Reviews (429)

Connie B. · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 45: Something to Remember Him By

Interesting. I hadn't expected the story of the flask to be anything like that. I'm glad nothing seriously underhanded was involved in Jack getting the flask. Too bad the elixir is so rare. Connie B.

Bodkin · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 45: Something to Remember Him By

What a fascinating story. Elrond and Gil-Galad and the flask - I take it that the healing potion doesn't carry a use-by date! (Use by the end of the next Age.) It's a shame Woodruff won't get any to silence the Tooks as they recover from their ailments. (Pippin could do with some to keep him going until Sam's inspiration about Ent draughts.) I hope that when Jack turns up he receives a bit of extra appreciation for being the catalyst that returned the flask to the hands of the offspring of Elrond.

FantasyFan · 29 November 2004 · Chapter 45: Something to Remember Him By

It is interesting to speculate on how Frodo and Sam were healed at Cormallen. Despite the healing hands of the king, despite the powers of athelas, it just never seemed well-enough explained that Frodo and Sam, rescued at the brink of death, would stay in a healing sleep for a week, and awake ready to go to a feast and sit around talking half the night. Elladan and Elrohir were at the final battle before the black gate: did they bring their own supply of healing elixer? Your description of the warm flavour and color of your healing draught did remind me somewhat of miruvor, though that is described as a restorative cordial more than a healing one, and it didn't put uninjured people to sleep. So I'm not surprised to find an elvish origin for it. Miruvor was never explained either: are you intending them to be identical? I am moved by how much Arwen is touched by the reminder of her father. She always seemes serene and unflappable, though her parting from Elrond is described as bitter and their final scenes together have a very sad quality to them. (boy, this is a scattered review. sorry.)

Connie B. · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 44: Questions and Answers

Nice chapter. I'm glad Merry came through all right. It was sweet to see Merry awaken to all the love and kidding of his family. I have the feeling there are things that Estella and Pippin are never going to let him live down. Keep the chapters comin' Connie B.

FantasyFan · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 44: Questions and Answers

I am catching up on two chapters this morning. I finished the last, and said to Raven, "But what is it?" (A question I have been wondering to myself for quite a few chapters, by the way) and she answered, "No doubt we will find out in the next chapter." So we click on the next chapter, only to be met with Elladan and Elrohir had plenty of questions, but they weren’t answering any. Too funny - we laughed out loud. I guess we are hobbits, consumed by curiosity. Raven is still reading at the other computer, laughing at Merry being horrified by liver. Hero of the Shire, and all that, terrified of being fed liver. Glad to see Merry is recovering well, with the aid of liver. And I am very intrigued to know what you have planned for Jack and Rob and Will. Just when we had about forgotten about them, up they pop at the end of two chapters ago, in a very touching scene where it is seen they have responded to the graces offered them. I am waiting to see them run into Pippin (or Merry and Hilly) in town. That should be interesting.

Bodkin · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 44: Questions and Answers

Poor Merry - even though he was unconscious at the time, he is still revolted by the thought of liver mush being poured into him! This mithril flask bit is intriguing - I wonder how Jack got hold of it. (I hope not through illegal means - I don't think he would get away with that with the sons of Elrond and Aragorn shoulder to shoulder against him.) Interesting thoughts about poor shy young Hilly. It is very difficult being the youngest, especially when all the older members of the family are strong characters. Pippin's offering good advice here - though as the only son and heir, being the youngest didn't stop him having his own position. Merry's recovery will raise spirits!

Grey Wonderer · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 44: Questions and Answers

Loved how Pippin reassured Hilly that he was doing his best. He should trust Pippin because he does know a bit about being the youngest. I am so glad that Merry is awake and that he has feeling in his fingers again. Now, I wonder what the news will be of the flask.

ansohobbit@hotmail.com · 28 November 2004 · Chapter 44: Questions and Answers

pippin does know Hilly well, doesn`t he? It is good that he gives him credit for his deeds. Hilly seems like such a nice hobbit. I like him very much. And Merry, lol. He`s awake and back to his own merry self. That is a good sign. Now I hope he`ll be completely well in his arm again. he might have to exercise it for some time and I`ll expect he`ll have pain for some time too? You had me laughing out loud at his reaction to being fed liver, with touching his throat cautiously and the way Strider joked with him. He`s a happy hobbit again I think!

Hai Took · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 43: Never Judge a Flask by its Cover

What? What does the Mithril flask have to do with it? Does Elladan know something about it? I know I will have to wait but I can never resist voicing my questions ;) I was splendid to see Jack and the boys again! Are we going to see them through to another life? I certainly hope so! I'm glad the business with Merry is over, at least the surgery is you never know when complications might come up. I thought Pippin might just swoon there while they were waiting, good thing he didn't. Of course, looking forward to more!

ansohobbit@hotmail.com · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 43: Never Judge a Flask by its Cover

A mithril flask! Oh, I wonder what it contains? I`m glad Merry`s looking better. He hates liver with a passion, doesn`t he? :) It`s a good sign that Estella and Diamond can laugh about it. It`s good to see Hilly arriving and I have forgot to say yay for Ferdi getting well! That was a wonderous draught. Was it some ent-draught perhaps? but that woudln`t be in a mithril flask, now would it. Oh, I love this story, Lin. Hugs anso

ansohobbit@hotmail.com · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 42: Making Progress

You scared me a little here, with Merry loosing blood. Please let him be all right... eventually *evil grin* Poor Pip. This was too much for him. I`m glad Diamond knew what would happen and that Strider took him seriously. Your description of the surgery was vivid and well done!

ansohobbit@hotmail.com · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 40: Courage is Found...

