Reviews (113)

Antane · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Finally done! Forgot to mention about loving to see the hobbit archers and Frodo among them and Esme too and Sam's joy at Frodo's joy. Yes, that would be the best present those loving hearts could give and get. This is my favorite from this chapter: That shy gardener's lad I met in Bree so long ago was transformed. The best way to put anything to the trial is to test it in the fires, like a sword. The weak will break but the finest will emerge stronger and more beautiful than ever. So it was with our Travellers. All four were tempered in the fires and are stronger and finer than before." "Even me?" Frodo queried. "I thought I broke in those fires." "No, my friend. You endured the fiercest flames of all and were seared to the core, yet now you are full of strength and great wisdom." Aragorn smiled into Frodo's eyes and the hobbit hugged his friend. Their wordless embrace touched all who saw it. Broken but remade into something even more beautiful - yes. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 11: A Long - Remembered Party

What a glorious birthday for our Sam! Yes, indeed, dearly beloved. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 8: First Impressions

Aragorn and Faramir and the others as horsies - is that adorable or what? We can learn much from the innocence and joyfulness of hobbits. The bit of garden dedicated to Smeagol is touching. LOL about Sam putting the Ring into a sulk! I'm sure he did. :) Love how innocently he speak of this and how he wasn't going to take no orders from a stupid piece of jewelry. I think of the Gaffer telling that Nazgul off who came looking for Baggins. It did indeed hate Sam and everything else, but Sam was guarded by love. I love this section. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 7: Filling Up the Corners

"You are clearly still that beautiful child of Iluvatar and your parents are still bursting with pride - even more than they are in this picture." Aragorn sees true, doesn't he? Growing lovelier and brighter all the time, too! Love the beginning too - king and elves obediently following Rose's direction in the kitchen. I'm glad that Faramir is here too. Yes, too bad Eomer couldn't come and Eowyn and Arwen. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 6: Gardening, Cookery and Talking With Trees

Aragorn an honorary hobbit? Cute and that he was properly honored by that. And Celeborn's letter was so beautiful. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 5: Hobbiton and Bag End

I love, love, love this entire first section about love and guilt and all that. Yes, it was a false pride that infected Frodo. And the poor dear having to listen to the Ring tempt him with his parents returning to life. Also love about the Ring hitting a wall when it tried to reach into Sam! Indeed. Nothing was going to get past that armor of love. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 4: A Day in Buckland

Frodo laughed. "Dear Sam does not sleep so deeply these days. He had to keep one eye open at all times during our journey, and since then he has had me and young children to listen for in the night. He's a lighter sleeper now." "Sam is truly one of the most remarkable beings I have ever met. I remember him in Rivendell, shy as he was, giving Lord Elrond orders about your care. And the strangest thing was that my adar accepted it! He had an enormous respect for Sam." Yep, that would be Sam! Wounds as honorable reminders is interesting. No matter how much evil touched him, he was protected by Someone greater. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Antane · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 3: Brandy Hall

I love those reasons given to name that child Sam. And to make mention that Frodo was healed by the divine was very nice. Nice that Aragorn meet more of these remarkable hobbits. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

ShimmeringWater · 23 June 2007 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

The manner in which you write is impresively alike to Tolkien's. This piece has a beauty rarely found.

demeter d · 18 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

OOOOOOOhhhhhhh! The interchange between little Violet and "Lord Estel" was most charming. It perfectly fits Aragorn's humble character. And the image of him holding hobbit babies is just too darling. Gandalf had said that if the dark had prevailed, Rivendell and Lothlorien might end up as isolated islands of light, but there was also a different kind of power in the Shire, and it, too might long withstand the Dark. I think you beautifully illustrate that power, here, the force of love and light, and being one with Nature and each other. I would indeed like to see you write about a future visit to Anumminas and the Shire by Arwen and their children! A warm, sweet story.

harrowcat · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Oh, it's over !! *pouts* "Lord Estel, why is my da so nasty and unkind to us? Ellie's da is lovely and so is Mister Baggins. You're a da, aren't you? I'm sure you're nice to your little 'uns." What a heart breaking question! Trust wise Aragorn to have an answer. I am sure they will all be together again very soon - at least I hope so!

