Reviews (129)

Linda Hoyland · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

I love Pippin's courage and determination here.Poor aragorn, I feel so sorry for him.Another gripping chapter. Apologies for the blank review,I pressed send by mistake!

Ainu Laire · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

I reread this chapter, just to try and figure out where in the world you're going with this, and I only managed to become more depressed with the scenario ;P In the end, I can just imagine what's going on in Valinor... Vaire: Err, Manwe, you may want to see this. The tapestry re-wove itself. Manwe: Which tapestry? Vaire: The end of the Third Age; right at the end of February. The Fellowship, well... Manwe: Let me see *studies tapestry* What in the world..? *flips through "The Lord of the Rings"* This is not supposed to happen! Where is Olorin? Vaire: He's on vacation. Manwe: Where? Vaire: The Caribbean, or so I heard. Manwe: *fumes* Next time I see Curumo and Olorin, they have some explaining to do. And after that, Manwe sends Tulkas and Orome to put Saruman in his place and everyone lives happily ever after. The End. ... forgive me. It's three AM and I need to offset the complete hopelessness with silly thoughts :D I forgot to mention in my last review to update soon. Soo... update soon! :) Cheers Laire

Ainu Laire · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

Wow, excellent, excellent! Still excellent! I am really hoping that Gimli and Merry won't be discovered, for I don't see them escaping ever again if they are. If they do make it, Legolas is the only one now in Isengard, since Aragorn and Pippin are off to Edoras. Maybe Merry and Gimli will spy the two of them leaving. Though, I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure what Saruman is planning to do with Aragorn. In the end, he looks like he simply wants to double cross everyone, if he does not plan on bringing the Ranger to Sauron. I don't see either of them of being of any use in Edoras, even if Thengel is under a spell. And while Saruman knows that the Ranger is weakening, surely he doesn't think that he has Aragorn completely under his spell? So, yes, I'm completely baffled as to what he wants to do with Aragorn. And, I must ask this... where in the bloody world is Gandalf? Is is likely past March 1st, when the company originally met the wizard, so he should be out of the forest. Whether he's consulting with Treebeard or ruining Saruman's plans in Edoras by showing off there... or even if he is around at all! I know you are loath to give away plot details, but perhaps you can answer one question? Will Gandalf play a significant role in this story? Inquiring minds must know! ;)

Fantasia · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

I'm late with the review, I was out of town and with no intentions to use a computer...but I miss some updates... Well, at least some air, fresh air and something good (?) are happening here. Hope that Merry and Gimli will be able to escape, to find help, to find the Ents, to find Gandalf, to find the Rohir...Just to find SOMEONE that could help them...after reading your reviews replies, I'm not sure if I want to know about Legolas, left alone with the Orcs, I should add, very angry orcs when they realize that they have two missing prisoners...Maybe they won't even find out with all the trip preparations, well I doubt it, you are bad with this poor guy, by far, he is the one that has suffer the most and elf or not, there is a limit to what a body and mind can take. Well, no idea what will happen to Aragorn and Pippin, you really are full of surprises in this fic, they won't be able to escape a full contingent of Orcs and Saruman (I hate this nasty, nasty wizard) Again, where is Gandalf? Thanks and post soon

Tithenaru · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

Phew! I have no head for heights so could not have climbed that vent with or without the aid of a hammer and tongs. I am however, heartily glad Gimli and Merry made it. And of course Legolas (how is he???), Aragorn and Pippin will be rescued - won't they??? Can't wait for the next chapter Thanks Tithenaru

Cairistiona · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

Whew! I feel like I'm breathing the fresh air right alongside Gimli & Merry. But heartwrenching to read their agonizing choice (which really was no choice) to leave Legolas behind. I'm very anxious to find out how he'll fare in all this. And there was just enough of a glimpse of Strider and his troubles (well, almost enough of a glimpse--an Aragorn nut like me could do with a little more but what you have fits the story just fine) ... and Pip. Curse that evil Saruman anyway, hitting poor Strider with his staff like that. I'd like to break that staff on HIS head. Humph.

