Lindelea
· 3 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
O my, a Morgul shard! There's a fearful thought. And Elrond not free to help.
I find it a relief that Frodo, Pip and Merry are on the *outside* side of the wall, but it's still troubling that Gimli, Sam, and Legolas are on the flood-threatened side.
I love Pippin's cheek, offering to lend Strider *Merry's* comb. LOL! And Merry pressing his point, that he and Pip will be needed on the journey to come.
I find myself wondering--we've seen most of the fellowship. Will Boromir make an appearance, or did you excuse his absence in a previous chapter and I've forgotten?
I love Gimli as you've written him here. Solid as a rock. I like his practical upbringing, and would expect nothing less from Gloin.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Lindelea. My original idea for this story didn't include Boromir, regretfully, so if he appears it will be a delightful surprise. I never quite know where these stories will insist on going. :)
I'm really happy you're enjoying this. I love finding ways for the hobbits to tease, but also to 'show their quality'.
cookiefleck
· 3 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Yay, finally had time to re-read today and leave proper feedback. This chapter is full of wonderful things. I'm glad Aragorn quickly shifted to allow for the possibility of a Nazgul, because there is nothing more annoying (and dangerous) as a doctor/healer who doesn't listen to the patient and give credence to information about their own body, eh? Gimli's two mantras are very practical and worth remembering apart from the story; I don't think there is anyone other than your Gimli I would want with me in an emergency, except perhaps shirebound. Finally, I am thrilled that Sam's fate is still hanging in the balance... my favorite kind of story.
Author's reply
I agree about Aragorn! I think the weeks it took to get to Rivendell taught him a lot about the competence of hobbits, as well as learning to trust that Frodo would have better instincts about the 'shadow world' than most people.
Thank you for your lovely comments. I hope we never find ourselves in any type of emergency unless a Dwarf (or perhaps an entire Fellowship) is with us.
Dear Sam. :)
Nesta
· 3 April 2009
· Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Wonderful characterisation, especially of Legolas - makes him a lot more interesting than I normally find him! I like the idea of him re-visiting a tree he last saw as a baby. ('My, how you've grown, and as like your old dad as one acorn to another.')
Author's reply
Thank you! I learn so much about the characters by writing about them. And that tree might end up playing a part later in the story... haven't quite figured it out yet...
Nesta
· 3 April 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Hey, how do I get to join this gorgeous picnic? This is really Rivendell. Poor hobbits, not knowing that nasty wraiths are up to their trickses again.
I hope Arwen measured Aragorn for his gear too, otherwise Aragorn will be getting jealous. Aragorn sometimes seems rather irritatingly self-sufficient in the book; I like the idea of him appreciating Pippin's demonstrations of affection. And the way members of the Company are developing a rapport. Would Boromir really like the library though? I never thought he was studious, but perhaps I'm being unfair - he's no uneducated hobbledehoy.
Have to go and work now, curse it, but I'll be back.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying this. Wouldn't we all love to picnic in Rivendell? It's lovely to be able to do so in our imaginations, anyway.
It's fun to explore 'pre-Fellowship' interactions. They were in Rivendell for months, and had to be getting to know one another.
Nesta
· 3 April 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
This is absolutely enthralling! What imagination to get into the mind of a Ringwraith like that. And I'm fascinated by the idea of putting spells on metal.
Author's reply
Thank you, Nesta. It was quite a challenge to try to think like a wraith.
Larner
· 3 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Frodo is most perceptive, and Merry most wise in his suggestions. And I love how methodically Gimli is responding to the crisis as well!
Now--everyone HURRY as safely as possible!
Author's reply
Yes, it's time for everyone to HURRY! Thank you so much for your comments. :)
Tigger
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Thank The Valar help is there.
Good thinking on Merry's part about what's remaining of the shard possibly vanishing once out in the sunlight. And Pippin's ever present scarf ends up being useful yet again. Here's hoping Aragorn and Pippin can get Frodo to Elrond and Gandalf before it's too late.
Same w/Gimli, Legolas and Sam!! Loved how Gloin's lessons came back to Gimli so quickly. A good friend of ours will be very happy to see that Gimli had the presence of mind to dress Sam's head would to the best of what our stout and resourceful dwarf was able to. ;o)
Can't wait to see how all of this comes out.
Looking very much forward to the next part in this story. :o)
Author's reply
Yes, I thought of our friend when that head wound needed to be addressed! :)
Thank you, Tigger. I've written myself so many little notes about this storyline, it's a pleasure and a wonder to see it come together at last.
Althea
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
It was great to see Aragorn playing a larger part in this chapter. I love Merry and Pippin's quick thinking. Pippin is such a dear the way he banters with Aragorn in order to distract Frodo.
The shard embeded in Frodo's leg being like the Weathertop wound took me by surprise. I didn't see that one coming. You really know how to keep the suspense high.
