This chapter gave me some very powerful mental images. I didn't know you could write something as chilling as this, and you have done it extremely well. It must have been a very mentally tough task for Gandalf to impersonate his fellow Maia who turned evil! *shivers*
Author's reply
Thank you, I appreciate that. This was a very challenging chapter to write. Gandalf did a wonderful job, and now definitely needs a strengthening nap and a few cups of tea. :)
Antane
· 21 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Oh, my dear, what a wonderful chapter! I was hoping you would have another one before my Lenten fast from hobbity fic starts and here you are, just under the wire. :) *hugs* I might read some on Sundays since they are exempt but I am glad you did not leave me hanging off another cliff. Very dramatic and so neat to see Gandalf as he truly was there in the beginning and well done that he was able to fake out the entity so well about Baggins being a better host and all that. I even felt a bit sorry for the entity right before it was destroyed and realized it had been duped but it's gone and good riddance. Love what Frodo said that Sam would not allow anything bad to enter and of course the hobbity love here.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane! Glad I got this posted in time for you to read.
Yay for hobbits. How we do love them. :)
Andrea
· 21 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Wow! Gandalf is great!
Not only power but also quick thinking was needed here and Gandalf excelled in both. Still, it was very, very dangerous for Frodo! I'm glad he wasn't harmed.
Now we (only?) have the "parting gift" to deal with. I hope Elrond and Glorfindel know how to do that.
Author's reply
Gandalf rocks! What an awesome wizard.
Ohhh, that nasty little bit of Nazgul... couldn't resist one last bit of naughtiness.
Dreamflower
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
I was interrupted earlier before I could leave a comment.
I love Gandalf in this! What an actor! *grin* He certainly laid it on thick! This was a really a creative and fun solution to the dilemma you created. But I get the feeling that they are not entirely out of the woods yet...
Author's reply
Yes, just one more minor thing to clear up. Whew, that was a challenging chapter to write! Gandalf can take his Sauron imitation on the road if he ever needs a back-up job. :)
Linda Hoyland
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
A great chapter. I'm glad the plan to drug Aragorn proved so easy, but the next part sounds really scary.
Sorry I've not been very good at reviewing, I read now not connected to the Net.
Author's reply
Thanks for reading, Linda, especially when it isn't as easy as before. I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter.
Fiondil
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Oh, that was incredible, Shirebound. I could so 'hear' the Voice of the Eye and I had to remind myself it was Gandalf playing a part and not the real deal. *shivers from more than just cold*. That fever though is troubling. Poor Aragorn isn't out of the woods yet. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad to get this chapter written and over with, and I know Gandalf is relieved that his plan (mostly) succeeded. I greatly appreciate your review.
curiouswombat
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Oh my goodness! What an excellent chapter - how very well you made Gandalf portray Sauron - I was beginning to worry there for a moment!
Author's reply
Thank you, what a lovely compliment. Gandalf took quite a risk there!
harrowcat
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Oh Sam a good cuppa solves everything! Brilliant chapter but I am still worried for Strider.
Author's reply
Thank you. Sam is a very practical-minded hobbit, always ready to remind careless folk to keep the tea hot and at the ready. :)
Estelcontar
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
As you can see I just couldn't wait till tomorrow. What a most gripping chapter. Goooooooooood riddance to that nasty entity. He got what he deserved. Let me say once more, Aragorn is very lucky to have such loyal friends. I'm sure with their help he'll recover fully.
Author's reply
Goooooood riddance indeed! And Aragorn doesn't even know yet what's been going on.
"The Lord of the Rings" is, for me, a story of unconditional friendship. I love highlighting that in my tales.
Cairistiona
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Oh, well done, Gandalf!! (And Shirebound!) What a thrilling chapter! I literally held my breath when I started and I'm not sure how much I breathed while I read it. I must have breathed at some point, since I didn't topple from my chair completely unconscious, but I couldn't tell you where or when those little gasps might have come. I love the idea of Gandalf impersonating Sauron. Obviously he's gifted at mimicry, as we saw in "The Hobbit", so this is, I don't know, mimicry on steroids. *g* And your descriptions of the fire and wind and essences and powers... perfection.
Now to see what this evil little "parting gift" is. That worries me, a lot. *hugs poor unconscious, feverish Aragorn*
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Goodness, this was a tough chapter to write! I'm glad the Professor gave us so many hints about Gandalf and his wizardly talents.
I'm positive Aragorn can feel your hug. That will aid his recovery greatly. :)
Larner
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Excellent treatment of the nasty blighter! At least it is now no more, and once the fever is down Aragorn will be free. Most satisfying!
Author's reply
Thank you. That means a lot to me. *beams*
Ellynn
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Wow! This is great! So tense, so thrilling... I love your description of the "fight"; I really could feel the "raw power", as Elrond (you) called it. ;)
Author's reply
Oh thank you, I really appreciate that. I rewrote this chapter so many times trying to get the feeling of this 'conversation' just right.
Addie71
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
I love how Gandalf's deception worked and he was able to lure the Nazgûl's essence from Aragorn, but now I'm worried about this 'parting gift'. *bites nails*
Author's reply
Thank you, Addie. Gandalf is quite relieved that his idea worked!
eiluj
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Amazing plotting and trickery! And putting "Sauron's" speech in bold was the perfect touch.
