Seeing Isn't Always Believing by shirebound

Reviews (227)

Write a review

Lady Forlong · 17 June 2024 · Chapter 16: Just a Dream

Seriously?!? (I know it's too late to post this comment, but I didn't discover this website soon enough to read it when it was first published, and I just have to say this even if nobody ever sees it -- TLDR too.) OK, for one thing, I doubt if there were such things (ESPECIALLY among the Elves) in 3rd Age Middle-earth as medical thermometers, rectal (because Elves would never think of it, not even the Noldor) or otherwise, and even if there were, I don't believe that Elrond, of all people, would subject his patients to such indignities, being as kind as he was and not for fear of the wrath of Sam :) Besides that, Elrond was probably able to determine body temperature by feel alone, with his hand on someone's head (and nowhere else!), and with at least enough accuracy to know what treatment or medication was called for, what with his Elven senses as well as several thousand years of practicing the healing arts without the aid of such "devices," even if they had been invented by then. Or maybe I'm taking this all too seriously. It's a joke, right? Or at least I hope it is. Just my opinion, for whatever it's worth. And BTW, I did enjoy the other stories in this series.

Anonymous · 6 September 2022 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

Lol! I see much banana bread and many banana splits in Frodo's future.

Author's reply

It's delightful to imagine that.

addie71 · 5 September 2022 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

Absolutely delightful - he'll 'try' to endure it. *giggles*

Author's reply

Thanks, Addie. I loved writing this.

Anérea · 5 September 2022 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

Oh, this is sweet, just like the fruit!

Author's reply

Thank you! :)

Celeste Lucretia Black · 12 May 2021 · Chapter 12: Battles Won and Lost

Aww, this was sweet!

Author's reply

Thank you! I loved writing this. :)

Celeste Lucretia Black · 12 May 2021 · Chapter 4: The Best We Have

Merry needs to start thinking of himself as well

Author's reply

He sure does.

Celeste Lucretia Black · 12 May 2021 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

Really, Frodo... Don't be such a fussy Hobbit! It's not so bad!

Author's reply

Heee, I still think of this scene when I peel the 'strings' off my bananas.

Celeste Lucretia Black · 12 May 2021 · Chapter 1: Seeing Isn't Always Believing

You silly hobbit! Why, that is you!

Author's reply

*grins* I love dabbling in "the lighter side" of Middle-earth. :)

PERIANTARI · 19 February 2021 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Loved that the hobbits are spoiling Aragorn -what a delightful image ! Also loved the ending of having food on the table... :D adorable fic!

Author's reply

Thanks! "Healing the healer" is such a fun topic. *hugs hugs*

periantari · 19 February 2021 · Chapter 1: Seeing Isn't Always Believing

Love these! exactly what i am looking for. I always was biased to Rivendell! recovery Frodo with the Morgul wound so the first one is right up my alley. I liked the stubborn!Frodo of saying he's fine in the last one because that is so me. :)

Author's reply

I'm so happy to share these with you right now. Practically all I've written for nearly 20 years is h/c, so let me know if there's any specific subject or character that you'd like to read about! LOL, stubborn!Frodo. I thought that would give you a grin!

Lindelea · 21 April 2020 · Chapter 2: Treasures

O thank you so much for directing me to this one here! I somehow find reading at SoA (maybe the slightly-green-grey background?) easier than at LJ, less strain on the eyes. I am guardian of the Secret Fire, and release it only at need. But the more I learn of hobbits, the more I wonder if it is not they over whom I am truly guardian. Perhaps it is the Shire dwellers that possess the greatest and most secret fire -- the unquenchable spirit within them. Ah, Gandalf. Of course you are numbered among the Wise, and someday to be the head of your Order, though it would seem you don't have an inkling of that happening, at least. And Gandalf, watching over Frodo (and Bilbo) with such loving care... And Bilbo's obvious affection and love for Frodo (and his recognition that Frodo's regard for him is not grounded in material wealth or treasure)... Wonderful. Oh, and Samwise, there on the spot with a blanket, and help, and carvings... a foreshadowing of his care and loyalty to come. Lovely! Thank you again for this respite today.

Author's reply

Thank you for such lovely comments! I'm glad to be reminded of this story, which I enjoyed writing very much. Comfort and friendships, and Gandalf's ever-growing revelations about hobbits... they make me bounce. I appreciate your review so much, my friend.

quodamat · 18 September 2016 · Chapter 13: Master Back-Walker

I just read this, and got such a kick out of it! I used to walk on my dad's back all the time when I was a kid. I think he regrets that I'm not nearly so small and light these days. Now I'll always think back on those times as my practicing hobbit-craft. :)

Author's reply

I used to walk on my dad's back, too! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I always love exploring "the lighter side" of Middle-earth.

