The Forest Has Eyes by Budgielover
Timmy2222 · 17 October 2004 · Chapter 7: Chapter Seven
I really enjoyed the fight description. Poor Elf, can't win against that man in the state he is in! And if I thought this story would be over -- far from it! Gladly I wait for the next chapter to follow. Meanwhile I think I'll have time to work on my own story... Take care, - T.
Pearl Took · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Forgive my lateness. This is still riveting!! A most apporpriate way for Billeh to die. I like Pippin redirecting his disappointment at being left into teaching Gimli about handling horses. And the marvelous change in Frodo's demeanor when the man is becoming entranced by the Ring. Wonderful indeed!!!
bobo baggins · 25 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
I can't believe I hadn't reviewed this story yet! Sorry! I know you have the reputation of being the Queen of Cliffhangers, but do you have to be so cruel about it? :'( If you don't update soon, yours readers may have to do something drastic!:) Poor Frodo! What desperate act will he try now? And Legolas is only going to hurt himself more by his actions. Aragorn and Gandalf need to hurry up before it's too late.
Author's reply
Hi Bobo Baggins! I do have that reputation, don't I? *preens and tries to look humble* I'm glad you are enjoying the story and appreciate your review. And the implied threat. Be assured that the next chapter has gone to my wonderful beta Marigold and should be back in a couple of days. My, your last three sentences are certainly prophetic... (Couldn't resist teasing you, there.)
docmon · 23 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
snapping bones???? I don't know whose bones I want it to be least! oww! and master author is nassssty cruel to leave us with such a cliffhanger!!! Just as you get us going - swoop in with the 'TBC'!! Both the fondness and cruelty Harlan is showing for Frodo are creepy in a way not often seen, certainly not in the books, and it adds to the mood of the story, the desperation Legolas and Frodo must feel. I'm wondering a bit that Harlan's plan seems too simple and obviously flawed - but I think i'm just thinking through it too slowly. I htought Legolas can simply come back for him, but he can't, since Harlan's set a date of a month from now... so Legolas has to be ultra sneaky (not hard for him though) or he's forced to wait the month... Not that Legolas is in any condition to think this out. Instead he reacts instinctively, as usual. But his attempt to free them is as doomed as Frodo's - he's still bound to his horse! please, please, please! give us more soon! [and a longer chapter ] monica never too shameless to beg
Author's reply
Hullo Monica! I loved your 'never too shameless to beg' - I feel that way a lot, too. What a shame Real Life gets in the way of our fanfiction... :) Thanks for your comments. I'm relieved that the Frodo/Harlan sub-storyline isn't too strong - I worked a lot on that, not wanting it to be too frightening (to the reader) but wanted it to be unsettling. This is a PG-13 story, after all, and you are right - it is a plausible aspect not seen in canon. You make me think I am succeeding. Harlan's outlining of his ransom demand is based on some of the kidnapping documentaries I've seen (the Discovery Channel and Court TV have wonderful series on crime), where the kidnapper is trying to set up payment in a manner that most safeguards himself. You will see the results of his demands in the upcoming chapter. More soon - and it is a long chapter!
Sheikan · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
OH man! I hate to think whos bones that is snaping =[ please do update soon! I want to know who got hurt there ^-^
Author's reply
Hello, Sheikan. Thank you for your comment, and be looking for the next chapter in a few days. Your question will be answered. I'm so pleased your are enjoying the story. Thanks!
Nikara · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Oh dear. Whose Bones? Soon, please!
Author's reply
I had more fun writing that last sentence, Nikara. I wanted it to stay with the reader, and it looks like it has. Thank you for your comment, and for letting me know you are following the story. Thanks!
Timmy2222 · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
They had to find that Ring, hadn't they? Ah, I hope they won't mess around with it! Legolas' attempt to distract the man will only delay the taking of it, right? One little nitpick: How could the horses of the hunters reach Boromir and company sooner than they met with Gandalf and Aragorn? How far apart are the three parties now? It is a pity that the Fellowship splits up once more, but understandable nevertheless. - T.
Author's reply
Hi, Timmy2222. Thank you for the reveiws - it is really kind of you to leave one for each chapter. I know that is a lot of work and I appreciate your effort. I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Besides thanking you, I wanted to respond to your 'nitpick.' I gave that a lot of thought and decided that mistreated animals would most likely shy away from humans (and wizards). But herd-instinct would prompt them to respond to another of their kind (Bill the pony). So it was actually Bill that caused them to come forward, and then Sam was smart enough to offer them the sugar. Anyway, that was the explanation I thought of for why Boromir & Co. met some of the poor beasts first.
Timmy2222 · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Wow, that was a good one! Tight, gripping, in tune with the characters! And the trees are waking, yes! Tension is growing, now that the hunters will flee with speed. Is there help to be expected by the trees for the captives, or will Aragorn and the wizard be the ones to trail them? Good that you follow the main story first. Boromir and the rest of the Fellowship are left behind, but I suppose you will go back to them later. - T.
Timmy2222 · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Honestly, Frodo is as brave as he should be. And Legolas keeps his dignity even under these circumstances. I would like to have the hunters described in more details, but that might follow. Again, a nice break in the tension at the end: "Defeated by a mortal halfling not half his size" and: "... ordered around by a halfling." - T.
Timmy2222 · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Ah, here we go! Among the tension rising, you managed to slip in the little humorous notes I love dearly: "The altitude must directly effect their brains." And all that nice stroking and caring for the wounded Elf. - Hobbits can be so lovely when written by a gifted hand... I hope the hunters won't strip any of them... could be embarrassing beyond the fact of them finding the Ring. And I wonder if the Fellowship is indeed so far away from them. Could the Hobbits and Legolas have strayed so far into the woods that Aragorn and the others won't reach them in time? - T.
