shirebound
· 1 March 2004
· Chapter 9: Epilogue: The Hope of Minas Tirith
I'm so glad you shared this wonderful story with us! There are too few stories that give such keen perceptions into Boromir's thoughts and character, and his complex "human-ness".
Author's reply
Thanks, and this feels like high praise to me, coming from you. I feel a little sad now that adventure of posting this fic is coming to an end! I will miss all the excitement of getting a review! And I so enjoy visiting with you all! I'm a little afraid that once this story gets buried in the back pages of the website, no one will read it any more.
I hope you are going to post more of your work at the website here soon. I really love your particular vision of Frodo and your particular style of writing. The way you make a story come alive through dialogue, and the way you blend imagination with canon, is just wonderful. Please keep on writing! I am looking forward to more wonderful stories from you.
Three cheers for the 11 Oscars! I am so happy to see the honor given to Jackson's vision of Tolkien's work. I always think of the films as one big fan fic . . . they achieve greatness because they are based on a truly great tale.
Thanks again for all your encouragement!
esamen
Hai
· 28 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Gathering A Company
Poor Boromir he keeps going back and forth on thinking he should claim the Ring and then trusting into Frodo's ability to carry it! What mental torture that would be! Looking forward to more! Are you going to take this story through their actual travels or is it going to stop before the actually leave? Thank you!
Author's reply
Hello there Hai! Thanks for the review!
I don't plan to take this story any further . . . I just don't have the urge to do it right now . . . maybe later I will; if you want to give it a shot, go ahead! You are on my favorite authors list, so I'll be sure to read it.
Yes, Boromir really goes through a lot. And he is in this position because he's trying to do what's right and help his country. So it pulls at my heart that he has to go through so much mental torture, as you say, during the story. He is truly a tragic character.
The story is complete now . . . I hope you like it . . . please let me know what you think of the ending! Thanks!
Author Reply: Hello there Hai! Thanks for the review!
I don't plan to take this story any further . . . I just don't have the urge to do it right now . . . maybe later I will; if you want to give it a shot, go ahead! I'll be sure to read it.
Yes, Boromir really goes through a lot. And he is in this position because he's trying to do what's right and help his country. So it pulls at my heart that he has to go through so much mental torture, as you say, during the story. He is truly a tragic character.
The story is complete now . . . I hope you like it . . . please let me know what you think of the ending! Thanks!
PIppinfan1988
· 27 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Gathering A Company
This is marvelous! I love how you continue to dig into Boromir's thoughts. Boromir being confused between his love for the halflings and his desire to aid his people. And young Pippin; getting into others' things! Undaunted by the bristling words of the Wizard--that's my Pippin! This is so well written and a delight to read! Thank you for sharing your imagination!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Hello, and I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yes, Boromir is starting to come out of his shell a little. Hobbits are so good for us humans . . . don't they always make us better?
I have been roaming around the website reading fics that I would not usually select to read, such as the Mirkwood Elves, etc. I am very impressed with a lot of the work here. This is a great collection of talented writers and imaginative reads. I am very happy to be sharing this special world with all of you. Thanks tons for the review! I am still wondering if I am reaching my readers' hearts, and comments like this encourage me to keep on writing.
And you are on my favorite writers' list . . . I'm looking forward to reading more from you! May you always be inspired!
Chigger
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Gathering A Company
Ach, poor Legolas. First he gets yelled at by Mithrandir for nothing more than talking, and now he's forced to play catch with four hobbits. :) But so goes life. ;)
Boromir's really coming out of his shell around the hobbits, isn't he? I'm glad to see that. Again his thoughts were so well played out in this chapter that it kept me more or less rivited to my seat. (I had to change positions once. ;) )
Frodo's character is well presented and very Bagginsie (new word). He's short, wounded, tired, and has almost no idea how to use a blade in combat, and yet he's willing to take the risk and is strong enough to play ball with Merry and Pippin. :) He's also friendly as all get out. ;) The scene with him yuckin' it up with Aragorn was cute.
