While the Ring went south... by Thundera Tiger
Janvpals · 16 May 2022 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
THANKS so much for this fic!!! I'm SO here for the fellowship content <333 Some of my favorite things from this chapter include the Ranger Responsibility Syndrome - I LOVED the idea that Aragorn considers himself responsible for everything that will go wrong, it fits in very well with his personality. And I loved that Boromir throws a snowball at Legolas - I laughed SO MUCH!! Thanks so much for this fic again :))
Janvpals · 16 May 2022 · Chapter 18: January 10, 3019 (Night)
I loved this chapter! I loved the way Legolas and Gimli were always quarreling and when Pippin talked they both just went Dads TM over him, it was soooo sweet! And I also loved the talk between Merry and Frodo. SO nice to see the hobbits supporting one another <333
Estel_Mi_Olor · 17 October 2012 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
What! I can't believe I never left a review to this story! Very bad of me! I know I left a review recently on "During a Journey in the Dark," and I appreciate your answer! It's good to know that you are still working on the story, and I happy to praise it again : ) I have to confess, this is one of my favorite fics...pretty much ever. I like to reread it periodically for many reasons. Firstly, I think that you have chosen to write about one of the more interesting gaps in Tolkien. I mean, if we think about it (which you obviously have), this is perhaps the only moment in The Fellowship of the Ring in which the Fellowship is actually a Fellowship. Of course, they were still together through Moria, but I think the special circumstances of that location deserve extra attention. And how did they act as a Fellowship? Truly, it is slightly ridiculous to imagine that everybody would get along and be best friends right off the bat, or be so businesslike that conflicts wouldn't arise. I am delighted that you handled that in detail. Gimli and Legolas are just hilarious, and I love the slow burning friendship that is cooking. I like how Aragorn and Boromir are at odds every now and again, since that is in keeping with both their characters. Moreover, it is just so interesting to see how they all act and react to each other. I mentioned this in another review, but I love the kaleidoscopic effect of third person limited POV, since I really feel like part of the group when I'm reading : ) Secondly, the story itself is just so well-written, then it continues to be a pleasure to read even though I already know what happens! I love your sarcasm, especially how you've written it in Gandalf (wanting to throw certain members of the Company off cliffs, etc). The feud between elf and dwarf is also quite funny at times, although I do feel sorry for Aragorn. Thirdly, how well you interweave your story/characters with the original Tolkien. I've gone on about this at length elsewhere, so I won't again, but it still deserves a shout-out. And finally, I guess perhaps because I've read this so many times, but I've come to agree with you that this is exactly what happened in the gap during this chapter : ) So much so, in fact, that I found myself subconsciously rewriting your story during a recent attempt at a fic. I hadn't read this story in a while, and so it didn't hit me immediately that my own idea was so closely related to yours. But then, I got into writing a chapter about rain, and as I was describing Gandalf in the rain, it hit me that this sounded rather familiar...and then I remembered, oh yeah, someone's already written this! : ) Anyways, apologies for the ramble! Thanks again for this great story and I always look forward to updates!
Grey Wonderer · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 9: January 4, 3019 (Night)
I am still having a great time reading this. I love Merry and Pippin's discussion about who will win, Legolas or Gimli. Very funny! I also enjoyed Legolas's frustration at being ill. It seems that all warriors are lousy patients.
Author's reply
I think doctors actually make the worst patients. Possibly they get frustrated watching someone else do their job when they're right there to do it. But after that, people who are normally healthy and active usually make horrible patients. I suspect warriors would fall into that category.
Grey Wonderer · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 8: January 4, 3019 (Day)
"So, how about this weather?" LOl That line from Pippin made me laugh out loud. I do think that Gandalf has his hands full with all of the injured. Thank goodness for Sam's soup and Pippin's brilliant conversation! It would seem that Gimli has saved Legolas. I wonder if that will help them to become friends or at least become civil?
Author's reply
I rather enjoyed Pippin's conversation, even if I didn't quite get all the nuances the way I wanted them. It made me laugh, anyway. And I wanted to give Gandalf a big leading role at one point during this story. He doesn't get many opportunities for it once the Fellowship sets out, and then he's lost with the Balrog, so I figured this was his break.
