Reviews (81)

PSW · 8 September 2016 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I enjoyed this! Good story....definitely seems like something that could happen in a city in full-on reconstruction mode... :-P

pippinsgirl · 5 November 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I LOVED that story it sounded like somethin i would write you wanna here somethin weird (referring to the writer) my name is ariel. can i borrow your cool brain? we should team up and write a story contact me @ merrypsimon@aim.com

storyfish · 21 October 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Amazing story. I enjoyed every word of it--especially Merry's glimpse into the true nature of Frodo--beautiful. I'd say more, but I'm very tired, so I'll just say that I can't rave enough about this story. It's perceptive and moving...bravo bravo!

illyria · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Oh. That hurts, in the sweetest way, and somehow it seems fitting that Frodo should reassure *me* that he will be all right, and the beginning, that conversation between Sam and Gandalf, it's illuminating. Thanks for the lovely tale, Ariel.

illyria · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Awwww... This is the sweetest, and yet most heartbreaking chapter in this tale. Merry's sensing Frodo's change, and Frodo hiding his vision, surrounded by Pip's unfailing cheerfulness and Gandalf's concern and Sam's resourcefulness, it's simply lovely. It's even more gut-wrenching because you threw in the Bilbo-factor, you wicked thing! And of course that last thought of Frodo before he slept simply undid me. *wipes eyes*

illyria · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Chapter 3

I love Merry's reaction to the healers' tending him. Naughty hobbit! :) And I love the conversation Frodo had with Aragorn about friends and worries. He's so poised and self-possessed, your Frodo, he's delicious. :)

illyria · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 2: Chapter 2

The Numenorean invented crane and bulldozer! Yay! And I love it that Frodo isn't helpless but tried to help with the rescue. And his thought about protecting his cousins, and his vision of Merry...wonderful! And what adelicious cliffhanger! *rubs hands and runs off to read the next chapter*

Dana · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I started reading this and could not stop until I'd read all the way through. I love your hobbits here, most especially your Frodo and your Merry and your Sam and your Pippin -- well, I guess I love them all. Wonderful story. Oh yes.

Marea · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 1: Chapter 1

Oh Ariel m'dear... I've just read the first chapter and I KNOW I'm going to love this fic. A strong, protective Frodo... what more can I say than YES, YES, YES!!!! The very Frodo Baggins within my dreams these two decades (and yes that DOES make me feel OLD). Even now imagining myself a saucy 3'5" halfling wench spending quality time stranded in a basement with Our Hobbit. (Words fail me). Thanks - as always - for the high quality diversion. Hugs, Marea

Pearl Took · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

A fantastic, wonderful tale!! Wonderful word pictures and everyone's characters so true!! Well Done :)

Bodkin · 2 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Yes, Sam has come a long way - still modest, but a lot more confident as to his abilities. He and Merry are the ones with the best idea of what is going on with Frodo - I like the bit where 'Merry felt Sam was acting more as one would for a greatly aged but beloved father than for a dear master; with reverence, not just respect, and a touch of helpless sadness'. Sam and Merry ought to be good friends - they are quite alike in many ways. And I'm glad Frodo thinks he'll be all right - even if he does know that it won't be in the way his friends would like.

Cuthalion · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

A smile that was both gentle and full of wisdom crossed his face and Merry suddenly saw that there was nothing at all fragile or ephemeral or intangible about his cousin. Frodo's will seemed revealed to him for the briefest of moments and Merry drew in his breath in amazement, perceiving it. Here was a hobbit whose strength had changed the world, one whose deeds would be remembered by men after all the others of his race were dust. There was something in Frodo Baggins as unyielding as the roots of a mountain and yet mortal, fallible and somehow even more incredible because of it. Oh wow Oh wow. And I had already thought I wouldn't ne able to love this tale more than I already did. *hugs you* Wonderful, Ariel. Insightful, clever, wise, extremely well written. Thank you for sharing this with us!

SilverMoonLady · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

My dear, this is a *lovely* piece! I really love the way you write Frodo post-quest, as well as the insights and impressions of his friends; it's like we're sitting in the room with them... What a beautiful idea, that one could glimpse a reassuring snippet of those we love, especially in Frodo's case, having the knowledge that he was not long for this world... Thank you!

Anso the Hobbit · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I love Sam and Gandalf`s conversation and how Gandalf praise Sam, he certainly deserve it! I don`t think I`ve seen anyone write about how Frodo is becoming older and looking is "right" age before (but then I tend to concentrate on Merry, lol) but the description was beautiful and I think it is true that he would look older already in Minas Tirith He might have learned his own worth, but he also knew Frodo’s. I love this about Sam! It`s very good to see him seeing his own worth at last. Poor Merry and Frodo too, so sore that even athelas can`t do the trick properly! And the description of them as "old gaffers" made me laugh and how Pip explains about the tree seems just right. And I absolutely love how you describe Merry`s and also Sam`s perceptiveness of Frodo. THANK YOU! for writing this

pipinheart · 28 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

This has been a very enjoyable story. Her you can see sam feels something is changed about frodo,and wants to protect him. As all of the hobbits gather together Merry is worried and as Frodo talks about the future Merry can see for the first time a power of a sort frodo has. A very emotional story,thanks for sharing....

