obsidianj · 27 December 2012 · Chapter 55: Ithilien
A fitting ending to the story. You touched on the right highlights for me to feel satisfied. If you want to tell the story of all, it will be another novel ;-).
In His Stead by IceAngel
Reviews (81)
obsidianj · 27 December 2012 · Chapter 54: By the grace of the Steward
Whew! Boromir gives gracefully in to Aragorn. I think in a kingdom as big as Gondor, there is enough to do for 3. And with the communication lines the way they are (no IM, no cellphones), being a Captain General or Steward or ambassador or whatever, is a lot more independent than it would be nowadays. No time to always call back and get permission to do this or that. You do what is necessary and as long as you don't plan a coup or bring the kingdom into real trouble, all will be well.
obsidianj · 27 December 2012 · Chapter 53: Too long in fear
Wow! You don't pull nay punches. What will be left after the battle is over? Luckily, Boromir, Gimli and Merry were not close enough to get caught up in the blast. I hope the ones in the tower survived this blast. So, it seemed you got rid of Denethor. But I like it that he redeemed himself by putting the final touches to the deception, even if it cost him his life.
obsidianj · 27 December 2012 · Chapter 52: Only silence
Ouch! All is according to plan, but to endure Saruman's cruelty is another thing. The last chapter was just a nice little respite, before this one plunges all back to despair. I just hope they all survive long enough.
obsidianj · 27 December 2012 · Chapter 51: To labour in healing
Finally, I can get back to this story. I love the reunions. Although, Denethor manages to cast a dark cloud over everything. I just hope in this story he comes around eventually. Or Tolkien was right to get rid of him ;-).
Narya · 12 July 2012 · Chapter 55: Ithilien
Congratulations on finishing! This was a fun adventure story and a thought-provoking exploration of how things might have been different. I liked the relationship between Faramir and Eowyn - that was nicely handled - and I'd like to get to know your Boromir better. It was great to see another side to the character, different from the tempted, tragic hero of canon. And Sam being the one to take the Ring from Frodo's finger broke my heart. Well done, IceAngel! (Can I hope for a sequel...?)
Author's reply
Thanks Narya! So glad you enjoyed the story - it was quite sad only to have Boromir come in at the end, he became rather fun and it would have been nice to do some more with him. No sequels planned at this stage :p I'm interested in doing more short post-rotk writings, and I guess there would be nothing stopping me from setting these in this AU ;) Thanks again!
Fantasia · 10 July 2012 · Chapter 55: Ithilien
Thanks IceAngel, I really enjoyed this tale, even if it took ages to finished and I'm glad that you took time to do it. When you re started , I was a little nostalgic, it remind me of the old days, when we have so many good stories. Love the end and hopefully we will see more from you. I already read the first chapter of your new one. Keep writing!
Author's reply
Thanks Fantasia! I know exactly what you mean, I miss the old days and all the wonderful ongoing tales that were being written. I promised myself that when I finished IHS I would allow myself to indulge and go back and read some of those favourite tales again ^_^ Thanks again!
Agape4Gondor · 10 July 2012 · Chapter 55: Ithilien
Oh dear. I truly hate to see this end. The last moments with such intrepid characters is bittersweet. I loved Boromir and Eowyn! Why do all the good things have to end? I will now go off and weep a bit. Thanks for sharing. I think. *g*
Author's reply
Thanks so much for all your support throughout these later written chapters, has made coming back to writing a joy. I'm sad to see it end - although very happy too! Would have liked to indulge in a little more Boromir Eowyn here as they turned out to be very fun ^_^ Happy reading in the future! :)
Agape4Gondor · 5 July 2012 · Chapter 53: Too long in fear
What an incredible chapter. The horror of it all. I sat with my hand over my mouth as I saw Aragorn and his friends accosted - in so many ways. And Boromir and Gimli - stalwart as ever - waiting until they could wait no more. I can't even imagine what is going to happen next. I've eaten all my nails.
Author's reply
^_^ happy you found it exciting! hope you enjoy some reunions in the next one :)
Narya · 2 July 2012 · Chapter 52: Only silence
Hi again, IceAngel! I'm really glad you came back to this story as I've read all the way through it now and enjoyed it very much. It must have been hard, making yourself come back to it after a gap of so many years, but it flows really well and I'm keen to see how things resolve. You're a terrific writer of characters - Faramir in particular is beautifully drawn, and I like the complex dynamics of his friendship with Legolas. It's been really interesting to see the butterfly effect his presence has had on this AU. Congratulations on a tale well told!
