Reviews (106)

Claudia · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

I LOVED this! Never before have I seen such a delightful interaction between Gimli and Frodo. Very beautiful!

Claudia · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

ooh! This is the first time I've left a review via Arda! Fun! ANyway, excellent chapter. Heh, you used the Phial's light, too, lol! Great minds think alike...AND there was a hint of potential ruffian behavior...har har. A chapter after my heart! Thank you for posting this lovely series!

Nilmandra · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Ah, I like your Gimli. He sounds and acts like a dwarf, and again, we have a wonderful tie to the elements of the earth and also to relatives and previous journeys. There is much to bind them together. Very nice.

Nilmandra · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Shirebound, I am a day late and dollar short again...but this is brilliant! You know how much I love things that tie or parallel in Tolkien's world, and this is just wonderfully done. The tree in Gondor with Earandil's light....I am jumping up and down with glee over this!

cpsings4him · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Another wonderful installment! Beautifully written as always. I love the ending! Hehe!

Connie · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Oh, that was lovely. I must say, you have a way of making me take a second look at characters I'm not particularly fond of. First it was Celeborn in Mind to Mind; now it's Gimli in this story. He was so guiet and kind to Frodo. It was nice to see him not blustery and outspoken. Thanks for this glimpse. Connie.

Almie · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Wow! So beautiful! I find it really hard to write Gimli, but you've done him really well! The idea of the stone is so fitting! If you've any plans to write about this more... *hint hint* Maybe when the memory of fire becomes too much, the air, water and earth can help...! ;) But anyway, loved this chapter especially! Great series!

aprilkat · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

There is far too little interaction written between Gimli and Frodo, and this was just lovely. I especially loved Gimli's sense of where the characters came from and how they got their unique strengths there - he was quite wise. What a fitting and just gorgeous gift of light from him to Frodo, and the effect was beautifully described.

melilot hill · 18 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Very beautiful chapter. I liked the image of the illuminated tree very much.

Pearl Took · 17 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

This was wonderfully elegant. A deep beauty in the subject and in the writing. A joy to read.

Periantari · 16 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

lovely...wow...i loved this chapter!!! a lot a lot! i love the conversation about light..i love the conversation about not being able to save Gollum, Boromir nor Saruman... wow Especially loved these lines: “Frodo,” the wizard said gravely, “you could not save Gollum. I could not save Saruman. Neither his oath to the Ring-bearer nor the presence of the long-lost king could save Boromir.” He motioned to the tree. “What we were able to preserve, we did. We accomplished our tasks as best we could, and generations will long remember what was saved, not what was lost.” Sam recognizing Frodo as light is preciousssss to mention as well! wow..i love how you weave so many book elements into this story... really also liked your last line :*) awwwww~!!!! Light indeed recognizes light... aww wise Gandalf! Thanks Shirebound... that was a great read =) :thumbsup:

Lotrgirl1415 · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Once again, another great chapter!

maya_ar · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

This is my favourite chapter so far! I particularly liked the evocation of the relationship of the White Tree and the light of Earendil. Another subtle touch was Gandalf reminding Frodo that the salvation of other people is not in his hands. Would it be pushy of me to ask for a post-wedding moment with Elrond? cheers, Maya

Lyta Padfoot · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

"Light recognizes light." How perfect, I adored Frodo's comment that Sam was truly the light that never went out for him. So like Frodo to brush off thoughts that Sam might view him in the same way.

Lindelea · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

O my, I read so quickly that I completely missed this paragraph until another reviewer pointed it out: Gandalf nodded, but said nothing. He had come to the courtyard upon hearing that the Ring-bearer was alone. He hoped that Frodo was unaware of the fact that he was closely -- but discreetly -- watched, as were the other three hobbits. It was common knowledge that the King valued the pheriannath over gold and jewels, and an unscrupulous person might have been tempted to take advantage of such an opportunity. Thankfully, there had been no incidents. Is there such a story in the works? It's funny, even when I *did* read the paragraph, I mis-read it and thought at first you said that the hobbits were valued at their weight in gold and jewels, and that made me think of "Where the Merlin Cries". The hobbit-nappers were paid the hobbits' weight in gold (wonder if they fattened them up first?) by the "collector" and Elessar marched an entire army down to Harad to rescue, I think it was, *eight* hobbits in that story... but perhaps this borders on SSP, and in a review too. Blame it on blood sugar. Wish there was more to read. The work I'm avoiding is piling up and getting harder to ignore. All the best, Lin

Elwen · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

For me, this group of stories is the best thing you have ever written. Your insights into the relationship of Frodo and Sam (light recognising light) is wonderful. I am very, very much enjoying this series.

