Reviews (13)

PSW · 6 April 2025 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

Well this was a bit of a dark story - but of course things aren’t always jolly w the Hobbits any more than they are for us. So glad the Rangers got there in time…

Channel42 · 12 November 2014 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

I'm far from a hobbit expert in terms of character, but I loved this story. I think the dark portrayal of emotions, especially from Estella showed a more human side to them (rather than their seemingly constant aloofness and weakness compared to other ME races) which I enjoyed. I think you did a really good job.

Dreamflower · 5 February 2009 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

Wonderful! It's just as exciting and intense as I remember it being. It is quite a bit darker than your usual fare, though you have written two or three darker ones since this. But I do love Merry and Estell in this, and I am quite taken with "Shadow", and wonder about his relationship to Aragorn. Thanks for making it available again!

Nienor Niniel · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

Hmph, I really don't know why people said this was OOC. I think both hobbits' behaviour is understandable and fitting for the circumstances. This is somewhat darker than a lot of your other fics, but a good study in how people may behave under such terrible circumstances and also the trauma that an attcak like this can cause. Nienor

Dreamflower · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

I don't know why I didn't review this when I first read it. It may have been early on, before I figured out how to post reviews. (You wouldn't believe how long it took me to catch on to that "leave review" at the bottom, LOL!) At any rate, I love it. It's short, intense and very tight. The new epilogue is perfect for it, by the way. As for OOC, I think they were nuts. There is nothing out of character here at all--that Merry, experienced in battle, would travel armed? That Estella, who had lived in a Shire dominated by ruffians, and sister of the leader of the resistance, would find courage to defend her love? Honestly, I don't see it at all. JRRT himself said that hobbits were brave at heart and "fierce as a dragon in a pinch." And I don't know what you'd call this but "a pinch". Maybe they thought the ruffians were OOC, and should have had more manners, LOL!

Bodkin · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

Oh good. This finishes it off so nicely.

harrowcat · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Cleansing Breaths

I remember reading this before Lindelea and, again I found your hobbits to be perfectly in character, well at least for me any way. I like the extra chapter and it has the potential for more.

Cuthalion · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Battle of Wits

I don't think that they're out of character. We know Merry is a warrior, trained by the Ring War and experienced by the liberation of the Shire. And Estella is wonderfully brave here; the fact how she handles the ruffians - and that she considers killing her husband and herself to prevent them for more and worse horror - only speaks of the depth of her panic and desperation. Thrilling tale! (And you might add that intense scene in the Prancing Pony you published in your LJ as a kind of epilogue. It gives the whole thing a very satisfying finish.).

storyfish · 19 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Battle of Wits

Wow, for such a short story this packs a punch. You said you wrote this because you were working through a nightmare, and I believe it. It reads like a nightmare--short, laced through with mounting dread, and one final moment of terror with a knife at Merry's throat. The ranger's warm, father-like arms at the end remind me of a father waking a child from a bad dream. But since we don't see life go on afterwards, we remain in that horrible, disorienting time just after a nightmare, when our hearts are still pounding and we're still not sure what's real. I definitely didn't see any out-of-character moments, and although this story may never be your favorite, you definitely shouldn't underestimate it. BTW, I've read many of your other stories, but much of the time I need a kick-in-the-pants to actually post a review. So for the record, I love your extensive universe of LOTR stories. They're always a fun and relaxing alternative to doing coursework--your author page is the one I frequent the most at SoA. I heart your pippin-angst. ;-)

periantari · 22 November 2004 · Chapter 3: Battle of Wits

very interesting story~ i really like the bravery of Estella.. but in your author's note you mentioned a slight confusion with the "in character" part and i can understand that because i didn't know why Estella would want to threaten to kill her own husband.. that's a little far-fetched to me... but it's a cool story.... wish it would've been longer though ;)

Anso the Hobbit · 16 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Battle of Wits

Brave Estella! She`s clever and loving and corageous.

Bodkin · 15 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Battle of Wits

Hobbits are not Santa's jolly little elves, scampering around and singing 'Hi ho.' I see nothing out of character in them fighting ruffians, threatening to kill or indeed killing those who attack them - or any of you other points. And hobbit lasses have more to them than the ability to cook large meals and produce babies - they most certainly would defend those they love and take up arms if they needed to. I like Estella here - she's strong and courageous and protective and loving.

frodo16424 · 15 September 2004 · Chapter 3: Battle of Wits

I wouldn't worry about anyone acting out of character. I see nothing wrong in the way Estella or Merry acted. After all, the first instinct of someone whose loved one is threatened would be to save that person. As you said, Estella had no way of knowing who was coming. Very realistic, IMHO. Thanks for a good story.