserved) vacation!
Andrea · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
My god! Exploding wine-casks! I have a lot of faith in Gandalf, really, but can he shield himself and Frodo from that explosion? I very much hope he can. The first part with Sam and the sedan chair was really funny! I should pass a decree requiring the presence of a hobbit at my side at all times, Master Samwise. It would help to keep me humble.” “Yes, sir,” Sam said miserably, wondering if that decree would include leg irons. LOL! Just great :) I also enjoyed Merry complaining about "bloody rocks", debris and the long legs of men ;-) Is he planning to attack that guy? Brave hobbits they are - all of them! And no news from Pippin... Please update soon! P.S.: I think it's just impossible to not feel involved in your excellent stories!
Author's reply
Andrea, I appreciate so much for telling me your favorite parts of the story - that really helps me as writer, learning what resonates with people. I have to confess the 'no news from Pippin' was deliberate (and deliberately cruel) but he will take center stage shortly. Thank you for the postscript - it makes it all worth it!
Pearl Took · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
EEEEKKKK!!!!! This is terrible!! Well written, but terrible. Please hurry with more :)
Author's reply
*giggle* Hello, Pearl! I'm so glad you are ... well, sort of enjoying the story. There doesn't seem to be an end to the awful things yet, so it will get even more terrible. Honestly, I don't know where all this stuff comes from... ;)
storyfish · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Oy! I was riveted to my chair while reading this last chapter--very exciting stuff! Will Merry figure out what's going on? Will Frodo survive his injuries? Will Pippin get out of the WELL??? (Heehee, oops, wrong story) It's very strange--I must have tons of faith in Gandalf, because now that he's here (even though the cellar's EXPLODING, for heaven's sake!), I feel much better about the whole fire thing. No worries now, here comes Gandalf to save the day! And, of course, I am anxiously awaiting the next chapter, which will hopefully have news of Pippin's fate! ;-)
Author's reply
Storyfish, thank you so much for telling me how 'riveted' you were! Some of your questions will be answered in the next chapter - and some will not. And I loved the idea of Pippin falling down a well - I had him fall down a sewer once, but not a well. Honestly, these poor hobbits... :D
Elemmírë · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
This is totally AWESOME!!!! I love how the entire Fellowship is so involved in this tale. And hey, if Gandalf can take on a fiery Balrog then he can most certainly take on a burning building! I, like everyone else, am sitting on the edge of my seat for him to rescue our dear hobbit. You had me laughing in the beginning with Sam and the sedan bearers. Your description of that scene was perfect. I could just envision Sam holding on with all his might as these two men jaunted down the stone streets of Minas Tirith after Aragorn's army of soldiers. LOL!! Ahem. Since you've now added a rather severe case of smoke inhalation to poor Frodo's growing list of injuries, and he is now in obvious need of a Respiratory Therapist ... I happily volunteer my services, Budgie. :D
Author's reply
Elemmírë, I think Frodo would leap at the opportunity for a little TLC from you! This is about the worse I've ever treated him. I've been doing quite a bit of research on his injuries and hope I am writing them factually. I'm so glad you enjoyed the little bits of humor - too much unrelenting angst is exhausting. Having said that, the next chapter is heapings and heapings of it... :)
Dreamflower · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Oh wow! I have every confidence in Gandalf finding Frodo and getting him out--he's the *White* Wizard, now, after all. But Frodo's not going to be in any shape for talking--it's going to be up to Merry now to rescue Pippin--I think... Man, you are giving a chance for every single one of the Fellowship to shine. I loved Sam's stubborn encounter with Aragorn, and the people's shocked reactions; and the byplay between Legolas and Elrond; and Gimli hopping about in his impatience; and I could just *see* Merry chasing after Faramir--the part where Faramir went *over* the obstacle that Merry went *under* was just *inspired*! And--well, I guess I'll end up repeating the whole chapter. The only part I didn't like was that it stopped--you left me gasping for *MORE*!
