Reviews (165)

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

I'm so glad I didn't miss an update! I just got back from camp two days ago and I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to review before the next one! I let out such a big sigh of relief when Elladan FINALLY forgave Eression! That was beautifully written. Hmm... black powder in the soup... That would be a fun one to try on a camping trip... *runs to get into Dad's black powder supply* Just kidding! *smirk* Cute little slam on Eowyn's cooking. It reminded me how much I need to get the extended version of TTT so I can laugh over those little gems. Its been so long since I've watch that one that my little sisters probably don't even remember that part! I already own ROTK and FOTR. Well, now, who would have given them that helpful bit of info about where the traps are hidden? Yay, Halda! That's my guess anyway. I'm torn between really wanting to read the ending and not wanting it to end! This story has been wonderful! I'm sooo glad I found it! Namarie, until next update!

xiaoweisan · 13 July 2006 · Chapter 36: And In The End, Forgiven

haha, I love this sentence in particular: "I am not letting Erynbenn cook; he won't let me cook." So sweet. Eomer had become a far-seeing man. Congratulations!! (to tell the truth, I have NEVER regarded him as such.) I just wonder who copied "the records of the queen herself". Besides, there're a few typos in chapters 35 and 36. For instance: "Aragorn murmured, then to ERESSION: "It's not too late to find..." (chapter 36) "VARDNAUTH did release Legolas but had to step back quickly as the elf practically shoved past him in order to reach Aragorn." (chapter 35) (You really gave me a shock. I thought Vardnauth the Evil had risen from the dead!) "Hamadan was closest and he quickly found the key ring Vardnauth had in his possession and threw them to VARDNAUTH before going to help with Elladan. " (chapter 35) ""That is a very odd story," VARDNAUTH replied with a shake of his head, ¡°and one better told by another." (chapter 35) ""I'm afraid those names mean little to me." VARDNAUTH shrugged apologetically. "All your friends seem to be alive, but we must get you all out of here."" (chapter 35)

RS · 6 July 2006 · Chapter 35: Reunion

Like the cavalry, Valihondo to the rescue! Wonderful rescue! I just wish Aragorn gave Vardnauth a kick to the side for good measure..oops did I say that? I hope now the twins, especially Elladan, and Eression can start over and form a better relationship! I would have loved to see Gimli's beard being used as a "baby's plaything"! Nice touch with Valihondo calling Strider "my king". A beautiful reunion! If only I can see it on film!!! That's ok as your description is very close to it. I can actually see the whole family in this wonderful scene! This is what I have been waiting for! But let's not get comfortable folks. We still have the evil queen and her reluctant sidekick to think about! Let's not forget Faramir and his men! But I'm glad for this moment right now. At last the family is back together again!