Hooray for Gimli for keeping his head. I'm glad to see that Legolas has come around, but I'm still worried about Sam-- still unconscious with a gash in his head. I hope the elves are able rescue our trapped heroes soon and that Elrond can continue to hold back the flood. I'm really enjoying this story. It's very exciting.
Author's reply
Thank you, Althea. I just couldn't imagine this story without Aragorn, since I love it when he's in "healer mode" with the hobbits. It's such a joy to write banter and fluff, but it's a wonderful compliment to know that a story is 'exciting' and surprising, as well.
shadowolf
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Very nice. I always thought it was considerate of Legolas to ask how everyone else was before himself. I also like how you incorporated the first Nazgul attack into this second one with the blade.
Very well put together. I hope to read more soon!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! Tolkien wrote Merry as a very intelligent and capable hobbit, and it's a pleasure to highlight that aspect of him.
Inzilbeth
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Oh the tension grows! Your Gimli is excellent; so resourceful and matter of fact, as you would expect of the Dwarves; Merry and Pippin are a great double act, but most of all, of course, I'm waiting to see how Aragorn tackles this shard. I doubt he's ever done anything like this before. Another great chapter.
Author's reply
I'm really happy that Gimli is coming across as a unique, resourceful, and 'real' character. And Aragorn is (as you well know) quite a resourceful fellow himself. Thank you for reading. :)
ArianneG
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
A small predicament? That's a huge understatement. Glad that rescue is soon near to hand, though! Though knowing you, it'll be a while yet before Legolas. Gimli and Sam are gotten out of their stone prison. One only hopes that Elrond can hold until then.
Oh dear--surgeon!Aragorn gets to sharpen his scalpels, eh? Bless Merry and Pippin for their inventiveness. Aragorn would've surely had a worse time of it trying to find that shard if it melted and broke off in the wound, like the shard in Frodo's shoulder.
Author's reply
Thank you for your comments. I think Gimli might actually feel more comfortable being in charge of an underground emergency, than roaming around Rivendell trying to avoid conversations with Elves. I'm really enjoying learning how to write him.
Bless those hobbits, indeed. They all contribute something so unique and wonderful.
Dreamflower
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Oh, this is marvelous and tense--but help has arrived. I love seeing how the wheels are turning: Aragorn's determination to keep his own fear from the hobbits, Merry's quick thinking about the rock-shard and Pippin's solution; and most of all Gimli's careful assessments of everything he needs to do!
This is just wonderful!
Poor Bilbo--he's just got used to Frodo being better, and now Pippin will have to tell him that Frodo's injured again! I hope that it won't take too long to get to the others...
“You two make a good team,” Aragorn said.
“I agree,” Merry said, gazing at him meaningfully.
Merry's not going to miss a chance to remind the Big Folk that he and Pippin will be an asset to the Quest.
“What do you have? What must be done?”
Not for the first time, his father’s patient training came back to Gimli; after so many years, those two basic questions were as much a part of him as his beard. All Dwarves, starting as younglings, were taught the wonders of Mahal’s mighty realm... as well as its dangers. Tale after tale, drill after drill, reinforced the lesson: Rocks will fall; lives will hang in the balance; decisions will need to be made. Acting impulsively often led to further disaster.
What a great look into the culture of the Dwarves and how they deal with the dangers of their chosen habitat!
I'm so eager to see more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! I imagine that Merry would take advantage of any chance to show his expectation about the make-up of the Fellowship, and what he and Pippin might be able to contribute. He is a very clever hobbit.
I learn so much about the characters by writing about them. I have to assume that Dwarves are pretty narrowly focussed on the earth, in all its glory, and that children would learn from a very young age about its dangers, as well.
This story is so much fun. :)
Antane
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Another chapter! And this is neat and really making me disbelieve that you don't like angst. :) That would be frightening indeed for Frodo to go through another spell (no pun intended) of Morgul-wounding and certainly quick thinking to hiding the shard from the sunlight. But help has arrived for him and the others and more are coming. Hurry!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
LOL! I suppose it's more accurate to say that I don't like prolonged or severe angst, especially if it's without heaping helpings of "comfort and joy" to balance it out. I like to get the 'hurt' over with so the 'comfort' can take over. :)
Thank you so much for reading. It never fails to amaze me how a basic outline and a few plotbunnies can take off into a new adventure.
Heeee. As Frodo said to Aragorn, I'm so glad you're back. :)
Cairistiona
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Very exciting chapter! I was cringing for Aragorn's poor bare feet--glad he didn't apparently pick up any spinters. Very chilling development, the movement of the shard--I like how it seems to have developed a personality of its own just with a simple "it doesn't want to". I liked the humor as well, and the events on the other side of the rockfall with Gimli. Altogether an excellent chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. In Tolkien's world, even shards of stone can take on a life of their own, can't they? And poor Aragorn thought he was settling in for a restful day! But at least he got his bath, although he'll probably need another one now.
