harrowcat · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Thank you Shirebound. Your story has managed to lighten my own heart just a little.
Author's reply
That makes me very happy, Harrowcat. :)
Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe by shirebound
Reviews (277)
Andrea · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Perfect ending, shirebound! “The stream is full of fish,” Frodo reminded Sam. “Are we prepared?” “We are, sir,” Sam grinned, patting his pack. Several lemons were safely stowed away. I knew he would change his mind about the lemons! Thanks to Aragorn who seems to know a lot about the use of those fruits :) Thank you very much for this wonderful story!
Author's reply
Yay, glad you enjoyed it. I really enjoyed tying up all the loose ends and making sure the conclusion felt 'hobbity' enough. :)
Linda Hoyland · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
You have me wondering now why the twins did not settle in Minas tirith or Itillien. I've loved every chapter of this lovely story and looked forward to updates.It was full of good things,especially the love between Aragorn and his friends. Thank you so much!
Author's reply
In my mind, the twins would definitely have settled in the South, once they helped escort Arwen to the City. Thank you, Linda. I really loved writing this, and am so glad you enjoyed it.
Agape4Gondor · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
...is still Frodo, I hope,” Frodo said with a smile. Lovely ending!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. :)
inzilbeth · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Oh shirebound, this story has been an absolute delight from beginning to end. The images there of the happy hobbits and Strider transforming into the king were wonderful. I'm going to miss this tale very much.
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed writing this. :)
lbilover · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Aww, what a delightful end to this tale. The four hobbits on a walking party! I loved this line: "A gardener should always have new challenges and delights, and Sam deserves both. He deserves... everything.” And I loved Aragorn's response, too. :) I liked how you worked in the fair house in the city that the Fellowship shares, and I'm very glad Frodo found some ways to enjoy lemons!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. I tried to tie up all the loose ends in this chapter, and had a fun time doing it. And I like to think it might have been a hobbit's idea for "the Companions of the Ring" to be together in the City. Think of all the songs, tales, and food that will be shared in that 'fair house'! :)
Dreamflower · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Such a very warm and touching ending for this sweet story! I love that you end it with them all going back to the meadow for some fishing! And I'm very glad that Frodo found some wonderful ways to enjoy the lemons--and I expect one of the first they'll do on their return (after kicking out the ruffians and fixing Bag End) will be to set up a greenhouse, so Sam can grow not only lemons, but many of the other lovely plants he found growing in the South! I also liked Frodo's concern for Aragorn. I can see him wanting to be sure that he's leaving his dear friend in good hands! Wonderful, just wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! And that would be a great plot bunny for someone -- Sam growing exotic plants from the South in a greenhouse, and the Shire marveling at all the new fruits and herbs. The original idea for this fic was Frodo caring for Aragorn, and I wanted to weave that through right to the end. :)
Szepilona10 · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
This was a fantastic story! I love lemons! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I love lemons, too. :)
Celeritas · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
YAY!!! What a lovely ending! “But sir,” Sam was protesting, “that takes all the sourness out!” “Exactly,” Frodo said firmly. I'm with Frodo here! lol! Frodo is still Frodo? I hope so, too! Thanks so much for all of this! ~Celeritas
Author's reply
Thank you very much. And I'm with Sam -- the more lemons the better!
Larner · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Ah, such a wonderful conclusion! And Frodo has managed to find a use for lemons after all! Good. It will ease Sam's mind so, and I agree that Frodo would wish anything for Sam at that point. Thanks so for this story, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, I'm so pleased you like the conclusion. Somehow I think Frodo would already be thinking ahead to Sam's homecoming, and what would make him the happiest.
Cairistiona · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Ah, I'm both happy and sad... happy that the story came to such a satisfying conclusion and sad that it has indeed come to an end. I loved the descriptions of Aragorn transforming into a king before the Hobbits' very eyes. And the bit about his keeping that image of the four Hobbits in his memory forever. Lovely stuff, all that. And the discussions of the merits of lemons make me hungry for something lemony. Very good story! Thank you for sharing it with all of us.
Author's reply
Thank *you* for reading! It's a strange feeling to end a story, definitely both happy and sad. I'm so glad you enjoyed the ending.
Cuthalion · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
That was such a lovely journey, Janet. Thank you for giving me a light heart, too. *hugs* Mona
Author's reply
Thank you, Mona! I defintely wanted to end the story in a light, hobbity way. *hugs you back*
Pearl Took · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 13: A Hobbit Walking Party
Bravo!! A marvelous ending :-) I love the use of the hobbit's old beds and that they were going to keep using the stacked beds. I love Sam wanting lemons so much that he's talking about building a greenhouse for them. I love Merry still micro-managing and I love Frodo wanting to just be Frodo. MEWD, m'dear friend!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. I wrote and re-wrote the ending several times until it felt "right". Maybe the Lady's elven dust will work their magic on the Shire's crop of lemon trees. :)
lbilover · 11 November 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
You've come up with such marvelous explanations for how Aragorn is able to call Sam and Frodo back, and for the athelas. I love how Frodo and Aragorn both quietly help each other, and it was very satisfying to see them have that talk at last and Frodo's mind be eased.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you. It took me ever so long to work out these explanations in a way that satisfied me (and would satisfy Frodo!). Like in "Quarantined", I wanted to write a story where there was mutual healing and a way for these two very special people to bond even stronger than before. I'm so glad you liked this.