Imbecamiel · 5 July 2006 · Chapter 35: Reunion

Hmm, I may have to keep this a bit shorter than usual - my asthma’s been acting up worse than it’s been in years, and I’m having some trouble breathing :-P But anyways, I’ll see what I can do… LOL! Well, you’ve certainly managed to get them all thoroughly incapacitated… Not only are the original prisoners rather… tied up, at the moment, the rescuers - despite having been successful - are all either too injured to move, or busy keeping someone else from dying. Hehe, at the beginning of the chapter I was thinking, “Well, maybe they‘re not going to need Gimli‘s rescue party so much after all. They found Aragorn and Legolas, killed a bunch of Corsairs, Vardnauth‘s dead, and… They‘re all injured now… and… Yeah. Maybe they‘ll be needing him after all.” *shakes head* Only around Aragorn and Legolas… Ah… And despite the fact that giving up on Eression would simplify the situation considerably, neither Elladan nor Elrohir even suggests it. I think it’s getting through to them… *g* Oh, that does certainly add a whole new dimension to things for Aragorn, though, doesn’t it… He’s definitely not the Lone Ranger any more. Hehe, ok, so maybe that’s not the greatest word choice… Ahem, but anyways, this time the fact that he’s got a wife and children waiting for him at home does give him a different perspective. He can’t be quite so expendable in his own eyes anymore… LOL, for some reason it struck me as rather funny that, while Valihondo knows who Aragorn is, he *doesn’t* know who Elladan, Elrohir, or Eression are… I guess it’s the fact that, in most stories, it’s *Aragorn* whose real identity is concealed, and he's "just a ranger", but a lot of people will recognize the twins, at least by name :-) Ha! And isn’t that just like Elladan… Every time he passes out, his first thought on returning to consciousness is whether his little brother’s alright. Hehe, does make for rather slow going, though, when it happens every couple of minutes. *g* //Gimli looked from one to the other. "Yet you still come out looking terrible. Had a visit from your good old friend Trouble, I see.”// Oh, but Gimli, you don’t understand! Trouble’s not just a friend to them - by now, he’s practically part of the family! //Elladan was struggling, that was evident, but Aragorn knew well which side of his brother would eventually take the field.// Yes indeed! However long they may hold a grudge, those two are just plain too *good* to hold on to suspicion forever in the face of all reason and evidence to the contrary :-) And I’m so glad they’ve finally come ‘round! Man, it’s *hard* seeing people I like so much divided over something that happened so long ago. LOL, and you’ve just got to love Valihondo. Never quite says all he knows, and always manages to leave you wondering exactly how he learned what he does say. Not to mention he’s incredibly good at knowing just how he can be useful to them, without interfering or insisting on knowing more than he needs to. Such a great guy - reading it, it’s hard for me to believe he was a late addition, or unplanned, because he does fit in so perfectly, and he’s a great character in his own right to boot! *squeals happily* And Aragorn’s finally back with Arwen! Oh, this is lovely… And you can tell she’s feeling better - she’s already worried about what happened to *him*. Hmm, though, now I think of it, she knows him well enough, she’d probably be worried about what had happened to him anyways, even if she couldn’t see the physical evidence. *g* Aw, and the kids are involved now too… *silly grin* Such a sweet reunion… And I really must go now… Wonderful chapter - VERY much looking forward to more! Imbecamiel P.S. Ha! Oh, that is hilarious that we wound up picking out a card Hannah did! Hehe, I guess I was right, then, when I thought it looked like something one of you might like… *g* I’m so sorry to hear things have been rough for you, though... And I‘m glad if we were able to cheer you up at all. *hugs* Heh, actually, we very nearly didn’t get a card sent to you, as I was thinking about doing it before we left on vacation, and then for the life of me couldn’t remember whether I actually had or not… I’m glad we erred on the side of possibly sending doubles - we figured one never can get too many “happy birthdays“ :-)

Beriathwen · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 35: Reunion

Oh! I'm so glad their back together! That was so sweet! It was everything I'd hoped it would be. K, so now that they are back together... What is Halda up to? We haven't seen him for a while. And Bartho, I miss him the most; my fav OC. Not to mention Beregond and Faramir. Oh, and if you write any more stories I would love to see more of Malvegil. He's a neat character. (an elf wannabe like me :) I'm sure he has a story :) He's too cool to be just a quickie character. That was such a sweet chapter. And I look forward to more as usual! Oh my goodness! What am I going to do when this story comes to a close? Ahhhhhh! I'm sure I shall go insane!

Calenlass Greenleaf · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 35: Reunion

Wait! it's not the end??? AHHHHHHH...the agony of waiting!

Imbecamiel · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 34: The Twisted Tree Falls