Author's reply
Dreamflower, isn't it funny how we as writers think certain things need to be in a chapter? Faramir jumping over and Merry running under that pillar was one such thing. I couldn't explain why, but it was important. I'm so glad you enjoyed the chapter (except for the cliffhanger, of course)! (And I hope you are feeling less sore, now!)
Elwen · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
This story is not good for my blood pressure!
Author's reply
Hummmm... Elwen dear, maybe SoA has a warning in their warning box, when you post a chapter? I could look. It might say something like, Warning. Highly aggravating cliffhanger. Children, pregnant women, those with high blood pressure and foaming-at-the-mouth LotRs fans have been advised. *giggle* Of course, all of us fall into at least one of those catagories!
Elflingimp · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Ugh!!!How could you cut it off right there? Poor Frodo,well I know Gandolf will get him out, wont he? I loved Legolass acrobats, I wish I could do that. I will be waiting for the next update.
Author's reply
Elfingimp, that was a patented Budgie cliffhanger. heh, heh, heh I am delighted you are so engaged in the story. Thank you for appreciating Legolas' athletics - that was a difficult passage to plot and describe. I am so glad it came across to the reader.
Ariel · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Hehehehehehh!!! Now this is what I call 'angsteh...' LOVE it! Gandalf will find him, but what shape will the poor fellow be in? *rubs hands in sick delight.*
Author's reply
Ariel, my dear, you are going to love Chapter Eleven. Keeping in mind what you said about levels of angst, I am piling it on so thick I expect the monitor to sag under all the weight. There has got to be a breaking point, where the reader screams, "Enough!" I am determinded to find it.
Bodkin · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Oh goodness. Frying pans and fires. Fingers tightly crossed that Gandalf can get Frodo out before the whole thing blows. Frodo is in severe need of Medical Care! And then - I just hope they notice Pippin's absence before he becomes lunch. At least suspicious Merry has a clue there's something going on. I love the way the whole of Minas Tirith is in uproar, with men and elves and the odd clever dwarf rushing around in pursuit. Headless chickens, the lot of them. Very exciting. And tense.
Author's reply
I've noticed that hobbits have that effect on people, Bodkin. I mean, "men and elves and the odd clever dwarf rushing around in pursuit. [like] Headless chickens." Amazing how four such small people can turn the whole City on its ear. And Aragorn thought all the danger and drama of the Quest was all over... :)
Lindelea · 1 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Through a Doorway of Heat and Flame
Was just about to sign off when I saw the chapter notification. You are simply amazing! Here I am worried half to distraction over Frodo and you have me chuckling in the first part of the chapter (and again, later, with Merry's thoughts, following Faramir). Lovely use of Gandalf's power over flame. I have every confidence they'll come out. But in the meantime, what about Pippin??? Sitting on pins and needles is not a comfortable place to be.
