Holding Back the Flood by shirebound
althea · 5 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
Wow! Things have really turned bad quickly. You've left us in such suspense. I hope you have pity on us and update soon.
Author's reply
"Update soon" is such a lovely compliment. Thank you! :)
Lily Baggins · 5 March 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Hee, you've caught the Legolas-Gimli war perfectly here. And I have a feeling that by the story's end, those two will probably have learned to respect each other. As usual, you capture the hobbits perfectly. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. It's fun to write a feud, especially knowing how it eventually turns out. Hobbits... *loves*
Antane · 5 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
Wow - that was neat chapter, surprisingly angsty for you! I especially love the reaction of Rivendell and Elrond as the dark power is released and rebuffed and Frodo feeling cold. And a nice few cliffhangers here too. Looking forward to the next chapter though not as much as Frodo is I'm sure. I hope it comes soon more for his sake than mine! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane. I do think that "Rivendell" itself would almost have a consciousness, considering how much Elrond (presumably through Vilya) has poured into making it such a unique place, on so many levels.
Linda Hoyland · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
I don't think the wraith understands love and friendship in the slightest! A very dramatic chapter.I hope the Hobbits are soon rescued.
Author's reply
You're so right, Linda. Whatever the wraith ever knew of those qualities is gone for good.
inzilbeth · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
This is a wonderful chapter, Shirebound. Your interpretations of how Elrond actually uses Vilya to protect the valley are fascinating and the thoughts of the Nazgul quite brilliant! I do hope Aragorn reaches the scene soon though. Looks like he has a lot of digging to do!
Author's reply
Thank you, I really appreciate that. I've been doing so much thinking for this story about rings and ring-bearers... even the wraiths are ring-bearers. And Vilya, the most powerful of the Three, is a fascinating subject for pondering. Aragorn is going to be needed for a lot more than digging, I promise you! :)
cookiefleck · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
Sam!!!! Good chapter, and lots to occupy my imagination. Merry is certainly a good fellow to have along in a pinch. Sam!!!
Author's reply
I've been wanting to write a story for *so* long in which Frodo and Sam are separated, each facing a different type of peril. That was actually my original idea for "Mind to Mind", but it got sidetracked. Finally!
Andrea · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
“That was close,” Frodo said, his voice shaking. “You saved my life.” “What are cousins for?” Merry said lightly, trying to calm himself. Wow! That was a great chapter! And once again you described the Nazgul's thoughts very convincingly. That's also true for his emotions: hate, triumph, frustration, fear, even his own craving for The Ring! That was very expressive! Now I really hope that Merry gets help as soon as possible and that Sam and Legolas are not lying *under* all those rocks. And where's Gimli? Aragorn came back earlier? That's interesting...
Author's reply
Thank you. It's *very* strange to try to get into the head of one of these wraiths, especially one who fancies himself a great sorceror. And yes, in the book, Aragorn returns to Rivendell just before the Fellowship sets out (nearly a month later than this story takes place). But he's going to be needed, sooooo..... :)
Dreamflower · 4 March 2009 · Chapter 4: Unexpected Consequences
Oh wow! What an exciting chapter! I know that you don't like to write of unpleasant things, but I tell you my dear, when you *do* you don't fool around! This was so exciting--Merry pulling Frodo away from the falling stone, Elrond's realization that Imladris' defences had been breached, and then the heart-wrenching discovery that Sam, Legolas and Gimli are trapped! What a cliffie! And that cowardly Nazgul! Doesn't want to face Glorfindel or Gadalf again, does he? Imagine that! But I wonder if we've seen the last of him...
Author's reply
Thank you. I hoped this chapter would be worth the wait!
Gentle Hobbit · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
I enjoyed seeing Gimli and Legolas and their own responses to the world about them. This is a lovely beginning to a friendship that will take them in the end to Fangorn and the Glittering Caves. You've done it again, coaxing out threads of a story and weaving more into a richer tapestry. Thank you.
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say! The Professor's 'threads' are so rich and vibrant, it's a real pleasure to imagine new tapestries.
Althea · 26 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
It is taking Gimly and Legolas a while to warm up to each other. Their bickering is amusing, tough. I agree that if anyone can get them together it will be Sam. I'm looking foward to reading more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Althea. Sam, Legolas, and Gimli are a fun 'trio' to write.
grumpy · 25 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Note to Frodo, don't go poking around in caves, they have bats, rats and are very dark. Would be better to tramp over some nice flowery meadows and maybe a lake for a swim. NO Caves!!
Author's reply
He has to learn that lesson the hard way, I'm afraid. But at least you tried to warn him!
lovethosehobbits · 25 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
YAY! I got to read a little today and what do I find but a lovely chappie from my favorite hobbit!
Author's reply
Awwww, thanks. Your long-awaited angst is coming soon!
Grey Wonderer · 23 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
LOL Looks like Gimli and Legolas are going to make things amusing for the hobbits on this outting. I like looking back at this part of their relationship 'before' they became friends.
Author's reply
I'm enjoying it, too. Since we know what life-friends they're going to be, it's fun to "remember when".
Baggins Babe · 23 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Eeeps, Shirebound! I'm reading this through my fingers and wibbling! How scared should I be? I love the interaction between Gimli and Legolas, and the obvious affection growing between them and the hobbits. I shall await the next chapter with trepidation.
Author's reply
Oh dear, there should definitely be a bit of trepidation. But then we have all sorts of lovely comfort/healing/comfort to look forward to. Thank you for reading... err, I mean, peeking between your fingers!