Well, it looks like I’m back in time to review after all. Yay! And the vacation was a fantastic one. Lots of reading and swimming and finally catching up on sleep… LOL, it’s not often I have a chance to finish seven books in ten days :-) Hehe, ah now here’s an interesting new development - the twins *want* to be with Eression. Hmm, ok, so maybe their reasons are purely tactical… But at least it’s a start! *g* Poor, poor Eression! He’s spent *years* building a new life, proving his character, and attempting to overcome the guilt from his past. And now, at a time when he’s physically worn out to begin with, and has had the constant emotional strain of the twins’ distrust and blame all the while they’ve been traveling together - and before that the emotional strain of dreading meeting them again and the reception he knew he’d receive - Vardnauth decides that this would be the perfect time to bring everything back even more clearly than it was when it happened, and torment him with guilt over it. Lovely timing, that :-P Hmm, things just aren’t quite going Vadrnauth’s way, though, are they? Here he’s got three helpless victims, with extremely traumatizing pasts. You’d think it’d be just wonderful for him. Unfortunately, his usual pattern involves the subject being terrified, loosing control, becoming completely wrapped up in whatever memories he chooses to show them, resulting in insanity and eventual death. Sadly for him, these particular “victims” simply aren’t satisfied with being victims, and just when he thinks they’re down for good, they *will* insist on getting up again… And I doubt he’s had many who persist so long in truly being far more concerned about each other than about whatever he does to them. Quite aggravating for a poor villain… *g* Oh yes, surprising indeed for Vardnauth, though, to find that the twins were actually traveling with - and are now *protecting* - Eression, after the memories he’s just been examining! It certainly does demonstrate a clear difference between the way he thinks, and the way they think, though. However angry and distrustful the twins still are toward Eression, the idea of him being hurt like that still doesn’t give them any pleasure, and they still immediately rush to help and protect him. And it *definitely* says a lot about how their attitudes are beginning to change that Elrohir didn’t immediately abandon him when Elladan was hurt, healing instincts or no! //He reached Aragorn, but instead of killing the man as he had intended, he first took pleasure in cleaning his blade on Aragorn's right arm. The elven blood smeared the leather material and Aragorn winced as the smell of it reached him. He hadn't moved his eyes from Elladan since the elf had fallen and he felt himself flounder under his emotions. He knew that when Vardnauth at last decided to end him, he would not be able to hold out long.// Grr… *smacks Vardnauth* Now that’s just MEAN! *Some* might find it possible to partially excuse your hurting Elladan, on the plea that he *was* trying to kill you, but now… You- you… VILLAIN! Just you wait, you’ll pay for that one. *scowls* Ha! Now isn’t that an interesting change! For once, Legolas isn’t rashly plunging ahead with some foolhardy and desperate attempt to draw the enemy’s attention away from his friends. This time he’s plunging ahead with some foolhardy and desperate attempt to draw the enemy’s attention away from his friends - with a PLAN! *applauds* Go Legolas! Ha, and take THAT Vardnauth! Told you you’d pay. *smiles smugly* Never fails, my dear villainous evil one. I don’t suppose you’ve ever heard that saying, “Those who live by the sword, die by the sword”? No? Pity. Might’ve saved you some pain. Might’ve saved quite a few other people some pain too, as a matter of fact… You definitely deserved all you got. LOL! Oh dear, there’s something so pitiful and at the same time absolutely hilarious about the image of Gimli crawling through the garden he’s attempting to pretend isn’t there… And of all the people to find him just then! Hehe, poor Gimli. Oh, it’s just hilarious the things that will seem of paramount importance to a child at times like that! 1 - Is he a *real* dwarf? 2 - Her mother’s going to be *mad* about what happened to her garden. It throws a serious and desperate situation into such a ridiculous light…*giggles madly* *breaks down into hysterical laughter* Oh! That is just *too funny*! Feinalpha’s attempts at getting her parents’ attention, and the way they go on with their conversation, despite her inserted remarks… LOL, if I tried to mention my favorite parts, I’d have to quote the whole thing back! So I’ll just have to settle for this: //"The dwarf in the garden said that he concerned the King of Gondor and had to speak to mama a…a meddle tea and then he smashed your carrots!"// He! Gah, that just made me laugh so hard! You write children *brilliantly*!! Must be off - it’s nearly midnight. Absolutely wonderful chapter - VERY much looking forward to more! - Cami

Beriathwen · 25 June 2006 · Chapter 34: The Twisted Tree Falls

Yes, yes, yes!!!!! Vardnauth's dead at last! Go Legolas! I actually did feel a little sorry for Vardnauth though. He had such a dark life, and ugh! What a way to die! That was awesome when the twins came in! I love how it said that Elladan found no pleasure in seeing Eression like that, and how Elrohir held onto him even when he was afraid for his brother. Yes, that must have come as quite a shock for Vardnauth seeing the twins with Eression. I loved this line, it really struck me, " Even as Vardnauth tried to force him to remember the pain and hurt he'd endured, Legolas remembered the joy and love and comfort." Wonderfully writen! and I also liked the part just after, "Legolas burned under the power of loyalty, honor, hope, trust, love, and assurance." So true! I'll always love Legolas for that reason. Oh my goodness! I was laughing so hard at the end. That was precious! " Mama's going to be mad when she sees he tomato plants." She's sooo adorable! I want to hug her!

