shirebound
· 31 May 2012
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
I'm re-reading and re-enjoying this wonderful story. I hope you're doing well, my friend. How I love your gentle tales.
Author's reply
Hello Shirebound,
Thank you so much for the reviews. I'm thrilled that you are still enjoying the stories.
I don't have an internet connection at home at the moment and life has been incredibly busy. I need to sort out a new broadband connection and then I should be up and running again. I do lurk when I can but the library system won't allow me to review or post replies. I'm still around though, and loving your stories.
Larner
· 18 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
Ah--wonderful to see Gandalf's fireworks sent for Aragorn's birthday! Oh, so lovely a thought! And the commenta on our Pippin! Hehehehehe!
Author's reply
I'm sure Gandalf wouldn't allow such a special date to pass without doing something. Those fireworks would certainly be something to see.
Good old Pippin - he provides the laughs even when he isn't around.
Dreamflower
· 16 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
What a fun chapter! I wonder how I missed it? Sunday--oh, we were out most of the day on Sunday.
Imagine Gandalf sending fireworks up that were visible all the way on the other side of the Sundering Sea!
I loved the picnic in the garden--and listening to the plans to retake Moria. Are you going to give us that tale? It sounds like an interesting campaign.
And it was fun to see Blossom's reaction in her visit to Azarafti's family.
Delightful, as always!
Author's reply
Having sent Sam a fireworks display I'm sure Gandalf would have done something similar for Aragorn.
I'm hoping to get to the Moria story at some point. I think the Dwarves would have wanted to re-take Moria eventually.
Blossom is certainly changing and becoming more adventurous.
Glad you enjoyed.
Kitty
· 14 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
Glad your muse finally decided to be sensible and return home :-)
Ah yes, Gandalf *had* to do a firework, even if he is no longer in Middle-earth! And I loved the exchange over who was the loudest baby *grin* This banter is always so enjoyable!
Hm ... so Gimli is planning to retake Moria? Not without danger, but it seems he will have plenty of help from everyone. And thinking about it, the whole area would be safer without the Orcs. They are still a danger for lone travellers or small groups. And it is really heartwarming how everyone offers help, how all the races of Men, Elves, Hobbits and Dwarves will work together for this. Smells of another interesting story ;-)
Nice visit with Azarafti. I'd not be surprised if the labels end up framed on his wall ;-)
And the end was just hilarious. Poor Pip would be so offended! *grin*
Author's reply
Yes, the inconsiderate Muse didn't even send a postcard!
Could not imagine Gandalf not staging a bit of a firework display. As for the banter - that just seems to write itself. I'm sure all species can produce noisy babies though.
I think the Orcs would have been holed up in Moria - getting out might be tricky with the west door blocked and no bridge to cross, plus the risk of running into angry Elves, Dwarves and Eagles. But they are a potential danger and it would be best to get rid of them. I think the success of all races working together during the Ring War will have taught them a lesson.
harrowcat
· 14 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
Just finished re-reading the whole tale as far as it goes. I suddenly got a picture of Frodo with a camel of all things! :)
Author's reply
*giggles* Now that is something I had not considered - Frodo with a camel! What will Limlight say? I imagine that would really cause his 'Mad Baggins' reputation to grow.
Mind you, the camel can always keep that oliphaunt company - you know, the one the Gamgee children would no doubt lead through Hobbiton! :-)
Tithenaru
· 14 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
For some strange reason I missed this story, and am now very pleased I have found it. What a great tale. I laughed at the letters from the Aragorn and Arwen, was saddened by the tale of Erithain, only to be gladdened by the moments at the Memorial at Pelennor. The birthday party was truly memorable, and now we have the re-taking of Moria to be planned and executed.
All this and the twins, Legolas and Glorfindel as well! Can't wait for more.
Tithenaru
Author's reply
Delighted to find your review today and I'm glad you've discovered the story.
The trip and the presence of hobbits will be healing for Erithain, and of course all those Elves had to come along. Now to see what other adventures will ensue in Minas Anor.
harrowcat
· 13 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
I am very glad that the Muses is back. I do hope that she(he)? enjoyed herself but do tell her that we have missed her an awful lot!
The re-taking of Moria sounds very dangerous but a worthy task and the alliance would be a powerful force.
Author's reply
Thank you - I shall tell the Muse not to stay away so long next time.
I think the Dwarves would have wanted to re-take Moria and no doubt Gimli wishes to do it before his father dies. A dangerous task but with so many of the Free Peoples taking part it should be possible. At least they don't have to get rid of the Balrog.
shirebound
· 13 July 2008
· Chapter 11: Making plans, making friends.
"This is the Ring-bearer's hand?" Azarafti looked at the jar in some awe.
Something tells me those jars and labels will be preseved long after the chutney is gone!
Oh yay, more from Baggins Babe! I re-read your stories so often, they always give me a lift when I need it.
