In Empty Lands by Larner
Tari · 25 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
Elrond's vision definitely led him in the right direction. The last two Hobbits would play a very important part in the saving of Middle-earth.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree so, Tari. Thanks so for the feedback--it is so appreciated!
Kitty · 24 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
Another very nice conspiracy, you know. It's always nice to see how these three take care of their beloved Frodo. And I am glad Elrond got to watch that; I can clearly see him deciding on Merry and Pippin as the last two to join the Fellowship after the realisation how much Frodo needs them and how determined they are to do everything for him.
Author's reply
There had to be some deciding moment that led Elrond to realize that Gandalf was right. And I think that his foresight perhaps helped in the decision. Thanks again so, Kitty.
Kitty · 24 May 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
The thank is all mine; after all, you wrote something I dearly wanted to read. Thank you so much! Quite a surprise for Boromir and the hobbits to learn just how old Sting truly was and that Glorfindel had known that blade for so long. Of course, our favourite balrog-slayer is uniquely suited to explain the history of the blade. Must have been an odd feeling for Boromir to hear him talking about something as witness which is so far removed from his time as to be probably seen mostly as myth. and a good deal I foresee as particularly right with it True, and fitting well with Glorfindel's prophecy from so long ago that no man will slay the Witch-King. After all, that was one of the two blades who ended that monster's life. In any case, they should have thought it faszinating to learn the story of these weapons. Somehow they seem so much more interesting and important when they have such a backstory. Thank you again, that was a very enjoyable read!
Author's reply
The honor was mine! It was wonderful to have such good reason to write this chapter, and particularly after the story I wrote for B2MEM! Heh! Who better to explain the history of the four swords than Glorfindel? Thanks so very much, Kitty!
Linda Hoyland · 7 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
A lovely glimpse of the bond the Hobbits share and Elrond's wisdom in realising its power.
Author's reply
Oh, yes--I think that Gandalf did very well suggesting that Elrond trust to their friendship. Thanks so, Linda.
Linda Hoyland · 7 May 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
I enjoyed seeing the Hobbits trying to learn and being remindedof how special these swords are.
Author's reply
Am so glad you do, Linda! Thank you so!
Antane · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
What a sweet chapter, just awash in hobbity love. :) *hugs you and them for it* And what indeed does Arwen think of Frodo? Hmmm.... Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
We will find out soon enough, I think (or so I find myself hoping...). Thanks so, Antane.
Andrea · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
He needs them, he realized. He needs them to remain centered and grounded as Frodo of the Shire rather than merely as the Ringbearer. Wonderfully said, and very true! As are Elrond's observations about Merry and Pippin. At the moment and for the time they are journeying together, Frodo needs them as they are. But after the quest the Shire AND Frodo will need them changed. And that change could only happen because Elrond sent them on. But poor Boromir! At least we know that the hobbits will make him feel less lonely for a while.
Author's reply
Am so glad you find this so satisfying, Andrea. Thanks so very much! And you are right--the Hobbits are helping to fulfill some of Boromir's spiritual needs.
Kreestuh · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
I liked Elrond's POV in this. I think you captured him well; he reads like he does in the books, but this adds a little something to his characterization, which is something all good fanfic should do! I've really enjoyed reading this story so far, keep up the good work.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you feel this way, Kreestuh. Thanks so! I appreciate knowing others feel I'm staying true to the characters the Master gifted to us!
Dreamflower · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
An interesting shift to Elrond's POV-- and I like the way you show his thought processes work. It makes the shift to Boromir's wistful thoughts at the end more comprehensible. I liked the idea that it was perhaps some foresight of Elrond's as to their role in the Shire that caused the hesitance on his part, and not simply objection to their youth. We know that enters into it a little in canon, but most fanfic writers tend to harp on the fact that he thought them too young and innocent for the journey. This adds another dimension to the decision.
Author's reply
That Elrond apparently spoke of his concerns for the needs of the Shire apparently to Gandalf and perhaps in Frodo's hearing for it to be reported in the Red Book indicates this must have weighed heavily in his decision. Thanks so!
shirebound · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 16: Trust to their Friendship
I really enjoy it when the 'Big Folk' observe hobbits, especially when they learn something in doing so. A conspiracy, Elrond thought. A conspiracy to see he is warm and comforted and--not alone; and able to remain awake as long as possible for his enjoyment. *happy sigh* Elrond's progression of thoughts here is just lovely.
