Whispers of the Dragon by shirebound
Linda Hoyland · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
You made me think of several thingsthat had not occured to me before here,how they are nearly all heirs and thar Frodo only promised to take the ring.Again I loved the scene with Aragorn.I'm enjoying this very much.
Lindelea · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
It’s difficult to fight shadows. "Do not let the shadow blind you to Light, Frodo. It is all around you. It is within you. I think it will be enough to help you when you most need it." (It struck me, how applicable this is to the struggle against depression.) Odd how we all seem to be heir to something. (That was something that I noticed, too. Very interesting.) “Not Sam, I suppose,” said Aragorn quietly. (And I wonder if this was deliberate, on JRRT's part. All heirs but Samwise, yet without Samwise the Quest would have failed.) When we’ve finished this, and you’re king. (A chilling thought, it occurs to me that Frodo is speaking as if he doesn't expect to be around.) “Ring-bearer,” Gimli said, “but perhaps not Ring-destroyer.” (I like wise Gimli.)
Lindelea · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Aragorn immediately thought of a dozen reasons why this was a bad idea, but the question was so unexpected, he found himself nodding. (I chuckled at this. Ah, Pippin.) (Merry's talent for knowing where he is, is amazing! That's not just from map study, is it? ) “You and Sam together are a formidable pair -- the likes of which Saruman had not taken into account.” (the likes of which Sauron has not taken into account, either.) Surely there were better ways to protect them than this hopeless journey to destroy the one thing that could... (man o man, I wonder if these thoughts are planted/influenced by Saruman?) (and Boromir's thoughts lead so naturally to what happened at Parth Galen... gee I hope I got that name right. I'm nearly brain-dead tonight.) “Sounds kind of dangerous, Strider,” Pippin said with a yawn. “We’ll be really really hungry by then.” (Lovely characterisation of Pippin!) You asked about the lightning strike. One day, my mom asked one of my brothers to take out the trash. I was sitting on the front porch steps as he started down the walk. Ka-BOOM! There was a blinding flash halfway between the house and the street. I must have blinked in time, because it didn't take me long to be able to see again, and what I saw was my brother getting up and running back to the house to avoid any more lightning. He waited out the storm and then took the trash the rest of the way to the curb. Typically, he joked about it, something like, "Mom, if you *wanted* me to take the trash out, you should have just *said* so."
French Pony · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
I like Frodo in this chapter. He's intelligent, introspective, and very kind, just like in the book. He's still matter-of-fact-ly optimistic about the success of the whole venture, which strikes me as very Hobbit-like. I also enjoy the speculations about what might have happened if the entire company had made it to Mount Doom, and the difference between Ring-bearer and Ring-destroyer.
Armariel · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
Really love your version of Legolas here. He's quite a pearl. * ~*~ ~*{@}*~ ~*~*~*{@@@}*~*~*~ ~*{@}*~ ~*~ *
Pearl Took · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
Ring-bearer not Ring-destroyer. An interesting perspective to bring into the story early on. The Ring really turns Frodo into such a worry wart. Good question on Gimli's part about the other wizards, something I had never really wondered about. Well done as always :)
Garnet Took · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
Interesting dream Frodo had. Little does Gimli know that the dream is very close to future events. Poor Frodo, his own self-doubt and condemnation is far worse than anything anyone else could ever aim at him. Talk about low self esteem. I like the little part abut Merry knowing where they're at all the time, and just how intelegent he really is. Aragorn is gonna drop his teeth when he finds out that Pippin is due to inherit more than just the Tooklands.:) Looking forward to more.
cpsings4him · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
I was so delighted to find you have updated! I love this once a week system you have going on. :) This chapter was so full of intriguing ideas and interesting notions that I had never thought of - such as elves never dreaming. You know how much I dream, so it's hard for me to imagine NOT dreaming. Or, as you indicted, perhaps they are dreaming always. Can't wait to see what else happens. Wonderful job, as always. :)
Dreamflower · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
This is such an exciting gap-filler, and I like this brief moment to recoup and reflect. Poor Frodo, feeling more and more burdened. I just loved this exchange: When we’ve finished this, and you’re king. Aragorn caught his breath at the matter-of-fact statement. Such a long road yet, such a long, dark road -- made brighter by this small person in front of him. So much brighter. He put his right hand to his breast, and nodded So much love between this King of Men and this hobbit. I was tickled by his comment on Pippin. Wait until he finds out just what Pippin *is* heir to, LOL! And I liked the conversation with Legolas and Gimli. Truly, the whole Fellowship cares for Frodo not merely as Ringbearer, and not merely in offering physical protection. Beautiful.
