Reviews (129)

ziggy · 15 August 2008 · Chapter 14: Brief Freedom

Oh wow! Suspense!!! So the Nazgul and Saruman are within, the rest of the fellowship is together in a cell. Legolas (positively smouldering!) and Eowyn are off to look after Legolas –I hope she is gentle with him- he is very vulnerable at the moment I feel and not at his best certainly! And for her to tell him of the others I expect. This just had me rapt. I loved the way Gandalf finished off his rather tongue-tied sentence!! Eowyn is wonderful- but I am not entirely sure that Legolas is simply going to go off and leave Gandalf alone with a Nazgul AND Saruman. After all, he has lost everyone else and Gandalf has just been returned to him- I have a feeling he won’t take this lying down!! Of course, I could be really really wrong and he just gets smitten with Eowyn and forgets everyone else. Gimli is written with such insight and real sympathy. He is not just a gruff dwarf but is sensitive and diplomatic with the Rohirrim. And he never patronises Merry- in fact, I think Merry grows truly significant as a character. I was about to say that he grows the most but actually, both hobbits become the significant characters in supporting their two Big People as it were. I also started thinking about the way Legolas changes – the aftermath of his torture is convincing and even more painful to witness because he is seemingly so adamant- the last line of the last chapter – ‘the light went out of his eyes’ (not an exact quote) reflects the sheer physical awfulness of it. He hesitates before giving Gandalf back his cloak – ashamed, hurt, just in pain, whatever that mix of emotions in his eyes as he looks back at Gandalf before he crosses the threshold, is a subtle way of conveying the immensity of what he has endured. So he has changed for the worse- but I have faith hat he will be restored, as will Aragorn. In fact, Aragorn is already reasserting his own character. He is aware of the danger to Théoden and has told Eowyn to guard the king- so you have set up his full re-emergence brilliantly. I love this line: ‘It appeared that all those on the terrace of Meduseld had rooted themselves to their places to defy the urge to flee and hide.’

Ainu Laire · 10 August 2008 · Chapter 14: Brief Freedom

Oh, oh! The trees have destroyed the orc army and everyone is in Edoras together! Things are finally turning out a bit better! *bursts into tears* Staff Elf: ... *pats her awkwardly on the shoulder* And despite the fact that my anxiety levels have lessened quite a bit- Aragorn: Fiction brings her anxiety. -I thought I'd bring my two favorite Muses with me, anyways. Don't tell the rest of them that, either. It was just so lovely to see Aragorn acting like himself briefly. His wish for Anduril and to face the Nazgul and Saruman, especially since the latter has wronged him so- I missed that stubbornness! Aragorn: Stubbornness? Yes. Manly stubbornness, mind you, but still... Anyways, it is great that Eowyn is so involved in the happenings in Meduseld; if it weren't for that, Aragorn and Pippin may have not escaped from Saruman, even if their escape is a bit... unusual. In the end, it's really nice to see the four of them together. Figures that Grima intercepted Gimli and Merry, though. Very typical. Staff Elf: Prison is a lovely place to recover. Aragorn: Better than Orthanc. Mmhmm. Moving on.. even if a Nazgul is lurking around, this is still one of more hopeful chapters for all of them in general. I, for one, am so, so happy that Eowyn is on their side, Legolas is getting some attention to his wounds, and that Gandalf is there! Gandalf should definitely be able to help, I'd imagine. Help with both Theoden's and Aragorn's poisoned minds. And perhaps some Nazgul-disposing moves, as well... Aragorn: Hama annoys me. He treated us with less respect when we came. Well, Hama just watched one of the Nine burst on through like Sauron already won the war. Can you blame him for being a little bit nicer? Staff Elf: Mortals and their petty annoyances. *sigh* Shush, now, Aragorn's going to chop you through if you talk like that. Knowing you, dear authoress (right gender, right?), there shall be even more action that will not disappoint. I am sure the Nazgul shall cause some disturbance... he has a mission and I doubt he wants to disappoint. In the end, I hope Saruman learns about his defeated orc army soon :P Aragorn: *snickers* Until next time!

