Rowan
· 10 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
I usually prefer not to read WIPs, since I hate to be left hanging, but I think you are one of the few authors I would make an exception for. That's not the only exception I'm making here either: stories that give main characters a non-canon child or pet usually make me gag. But I think the fact that Scamp seems to be mostly a means to move the plot, rather than being the story's end-all-be-all, helps a lot. And, oh, what the hell, I'm not entirely immune to cuteness, whether hobbit or puppy! You've even got me wanting a puppy, and I'm a confirmed cat person through and through. And I love the tie-in to Beren and Luthien: it reinforces the way Tolkien connected that story to Frodo's. Am anxiously awaiting the conclusion!
-Rowan
Nilmandra
· 6 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
I love how you have captured the curiosity and sense of adventure of the Bagginses! They just *had* to dig, there was no choice. Nice detail about Beren too - and nice foreshadowing of what is yet to come for Aragorn.
Arwen Baggins
· 6 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
Okay, bad suggestion. I realize that each copy has slightly different pages. So perhaps, instead of giving page numbers, you could just give the chapters instead. You know, narrow it down to something besides the entire book, but not quite as specific in the page. For example, the end of Ch.19:Of Luthien and Beren. In the case of my copy, p. 283 is the chapter title page for "Of Rings of Power and the Third Age", so for me there really isn't any text to speak of on that particular page. My book is a hardcover copy of the Houghton Mifflin Company 2nd Edition, 2001
Mysterious Jedi
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
I wonder what Frodo and Sam did to his cloak?
grumpy
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
on a cold winter day as today is, your story has added a needed glow to my heart.
am i ever sick of snow. love this story and all the characters, it is like Aragorn's home away from home. Bilbo and the gang are the best
Annis
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
This would be my first time commenting...ever, so I feel quite silly about it. I just wanted to tell you how much I LOVE your stories, especially the ones in the Quarentined universe. I stumbled across Quarentined several months ago, and was blown away by the wonderful characterizations and dialogue. I love how you write hobbits, giving each one a uniquely different personality. As much as I loved Quarentined, I found By Chance or Purpose to be even more briliantly written, full of love and Hobbity goodness! I am equally impressed with how you write Aragorn, more caring and compassionate than in most stories. I use your stories as a model of perfection when it comes to writing hobbits...my stories never seem to have the same hobbityness about them how do you do it?
Thanks for writing such fabulous stories that make life so much more enjoyable, and the darkest days so much brighter.
Elly Baggins
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
i am enjoying every bit of this story...is Aragorn returning in the last chapter? if i was a Baggins, i would make you an honorary Baggins. awwwwwwwwwwwwwwww...Scamp! i have read by the hands of another, it's fantastic! i'm looking forward to reading more of your fab stories!
Kit5
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
When Frodo asked Bilbo, "How did hobbits come to be in Middle Earth?" my mind flew back to ninth grade world history class, in which we were given the mental picture of all these people crossing into Europe via The Land Bridge. I wish you would have theorized on that more. :-)
So glad Ma Gamgee fixed Aragorn's cloak and pack, and that Sam was right about that hidden chamber. Also very glad you didn't have a rock fall on Frodo, therefore leading to a "hurt/comfort" chapter. Just teasing.
Hugs!
Pearl Took
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
Was there any doubt as to what the second stone would be? I love this intermingling of everyones tales, much like real life. You are such a good spinner of tales! Thank you!
Pearl Took
Shireling
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
Good old Sam...ever the one with the practical ideas. And Scamp still managing to get into everything when no-one is looking.
Helen.
Sandy K
· 3 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Of Men and Hobbits
Wonderful yet again! I dearly love this little alternate universe you've created. I hope you write more stories here.
This chapter made me laugh more than once:
“Fashions haven’t changed much in 6,000 years,” Bilbo chuckled.
“My ma was happy to help, Mr. Frodo,” Sam grinned. “She gave it a good wash, too.” “She did?” Frodo said worriedly. “He’s bound to suspect something, then.”
“Oh, nothing,” Frodo said quickly, then gave the Ranger a number of thin, leather strips. “What are these?” “New laces for your pack.” “Thank you,” Aragorn said, puzzled, “but it doesn’t need---” He bent to look closer at his pack laces, and smiled. “I see.” “Don’t ask me when she had the time,” Frodo sighed.
Bravo!
Little Mouse
· 26 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
Wow! Even I didn't anticipate that artifact! (and I'm good at figuring that sort of stuff!) I can't wait to see what the other one is! Keep up the good work. :)
-Little Mouse
Sandy K
· 25 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
How wonderful! When you started describing the necklace around the portrait's neck, I began to wonder if it was the Evenstar that Arwen wears. This was so much better! I can hardly wait to see what's behind the "other" stone. This is such a beautiful story!
