A Spring of Joy by daw the minstrel
LOTRFaith · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
You are seriously killing me Daw... Every single worst case scenerio was flashing through my mind at the end of the chapter, and I am rather afraid to even read the next chapter for what it might bring!
Author's reply
Apparently, it's the "killing" part that's worrying readers! Sorry for your pain, Faith. :-)
Brenda G. · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
I have been following this story and have not yet reviewed, but this Terror in the Woods chapter was so well written, so taut, so fraught with fright that I just had to add my review to all the others. I am having great difficulty remembering anything (and I do mean ANYTHING) I've read in the past that left me in the almost absolute panic that this chapter did at its conclusion. I feel certain that Thranduil is going to lose one of his grandchildren, but which? I'm glad you have decided which one, Daw, because I frankly would not have the heart to send either one of them to Valinor ahead of their parents. Sinnarn has rooted himself inside of me almost as deeply as Eilian or any other of your main OC's. Then you add Loriel to the mix, and not even the most hardened heart can resist this tiny elfling. It is unthinkable to me that Sinnarn should be taken away at this point in time, and yet, Loriel is so precious and innocent and so adored by every life that has crossed her own... Of course, we fans cannot ask you to unwrite what is already in print, and the dream that Thranduil had seems quite conclusive as to its meaning--he will lose a grandchild. When I wrote The Prophecy for my own Legolas story, I knew that I would be trapped within those parameters as the prophecy played itself out. You have placed yourself in that same trap, and now lives must be forfeit to fulfill the dream. But Sinnarn or Loriel - or, Eru forbid! - both? Daw, if you do that, then I will help the others tar and feather you AFTER you have been drawn and quartered! Then I will feed what's left of you to the Orcs! You are getting wickedly good at cliffhangers, but please don't make them a habit. Old hearts like mine can't take it. All jesting aside, this last chapter was as good as it gets - better than anything I've ever read by any published author I know. You go, girl! And update soon--or else!
Author's reply
Wow. That's a very great compliment, Brenda. Thank you. I'm overwhelmed. Readers have surprised me a little by the strength of their reactions. I hadn't realized that people were so fond of Sinnarn. I haven't written about him much and sometimes just shove him offstage because I have a large cast and don't need him for a particular story. I guess I did too good a job cranking up the tension! I'm still overwhelmed by your kind words. I'm sitting here reading them again.
elliska · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Ok, now I have time to leave a decent review. I repeat--this chapter is terribly cruel. How can you do this? The whole thing is just tense. We may know that Gollum escapes and Legolas and company must survive the experience of hunting him, but the "he's on the move, we'd better hurry" thing still turns up the tension at the begining of the chapter--especially since we do not know if Gollum is going to to make a victim of anyone else...smaller. And the scene at Dol Guldur was just awful--poor Eilian, fresh from a peaceful ten years in the settlement, thrown into the Shadow like that. The details here are great--the lack of sounds, Maltanaur staying closer than usual, "Shadow, not night," Maltanaur being tense as well as he stares at the tower. I could go on for a long time but I'll stop and say that "growling voices and graceless feet" was my favorite, right there at the end. And it doesn't let up--a few seconds of happy elflings at play (that we all know is the calm before the storm) and we are plunged into Thranduil and Celuwen and Emmelin searching frantically. I loved how Thranduil comes across here but his rising fear is never a good sign. Be careful, Celuwen, but waste no time I think I would have panicked if I'd heard him say that. Poor little Loriel realizing that she wished Ada or Nana were there. That almost made me cry, especially since this is so tense. But the best part here was the way you managed the Nazgul. As I said before, I hated those things in the movie and I hated them worse here. Darn that was scary, daw! As for the end, I refuse to believe that you have killed Sinnarn. You may wound him. It can be as nasty as you want. But if you kill him I am simply going to have to make you rewrite it (possibly after I help with the tar and feathering), so don't waste your time. :-) And I have read in the other reviews that Nilmandra is responsible for the cliff hanger but I think someone mentioned somewhere that she is not feeling well--so I will forgive her for that suggestion under the assumption that she is heavily drugged and therefore temporarily insane. :-) But this is simply too horrible, daw! Not Sinnarn! Please!! BTW, yes, the switching between scenes was perfectly done and extremely effective at building the tension--stylistically, this is wonderful. From a reader's POV it is just killing me. So I do have tar and feathers.
