Elwen · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
You certainly know how to chill the blood. *shudders*
Riding the Nightmare by Budgielover
Reviews (63)
Elenar · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
A great story. Very interesting. I can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hi, Elenar! Thank you so much. You know, what is so cool about writing fanfiction is being able to enjoy not only the writing process but getting to 'meet' and visit with other fans. What a great community!
Pearl Took · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
A good and unexpected twist in your chilling tale! Keep it up, I love a good ghost story :) Pearl Took
Author's reply
I'm glad you do, Pearl, because it is going to get even more twisted! *heh, heh, heh* Good heavens, if the hobbits could see what is in my mind, they'd take off as fast as their furry little feet could carry them... :D
fliewatuet · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
I don't know whether I should feel relieved that the Fellowship is together again or scared at the ghosts presence and their desire. Strange creatures, those ghosts. I wonder where the found their demise and why they are interested in Aragorn. Are they distant ancestors? Or relatives of the ghosts that haunt the paths of the dead? I wonder how many men disobeyed Isildur and were cursed as a result. But they are not stupid, capturing the most valuable member of the Fellowship to lure Aragorn to them. Needless to say that I can't wait to read more ;) fliewatuet
Author's reply
Flie, you'll enjoy Chapter 7, where much of your curiousity will be satisfied. But don't worry - it won't be a chapter of all dialog. Thanks for enjoying the story!
Lily Baggins · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Damn, but this is so good and spine-tingling. Your descriptions of these ghosts gives me chills, and I'm going to make sure I don't read this story at night! I really like the macabre (want to see MORE Paths of the Dead in the EE DVD) and wow, you've caught it so well here, along with everyone's fright. And they want Aragorn? I'm never opposed to a little Aragorn angst and terror to go along with my Frodo terror, I must admit. Never opposed.
Author's reply
Speaking of the DVD, Lily, here's something interesting. I had RTN plotted and almost completely written before RotK ever came out. When I saw the Army of the Dead, I couldn't believe it! They looked exactly like the wraiths in my story! I told Febobe and Shirebound and Tang and Cali that no one was going to believe I didn't write RTN after the movie!
Pearl Took · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
For some reason, this is bringing to mind C.S.Lewis' "Voyage of the Dawntreader" from the Chornicles of Narnia; the island where dreams come true. You are doing a grand job of pulling us into your nets.
Author's reply
Pearl, your comment really surprised me, then I thought about it. You are right. Why, I can't exactly pin down. There is an element of "Voyage" - a pathos, a feeling of moving towards something sad that runs through so many of "The Chronicles of Narnia." And in this story, too. Maybe that's it. That certainly was an asute observation. Thanks.
Anso the Hobbit · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Great chapter as always! But what is this evil thing that has taken Frodo? We wants to know!
Author's reply
Hi Anso! That I've managed to string you along for five chapters without you guessing makes me feel like I've really accomplished something (besides torturing you, of course). All (or most) will be revealed in the upcoming chapter. Thanks so much for expressing your enjoyment of the story.
Lyn · 21 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Excellent suspense! Just two suggestions: "We don't know who's it is" should be "We don't know whose it is". who's stands for the contraction of "who is" And elk---specifically confined to North America. Deer, however, are everywhere almost as are bears and to a certain extent wolves.
Author's reply
Hi Lyn. Thanks for the correction - I will have to fix that one of these days. College was a looonngg time ago for some of us. I've always placed the story before absolute adherence to the facts (I agonized over putting black widow spiders in one story, then went ahead because nothing else worked as well), but factual correctness is important too. Thank you for letting me know you are enjoying the story - this one has been a real creative effort.
Breon Briarwood · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Ooh! The suspense is killing me... I love it-keep it up! What /are/ these things? Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Hello Breon Briarwood. Thanks for your comment - it is always a pleasure to hear that the stories are being read and enjoyed. It is such a relief to hear that my effort at creating suspense is so far successful!
pebbles · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
I'm glad to see a new chapter, although I have to admit that I don't understand what's going on. Is it a barrow wight? Very creepy, please update soon!
