A Rohan Tapestry by shirebound
Antane · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
So loving and sweet! If Sam didn't say that out loud that he'd take matters into his hands if Frodo didn't take care of himself, then I'm sure he was thinking it. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane. I'm sure (and Frodo's sure) Sam was thinking it, too!
Cuthalion · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
“What... what did they tell you?” “That you grew wings, flew into the air, rode an oliphaunt into battle, and lopped off the Witch King’s head while singing ’The Ballad of Isengar Took’ at the top of your lungs.” *laughs helplessly* Janet, this chapter is very, very heartwarming. And you do a wonderful job writing a loving, caring Frodo! *applauds*
Author's reply
Thank you! I think Frodo would have been a wonderful older cousin. :D
aprilkat · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
What a tender moment between the cousins, where Frodo shows his understanding of what Merry went through (even if he doesn't KNOW) and acknowledges the pain of Merry being abandoned over and over. Very touching. I especially like that you give us what I consider canon Merry - “You’re always so brave, so helpful, so full of plans and strategies...” Frodo sighed. “Don't forget that sometimes you need us, too.” I also love the little touches that show the bonds of the Fellowship, like Aragorn blowing smoke rings with Merry, or Gimli wanting to show them the Glittering Caves.
Author's reply
Thank you. It's such a shame that 'canon Merry' didn't really make it into the films. You have to read the books to really appreciate him, and his contributions to the Fellowship and the Quest.
Pearl Took · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
“That you grew wings, flew into the air, rode an oliphaunt into battle, and lopped off the Witch King’s head while singing ’The Ballad of Isengar Took’ at the top of your lungs.” LOL! You've been reading those bad Shire history books! You need to go have a talk with Jebbin ;-) A wonderful, caring chapter. Merry *did* get left behind a lot and that does build up to a big hurt.
Author's reply
Hee, that *would* be right out of those books, wouldn't it? *grins* Thank you, Pearl. Merry deserves lots of comfort and healing.
Lindelea · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
Beat that! Is it a contest? I admit, that's about all I had time to read, but have ferretted this away in my "want to read" pile. The bits and pieces that registered as I scrolled down to the review button at the bottom of the page looked lovely. If I had more than a literal minute of online time left I would linger... *hugs* Ah, hobbits.
Author's reply
*hobbity hugs you right back*
Andrea · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
“You’re always so brave, so helpful, so full of plans and strategies...” Frodo sighed. “Don't forget that sometimes you need us, too.” That's the whole problem, indeed! And Frodo understands Merry best, because he is no better in that respect! Great chapter, Shirebound! I'm looking forward to seeing them visit the Glittering Caves!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. It takes a secretive planner to know one, doesn't it? *grins*
lbilover · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
There is so much loving tenderness in this, and the leavening humor that you do so well. It just made me grin when Aragorn confessed that Arwen wasn't crazy about him smoking his pipe. It's the touches like that in your stories that make them so wonderful.
Author's reply
I doubt Merry (or Frodo) have really had a relaxing, stress-free moment since long before the Quest began. They really deserve one. Awww, thank you. I came across that Legolas quote again recently, and wondered if all elves (or half-elves) were equally dismayed when it came to smoking. Maybe Aragorn can win Arwen over, with time. :D
Larner · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
Oh, the brother-cousins at their most brotherly, accepting each has been far too guilty of trying to protect others, beyond what is right. May they always be blessed.
Author's reply
Brother-cousins indeed! Conversations like this one are so healing -- for them, or for any of us.
Gentle Hobbit · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
Ah... Frodo and Merry are finally having the talk that they've needed to have all this while! I adore the way they were snuggled together, cousin protecting cousin. I also was very fond of Gimli's thoughtfulness in noting the nice, cool sand. I feel happy and contented now.