ziggy · 9 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

I have to confess to have been, lurking and enjoying your story immensely whist not writing a review- groveling apology. Guilt has forced me to take time to do this. I have loved this. Right from the start, the quality of your writing has had me gripped. One of the things I like most, oddly, is the orcs!! I like Norgy! He has a sense of humour and is cheerfully brutal - the first inkling of him as a real character with history is when he tells off a minion for only using rope on an elf- that is a stroke of genius, reminding us of the real danger from them for the fellowship, and that these orcs have had elvish prisoners before- things don't look good for Legolas. Norgry’s special interest in Legolas is chilling – but he warms up later with Merry. When finally Legolas is free and meets up with Gandalf, it's only really then that we get a sense of what Legolas really endured the breaking of his fingers, not once but over and over, shows the mindless cruelty of orcs better in a way, than endless beatings as that is hard to imagine. Everyone can imagine the pain of breaking a finger, and then to have it hurt further. The sense of pain is more intense and emphasised the other tortures he has been subjected to. In the chapter where they first cut him and then took a bite out of him, I physically recoiled - so it was very effective. And the way we don’t see ,but hear the torture- Merry isn’t sure at first what it is and then realises it is someone in pain- and it can only by Legolas or Gimli – I felt like Merry – like looking away and not dwelling on it. You have dealt with that aspect ever so well- not salacious but quite real and intense. But back to the orcs! I also liked the way they lie to Saruman quite happily- not wanting to be the bearers of bad news- it reinforces part of Saruman's plan about the disloyalty of orcs and his own ignorance that it cuts both ways. Aragorn is torn with guilt and indecision- and again, it picks out a quite overlooked incident on the book, when he hesitates after they have bid farewell to Boromir. It is key moment really, and it is Legolas who tells him they will follow him and have fait thin him, basically, pull yourself together and get on with it! I always felt it is one of the things that made Aragorn more than just your usual hero, that he suffers doubt and indecision. The use of the palantir to amplify this is a wonderful idea- I think it helped to explain why Denethor saw what was real but how twisted and bent it was. I am intrigued to see how Aragorn will come out of this- I suspect he has kept his integrity and is just waiting for the right moment to usurp Saruman and Pippin is vital in keeping him sane and focused. The sense that he has become a shadow, as he is when tending to the horses on the way to Edoras, is perhaps because he is holding onto the real Aragorn, submerging him for a while from Saruman's gaze. I hope anyway- but even then, he has Pippin, who is going to remind him of who he is. Once Pippin had done the damage of revealing Aragorn, he grows tremendously and becomes noble and valiant- Pippin at his best. And Merry – his rescue of Gimli shows him at his best too. Merry and Pippin become, actually, the courage and the hope of the remaining fellowship and I loved that- too often in fanfic hobbits are shown as childish and needing protection etc- they are adults in their world, although Pippin is still young. “He can’t walk!” Merry shocked himself with his defiance before the massive Orc, but a greater surprise came when Legolas shifted over and put his hand on Merry’s shoulder without protest. That defiance threads its way throughout the story- wonderful! Can’t wait for the next chapter.

Larner · 5 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

At last--Gandalf is back and aiding Legolas--I'm glad he's a whiz with fire! Heh! Now--to open the cuffs and get riding. I take it Eomer is already imprisoned beneath Edoras? Now--to see what can be done to counter Saruman and free Theoden from the old White Wizard's influence.

