Reviews (143)

Estel_Mi_Olor · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

I know, I know. This seems...kinda silly. I mean, it's been almost 10 years since this story was posted, and about 7 years since your last story. All strong evidence that Real Life has come and claimed you away from (fake) Middle-Earth. And I've read this multiple times, and left a little review way back when. It's been a while since I've been on this site as well, but since my rediscovery of my favorite fics, I thought I would go back and reread them. And then it seems almost wrong to read your masterpiece and not review. Like stealing. So even if you never read this (or no longer care), here goes: This story is AMAZING. Truly, I think this is one of the best (I only won't say THE best because I can't claim to have read every fanfiction ever) fanfics out there. I'll talk about the plot in a minute, but first, you write beautifully. No, really. I have to force myself to slow down as I read in order to appreciate your craft. You know how people will say something is a gem if it has value to them? Well I would compare your writing to a pearl. The words flow together, rounded and smooth. They give off their own light. One of my favorite sentences: "The steps dissolved into the sheer face of stone before them, as if they had been created by an incomplete thought" in chapter 37. Like wow, what a great way to describe an incomplete set of stairs! You describe the horror of black magic so potently that stuff gets scary. Also the sea-longing. Wow! I'm just going to throw in a good word for Marius Suenor. I laughed out loud at that! Now, as to the story: talk about a roller coaster. I am so glad that I found this story after it was complete, or I really do think the suspense of waiting would have killed me. Merciless cliff hangers! I love how many twists and turns comprise this story and you must have been hyper organized in the outlining of it. I completely agree that the Romany seem a natural part of Middle Earth. I love the parallels throughout the story. Stuff gets really, really bad before there is any hope. And just when you think things can't possibly get any worse, they do. But you resolve the conflicts masterfully. My favorite part: character introspection! Your original characters are great. Kattica is a complex heroine, and you portrayed her coming into her own very convincingly. Bregus + Bala are an awesome mean team. I think they would rival Greek tragedy here on how much bad stuff they got going for them: greed, pride, murder, lust, incest, insanity, rape...nice job! But as for Tolkien's characters: I think this is the reason I love this story so much (besides how exciting it is), is for the completeness of the characters. Let me explain: Tolkien has given us so much, yet he really wasn't concerned with too much character psychology since he was writing the modern epic and not a romantic novel. So it's up to us, authors of fanfiction, to fill in the blanks, as it were, and give these people an interiority. And I think that you have completed the characters amazingly well, indeed as I think they should be. Faramir & Éowyn--I love to see how their marriage works, how they use their strengths to work together and separately, and I love the part when Éowyn chooses to keep her daughter. That was beautifully written. Aragorn & Arwen--you know, as frustrated as I was to have these two hanging out in a cave for most of this story, I think it was worth every minute just for the realizations about themselves and each other that came to pass. What a complicated relationship they have, and why not, since relationships in real life as just that complicated. Legolas & Gimli--my favorite theme in Tolkien is friendship. Thank you for making this such a huge part of your story and adding it to the realm of fanfiction. Legolas's suffering was truly sad, but the healing was all the more beautiful for the tests of his friendship. It is stories like yours that remind us what is important in this crazy world of ours. I hope you do write a book one day, or maybe you already have? since that would be a great piece of writing : ) I've been rambling for a while, so simply put, thank you for this story. I know this has been a long review, but, well, it's been almost 10 years in the making ; )

Eilenach · 9 April 2007 · Chapter 4: Longings

Well, I'm going to stick my neck out here and say that I don't think there's any valid reason, story-wise, to include the section on homosexuality among the elves. I suppose you would argue that it's all tied up with Legolas thinking about whether he is "priggish" and his thoughts for revenge against Gimli for the potent drink. However, to me, it seems more like you wanted to get your views on the acceptability of homosexuality into a story, and so you plopped it down right here. The section on Legolas's relationship with his father -- that Thranduil robbed his son of credit for his actions by claiming credit himself -- was excellent. And I'll be interested to see what's going on between Aragorn and Arwen. There is trouble in this relationship, that's for sure.

Eilenach · 9 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Troubled Dreams

The description of Eowyn, her sleep patterns, and her fears of another pregnancy was very well written. And yes, my husband falls asleep that quickly too, and it can be aggravating! I mourn for the troubles her near-death has caused in her marriage -- one bad experience does not mean that the next one would be the same! And yes, the witch's dark magic is VERY dark and icky.

