poor Snape...

But Caspian? Hmmm. I didn't read the books nor watched that movie - the four siblings really got on my nerves. And with Caspian I somehow achieved that effect only by watching the trailer.
I hope they don't take him along...

Author's Response: Yes, poor Snape. He just has such a hard time expressing his feelings in a positive way. Oh, and I'm not much for the Pevensie children either, but sometimes I cater to my audience and add in some movies/books that I've watched/read that I don't particularly like (for example, Twilight), but I tend to abuse the characters from those Canons in some ways. For example, the fact that Marie hates Edward is an expression of my dislike for the series (I'm sorry if you like Twilight, but I'm not a fan for several reasons). So Snape's bashing of Caspian is just one of those times that the characters speak for me. You know what I mean?

Sleepy Hollow a perfectly decently place? Huh, yeah, as if...
And: another Johnny Depp character? You seem to collecting them: Willy Wonka, Jack Sparrow, Ichabod Crane ... ;-) One simply must that actor in every role!

And Sleepy Hollow is really a fitting extension to this story, although I'm starting to have problems with keeping track of all the characters and linking them with the right movies or books ... ;-)

Author's Response: I know, right? It's a terrible place. But that's the running joke. Gandalf's always misjudging things. ;D And I'm glad you like this canon. It's one of my favorites.

He is not creepy ... he's being ... well, something different, not exactly charming, but ... uhm ...
Anyway, I had the sudden image of them landing right in front of Count von Krolock's castle (from The Fearless Vampire Killers). Herbert and Abronsius would sooo fit into the general madness of this story. And I certainly don't mean that as an insult ;-). But for now I'm glad that the canons entwine more tightly now with the open portals. I think it's a good chance to deepen the interactions between the characters. That would be really nice, especially for someone like me who is not so familiar with many of the canons. And I can completely understand your wish to further this series, though I also hope you'll be continuing your work on the story with Nimwen and Haldir. Nice chapter and whatever you choose: have fun writing! ~ Massanie ~

Author's Response: It has been a while since I wrote a chapter for Nim and Haldir, hasn't it? Hmmmm...I think I'll write another one just for you! :D Anywho, thanks for your continuously unending support!

Nice chapter! Though I must admit that I don't know L, Near and Mello and thus it was a little bit confusing...

Shouldn't Snape know better though than to sniff at fumes as a potions master? I mean it's basically the first rule one learns in chemistry ... he should be sooo embarrassed! ;-) I'd never stop teasing him, he's so much fun when angry!

Author's Response: Oh, I guess you've never heard of Death Note... And yes, he's very fun when he's angry. Just ask Frank or Marie. They have some Snape stories that would have you rolling on the floor for hours. :D

Hihi, more hostile tensions! After this they all probably need some time off from each other ;-) Or Alucard will kill Edward, Jack will kill Austin, Ellie might kill Alucard out of self defence, Gimli will break down and have a screaming fit because of his concern for Marie, Gandalf will die of a headache and the hobbits will watch it all eating popcorn or something...
Anyway, loved this chapter, "Three points make a plane", honestly ;-) ... and I am just studying graph theory in university ;-)
Also liked the Agent Smith / Elrond confusion at the beginning. It's really strange to try and reconcile those two personae...

Author's Response: Exactly! And they were practically filmed at the same time, too. Which makes it even weirder. It's just like the fact that the greatest wizard of all time played one of the most amazing villains of all time.....lol. I'm a big nerd...

Again, beautifully written!
I'm curious if she knows of his affection - as everyone else does, it seems.
I love the way you portrayed your characters and how they look out for each other. I'm normally more into elven society but they do not need for such tight bands between families as it is less likely for a parent to die...
I like that very much and after learning to like Gamling for his honourable and compassionate traits, I hope you now give us a picture of Aglaril that goes beyond the facade ;-)

Author's Response: You comments made me feel very good this morning. I found my self suddenly drawn to Rohan...maybe it's my age or present path in life, but I realized that they had a strong but simple society and remained loyal to thier leader and way of life despite the strife. There is but one last chapter to this segment and I hope you will find it a perfect little (temporary) ending...one that ignighted a series with a couple of much longer fics! Again, Thank you. ~G

Ouch! That sounds like torn blood vessels, sinews and muscels... he'll be lucky if his movement is not going to be permanently impaired! Now I have those pictures from dog attacks in mind and how bad such wounds heal.
Again: ouch!!!