Ainu Laire · 4 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

Wait, wait, wait. A hopeful note? Is this actually ending on a hopeful note? Yeesh. About time. I hope that, well, good things start happening soon! I hope Merry and Gimli are taken care of, too. Legolas seems to be doing a bit better, especially since he's met Gandalf the Amnesiac. Now if only Aragorn would, you know, snap out of it. I really don't care how it happens, just so long as it happens soon... his compliance with Saruman is distressing for a hopeless fan girl to watch :( Not that he was in this chapter... but I know what's happening in the background! So now that the rest of the guys are, if not well and peachy, a lot better than the last group left in captivity... well. It's time that Saruman gets his head beaten in, Pippin to get out, and for Aragorn to turn back into Aragorn. Can't wait for an update :) Would write more but I'm on the run. See you next chapter!

Thundera Tiger · 4 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

I absolutely love the way you write Gandalf. He's exactly as he is in the books: grim, dour, and powerful one minute, and then the next minutes, he's putting on this disgruntled old codger act. Which I have always found to be wildly hilarious. I'm not entirely sure why, but seeing it here in your story just had me laughing all over again. I love that Legolas doesn't believe it's Gandalf until Gandalf plays the cranky, impatient wizard card. And all of a sudden, it's definitely not Saruman. Which is a credit to all your characterization work, by the way. Moving on, Merry was definitely in fine form, and I love the muted hostility between Gimli and Rohirrim. Definitely a step down from his initial confrontation with Eomer in the books. You can see echoes of it, but your Gimli has endured much more and is a little too weary to be so bold in the face of strangers that offer help. Ah, the throwbacks to canon! And finally, the last part involving Legolas tied together some great threads you've been weaving. The idea that it was Legolas who woke the Ents and somewhat circuitously provided the means for his own escape was a stroke of brilliance. His initial escape attempt was not such a failure after all, since it led to the successful completion of his second escape attempt. And it was fun seeing all of this from Gandalf's perspective. We got to step back and really examine Legolas without worrying about all the things he isn't letting himself think about it. Awesome chapter as usual, Docmon!

Linda Hoyland · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

A very scary encounter with the Nazgul! I worry most about Aragorn.If only Gandalf would turn up,he could snap him out of the spell.I liked the way you wrote Pippin's encounter with the palantir.

Ithilien · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

Woohoo! Another chapter! Focused on Legolas no less! And he's found Gandalf to boot. Or perhaps it is Gandalf who has found him. In either case, he is in a safe place though I feel very, very sorry for him. He suffered a lot and I wonder if he will ever really recover psychologically... or even physically. His right hand probably will not. I noted carefully that you used the past tense when Legolas explained that his injury was inflicted because he had been an archer. If there is a cure it will be a very painful one. My heart breaks for him, but he does not seem to be focused on his own losses, only those of a greater consequence. That, of course, is very noble. Still, the light dims in his eyes at the thought of the pain he might suffer in removing the shackles and the contrast between the big picture and his own plight is quite extraordinary. He suffers. Gimli and Merry have encountered the Rohirrim and that thrills me. But I worry what will happen once they get to Meduseld and find Saruman is already there. I don't think the wizard will take their escape well. Will they be recaptured or will there be aid to them in the guise of Eowyn and Eomer? I wonder but can't even speculate on the outcome. I loved Merry's defense of their actions, by the way. No, they did not come for aid for their friends but to serve a greater good. Again, nobility reigns supreme among those that remain of the Fellowship. Gandalf will be arriving to Edoras soon, and with Legolas at his back. Is it possible the combination of all his friends united again could be enough to pull Aragorn from his stupor? See Aragorn, there is hope. In any case, I expect the fireworks will be flying when the two wizards face off. This is going to be fun!

Cairistiona · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

Oh, hooray! Gandalf the White is here at last! And Legolas is getting succor at last as well. Whew. And the bow and sword are found, and Gimli and Merry are heading to Meduseld ... I'm daring to draw breath again!

Naledi · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 13: Freedom for the Taking

I'm so happy Gandalf has met up with Legolas. I'd hoped he would make his appearance soon. Poor Legolas though - it looks like it will be some time before he is fully recovered. And it will be a tragedy if his right hand is permanently impaired. I liked the way you handled his meeting with Gandalf. It showed just how badly his confidence and trust in others has been damaged and how much he feared being sent back to Orthanc. And the fact that he was startled by the noises of the forest was so poignant. I hope another days rest at Wellinghall will help matters. That is, if Gandalf doesn't blow him up with whatever he's about to attempt to break the manacles...

