Lotrgirl1415
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Amongst the Scattered Stones
You have interpreted Frodo as witty and fast-minded. I absolutely LOVE that. You know I have read a few Frodo "abduction" stories, and they all seem to play off Frodo as a vulnerable "weak' being EVERY time he's abducted.
I don’t mean weak as in "willing to fight back". But that he just CAN’T fight back. For in this one he is more than willing to give, fighting back, a chance. (If that made any sense.:P)And I really appreciate that...it's awesome!
But you...you lil dickens you! ^-^ You let him get a lil bit of his fair share of butt-whoops in there! Yay!
But I sense some upcoming angsty goodness! I can’t wait! *teehee*
Till next me meet again,
~Katie
Author's reply
Katie, thank you for your review! I'm so glad you like 'my' Frodo here - I thought some people would have a problem with him, but overwhelmingly, people are happy to see Frodo give back some of what he's taken. I always thought he could never have accomplished what he did had he been 'weak.' Of course, you know, circumstances are against him, and he's outnumbered, and lost, and ill, and .... ooh, on to the hobbit-torture! *giggle*
Elflingimp
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Amongst the Scattered Stones
He!He! Frodos a feisty one ,he kicks butt!!anyway sorry I didnt review the last chapter,I think Im reading too many stories at the same time(reader,review burnout!) I love this story ,cant wait to see what happens next. Help! I am a Fanfiction Junkie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
I hear there are programs for that, Elflingimp! I've never known any to work though... I sometimes justify the time I spend writing to myself by saying - hey, there are worse addictions. And think how much enjoyment fanfiction gives us. Lots and lots and lots!
eiluj
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Amongst the Scattered Stones
Oh, good, Pip's there! *He'll* find Frodo!
...
Pip.
...
She *wouldn't* ... she wouldn't, would she? She couldn't!
...
This is Budgielover: she's capable of *anything*.
...
Darned ruffians would be happy to grab *any* hobbit at this point.... He's wearing his uniform, he's got to have his sword, right? Right?
...
PIP! WATCH OUT!
Author's reply
heh, heh, heh "Watch out, Pip!" she says... as if warnings will do the poor little hobbit any good... heh, heh, heh
Dreamflower
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Amongst the Scattered Stones
Whoo-hoo! You get 'em, Frodo! Yay! I *love*love*love* feisty!Frodo! It's so cool when he fights back and does not just allow the bad guys to do any old thing! I hope that a few of them are no longer in a postition to ever become fathers! And it sounds like Pippin to the rescue! Will we get to see the Trollslayer in action--at least a little bit? I hope so, even if the rescue is unsuccessful, because, really I do hope this is a Budgielover epic in the making, and it wouldn't do to get rescued *too* soon...Oooh! What if they capture Pip, too? Oh, that would be...dreadful?
Author's reply
Dreamflower my dear, I just had to laugh reading your comment - you sound like Pippin, all big eyes and hope. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm. I thought writing Frodo like this might be a little much for some people, but the vast majority seem to like him able (and willing) to fight back. Yes, you will see the Trollslayer in action, though possibly not like you think. Thank you so much for your encouraging review!
shirebound
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 6: Amongst the Scattered Stones
Oh, I hope hope hope he's truly escaped! Your Frodo is wonderfully clever and brave, just as he should be.
Author's reply
I think I prefer your 'kinder, gentler' Frodo... *grins* 'My' Frodo seems to be scrapper. Of course, after all certain fanfic writers have done to him, who could blame the poor hobbit!
Larner
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 5: Outside of the Inn
Oh, Frodo! Alas, they got him anyway. The thump was the giveaway, of course! Now, to find him again, and quickly.
His first decent meal, and then the crash by Sam, the scaring of the man with the mushrooms (poor guy--yes, indeed he must think they're nuts!), and then hearing of a plot to take him--I don't blame Frodo for getting sick!
Then to be taken anyway, and in such an ignomious position as losing his meal!
Find them, lads!
Author's reply
Ah, Larner my friend, did you think 'they' wouldn't get him? *giggle*
This chapter was so much fun to plot. I think one of the most enjoyable things about writing is coming up with an idea, then making it feasible. Of course, sometimes we have to stretch our imaginations and read with a forgiving eye. What could possibly be more fun than a good romp through Middle-earth?