Estel_Mi_Olor · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 4: Longings

I've actually read this story several times, and (sorry!)I am such a selfish reader that I've never left a comment. Oops... Well I thought I might as well do so intelligently. Firstly, I love this story (as evidenced by my having read it several times...) It is so perfect. I don't know how else to say it but you have blended your own creativity and Tolkien into this unit that seems to always have existed. (I know, I promised intelligence, right?) Anyways, I am reviewing this particular chapter because I had a question about it. I was wondering where you got your references to Elven sexuality (from Tolkien). I am assuming that this is from HoME and I forget the volume. I think I'm wrong though since my knowledge of Tolkien lore is sadly limited. Anyways, I was just wondering since this seems like an interesting topic. Thanks once again for this great story!

mypreciouslego · 24 February 2006 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

i loved your story so much. it kept me entertained for a month, it took so long to read, but i enjoyed every bit of it! I went to school and was so much MORE anxious to get home because of the thought of getting back to the story and reading it. I was on edge with dramatic irony!! i hated knowing that Bregus was luring Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn and Faramir into the camp, and i could do nothing to tell them!! Thank you for writing it because i was just so into it, i had to tell my best friend about it so she could read it and we could talk about it!! :) My mom got so annoyed with me trying to tell her about it, but i had to say it to someone!!! I don't know how else to say it, it was really good. better than good...it was awesome. I loved the way you described the character's thoughts and then described everything else. It made me realize that i need to apply that kind of stuff for my own stories. It inspired me to write better! Well, yeah, i loved it. Thank you lol.

RS · 29 January 2006 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

I just wanted to make a comment on your epic of a story. I have kept coming upon your story and have wanted to read it but the length scared me. I finally dove in and started to read!! HOLY GUACAMOLE!! Have i been wrong to keep procrastinating on this story! Holy Cow!. Marvelous! I have not finished it but I just wanted to stop and tell you how much I AM ENJOYING THIS! You have a wonderful talent. I am so sorry that I haven't done this earlier. After I finish reading this I will look into your other fictions. I applaud you. Now back to my reading. THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL READ! Care to write another one like this?

Justine · 25 July 2005 · Chapter 0: Cruel Death

very gripping. i will definatley print out the rest of this story. well done to the author

Len · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

I'm a college student, and also a fan of Tolkien. After amny hours of reading about absorption spectrums, Calvin Cycle, and spectrophotometers, I decided I needed to read something completely unrelated to school. Although skeptical at first about reading fanfiction (as I am quite enamored of Tolkien) I was pleasnatly surprised by the fascination with your story that I found myself in. I am also glad that it was a lengthy story, because it allowed me to string out the chapters and let suspense feed my wish for escape from school. It was very well written...believable in fact, and not merely a superficial story that has actions without thought. I imagine I will be seeking out more of you work. Keep writing!

docmon · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

I'm back! I already said much in my last review, but your notes prompted me to say more and reminded me of a couple of things too. I never mentioned how much I appreciated the realistic portrayal of marriage. I've never read a story where even the pre-destined, supposedly idyllic pairing of Arwen and Aragorn is anything but that. To see them struggle (as well as Eowyn and Faramir) was so genuine, it added more reaslism and layers to the story. It also allowed us a little breather sometimes in the otherwise tense and suspenseful storyline. The other thing I wanted to mention was your treatment of the aftermath of the prisoners' abuse. Rarely is it addressed in a story, since it's considered aftermath/recovery/post-storyline. But your treatment was realistic and fair. Faramir's violations were just that, and I can see such a reaction to his abuse. As a man, he would have even more trouble dealing with it, not to mention the confusion brought on by the acts being 'invisible.' But it was also appropriate to show Legolas with similar reactions. His mental abuses were also violations, and after so many, that had gone so deeply, to paraphrase him, one can only take so much. His refusal to be touched, even his refusal to be helped seemed appropriate, especially for one who was fiercely independent and proud in doing without help. I liked your use of the Romany, and agree with your reasons - at least as far as is known about the people, I can see a place for them in Middle-Earth. I'm rather ignorant about them, but I'll say well done anyway. And I'll say well done again, it was a great story! monica

