Holding Back the Flood by shirebound
pebbles66 · 7 November 2009 · Chapter 17: A Puzzling Tea Party
Love it! Pippin is so cute when he's all enthusiastic! And Boromir missed quite a lot, didn't he?
Author's reply
Thanks! Boromir can't turn his back on those folks for a moment, can he? For a valley where nothing much usually happens, the coming of the hobbits has really shaken things up.
Cairistiona · 7 November 2009 · Chapter 17: A Puzzling Tea Party
LOL... poor confused Boromir! I do hope Aragorn finally straightens him out on everything. That was a fun chapter. I also enjoyed Legolas finally piping up that *he* was satisfied; it was, after all, his comfort, not Gimli's, at stake.
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad this was a fun read. LOL, Legolas (at least in the films) gets so little dialogue, it's a pleasure to have him speak up once in awhile. :)
Andrea · 7 November 2009 · Chapter 17: A Puzzling Tea Party
“Don’t mind Pip’s way of telling a story,” Frodo said to Boromir with a smile. “He tends to get his foot hair in a frazzle sometimes.” ROTFL!!! Poor Boromir, indeed! They all speak in riddles! Frodo at least tried to tell Boromir the whole story. But then he was interrupted by Aragorn... I'm looking forward to attending the feast (in a way) ;-)
Author's reply
Awwww, poor Pippin and his disrespected foot hair. :) Thanks, Andrea. Hopefully we can all enjoy the feast. The beleaguered residents of Rivendell have certainly earned one!
6336 · 7 November 2009 · Chapter 17: A Puzzling Tea Party
Oh, poor Boromir! Confusion and explanations from all sides and none of it making sense, even the scruffy Ranger is talking in riddles! Lynda
Author's reply
Maybe Boromir should go back to the Ford and try riding in again, and just start over! :)
Linda Hoyland · 31 October 2009 · Chapter 13: His Brother's Keeper
I just loved this chapter.It makes excellent sense that Aragorn learned more about the use of athelas at this time,as he was able to help Faramir later in the story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. Aragorn left Rivendell so soon after finding out his true identity, I'm sure there were a lot of things left for him to learn there.
Cairistiona · 28 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
"Contemplations" is the perfect title for this chapter, for you've set a wonderful contemplative mood throughout, even with the humor. I loved the idea of Aragorn, the future King of the Reunited Realms of Gondor and Arnor, hopping to Frodo's bell! And I absolutely loved the moment between Aragorn and Arwen. You do romantic scenes well. Lastly, I liked the conversation between Gandalf and Elrond, and how it left off with Elrond thinking about the meaning of being a ringbearer. We don't really need to know what his thoughts were there... I think it's intriguing when a story leaves a bit to the imagination. This story is wrapping up nicely but I'll be sorry to see it end!
Author's reply
I find coming up with chapter titles (and romantic scenes!) to be very difficult, so I really appreciate what you have to say. LOL, Aragorn isn't the first to discover that it's best to stay out of riddling games with hobbits! I really love finding new ways to show his friendship and interactions with Frodo. I'll let the story wrap up exactly as it means to, with however much (or little) may be left. Thank you very much for your lovely words.
GamgeeFest · 26 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Frodo is a scamp, isn't he? I love the image of Aragorn carting Frodo all about the house, and the answer to Bilbo's riddle.
Author's reply
It can't be all work and no play for our Ring-bearer! Rivendell is a very relaxing place, and might just bring out the mischievous side of people. :)
Lindelea · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Wow. I'd like to waken to Gandalf's repast. Frodo and Aragorn! LOL! Frodo and Sam. Dear Sam, always on the alert, and turning his master's mood so deftly. Aragorn and Arwen. *sigh* (And Bilbo's verses! Delightful!)
Author's reply
Thank you for letting me know which parts you like. I'm really happy to finally be able to post a new chapter. :)
lbilover · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Yay, I'm all caught up. :)) Although now I'm eager for the next chapter. I love Gimli more and more, and Frodo's riddles and his success in using them to get his way made me smile. And poor Sam feeling woooozy!! But I am happy to see him really starting to mend, and Frodo is taking care of him wonderfully well. Interesting idea that Rivendell itself has healing properties, even for the hobbits. This is just such a delight, this story. I can't help but feel the Professor would enjoy it immensely. Thank you (and sorry for one fb for three chapters...)
