I'll give you a dollar, and keep the change, lol. You are doing a wonderful job with this. It's a bit of a tenth walker through this part, and you've managed to keep it interesting and flowing. Raine really fits in well, and does not take away from the canon story. She's very like able, not overbearing. Her thoughts and feelings are very realistic. I also like the fact the she and Legolas are not slobbering over each other. You pick their private moments carefully, and they are sweet and steamy. I really like that. It's just enough to remind us of how in love they are. I enjoyed both of these last chapters. It's such a treat to have something entertaining to read.

Author's Response: Hi L8Bleumr and thanks for reviewing!! I'm trying to make Raine and Legolas' relationship as realistic as I might believe it to be given their natures (though how does one define an Elven relationship without copying and pasting YOUR work?? hahahaha!!) And as for her dark and gloomy thoughts I just figured it's how bad I would feel... I think. Well I might feel worse but I'm not a seasoned warrior who's seen death a million times. *shrugs* Yes, the tenth walker part... it was getting *very* tenth walker for me but I couldn't back out having already posted chapters up! So how to I get Raine away from the Fellowship for a while? Why, drop an avalanche on her of course!! *grins evilly*. Thanks for being ever so patient and encouraging and just all around wonderful L8Bleumr. More to come soon! xxx Iri

YES, I hate technology at times. Sorry to hear about your troubles, and I hope they get resolved soon. I keep all my work backed up on a flash drive, and then keep that tucked away in a safe place. Come back soon, Iri. Yours is one of my fav stories, and I don't read much fan fic any more. Good luck with the fix. L8

Author's Response: Hello again! I'm assured that the problem is soon to be resolved, which is great for me because I have nearly the rest of the story in my head!! All I have to do is put it in words and put it up for your viewing pleasure. Soon I promise. Thanks for sticking with me as always. I miss your lovely words!!

I hated to see Rosco's fate here, but I know it must happen. It's difficult to extinguish a character, isn't it? As I've told a friend of mine, once you name them you get attached. I've had to do this with a story I'm working on right now. Anyways, I thought your death scene was very appropriate, esp for an elf. I liked that you focused on Rosco and what he was seeing, feeling and smelling rather than the hideous injuries. You put Raine aside and let us experience his passing instead. I think knowing he did not feel the pain made his death easier to accept too. Nicely done. Now I wonder what the fellowship and esp Legolas will think of her sudden appearance. I'm also wondering what Elrond is going to think when Tavis returns with a deceased guardian. This will not look well for Raine I'm sure. So much to wonder about. That's what makes this such an interesting story.

Author's Response: Oh I really, really didn't want to do this but poor Rosco had to go. It's terrible and I love him and I hope that readers grew to enjoy his character as much as I did. I'm very happy that you're satisfied with his send off I tried to make it as much about a passing of a friend rather than a fallen soldier in battle. The next chapter (which I'm halfway through) has got Raine answering a LOT of questions. And as for Elrond...well Raine's in trouble. BIG trouble. But the worst is still yet to come! Thankyou for continuing on with me. I really enjoy your reviews and appreciate all advice that you give me ~ Iri

Completely and uterly beautiful

Author's Response: Thankyou again! I hope you continue to enjoy the journey :D ~ Iri

First of all I LOVE your twins. It is refreshing to see them so carefree and lighthearted, playful. And oh what mystery behind the dream. Something is brewing here and I'm anxious to know more. You do such a wonderful job with your wording. It's very colorful and draws a vivid picture in my mind. And the dialog is so authentic. It's always a pleasure to read your story and I'm glad you were able to update. I hope it won't be as long before the next, but I understand how real life gets in the way. As far as the italics, I have the same problem. For some reason, this site does not recognize it. There are a few other punctuation problems too, esp. Eomer's name. But your use of the asterisk is not confusing. Like you though, I wish italics worked here and if anyone else has an answer to this please let us know.