docmon · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 9999: Revelations

wow. what a story! I finished it last night (late!) and found myself thinking about it when when I woke! So involved, so well thought out. Your details were so consistent, I could see how significant each detail was as it was later used. And Yay! for the halberd!! I was waiting for it to reappear! And was the buck actually Kattica's grandmother, or symbolizing her? Perhaps as she watched over things? At least at the end it seemed so.And that ending! The culmination and final battle were full of nail biting suspense and terrific action. You did a splendid job of changing perspectives on a simultaneous event and yet keeping the action moving forward (actually throughout the story this was well done). I really appreciated the changing perspectives, as I'm always wondering what the others are thinking/feeling/reacting to events. You gave everyone fairly equal time, though I must admit I loved the extra Legolas time at the end. And he earned it! But damn, did you make us suffer with his near-death. There were so many near-deaths, near-misses, twists and turns in this story, plans going awry, betrayals GALORE, there was no way of knowing what was going to happen next. And that makes for a fantastic story. Your characterizations were terrific, and your original characters were so *alive*. Enough that I kinda missed a little closure with Kattica and family in the end, but you focused on the main characters then, and that was fine (you probably wanted it done by then!). Wonderful way to wrap up the story, btw, with the epilogue. Coming full circle, not only in the structure of the story, but in Legolas's path also. With subtle changes that showed that, thoguh they were coming back to where they started, it was also a new beginning. A beautiful scene that last one. Can't wait to read more of your work. You are a gifted writer! monica

docmon · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 35: Potent Weapons

I just had to stop reading and review this before going on. The suspense, the action, the drama! This is fantastic! Your development of characters is particularly well done. Not only do you fill out canon characters satisfyingly, that makes future actions understandable, but your development of original characters are ...wow! Bregus is a perfect example - she's developing as the story goes on, she has many sides to her, weaknesses and strengths, and we see much if not all of it. She's not a two-dimensional bad-guy using simple madness as the reason for her crimes. Granted, madness is in there, but not simple at all. In fact, I went back and forth in believing whether Bala was her imagination or a true manifestation for a while. I'm leaning one way now, but I know that I can't make assumptions, because your story is not predictable - the most important thing in a story! You've done a great job also with giving time to all the major characters, although I must say it's nerve-wracking when I realize it's time for a switch and I have to *wait* to find out what happens to Gimli, Aragorn, or Legolas, etc.! And one by one they have their trouble to deal with. At least, finally, some are reuniting, as did Gimli and Faramir. And I was so relieved to know that Eowyn found Legolas - but of all the twists of fate, it could prove her downfall as well. Well, i must get back to reading!! monica

Anonymous · 9 October 2004 · Chapter 0: Cruel Death

Ithilien, I really liked this chapter (1)a lot.It was extremely exciting and really built up the suspense and momentum for the next few chapters. It was action-packed (which is always a good thing when you are already familiar with the setting and there really isn't much novelty). You are obviously a good writer. The pain described here had a lot of impact--the physical pain and the emotional pain at the loss of the elf's two friends--the feverish bewilderment of the elf was heart-breaking

docmon · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

hi there, i haven't read your story yet (the first pre-review perhaps?) but i wanted to let you know that this story is listed as "In Progress" still in the summary. To some, like me, who don't like to read (or try to avoid it) stories in progress (for the agony of waiting that inevitably occurs!) this deterred me from reading this story. For some reason I clicked on it today to see if there was any mention of an update in the near future and to my surprise - it's finished! I'm glad and very excited as this looks to be an excellent story! I'll be reviewing as often as i can, but at the very least when I am finished! monica

elf-girl · 27 July 2004 · Chapter 47: First Steps

Wow,what a great chapter! I was almost crying in this chapter.So, the population was growing to much for Legolas!!! That was the most sweet part of all the story! I also read the epilogue and that was one of the best fan-fic that I ever read. I also read "cry of the gull" and it's great too!! Imagine your stories in the cinema with the same actors of the lord of the rings... ( sorry if this review is strange but I wrote it the best that I could and I am from Chile of South America) Bye!!!

