Well isn't this getting interesting. I must say I can't take Sauron seriously a good guy for a second so it was more comforting and realistic to see him back to his old self, but perhaps that was a trick as Frodo believes it to be and his original good self is still there. I look forward to see how this will be resolved. It's interesting that Sam's memories of the images Sauron gave him earlier on may be of help.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
You certainly did catch up quickly! Bravo for you! :)
Hm, you're not convinced I see. There are many skeptics out there, and that's not about to change anytime soon. We'll see what Sauron's actually up to in the next chapter. But yes, he is his 'old self' again in a way - once a deceiver, always a deceiver.
Thanks so much for reading! I'm glad you're enjoying this odd little story I've concocted! :)
Antane
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 15: Resolutions
Bravo, Frodo! You have faced your torn, violated self squarely in the eye and can now move beyond that and live again and from the torn threads sew a new self.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It has been a long bumpy pot-hole-filled road for Frodo to finally arrive at this spot. His self-abusiveness, while not exactly the main culprit in his post-Quest illnesses, certainly didn't help and even contributed to how ill he became. Now that he realizes this, he will be able to put the pieces back together to form a whole, and yes, hopefully, live again. :)
Antane
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 13: Recovery
Almost all caught up here at last. I'm glad that Frodo is at last beginning to believe that he wasn't a failure. Very true that sometimes it takes someone one wouldn't expect to tell the same truth those who love dearly have but one couldn't believe until now.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
When your former arch nemesis tells you the truth, you better listen! heh! But it is true that sometimes the truth comes from the most unlikeliest of places, and Sauron cannot exactly be argued with on this point. If anyone knows what the Ring would have done in those final moments, had it not been inadvertently tricked by Gollum, it is Sauron. Frodo has little choice but to believe him but that doesn't mean his heart will be changing its mind as quickly. It will still take some time for Frodo to realize the full impact of what Sauorn has told him here, but when that time comes, Frodo will be the freer for it.
Althea
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 17: Trapped
Well, you did it again. Just as I was congratulating myself for having figured out some of the plot, you threw another surprising twist at me. I should have picked up on the foreshadowing of Frodo's reaction to seeing the dead children, but I was so horrified and disgusted myself that it didn't dawn on me that the wizards would use a child to further intimidate Frodo and Sam. The carefully laid plan has gone wrong already. I'm on pins and needles wanting to know what happens next. And although it now looks as if Sauron did not betray the Hobbits, I still want to give him a good kick.
Author's reply
Frodo actually mentioned the wizards' use of children in a much earlier chapter, so this has been coming for a while. The wizards will stop at nothing to have their prize and they care nothing for an innocent life.
The best laid plans of hobbits and Maia often go astray! LOL! But you can bet Sauron has a back-up plan - so long as that too doesn't go astray. ;)
Althea
· 20 June 2007
· Chapter 16: Khand
I have not had much time for reading lately, and I've been wondering what has been going on with this exciting story. Tonight I found out. Wow! What a chapter. Your talent for description is wonderful. So is your ability to deliver suspense. I was really surprised by the shocking turn of events at the end of this chapter. I could not understand why Sauron would leave Rick and thought something might be up, but I didn't expect things to unfold as they did. However, I still have a feeling that perhaps Sauron is just putting on an act to trick the Blue Wizards and he needs Frodo and Sam to be convincing in their anger and fear. At least I hope that is what he is up to. I must hurry and read the next chapter. I feel so sorry for the poor little Hobbits. Whether Sauron turns out to be good or evil, I want to give him a good kick for putting Frodo and Sam through such horror.
Author's reply
Well, Sauron is a scheming little (er, tall) deceiver. Some things never change. You're partially right, as you know already - and don't worry - Sauron won't be getting away from this without remonstration. ;)
Thank you for your wonderful praise and for your lovely review!
Antane
· 20 June 2007
· Chapter 5: First Lesson
Ahh hobbity love - the reassuring kisses and embrace, falling asleep listening to a beloved heartbeat... :)
The first lessons were interesting too. And very true - the devil does work that way, very subtly. And now Sauron is showing how to counteract that.
Namsrie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Aw, the fluff of the earlier chapters. :D I had nearly forgotten. I enjoyed the opportunity to not only show Sam's protectiveness of Frodo, but Frodo's concern for Sam.