Author's reply
Yes, these continue on in their conspiracies! Heh! And love to know it so pleased you, Shirebound!
Raksha The Demon · 30 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
Fascinating background given on the younger hobbits' blades; I liked Glorfindel's running commentary, bridging several Ages of the Sun. I can just see Pippin's determination, he's so earnest and still so young here.
Author's reply
After writing "Forging of Weapons," at Kitty's suggestion I had to show Glorfindel recognizing these and telling the tale of Sting as well. And Pippin must have been most determined, I'd think, to help prove to Elrond he ought to go at Frodo's side. Thanks so!
Andrea · 29 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
“Indeed, there is nothing I can detect that is wrong with this weapon, and a good deal I foresee as particularly right with it. Which of you carries this blade?” “It’s mine,” volunteered Merry. Great dialogue! How much did Glorfindel foresee, I wonder? I also liked the part when Frodo retrieved Pippin's weapon for him. I can very well imagine that.
Author's reply
Glorfindel had once advised Earnur that the Witch-king would not die at the hands of any son of Men; did he foresee that somehow this blade in Merry's hand would help to see to the chief Nazgul's demise? I don't know, but would like to think he did. And I'm certain that Frodo would be far more concerned with Pippin's sense of accomplishment with his sword than his own. Certainly he'd do his best to help as he always had, or so I'd think. Thanks so, Andrea!
lovethosehobbits · 26 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
Cool! I knew there was something special about those considering Tom Bombadil gave them to the hobbits. Tom didn't do anything without a reason.
Author's reply
I am certain you are right, LovethoseHobbits. Thanks so!
harrowcat · 26 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
No time for more today Larner but love, love, love the history lesson!
Author's reply
Am so very glad you do. It would be difficult to appreciate just how much history this Elf has seen, after all. Thank you!
Antane · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
Glad to see this continued! And always nice to see Glorfindel. Poor Boromir, out of his depth again with all these revelations.... Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, and you can thank Kitty for giving me the subject for this chapter! Heh! Thanks so, Antane!
Dreamflower · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
How delightful to see a new chapter of this! I love Boromir's reaction to Glorfindel's revelations! The part with trying to find practice gear for the hobbits reminds me of my own story "Never Give Up" in my "Twice Twenty" collection-- save you have all four of them learning, while in my 'verse only Merry and Pippin take lessons in Rivendell. I look forward to seeing more of this! I love seeing Boromir become acquainted with his companions and their abilities!
Author's reply
I suspect that neither Frodo nor Sam felt particularly good about taking such instruction, but that all were encouraged to at least learn the rudiments of swordcraft, at least. And I found a way to work Kitty's prompt into this one! They would all need to become aware of one another's skills from the start, I think. Now I need to reread your story--it's been a while since I did so!
shirebound · 25 April 2010 · Chapter 15: On Swords and Swordsmanship
The Elf’s face softened with compassion as he leaned forward to place his hand over Frodo’s and looked into the Hobbit’s eyes. “Do not fear, small master, for you are freed of his influence and are, I deem, stronger than he in your fashion. He sought to take you for his own Master; and it brought both of them nothing in the end.” He leaned further forward. “You shall prevail,” he declared, softly but with certainty. That's a lovely passage. I enjoy reading scenes where Glorfindel is interacting with the hobbits.
Author's reply
I am so glad you do, Shirebound. It was a pleasure to write it, and I'm most grateful to Kitty for inspiring it!
Kitty · 26 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
*sigh* Needless to say I don't like Boromir's fantasies about the One Ring. He's already coming under its influence. So now Boromir knows why the Dwarves of Erebor and the Elves of Mirkwood don't get along well. Probably good, as we all know it takes a while for Legolas and Gimli to bury the hatchet. Nice to see a bit of Bill and Sam caring for him. But of course, I love it when horses are included ;)
Author's reply
How much Boromir is under the influence of the Ring and how much is simply his own native ambition is hard to say. And, yes, he does know why at least some of the Dwarves and Elves don't coexist very well. Legolas and Gimli, as we well know, have some appreciation to build for one another! And am so glad you appreciate how well Bill is loved by Sam. And it was a pleasure to include this beloved pony in this one! Thanks so very much.
grumpy · 21 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
I bet that surprised Legolas. To have Frodo there, and him not knowing it. He might want to go in for a check-up, to see if his ears and eyes, are OK.