Calime Canos · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 0: Cruel Death

Eww...good writing, but it was a little gory. Not that I mind in the case of good writing, like this. I can't wait to see where this goes! Best of luck, Namarie, Calime

psyche the elf chick · 22 April 2004 · Chapter 1: Revelry and Songs

Ithilien: As a "Tolkien purist", I find your story highly offensive. Granted, as an author and an artist, you have the creative liberty to interpret Tolkien's story as you like. However, many elements of The Hunting Trip are blatantly "anti-Tolkien" in the sense that they profane Tolkien's work and characters. I don't have time right now to explain in detail, but if you would like to hear my more-specific comments, e-mail me and let me know. I'll be happy to discuss the problems I find in your story. Psyche

Little Mouse · 2 April 2004 · Chapter 99999: Many Thanks and Random Thoughts

Hey there. I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your story. It took me more than a year to finish reading it because I am a calloege student, and that kept getting in the way. However, when I could read it, it offered a wonderful escape from the stress I was dealing with. It was a well crafted story, and I found myself on the edge of my seat many times wondering what would happen to them and how in Middle-Earth they were going to get out of what they had gotten themselves into. You sucked me in and kept me intrigued enough to keep going. I didn't even give in to the anxious desire to peek at the ending and make sure everything came out all right because I felt that the end result would be too precious to spoil before I got to it. I've added you to my favorites list so that I can keep an eye on what you are up to. Again, thank you so much for an enjoyable journey and keep up the good work! -Little Mouse

RiverSheElf · 19 February 2004 · Chapter 9999: Revelations

i have read quiet alot of the stories of Arda. Normally, i would not leave a review,just being satisfied with the reading of them. In the case of this story however, i felt this story should not be passed by without review. i am not really good at words of how i feel about a story,and,such is the case now.but,please allow me to say that i found this story-The Hunting Trip,the best i have read so far,and to you i will say: JOB VERY WELL DONE! i found it very hard to do anything but read on untill the end.also,thanks so much for saving my darling Elf,Legolas.(you had me worried there for a bit)

Littlefish · 1 January 2004 · Chapter 9999: Revelations

Ahh Ithilien. I'll have you know that I am sitting here on the verge of tears. I absolutely LOVED the ending to this story. It was not rushed or simple, but wove in perfectly with the rest of this masterpiece, bringing the story to a perfect ending. Congratulations on a job superbly done! I must admit, it was a wonderful little twist you put on the plot when Gimli and the reinforcements could not get into the cave. I could understand why Gimli was nearly frantic with worry, seeing as I was nearly in the same state. Arwen's calmness was somewhat surprising, yet at the same time perfectly in-character. I do wonder, however, how much of that was covering up her own doubt and fear. I think the ending to both Bregus and Curtik-Bala was perfect. I was thrilled that Gimli got to be the one to defeat Bala in the end. And with the halberd!! I knew there was going to be some importance in that weapon. I also really enjoyed how you had Bala taunting them about Legolas before he met his end. That added some angst to the moment, and I am always a lover of angst. Awesome job! Oh, and the last two chapters were simply perfect. I am so glad you dedicated time to Legolas' recovery. After all he went through, it was obvious that it was going to take quite a bit of time and effort to bring him back from the brink. I greatly enjoyed his struggle against the spell put on him, and his friends' determination to help him. HIs somewhat childish behavior and temper tantrum when trying to walk grated on my nerves, but that wasn't because it was out of character. More likely, it was because it was very much IN character. I was like Gimli and Aragorn, wanting so much to see him better, yet frustrated with his sulleness and defeatist attitude. I was cheering Gimli on when he finally ran out of patience and yelled at the elf. His anger, combined with ARagorn's pleading understanding seemed to be just what was needed to break Legolas out of his funk! This chapter was wonderfully done!! Ahh, and then we come full circle. This was an act of genius on your part, Ithilien. Bringing them back to the tavern where the whole story started was simply perfect. I was already starting to get teary eyed when Legolas started to sing to them. When they asked him for another song, I was finished! This ending was beautiful. You tied up all the loose knots wonderfully while still ending on a note of victory and hope. Brilliant!! I am really sad that it is over now, and I hope you intend to write some more. You have a wonderful and in-depth understanding of each of the characters, and you handled them within this story in a way no less than perfect. Your interesting--if somewhat nerveracking--plot, combined with your clean and crisp writing style and your attention to details made this story spectacular. I enjoyed it so much! THANK YOU!!!!

Crystal Scarlet · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 39: Awakenings

that was a very nice chapter.... please, by all means, continue!

