Baggins Babe
· 18 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
What a spellbinding chapter, Shirebound! Now I can hardly contain myself until the next chapter is posted and Aragorn tells Frodo who he really is. Thetrust between these two is beautiful.
A wonderful idea about the harps - were they a gift from their foster-father, I wonder..........?
*squeeee* to Frodo, who is such a special hobbit - and to you for writing such marvellous stories.
Author's reply
Thank you, BB! I'm quite looking forward to that conversation myself. I hope to get time over the next few weeks to "listen in" on what they're saying.
Aren't we the fortunate ones, to be able to read, write and share our love for this oh-so-special hobbit?
Antane
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
Another chapter - yea! Frodo does have interesting dreams, doesn't he? I love how excited he is that Aragorn is going to tell him his whole story and right at the end Aragorn knowing that dear hobbit of ours can be trusted. What a gift coming to Elrond too. "Did you shake it?" I love it!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I think most of us would have shaken it! :)
Thank you very much. The Professor really did point out the unusual quality of Frodo's dreams, and it's one more fun concept we have to play with.
lbilover
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
Oh, wonderful, Shirebound! I was so anxious to discover what was in the chest (I felt like Frodo :)) What a moving discovery. I love that Frodo's first thought with the opals is to give them to others. And I love Estel's words at the end. His faith in Frodo is so heart-warming.
Author's reply
Frodo and Estel have been through so much together during the course of this series. They trust and love one another unconditionally, in the highest possible sense. How difficult it must be for Estel to have been hiding something of such magnitude from Frodo. I'm so happy you're enjoying this!
Larner
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
What a wonderful gift to find. Are the two harps from Maglor to his small, beloved fosterlings, I wonder? If so this one will be all the more beloved, I'd think.
And indeed one day the Sceptre will lie there, too.
Marvelous!
Although they do not yet know what danger there will be for this one to leave the Shire--danger for himself more than for Aragorn.
Author's reply
Yes, this adventure poses no danger for Frodo, but future adventures will not be so gentle. I love giving him this peaceful, happy time with those who love and nurture him.
Thank you, Larner.
Andrea
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
“Did you open it yet?” Frodo asked, hopping down off the rock. “Is it locked? Did you shake it?”
“No,” Aragorn smiled. He knew that Frodo was more excited by the idea of treasure than by the actual value of anything they would find.
Yes, that's our Frodo! And his reaction is very hobbity, well, except for the S.-B.'s, maybe ;-)
I enjoyed this chapter a great deal! What a wonderful idea to let them find Elros' harp. I would really like to read about Elrond's reaction when his son (or sons) present him with this special heirloom.
I also loved the gems Frodo received and his quick decision to give them as a gift to Esme and Auntie Dora.
And now I can't wait for that conversation...
Thank you very much, shirebound!
Author's reply
Oh gosh, so many people want to read about Elrond receiving the harp, I might have to write it (in this story or a different one). :)
I do love writing young hobbits being hobbity. Thank you so much for your lovely review!
Fiondil
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
Two things about this chapter I love, three that make me smile:
The finding of the harp that once belonged to Elros, the opals with which Elladan gifts Frodo, and the utter trust and love that Aragorn has for Frodo, willing to risk telling the young hobbit the truth of who he is.
And while I know this story is purely hobbit-centric, a part of me hopes we get to see Elrond's reaction when Elladan places his Uncle Elros' harp into his ada's hands.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fiondil. I'm glad this made you smile. I actually hadn't thought about writing a scene with Elrond until a few days ago, so now... we'll see! If it isn't part of this story, perhaps it would be a separate ficlet.
Linda Hoyland
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
Another lovely chapter.I liked the idea of a harp within the chest.I eagerly await Aragorn's story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I'm looking forward to Aragorn's story, as well. :)
Neilia
· 16 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
I just finished reading all there is so far to this story and I must say that it is excellent...a keeper. It will join your others on my hard disk. I love how the stories are linked by references to each other. Can't hardly wait for the next chapter. hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Thank you, Neilia. I'm trying very hard to make this series a coherent 'whole', showing Frodo's emotional growth and the evolution of his early friendship with Aragorn. I'm so pleased it's working.
Pearl Took
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
How marvelous! This was an amazing chapter. So many beautiful things. I can hardly wait for Frodo's reaction to finding out about Aragorn.
Most Excellently Well Done, shirebound!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. I can't wait for Frodo's reaction, as well! I thought *this* would be the chapter where they have that conversation, but when I sat down to write, the story had other ideas. Funny how that happens. :)
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
I am really enjoying this story - I feel it has all the excitement of LotR and the charm of the Hobbit. Thank you for writing it.
T
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Theresa! How kind of you to say that. :)
Lily Baggins
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
This is written so masterfully! I've just read the last two chapters together, and I'm dying to know what Frodo is going to think about Aragorn's secret. Shoot, I almost forgot myself that Frodo still didn't know who Aragorn really is...
I can picture every little detail in my mind here, you lay out such a clear word picture. Can I visit Annuminas? I'm really quite eager to . . . maybe not so eager as Frodo, but it sounds lovely. Frodo really is darling here, btw!
Enjoyed this immensely. And the harp---what a perfect find.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! Oh gosh, we all need to visit this ancient place. But at least we can close our eyes and 'imagine' ourselves there. I'm so happy you're enjoying this.
Dreamflower
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
“Yes,” Aragorn smiled in utter confidence. “One more person whom I am certain can be trusted with my life.”
If this AU had been, then that's just the conclusion Aragorn would have come to--he would have known he could trust Frodo!
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say. This is the AU of my dreams, I think. I wish them both such an unconditional, trusting, wonderful friendship.
aprilkat
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
Oh, I had no idea what they would find here. Very satisfying that it would be Elros' harp, and a lovely way to bring the beginning throughout time to the present - all so closely tied from the elves' point of view.