Grey Wonderer · 25 September 2005 · Chapter 7: January 3, 3019 (Night)
No one is in very great shape but at least all of them have been found. I am still wondering where the warg is. I think Sam is right to be nervous.
Author's reply
Sam has good instincts. He had them back in the Shire, too, and I've tried to carry that through. So when he gets nervous, it's a good sign that everyone else should get nervous, too. And the warg is about to make a return. He wasn't forgotten!
Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 6: January 3, 3019 (Day)
Pippin the Elf? LOL Very funny! I do hope the others are all right and i wonder where that Warg is about now.
Author's reply
I wasn't too sure about the Pippin the Elf part, but everyone seems to find it hilarious so I'm glad I kept it. The others will...become all right after a while. And the Warg is lying low with everybody else. He's not too fond of the rain, either.
Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 5: January 2, 3019
Once again, Sam seriously considered slugging Pippin. Does this mean that Sam and Pippin are about to go at it like Legolas and Gimli? This is just too funny. I love the counting of the rain drops. Reminds me of that song, 100 Bottles of Beer on the Wall.
Author's reply
No, no serious animosity between Sam and Pippin. The hobbits took turns with one another, but nothing ever came of any of it. I had my hands full with Legolas and Gimli. And later, with Aragorn and Boromir.
Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 4: January 1, 3019
Poor Merry! All he wants is a bit of good news and it seems that no one has any. I also feel sorry for Boromir. He seems so cut off from the others by his own worries. This is very entertaining and I am still enjoying Gimli.
Author's reply
Glad you still like Gimli! And don't worry too much about Boromir. He'll start making his own connections in his own way pretty soon. It's just going to take him a while to find his place.
Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 3: Yuleday, 3019
Rocks! I love it. And Gimli was waiting and watching all the while for a return prank that had already begun. Legolas did a double prank on that one. Loved Pippin's talk with Frodo too.
Author's reply
Out of everything these guys pulled, the rocks in the pack were my absolute favorite. Part of the fun was making Gimli watch for something coming all the while knowing it had already happened. Glad you liked it, too!
Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 2: Yuleday, 3018
Priceless! I loved Pippin's reaction to the loss of his secret stash of pipe weed. I do believe that Gimli got a bit more of a reaction than he was hoping for to his prank.
Author's reply
There are many things I'd like to revise about these early chapters, but I'm glad you enjoyed the pipe weed incicdent. That was going a wee bit far in my estimation, but it's fun, too.
Grey Wonderer · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1: December 30, 3018
Found this while looking through the story list on MEFA and I am very glad that I did. I just adore Gimli in this. Seems keeping the peace will be a problem for a while.
Author's reply
Hey Grey Wonderer! I'm glad you found me and I hope you continue to enjoy. I liked writing all the Fellowship, but I found myself becoming very attached to Gimli and Boromir during the course of this story. The down-to-earth pragmatism they both seemed to bring really appealed to me. Anyway, thanks for the review!
Estel_Mi_Olor · 28 August 2005 · Chapter 4: January 1, 3019
Cheers, Thundera. Just a quick note to point out an error I noticed while re-reading chapter 4 (January 1st ,3019). A little more than halfway down the page, there is a paragraph that begins, "We do not want them to draw too far ahead, but neither do we want to be just behind them,". The following sentence, I believe, is missing the word "wait". "We shall (wait)a quarter of an hour and then follow." Anyways, just a small thing I happened to notice. Keep writing!
Lindelea · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 3: Yuleday, 3019
Forgot to mention in reviewing previous chapter that you set up the uneasiness very deftly, understated and not heavy-handed or melodramatic. Well done! The growing of the Ring in Frodo's mind is subtle and again, well done. Your dialog between Frodo and Pippin sounds a bit "modern". "Whoa", I can let pass, as it might be said to a pony, perhaps, but being able to "relate to" something sounds like psychological jargon. Might I suggest something like "You understand such things"/"Understand what things?" Again, "locked up" is a foreign notion to most hobbits. "Hidden away", perhaps? OTOH, if I am being heavy-handed and offensive, say so and I will say no more. I'm an interfering busybody, I fear. ...as he began to pace and wave his arms, forgetting the rest of the Fellowship It's these descriptive snippets, thrown in so casually, that bring the story and characters to life. So... is part of Legolas "getting back" at Gimli the anticipation? Stretching it out, doing nothing, making the dwarf drive himself crazy, wondering what the elf's retaliation will be? Uh, oh, what's the matter with Gimli? His back is screaming? His legs are heavy? Aha. (Reached the end of the chapter.) Appreciate the calendar notes. These were the sort of things that got me hooked on "canon writing". And that's all for today. Hope I have time tomorrow for a chapter. Depends on if I can get up well before the little ones arise.
