Reviews (143)

marry · 24 November 2003 · Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond

wow.... i think this is one of the best chapters yet. cant wait for the last chaper and epilogue.

daw the minstrel · 24 November 2003 · Chapter 46: What Lies Beyond

I found this to be a touching chapter. I liked the way that all of them needed healing and each of them did something to heal or comfort another. Faramir and Eowyn were particularly well done. Faramir is such a principled person that his feeling of corruption must hurt beyond belief. Nicely done.

IceAngel · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

wow wow wow! What a climax!! Have you seen Sleepy Hollow?? I can just picture Bala as the headless horseman there *shudder* And over into the falls, I would have never expected that! THankyou forever for the Faramir hhmmmmm... I have to run but am eagerly awaiting the conclusion and restraining my urge to straggle which comes upon me at the end of every chapter you write. Bala ended up as a fantastic baddy, I always love conversational climaxes where the characters get a chance to insult and argue first - as fantastic as I knew it would be!! thanks so much IceAngel

fliewatuet · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

Wow! This chapter was wonderful (well, for the most part, for I would not term the beheading of someone wonderful, even if that someone is Bäla and even if it is that well written). But I am glad that Bregus and Bäla are dead, after all. (fliewatuet wipes sweat off her forehead) First of all, I loved Gimli's impression of Arwen. Her confidence in her husband's abilities, the way she conversed with the dogs, and her premonition were written so convincing and added that air of strangeness that set her, as an Elf, apart from the Dwarf and the Soldiers. Gimli, again, was marvellous. He was in his element. Those little details that mark him as a Dwarf who is at home under ground worked lovely both in his first foray into Henneth Annûn and in him being able to track the hidden witch. And finally, his halberd came into good use! The scene between Aragorn and Bäla was quite frightening. Bäla not succumbing to what seemed like a mortal injury, even tricking Aragorn into believing him no longer a threat was most disconcerting, especially when he had Aragorn pinned beneath him and revealed his initial plans to him. Bäla's little monologue about manipulating others was like the dash of cream on top of that scene! And the ending, when Gimli finally met the mysterious yet magnificent stag as well, was just perfect (I fear that I am slowly running out of adjectives for my praise *grin* but this was just too good). And finally, the secret of that stag was revealed. Lovely! But now it is about time that Legolas recovered (as if the poor Elf were not already suffering enough, Bäla had to enhance the sea-longing!), Kattica gave birth to a hopefully healthy child, and everyone retreated to their well-deserved respite (though I am not so sure whether Henneth-Annân has not lost some of its charm). fliewatuet

Nightwing · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

Eeeek, I have the heebie-jeebies now. That headless body running around and bursting into flame. I can well imagine the elves in the trees: "What on earth is THAT??!!" "I dunno, but I think we'd better shoot that puppy!" Twang, twang, twang. Then the horrid head goes rolling by. I bet it was shrieking, too. Ugh. Bye bye, Bregus and Bala!! (Gosh, he sure knew a lot personal stuff about Aragorn's sex-life, didn't he? What big creep.) Yaay! Fabulous job, Gimli! Great description of that beautiful moment when he swung his weapon and delivered the blow. And Arwen was fantastic. I loved her poise and confidence as she helped Gimli with the pain of having to wait. Eowyn, too. Such courage. Good thing Kattica fixed her arm up, so she could hold the knife back. And I like the way her immediate instinct was to try to protect Legolas. Hope she didn't wrench his back too badly when she tried to drag him away. Lovely imagery of Gimli's moment with the magnificent animal. And I do hope all those mindless zombies can start thinking for themselves now that the old bat is gone. Nope, I do not feel sorry for Bregus. Horrid old thing. Good riddance. Speaking of Legolas, it's been a while since we have focused on him. So I do look forward to seeing more of him next chapter, though I expect it won't be much fun.