I love the way Aragorn respects and trusts Frodo. How amazed (and yet perhaps not so surprised) the young hobbit will be to find out his identity.
Author's reply
I'm so glad this is satisfying. I might just have to write something, someday, about Elladan bringing that harp back to Rivendell.
I can't wait to write tha conversation between Aragorn and Frodo. :)
Cuthalion
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
So utterly beautiful, Janet. And opals are truly wondrous gems - it is strangely reassuring that Frodo has no idea whatsoever of their value. He's a gem himself - as is this tale. *hugs*
Mona
Author's reply
Thank you, Mona. I love opals, and have a gem book with pictures of many different kinds. They're all incredibly beautiful.
*hugs a gem of a friend*
Tigger
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
What an incredable chapter!! Loved it all and it's so true to canon in someways as well. Would have loved to have been able to see the looks on Elladan and Aragorn's faces when they saw the harp. To not only know what it was, but whose it was, it must have felt like they'd both been slapped across the face w/the shock of it all.
And Elladan was able to find some Opals to give to Frodo to take home w/him. What a wonderful gift and how like Frodo to instantly think of what they could be made into and then given to. He is such a giving and caring hobbit. I still adore the image of Viggo as Aragorn covered in the dust of his birthstone BTW. I don't think he'd be as delighted about the idea though. ;o)
Can you tell I love our mutual birthstone? It's so unique compared to the other birthgems. The others do sparkle, but none of them possess the fire and various colours an October baby gets to enjoy w/in his/her birthstone. :o)
What a fireside story Frodo's about to get and Aragorn is absolutely right. He can trust Frodo w/his life. He already has several times already. :o)
Really, really loving this story. Can't wait for the next installment!!
Author's reply
It's fun to write an AU that's also tied to canon (and tied to earlier stories in my own "canon"). Glad you're enjoying it, Tigger dear.
I can't imagine Frodo as acquisitive or wanting to hoard wealth, or he would never have given up Bag End (twice) or volunteered to destroy the Ring. I think Elladan recognizes great worth in Frodo, as Aragorn has all along.
Thank you for your enthusiasm! *showers you with opal dust*
SurgicalSteel
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
This was just fantastic. I had a feeling it wouldn't be a weapon or anything like that they found - I love that it's something that once belonged to Elros. Just love it.
Marvelous chapter!
Author's reply
Yay, glad you like it. I don't think I've ever written about Elros before, and it's been interesting researching all this. (And of course, if you *ever* see even a hint of a plotbunny you want to snag, I hope you'll feel free.)
harrowcat
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
I was just waxing lyrical about your writing genius and have just lost the lot! My trusty lap-top is dying and I am already in mourning! So please take it that you have received half a page of adulation! *g* Can't wait for that talk.
Author's reply
We hates it when that happens, don't we? *sigh* But thank you so much, Harrowcat. I hope your laptop will find some extra magic and stay with you as long as possible.
I really appreciate your lovely reviews.
grumpy
· 5 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
Whoops, I think that Frodo has seen to much, and is starting to put two and two together. Elladan and Estel are going to gave to come up with a good story. What they need is one of those mind zappers, like they had in "Men in Black"
Author's reply
*grins* Or maybe it's time for the truth to come out at last. :)
Pearl Took
· 5 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
Wonderful chapters shirebound!!
I love how Scamp found the tunnel and I love your description of it. Such an impressive way for Frodo to learn the truth about his friend!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl! Scamp is quite the archaeologist, isn't she? And Frodo is finally realizing a lot of things about his friend Estel.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
I loved this chapter and the way you brought various fragments of Tolkien's universe together.It is wonderful to imagine Aragorn where his ancestors stood,knowing the destiny that awaits him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. After so many years of waiting and hoping, it's nice to give Aragorn some inspiration and connection to his illustrious past.
EllyBaggins
· 4 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
wow, an incredible end to the chapter! the three of them must feel so honoured to have seen that chamber. i can't wait to hear aragorn's reply!
Author's reply
Thank you! I feel honored to have 'seen' it, too. Just think of all that's yet to be discovered in Middle-earth. :)
Baggins Babe
· 3 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
This gets better and better. I love this story so much, Shirebound. Frodo is so clever and has put the pieces together. He sees so much more deeply than most people, hobbits or Men. No wonder Estel admires him so.
Now I just can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Oh BB, thank you so much. I've worked hard over the course of this series to show Frodo and Estel's friendship evolving and deepening. They have both always known the other is very, very special.
Mysterious Jedi
· 2 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
The truth is almost discovered! Very AU, but it's all AU, so why not have a little fun? Excellent, as always. I look forward to seeing what happens next.
Author's reply
but it's all AU, so why not have a little fun?
I completely agree! As long as an AU is consistent within its own 'canon', I'm happy.
Thank you. :)
Cuthalion
· 2 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
Aragorn knelt to look into the hobbit’s troubled face.
“Yes, little one?”
“Who... are you?”
Ahhhh - marvelous. Clever hobbit indeed. And the description of that chamber is truly wonderful. Amazing.
Mona
Author's reply
Oh Mona, thank you so much for *all* your lovely comments.
aprilkat
· 1 November 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
My, Frodo is a quick and clever lad!
Of course the door would open for Aragorn. "I am come" is the perfect password for the rightful King.
This was a marvelously written chapter. I like the way you take us from the unfortunately deteriorated glories of the outer chambers to the more and more well-preserved center of the mystery. Very exciting - and more to come!
Author's reply
Yes, a clever lad, who's finally putting some of the pieces together.
Thank you, Aprilkat! It was a challenge figuring out what the password should be. I like how you say we're now to the "center of the mystery". Ooooh..... :)