Larner
· 15 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Such a wonderful return and last evening together--to hear the songs of Elladan, and then to think of him sharing the harp of Elros with his father, and the duets those two harps will play for the time Elrond remains here, within Middle Earth. A time of joy, I think!
Love the idea of Scamps depredations on Aragorn's laces being possibly seen as "fashionable"--how wonderful. And now Frodo prepares for his own great adventure--when it must come to him.
Author's reply
"Scamp's depredations..." *giggles*
Thank you, Larner. This story was such a joy to write.
Pearl Took
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Bravo!!
"And wouldn’t it be amazing if Estel truly became king?”
It will be amazing indeed, Frodo Baggins!
A wonderful adventure, shirebound :-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl! I can hardly believe this story is finished, after planning it for so long.
Pearl Took
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
“I have paced off and memorized the distance to the entrance from each of the carved stones,” Aragorn said. He gazed for a moment at the hillside. “I will remember this place.”
“As will I,” Elladan said. “Elves do not forget.”
How true. And yet I know both will treasure Frodo's drawings as well.
Of course the Gamgees have to be there! Can't have them missing the singing of an Elf!
Well done as aways :-)
Author's reply
Of course they have to be there! *grins*
Thank you.
Pearl Took
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
A lovely chapter shirebound! I love the wonder as Frodo puts the pieces together. And the soothing Elven song floating out over the lake is perfect.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Pearl. It was such fun reaching this point at last. The whole series has been leading up to Aragorn finally telling Frodo about himself.
Gentle Hobbit
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Ahhhh... A lovely ending to the story. I loved the scene between Elrond and Elladan and the harps reunited. "And so that night, and for many nights thereafter, the Elves of the Last Homely house rejoiced to hear music linking Age to Age, brother to brother, and father with son." Beautifully done! Thank you for this.
Author's reply
Thank *you*. That passage you quoted was originally going to be the end of the chapter, but I just couldn't have anyone but hobbits say "The End"!
Baggins Babe
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Oh! The end of this story - what a shame this couldn't go on forever and ever!
Just perfect though - Scamp and the bootlaces, the pups, the Gamgees enraptured by Elladan's singing, Bilbo's fondness for his dear lad........ I could say more but I would end up quoting the whole chapter back at you.
Thank you for this lovely tale and I hope there are many more stories like this awaiting us.
Author's reply
Thank you, BB. I just don't know how to make stories go "ever on and on"! I'm so glad you like the ending. It's hard to say "goodbye" to one of our babies, isn't it?
Idril Celebrindal
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Wonderful ending to a great story! I am sad that it is ended but it had to at some point. Maybe another sequel in the future?
Thanks!
Idril
Author's reply
It's lovely and exciting when folks ask for more! Thank you so much, Idril. I'm glad you enjoyed this. :)
Ainu Laire
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Oh, what an absolute delight! I enjoyed this greatly. I love the "Quarentined" series, and dearly hope that it will not end anytime soon. Such a delight.
Author's reply
Thank you, Suvi! *beams*
harrowcat
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Oh I am so glad that I logged on before going to bed. What a perfect ending to the day.
“Sit beside me, my son, and we will see if these beauties remember how to speak with one another; let them now sing together as they have not done in far too long.”
And so that night, and for many nights thereafter, the Elves of the Last Homely house rejoiced to hear music linking Age to Age, brother to brother, and father with son.
This picture is so beautiful.
Loved Scamp and the bootlaces and the sling.
And, most of all the way you handled my most favourite poem. Strangely enough the few times that I have ever thought of trying my hand at answering your plot bunny I was imagining Bilbo writing a line and then reminiscing about an aspect of Aragorn that inspired it.
Sad to see this end but glad too so that I can now copy it to my special store of e.books to read again at extra stressful times!
Author's reply
Awww, thank you. Isn't that poem marvelous? I've enjoyed weaving it through the last few "Q" stories until Bilbo finally was able to share it with Frodo.