Andrea · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Is it really over? *Sigh* I enjoyed reading this story very much and I'd quote the whole chapter if that made any sense ;-) But *this* was the perfect ending: The morrow would bring partings, but hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship. The "ever-growing Fellowship" is not restricted to Middle Earth, we are all part of it :)

Dreamflower · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Thanks so much for letting me know this was up! The alert must indeed have gone astray--(in fact, I suspect it is residing in the spam trap of my *husband's* computer--I found several there a couple of weeks ago. *sigh* I hate it when that happens.)! But this is just a wonderful chapter. Aragorn's little chat with Violet was just beautiful, and I'm sure that it helped her to understand a little more--and that in years to come, she will remember it, and understand even better. And then all the hobbity banter and story-telling and reminiscing were beautiful and fun and sweet! The only thing I'm sorry about is that it means the story really will have to end--*sigh* I'm with Aragorn, Gondor ought to be much closer to the Shire!

Kitty · 10 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Poor little Violet, I hope Aragorn was able to comfort her a bit. It is difficult to understand, at times even for an adult, why some people only feel good if they are bullying others who are weaker than themselves. For children this is even more difficult to understand, but I think Aragorn managed to explain it in a way Violet was able to take it in. The lass now has the absolute opposite before her eyes, watching a loving father as Sam and the way Frodo acts around children. That was a lovely idea, BB! And that "Oh! I wanted you to be King for a long time." was simply cute. Pip's little namesake has gotten the right name, no doubt. He's already as bad as his uncle, and I wonder how exhausting he will become when he's older. How do they prevent him from doing nothing other than to raid the larders the whole day? What was said about Gollum is only too true. Even if one has pity with him, knowing what he endured, he still was always a very nasty creature. Not everything can be blamed on the Ring, considering how fast he killed Deagol. I am sure he already had a rather nasty character, or he wouldn't have succumbed to the Ring so fast. Hm ... will the visitors need pack horses to carry all the food away the hobbits surely will gift to them for the journey? *grin* It's a pity this story is finished. I enjoyed it so much to have Aragorn there in the Shire, and I hope there will be another story around his year(s) in Annuminas. Thank you for this story, it was so much fun!

Tigger · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Oh BB, it was my pleasure to send the bunny in your direction. It came to me one night and I thought it would be perfect. Both for Violet to learn not all Big People are evil and for Aragorn to show once again he can be trusted and truly does care for hobbits and The Shire as his own. Even beyond his duty and responsiblity as their King. I got the date for my knee to be scoped down in Toronto, on the 28th, and this story will be joining the ones I want to print out to read while waiting to go to the OR that morning. Even though I think I know the first few chapters off by heart though. :o) Then again, those kind of stories are the best for situations like that. :oD Sad to see it come to an end, but I know it won't be the last visit to this universe. Can't wait for the next installment of Old Scores!! And really...Thank you so much for using my bunny. You really do not know how much that meant to me when I saw that this afternoon. Thank you again for brightening what has been a horrid and confusing 24 and a bit hours. ((((HUGS))))

Queen Galadriel · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Oh, what a wonderful chapter! As always I love your descriptions. I could almost feel and smell the "soft spring air" and hear the music, and taste the food! :) I love Aragorn's conversation with Violet, and it ties so well into "Old Scores". I wonder, will Ted be redeemed after all? Can he? And Cornflower has taken Frodo's advice to heart I think. It's true what she said. Thinking back to "Reunion," the change in Frodo is amazing! Sam took Elanor and Frodo offered his hand to little Violet, and they joined the throng beneath the mallorn. The morrow would bring partings, but hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship. What a sweet scene to draw the curtain on, if you will, and what a lovely last line! Bravo! God bless, Galadriel

shirebound · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

Knowing this was The End (*sob*), I savored every word. I love that conversation between Aragorn and Violet! And everything else in this story. Thank you for another gem, BB. And now for my favoritest parts... "There you are - Pip likes you," Frodo laughed. "That's the first proper thing he's said. Of course, he's after that biscuit, you know." Esme handed the baby the biscuit, which he sucked enthusiastically. "I seem to remember another little one demanding my biscuits whenever he sat on my knee," she said, smily slyly at Frodo. ****** The lady in question was advancing on them like a ship in full sail. "My lord King." She curtseyed, allowing Aragorn a view which gave him vertigo. ****** Radagast sighed contentedly and relit his pipe. "This is the most delightful experience I have ever had - no wonder Olorin said that everyone should have a hobbit or two in his care." "He said we were unquenchable - and incorrigible!" added Pip proudly. ****** hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship. Long live the King, and the Shire -- and *our* Fellowship.

