AspenJules
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 13: His Brother's Keeper
So THAT'S how and when Aragorn learned this trick! How delightful to have such teachers, and to be able to remind Elrond of his long-lost brother Elros. I also love Arwen's role in supporting him through that task, as well as Elrond spending his entire store of energy in such a monumental task.
This is truly a very well-done story, Shire. Your story-telling just continues to mature and improve, and it started off DARN GOOD already!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Your lovely comments make me all warm and happy.
*squishes*
Periantari
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 13: His Brother's Keeper
It was very interesting that you wrote the dream part where Elrond is outside intent on defending Rivendell but was weak. I like dream flashbacks/flash forwards like that.
Elrond h/c--awesome! :)
Author's reply
Thank you! This chapter was pretty intricate, and I'm relieved the flashbacks/forwards worked.
Periantari
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
awww nice hobbity dialogue at the end. I love the sight of Frodo hopping on one leg to see if Sam is all right. :D
“He's had a bit of medicine, and there can be minor… side effects.”
hahaha-- Quite a giggly Sam we had there, didn't we? :)
I like the part where Frodo says that he wants to be there for Sam and to take care of him after all that Sam's done for him. :) I always love Sam being appreciated.
And i liked Lindir mentioning how dull it was before hobbits came to Rivendell~ he got that right! :D
Author's reply
(continuing from my last comment to you)... And Frodo having a chance to take care of Sam was the other theme! I thought Frodo would really enjoy a chance to do that.
Giggly, tipsy hobbits. *happy sigh*
Periantari
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Yay! everyone's unconscious yet safe now. :P Thank goodness for Gimli who is a jewel among dwarves! (so very true!) =) Can't wait to continue on to the h/c-ing parts. :) ;)
Author's reply
I couldn't *wait* to get to the point where everyone was safe. Darn that 'h', I'd rather write 'c'!
Periantari
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 9: Songs of Power
I enjoyed the Legolas&Gimli&Sam bit where you show a little disagreement between the dwarf and the elf which shows how much difference they have but i like how this experience might be something that will lead them to be closer in the future. Sam's waking up definitely made Legolas and Gimli have mutual concern of him which was good.
Exciting last part with Frodo--interesting to see how observant of him of Arwen's glance of Aragorn. ;) And i like how you had Frodo and Sam's last thoughts were about the other hobbit. :) How nice and considerate of them both.
I love Merry and know that he's resolved to help at any cost! :)
Author's reply
Gimli and Legolas 'joining forces' because Sam needs them to is one of the ideas that inspired this story. I'm very glad you like it!
Lindelea
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
LOL! Woooooozy Sam, and Frodo taking such good care of him! Pippin and Merry, wanting to make sure Aragorn didn't miss certain well-prepared dishes.
And of course, I can't gloss over the beginning of the chapter, such a well-drawn picture of the Elf and Dwarf's blossoming friendship.
“Neither is as annoyingly talkative as you are.” LOL! Just one of a number of delightful turns of phrase.
Hoping all goes well with your move. Have you, perhaps, engaged any hobbits to drive a cart full of possessions from one abode to the next?
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you for highlighting “Neither is as annoyingly talkative as you are.” I do love that line!
I appreciate the good wishes. I'd love to organize a caravan of hobbity carts, or at least engage a certain wandering wizard to help!
Lindelea
· 15 September 2009
· Chapter 14: The Morning After
So much to love here!
"delicate Elves" --snort! ...and hungover elves into the bargain! Do tell, did any of them perch in trees and sing silly songs?
"second breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day" (one of six, I believe?)
Gimli's storytelling, his awe at being in the presence of the Burglar, his modesty (and Bilbo's insistence on writing home about it all)
Pippin's blush, your description of his person, the way he talked was so... Pippish. Well done!
(and did Merry really sleep? How many is a few hours? ...as little as 2, I'm told)
Gandalf taught hobbits how to riddle! How I'd love to have been a fly on the wall at the time. And Sam, solving riddles in his sleep! (Or perhaps simply having perfect timing, what with dreaming aloud.)
Lovely, glad to have been able to steal a few moments to catch up on this one.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so happy when folks share with me the lines or parts they like best.
galimeril
· 14 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Lol, a good chapter to go into hiatus on. Thank you for all your efforts and for a wonderful story!