I was a little bit surprised, though that Ethelfled had the power (in the societal sense of the word) to keep Arathea at bay like that. I did not think she would have power of order over the guards. Or did that come from Eadwald's corner?

Anyway, everytime I stumble upon Aldhere, I have to grin, I love him so... such a sweet, observant, compassionate, gentle, wise, nice, *golden* ... little man. Can I have him? I promise to give him back and not to squeeze him so hard that he'll stop breathing...

Author's Response: Keep in mind the Ethelfled came from the East-mark so she had an escort. While the guard would be loyal to Elfhelm, as he is unconsious and Ethelfled did help oversee the womanly duties they would most likely believe what she told them. The guard who took Thea from the room that first night did so to avoid further conflict, not out of malace. The ones guarding the door later were from the East-mark. Now as for dear Master Aldhere...you may borrow him.

Raaaah! When you said this was an NC-17 chapter I thought 'yay' (yes, the second time...) 'they have come to their senses', and then 'wait a moment ... the first of two NC-17? This is not going to end well'

You tease! ;-) But I loved it, great chapter, now I'm off to read the next.

Author's Response: heeheehee...end well it did not; sneaking out--again! Hope you enjoy the next segment! ~G

I won't threaten you because I'm almost sure you won't kill him ;-) but even so ... this is a very mean place to stop! You and cliffhangers, I swear! ;-)

That being said: I totally understand his decision to stay and I think Thea overreacted. The people of a nation pay taxes so that they are protected. Elfhelm as a member of the guard of Rohan is duty bound to protect its people and as there were unprotected villages nearby he had simply no right to leave them fending for their own. Of course he also has to keep his men from harm and therefore I would expect him as an experienced Marshal to keep out of a skirmish as long as possible but not to shy away from it when necessary.
And as I assume that he did exactly that I am totally on his side in that matter. It was simply not Arathea's place to question his decision directly in front of his men, so I can even understand that he became rude.
And yet, I do understand her, too. She is afraid to lose him, but she has to learn that he is a warrior and will have to run into danger sometimes for the sake of others. Nothing to do with heroism. It's his job and at the very least what he gets paid for.

And about my last comment: I didn't want to say that I thought Elfhelm was behaving dishonorable, he really is a gentleman in every sense of the word and he does not lead Ethelfled on, so there's nothing to fault him for. Especially after this chapter I have more respect for him then ever ;-). It's just that he is so stubbornly refusing to see that she is no legitimate heir to *anything* whereas he is the Marshal of the East Mark, trusted friend of his king who played his role in the defense of his country and Minas Tirith!

Ah, well. They’ll come to their senses soon, won’t they? At least if he is okay ... ;-)

Author's Response: Let me start by saying I really love the depth of your comments! Now, Arathea is a reasonable woman and would not openly challenge the Marshal (she would start discrete like when they entered Lorien). They only had a guard of 15; Elhelm sent 9 with Thea and took 5 with him to hunt wargs. Now I tried to make it seem like the pack was big and they were close to Edoras. The smart thing would have been to either: A. sent a message to Eomer and have him dispatch riders or B. to send only 1 or 2 guards with Thea since they were to ride non-stop. Remeber...they have been traveling for days at this point. Thea's fear was more for the men as a whole. You could imagine the conversation starting off quietly but then began to grow. Both had feelings of trepidation about returning to Rohan so they were a little cranky. I am glad to see that Elfhelm maintained his honor in your eyes. I really wanted to paint him as fun loving, down to earth--kind more jovial than the more subdued, stoic Rohirrim (they seem do somber in the movie!) And as far as coming to their senses? Well... Time will tell :) Thanks again! ~G

Of course, I'm not leaving this site after all ;-)
And by now you already know a little bit of me ... I'm not one for the fluffy stories, they are just too boring most often!