Author's Response: Oh wow! Ummmm this is high praise coming from an author I admire so much!! A million thank yous for your kind and ever-encouraging words!! Yes, these crazy dreams and visions and feelings are going to start driving my readers and Raine nuts but stay with me, it's all going to come to a huge, nasty, messy head! Oh and I enjoy writing my twins as they are. I know about their tragedy with their mother etc but I like to think mine are beautiful and lighthearted. I think I might cry if they were blue all the time wouldn't you?? ~ Iri

This is beautiful and worded perfectly. I struggle fiercely to produce something of this quality and still fall short. Your scene was sexy and loving, all that it should be.You can be very proud to post this!

Author's Response: Hi Lisse and thankyou for your review. You're a very encouraging person!! ~ Iri

Wow, either you did a lot of research or you have personal experience in fighting with a stave. After reading this, I think even I could take on an orc and win, lol. I liked your take on Sam and Boromir, very much what I would expect from the timid little hobbit. And it's nice to see Raine starting to warm up to the other races. She's taking her own advice, learning to get along in order to be successful. I hope you'll be able to update sooner. It's good to see you posting again.

Author's Response: Thanks for reviewing! I hope this chapter doesn't offend anyone who actually knows anything about stave fighting because honestly I just kind of made it all up! But I'm glad it looks professional and Raine looks like she knows what she's talking about. The vision I had of Sam taking on Boromir actually came from the movie when Boromir is training Merry and Pippin. I wondered how it would be if Sam tried to take on someone bigger than himself and this is what I came up with! Hopefully it lends to the growth of the characters. And I love Pippin, he's my little star haha. I'll try and update more often than I have been, especially now that the journey is about to begin. Thanks for sticking with me, L8Bleumr, your reviews always mean so much to me! xx

I have to agree with iggybaby about your song. It is very nicely written and elvish in style. I also like the way Rainier is developing. You put her in some unique situations that coincide with the fellowship, but not directly ( like the horses in the river. There are just so many places where we can fill in the blanks aren't there. You're doing a fine job. The eagle was a great choice and one I have not seen often. If you're gonna have friends in high places, there's none better than an eagle, lol. I can't wait to see where you will take us next, hopefully a little quiet time with Legolas? I like how you've written him and I look forward to a little more interaction with these two. They are very sweet together.

Author's Response: Hi again L8Bleumr and thanks once again for the review! Yep, Raine is home now so definitely some one on one time with Legolas is in order! I'm having much more fun filling in the blanks than writing strictly to the story and I hope everyone is having fun reading it! I love Eagles and they can talk so I figured why not? Anyways, thanks a million, as always. More coming soon!

This story is really starting to develop into her own adventure. I am glad that you are giving her some time away from the fellowship because it helps to build up the character. I'm just noticing that her dialogue can be a bit modern at times. This is perfectly normal, I even catch myself writing things in that I would say! It's really no big deal it's just something I noticed. With continued practice the language comes so don't worry about it! Like I said the sotry is great so far! Keep it up! ~iggybaby

Author's Response: Hi there iggybaby! Firstly thanks for the review! I changed the story summary to kind of reflect what you've just said. I started out writing a typical tenth walker (it was going to go from council to fellowship to epic battles to end) but the more I write the more my character wants to run in different directions so I'm letting her do the walking : ) I am completely struggling to sound Elvish haha! I just write as I think and unfortunately, I'm no Elf so yes, she's coming out sounding a bit modern but I am trying to be conscious of that. But as always thanks for the pickup!! - Iri

This was a very good chapter. You didn't stick us with too much detail, yet the vision was clear. All the emotions came through, even the horses. I loved how Raine described Ellorech charging towards the wolf creature. And the fight seen also turned out very well written. Personally, I think this was your best chapter yet, mainly because of how well thought out and vivid your descriptions were. Great job Iri!

Author's Response: Thanks L8Bleumr! I was very inspired by your ability to change pace in your stories and not make it seem completeled out of place (I think I've mentioned this in my previous reviews). As always I'm so glad you're sticking with me and enjoying the tale so far!! xx -Iri