Larner · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

A truly beautiful description of Frodo's understanding, and the way in which the others, particularly Merry and Sam, begin to realize what will be. Thanks for the story.

Inkling · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Well done, Ariel! A poignant, but still hopeful, ending. This was a beautiful image: “Frodo’s spirit still burned bright, like a light shining from within, but it was as if the glow was now cloaked in ash, like the embers of a dying fire.” "I think the last chapter was slipping back into my old style…" Perhaps, but to me that’s a good thing! :) Unless you think it’s too great a shift in style or tone within one fic…I think I’m guilty of the same tendency in my writing. In any case, I like fan fiction that makes you think, as this passage does: “There was something in Frodo Baggins as unyielding as the roots of a mountain and yet mortal, fallible and somehow even more incredible because of it.” Yes…just as the sadness and sense of loss at the end of LOTR are what make it greater and more memorable than a simple happy ending would have, so too Frodo’s mortal fallibility make him a more complex and memorable character than if he had simply thrown the Ring into the Cracks of Doom. That’s how I see it, at least…. Thanks for another lovely fic, my dear…

lovethosehobbits · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I agree about how things that are memorable (and, therefore, well written) and have a message be it war and struggle or love and hate, stick in your head for a reason. It is the mark of a true artist to be able to achieve this. It doesn't make it any easier for those of us who are mentally unstable tho' LOL. In you next fic....it won't be terribly depressing will it? Listen to me...I write the angstiest, dark and depressing stories there are and hear I am bitching at you!! LOL. I just crave happy endings, I suppose. Hey, thanks for listening. Wish I could remember how to reply to review responses and not mess up your reviews by answering back like this.....take it easy

Elwen · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I like your wise Frodo. And you highlight the change in Sam, from servant to friend, very well. And, of course, the whole thing makes me want to sob.

Gentle Hobbit · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

What a treat - three more chapters to read. I'm sad that it is finished. I feel very comfortable with your hobbits. Merry and Pippin felt "right" to me. No "cute" Pippin or overly scheming Merry -- no, they felt akin to the book characters. And I love that moment when Merry catches a glimpse of Frodo "unveiled". Your writing gave me just as startling a clear image of Frodo as Merry felt that he saw. Lovely writing, Ariel. Thank you so much for this.

smaugs_mommy · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Oh, I loved this. Thank you for dedicating it to dear Nivvie.

Dreamflower · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I kept trying to leave a review for this at the Challenge site, but the LJ wouldn't let me out of "read only" mode, so... This has been a brilliant and lovely story. You actually *could* have ended it with Ch. 4 and had a satisfying ending, but this chapter is just lovely, showing Sam's tender care of Frodo, and showing Merry's growing realization of how Frodo has grown and changed. Such a sweet, tender and gentle scene, and bittersweet for the readers, who know exactly what is going to happen. This has been a great story. And the truth is, even the fluffiest fluff or the most gratuitous h/c are the better for a touch of meaning. Don't apologize for that. It is what makes your stories rich and memorable.

DAYNA · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

WOW. I loved it. But why is it over? lol Beautifully written Ariel. I loved the insights to the characters. Very touching. Thanks for sharing. :)

lovethosehobbits · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I suppose that's true. I don't know I feel that it would still be fun to fill in the other gaps, but in my heart of hearts I know you're right. But I HATE the after affects it leaves me feeling....I mean I get WAY to involved in the story. To the point where I can't stop thinking about it and worry about the characters (I know, it sounds sick). I have bipolar II and had some very serious depression (which I have since been cured of by ECT treatments....someday I'll have to tell you more about this) but I tend to be a bit obsessive- compulsive and so I 'obsess' about things like 'my Frodo'.... it's just me, I know, and it, in know way, detracts from me enjoying the story. But I do like to walk away from the story and be able to go through my day without thinking about the characters (I never REALLY stop thinking about them--see obsessive compulsive in dictionary :D). It can be an awful thing to live with, knowing you are basically trapped in their world as well as your own.....(GOD, she can TALK!!!!!!!!!!) still loved the story tho' ;D

lovethosehobbits · 27 February 2005 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5

I loved this story so much. I always feel sad thinking (and knowing) what happens to Frodo in the end. To this day I cry when I finish ROTK, and it's come to the point where I can't even finish the book, stopping at the Scouring of the Shire and not finishing the rest. Ive always kinda been angry at Tolkien for finishing the story with Sam saying 'Well, I'm back." And giving us nothing else. I always wanted him to mention how Sam had journeyed to Tol Eressea and lived out the rest of his life with his Master. I know it mentions he left for the islands in the appendices, but it always bugged me that we never knew if Frodo yet lived (I believe he did) or if he had died before Sam arrived. I guess I'm just a sucker for a happy ending and hate the alternative. I think that's why fanfiction is so fun and, yes, important...to help those of us by filling in the gaps and having fun while we do it. Well, I do blather on, don't I? Just wanted to say it is so good to have another of your talented stories presented to us and hope to see many more. Love to you as always my friend.....tree