When the King Comes Back by shirebound

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Dreamflower · 11 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Concerning Dwarves

*giggle* That last line was so cute! I could just *see* Halbarad's expression as what Bilbo had said finally penetrated his tired mind, LOL! I really like the conversation between them, and the respectful way that Halbarad takes Bilbo's advice--and also the way he confided in the old hobbit about Serinde. There's just something about hobbits that inspires trust. It's going to be hard for poor Estel when Halbarad has to leave, since he is not exactly chugging along on all cylinders. It's going to be interesting to see what happens next.

Author's reply

"...as what Bilbo had said finally penetrated his tired mind..." That's exactly what I was trying to show! Poor weary Ranger-youngster with all these burdens on his shoulders now... What *will* happen next? *ponders and types*

SlightlyTookish · 11 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Concerning Dwarves

It's wonderful how you and SurgicalSteel keep borrowing each other's characters! The last line was my favorite :)

Author's reply

Isn't this fun? Soon our stories will be so intertwined, it'll just be one interconnected tale! :D

grumpy · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Aragorn knock on the head seems to have messed up his brains a little. Poor guy seems to be having a identity crisis. No don't go letting Halbarad hitting him on the head again, to scamble things back.

Author's reply

I promise Halbarad won't hit him! He has a certain mission to go on. But the hobbits will take good care of Aragorn. :D

Lily Baggins · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

*gulps* Oh you darling thing... giving us such lovely Aragorn h/c!!!!! Honestly, I rarely, RARELY see him vomiting in fic . . . you know how I love that sort of thing, and this has me seriously giddy. And to see him so vulnerable and confused and groggy . . . *blissful sigh* I hope he continues to have disquieting symptoms and a bit of helplessness for while . . . And of course, I won't forget adorable Frodo . . . ;D So enjoy the banter between the hobbits, too. :) Just a great chapter all-around.

Author's reply

Lily, when my mom beta'd chapter 6, she said, "Won't Lily be overjoyed about the vomiting!" I'm so happy you're enjoying this. It's a fun story to write. :D

Linda Hoyland · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Poor Aragorn! and poor Halbarad too,what a heavy load he now has.At least it looks as if they will get better but I can see lots of problemsahead.As ever,a treat to read.

Author's reply

Thanks, Linda. Yes, our young Ranger has an important mission squarely on his shoulders, now.

Baggins Babe · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Good grief! I go away fro one day and come back to find a new chapter from you, and Dreamflower has had a birthday! Tsk! Now I have to play catch up. Glad Aragorn is conscious but rather disturbed to find he is still unable to remember things. (Confoozled, by the way, is probably a combination of confused and bamboozled, but is not a proper word). Now poor Halbarad will have to go and meet the Dwarves - and he doesn't even know where to meet them. I like Hamfast - he might seem a bit strict but I'm sure he has a heart of gold and is a loving father, and I'm so pleased that he likes Scamp too. Good idea of Sam's to make a ramp for her - so wise and so young - he will make a wonderful Mayor one day. Can't wait for all the TLC.

Author's reply

"Now poor Halbarad will have to go and meet the Dwarves - and he doesn't even know where to meet them." You're absolutely right, and that will be resolved in chapter 7. :D Yes, Sam learned his nurturing early, I think. I like imagining him in a loving family, even if a somewhat brusque-on-the-outside one.

Amy · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

So Aragorn's short-term memory is intact but not his long-term memory? Aiee! Not to worry, Scamp and the hobbits will take good care of him, poor vomiting thing! I'm really loving this story. I mean, I love exciting plotlines, but I also love the familiar characters sitting around and talking. They got so little time to do this in canon that I enjoy it when they have time to just be, as well as do.

Author's reply

Thanks, Amy! And if you like these characters sitting around and talking, I think you're going to love chapter 7. Just have to write it...

harrowcat · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Ooh! Poor Estel. But out of the worst comes good. Halbarad is growing into such a responsible man. And the hobbits have seen another side of these untrustworthy men! And I love the ramp for Scamp!

Author's reply

The Scamp ramp! *giggles* Maybe Sam and Frodo should patent it? :D Yes, Halbarad is getting an experience that will show him his own "quality" and potential -- perhaps years before it would have happened otherwise.