Author's reply
"Cousin protecting cousin" -- what a perfect way to sum up Frodo and Merry's relationship. I loooove walking on sand, dry or wet. I think the hobbits might enjoy it, too. :D
Frodo Baggins · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
Oh my goodness! Yet another dear, sweet chapter typical of your style. That was so sweet!! You do Merry and Frodo very well. I liked Frodo's version of what he heard about Merry's adventures. Bet he did it without cracking a smile, too. I love doing that to my siblings. Hantanyel for yet another wonderful chapter in yet another wonderful story. Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Frodo. I always have to rush through the angst to get to the sweetness.
SlightlyTookish · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
*happy sigh* What a wonderful, cousin-y moment! I'm glad Merry is getting some reassurance from Frodo. And I *loved* Merry and Aragorn's contest!
Author's reply
Awww, thank you. I don't think Merry would have been able to bring himself to tell Frodo the truth about what happened to him, so I'm glad it came out.
harrowcat · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
I think that Gimli might be hurt if the hobbits did't go along but would understand if they found it too traumatic to contemplate. Loved this tender moment between these two. And got a great giggle at Aragorn's shaky fourth smoke-ring. Not enough practice recently!
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, Aragorn's been so busy winning a war, becoming king, and getting married, there's scarcely been time for these important practice sessions! (And I do believe the hobbits just might accompany Gimli to those caves.) :D
Dreamflower · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
Oh, Shirebound! I *adore* this, I really do--Frodo's taking such good care of Merry, while the others take care of him. He does know this cousin so very well--he should after all, since he pretty much helped raise him; in some ways, he knows Merry better than Merry knows himself. (And in much the same way as Merry knows *Frodo*.) I love Frodo's gentle prodding here--Merry needed to let out those feelings, and acknowledge them. I also got a kick out of the smoke ring contest--that was so fun! I love to see Aragorn enjoying himself with his hobbit friends. And I look forward to seeing their visit to Helm's Deep!
Author's reply
Thank you! Everyone was wise enough to leave Frodo and Merry alone for a bit, so they could get things sorted out. Merry has been very perceptive about Frodo, but Frodo's equally perceptive understanding of Merry -- as well as Pippin and Sam -- is often overlooked.
SurgicalSteel · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
“That you grew wings, flew into the air, rode an oliphaunt into battle, and lopped off the Witch King’s head while singing ’The Ballad of Isengar Took’ at the top of your lungs.” *giggles* Oh, I do love that line. Lovely, gentle comfort between the cousins, as always - and I am looking forward to seeing the excursion to the Glittering Caves!
Author's reply
I love that line, too! I think it must be very healing for Frodo to be able to comfort Merry.
Queen Galadriel · 14 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Aw, poor Merry! *hugs him* And Frodo *would* get himself a bit under the weather simply by an act of love. Sam cracked me up in this chapter, and the end was so cute with his and Pippin's "they will". :) I love it, Shirebound! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you! I love stern!Sam, since everything he does is "an act of love" as well.
Antane · 10 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
“You will be fine, Frodo,” Elladan smiled. “I suggest that you stay out of the sun for the rest of the day.” Sam stopped pacing around the room like a caged Warg long enough to glare at his master. “He will.” “And try not to walk about too much.” "He won't.” I love it! People say Frodo is stubborn but I think at times Sam could teach him a thing or not about it and Frodo knows it too. :) The ending was cute too. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane! If Frodo and Sam weren't equally stubborn and determined, I doubt the Quest would have succeeded. :D
harrowcat · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
A true Holdwine of the Mark and Sam and Pippin true Holdwine's of Frodo and Merry! *g* Had to grin amongst the angst at Faramir and Eomer dashing past the messenger!
Author's reply
Poor Eomer, playing host to such a noble and diverse group of visitors, especially at such an emotional time. I'm sure he's very anxious that everything goes well!
Linda Hoyland · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Poor Merry,it is sad but understandable he is so haunted. Thank Goodness, Aragorn the expert on the black breath is there as well as the other Hobbits.Eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I think it's definitely time that Merry stopped keeping *everything* to himself, and learns that it's all right to break down a little... at last.
