Stirrings of Shadow by Fiondil
Larner · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 47: Rescuing the Hostages
Wonderful escape! Love the spell--and they didn't have to choke down polyjuice potion! Heh! I love Gandalf!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you liked this chapter. Gandalf is pretty cool, isn't he? *grin*
6336 · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 47: Rescuing the Hostages
Yay, the hostages are rescued! Wonder what is keeping their families though, hope they can over come the difficulties and be reunited. Elladan seems to have picked up another 'd' in the first paragraph, unless the Twins have another brother I am unaware of! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. I made the correction on Elladan's name. I'm sure we'll find about the families of the hostages and what happened to them soon enough.
Agape4Gondor · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 47: Rescuing the Hostages
Wow! What a ride you took us on with this chapter. The beginning with the twins 'missing' - I'd love to know the bit of trouble... and Mithrandir changing their countenances so they could get into Meduseld... with the rescue and going to let the people know their children were safe... Excellent chapter. I'm intersted in what Gandalf has been up to though - you've put an obvious hint that something is going on in that town....
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. Glad you liked this chapter. We may or may may not know what Gandalf has been up to... it isn't wise to meddle in the affairs of Wizards, you know. *grin*
6336 · 25 July 2008 · Chapter 46: Mithrandir and Isenwulf
Darn, sneaky Wizards, can't keep them out no matter what you try, they are as bad as mice once they get in, it is hard to get them out! Do you think they do a Wizard Motel, they have one for roaches?!:<) Let's hope that between them they can come up with a way to rescue the children, why is it always the innocent who suffer the most in times of conflict? By the way shouldn't it be captors and not captives in the last line? Enjoy your travels, will you be going to any of the Olympic events? More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. I made the correction. Not sure how we all missed that one. Anyway, the innocent are always the first (and last) to suffer in any conflict, unfortunately. As for Wizards... they may be a pain sometimes but they are handy to have around in a tight situation, so I don't think Aragorn minds too much. *grin* As for traveling... no, I will be far away from China when the Olympics start. I will, in fact, be taking the Trans-Mongolian/Siberian train from Beijing to Moscow and then on to St. Petersburg and then on to Germany where I will be staying for the foreseable future. Thanks for your review.... hopefully there will be plenty of new chapters for this and my other stories when I finally settle.
Linda Hoyland · 25 July 2008 · Chapter 46: Mithrandir and Isenwulf
A great chapter, I loved all the switching languages.It is interesting to see Aragorn before he becomes the confident leader we know,though I can see your distraught Aragorn still at the time of Boromir's death. You show the bond between Aragorn and Gandalf well. Wishing you a safe trip!
Author's reply
Hi Lynda. Glad you liked this chapter. I had a time keeping straight who was speaking which language myself. *lol* Aragorn is still young enough to wear his emotions on his sleeves and the last weeks have been very harrowing for all. I'm glad you think I show the bond between Aragorn and Gandalf well... I always felt that there was more to it than Tolkien lets us see in LOTR. After all, they knew each other for 60-odd years... that has to count for something. Of course, we're just seeing the beginning of that bond here as they've only known each other for a year or so. Anyway, thanks for your good wishes and thanks for your review. I really appreciate it.
Linda Hoyland · 25 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Gilhael was very sharp witted there,far better than them killing the drunk. What a surprise ending,one I could not have guessed in 1000 years! This is very exciting.
Author's reply
Hi Linda. Yes, a surprise even for me! *lol* Glad you found the chapter exciting. Thanks for letting me know.
eiluj · 24 July 2008 · Chapter 46: Mithrandir and Isenwulf
A very satisfying place to pause the story (there are few situations indeed that can't be vastly improved by the addition of Gandalf and the Elrondionnath). And no evil cliffies! Hope your travels are safe and enjoyable.
Author's reply
Thanks eiluj...I think you're right... Gandalf and the Elrondionath together would be a force to be reckoned with and woe betide any who get in their way. And no... no evil cliffies this time. *lol* Thanks... I'm looking forward to this trip... a holiday long overdue.
Elentarri · 24 July 2008 · Chapter 46: Mithrandir and Isenwulf
Hi Thank you very much for the brilliant chapter. You just made a day battling with incompetent government officials much better and less depressing. Thank you very much! Cheers Tanya
Author's reply
Hi Elentarri. A brilliant chapter, huh? Thanks. *grin* I'm glad I was able to brighten your day a bit. I think though that 'incompetent government officials' is an oxymoron. *LOL* Thanks for reviewing.
Larner · 23 July 2008 · Chapter 46: Mithrandir and Isenwulf
Love the waking of the two Dunedain here. And between Peredhil, Dunedain, and Wizard they will have a doozy of a plan, I'm certain. And am glad Isenwulf has proven faithful.
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yes, I'm pretty sure that between the lot of them they will come up with a most interesting plan. I just hope they tell me about it. *LOL* And I'm glad Isenwulf is not a traitor either. Wasn't entirely sure at first.
Kaylee · 18 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Ah...Ok, what's Mithrandir doing there, meldonya? *Grin* Poor Aragorn and Gilhael, having to climb that rock...*sends hugs* Although I think they're better at it than I would be, lol. ~Kaylee!!
