Reviews (316)

Lindelea · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths

Ah. Making progress. Everyone's making progress, I hope. Nice to know Merry can still learn a thing or two from Frodo. Nice to know hobbits can still surprise Aragorn. Poor horse and knight, on those slippery stones. Lovely touches, Frodo noticing that tightness in Sam, easing; and Frodo's reaction to the little boy's enthusing about his deeds in the Black Land. I didn't quite get Gandalf's comment about piles of rocks in the way. I think I'll have to go back and read from the beginning to see if I missed something. The healer and family are wonderful. I have a little one who loves to declaim in a loud voice, inches from my ear, when I least expect it. Very realistic touch. Don't you believe them, Pippin. They'd really have to carry you if they cut your arms off! (Rapid weakening from loss of blood, etc.) It's just a ruse to get you to run further! (poor Pip, I hope that shaking ground means what I hope it means. Um. Circular thinking. Must get some tea.) Looking forward to more.

GamgeeFest · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths

A little of everyone this time. How wonderful! Poor Merry. I could almost feel his impatience and desperateness (is that a word?). That long ride down the 7 circles of the City must be feeling tortorously long. Legolas's comment on the orcs having food and drink didn't help matters any. Merry's little moment of reassuring Aragorn of Frodo's recovery was touching, as was Merry's attempt at jest. Typical of Frodo to think of Sam's safety and well-being before his own. He thought the chair was Sam and not for himself and so naturally agreed to it without thinking twice. The medicine may be keeping him groggy and incoherent but I rather think Frodo would prefer that to constant excrutiating pain. Marly and Peter's kids sound very sweet. And lastly, poor Pippin. Pushed beyond the brink of exhaustion, he's even more delirious than Frodo is. His thoughts of his childhood were both heartbreaking and heartwarming. That he accepts he's going to die and only hopes that it is quick really shows that he has come to the end of his strength. But there appears to be a timely rescue on the way. Yay! I think I know who it is, but I'll wait to see if I'm right. :D

Elflingimp · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths

Well Im glad we get to hear about whats going on with Pippin at least he's still breathing and I am hopeing that the ground shaking may be Aragorn and Merry and the rest. I liked the part about the orcish swear word,I like to know a few! LOL :<) Oh and Merry Christmas!!!!!

Pearl Took · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths

And . . . and . . . Talk about torture! I like Merry keeping up a stream of half spoken chatter to try to keep his mind and heart distracted. I like him learning a naughty word from Frodo, LOL.

Cuthalion · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths

Hm. The ground is shaking? What will this be - an earthquake? Poor, poor Pippin. I can perfectly understand Merry's frantic wish to run ahead and save him (And you write a quite impressive Aragorn). Cúthalion

Ariel · 16 December 2006 · Chapter 19: Down Dark Roads to Terrible Truths

Ah, it's good to see someone can get chapters out regularly! *sob* Excellent chapter - and Aragorn to the rescue! Yeah!

Linda Hoyland · 12 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

Another gripping chapter. I especially felt for poor Merry here and loved hisscene with Aragorn.

Cuthalion · 6 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

“I made a promise,” Merry said quietly but clearly. “I’m going to find Pippin.” Oy vey - hobbity heroism; thank God it is the King who accompanies him personally in his search for the lost, small Knight of Gondor. And they won't come in time to rescue Pippin, huh? I guess that was what you meant with "things are getting worse" when you replied to my last review. Grmbl. Just kidding. I'm enormously looking forward to the next installment - and congrats again for your MEFA-award! Cúthalion

