Hmm… what an interesting take on the common suggestion that they simply take eagles to Mordor in the first place. It makes me wonder if in the book, Elrond had some foresight to the effect that they had to walk if they were to succeed. The idea that the Ring would be destroyed but Middle-earth is different but definitely makes sense. I also was wondering how Aragorn would become King of Gondor if he could not essentially win their respect during the War of the Ring

I enjoyed this story. It neatly showed why taking eagles to Mordor would not have been a perfect solution. The story also seemed well-written to me (not that I know much) and the Balrog was an interesting villain to read about.

nice start.

i already reviewed FTOSS so I couldn't post again, but did you ever think of writing Melkor's POV?

I'll be looking forward to the sequel.

I wonder what Saruman's plans are. Gandalf has to fight the Balrog.

How sad. Poor Legolas!

I argued with some folks on a Tolkien site for weeks about just such a scenario. Though the discussion was just about getting the Ring there. I had not thought past that. I love this exploration of What IF.

Con:

Two sentences about the Fall of Mirkwood and Lothlorien: dissapointing. It sounds like the elves barely put up a fight.

Can't wait to see what happens but I'm patient enough to wait for a big chapter.

I've always wondered about taking the Ring to Mt. Doom via Eagle.

I'm holding out Saruman, maybe he'll repent.

I love the way you've characterized the El-twins, actually the way you've written all of Elrond's family. It all seems very natural and sincere, it's nice to see twins without twincest for a change.

~R.

I'm so glad that you've finally posted this story, I can't wait to see the rest of it unfold.

Dude, this ROCKS! More. Now.

Bast

This is really fascinating. I must admit that I had never really stopped and considered the implications of the ring being destroyed so quickly. Your story, although short right now, is doing an excellent job of fleshing out this AU. I've bookmarked this story and I do hope you continue to write more. It's really well written and I find myself really interested in how each of the parties will react to this new world.

BALROG!

Interesting start _