A Rohan Tapestry by shirebound
lbilover · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
Oh, poor Merry. I'm so glad Frodo went after him, and I'm looking forward to reading all the wonderful comfort that I'm sure you have planned for this dear and brave hobbit!!
Author's reply
Surprisingly enough... I *do* have a bit of comfort planned! How did you guess?
Dreamflower · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
Poor Merry!! Oh you've no *idea* how much I love seeing Frodo taking charge of his cousin like that! This is the Frodo I love to watch--putting himself aside to help others! Of course, the Black Breath seems to have come back with a vengeance--and that line "Everybody leaves me" just broke my heart--it was both a recounting of what *has* happened and a foreshadowing of what *will*. And it can't be terribly good for Frodo to try carrying Merry--since he's now bigger than Frodo is! Oh my!
Author's reply
Yes, I do believe that a certain young and impudent cousin won't be able to resist pointing out the size difference between the hobbits. Can't have angst without cousin-y teasing, now can we? Thank you, Dreamflower, for the review and (again) for your wonderful input on this story. I think it finally knows what it wants to be about! :D
SurgicalSteel · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
What is it with you and barrows, hmmmm? Poor Merry, that's clearly not normal grief. Seems more like grief with a bit of Black Breath recurring, poor thing, and hopefully they'll get him tucked in underneath some warm blankets and get that healer-king to see to him soon. *nods*
Author's reply
My goodness, are those barrows back again? How odd. Yes, let's get those blankets and healers to work right away. *pages them*
harrowcat · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
Oh dear, poor Merry. Things do get angsty whenever you get near a barrow don't they Shirebound! Now let's get them both back to those healers. I'm guessing Frodo is going to need one too!
Author's reply
Darn those barrows, pursuing our brave hobbits from one end of Middle-earth to the other. Yes, let's get on with the healing! My favorite thing. :D
aprilkat · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
There's something more than normal grief wrong with Merry! You catch the hobbits' concern for him very well, and how right it is that Frodo would go find him and bring him back. That double resonance you give the barrows scene just gave me a chill - the king's barrow/barrow wrights, Merry's wounded arm/Frodo's wraith wound, Merry's loss/Frodo's loss, Frodo carrying Merry/young Frodo carrying wee Merry/Frodo being carried by Sam. Wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you, Aprilkat. And you actually caught more 'double resonance' than I had even intended!
SlightlyTookish · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
Poor Merry! I hope we get to see lots and lots of comfort for him (although I would expect nothing less from you). :)
Author's reply
If there's one thing you can count on from me, it's lots and LOTS of hobbit comfort. :D
Lily · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
*wipes eyes* This chapter is so melancholly. And the ending - do I have to say that I just love Frodo carrying Merry? Poor Merry.
Author's reply
Sorry, Lily! But you know that any story of mine won't stay melancholy for long. :D
Cuthalion · 24 January 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King
Oh dear, poor Merry! Still caught in the aftermath of what he saw during the war, and the black breath, too. And I do love how you write Frodo here - calm, composed (despite his own dark memories) and strong enough to care for his cousin when he needs help. Wonderful, Janet. Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thanks, Mona. I certainly don't write Frodo-as-caregiver often enough, and am enjoying it.
julchen11 · 16 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Oh sweetie, what an entry! This story is very powerful and absolutely brilliant. You did a perfect job, my dear! "“Théoden King lived nobly and died with honor, and will never be forgotten. " "“You’re home, sir,” he whispered. “We’ve brought you home.”" This made me shiver. What an amazing first chapter. Go on this way! I'm soooo looking forward to more! *hugs you very tightly*
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Julchen! I appreciate the hugs, and the enthusiasm. I'm hard at work on chapter 2. :D
Claudia · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
yay! This looks to be a very intriguing story. I love all the details about Eomer becoming King and Merry's grief for Theoden. Nice beginning!