Also - Boromir's tenseness around Gandalf and Elrond is good, too. I can imagine that someone who's been having rather evil thoughts of late would be somewhat off their ease around those two. But not only them. Any elf would probably have that power to make Men nervous before they get to know them. I imagine Legolas had his reserves concerning Boromir, though he tried to be friendly. :)
You keep Pip and Merry out of trouble, now, ya' hear?
Author's reply
Thanks again for a detailed review! It just puts a smile on my face for the whole day.
That Aragorn-Frodo scene was one of my first ideas for this story. I love the fun moments, and my stories tend to need them because I get so serious sometimes. Can't be serious all the time! Gotta have some fun. I could just see Frodo teasing Aragorn about his looks and then giving him that elaborate bow in jest. Had to share it.
Your take on the Elves . . . have you read the Hobbit? (I bet you have, more than I have probably). Don't you think that Elves are presented very differently in the Hobbit and in LOTR? I like the LOTR Elves better. They are deeper, more intense, more mysterious, and seem more dangerous. The Hobbit Elves seem a bit more one-dimensional, EXCEPT for Elrond, who comes across a little more human (?) . . . that obviously isn't the right word . . . . personable (?) warmer (?) more approachable (?) than he does in LOTR.
And poor Legolas! I think he gets a short shrift in the book. Just not enough development for me there . . . I thought that casting Bloom as Legolas in the movie was just brilliant . . . I thought that Bloom's characterization made Legolas a stronger part of the Fellowship. All of a sudden, Aragorn had a companion who understood him, respected him, was devoted to him, and even had his own distinct personality. It really opened up a whole new character for me.
Well, enough LOTR rantings for now. I am very, very glad that you enjoyed the chapter so much. There is no way, absolutely no way, that I am responsible for the behavior of a Took and a Brandybuck, especially when they're together. That was Gandalf's job, and he sailed West, so there's nothing anyone can do now.
Thanks and take care!
EomerofEastfold
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Gathering A Company
I had a mind to get around to this story eventually, but since Chigger went ahead and recommended it I went ahead and took the time to rad what was written. I must commend you on writing such an engaging gap-filler, especially if this is indeed your first fic. Also, your use of first person seems flawless. Is this movie-verse, though? I'm wondering because you mention that Bilbo was not at the meeting. It doesn't matter to me really; I'm just curious.
As for Boromir weeping, I have to tell you that from my point of view as a man I don't find anything odd about it. It's true that most men think it too "unmanly" to shed tears, including myself, but at times despair does become so great that you have no choice but to let it out. Great job on that chapter.
Eomer of Eastfold
Author's reply
Oh, thank you. What a great review! this is all still pretty new to me, and every single comment from a reader is a gift. Thanks again!
As to your question . . . this particular meeting in Elrond's library is entirely a figment of my imagination. Elrond was beginning to make his selection of the Fellowship. I wasn't referring to the Council. You are right, Eagle Eye . . . Bilbo was at the Council in the book, but not in the movie. Good comment there. I love talking with a Tolkien scholar.
I do not think that my fic is exactly, exactly canon. There is a little bit of room to play with as regarding Aragorn's, Elrohir's and Elladan's scouting journeys, but I played with that timing quite a bit in order to keep Aragorn on the scene. I had some help from reviewers as regarding how many horses Boromir actually went through on his journey (at least two, it looks like).
Also, I write Gloin a little more boisterously than he is written in his conversation with Frodo during the banquet on Frodo's first night up. But I couldn't resist the fun of the rowdy Dwarves contrasting with the sincerely polite hobbits.
And about the tears . . . yes, don't we all have these moments of truth. Reading and writing are a great way to share the feelings . . . we can dwell on them and deal with them in our own particular timing.
If you see anything else that might be discussed, please holler at me right away! I appreciate the help. Thanks again for a very thoughtful review.
shirebound
· 26 February 2004
· Chapter 7: Gathering A Company
"Peregrin, many things in this world are better off left alone by you, and almost everything in this room belongs in that category."
Hee hee. I do love how you're writing the relationships, old and new, between the characters. And your Bilbo is wonderfully practical...