Thundera Tiger · 16 December 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

Ithilien, what a silly question! Of course I'm going to try to review every chapter. It wouldn't be fair to you or the story if I didn't because this story has captivated me like no other. Absolutely outstanding, compelling, mind-boggling, congealing, etc., etc., etc. And congrats to you, too, on the MPA awards. You more than deserve it! Right, then, let's hit this Chapter 43! (Incidentally, were you aware that the entire chapter is in italics? Thought you might to know. It was a little bizarre.) Anyway... This chapter opens with a brilliant piece of humor by Aragorn, and one that I'm insanely jealous of. I wish I'd thought of it! But anyway, Aragorn's musings on whether or not Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas only pretended to talk to forest creatures was absolutely hilarious. For some reason, it really got to me when I read it, and it's so in character that I have a hard time imagining the canon without it. The scene then changes into something very...quiet, for lack of a better word. The description of the running water is a very soothing one, for all its ethereal quality. Maybe it's because I've always been drawn to running water, but regardless, the conversation between Aragorn, Faramir, and Gimli seemed to continue this mood of quiet. There's tension, but it's not running as thick as it could be. Rather it's a time for introspection. Like the deep breath before the plunge when you wonder how long you can really stay underwater. It's not tension but preparation. It's not silent, but it is quiet. I have no idea if I'm making any sense, but in the end, I guess the important thing is that I LOVED this part primarily for the mood. Your dead-on characterizations and wonderful command of language made it all the more enjoyable, and it was...well, quiet. And then the quiet breaks by the arrival of Arwen, dogs, men, and elves. It's a great scene of things coming together, and it's a wonderful conclusion to the quiet introspection. Next up, the scene with Kattica and Eowyn also struck me as quiet, but it's a different sort of quiet. Before, it was a quiet between friends who are concerned but are themselves in no immediate danger. That's changed now, and the breath before the plunge is for a much deeper plunge. More is riding here, and it's amazing how you bring that to light with simple phrasing and descriptions. I was incredibly relieved that Eowyn and Kattica seemed to reach an understanding, but Legolas's condition worried me to no end. I was also concerned because Mattias wasn't given a voice in this chapter, and that didn't sit well with me. It's these little tidbits of tension you add that allow the chapter to go from quiet, to tense quiet, and then to the final scene, which was brilliant. But before that, we sidetrack to Gimli. I love the fact that you got him up a tree. I've never convinced him to do that myself, but you've put him a situation that requires it. And it's marvelous! I love his musings, and I love how this seems to put a pause on the entire chapter. If we were taking the plunge-breath before, we've not reached the hitch just before the dive. Wonderful build, and then we get the last scene. It was like a repeat of the build the chapter had been doing, only much faster. Kattica starts out quiet, then the tension starts to mount as Eowyn is positioned, and then the chanting starts up. It was an exhilerating moment because unknown words are starting to fly and Kattica is trying to give Gimli a signal of some sort (the plan begins to congeal in our minds) but Gordash is uncooperative and then Curtik is revealing himself to be a complete manifestation of Bala and...gyah! It makes for an exciting ride because everything happens at once. And the following chapters just keep that riding going. But more on that when I wander off to review them. Until then, thanks again for such a beautiful story! Out of curiosity, do you have anything in the works right now?

Littlefish · 11 December 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

ACK!!! NO, No!!! YOu were supposed to leave off in a better place so I could go to class and actually be able to concentrate!! This isn't fair!! Your title is "When All Is Done," but nothing is done!!! I am still dangling from the cliff, and I am still waiting to see how we are going to deal with these witches!!! Grrrrr. If I do badly on my test, I blame it completely on you!!! Of course...*littlefish briefly considers skipping class and said test and just reading on...(who needs to graduate anyway, after all?)* Ahh. You may not know it yet, Ithilien, but your stories are going to end up undermining the educational systems of today's society. I can see it now, school children glued to the computer monitors, their jaws slack and their eyes glazed as they refuse to tear themselves away. I'm telling you, schools are going to go out of business, and then the government is going to come for you...(that is, if they weren't all stuck to their own monitors reading the same story!) LOL! In case you weren't sure, I am trying to tell you how well I like this story. I was enthralled by the battle between Kattica and Curtik (or more precisely, Kattica and Bala). The way you wrote it I could see everything playing out beautifully within my mind. I am extremely worried about Kattica--you aren't going to kill her baby are you? And somewhat worried about Aragorn as well. I don't think he quite realizes the power he is dealing with here. Bala can probably chew him up and spit him out without Aragorn even coming within arms length of him! Oh boy. I have a feeling that things are going to get uglier yet before they get better. Oh well. ^_^ I shall thoroughly enjoy the ride while it last! But for now, I think I shall force myself to sign off and go to class. Best of luck to you in all you do, and bye for now...

