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Ruffians  by Lindelea 6 Review(s)
CuthalionReviewed Chapter: 3 on 10/7/2005
I don't think that they're out of character. We know Merry is a warrior, trained by the Ring War and experienced by the liberation of the Shire. And Estella is wonderfully brave here; the fact how she handles the ruffians - and that she considers killing her husband and herself to prevent them for more and worse horror - only speaks of the depth of her panic and desperation. Thrilling tale! (And you might add that intense scene in the Prancing Pony you published in your LJ as a kind of epilogue. It gives the whole thing a very satisfying finish.).

Author Reply: Thanks. Glad you see the hobbits in the same light I saw them when I wrote this. Estella's choice was definitely borne of horror and desperation.

Good suggestion! I was thinking of putting it on SoA as a chapter of "Best Beloved" but it would fit better as an Epilogue to this story; you're right.

Thanks!

storyfishReviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/19/2005
Wow, for such a short story this packs a punch. You said you wrote this because you were working through a nightmare, and I believe it. It reads like a nightmare--short, laced through with mounting dread, and one final moment of terror with a knife at Merry's throat. The ranger's warm, father-like arms at the end remind me of a father waking a child from a bad dream. But since we don't see life go on afterwards, we remain in that horrible, disorienting time just after a nightmare, when our hearts are still pounding and we're still not sure what's real. I definitely didn't see any out-of-character moments, and although this story may never be your favorite, you definitely shouldn't underestimate it.

BTW, I've read many of your other stories, but much of the time I need a kick-in-the-pants to actually post a review. So for the record, I love your extensive universe of LOTR stories. They're always a fun and relaxing alternative to doing coursework--your author page is the one I frequent the most at SoA. I heart your pippin-angst. ;-)

Author Reply: Isn't that funny; I didn't see this review until now! Perhaps my email wasn't working right back when you posted it.

Your comments about the nightmare are very apt--indeed, the story unsettles, from the building nightmare to the heart-pounding aftermath. It appears I achieved my aim.

"fun and relaxing alternative to ..." (fill in the blank. In my case, probably, housework. Aargh.)

Just wanted to let you know I got it and appreciate the feedback.

periantariReviewed Chapter: 3 on 11/22/2004
very interesting story~ i really like the bravery of Estella.. but in your author's note you mentioned a slight confusion with the "in character" part and i can understand that because i didn't know why Estella would want to threaten to kill her own husband.. that's a little far-fetched to me...
but it's a cool story.... wish it would've been longer though ;)

Author Reply: Missed your review until now.

Well, Estella was, in her mind, "saving" Merry from death by torture. She didn't know the arriving Men were not ruffians. Thankfully the Rangers were faster than she was.

Thanks!

Anso the HobbitReviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/16/2004
Brave Estella! She`s clever and loving and corageous.

Author Reply: Yup. I love to write strong, positively-drawn female hobbits. Our heroes deserve the best! Thanks.

p.s. Got a bit of Merry-angst going for you in "All that Glisters"

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/15/2004
Hobbits are not Santa's jolly little elves, scampering around and singing 'Hi ho.' I see nothing out of character in them fighting ruffians, threatening to kill or indeed killing those who attack them - or any of you other points. And hobbit lasses have more to them than the ability to cook large meals and produce babies - they most certainly would defend those they love and take up arms if they needed to.

I like Estella here - she's strong and courageous and protective and loving.

Author Reply: Hmmm. Perhaps they objected to Merry's carrying concealed weapons without a permit. But had I been through what he'd been through, I think I might do the same, at least when venturing outside the Shire.

Thanks!

frodo16424Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 9/15/2004
I wouldn't worry about anyone acting out of character. I see nothing wrong in the way Estella or Merry acted. After all, the first instinct of someone whose loved one is threatened would be to save that person. As you said, Estella had no way of knowing who was coming. Very realistic, IMHO. Thanks for a good story.

Author Reply: Thanks, I appreciate the feedback!

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