Oh! I read this with my heart in my throat. Merry tries to be brave with joking and teasing, but even if he trusts Strider I think that deep down ne`s a little scared too. Even if he has seen what has been done to Frodo in Rivendell. Pippin is about to fall apart, poor hobbit. It is as tough for him to see Merry being cut into as it was for Sam to watch Frodo. Estella is brave also, never leaving her dear one`s side. Great as always! Off to read more...

ansohobbit@hotmail.com · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 33: Fireside Conversations

hullo! I`ve finally managed to read some chapters again. I`ve had computer problems you know, and a busy RL, but now I`ve come this far. Brave Hilly! He really believe in that draught and stood his ground. I hope Ferdi will be well soon. He is getting better it looks like. And Yay for conversation between merry and estella. She is worried, with due cause I think, but Merry know a bit more than her about things and even if I suspect she`ll be afraid when the procedure comes `Merry has convinced her that Strider will make him well. Off to read more... :) Hugs

Bodkin · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 43: Never Judge a Flask by its Cover

That flask is claiming my attention - a mithril flask complete with runes? I wonder where Jack got hold of it? So the healers here have already invented the pony draught - that will give Hilly something to rub in when he returns to the Shire. I don't know that they'll end up with supplies of the healing draught, though. I like Elladan - he is very good at dealing with hobbits in a way they can relate to. Nice touches of humour among them. And now I want to know more about the flask!

Grey Wonderer · 27 November 2004 · Chapter 43: Never Judge a Flask by its Cover

Now I just wonder what we have here and where it came from. I can agree with those that hate liver in this story completely. Not the best food no matter how good it is for you. I simply can't eat it. Great chapter.

Connie B. · 26 November 2004 · Chapter 43: Never Judge a Flask by its Cover

Hm, I wonder what Elladan found. Nice chapter. The bit with the liver was good. I feel like Diamond when it comes to eating liver. I eat it only when I have no choice, and that isn't very often. Thanks. Connie B.

Dreamflower · 26 November 2004 · Chapter 43: Never Judge a Flask by its Cover

Oh my! That's some draught if it's impressing Elladan! I had originally thought it might be miruvor, but the effect seemed much stronger than that cordial. At least Pip's not laid up, too, which was what I had expected! And Hilly is not exactly the soul of tact in delivering information, is he, LOL?

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 42: Making Progress

Well, it's a relief to see Merry through his surgery, and I suppose Pip's going to end up in a sickbed next to him with a relapse. At least they will be able to convalesce together for a change! Good to see Jack and the boys again. Obviously they have another part to play--I haven't forgotten those ruffians from a few chapters back... And now I've come to the end of what you have posted. *Sigh*

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 41: Deep in the Heart

*Whew* What a harrowing description of the surgery! I was holding my breath along with Pippin, Sam and Estella!

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 40: Courage is Found...

I'm just a little confused. Strider was sending Merry off into a hypnotic sleep, yet this begins with Merry just out of the bath? At any rate, an excellent description of the tension and fear involved when a loved one faces the surgeon's knife. I did enjoy the banter between Elessar and his Elven brother--reminiscent of the banter between the cousins, and perhaps meant to reassure them. I have a feeling this is going to be rougher on Pip than it is on Merry.

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 38: Bed and Breakfast

Poor Pippin! I'm sure the memory of Frodo's injury and its treatment was one of the worst of the Quest, in spite of the many terrible things that happened after. It was the first thing to happen that made him and Merry truly realize the seriousness of what was happening, and the chance that their beloved Frodo could have died *or worse* must have haunted them just as badly as orcs and palantirs. The part with Ferdi is hilarious! When they find him there in his bed, they are going to think poor Fennel has lost his mind!

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 37: Awakenings

*Grin* I can't believe *hobbits* wouldn't think of looking in the dining hall! Fennel's really thrown off-stride not to realize that the first thing Ferdi would do is look for food! LOL! I love the interlude with Pippin and Diamond. Pippin's concern for Merry is as strong as it ever was, even if they are not living in one another's pockets anymore, and Diamond is so sweet and careful with her husband's fears. Beautiful!

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 36: Spilling Forth

Oh goodness! So much happening in this chapter. "‘Pippin,’ Sam remonstrated. Which Pippin he addressed was not immediately clear, as happened often when the two sharing the name were together. " LOL! That gave me a chuckle. I was named after an aunt, and had a cousin named after her also; you can imagine what it was like when we were all three together. I loved the description comparing the falls to Rauros, and the allusions to events "away South". Have you already done the story of Pip/Diamond/Faramir and their first visit to Gondor? I know that I haven't read it if you have! And more ruffians. This lot sound a great deal more dire than Jack and his lads. Oh dear! And finally, Ferdi going off in search of breakfast, all unknowing. He's going to scare the bejeebers out of folks who had thought him at death's door. *chuckle* And on that note, I'm going back to bed!

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 34: Food for Thought

*snort*wheeze*chuckle* I do love it when hobbits try to feed men up! Your Bergil is an adult now and I suppose he will not eat until he founders out of politeness, unlike my lad-Bergil did at Brandy Hall.

Dreamflower · 25 November 2004 · Chapter 33: Fireside Conversations

Oh, sneaky Merry. "I'll see what I can do". Ha! He'd better not try and keep her away or he'll never hear the end of it. I do like your Estella. His comparing her to Pippin when she argued reminded me that she is, after all, half Took, LOL!