Reviews (165)

Imbecamiel · 23 October 2006 · Chapter 45: Appendix: The Meaning Behind the Names

Hehe, okay, so I'm a rather strange person. I'm pretty sure people don't normally write seperate reviews just for chapters of name translations. But then, most people don't write chapters of name translations that get me not only interested, but entertained and several times laughing out loud. *g* You two just come up with the greatest, most creative names! LOL, and here I have to struggle terribly just to come up with one that sounds reasonably good, nevermind actually *means* something... Thanks for posting all these translations - it really is very interesting to see the thought put into these things! - Cami P.S. Early on, I asked if you were going to do a spoof of this story, like you did for "Darkest Night". You said then that you were thinking about it, but didn't really have a place to post it... any updates on that?

Imbecamiel · 23 October 2006 · Chapter 44: Entulesse: The Return

Gack, I am so sorry it took me so long to review - my grandma’s been visiting for several weeks, then I caught the most awful cold I’ve had in years, and then I got an issue of the magazine I’m editing just shortly after you posted, along with a shorter deadline than usual, so I’ve been rather short on both time and brain-power ;-P BUT, at least this time I don’t have to worry about not getting a review in before the next chapter! What an absolutely wonderful ending! LOL, oh, I was just sitting here with the stupidest grin on my face, all the way through reading it… Talk about warm fuzzies! *g* Eee, and Raniean and Trelan make an appearance! So lovely to see them again :-) And they were just so perfect… //"You want to know where Legolas is and why he hasn't returned yet?" Faramir's eyebrow was cocked in a mischievous manner. "You are very insightful." "Not really. You had that Look in your eyes.”// Oh, one just has to pity anyone who takes upon themselves the burden of Aragorn or Legolas’ safety… Hehe, and that is certainly a novel approach to the matter - “Yes, I said things would become more predictable, and they have, haven’t they? We’re so much better at predicting the trouble they’ll get into, with all the practice we’ve had! And look - they’ve gotten into trouble again! Perfectly predictable!” And Trelan’s oblivious rant right up until the point he’s tactfully dragged out of the room - totally - cracked - me - up! ROTFL! And what a way to break the news to poor Faramir. I think it’s a very good thing Eowyn didn’t tell him earlier, and give him yet another thing to worry himself totally sick over, but still… Quite the abrupt surprise! But such a happy one… *gets goofy grin* Oh, those two are just wonderful together! //"The assassination attempt was quite uneventful; only a scratch on the arm,"// Ha! Y’know, there actually aren’t all that many people who’s adjective of choice for an assassination attempt would be “uneventful”. And Eowyn’s response: //"I'm glad they managed to sew it back on, then."// Ah yes, she certainly knows aaaallll about these guys’ tendency to downplay their own injuries. *g* Awwww! Poor, scared Bartho! He’s terrified of even trying for happiness. And isn’t he just lucky that Erynbenn is such an, "Prying, insolent, contrary young jackanape." It’s just what he needs ;-) //"I love her. More than life itself."// Yes, yes, YES! He’s finally said it! Now to get him to say it to *her*… Oh YES! About time! *squeals* Hehe, oh, I just can’t put it into words. The part with Arien and Barth… Just absolutely *perfect*. Leaves me feeling so happy and content… I’m so glad they both got such a lovely, perfect ending. *bounces with happiness* //"To put up with him in sacred wedlock until the end of time."// *giggles madly* There’s one way of putting it… Oh, I just loved all the playful, comfortable banter between Aragorn, Legolas, and Arwen. They’re all just so *sure* of their places in each others’ lives, and so contented with said places… Everything from the total lack of self-consciousness in Aragorn and Arwen saying sweet romantic things in front of Legolas, to Legolas’ momentary horror and protests at the thought of Arwen playing matchmaker for him, to Aragorn and Legolas‘ brief haggling over who-owes-whom-what… The fact that I’ve read it twice so far does nothing at all to change the stupid grin on my face :-) LOL, and I just love the casual, happy sarcasm running through Aragorn and Legolas’ conversation. To sum it up: I couldn’t have wished for a more *absolutely perfect*, heartwarming, stick-a-permanent-smile-on-your-face ending. *g* Such a wonderful, wonderful, conclusion to an incredible story. And you know, right now I’d be getting *seriously* depressed at the thought of it coming to an end, if it weren’t for the fact that I knew you two weren’t giving up on writing altogether. You have SO much talent, and I’m so looking forward to the original works you come up with in the future! LOVE it, mellyn-nin! - Cami