Author's reply
We'll find out soon enough what Mithrandir is up to, never fear.
Sorrel · 16 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Ooh! A cliffhanger! I can't wait for the next installment! I really would like to know what happens next. It's great, one of my favorite stories on SOA. I may have already said that though. Hmmm... Sorrel.
Author's reply
Hi Sorrel... yes, a cliffhanger. From me, what do you expect. *grin* Anyway, I'm glad to see that you are still enjoying this story and looking forward to more. I should be posting the next chapter soon. Thanks for reviewing.
Tigger · 15 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Okay...I wasn't going to leave a review until this fabluous story had come to an end, but this chapter has forced my hand. What in the name of everything holy is Gandalf doing there!?! I'm just as surprised as our two Dunadain Rangers are. This is just such a wonderful, wonderful story. I've been loving every single second of it Fiondil. I usually can't wait for an update, but now I really can't wait for one. :oD Thanks for such a wonderful and habit forming ( ;o) ) story!!
Author's reply
Hi Tigger. Well, if I can force your hand and break your resolve not to write a review until the end of the story, I must be doing something right. lol! I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much and I promise it will be done though we still have a ways to go. And I can think of worse habits than reading one of my stories. lol! Thanks for letting me know how much you are enjoying this. I appreciate it and I look forward to reading your 'official' review at the end.
Agape4Gondor · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
I had to smile at the 'sprouting whiskers' remark. I liked that the boulder was 'pocked' with gouges... clever idea and yes, the builders really messed up here... As they climbed and Gilhael 'bumped' into Aragorn - I had to laugh again... can't say a word, can he! I truly am not surprised about the weakness in the defenses of Upbourn, especially after finding that Aldburg only had one entrance! I got chills when I read the entire paragraph about the dark hall and the houses dark and silent... Was it a trap? Did someone know they were coming and planned ahead? Great tension here! Needless to say, I was ROTFL when I saw who sat in that room! Should not be surprised, should I? Great chapter!
Author's reply
Hi Agape. Well... living here in Tai'an where "Mt. Tai rock" is considered sacred and is actually sold (yes, you can buy a piece of the mountain if you want!) I see lots of different types of rocks here and there are huge boulders here that are pockmarked by glacial ice much the same as I describe here, so I'm not really making it up. Glad you found the chapter tense as well. I wanted to convey the sense of unease the two Rangers would have felt sneaking into enemy territory with no idea if they would make it out alive. I think everything was dark simply because the residents of Upbourn were under curfew and for no other reason. And Gandalf showing up as he did was a surprise to me! So it should've been a surprise to you. *grin* Thanks for reviewing. I appreciate it.
Shoshana_Rose · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
That was fantastic! You took me completely by surprise, and I can't wait to see what Gandalf is up to *this* time. I'm especially fond of the fact that all of your characters have depth and are multi-layered, round creations. It seems that even Isenwulf isn't a cut-and-dried villain, if he's with Mithrandir, laughing, and I can't wait for these rangers to find out what's what and what's up. Cheers, Shoshi
Author's reply
Hi Shoshi... Glad you're still reading this and that I managed to take you (and everyone else) by surprise. *grin* I'm glad you find all my characters have depth and are multi-layered. No one is purely good or evil and I try to convey that. As to whether Isenwulf is a true villian or not... that remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing. I really appreciate it.
Elentarri · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
That was brilliant. The end of the chapter was really surprising. Please update soon. Cheers
Author's reply
Hi Elentarri. I'm glad you found this chapter 'brilliant'. Thanks for letting me know. I try to update every week to every two weeks depending on my schedule and just how cooperative my Muse is. *grin*
6336 · 13 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Hm, that Istar does get around dosen't he! Finally got to read this, pulled a muscle in my back and it is painfull to sit, lying down is fine. If I had wireless I would be O.K. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Sorry to hear you're in pain. I hope you feel better soon. And of course Gandalf was known for his travels, unlike Saruman and Radagast, so it makes sense that he would make his wsay to Rohan to check things out and see what Aragorn is up to. Glad you finally got to read this in spite of your injury. Thanks for reviewing.
harrowcat · 13 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Now there is a nice twist and surprise! 'Expect me at the most unlikely of times', (or words to that effect!) Looking forward to finding out why Gandalf is there :)
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat. Glad you liked the twist at the end. I'm sure everyone is wondering what Gandalf is up to, especially with Isenwulf. Hopefully, we'll find out in the next chapter.
eiluj · 12 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Well, *that* was a surprise if there ever was one! I suppose it was inevitable that Gandalf would show up in Rohan at some point, but this wouldn't have been the circumstances I'd have considered most likely....
Author's reply
Hi ellie. Yes, it is a surprise. And you should know that Gandalf has the habit of showing up in the most unlikely of circumstances... it's practically his trademark. LOL
Larner · 12 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
Now, THIS is a surprise! Elves without and Wizard within--a most interesting situation--and useful in seeing things set right at the last! Nice to see Gandalf.
