*whistles* I haven't seen the remaining Fellowship- all of it- in Orthanc, ever. It's quite a fascinating tale, and terrifying, especially since they all made it.
Pippin's slip of the tongue is most unfortunate, but I imagine Saruman would have found out anyways. Wow, poor Fellowship. I feel sorry for all of them.
Ah, the palantir. I wonder if Saruman will reveal Aragorn to Sauron if he tires of him? That would be... bad.
One minor error. The singualar of Dúnedain is "Dúnadan", not Dúnedan as you put. But, otherwise, that's all I see.
I cannot wait for the next chapter. I am really nervous about what is to happen... I'm hoping for a happy ending, but am beginning to doubt that it will happen. I wonder if Legolas' escape attempt and run-in with Treebeard will bring any good when Gandalf comes back? One can only hope.
Author's reply
Thanks for writing, Ainu Laire! I'm finding out now how rare this kind of story is. It was part of my premise from the beginning. Glad to hear you're enjoying it, terrifying as it may be. I think you're right, and Saruman would have found out. Pippin made their lot only slightly better than it could have been. Thanks for the correction - @#*% Sindarin! ;-) I'll make a note of it.
oh! And I made you nervous! Better and better! No hints here! Gandalf? Who's he? [beg]
Larner
· 9 June 2008
· Chapter 7: Hope Fails
I'm a bit surprised Aragorn didn't recognize the Palantir. I can appreciate how being forced to see the visions of Rohan destroyed exhausted him. Now, to turn it elsewhere....
And Merry is learning things quickly, while Saruman is distracted from thoughts of Frodo.
Author's reply
Hi Larner!
You have to remember Aragorn hadn't ever seen a palantir - only heard about it in legends. He had no reason to think Saruman had one, so it was the last thing on his mind - his pain-ridden, dehydrated, starved mind, I might add. Our Ranger isn't doing too well. I know, I know, it's my fault! [eg]
Yes, Merry didn't miss a beat! He's a determined little hobbit! ;-)
Cairistiona
· 9 June 2008
· Chapter 7: Hope Fails
This was heartwrenching. That Saruman is torturing Aragorn through his mind makes perfect sense, story-wise, but it's so hard to watch Aragorn going through such despair. Thank goodness for Pippin ... his care for Strider came at just the right time, but I worry even the stout hearts of the halflings won't long survive Orthanc's hell. You're pulling all the right emotional strings with this one, drat it! LOL
Author's reply
Oh! just what I love to hear! I had no idea torture was so much fun [eg]! Yes, I'm afraid this is just how I saw Saruman treating Aragorn, so my readers had no choice. Some of it was actually hard to write! But hobbits must be hobbits, so Pippin can do something for Aragorn. For now... [beg]
Linda Hoyland
· 9 June 2008
· Chapter 7: Hope Fails
Poor Aragorn! pippin and Merry are very brave here.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda! I tried to keep each of them in character, no matter what was happening to them. But I'm afraid the fun times are over - in case you were wondering. ;-) Thanks for writing.
Lily Frost
· 5 June 2008
· Chapter 6: Orthanc
Oh man - this story is really gripping. Poor Pippin - what a terrible slip up!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! I'm glad the story has grabbed you!
Linda Hoyland
· 5 June 2008
· Chapter 6: Orthanc
This is a truly gripping tale.You have me on the edge of my seat!
Author's reply
Just what I love to hear! Thank you, Linda!
Larner
· 3 June 2008
· Chapter 6: Orthanc
Okay, just how many other things can and will continue to go wrong? Pippin blathers out Aragorn's name; the orcs have Gimli and Legolas and Merry and are taking them down into the pits to do what? The Ents aren't warned, and no one's there to greet Gandalf. Is it all to be left now to Gandalf? Hmmm! But at least Pippin's managed to get some medical attention for Aragorn's leg--ONE good thing out of all this.
Author's reply
bwahahahahaa! Oh, you're really bringing out the evil in me! I had to throw you a bone, so I figured I shouldn't have Aragorn die of infection. Thought I'd give you that much. [eg] Hope you're having fun!