Cuthalion · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

“She’s a sweet one, isn’t she?” Gilly asked. “She’ll do,” Hamfast said grudgingly, “for a scrap o’ dog.” *laughs* The Gaffer at his best! And what happened to Aragorn? He knows Halbarad, Bilbo and Frodo, but not himself? Oh dear! (And now I've finally managed to catch up and am looking eagerly forward to the next chapter!)

Author's reply

Thanks, I loved those lines! Sweet gruffy Gaffer. :D

Cuthalion · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 5: Assessing Hurts

Frodo’s right hand strayed to his sore chest, which he suddenly realized was bare. He looked down with an effort, relieved that he still had his breeches on. Mistress Brownlock was a healer, and family; but still... *giggles* I love this tale. It is - in a way - so comforting and bright, the way you paint the Shire here, and our beloved characters. And now - how is Aragorn?

Author's reply

Thanks, I liked that part, too! Tweens (especially male tweens) can be very self-conscious, even in dire circumstances.

Cuthalion · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 4: A Small Complication

Oh dear - wait. Aragorn with a lost memory, perhaps? Well, that's what I call opportunities for an intrigueing plot! And I like your healer, Ginny. That's certainly a woman after my heart. *smiles* Marvelous tale, dear. Cúthalion

Author's reply

I'm always a little shaky writing about anything medical, so I'm glad the healer is coming across well. :D

Cuthalion · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Taking Charge

Poor Sam - such a shock!Somehow the Gaffer's reaction warms my heart - he is often portrayed as someone with little love for his son, but here is all we see a concerned father. And poor Bilbo, too! Thankfully enough we can all be sure that things will turn out right at the end (which I call the Shirebound-guarantee...*smiles*)

Author's reply

I just can't imagine Sam's parents as anything but caring and loving to their six kids... even if it wasn't always an obvious thing. "...the Shirebound-guarantee..." Awwww! Love it.

Cuthalion · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 2: Market Day

Noooow - third attempt to finally find the time and read this in peace! Very thrilling! And now we have an injured ranger and an injured favorite hobbit and a good, solid dose of angst - marvelous! Off to chapter 3!

Author's reply

Thanks, Mona! Rangers and hobbits always seem to be getting into some type of danger, don't they? :D

Elemmírë · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

I just love how Gilly cares for Aragorn without a second thought thought that he's twice the size of her or a Man ... just as a real-life doctor is supposed to treat anyone, no matter who you are. Hmm, Aragorn with selective amnesia ... very interesting and I can't wait to see where you go with this bit and the meeting with Dwarves. I think Halbarad will find his confidence and dignity will come easier to him than he may realize. Just as 'there is a seed of courage hidden in the fattest or most timid of hobbits', there must be one in Men as well. :D How sweet of Sam to make a ramp so pregnant Scamp can be with her master easier! I also enjoyed his humbleness when declaring that it is the Gamgee family who think the world of Bilbo and Frodo and not vice versa. LOVE the Gaffer comforting Sam!!! (It's so much nicer to read than some stories where all Sam's father does is yell at him and degrade him.)Glad to also see Hamfast warming up to Scamp ... I have this feeling that I can't shake that he'll be knee-deep in her puppies soon and involved in their care. Just one question--who's going to comfort Bilbo? Lovely, Shirebound, as always.

Author's reply

I'm so happy you're enjoying this. Yes, poor Hamfast is quickly losing his ability to resist cute puppyness, isn't he? And Halbarad is on the 'fast track' to adulthood through this experience. :D

Lindelea · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Fascinating. Selective amnesia. You had me confused for a bit, when Estel called Halbarad "Captain". I thought perhaps he was remembering someone else, whoever was Captain after Arathorn's death, up until Estel was old enough and skilled enough to take on the task. And yet he knew who Sam was, and Frodo, so he wasn't living in the past. And now we find that he doesn't remember where to meet the dwarves, or what to say to them! Yikes! (And then I had a flash of messiah-type thinking, you know, how through the ages mothers might have wondered if *this* new one was the savior of her people... How many rangers carried the shards of Narsil and the hopes of their people for a lifetime, and looked at the birth of a son as perhaps "the one". I thought for a minute about Aragorn in that light, but for the fact that he was in love with Arwen, and she would only come to him if he fulfilled the promise. Not much chance of him passing Narsil on to a son, I guess. It was up to him, once Arwen became his doom, and he became hers. Odd what we think about in the quiet of a sleepy afternoon when it's too hot to do anything else.)