Author's reply
Oh, what a lovely compliment! I often wonder what the Professor *would* think of our stories. We really do write them with love and respect, and because we need his Tale to go ever on and on. I feel that Bilbo would have taught Frodo lots of tips 'n tricks regarding riddling. it's fun to think about Frodo's education, and how he might use it in gently mischievous ways. Thank you so much for reading! :)
Andrea · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Yay! An update :-) Lucky Frodo! Others would pay for being carried around by Aragorn ;-) And lucky Aragorn, too, who happend to meet the "answer" to the riddle in person. I also liked that Gandalf mentioned in his report to Elrond the important role of Gimli in the rescue and the high regard the Elves of Imladris pay him now. But I'm still curious about what Gandalf would have done with Narya if Elrond had not survived. Always the same with those wizards, they are far too tight-lipped. Even Elrond seems to be of that opinion!
Author's reply
Darn those tight-lipped wizards! They can be so frustrating sometimes. And I agree... lucky Frodo! The hobbits have come to completely trust their friend 'Strider', but don't want to take up *too* much of his time. Thank you, Andrea. I'm really happy to finally have another chapter up. :)
Grey Wonderer · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
I enjoyed every word. I am only sorry that there isn't more yet. I will be waiting on the rest, but I know you have much in RL to keep you busy. I enjoyed Aragorn and Frodo talking and then Arwen and Aragron. I loved Arwen's promise to him. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you! Darn that RL, I wish I had the same time to write as back when I first started. But fast or slow, at least the stories are still unfolding.
Grey Wonderer · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
I just love Sam in his near drunk state! I wonder how the Quest might have gone if Sam had been medicated the entire time. LOL I enjoyed the fact that Gimli brought the tree to Legolas. I love the beginning of their friendship. It makes me happy to think that they started out this part of the journey as friends too or at least giving one another some respect.
Author's reply
Sam is so practical and proper most of the time, it's fun to imagine what he'd be like in Rivendell if slightly 'tipsy' and more uninhibited. It was when he got a bit drunk in Henneth Annun that he blurted out things to Faramir he didn't mean to. Dear Sam. :) This 'unlikely friendship' has been fascinating to explore.
Grey Wonderer · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Morning After
I didn't realize I was behind until I got the latest story update and came over to read it! I was thrilled to find I have several new-to-me chapters to read. Loved Pippin and Bilbo allowing Gimli to tell the story of the events in the cave. And Bilbo saying he'd write to Golin was excellent. I also liked that Gimli is considering his worth on the quest to come and that he wanted someone to let Legolas' Father know of his part in this recent rescue.
Author's reply
Thank you. I've learned so much about Dwarves through writing these stories!
Larner · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Delightful, this healing interlude!
Author's reply
Thank you. Rivendell is given to us as a place that eases the spirit, and I think (especially when Elrond is in full control) those within it would heal quickly and with little distress.
cookiefleck · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
I looked up Vilya and Narya, and then that part of the conversation made sense. Such weighty concerns... thankfully never faced. And then Sam and Frodo's conversation. I liked the comfortable way they spoke with each other as they gently talked about what had happened. It struck me while reading this chapter that in your story Sam (much more than Frodo) is very much the young innocent. He will be very changed by the end of the quest. After serving as Frodo's pool boy, I'm glad Aragorn was able to cap off his evening so nicely! ;o)
Author's reply
I enjoyed finally giving Frodo and Sam a chance to talk without anyone else present. They have a very special bond. LOL, pool boy! Yet another of our Ranger's many names. :)
Estelcontar · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
That was a most delightful and touching chapter. It goes without saying that I absolutely loved that last enchanting scene.
Author's reply
I'm very happy you loved that scene. It's more difficult for me to write 'romance' than light, teasing hobbity fare. :)
Antane · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
How nice to see another chapter up! Love Aragorn carrying Frodo around in payment for losing the game and I love that Arwen knew of it and the entire riddle. And of course the Frodo and Sam parts were nice too! :) *hugs them and you* Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I certainly enjoy thinking up reasons for Aragorn to carry hobbits to and fro. He really did valiantly try to guess everything Frodo came up with, but there's no outwitting a Baggins when it comes to riddling. *hugs you right back*
Baggins Babe · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Goody! A new chapter! I love the thought that Frodo is busy thinking up riddles to baffle Aragorn, that even Gandalf needs a sleep now and then, and Elrond in his jim-jams! It doesn't get any better - until the end and that beautiful look at Aragorn and Arwen and their love. Thank you Shirebound - you know just what's needed.