PSW · 12 December 2015 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

A good foot-rub can cure many ills ... :-) These were very enjoyable, thanks for writing!

Author's reply

Thank you so much. Gentle hurt/comfortcomfortcomfort is very soothing for me to read and write.

PSW · 12 December 2015 · Chapter 17: The Debt

Ha! Very interesting thought ...

Author's reply

Thank you. :)

PSW · 12 December 2015 · Chapter 13: Master Back-Walker

Yep, there is nothing quite like it. :-) And yep, of course Arwen would be good at it ...

Author's reply

It's such a pleasure when the hobbits can help Aragorn for a change.

PSW · 12 December 2015 · Chapter 12: Battles Won and Lost

Migli! for some reason, that was the funniest to me, followed by 'I can't see my lips' ... :-P

Author's reply

This was such a hoot to write! I'm glad it gave you a giggle. Good ol' Migli.

PSW · 10 December 2015 · Chapter 7: Half Elven

Heehee... :-)

Author's reply

*giggles*

PSW · 10 December 2015 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

I'll try to endure the banana bread, and banana pudding, and banana shakes, and... *sighs heavily* If I have to... Yep. I want banana bread now... :-)

Author's reply

*grins* I love introducing Frodo to new foods.

PSW · 10 December 2015 · Chapter 1: Seeing Isn't Always Believing

:-) I liked the fights breaking out over who got to donate their shirts...

Author's reply

Thanks, I like that part too! :)

KathyG · 17 September 2014 · Chapter 15: A Warm Sun Shining

Aww, how sweet! I love kitties--puppies, too!=) I also love how Frodo persuaded Sam to rest beside him in bed when he saw how tired Sam was. Please, would you post the URL to Mew's story, the prequel to this one? I should like to read it!

Author's reply

Thank you, Kathy! I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Email me, and I'll send you a copy of Mews's story. I don't believe it's posted anywhere except her Livejournal. shirebound1 (at) gmail.com

Andrea · 16 February 2014 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

What a sweet little story! Much better than any medicine is it to have some hobbits around! They will always find a way to make you feel better :-) I like the description "the conspiratorial huddle of hobbits" - very nice!

Author's reply

Hobbits are the BEST medicine, of course. It's such a joy to imagine scenes like this. Thank you!

Antane · 9 February 2014 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Another reason why everyone should have a hobbit or two or three or four to take care of them. They exude love. Namarie, God bless you and them!, Antane :)

Author's reply

They do! Thank you for reading, my friend.

Lindelea · 1 February 2014 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Laughing in delight! (There ought to be an acronym for that. LID? Very hobbity, something that fits atop a pot or pan...) “We should hide Aragorn under the bed and pretend he’s wandered off somewhere.” LOL! Now I wonder if young Estel ever hid under a bed to escape a potion after a youthful scrape. hard-pressed to keep from grinning I can just see the expression on his face. Hobbits' pride in their feet! Sam and Frodo's cousins taking care of Frodo's feet as a part of their caring for him and seeing him through the journey! Ahhhh, a foot massage! (How wonderful that sounds, actually.) Thanks for a lovely bedtime story.

Author's reply

Thank you, my friend. I'll never tire of imagining lightly humorous, love-filled moments between Aragorn and the hobbits. I really appreciate you highlighting the lines you enjoyed. :)

Larner · 27 January 2014 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Oh, but I do love this as the Hobbits see to it that Aragorn gets the proper treatment this time. Reflexology is supposed to be very good, and I'm glad to see it has worked on our favorite Ranger!

Author's reply

Thanks! Lucky Aragorn, and also a smart fellow to allow the hobbits to give him this wonderful care.

Kevana · 26 January 2014 · Chapter 19: Taking Matters Into Their Own Hands

Shirebound, this is absolutely precious! I can so easily see the very concerned Hobbits not only taking care of Aragorn, but standing guard against any nasty-tasting help, haha! I love how you show how important feet are to Hobbits and how they in such an uncomplicated manner decide to include Aragorn in their personal methods of helping others feel better. Just a few months after being unsure of Strider and they're treating him like one of their own. Gotta love Hobbits, man. I'm so glad you posted this, it really makes me smile. Thanks! Have a great day, -Kevana

Author's reply

I've always loved how the Professor wrote of 'plain hobbit sense' in such a positive way. Sweet friendship scenes between Aragorn and the hobbits have always made me happy to read, and write. Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed this, and that it gave you a smile. *beams*