nessa · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 34: The Twisted Tree Falls

Just when I thought we were going to get some insight into Legolas' memories he has to go and outfox that fox. Couldn't he have been wonderful later? And Gimli in the garden was just priceless. Can't wait for more.

xiaoweisan · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 34: The Twisted Tree Falls

Wow, I do hope to know more about Eression. How and when did he, a previous captain of orcs, become Aragorn's friend? Could you tell me which story I should read (if such a story does exist)?? A wonderful chapter. I like the "a dwarf lying on your carrot bed" part. So funny. Please update soon.

RS · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 34: The Twisted Tree Falls

All Right Twins!! But NO!!!!!!!! Not Elladan. Darn it! Why can't any one of them leave unscathed!! Yea Legolas! I knew he had something brewing in that Elf brain of his! A war of mind games! Couln't help but laugh at Gimli's situation. "Mama will be mad if she finds out what you did to her garden.", .."Mama there's a dwarf in the garden...." Hilarious! "...What about the King of Gondor...". Hurry Valihondo, hurry!

Calenlass Greenleaf · 23 June 2006 · Chapter 34: The Twisted Tree Falls

That was just FANTASTIC! It connects really well with "The Mellon Chronicles". Update soon---I can't wait to read more!

RS · 20 June 2006 · Chapter 33: A Fight Without Swords

Ok, this is the part where you hear a twang of an arrow being shot by one of the twin's bows as it hits its mark on Vardnauth's back or the sound of a thud as one of the twin's dagger sinks into Vadnauth's neck...right? (Not enough to kill him though as I would like Aagorn's satisfaction of doing that task himself!) Ok I know they do not care for Eression, but for crying out loud, he did save one of them!! Where are they? I love Eression's stance "You shall not touch him again!" Such loyalty! I just love him. Again, another character that I have grown to love. I don't want him to die!! He has to make amends for what he did to the twins (though I think saving one of them was enough proof). Patiently waiting for the next installment.

Beriathwen · 14 June 2006 · Chapter 33: A Fight Without Swords

Oh no! (Beriathwen draws sword and stands protectively in front of Eression. "Back, evil elf! You shall not pass!) Where are the TWINS!!!? I had forgotten about Tirin; maybe Eression is safe, well not exactly safe... Why couldn't he have crept quietly up behind Vardnauth and just finished him off? He is a Ranger after all! "sigh" I guess that would have been too easy. Mmm... bad memories for Aragorn. I'm so glad I've read the Mellon Chronicles (some multiple times!) its all so much more thrilling and horrible that way. Its wonderful how you bring some of that into your stories. When I finished reading MC I felt so sad that there were no more to read and then I found your stories and was ecstatic! Are you going to post this story on the MC website when it's complete? I wanted to watch the trailer sooo bad, but don't have the right format, darn! Wow, the part when Vardnauth is taunting Eression is very well written. You can really sense Eression's dread, but also his courage and defiance. I love him! And also at the end when Legolas looks at him conveying courage to him. That was good! Poor Legolas! We all know how much he hates feeling helpless! Great chapter! (even though it ended on a cliffie! "growl") All I can say is I hope Gimli and the twins hurry!

Imbecamiel · 14 June 2006 · Chapter 33: A Fight Without Swords

Absolutely wonderful chapter! Wah, I *so* wish I could review properly... But I'm leaving on vacation tonight, and I'm not likely to have any time at all before then... *sighs* Oh well, I guess I'l just have to say I LOVED it! -Cami P.S. I may disappear for another chapter, or possibly two, as I'm not going to have any internet connection at our cabin. Never fear, I shall return to review!