I hope you like your new appartment. I just moved into a dorm, i hope your neighbors aren't as noisy as mine! :)
I can't wait to hear from you again!
<3 galimeril ;D
Author's reply
Thank you for your good wishes!
I remember dorm life *very* well. :)
cookiefleck
· 14 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Glad to see Sam enjoying his meal and being watched over carefully by Frodo. Mmmm, bacon...! Much as I enjoy the tipsy humor, my favorite little moment from that scene was the unspoken emotion evidenced in Frodo's glance at Sam right before he said he wanted to thank Elrond.
I think it will be interesting if/when you explore Sam's memory coming back. I am guessing he will be full of gratitude (Gimli, Legolas, etc.) and perhaps a bit mortified if he remembers how the medicine affected him... hah.
Gimli is such a dear in your story. The idea of him bringing in the tree was perfect. I think if I had to choose, I would choose to spend my time in the company of dwarves rather than elves.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're enjoying this. I didn't know *what* Sam's 'waking up' would be like until I started writing the chapter. And likewise, I don't know yet what will happen with his memories. We'll all find out together! I've rarely just let a story unfold as it will, like this one.
Dear Gimli. I like to think that he'll make sure there are trees at the entrance to the Glittering Caves so Legolas will always feel welcome there. :)
Althea
· 14 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
I love the conversation between Gimli and Legolas. It was so sweet of Gimli to bring the miniature tree to Legolas.
Poor Sam. I hope it's just the drugs and not the effects of a concussion that is causing his confusion. I also hope that he can keep that mighty breakfast down.
Author's reply
Thank you, Althea. Gimli's come up with the perfect 'get well' gift for Legolas.
Dear Sam! His fellow hobbits will take good care of him. :)
Larner
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
I don't wonder why Pippin is exhausted and confused. Poor Sam. And dear Frodo, making certain Sam gets extra eggs no matter what the healers suggest!
Author's reply
Poor exhausted Pip! Even if Sam was making perfect sense, he still might feel confused. And I really enjoyed finding a way for Frodo to look after Sam. I think that being able to do that would give him great satisfaction. Thank you! :)
Dreamflower
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
There was a lot to like in this wonderful "CCCCCCCCCCCCC" chapter-- how sweet to see our invalids getting such TLC.
Gimli running to fetch the potted tree to help Legolas feel better was brilliant, and I adore the sly and very subtle reference to "Breaking Point"-- (which is *still* a favorite of mine!)
Pippin and Sam were just adorable, especially Pippin's concern over the medicines side-effects. I also loved Pippin and Merry trying to make Strider eat, and Frodo trying to make sure that Sam eats as much as possible. And Sam's breakfast tray was magnificent! Febobe would be proud of you!!
Wonderful, just wonderful! I hope we get to see a bit of Elrond "c" before the Master of the House is all better!
Author's reply
LOL, we're full circle back to my first-ever story!
Yay, finally the CCCCCCCC can take over. Sam might have Pippin mightily confused, but Frodo knows how to cut to the heart of Sam's healing -- reassuring his friend that he's fine, and taking care of any interruptions that would prevent finishing a hearty second breakfast.
Thank you so much. Chapter 16 will bring Elrond back into the picture, but I need time to figure out how much "c" he'll be needing. :)
Antane
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
“You shouldn’t eat too much all at once, Sam,” he continued, gazing disapprovingly at the contents of the tray. “We thought it best that you start with small portions.”
“Those are perfectly respectable portions!” Frodo exclaimed, pointing to the heaping plates of food. “Surely you don’t expect us to starve him!”
:) I love Frodo's concern for Sam.
Happy moving - looking forward to your return!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed that part. I like it when Frodo gets to care for Sam for a change.
It will be so wonderful to get the move over with, and everything settled into the new apartment.
6336
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Ooo! Lovely, bare chested Legolas, thoughtful dwarf and wooosy Sam!
Delightful chapter and a good place to take a break until all the kerfuffle of the move is over!
Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. I hoped *someone* would appreciate bare-chested Legolas!
I hate to break the momentum, but it can't be helped. I look forward to getting back to this. :)
Inzilbeth
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Another delightful chapter, Shirebound. The grewing respect between Gimli and Legolas is very well done and, as always, I love the gentle banter between Aragorn and the hobbits.
