Quest by cathleen
Larner · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Obsession
Are these blue stones, like the Ring, seeking to put themselves into the hands of those who will do what purpose has been placed on them? What will Merry do? And does Legolas have one of them now? Curious!
Author's reply
I think you're on to one of the important keys, Bonnie. But, there's a bit more to the stones' purpose.
Larner · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 4: Voices
Indeed, this second cave since they started into the mountains does seem particularly fortuitous--I only hope it isn't ominous! And the stones still feel off somehow, and particularly as Frodo finds his dreams ominous but Pippin is intrigued by his own--mostly. Best speak of it soon!
Author's reply
Pippin will understand more about the stones, and the dreams, as the story progresses!
Antane · 23 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Obsession
Those dreams at the beginning were well done, the best part here. And now Legolas is hearing the voice too...hmmm...the plot thickens... And that was good of Aragorn to put that sleeping draught into Frodo's food, even if a bit sneaky, but a good sneaky. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane. I worked a lot on getting te dream sequences right so It's especially nice to hear that. Of course, it helps to have such a wonderful beta as Dreamflower, too!!
Althea · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 5: Obsession
Wow! Things just keep getting more complicated. I do hope that Gandalf can figure things out. I am looking forward to the next chapters.
Author's reply
Thank you so much again!
Althea · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 4: Voices
The tension continues to build. Gandalf's words at the end are the perfect conclusion for this ominous chapter. I do hope someone gets Pippin to tell all soon.
Author's reply
*Grin* Thank you! I think Pippin and the others are in for quite an adventure as events progress.
Althea · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 3: Riddles
It's so sweet how Sam, Merry, and Pippin try to bolster Frodo's spirits. The exchanges between Frodo and Aragorn seem very real. I can see this happening. I do wish Pippin would tell Gandalf what he is hearing. So much is happening. So much could go wrong. This is such an exciting story.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm glad you're finding it exciting, that really means a lot to me to hear it, and thank you for commenting on my story!!
althea · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
I love the bit of tension between Frodo and Sam. It's also great that Gandalf knows Pippin so well that he is immediately suspicious. Hooray for Aragorn for insisting that Sam sit down and warm up. I'm glad that someone is looking after him.
Author's reply
Lol, Sam *does* need to be looked after once in awhile!
althea · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 1: Shades of Grey
I just found this and I'm so happy that I did. This is a great idea for a story and I love how you write the characters. I'm off to read more.
Author's reply
I really appreciate your comments and I'm delighted to know you're enjoying it!
Antane · 13 December 2009 · Chapter 4: Voices
Now, this is getting even more interesting and I believe that theory is correct that Pippin is feeling the assaults of the Ring too. Poor lad. I thought his nightmare at the beginning was Frodo's and his words describing what he thought the dream was about fit exactly what his cousin is going through. Intriguing and heartaching. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane! The dreams are meant to be confusing, as there's a purpose to them. I'm so pleased you're finding this story intriguing!!
Larner · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 4: Voices
There is obviously a purpose to the stones, and I must wonder about them. I hope there are no other unsensed dwellers in the cavern, too. And it's time Pippin be forthright with Aragorn.
Author's reply
Yes, there's a very important purpose, and it's rather complicated. Be prepared for more surprises in the cave - there's a portion coming that I think you'll enjoy in particular! As always, thanks so much for reading and commenting, Bonnie!!
Larner · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 3: Riddles
A necessary battle. He must at least get it THERE. A most stubborn Hobbit, Frodo Baggins! And he is trying to keep the others safe, inadvertently endangering the more--certainly endangering himself the more. Now, to learn what it is that our sensitive Took is becoming aware of.
Author's reply
He *is* a stubborn hobbit, isn't he now? And sometimes, Pippin may be a little more sensitive than is good for him!
shirebound · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 4: Voices
It may very well be that Pippin’s heart feels the turmoil of Frodo’s spirit This is so poignant, and yet so full of love.
Author's reply
Thank you Shirebound! I really hope you'll continue to enjoy my tale!! *Hugs*
Antane · 6 December 2009 · Chapter 3: Riddles
Love the riddles, but dear me, all that other trouble! Indeed this is a battle of wills as the Red Book shows so well and you show how terrible the struggle was. That is not going to be easy! I find it intriguing and believable that Frodo would unleash himself from Sam, but surprising that Sam didn't notice - must have been really knocked out! I hope Frodo will realize that though he must fight his own interior battle against the Ring, that there are others that can help and want to help. I sent you a private email before Thanksgiving but I don't know if you got it so here it is again, just in case: I don't know if you get Mythlore, but they had a very interesting article that may help you, if you are anything like me and love to research things for inspiration and insight. It's called So Far From the Shire and instead of the other articles that deal with Frodo's post-traumatic stress after the Quest is over, this deals with it as it is occuring, essentially from the viewpoint as Frodo being a victim of domestic violence with the Ring, of course, as the abuser. I don't agree with the idea that Frodo is basically suicidal by the end, but otherwise it's pretty cool and you may find it useful. I found it online for you to check out if you want: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0OON/is_1-2_27/ai_n30956844/?tag=content;col1 You may also want to check out the adorably titled Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for Dummies which I found interesting, but that's for after the damage has taken place. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I think Frodo can be pretty stealthy when he wants to be, even when Sam is involved. The Ring plays in, of course, but there is somethng more....
shirebound · 5 December 2009 · Chapter 3: Riddles
So many emotions and mysteries at work here. Poor Frodo. Excellent riddles! I know how hard they are to invent.