Rose Gamgee
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
Ahh, one mystery solved! Wow, what a great artifact to find in your cellar. You did a great job describing the image of Lúthien, I could picture it perfectly in my head.
"Her long hair, thick and wavy, appeared to stir slightly in an unseen breeze. Her gown fell to her feet, sleeves full and draping softly downwards. Slender, delicate arms reached out for someone or something to her left, her expression luminous and haunting."
Just lovely. Your writing is so descriptive.
And cute!
"When Frodo came to the dining room, he found Aragorn sitting on the floor with Scamp. He was pulling gently on a rope of knotted-together rags, with Scamp firmly attached to the other end by her teeth."
*giggles* I loved picturing Aragorn playing with the puppy... so adorable! That Ranger is just a big softie.
Nilmandra
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
Oh, what a wonderful history lesson! You did a great job telling about Luthien and the Nauglamir - and what a wonderful way to keep the memory alive. I wonder how Aragorn did feel looking at this picture and seeing his own love reflected back at him. I look forward to the other stone being uncovered. Also - will Aragorn tell them of his relationship to Beren, too?
Pearl Took
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
And yet another mystery! You manage to come up with such novel ideas, I love it! And such a homey touch having Scamp playing tug o'war.
Don't worry about the slower posting. I don't see how you do all you do with working, you and so many others amaze me. Take good care of yourself :)
Pearl Took
lovethosehobbits
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
You dont disappoint my dear Janet. What a fantastic discovery indeed....now, what will we find behind door #2? Beautifully written and always a joy to read. tree
websterans
· 24 January 2004
· Chapter 4: From Ages Past
You really maintained the eager, anxious mood through this chapter, showing the little ones' excitement and Aragorn's awe.
powerwriter
· 22 January 2004
· Chapter 3: In the Heart of The Hill
AHHH!!! Not another awesome story!!! How could you be so inconsiderate as to write another wonderful story??? :) Anyways, the first chapter was so adoreable with Frodo getting a puppy. His relationship with Aragorn has lots of love in it. It's like you're just drawn to it. I can't wait to see what the shining thing is under Bag End.
BTW, this is Nina :) just in case you don't recognize my SoA screename. Are you sure you can't make a little time to co-write an original story? I know I've asked you before and I'm sorry if I'm a pain, but you're such an awesome writer :)
Meldewen Ilce
· 21 January 2004
· Chapter 3: In the Heart of The Hill
Wow Shirebound!
Another great chapter and I can't WAIT to find out exactly what it is Scamp found!
I am not as versed on the First Age as some here so I haven't a CLUE as to what she's found - whatever it is it clearly has Aragorn in complete awe!
Oh please please PLEASE post again SOON!
Nilmandra
· 19 January 2004
· Chapter 3: In the Heart of The Hill
I have to admit, I thought immediately of Bilbo's relatives digging around Bag End, later on, after Bilbo leaves, searching for his treasure! But I am curious to know what they have found and what Estel has recognized. I also loved the Gamgee's - their 'voices' seem just right :D
Now, off to my quarterd bed, the dog on the top left, the cats on the bottom left, and i blockade them from my side with pillows - otherwise I wouldn't get any sleep :/
Sandy K
· 19 January 2004
· Chapter 3: In the Heart of The Hill
*gasp* Don't leave us this way, Shirebound! What's on that stone? Inquiring minds want to know! Oh, and BTW, don't think we didn't notice how you just can't seem to help yourself when it comes to Frodo and Aragorn! ;) You do h/c so well, it should be included in every story you write!
Pearl Took
· 18 January 2004
· Chapter 3: In the Heart of The Hill
OOOH! A mystery! I love a mystery. This is such a fun story. It's a joy to read. Thank you for the huggs,puppies and happy thoughts, they are being more than supplied by this wonderful story :)
Pearl Took
Shireling
· 18 January 2004
· Chapter 3: In the Heart of The Hill
Poor Frodo...having to be revived again!!!What a good job Aragorn was there.
I'm intrigued to find out what they have found
Helen
Pearl Took
· 16 January 2004
· Chapter 2: Mischief and Merriment
I haven't read too many hobbit stories that are too sweet. The dears lend themselves rather nicely to sweetness. I love Frodo's suddenly realizing the cloak is too big for Bilbo and the mention of the star brooch.
I once again seem buried in doom and gloom and so am very much needing your light and gentle story. Thank you!