Emily
· 3 June 2008
· Chapter 6: Orthanc
Okay, I know it's an AU, and everything has been leading up to this... but I really didn't expect you to take them all inside Orthanc. Well done for surprising me! This is a pretty pickle they're in. I cheered for Gimli when he was taken away. That's my bold Dwarf! I hope Gimli, Legolas, and Merry don't suffer too much down there in the pit of Orthanc. And there's something troubling about Saruman when he's alone with Aragorn and Pippin. I want to know why Aragorn, of all people, almost thinks Saruman is Gandalf. Could there possibly be an impostor in Orthanc? It did seem strange that Saruman is so agreeable to Pippin's treating Aragorn's wounds. Please, please update soon! I'm so anxious to see what happens!
Author's reply
Thanks for the great review, Emily! LOL I love hearing that I surprised you! Yes, they are in a pickle. My intention was always to take them into Isengard. It was only a question of how much they suffered along the way, as you point out. But as you hope for not too much suffering... you might want to check the title of the story again .
Don't read too much Aragorn, or any of them, thinking Saruman is Gandalf. I just imagine that, so soon after losing Gandalf, to be in the presence of another wizard would play tricks with the mind. And Saruman basically wants to keep Aragorn alive, but he sure isn't going to wash Aragorn's wounds himself! So he laid the duty on Pippin.
An update won't be long!
Maaya
· 3 June 2008
· Chapter 6: Orthanc
*sigh* Oh Pippin, of all times to let his tongue slip... And I felt so sorry for him, afterwards. Very nice chapter, very tense and I sat on the edge of my chair while reading.
Author's reply
Thank you for writing, Maaya! I love hearing I kept you on the edge of your seat!
Cairistiona
· 3 June 2008
· Chapter 6: Orthanc
Argh, in Orthanc now, with hope nearly gone! This thing may kill me before it comes to an end. LOL Seriously, very good chapter, yet more tension piled on to what was almost unbearable tension before... keep those new chapters coming!!
Author's reply
Thank you! Glad you liked it, despite its almost being fatal ;-).
Cairistiona
· 1 June 2008
· Chapter 5: Hope against Hope
Oh, that Ents were more hasty! But then they wouldn't be Ents and Treebeard wouldn't be Treebeard. Still, I feel like banging my head on the keyboard as I read this, although in a good way, if that's possible, because I love the ever-building tension of each chapter. I'm afraid to ask how much more our fellowship can take....
Author's reply
Oh, be afraid, be very afraid...
Is there a good way to bang your head against a keyboard? Lots of readers would like to know I'm sure. :-D
Glad to know you're enjoying the building tension!
Emily
· 28 May 2008
· Chapter 5: Hope against Hope
I really like this story!! I'm sorry for missing it until now. I appreciate your heavy involvement of Gimli in this story. It's not another typical Aragorn/Legolas angster. My, the Orcs are cruel! But then, what else should we expect? I hope we see more Hobbits soon, and I hope you update soon! =)
Author's reply
Thank you, Emily! Glad to have you along for the ride, whenever you arrive. And, no, no, no, not another angster here. Although, you may feel some angst, but the characters, well, they will be feeling more pain, I'm afraid. It's the Orcs fault! They ARE cruel, nasty creatures, aren't they? Don't worry, more hobbits are on the way!
Thundera Tiger
· 26 May 2008
· Chapter 5: Hope against Hope
The most heart-wrenching moment of this chapter is not when Legolas is captured. Or when he is punished. Or all the agonizing waiting that surrounds the attempted escape. No, the most heart-wrenching moment is that moment of lost opportunity when Treebeard rouses enough that he considers action but in the end does nothing. It hurts, because you could see it all being resolved right then and there. But of course, fate is rarely so kind. And a good thing, too, because then the story would be over and we've barely begun.
