No Good Deed by French Pony
daw the minstrel · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Children Of Darkness
For some reason, that ending caught me completely by surprise! I never expected Arwen to wind up so close to Aragorn. And apparently we're about to hear some proposals. I was so glad the elves and men found the slaves, even though the boy was in such bad shape. If that were my child, I'd find it hard to keep myself from hurting someone.
perelleth · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 9: Sorrow Songs
Wow! poor Neldorín! KNowing that her child is somewhere there and having to turn back! That's awful stuff! but I'm glad that Eowyn is safe, I was fearing that she would be captured yet again! But I did love Gimli here. "Do you think you can be alone for a short while?" he asked. "I must fetch my tools." that was so Gimli's! And now doomsday's upon Nurn people, innocent as most of them maybe of THano's misguided actions, and the Queen is missing! Wow, this is terrible, in fact, FP, for it's been so short time since Mordor was vanquished!
Larner · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 4: A Beggar On Horseback
Aha--Harad and Rhun together are in on this one, are they? And suborning the people of Rhun and making them unwitting receivers of stolen horses, are they? Interesting. Ghayur and Nasin make quite the pair.
Larner · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Distant Thunder
Trying to get caught up. I doubt the two "emissaries" are so much struck dumb with admiration as with shock. Quite the transformation. And Aragorn preparing to leave his work and wife and daughter as well as Faramir preparing to do the same is touching.
Linda Hoyland · 28 October 2005 · Chapter 9: Sorrow Songs
I'm so glad Eowyn and the children are safe and well.Poor Legolas and the Elves!This is a very exciting story.I hope Aragorn returns soon to rescue Arwen
elliska · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 9: Sorrow Songs
I have to say I was very relieved that Legolas came upon Eowyn and that you started the chapter out with that--I have been very anxious to see how that would turn out. And I felt so good for poor Faramir--he really needed some good news at that point. Everything surrounding Doronrîn was really well done--you showed the brutality of her death very well (and it was not gratuitous. It was central to showing how dangerous and serious this situation is). Legolas's reaction--and Gimli's--was perfect. Loved Gimli digging the grave and his reaction to witnessing the funeral rites. But now I can hardly wait to see what happens. These people are about to serious regret their actions and I can hardly wait to see it. There will be hell to pay.
Manderly · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 9: Sorrow Songs
Well, at least Eowyn and her children are now safe, but there are others who need rescue still. Hopefully they will be found safe as well. I would not want to be the people of Nurn right now, not with the cavalry riding against them with vengeance in mind, but their foolish lord did bring this on them himself. It's going to be interesting to see how Aragorn will react when he learns of the kidnapping of Arwen and Ninniach. He is not going to be pleased!
daw the minstrel · 27 October 2005 · Chapter 9: Sorrow Songs
My sympathies are with Neldorin. Leaving a child in that situation would be almost impossible. I think I might have to go by myself and fling myself at the bad people who held him. How awful it must be to think that evil has been defeated and then find it again, but I guess that's the way of the world. The people of Nurn are about to learn some sad things, and that's too bad because they had so little to begin with.
RS · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
I knew it!!! I knew Arwen was a part of their plan! Reading this chapter made me cringe!! Very well-described. I love Aragorn's reaction to the message. I love the way the story is going, but I felt that the conversation between Arwen and Doronrin was a little non-chalant (is that how you spell it?). Eowyn and her kids were kidnapped by men who fit the description of the people who Aragorn is meeting with, not to mention that Faramir is worried to death...and Arwen and Doronrin are having a casual conversation like nothing has happened. Other than that, I enjoyed it.
elliska · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
Go Aragorn! I loved him in this. And I hope he walks away from the negotiations and goes to help find the ladies--because now he is directly affected. Eowyn is in trouble. I hope Legolas and the elves find her before anyone else does, because she could be in even more trouble. Pour a large glass of strong wine. Dab a little on the baby’s gums. Then drink the rest in one large swallow. *snort* But the humour is only a distraction from the horror that is to come. The ladies put up an excellent fight, that is for certain. And their attacker's means to discover who was who was as disturbing as it was certain to work. (I suppose it could have been worse, he could have threatened the baby and tried to judge which ellyth reacted worst, but his way was much more clever and certain.) But the ending--holy cow! Yeap, I hope Aragorn comes quickly.
Raksha The Demon · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
I've been following this story with great interest. In general, it is well-written, with excellent pacing. I was surprised in Ch. 8, by the apparent laxity of Faramir, as Steward and former Captain of Rangers, in leaving the Citadel and Arwen so poorly guarded. Faramir knew of the assault on Ithilien, but not who was behind it or why it was perpetrated; he is in charge of the City and also, as Steward, the safety of the Queen and princess in the King's absence. Yet Arwen is left with one unfortunate guard, and whatever other guards were stationed there so easily distracted by fires in other parts of the Citadel? I don't understand why Arwen's quarters were left so vulnerable that the raiders could just waltz in and grab her, not to mention the baby and Doronrin. I wasn't sure whether Ninniach was taken along with her mother, or if they left her there. Faramir is going to have a lot of explaining to do when Aragorn returns. And Eowyn's situation, and her children's, is not good. Not to mention poor Doronrin - somebody please stop that sword-thrust! Update soon!
Linda Hoyland · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
This is a very exciting and at times horrifying chapter.At least Aragorn is on his way home but too late,als. Poor Eowyn and the children,it looks very black for them as well as for Arwen,her child and her friend.I eagerly await more.