Beriathwen · 23 October 2006 · Chapter 44: Entulesse: The Return

Wow girls! I think this is my favorite chapter of all. I nearly cried 'cause it was the end, but what an ending! I've enjoyed this story so much. Bartho's proposal to Arien was everything I'd hoped it would be and more. So cute! I still love Bartho, I don't suppose Arien would let me have him though :) Other than Findel and Nethtalt I think they are my favorite OCs. And Eowyn telling Faramir about their child. That was a long wait. Hmm... will it be a girl or boy? I tried to write a fanfic once where they had twins named Theodred and Boromir, but I didn't get very far with it. Anyway, loved that! And of course I got a big kick out of Arwen teasing Legolas about not having a wife! Its hilarious how he wasn't even listening to their conversation until she mentioned that! I loved this ending and the whole story. You have given me many hours of enjoyment and laughter. Hannon le, mellyn! Namarie! Beriathwen

insignia · 19 October 2006 · Chapter 45: Appendix: The Meaning Behind the Names

Many,many thanks for such a terrific story (again!). I love your action sequences, which are so deftly and visually drawn (Aragorn on the Mumak, for example) and how you make subtle reference to the movies, without hitting readers with a brick. And also your humour, which underpins much of your writing, IMHO. For instance the theme with Duurben and the form of address for Aragorn. I am sad to hear that this is your last (but maybe your best to date) - so would like to know where you are going to display your literary talents in the future? Wherever it is, I wish you all the best and am grateful for many happy hours of enjoyable reading and speculation.

Calenlass Greenleaf · 5 October 2006 · Chapter 44: Entulesse: The Return

I good ending. I enjoyed the story while it lasted! Thanks.

Imbecamiel · 20 September 2006 · Chapter 43: By Hidden Hands Undone

*pats Mavranor’s shoulder* Ah yes… You see now why it’s really considered healthier over all to be a good guy than a villain. Oh sure, the good guys keep getting beaten up and hurt, and half the psychos in the world seem to have a personal vendetta against them, and the villains do seem to have so much fun a lot of the time… But y’see, that fun tends to be rather spoiled by the nasty habit these heroes have of somehow managing not only to survive, but to win in the end. It’s absolutely amazing how quickly, “Mwahaha, victory is within my grasp! I shall RULE THE WORLD!” can turn into “Huh? How did THAT happen?! What are THEY doing still alive?! NO! That's impossible!”, isn’t it? Ah yes, and about the Shadow being dead… That would be another inconvenient aspect of villainhood - the tendency to get killed before your plans can be fulfilled. But then seeing as you’re likely to find out aaaalll about that particular aspect soon… *zips lips* //Was it possible? Could she, Mavranor, the greatest and most terrifying power on Middle Earth, fail in every respect? Could she be standing here, watching the tide come to envelope her as her plots crumbled?// Ehm… *ponders* Yeah, that seems to sum the situation up pretty well, actually. *smiles smugly* *blinks* Whoa… Now that was unexpected. LOL, maybe I should have guessed that Halda was a spy - I did suspect he was the one who got them those battle plans - but I thought he was just a disenchanted Southron trying to work up the courage to actually *do* something about Mavranor! Wow… That is SO cool! Hehe, ok, so maybe that’s not the most sophisticated way of saying it… but that was definitely one plot twist that both totally surprised, and totally delighted me. Gah, I was so scared he was going to die, though! That is one disadvantage to liking OCs - no matter how great they may be, they’re never quite so ultimately invulnerable as cannon characters ;-) But YES, Mavranor is finally dead! Now there’s one character I’m not the least bit sorry to see bite the dust. *g* Ha, and so lovely too, that she should die by the very dagger she’s been saving all these years to kill Thorongil with… Lovely, isn’t it, how these villains will succumb to their own evil intentions? Ha! Yeah, I imagine it would be somewhat… wierd for a guard to have a strange guy suddenly show up, announce he’s some long-dead *queen* and insist on being allowed to see the king… *g* Mmm, I just love the conversation between him and Eomer, though. Poor Halda, so tired, and having been away from home so long, but the only reward he hopes for is being allowed to see his family before being sent off again. I’m with Merry - very glad that Eomer proved yet again what a good king he is, by knowing when to allow someone who has served him well to simply rest, instead of imagining how useful he could be other places, with all the experience he’s got, and the obvious talent he’s shown. Some people might have thought a promotion might be the best way to reward him, but I think Eomer got it exactly right. LOL, and very randomly - yay, I’m glad Valihondo got to put in another appearance! Oh, and Halda's *Thorongil*! He, that’s wonderful! And how delightfully ironic, as well, that in the end it was Thorongil after all who killed Mavranor. Mmm, I’m so very, very happy that he got such a happy ending! And here I was afraid he was going to end up being one of those advisors who turn on the evil leader in desperation, and wind up getting themselves killed in the process of committing the one truly redeeming and worthwhile act of their lives… I like this ending better :-) Wonderful, wonderful chapter! And wow, I have really got to run - people are going to be arriving for Bible study in less than ten minutes… ‘Til next time! - Cami