I'm glad you enjoyed the lessons! Frodo was in for a surprise with the ease of the visions, considering that the Ring would have been quite cruel and persistent in its tauntings by the end of the Quest. Too bad Frodo couldn't have been given these lessons earlier. ;)
Thanks for reading!
Andrea
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 17: Trapped
Oh dear!
Well, first of all I'm glad that I was right. Sauron did not deceive them!
And Frodo *IS* able of using his new-found powers!
But now they are confronted with the wizards who will not be impressed by the necklace, I fear. And who's that girl?
I'm looking forward to reading more! (Great cliff-hangers, btw!)
Author's reply
Sauron is a great deceiver, but he does seem to be working for the good guys now - thank goodness! Frodo can use his powers, but he is nowhere near as profficient as the wizards are. He'll have to work quickly to get out of this rather sticky situation, as he was not expecting to have to take on the wizards right away. And he certainly wasn't expecting that poor girl. The situation just gets more complicated. ;)
Andrea
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 16: Khand
OMG!!!
Of course I know that there's a new chapter already. But I can't start reading it without a comment to *this* one!
Is it really possible? I had just begun to trust Sauron, when - BOOM - he revealed his real intentions! If these *are* his real intentions, that is! I just can't make up my mind!
But of one thing I'm certain. Sauron and the Blue Wizards should be very careful, because they may not know what it means to challenge a Stubborn Baggins! I think, Frodo has not shown all he is able to do, yet!
Author's reply
LOL! Oh believe me, Sauron has not forgotten the tenacity of a stubborn Baggins! The wizards though are in for quite a surprise (or it should be hoped!) :D
Dreamflower
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 17: Trapped
I have been meaning to catch this up for weeks now--it seemed every time I had a few minutes, you'd added another chapter, for which I didn't have time. But I *finally* got the time to just sit down and *do* it!!
Sauron is still a deciever--only it looks as though it *is* the bad guys he's decieving. I had begun to suspect such a set-up when he started to "throw suspicion" on Semira, but I had begun to dismiss it when you finally had it happen! Very sneaky of you, and worthy of your protagonist!
One thing that makes this story seem to flow, and to present itself almost like a movie or show unfolding before the reader is your use of present tense. I only know of one other person who uses it successfully in fic on a regular basis--but you have really made it work for this story.
I will eagerly await your ending, and hopefully I won't fall behind again!
Author's reply
Well, I'm glad you managed to catch up and that you're enjoying the ride!
Sauron is still a deceiver - exactly! Only now he seems to be using his powers for good instead of evil. ;) Sauron still had his reasons for mistrusting Semira but he found a way to make that work to his benefit, just as he does everything else. He's a very good manipulator, as we know already, and you can bet he has had this all figured out for quite some time. He *does* need to work on his trust issues though. ;)
I don't use the present tense very often, but this story just seemed to demand it from the start. I'm glad that it makes it feel more real for you!
Larner
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 17: Trapped
An awful, but necessary trick to pull on poor Sam, I must say. Now, why are the Haradrim holding weapons on Rick, and what do Frodo and Sam need to do to save this girl? Quite the pickle each seems to be in at this time!
Author's reply
Sam was left out of the conspiracy for a change, but it was an unfornuate necessity. He'll forgive Frodo for it of course, but he might have a few words for Sauron the next time he sees him.
Rick and the hobbits do seem to be at the mercy of their captors at the moment. Let's hope Sauron's managing better with his task.
cookiefleck
· 18 June 2007
· Chapter 17: Trapped
Oh my, oh my, oh my. Twists and turns galore. Just when we think *maybe* things are under control, they aren't. You're doing a great job of keeping me on the edge of my seat. I'm having a lot of fun worrying about Sam's (and Frodo's) safety.
Author's reply
Oh, but I couldn't let things settle down that quickly, now could I? ;) The wizards are not easily fooled - or perhaps, they are simply a little overeager to start having fun with their new victims. Either way, Frodo's job just got that much harder.
Queen Galadriel
· 18 June 2007
· Chapter 17: Trapped
Aaaahhh! Evil, evil cliff-hangers! Well, I for one don't believe that Frodo has been fooled, otherwise it would make no sense why Sauron would give him the key. A very well-crafted plan (whew! I was right about one thing anyway) but the wizards showing up at that moment is a rather nasty surprise for our heroes. Poor Hobbits and that poor little kid!