"The Nine Riders tracked Frodo to the door of my home, and would have ransacked the Shire to find him, if he had still been there,” he said composedly. “That’s my doorstep, lad. The fight is here, and there is no choice for us either."
PIppinfan1988
· 24 February 2004
· Chapter 6: A Red Star Low in the South
Oooh! Evil is creeping into his thoughts--unbidden, of course, but this is good. I like how you're exploring this side of Boromir. Real-life evil does pretty much the same thing; it slips in unwatched for and sits in the dark corners of one's heart until circumstance calls for it. Pearl Took has a story called Mind Games--an excellent story just like this one that deals with creeping evil. Take care.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Boromir is in quite the fight of his life, isn't he? Although he probably doesn't realize it. Glad you liked the chapter . . . I was a little worried that readers wouldn't connect with it or feel a sense of drama. Thanks for encouraging me. We still have a few more to go before the end.
Chigger
· 24 February 2004
· Chapter 6: A Red Star Low in the South
Sorry I wasn't here sooner, but yesterday was the most hectic day I've had in a long time. I'm here now. :)
I like to see Boromir's humanliness, if you will. Crying may not be considered a sign of manliness, but I think everyone needs to break down at least once in their life.
But . . . I don't know what else to say. I feel myself inadequate to even try to say how much I liked this and how drawn into it I felt. Boromir's feelings were tangible, almost, and his thoughts seemed real. It shows in a perfect way the fact that, even though Boromir has decided only to aid in the quest and hope for some other help to come to his City, the Ring still has the power to destroy him. He sees this power and it frightens him, and though he tries his hardest to ignore it, we know that, in the end, it will overpower him and lead to his death.
Oh, and we aren't exactly in Yankee-land yet, but we're pretty close. :) After all, Richmond was the capitol of the Confederacy; but the people around here don't have the nice, down-home, Texas accent. :)
And I loved the Dallasite's reaction to Boromir. :D
Author's reply
Oh, my goodness . . . thanks so much for letting me know your reaction. Actually, I was a little concerned about how readers would like this particular chapter. I was nervous that people wouldn't connect with it. It's all so interior, no big action or fun dialogue to make it lively. But, I felt that we needed to spend time with Boromir, to know how hard he was trying, to understand what an exceptional person he really was, and appreciate his great heart. He was indeed a man of strength and integrity. He just wasn't stronger than the power of the Ring. Makes me have a little sad moment for him.
After getting some positive reviews now, I think that a lot of readers connect with this chapter because we all feel that we also are good people, trying hard, getting beat up in the process, and sometimes we just take a big fall. For those of us who have faith, it is comforting to know that the Lord is always there to protect us and pick us up again, and that He always understands how hard we try.
I forgot that Richmond is technically considered Southern, not Yankee, territory . . . I was born in Iowa, myself, so I am not really one of those manic native Texans. I just enjoy living here, and poking a little fun at all the outlandish people who share the state with (sometimes equally outlandish) me. Good thing the nation of Texas is big enough for all of us.
Hey, before I even met you, I read your story about Frodo taking care of Elanor for an afternoon, and I just loved it. Great job! I'm putting you on my favorite authors list. Good luck in your writing! Thanks again for your very thought-provoking review!
Grey Wonderer
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 6: A Red Star Low in the South
I stayed there for a long time, gazing at my shield and horn, which I had placed in the corner of my room.
One of the best parts of the chapter for me as it says so much about how very hardBoromir is trying to do what is best for his people and do no harm to his new friends.
Still love this story!
Author's reply
Thanks again for the review . . . yes, Boromir is a tremendous character. The man truly shows the great strength and integrity of his heritage. If the Ring had not overpowered him, I think that he would have gone on to be an exceptional Steward and a true hero of the quest. It's a real tragedy that he fell . . . but so it had to be . . . so that Frodo would go to Mordor . . . (brush a tear away). We all seem very kindly towards Boromir, probably because we all feel that we are good people who take a fall ourselves once in a while.