Independence1776 · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Love the Legolas and Gimli interaction! It shows very well how much their friendship overcame. Love that the Conspiracy would have still existed, Ring or no Ring. Wonderful setup!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. Yes, Legolas and Gimli had to overcome more than Orcs, didn't they? I'm glad you've enjoyed the setup. :)
cookiefleck · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Delightful chapter! Good explanation of the differing POVs. Nice Frodo/Merry conversation. And I agree, a "happy chance" indeed. ;o)
Author's reply
Thank you! What fun to explore these relationships pre-Quest.
Andrea · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
"They're like two old gaffers, sniping about whose method for growing vegetables is the best." *grins* Perfect comparison! I think it was a clever idea of Frodo and Merry to send them ahead with Sam. Maybe through Sam's questions they can learn to understand each other better. On the other hand, Frodo and Merry are alone at the moment. That's NOT good! However, Merry is certainly right with this statement: “You’re stuck with us, cousin, no matter what.” And I'm glad about it :)
Author's reply
I'm afraid that's NOT good at all. *cue scary music* I can't wait until we get to chapter 4 and... "the good stuff". :) Dear hobbits. How we love them.
GamgeeFest · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
*giggles* Legolas and Gimli are a hoot! I liked Frodo's comparison of them to a couple of gaffers. :D They really can't see eye to eye on things - and not just because Legolas wouldn't kneel for him. ;) They were both raised to see the world in opposite ways. I loved how Sam so easily and smoothly prevented them from getting too caught up in themselves. Now we're at the cave! Yikes! And what do you mean you're going to hurt my Sam? *hugs Sam protectively*
Author's reply
They were both raised to see the world in opposite ways. That captures it exactly. No wonder their great friendship by the end of the Quest was such a marvel to everyone. I assure you that any 'hurt' will have lots and lots of 'comfort' as a consequence. Stand by! We'll need you to hold Sam's hand, and bring him treats, and shoo everyone away when he needs to nap.
Sunny · 22 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
“They're like two old gaffers, sniping about whose method for growing vegetables is the best.” I can just imagine the scene. Legolas shouting, “Comparing _me_ with a dwarf!” Gimli shouting, “Comparing _me_ with an Elf!” At the same time. With the exact same angry tone. With identical, furious expressions on their faces. (OK, I suppose both were being compared with a hobbit, but I think they would only _hear_ that they were being compared with the other ;-) )
Author's reply
LOL, exactly! All that sniping, and probably only Sam with the good sense to ignore it. :)
inzilbeth · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Oh your Legolas and Gimli are wonderful, each so confident of their superiority over the other. But best was Gimli's reason for liking hobbits - their good sense at making their homes underground! So now they are finally going in that cave. I hope the next chapter is on its way!
Author's reply
Thank you. I hoped to make it clear why both Legolas *and* Gimli would appreciate the hobbits, and want to learn more about them. The next chapter will be written as soon as possible. I'm equally curious to watch it unfold!
Tigger · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Oh my...That's the best description of Legolas and Gimli's relationahip before they went through Moria that I've ever heard!! It's perfect too. :oD They're at the cave now and I've got the Jaws theme running through my head. I'm not looking forward to the next chapter, but I am too. Not looking forward to seeing what the Ringwraith's enchantment will end up doing, but I know that Aragorn and Elrond, as well as Sam, Bilbo, Merry and Pippin, will do all they can to help Frodo fight this new attack on him. Can't wait for the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Tigger. Legolas and Gimli stayed in Rivendell, and it got me thinking about why, and what they would have been up to, and what they would have thought of one another on the (probably rare) times they met up. I have to admit that the "Jaws" theme is kind of perfect for chapter 4. Now I just have to write it... :)
Lily Baggins · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Ah, I love Gimli here! He doesn't get nearly enough "screen" time in stories with the hobbits. As usual, your hobbits are darling and I'm SO looking forward to seeing what in the world is going to happen on this wee excursion . . .
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily, and ... I agree! Poor Gimli gets so little character development, especially when it comes to hobbit interactions. I like to remedy that everywhere I can. :)
Larner · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Ah, love the appreciation for the mutual distrust between dwarf and elf. Now, to join them--but hopefully to avoid the trap within! Now, to see how the plot to again get the Ringbearer manages to recoil upon its instigator!
Author's reply
Yes, now (at last) to whatever will happen in (and out) of that cave! There's a lot converging here. Thank you for reading!
Antane · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Another chapter! I was excited but now I see that you are still keeping us in suspense - not fair, Precious, *not* fair! :) But love Sam's thoughts of how he feels about Elves and especially how he loves them because they are so respectful to his treasured master. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Sorry for the suspense! The next chapter will definitely get us into the heart of "the action" at last. It's just taking me longer to get there than I thought it would. :)
Dreamflower · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
What a wonderful chapter this is! I love seeing Legolas and Gimli instantly bristling at one another, and yet thinking to themselves that they are being "polite" and "diplomatic". They certainly didn't fool Merry or Frodo: “Those two don’t get on very well, do they?” Merry had been holding back laughter, but now it bubbled free. Frodo started grinning, then started laughing himself, until both were collapsing against the other in mirth. “They’re not even trying to get to know one another,” Frodo gasped, wiping tears of laughter from his face. “They're like two old gaffers, sniping about whose method for growing vegetables is the best. What a perfect description! Yet both, of course, are decent people at heart and will eventually as we know, find a way past prejudice and into friendship! What a lesson those two could be to some people in RL! And I also enjoy Frodo and Merry's moment of perfect understanding: about Pippin and Bilbo, and about themselves. And most definitely, Frodo, Merry was right--you'd never have gone past Bywater without two cousins and a gardener at your heels.
Author's reply
Thank you! I really enjoyed writing this chapter. All these inter-relationships and points of view need to be set up before "the action" begins, and it was fun imagining what the hobbits might think of any tension that would probably have been evident between Legolas and Gimli.