I have to say that I am in awe of the level of tension you bring to this chapter. And then you manage to hold that level throughout, which is no easy thing. I don't know that this chapter is significantly shorter than the others, but it reads quickly and part of the reason for this is that tension. You can't help but push yourself through the chapter so that you have a chance to get to the next section and see what happens. The mood is spot on, and all the drama that infuses these signs is felt by readers and characters alike. I'm beginning to suspect you of a possessing a masochistic delight in taking all of us to the emotional wringers. But we love you for it! Nicely done!
Author's reply
Yes, we couldn't have the story over so quickly, could we? Then my enjoyment in torturing my readers... I mean, in bringing you the stories that have been cooped up in my brain, that's where I get the enjoyment, really, truly, no kidding! ahem...
Thundera Tiger
· 26 May 2008
· Chapter 4: Looking for Escape
Ooo, I have to hold up this phrase for special commendation:
Aragorn’s doubts eased a bit with the glimpse of elvish mettle.
VERY nice. That sentence wasn't in its current form in the drafts, and while I enjoyed the drafts, I have to admit that I like this much better. Wow, I really like that phrase. Something about it just energizes the entire passage. I think it's the word "mettle." For some reason, it suggests action to me, which just gets everything going again.
On another note, once more, the brief hints of "sport" that you give are perfect. Not too much, but not too little, either. As the story goes on, you get a bit more specific as to what exactly is happening to our heroes, but it's like you're easing us into it. And I think that's the best way to do it, too. It lets our imaginations run wild, and then you slowly take back control once you've got us thinking for you. Oh, you are a devious creature, aren't you? Sweet chapter as usual, Docmon!
Author's reply
Hm, I don't know what form that phrase was in when you saw it. I have a feeling it underwent a number of permutations before I settled on that wording. Hehe, I must say, I did like the sound of "elvish mettle" for some reason. Couldn't get it out of the brain once it took hold. I really wasn't sure if it wasn't overdoing it on some level. So thanks for the encouraging words!
Hints of sport, well, I hope people feel eased into it. The easy ride is pretty much over...
Thank you, Thundera!
Thundera Tiger
· 26 May 2008
· Chapter 3: To Isengard
You know what the really fun thing is about Merry and Pippin? Listening to them go over all the possibilities about what may have happened to the Fellowship is kind of like opening little windows onto countless AUs without ever having to explore them. Suppose this happened? Suppose that happened? And while this story only focuses on one possibility, the very fact that it's an AU gives rise to other possibilities.
Anyway, the dialogue between Merry and Pippin rings true and feels very natural. You can see them coming up with and discounting all the various scenarios, and you can see hope both ebb and flow. Despite the fact that they're tied up and motionless for the greater part of the chapter, they have an extremely dynamic conversation that makes for a very interesting and very fast-paced read.
And then there's Saruman at the end of the chapter, who shows up and immediately lets everyone know that this isn't your average villain. His perceptiveness makes my hair stand on end. Nice tone, and great pacing! Wow, these chapters are even better than I remember!
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm glad Merry and Pippin's dialogue rings true. It's important to me that they feel in character. I hope Saruman comes off that way as readers see more of him. And they will. They may not be happy with him... but there'll be plenty...
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love your Orc-speak. It's so authentic that I can actually hear the characters saying their lines. And I absolutely love the way that you showcase the Three Hunters from an outsider's perspective. It definitely sets the tone for this chapter. Nothing is within their control anymore, and you set that up nicely with Norgry's POV. And I have to commend you on the way you handle "sport." There's just a taste of it. A teaser. Nothing too graphic. And really, that's the way it should be. Show too much, and your readers get bored. But give them a hint, and they'll do all the work for you. And you hint very well. Awesome chapter!
Author's reply
Ah, the Orcs were so much fun! And they sounded just like my cousin Vinny in my head... (um, no, don't have a cousin Vinny ) But they truly "spoke" in my head that way. I suspect I was influenced by Peter Jackson's Orcs, but most of them just had New Zealand accents, so that wouldn't be quite the same.