Beriathwen · 19 September 2006 · Chapter 43: By Hidden Hands Undone

So THAT's who 'Halda' is!!! Oh that is sooo cool! I loved that! It was so sweet! I knew Halda was too cool to be a nasty Southron advisor (not that there are no nice Southrons, but let's face it, we haven't met too many) and then he turns out to be Nethtalt and Findel's son! Poor guy, he's been through enough, hasn't he? And then he get's stabbed by Mavranor on top of all that! I would have been scared if you hadn't mentioned that you don't like killing people off. As it was, I was not a bit frightened for his well being. Not a bit...well ok, maybe a little bit... I loved how he told her before she died that he was a man of Rohan. That was very poetic justice I would say. My mom is really enjoying this story. She's gotten to like it so much that she doesn't always wait for me to read it to her as we were originally doing. I had to laugh the other day when I came home from work and Mom said that she had read like three more chapters from where we had left off the night before. And Mom wanted me to pass on to you that she is really impressed with your writing skills. I'm having fun rereading it too! Thanks for the sweet chapter! And yay for Thorongil!

Imbecamiel · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 42: A Victory Worth Celebrating

Well, I’m back from vacation! LOL, and there is one lovely advantage to your late postings this time - even with the trip, I only missed one chapter! So now, having had a relaxing vacation, finally met Polly, added three new swords and two daggers to our collection, and with two lovely chapters from you, I’m in quite the good mood. *sighs happily* ROTFL! Oh, if you want to make me laugh, you certainly know how to succeed… This first conversation is absolutely hilarious! I can’t even quote from it, because I just loved the whole thing. Bartho is so outraged and worried by Legolas’ recklessness, and Anto doesn’t have a clue what’s got him so upset, he’s just going along matter-of-factly, thinking “Well of *course* he did that, he’s an *elf*…” *snickers* And Legolas certainly does have the knack for making a timely appearance, doesn’t he? And Faramir! //"I'm sorry, am I interrupting?"// He! *chokes* And then *Aragorn* makes his own dramatic entrance! *laughs hysterically* Oh this is just too good… Poor Anto, surrounded by legends. *g* Poor, poor, poor Faramir! *huggles* When he was under his father’s command, he pushed himself far beyond reasonable limits in an attempt to please him and win his love and respect. Now he’s under Aragorn, who actually *does* care for and respect him, and he still pushes himself beyond all reasonable limits, in some kind of attempt to live up to that respect and *deserve* his love, and because he‘s just used to his father expecting it of him, and because he's finally found someone to follow who's really *worth* giving 200% for... *shakes head* It’s a good thing Aragorn, at least, cares more about his survival than about demanding as much as possible from him :-P It’s about time someone finally appreciated poor Faramir! //"I don't like sounding too hopeful,"// Ha! Yes, dear Bartho, I’m afraid that’s always been something of a fault of yours - a regular Pollyanna you are… You really ought to tone down the eternal optimism just a bit. *g* Awww! That is just *so* sweet, though, that now his first thought on hearing he’s to engage in a mock retreat is, “But what if Arien finds out?” Now that *must* be a first for him. LOL! Oh, I just love how Aragorn “tricks” him into giving himself away. Lucky for poor Bartho he’s got good friends, who won’t take advantage of him… too much. *g* //"But then your reign thus far has been marked by singular unconventionality and I see no reason for you to stop now."// Hehe, true words indeed… Intentionally or not, Aragorn really must be in the process of driving any number of people to distraction at *least* half the time. Oh, and I love the way, for the final battle, you switched to a more distant storytelling voice, and described it in highlights of the main characters’ involvement, rather than a blow-by-blow account. The little snippets of each character gave *such* a good picture of what happened to them, and in each case rang entirely true to character. Excellent, excellent way of condensing the battle sequence! I’ve read it twice now, and I’m still amazed by all you fit into that short section. Love it! And now I have once again wound up still writing a review at midnight… So I guess I’ll just end this with: TBC… in my review for the next chapter, which I hope to finish soon :-) Imbecamiel

Calenlass Greenleaf · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 43: By Hidden Hands Undone

There's more??? I'm still here, and reviewing. LOL.

Beriathwen · 16 September 2006 · Chapter 42: A Victory Worth Celebrating

I am so sorry I didn't review on the last chapter! Our main computer has officially died and needs to have the motherboard replaced and I detest this computer! (even though it does allow me to watch your wonderful trailers on MC)But I didn't want to miss another review. Both of the chapters were wonderful! Well, honestly, I have yet to read a chapter that I didn't like on this story. I especially love this last one with all the hilarious comments about injuries, (or lack of them, in Legolas' case) fantastic entrances, "half-wit immortals," and Legolas teasing Aragorn about his apparent aversion to soap and water! I wonder if all the rangers have that problem when they're around smart alecky Elves! And I love how you told about the Battle of the Border as though it were history, but touching on each characters's individual heroism. I was a little afraid that someone was going to get killed and I breathed a sigh of relief when they all made it out ok! I've loved this whole story so much that I couldn't keep it to myself and convinced my mom to let me read it to her. She has loved it so far and I have caught my little sisters and even my dad listening in as well! Hannon le for the geat chapters!