Thanks so much for letting me know that you love the story. I wanted to make it fun to read, and powerful too. More chapters are coming as soon as I get them all polished up.
FantasyFan
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 6: A Red Star Low in the South
This is a very powerful chapter. Boromir was not an evil being, just one with a blind spot where Gondor was concerned. You have written his anguish over his father's treatment of him and Faramir, his longing to be accepted as valiant and loyal, and his desire to stay true to his heritage of honor in a very emotional and stirring way. This is a Boromir that I can admire, and mourn for when the inevitable happens. How fsr are you going to take this story?
Author's reply
I am so honored by your review. I was a little worried that there was not enough action to hold the reader's attention . . . but all these conflicts are exactly what makes Boromir's story so compelling. And these are thoughts he would never share, so I had to write tmem as thoughts, not action or dialogue. It is emotional and stirring to me too. He fights a brave fight and deserves some honor for it.
The story will end when the Company sets out . . . several more chapters are on their way first, though.
Again, thanks for letting me know that the message came through. That is very precious to me. In a good way!
shirebound
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 6: A Red Star Low in the South
"It was a very good thing that I would be included with the Company and able to help him bear the burden of it."
That's exactly how I imagine Boromir thinking all the way to Amon Hen. I suspect that Frodo's resilience truly shocked him, but that he never stopped believing that he should have been the bearer of the Ring.
Author's reply
Yes, considering the dream and all, I think it is very logical for Boromir to believe that he will ultimately end up with the ring. I have to give him credit for his battle to keep his head, and help the Company while hoping to help his country also.
Yes, the incredible, unseen inner strength of the little folk . . . that's the thing that makes the LOTR story so gripping to me. I love the way that Tolkien writes the story of the unassuming, self-deprecating little hobbits rising up, being underestimated by everyone they meet (except maybe Gandalf) and surprising us all. And they do it with such grace and charm and loveableness! (Is "loveableness" a word? I guess it is now . . . )
No wonder we love them so much! Misty-eyed hugs across the miles! Thanks for your review!
Kichi
· 23 February 2004
· Chapter 1: Preface: The Council
This is really good for a first fanfic, and since it is your first I'll ask nicely to make you future fics a little longer, please?
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouragement! Well, this one will get a little longer before it's finished. More chapters are on their way. Stay posted, and I hope you like what's coming! I am so glad that you liked the story enough to ask for more!
Hai
· 21 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Tea With the Bagginses
I liked Boromir talking to Elrond and that he seemed to think well of be praised by Elrond. I would hope so! Boromir teaching Merry and Pippin swordplay would probably be a difficult task ;) Thank you and I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, Elrond's praise means a lot to Boromir . . . he's had some awfully tough years lately, trying to be all things to all people and a father who is so distant and critical. The praise takes him by surprise and he can't quite believe it yet, huh? More on this in the next chapter . . . I am so glad to hear your comment about this moment. I hope you enjoy what's coming next.
Thanks again Hai!
Chigger
· 21 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Tea With the Bagginses
Ah, I must confess that I'm not as shewed as all that. :) Actually I'm Coriel's little sister, so it was through her that I learned of your nationality. :) We moved from Waxahachie, just south of Dallas if you don't know. Gosh I miss Texas.
Are the chairs they're using big for the hobbits and dwarves, or is Boromir being squished down in tiny chairs? :)
I love his relationship with Pippin. It shows that Pip can steal his innocent way into even the most hardened of human hearts. :) Personally I like Merry better, but together those two can be quite a show. :P And Frodo's attentions to Pippin were cute. I can picture him trying to wash a wiggling little hobbit. I think that, had Tolkien given him a chance, Frodo would have made a great father. :)
Again the Boromir - Faramir relationship is wonderfully done. I've always admired Boromir for his care of Faramir, and thinking of the great Ranger as Pippin's size is amusing indeed. :)
I loved your description of Boromir's homesickness. I think everyone feels that at least once in their life. I know I did when we left Texas. You may have noticed that, next to LOTR, Texas is my favorite subject. :)
Ah, poor Frodo. I suppose even the Elves can't make medicine taste good. I'm glad Boromir and Frodo are on good terms so far. And Aragorn's and Bilbo's attentions to Frodo are touching and well written. :)
I loved the comment about the hobbits teaching Aragorn how to play their game. Those little beings are very forceful at times, aren't they? :)
Has Elrond forseen something of Boromir's troubles and death? Was that why he was so hesitant while speaking to him? It would seem to make some sense.
