The Path to Healing by shirebound

Reviews (112)

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PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Interesting conclusion -- very nice. And I loved Elrond's reunion w Elwing... :-)

Author's reply

Thank you. I loved writing this story!

PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 6: A Gift of Time

Excited Elrond...that's a nice thought... :-)

PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 5: Kindred Spirits

And, yet another thing I would never have thought of -- conversations w Celebrimbor. (Sounds a bit like a talk show when you say it that way, right? :-P) Very intriguing concepts he has...

PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 2: Along the Shore

Hmm...yes, I can kind of see being a little creeped out by the concept of Ulmo being in all the waters watching all the time -- but I guess it's really no different than in any other water, since Ulmo always remained w the water even in ME... It's so random to think of just scattering jewels in the sand. I know it's canon....but just so far away from how we think...

PSW · 29 November 2015 · Chapter 1: In the Meadow

That's so great! :-) Where do you come up w these things -- I never would have thought of something like this, but how wonderful! I could just picture her, your descriptions were so very realistic (inching forward, tail wagging). It's like seeing a housecat in the movements of the lion you're watching on TV...

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I love providing Frodo with a dog, whether in Middle-earth or the West. I'm so glad the descriptions brought you into the scene with them.

Siiw · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Why haven't I found this story before? This was wonderful and sweet, and the descriptions of the Blessed Realm were lovely, as in all your other stories from the West. Seeing all this from a Mortal viewpoint makes it so easy to imagine, I could almost smell the flowers and the Sea!

Author's reply

Oh, thank you so much! I'm pleased you enjoyed this so. I did quite a bit of research (and enjoyable imagining) for this tale. :)

Holbytla · 11 November 2011 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

I love this story. It made me feel very joyful and peaceful, and reminded me of some things and people in my own life I love. :D

Author's reply

Oh, what a lovely thing to say. Thank you! I enjoyed writing this story very much.

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Hello Shirebound, Hah! I knew it - Mummy time! It was almost as wonderful to read Bilbo's excitement as it was to read of the family reunion. And touching to read that Frodo and Celebrimbor gave each other the strength to release the Rings. Success at last for them both, I hope they found their peace (I'm sure they did!). This was a delightful tale of Frodo and Bilbo's first months/years in Tol Eressea. Your descriptions of the place gave it an ethereal quality that I imagine the realm to have (were it real). The characters were sympathetic, the story engaging - and I really love that dog! Great work!! M ;)

Author's reply

Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoyed the story! I love writing about the hobbits' time in the West, which I envision to be healing, peaceful, and full of new experiences for them.

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 6: A Gift of Time

Hello Shirebound, I'm smiling at the thought of Elrond bursting into song. And at the delightful surprise to come! M ;)

Author's reply

This was such a fun chapter to research, and write. :)

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 5: Kindred Spirits

Hello Shirebound, It's very fitting that the Ringbearer and the Ring(s)forger seek healing in this manner. A second chance for both of them! Lovely work (as always). M ;)

Author's reply

Thank you very much. It's very special when young and old can come together so both can learn from (and teach) the other.

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 4: A Gift of Friendship

Hello Shirebound, Oh, I loved the reference to Sam in this. There truly is nothing quite like his 'plain hobbit sense'! And now, on to meet another Very Ancient Elf! (Bilbo must be beside himself with glee - it's not difficult to see which form his healing is taking!) M ;)

Author's reply

Sam's wisdom will always be from his heart, and how we love him for it. Oh my, you're helping me re-live how much I enjoyed writing this story.

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Among the Trees

Hello Shirebound, 'enspelled' - what a great word! And delightful to see the proud Galadriel shed her regal ways and run to her mother's embrace! This was a poignant chapter, with its hints of the Elves' grief at knowing they would never see Undomiel. But Eärwen is a very gracious Lady to humble herself when she has seen the error of her ways. Great work! M ;)

Author's reply

It's always challenging for me to write Elves, and am glad it seems to ring true here. :)

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 2: Along the Shore

Hello Shirebound, How beautifully you brought Frodo to the realisation that he has never truly been alone - and never shall be. To see him filled with such understanding and hope is heartwarming indeed. If only we could all know such peace. And I really love that dog! She reminds me of Sam... M ;)

Author's reply

Awww, thank you. I love ensuring that Frodo has companionship, and I've given him several dogs (large and tiny) in fics. I'd like to think that Frodo's time in the West saw him surrounded by friends, and never feeling alone.