Queen Galadriel · 5 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

Okay, I can stand cliff-hangers (barely), but cliff-hangers that leave me with a terrible sickening, sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach...*groan* They *have* to save Pippin! They *HAVE* to!!!! Gong back to the beginning of the chapter... Gandalf bent over the sleeping hobbit, the silky hairs of his beard tickling Frodo’s face. Frodo’s nose squinched up a little and one hand rose to bat absently at the annoyance. The wizard smiled, open affection on his face. “Frodo,” Gandalf said, “Frodo my friend, wake up. Elrond needs to speak with you.” That probably was not the best thing to tell him, Merry decided, as his cousin’s brows drew down and Frodo shook his head minutely. “Won’t,” Frodo mumbled. “Frodo Baggins,” Gandalf said firmly. “You wake up this minute. Now.” “Won’t. Go ‘way.” *grin* This is funny and sad at the same time. Poor Frodo has had too much opportunity to learn to refuse to wake up when it means a healer is going to "speak" to him, especially such a formidable healer. :) “Eggs with cheese, sugar toast, strawberries. Scones and jam, Frodo! Creamed mushrooms!” Frodo’s eyes opened slowly, and nose to nose, two sets of blue eyes blinked at each other. “Not fair, Merry,” Frodo managed weakly. Merry grinned impishly and kissed the tip of his cousin’s nose. Frodo’s eyes narrowed in discomfort and Peter thoughtfully moved some of the lamps away. Cute! I love Merry's tactic! :) “…here?” “What, Cousin?” “He wants to know if we’ll all be here when he wakes up,” Sam whispered. “Yes, Frodo,” Merry said. “I promise. Pippin will be here, and Sam and I too. We’ll all be here. I promise.” “He’s gone back to sleep,” Sam said softly. Oh, I just love the way Sam just knows what Frodo means, and can tell immediately when he's asleep. Wow. But Merry's got himself in deep now. A lie is *never* *ever* a good thing. I hope Merry doesn't learn that the hard way, though it *would* do him good. It wouldn't do *Frodo* good though. If he wakes up...Sam might be able to keep things under control for a little while with soothing words and coaxing, but the truth will come out, and I don't want to think about what that would do to Frodo as he is now. I was afraid there would be another emergency when they couldn't get the coughing stopped for a minute. Pleeeease update soon! God bless, Galadriel

Bodkin · 4 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

No! They can't be too late! Pippin will have to think of something to keep the villains at bay until Aragorn and the cavalry have the chance to arrive and retrieve him. It's time for a bit of Took ingenuity. And Brandybuck determination. Save that hobbit!

Andrea · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

“Merry,” Aragorn said softly. “There is no possible way for us to arrive in time to save Pippin.” OMG!!! There MUST be a possible way! Do you know the expression "To err is human"? Well, even if Aragorn is the High King, he's still human, and I really hope, he's wrong! And poor Frodo! I never have experienced such injuries, but I know the feeling when it seems impossible to stop coughing. That must have hurt badly! Of course, he would have asked after Pippin. And you nearly had me fooled, when Merry made his promise. But he would not be Merry, if didn't have any ulterior motives ;-) He would NEVER leave his Pippin alone! And that brings me back to Pippin! I don't know what can save him, but you'll find a way, I'm sure :) (P.S.: Great chapter title. And very promising...)

Pearl Took · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

All's well and good for Frodo. *sigh* What will save poor Pippin? What a horrible last line. What a cruel cliffhanger. We lovers of Pippin will be in agony until you post again ;-)

GamgeeFest · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

What a cruel place to leave us! *hugs Pippin protectively* Poor Frodo. That coughing bout sounded painful indeed. But I'm glad to see that Sam is finally going to be tended to. I nearly forgot about his poor feet. Gandalf's sorry attempt to wake Frodo was amusing, a nice little tension breaker Crotchety old wizards are really no match for pesky younger cousins. *eagerly awaits more*

Elemmírë · 3 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

LOL! One would think that after all that time of observing hobbits in general, and Frodo in particular, Gandalf would know the proper way to wake him up. Elrond coughed delicately. “Yes, well, evidently Master Frodo does not feel he has to obey you as he would Bilbo. I just love Elrond's observation there and Gandalf's perturbed manner. (he was so very gentle in trying to wake Frodo too, at first.) You taught Frodo how to purse-lip breathe!!!!!! (although it's really not used for coughing--more a technique used to help people pace themselves when they become short of breath with activity--but I very much liked how you integrated it here and Elrond's explanation, of course) And that's so cool that you included a Middle-earth explanation of emphysema! No, the hobbits don't get it from incessantly smoking their pipeweed, but instead from breathing in the poisonous fumes of Mt. Doom. :D You just made a Respiratory Therapist very happy, Budgie! I hope that's a promise Merry can keep. I know he and Sam just want to protect poor, recovering Frodo. Way to piss off the King and the whole of Minas Tirith, Lamor! I'm very happy to see however that despite all he's been through, Merry still harkens back to the ways of a hobbit and has not become calloused. Merry shook his head. “No. But I am sorry that he chose to do what he did. And I am sorry for the end that came of it.” It's also nice to see the crowds of Minas Tirith not turning into a wild, uncontrollable mob over Lamor. They want him to pay for his crimes, but they are also willing to abide by the King. Now if only dear Frodo were that loved and revered when he gets back to the Shire. I hope Frodo never sees nor hears of what happens to Lamor, for I do not think he will take it well at all, depsite Aragorn's rational. Great use of Gimli too, btw. I like how he's supporting Merry and looking out for him every step of the way. “There is no possible way for us to arrive in time to save Pippin.”Oh no! Don't say that Aragorn! I know that Pippin will be found and will be all right ... eventually. Merry has a promise to keep to Frodo, after all. ~Elemmírë~

Larner · 2 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

No way to come in time, eh? So, who is out on the Pelennor who could come to Pippin's aid, then? Is Eomer due back now? I hope so!