Author's reply
In many ways, the Legolas part of this has been the most difficult to make interesting because we know the outcome there. Gollum's crossing Mirkwood, being tracked by the Wood-elves, and then getting away is a canon event. So I've had to make do with him meeting Men and thinking about them and Dwarves. And of course, with him on this jaunt are two other people who appear in Question of Duty, so they were safe anyway. I had to try to figure out how the Nazgul would affect elves. Surely they felt some of the fear it generated, but Legolas could function well enough to shoot one in FOTR. Of course, he might have had experience with them by then and have some idea of how to manage his reaction. Hm. Tar and feathers? Those would be virtual tar and feathers, right? I think I'll just ask you to remember two things: loss is real in Tolkien's world, and I made all these characters up. :-)
Lera · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
May I remind you, dear minstrel, that this is a spring of joy?! I'm really rather frightened to read the next chapter, but irritatingly enough I'm going to go crazy if I don't and soon! Ok, I really liked seeing a little from Loriel's point of view. So far I hadn't really felt anything for her, but that little bit did it for me.
Author's reply
The "spring of joy" is a quote from near the end of The Hobbit, where Tolkien says that now the wood elves looked forward to a spring of joy after a long winter. I'm afraid the title is kind of ironic, given how short a time the peace lasted. Ten years is such a tiny slice of time. Isn't it odd how seeing things from someone's POV draws you in? I've had to do that as an author sometimes, write from someone's POV in order to get to know them at all.
Jay of Lasgalen · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
So this is all Nilmandra's fault, is it? Right! Now, where's her e-mail address ...
Jay of Lasgalen · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Daw, that ending was beyond cruel! So many cliffhangers! Eilian confronted with a Nazgul, something unpleasant happening to Sinnarn, (Emmelin's reaction has me really worried), and Loriel finding something nasty in the woods. If she turned towards Celuwen's voice, then she's got her back to Gollum :( Grandfather Thranduil warned her to watch her back! Please, please, please, update by Monday. I'm out of town from Tuesday to the end of the week, and will otherwise miss the update. I can't bear the suspense. Jay (hoping you haven't killed Sinnarn like you wanted to do at the Battle of Five Armies :(
Author's reply
I don't know if I can update by Monday, Jay. I'm traveling all day tomorrow. But then, airplane time is usually good writing time for me, so maybe. Blame Nilmandra for the cliffhanger. I originally had the chapter run on a little longer, but she pointed out that it would be very tense if I stopped it earlier. :-)
thechevin · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
I see what you mean when you said you would pull the thread and everything would begin to unravel I don't know which is worse not knowing what has happened to Sinnarn and Tynd or finding out I fear the worst given Emmelin's reactions As for Loriel well she frightened me to death so goodness knows how Thranduil will react when they are re-united (they will be re-united won't they?) The suspense and horror in this chapter was incredibly intense The flower show was stunning by the way
Author's reply
My beta is a real gardener and would probably appreciate the show. I'm not very good with growing things, but I do like flowers. Loriel is a lively child, rather like her father must have been at her age, and I'll bet Eilian scared Thranduil out of his wits on more than one occasion. I'm glad this chapter seemed intense. It was supposed to be, but to me, by the time I was done, it was just depressing. I need to write a fluffy elfling story.
moonshine · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Daw, I am begging you to update this ASAP. Don`t get me wrong, you update very quickly. But you left off in a lot of suspense on that chapter. I might cry if I don`t find out what happens soon!!!!!!!!! update please! Like right now would be great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This chapter was great! I like it best of all so far. Update!