Linda Hoyland · 21 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

What a dreadful choice Gimli and Merry had to make.

Thundera Tiger · 21 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Strange Sights

You do like to put Legolas through the wringer, don't you? But the great thing about your writing is that you take consequences into consideration. Nobody who goes through what he just did is going to eagerly turn around and face it all over again. There are mental ramifications now coming into play, which is something that is so easy to forget. The physical wounds are obvious. The mental ones are much harder. And cheers for the Ents who finally decided to take matters into their own hands. Cheers for a fiesty Eomer, too, who would have probably preferred to meet Aragorn under canon circumstances rather than these circumstances. I doubt that this is the kind of first impression that the poor Ranger wanted to make. I love what you've done with him, too, by the way. He's twisted and torn inside, and it's difficult to tell if he's even still fighting against Saruman. The beautiful twist you've added is that in joining Saruman, he thinks he's fighting Mordor, and it's toward that fight that he's fueling most of his strength. Vicious cycle, all around. Awesome chapter!

Cairistiona · 21 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Strange Sights

Boy, you really are turning canon topsy turvy ... now Legolas is the one rescued by the Ents! Very interesting how you're managing to rearrange the entire story, and yet somehow retain so much of the mood, feeling and suspense of the original version. And that can only be because the characterization is strong--they all "feel" right. Well, except that they're all battered and bruised and poor Aragorn has almost lost his mind ... I'm hoping that gets fixed before too long. Hmm, Gandalf, where are you?? Now would be a good time to show up ....

Naledi · 21 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Strange Sights

Oh, poor Legolas! I knew he'd be in for a rough time with the orcs, but being gnawed upon...*shudders* I liked his resilience and determination here. I was nearly cheering when he managed to break free from the orcs and drag himself away, although he definitely needed Treebeard's help to get away in the state he was in. I'd like to think Legolas' previous contact with Treebeard during his first attempt to escape has something to do with the ents' presence at Isengard. I'm glad Treebeard is taking Legolas to Wellinghall. I think that will be the best place for him to recuperate. I'd be interested to see what effect ent draughts will have on him :)

Ithilien · 21 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Strange Sights

I picked up on this story a week or two ago and have been very impressed with your quick turnaround on chapters. This is a great story! Thank you for writing it! Wow! Thank goodness Legolas got out of there! In my mind, prior to reading this chapter, I was hoping he could find a way to the Ents. The way he was left, I didn't think he would escape and I feared his friends were going to find him after the fact, mutilated and near dead if not dead. It was more a tribute to the Orcs stupidity than any mighty power he had that he was able to get out of there. Still, to be eaten alive... that's some big incentive. I would have fought too. Now he's in better company, though I do hope you'll give him a day or two to recover. Last count, his legs were broken, he'd been hanging for days and likely has a dislocated shoulder (you mention his right hand being useless), not a square inch of his body had been spared some physical torture, and he'd just been stabbed in both sides. He probably has a bite mark or two to show for his time as well. I'm not sure how he even managed to make it up the stairs let alone over the balcony rail. Plus he's been without food or water for Valar knows how long. But he did. Somehow he did. Hooray for the resilience of the elves! Still, I would think a week's healing sleep would not be enough to get him back to a semi-normal state. Thank goodness he has Treebeard helping him now. What ever possessed the Ents to take it upon themselves to act so hastily? Regardless, an army of Ents would be very powerful, especially in Edoras where Theoden's court is sadly being maneuvered. Will Legolas be able to convince the Ents to march? If not, Eomer and Eowyn both realize what is about and I suspect they'll put some action together as well. Those two are clever. Too bad Aragorn and Theoden have been made into such pawns. I'm wondering what it's going to take to snap Aragorn out of his stupor. I guess I'll just have to wait to see what you have planned.