Tapetum Lucidum · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

That last review was kind of short. Sorry, I hit enter when I should have tabbed. Thanks for the quick update! You did great showing Gimli's frustration at being unable to enter the cave. He must have been beside himself to know that his dearest friends were in danger and he could not help. Arwen has changed from the hysterical wife stuck in the cave to the calm, controlled voice of reason. She has grown a lot hasn't she? Your description of the dogs being guided and wanting to help Legolas was excellent. Faramir gave Bregus a heck of a fight. I can only imagine the revulsion he felt when she looked at him so lustily. Your Eowyn is a great fighter - she will never give up easily - and she is still trying to protect our elf. I am glad Mattias and Gordash are once again free of the spell. I like them as good guys. Bregus' fear of the soldiers is again her weakness. Luckily she is mad, if she were sane and able to focus she would be a much worse opponent. It seems she is gone for the moment but we all know how non-fatal falls over cliffs into water can be. (right Aragorn)? Bala planned the entire thing from the beginning?! He is indeed a master manipulator. It is hard to imagine how he put the entire plot together when he was already dead. I guess dwarves are natural sprinters. The battle among Bala, Aragorn and Gimli was excellent. It was well choreographed and gruesome. Bala is truly evil incarnate - threatening Arwen in front of Aragorn is never a good idea. Having Kattica's grandmother appear as the buck was a nice touch. Recommendation - go see the movie Master and Commander - there is a GREAT ROTK preview which includes Legolas hanging from one of the winged Nazgul mounts while it is flying through the air. I about needed a cigarette after the preview and I am not a smoker. There is also a good preview for Viggio's new movie Hidalgo. Tapetum

Tapetum Lucidum · 16 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

*~SuGaR~* · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

i knew it was kattica's grandmother... ahhh...finally done, but i actually didn't want bregus to die anymore =S...at least Bala's dead too, but poor curtik... wut now of legolas?? really wanted gimli to finally see him again, and for him to get better, but i guess that'll be coming. Too bad eowyn and legolas couldn't really do much =( but it would have been a wee bit on the strange side if the elf just suddenly sprang up and whacked Bregus...wait he already did that...ok, sprang up and started killing Bala!!! =) well, can't wait to see Legolas awake again (please don't make it take too long...) oh, and wut about Kattica?!?!?! she started going through labour half way through!!! and you have to show Eowyn's baby too!!! next chapter, next chapter!!! bubai!~ *~SuGaR~*

*~SuGaR~* · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

still no legolas or gimli...really hope legolas doesn't stay lying on the floor for this whole thing... argh...next chapter...

*~SuGaR~* · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

O.O...well i can comfirm that yes, in this story, nothing works as planned. Now Bala's after Arwen!!! eek... hafta go read the next chapter now...have to go soon...ahhh!!! not enough time... bubai!~ *~SuGaR~*

Nilmandra · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

For some reason it makes me extraordinarily happy that Gimli got to be the one to take out Bala. I had wished it even before reading this chapter, and then, there it was, part of your plan. Now we just need to see poor Legolas, who appears to be in rough shape, and Kattica, whose baby comes too early.

sofia · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 45: The Final Truth

this chapter is really exciting!

Nilmandra · 14 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

Bala turned out to be the real surprise, didn't he? And he certainly knew who Faramir and Aragorn were. That makes the Romany presence in Ithilien more ominous, that Bala recognized their power and went for it. Bregus might be dead; Kattica is giving birth and Bala is escaping. That certainly makes this ending more exhilarating! I want to see Gimli take out Bala. :-)

sofia · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

wow! Really great story! I want to keep going...im so caught up in it! i will be staying in tuned! This is the first story im reading from you, and im glad that its really, really good for ill surely read the other stories... keep up the good work!!!!! --sofia

Tapetum Lucidum · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

Man, this chapter was exhausting just to read. I can only imagine what it took to write it! Bala! He went from just being part of Bregus' insanity to taking over the entire protected place. To think I even thought he was just an hallucination. he must be powerful indeet to fool both Kattica and Bregus. And Kattica thought she was clever. That was a big surprise! That was a titanic struggle between the two. Bala must be pure evil to attack an unborn child. He must have been plotting a long time to line up Curtik as his new host. I have no doubt there was much manipulation before his untimely death. Bregus murdered her husband? I was wondering how he was killed the first time. I don't know which is more insane. I liked how Kattica struggled through the spell, then finally gained her strength. She held her own for a long time. Aragorn and Faramir made a grand entrance! It must have been quite a sight watching them swing out of the waterfall. The two of them managed to stay focused during all of the bedlam. He and Bregus made a valiant try for Bala but it was not enough. Now he has put Arwen in danger. I guess Bala doesn't know there is an entire troop of elves out there. That will be quite a surprise. Umm, Who is dead? Is it Bregus? I am out of breath. Tapetum