I'm very happy this story is one of those that ease your stress. *hugs you*
obsidianj
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
This is a fitting end for this adventure. The hobbits have an evening of song and tales and Elladan brings his father a memento of Elros for more songs and joy.
Thanks for writing.
Author's reply
Thank you very much for reviewing. I really appreciate your comments.
Andrea
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Great ending, shirebound!
I especially loved Scamp and the baby sling.
And I agree with some other reviewers: How could Elladan go to sleep before giving his father the harp? The only answer can be: they are Elves :)
Bilbo's longing to go on an adventure again is very understandable, because that evening many things must have reminded him of that night more than 50 years ago.
But now things are different. He has someone to care for, someone he loves dearly. Adventure can wait!
“Adventuring is everything I hoped it would be, but also very tiring,” Frodo admitted. “I’m happy to be home again, at least for now.”
”I feel the same way, Frodo lad. Exactly the same way.”
Author's reply
Adventure can definitely wait; Bilbo has his dear lad to care for, and Frodo will need him for quite a few more years.
I just had to show Scamp being possessive about that sling. It was kind of Mrs. Gamgee to relinquish it!
Thank you so much. This was a great deal of fun to write.
aprilkat
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Oh, I was happy to see another chapter up, but so sad to see it was the end. What an amazing adventure on so many levels!
I like the contrast into what emphasis is placed on the trip in their summing up at home by the Elves and Hobbits - perfect for their cultures.
I think I would get impatient if I were around Elves much - I couldn't believe that Elrond waited until the next day to get the big surprise! I guess if you are immortal it would be like waiting a couple of seconds...
Your characterization of all these folks is so perfect. I feel like I'm leaving a visit with much-loved friends. Lovely work.
Author's reply
Oh yay, I'm glad the contrast of cultures came through, as I wasn't sure it would. It's difficult to imagine life as an elf would view it!
Thank you so much.
SurgicalSteel
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
*wistful sigh*
This was just lovely, and I was both happy and sad to see it. Happy for an update - sad because this particular tale has come to an end. The gentle humor over the bootlaces was just adorable, as was the baby sling. Elrond's reaction to his brother's harp was just lovely, and the canon poem at the end? Just perfect.
Author's reply
Thank you! I loved sharing the very beginnings of this story with you in person, and I'm amazed (as usual) at the path it took, not all of which was planned. I love it when that happens. :)
lbilover
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
Oh, I'm very sorry to reach the end of this wonderful tale. But I hope there will be more stories in this universe, because I definitely want to read more about Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, Aragron, Scamp and her pups.
What I especially love about this story is the mix of emotions it invokes: gentle humor at Scamp making Aragorn's bootlaces 'fashionable', even while Elladan's harp playing and singing is sweeping everyone away.
The scene between Elladan and Elrond was deeply moving; it's hard to imagine much that could bring a tear to Elrond's eye, but being given Elros's harp definitely would.
As always, you weave in future canon so beautifully, such as Bilbo's comment about how long he will be content to stay in the Shire.
But I can't end without quoting this line: 'As I’ve told you before, Frodo Baggins, you are unforgettable.' How true that is!!
Thank you so much!! *hugs*
Author's reply
I really appreciate you letting me know that the emotions come through. This was a gentle story, but I hope a satisfying one. Thank you very much for your lovely comments.
Dreamflower
· 14 January 2008
· Chapter 16: Forever and Ever
This is so sweet! I could just imagine the cozy evening in Bag End, and then later, Elrond's reaction to seeing his brother's harp.
And as usual, you end on such a note of hopefulness and love.
What a lovely "Quarantine-verse" story this has been!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dreamflower. If there's one thing these "Q" stories have in common, I certainly hope it's 'love'. :)
obsidianj
· 12 January 2008
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Awww, I feel sorry to see this story come to an end. Frodo had a real adventure, and it is such a nice adventure that I don't want to think about what the future will bring for him. He has a lot to tell Bilbo and Sam. But there will be at least one more chapter and I hope you will write more in this universe.
