Oh, how dreadful. I knew what they were going to suggest even before Aragorn said it. I know it's the only way, but it does sound desperate. Poor Pippin, everything else that's happened to in the past, and now this. It's a wonder he ever makes it to his retirement in Gondor, still several years down the road.
I take it that the venom Pilgrim gave Merry is what's making him so sick. He's got his own worries, what's he going to do when he finds out how badly hurt Pippin is?
On a happier note...
(in a sing-song voice) I know a secret, na na na na nana. Goldi is pregnant! Okay, so maybe not a big secret. Almost any woman could have figured that one out I guess.
Oh, keep the chapters coming.
Connie.
Hai
· 7 April 2004
· Chapter 13: Catching their Deaths
I guess the Rohirrim need to be a little more careful in who they punish for what deeds! Although it was nice they were that zealous thinking the man they dragged was the one to have hurt the hobbits! As always can't wait for more!
Grey Wonderer
· 7 April 2004
· Chapter 13: Catching their Deaths
I just got a chance to catch up on this one and wow! did you ever leave this in an interesting place! Can't wait to see what happens to everyone in the next chapter. Poor Nell! Poor Pippin! Poor everyone! Keep those chapters coming because we need more.
Bluegrass Elf
· 7 April 2004
· Chapter 99999: Notes for the Interested, or Merely Confused
Great story! I can't wait for more!
Connie
· 7 April 2004
· Chapter 13: Catching their Deaths
Well, at least that poor old man won't have to suffer any more for just trying to help. Thank goodness for that.
Eomer and Aragorn are going to have a couple of really angry hobbit wives on their hands I fear, especially when/if they find out that they were kept in the dark at all.
I'm really worried for Ferdi, Nell, Merry and Pippin. Nell's mental trauma is going to be hard to overcome. Ferdi has both the physical and the mental to deal with. I think Merry may actually be the best off of the four. I'm worried about Pippin, too. I think his memory will come back in time, but I fear that some permanent bodily harm has been done.
You sure are putting the characters, and your readers, through the wringer this time. And I'm lovin' it.
More please.
Connie.
FantasyFan
· 7 April 2004
· Chapter 13: Catching their Deaths
I'm glad to see all the lost are now accounted for. I was worried for the old grandfather, knowing that an erroneous description had been sent out. Now the healers will have at them, and I hope the physical ills will soon be mended. But Pippin's memory and Nell's lingering terror may be harder to heal. And of course, the Pilgrim is still out there. Diamond and Estella will be upset, of course, that their loved ones are injured, but probably more upset that they were deceived into playing in the snow while Merry and Pip and Ferdi and Nell were nearly lost. Could never fool Rose, though. I wonder what will come next for the travellers?
Hai
· 6 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Awakenings
Well at least they have found out that the Pilgrim got away! How terrible for them to think that Pippin got eaten by him! Good thing he at least seems to be in friendly hands! I hope there is nothing permanent wrong with Pippin! Poor Nell! I hope she is able to become herself once again! Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thanks! The story is still cranking out a bit at a time, though it is outlined to the end and I wish I could rush to the end, but of course there is so much middle to get through...
I appreciate the feedback!
Lyta Padfoot
· 6 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Awakenings
Poor Elfalas, what a horrible end. At least Pippin is okay. That mixed message should spell trouble for the old man and his grandchild.
Author's reply
It does spell trouble, as you'll see in the current chapter.
Thanks for commenting!
Connie
· 6 April 2004
· Chapter 12: Awakenings
Oh No! Now the riders are going to think that kind old man is the Pilgrim, and Pippin is no condition to set them straight. Oh, what a fix.
How bad is Pip's memory loss? It would seem that he'll gain it back fairly quickly, if little things like the girl's hair are niggling at the back of his mind already.
Is there no way to let the riders that the king already sent out that the description of the man they are seeking has changed? I'm really worried for the old man who's only trying to help poor Pippin.
Please update soon. I'm barely hanging onto this cliff by my fingernails.