Manderly · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
Oh dear, things are definitely getting worse here! How is it possible that Thano and company were able to penetrate to the very rooms of Arwen and child? Can there be that many spies planted? And where is Faramir? Aragorn might now be aware of all that's happened, but being where he is right now is certainly not helping Arwen and Ninniach. And Doronrin! It's not her end, is it? And then there is poor Eowyn and her children, stranded out in the middle of nowhere and down to the last drop of water. Very nasty things are happening to the women and children here. Where are all the heroic and able males?
daw the minstrel · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
Hey, Pony. I'm out of town and just came back to my room to check my email and found this. I'm shocked. I was so sure Thano would be stopped in Minas Tirith. I enjoyed Aragorn's reaction to the news. Too bad he can't do anything worse. I'm hoping Legolas's people find Eowyn and the kids.
perelleth · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 8: For Love Is Strong As Death
Wow FP, now you already have everyone on the move! This is getting plainly outrageous and now I'm wondering where Eomer, LEgolas and Gimli are and what are they doing, for such amount of disgraces befalling Gondor ar one time will surely need more than two outraged husbands to take care of! BIting nail,s now, for a week! :-)
lindahoyland · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 7: I'll Fly Away
I do hope that Arwen will not be captured too.Eowyn is very resourceful,poor Faramir and Eomer must be very worried.Eagerly awaiting more.
elliska · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 7: I'll Fly Away
I swear I reviewed this yesterday when I read it. I must be losing my mind! Ooo! Eomer is here--I can't get movie Eomer out of my head and he is one dude that I do not want to get angry--scary! Why I saw him come on the scene, I thought, 'here is where people start regretting their actions.' Thano is mislead, but he has messed with the wrong set of people and I think he is going to learn that in a very unforgetable way. And speaking of Thano--time to pay the piper, huh? It is only getting worse for him. He should have listened to his first reaction and been afraid of trying to capture Arwen. That is a bad development. I'll say this much for these people--between them, they are certainly going to enfuriate every powerful person in M-e. Stealing an elf was a big mistake. Huge. This insult is to the Elves, and we will go without leave of Men." Huge! And Eowyn escaped just in time, if Thano was going to give her to Nasir. I just hope she stays 'escaped.' Update soon. This is tense.
Manderly · 13 October 2005 · Chapter 7: I'll Fly Away
Eowyn is not one to sit still and helpless, but getting home with two small children is no easy task. Hopefully Faramir and Eomer will show up in time to help her out. So Arwen is to be the next victim? Thano is a pretty pathetic and clueless puppet here if he thinks he can just march in and grab Arwen. He's bringing the wrath of Gondor and Rohan down on himself, not to mention the elves. Might as well throw in the dwarves too for good measure. Don't think Thano is going to meet with a happy end.
perelleth · 13 October 2005 · Chapter 7: I'll Fly Away
Despite all this, I cannot help feeling some kind of sympathy towards Thano... he really tries his best! pity he's been so misled, for had he been well oriented, I'm sure he would have behaved remarkably well! Yet what I loved most of this chapter -in which catastrophes seem to be queuing- was Legolas´ cold decision This insult is to the Elves, and we will go without leave of Men." Go Legolas! And Eowyn stirring up the women was priceless! I do not forget that you promised gore, so I'm still holding my breath, for this is getting more and more unnverving each passing week, though!
daw the minstrel · 13 October 2005 · Chapter 7: I'll Fly Away
I love Eowyn. She is so impressive. And I suspect Arwen would not be an easy prisoner either! Thano has fallen fast, I'm afraid. I guess if you make a deal with the devil, he's likely to collect.
elliska · 7 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Carry The Word
Poor Faramir. How he must feel knowing that he is stuck in the city. I bet this is the first time he really, secretly hates being steward. He handles it well though. And so did Borlas--I really enjoyed him in this. Here's a shocker for you--I also liked Legolas in this. I hope he and some of the elves do take part in helping with this but I can definitely see him making the offer and reacting as he did. The scene with Aragorn and Ghayur made my skin crawl--Aragorn handled that a lot more diplomatically than I would. A betrothal?! Don't make me sick! That's what I would have said. And Thano is really on the wrong path, poor fellow, but unfortunately, having been a slave, he seems to know how to handle slaves--no food, hold their children's safety over their heads. Smart. Stupid, but smart. He is really going to regret this, if he lives to do so. This is getting tense!
Manderly · 6 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Carry The Word
The pace is really picking up in this story, from all fronts. I'm amazed at Faramir's calm in this storm. I would be going ballistic if my family was taken captive by unknown enemies, but then I guess being the Prince of Ithilien requires that he be made of stronger stuff than the average mortal. All the same, I hope he comes up with a plan soon to rescue those taken. I wonder how Aragorn will react when he learns of the news. Good for Eowyn! Thano will find out soon enough that she's not going to be one submissive slave. Thano doesn't realize the consequences of his actions yet. It's not going to be pretty when he has the wrath of Gondor and Rohan swooping down on him, but then his stupidity deserves no less.
lindahoyland · 6 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Carry The Word
Poor Eowyn and Faramir.I hope they give Eowyn and the children water soon or they will die. I feel very uneasy about Aragorn too,especially as the Harad want a bethrothal to his daughter,which would gain influence for them. This story is totally gripping and has me on the edge of my seat. I love the way you portray Arwen.
perelleth · 6 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Carry The Word
Wow! I'm impressed by Faramir's courage and strength! His wife and children kidnapped and still he's able to reactand even share smiles! You're doing a good job making up this uncertain atmosphere around them! These Haradrim are unsettling, Thano seems beyond reach of common sense and now I'm looking forward to Eomer's wrath ! :-)
daw the minstrel · 6 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Carry The Word
Lots of complicated intrigue here. Faramir kept his head well, but I suppose he's had lots of practice in difficult situations. I can't fathom what Thano is thinking. Doesn't he understand who Eowyn is? This is like killing a cop or something. The forces of Gondor and Rohan will descend on him and smash him like a bug. I can't help feeling sorry for his people.