Larner · 20 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Strange Sights

Ah, so the Ents came on their own account, but now have Legolas to assist in raising their full ire and assistance, and Eowyn realizes just how they are being manipulated and the threat against their land that Saruman now poses. Good!

Ainu Laire · 20 July 2008 · Chapter 12: Strange Sights

*twitches slightly* I need one of the muses again. If this story continues as it has been (in other words, my favorite character being slowly turned into a mere shell of himself), one of them will be in these reviews for quite a while. And I have around a dozen muses, so I can cycle through them! This time it's muse!Aragorn. He's like Aragorn, only lacking the nobility, kindness, sense of honor- Aragorn: You are too kind. I know. But it's true. Otherwise you would be kinder to me. Aragorn: The canon Aragorn would have dumped you a long time ago. ... you're likely right. Let's move on to the story, shall we? Oh look, the orcses are hungry! You know, someone knawing on you is rather... unnerving, to say the least. Aragorn: How would you know? You don't want to know. Now, I do love how the orcs smell fear. I really don't know how that's possible, but it's a fascinating study, to say the least. It would make a great scientific research topic, trying to find out how exactly orcs can smell an emotion. Maybe fear comes out through the sweat glands? Aragorn: You're going off topic. Why don't you concentrate on how delighted you are that everyone is out of Orthanc? Oh. Right. I'm delighted. It's great that the elf met Treebeard. Now, one must wonder what in the world they're doing actually causing problems for Saruman when no hobbits stirred them? I mean, to take such action they already had to have an Entmoot, correct? Now who in the world could inspire such a thing? Aragorn: You couldn't possibly be thinking about a certain Maia that was reincarnated after a battle with a certain something from a dark underground city, could you? Oh no, I couldn't possibly think *that*... but in the end, it was the Hobbits that inspired them to act originally. Something- or someone- must have inspired them now. Oh, and this had to be noted- you depicted Treebeard perfectly! I love his manner of speech, and how he talks about blood, and how he is unsure if Legolas is an orc or not. Perfect, perfect. I look forward to meeting Quickbeam too, of course. No Gimli, Merry, or Nazgul, and little mention of Pippin... so let's move on to... Aragorn and Saruman. *starts crying* Aragorn: Not again... Aragorn! How could you agree with him? How could you go along with his plot? Aragorn: I explained this already. I- or he- is very confused from the Palantir and Saruman's slick talk. Though, granted, I would rather give him a piece of my mind and die rather than see this happen... A piece of your mind? Aragorn: The language one learns in LA traffic jams is fascinating. Ah. That would do it. May want to try NY as well, they can be worse, apparentally. Or, if you want to learn some new languages, many big cities in Asian countries have the worst traffic in the world. Aragorn: That would be amusing. *nod* Anyways. I am now more depressed at the end of this chapter than the end of the last chapter. It's all well and good that everyone is out of Orthanc, but here we have Mr. High-and-Mighty Heir of Isildur basically ruining everything he's worked for throughout the last few decades just because he is having issues with a glowing, see-through bowling ball! Aragorn: Palantir. Whatever. You know what, you deserve to be taken by the Nazgul, going with Saruman's plan like that and threatening Rohan with Uruk-hai.. and calling Rohan's army meager multiple times! Way to insult potential allies. Maybe the high wind speeds and cold air from the heights of a Fell Beast will snap you back to your normal self. Or I can just, you know, push you off the seventh level of Minas Tirith if you don't snap back to reality. At this point you're better off dead, really. Aragorn: You could also cut the death threats and hope Pippin will manage to tell someone about my plight? Eowyn or Eomer, perhaps? Yea! And maybe they can kidnap you from Saruman and give you extensive therapy so you revert back to your old self and stop being so, well, un-Aragorn. It's depressing. I miss the rebellious side of you... you're just too predictable and boring as Saruman's lackey. 'I don't know what's real so I'm just going to go along with Saruman and hope Sauron dies'. Bleh. Snap out of it please before I smash my head through the screen. Aragorn: You cannot smash your head through a laptop. Oh, I bet I could if I really tried... This review is getting too long and too off-topic. Aragorn: Brilliant observation there. I know. Oh, BTW. Go see "Dark Knight". Brilliant. The Joker gave me nightmares. But yes, it was a brilliant movie. And, naturally, continue soon. If Aragorn doesn't stop acting like a complete moron soon, though, I'm going to just pull him out, put him in expensive therapy, and replace him with the muse. Aragorn: I'm not going in there. Oh, I don't know, I'm sure you could liven things up... right. Ending the review now. Hope you don't think I'm completely insane! Aragorn: Much too late for that. Shush. Continue soon, Ms Authoress! (I assume every fan fic writer is female until proven wrong, so my apologies if I'm wrong). Continue soon! -Laire (and all the Muses that keep me sane)