Author's reply
Thank you, but I really can't take credit for them. They are from a collection of old riddles but I don't know who authored them.
Lily Baggins · 3 December 2009 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
I would give my EYETEETH to see hobbits washing clothes! I can't imagine many things more entertaining than watching hobbits do anything, really. This chapter was so powerful. I've read it many times, and it always had me nearly in tears, worrying about Frodo and his well-being and the others looking out for him. And of course I love how Aragorn supports him here. *happy sigh*
Author's reply
LOL! Hobbits *are* very entertaining, aren't they? Lily, I hope you continue to enjoy this story. I would never have started it without your wish for more Aragorn and Frodo H/C fic! THANK YOU for continuing to read it here!!
Lily Baggins · 3 December 2009 · Chapter 1: Shades of Grey
Oh, wow---I'm so happy to see this story here!!! I ADORE this story---this first chapter was so perfect. I felt so incredibly sorry for poor Frodo, and oh how I loved Aragorn and Sam and Gandalf caring for him so tenderly and looking out for him. I'm so glad you've adapted this for SoA---it deserves a wide audience!
Author's reply
Lily, I'm so pleased to know you're happy with it! The story needed revision and it will contain some more surprises as I go along. I do hope you'll continue to follow and enjoy it, and thank you for all your support! I will definitely be finishing it, too. Dreamflower has been such a great influence on my writing for several years now, and it's her beta-ing skill and her many creative suggestions and input that continue to help me in revising and improving "Quest" for a general audience. Thank you again for suggesting we needed more Frodo and Aragorn stories, as well as all hobbits in the spotlight, lol!
Antane · 22 November 2009 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
Forgot to mention how cool it was that Pippin reached right over and holding and comforting his beloved cousin right after that nightmare - what a loving gift. And I love that Aragorn held them both at first and Frodo later. Ah, hobbity love! May it live forever! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Aww, that's so sweet! Yes indeed, hobbity love is fun and inspiring to write, as well as to read. Glad you liked! *Grin*
Antane · 22 November 2009 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
Very good chapter! Love the playfulness of Merry, Pippin and Boromir. And dear me, that terrible nightmare! I just read on Friday about a soldier suffering from PTSD who woke from a nightmare to see his turning blue because he was choking her to death. Fortunately she was not hurt either and she's sticking with him too! That is true love, just as the hobbits have for each other. Love the way of saying Frodo needing to empty his heart before sleep. Very true. The poor hobbit but Gandalf is right - he was chosen and that needs to be trusted. Looking forward to more. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so pleased you're enjoying my story! I, too, am inspired by the great love the hobbits share for one another. It really makes them a joy to write. I hope you'll continue to like "Quest" as it gets more involved and a bit scarier. Thank you for reading and for your kind comments.
Dreamflower · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
Ooh! The changes came out really well! This is going to be such an exciting story.
Author's reply
Dreamflower, I'm glad you liked the changes! I do hope my story will continue to deliver some excitement. Thanks again for your wonderful beta skills and suggestions!!
Larner · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
Indeed Frodo knows the brunt of the stress so far. And I wonder what it is that even now plots against him! The Watcher in the Water?
Author's reply
Yes, poor Frodo has his hands full, but I think he'll realize he has lots of support. No, not the Watcher, something even worse...
shirebound · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 2: A Battle of Wills
Poor Frodo, my heart just aches for him. He really is all alone, even though surrounded by loving and supportive friends. What *is* Pippin up to...? :D
Author's reply
Frodo does have quite the burden, doesn't he? As for Pippin....you'll see... *Grin*
Antane · 10 November 2009 · Chapter 1: Shades of Grey
Poor Frodo. An interesting beginning here. Love Sam's solution to the sleepwalking problem, Gandalf saying Frodo has no say in it, the teasing among the Fellowship about cleaning before going up the Mountain, Frodo's apology, Sam's understanding, loving heart and Frodo tying the string around his ankle. These two are already united by heartstrings, might as well be stringed physically as well. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Antane, thank you for your lovely comments, I'm so pleased you liked it, and I hope you continue to enjoy this story!
Larner · 10 November 2009 · Chapter 1: Shades of Grey
The Ring-induced nightmares are horible enough without sleepwalking to accompany them. And good characterizations of all the Fellowship.
Author's reply
Thank you again! *Hugs*
Larner · 10 November 2009 · Chapter 0: She Waits
A most eery setting of the scene, Cathleen. This Palantir is female, then? Or is this another influence completely?
Author's reply
Well......the palantir is not..... *Grin* Thanks so much for reading, I hope you find the rest of the story to your liking!
shirebound · 9 November 2009 · Chapter 1: Shades of Grey
Oh my, how intriguing! That was a delightful exchange about the 'drawers', and I'm glad Frodo apologized to Sam. I'll be anxiously awaiting more!
Author's reply
I'm pleased you found it so, Shirebound! I will have more posted this week, thank you so much for reading!!