Kara's Aunty · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 1: In the Meadow

Hello Shirebound, what a sweet story! How lovely to see Bilbo and Frodo reunited again - and in such a wondrous place. Frodo certainly deserves the joy he is experiencing and what a great idea to give him a dog (I love dogs)! Enjoying this already! M :)

Author's reply

You're so sweet to read this! I enjoyed writing this story immensely. :)

Elanor Silmariën · 13 December 2006 · Chapter 3: Among the Trees

Ah, I'm so behind on this story! Very lovely chapter! I just finished reading the Silmarillian so I understood more what they were talking about! It may take me a while to finish this, but I am liking it very much! God bless, Ellie

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Ellie. I know how hard it is to get through the Silmarillion, but it's so full of lovely back-story... for our hobbits. *hugs*

Elemmírë · 2 December 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Sorry for such a late review, Shirebound, but I wanted to let you know how very much I enjoyed this tale. It was absolutely terrific from beginning to end! I can very easily see this as being one plausible experience Frodo in the West. And Celebrimbor was excellently written ... I really liked the whole concept of giving up something of power of one's own free will in order to dispell the hurt of when the One Ring was taken. I also really enjoyed how you incorporated Elwing and Eärendil into the story as well. Frodo saw Bilbo smiling at him. Through the years, he had often wondered where Bilbo found the strength, on his own, to give up the Ring... and had regretted faltering, where Bilbo had not. But now a new thought occurred to him: Bilbo had not been totally on his own, after all. Gandalf had been there to encourage, and aid him in his decision. Frodo was slowly accepting the fact that he could not have relinquished the One Ring freely, so close to the place of its making; and its strength had overcome him only at the last. “Ride with me, Frodo,” Gandalf said, mounting Shadowfax. “I would not wish you to fall from Mellon’s back halfway home.” *sighs happily* I always LOVE those little special scenes with Gandalf caring for Frodo ... and you always write them so very well. And I just can't say enough about the way you began Frodo on his path to healing of all his wounds. It was a very unique approach, but like I already said, one that is one of the most plausible ways I've read. I too, hope tremendously that you will continue to write more with Mellon and Frodo in the future. :D ~Elemmírë~ p.s. From Chapter 1:“You may ride her, if you wish,” Galadriel informed the astounded hobbit. “She honors you greatly by allowing this, Frodo; I doubt she will let anyone else on her back – even Bilbo – unless there is great need.” I'm quite curious--what great need could there be on the Blessed Isle in which Bilbo would have to be the one to ride Mellon? Something that happens to Frodo while he and Mellon are out exploring maybe? *grins*

Author's reply

You rascal, trying to give me more ideas! There *was* one incident of Bilbo riding Mellon, I think in chapter 3, but of course there may be other stories to tell someday... Thank you so much for your lovely reviews, and encouragement (and ideas!). I'm so gratified to know that this whole storyline might feel plausible. Indeed, Arwen said that ALL his wounds and weariness would be healed, which got me to wondering in how many ways Frodo had been wounded (emotionally, mentally, and physically) in his life. Even his smallest, oldest demons (such as a fear of dogs) might possibly be addressed in the West. *hugs you*

Antane · 2 December 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

A great ending, shirebound, indeed healing. I hope the muse does entertain you and us with a sequel - there's much more to tell! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Antane. And those sequel bunnies always arrive... exactly when they mean to! :D

Queen Galadriel · 1 December 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Finally I caught up! Oh, Shirebound, I love it, I love it!!!!! *jubilant* I can't even pick out all the things I love. The meeting with Galadriel's mother (sorry, don't remember how to spell), all the bounty of gifts, Frodo learning to swim freely again. But best of all was the talk with Celebrimbor in the garden and the beautiful end. Frodo did it! He gave up another ring of his own free will and was not hurt but healed! *hugs him* Thank you for this sweet and fulfilling tale, Shirebound! God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Yay, I'm so glad you loved this! Frodo will always find healing and supportive friends everywhere he goes, if I have anything to say about it! *grins*

Baggins Babe · 30 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

This was an utterly perfect chapter, Shirebound. The Rings of Power returning to their elements, Elwing appearing, and Gandalf holding Frodo before him on Shadowfax. Of course Mellon was there beside him too, and how lovely to see Frodo begin to heal. *melts into soggy puddle*

Author's reply

Thank you so much! I couldn't even dream of chronicling Frodo's *entire* path of healing in the West, but I wanted to spotlight its beginning. I'm so happy you enjoyed this.