Raksha The Demon · 14 September 2006 · Chapter 42: A Victory Worth Celebrating

Wonderful chapter! Aragorn makes a grand entrance on the four-legged thrill ride a.k.a. Mumak. And Faramir is finally convinced to go and convalesce with Beregond - only to see enemy forces threatening Aragorn's flank, and, being Faramir, rallying the walking wounded to ambush the would-be ambushers. And of course Beregond saves Faramir's life again. They ought to have their own sitcom, really. I'm surprised they both were able to walk, much less behave heroically. Will someone tie them both down and stuff them with sleeping draughts for a couple of days? And what is Aragorn going to do with his new four-legged friend?

RS · 12 September 2006 · Chapter 42: A Victory Worth Celebrating

Most memorable scene:.."All I mean to say is that large beasts are better left alone." Enter-- A mumak with Aragorn perched atop of its head! Great entrance! Hilarious! I've a feeling Queen Mavroner is not quite done with the Gondorions and their King! I haven't forgotten about this story. I'm just sorry I have not time to review.

Calenlass Greenleaf · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 42: A Victory Worth Celebrating

The part when Aragorn comes into the camp riding a mumakil right after Bartho's comment is truely too funny. LOL *g* Do I sense the story coming to an end?

Imbecamiel · 31 August 2006 · Chapter 41: Into the Mêlée

Ah, and we have déjà vu yet again, with Aragorn leading his men against Southrons, while dodging oliphaunts. Hmm, and the poor guy probably figured that particular pleasure might be denied him after the War of the Rings ;-P //"Forget more men, I should have brought an elf."// Ha! *pokes Legolas* See, it’s not only the men who’ve never spent any time around real elves who think of them as a cure-all ;-) //”Out of curiosity, what will you do if I lose my head?" "Replace it with a turnip — no one will notice."// ROTFL! Oh, you’ve just got to love the way these guys respond to impending death. I suppose with all they’ve been through over the years, either making like Bartho and expecting the worst possible outcome - and thus being pleasantly surprised much of the time, and prepared the rest - or responding with humor are the only alternatives to total insanity. Hmm, of course, the way they choose to exhibit their humor at times may make them *appear* insane… But at least they’re happily so. *g* Wow! And will you look at that - Aragorn’s managed to get Duurben to actually call him Aragorn *twice*! Hehe, maybe he should have rushed into lethal situations completely unheeding of warnings more often… *pauses at thought of past “adventures”* Um… Actually, it’s probably a cumulative effect. Poor Duurben. LOL, ah, now Aragorn’s taking a page out of Legolas’ book! Those two have learned quite a number of “little” tricks from each other that are coming in handy this time around. Wow, though, getting control of a *live* oliphaunt - that is impressive. Hmm, but why doesn’t it surprise me that in the process he’s just managed to make himself a target for every Haradrim in the area? And Faramir to the rescue! Though… *winces* Methinks you may have spent a bit too much time in your King’s company, my dear Steward. He certainly did manage to get himself into a spot… *Very* lucky for him indeed yet again that Beregond is so willing to disregard orders when it comes to his lord’s health. //"I bow to your superior knowledge of the subject, my lord."// *snickers* My, he certainly has mastered the art of respectful impudence, hasn’t he? //"I should report you for insubordination." "Will you?" "Have I ever?"// And so goes the life of a truly good and humble leader - one who knows how to gain respect and obedience, but at the same time knows how to appreciate the value of the occasional total disregard for rank and orders :-) Your description of Legolas’ fight with the taerg - now that was just awesome. You do Cool!Legolas *so* well! And it was just perfect the way you balanced the joy of the hunt, the pleasure he can get from matching himself against a challenging opponent, with the fact that he *doesn’t* truly enjoy killing just for the sake of killing, and is saddened by the death of a creature, however corrupted, and however sure he is that it needs to be killed, because he knows it didn’t always have to be that way. //We shall laugh about this a good deal in Minas Tirith — out of the queen's hearing, of course…// He! Ah yes, it would appear that Aragorn has been learning a great truth of life - a father’s lectures on finding out about all the rash things he’s been doing have absolutely *nothing* on a wife’s. *g* He may survive all these battles, and even live to tell the tale of capturing and riding an Oliphant, but can he survive Arwen’s wrath? We shall see… Hehe, though of course, he does have to his advantage the fact that she’s likely to simply be so happy he survived at all that she may well forget about the lecture. For a while, at any rate… And I must be off to pack - for our family fall vacatin, Nef and I are going halfway across the country to meet Polly in RL for the first time! Kind of funny, having been friends for about six years, and being co-presidents/admins/founding members of the SNWCG, and yet never having actually met. Ah the joys of the internet… At any rate, I may miss a chapter again, but I hope not to miss two this time around :-) Wonderful, wonderful chapter, and VERY much looking forward to more! - Imbecamiel P.S. Ah yes, the post-movie discussion groups… Since Nef and I share a room, we’re in a perfect position to do it constantly :-) One thing we’ve speculated about is whether Barbossa’s return could be conditional somehow - something along the lines of his having betrayed Jack, and now in order to have another chance at life he’s got to make it up to him. Because I’m really having a hard time figuring out why he’d want to help Jack at *all* at this point. LOL, unless dying’s changed him a whole lot… And I definitely agree about poor Will and this absurd “love triangle” they’re playing around with. Methinks he and Elizabeth are going to have to have a discussion regarding her “farewell kiss” to Jack sometime in the near future… Poor guy, life does throw him for some nasty loops, doesn’t it? Ha! I’m certainly not holding my breath about Jack reforming either. Truth be told, I really wouldn’t want him to. Though if he chose to *combine* a newly-discovered heroic streak with his wonderful rascally, dishonest, totally confusing self… Now that could be fun :-) P.P.S. Yes, we were very close to my Grandpa. After my Grandma died, when I was pretty young, he’d come and stay with us for months at a time, and we always went to visit him in Arizona at least once or twice a year. He was the last grandparent we had left (aside from a step-Grandma), and he was the one we were always closest to. His being gone has definitely left a big hole I our lives… I’m just so thankful that we know he was a Christian, so not only can I be sure he’s in a better place, but I know I’ll see him again. It’s really hard, but I’m thankful that we can “grieve, but not as those without hope”.

