Nightwing
· 5 November 2003
· Chapter 15: The Shadows Deepen
Hi, Thundera. I wanted to check in briefly to let you know I'm working my way through this story and enjoying it immensely. I'll leave a proper review when I catch up, but for now I will say that I really admire the way you describe the creepy shadow the rescuers must fight their way through, and the methods Aragorn employs to shield himself as he tries to penetrate that evil shroud. Very nicely done.
I really approve of your Sam. He is my favorite hobbit, and you've got him just right.
Good elf owies, too. Always a plus in my book when Legolas is in mental, physical and spiritual torment. Poor thing, I love elf-torture so. Sigh...
Littlefish
· 10 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
Ack!!! They are so close!! Legolas and Merry are only a short distance away. Rescue is so near I can taste it!! Why did you have to end the chapter?!! I want more! More I tell you!!!
Phew, you're really killing me here. I feel like a fish on a hook when it comes to your stories. I couldn't stop reading if my life depended on it. If that is not addiction, I don't know what is. Your masterful writing always has me hooked from the beginning of the chapter till the end, and even if the scene isn't filled with action or suspense, it still leaves me shaking my head in wonder at your skill. For example, the simple section of Rosie worrying about Sam. I think I could say that this part did not hold a great significance to the overall story, and yet it inhances it all the same. You give us a broad, four-sided view of the issue, where many authors would stick to only one view. I love that about your writing!
The next section offers yet another view of the same situation, only this time from a different point of view, and with the actual plot of the story being advanced. Gimli's thoughts on the situation were predictable in the sense that you have so masterfully established his friendship with Legolas, but still delivered in such a way to make it extremely interesting. His inability to concentrate both contrasts and builds on his character, causing the reader to see him in a whole new light. Part of it is caused by the shadow, and part because of his worry for his friends and frustration over the fruitless search. Ahh, but the search is fruitless no longer. They have found a cave, and it appears to be the one they have been looking for! They are so close...
Ahh, and then the final section with Haldir and Orophin. This section was very telling if only for the fact that you included it. It served to strengthen my belief that these two elves are going to play a key part in the upcoming action. Of course, it could be argued that you included it simply for the aspect of "paying attention to details," much like the "Rosie" section, but I don't believe this. I still think they are going to play a major role, and I can't wait to find out what it is going to be! Just like I can't wait to find out what Celeborn's role is going to be. In truth, there are a million things about this story that I can't wait to find out, so I guess you will just have to update soon. ^_^ Until then, best wishes in life.
BTW--Do you like your new home?
Author's reply
If you feel like a fish on a hook, perhaps you should change your screen name. ;) Seriously though, I have to apologize about making you wait for the next chapter. If you're even still reading. *hangs head in shame* Sorry!!!
The Rosie/Arwen section was very much just a means of checking in on Rivendell, but there are a few aspects of their conversation that might prove useful. They're subtle things, really, and most people will probably not recognize them, but they're there all the same. Ah well.
But the Haldir/Orophin section is definitely important. They have a rather major role coming up very quickly, and it will probably be apparent after the next chapter comes out. So keep your eye on them. They're not through yet.
Ithilien
· 8 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
At last! At last! Oh, but not fast enough. I’m still trying to figure out a way to bribe you to work on this story full-time, above no other, but alas, I am bereft of ideas. I considered using hold backs on The Hunting Trip as incentive, but I think I am as eager to finish it as you are to see the next installment, so that idea is a flop. I guess I will just have to learn to live with the fact that you are an author with many agendas and I will have to be patient. At least I know you would never desert me or this tale (you wouldn’t, would you?), so I’ll play the waiting game with as much calm as I can muster.
Calm. Hmm. I sense the calm before the storm with this chapter. Set ups for what is to come, I’m betting. I have to wonder what role Rosie has in this story. So far she has been a dutiful set of helping hands, worried, but quietly so, and she hasn’t demanded much of anyone. Granted, she had that suggestion about distracting the cooks, but how that plays into this story yet, I’m not sure. So we get another glimpse into her thinking and I’m wondering what it’s leading up to. Or perhaps it is Arwen we are looking at. Or both. I don’t know. Patience. Yes yes, I know. Still…
I loved the Gimli passage. Beautiful interpretation of Dwarves and how they can visualize the earth. I was almost certain there he was going to discover the cave on his own. Wouldn’t you know the Elves had beat him to it? All the same, he used his senses. They probably just followed some silly old orcs. I think Gimli’s was the more admirable way. Of course, he had some help with the Hobbits. Here too, I wonder about their role, but I will be patient as I wait to see what that might be.
Patient. Patient. Haldir seems to have regained his patience, I find that commendable. So, back to Rivendell with them, eh. What? No? No fair, Orophin is still calling the shots. Oh, but I see now his intent is to help, not maim. Well, that’s better I guess. So will they rejoin the group, or find an adventure of their own. Again, what your plans are, I can’t tell, but the players are clicking into their respective places. So how soon before the next chapter then. What? A month!? Two?! I don’t think I will make it. Patience…It’s not my strong suit.
Author's reply
Err...three months? Sorry I've made you wait so long, and I WILL get around to reviewing THT. (WHAT a fic, by the way. Amazing!!!) But rest assured that the next chapter of FND will be up within 24 hours. Hope that makes up for...well, I'm not sure what it would make up for, actually. Anyway...
