Lily Baggins
· 19 February 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
*gulps* Is this our Shirebound? Our fluffy Shirebound writing of these sinister, dark, doings? Well done! I'm feeling cold chills right now and eee, I want my mommy!!!!
I'm so excited to be able to read this at last! It's awesome!
Author's reply
Sinister, dark doings... no one's more surprised than I am! There will be lots of Aragorn-tending-to-Frodo if the story goes the way I hope it will.
Thanks for reading! I'm so thrilled you're back, and hope this is an awesome year for you.
Ainu Laire
· 9 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Quite a few "awws" coming up:
Aww! Pippin! Pippin's babbling was absolutely precious. I can completely see Strider just staring on, trying to get a word in, and not being able to.
Aww! Sam and Legolas share a love of gardening! I never actually really thought about that- I mean, I know Legolas likes trees and all- but never thought of flowers and the like.
And- this is going to sound odd- Aww! Gimli. Yes, very odd. But how you described his fascination with rocks, and good times with the hobbits is... well, somewhat adorable. Which is definitely very odd.
Author's reply
Thank you for all the awwww's. :)
Strider definitely needs a good rest now, more than ever!
For Legolas to relocate to Ithilien after the War, I think he must have had a great love for plants, gardens, and making things green. He and Sam would have had a lot in common. And I'm glad Gimli's character is coming through. He isn't too easy to write.
Althea
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Pippin's stream of chatter is adorable. I love how Gimli has has fit in with the hobbits. This is such a feel-good chapter.
Author's reply
Yay, I'm glad. No matter what happens in the story, I try to ensure that hobbityness shines through whenever possible. :)
lovethosehobbits
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
OMG!OMG!OMG!! The cave is approaching...what will happen...*shudders in anticipation*
Author's reply
Eeeeee! *holds onto you*
Linda Hoyland
· 8 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
I just loved Pippin's meeting with Aragorn and affectionate greeting.
What a wonderful place Rivendell must be with flowers in December and not cold!
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I like the Professor's description of Rivendell in autumn: "Each morning dawned bright and fair, and each evening followed cool and clear."
Andrea
· 7 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Pippin looked up at the Man curiously. “Is it colder outside the valley?”
“It is,” Aragorn said softly. “This is a very special place, Pippin.”
A very special place indeed, protected from the influence of weather by Elf Magic, but there is an intruder waiting outside!
I loved Pippin chattering on and on, oblivious to Aragorn's exhaustion, until the ranger asked about Sam. Of course Sam's at Frodo's side, where else? Stupid question ;-)
So, Gimli left his mail shirt and his battle-axe in Elrond's house? That doesn't sound good. At least he still carries one or two hammers with him to defend himself, or so I hope.
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Yes, you clever girl, Gimli still does have his hammers, doesn't he? :)
Thank you for your encouragement. I can't wait to write more.
GamgeeFest
· 7 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
What a lovely day out! Strider's greeting from Pippin was adorable. Having to withstand a barrage of Pippish after such a long trek clearly pushed Strider over the edge of exhaustion. ;) I love Pippin's exasperation when Strider questioned where Sam was - the answer should be sooo obvious!
Sam with his plants and Gimli with his rocks - Merry summed it up quite well. Frodo's reference to mother hen, and then *his* exasperation at not being allowed to carry anything. At least Sam is somewhat equal in this, insisting Merry carry the lighter basket.
Oh, the cave! *bites nails*
Author's reply
It was such fun writing that 'Pippish' conversation. Aragorn needs to know what he's getting into before volunteering to accompany the Ring-bearer south!
Sam is so dear. I'm afraid he's in for a bit of a time in that cave, but I promise lots of care, comfort, and hobbityness.
Grey Wonderer
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
I love this chapter. I think Aragorn got more information than he dreamed possible from his talk with Pippin. LOL That was great!
But my favorite line is Merry's: (“Rivendell,” came a familiar voice. “We’re on an adventure with a rock-crazed Dwarf and a plant-obsessed gardener. Ring any bells?”) That made me laugh out loud.
Looking forward to more of this.
Author's reply
Aren't hobbits wonderful? When they're not being deadly serious or formal, they're just... hobbits. The challenge is to give each one his own personality and way of speaking.
Thank you! :)
cookiefleck
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
You are building suspense nicely, following the first chapter with this one! I enjoyed Sam's joy at discovering all manner of unfamiliar growing things.
Author's reply
Thank you! I think Sam would make the most of any new experience or place, especially if it was a valley inhabited by Elves. :)
Cairistiona
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Very nice chapter... I really like how you write Aragorn. His amused dismay over Pippin's endless chatter was fun to see. And I loved the comparison between his boots and Gimli's. I imagine shoes of any type seem odd to hobbits! Very enjoyable chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoyed this. I suspect Pippin might have been more quiet than usual over those exhausting and dangerous weeks before they reached Rivendell, but there's nothing holding him back now. :)
inzilbeth
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Oh I'm so happy Aragorn has turned up! And he's all scruffy and dirty too!
I just love all your characteristions but especially chatterbox Pippin and the very self contained Gimli.
A very welcome bit of fun before things turn nasty and beautifully written as always.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Aragorn has an important role to play in this story, so scruffy and tired or not, he needed to return to Rivendell when he did! He has valiantly survived Hurricane Pippin, and can take a well-earned rest. :)
Antane
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
I love the beginning of this - Pippin's constant chatter, the hug and Aragorn's appreciation of it. The cutest part of all is Pippin's concern over the man's well-being that he had to ask where Sam was - *of course* he would be with Frodo, anyone knows that! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, anyone knows that! Poor Aragorn is very tired indeed. :)
6336
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Well Pippen is still talking a mile a minuet, Strider is still a scruffy Ranger, Merry is still hovering, Gimli is still tapping and Sam is still Sam-moming! Frodo is just being Frodo! Legolas is off comuning with the trees, yes, and Gandalf and Boromir are working on the plans to get them to Mordor in one piece?
