Smoke and Mirrors by lovethosehobbits
Lessian Isilra · 19 July 2017 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
This was a wonderful story. I have read every chapter many times and keep coming back to it. You give excellent details and I I think you captured the hobbits perfectly. I would love to read a Frodo & Sam hurt comfort story taking place in the shire from you. I bet it would be wonderful!
Coriandra · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Another long over due review! I'm sorry, Tree, I finished reading this story quite some time ago. It was absolutely amazing from start to finish. I loved your ending. What a relief to see Frodo getting better! I found it very sad, though that he had to get that awful disease before anyone finally understood what he really needed. Of course, it made the ending that much happier when he finally recovered from it. I have another FrodoHealer in progress which may have similar themes, just so you know. I've been working on it for a few months but I probably won't post it for a while yet because I now make a point of completing WIPs first as I tend to get writer's block badly. In this case, however, it's too my advantage. You're a tough act to follow. Great work! This is one of my all favourite stories. You should be very proud.
Author's reply
Coriandra- Such wonderful praise, I don't even know where to begin to thank you. I really felt a sense of loss when I finished this fic since it was my first and I was so involved in it. Also a year of my life was wrapped up in the writing process. It's so nice to know how well it was received and that everyone seemed to love it almost as much as I did. Thank you so very much for such wonderful reviews and comments, really. If you're interested I have a new fic 'Phantasm" that's in progress and seems to be going over well with the readers. I applaud you on your decision to finish your works in progress before starting a new fic. Nothing bothers me more than to have a really fantastic story languish. I have invested alot of time in reading a story only to find out that the author has lost interest and decided not to finish it or even completely forgotten about it, which to me is just impossible no matter how busy I get. So bravo, my dear, bravo. tree
Katie · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
OMG!I cant believe its...done!~cries~ I loved it *so* much! i cant wait to read your new stories to come. You are a fantastic, wonderful, SUPERB, writer! ~*reads author's notes*~...lol your grammar wasnt THAT bad at all! lol ;) *hugs* Lots of "hobbity" love, Katie F. Aka: Lotrgirl1415 chickloveslotr@yahoo.com
Author's reply
I know, I really feel like I've just sent me last child off to college or something. It tore me up and I was just a little depressed, when it ended. But I started the new fic and I feel better now. So glad you've enjoyed it. tree
Breon Briarwood · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Boy, you weren't kidding about the length! And now: *sound of trumpets* the review! Amazing! Beautiful! I'm in awe...(But you already know that's how I feel about your story) I think his final 'affliction' is something that would be only too true for a race tied so closely to the earth. And now you have to come up with even more illnesses so you can write another. How about something simple this time? :D Looking forward to more from you!
Author's reply
I am so glad you liked the story!! Thanks so much for all your reviews. I will miss it so much, but hope to catch the next round with my new fic. I plan to upload the first chapter or two sometime next week. In the meantime, I have a fic that was started by Elwen and I've added the subsequent chapters and will be posting the first few chapters today. Thanks again, tree
Erica · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
....though I'm not quite sure I buy into the idea of a Tree healing Frodo...but that's certainly a clever idea.
Author's reply
you are too funny! I've always found that plants, especially ones with fragrant blossoms, were very soothing and healing. Glad you liked it tree
Erica · 18 August 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
I loved the scene with Frodo talking to Merry when he's all better. That was so hilarious and cute. I could just picure it. It was perfect!
Author's reply
I love to write about the interactions between the characters. I, too, picture how they would speak to each other and then it's just a matter of writing it down. I am pleased you liked the humor. It needed humor with so much sickness involved, don't you think? tree
Grey Wonderer · 17 August 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
The perfect ending to a wondrful story! I like long chapters though I can seldom write them myself. I enjoyed this one very much. It wrapped things up nicely and it was full of so many interesting scenes. Lots of Sam which was very good. Enjoyed it all and look forward to more of your stories.
Author's reply
This chapter took me about two months to write, and I wrote it on spiral notebooks and then would type for about four hours every week or two. I don't usually write very long chapters, and this one could have easily been split into at least threes, but I really wanted this to be the last chapter so I put it all in one. I had originally tried to make 39 my last chapter...Just imagine how long it would've been with this one added into it! I have enjoyed your reviews and hope you will read more of my stories, thanks again. tree
shirebound · 17 August 2004 · Chapter 40: Chapter 40
Dear one, I don't think I've read a more magnificent, awe-inspiring, inspired, healing, loving end to any story, ever. I hope you're very, very proud of what you've crafted, and so selflessly given to all of us. You and I, among others, have most certainly found a home among people who understand us, and give us the same warmth and life-enhancing energy as the White Tree (and all his friends) gave Frodo in your story. Oh, and you even brought back the bird! I know this story has been written while you've been facing challenges of your own, and I hope you're feeling as hopeful and renewed as our dear hobbit. What a wonderful journey you've taken us on. Take us as far as you wish, and as soon as you can. *loud applause*
Author's reply
Janet- I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I read your review. Such high praise about what originally, was suppose to be such a small story and first attempt. I am so very, very pleased you liked the ending (remember I promised you a happy one) and that I have had such glowing and positive feedback for the whole fic. You, especially, have been such a profound influence on my life and we haven't even met yet. I can't thank you enough for all of your wonderful support and positive feedback, not only for my little story but for real life issues as well. I am feeling better, and so much of that has to do with being able to find a group of friends that understand and even feed the flame when it pertains to hobbits and their world. Thanks again, I can't say it enough. tree
Coriandra · 29 July 2004 · Chapter 39: Chapter 39
"I don't suppose I shall see Sam's flowers or breathe the fresh air for quite sometime, will I Aragorn?" Poor Frodo, that's so sad! I don't blame him for trying to escape from his room, I would have too at that point. They should take him outside and let him rest there. It's too bad he had to injure himself so badly before anyone started to understand his need for that. And how disconcerting for him to know almost a month of his life had gone by and he had no memory of it. I hope he gets some comfort soon. Goodness knows he needs it.