Larner · 18 July 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

All becomes increasingly ominous! How did the Nazgul find them? Through the fell beast it rides? Hmmm.

Cairistiona · 15 July 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

Well, why not have a Nazgul show up and add to the fun? Every other blasted awful thing has happened to our heroes in this thing, so sure, torment poor Gimli and Merry with a shrieking wraith. Seriously, that is an interesting twist--wonder what distracted him? And what will Gimli and Merry do now that they're out? Escape is one thing, but now they have bigger problems facing them, namely that big long distance to Edoras. And then how to get back into Orthanc for poor Legolas. And then there's Strider ... you've only been giving these awful little glimpses of him but it's enough to set a chill in my gut and a sudden image of him as bent of mind and helpless as Theoden King. Eek. Not how I like to see my beloved Ranger! Hmm, can we take up a collection so you can take a leave of absence from your career and work nonstop to finish this thing? I think it'd be cheaper in the long run than the therapy I'll need from all these cliffhangers....

Naledi · 15 July 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

It was interesting that Pippin couldn't resist the lure of the palantir. But who was that he saw? Denethor? I'm looking forward to seeing what the knock-on effects of that will be, because in the book, Sauron seeing Pippin in the Palantir forced him to move before he was ready. And poor Merry and Gimli have a long walk ahead of them. Isn't it about time Gandalf showed up?

Linda Hoyland · 15 July 2008 · Chapter 9: Plans

Maybe Aragorn should pretend to join Sauraman and escape in Rohan?What a dreadful situation they are all in! I love Merry and Pippin's courage and determination.

