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The Hunting Trip by Ithilien	143 Review(s)
Thundera Tiger	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/16/2003
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? Author Reply: Gosh, far be it from me to hold one back from reviewing. Okay, grin you have my permission to go ahead if you so choose. As to the question about stuff in the works -- oh yes, there is stuff in the works, if only I could find my muse. Randy. He wandered off after watching an episode of "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" last week and I haven't seen him since. Rumor has it he's off shopping with Nightwing's muse, but I'd like to believe he's only out on a very long Starbuck's break (Those two! When they hit the stores together you don't want to see the Amex bill! Better it were just coffee and scones, believe me). I have a couple of short fics to do for birthday presents ahead, and then I have a short, three chapter AU that Lamiel has agreed to beta that focuses on a rather bad event within the Fellowship, and then a very lengthy post-ROTK epic that will be something huge like Hunting Trip, taking place in Fangorn and encompassing a history and adventure that parallels the life of Thranduil to Legolas. It promises to be rather scary and angst-filled, I think. The working title for the moment is "Dark Forest" and the soonest I will have that cooking is likely to be February. That alone should consume at least another year of my life. Oh, and I still mean to revamp some of my older stories and get them posted here too. Yeah, there's stuff going on. Now if only Randy would show. I'll get the cleaning crew over to that mess in chapter 43. Thanks for pointing it out. click Italic clean-up in 43. Italic clean-up in 43. click Thanks for the great review!

Littlefish	Reviewed Chapter: 44 on 12/11/2003
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	Reviewed Chapter: 43 on 12/11/2003
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	Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 12/11/2003
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	Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 12/11/2003
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. Author Reply: Goodness! You're not really going to review each chapter, are you? As much as I love it, please don't feel compelled to do so. I'd rather you put the effort into your stories (which I happily say as I note a new chapter to FND is up and I must go read it!!!). I love that you love this story though, and thank you so much for the compliments. They make me feel all warm and congealed inside (snort). Oh, and by the way, congratulations on the MPA nominations! You go girl! Of course we are now both competing against each other, but I am just thrilled to be nominated. I really mean that too. I feel like I'm among good company. Hugs, and thank you again! Ithilien

*~SuGaR~*	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/10/2003
that's what i forgot!!! the "legless" thing!!! I started to see it when they entered the bar and was going to say something about...but i forgot...blushes to caught up with the ending tear Well, he definitly isn't leg less anymore...i always use that..hehe, like when I'm drawing him and i haven't gotten to his legs >.< too bad elves aren't around anymore...damn it... argh...i so can't do foreshadowing, i could never outline a story that long or that complicated...so many lessons to learn, so much wisdom to gain!!! thanx for everything and best of luck...here's your safety harness back, thought i could keep it as a souvenir...dang... lotza luv xoxoxo ~SuGaR~

*~SuGaR~*	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 12/9/2003
awww...what a sweet ending... sorry it took so long to get back to the story, got kinda caught up in playing the lod of the rings video game for PC...very addictive... ahhh...some good ol' Legolas and Gimli humour!!!! heh, i was nearly laughing thorugh the whole thing...and he's finally back!!! after everything that's happened, everything is better again! It's great to revisit the events and places that started it all, especially when it was about 48 chapters ago!!! the end was so sweet, it totally touched my heart... thanx for the great story =) hope to see more soon and i'll be willing to wait just as long as this one took!!! It won't be the same until then!!! Just like the Lord of the Rings movies...they have to make the Hobbit(hope Legolas is in it =) ) xoxox ~SuGaR~

Ral	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 12/9/2003
I loved your story, and that is rare. I can usually find something I don't like about every story I read, but not yours. So congrats, you've done the impossible, and I still have enough money to go on other rides. But before I go, I have a question, will you be writing another story? If you are, I'd love to be informed as to when and the title, or a plot summary, or something. Anyway, great job again, and I hope to be reading your next story soon :P ~ral~