Author's reply
About the only one who could possibly hide effectively from an Elf, I'd think, would be a Hobbit who was already hiding when the Elf arrived on the scene! Heh! Thanks so, Grumpy.
Linda Hoyland · 21 October 2009 · Chapter 13: Bound to Teach Weaponry
I so admire the Hobbits,they are so brave despite being scared.
Author's reply
I missed this one! Sorry! Yes, Hobbits are able to get past their fears into active mode, which leads us to admire them stupendously! Thanks!
Linda Hoyland · 19 October 2009 · Chapter 12: Breakfast Council
I enjoyed this look at how the Fellowship were chosen and why. I'm pleased you mentioned Paladin Took went to Bree !
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciated that. I've written in the past that Paladin went to Bree at least once, so I felt I should acknowledge that now. And I suspect that the One took a good deal of pleasure for prompting each one of the Fellowship to be there, at the right place at the right time.
Andrea · 15 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
So that's what really happened when the dwarves tried to ask the Woodland Elves for help! For the elves it must have looked like annoying interruptions, indeed, while Bilbo and the dwarves really needed help. The Ring is already influencing Boromir greatly! It's really tragic and frighteningly quick. Even more so when you take into account that they are still in Rivendell, which might weaken the powers of The Ring. And I loved Sam's "conversation" with Bill the pony! He's as fond of Bill as Bill is of him :-)
Author's reply
I tried to think what it was that might have happened to cause all to have gone black and the feasters fled to another portion of the forest like that, and how in the end Thorin might have gotten separated from the rest as he did--and this is what presented itself. How much is the Ring, and how much merely the THOUGHT of the Ring and what It might do, is the question. The Ring Itself might be fully quiescent. I doubt the Ring would have been anywhere as successful with Boromir had he not already wished to be the hero who saved Gondor and the Free World so very much to begin with. Thanks, Andrea.
Dreamflower · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
How interesting to get Legolas' POV about that long ago visit of the Dwarves and one uninvited invisible burglar! It's sad to see the Ring already working on Boromir. I'm fond of the notion that It was rather quiescent during the stay in Rivendell, preferring not to attract the attentions of two of the Three without being upon It's Master's hand. But the sorts of things It is using on Boromir are just the kinds of temptations I've always imagined. And fun to see Bill, and to see Sam taking care of him!
Author's reply
I, too, suspect that the Ring was mostly quiescent during this time, and have even postulated that the chain used to thread through the Ring had a spell upon it to isolate It as much as possible. But Boromir is already full of worry regarding his land and people and his father; it might just be his own imagination at this point is all. And it was interesting trying to imagine just why, although we are told Dain had a good relationship with the Elves of Mirkwood Gloin and Gimli would still hold such suspicions of them and Legolas such suspicions of Gloin and Gimli. And I wanted to let them see that no matter how badly used Bill appeared to be, first, it wasn't started by those who brought him, and it was at the end a matter of survival in which Bill played his role nobly. Thanks so, Dreamflower.
Antane · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
How nice to see another chapter! Love the love Sam has for Bill and that little lurker has for him too. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks so, Antane. And there was such obvious love between Sam and Bill it needed some open expression!
Celeritas · 12 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Prince of Mirkwood
I really enjoyed this because you had two characters that almost never interact converse with one another freely and very IC. Legolas' explanation for the Dwarves was interesting; given his actual attitude towards them I think he's allowed this earlier problem to develop into a full-blown grudge, though, and without his knowing it! And I loved the glimpse at Bill and Sam's caring for him!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you feel I have the two of them in character. Legolas so rarely converses openly with others, appearing almost stand-offish at times; trying to imagine how he and Boromir might begin sizing one another up has been interesting, to say the least. And there is the grudge--and the question as to how much responsibility he might have felt toward the escape of the Dwarves, and particularly in light of the accusations made in the Council regarding the contrast between the Dwarves' imprisonment and that of Gollum. I bet that rankled! And I wanted Bill and Sam to enjoy some quality time, short as it might be!