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect it is. I always knew Gandalf would show, I just didn't know when or under what circumstances. I'm as curious as everyone else as to what he's doing in Upbourn and with Isenwulf. *grin*
Ainu Laire · 12 July 2008 · Chapter 45: Infiltrating Upbourn
LOL! That was absolutely priceless! Certainly nothing I was expecting, to say the least! I'm pretty sure everyone here is wondering what in the world Mithrandir is doing in Upbourn, and if Isenwulf is really a traitor. Would be good news for his relative, I suppose.
Author's reply
Believe me, I wasn't expecting it either. I was as surprised to see Mithrandir there as the two Dúnedain. LOL As for Isenwulf... that remains to be seen. Thanks for reviewing.
Linda Hoyland · 5 July 2008 · Chapter 44: Questions of Risk
I loved the way the elders wanted to mother the younger ones! I hope Morwen and the baby will be alright. Another enjoyable and exciting chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter. We will find out what happens to Morwen and the baby in a upcoming chapter.
Beruthiels Cat · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 44: Questions of Risk
These folks have such a hard time, having to wait for something to come together so their plans can proceed. Thandir is very observant and compassionate in leaving them their pride in their abilities. He could very easily do things better and/or faster, but his character shines more in his not doing so. I like the tension you're setting up with Morwen's delivery-in spite of what canon says about her children, there is plenty of room for things to possibly go wrong in the process. I do enjoy Widfara, so young and eager. Thengel needs more just like him. You've got clandestine down pat, their plans are intricate and detailed without giving anything away as to what will happen next. Love Thandir changing the subject, let's not bring up anything that may be too embarrasssing! Aragorn bristles up so well here, he's staking his space and Thandir recognizes this, even though it drives home how quickly he has grown up. Very nice reconciliation, with it's bittersweet flavor. Add another good cliffhanger at the end, all equals good reading! BC
Author's reply
It is hard waiting for the inevitable. Thengel is good though at keeping his people occupied and Thandir is good at letting the Rohirrim get on with the business, knowing they are more than capable. He is a First Age Elf and remembers well the Edain who fought (and died) beside the Eldar in their war against Morgoth. He has learned to respect them and their abibilties given to them by Eru. Wídfara is indeed young and eager and therefore quite endearing. We could all use more people like Wídfara in our lives. *lol* I'm glad you think I have 'clandestine' down... I try not to give too much away without sacrificing the reader's need to know certain information in order to make sense of what is happening in the story. I'm sure there are many incidents in Thandir's life that he would prefer not have trotted out at inconvenient moments by the 'children' around him. Ancient he may be, but he's an Elf and that means he's unpredictable in his actions. Aragorn is getting a taste of what he is unconciously foisting on Wídfara with his 'bif brother' attitude and realizing that he likes it no more than his friend. Hopefully, now that the air has been cleared between him and Thandir, their relationship will move on to a deeper more mature level. And of course there's a cliffhanger... I live for them. *lol* Thanks for reviewing, Cat. I appreciate it.
Agape4Gondor · 26 June 2008 · Chapter 44: Questions of Risk
Great chapter. It seems so hard to 'let go' the ones we love. I do so enjoy the squabbling... and Thandir's love. Well, I've got my fingers crossed!
Author's reply
Yes, it is indeed hard to 'let go' and when you're an Elf, it's even harder. Glad you liked the chapter, Agape. Thanks for reviewing.
Kaylee · 26 June 2008 · Chapter 44: Questions of Risk
Meldonya! I haven't been following this story so much, but I got the chapter notice and went to read it, and I just had to laugh at Thandir and "Estel"...*shakes head* I wonder how their plot is going to work out. I hope Aragorn and the others will be all right!! I mean, of course Aragorn/Thorongil isn't going to end up mortally wounded or anything, else there would be no LotR as we know it...*grin* but I hope he stays safe. Otherwise his *snort* naneth will have a fit. *wry look* Not to mention his adar. And I really don't think Lord Namo would appreciate it, considering the events of Playing Chess With Lord Namo and his opening statements there. ~Kaylee!
Author's reply
Naturally, nothing mortally bad can happen to Aragorn, but his life wasn't all strawberry and cream so he's bound to suffer some injuries and such. We'll see how the plot works out in the next chapter. As for Thandir and 'Estel'... I'm sure they'll work things out eventually... there needs to be a little more give and take on both sides, I think, before that happens though. Thanks for reviewing.
Agape4Gondor · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 43: Council of War
Though the title speaks of war, I found this chapter delightful. The humor was especially good. The Elves comment at the beginning reminded me of the Ents... 'This was is not our concern.' Humph!!! I do so like Thengel - he is as I thought he would be - especially after having spent so many years in Gondor. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. This is a transitional chapter and they are always hard to write because there is usually little action and a lot of talking, which isn't to everyone's taste, but I think such chapters are important for character development and movtivation. And of course the Elves are correct on one level... this isn't their war... though that will change in due time and they will find themselve embroiled in a war that has been going on for three ages. I'm glad you like Thengel in this and that how I've portrayed him gels with your own image of him. He's become one of my favorite 'minor' characters about which we know next to nothing, so it's been fun fleshing him (and Morwen) out.