Author's reply
I love making sure that Frodo has nice adventures. He deserves them! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
obsidianj
· 12 January 2008
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
Oh, how could I have missed this gem of a story. I started yesterday and thought to leave review at the end, but this chapter calls for its own review.
That treasure was a gem. I didn't expect that, but it is so fitting. That is a treasure they can bring back from this trip. At first I thought they would find a palantir, but that would be too dangerous and isn't the palantir from Annuminas lost if I remember correctly? And it wouldn't fit the gentle, heartwarming quality of this story.
Frodo is indeed worthy to be trusted with Aragorn's life.
Author's reply
I searched without success for an e-mail address for you to thank you for all your MEFA reviews, so let me take this opportunity to thank you VERY much for all your lovely comments.
And I'm very happy you're enjoying this story! This early friendship between Frodo and Aragorn is such a joyous thing to imagine. They're both very special people.
Little Mouse
· 10 January 2008
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Hey Shirebound!
I just wanted to let you know that though I do a lot more lurking these days then writing, I am still here, and I am immensley enjoying this story. Reading/re-reading your work has become a favorite part of my lunch break. Spending time in Middle-Earth with you always makes me ready to face this world again. Thank you. :)
Your fiction has always been an inspiration to me, and while I can't garauntee it'll get me writing on here again, I can tell you that it certainly gets my imagination working overtime!
Keep up the good work! I can't wait to find out what the Gamgees think of Elladan. :)
Author's reply
It's great to hear from you, Little Mouse! I'm so happy you're still reading and enjoying these stories. And I feel the same way about how refreshing and strengthening it is to be able to dip into Middle-earth every chance we get. :)
Linda Hoyland
· 5 January 2008
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
I loved the hints of the future in this chapter. I'd love a future story,even if only a single chapter about Aragorn returning to the restored City. There is certainly magic about him!
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. Sometimes it takes others seeing the magic in us, before we can see it in ourselves! :)
grumpy
· 29 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Frodo had a real good adventure, and they brought back great stuff. Not your ave. tee shirt and salt shakers saying that they have been to Annuminas'. The floor map will be really usefull in the future.
Author's reply
"I went to Annuminas and all I got was this lousy t-shirt"! That's hysterical, Grumpy. I wonder if that gift shop is finally open...
Antane
· 29 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
I wish we could see those drawings! And it's very nice to see Sam back - and how glad they were to back together. I've loved being with Frodo alone, but he belongs with his Sam too. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm glad to bring us back to the Shire, and Sam. And Frodo is glad to be home after his big adventure. :)
Antane
· 29 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
That is an honor indeed to be trusted with such a secret - but of course they knew Frodo could be trusted with it and that helps him once more feel more adult and trusted and loved and worthwhile. Such innocent joy he has.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
"Innocent joy" is such a perfect description. This is the Frodo-that-was, the Frodo-that-could-have-been, that I love imagining so much. Thank you, Antane.
lbilover
· 27 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
There's so much tender humor and love here. I'm glad you're not quite not done with this wonderful tale! *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. Everything I wish for Frodo is caught up in this series of stories. *hugs you*
Baggins Babe
· 23 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Aragorn certainly has a bit of magic about him - and so does Frodo. I'm so glad he's had such a good time and he can't wait to tell Bilbo all about it.Bilbo will certainly have a lot of work to do on his maps.
Thank you for this - and a Merry Christmas, Shirebound!
Author's reply
Thank you, BB! What a joy to share the magic that is Middle-earth.
Merry Christmas to you!
Larner
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Aha! Home again, and supper is almost ready, and he's had the BESTEST of times, I'm certain!
Lovely return. Now, to see how Bilbo adds to his map.
Author's reply
He certainly has, and our sweet lad deserves all the BESTEST times we can give him. :)