Reviews (179)

AspenJules · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

The parts I loved: Eomer and Faramir discussing Rohirric wedding customs. I don't know why, but that just made me giggle. And it's such a wonderful litle touch of realism, one of your best talents, Shire. Stern!Eomer and Faramir, to the rescue. Talk about knights in shining armor!! Whew!! *fans self* Teasing!Pippin giving Frodo a bad time about not being able to carry Merry all the way up the hill, and “Of course there is,” Pippin said matter-of-factly. “There are lots of things we haven’t had time to tell you yet.” I love how Pippin makes me smile and laugh. He's just so adorable. I think I could quote the whole chapter as something I love... footrubs from Elf Lords, assertive!Sam, hobbit cuddling, empathetic Faramir... I just love the whole chapter, Shirebound! What a yummy treat!! *wriggles with delight*

Pearl Took · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Aw, I'm teary. Bless Merry's heart. Tears, talk and tarts - well food but that didn't start with a "T" - are what the lad needs!

Andrea · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

“And try not to walk about too much.” "He won't.” “I won’t,” Frodo echoed. LOL!!! Good old Sam. He has Frodo fully under control, it seems. I can see him pacing around the room! Frodo and Aragorn were both right. What Merry needed most was simply to cry, to release his feelings instead of locking them up. That will never work! But, like Dreamflower I'm a little worried about Frodo's reaction when he finds out more of what happened to Merry and Pippin while he was away.

Daynawayna · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Hey lady, great story! I thought I'd reviewed before now, but I was wrong. Love this story, and of course the h/c/angst factor is *awesome*! LOL. Poor Merry, I'm glad he finally broke down and released some of his grief. I loved this: Merry looked up at Frodo, seeming not to notice anyone else in the room. “Are you going to leave me again?” he asked plaintively. “I’m right here,” Frodo said reassuringly. “Keep talking, Merry,” he encouraged. “You...” Merry’s eyes filled with tears. “You went to live with Bilbo. And then you would have left us at Crickhollow, and Rivendell, and... and then Gandalf took Pippin away, and...” Pippin started to say something, but Frodo shot him a warning glance. At least Merry was finally talking, even if it had taken this strange illness to at last let it happen. “Théoden tried to leave me behind,” Merry sobbed, “and then he was killed, and I couldn’t stop it. I... it was so dark and cold...” “Pippin found you again,” Frodo said soothingly. “And Gandalf found Sam and me, and we’re all back together again. We’re here, Merry. We’re all here.” Merry suddenly started to cry uncontrollably, shaking in Frodo’s arms. “This is what he needs most to heal,” Aragorn said. Aragorn is absolutely right, and I'm so glad that Faramir is there as well to help with the "black breath grief" as it were. I like going on emotional journies with the hobbits, and I love how you take us "there and back again" ::wink:: . And I must say, I was pleasantly surprised to find a *TBC* at the bottom... I'm very much looking forward to more!

lbilover · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

You always do such a wonderful job of mixing the serious with the lighthearted- as in Eomer's comment about the handkerchief. I love the image of Sam as a caged warg. I can totally understand Merry's feelings of abandonment, and I'm glad he's getting the love and understanding he needs to heal. Another lovely chapter!

Cuthalion · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

“Yes,” Frodo said. “That's what we were talking about when you came in.” He rocked his cousin gently, as with a child. “It’s all right, Mer. It’s all right. You’ve been so very brave. When is the last time you really let yourself cry, you silly hobbit?” Wonderful, Janet. Wonderful scene and wonderful tale. *smiles*

SlightlyTookish · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Yay for Merry getting some much-needed comfort! And I love that Aragorn is going to have athelas planted "wherever Men ride, or hobbits abide.” What a wise man!

Dreamflower · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Poor Merry! Of course he had abandonment issues--going all the way back to when Frodo left him the first time! And a good many exposures to the Nazgul--at least *three* in which there was deliberate intent involved, and as you said, two others as well. And of course his grief for Theoden on top of it all. And Frodo's just beginning to find out *exactly* what happened to his cousins while they were separated--that's going to exacerbate his own feelings of guilt. I loved Sam--he can scold his master without even opening his mouth! Merry has comforted Frodo so many times over the years, so I know that Frodo will welcome this chance to return the favor.

Idril Celebrindal · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Wonderful chapter! I like the way it shows the comraderie between everyone of the Fellowship and those that they were/are close to. Can't wait for the rest.

SurgicalSteel · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Knew there had to be some comfort in here. *sighs with relief* Love seeing Pippin and Sam take charge here - Pippin able to mention precisely how many times his cousin was exposed to the Black Breath. I wonder, though, how many times Pippin was exposed with those Wraiths flying over Minas Tirith and periodically screeching during the Siege of Gondor? *ponders*

Queen Galadriel · 3 February 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Well, I've taken long enough to catch up with this, but I'm glad I wasn't too far behind! First of all, you do Eomer's voice absolutely perfectly! I love the subtle things about this story--how it weaves into Tolkien's tapestry so naturally and how you portray relationships. Nooo! A cliff-hanger! Oh dear me, Merry is unwell, and though Frodo would carry him all the way back...can he? Merry is taller than Frodo now, and Frodo is obviously still recovering...Pleeeease update soon! :) God bless, Galadriel

Linda Hoyland · 1 February 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

I loved the Hobbits banter, but then what an alarming twist !I hope Aragorn can help.