Author's reply
Thank you, Claudia! As you can imagine, it's *very* difficult to drag myself away from Frodo healing in favor of Merry healing, but Merry will be very glad his elder cousin is there to help him.
aprilkat · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
I've finally figured out how to resize this site so I can read it! This is a most lovely story, and one that has not been told very much. Bearing Theoden back for burial, Merry's grief, Eomer's ascension, and most of all, the healing of all of them post-quest - all so important. Eomer's explanation of "No books!" is poetic, proud and expansive, like the oral tradition of his people and due all respect. I love the way you have Aragorn bring credibility to all by appealing formally to the new king to enter the city and having the people respond. Above all, your power of story-telling would rival any Rohirric bard. Eloquent, simple and moving, every word is infused with your love of the story and the characters.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you so much, Aprilkat. You always say the loveliest things! I usually focus on Frodo (and sometimes Sam) needing the most healing, and I tried to slip a bit of post-Quest Pippin-healing into "Return to Rivendell" and "Shelter", but I think it's *finally* Merry's turn.
Lily · 15 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
That's a great start. Poor Frodo must have been so shocked at the prospect of not seeing a single book :) You also capture Eomer very well.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. It's nice to write Frodo being shocked by something non-life-threatening for a change! :D
Antane · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
“You’re home, sir,” he whispered. “We’ve brought you home.” That's just neat. Love Frodo's lightheartedness and his astonishment that Rohan has no books. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. And I'd be astonished at a culture without books, as well! :D
Baggins Babe · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Eeek! How did I miss this one? A new Shirebound story and I missed it? Tsk! That opening speech of Eomer's was absolutely perfect, and says everything about the Rohirrim and their love for their land - something the hobbits will understand, I'm sure. Loved Frodo's horrot at the lack of books though - I can never believe that some people don't have a book in the house. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks, BB! I grew up in a house overflowing with books, and it *is* hard to believe that some people don't have any books in their house. I always zoom right in on a person's bookcase when I visit for the first time. Poor Frodo must be in shock.
Bodkin · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Frodo would be horrified by the thought of booklessness! Worse even than the illiteracy among the lower orders in the Shire. I like Eomer's kingliness here.
Author's reply
Of all the new things Frodo's learned on this Quest, perhaps this is the most shocking! :D Thank you; it's challenging to write a character so young with such a grave and sudden responsibility thrust upon him.
Linda Hoyland · 14 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
What a treat to see a new story from you with many of my favourite characters. I love the way you portray Eomer here.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I love imagining new ways for the Big Folk to interact with the hobbits.
AspenJules · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Aaah Shirebound... I am stunned by the beauty of your words. I shouldn't be - I know how talented you are - but as I started reading this I had tears come to my eyes at the beauty of the words. “The grasses whisper our names, and the hills know us. The stars shine there as upon no other land, and our deeds are written in the wind. Can you not hear it? We need no scribes to record what we can never forget.” The absolute love Eomer has for his homeland shines through these words. As does the wisdom of the young warrior-king in “And do you see, Frodo? Merry needs no book to remember my uncle. The words and deeds of Théoden King are enscribed in your cousin’s heart as surely as a pen might mark a page. He will tell his children, and the tale will live on.” I am so excited you are telling this tale and can't wait to read more of it. I love your Eomer (wish I knew how to add the appropriate accent marks!), especially as the realization of his new status sinks in. He grew solemn. “My people,” he whispered. and "I welcome you to Rohan, in peace and in friendship,” Éomer said gravely, nodding in turn to Aragorn and Arwen, then to the representatives at their side. He turned to face the crowd. “My people, will you receive them?” “Aye!” A mighty roar of approval was heard, and Éomer smiled. As trumpets sounded from the heights of Edoras, the young king urged his horse forward and led the way up to the city. These could be words just as easily marking the end of a story, but how excited I am that they mark the *beginning* of another wonderful new Shirebound story!
