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With Hope and Without Hope by docmon	129 Review(s)
ziggy	Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/27/2008
Oh I am sad it has finished so I do hope you are busily planning another one very soon. I liked the resolution between Gimli and Legolas- Gimli just gets to the point and Legolas has been faffing about with his own rather complicated feelings. I am glad he 'fessed up though as it not like him to cower from the truth, but the torture he suffered had a profound effect on the way he saw himself too- and that was so brilliantly done, and convincing. I like the way Legolas has anticpated what Eowyn will do and recommends her to Merry - he know they will meet again- (I do feel there is a lot more you have to say on the relationship between Legolas and Eowyn - a little plot bunny hopping about somewhere perhaps? He has not really finished with her , has he? And she seems to have barely noticed Aragorn?) I think you have explored the relationships between the characters really effectively- and played around with the ties between them as they are in canon, so those who are taken care of in canon become caretakers themselves of the stronger characters. So Aragorn and Pippin have developed a deeper understanding, with Pippn the caretaker, and Merry becomes Gimli's caretaker. Legolas loses out and gets Gandalf who is not quite as solicitous, but rather effective for an elf who has all sorts of complicated emotions about his capture and torture. What is interesting also, is the way you changed Legolas over the course of this story- he starts out as the strongest in many ways- he defends the others when they are captured, he is the most brutaly abused and stands up to Saruman on every occasion. However, even he crumbles and cannot face going back into Orthanc, he starts at every noise in Fangorn and is the one in most need of healing from Eowyn. But he regains his dignity and resolves the fellowship once more by stating he will follow Aragorn for friendship. Lovely stuff.I have rushed home every Friday to read the latest update and will miss this hugely- so thank you. Author Reply: Oh thank you, ziggy, for the wonderful review! You sum up Gimli and Legolas so well, including the effect of Legolas's experiences on him. Yes, even the potential for plot bunnies hopping around. I've been ignoring Legolas/Eowyn plot bunnies hopping around my brain, hoping they die of neglect. This was my one indulgence to them, and I chose to alter canon somewhat for it. The luxuries of the AU! How perceptive you are in your analysis of the characters roles - it was just what I set out to do! Pippin was to find himself needing to be strong for Aragorn; Aragorn's struggle was to be in need of such support. To a certain extent, it was the same for Gimli and Merry. How funny that you see Legolas "losing out" with Gandalf. Never quite thought of it that way. But as you say, it was what he needed at the time. He had been pushed to his limit and was forced to accept aid, support, and healing from others. One of my favorite plotlines in a story is to take the strong character(s) and put them in a scenario that pushes them to and beyond their limits. Ideally, this forces them to accept parts of themselves they usually ignore, such as their mortality, weaknesses, etc. The result should be that they grow to be more than they were at the beginning of the story. I suppose if I had continued the story beyond this point, I could have explored more how the characters had changed, not letting the characters simply return to what they once were, but showing how they changed for the long-term. No, sorry, a sequel is not planned right now. ;-) But I am planning - and writing a new story. It might be a while, though. It's turning out to be rather complicated. But it'll show up one day! Thanks again for your review!

Fantasia	Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/25/2008
This was a wonderful story. I'll miss it. You really surprised me several times and I enjoyed your characters a lot, especially Legolas. The end was perfect, back to the book. Well, Legolas will be surprised with Eowyn, a Formidable woman, no doubt. I hope that you have more stories coming soon, we are not having too many good ones lately. Thanks to you for writing and to your beta for her suppor (is she updating any of her fics?). Fantasia Author Reply: Thank you, Fantasia. It's great to hear that I surprised you during the story. And that you'll miss it - well, you're just terrific for this writer's ego! ;-) I actually do have another one in the works. But it may be a while. It's in the early stages, and is turning out to be rather complicated. Thanks for all your reviews!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/25/2008
I love your heroic Eowyn. It is great to see Gandalf defeat one of those evil Nazgul! Author Reply: Thanks, Linda! I'm glad to hear it. I haven't written Eowyn before, so I was a bit worried about this first try. And aren't we all glad Gandalf came back rested from his Caribbean vacation! ;-) Writing a fight scene was a... learning experience. Hopefully the next one will be better. Thanks for writing!

Naledi	Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/23/2008
So at last the Company is back on track and each of its members is back on his appointed path. I've agonised over all their trials and rejoiced at their triumphs and now although I'm relieved that everything is back as it should be - as much as is possible, given what they've been through - I'm also sad that I won't have any more of this story to look forward to. Thank you for sharing it with us, and I do hope to see more of your work before too long. Author Reply: Thank for the review, Naledi! I'm quite happy to hear I've put you through the emotional wringer ;-). If my story can do that, I've done my job. But all stories must end, and all writers must get some sleep! And yes, there's another one in the works! :-D