Author's reply
Ho lovely to find a review - you're first again! You win half a dozen jars of Rose's chutney!
Yes, I think those labels will be preserved. I really hope to write a meeting between Azarafti and the Ring-bearers one day, now the Muse is back from her holidays!
Faramiriel
· 18 December 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
Why have I not been keeping up with this story??? Love it! I can't wait for more!!
Author's reply
How lovely to find your review tonight - I'm so pleased you decided to come along to Gondor for Aragorn's birthday.
Tigger
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
Blossom has it right. It really was a perfectly, lovely day. Loved Aragorn's reaction to the cake and what a cake!! Only the Hobbits could have created the perfect Birthday Cake for Aragorn's 100th Birthday Party.
The party was lovely and all of the various presents were perfect, but I especially loved what Azarfiti gave Aragorn. For him to gift something very obviously a family heirloom and why...Perfect!!
This chapter lived up to all expectations and then some. Sorry I didn't review sooner, but it's been crazy around here and not letting up anytime soon either. Between medical trips and Christmas and then medical trips after Christmas and just not feeling great per usual and...Where's the off ramp to this crazy ride!!!
Looking forward to the next chapter. The timid Blossom who left the Shire behind will not be the same hobbitess that comes back. That's for sure. :o)
Author's reply
Ah, there you are! I'm so glad you reached the party and I hope you enjoyed the cake.
Blossom has definitely changed and the Shire-folk will have a shock when she returns.
Gumpy
· 26 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
What a great party. So funny that Aragorn saw all his freinds in the Shire having cake, and then he got some too! Must always have cake at a party.
Author's reply
Ah yes, Aragorn should have realised that there would be cake, but Arwen must have been very convincing when she told him there would not be any.
Andrea
· 24 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
A perfect title for a perfect chapter! Long-expected, indeed :)
I loved the beautiful gifts Aragorn received, all of them very special.
But what impressed me most was Gimli's gift. A Dwarven battle axe and expertly crafted! That is an honor, indeed!
So, the pointy-ear will receive one as well? I love that!
Merry's portrait of the Bag End family was beautiful, from the little kittens to Frodo's genuine smile.
A perfect day!
Thank you!
Author's reply
I had to try and think what sort of gifts Aragorn might have received, but it was fun to come up with various things. I'm sure s battle-axe was the greatest tribute Gimli could bestow.
The cats and Plodly had to be in any portrait of the Bag End family, I'm sure. Frodo probably insisted upon it.
I'm glad you enjoyed it.
harrowcat
· 24 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
What a day it's been. What a perfectly lovely day!"
And what a perfectly lovely description of it too! Wonderful BB!
Author's reply
Delighted you could make the party and that you enjoyed it. Hope you liked the cake!
Kitty
· 24 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
Long-expected party, indeed – throughout the realm and your readers, too. And what a party! So many wonderful gifts! Two of the Mearas (and very apt named!), a ship ... and the painting and the tapestry – they must have preprared for this a long time, considering how long it would take to make it. Oh, I am sure these gifts from Merry and Frodo are very special for Aragorn.
The cake sounds marvellous, BB – I can see it! *sighs dreamily* You know, it is a pity they have to cut it at all and to ruin this piece of art ... Anyway, it was amusing to watch Aragorn’s surprise. He *should* have suspected it, but obviously he didn’t, and the others seem to be very good actors ;-)
Nice to see Azarafti again, btw, and to know he is now so at home in Minas Tirith.
Author's reply
I think the King's friends would have been preparing those gifts for months, and I'm glad you liked them.
Yes, Aragorn should have suspected that there would be cake but Arwen must have been very convincing when she announced there would not be any.
Azarafti, now a proper ambassador, is quite at home in the city and is learning all the time.
Dreamflower
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
What a lovely little visit in Reunion-verse!
I loved the gifts--and especially Aragorn's astonishment at the cake! (and I'm amazed at the logistics of delivering it! Travelling all that way--I wonder how they kept it fresh!)
I also adored Aragorn's glimpse through the seeing-stone, and the description of the tapestry! *sigh* How wonderful!
Author's reply
I think the cake would have arrived safely if it was well-packed and cushioned. As for keeping, that sort of rich fruit cake has so much brandy in it that it will keep for years. A lot of people keep a tier of the wedding cake and have it re-iced for the christening of the first baby.
I am so pleased that you enjoyed your visit to Reunion-verse and all the gifts.
Larner
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
Yes, trust Frodo to help decorate that cake! I wish I could be there in body as well as imagination--there or at one of the celebrations within the Shire.
And small children are everywhere adding to the joy of the day.
How wonderful!
Author's reply
I think many of the Shire-folk would have wanted some input with the cake.
I'd love to have been there, watching Aragorn when he saw that cake!
shirebound
· 23 November 2007
· Chapter 10: A Long - Expected Party
What perfectly magnificent gifts! I think this is the loveliest birthday celebration anyone could ever dream of having. Thank you so much for letting us join the party.