Dreamflower · 2 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

Ah, now Aragorn! Don't give up hope! What a dreadful thing for Merry to hear! But he is *going* to get Pippin and have him there for Frodo, so really, it doesn't matter what *anyone* else says at this point. A determined Brandybuck is a force to be reckoned with! Poor Pippin--if only he can hang on longer!

harrowcat · 2 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

Noooooooo........ you can't do that! Not to Pippin! And not to the rest of us either, you evil, cliffie-loving, Author!!!! *G*

Elflingimp · 2 December 2006 · Chapter 18: On the Cusp of Dreadful Knowings

What a cruel ending to a chapter! I dont know what to say beyond that, except I almost felt sorry for the bad guy( but not to sorry) I will be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next chapter I hope its not to long in coming it could get uncomfortable!

Andrea · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

“Well … back in Rivendell, Aragorn took us all on a walking party to see the geyser. Do you remember?” Gandalf nodded. “Yes. Those of us who remained behind enjoyed several days of lovely quiet.” Well, at least Gandalf has found his sense of humour again, and Frodo is doing better. BUT with every minute that passes by, Pippin's situation worsens! Aragorn has just arrived and so Sam and Merry will find out how bad the situation really is. Of course, Merry will go with the search party, or should I say rescue party? The only important thing is: they should start at once! As always, I enjoyed reading this chapter very much and I'm anxiously awaiting the next one!

Linda Hoyland · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

At least three of the Hobbits are reunited but the tension still has me on the edge of my seat.AS always, a great read.I yearn to know what Aragorn has to say.

Elemmírë · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

Another great chapter, Budgie! Although, that was the shortest chest tube placement ever! (I know, I know ... for story purposes, although those hobbits do have the most remarkable healing powers) LOL! Seriously, you did an awesome job with those details again and fitting them into the story, Budgie. You even had some in there that I forgot to give you, like coughing after to help re-expand the lung. “I quite understand the need to scream expletives,” Elrond said calmly. “Feel free, Master Frodo.” ROTFL!!!!! That-was-great!!!!! (and another fine example of Elrond's matter-of-fact bedside manner he displays at times) “Oh,” Merry said faintly. “See?” Sam hissed. “That’s why you don’t ask him the wherefores and the whyfores!” Exactly! Well said, Sam. LOL! I love Elladan's horse. Very spirited, protective, and loyal, not to mention having a personality all his own. I can picture he and Shadowfax comparing their own tales at the end of the day while munching on their hay. 'So, what did you do today?' 'I got to scare the crap out of one of the vile men who hobbitnapped the Ringbearer. I so wanted to take a chunk out of his slimy hide, but my Elf wouldn't let me. You?' I also enjoyed how Sam deals with his own anxiety over Frodo by trying to care for someone ... anyone that will let him. Very astute of Merry to observe this; then again Merry is always the observant one. Now hurry up and save poor Pippin already! Gandalf, Merry, Sam, and Elrond (and Frodo) all need to know that he was very brave in what he did to try and save his cousin ... and wasn't being ridiculous this time. ~Elemmírë~

Bodkin · 23 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

Well - things seem to be going fairly well in the inn. Medical help at the Elrond level has got Frodo's problems under control. For now, at least. And Merry's back and Sam's stomach has settled. But WHAT ABOUT PIPPIN???

Pearl Took · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

Whew! All is improving, all is looking up. Now, to find dear Pippin! This is such an exciting tale, Budgie!! Oh, I loved this: “You have never heard Father at full volume,” Elladan advised. “Luckily, all of the surrounding buildings are stone and still seem to be standing … else we might have to prevail upon Master Gimli to rebuild them. I don’t blame these good folk for keeping their distance.” LOL!!

Larner · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

Now--to rescue Pippin from the orcs, who, IIRC, are NOT pleased to have realized they were tricked, and they'd learned they didn't have the Ringbearer in hand. Hurry, Aragorn!

Elflingimp · 22 November 2006 · Chapter 17: In a Room Shadowed with Fears Unnamed

I dont know why but I feel like Augh! I wanted to see how Pippin was doing! By now surely hes Orc toast but I am glad this surgical stuff is over,little to graphic before breakfast! :)