Author's reply
OTOH, if I am being heavy-handed and offensive, say so and I will say no more. I'm an interfering busybody, I fear. First of all, be as heavy-handed and offensive as you can. Smash this story. Destroy. Decimate. Obliterate. Maul. Crush. I won't break out the thesaurus, but I hope you get the idea. I said in response to another of your reviews that I'm working on a rewrite, and this sort of feedback is EXACTLY what I need. There are so many things wrong with the early chapters that I'm sometimes at a loss as to where to begin. Your reviews are proving to be an excellent guide for trouble-shooting, and what's better is that you're a known hobbit writer. Frankly, the hobbits scare me, and I think I need beedback on them most of all. So break out the sledgehammer and go to work if you want to. Or not. I'm certainly not going to force you into editorial duties! But if you see something that needs to be changed, never hesitate to point it out! As for the chapter, you're absolutely right. The conversation between Pippin and Frodo either shouldn't happen at all or it should be approached from a completely different angle. And the language needs to undergo a severe adjustment. Check, check, check. I will definitely keep your comments in mind. Thank you VERY much!
Lindelea · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 2: Yuleday, 3018
Nice character analysis of Boromir. "Merry was awake but relishing the fact that he didn’t have to move anywhere for another hour or so" -- ah, Merry, I love to awaken a little before the alarm goes off and relish the feeling of not having to get up right away. An hour later, Aragorn and Legolas came back to find Merry getting to his feet, Boromir polishing his sword, Sam starting breakfast, Frodo blinking sleepily, Pippin poking through his pack with an air of concern, Gandalf evaluating the weather, and Gimli leaning against the trunk of a tree looking thoroughly bored. I like the way you keep track of everyone. It helps me build mental pictures as I read. Pippin had "the good stuff" and didn't share? Seems almost unhobbity! I remind myself that he's still a tween and not as mature as the other hobbits, and that hobbits are not paragons of virtue (even though so many people write Frodo as either some sort of saint or else a sex-crazed satyr). "I wish Gandalf would say something with a bit of cheer now and then," Sam muttered to Merry. "Something like ‘oh well done’ or ‘we’re winning today.’ All this doom and gloom is making me shiver." Your timing is wonderful! This snippet, and the rest of the conversation, sounds hobbity and very natural. Children still sleeping, perhaps I can get another chapter in today.
Author's reply
The one thing about this story that I like best is Boromir. I'd never really paid much attention to him before, but after writing this, he jumped up into my list of favorite characters and refused to leave. I love him for that, too. So persistent! "Sex-crazed satyr"? ... You've clearly been reading more Frodo fics than I have. I've definitely run up against the paragron of virtue, which can be done well if you pitch it right, but sex-crazed satyr... Actually, scratch that. I did find one the other day. Definitely strange. But back to what you were saying, bear in mind that this was my first venture into LotR fanfiction and I hadn't nailed down all the characterizations. Still haven't, to be honest, but at this point (and for the next ten or so chapters) I was VERY inconsistent with the Fellowship and most especially with the hobbits. It doesn't excuse what's been written, but it's the only reason I can offer. *shrugs* I am working on a rewrite, but it's coming slowly.
Lindelea · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 1: December 30, 3018
Re-reading, and glad of it. I love your descriptions, your characters, their interactions and the flashes of humor. I question that Gimli and Legolas would be so foolish, but then I remember the light-heartedness of the Wood Elves in "The Hobbit", as well as the temperament of the Dwarves in that story, and so I grant you that Gandalf is probably wise in his wagers. On to the next chapter (so long as the children remain asleep)!