Author's reply
LOL. I'm afraid the chapter would be very short if I posted it right now! But it will be along within a few days. I'm glad you liked the chapter. It was a little tricky to weave together the story of Eilian's patrol and the people at home, but it seemed to work out.
sofia · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Now I'm worrying about Sinnarn and Tynd. Did orcs catch them by surprise? Then of course you have Loriel running off, and making ME panic. And then you leave us with this cliffhanger! I'm going to be on edge all day wondering what is going to happen, Daw you got to stop doing that! -sofia
Author's reply
I don't write too many cliffhangers, and this chapter didn't start out as one, but Nilmandra pointed out the possibilities, so I took off the last section of it and posted what was left. It does sound as if Sinnarn and Tynd are in trouble. And Loriel is wandering a bit. I think Eilian must have been just as slippery when he was a kid.
Bodkin · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
I'm kind of attached to him. But one is also attached to one's appendix. So I shan't stop holding my breath until I know. This is the torture of reading chapter by chapter instead of settling down and gulping the whole thing down in one go. As I intend to on July 16th. And it's one thing I have against series of books - sometimes authors make you wait years. At least you won't make us wait that long. But Sinnarn! And Loriel. (Dot's reasoning good. Dot VERY CLEVER.) And I'm glad Karenator is on your case! I don't know if I can bear to reread this chapter until I know the outcome.
Author's reply
Is July 16 the release date for the new Harry Potter? I know it's soon. I just wasn't sure when. That should mean the library will have it for me to listen to on CD when I return to teaching in the fall. That will be good. All the reviewers here are clever! Too clever, sometimes. And they don't hesitate to let you know what they want, either. Bless them.
Trish · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
I am in tears waiting for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Oh dear. Just keep telling yourself, "These people are not real. Daw made them up!" I guess I'm glad I moved you to tears.
perelleth · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Tar and feathers... I read that in a couple of reviews of another chapter, I believe.. and got me howling! Best thing about this site is that reviews are also very interesting to read through! Well, you've eased my mood a bit! thanks! maybe I'll be saved the embarrasment of punching someone's computer screen next week...:-) Thanks for your wishes.. but..business travel is seldom pleasant, as you surely experience yourself...
Author's reply
The reviews on SoA are wonderful! I love reading them and the author's replies too. Business travel is indeed usually pretty tedious. I'm glad I eased your mood.
Dot · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Oh holy crap. What a chapter. What an amazing and horrifying chapter. I’m shaking all over. How in heaven’s name do you expect me to be able to go back to the start and write a coherent review now??? O.k. So Gollum has headed back into the forest. We knew that was going to happen. He eventually heads south, if I recall, and it seems like he’s in a hurry to do so. I like the little moment when Annael frowns at Beliond’s seeming doubt. But my stomach was already starting to twist with nervousness when Beliond kept insisting that Gollum will need to eat. Oh lord. The entire part in Dol Guldur had me glued to the screen. What an incredible job you did with the atmosphere of the place. The darkness and eerie silence sent a shiver down my spine. I wanted to scream at Eilian to just get out of there but at the same time I could understand that he wanted and needed more information to take back to Ithilden and Thranduil. And I know they logically had to split into pairs but I think that’s the point where I started groaning aloud! “They were nearly to the meeting place when, in the distance, he heard a loud crack, followed by a muffled cry.” No! What the heck is going on?! For a second the sound of a horse’s hooves shocked me so much that I actually paused and couldn’t think what a horse was doing there. And then realisation dawned. So this is what it’s like to encounter a Nazgul? I actually thought the most powerful part was Elian’s “horrifying fear that if he had had the strength to scramble to his feet, he would have dropped his bow and fled.” My God, to see him driven to such terror… But then his strength shines through. I just dread the sight that will greet him if he does manage to struggle forward. Thranduil feeling restless is never a good sign. And the three wives seem to be becoming slightly unhinged in their worry. It’s especially unsettling to see Alfirin like this. I did love the part where Thranduil creeps up on Loriel and catches