Beriathwen · 10 June 2006 · Chapter 32: Help En Route

Hey! Eression doesn't die does he? 'Cause he's really tired and now in the middle of fighting a horde of orcs not to mention the emotional stress he's been under! The heading said character death and I don't remember anyone dying so far... I guess the twins would probably forgive him if he heroically died covering their retreat, but I hope not; I like him. I think I'm going to appoint myself official protector of all your neat original characters! Good for Gimli! Everyone should should keep a dwarf around to run for help when things get tight! Poor Aragorn! But alas! It will probably get worse! And something tells me that Legolas will not get out of this completely unscathed either. Vardnauth must die!!!! Wonderful chapter as usual. Thanks so much! And I hope you have a wonderful vacation!

Imbecamiel · 7 June 2006 · Chapter 32: Help En Route

My poor, sweet, unassertive Strider… He always looks forward to getting a few scraps after dinner. Well, tonight one of the kittens decided it looked good, and promptly ran over to steal it. LOL, luckily, Strider loves his babies even more than his food, so he just stood there looking helplessly on… *huggles puppy* Even more fortunately, Dan decided he doesn’t really like green beans, so Strider got it anyways, once he was through jumping in it ;-) First-time cat owners certainly can mess things up, though… We were telling Dad about our day, and suddenly he said, “What? You can’t teach *cats* to come!” Oh. Well apparently smart little El and El have decided that being adopted by Strider makes them part dog, because it took them less than a day to learn… *g* *snorts* Stupid Dunlendings, yet again… Apparently that whole thing about turning your back on and/or leaving behind “dead” or “dying” enemies isn’t only a problem for heroes… *g* Hmm… For some reason, though, I suspect Gimli wasn’t the only thing left behind. I’ve got this vague idea that Aragorn is no longer the one with the antidote… Ah, and excellent timing on the part of Twins & Co.! LOL, poor El and El, though… They *might* have expected, now that Aragorn’s the King of Gondor and Sauron is defeated and all, that they wouldn’t be greeted *every* time with the news that Aragorn and Legolas had been captured by someone or other. Particularly when Arwen’s at home injured, and they *might* have expected Aragorn to be staying as close to her as possible… *Might* have expected, that is, if they didn’t know Aragorn and Legolas’ tendencies so well by now. As it is, they got over any surprise quite quickly… Er, and on a side note… I certainly hope Eression doesn’t mention anything about his having suspicions before that Aragorn and Legolas might be traveling through Rohan. As completely illogical as it would have been for him to mention such vague, virtually baseless thoughts to them earlier, I rather suspect in their current mood toward him, and worried about their brother and Legolas, the twins wouldn’t be overly inclined to listen to reason :-P //“Wait here and regain your strength, you will likely need it for the retreat."// Hehe, ok, this just struck me as funny, because it reminded me so much of the part at Amon Hen in FOTR when Gimli’s complaining, and Aragorn suggests he rest and recover his strength. LOL, he certainly did take the suggestion much better this time, though… *g* Ooo, yes, smart Gimli! An army would be useful about now… Especially if it involves bringing the mayor of Kopairin into the story again! Oh no… Aragorn and Legolas have had *hard* lives. It’s a wonder they survived it all the first time, reasonably physically, mentally and emotionally sound. But now… Vardnauth does have plenty to work with, doesn’t he. *winces* As if they don’t have a hard enough time dealing with their guilt complexes as it is. I have a feeling this could be really good… Er… That is... Did I say *good*? I meant bad, of course. *Bad*, yes... *eg* I do love the way you blend the history of the MC into your stories, though! For me, the MC have kind of become the cannon of fanfiction, and your writing is *so* good, and blends so well with it… It’s almost like they’re extensions of each other. So it’s *really* fun to have backstory from both your other stories and the MC included! LOL, even if it does occasionally make me forget exactly which details belong to which authors… //"There are three of us and Valar knows how many of them, gwador-nin; we have no tactics that will aid us here. Whoever finds a chance to break through and find Aragorn and Legolas, do so."// *groans* “We have no tactics”, hmm? Why have I always suspected that… *g* Heh, three against a hundred or so, though… Lucky for them, they’ve got easily-confused enemies. Particularly considering the fact that one-third of them are *not* in the best of conditions… Poor Eression. He certainly has been paying his fair share of penance for long-past mistakes. Absolutely lovely chapter! VERY much looking forward to more! - Cami P.S. LOL, yup, I’m kinda recovering from heatstroke… *sighs pathetically* We poor Minnesotans just weren’t made for heat… At least we’ve got a lake to swim in now, though :-) Hmm, I very much doubt you’d know the person who was graduating - particularly since I don’t even know him myself… LOL, he’s from our new church, and I’ve become quite good friends with his sisters, but I doubt I’ve exchanged half a dozen words with him. Had a good time talking with the girls at the party, though, even if it *was* nearly the death of me ;-P