Author's reply
Hey Lindelea! This is odd timing. I just finished reviewing your poem "The Council of Elrond" for the MEFAs. I suppose great reviewing minds think alike. ;) Loved the poem, by the way. I was laughing so hard I was almost in tears. Anyway, many thanks for the comments. Believe it or not, this story actually started as a one-shot deal and was supposed to be very reminiscent of "The Hobbit." So I'm glad that some of the immaturity in the writing can pass itself off as that. You're right to question the foolishness, though. I do now. In fact, I can barely stand to read the initial chapters of this fic now, but I'm impressed with your ability to plow through them. Cheers!
Lily-Annabeth · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
I finally finished this fic :) (took me about three days) I love the humour here, esp. things like the Ranger Responsibility Syndrome, and I am in awe of your ability to recreate Tolkien-esque dialogue and description (I realise that you used his dialogue in places, but yours was so good I almost could not tell the difference) I enjoyed the story very much and I hope that Journey in the Dark is finished soon -- I am most impatient :) Off I go to start reading that one... Excellent job.
Author's reply
I'm impressed it only took you three days! This fic is in serious need of revision, so I'm glad the first few chapters didn't put you off entirely. Glad you liked the dialogue and the description. They were things I worked on throughout, and by the end, I think I was actually succeeding in places. I'll work on updates for the sequel. Many thanks for the review!
grumpy · 25 August 2004 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
hi there, just spent the last several days reading your wonderful story. I love how you have written the characters, from the ongoing battle between Legolas and Gimli, to Aragorn's, Ranger Responsibility Syndrone. I agree with Gandalf's and Boramir's thoughts on wanting to push the elf off the mountain. Living in a snow belt part of the country myself, anyone that can be happy arround that much snow really needs to see it up close. anyways thanks for the great read, and now I am off the read your next part
Author's reply
Many thanks for your review! I actually grew up with snow for eight or nine months out of the year (sometimes more) and I've seen what it can do to people. For myself, I actually relate more to Legolas because I love the snow. It makes me feel like I'm at home again. Nostalgic, I suppose. Anyway, I'm glad you liked the story and the little quirks that went into it. Definitely light-hearted fare, but enjoyable to write. Thanks again!
docmon · 12 August 2004 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
hi Thundera, I couldn't reply to the review-reply (wasn't surprised) so I'm pasting my response here... You're welcome!! I enjoy your stories so much, it's more than a pleasure for me to tell you. Your stories are so rich and full of detail and suspense, and characters are authentic... I could go on and on again, but I do look forward to more of your writing (anxiously!). especially after starting "During." I really shouldn't do these things when I know I will pay - I hate to start unfinished stories. But I went ahead anyway. And now I'm left just when they enter Moria!! argh!! Well, I do hope the next chapter is soon! I can't wait to see how Legolas is going to deal with being shut in this cave... And how Gimli will respond in turn... yay, I can't wait!! I'm going to add something I thought about yesterday while thinking about what you may have in store for us. (See? can't get this story out of my mind.) I've only seen the movies, so bear with me. But after Gandalf falls, the Company escapes Moria to a rocky area and catch their breath. But considering what has just happened, I felt a little disappointed in that only Boromir gave any acknowledgement of the need for grief. Aragorn, of course, is all business. Legolas appears a bit bewildered. I would LOVE to get better insight into the reactions of these characters' response to Gandalf's apparent death, especially now that I understand better how long those two characters had known Gandalf. I realized your story would be the most likely place for me to get this, considering your attention to detail and to each characters response to events. So, I just thought I'd mention it. Hope this is the appropriate place. And I now have a copy of the three books, and can begin reading!!! Very excited about that. Already read the Silmarillion and the Hobbit, so I am SO ready! Thank you for your writing and all your care you take in your craft. It is truly a joy to read your work. monica
Author's reply
Hello again! First of all, another round of thanks are in order but I should warn you that you've sent me ego somewhere into the upper atmosphere and it's taking me a while to find it. Who would think that something so big would look so small from space?! ;) Anyway, the scene of mourning you describe is set to go in at the end of "During" and it will be following book format rather than movie format. You'll catch the differences easiliy when you come to that part in the books, but essentially, the Fellowship sits outside of Moria (far enough away to give them a measure of safety) and they grieve. All of them. Aragorn *is* the one who eventually rouses them, but he does it when they're more or less ready. Contention between the Ranger and Boromir doesn't come in until later when they're about to enter Lothlorien. But we'll certainly be getting viewpoints from everyone as they mourn. Very quick and very brief glimpses, but there will be something.