But what about Rick? What's the deal with these warrior fellows, and what does Semira have to do with all this? Can't wait for the next update!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well there's still Sam's theory that Frodo has been brainwashed! Or, Sauron could have given him the key to lull him into a false sense of security. *g* ;) But yes, you did a very good job deducing the truth. You win a warm plate of cyber cookies. :D
Those wizards seem to be a couple of steps ahead of the game themselves though. This is going to make Frodo's job much harder, but as Sam said, they've been in spots just as bad before. Let's just hope Frodo (and Sam) can get out of this without adding more emotional trauma.
We'll find out what's going on with Rick - and just what exactly Sauron has been doing all this time - in the next update. :D
Queen Galadriel
· 16 June 2007
· Chapter 16: Khand
You didn't. You didn't! Do you mean to tell me that we, the readers, along with our poor Hobbits, have been fooled all this time? GF, you're kidding! I want to believe this is an illusion of some kind, but your responses to the reviews already left say otherwise, to say the least. Oh, how could Sauron...this is so horribly shocking, just to read! How could he be so kind and so...Did Aragorn know about this?
Ah! I just went back and read what he said in chapter 9 and I looked at the end of this chapter again. I know exactly what's happening! Sauron is using this to get the Hobbits *into* the fortress! He is indeed a deceiver--a good actor, frighteningly good. Am I not right? But then...why did he leave Rick behind? I'm curious to know what he will ask for as his reward, and why, oh, why didn't he warn the Hobbits about this beforehand? If I'm wrong, I'm making myself look completely foolish, so I'll stop blabbering. Pleeeeease hurry with the next update! This is truly a cruel cliff-hanger--this kind of thing should be against the rules of fanfic! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
*I* didn't do anything. Sauron on the other hand... :D All your questions and more will be answered (sort of) in the next chapter. I will say right now that Aragorn did not know about *this* or he never would have let the hobbits go.
I ran into a teesy bit of a snag while revising the next two chapters, but I soon as I get it smoothed out, the next chappie will be up! :D
Antane
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 4: An Unlikely Treaty
At last getting back to this, at least a chapter of it - this is very interesting that Frodo would be able to see Sauron's light and the similarities between it and his own - both torn and fragmented but mending. He was able to see Smeagol's soul clearly too. Should be an interesting journey...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Frodo has been blessed with the ability to perceive a person's true self and it has always served him well, whether he realizes it or not. He will place his trust in that again.
Thanks for reading!
elanor winterflowers
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 16: Khand
OMG--I knew it! Filthy wretch--let's hope Rick has a few surprises up HIS sleeve; surely Aragorn cannot have been so stupid as to have fallen for this! (Of course, I did, but I'm not the King!) Surely the shaman's token's have more power than they appear to....surely Samira will be back....!
You set this up just beautifully. The moment of truth was a real blow, even though there was a brief moment of suspicion when Sauron kindly let Rick sleep through the assault on the wizards. Well done!
I liked the village and the villagers. I'm hoping they're not in league with Sauron, though maybe they are. Nonetheless they are very colorful and interesting and they seem a very natural part of the landscape there. They are a fine creation!
Looking forward--duh!--to what happens next. And if I was Frodo and somehow got out of this, I'd snatch up that white jewel and take the first boat headed for the West! Enough is enough! :)
Author's reply
hehehe That was quite a surprise. It wasn't until I figured out that plot twist that I finally knew where this story was going and how it was supposed to progress. :D
You might want to go back though and reread what exactly Aragorn tells the hobbits about Sauron. That's the only extra clue I'm giving you. (There was another clue at the end of this chapter.)
The villagers are rather dear to me. They've been through quite a lot over its history, living so close to the wizards, yet they are still able to maintain some sense of humanity. I'm glad you enjoyed meeting them!
cookiefleck
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 16: Khand
Oh my goodness! I am on the edge of my seat! Will be interesting to see what Rick does now.
Author's reply
*bounces* *pads edge of seat with extra cushioning*
We'll start with Rick first thing next chapter. :D
Larner
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 16: Khand
Okayyyyyy!!! Now, THAT was unexpected, I must say! Now what?
Author's reply
*grins* I'm rather proud of that plot twist. I was worried for a while that I wouldn't be able to pull it off.
Now, the fun (in a manner of speaking) begins.