Cuthalion · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
This is beautiul and heartbreaking. Frodo, asking the future king for appropriate praise for his gardener, a nightmare of clear, painful foresight - this is wonderful. Bravo.
Cuthalion · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
You have a gentle way to foreshadow Boromir's fate; the fact that he only wants to "help" so far (or at least thinks that is all he wants to do) makes me sad. Very well done, as always.
aprilkat · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
I can't tell you how much I love that it is Gimli who puts his finger on Frodo's role and basically tells him he would not fail even if the nightmare came to pass. I've had several disagreements with people who insist that "Frodo failed"; I just don't see it from the point of view of the way the Quest was supposed to happen. In his own eyes, of course, he always believed he did, which is the tragedy of LOTR to me, in a way.
Amy · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
*claps hands* Oh, oh! Ringbearer but maybe not ring-destroyer! Very good point! I liked Frodo's and Aragorn's talk and maybe Frodo's prescience about Aragorn becoming king?
SlightlyTookish · 25 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Speculations
“Ring-bearer,” Gimli said, “but perhaps not Ring-destroyer.” So wise of Gimli! I'm enjoying this story, and very much looking forward to the next chapter :)
Pearl Took · 24 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
I feel so badly for dear Boromir. He has such a struggle with all of this and, of course, we all know how it goes :( I like that Pippin helps Strider with his sore eyes :)
cpsings4him · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Oh, I LOVED this chapter! That ring is a sneaky, tricksty thing, isn't it?? It's trying to get to Boromir through his love of these little hobbits. It's so devious because it mixes in a tiny bit of truth with the lies it tells - just enough to make it seem like a good and noble thing to want it. LOVELY Frodo, h/c. You know I love that! Can't wait for more! :D
cpsings4him · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 2: Smoke and Mirrors
Oh, my! Poor Frodo and Aragorn. I have my suspicions about who is up to no good here. My heart goes out to Frodo (as it ALWAYS does!) thinking he saw his dear and beloved friend, and then it turns out to be someone who wants to do him harm. Great chapter! Off to the next! Heheh...that's the one good thing about getting behind on a story - you don't have to wait for the next chapter to get published. :)
Anso the Hobbit · 23 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Oh, I love this! Ask Merry indeed, lol! I like how you are giving us glimpses into Boromir's thoughts, how he really wants to be kind but is starting to feel the lure of the ring. I hope Frodo will be all right now. Great story! :D
Andrea · 22 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
“I fought so hard, got so tired... Then I heard... I thought I heard Sam’s voice. Talking about the dragons.” Good old Sam! He saved Frodo's life here. I don't think that Aragorn (in his bad condition) would have been able to hold Frodo back, if he had ran away, straight into the fire. That wicked Ring! It found Boromir's tender spot: his concern for the hobbits and his resolve to do everything to protect them - including the claiming of the Ring! I've always liked Boromir. Of course he makes mistakes, but why not, for he is a human being. In the end, he did everything to protect Merry and Pippin - and died. In my eyes, he's a hero.
Linda Hoyland · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Your portrayal of Boromir was brilliant in this chapter and made him far more likeable than usual in wanting the ring to save the Hobbits. Nice that Pippin could be trusted after all with Aragorn's pack ! I'm thrilled to hear you have more of my favourite moments planned !
GamgeeFest · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Boromir's falling for the Ring already. So sad that he succumbed to it in the end. I always love to see his protectiveness of the hobbits though. They certainly have a way of whittling affection out of others, even seasoned soldiers. :) Frodo and Sam are a formidable pair indeed. ^_^
Tigger · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Uh oh...This tale is getting more dangerous by the minute. And we see how the Ring is influencing Boromir. What's that saying...The best of intentions... This is getting very interesting and looking forward to the next part.
pebbles66 · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
I am really enjoying this. I especially like the part where Aragorn thinks of a dozen reasons why letting Pippin get something out of his pack is a bad idea! Also, when Boromir has Merry tell everyone exactly where Isengard is - and they're all so surprised! And oh yes, when Boromir cannot bear to think of the hobbits being tortured. It's all just lovely, and I'm looking forward to more.
Armariel · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
ohhh Nassssty bad Saruman! but hey.....gotta love that Boromir, what a dearie................. ~*@*~ ~*@.....@*~ ~*@*~.............~*@*~ ~@*~*@...................@*~*@~ ~@*~*@~.....................~@*~*@~ ~@*~*@...................@*~*@~ ~*@*~.............~*@*~ ~*@......@*~ ~*@*~
Larner · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Light and Shadow
Saruman, through deception and spells, seeks to ensnare Frodo from one side and hurry him toward his coming uruk-hai, while the Ring itself seeks to ensnare Boromir. And all find themselves growing more restive. Well written chapter, Shirebound.