Hobbity humor... what would we do without it? :)
6336
· 2 April 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Yep, just a little predicament!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. There will be more! :)
grumpy
· 29 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
Loved how the folks of valley, have sprung into action. Funny I have this vision of Lord Elrond sort of mentally plugging the hole with his finger,like the boy and the dike. I am not at all sure I should be thinking of Lord Elrond like that. Ah well it is stuck there. looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks, Grumpy. And your image is as good as any other! Who knows how Elrond accomplishes all he does? :)
Periantari
· 24 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
oh wow! Legolas and Sam are both hurt! oh no! Let the rescue teams come quickly!
Awesome dialogue between Gandalf and Elrond-- they always seem to be on the same page-- i hope help will come soon! eeee~! this is exciting SB-- keep it up! I want to hear to hear the wraith next! (and Sam and Legolas POV before the cave-in) =)
Author's reply
I'm glad this is exciting! (I can't promise that we'll see the wraith again, alas.)
Periantari
· 24 March 2009
· Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
Awesome chapter! I really enjoyed all bits of it. I liked the excitement of the crashing of the cave-- it was fascinating and exciting to read that part because the action you write is so vivid.
Also really like the wraith's thoughts--- how chilling! You do a great job with villains, SB!
::going to read the next chapter:
Author's reply
Thanks so much! I can only handle villainous thoughts every few years, though. Eeeee, they're creepy.
GamgeeFest
· 22 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
Eep! Help is coming and Elrond is managing to hold back the river - but will they be able to dig Legolas and Sam out in time? Poor Legolas! Poor Sam!
Had to giggle at Gimli's derision over Legolas's love of tree roots!
Author's reply
This is such a culture shock for poor Gimli. Tolkien doesn't tell us whether or not he ever even *met* an Elf before this trip to Rivendell.
Thanks for reading. :)
Lindelea
· 21 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
...or perhaps I meant "spare dialogue". As in, not a word out of place.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
I appreciate that. :)
Lindelea
· 21 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
Ah. Excellent. One of your best. Sparse dialogue, deft description, skillful timing, spot-on characterisation.
This moment was particularly Gandalfish:
“I know some things, and will soon learn others."
Author's reply
Thank you, I like that line as well! Gandalf keeps his own counsel, and says only what he needs to.
I'm very happy you're enjoying this. :)
Ariel
· 21 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
Much as I hate getting caught up in WIPs, I can't resist a Shirebound. ;) It's good to see you still writing, my friend.
As for this one - book canon - yeah! And woundage! Double yeah! Is it telling that I feel more for Frodo's calf than for either Sam or the elf? *sigh* I am transparent in the extreme. More!
Author's reply
My friend, it's good to still *be* writing. Thank you very much for still being there! You were one of my original inspirations with your glorious "The Gift of Iluvatar" (which I've re-read many many times).
Frodo will always be first in our hearts. :)
Ithilien
· 21 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
"Both lay still as death."
Okay, you now have me trapped in your evil clutches. A line like that is the material that gets me every time -- it's certainly enough to have kept me dreaming this story all last night. That there is a wall of rock pinning Legolas and Sam down (or at least Legolas -- I imagine a conscious Sam to be small and wily enough to wiggle his way out from under the elf) bodes ill. And we also have a flood being held back by a struggling elf-lord. I expect, given the title of this story, that Gimli, Sam and Legolas are going to get wet before we're done. Hopefully not drowned too! We know they will live, but there's some hurting that need to be doled out first. I can't imagine unburying them is going to be easy or without pain. I keep imagining a rock wall landing on me and thinking that would have to hurt. And sick me, that's just the kind of thing I love for my LOTR characters!
Now I must patiently wait and try not to fall into the habit I often do of checking back at this site every hour on the hour to see if a new chapter is up. This is what happens when I find a story that snares me like this one has. I hope you feel ashamed.
Is the new chapter posted yet?
Nope.
Is the new chapter posted yet?
Nope.
*Ithilien chews nails and tries to act patient*
Author's reply
Oh, the guilt and shame! One day, and still the new chapter isn't posted or written! I have to say that about two chapters a month is all I can manage, due to wrist problems, but I'm plugging along as fast as I can.
*type type type*
Wow, thank you. I'm really thrilled that the feeling of suspense is coming through, and that you're enjoying the story so much.
Raksha The Demon
· 21 March 2009
· Chapter 5: Fire and Water
I loved Merry's frantic thoughts as he ran back - it was all so real and hobbity and rather funny, despite the dire situation.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. Hobbits will be hobbits, no matter the situation in which they find themselves! Tolkien's Merry is very organized and plan-ful, and I think that his mind is always racing over possibilities and solutions.