Althea
· 6 June 2007
· Chapter 15: Resolutions
This chapter certainly increased the tension. First there was Semira's chilling warning about the wizards and then there was Frodo's soul-searching examination of his motives for agreeing to the new quest. You really had me worried about Frodo for a while. I was so relieved that he realized that he wants to live. Now that my worry for Frodo has been lessened a bit, I'm wondering what Sauron is up to and when and how the Blue Wizards will make their first move. This is such an exciting story.
Author's reply
Semira just couldn't leave quietly, could she? After Rick pressuring Sauron all that time to allow him to speak to her, she ends up being the one to (sort of) spill the beans. Why she did that is up to debate. ;)
Frodo has a huge task ahead of him, and escaping into death just isn't a solid Plan B this time around. It's crucial that Frodo go forward with clear intentions.
The Blue Wizards will be making their first appearance in the next chapter, so sit tight! :D
Larner
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 14: Harnen
A story they have heard partly before, now to be heard more fully.
I'm sorry they part from Semira in some ways. But the Hobbits are heartened now in many ways; and although Rick knows he will lose Semira's company he yet is trusting his companion the more.
Love the description of the market.
Author's reply
The hobbits might have enjoyed a happier tale, but they are relieved to hear that Ioveta is now living happily ever after, which I'm sure Pippin will be happy to hear as well.
Semira has made the road interesting, if nothing else, and while Rick might not agree, he trusts Sauron enough to listen to what he says. It's a 'better safe than sorry' scenario and Rick knows in the end he can't really argue it - though that certainly didn't stop him from trying!
Larner
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 15: Resolutions
So, Frodo is at last choosing life over death; and he and Sam find freedom in that choice. And I wonder about Semira and her affiliations, and hope we learn of them soon.
Author's reply
Frodo may not have consciously chosen death, but it's quite clear how seductive that idea was to him. Thankfully, Rick was able to help him realize what he truly does want, and just in time. He will not go quietly into that dark night. ;) Now he and Sam have a clear path ahead of them, and they are both all the more determined to come out the other side.
Semira certainly left Rick with a lot to think about as well. He's made a promise and he won't back down from it, however much it might frighten him.
Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 13: Recovery
He had time and attention from THAT to see and memorize her tattoos? Okay! And Sauron did that on purpose--I'm certain! Devious soul!
Author's reply
Rick is a very observant young man, LOL! Especially when you put a beautiful woman in front of him! I'm sure there's not a single part of her he *didn't* notice and memorize. ;) And yes, that devious Maia did do it on purpose. hehe. At least it gave Frodo something to laugh about. And you're really not going to hear Rick complain either. ;)
cookiefleck
· 2 June 2007
· Chapter 15: Resolutions
Wow, this was a really powerful chapter and went places I did not anticipate. Frodo's self-realization process was fascinating. (The Choices of Master Frodo, eh?) After that, the final conversation between Sam and Frodo was a satisfying conclusion for this reader. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, cookie! This chapter has been a long time coming, ever since Sauron and Rick met the hobbits in the Shire. Everything has been leading to this, Frodo's final lesson, his self-realization as you call it. Frodo has set up a lot of wall for himself since the quest, and this is the final one that needed taking down.
There was a danger of that final conversation becoming long and maudlin. Thankfully, hobbits tend to take things lightly and with Frodo and Sam, who know each other so well, there's not a lot of need for saying everything that's on their minds. They understand what isn't said just as much as they do what is.
Thanks for reading!
Queen Galadriel
· 2 June 2007
· Chapter 15: Resolutions
Nope, I haven't forgotten about this story! School has just been soooo crazy, so I've had to read literally in spare minutes. (It took two weeks to get through the last chapter!)
Rick is a very good story teller! What a wonderful tale for them to hear just then, almost on the borders of Khand.
Oh, I am sorry to see Semirah go. I don't believe she's an enemy; she seemed to have grown quite attached to them. Poor Rick, though, learning how she perceived him.
Wow, the latter part of this chapter was powerful! I have to wonder, did Sauron know Rick's question would arouse Frodo to new determination, or was a Higher Power at work here?
He throws the stick down onto the dirt and stands swiftly. He turns, intending to go into the tent to wake Sam, only to find Sam already there, looking
up at him in wonder and surprise as water bubbles happily in the pot. Frodo pauses, surprised at his unexpected company. For a moment, they do nothing
more than stare dumb-founded at each other, then Frodo squares his shoulders, marches over to Sam and beckons for him to stand. When they are eye-level,
Frodo says, “We’re not going to die here, Sam,” with more conviction than he has shown in a long time.