Raksha The Demon · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 41: Into the Mêlée

Great Faramir action; he is one tough Dunedain! The description of his fight with the archer was great. And he and Beregond make a great team, they take a licking and keep on ticking. The dialogue between them was wonderful. And Aragorn had an inspired notion! Now he's on the M-e equivalent of a roller-coaster; that is, a four-legged monster roller-coast, complete with arrows whizzing by.

Calenlass Greenleaf · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 41: Into the Mêlée

Exciting chapter--very. The descriptions are wonderful. Awaiting the next chapter.

Imbecamiel · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 40: All Plans Go Awry

Heh, and now I’ve managed to miss two chapters, haven‘t I… I thought for sure I’d be able to review, but then my Grandpa died, and we had to take an emergency trip down to Arizona for the funeral, and by the time everything was over I was so tired I’ve spent the couple of weeks trying to dredge up the energy to get my internet life back to normal. But, even if I haven’t had the energy to review, I have been reading and enjoying much, and now I’m finally back to say so. Oh, I’m just loving the interactions between Legolas and Anto. Absolutely hilarious! One particular favorite part - //Anto's eyes widened, but he nodded without any hesitation at all. Could it be the young lieutenant thought that elves typically did the fighting of thirty men? Had he the time he could have told Anto no, such behavior was too suicidal for the average immortal — but prolonged friendship with a certain human could drive any elf over the brink. So much for insanity.// LOL! Well, it must be rather convenient for Legolas, to for once not have anyone arguing with him about insane, foolhardy, stupid attempts to prove that “immortal” and “invincible” are indeed synonymous… Not exactly good for his health, but convenient none-the-less :-P Hehe, and I must say, Legolas, if you *are* planning on making some attempt at convincing Anto that elves are not quite the virtual-gods of mythology the stories he’s been hearing have made him believe… Um, taking *off* all your armor *before* heading out *alone* into the Southron camp and telling him you’re going to get them all to leave and that he can then carry on as planned *may* not have been the best possible way of going about it. But then, far me it from me to attempt to tell the great elven prince how to go about ridding all these of their *obviously* false impressions... *attempts to hide smirk* Ha, and I love Legolas attempting to look and sound like a human. Harder than it looks, hmm? *g* Ah, and yet another favorite line (wish I could quote them all, but that’d be rather pointless, since I’d just have to cut-and-paste the entire chapter…): //How was he to hold the attention of an entire camp of Southrons? He'd been called many things in his life — silent, cool, dangerous, invisible, even prissy— but never distracting. That was what Gimli was for! And, of course, Aragorn.// LOL! Love it. I believe I’ve mentioned before how much I absolutely love your action scenes? Definitely continuing to hold true. They’re never boring, and always *so* easy to visualize. Gah, poor Duurben! Honestly, though, we’ve seriously got to work on this guy’s self-image. He’s nearly killed, and all he can think about is being a hindrance and telling Aragorn he‘ll join the fighting as soon as he can… *shakes head* //But Duurben had a bad track record of staying reliably unconscious where he was put.// *snickers* Yeah, yeah, and look who’s talking… And I love the way both Aragorn and Legolas constantly fluctuate between thinking that they could really use the other here, and thinking they’ve probably got waaay more than enough on their own plate as it is, and thinking they could REALLY use the other here RIGHT NOW. LOL, and their mutual conclusion - this is indeed ridiculous. Awww… Sweet reminder of Bartho and Arien’s “side-story”, even in the middle of the battle. Um, yeah, Bartho. Whatever you may think, I’m one-hundred-percent certain that she *would* much rather have her scarf completely destroyed than have you sitting there breathing in dust ;-) Ha! LOL, well, an elven prince may not be terribly distracting, but an enraged, terrified taerg spreading fire