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 9/23/2008
deep contented sigh And a small sniffle because we've now reached the end of this tale. I have to say, I never have enjoyed an AU tale more, and it was largely because throughout, canon was still respected and visible at the end of the long dark tunnel. You managed to keep everyone in character, and that made this work. The ending was very poignant, just as so much of Tolkien's stories are ... it gives me that same sort of ache I get when I read LOTR (I can never quite put my finger on what it is about Tolkien that puts that feeling in me. The books and the movies both do that to me). I really like how you handled Aragorn and his doubts. He does not shirk from his destiny but doubts his abilities to attain it and that's what makes Aragorn such an endearing hero to me. I've never been one to enjoy the super-confident, never a moment's doubt type. I like how you have him "appear" at Legolas' side--yes, Rangers are sneaky that way, aren't they? And enjoyed Legolas very laconic summing up of Eowyn, "Formidible." Indeed! Well done, and I hope you have more new tales in the works for us to read someday. :) Author Reply: Thank you, Cairistiona. It's very satisfying to hear you point out that I accomplished what was important to me while writing this story: to remain "parallel," as I put it, to canon, keeping each character in character, and to handle the story in a similar way as Tolkien would (not inserting behavior, events, or even dialogue he wouldn't bring into M-e). Aragorn did express doubt in himself several times. So I felt that what he went through (Ok, what I put him through [beg]) simply expanded on what was established in Aragorn's character. And Rangers are a sneaky bunch, though they can't hope to sneak up on an elf. Glad you enjoyed the closing. I felt it was enough to send the Fellowship on their way. I had to hope readers felt the same! Yes, someday, there will be more. Thanks for all your reviews!

Thundera Tiger	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/22/2008
Ah, and the story begins to close. Such a very satisfying chapter! So many loose ends begin to come together, and the remainder of the Fellowship veer back toward canon. I absolutely love the discussion you have here. It flows so naturally! All the considerations and motivations are taken into account. Pippin and Merry want to go with Aragorn and Gimli, while Gandalf's perspective on the bigger picture gives him the ability necessary to counter their desires. Though of course it can't be too easy. I especially loved Aragorn's sigh and Gandalf's reflection that it's the sound anyone makes while trying to win an argument with a hobbit. Loved the humor! But perhaps my favorite part was the resolution between Legolas and Gimli. Yeah, big surprise there. They are my favorites. But this was handled so well! Legolas reveals his own betrayal as part of the reconciliation, and I love Gimli's evaluation of the entire thing as simply being even. It's such a neat and dwarven way to tie it all up, since neither can really be faulted for leaving the other. Awesome chapter, as usual! Author Reply: Thanks so much, Thundera! I'm glad it's satisfying - I am trying to tie up those loose ends! Aragorn has had much experience with hobbits, but not nearly as much as Gandalf. He still has much to learn. Like how stubborn hobbits can be! Legolas and Gimli had to reconcile - but as elf and dwarf they had to do it in their own ways. The elf provided the drama. (:-o I didn't say that!) And the dwarf cut through it all to the essentials. I'm not being biased towards dwarves; it's just how I see them each dealing with emotions. Thanks again, Thundera! You've made this all possible!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/21/2008
I am so glad Legolas could give over his anger and frustration at the end as he did. He went through so much! At least now faith is restored for all of them, and the friendship as well. And at last all begin to set out on the paths appointed for them. Loved the realization that all each did helped in its way to safeguard Frodo and Sam. Yes, wonderful, Docmon. Author Reply: Oh, Legolas just needed some chill time! ;-) Yes, it has all come full circle, to an extent, at least. Now, it's onward with the Quest. Thank you for all your comments!

Ithilien	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/20/2008
It looks like you've put all the pieces, or most of them, into place, as they were meant to be. Now how did Legolas know Merry should seek out Eowyn to give him guidance on choosing his direction? Does the elf also have foresight? It's an interesting thought. I was delighted to see Legolas make his confession. I loved Gimli's argument that they would have found a way to get the elf out. It was a moot point, but it proved he did not bear a grudge. And now the mood has lifted and the Fellowship is once again the Fellowship, all fighting for the same goal. Back to business. I'm going to be very sad to see this story end but obviously it must. You've done a great job on this story! Author Reply: Thank you so much, Ithilien! It means so much! I'm glad you liked the confession scene. Yes, Gimli's point was moot, but that was the point exactly. Gimli would never have given up. And Legolas was right, they would have lost their chance in the process. But Gimli's loyalty is to the end. Legolas isn't going so much on foresight, though I allowed the possibility for that a teensy bit, but more on conclusions he had drawn from his interactions with her. Between words she said and those she did not say, he has seen the impatience and wanting in her for something more. Other than that, she intrigued him, so perhaps he thought she would have worthwhile input for Merry. And he basically had a hunch, let's say. Or we could call it foresight! :-D And now things are nicely wrapped up, ready to go back to business. Just the finishing touches left. It's been a great ride. Thanks again for all your comments!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/19/2008
I loved Eowyn in this gripping chapter.How scary a Nazgul is around!I hope Gandalf will save them all. Author Reply: So glad you enjoyed my Eowyn! And the Nazgul! Scary is good! I've had a talk with Gandalf. He knows what he needs to do, now that he's shown up!

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/18/2008
Aw, only one more chapter? I suppose the story is coming to a satisfying end, although I wish it would go on and on. This chapter was excellent ... good to see Legolas finally coming to grips with things and it felt so right that he found his strength coming from the company. I enjoyed Gandalf's study of the fellowship and his crotchety moments. Looking forward to the final chapter! Author Reply: I have never written a story this long, and I think that went on long enough! :-D Though, I had always intended to end the story as it returned to canon, and not go any further. That just took longer than I expected! I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the chapter so much. I was hoping I didn't overdo all the emotional venting. It had to be done, and I would _never_ have left readers without those issues resolved! But I'm not one for so much drama, so I had to break it up with a crotchety wizard and such. The epilogue will send everyone off into canon, and then it's goodbye! Thanks for all your reviews!

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