Naledi · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

Finally! A glimmer of hope for Merry and Gimli. I do hope they manage to get away. But it must have been heartbreaking to have to leave their friends behind. If Aragorn and Pippin are leaving with Saruman and Gimli and Merry get away, that just leaves Legolas on his own with a bunch of orcs. *shudder*

Larner · 6 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

PLEASE allow them their victory this time; and let it allow them to return for Legolas's freedom as well! As for grumpy wizards determined to allow the rest of the Fellowship to work for their own freedom--well, they'd best get over their grumps and lend a hand--or perhaps a firework or two, properly aimed, at Saruman's horse or something!

Thundera Tiger · 27 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

The thing I love best about this chapter is that you present what is possibly the most logical, persuasive, and compelling argument for Aragorn joining up with Saruman that I have ever seen. A few others have tried the alliance aspect with varying degrees of success, but you actually find it. You dig in and find the reason for how anything even remotely close to an alliance with Saruman might present itself as appealing to Aragorn. Because by the end of that section, from a purely logical standpoint, I'm forced to agree with many aspects of Saruman's reasoning. He's got a point. Several points, in fact. And he makes them well. And the fact that readers can not only see but are in some cases forced to agree with those points is a powerful statement on just what you've been able to do with this story. On another note, I also love the end of Merry's section. On yet another note, I love the whole story, but I particularly love this part. It's so very Merry and so very hobbit-like to cling to that one spark of hope despite everything else. And to force Pippin to do so as well. In particular, the last line of this section is very telling, and is nicely expanded by Gimli's section, but the line itself...wow. Very powerful. Once again phenomenal work, Docmon!

Larner · 26 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

And where is Gandalf when we needs him? We wonders, doesn't we, gollum?

demeter d · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

Oh, my goodness! Author White Wolf is right now writing a little Legolas and Aragorn adventure which keeps yanking the characters AND the readers from one breath-holding, hair-raising peril to another. This story is very much like that one. Indeed, as was said at the Council of Elrond, this seems to be the hour of the Shirefolk. As one reviewer mentioned, right now we do not know what Gandalf is doing. Or Treebeard, for that matter. I am guessing that somehow Merry and Pippin will get out, and the meetings with those two will happen a bit differently than Tolkien, but they will happen. Writer insane? Diabolically cruel? Perhaps. Also brilliant! I can't wait for the next part!

Naledi · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

Every chapter, I think things can't get any worse for our heroes, and yet with each new chapter things get even bleaker. I hope Merry and Pippin can come up with a plan, and quickly. Poor Legolas and Gimli are not in good shape :(

Fantasia · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

Another chapter! Great!...Well, I'm in more despair that I was before reading, I can feel how Aragorn feels, no hope, no good options...and Legolas and Gimli, that is literally to be in a black hole, not even with the respite to see the other ones and have the comfort of their company...Very depressing scenario...being the play toys for the orcs, what a terrible fate for warriors...very depressing...when you describe how the orc dragged Gimli after the “water brake” and he didn’t have the energy to even bother to walk, I mean, you really can feel all the helplessness and hopelessness of their situation. You are a great writer. Just, when are they going to improve a little bit their situation? But I do like how you portrait the hobbits, thinking not only in themselves or their companions, but in the whole big picture, Rohan and Gordon, in fact Middle Earth. I can see them escaping, even sacrificing the Hunters, in order to save Rohan...I just hope that Gandalf is already there and help a little bit, because I don't think they can help Theoden get rid of Saruman and Grima...You see, there is always hope and I have faith that they going to make it. Good, thanks for the chapter and keep posting. I really enjoy reading this story.

Cairistiona · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

My, my, my, how the plot thickens. Poor Strider, caught between two horrendous choices, and with no hope for any alternative to suddenly come about to offer a viable third choice. It's painful to watch him sliding deeper into despair--hurry up, Pippin and come straighten him out! And it was good to see Merry and his thoughts. I'm definitely hanging by a thread here, hoping and despairing from one breath to the other. Carry on!!

Ainu Laire · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

Too lazy to sign in XD *glances at clock* It's been a couple days. Is there a new chapter yet?! ;D What a terrible cliffhanger. You know, I try and give helpful, err, content in my reviews, I really do. But here and there are a couple stories that make me go completely insane with anxiety about another update... congratulations, you have made me insane :) So, this is just a little nudge of encouragement from my end! I cannot wait to read, well, everything!

Maaya · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

This is such a suspenseful and heart-wrenching story all at the same time. I like your Pippin very much, and how you allow him to have that resourcefulness that he otherwise would have showed more of during his and Merry's capture in the original storyline. That lad has more in him than one would have thought.  Looking forward to the next chapter, always!