and destruction in its wake? Yeah, I suppose that qualifies as somewhat distracting. Go Legolas! Very cool. *g* I fear, however, that any attempts to convince Anto that you’re not *quite* so incredible as he thinks are now forever doomed to be futile. Actually, you’ve probably only made certain that they’ll be passed on to the next generation, as I’m quite sure this is one little adventure Anto will be passing along to his children… *giggles* And yet somehow I can’t *quite* feel it in me to feel sorry for Legolas. Poor elf, doomed to hero-worship for the rest of his immortal life… Wonderful, wonderful chapter, mellyn-nin! Thanks for all the much-needed laughs and excellent reading :-) - Cami P.S. Oh YES! I’m so happy to hear you liked the new POTC, too! Quite a few of the people I’ve talked to were disappointed in it, and I just don’t understand that. We’ve seen it twice now, and I think it’s just fantastic! The whole feel of it was quite different from the first one… but *definitely* not different bad :-) The character development was *so* fascinating! The whole storyline with Will’s father had definite promise. Norrington, though, now he surprised me! I’d been curious as to what he’d be like in this movie, but that was nothing like what I’d been expecting! And *Barbosa*?! What’s up with THAT?! Hehe, and so many lines you’ve just gotta love… “Captain Jack’s acting strange…er.“ And when Elizabeth shows up: “Hide the rum.“ Jack, in reference to Norrington’s shocked exclamation that he actually *was* telling the truth: “I do that quite a lot, yet people are always surprised.” *giggles* And Jack and Gibbs’ whole conversation at the beginning, which *Jack* concludes with “Now you’re just not making any sense at all.“ And of course, Jack’s “final words”(*snorts* riiiight…) “’Ello beastie.“ LOL, suffice it to say, I’m most definitely looking forward to next memorial day…

Beriathwen · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 40: All Plans Go Awry

You know, if Legolas had had to distract a whole camp full of Southron WOMEN he wouldn't have had a problem. As it is, I'd say he did rather well! Lol! Good thing he's fast! That was great! Yikes! I was so scared for Duurben there for a minute. Poor Aragorn, he has the curse of winning everyone's undying loyalty, otherwise he probably wouldn't face the problem of half injured, old guardsmen insisting on following him into perilous situations all the time! I just hope Duurben stays put this time! (yeah right) *Maybe if I whack him with my skillet...* Wow, only a few more chapters to go and I'm beginning to worry about everyone making it through unscathed. And why do I get the feeling that Halda might be the one who offs Mavranor? I don't know, just a guess. :0) Can't wait for the next chapter. Fortunately, I'm going on a trip, so I'll be kept busy! Namarie!

Beriathwen · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 39: Into the Maze

Ai! How did it get to be Friday night?! This week went by rather fast! Great chapter! There hasn't been a cliffie in a while, I can't make up my mind which of my heroes to worry about the most! I was cracking up (as usual) when Legolas was talking to Anto and the men about his ears! And the thought of Legolas breaking into one of Strider's tavern songs is hilarious, I almost wish he had done it! But I guess that would have blown their cover. Although, who knows? The sight of a graceful elf prince singing a rough tavern song might've caused the Haradrim to turn tail and run! I loved Faramir reminiscing about Boromir as he was crawling through the brush. And Bartho thinking about Arien. And would someone please put Erynbenn and Beregond both in straight jackets or something before they hurt themselves WORSE! (and probably Duurben too!) Obviously drugging them isn't working well enough, we'll have to think of something else! (Beria runs off to find a heavy cast- iron skillet to beat said characters over their stubborn heads with!) *forgive me, it is late at night!* Looking forward to more! Thank you! Beriathwen

Raksha The Demon · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 39: Into the Maze

And you're going to leave us here??? Taut, suspenseful chapter. If our heroes all survive this, Eowyn needs to lock Faramir in a bedchamber so that he'll rest, and someone has to do the same to Beregond.