Writing reviews while still reading the chapter makes for some long and rather jumbled reviews. :) Sorry if I've rambled, but this was just so good! An' readin' a story by 'nother Texan's always fun. :)
Author's reply
Ah, another scholar from Coriel's amazing family! Nice to meet you! Thanks so much for reading the story, and I hope you enjoy it. Let me know what you think of it, especially the end. You and your sister seem to be a remarkable couple of writers!
About the chairs . . . If you notice, in Chapter 3, I describe "a variety of chairs, benches and stools" pulled around the table where hobbits, Dwarves, and now Boromir are sitting. This allows each person at the table to be sitting on something that meets his own needs. Now, the reader can fill in the picture mentally, and everybody's comfortable. Boromir would probably sit in a larger chair, or maybe on a bench, and the hobbits might have found some higher stools or some such thing, so that they can all be together. Can you see it?
Also, in Chapter 5, Merry "dragged over a chair from the Dwarves' table" for Boromir to sit in. Just a little prompt for the reader to stay secure in the knowledge that even though Boromir's bigger, there's a way to seat him properly. The host of Rivendell would have made sure that he had a variety of chairs so that all his guests could be comfortable, don't you think?
Did Elrond know the future, or what was going on in Boromir's mind? You know what? I don't know! I think, from my reading of LOTR, that people such as Elrond, Gandalf, and Galadriel might have been able to read people's thoughts, at times anyway, but as they say, "even the wise cannot see the end of all things," and so I don't know for sure. So, again, that's a moment that I leave up to the reader to determine. I personally think that Elrond knew what Boromir had on his mind, but that Elrond also believed that Boromir was intended by fate to travel with Frodo, and that he had some important part to play before the end. And, of course, Boromir did.
And, my dear homesick Texan, I have a few funny items here just for you, living up there in Yankee-land. Here's some possibilities of how Texans might respond to Boromir if he suddenly showed up in the Lone Star State:
In Laredo: "Put up your hands and get in the back of the Border Patrol van."
In Houston: "Look, if you can't drive any faster than that, get over in the right-hand lane and GET OUT OF MY WAY!"
In San Antonio: "OK, that's a large draft with those steak fajitas. Say, what country are you visiting here from?"
In Dallas: "Looky here, boy, you need ta git yerself a truck. You cain't haul nothin' in that rucksack there."
In Austin: "Dude, that chain mail is totally ill."
And last but not least, in Abilene: "Brother, have you been to church here lately?"
God bless, and be good now, y'all hear?
shirebound
· 21 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Tea With the Bagginses
"In dealing with the Enemy, a true heart is ever the best defense." I just love that line. How sweet to see the hobbits looking out for each other, even in subtle ways, and Boromir not missing a thing. He's truly out of his element amidst such informality and teasing, but he's learning fast, isn't he?
Such a wonderful story!
Author's reply
I am so honored . . . and relieved . . . that you like the story. I actually truly believe this line that you noted. It's one of my bedrock convictions in real life. A true heart really is the best defense in many situations. Thank you . . . and in chapter 7 you will have Boromir looking at a long walk home. Thanks for the idea, Frodo-Angst/Fluff-Master!
PIppinfan1988
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Tea With the Bagginses
This a fantastic story from Boromir's point of view. You paint hobbit relations and cultures so well. I'll be back as soon as you update. Take care.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
And I'll work even harder now to make it worth your while! I have been enjoying LOTR since . . . let's see . . . 1968. So I had some long steeping time before I got serious about writing down these moments. I am so glad to have found so many people who enjoy this world. You all make my world much richer. Thanks for reading, and for posting a review.