her! Emmelin seems to be particularly good with her too. I had to feel sorry for Loriel not having other children to play with. Everyone needs friends. “The gate was open,” Celuwen said in a strained voice, “and I cannot find Loriel anywhere in the garden.” *gulp* The search for her was so nerve-wracking. My heart just about stopped when Loriel realises that the trees sound the same as when they were disturbed in the settlement and that there’s something in the bushes. The idea of a hungry Gollum eyeing this elfling is just horrifying. “And then, to her right, she heard her mother calling her name, and weak with relief, she turned to answer.” But will she remember to watch her back??? Emmelin, Celuwen, Thranduil, Ithilden and half a dozen warriors will scare Gollum off, right? And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, “he burst from the trees and then stopped short, for there, kneeling on the ground and keening, was not Celuwen, but Emmelin.” I’m trembling again as I read the last line. I was always more afraid for Sinnarn than Loriel in this story. I tried telling myself that it was because I like Sinnarn so much and don’t yet know Loriel well enough to have become too attached. Thranduil’s dream does suggest that something will happen at least one of his grandchildren, and I think Legolas says something about his “brothers” in ‘A Question of Duty’ so Eilian should be alright. But as I said before, the fact that Gollum disappears again as well as Thranduil agreeing to hold him for Gandalf and the Wood-Elves showing him kindness give me reason to hope that Gollum can’t have done anything utterly horrific in Mirkwood. Hmmn. Even though, that could be an interesting reason for him bringing Gollum back to Mirkwood and believing that Thranduil would be willing to keep him captive. No, methinks Sinnarn is in real trouble. The scream could easily be from either Celuwen or Emmelin if they saw Gollum or if he attacked Celuwen or her daughter but Emmelin is clearly utterly distraught. But I can’t… I just can’t let myself believe that Sinnarn might be dead… I can’t think straight. I’m too distressed! I need to find out what’s happening very soon. Please! Please!
Author's reply
You're right. Gollum crosses Mirkwood to the western edge and then turns south. That's an interesting turn actually, because what Gandalf says is that while lurking in Esgaroth and Dale, Gollum learns that Bilbo lived in the Shire. That's why he hotfoots it west again. But then he doesn't go to the Shire. I think that's the influence of Sauron, and maybe of Dol Guldur, which of course is at the southern end of Mirkwood. I'm glad the part about Dol Guldur was scary. The Nazgul first appeared in ME near the end of the Second Age, so it's possible that Maltanaur has encountered on before, but the other three would be too young to know what this was that they were feeling. The Nazgul's major weapon seemed to be fear, but it's hard to guess how afraid an elf would be. In FOTR, Legolas can function well enough to shoot at one, but by then he might have had some practiced exposure to them. Gollum is a couple of days ahead of Legolas and Annael, so he's here near the stronghold. And yes, Loriel does need to watch her back. Or someone needs to. Emmelin is very good with her. She'd like children of her own. I'll write as fast as I can. But then, I always do. :-)
perelleth · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
WHAT? WHAT? Terror in the woods? And dread accross the computer screens around the world!you don't mean that, lady minstrel, no. no .no. no. You.Don't. Mean.That. Resist the dark side! :-) I'm most certain that you won't let Loriel come to harm, because a)you seem such a good mum, b) Thranduil would have never agreed to keep him in custody years after this and you're truly respectful to canon c)there's always the tar and feathers looming.. but Sinnarn? SINNARN? So, that's what the queen meant in her dream speech? the prophecy of the wood? "Let's have children, who beget grandchildren so they can be killed in our forest, I'm sorry, dear Thranduil, complain to Mandos, or rather, to authoress?" C'mon, daw, we've known him since before he was born, and we want to see him become an Adar, you cannot kill him! I'm tempted to write to your beta, too. I'm tempted to go to down to the cellar and even offer away my last three bottles of the family's more than excellent 96 vintage..what else? pretty please? :-) Wow, you brought the true addict out of me with this! There are many beautifully written scenes in this chapter, but I want to comment Eilian's brief pov when he felt the effect of the black riders. It was perfectly done, I could feel the shivers. Fortunately, next week I'll be travelling to a reasonably developed area, so I hope I'll be able to keep track of this, even if it means that I have to comb the whole village in search of an internet cafe! Beware! I'll be watching! Have a nice week!