If only it could stay that way, nice and peaceful, an uneventfull trip to Mordor and back, maybe kill a few Orcs on the way, but otherwise no trouble!
I must be dreaming!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
LOL, Legolas *is* off communing with trees, as you'll see in chapter 3! Glad you're enjoying the story. :)
Lindelea
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
Lovely, but chilling in contrast to the previous chapter. After all, the reader knows something they don't know... But of course the author knows more, all the way to the ending, it is to be hoped!
I love chattery Pippin, and even more I love how observant he is. I can see he'll make a great Thain someday. I must admit, I must be nearly as tired as Strider as I misread the bit at the end of his scene with Pippin and thought for a moment that something was wrong with Sam! (Aragorn was startled by the sudden look of pity and concern in Pippin’s eyes. ) I'm glad you added that last little chuckle.
Merry is wry and observant in his own way, but nothing's quite getting by Frodo either, is it. (“I’m fine, mother hen")
Gimli is delightful in his dwarvenly way. And Sam... is Sam.
Thanks!
Author's reply
Awww, thank you. I'm really glad you're enjoying how the characters are developing and interacting. I think Pippin is so used to Sam sticking by Frodo's side, he can't imagine anyone wondering where *else* he could be! And I think Frodo and Merry are so close, they can 'read' one another very well indeed.
LOL, we'll have to hope that the author knows where we're going! :)
Dreamflower
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
This is wonderful!
I love Pippin's breathless recital of everything that's been going on to Aragorn. (And his admonition at the end: bath *FIRST* then FOOD, then sleep! LOL! Pippin has his priorities straight!)
And the little expedition with Gimli, Sam, Merry and Frodo seems so peaceful and cheerful--except for that ominous mention of a cave...very subtle foreshadowing, dear!
I'm so glad to have more of this!
Author's reply
Yay, thank you. I really enjoy finding ways to express through dialogue the hobbits' different personalities and POVs, and Pippin is such fun to write. *He* knows what the important things are, and is still an exuberant 'tween', after all. I suspect he's quite thrilled to be the first one to talk with Aragorn, and share all the information he's been gathering.
Larner
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
So appropriate a company, and that IS our Sam, after all. Wonderful characterizations. So, will they find the cave today or not, we wonders?
Author's reply
Thank you. I think Sam subtly guides and influences people and events more than he (or even the others) realize.
Gentle Hobbit
· 6 February 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
A new story! I particularly like the rapport that is developing between Gimli and the hobbits (and Legolas). Poor Gimli gets such short shrift, or is lumped with being comedic relief that any time he is given character development comes as a treat.
Gimli's fascination with rocks and the casual discussion of a cave is starting to make me feel uneasy, though...
Author's reply
Thank you. I agree about Gimli and his short shrift! I tried to bring out his uniqueness and value in several of my stories (such as "The Three Towers" and "Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe"), and really enjoy exploring how the hobbits interact with him and other races they encounter.
grumpy
· 2 February 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Great first chapter. I can almost picture this wriath (well you really can,t see him) trying to worm his way into Elrond's refuge. Looking forward to more
Author's reply
Thank you, Grumpy. I'm glad this is vivid enough for you to "see" him. :)
leonin
· 1 February 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
I love it!! So original. I can't wait to see where it leads!!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much!
Antane
· 31 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Sorry it's taken so long to read this but a surprisingly angsty beginning here and I look forward to reading more! And all the h/ccc you will have. :) I already know the Nazgul is doomed for he has yet to come fully against the greatest power - Love. There's no hope for him.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. Yes, the poor wraith has no idea of true power, does he? It's very sad. :)
Ainu Laire
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
I dreamed about one of your stories last night, so I knew it was time to come and check this one out.
Very interesting beginning! IIRC, 8 out of the 9 wraiths were accounted for in the book. What happened to the 9th... well, fun possibilities! And I am so happy to see Aragorn playing a role, you know that :P Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
I agree, that missing wraith makes for fun possibilities! Thanks for reading; Aragorn enters the story in the very next chapter.
What fun that you dreamed about one of my stories. :)
Tigger
· 28 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Wow...This is not good. Not good at all. Never even thought of the possiblity of one of the Nine to attempt an attack on the outside fringes of Imladris. I have chills racing down my spine right now.
However...This is an exceelent beginning Janet. Can't wait to see where you're taking us w/this one. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you, Tigger. It's such a challenge to explore a new type of story, and I'm sure you can imagine how much I'll need to balance out the 'dark' with lots and lots of 'light'. I'm so pleased you've come along on another adventure. :)
Lamiel
· 27 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
This looks very promising -- well written, and with a promise of danger and excitement to come. I like how you've woven your premise into the book-verse, and I think it very plausible. Your ideas for why the Nazgul hesitated at the river's edge ring true -- you evoke the power of the hidden valley very well. I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you, what a lovely review. I do love wondering "what if"!
Linda Hoyland
· 26 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
A very chilling beginning and plausible reasons for why the Nazgul act as they do.i eagerly await more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I'm so glad the Nazgul's motivations seem plausible. :)
Independence1776
· 26 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
This was a very wonderful, very creepy beginning. I'm quite looking forward to reading more.
~ Indy