Author's reply
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much! I know the chapter is short, but I'm glad there were so many memorable passages. I'm excited to be exploring this part of the Tale. :D
Pearl Took · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
A wonderful beginning! Quite proper to have a bit of pomp to welcome such noteworthy folk, and to establish Eomer in his new role as King of Rohan.
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. I loved imagining that bit of ceremony.
Lady Bluejay · 12 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
How lovely. Great use of language to paint a perfect picture of Eomer and Rohan. I hope there is more.LBJ
Author's reply
Thank you very much. There will definitely be more, although updates might be a bit erratic depending on availability of writing time. But I *always* complete my stories. :D
Grey Wonderer · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
I just love Eomer's pride in his people's traditions and their history. He makes it sound as if singing the histories and telling the tales is the only way it should be done. I love Frodo's surprise and shock at the thought of no books! I also enjoyed your discription of the ponies belonging to the hobbits.
Author's reply
Rohan has been a sovereign, independent nation for a long time, and the people might have feared that, with "the return of the King", they would be forced to change their ways and not have their traditions respected. Just had to give the ponies a mention! Glad you enjoyed this. :D
Periantari · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
This looks like a really good beginning. I loved this line: The crowd quieted, gazing in awe at Galadriel and Queen Arwen, and at the holbytla who must be none other than the Ringbearers of whom they had heard so much. Indeed the crowd must be surprised at certain peoples of Middle-earth they've never seen before! I look forward to a lot of Merry comfort too! awww Merry! And look forward to Frodo being the wise, older comforter type role. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Peri An. I'm not sure yet exactly where this story is going, but there will certainly be Merry-comfort and cousin-y support. I can't *not* write about Frodo, you know. :D
harrowcat · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Fantastic treat! - A new Shirebound chapter AND a Larner story on the same day! Ceremony is a wonderful thing at the right time and place. This ceremony is perfect. I am a book lover par excellance. That is, until I discovered fanfiction on the net. *g* But Eomer's explanation about memory is so true, especially in such a culture. Unfortunately I think that memory, listening skills and shared family/cultural stories are in danger of getting lost in many societies.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm so happy to still be writing -- and reading -- so much fic. LOTR is just endlessly inspiring. I'm so happy that bit of 'ceremony' seemed to be appropriate; it was challenging trying to figure out what should occur, and the impact it would have.
Cuthalion · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
“The grasses whisper our names, and the hills know us. The stars shine there as upon no other land, and our deeds are written in the wind. Can you not hear it? We need no scribes to record what we can never forget.” How lyrical and beautiful! This is truly the beginning of a wonderful tale. I'm very impressed! Mona
Author's reply
Oh Mona, thank you so much. That passage truly seemed to write itself, which is a rare treat.
Frodo Baggins · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Oh my goodness! In true shirebound style, you've written a tale of great promise. I mean, the first chapter sounds incredibly promising and I can't wait for more! Poor Merry. I'm with Frodo. A people with no books, however smart they may be, must lead a very sad life. *hugging my books* I used to think I could be one of the Rohirrim if I had to (I love horses), but no books... Ouch. :) Hantanyel! THis story should be wonderful! Namarie, God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Thank you for such enthusiasm! Yes, can you imagine a scholar like Frodo trying to comprehend a book-poor culture? Positively mystifying.
Andrea · 11 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart
Yay for another Shirebound story :) And this story promises to be very good! It just occured to me that there are parallels between the Rohirrim and the Celts. Like Eomer and his people the Celts never wrote down their history, but instead passed the stories on from generation to generation. The Druids had a very important part, for they were the main storytellers. You are reading Tolkien's letters, aren't you? I wonder if he had the Celts in mind when he "created" the Rohirrim. Maybe, he wrote about it. I can very well imagine Frodo's astonishment and Merry's grief. Tears are never wrong, but instead they help to heal! I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea! And yes, I'm halfway through the Letters now. I'm finding them utterly fascinating, and wish I had more time to read.