Author's reply
Resist the dark side! LOL. I haven't seen the new Star Wars movie yet. Maybe I'll get out and do that this week when I'm on vacation. Tar and feathers? Have you been listening to the Karenator again? She sent me an email threatening me with a pitchfork! :-0 Also can I just say that my beta was the one who told me to leave this chapter as a cliffhanger. I originally had another section at the end. Seriously, Sinnarn is a whole different kettle of fish from say Todith or Galelas or Nithron, who all died at the Five Armies. We have known him since before he was born, as you say. I'm kind of attached to him. I'm glad the Nazgul scene worked. I had to decide just how afraid Eilian would be. I remembered Legolas shooting a Nazgul in FOTR, so he could still function, but I thought Elves would have to be affected somewhat too. I hope your travels go well.
Alison H · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
'Terror In the Woods' should be preceded by a government health warning--my heart is about to give out! I'm still shaking. Poor Emmelin.Her scream really frightened me(good work BTW) and now I'm worried about Sinnarn, Loriel being stalked by Gollum and the Nazgul who has taken up residence in Dol Guldar. I thought it was sad that all the women were trying to carry on with their embroidery(except Celuwen)when their men folk are out in the forest, possibly in danger.At least Loriel was there to distract them, until she wandered off. Wonderful chapter, daw, but you better update soon! Take care. Ali.
Author's reply
Wow, if I made you shake, I'm really pleased! I'm sorry I made you shake, but things are going from bad to worse in the Woodland Realm. Poor Elves. Gollum and the Nazgul all at once. Everyone in the garden was on edge, except Loriel, who was just lonely for her ada.
Bodkin · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Not kill Sinnarn. Not kill Sinnarn. The poor elf hasn't had a fair amount of authorly attention - but he doesn't want to enter centre-stage by getting killed. Think of Emmelin. Think of Annael. Think of poor Alfirin and Ithilden and Thranduil. Not to mention Uncle Legolas. And Uncle Eilian will never stop feeling guilty for being in charge when his nephew was slain. Sinnarn's got to be safe - please! SAVE THAT ELF. And Tynd. Because it's not fair to put him into a red shirt. Eilian and Maltanaur have got to get them out of there. And Loriel is recognising the tree-song, is she? A bright little spark. Once who is hopefully close enough to her naneth to be pulled from the fire before getting burnt. I think perhaps a ball and chain might be a useful addition to her family's child care kit. Hide and seek seems a bit of a dangerous game to play with someone as slippery as she is. Everybody is tense. (Including me.) Poor Alfirin. Channelling her worries into concerns about blue thread. When someone is endangering her only son. The Legolas party is having the least worrying time. Although the mentions of the recently-unfed Gollum are a little concerning - especially if he is now watching tender elfling wandering around unguarded. (Perhaps he's been finding fishes and eating them bones and all.) I hope Emmelin's distress doesn't delay the Loriel rescue party. And that Eilian fights off Nazgulitis to get Sinnarn and Tynd out of there. This whole story was being altogether too pleasant. Now I'm distressed. More soon, please.
Author's reply
Sinnarn is probably glad he hasn't had much of my attention. The Dwarf incident was not fun! Loriel is fun to write. I love writing little kids. Well, you know what fun it is; you've done it too. I think of her a true little Wood-elf and Eilian's daughter to boot, so yes, she's a handful! The encounters of the Legolas party with men have been fun to write, but in lots of ways, they're in the safest and thus least interesting part of the story. All three of them have to be around for Question of Duty, after all.