GamgeeFest
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 5: Outside of the Inn
Oh, poor Sam! I understand Merry's reasons, but to not be allowed to search for his master is a terrible punishment for Sam. And poor Frodo. As if going through the Quest wasn't bad enough, now he's been hobbitnapped. Though I think his captors will find that he is not such easy prey. He at least won't be easily intimidated.
Author's reply
Ooohhhh, words of prophecy, GamgeeFest! I think you must have been peeking over my shoulder when I was writing Chapter Six!
Your comment about Sam not being allowed to go with Merry & Pip gave me pause ... I hadn't looked at it like a punishment. Yet Sam would probably feel that way, even though he knew Merry had his best interests at heart. Intriguing comment, and food for thought!
Andrea
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 5: Outside of the Inn
Oh my God!
Somehow I have the feeling that Frodo is in no condition to answer their calls right now!
Fortunately the little girl showed them right track. But what about Frodo? How is he faring? Oh my, you are really the master of cliffhangers ;-)
I loved your Merry in this chapter, particularly this:
“No, Sam. You’re not so long out of the Houses of Healing yourself. Frodo—and Aragorn and Gandalf and Elrond—would have my head if I let you hurt yourself.”
That's my Merry, indeed - and he's absolutely right, about Sam's condition and the possible reactions of Gandalf, Elrond, Aragorn and Frodo!
Be patient Sam, they all are doing their best!
Author's reply
You know, Andrea, the hardest part of writing a cliffhanger is cutting back and forth between the action when you separate the kidnapped/lost/missing/whatever Frodo from his friends. And possibly the best part (besides driving people nuts) is getting to see the actions from all the different characters' heads. Merry is especially fun to do this with, because he's rather an atypical hobbit. More Merry to come!
Queen Galadriel
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 5: Outside of the Inn
*groan* Oh, no! This is terrible! Frodo's been taken, and now these rapscallions are going to lead them all a terribly trying life of it trying to find him, and then they're going to be confronted with the nameless fear *shudder*. I guess everything will come out all right in the end, but I can't imagine how. You know, I've thought lately about doing a story as full of cliff-hangers as possible, dedicated especially to all those who are so *good* at them, but I'm beginning to have second thoughts. Do I really have the heart to do this to people? *grin*
That poor man, I hope they find him and can apologize. Merry and Pippin *were* too hasty.
You never cease to amaze me with the creative ways in which these kidnappers manage to get their prey, or how you resolve the story and leave us satisfied in the end. I'm remembering the latter, and that is what's keeping me from going insane. :) Please, please, update soon!!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Ah, your majesty, how right you are! I had to laugh about your comment "lead them a terriby trying life" when writing Chapter Six. It's such a pleasure to see Frodo getting a little revenge...
I hope you DO write that cliffhanger story! The world needs more anxiety, tension, anticipation, and pure, pure fun.
Elflingimp
· 15 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Ah!what a cliffhanger!!I hope Frodo will be okay,Faramir is gonna be in trouble if something happens to him anyway Great story and chapter!
Author's reply
Hullo, Elflingimp! Thank you for your comments. You have the most intriguing screen name. I wish I could reassure you that Frodo will be okay, but ... well, I promise this won't be a deathfic. Just lots of action and excitement and angst and hurt/comfort and humor, and something will most likely get burned down or blown up... :D
Ariel
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Hehehehe! I smell Budgie-angst! *reaches for double helping!*
Author's reply
I hope you have a big bowl ready! *grins*
Ariel
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
You go, Merry. Spot on. Grrr...
But by the same token, I agree with Frodo. Someone has to be the one to sacrifice for those he (or she) loves. Nicely handled.
Author's reply
Whew! I'm glad you liked Merry's little outburst - I wasn't sure how that would go over. I would feel that way, in Merry's place. 'My' Merry is less forgiving than either of his cousins; there is an edge to him. But I wasn't sure if that edge fitted into other peoples' incarnation of him. I guess that's why we write our characters as we do ... to explore the endless facets of this universe.