Tigger · 8 September 2006 · Chapter 13: Feasts and Farewells

*SQUEEEEE!!!!!* BB!!! You did it for me!!! A meeting between Aragorn and Violet talking things over and I LOVE IT!!! Sorry for shouting everyone, but the last 24 hrs or so have not been kind to me. But, if almost two years on kidney dialysis, one failed transplant, one almost failed transplant and several things inbetween haven't brought me down, a spiteful and snotty webmistress won't either!! Thank you so very much my friend. You *really* do not know how much this means to me. ((((HUGS)))) Oh and the image of Frodo and Violet dancing together is beyond adorable. This was a completely delightful chapter. Oddly enough, once again, I was re reading this amazing tale when I got the new chapter notification. I can't say I'm looking forward to the next chapter as that means the end of the story. Oh well, looking forward to the continuation of Old Scores though. Thank you, thank you, thank you again my friend for the first real smile in about 24 hrs. (((((HUGS)))))

Mirkwoodmaiden · 2 September 2006 · Chapter 11: A Long - Remembered Party

Hit the wrong button and the review was sent before I was finished!! As I was saying...I loved the festiveness you portrayed. I can see Sam really appreciating the Book of Healing that was the present from Aragorn and Arwen. Very nice touch! Ah! "Mount a rescue!!" LOL!!! I see Mrs. Bracegirdle the remarkably full figured, has made an appearance again in the story LOL!!! I think Aragorn emerged unscathed from his encounter w/ her. Only just though! Again your description of food leaves my mouth watering!! Mmmmmmm!!! Yum!! I miss England and all that lovely food!! "Native Common Sense!" Yep, isn't that Truth!! Sam even resisted the ring's empty promises while in Mordor! I loved the Fireworks that both Aragorn's and later Gandalf's (Or Olorin, I should say)were a lovely touch. Nice way to celebrate lovely Sam's birthday who suitably abashed! Wonderfully written! MM!

Mirkwoodmaiden · 2 September 2006 · Chapter 11: A Long - Remembered Party

My dear BB! I loved this last chapter the recounting of the party was highly enjoyable. The festive atmosphere was wonderfully rendered.

Queen Galadriel · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 12: A Conference in Bywater

I love how nicely you handle the more political things. I've always found that difficult, even (if not especially) in fanfiction. So glad the Angmarians are going to be all right. Sounds like all had a wonderful day. Yes, if only the world could be more like the Shire! God bless, Galadriel

Lily Baggins · 11 August 2006 · Chapter 12: A Conference in Bywater

I have finally been able to make the time to get caught up on reading a wee bit here at SoA, and this is one of the most delightful stories I've ever read... it absolutely fills my heart and soul with happiness, to see Frodo healed and enjoying life in the Shire. You really do capture the "essence" of hobbits---and such wonderful descriptive writing you have, too. I'm thoroughly enjoying this.

demeter d · 9 August 2006 · Chapter 12: A Conference in Bywater

So many lovely scenes, here. It sounds like many from outside the Shire are learning what Aragornknows about good Hobbit sense. I think, though, that my favorite pert is Nibs and Aragorn talking about Rose. "..even a King obeys her"... and, she seems like the sister he never had. Such great images!

harrowcat · 6 August 2006 · Chapter 12: A Conference in Bywater

I'm back! 1 review started and 43 to go! Simple conferences with hobbits eh? Well, yes just as long as you get done before dinner! *grin*

Mirkwoodmaiden · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 11: A Long - Remembered Party

My dear BB! I truly enjoyed this chapter!! not only are we treated to your wonderful ability to write about the Shire in such an evocative way. The picture that you paint with words I think captures the essence of the Shire and the hobbits. Warm, friendly. People who enjoy the joys of living and appreciately what they have been given. I think the Professor would have been proud! Lovely the way you've allowed the whole Sandyman family to find happiness and contentment and how they've begun to flower in ways Ol' Teddy Sandyman would never have allowed. The archery competition was fun and along with mention of Hyacinth's large bosom! LOL!!!! Loved that! Also it was really an interesting bit to have Radagast showing up and telling part of the story you don't often have that happen in fan fiction. Nice touch!! A delightful chapter!