Frodo3791 · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Here's the chapter I've been waiting for... I knew something really bad had to happen. Now, if I remember correctly, one of the nazgul takes up residence in Dul Guldur. The panic and fright felt by both Maltanuar and Eilian is probably due to that. I wonder if Eilian's bond with his daughter has kicked in though as well and made his situation in the South even harder to deal with right now... Obviously Emmelin's bond with Sinnarn is what caused her to scream and fall to the ground... but that doesn't mean Sinnarn is dead... right? Right!? That would be terribly sad, Daw, and I don't know if I can handle anymore more of you killing off characters. First it was Turgon, then it was Annael's father, followed by Tulinn... we don't need to add Sinnarn to the bunch! -Frodo
Author's reply
About 60 years before the Ring War, two or three (depending on the part of Tolkien you read) Nazgul take up residence at Dol Guldur, while Sauron stays in Mordor. One of the Nazgul is Khamul, their second in command. And of course their main weapon is fear. They first appeared in the Second Age (I think) so Maltanaur would have met them before, but the other three are all too young to have done so. Killing off characters is really painful. I have to keep reminding myself that they are all in Valinor.
Manderly · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Oh no! Something has happened Sinnarn! Please tell me that I am wrong! But then, I don't like the other scenario that comes to mind either - that of Loriel being harmed. Argh! What an awful place to leave us, Daw! What a chapter! My heart was in my mouth throughout and I found that I couldn't read the words fast enough, but then when I got to the end, I was ready to shake the computer for more words to appear. You will not be so cruel as to kill off Sinnarn, right? Right? I hope we get another update from you soon, very soon, before the nerves in my stomach overtake me completely!
Author's reply
One of my goals in this chapter was to cut back and forth between Thranduil's two grandchildren, putting them both in danger and seeing what would happen. It was kind of awful to write too. I have to tell you though that there was another section at the end when I first sent this to my beta, and she suggested I save it for the next chapter in order to increase the cliffhanging quality. :-)
jgal · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
i am new to your fanfic and have spent the last two months reading through all your stories. I've got to say that you have a real talent for writing. your characters are well formed, your descriptions are vivid and your story lines are well thought out. Your stories kept me coming back for more and now i want more still. i wait most anxiously for your continuation of the dramas unfolding in "A Spring of Joy" Please do not leave me hanging for too long. Keep dreaming and keep writing! jgal
Author's reply
Thank you, thank you! I've written a ton of stuff. One site has a total word count and I noticed not long ago that my total is over one million words. No wonder I'm not getting much work done! But this has been fun. Until I stumbled on fanfiction, it never even occurred to me that I could write fiction. I thought of myself as not creative enough. Thank you for taking the time to tell me you're reading and enjoying.
Yanic · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
If there is an award out there for the author that gives back the most to their readers you would definately be the winner. I can't beleive you've cranked out another chapter so quickly. And speaking of chapters, what a cliff-hanger! I both love Loriel and am terrified by her actions. With young Legolas's adventures I was always rooting him on because I knew that he would be safe in the end (I mean he has to be, he's a member of the Fellowship, it's not like you can kill him off). But with Loriel I don't know what will happen and it's scary. I adore the little Flower Face and want her safe. I guess I feel a lot like the adults in her life feel about her. By the way, I love the scene with Eilian and the wraiths. I don't know why but I feel that mentioning the cry of a hunting orc really enhanced the scary feeling. Makes the orcs seem like big evil predators. Which I guess they are, but until now, I've always seen them as too stupid and therefore more like scavengers.
Author's reply
It's summer! I have time to write. I love summer. Loriel is very scary. She's a normal kid in a world that's turning dangerous, and she doesn't understand what's happening. She's also Eilian's daughter, and I think he must have been a handful too. It's a wonder he lived to grow up. If he didn't kill himself, Thranduil must have been tempted to do it on occasion. I've never given much thought to how smart Orcs are, and I suppose I should have. It would make a difference to what they could do. In some ways, Orcs are a very convenient foe. Killing them feels different than killing a Man, so it's kind of desensitizing. Hm. Have to think about that.