PIppinfan1988
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 3: The Elder Master of Bag End
I like how you've written in Boromir's paranoia! He's so funny... This is a wonderful story!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes . . . Boromir's had a pretty tough life. Lots of rigid rules at home, not much love, and very dark, frightening days of war. He's a pretty good guy, pretty tough both physically and mentally, to have survived it all and made it this far. So he is out of his element and trying to figure out how to get around in this new situation . . . new to him both geographically and mentally. His lonely, hurting heart is going to be drawn out by the hobbits' warmth and friendship. I hope you enjoy what's to come!
PIppinfan1988
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 2: Hobbit Company
Are you *certain* this is your first? This is so good!
Author's reply
Hello . . . good question. This is my first LOTR fan fic, yes, but I used to write poetry and short stories years ago when I first went to college and took creative writing courses. So, I learned a lot from that experience. Also, I wrote slowly, thinking about it as I went, and reread a few of my favorite books about writing that have some good ideas about what and what not to do. So, a lot of my fic was helped by all of that.
Plus, I am working on my writing, trying to improve. So I really gave it my best effort. I'm 47 now, and I figure that I need to give this writing stuff a serious try.
Thanks so much for all your reviews. They are very precious to me! I love good Frodo/hobbit centric fan fic. It is very relaxing and comforting to me to read. I am very happy to be part of this great group.
May you always be inspired! Love, esamen
PIppinfan1988
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 1: Preface: The Council
Hello! I sheepishly admit I have never been a big Boromir fan, but Grey Wonderer coaxed me into giving your story a whirl--and I don't mean that in a bad way at all. You say this is your first fanfic--I can't tell; your characterizaion inside the mind of Boromir is wonderfully portrayed...and this is only the first chapter! On to the next...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thanks so much for the encouragement! I am working on my writing in a major way, and the Rivendell told through Boromir's perspective seemed like a wonderful story to tell. We can see all our favorites through a new point of view. I'm a Pippin fan too! Love that sweet heart! thanks again . . . I hope you enjoy the whole thing.
Lily Baggins
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Tea With the Bagginses
This is wonderful... I love seeing Boromir get acquainted with the hobbits and being won over by their charm, but at the same time... I can see the darkness already taking hold. And adored chapter five and Frodo downing his medicine! Can't wait to see more.
Author's reply
Lily Baggins! Wow! I am bowing with hand over heart! I love your work! Thanks for coming over and reading Boromir! Yes, I loved that Frodo/medicine scene too. . . . You can probably trace the work of many other fic writers in what you read in this story . . . I have canon to work from, and now I have some favorite fanon to draw from also, including yours. Thanks for all your contributions to the Middle Earth playground. I'm just kind of fooling around in the sandbox here.
daw the minstrel
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 5: Tea With the Bagginses
I enjoyed every bit of this story. The prose is literate and the characterizations are very well done. Boromir comes across so clearly as the noble albeit flawed character he is and the other characters (especially the hobbits) come alive. Very nicely done.
Author's reply
Thanks daw. You do indeed sound like a minstrel yourself. Yes, there is always that thin line of tragedy present even during the fun times of this tale, because no matter how hard Boromir fights to stay true to his heritage of nobility and honor, we know what the end will be. That's part of my fascination with this particular story line. It has built-in depth. That is a compliment to Tolkien's vision and talent . . . I think most every good fan fic is to some degree good only because it is built on the rock of a wonderful original story. Aren't we glad we have the great Professor to read!
Lindelea
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 1: Preface: The Council
Oh, well done! *applauding*
I find it very difficult to write ine first person. You've done a wonderful job of halping me see Rivendell through Boromir's eyes, and have given me some new food for thought on what he might have been thinking.
Sorry this review is so incoherent, I am very distracted. Hope to have a chance to read more on the weekend.
Author's reply
Nothing incoherent about this! You come through loud and clear! Thanks so much . . . your words mean a lot to me! You have company--I come here when I get incoherent, too. I travel over and live in this world when my "real-life" day gets wrapped a little too tight. I hope you like my little corner of Middle Earth . . . feel free to visit whenever you need a vacation.