Author's reply
Hi Pebbles! Thank you for your comment. I'm GLAD you don't understand what's happening - that means I am doing my job! I will answer your question - no, it isn't a barrow wight(s). (Smart guess, though.) I think you will enjoy Chapter Six, and it will explain (most) of what is happening.
Ariel · 20 March 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Another cliffhanger! *Looks at whose story she's reading.* Oh, right! :* Lovely, Budgie!
Author's reply
Ariel, your review made me laugh. Vicarious torture is so much fun ... yes, suffer, my Preciousssss... :D
Lindelea · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
How intriguing! Makes me think of the Paths of the Dead somehow. Am eagerly waiting to see where you take this.
fliewatuet · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
I finally managed to read this story, and, of course, I read all four chapters in one go. The setting is more than a little creepy, and I am beyond curious as to what Sam is facing. Could it be some kind of wights? The way Sam and Boromir were arranged, like corpses, somehow rang a bell, but it has been a while since I last had a peek at the Barrow Downs chapter. But what I most admire about your stories is how you manage to tweak those little interludes into book (or movie) canon without going completely AU. Very well done! And now I am sitting on the edge of my seat, biting my nails until the identity of those creepy creatures is unveiled. fliewatuet
Breon Briarwood · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
AAH! *chewing fingernails* What is it?! Don't stop there! Please up date soon!
shirebound · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Now we're getting somewhere! (she says, gleefully wringing her hands) Poor Sam, and poor Merry and Pippin with their friends just vanished! And WHERE'S FRODO??? What do *they* want of him?
Ariel · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
One of these days I'm going to write a cliffhanger that is as "Argh!!!!!" inducing as one of yours... And then you'll pay! Yes! You'll pay! *Maniacal laughter* No, really very good, though I am dying to see what you have done with my Fro! Ariel
Anso the Hobbit · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Oh! Where is Frodo? What have they done with him? Who (or what) are they? Please update soon! I´m not sure if I have reviewed your stories before, so I´ll say this regarding them all: I love them! I sit on the edge of my chair, not able to read fast enough to find out what is happening. Wonderful work!
Arwen Baggins · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
That was incredible! Still can't figure out what the things are, if not Common-speaking Nazgul. They are the only ones that I can think of who would be acquaited with Frodo's nightmares besides Orcs. Besides, Orcs wouldn't have the supenatural ability to know someone else's dreams. Nazgul, on the other hand, they just might...
Lindelea · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
The suspense is taking its toll. (When I read a mystery I'm often tempted to turn to the back part... cannot do that here!) Please update soon!
Hai · 25 January 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
What are they running from?! Oh, dear I hope they are able to find Boromir and the hobbits quickly! They ran back towards camp! I hope they are soon together once more! Can't wait to find out!
Tangelian Proudfoot · 25 January 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
OMG, Budgie... now THAT is what I call a cliffhanger!!! Please promise that you won't leave us hanging here for long, I can't WAIT to see where this story is going!! An amazing piece of writing indeed! HUGS, Tangelian
Ariel · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Budgie! You are heartless and cruel. You have robbed me of my well deserved angst, and I must go hence in hunger, in ache from your teasing words! Well, I will go, and trouble you no more, but do not expect me to wish you untroubled sleep and contentment, we each shall have neither, but that is not my doing, oh Queen of the Cliffhanger, I merely fortell... Ariel
calenore · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
That is one evil chapter ending. I hate cliffhangers! What did they meet in the woods? Where did the hobbits go? What's going to happen to Gimli and Merry and Pippin? I am dying to know now. Great story!
Pearl Took · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Oh my!!!! This is wonderfully scary. Edge of the seat stuff. I've no idea what they have seen, why Boromir is striking so wildly. Too good!! Pearl Took
shirebound · 24 January 2004 · Chapter 3: Chapter Three
I just love your way with words, Budgie! "Stunned and horrified beyond coherent thought..." "Mortal and immortal eyes roved over the small space..." Your description of Aragorn's ability to discern events by reading tracks and small clues is absolutely amazing. I could see exactly what he was "seeing". And it's getting more exciting!