This story was a bit too dark for me (I can't believe I wrote that about one of your fics), and I actually put off reading the chapters (I can't believe I wrote that about one of your fics either), and it's a really good thing your target was Aragorn rather than Frodo -- but you've gotten them out of it! (Hey, what's a little bit of fever?)
Now for lots and lots of comfort....
Author's reply
Thank you for reading, Eiluj! You can relax now, because the worst is over. "Lots and lots of comfort" is still my favorite part of every story, even if it takes awhile to get there. :)
Glad you liked the way "Sauron" communicated here. It was tricky figuring out the best way to present this internal dialogue.
6336
· 20 February 2012
· Chapter 9: The Eye
Ah, tea the soveriegn remedy for all ills! Just what they all need!
If Gandalf has to give up wizarding he could become an actor, he made a great 'Eye'!
Very exciting, I do hope Aragorn is all right!
Huggs and Scrits,
Lynda
Author's reply
Gandalf is happy to know that he has another job to fall back on. :)
Glad you enjoyed this!
Layne
· 8 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Pip trying to be as tall as ( taller! ) than Aragorn is so cute!
But on another note, I'm so very afraid for Aragorn and Frodo now ...
Author's reply
I can well imagine the hobbits trying to entertain Aragorn (and themselves) in all kinds of delightful ways. :)
lavendertook
· 5 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Oh what happens next?!!
That beginning was such cute hobbit fluff. It was really fun to follow Elrond's walking in on it.
I like you reminding us how strong Elrond is that he can carry Aragorn to his bed. You write a wonderful loving Elrond.
Author's reply
Thank you. Elrond is such an interesting person -- ancient, vulnerable, wise, tragic, and a towering lord of his people. And I love finding small, lighthearted moments that only hobbits can bring us.
lbilover
· 5 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Goodness!! So much suspense. And what an intriguing and scary plan Gandalf has to free Aragorn of that horrible creature. I imagine for Arwen and Sam especially this is an excruciating wait. Bless dear Frodo for his complete trust in Gandalf. Now to see what happens next...
Author's reply
It's always the loved ones 'out there waiting' who have the worst of it, I think. Thank you for reading, my friend!
Estelcontar
· 4 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Well, a most suspenseful and fascinating chapter. What a cliffhanger. I do hope, for the sake of my nails that it won't take you long to post chapter 9.
I'm sure Gandalf's plan is going to work. And Aragorn is very happy to have such loyal friends.
Author's reply
Aragorn really is very lucky... even if he doesn't have any idea what's happening yet.
Glad you're enjoying this! Quick, pull on some gloves so your nails survive the wait. *hugs you*
Larner
· 4 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
A terrible if necessary decision. Now--to free Aragorn of this unwanted parasite!
Author's reply
Yes, let's get to it, Gandalf! The hobbits need their friend Strider back, safe and sound.
Lily Baggins
· 4 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Well, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter! Loved Aragorn bantering with the hobbits and laughing---it is VERY ironic. So ironic that he is in a lighthearted moment and perfectly clueless about what is really going on.
Of course, Elrond's concern for Aragorn was my favorite part! Loved the examination and the ear trumpet very, very much, as well as Elrond's very capable deception. (Are you sure there's nothing wrong with his heart? Quite sure? Just kidding). And Arwen's concern, too.
And OF COURSE Aragorn passing out and helpless!!!!!
Anyway, am gritting my teeth and wondering what is to happen next. And no one is to be allowed in the room with Aragorn, I take it, but Gandalf and Frodo. That means they will all have to wait outside and worry. Oh, dear! That would be difficult.
Poor Frodo---he's so courageous (and adorable, as always).
Author's reply
Banter and h/c... truly what I adore most in fanfic. What a pleasure to know you're out there reading and enjoying this, Lily! When I write certain parts I always think of you.
Poor Elrond has had to be both mother and father to his children for so long. I imagine him as a very compassionate and gentle person, but stern! when necessary.
Now to cross our fingers that Gandalf's risky plan is successful!
Dreamflower
· 3 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Oh I am so glad I FINALLY got to read this chapter! This is going to be very interesting-- I wonder how Elrond will explain his little deception when all is over and done with? I hope his foster-son won't be too angry with him.
And I hope the plan works...
Author's reply
Oh gosh, so do I! Gandalf does tend to have confidence in his ideas and plans, even though he's usually the only one who understands all the details. Thank you for reading, my friend! :)
Antane
· 3 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Oh, my dear, you do know how to leave us hanging! Hurry up before I lost my grip on the cliff! Dear me. This is going to be worst for Arwen I think. I forgot to mention in a previous chapter that I liked that Frodo took Sam's hand before Gandalf did his probing. This is so cute about Pippin wanting to tall enough to have Aragorn look up to him and that Aragorn caught him.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you for letting me know you enjoyed those little touches. Bless our hobbits, and their utter wonderfulness.
harrowcat
· 3 February 2012
· Chapter 8: Preparations
Loved the light hearted start but. Oh, oh, oh. More soon, very soon please! Pretty please!
Author's reply
I'll do my best! Thank you so much for reading.
Linda Hoyland
· 3 February 2012
· Chapter 7: The Plan
A great chapter. I feel sorry for all of them and very concerned about Aragorn. I'm enjoying this story very much.