Imbecamiel · 4 June 2006 · Chapter 31: Vardnauth

Oh NO! I knew it, I just knew it! I kept thinking that one of these days I wouldn't get around to reviewing until it was too late... And now I have. Heh, y'see, I have one friend who only updates about once a month. Now you'd think that would be plenty of time to review... but you'd think wrong :-P So, when I *was* going to be reviewing here, I wound up rushing over to her story to review before *she* updated... I did absolutely love this chapter, though! It deserves much better than this... but I suppose I'll just have to make up by reviewing extra nicely for the next chapter :-) Sorry! -Cami

Lady Saruman · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 31: Vardnauth

Oh, I am so sorry once again to have missed two chapters! But the end of the year is coming, and I am almost graduating (yes, I mean leaving my school!), and so the teachers find this as a chance to put loads and loads of homework and projects on us. But next year...I don't want to imagine it... OH, you guys are simply evilly horrible. First you just had to surround and outnumber the trio with Corsairs, and then you had to make them hurt Gimli that much. Now, as I've explained before in a previous review, I have no affection for the dwarf but it still is painful to see him hurt. I got very angry for a moment and it took all I had to stop from smashing the computer screen, as if that'd get hold of your story and shred this chapter up into many pieces. =) Well, well, well, I will have my revenge *grins wickedly* It's surprising that dwarves are that resistant towards physical injuries. If I had been beaten like that I would have died, fragile girl that I am. But Gimli still having a strong pulse after all that? Unbelievable. When Aragorn and Legolas are thrown into the...dungeon...or whatever it was, they meet Vardnauth. Hmmmmmm...and I can see that he has all these strange mind-powers because he drank from the stream that fueled Galadriel's Mirror, isn't it? I'm not sure but that's what it seems like to me. Right? *doubtful face with myself* Waaaaaaaaah I don't remember what happened at the beginning of the story anymore. Darn it! I remember why Vardnauth wants to kill Legolas, but I don't remember what the case was with Aragorn. And yes, whatever Aragorn will have to fight will require all the strength that he can possibly muster. -Lady Saruman P.S. Oh! How could I forget the most important thing? *obediently hands Sarah and Hannah their share of Hershey's, as a tribute for all their well-written chapters so far and their never-ending patience with an imbecile like me* Well, since I missed off on two chapters (or three?) I give you thrice the amount. =) -Lady Saruman

Beriathwen · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 31: Vardnauth

Hmm... about Aragorn and Legolas, I'm now sorry I asked. Yikes! I knew it could'nt be too long before Vardnauth got a hold of them. He's soooo sinister! Its easy to mess up on the evil elf thing, but I'd say you've nailed it! He definitely has me freaked out! Pleeeease don't be too hard on my precious elf and ranger!! Wow! Are those bad guys dense or what! "Leave him. If he isn't dead now he soon will be." I have no doubt that underestimating a dwarf will prove fatal to them, especially since that dwarf is Gimli! Oh, but poor Gimli! That's terrible! Aragorn and Legolas, yeah, but beating up Gimli! Evil bad guys! My sister would be horrified if I told her, she's the dwarf lover, though not quite as interested in fan fiction as I am. It could have something to do with being ten years old and more interested in playing than reading! Nevertheless, elf vs. dwarf jokes fly between us quite often! Argh! Ending right there! How on earth will I stand the suspense! Oh, well, its probably good for me. Thank you for the wonderful chapter, and unlike R.S. I will wait IMPATIENTLY for the next one! Thanks again! :)