Author's reply
I would imagine sitting on sewing implements is indeed uncomfortable! Thank you so much for appreciating the little insertions of humor - straight angst is exhausting for both reader and writer, I think. I remarked to Marigold that one of my favorite (evil) devices is setting up a character in some horrific situation then ignoring him for a chapter ... like Pip here. It is so much fun to tease people... :)
Periantari · 28 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
oh wow, i just reread and read that part in which PIppin exchanged clothing with Frodo. WOw what a courageous Pippin you have in here. I'm on the edge of my seat. YES ARAGORN FIND FRODO NOW!!! and poor Pippin-reliving a nightmare. :( This is an awesome awesome awesome story~ just the right amount of angst and adventure and just everything. I must say that Frodo comfort is very due when everything comes to a good conclusion. eek orcs! Aragorn and company come quickly!!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you again, Periantari. Especially for empathizing with Pippin - it was very hard to do that to him. My dear beta Marigold reminded me of something I had forgotten, a line of Pippin's in "Recovery in Rivendell." "I will do whatever I have to, to keep Frodo safe,” the tweenager declared steadily and unequivocally. Yes, I owe the poor lads a lot of comfort. And they will receive it - but not just yet... ;)
Periantari · 28 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
oh my gosh. I loved the last part but the part in which Sam had the attention of Strider and being cared about is what i liked too. And poor Sam, he's striving for a chance to go on amidst his still bloody feet... And your Pippin--I love him so much in this story. I look forward to more.... You got me hooked! :D
Author's reply
It was time for a wee dose of comfort, Periantari. I promise there will be much more of it, but not quite yet. I have to confess that hurt/comfort is one of my favorite genres but I am still learning to write it successfully. Poor hobbits, all of them are going to require a massive dose before this story is over. :)
Periantari · 27 July 2006 · Chapter 8: At the End of All Roads
oh wow, this is so exciting! I can't wait to read the next chapter and i must say that i love your courageous Pippin in this! And poor Frodo! ! i hope he will be all right. ::Frets::
GamgeeFest · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Poor Sam. Thank goodness Gimli cottoned him onto the sedan chair. I was afraid he might overlook that in his gried and he nearly did. Strider can't really get angry. Sam's not breaking any promises after all. And I loved the line about Strider learning his tone from Frodo. :D Frodo picked a rather bad time to come to. I see your point about the latern being important later on. I guess it's a good thing Frodo didn't break it earlier. ;) With the fire, at least *someone* is liable to go and check out the cause of it and hopefully find Frodo before he can become a crispy critter. And poor Pippin. First his memories of the orcs and then the memories of Denethor burning himself alive. His cover was almost blown by that one orc. Fire makes a good distraction and it should be awhile before they realize they have the wrong hobbit, though hopefully they won't have Pippin that long. You do like cliffhangers don't you? ;)
Author's reply
"crispy critter" ? Oh, GamgeeFest, that was hysterical! If I could steal that and work it in without being too much of an anachronism, I would! Sam may not be breaking his promise. but he is certainly bending it. Thank you for commenting on Pippin's decision - I wasn't sure how many people would understand his terror of being taken again by orcs. And that he choose to do it to protect Frodo. And yes ... cliffhangers cause tension, angst, annoyance, and general teeth-grinding. *sings* these are a few of my favorite things...
Marigold · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Gah!! I have finally had time to read this exciting story, and I am on the edge of my seat! Please, you have to update soon, I can't bear the suspense! I am in awe of Pippin's bravery, willingly giving himself up to face what he fears most to help Frodo, and Frodo's fight to keep the men at bay was terrific! Hurry up Merry! Please, please, let me know what happens next! Have you written it yet? Can I peek!? LOL! (I am having a bit of trouble with AOL so this addy is a temporary one )
Author's reply
I am so pleased my Marigold likes this story! It is praise indeed to have you read a story just for enjoyment. Thank you so much for liking 'my' Pippin and not thinking his actions were out of character. *hugs you!*
lotrgirl1415 · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 9: Down Devious Paths
Wow...so cruel but oh so clever!*teehee* You have yet again captured my imagination....and sparked my curiosity. I am on the edge of my seat! Frodo to be food??....Orcs are such discusting creatures! My poor lil Frodo!I won't let those evil orcs make you into lil hobbit sandwiches!*snugglesnuggle**fangirlmomentofstupidness**drooldrool*lol but seriously...I enjoyed this update....you are so talented!^-^ and once again u get an -I love you- from me for keeping me so mesmorized by your fics! xoxoxoxo ~Katie
Author's reply
Oh, Katie, you are such a treasure! I laughed reading your review, because you expressed so perfectly what lies in all our hearts. We all feel exactly *snugglesnuggle**fangirlmomentofstupidness**drooldrool*lol but we are too restrained and dignified (ha!) to express it in such evocative terms. Now I shall have to work extra hard not to disappoint you.