Author's reply
Thank you! I couldn't imagine writing this story unless Aragorn could be part of it. It's just so much fun when he's interacting with hobbits, either as healer, friend, or King.
harrowcat
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Now, would the Rangers have overheard Shire riddles? Is Strider playing along like a good card sharp! *Grin*
Author's reply
Ahhh, the inscrutable ways of Rangers... :)
GamgeeFest
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
Awwww! Woooooozy!Sam! *giggles* What a delightful chapter, Shirebound! I loved Gimli bringing Legolas a tree, even if it was in one of Elrond's most priced possessions. ;) And I always love to see Sam taken care of. Frodo does a masterful job at deflection here, keeping Aragorn distracted so Sam can eat his "meager" meal. ;)
Author's reply
Thank you! It's such a pleasure to give Sam time to be cheerful and coddled and well fed. Frodo really did want his chance to look after him.
And what better use could that tree be put than to comfort Legolas? Silly Elrond, keeping it only for decorative purposes.
Andrea
· 13 September 2009
· Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
More comfort! How wonderful!
I liked the interaction between Gimli and Legolas. Their friendship has already grown remarkably.
And I just love woooooozy Sam :-)
“Not again,” Pippin groaned. “Why is he only drunk when he’s talking to me?”
LOL!!! Poor confused Pippin! He definitely needs some sleep.
I wonder what herbs they put into Elrond's drinks...
Author's reply
There's just nothing more wonderful than comfort! :)
All it took was for Gimli and Legolas to let down their guard and try to understand the other. And now we have the beginnings of one of the great friendships in Middle-earth.
I do love hobbits. Thank you so much for letting me know you're enjoying this.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 September 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Sam is so brave and Aragorn so caring.I loved the scene for him and Arwen.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. :)
Antane
· 4 September 2009
· Chapter 14: The Morning After
Sorry it's taken so long to get this but here I am at last, loving the little comments about Frodo and Sam waking separately wondering about the other and especially the whole bit with Gandalf and Frodo - "I have my orders" and being held and the riddles and Frodo assuring his friend there was nothing to feel guilty about that Frodo wasn't safe and just the whole thing! Looking forward to more! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane. I do love it when Gandalf can jest with his hobbits. He's usually far too serious! :)
Linda Hoyland
· 3 September 2009
· Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Hooray for Merry! I loved Gimli here and am glad the Elves are starting to see his worth.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. It's been a lot of fun to figure out how Gimli could earn the Elves' regard and respect.
Galimeril
· 2 September 2009
· Chapter 14: The Morning After
Awwww, that was so cute the way Sam answerered the riddle in his sleep! :) A wonderful bedtime story for me! Good night and thanks for the update!
Author's reply
Rivendell is a very healing place for our hobbits. It's nice to think of Sam having such lovely dreams. Thank you!
GamgeeFest
· 1 September 2009
· Chapter 14: The Morning After
I am glad that Gimli is going to be checking up on Legolas - and very glad to hear that Sam has woken up. Loved all the exhausted and hung over Elves. :D
Author's reply
Thank you. This was a fun chapter. :)
Baggins Babe
· 1 September 2009
· Chapter 14: The Morning After
“If I best you with a riddle, will you let me out of bed?”
“You are a most impertinent hobbit,” Gandalf grinned. “I’d like to see that.”
*giggles* I can't decide which bit of this chapter was my favourite, Shirebound. I loved it all so much - Gimli coming round to the idea of that tricky Elf, Frodo trying to wheedle Gandalf amd Sam answering riddles in his sleep!
Author's reply
I had such fun with this chapter; I'm really glad you enjoyed it! Darn cave-in and angst... delaying all the TLC and comforty stuff!
cookiefleck
· 31 August 2009
· Chapter 14: The Morning After
I guess Sam is well on the road to recovery if he can solve riddles in his sleep. ;o) His head injury seems to have left his intellect intact and apparently Pippin will have him filled with nourishing (?!) fruit tarts in no time. (Lemon, anyone? Sorry, couldn't resist...)
Glad to see that Gimli still feels a sense of kinship after what he, Sam and Legolas went through.
Author's reply
There's so much more to Sam than meets the eye!
I think it's really Gimli who, if left behind, would have followed the Fellowship unless tied up in a sack. It's fun to try to imagine the "might have been" of this time in the Tale.
Thank you for the review! (And I apologize that dear Sam has been sleeping through so much of this story. I need to remedy that.)