Littlefish · 11 December 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

Yikes!!! Was this chapter loaded with whammies or what!? You certainly know how to play with a girls emotions. I went from being scared for Arwen, worried about Legolas, happy for Kattica, amused by Gimli, and finally scared for Kattica. Each section was masterfully written, of course, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The end is near now, and I am seriously shaking with the need to find out what is going to happen next! I have precisely half an hour until I have to go, and so I am going to keep this short so I can read on. But as always, this chapter was wonderfully done! You are so good. *Sherrie shakes head in wonder*

Littlefish · 11 December 2003 · Chapter 42: Duplicity

I'M BACK!!!!!!! I am so sorry it has taken me this long to catch up and leave a review, but to say that my life has been hectic lately would be a vast understatement. School has been going okay, but my father is still having some bad health problems. Reading your story has provided a wonderful excursion from the real world! I enjoyed this chapter very much, and look forward to moving on to the next! I see that the story is complete, and I can't wait to see how you end it! That said, let's move on to some specifics so I can get on to reading some more!!! This chapter was exciting because we got to see some further developments on the part of Kattica and Bregus. Telling it from Eowyn's point of view was pure genious, because though we know Kattica is good, we were left with a little inkling of doubt. Was the power in the cave too much for her? Was maybe a part of her really reverting back to the lure of the dark magic? These were some of the questions going through my mind. Excellent job! And then of course we have Legolas. I always enjoy Legolas scenes...*sheepish grin* He is in pretty bad shape right now. I think I was correct about the sea longing being his greatest enemy right now, even over his back injury. Poor Eowyn. Of course, she did what she thought was right at the time. I really enjoyed the character development all throughout this chapter. Bregus, Kattica, and Eowyn all played wonderfully off of each other, and my anticipation to see what was going to happen next only grew! Wonderful job!!

Thundera Tiger · 11 December 2003 · Chapter 42: Duplicity

I'm baAAack! (And you thought you were rid of me...) I cannot tell you how much I missed your story. What made it even worse was when it started coming out again I'd put myself on a forced hiatus away from reading in an effort to overcome writer's block. Argh. I broke that hiatus just for you, I'll have you know. Anyway, I'm going to try to work my way up through the chapters and leave you a proper review for each, because Valar know you deserve it! Wow. What a series!!! This chapter started with so many interesting nuances. It took me a moment to remember that Eowyn had never met Kattica. I was so used to her by now and used to seeing her through eyes that had come to know her that it was something of a shock to see her in a different light. You used such a light touch in painting her through Eowyn's perceptions, and it is undoubtedly Eowyn who is watching this. She is almost immediately distrustful of anything that seems unnatural, and well she should be, because Wormtongue was very similar. Anyway, it made for a wonderful effect, and for a moment, I began to wonder what Kattica was up to. It was fascinating to watch the exchange between Kattica, Bregus, Gordash, and Curtik as though from the sidelines. And then you included Legolas and Eowyn. I was as thrown as Eowyn by the sudden shift, which is a testament to your writing ability. The ensuing argument/discussion/debate was mind-blowing, and Eowyn's ability to gauge reactions around her was inspired. I loved it. She was by no means omniscient or completely in control of her own emotions, but she was definitely the shieldmaiden of Rohan who had struggled to hold a kingdom together beneath Saruman's shadow. As far as characterization goes, nobody beats you, Ithilien! And then their efforts to heal Legolas seem to backfire on them. Not a good sign. Poor elf. Of course, having read the end, I know it all turns out for the best, more or less. But at the time I read this, I was shaking. You squeeze angst for all it's worth, and there's never a moment where anything even has a chance to congeal. And then Bregus extracts a truly dangerous pledge from Kattica. Beautiful writing, Ithilien. Absolutely beautiful! Remind me to take notes.