Beriathwen · 29 July 2006 · Chapter 38: Grasping For A Hold

I'm so sorry I didn't review on the last chapter. It snuck up on me! And life has been a bit crazy. It was wonderful though, I loved Elladan and Elrohir playing with thier nieces and nephew. That was so cute! I think that's what I love most about fan fiction, the fact that you can take two dimensional characters like El and El that Tolkien created and give them more of a personality and a childish side. And may I say that you do that very well? Oh my goodness! When I got to the end of the conversation between Duurbenn and Aragorn where Aragorn goes "Finally! It only took you what, sixty-two years?" I burst out laughing! Unfortunately, my mother was on the phone and she told me to shut up which was very difficult! Lol! I loved that part! It was hilarious having Aragorn lecture Duurben like that! Way to go Legolas! I have always thought there should be a story where Legolas leads his own troops. he is a prince after all and he's had more than enough fighting experience! When I read that, I was thinking, Yes! Finally, Legolas is helping to LEAD a battle! Why hasn't anyone done that before? I can't wait for more, but my goodness! How much more is there? I thought things would come together pretty fast when Aragorn got back to Gondor, but there's still Mavranor to take care of. Thank's for the great chapters! P.S. My grandparents gave us their old windows computer and I have been able to see most of your trailers on MC. They're wonderful! I think my favorite ones are Black Breath and Vilya. I'm going to try to learn how to make my own trailers, but I'm having to figure everything out from scratch because I've never done that sort of thing before, but hopefully I'll figure it out. Do you think you'll be making any more? And how did you learn how to do that? Sheesh! That's the longest review I've ever done! :)

RS · 26 July 2006 · Chapter 38: Grasping For A Hold

I love the introduction of Durben in this chapter "The rider dismounted immediately, his feet fumbling..." "He leaned for a moment, clutching his knees to catch his breath"; and Faramir's thoughts "What in Middle Earth is an old man riding the legs off his horse into a military camp like that? And why had that jump look familiar?" CRACKED ME UP! THAT WAS HILARIOUS!! Wonderful dialogue with Aragorn and Duurben. Now, you do know that I really, really like Duurben. Please make this reader very happy-- please let him survive this. PS - I knew Tindu and her maps would come in handy! PSS - Sorry I haven't reviewed the previous chapter. Real life all of a sudden interrupted my reviewing but I did make time to read it.

Lady Saruman · 25 July 2006 · Chapter 38: Grasping For A Hold

Awwwwww Sarah/Hannah I am so sorry! My delay was absolutely ridiculous! But I hafta explain everything..... (June 15) It was graduation day...go through everything.....and finally it was over. I went home, hoping to go on the computer and go on SOA.com (where else?) But when I turned it on, it kept telling me to restart! The next day, we took it to the computer repair shop, where the worker there told us that our computer was old and so we needed to buy a new one. I was shocked. I knew my parents wouldn't buy a computer until late into the summer, and that meant that I couldn't do anything. At all. I'm so sorry! (I don't know if you exactly remember me or not...) However, we got a new computer! (That's like, several weeks later.) So now I'm reviewing your story. =) Finally, Arwen was saved! For a moment I actually forgot that the story wasn't complete, but I was so elated that I checked back at the story summary to see if it was marked 'complete'. But then I saw 'in progress'. I wondered if there was going to be a celebration or something. Then I remembered Mavranor and her plan to destroy Aragorn. Well, you see, after Vardnauth’s death I forgot that he wasn't the 'boss'. Then, Duurben’s discovery of the “alternate” map probably was the missing piece of the puzzle, giving Aragorn and the others new hope for the oncoming battle of Gondor vs. Mavranor. (Hahaha maybe you'll name the chapter of the battle with this title. Please? That'd make me very happy. =) ) Ahhhhhhhh....I loved the way Aragorn lectured Duurben on “duty”. That stubborn Gondorian. Then, pitching him into the Anduin and Aragorn knows that Duurben can't swim! Now that's funny! Hmm…I can almost imagine Duurben getting so furious with Denethor and snarling in his face who 'Thorongil' really is…..heheheh man I'm an evil girl. But an Ithilien Ranger! How far off! But at least Duurben got the 'Ranger' part. Oh yes. One more thing. I've been on ff.net lately, and I'm trying to start your stories before this one….so that I'll understand more....well, at least, once I finish my work then I can read the story...yep. I still haven't forgotten about the chocolate! Just turn on the faucet of any sink, and don't be surprised to see a brownish goo flowing out. That's the melted Hershey's, since the weather is so horribly hot. -Lady Saruman =)