Andrea · 29 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

“It was hard giving up your ring, Gandalf,” Frodo admitted. “I am very proud of you, my boy; hobbits are amazing creatures, as I have often said. How do you feel?” “Very peaceful.” Frodo yawned again. That was a wonderful ending! Like Celebrimbor, Frodo needed the experience of letting go of a Ring of Power of his own free will to believe in his strenght. Both helped the other to accomplish their task. And both found peace at last! That's the best ending one could wish for :) Thank you!

Author's reply

Thank you, Andrea. For a long time, I wasn't sure *how* this story would end! I just wanted to *touch* on the "path to healing" that Frodo would travel, and show that it would be an interesting and joyful one. I'm so happy you enjoyed this.

harrowcat · 29 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Oh this is just so lovely and gentle. And sleepy Frodo and Bilbo! Ooh... *melts into a gooey puddle* But.... I was also concerned. Bilbo seemed so suddenly sleepy that I wondered whether he felt that it was time to go on now that his Frodo was at peace. I am glad that you finished with the hopeful thought that maybe he would still be there to greet Sam.

Author's reply

Thank you, Harrowcat. Aren't drowsy hobbits just too wonderful? I have every confidence that, in the West, Frodo will continue have near him whomever he needs for his happiness and healing -- including dear Bilbo, for as long as possible.

Grey Wonderer · 28 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

Beautiful! I would like to think that Bilbo was still around when Sam arrived. It is a lovely thought. I enjoyed this very much and hope that Mellon is in future stories.

Author's reply

Thank you. How wonderful that we get to imagine the hobbits' lives in the West in any way we choose. :D

Dreamflower · 28 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

How wonderful! Yes, I can see this--this is not only very plausible, but very *fitting*--that by giving up *a* Ring, of his own free will, though with the encouragement of others, he can feel better about the Ring he could not give up. You know, you made me wonder about something--Gandalf's encouragement of Bilbo, to help him in his own decision to give over his Ring--I wonder if Gandalf had the aid of Narya in that? Not that there would have been anything coercive in it, but Narya *did* have the power to kindle spirits... In which case, that means that one of the Three actually helped in destroying the One... This fic is really making me think!

Author's reply

I *very* much appreciate hearing that this seems plausible, as well as fitting. That really makes me very happy. Oooh, that's an interesting idea about Narya; so little has actually been written about it! Gandalf may have 'kindled' Bilbo's spirit... as well as Frodo's, Sam's, Pippin's, Denethor's... In which case, that means that one of the Three actually helped in destroying the One... What a cool conclusion to think about! Maybe someone will write more about Narya and its subtle (or deliberate) effects.

Cuthalion · 28 November 2006 · Chapter 7: Letting Go

That was beautiful, Janet. I thoroughly enjoyed every single chapter - and the idea of somehow giving the rings back to the elements was marvelous. Very, very well done. Thank you very much. *hugs* Mona

Author's reply

My goodness, thank you. There's something so inspiring about Frodo's journey -- whether in Middle-earth or beyond. *hugs you back*

Cuthalion · 28 November 2006 · Chapter 6: A Gift of Time

He suddenly became aware that Elrond was gazing north, his expression hopeful and filled with longing. “She comes,” Elrond whispered. Frodo followed his gaze, but at first saw nothing. Then, a small white speck appeared in the sky, growing closer and larger. At last he could see that it was a bird, white as snow and graceful in its flight. Oh - his mother? (BTW - this is exquisite. Of course. *smiles*) Mona

Author's reply

Thank you so much. I wish we could all be on that cliff, seeing these events unfold. I suppose these stories are as close as we can come, except in our dreams...