Elemmírë · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Poor, dear Merry. I can well understand how he feels, for I have sometimes have that same thought at different times in my life, but never to the despair that he has. I just know that he'll feel much better soon! *offers Merry a hug* And Frodo receiving a footrub!!!! I love Sam's (and Pippin's) take-charge mode of his master. And humble Frodo beseeching Faramir for a lift was just too cute. “I will see to it that athelas is planted wherever Men ride, or hobbits abide Aragorn truly is a healer king. Only he would be so concerned as to make sure athelas was cultivated in abundant supply throughout Middle-earth for all to make use of its healing powers. Good Man. Looking forward to more, Shirebound! ~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Thank you! Just had to slip a little Frodo h/c in there, didn't I? But it's Merry who needs the most support and loving encouragement just now. Hmmm, maybe someday Edoras will have 'Houses of Healing' comparable to those in Minas Tirith. But that's another story for another day. :D
Grey Wonderer · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Sam's in charge in this one. I had to laugh in spite of the situation at all of Sam's answering for Frodo. So very Sam-ish and so very loyal. Poor Merry. I am so glad that he finally let a bit of his grief out so that the others can begin to help me through it all. Another great chapter and while reading this I am starting to like Eomer a great deal.
Author's reply
Sam doesn't say much, but he speaks volumes when he does! :D Thank you, GW. I haven't written much about Eomer, and it's very interesting to try to imagine his feelings, thoughts, and actions as a brand-new king.
Bodkin · 9 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Well - of course Frodo can't know everything! Especially the bad things! I liked Eomer's concern and the way he rushed to discover if anyone had hurt the hobbits. And that Elladan and Elrohir were on the case. Merry needs all the help he can get - although possibly the best help of all is having Frodo there to offer him hobbity comfort.
Author's reply
It will take Eomer awhile to relax, I fear! Going so suddenly from warrior to ruler must be rather a shock. Lucky Merry... of all the help available, hobbity comfort must be the very best. :D
Larner · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Yes, our Holdwine and his cousin both need their rest. And I still find the image of Frodo trying to carry Merry a wonderful and endearing one. Poor, poor Hobbits, both recovering from the despair left by the Enemy and his creatures. But both are of enduring stuff.
Author's reply
I find the endurance and resilience of hobbits extremely inspiring, and the bond between them a joy to explore.
aprilkat · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
This story is so lovely, as is all of your fiction. The gentleness with which Merry is treated and eased into healing is so tender and right. Now that truth has been spoken and loss acknowledged, Merry's grief can be relieved. I couldn't help but feel in the last chapter how guilty Frodo might feel when it becomes evident when he is NOT able to heal, knowing that he will leave Merry again, for good next time. But that is for the future, and now there's a good chance that Frodo need not fear for Merry after all.
Author's reply
Thank you, aprilkat. It's true that Merry does have one last 'leavetaking' to bear; but as you say, that is for the future. For the present, there's lots of healing and love and sharing, a few of my favorite things. :D
Baggins Babe · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Poor Merry, he must feel he's always being abandoned. And so many encounters with the Black Riders is no good for anyone's health. Loved Sam answering for Frodo - our stubborn Gamgee knows when to put his furry foot down doesn't he? As Gandalf says, not all tears are an evil. Sometimes they can be healing and this is what Merry needs.
Author's reply
No, those Nazgul encounters are certainly not healthy for anyone! But Merry is lucky to have caring friends and cousins around him now. I adore stubborn!hobbits, and Sam certainly has at least as much strength and willpower as Frodo, or anyone else. Dear Sam. :D
Frodo Baggins · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
Oh, that was so sad! I want to hold Merry, too! Goodness! Pippin and Sam are pretty funny. They won't let their "charges" do anything! :) I thought it was rather comical when Sam started answering questions for Frodo and then both he and Pippin said "They will [rest]" at the same time. :) As usual with your works, you have portrayed the characters wonderfully and your story is packed with meaning and everything that makes a fanfic great. :) Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Frodo. I enjoy injecting lightness and humor into sad or serious parts... which is a very 'hobbity' trait, I think. :D