RS · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 31: Vardnauth

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! You cannnot just leave it at that! I hate cliffhangers! I hope the next chapter will start with, "Watch out Laddie!", no, wait, it won't happen as Gimli was left to die out there on bloodied rocks! OOOOHHHH! This chapter was very difficult to read. I flinched at the description of Gimli's beating. It was truly horrifying. Like Legolas, I too had my teeth clenched real tight. I hope our two heros think of a way to get out of this predicament! Now that Legolas had a taste of what Vardnauth can do (..."something that exploded in Legolas' mind") he can work with that. It made me nervous when Vardnauth called Aragorn Strider. Maybe if Legolas shouts, "Think happy thoughts Aragorn!" or "Close your mind!". Maybe Aragorn can swing his legs up and squeeze the life out of Vardnauth... or maybe just give Vardnauth a head butt! I don't know! I'm running out of options. Not Aragorn! Not Aragorn! Just get them out of this!! Two lines stood out for me: 1)"Legolas smiled slightly at that, his vibrant blue eyes denying mirth; it was an expression Aragorn had come to recognize.." I can see Orlando Bloom giving that expression (Legolas will always look like Orlando Bloom to me; such a perfect portrayal). 2)"Vardnauth said clearly, his hoarse voice clipping the orders out like a steel sheers through paper". A very fascinating description. I like it! I'm plum tuckered out! I'm exhausted. You guys managed to tire me out while sitting down. I will wait patiently for the next update!

Imbecamiel · 27 May 2006 · Chapter 30: Arguments, Letters, and Mushrooms

Well, our little kittens are much happier now that they’ve settled in. LOL, and fortunately, they’re now decided they adore Strider just as much as he likes them - they love using him as a living playground, and all he’s got to do is nudge them to get them to curl up and start purring. So cute! Heh, unfortunately, yesterday while they were racing around the basement, Strider decided to try to play with them. Poor puppy can’t quite understand why he can’t fit all the places they can, and why we wouldn’t want an 80 pound dog running around at those speeds. *g* Oh well, at least he’s quite happy letting them hit his nose, wrestle his tail, chew on his legs, and stalk his paws…:-) And yes, I'm done now with the irrelevance (well, perhaps not all *that* irrelevant - at least I am still talking about Strider, Elladan, and Elrohir. *g*), on with the review… Oh no… This is just heartbreaking to watch! The twins are under so much emotional stress as it is, so scared for Arwen, and as if that’s not hard enough, they’re both injured by orcs, and as if *that’s* not hard enough, they’re suddenly forcefully confronted with all the unresolved anger and suspicion they’ve got toward Eression, and every bad memory associated with him… They accuse Eression of betrayal, but in reality, it wouldn’t surprise me if deep down they really felt somewhat betrayed by Aragorn as well, for choosing to trust him so much, after what he’d done to them. And poor Eression is hardly in a condition to deal with any of this, as run down as he is! At the moment, nothing is really being dealt with between them - it’s just being pushed back into a stalemate of his trying to be as little trouble to them as possible, and hoping that eventually they’ll soften toward him, and them trying to ignore him as much as possible, and pretend that their problem doesn’t exist. Something’s going to have to snap here pretty soon, because there’s only so long they can all go on like this! And even with all of that hanging over him, Eression still thinks to inform Rohan about the orcs hanging around. And yes! Theodran gets to make a reappearance! Heh, apparently this is *not* Eression’s day for having people trust him, though :-P Poor guy. Good thing for all concerned that they eventually decided to believe him. //“All of us were injured in the fight”// Eh, yeah. And why exactly do I get this strange suspicion that there’s something you haven’t told the twins? And why do I get this strange suspicion that you haven’t been able to properly care for a cut on your back? And why do I get this sudden suspicion that whether or not you think it’s poisoned may soon be irrelevant? And why do I get this strange suspicion that it’s not going to bode too well for you in the future? Oh right, now I remember… It’s because I’m psychic! Or… maybe it had something to do with these other fanfiction stories I’ve been reading? *snickers* Right, Eression. You just keep right on telling yourself that. Surely by now you realize that very few things are “too impossible to consider” when Aragorn and Legolas are added into the mix. And why on earth would they *not* be out with only one guard? Oh… You mean you didn’t think they’d take that many? Well yes, normally that would be true, but then you must remember that since this *is* Aragorn and Legolas, you have to factor in these traitors who *will* insist on following them around, even when they try to get off on their own… As I said, impossible doesn’t really apply to them. *g* Oh! The letters between Bartho and Arien are just sweet! Aww… *resists urge to smack Bartho* Listen to her, you sweet, wonderful idiot! And Erynbenn too, while you’re at it. Oh, I just love the straightforward honesty between them, though! And I love the way they don’t attempt to put on their best face for each other, or explain away the way they behave - and yet, somehow, just the way that they tell it is enough to explain it away, to anyone but themselves. You can see so much of what both of them are thinking and feeling, even in such short letters… So sweet! LOL! Cooking himself a meal of mushrooms… *laughs* It’s so like a hobbit, to be totally unconcerned what the other members of Eomer’s guard would think about such things, and to go around cheerfully offering it to people. It’s just so funny, when most of the Rohirric warriors seem to take themselves so seriously (hehe, and I’d bet not one of those soldiers would willingly be caught dead cooking himself a nice little gourmet treat), he doesn’t care in the least. “Oh dear”?! LOL, oh dear indeed! Eomer’s perfectly used to the hobbits’ manner by now, but poor Theodran! *giggles* I’m sure he’s never heard a response quite like that to the statement that orcs are invading! It must be such an asset for Eomer, though, to have someone like that for counsel, who views the world and problems in a simple, straightforward way, and yet at the same time is far more analytical and sharp-witted than most people - including himself - believe. And someone who, once he’s looked over a situation, will come right out and say exactly what he thinks, without bothering over protocol, or whether it’s his place to say such things. LOL, really, being king and always having to decide what everyone else has to do, it must be something of a relief to find someone who’s willing to just go ahead and tell *you* what to do :-) Absolutely wonderful chapter, as always - and very much looking forward to more! -Cami P.S. *blinks innocently* What, you object to my giving Halda weapons? Surely you’re not accusing me of corrupting your villains… I‘m just giving him a few pointers, that‘s all. *g* P.P.S. Please excuse any strangeness - I’m currently dying of heatstroke. *walks off muttering about 90-degree temperatures in May and outdoor graduation parties*