The next chapter is more calm before the storm, but things are going to break loose afterwards. No more waiting around. It's action time. But in the meantime, you are very right in your musings about Arwen and Rosie. Both of them. But don't draw *too* much from their conversation. Although they've hit upon something that will be used later, in some ways, that section was just a means of staying in touch with Rivendell.
I didn't make it clear enough in the chapter, but the elves actually followed Gimli to the cave. They just ranged ahead of him and found it before he did. But without his guidance, they might not have gone that way. So he was instrumental. And the hobbits certainly have roles to play, but they really won't come in until later. At this point, I'm giving the screen time more to keep everyone aware of the fact that they're still around. Shameless of me, I know. Ah well.
Anyway, patience is a virtue, my friend. The table is almost completely set, and then the madness can really begin.
Lamiel
· 8 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
Oh yes, we found the cave at last! Very nice interaction between Gimli and Sam and Pippin here. Interesting that Gimli and Pippin, who could arguably have the most at stake in finding Legolas and Merry, worked together to find the cave. Though the Elves found it too. Oh well. I love the bit about Dwarven defensive moves also being designed to maim or kill. Very much what I'd expect for a Dwarf's defense.
I am so, so looking forward to finding Legolas and Merry at last. I think things will really start getting interesting then--how far have their minds been twisted? How will they get back? What will they do? Merry seems to have resisted well, but Legolas could really be dangerous to his friends if he can't recover himself soon.
You realize I am now on tenterhooks waiting for updates on (checks list) four stories from you--Land of Light and Shadows, Fear No Darkness, Journey in the Dark, and that New Years Eve one as well. Plus the various vignettes you give from time to time. All brilliant, all well done, and I am amazed by your imaginative depth and stamina. The energy it must take! And I don't even know if you've got other works in progress for Thundercats or any other genres.
I am in awe. I am also waiting with admirable patience (if you ignore my now ragged and bloody fingernails) for more updates of all the above stories. Sorry my dear, you brought it on yourself. Even Irena only makes us wait for updates on one story at a time.
Lamiel
Author's reply
Ack! Sorry about the tenderhooks. I've only just recovered from a HUGE bout of writer's block, so there wasn't much I could do about helping you out.
As for Gimli and Pippin, I was originally going to confine the section to Gimli alone with an Ithildae cameo toward the end, but I just couldn't leave the hobbits out of it. They won't have that much to do until the end of the fic, so they need whatever screen time they can get.
And congratulations for being yet another rare reader who has realized that this fic isn't going to end with the release of Legolas and Merry. A few more things are going to need to happen first...
Elvenesse
· 6 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
Hurrah! An update. Are you going to be updating on here before fanfiction (especially since this is a nicer site)?
At last they're getting close to Merry and Legolas, but I wonder at the reactions when they are found.
I have a question (although you may not want to answer it at the moment), since Legolas is okay in Land of Light and Shadows I'm assuming they recover. However, would their injures return once they are freed from the darkness, as it was the darkness that healed them?
Author's reply
Nope. Not going to answer that. But as for Land of Light and Shadows, both Merry and Legolas make a fairly full recovery. Well, as full as any recover like this can be. I'm of the opinion that no one ever *completely* recovers from anything, but that's just me. So shadows of this will haunt them for the rest of their lives, but they'll be fine in the end, more or less.
daw the minstrel
· 6 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
I like the way you intertwine character and action. Plot doesn't happen just for the sake of plot, but also for what it shows us about the characters as they react to it and struggle within it.
I think I like the Gimli part of this chapter the best. He is very Dwarven, even as he finds himself unable to do what Dwarves are good at doing.
Author's reply
*breathes sigh of relief* My biggest struggle with this fic is the fact that it has so many characters and I keep trying to give each character his/her due. So I'm ever so glad that someone out there enjoys it. Because it is moving a little slowly, and I realize that the pacing is not to everyone's tastes. But I feel better now. Still, there's quite a bit of setup in the next chapter, so I hope I don't bore you too much.
As for Gimli, I'm glad you enjoyed him. He is clearly one of my favorite characters, but not everyone appreciates him for what he is. Good to know there's another Gimli fan in the world!
Nilmandra
· 6 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
They found the entrance! Soon Legolas and Merry will be rescued! Ok, I know they will be in trouble, but I am anxiously awaiting to see what has been done to them and what Celeborn plans to do about it. And Thranduil, of course.
Tempers remain on edge, but at least they seem to recognize it. I am glad Orophin and Haldir seem to be rational....but I imagine some rationality will be lost when they catch the one responsible.
Author's reply
Hooray! You are one of the few readers who's realized that this isn't exactly going to end when Legolas and Merry are rescued. There's a bit more planned. As for Orophin and Haldir, their hold on their tempers will keep, but it will certainly be tested. I'm definitely not through with them yet. They've got a big part to play. Thank you for reviewing!!!
Rorrah
· 6 September 2003
· Chapter 26: Against the Grindstone
Yeah an update!
I loved the conversation bit with Haldir and his brother and Gimli being so caught up in following the earth he almost walks into an orc hoard.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. Yes, Gimli should be a little more careful about those Orc hoardes. He's going to meet a few more of them before this is over. Well, maybe not hoardes, but definitely large groups.