Author's reply
Wow you must read quickly - that's a lot of chapters you've caught up on! So glad you enjoyed the rest of the tale, it's been an interesting experience to see what's changed since I started it (the movies being released for one thing!) Hope you enjoy chapter 53 :)
Robbie · 1 July 2012 · Chapter 52: Only silence
Oh no! I knew Faramir's plan was risky but I didn't think it would entail having them all captured again. I'm afraid what Saruman will do now before the next step of the plan. As through the whole story you managed to write the characters "into" life. I can almost see them for real. They are consistent and fit my understanding of them (from Tolkien) perfectly. (I won't be able to sleep now you got me so riled up - although it's in the middle of the night in Germany ;-) )
Author's reply
Thanks for the review ^_^ Glad you're enjoying the climax of the story and that the characters fit well for you! And hope you got some sleep! Just posted the next chapter up so that should helps ^_^
Narya · 1 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Imladris
Hi IceAngel! I'm about to watch the finals of the European Championships so I'm afraid I don't have time to read further at the moment, but I just wanted to let you know I really like the premise of this tale. I don't think there's much wrong with the writing here - it's a little stilted, maybe, but sometimes you just need a period of writing yourself into the story. A warm-up, of sorts. That's what I find, anyway! In any case, you draw the characters nicely and sow seeds for development later in the story. You've got me intrigued :) Out of curiosity, how old were you when you started this? Best, Narya
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the start of the story - thanks for letting me know :) I started it when I was 17, rewrote chapter 1 a few years later. The rest was drafted and needed some editing so I've come back to it many years later. It's been fun to finish it off, but I'm struggling with the urge to go back and rewrite chapter 2 onwards :p
Agape4Gondor · 30 June 2012 · Chapter 51: To labour in healing
I'm not exactly sure why, given the mess our friends are in, but I felt a great peace as I read this chapter. I could hear the whispered voices as Aragorn laid hands on the afflicted. You painted Denethor well, I think. Not evil but definitely not Gandalf's pawn. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
This was quite a nice chapter to write - glad it worked out well :) Next chapter much less peaceful - but hope you still enjoy ^_^
Agape4Gondor · 23 June 2012 · Chapter 50: What shall my life be?
Great chapter. Glad to see most of the Fellowship together. Glad to see Boromir yet lives. I liked the converse between Faramir and Denethor. Nicely paced chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks :) Glad you enjoyed the little bits of Faramir and Denethor, tricky stuff! Hope you enjoy the next one too :)
obsidianj · 23 June 2012 · Chapter 49: A fool's daydream
Finally, it seems the strands of the story weave together to form the familiar ending. Even if parts were shuffled around with interesting and fascinating consequences. But I fear for Faramir. What was the thing he got from the Witchking? I hope it was not the Ring. That would jeopardize everything they have accomplished so far. What happened to Frodo and Sam, and Radagast anyway?
Author's reply
Glad you're enjoying things coming together. Hope the new chapter wraps things up a little more :) I'll probably post another tomorrow morning also. Enjoy- and thanks as always for the review ^_^
robbie · 18 June 2012 · Chapter 49: A fool's daydream
Your story is really great! I found it a few days ago and did little else but reading to catch up. I like the idea of Faramir going on the quest. I especially like your way of keeping important parts of the original storyline (like Eowyn defeating the witch king) and adapting them to the changed constellation in your fic. Very skillfully done! Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
welcome :) happy you've discovered the tale! It's so long now that it's quite a quest just to read all the way through to the latest chapter! Thanks so much for letting me know you've enjoyed it so far!
Agape4Gondor · 17 June 2012 · Chapter 49: A fool's daydream
Hooray. Finally coming close to the ending of the war and the weaving together of the myriad tales you spun. I love how you put words into mouths that did not speak them in the book. And yet they work perfectly and even resound with strength. Nicely done.