Imbecamiel · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 37: In Which Duurben Is Observant

No! *sobs* I loved this chapter SO much, and so wanted to review! And then Nef's and my graduation party (which equals weeks of preparation, and then dozens of thank-yous to write), coinciding with a rush issue to edit for the magazine, combined with seven new stories to beta read... *headdesk* Oh, this chapter was so absolutely wonderful, though... El and El with thier nieces and nephew had me walking around the house with a stupid grin on my face for the longest time. Hehe, only they would be *so* willing to totally goof off, even right in front of the guests.*g* WONDERFUL chapter, and one I really, really wanted to comment on properly... I WILL try to actually review for the next chapter! Um, *try* being the operative word here... :-P - Cami

Imbecamiel · 17 July 2006 · Chapter 36: And In The End, Forgiven

Oh, yipe, yipe, yipe… For some reason I keep totally blanking on when you updated last, and then suddenly realizing that I haven’t reviewed yet. LOL, preparation a graduation party at the same time the kitchen (which just happens to also be our laundry room) is being remodeled certainly does keep life interesting… *rolls eyes* Oh yes! Hehe, I was afraid we might have to wait much longer for another scene between the twins and Eression. I’m SO happy to have things finally *really* sorted out between them! It’s interesting… By now, emotionally, Eression and the twins have actually switched places in many ways. Before, it was Eression who was trying to move on, wishing for a new relationship with them, and regretting his past actions terribly, and the twins for whom the events of the past were still too painfully fresh to move beyond, and whose emotions are paralyzing them. Now, it’s the twins who have gained perspective, who desperately want to forge a new relationship with him and mend the mistakes of the past, and Eression who has had the past painfully refreshed in his memory, and has despaired of ever being able to get beyond what happened so long ago. LOL, and how’s that for a couple of run-on, convoluted sentences… But the point is, I’m so very happy to have them finally friends! And Elrohir there at the end… //"You can call him ‘Elladan‘,"// *laughs* Yup, the twins are definitely back full-force. LOL! Oh yes, I’m sure the Gondorian army would just fall to pieces at the news that their king had gone and cooked his own supper. But - what?! Erynbenn accidentally blew up a pot?! *giggles madly* Now *there’s* quite the story. Let that be a lesson to you, boys and girls - when cooking in the vicinity of a wizard, first remove all unfamiliar objects from the vicinity. Then check all familiar ones very carefully before using. Strange, black, exploding powder, eh? Well, I suppose gunpowder would give spicy soup a certain… bang. *snorts* Just gotta love that male bonding around the campfire… And that whole conversation is just *hilarious*! Ergh. Yeah, how’s that for frustrating - Ooo, look, we’ve got lots of information on the enemy, and all kinds of co-ordinates for their planned troop movements! We could be invincible! With all this information, there’s no possible way we could lose, even if we only had half-way decent leadership! Now if only we had a map as well, so we could actually *use* some of this information! *sighs* There’s always a catch somewhere, isn’t there? Gah, yeah, that’s just like Aragorn, too, “blaming himself for deaths that hadn’t occurred yet”. Not only gotta feel bad for what *has* happened, he’s also got to feel bad over what *might have* happened, what *is* happening, and what *might* possibly happen in the future… Kinda like the Mirror of Galadriel, with built in guilt complex. *blinks* Oookay… Do me a favor and blame that one on overtiredness, will you? :-P “Her Highness the Demented." *attempts to look stern* Now Aragorn, great kings and warriors fight with honor and chivalry. Let’s not stoop to giving demeaning nicknames to our opponents, shall we? Really, hardly behavior befitting a gentleman… Quite accurate, though, for all that. *giggles* //"We didn't say she was stupid," Aragorn corrected him, "we only said she was unhinged." "I cannot begin to tell you how relieved I am." "The euphoria never lasts long,"// Hehe! *shakes head* These guys have waaaay too much experience in this department. //"Interesting? Meaning things have not been interesting up until now. What did you call the winter the wolves settled in Fornost, or the battle against the Nwelmai, or the troll raid on the Greenway, or the War of the Ring, for that matter?" "'Only to be expected.'" "That does it, I'm going to bed."// ROTFL! Too true. *nods* That Erynbenn, he’s a smart man. Catches on quickly. Of course, around Aragorn and Legolas, experience tends to be an exacting teacher - if you don’t catch on quickly, you’re dead. Well, to rather oddly echo Aragorn - I think that about does it for tonight, and I must be off to bed. Wonderful chapter - and definitely looking forward to more! - Cami P.S. So… I take it you all have seen POTC by now? Or… Maybe not, what with the unexpected early gift of little Ben (hehe, on which I must congratulate you once again! So exciting!). LOL, anyways… Have you seen it? Don’t want to spoil anything if you haven’t, but… *bounces*