Connie.
Author's reply
Ok, updated. Please don't fall from the cliff. (Sam, extend her a hand, will you, and help her up?)
Your questions will be answered soon, in the just-posted chapter or one or two after that. Thanks for the feedback!
FantasyFan
· 6 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Just past Dawn
The hobbits have had a very narrow escape. Elessar is quite clever, and he's figured out most of what has happened without even talking to Merry, but I'm not sure they realize that the Pilgrim is the torturer, not a victim. The missing fence posts should be the final clue, if they need one, that the torturer has to be established in the place. And I'm waiting, with a growing sense of apprehension, to hear from Pippin. I'm wishing for him to be found, but by the right person, please!
Brant and the Pilgrim remind me immediately of Smeagol/Gollum, though there are some differences of motivation. I am very alarmed to hear Pilgrim's covetousness of Nell. I don't want to think about the chances for evil ahead, as Pilgrim makes his way to the White City, where the hobbits are headed.
Author's reply
Elessar is a clever tracker. (My dh still snorts when we see the scene in TTT where he works out what happened to Merry and Pippin from the scuff-marks in the grass.)
To answer your other comments:
Pippin finally reappears in the next chapter, and yes, there is yet potential for evil ahead, though Pilgrim is on the run and the forces for good are growing more wise in his ways. That, at least, is something in our favour.
Thanks for commenting.
Hai
· 5 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Just past Dawn
Oh that nasty man got away! Hm he reminds me of Gollum a bit. Too bad Pimpernel's knots weren't a little better. Pippin still hasnt' been found! It is good of them to keep them missing from the wives and children but they can't do that for long! Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Author's reply
I realised after writing the inner dialogue of Pilgrim and Brant that he did sound like Gollum. Hope it doesn't seem too derivative. Of course, I've read that people who undergo severe physical and psychological torture have been known to split themselves into more than one person to "hide" from the pain and horror, and this is what Brant/Pilgrim is based on. It is more likely to happen in childhood... I can only postulate that Brant was fairly young when he deserted the army of Gondor and was captured by the Easterlings.
Thanks for reviewing!
Lyta Padfoot
· 5 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Just past Dawn
The Pilgrim guy is a real creep. The Easterling connection is very disturbing... the bit about dogs...
Author's reply
He is a creep, but I also feel sorry for him, shaped as he was by his experiences. He might have started out a little bad, but he's twisted now, and if he were not so dangerous he'd be pitiable.
Have seen a horrible "undercover video" of the bit about dogs.
Thanks for commenting!
Lyta Padfoot
· 5 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Until the Morning Light
Poor Ferdi and Nell. Now where is Pippin?
Connie
· 5 April 2004
· Chapter 11: Just past Dawn
Oh, what a chapter.
I sure breated a sigh of relief when the riders showed up. But to know that that madman is still alive and is now headed to Minas Tirath, that bothers me no end.
The note about roasting dogs gave me the creeps (blows kisses to both the mutts).
(Deep breath) WHERE'S PIPPIN?!!!
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
Have answered your repeated question. Sorry, couldn't answer before, as Pippin's whereabouts, as you now know, were part of a plot point. Thanks for your faithful reviews!
Connie
· 5 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Until the Morning Light
Where's Pippin?!
I'm glad Ferdi wasn't too badly hurt, and I hope he just couldn't see because the candle had gone out like Nell said.
I'm also worried what's going to happen if that ruffian wakes up before Aragorn and Eomer get there.
Can't wait for an update.
Connie.
Connie
· 3 April 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Deep of the Night
Oh man, I feel just a tiny bit better, but not much. Poor Merry and Ferdi. When the poison wears off they're going to feel terrible, assuming that it isn't more dangerous to them than that ruffian thought it was. They're also going to have to deal with him when he comes to. I hope Nell is a good knot tier.
Where's Pippin?! I want to know if he's okay.