Nightwing · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

Aaaaaahhh! What great, stunning action! I badly wanted a terrific battle between the witches, and you did not disappoint. Wondeful descriptions of the physical and mental attacks and the blows delivered and suffered. Kattica was magnificent, wasn't she? Her agony was great, but she didn't back down, even when faced with ultimate evil. Her struggle was very well described by you. I do hope she will be all right, and the baby, too. Pleeeze, she's been through enough. Save the baby. I nearly whooped with excitement when Aragorn and Faramir made their astonishing appearance. I laughed, imagining the warrior's cries sounding very much like Tarzan, and no doubt these two handsome guys looked great as they came soaring in, though everyone at the scene was understandably a bit preoccupied with staying alive to notice how wonderful they must have been. So I'll just have to admire the marvelous athleticism on behalf all of the distracted folk. Happy to do it. Perhaps Eowyn's eyes widened a bit when she saw Faramir blast through the waterfall and skid to a stop: "Wow, who's that?! Whoa, that's my husband! What a guy!" Uh-oh, serious trouble for Arwen. Bala's making a bee-line right for her, and he knows who she is. I think another opportunity to prove her abilities to her husband is just around the corner. She doesn't know what she is in for though, and Aragorn does. Run, Aragorn! Yipes... I think Bregus is dead. I hope Bregus is dead. Bala stabbed her... yaay! What a charming couple they made, but all good things must come to an end. Maybe now there will be some hope for the poor kids. Mattias and Gordash, anyway. I think Curtik is a lost cause. Ding dong, the wicked witch is dead! Where, oh where is Gimli? I want to see some heads get split open! Onward! Nightwing (who will be too excited to sleep tonight).

Lamiel · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

Ai! Ithilien! Such a cliff-hanger! I'm impressed that you were able to get this new chapter up so quickly after your last update--and it is an amazing one, too. Incredible blend of action and battle, both psychic and physical. So did Aragorn and Faramir swing through the waterfall then? I wonder how they figured out how long a rope to use. I'm glad you included the bit about the nature of the powers being used here--I was thinking as I read that this kind of power over nature can't be a good thing. Tolkien was very much against that. And I'm glad that you worked the message in here as well. Calling on the powers of the other world seems to be way more trouble than it's worth. I suppose we should just be grateful that Bregus and Bala didn't tap into the Void and call up Morgoth while they were at it. Incredible twists, the way Bregus betrayed Bala, and Bala plotted all this time for revenge. Not only to come back from the dead, but to come back immortal! That must say something about the nature of his particular afterlife--it couldn't have been too pleasant, could it? But given his personality I suppose that isn't surprising. I am greatly looking forward to the wrapping up of this fic--I badly want to see Legolas in his right mind and well again. I wish there were some way he could get payback for all that's been done to him. But then I suppose that's how we got into this whole mess in the first place, looking for revenge. Wonderful chapter, fast paced and exciting, and here's to more soon! It'll be nice when all our main characters can be together again and have some quiet time to work out everything that's happened. And I'm glad that Aragorn is going to get to fight Bala. Love Kattica, but she doesn't compare to our main guys. Ah, I could go on and on. Must stop now. Have writing of my own to do. Thank you again! This was great! Lamiel

Jay of Lasgalen · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

Oh, my - I've been so remiss in reviewing this story, I apologise! I can't review at all on ff.net, and forgot that your story is here. How odd about the coding - it is indeed much easier to read here. Bala has turned out even more evil and twisted than I thought, I do hope he can be overcome. At least Aragorn is now on the scene, and maybe Arwen will be able to help Legolas - does she have any of her father or brothers' healing skills? What's happening to him? Jay

fliewatuet · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 44: When All Is Done

I didn't dare hope that your update would follow my review so quickly. But I won't complain. And what a chapter that was! So full of action and tension that I couldn't stop reading and was biting my nails in anticipation of what would happen next. So Bregus is dead, but the more terrible foe is still about. But terrible and mighty he may be, but I bet (okay, I hope!) that he will be no match for Aragorn in full wrath, especially if the life of his Queen is in danger! Though much has been revealed in this chapter, some questions still remain open: why were the soldiers delayed? was the panicking crowd Bäla's doing as well? And finally, I hope that Kattica's child will be well after all, in spite of the premature birth. Kattica might not be completely innocent in all those events, but her child surely is.