Author's reply
Thank *you*! I'm really happy to finally post a new chapter. It's been quite a busy time, but there's finally time to get back to *important* things. Between riddling, eating, bathing, resting, and 'looking after Sam', Frodo has a lot to occupy his time. And although I can't picture him in anything but a nightshirt, I think Elrond would definitely wear Elvish jim-jams. :)
Inzilbeth · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
Oh a lovely chapter all round, Shirebound, but I'm afraid I'm totally predicable, the last scene was simply adorable!
Author's reply
I'm glad that scene makes you happy. Aragorn's life is, at this point, so solitary and (for the most part) unappreciated, he deserves time with his beloved now and then. :)
Dreamflower · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
This is a chapter full of things to make me think: What *would* happen to Vilya if something happened to Elrond? Or to Narya if something happened to Gandalf? (Well, we know that when Gandalf was "lost" in Moria, Narya went with him, but what if he had been slain some other way, or was in danger of captivity by the Enemy?)[Actually, I'm reading an interesting AU in which the latter question has an intriging answer.] And I think Frodo may be close to guessing some of the answers to his own questions about Rivendell. I loved this part: “Yes,” Arwen blushed. “Dear Bilbo has written verses for both of us, it seems.” “It is possible that Frodo knew only the lines he told me,” Aragorn said thoughtfully. “Bilbo keeps many secrets, and perhaps our promise to one another is one of them.” Definitely a "Bilbo-thing" to do! And I just love the scene at the end, as you showed Aragorn and Arwen's love. *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Awwww, your happy sigh makes me happy. After so many years in Rivendell, I think Bilbo would have had a small but significant influence on the place and people. It's fun to explore that.
eiluj · 24 October 2009 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
I liked your new reason for Legolas to be the elven member of the Fellowship.
Author's reply
Thank you. I like trying to explore things the Professor left up to our imaginations.
Cairistiona · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Ah, another wonderfully quiet chapter. Gimli bringing Legolas a tree was absolutely adorable... I've never felt I wanted to hug a dwarf but he earned one there. And I had to smile at the peach hotcakes and Pippin wanting to make sure there were some left for Strider... I don't really know what it is about Aragorn and peaches but to my mind, they go together perfectly. :) And I loved that Frodo decided to divert Aragorn's attention with riddles so Sam could eat. A fun chapter, all the way through.
Author's reply
Thank you! Now that the worst is over, all the banter and hobbity lightness that I love can come rushing back. :)
Cairistiona · 13 October 2009 · Chapter 14: The Morning After
I'm woefully behind in my reading (okay, just two chapters, but with this excellent story, that's woeful!). I enjoyed the quiet aspects of this chapter, and the humor. Gandalf is so funny... I loved his huffing "Nonsense" when Frodo accused him of planning to carry him all along. It's those touches that make your stories such fun. And Sam's "Elves"! How appropriate that his ears would perk up at that, even asleep. Very enjoyable chapter to get caught back up on!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It's the small moments, especially the hobbity ones, that make me happiest. :) I miss this story, and am so glad that I should finally have a chance to return to writing this week!
Periantari · 17 September 2009 · Chapter 14: The Morning After
I love that last part of the chapter with the riddles and the Frodo and Gandalf dialogue! So cute that Sam spoke in his sleep and said "Elves". Liked the part about Gimli being in awe to be in the presence of the legendary Burglar too =) Very charming chapter. Loved it! =)
Author's reply
Thank you very much! What a joy to at last get to this lighter, more 'hobbity' section of the story.
AspenJules · 15 September 2009 · Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
I love seeing the tender side of Gimli as he brings Legolas the plant. I love that a dwarf thought of it before the elves did! And Frodo is definitely feeling better if he's being sly with Aragorn, LOL. I also hope Sam's breakfast doesn't decide to make an encore appearance. I think I would love to see wooooozy Elrond for a bit in his recovery, LOL. I don't think it would hurt his dignity too much... AspenJules
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this! Once Gimli has claimed you as a friend, you're a friend for life. Woooooozy Elrond would be such fun! I don't think it'll fit into this story, but there's always another time... :)