Also, sorry my last review was so short. A friend showed up to go do arrands with me just as I'd started typing, so I had to drop and run. I felt terrible about it. Hope this one makes up for it a little.
Waiting on the edge of the clif for the next chapter.
Connie.
FantasyFan
· 3 April 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Deep of the Night
Nell is a heroine now. It does not cease to amaze me how every hobbit rises to meet adversity wherever they meet it. Nell has done what she must, yes with help from Merry, but think of what she's accomplished! She's been sheltered her whole life: there was no sword training for her, no chasing ruffians, no broadening journeys, no planning to shoulder great responisbility. She kept her head when she needed to, planned with what she had available, she tended to Merry, and Ferdi, and the ruffian, and if she's going to get a little shocky at the end, well, she's entitled to it. It's a good thing she didn't kill the ruffian, as that might have just pushed her over the edge. Merry can deal with him later, I suppose. It seems Ferdi is hurt pretty badly, and I am worried about Pippin. But at least Aragorn is safe, thanks to Arwen. Yes, I agree with him there'll be quite an uproar when it is learned that the Holdwine is missing. I'm looking forward to see what happens in the little cottage next.
Lyta Padfoot
· 3 April 2004
· Chapter 9: In the Deep of the Night
Pimpernel is a tough cookie not to break down, but she knows she needs to be strong for Ferdi and Merry.
Lyta Padfoot
· 2 April 2004
· Chapter 8: To Sing for His Supper
I hope Pimpernel got him good! What a horrible creature.
Lyta Padfoot
· 2 April 2004
· Chapter 7: Stirring the Embers
My jaw is on the floor. You were not kidding about this being a dark story!
Hai
· 2 April 2004
· Chapter 8: To Sing for His Supper
Oh nasty, what a horrid man!! Good thing Pimpernel can throw, eh? Oh, dear I hope that Merry and Ferdi aren't hurt too bad! That was a great addition with the spider venom! Looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Connie
· 2 April 2004
· Chapter 8: To Sing for His Supper
Thank heaven Nell is a good shot with a bottle. Now I just hope he's out cold enough for them to get away, or at least render him unable to harm them further.
Where's Pippin? I half expected him to show up to save them.
Connie.
Hai
· 1 April 2004
· Chapter 7: Stirring the Embers
Eek! Oh, dear now that isn't very nice at all! Drugging or at least giving them drink MUCH too strong now findind out he has a history with Ferdi! Quite cruel of you to end it with him laying poor Ferdi on the fire, much worse then the last chapter! dear, dear, I hope Pimpernel is able to do soemthing but not get herself into trouble at the same time! Can't wait to find out what happens next!
FantasyFan
· 1 April 2004
· Chapter 7: Stirring the Embers
Good grief! Do we want to read this one, my precious? I saw the angst warning has been posted, but I didn't expect this!
I got worried as soon as the Man insisted on drinking out of a different bottle. The ruffian's back, and both Merry and Ferdi are at his mercy, and for Ferdi the danger is immediate. Can Nell do something to save him? And Pippin's missing in a blizzard. This story has taken off into scary deep waters in just a few chapters. I'm going to have to trust that you have a plan in mind, and stay with you through it.
It's interesting that this ruffian keeps a bottle of drugged spirits - just in case someone comes by that he can take advantage of? And I bet Nell will never scoff again at Ferdi's fear of ruffians around every corner. That is, if Ferdi lives to be overprotective of her another time.
By the way, thanks for your kind e-mail the other day. Things are sometimes tough, but for today at least, I'm feeling a little more hopeful. Cheerful enough, anyway, to take a chance on a story with an angst warning. Just don't kill Frodo unexpectedly, and I'll be OK (that's the one thing I couldn't survive).
Meldewen Ilce
· 1 April 2004
· Chapter 7: Stirring the Embers
Oh dear - this is NOT a good situation here!
I don't want Pimpernel to expose her presence there but Merry is in no position to help Ferdi, and from the sound of things, he NEEDS saving!
Oh please DO update soon!!!