docmon · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
Thundera, this was terrific! I really enjoyed seeing the development of the friendship, and I felt it rang true to the characters (although I have yet to read the 'trilogy' - working on it! Read the Silmarillion and the Hobbit already...) You managed to create a story with humor, drama, angst, and excitement. And so well written! As someone else has said, I really, really appreciated how you included most characters' reactions to an event. I like knowing the look on Frodo's face, or how Boromir felt uncomfortable, even though they're not involved in what's happening! If I am going to complain about anything, it's that while I'm happy to see you've updated the sequel, this means you're not working on Land of Light and Shadows!!! I'm itching for another installment, and I don't know how I'm going to make it through the wait. I know you must do a lot of research and painstaking work for that story, so I should be patient, but... it's so hard!!!! Anyway, I had more to say about this story, and I should have commented after each chapter, because now I can't remember what I wanted to say. Just know that it was terrific. And I'm going to move on now to During a Journey in the Dark, even though I know I'll regret it, because it's not complete, and that means waiting... Your stuff is just too good to wait! monica
Author's reply
Many thanks! The final objective of the piece was to give insight to some of the players in the Fellowship who seemed to be overlooked from time to time, and I'm very glad you felt that this happened. It was great fun for me to imagine, and I hope it was equally enjoyable for you to read. As for LoLaS...well, I'm working on it. Actually, I'm working on another story right now, but it's in the update rotation, don't worry about that. Actually, that story doesn't require nearly as much research as some of the others, but you are right. There is research involved and the chapters are difficult to write. What makes it slow is the fact that I have to check and recheck all the political developments so ensure that I'm following the outline and that I've given the information that needs to be given. Anyway, I hope you enjoy "During" and thank you so much for the kind words. The mean a lot to me!
Badger · 14 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Yuleday, 3019
I'm really enjoying this story--it's well written and the characters are true. I was thrown out of the story at one point in this chapter, however--when Legolas addresses Aragorn as "my liege." I doubt that Elves would consider Men to be their feudal lords, or owe them fealty! And even if by some chance Mirkwood owed fealty to Gondor, Aragorn hasn't yet taken a crown. He's just a Ranger at this point, not a liege lord. But that's being exceedingly picky, and I really am thoroughly enjoying this!
Kitt of Lindon · 18 January 2004 · Chapter 21: January 12, 3019 (Morning)
After days of interupted reading on various computers, I have finished your story. There is much I would like to comment on, and I find it hard to begin. For starters, I love the bits of humor you put in. I have always found Legolas and Gimli's original relationship hilarious-and you have made it all the more enjoyable for me. The side stories in the character's thoughts are well researched and believable, adding a depth and greater enjoyment for the story. I will never be able to read The Fellowship of the Ring again without thinking that *this* is how it happened in the gaps. The way you write each of the Fellowship's reactions and comments to things, I think, are exactly how they would have acted in Tolkien's works. Keeping the characters themselves in fan fiction is something you find to rarely, and I am glad to see it here. This is not an ordinary piece of fiction, this is the kind that I will read over and over again. It is the kind that will stick in my mind, and I think it is because it is well researched and done by someone who truely loves Tolkien's works. That is why it stands out. It is not written just to torment the characters, (as too many fics out there seem to be) or just by copying another's idea. You have written a different kind of fiction, mature with the unfangirly touch. Summed up, this is one of the best pieces of fan fiction I've ever read. I look forward to the sequals. Cheers to you!
Lindelea · 16 January 2004 · Chapter 1: December 30, 3018
This is such a *great* (as in classic) story... and I am too brain dead to write a coherent review. But wanted to compliment you upon it once more. Will try to review again if i find where my brain has gone to.
Lera · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 3: Yuleday, 3019
I never wondered if Boramir would feel uncomfortable around the different races, but I guess it's natural that he would. He probably hasn't been around elves, dwarves or hobbits much. Considering his personality, he obviously likes to be in control and is used to it. It must be throwing him for a loop to not be in charge and not be the most knowledgable about the situation. Poor guy.
Lera · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 2: Yuleday, 3018
I love when you list everyone's individual reactions to the situation. Even when it's as simple as: Pippin blinked, Sam stared, Frodo sighed, etc. No idea why I find this so fun, but I do.