Timmy2222 · 20 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Hi Budgielover, I smiled... and again. First about the "wizard, who did not contradict overmuch" and then about an Elf accompanying Hobbits. I see Legolas stand and watch with his hands on his hips while the discussion of who climbs the tree goes on and on, until he - finally shaking his head - decides to climb up himself. Boy, what a picture! And the Hobbits - dead earnest - congratulate themselves silently about how clever they talked him into doing this without asking for it. And why was I not surprised to read that poor Legolas fell off that tree? LOL! His last thought to Gimli was priceless! - T.
Galimeril · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Tell me more! Tell me more, oh suspensful one! This is what you do: sit your butt dow in front of that computer of yours and fortify yourself with snacks and coffee, and son't move until this is done! Hurry, you killing me with these evil cliffies!!! Galimeril ;D
Author's reply
Now how did you know I work like that, Galimeril? (Except it is Diet Pepsi instead of coffee.) ;D Thank you for letting me know you are following the story. Suspense and action/adventure are so much fun to write, and I am so tickled when people respond to a story like you have done. Please be assured that the next chapter will be up in a couple of days, and I hope you will enjoy it.
Gentle Hobbit · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Crumbs! Here we go again. Another of your agonizing cliffhangers. Snapping bones? I really hope that those don't belong to the poor horses. I like how all three characters (Legolas, Frodo, and whatsisname) reacted to the appearance of the Ring, each in their own way. Somehow, the pace or action of the chapter immediately slowed down and focussed in on the Ring as soon as it came out.
Author's reply
hee hee hee - "crumbs" yet - Gentle Hobbit, I may have to steal that from you. What an absolutely hobbity curse word! I am so glad that you commented on the appearance of the Ring (though based on experience, I expect intelligent, thoughtful comments from you). I like imagining what Frodo felt carrying that evil thing, the strengh of will required not to let it twist and corrupt him. It is fascinating to see it influence another, always "trying to return to its master." I remember reading an interview with Peter Jackson in which he said he wanted to portray the Ring as a character, with its own motivations. That's the idea I was shooting for in that scene. (And setting up the cliffhanger - of course!)
shirebound · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
And then what happens??? Goodness, Budgie! *stops for breath and paces frantically, waiting for Chapter 7*
Author's reply
Hi, Shirebound! After all the groaning I did (and made you listen to) on writing an "Elf-story," I find I am really enjoying this one. Lots of blood, gore, horror, outrage ... more to come ... er - Legolas will now join the hobbits in finding out where I live. I still expect to open the door and see the Fellowship glaring at me one of these days. And congratulations on "Mind to Mind" being chosen as one of Marigold's Best Bets. I still owe you reviews on that one. A brilliantly conceived and written story.
melilot hill · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
(I had some catching up to do) Great chapters :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Melilot Hill! I'm going to need some bright happy hobbit-story when this one is done. I always wonder where 'the line' is in making a fic too violent, and how close I am to it. This one isn't for kiddies, but I'm glad that you are enjoying it.
Elwen · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
And snapping bones?! Eeeep. Nooooooo!!!!
Author's reply
Hi, Elwen! Thanks for your comment. It reminded me of your "twang" in another review... I am still laughing over that one, and I don't even remember which story it was. I was rather proud of that final sentance - of the image it left with the reader. I might have to go on holiday now, for a couple of weeks... *skips off humming and snickering*
elliska · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
I have been enjoying this story since the beginning. I didn't realize I hadn't reviewed it yet. Sorry. Your friend said she wanted angst and drama and you have provided that! Your cliffhangers are cruel! :) Particularly the one in this chapter. And I am enjoying Legolas' awareness of the trees. Update quickly this time. It was bad enough when I thought the man was going to ride off with Frodo alone. Now that he's found the Ring...
Grey Wonderer · 19 September 2004 · Chapter 6: Chapter Six
Very clever of Merry to use Gimli and the horses to make Pippin stay behind. He does not his cousin well. I hope they can now catch up and help Gandalf and Aragorn before things become too dire for Legolas and Frodo. Great story!
Jaylen · 13 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Great Chapter, very cool!! I love the trees coming to life and rallying to the elf's help. Can't wait for the next chapter. Jaylen
bri · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
LOVE this story so far!! ARAGORN AND GANDALF GET IN THERE AND SAVE LEGGY AND FRODO NOW!!!!!*glares at them as they move through the forest*..one thing i cant belive is tha leggy would actually fall out of a tree!!i mean suuuure...it was a dead one..with moss and mushrooms growing on it..but really!!ah well..it works with the story!update soon bri
Elenar · 12 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Exciting! I can't wait for more.
Galimeril · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Ohh! This is getting better and better! Update soon, REAL soon! Galimeril ;D
Nikara · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
Oh my gosh, this is amazing. You need to continue soon. Great job so far, you have caught the characters beautifully.
pebbles66 · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
I had forgotten all about this story. Another great chapter; I can't wait for more. Poor horses, and poor Frodo. What do you have in store for him next? Somehow, I don't think it will be good.
shirebound · 11 September 2004 · Chapter 5: Chapter Five
"Now the trees were becoming aware that one of the revered folk, one of those who had gifted them with thought and voice, was captive and injured in their midst. And those that had hurt him rode among them, unaware and unwary." Oooh, Budgie, what a marvelous description. The trees altered the path so the Men would get lost.... wonderful! And what a great team 'your' Legolas and Frodo make.