fliewatuet · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

Everytime I think that my favourite heroes are about to make the day, the evil authoress throws another obstacle in their way! At least Arwen prevailed against the dogs (or rather tamed them as it seems), and she managed to gather even more forces than they had hoped. Though without Kattica pulling off her part, I fear Henneth Annûn will be hard to take, not to mention the immediate threat that Kattica herself, Éowyn, Mattias and Legolas face. And Legolas does not trust Kattica to help him (other than Éowyn), and I cannot fault him for his lack of trust. But as it seems I now dare hope that all will be revealed in the next chapter?

tapetum lucidum · 2 November 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

I think I have one of their albums... Captain Planet - he's our hero... Ok, Both Aragorn and I have lost it. He is talking to a squirrel. The only thing more unbelievable would be if Gimli climbed a tree. Waiting must be so hard, they are smart to forge ahead and get this resolved. I knew Arwen could handle those dogs. I am glad the calvary finally arrived. They need to set up a better message system next trip. Poor Eowyn - will she ever forgive herself for the mess they are in. Sea longing is far more dangerous than she realized. Eavesdropping is always dangerous. Kattica is sweet to reassure her. Who did this to poor Legolas? I didn't know it was this bad. You are truly evil. She is right, it is not his nature to give up. Ok, the stage is set, everyone is in place, there are plans and counter plans. Everyone is trying to out manuver the other. This is getting really complicated and I REALLY want to know how it ends. Great job!

luinthien · 2 November 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

Oh man!!! Not only do we get an update, but we're treated to 2 chapters!!! This is soooo awesome! You have woven such a intricate, beautiful, complicated, original story. The dedication and time and sweat and tears that you've poured into this story is truly evident. I'm sure that you have had a love-hate relationship with this story. But we readers are reaping the benefit of all of your hard work. I believe this is absolutely the best story that I have come across. I am anxiously awaiting (but also dreading) the end to this wonderful story. Keep up the excellent work!!!

Tapetum Lucidum · 2 November 2003 · Chapter 42: Duplicity

Yeah! I missed you so much! (well, maybe it was just Legolas being in a coma...) Practiced in deception... I think poor Kattica has a masters degree in it by now. I think only Bregus' sons have switched sides more often. She was clever to get past the guards. She did an excellent job of convincing Bregus that she was still loyal. She even fooled her husband (though that is not usually too difficult). Gordash's support of her was also very convincing. They were clever to give him the stones. Her argument was very well thought out - great job. Bregus' power has increased dramatically in the protected place. Kattica was clever to play up the "torture the elf" angle. It made her story even more believable. I feel sorry for Eowyn - she feels so guilty about Legolas' condition even though she is in no way responsible. You are good at toying with your reader's emotions. I wonder what she was really doing to the elf. I don't think she was really trying to help him. Kattica pledged her soul?! That is very scary. It must be Halloween.

IceAngel · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

You always seem to post just at the right time! Yesterday I was on the point of sending you a desperation email telling you that gypsies are running round in my head and look! two chapters!! hehehe Again I'm reviewing before I've read it - but I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful timing (maths exam tommorow, then lit, then IT, then chinese etc) so THANK YOU! I'm off to read! IceAngel

Nightwing · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 43: Water, Wind, Fire and Earth

This is the meanest cliffie of all! Yipes! Gordash had better come through or I'll rip his lungs out. Lovely descriptions of the beauty of the waterfall, and of the sunset and stars. You paint the picture very well that this is the night for the relationship of the celestial bodies to unleash power for those who know how to summon it. All of the thoughts running through Eowyn's mind about her bringing the sea-longing to Legolas were quite interesting, especially the realization that she had enjoyed exerting control over him, much as Kattica had. Like you and me too,(and all the other authors) who happily seize the opportunity to affect and control him somehow. The endless fascination the beautiful elf has on mortal women! I also thought it a very nice touch that Gimli put himself up a tree for the sake of his friend. He wants to see him so badly... a lovely glimpse of the depth of their friendship and the dwarf's emotional state right now. He's about to get a hell of an eyeful, too... And now, it's time for some serious action. My sword is in my hand, let's do it!!