Ainu Laire · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

I suppose I should warn you... in order to combat the rather drastic effects of angsty, hopeless cliffhangers, I bring along some of the Muses in order to, err, lighten my anxiety. They have been with me for many years, though they were on vacation for the last couple... Staff Elf: The Caribbean is a rather nice place. I'm sure it is. I haven't brought the muses along for many years- since the earlier years of high school, actually- but I really feel that I need them here. Otherwise I may go insane- or, more insane than I am now. Well, it is nice that Gimli and Merry are out- actually out, too! I do feel sorry for Legolas, though, being the last one left. Staff Elf: I don't. He's a prick. This is book-Legolas, dahling, not Orlando Bloom Legolas. Staff Elf: I see. Then I wish him the best. Eh... yea, it doesn't look like things are going so well for him now. Now Pip. Poor Pippin... it seems that fate took hold of him here, too. I was wondering if he was going to look into the Palantir. Staff Elf: It is a rather bad addiction for the perian. He may want to join Gollum in counseling. Obsession over inanimate objects is not healthy. We may want to put Aragorn in there, too. Speaking of him, I am rather distressed about his mental state. The man who was named 'hope' is losing hope rather fast. He wasn't too bad when he was just with the orcs, but just give him a few days with Saruman and his whole sense of self was flushed down the drain. I wish he would fight it more. Staff Elf: Watching the destruction of all good and all that you love does damper one's spirits. But he's *hope*. Estel. You know. Staff Elf: Yes, and said 'hope' is on death row. And you expect him to be cheerful? Not cheerful, just- oh, nevermind! Bloody elf. In the end, I wonder what the importance of Denethor seeing Pippin in the palantir is. And I wonder why Saruman was happy about it. If he's happy, I'm not. Let's move on... ah! Sauron has his wits about him. He did not tell the dear old wizard about a Nazgul paying an early visit to see that he gets what he wants. One small comment, however- would the Nazgul be so flippant about speaking his master's name? Would it not be better as, say, Lord Sauron, or the Lord of Mordor, or something else with a title? Staff Elf: You are too picky. Am not. Just saying... anyways! I suppose the Nazgul thought him an emissary to Saruman once he saw it was no man. I guess the dark being wouldn't know the minds of dwarves. As for his sudden departure, I would guess it was the Palantir. Even though he wasn't seen, I wouldn't be surprised if Sauron was lurking in the background. Staff Elf: Great deduction, Watson. I'd rather be Holmes, if you don't mind. You can be Watson. *blinks* This is rather long, isn't it? All for sanity's sake, I assure you... the end of this chapter just left me rather chilled and, well, as hopeless as Aragorn. Well, maybe not *that* hopeless, but still rather hopeless. Staff Elf: You're rambling. End the review, we still need to complete this game of Jin. Oh, right. Well then. Until next time. Update *soon*, please, before I enroll myself into the asylum. :D

Thundera Tiger · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

The thing I really like about this chapter is that it showcases how escape isn't necessarily the big challenge. Sometimes it's about what comes after the escape, and you show that really well here. Not that the escape itself isn't exciting. You can feel the tension and the eyes of the sentries as Merry and Gimli thread their way through Isengard. But once they're out, the next step isn't as easy as might be expected. Edoras is a long trek through Rohan, something that both of them appreciate. But it's a tribute to their courage that it's also something they're both willing to attempt. Then of course there's Pippin. Poor Pippin. Even in an AU, he can't quite escape the palantir. :) I find it really interesting that it isn't Gandalf this time around who comes to Pippin's aid but rather the unlikely combination of Aragorn and Saruman. Now there's a picture. It makes for a truly unique scene that I very much enjoyed. Awesome chapter, Docmon!

Fantasia · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 11: Travel

Well, you certainly told us that the escape was never easy, but I never have thought that they will encounter a Nazgul. I told myself, this is, they are finish, luckily, the Nazgul are quite single mind and don't care for the rest of the world when they are pursuing someone. I wonder what Saruman will say to him about Aragorn, maybe change of plans, he wasn't expecting Pippin looking into the stone either... Glad that Merry and Gimli are still alive, in his way...don't know where...they can't beat Saruman's army in his way to Edoras, so I hope that they next encounter is with Gandalf, and finally he will recover his memory and do something, I’m sure that right now, Eru is very disappointed with him, saving his live, sending him back and what do you get? A wizard wondering lost in Middle Earth… So, Legolas is alone in Orthanc, alone with orcs, uruks...no one there to control them...well I'm worry for him. Very nice when Gimli thought about the stars and link them to Legolas. Thanks and post soon. I enjoy this story a lot.

Thundera Tiger · 9 July 2008 · Chapter 10: Reality

Oddly enough, amidst all the planning, scheming, sneaking, and emoting that you've got going on (all things I love and crave in stories), the thing I like most about this chapter are the technical details of the escape. Particularly, the vent. For some reason, that idea gets me excited and I just want to cheer as Gimli immediately figures it out (Go dwarves!) and tries to lead Merry to the same idea. It's such a Gimli thing to realize, and it's a nice bit of technical writing to include both the chimney and the vent that would be necessary to supply fresh intake for the bellows. Essentially, this chapter showcases you as a writer who can tug at the heartstrings, piece together narrative action, and keep in mind all the little technicalities that would help in an escape like this. Very fun chapter!