RS · 25 May 2006 · Chapter 30: Arguments, Letters, and Mushrooms

Oh my Gosh! I wanted to cry after Elladan's emotional, angry, and tortured rant! I really felt it! There is a lot of pent of anger. "...do what they willed with us...". Whatever Eression did to the twins in the past, it was really, really, really BAD! I wanted to say, "He saved your brother's life!!" But you cannot blame Elladan. One didn't have to know what happened. That line says it all.."Deadly beasts without pity and remorse...."and you said they may do what they willed with us!" It's gonna take a while for the twins to forgive Eression (if they ever will). But then I feel sorry for Eression for it has also pained him with what he did to the twins and you can feel his remorse. I love Theodran's response to Merry's and Eomer's discussion. Funny! "Oh dear?" (Imagine his facial expressions!) My stomach started growling while reading the mushroom part!--Smells delicious! "Your scarf is losing your smell"??? Oh my gosh, is he romantic or what?!! I started laughing! I also like the response "..tell me it is not the odor of a mule". These two have to get together soon! The smell of a person and on is/her belongings really does trigger that pitter patter of your heart and the feeling of closeness to that person!

Beriathwen · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 30: Arguments, Letters, and Mushrooms

I'm so glad you didn't leave us hanging with Elladan and Elrohir for too long, I was really worried about them! Poor Elrohir! Poor Eression! Mean Elladan! That was so cold! But all the same, I can sympathize with his feelings. Again, very cute letter exchange with Bartho and Arien. Their romance is developing beautifully. One of the things I love about your writing is that you take your own original characters and give them stories of their own instead of simply using them as boring background characters. I think that's what Tolkien intended when he wanted to create a mythology. I hope I can do the same in my writing endeavors! Where are Aragorn and Legolas?!!!! I miss them!! Well done on Merry! I really can see him happily frying vegatables while singing old Shire songs. The mushroom thing really made my mouth water! "Slow to change, quick to common sense. Now have a mushroom before they get cold..." Good Hobbit advice indeed! Thanks for the great chapter!

Lyn · 23 May 2006 · Chapter 30: Arguments, Letters, and Mushrooms

My favorite was the Eomer and Merry mushrooming conversation. Tasty.