Author's reply
Thanks :) Glad you're enjoying the dialogue, it's always tricky - preserving some of the lines from the book but switching things around a little was certainly what I hoped to do ^_^
Pip · 17 June 2012 · Chapter 49: A fool's daydream
Wow, I loved reading this years ago and hand't realized it had been updated so much until the other day. It's taken me all weekend to get caught up with it. I'm loving all the turns it's been taking though without making everything so convoluted that we miss the point of the original story. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
So glad you found the story again after all these years :) Took me a long time to get back to it but I'm glad that it will finally be completed ^_^ Happy you enjoy all the twists and turns, I wasn't sure if it was too confusing - I certainly had trouble writing myself of the situation I'd created :p Hope you enjoy the next chapter!
obsidianj · 12 June 2012 · Chapter 48: Long in the making
Love the role reversal. Eowyn is still killing the witchking, but it is Pippin and not Merry, who hampers the king. Finally, something goes right for the heroes, although there is still much to do. Let's hope you don't kill anyone off this late in the story.
Author's reply
Yes this one felt like they were finally getting somewhere! So much travelling! They will need a rest soon ^_^
obsidianj · 12 June 2012 · Chapter 47: A trial too great
Oh Saruman. That is so cruel. I hope he dies a horrible death! I liked the chess game and that Faramir could hold out as long as he did. The heroes need a break and soon!
Author's reply
Great! glad you enjoyed it - this was a very tricky chapter!
Agape4Gondor · 10 June 2012 · Chapter 48: Long in the making
Hooray! A truly stunning chapter. My heart was in my throat the entire time. You were crueler to Pippin than even Tolkien. Love how you change things around and still make the story work. I've still got all my fingers and toes crossed for the safety of the Brothers Mir. I'm very concerned for Froso. As I read more and more of this tale, I realize you can possibly kill off this particular Ringbearer. What's to hold you back? What's to keep you from having Sam throw It into the fires of Mt. Doom. Excellent work. You must be near exhaustion!
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed chapter 48 ^_^ I took a many year long holiday from writing the story so I'm not too exhausted :p but the poor characters didn't get to have a break! They'll get an ending soon though ^_^
Raksha The Demon · 6 June 2012 · Chapter 47: A trial too great
Excellent chapter - Faramir v. Saruman, and Saruman loses! He can't corrupt Faramir by the power of argument or sorcerous voice, so he has to resort to physical means to break the man. Great dialogue between Faramir and Saruman; and I love the bit about Faramir holding the white queen. Of course, Pippin seems to be practically dying, and Boromir isn't doing too well either. I hope that Saruman and his orcs are soon scattered, while our heroes still live, not to mention the hosts of Mordor.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed this chapter - it was one of the ones that made me stuck all those years ago when I went on hiatus so it's great to know it's ok. I think you're right! Everyone seems to be almost dying in this tale! Our poor heroes, I should give them a nice rest soon :) Thanks again! Hope you enjoy the new chapter too!
Agape4Gondor · 1 June 2012 · Chapter 47: A trial too great
This is a terrible thing. The battle is on so many fronts, I grow dizzy myself.I do hope this has a way out for all. Congrats for another well written chapter.
Author's reply
Thanks ^_^ Hope the new chapter makes you slightly less dizzy! :)
Agape4Gondor · 29 May 2012 · Chapter 46: A hidden truth
It was very hard to realize that the Rohirrim were under the spell of Saruman's voice. Very hard. And poor Eowyn attacked by that monster. Leave it to Pippin to be around to try to help. And now he's pulled Faramir into a horrid place. Yikes. I've caught up and must wait. Drat. *drums fingers on computer desk*
Agape4Gondor · 29 May 2012 · Chapter 45: Games
Oh good grief. I fully commiserate with Legolas. When I broke my back, laughing was hideously painful, yet too often did I laugh. Poor things. All of them. I can hardly bear to read further in this chapter. Oh - I love the phrase 'stretching with his mind for Bag End.' Says it all. :( Good old Radagast has a plan! I do so hope Boromir - no, he can't be affected by this Ring this far away. And yet, perhaps Denethor's decree about strangers in Gondor???? Ah Merry wondered too. I know Boromir died in the original... I am aghast at the thought he might die in your tale too.... And poor Pippin. Good grief, you don't mean the Orcs are flaying Legolas and Faramir... Too cruel... good grief. I loved the humor in this chapter. But did NOT enjoy this chapter. How could I? You are cruel... No, you are the author. You can do what you want, but my goodness gracious....