The Three Towers by shirebound
Lily Baggins · 2 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Oh my gosh, as if Aragorn sending Frodo into sleep isn't the best thing ever invented. :) Absolutely wonderful chapter... you have outdone yourself on this one with a splendid combination of angst and worry and gentle comfort and resolution. And Aragorn telling that stubborn hobbit that he WILL stay off his feet don't hurt, either. :) Love Sam here... he's showing his quality again.
Coriandra · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Hi, thank for updating this story; I'm still enjoying it as much as ever. It's not easy to read in places, but it certainly is powerful. I found chapters seven to nine completely heartbreaking, with Frodo reliving the horrible memories. I can't imagine how it could be a good thing for him to put himself through that, but of course it was what he wanted and when someone's that determined there's no stopping them. I was on the edge of my seat when Frodo went into the room alone. I sensed it was a mistake on his part, but at least he wasn't alone very long. I was extremely relieved that Sam and Aragorn and Alcaren weren't very far off. Wonderful story, but I hope some healing comes soon.
Elanor Silmariën · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Okay *breathes a sigh of relief* he's finally down from that horrid tower!!! I do hope he can just go home now, and get wrapped in that blanket you were talking about! I loved this chapter. Everyone is so willing to help Frodo! But what is going on with Alcaren's ring??? Will we find out soon? Loved it! God bless, Elanor
SlightlyTookish · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Very lovely chapter, dear. Alcaren is just wonderful. You have such a knack for creating these OCs, and turning them into characters I care just as much about as the rest. :)
Andrea · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
“Sam,” Frodo said firmly, “you did everything you could. Everything. And... so did I.” He seemed surprised by his own words. “I lost hope in this room... and found it again, thanks to you.” Well, I'm not the first one to quote this, but I simply love this part! Surprised by his own words, Frodo is finally able to accept that he really did everything he could. There are a lot of stories here at SoA, where this is not possible - and therefore I will treasure this story the more :) It turned out that all three, Sam, Aragorn and Alcaren were needed to help Frodo find his way back into reality. I like that very much. “What ring?” Pippin asked. “Merry, we keep missing everything.” LOL! If there hadn't been the blankets, *this* would have been the final proof that this is indeed a Shirebound Story! Your Pippin always makes me laugh. Thank you!
Cuthalion · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
“Sam,” Frodo said firmly, “you did everything you could. Everything. And... so did I.” He seemed surprised by his own words. “I lost hope in this room... and found it again, thanks to you.” Wonderful. Exactly the kind of healing I would have wished for him. This is a marvelous story. And I guess I told you before that you write a great Aragorn...?
Larner · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Aha--so Sam's song is more than something that he just thought up on the spur of the moment, eh! I am pleased! Looking forward to the revelation as to where it DID come from. And the Elessar was worn by Earendil, was it? And now, once again it lies on the heir of his lineage. Very appropriate. So, how did it come back to Middle Earth, then? And glad Alcaren was willing to share his keepsake.
harrowcat · 1 March 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
My coughs, sneezes, wheezes, sore throat and stuffed up nose thank you for making them feel better with another great chapter. “Why do words come into our heads sometime, even when we haven’t learned them?” Sam asked curiously. I love this concept and imagine that most Authors find their stories take on a life of their own. I can almost imagine the Prof himself having fun nudging a few pens here and there all over the world! *g*
aprilkat · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
So brave of Frodo, to go back and face that! Thank goodness for Sam - and yes, Aragorn needed to be there too. Alcaren's ring was a touching bit. I hope that Frodo feels like sharing. *kisses his swollen feet*
Antane · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Hannon le, shirebound, yes I did enjoy the hobbity reunion! :) I read your comments made to Galadriel and thought it was cute that there was one person you loved most and that was Frodo-and-Sam. Indeed true that they share the same heart and soul just as Merry-and-Pippin do! We are so fortunate to know them! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Dreamflower · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
What a wonderful chapter, so sweet and caring, with each of his rescuers something to contribute: Sam, the song, which called him back the first time; Aragorn and the elfstone; and Alcaren, with his ring. "In Western Lands" is one of my favorites among the songs in LotR, and I love your idea that it is one of those inexplicable "Elvish" things that seem to come upon Frodo or Sam from time to time, seemingly out of nowhere. And I love the way the Men bundle both the hobbits up warmly and carry them down--if there were no writer's name on this story, when I came to this part, I would automatically know it was a Shirebound! And yeah, just as I thought, Frodo's in for some affectionate reproaches from his cousins when he wakes up...
Baggins Babe · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Oooh! Where do I start? Sam to the rescue again, Alcaren offering his own brand of help and support, together with his wedding ring, and Aragorn strong and wise and understanding. The Elessar stone was a lovely touch. This was all so beautiful, Shirebound. Particularly this: “Sam,” Frodo said firmly, “you did everything you could. Everything. And... so did I.” He seemed surprised by his own words. “I lost hope in this room... and found it again, thanks to you.” What a wonderfully hopeful sentence.
Bodkin · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Great job of work from Sam - he behaves so naturally and so rightly. And Alcaren is a great addition.