Coriandra · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
This was very touching, Frodo thinking he's still got an evil presence around him and the bird's actions reassuring him that wasn't so. I thought it was very sweet too, the way he wants to get better to make Sam happy. It shows he's making progress, finally. I'm looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thanks so much! I always thought there would be a profound effect on the animals as well as the humans as there is in any war. Frodo is always depicted as having a special affinity with animals (at least in fanfiction) and I wanted to show that they were no longer sensing the evil that he had carried. Glad you enjoyed it! Tree
Coriandra · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 37: Chapter 37
Awww poor Frodo's still so sick. Not surprising considering how drunk Merry got the other night, but I hope that didn't set his recovery back too much. I'm glad he's with his friends now. That's the best place he could be and everyone's certainly taking good care of him. I'm glad Sam forgave Merry for getting Frodo drunk. Merry didn't use very good judgement, but of course he meant well. I guess it remains to be seen what long term affect that's going to have on Frodo. It was a bit disturbing to see Merry drunk again. I hope he's not developing a drinking problem, but I guess that remains to be seen too. Great work, as always. I'm off to read more now.
Author's reply
Those silly hobbits really love their ale and assorted other alcoholic beverages, don't they? But have you ever noticed how people become so totally uninhibited when they drink? (Depending on how old you are, of course) So I thought what a great way to get Frodo to lighten up and tell his story. Seems things got a little out of hand though, huh? Thanks for reading...more to come. Tree
Coriandra · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Hi Tree. How long has it been since my last review? Too long obviously, especially considering this one my favourite stories. Your image of the hobbits drinking was really cute. Like Aragorn, though I had to wonder about the wisdom of letting Frodo drink so much when he was still so weak. Still, it seemed to have done him some good, making him able to talk about his nightmares. He's gotten some emotional healing it seems. I loved your image of Frodo back in the Orc tower with his friends protecting him. That was just beautiful. I'll have to read more when I get a chance, which I hope will be soon but I'm not sure RL being what it is.
Author's reply
Glad to hear from you, how are you anyway? Glad you're enjoying the fic, read whenever you can...I look forward to any and all reviews. tree
Lotrgirl1415 · 8 July 2004 · Chapter 39: Chapter 39
one word. "excellent!"
Author's reply
*Blushes*...Thank you so very much!
shirebound · 8 July 2004 · Chapter 39: Chapter 39
Oh tree, Frodo's come so far, and through so much anguish -- will there be a degree of healing by the end of the story? *frets* I loved Frodo expressing the hobbity need for fresh air, sunshine, and green things growing. Just perfect.
Author's reply
Janet- You silly, you should know by now that I simply cannot abide anything except a happy ending. I promise lotsa healing and happiness to come. (Can you believe what I've put this little guy through? It's like he's had every illness known to mankind all in one fic....) Thanks so much for your review and sticking with me. Love ya, tree
Breon Briarwood · 8 July 2004 · Chapter 39: Chapter 39
Glad to see you're back but, Ooohh, poor Frodo! At first I was laughing because he was being thwarted at every slow, painful step of the way, and it was just inconceivable that one lone hobbit could do so much damage to himself. But, the end of that chapter was heartbreaking! The frustration due to his physical state is hard enough on a body, but the mental anguish he's going through is just compounding things. And now that his convalesence will be that much longer his battered will and spirit are broken. I feel he's lost his will to go on.... Pleease, tell me you'll put up the next bit soon!
Author's reply
You are too sweet! Glad you've stuck with me on this. I can't believe I went so long on updating. That's one reason I decided to post the first half of this chapter...I felt I needed to post *something*. The rest should be coming soon (fingers crossed). Thanks again for the encouragement. Not to worry about our boy. While things will get worse before they get better (I'm good at that) they *will*, eventually, get better. Tree
Lotrgirl1415 · 6 July 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
I really love this story! i have sent the link to it to several ofmy friends because i have enjoyed it so much. I sincerly hope you will become a published author at some piont in your life( if you already are then awesome!) I cannot wait till the next update! love -~_*_~KATIE~_*_~-
Aratlithiel · 25 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
Ha! Bet you thought I forgot! Sorry, luv. I've been having monster internet problems an am trying desperately to play catch-up. Anyway, I've gotten caught up on several chapters that I hadn't read before and you know what? You're really doing a lovely job on this. I adore my Frodo angst and this has it in spades. And you don't leave any of the others out either. A truly involving tale that I thoroughly enjoy and will do my level best to keep up with. Thanks for giving me a poke about this one. It's very easy for me to miss things and I'm glad that I've finally been able to get up-to-date on this.