Grumpy · 5 November 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Lemmon drops, lemmon pudding, and my personal favorite; lemmon cheesecake. How can Frodo not like these things. I am glad that Frodo feels better, and that the twins are going to stick arround.
Author's reply
Mmmm, lemons! :) Tolkien doesn't tell us what happens to the twins, but I believe they would have remained in the South for as long as Aragorn and Arwen needed them.
Baggins Babe · 31 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Such a poignant discussion between our King and his beloved subject. This is the Aragorn we all love. Wonderful as ever, Shirebound. Silly Frodo - what's wrong with lemons? I love them. I hope Sam builds a conservatory and grows loads of them!
Author's reply
King Elessar will certainly turn out to have been worth the thousand-year wait. What a special person. I think Frodo is silly, too! Lemons are wonderful. :)
Linda Hoyland · 30 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
What a beautiful,poetic chapter! I just loved this.Aragorn as gentle,caring enlightened Healer,wonderful and why I love him so much!
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. He's very special indeed.
Agape4Gondor · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
A very poignant, interesting, and uplifting chat between two humble heroes. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you. "Humble heroes" is a wonderful way to express these two special people.
Inzilbeth · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Oh shirebound, I'm going to be so sorry when this story is over. That was so moving. Yes, Aragorn is still going to be serving others. What a perfect example of a truly great ruler he was. Frodo's concern for him is very touching too. Beautifully done, as always.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. The lucky people of Middle-earth don't even know yet what a golden age their long-awaited king is about to bring them.
Cairistiona · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
" 'I am pledged to my people,' Aragorn said honestly." That one line really sums up Aragorn ... I've always seen him as a servant-king, and even a priest-king. One who has been called to serve, not just lead. And that line is absolutely spot on in that regard. This was a great conversation between Frodo & Aragorn. I think those who are not called to give themselves wholly to serving others have a hard time understanding the joy that comes to those who are when they're finally able to fulfill their calling. You captured Frodo's puzzlement over that really well. I really enjoyed this chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, I really appreciate that. Aragorn embodies everything for which the people have been waiting (seemingly in vain) for a thousand years. If by life or death he could save Frodo, he would. And if by life or death he can serve his people, he will.
Gentle Hobbit · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
I'm glad that Strider was able to put Frodo at ease. And after all that, I'm not sure who is tending whom! The answer, of course, would be both. As for those lemon trees... shudder... I see Aragorn is joining the conspiracy of contaminating the Shire forever! Frodo! Don't let it happen!
Author's reply
I think mutual healing is the loveliest healing of all, and the trust and perceptions between these two is something I love exploring. Lemons, yumm. *grins*
Tigger · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Why do I have this funny feeling that see Lemon Pies in Frodo's future? ;oD Oh, this was wondering m'dear!! I also found your take on Aragorn's ablities w/athelas very believable and true as well. Did you come up w/that rhyme that Lord Elrond taught Aragorn or is that in Unfinished Tales or other of the Professor's writings? Regardless, it works and thought it would make for quite the reminder of what Aragorn had to do w/this plant to treat somone suffering w/The Black Breath. So glad you posted this before I take off tomorrow for Skate Canada and Ottawa. Mind you, tomorrow's just as far to my sister's, but it's still the start of the journey!! I can't wait. I'll be thinking of you while watching. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you, Tigger! The rhyme is mine, as is the quote from Gandalf. It was a challenge weaving my own ideas into the Professor's tantalizing bits and pieces about athelas and Aragorn's abilities. And I'll be thinking of you! I hope you have a wonderful, memorable birthday, full of fun and love and terrific skating. *hugs you*
Grey Wonderer · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
LOL I love Frodo's response to the issue of lemons. I've decided that this story has to continue on and on and on and just keep having more new chapters. It's too much fun for it to end. Seriously, I am really enjoying this one.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW. There are few compliments sweeter than a reader wanting a story to go on and on and on!
Larner · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
A warm, comfortable moment as we see healer healing, and the healing help the healer heal himself, allowing himself to heal further! Ah, Frodo--always taking responsibility upon himself, even for those things that he can't truly be responsible for. And love the twins finding the athelas for Aragorn!
Author's reply
This chapter emerged from a lot of research and pondering. It was very interesting to try to figure out how the healer heals. :)
6336 · 28 October 2008 · Chapter 12: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost
Oh, I can think of so many ways Frodo can enjoy lemons! Lemon Merangue Pie for one, lemon drops, lemon bars, lemon marmalade,lemon chicken the list is endless! Silly Hobbit not to like lemons! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Aragorn has some ideas, never fear! I adore lemons, yumm.