Pearl Took · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
“But sir,” Sam burst out, “I couldn’t protect you from all those awful things. I let that spider get you, and then the Orcs were off with you before I could---” “Sam,” Frodo said firmly, “you did everything you could. Everything. And... so did I.” He seemed surprised by his own words. “I lost hope in this room... and found it again, thanks to you.” Indeed . . . everything they could. Well done :)
demeter d · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
And Sam comes singing through the terror, just like the first time! And how many fan-fiction stories have i read showing the Ellessar stone as the stone of healing, standing against so many other gems and rings which brought harm. yet another example of friends working together in love! Years ago in college i took a literature class about archetypes, patterns which appear over and over again in all of the old tales. Mostly they come because they tell of some deep seated needs and fears in all people, everywhere. one common one is an average person drafted into a heroic quest. Along the way he gathers helpers and companions, often even magic tools. But as the end nears, one by one the helpers are drawn away, leaving our reluctant hero to fight the greatest battle alone. The thing which I loved immediately about the Lord of the Rings was the hero was not alone. Even on the edge of the fire therre was Sam and Frodo, and even Gollum played a part in spite of himself. Tolkein used the old tales and turned them to something ....very satisfying. Well done.
lbilover · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
*wipes eyes* Oh, when Sam started to sing, I just lost it. And then I read this: "Sam,” Frodo said firmly, “you did everything you could. Everything. And... so did I.” He seemed surprised by his own words. “I lost hope in this room... and found it again, thanks to you.” and I lost it again. *keeps wiping eyes* This was a wonderful chapter, so full of emotion. Thank you.
Queen Galadriel · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Oh, I love this one! But I feel so sorry for Frodo! Poor dear, I knew it would be that way. It was clever of Alcaren to produce that fortunate ring when he did-whew! I was afraid things would get complicated for a minute! Dear, dear Sam-trust him always to take care of his Frodo, along with Aragorn and the cousins, and all who love him. I used to wish often that I could jump right into the story and go with Frodo and Sam to Mordor, but fanfic has helped with that. Excellent chapter. I really think that for me, this one had the highest angst level-or caused me the most anxiety, rather. And I'm so glad the evil cliff-hangers are over! LOL! God bless, Galadriel
Linda Hoyland · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
What a touching chapter!I loved it how they all came together to help Frodo>It was sweet of Alcaren to offer his precious ring, and I loved the way Aragorn used the Elessar to help Frodo.YOUr stories have such a lovely warm feeling about them.
SurgicalSteel · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
*sniffle* That was just lovely. Alcaren giving his wedding ring to Frodo for comfort - Sam singing - Oh. I'm all teary-eyed now, but in a good way.
Grey Wonderer · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 3: The Cross-Roads
I am way behind this time but I do plan to catch up at some point. Reading a chapter this morning before work. I liked the discussion about Shadowfax. Loved Sam's line about 'quality'. I just love that horse! I am enjoying the story very much.
Frodo Baggins · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Until the Stars Are All Alight
Oh thank you shirebound!! For taking care of Frodo and Sam. Will there be anymore evil cliff hangers? Or do I still have to hang on? :) It seems like the part where the TLC comes in is close at hand! Hooray! Namarie, mellon nin! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Coriandra · 23 February 2006 · Chapter 4: The Tower of the Moon
This is excellent! I'm sorry it's only now I've read the first part, but I was drawn in by it right from the start. It's very surprising, to me at least, that Frodo wants to go back to back to tower, especially when he can't remember much about what happened there. It's probably best that he doesn't; some things aren't meant to be remembered. Of course, some people feel that they'll never get any closure until they do and it seem Frodo is one of them. I certainly hope he doesn't regret this when it does all come back to him. It's good to see the Fellowship back together. He's certainly going to need his friends around him very soon. This so good! I want to finish reading it tonight, but unfortunately I just don't have time. It's going to one of the first things I do tomorrow though. :)
Lily Baggins · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King
Frodo!!! Frodo, you silly thing, come BACK here! Stubborn hobbit! Oh dear oh dear... what awful visions and what a waking nightmare Frodo is in. I'm grateful that Aragorn and Sam and Alcaren are going to check on him, because I have a feeling things may get worse before they get better. And Frodo's tender feet---at this rate, Aragorn will have to carry him all the way back to Gondor, heh. Superb writing... I have to admit, you must be taking lessons on Budgielover or something with regard to cliffhangers. This has me biting my nails in sympathy and worry... EEE, I can't wait for the others to find Frodo! Or at least spy on him!
lbilover · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King
Oh, this was a very intense and touching chapte. Oh, poor Frodo and Sam. But I love how you show us Aragorn through the eyes of his men, and what it means to them to have a ruler who cares.
Baggins Babe · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 8: The Return of the King
Phew! I'm glad you said the worst of the angst is over. I really hope our poor hobbit is not too distressed when Sam and Aragorn get there. I love the soldiers realising that Aragorn is not like Denethor, that he knows them and takes a personal interest in their welfare. They will fight much more readily for such a King because they will do so out of love. Another great chapter, Shirebound.