It is creepier to hint at the "sport," isn't it? Because our imaginations will come up so much worse. Thank you!
Thundera Tiger
· 26 May 2008
· Chapter 1: Decision
Heh heh heh... I did get around to reviewing. Oh, I'm so proud of myself. And proud of you, too. Wow, this story looks great from the very beginning. I love the way it so effortlessly turns into the world of AU. Just one decision, and suddenly everything is different. And it's such a great echo of canon that the parallels are not only obvious but chilling. Brilliant, but then, I expected as much. I saw the drafts. :) On to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you, Thundera! It's great to hear that you've perceived the story just as I imagined it. That was the whole idea in my head - one thing different, and everything changes. Thanks for everything!
Larner
· 25 May 2008
· Chapter 5: Hope against Hope
Okay, Treebeard--think on what you felt, and let your curiosity draw you and yours out! There must be something to be done!
Author's reply
thanks for the review, Larner! You'll just have to practice be as 'not-hasty' as Treebeard to find out! ;-)
Envinyatar
· 24 May 2008
· Chapter 5: Hope against Hope
I'm amazed this doesn't have more reviews. It's a gripping story, very well told, and everyone very much in character. When I read it, I keep being reminded of plasticChevy's 'The Captain and the King' - not just because that's the only other story I've read that deals with a somewhat similar scenario, but because it's just as exciting.
Holding out hope for Treebeard to come to the rescue, and looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing, Envinyatar! I enjoy every one! I'm glad you find it such an exciting story. I'll have to look into that other one.
Thank you again, and I promise there's more excitement to come!
Naledi
· 24 May 2008
· Chapter 5: Hope against Hope
Oh no! I thought Treebeard might save Legolas from the orcs, but I should have realised that an unhasty Ent would never spring into action like that.
I'm interested to see where this is going and how the characters are going to achieve their destiny now the odds are so stacked against them.
Author's reply
Oh, we have no hasty Ents here! No, no. I am glad I was able to surprise you. ;-)
Do stick around to see what happens next! I hope I won't disappoint.
Larner
· 19 May 2008
· Chapter 4: Looking for Escape
The chance must come soon. The orcs' sport chills us all, I think. Now, if Merry and Pippin can think of something!
Author's reply
bwahahahahaha...
Cairistiona
· 18 May 2008
· Chapter 4: Looking for Escape
The suspense continues to build ... and in such a unique way, since this is sort of "familiar ground", being a twist on canon like it is. Pippin's impetuous attempt to escape and Aragorn's demand for water are both so in character. And elvish mettle indeed! I can't wait to see how they get Legolas free to attempt a rescue.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, Cairistiona! If you find this a unique story (though I know the scenario has been done before), I'm doubly thrilled. Also pleased to hear you feel Pippin and Aragorn are in character. I really worked for that.
Stay tuned for more elvish mettle!
meckinock
· 18 May 2008
· Chapter 4: Looking for Escape
I like Pippin's spirit, even in the face of grief and what looks like certain failure. Stupid orcs, letting their prisoners die of thirst. I'm glad Aragorn decided to fill them in before it was too late.
Author's reply
LOL Thanks, meckinock! Yes, those orcs are not known for their intelligence. And Pippin, well, he's a hobbit through and through, isn't he?
Larner
· 11 May 2008
· Chapter 3: To Isengard
Okay--where are the Riders of Rohan behind Eomer? Hurry, guys!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, the world of the AU... Remember back in Chap. 1 - that scout that would have alerted the Rohirrim to the presence of Orcs? Yes, his head was instead presented to Ugluk, remember? No warning, no Riders!
It's ironic - I had always resisted reading AUs myself. But here I am, writing one. And I totally see the draw. Whatever I say goes! Well, almost. If the characters refuse, I DO have problems then. But you, reader, are entirely at my mercy...
Merry
· 8 May 2008
· Chapter 3: To Isengard
Very good! Please write more.
Author's reply
Wow! That was some fast reading! Glad you liked it. Don't worry, there's plenty more to come.