Ariel
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 2: In the Rooms of a Ring-bearer
Oh, no! He's in the hands of the cliff hanger mistress! ;)
Author's reply
I can just see the expression of terror on our poor sweet hobbit's face. He'd much rather be anywhere else, with a definite preference for over the Sea... (I like to think of Frodo being in the process of earning all the good things that come to him later, you see.)
Ariel
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Halls of the King
*Snort!*
Oh, a NEW Budgie! Ah, bless! I love your perfect mixture of comedy and angst - it's just right - angsty enough to be interesting and yet with touches that put a smile on your face like the 'grey thing' on the plates. LOL! I can SO see the hobbits doing that. Hehehe!
I have my coffee and am now finally off the fireline. (thankfully!)
*settles in for a delightful read!*
Author's reply
You deserve a nice, quiet, comforting read after that! Unfortunately, this won't be it. (I'm sure you are surprised by that.) Thank you for your kind comment and encouragement!
gamgeefest
· 13 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
I know full well just how sick pent up emotions can make you. Poor Frodo. He's been through so much already and then to put himself through this is such a shame. He's stubborn to a fault, and I felt for Aragorn as he was trying to treat him. Merry was right when he said that Frodo needed to be let out, not only so he could see the people that he helped but also to get him away from his thoughts. Can't wait to see where this is going.
Author's reply
Wise Gamgeefest! Yes, you are right - Frodo bottling up his emotions and despair helps no one, especially himself. But he doesn't see that. As for 'where this is going' - well, not where you think! ;D
Gentle Hobbit
· 12 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
I've just caught up on the four chapters, and I can detect the signs of a story winding itself up for a classic Budgie adventure. I really don't like the sound of those men in the corner, no, not at all. I suspect that they will be the source of the nastiness to Frodo that you've hinted at...
In the previous chapter, you described a shining darkness coming from Frodo's neck. This sounds intriguing and am wondering where you're going with this. I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Greetings, GH! This story did take a couple of chapters to lay the background (instead of leaping right into the action) but things are finally starting to get moving now. heh, heh, heh Chapter Five tomorrow night (barring the usual weekend craziness...)!
Lotrgirl1415
· 11 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
I Truly love where this story is going..
I cant wait to read what happens next!
xoxo
~Katie
Author's reply
Hi, Katie! Thank you for your encouragement. I'll try to live up to your expectations!
Andrea
· 11 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Oh my god!
It was very nice to read four chapters in row, because there was no waiting time between the cliffhangers - until now ;-)
They have rope? And they want Frodo? Oh no!
Once again I'm really intrigued by your story.
BTW, it was a nice detail to mention the rat-catcher.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you caught the rat-catcher reference, Andrea! You know it refers to one of the "Making Of" documentaries on the RotK extended version DVDs. I'm still looking for the shop myself, not being quite fast enough to see it on the set. (I was wondering if anyone would pick up on that.)
And I think you will use that same perceptiveness to anticipate the direction of the next chapter... :)
girlofring
· 11 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
oh, no you wouldn't! would you? Ah the wait!!!!!
Author's reply
Hullo, Girlofring! So good to hear from you! I was wondering if I should e-mail you the story, as I know your computer time is so limited, so am glad to see you found it. I hope you enjoy it and it was worth waiting for!
Bodkin
· 11 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Poor Legolas - kicked by a hobbit and feeling it!
It seemed a good idea to let Frodo have some freedom, but it looks as if there are likely to be problems. Sullen-faced, dirty-handed, armed problems, too.
I hope Faramir gets back before the hobbits decide to leave the inn.
Author's reply
Now Bodkin, what 'problems' could their possibly be when a barely-recovered, recently ill Ring-bearer ventures into a partially destroyed city when there are already rumors of unrest? *cough* 'Sullen-faced, dirty-handed, armed problems...' Brilliantly put!
Elemmírë
· 11 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Uh oh! Me smells trouble. I hope Pippin's uniform includes his sword this day.