Sam’s face brightens. Whatever has been running through his master’s head seems to have agreed with him, for here at last is the master he had known before
the Quest. This is not a small glimpse grasped in the moments before the volcano begins to erupt. This is his master, finally and truly returned to him.
Sam laughs and nods his head approvingly. “That we won’t sir,” he agrees. “Them Blue Wizards don’t stand a chance, I reckon. But if you want to be awake
to defeat them, I suggest you get some sleep. I’ll wake you when dinner’s ready.”
“Thank you Sam,” Frodo says, and Sam knows it to mean more than just dinner.
“It’s not a bother, sir,” Sam replies.
They embrace briefly, then Sam returns to his stew and Frodo goes inside to his sleeping roll and settles down to the best sleep he’s had in weeks.
Oh, I love it! All that really caught me off guard. It was very well done!
So, will Frodo get to stay in this AU? Please? :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Rick does understand the importance of good timing when it comes to his stories. I'm sure he's been waiting and waiting for the right time to tell that story, and the New Year is the best time for a story about new beginnings.
It was hard letting Semira go. She's grown on me also. She only was supposed to be a secondary character and she proved to be so much more. It was fun having her around. But don't worry about Rick. He won't let himself be bothered very much about the way Semira perceives him. At least, he won't let it change the way he feels about her - and I'm sure he has his own unflattering perceptions about her culture as well. They just have so much left to still learn about each other.
And Frodo finally has the veil lifted from his eyes. He's been entrenched in a deep denial for years now and he finally sees the truth for the first time. His final lesson, as it were. I do not doubt that Sauron knew what this confrontation would do to Frodo and that he held this off till the last moment so it would have a full effect on him.
This AU won't be covering much of what happens after this adventure, so I don't know if he'll get to stay. I do know he will make every effort now to remain in Middle-earth. Maybe this AU will be more like Tolkien's original ending - he and Sam stay here until they're old and wrinkled, and then sail to Valinor together? Or, maybe not. I'll leave that ending up to you. ;)
elanor winterflowers
· 30 May 2007
· Chapter 14: Harnen
All caught up now! And I just so admire the progress of this story: the interplay of characters, the richly subtle details of life and culture in these unkknown lands, the mystery of Semira. I continue to watch Sauron breathlessly; it's taking me much longer than Sam to trust him. But then again, I like him, and I'm fascinated with what's going on inside. Lovely portraits of Frodo and Sam, and, of course, the immensely likeable Rick. I like it! I'll try to keep up better from now on!
Author's reply
It has been quite an unusual experience writing this story. More than any other, I've just had to sit back and let the characters do whatever they're going to do. Semira especially was a surprise, taking on a much bigger role than I originally intended, but she also provided the missing link. It's been hard to let her go.
Sauron more than understands your hesitancy to trust him. In fact, he'd have been greatly surprised (and suspicious himself) if you had trusted him right away. lol! He's a bit of a conspiracy theorist, in case you haven't noticed. ;)
Frodo and Sam will always be there for each other, looking after each other. It's been interesting to see what they would do in this situation, how each one would react to this unseemly adventure. And Rick, of course, is just a hoot. He's such a carefree spirit in amongst all the angst and suspense.
Thanks so much for reading! I'm glad to hear you are enjoying the story!
Althea
· 29 May 2007
· Chapter 14: Harnen
It's good to see a new chapter. You've still got me wondering about Semira's loyalties. She's an intriguing mystery. I liked how Frodo and Sam view the long marches and missed meals of this journey as being so much easier to bear than the privations of their former quest. It's sad to think of what those poor little hobbits endured before. I'm glad they are having an easier time of it now, but I do worry about what is in store for them later on. Rick's story was wonderful.
Author's reply
Whatever Semira's loyalties, Sauron is right about one thing: she will never leave her land or her people. He should have pointed this out to Rick before now, but he's still on the learning curve about how to deal with things of this nature. And let's face it, Rick wouldn't have listened anyway. ;)
There is no denying that so far this quest has been much easier to bear for everyone. Of course, they haven't got to Khand yet, so things may be changing soon, at least for Frodo. He's the most susceptible to the Blue Wizards and so the most likely to be effected the closer they get the their lair.
Rick proves himself to be quite a good storyteller here. We saw a little glimpse of it in the first chapter, and it was fun to give him center stage again here.
Thanks for reading!