Author's reply
You win the prize again! A night out at the Green Dragon is yours! :-)
Glad you enjoyed it all - and here's a party where you don't wake up with a hangover.
harrowcat
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
I could see that sunrise. I love sunrises but I specialise in appreciating sunsets. That way I don't have to get up quite so early!
Loved the hobbits in this and the little boy still in Aragorn and the whiskey at dawn and the misty folk and......
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the sunrise. I love both, and I imagine Aragorn to be a 'morning person.' All those years of Rangering had an effect I'm sure.
harrowcat
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
Oooops! Sorry BB. Thanks for the 'heads up!' This seems to have got lost from my alerts and life is so busy I hardly ever just browse the site anymore.
Lothiriel laughed.
"He enjoys instructing others, and there is no finer horseman in Middle-earth." She lowered her voice. "Besides, all men enjoy showing off just a little."
Very astute lady but love also helps us overcome many fears.
And I just adored the welcome.
Author's reply
I'm sure Lothiriel was a very astute person - she chose Eomer, after all!
I could see the welcome very clearly and Freddy leaping at Aragorn was too cute to leave out.
Tigger
· 21 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
Well, I'm still not caught up on sleep from my trip, so here's hoping this makes sense!! ;o)
Sigh...Ewithain ( ;oD ) seeing Halbarad and Eldacar's spirits was so perfectly done. The poor man has been through so much, but now he knows those who he misses so very much are at peace and it's time for him to move on as well. Never to forget, but those memories won't have that bitter sharp edge to them anymore.
Loved the term for the spirits though. "Misty folk" is perfect.
Thank Goodness it's the actual day for both Aragorn and Faramir's sakes. Aragorn's about to go crazy trying to figure out where his presents are and Faramir's apartments are about to burst. :oD Can't wait to see Aragorn's reaction to The Cake.
I hope you got my e-mail. Once again, if you sent me a reply, I didn't get it. Sigh...Not getting all of my e-mail is beyond frustrating, but what can you do when you're literally in the middle of nowhere and very few options!?!
Anyway...Can't wait to read about the rest of the day and bring on the feasting!!! There's a King who needs his Hobbit Birthday Cake. :oD
Author's reply
Yes, I did send a reply to your e-mail - not receiving e-mails must be very frustrating. I'll re-send.
Yes, Aragorn's reaction to The Cake will be worth waiting for, I hope. To call it a cake is a bit of an understatement but we shall see. :-) Just as well the day has arrived and Faramir will be able to move in his apartments again!
And there is peace for Erithain at last. Glad you're back.
Pearl Took
· 9 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
I like Aragorn's ritual and Freddy seeing the misty folk. I really like that Aragorn wanted to honor the fallen on his special day and that he was making sure the soldiers would be able to celebrate as well.
"His only regret about the day was that Frodo, Sam and Rose were not there to share it with him but he was hoping to sneak away to the White Tower during the afternoon to look into the Master-Stone and see them enjoying the celebrations in the Shire."
I guess my only question is wouldn't he miss Merry and especially Pippin, his own knight, as well? You've hardly mentioned them at all, it just seems a little strange to me.
Author's reply
Oh there will be much mention of Merry and Pippin in the next chapter, and naturally Aragorn would like to have them there too. He has not forgotten tham and neither have I.
I'm sure Aragorn would wish to honour the fallen and remember those who paid the ultimate price in the struggle.
Glad you're enjoying.
Pearl Took
· 9 September 2007
· Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
Delightful!
"And it works, I see. No-one like hobbits for keeping anyone cheerful, and no better hobbit than a Took."
I like that ;-)
Author's reply
Naturally. We all need a cheery little Took in our lives.
Pearl Took
· 9 September 2007
· Chapter 7: Letters Home
No, they never grow up . . . LOL!
Author's reply
Not even Kings of Gondor! One hundred he may be but he's still a little boy at heart.
Pearl Took
· 9 September 2007
· Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
All right, Hobbit cooking!!!!!
I love the twins and Glorfindel and how they are with the hobbits. On with the journey.
Author's reply
Had to get Glorfindel in there somewhere, and the Twins would hae to come too.
With hobbits in the party at least they'll eat well. The young Rangers must be very grateful if they've been....erm....'enjoying' Elrohir's cooking!
Larner
· 9 September 2007
· Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
Well, he was a Ranger, after all; and love the informality he shares with Anrion.
Glad they follow Shire gifting traditions here--how wonderful!
And to know his son and brother are desiring his peace of mind, having this confirmed by small Hobbit lads and kings, will aid Erithain a good deal, or so I'd think.
Author's reply
The healing power of hobbits strikes again! Erithain now has the chance to heal and enjoy his life in the knowledge that son and brother would wish that.