The sedan chair idea was kinda cool ... different for the hobbits to experience. Although I have a distinct feeling that Frodo will be soon needing a litter instead. :)
I really liked the part when Elrond is describing the various damages that can be inflicted via a kick from a hobbit's foot ... the ruptured organs, etc. Working in a hospital, I always enjoy those little medical details you throw in.
Your desrciptions of Frodo's reactions to the throng of adoring people of Minas Tirit was very well done. I felt like I was there and could see just how uncomfortable this little hobbit of the Shire, who'd never left his home before despite wanting adventure, would feel being gawked at by so many. It was nice to see the people keeping their respect for him and Sam, however, and Mikah acting as a bouncer was a fine example of this.
Eagerly awaiting the next chapter!
Author's reply
*grins* You have a good nose, I think...
I'm glad you enjoyed the scenes you mentioned. It always fascinates me to find out what people resonate to - in your case the tiny bit of medical detail. I usually plot my stories in advance, including chapter ends, but you would be surprised how much that outline varies according to what people respond to. Thank you for your review!
Periantari
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
OH no! i do not like those strangers! ::Frets fro Frodo :: :(
Faramir ought not to have left them...
I liked this Legolas quote:
“I have never been attacked by a hobbit before,” Legolas mused, rubbing his stomach carefully. “I shall have to treat those large, hairy feet with more respect.”
lol! i love your humor that is interspersed in this with the action and the h/c. :)
And i love Merry's suggestion about the sedan chair! lol
I can't wait for more. :)
Author's reply
You are so encouraging, Periantari - thank you! You won't have to wait long - chapter five is finished but for a bit of polishing, and six is well on its way. Soon, I promise!
Periantari
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
awww angst at the last part and all throughout...
The part where Frodo was on the edge was so scary--
i'm on the edge of my seat right now so i'm going to just continue on.
And i love merry's outburst because sometimes i feel it unfair too--but then again hobbits are resilient beings-- and i love them so much for what they sacrificed fro Middle Earth--especially Frodo.
Also love that bit about Frodo thinking of his parents and the stars--lovely imagery during that part of the chapter. :)
Author's reply
"Both the sweet and the bitter," to quote Arwen's speech to Frodo as she gives him the Evenstar. I agree with you; life (and certainly fanfiction) is most unfair to the hobbits. I'm glad you liked Merry's outburst - I wondered if anyone would believe that scene. It rings true to me ... but I wasn't sure how others would accept it. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed both the scene and the story.
Periantari
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 2: In the Rooms of a Ring-bearer
I love Frodo h/c... =)
And i love the humor you put in this as welL! =)
“Infuriating,” Aragorn said briefly. “It is a battle to treat his wounds and a war to make him take his medicine. I encountered less opposition at Pelannor Fields.
lol! I so really enjoyed that line from Aragorn--Characteristic of him and also characteristic fro Frodo to not want anyone to worry and hard to get things out of him.
Everyone is so loving fro Frodo that it's really great to read the last part about all of them discussing Frodo.
I especially loved this Sam line:
“Begging your pardon, sirs,” Sam broke in, “but you oughtn’t be talking about forcing Mr. Frodo to do anything. He’ll talk or he’ll not, as he feels like it. I’m hoping he’ll talk to Mr. Bilbo when we get back to Rivendell,” he added in a softer voice.
and Pippin care! ...love these little details. :)
Sam broke off suddenly and turned away from them, tears glittering in his brown eyes. Wordlessly, Pippin wrapped his arms around his friend and hugged him.
awww Sam! ::goes to huggle him too:
and the line about Sam thinking that grass is good for Frodo and to let him go out again--i really liked that too. :)
::goes on to read more:: =)
Author's reply
I would love to take a poll, Periantari, and see how writers shape their stories. I always say I see it happening before me - I am just recording what I see. It is especially satisfying when readers tell me they see it, too. Of course, we know our hobbits and the entire Fellowship so well, we know how they think and act and speak ... and love stories that give us the opportunity to stick a toe into their world...
Linda Hoyland
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 2: In the Rooms of a Ring-bearer
That was a highly unexpected turn of events.
Author's reply
To which I reply ... good! When things get too predictable (beyond the burning things down and blowing them up, I mean), it is time to take a break!