*~SuGaR~*	Reviewed Chapter: 47 on 12/6/2003
wow...that was one long, long chapter... It was so sad in the beginning, i felt like crying through the whole thing... It seems through all the stories i've read about Thranduil(but not as a main character) they always make him seem so bad. Always wanting this or that from Legolas. Where's the love for this guy?!?!? Just because it said in the Hobbit that he likes jewels a little more than other elves or is a bit short-tempered and overly suspicious(but you probably would be too if Sauron came wandering into your forest telling you he wasn't Sauron but some "Necromancer" dude and made your whole forest home dark so that nobody wanted to go there anymore). And where'd everyone get the idea that he seems to be the biggest mortal hater in all Middle-Earth!?!?! A lot of stories have him and Elrond pitted against each other..."You must not show pain...you must not succumb to the sea" <--you make Thranduil seem so mean and unsympathetic(very unusual for a elf)about maybe...46, 47 chapters ago(wow that's a lot!) it didn't seem so bad...but still! "He needed to find reason that he might yet live for he had no reason" <--that hit hard...ouch...he couldn't even love anymore...=( "They watched as Leoglas slowly curled in upon himself, taking up a fetal position. From there, they saw him dissolve into quiet weeping" When i read that, i couldn't take it anymore, it was like a stab right through my heart, and started crying myself sniff, sniff not to say it wasn't expected though...i cried watching the Lion King when Mufasa died, but hey! that was sad!!! Finally, i was wondering when we maight get back to the conlony problems and the mithril!! Ahhh...he okay again!!! when he finally started accepting help i cried again...and finally, a bit of that Legolas and Gimli humour!!!! Sorry but i had to get off the vehicle and review and now that it took so long( it wasn't supposed to be this long, mind you) i have to go and come bakc later for the epilogue, but i will be back!!!! Happy review reading!!! Hope you enjoyed going through my endless spiel of nonsense that i for some reason or another call a review...!!!! bai!~ ~SuGaR~ ps. i think i found the downloads thing on the sindarin dictionary, but my computer will probably need a few upgrades before i can get >.< i'm currently occupying myself with the Silmarillion which i finally managed to get my hands on...i seem to find mayself looking at the back with all the elvish words more than the actual story...>.<...may have to get myself a copy...bai!~

Nightwing	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 12/5/2003
And so we all sail safely into the harbour at last. Phew! What a ride, and there was certainly a lot of rough water to navigate along the way, for characters, readers and the writer herself. So I first and foremost would like to say "well done, Ithilien!" You handled it all magnificently. In the chapter, I admired your descriptions of Legolas' utter lack of interest in waking. He knew it would not be pleasant, and I fully understood his desire to continue to drift in his water dreams. Also beautifully described was his inability to feel joy upon learning that his legs were recovering. Horrifying thought the paralysis was, the psychological damage inflicted by the witches was the greater hurt. Poor Aragorn and Gimli. I really felt badly for them as their smiles faded into bewildered concern. They had not realized the depth of Legolas' trauma, indeed, how could they have known all of what had happened to him? Faramir may have tried to explain some of it, but until the elf woke, the full impact of the experience could not have been known. No doubt Aragorn and Gimli thought the return of Legolas' legs would be a wonderful thing for him. That section was very well done. I love the way you look so deeply at people's emotions. You are the best explorer out there, and you bring out so beautifully the many (and often confusing) things that make up our emotional lives: the impact obligations and expectations can have on a person, feelings of failure, fear of opening oneself to love, because in doing so, you become more vulnerable to being hurt. (Hmmm, it happens to us authors too, doesn't it?) And you took a wonderful look at how the placing of blame chains one's attention ever backward until the ability to look forward is forever lost, resulting in the death of happiness. (For some reason, a certain M-I-L comes to mind...) The emotion moving from Gimli to Legolas theough the dwarf's eyes as he bathed the elf's forehead was lovely, and now I know why he kept the red boot! I was ready for some complicated reason, but no, he kept it on just to see Legolas laugh once more. Epilogue: perfect. It was very fitting to see them in the tavern once more, and seeing Legolas acting with renewed confidence was a relief. And I just love it when an author gets into the power and beauty of Legolas' voice when he sings. It's one of my favorite topics... I've always had a thing for ancient bards and voices raised to the skies. The closest I can come to feeling religious, perhaps. Enough said, but I wanted to leave you a long review after such hard work and dedication on your part. Thank you, thank you for this wonderful story, and for opening your heart along the way. Brave girl. Rest you now, but don't stay away too long. Nightwing (sending carrots for your new plot bunnies to nibble on, but feel free to store them in the fridge for the time being. No pressure. They'll keep just fine until you need them.)

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