girlofring · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

You know, when you address comments that we leave you, it so kind and thoughtful. But, I cannot for the life of me remember what I said to you on the last story for you to remark "What a kind thing to say"(hides face in shame, with slight smile).LOL. I do undoubtedly love the way you capture the essence of Tolkien, and retrieve the little things that underlies the story. He would have been proud. He did so hate the machines of man and war. You brought out the "light".

esamen · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Tremendous . . . what a great new vector to explore . . . I have not read the Silmarilian yet, and this is all new to me. Wonderful! A whole new part of Middle-earth to explore. Thank you for mining out these details and showing them to us. Lots of fun Tolkien reading ahead for me. Now, I read this part and really had a thought for you: Gandalf nodded, but said nothing. He had come to the courtyard upon hearing that the Ring-bearer was alone. He hoped that Frodo was unaware of the fact that he was closely -- but discreetly -- watched, as were the other three hobbits. It was common knowledge that the King valued the pheriannath over gold and jewels, and an unscrupulous person might have been tempted to take advantage of such an opportunity. Thankfully, there had been no incidents. You've got a whole culture summed up here . . . an as-yet unexplored one . . . do you have a nice long story plot simmering underneath these Minas Tirith sentences? How about another long ride for us readers, like Quarentined or BCOP? You've got that lovely Estel-Frodo relationship intact . . . it sure would be fun to spend some time living in it again . . . can I make a shameless beg for more Shirebound storytelling? It would make my year! Bowing and throwing confetti all over you, Esamen

Nivina · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

How lovely that Frodo has so many caring friends around! This chapter is so ethereal and peaceful, and I really loved the interaction between Gandalf and Frodo; especially the fact that Frodo does not cease to amaze the wizard even after all those years. :) Gandalf watched Frodo leave the courtyard, then he turned back to the tree. He reached out to touch one shimmering leaf and smiled, thinking of Frodo and Sam. “Light recognizes Light,” he murmured. Beautiful! :)

Nivina · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 2: The Pelennor Fields -- May 7

This was such a great idea! Aragorn letting Frodo see one of his worst enemies slain, so Frodo can let go of the pain and fear slowly... I thoroughly enjoyed this! And this: “Really, Aragorn,” Frodo sighed, “there are times when hobbits think about something other than food.” “And is this one of those times?” Frodo grinned down at him. “No.” Awww! :D I love hobbits. Can't help it! *HUGS!*

Lindelea · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Such a sense of peace infuses this chapter. Even regrets voiced are put to rest. “What we were able to preserve, we did. We accomplished our tasks as best we could, and generations will long remember what was saved, not what was lost.” And the thought that not all lights went out... nicely done. (Another M-e question: the White Tree was descended from the Two Trees? I really must read the Sil again, twenty years is too long...)

Nivina · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 1: Ithilien -- April 8

Oooh, what a beautiful story! Lots of comfort in Ithilien... Light. “Oh Sam,” Frodo sighed, “that’s exactly what I needed. It was so dark, for so long, that---” *sniffle* I just want to cuddle them both. They deserve so much light and peace, and I'm so happy you give it to them. :)

cpsings4him · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

*contented sigh* Shirebound, I have found that as I read each new chapter, I think, "this is my favorite". And in a way, I guess they all are. But this one, I think, really IS my favorite (at least so far!). Light recognizes light. It's so true. There is something about light that awakens the light within. Light actually has the power to chase away darkness. I have seen it in the dark places and dark hours of my own life. Even scripture gives reference to this. Psalm 30:5 says, "...weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Did you ever notice how much worse bad things seem at night - in the darkness. There's just something about a sunrise - light, that makes whatever it is seem just a bit better. And, our dearest Frodo...he has so much light, doesn't he? He can't help but draw other lights to him. That's what's so beautiful about him. I hope I haven't waxed too philosophical this morning. This chapter just really struck a cord with me. Thank you for that! Blessings! cp

Connie · 15 July 2004 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Oh, what a beautiful chapter. The imagery of the tree lit with the light of the Starglass was fantastic. I'm glad you had Gandalf ask Frodo where he got the idea to put the glass into the water. It just seemed so right that something Pippin said had enspired Frodo to do such an imaginetive thing. I also liked the idea that Aragorn was having the hobbits watched to keep them safe from the darker members of Gondorian society. You're right, what better way to get to a king than by taking that which he values the most. Ooo, there's another plot bunny to nip at someone's ankles. There was just so much to love in this chapter. All the things about Sam also being a light in Frodo's darkest hours and Sam viewing Frodo as full of light were great. I really liked that "light knows light" concept. Thanks. Connie.

Nilmandra · 12 July 2004 · Chapter 2: The Pelennor Fields -- May 7

A nice look at Anduril, and a good use of it too. Aragorn is very kingly here, in that unassuming down to earth ranger way of his. The light of Anduril was a good way to push back the shadow, forever, I hope. I have wondered what happened to the rings when Sauron's was destroyed.