Thundera Tiger · 23 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

If memory serves, this was one of those chapters you felt was something of an intermediate chapter where the main purpose was to set up later events but where the story itself didn't undergo any major advancements. (Please correct me if I'm wrong!) Anyway, reading it again, I keep being impressed by how much it doesn't feel like that. It's all in the tone, actually. You mold suspense, despair, hope, and fear as easily as if they were clay. The despondency of Gimli and Legolas, in particular, is heart-wrenching. The part where Legolas throws back the words that it doesn't matter if he's injured always hits me hard. And these emotions are as intense and defining as any action sequence. It's just on a different level playing with different elements. Anyway, all of this is supposed to add up to a compliment, so superb job and thank you for playing with my emotions all over again. :) It's one of the things you're best at.

Larner · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

I'm certainly glad that Pippin is there for Aragorn's sake--and for Merry's. Now, to get them all out of there as best as can be managed.

Fantasia · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

Great story, you have me in suspense every time that I read a chapter. Well, so far I'm without hope and so worry for all of them. Gods, do they have to wait for the ents to attack the tower? How are they going to help Rohan? Where is Gandalf when you must need him? I have not idea how they will get out of there...it is good that you said that this "minor inconvenient" won't prevent them to fulfill their destiny...because I'm starting to doubt it, they won't be able even to walk by the time of Theoden "cure" or when the Dunadan arrive to Rohan...BTW, I don't like Saruman, you describe him very well, just as the nasty traitor, arrogant power hungry being that he is... Thanks, it is a wonderful story and know that I review every day for your updates...

Naledi · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

This is not a good time to be Aragorn. What a horrible fate Saruman has planned for him! But I can't help thinking that It won't be as easy to break him as Saruman thinks. I liked the way you kept the lines of lore in, although this time it's Aragorn saying them to Pippin rather than Gandalf.

Cairistiona · 18 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

How this plot twists and turns and thickens ... now we have Saruman working his own evil ends against Sauron, which I wonder will ultimately work in favor of poor Aragorn. I'm so enjoying Pippin ... his cheerfulness despite the grim situation may yet be the salvation of them all. But as twisty as this story is, I'm probably way off base on all counts! Carry on!

demeter d · 18 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Dreams

I especially like seeing through Pippin's point of view here. And you have captured his character so well! I think Gandalf said it in the books, and possibly Treebeard as well, that Saruman and Sauron paid far too little attention to small, seemingly weak living things. I can very much see that this would have been Pippin's role in things all along. Quietly encouraging, playing the fool if necessary, but always underneath is that strong streak of love and loyalty that let him do some pretty amazing things. I agree, though, the hard part for you now will be writing them out of this very good fix and back into what their original destiny should be. I am guessing that Treebeard and Gandalf will yet have some roles to play there.

Thundera Tiger · 11 June 2008 · Chapter 7: Hope Fails

You paint disorientation very well. Actually, let's revise that and say that you paint strong emotions of any kind very well. Merry's breakdown was heartfelt and gut wrenching, while Aragorn's trial before the palantir was acutely felt and Pippin's desperation to get the Ranger back had me on the edge of my seat, despite the fact that I've read the draft versions and know what's going to happen. The story still comes alive each time I read it, which to me is the hallmark of greatness. Once again, awesome chapter!

Thundera Tiger · 11 June 2008 · Chapter 6: Orthanc

Hey again! Ah, I love this chapter. I love the way Pippin gives up the game. I love how everyone around him reacts. Most of all, I love Aragorn and the way he deals with the situation. There is such strength in your characters, even in their moments of weakness. Of course, the same can be said of your villains. Saruman is quick and efficient once he gets around to greeting the Fellowship, and he knows just the right tricks to use on just the right characters. Gimli's expendable, so let's make an example of him. Rangers know what it means to sacrifice, so turn the impossible choice over to the elf. Love the psychological games you play!

Naledi · 10 June 2008 · Chapter 7: Hope Fails

Oh dear! Things are looking bleak for the fellowship! I like the way you've got Merry and Pippin largely underestimated by the orcs and given more freedom. I think that's very much how Tolkien writes them. I hope they will be able to come up with a scheme to help the others. I'm also wondering where Gandalf is, as he must be somewhere at large.