Bodkin · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Good thing Frodo went to Merry when he did. Although lugging him back to Edoras doesn't seem too wise - not with his poor feet! Hopefully their friends have been keeping an eye on them and will rush to the rescue.

pebbles66 · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Oh, poor Merry. I have always been so touched that he felt so close to King Theoden after such a short while. I'm glad that Frodo found him when he's not feeling well. But, is Frodo really strong enough to carry Merry? I'll look forward to more soon.

Anonymous · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

What a wonderfully written story. I know one is supposed to leave constructive criticism but I can't find anything wrong so please carry on writing as you are!

Elemmírë · 25 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Poor Merry! I hope he will not be overcome by the effects of the Black Breath (and his grief) for too long. And Frodo with his aching feet! I bet this experience gives him a whole new outlook on when Sam suffered to carry him up Mt.Doom. “That’s a fine thing,” Pippin grumbled good-naturedly. “Am I the only hobbit to go through this war without hearing his name in song?” “I don’t think Éomer’s folk know anything about second breakfast, or even elevenses,” Pippin said as Frodo left the hall. “Sam, let’s see if we can talk the cooks into making a few changes to the dining schedule...” Good ol' Pippin, bringing the humor to any situation, as always. I hope he can help cheer up Merry as easily as he made me laugh. Eager to see where you head with this one, Shirebound! ~Elemmírë~

Grey Wonderer · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

I love it when Frodo shows his inner strength like he is doing here with Merry. Poor Merry! I find myself wondering if he has been overcome with grief or if he is under the spell of the black breath. I hope there is more soon. It would figure that after Merry, Pippin main concern was seeing to the menu!

Gentle Hobbit · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Oh my. It looks like Merry is lost in the past. Too many barrows about, wights or no. It's a good thing Cousin Frodo is there to look after him -- none better! You've got me on tenterhooks now: What's wrong with Merry? Will Frodo make it back to the hall before either his feet give out or Merry take a turn for the worse? I enjoyed the quip about Merry's becoming Thain before Pippin!

Larner · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

How deeply Frodo loves his beloved cousin, to carry him, now approaching four foot six, up the hill into Edoras. But it appears the melancholy has left him again open to the Black Breath.

Larner · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart

The idea there are no written records must indeed by totally foreign to the likes of Frodo and Sam. Love their amazement and Sam's realization of the poetry of their speech rhythms. And love the formal entry into Edoras. Perfect!

Frodo Baggins · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Well, *that* was an unexpected turn of events! What's wrong with Mer? I do hope he won't be too ill. Whatever's wrong with him, you better not hurt him too bad. Or else. ;) And how brave of Frodo to carry Merry on when his feet are sore and everything! Namarie, God Bless, Frodo Baggins

AspenJules · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Well, strange. I just reviewed this over at ff.net, and as soon as I clicked on it to post, it took me back to the story, but only chapter one, with 2 fewer reviews than it had had before, not counting mine. Did I just jump back in time? Probably not - probably just a ff.net gremline playing games. Who knows? Anyway, I love this chapter. Yes it's sad, but it's sad mixed with cousinly concern and comfort. A little bit spooky with a hint of barrow wights, though how Merry could be afraid of Theoden in inconceivable, so not too scary. Obviously some Black Breath sickness is taking hold, probably made easier by his grief and lack of eating. And yes, I caught the foreshadowing of Merry's comment about people leaving him, but besides Pippin... oh, and Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli, and King Theoden... who left him? Hmmm, I think I just answered my own question, LOL! I hope they find help soon - it can't possibly be good for Frodo's feet to carry his cousin far, even *without* the fact that he had grown a good deal. Not that that would slow Frodo down a bit....

Antane · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Poor Merry but how very good of Frodo to carry him, sore feet and everything, though that don't matter when you're carrying your brother as Sam found out. I hope he'll be better soon. Don't keep us hanging too long! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Pearl Took · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Poor Merry! I hope Frodo can carry him long enough to get some help. And poor Pippin! The youngest never gets to do things first and now he doesn't even get to be a thain before Merry does. Eagerly awaiting more :-)

Andrea · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

Oh dear! The Black Breath came back with full force. But that's no wonder in front of a barrow, harmless as it might be. For Merry the barrow brings back frightening memories. I like the way Frodo takes care of his Merry and I hope they will make it to the next healer without further damage! My first choice healer would be Aragorn, of course. Anyway, this would not be a Shirebound Story without sentences like this one: “You don’t suppose Pip will teach them any of the more scandalous bath songs, do you?” So there are scandalous bath songs? Wow ;-)