Author's reply
Wonderful to hear from you and thank you so much for your review. I still say I will never be an Aratlithiel, but then they broke the mold when she was born. I love your stories as well, and look forward to many more. Please continue to read. Hopefully I'll get another chapter up as soon as real life settles down a bit. Love to you, tree
Rhiannon · 20 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
I really enjoyed your story start to finish. There may not have been a lot of 'action' (sword/fighting type) but there was plenty here to hold the reader's interest. Loved the parts in the last chapter written from the bird's perspective. Any chance of a sequel??? :)
Author's reply
Thanks Rhiannon for your wonderful review. The story's not over yet, probably a couple of more chapters to go. Sorry, no sequel but I am planning a new fic and at least in my head, I think it's going to be a good one. We'll have to see how it turns out on paper. I keep thinking of all these wonderful plot lines for it and I am excited to get it started once this fic is finished. I have a hard time doing more than two at a time. I have a story on Frodohealers called "Elwens Challenge fic" if youre interested in reading more of my babblings. Until then, I am grateful you read my fic and are enjoying it. Tree
Breon Briarwood · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
My thanks to Lily for keeping you writing. I love this story. It's good to see Frodo finally begin healing. :)
Author's reply
Thanks so much!! I am also looking forward to more of your stories as well. My thanks to Lily as well. tree
RogerGamgee · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
This story could be a novel in its own right. There were points in this tale where I nearly found myself on the verge of tears (yes, ladies, we men DO get the urge to cry from time to time, contrary to popular opinion). I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. It is wonderfully written, and I hope to see more of your work in the future. Well done!
Author's reply
Roger- Well, its not over yet...I had originally planned on it ending with this chapter, but the story has its own timeline, seemingly. Thanks so much for reading and, most of all, sending such a great review. Its nice to see a man *admit* that he cries. I know they do it, admitting it is another thing. I am so glad that I could move you on such an emotional level. thanks again, tree
shirebound · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
This chapter makes me *so* happy! -- Frodo's face broke into a beatific smile, causing Sam to release the held breath and wonder at the look of relief on his master's face. "It's a start, Sam," he whispered. -- As the tiny hobbits helped win the "great" War, this tiny bird is helping Frodo to win his personal war. Did I mention how happy this makes me? *big grin*
Author's reply
Janet you just made me break into a "beatific" smile as well, thanks so much for your support on this story and all your fantastic reviews. tree
Kat aka Chickloveslotr · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
oh that was gr8! keep up the good work!yay!
Author's reply
Kat- I am so tickled that you enjoyed it. I worried that it might be too dull to post...not alot of action, or tender care...actually, there is tender care. Unsought for from such an unusual being. I felt that the animals of Middle Earth probably suffered as much or more, than the humans or other inhabitants. They couldnt even help fight it, except the eagles, so they were powerless to really do anything. Anyway, thanks so much for your review. tree
Elwen · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 38: Chapter 38
Oh. That was perfect. I had never considered that the Ring may have scared off creatures . . . but now that you mention it, it does stand to reason. And Frodo's fear that some of the Ring's tainting may remain is reasonable. I'm glad the little visitor was able to soothe his heart in that.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it. If you think about it, so many inhabitants of Middle Earth would be touched by the effects of the war. Just like any other war, animals would be displaced and find a great shortage of food and other necessary items. War on any level, effects us all not just the two legged inhabitants of the planet....anyway, I *do* go on and on dont I...I was really happy to see you enjoyed it. Thanks again for your wonderful review. tree
Lily Baggins · 8 April 2004 · Chapter 37: Chapter 37
All right, Frodo, weak and ill and weaker and still more ill, leaving his bed, was not the smartest thing for him to do. Nevertheless, I'm glad he did, because if there's anything I enjoy more than Frodo pitifully throwing up and then collapsing, I just don't know what it is. Oh yes, there is something I might enjoy as much--the bath. Every time he gets a bath is a joy for me... especially when he's wrapped in blankets and feverish. *bibble* And I think he could benefit from Pippin's company for a while... poor thing has been so ill and out of the loop. Loving this, Tree, as usual.
Author's reply
Wrapped in blankets (ooohhh baby) feverish (poor little darlin') and of course, the bath (get outta my way) what can I say, Im a sucker for the hobbit!! Tree
Lily Baggins · 8 April 2004 · Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Oh, more lovely sick Frodo!!! I adore this... especially Aragorn getting all bent out of shape about it. Stern!Aragorn... gah!
Author's reply
I know I cant get enough of Aragorn doing his healing thing!!Im having fun with this you know, probably more than I should (he he he) tree