Chigger
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 4: Elves and Bilbo's Bright One
Ah, hobbits. I love this story! Boromir's thoughts of Faramir were nice, showing that this isn't just a thing of wanting power, but also wanting to save his brother and his country.
My compliments to Bilbo for making sure Boromir washed; my congratualtions to Gimli for winning the bet; and my regrets to Sam for his missed sleep. Those late night parties are fun, but always most regretable the next morning. :)
I hope you find the time to update soon; even though I'm guilty of falling way behind in my own writing. :)
But until next time, adios!
Author's reply
Nice prose you have going on in this review! I am going to have to go read everything by Chigger that I can find. This fan fic stuff is going to take over my life. . . But I am loving it . . . I walk around with a smile because of your shared joy in the story . . . thanks for all your encouragement.
Hopefully you'll really enjoy Frodo when he comes on the scene. Next chapter is coming soon!
Chigger
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 3: The Elder Master of Bag End
Heeho. Gotta love those hobbits. :) Bilbo's intro was nice. As always the hobbits tended to ramble, and that's one of their endearing traits. :) You have a wonderful talent, to be sure. Again you're making me hungry; even more so than last time! :) And I must agree with the Elves on their dislike for ale, but the idea of Dwarves bringing their own was wonderful! :D
I sympathize with Boromir on trying to keep all the hobbits straight. When we were still LOTR newbies we had a heck of a time keeping Merry and Pippin straight, but now they're so different how can you help it? :)
And the dwarves were well written as well. I laughed when the introductions were going around. All the hobbits stood up and bowed and the dwarves grunted, growled, slapped and ate. :) Wonderful group manners, don't you agree?
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so happy you liked the dwarves and that you noticed the contrast in manners! I always thought that The Hobbit was incredibly fun to read partly because of the contrast between Bilbo's hobbitiness and the dwarves' dwarvishness. So a lot of that influenced this story.
And I thought that Bilbo was one of the true gems of the films. He just came off the page into living color for me. Those grey curls looked much like my original visualization. A little bit of Bilbo's voice in the film has influenced the dialogue here too.
Sorry about the fact that everyone is eating all the time and makes you hungry. What else do you expect from a story with hobbits in it? Gotta be true to canon . . . Let's all have some tea and cakes.
Chigger
· 20 February 2004
· Chapter 2: Hobbit Company
No one appreciates hot food more than hobbits and men. :) Reading the reviews has me all hungry for bacon and Pip didn't help much. But it's Friday so we can't have meat. Scrambled eggs anyone? :D
You know, this story sounds as though it was written by someone from that wonderful state of Texas. Boromir's difficulty in choosing which sidearm to take with him reminded me very much of our family. Can't go without one, even if you can't go with one. :)
I loved your portral of Pippin and Sam. Sam was quiet, a little standoffish and just a trifle suspicious, like he always is around newcomers. Meanwhile Pip was his same ol' talkitive self but I'm surprised Frodo trusted him enough to carry food upstairs! I would think it would all be gone by the time he got there! :D Or is that why Sam was with him? :)
Please forigve any misspellings in these reviews, but half my mind went on strike again. :)
Author's reply
Aha! I'm going to call you Sherlock! You're right, I'm from Texas . . . my drawl always gives it away. San Antonio, for now, but I've lived in Houston and Midland also . . . San Antonio is the most fantastic place I have ever lived in, but there's no Elves or Hobbits or Wizards here, so I visit Middle Earth as much as I can. It's so much more peaceful there.
I am very honored by your insightful review as regarding Sam and Pippin. I think that a lot of our writing isn't so much planned out as just pours out of our shared Tolkien experience. This is a marvelous way to hear all the stories that live in our hearts. Thanks for your time and attention . . . may you always be inspired to write!
I'm fixin' to leave now
All y'all come over t' the house sometime
Jyeet jyet?
Have some more cornbread to sop up that bean juice, honey
Be good now, hear?