Author's reply

I love speculations like that! We don't know if Elrond gave the shards to every chieftain, or "foresaw" that it would be Aragorn... or no one. Cheers for fanfiction, where we get to explore every angle of this Tale. Thank you for reading! :D

SlightlyTookish · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Ooh, "selective" memory for Aragorn! It's interesting how he remembers certain things and not others, and definitely more encouraging than not remembering anything at all! I love the "scrap o' dog" too :)

Author's reply

"Total" memory loss would have been just too much angst for me (err, I mean Frodo). And I do love that scrap o' dog! :D

lbilover · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Oh poor Aragorn, it's hard to imagine him vulnerable and frightened. How difficult for Halbarad to have to leave him at such a time. I love your gruff Hamfast, and dear clever Sam. Now hurry and have those pups, Scamp! I want to meet them :))

Author's reply

I want to meet them, too! I think greeting the puppies will be everyone's reward for what they're going through in this story. :D

Andrea · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Hamfast hurried over and gathered his son in his arms as Sam started to sob. That's a rare moment! Of course the Gaffer loves his children, but most of the time he's hiding his emotions behind a lot of grumbling. He's like my father. Don't tell him, though. That would only give him a chance for more grumbling ;-) So, Aragorn has forgotten his name, his position AND his heritage? Oh my ...

Author's reply

I love revealing the Gaffer's softer, gentler side... for as long as he'll let me! :D

Dreamflower · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Oh dear! Estel only has partial amnesia--at least he remembers Bag End and Frodo! And he's remembering the mission Halbarad and he were on, but has their roles reversed in his mind? *shakes head* What clever complications--and of course, leaves lots more time for *comforting*! Poor Halbarad--what a decision he has to make!

Author's reply

I don't know if they're *clever* complications, but they sure are fun! The lives of rangers and hobbits are never boring, are they? Comfort... *happy sigh* :D

girlofring · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

sorry haven't reviewed in so long. Have been immensely enjoying your stories, when I can sneek a peek during working hours. Lots of fluff and family themes...but what about Aragorn? I am sure that you have that all figured out, don't you...You will not let that memory lapse happen for too long, right?

Author's reply

You sweetie, it's always wonderful to hear from you. Never fear, everyone will be fine by the end... of course! :D

SurgicalSteel · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Still loving every minute of this, and still very much in approval of Gilly's skill as a healer. ;) Poor Aragorn's had his bell rung pretty hard, and poor Halbarad having to try to remind his chieftain who he is! Halbarad's definitely going to deserve some TLC, too. *nods*

Author's reply

I'm so thrilled you approve of Gilly! Yes, Halbarad's having to 'grow up' rather quickly in order to adjust to these odd circumstances. :D

EllyBaggins · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

this update made my day! i am so much loving the way you are writing Halbarad, it's one of those little elements that make your stories so wonderful! <3 dizzy aragorn <3

Author's reply

Thanks, Elly! I'm having a wonderful time bringing Rangers such as Halbarad and his brother into this "Quarantined" universe. They and the hobbits have so much to teach one another. Would you mind terribly dashing into Aragorn's room and laying a cool cloth on his dizzy brow? :D

Elwen · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Oh . . . I love that last line. I can so hear that from The Gaffer.

Author's reply

Thank you so much. I kinda love that last line, too. Awww, snuggly, gruff old Gaffer...

Pearl Took · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

I like the muddle you have in Aragorn's head, it is very interesting :) This really is an intriguing story!

Author's reply

Thank you, Pearl!

Glory Underhill · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Shards of Memory

Oh, I just love that scrap o' dog! Poor Sam...Poor Halbarad. Sometimes it's harder doing the looking after than it is being hurt. Wonderful story love!

Author's reply

Thanks, Glory! (And I suspect the Gaffer is a bit more smitten with that scrap o' dog than he realizes.) :D