Ithildin · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
*GASP* Elbereth Gilthoniel… I’ve read the chapter three times now (couldn’t believe my eyes…) This is looking really, really bad. OK, I’m counting on Thranduil to rescue Loriel, but I’m petrified about Sinnarn and Tynd and very worried about Eilian and Maltanaur. Say it isn’t so, Daw – and that it won’t get worse – pleeease! This is Tolkien's fault, not mine. He's the one who said that Gollum came out and started looking for the ring and crossed Mirkwood twice AND the Nazgul came to Dol Guldur. NOT MY FAULT!!!! I’m definitely with Barbara here. These aren’t Tolkien’s characters and you, your minstrelness, are the one holding the smoking keyboard… ;) lol! Great story, great tension, I don’t think I’ve ever been so jumpy while reading one of your chapters, even the fairly recent highly emotional ones. IIRC, except for those characters specifically mentioned in Question of Duty and Tolkien canon, nobody’s safe and not knowing what’s going to happen is REALLY GETTING TO ME! The scene cutting worked great. Excellent story and I’m really *gulp* enjoying it. Don’t keep us hanging too long, :) Ithildin *(
Author's reply
I guess I have to say that I'm glad that the chapter made you jumpy. Writing it made me jumpy too. I think I'm learning some things about raising tension. I'm particularly pleased that people are reacting this way to my OCs. I've found Legolas harder to deal with in this story because he and Annael and Beliond do indeed have to survive. They're all in Question of Duty, and besides I'd never kill a canon character. I'll be traveling in the next week but I should still have time to write and have internet access. And I don't like having this hanging over me, so it should be along. :-)
Elena Tiriel · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Will you be upset if I tell you that I laughed when I got this and pointed all the capital letters out to my husband? If so, then it never happened. *the loud sniffles behind the hankie start sounding suspiciously like snickers...*
Author's reply
:-)
Elena Tiriel · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
This is Tolkien's fault, not mine. He's the one who said that Gollum came out and started looking for the ring and crossed Mirkwood twice AND the Nazgul came to Dol Guldur. NOT MY FAULT!!!! Of course it's your fault! It's always your fault! I've read all the same canon you have, and just thought "Gee, that's kind of awful, isn't it?" and went my merry way... The real problem is, that you take Tolkien's words -- that are very epic and historic and detached in tone -- and turn them into REALISTIC STORIES ABOUT REALLY AWFUL THINGS HAPPENING TO REALLY WONDERFUL PEOPLE THAT WE REALLY CARE A LOT ABOUT! And you make us look at the events REALLY UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL! I may be able forgive you sometime, but I'm too emotionally traumatized to do so right at this moment... *sniffling into her hankie* - Barbara, who hopes you will write a fluffy elfling story next... for your sanity's sake as well as mine...
Author's reply
Will you be upset if I tell you that I laughed when I got this and pointed all the capital letters out to my husband? If so, then it never happened. I know. I'm kind of traumatized myself at the moment.
Elemmíre · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Aaaaagggggghhhhhh! You are cruel, sometimes. Elemmíre
Author's reply
Believe me, this hurts me worse than it hurts you!
Elena Tiriel · 27 May 2005 · Chapter 7: Terror in the Woods
Ack! You can't do this to us! You can't possibly let all hell break loose on all fronts at once! *whines* - Barbara P.S. I think you mean Eilian was "nocking" an arrow...
Author's reply
I think you mean Eilian was "nocking" an arrow... By golly, I think you're right! Thank you, Barbara. I went and fixed it. This is Tolkien's fault, not mine. He's the one who said that Gollum came out and started looking for the ring and crossed Mirkwood twice AND the Nazgul came to Dol Guldur. NOT MY FAULT!!!!