GamgeeFest
· 19 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
What a delightful chapter! So full of hobbity cheer and humor! I loved drugged!Sam. And Frodo's escape from Pippin! Good idea to put those two together. Pippin was very grown up here, looking after his cousins and fetching them food. So glad that everyone is on the mend, and that party in the dining hall sounds quite entertaining! Now, to get Elrond back on the track to good health...
Author's reply
Oh gosh, I had such fun writing drugged!Sam. It was a joy to finally reach this hobbity chapter. I'm so happy you enjoyed it! *bounces*
Grey Wonderer
· 18 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Oh, I loved Sam in this! Great chapter. Now, I do hope Elrond is all right.
But Sam, hehehe
Author's reply
*grins* Thank you! You can imagine how eager I've been to get this far into the story. Tipsy hobbits always make me happy.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 July 2009
· Chapter 10: Endurance
The shard certainly sounded scary.
I love the courage they all show here.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I believe these characters are very special, and have strength that perhaps even they didn't at first realize.
Baggins Babe
· 16 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
*happy sigh* Stubborn Frodo made me laugh - I will not,” Frodo declared. “I’m perfectly capable of hopping back to my room.”
*giggles*
I adore tipsy hobbits! Sedated Sam was hilarious and I loved Lindir's patience and Merry and Pippin's banter and Arwen's gentle waking of her beloved and..................
Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you! You give me happy grins. :) :)
Antane
· 16 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
“Don't get your foothair in a frazzle, Mr. Pippin,” Sam declared, causing Merry to snort with suppressed laughter.
LOL! And love the trimphant announcement of being dizzier too. Reminds me a little when my sister and I were sick and we had even a little competition as to who had the higher fever. :)
Love that Frodo overexerted himself just to see if his Sam was all right. Now they really relax and take care of each other being in the same bed, the best place for both of them. Love all the ccccc in this chapter and the reading between the lines by the Elf of Sam's 'stout' response. And Arwen's cautious approach to her beloved.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this bit o' Sam silliness! And yay for the ccccc, my very favoritest part of any story. :)
Shelley6441
· 15 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
What a lovely chapter - medicated Sam makes me laugh!
I love stories that feature all of the hobbits. Thank you, SB
Author's reply
Oh my, thank *you*! Hobbits make me so happy.
Cairistiona
· 15 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Another lovely chapter. Loved the way Arwen cared for poor Aragorn, and how she sensed he was indeed beset by the effects of the Nazgul despite not showing it outwardly. I liked that touch. And Sam high on painkillers! What a hoot! Feeling no pain indeed. I'm looking forward to seeing what Aragorn can do to help Elrond.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I haven't written much Arwen - Aragorn interaction, and it's interesting to imagine these scenes with them together. There will be more!
Oh gosh, I love writing 'tipsy' hobbits. :)
lbilover
· 15 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Don't get your foothair in a frazzle, Mr. Pippin.
Hee, I was looking forward to that line and the entire chapter so much!! Dear Frodo hopping down to check on Sam, and Sam is soooo cute when he's tipsy!
I loved this looong, comforting chapter, and *happy sigh* so much love and comfort for Sam! Thank you!! *hugs*
Author's reply
Thank you so much for sneaking this in before your trip! I'm really happy it gave you warm happies and giggles. What a fun chapter to write. Our Sam deserves all this attention! *hugs hugs*
Dreamflower
· 15 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
I was nearly late to work yesterday because of this chapter-- I just couldn't resist a peek, when I saw it pop up in my alert box! I just *had* to know what happened next! So I had no time to review until now!
I adored this chapter--so full of lovely comfort, from Arwen with exhausted Aragorn to Aragorn carrying stubborn Frodo to tipsy Sam--it was all so sweet and warm and gently funny.
I really like your healer, Eriniel. She is so very sweet and competent, and I love the idea of singing as "anesthesia". And Lindir singing his pain away--brilliant! Merry checking up on him, and then Frodo doing the same. I could just imagine Frodo determinedly hopping down the hall on one foot, trying very hard to be obedient about putting weight on his injury and still knowing all the while he's really not *supposed* to be doing that.
Poor Pip! He'd stand no chance of keeping Frodo abed once he decided to check on Sam! Yep, keep those two in the same room, or Merry and Pippin would be run ragged.
“Isn’t ‘splendid’ a splendid word?” Sam asked, then started giggling. “It's just splendid that you're all right, Mr. Frodo. What was that song again?” He resumed humming, and all save Lindir stared at him in amazement.
“He sounds drunk,” Pippin declared.
“Do not be alarmed,” Lindir said, following Aragorn into Frodo’s room. The scattered candles gave the darkened room a warm glow that illuminated Bilbo, peacefully snoring in one of the chairs. “He's had a bit of medicine, and there can be minor… side effects.”
and this part:
“I know that now,” Frodo sighed. “I’m so dizzy.”
“I’m dizzier!” Sam announced triumphantly.
“Quiet, Sam!” Pippin whispered. “You'll wake Bilbo.”
“Don't get your foothair in a frazzle, Mr. Pippin,” Sam declared, causing Merry to snort with suppressed laughter.
“Are you sure he isn't drunk?” Pippin asked.
I giggled like mad at that exchange! Sam's adorable when he's tipsy!
I just loved all of this! And I'm glad I got to leave a proper review at last!
(And I do hope we will be treated to a little glimpse of Hero Gimli's time in the dining hall!)
Author's reply
I'm delighted that you enjoyed this chapter so much! I had a wonderful time planning and writing it, and really hoped that it would be fun to read. There's almost nothing better than tipsy hobbits, especially when they're being so well cared for. Rivendell will never be the same.
Sorry you were almost late for work, but I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and lovely comments. :) :)
Linda Hoyland
· 15 July 2009
· Chapter 10: Endurance
My alerts have been going in my spam box,so I've been missing this story! I loved this chapter and how Aragorn and Arwen care for Frodo.
I'm a tree person myself,but don't tell Gimli!
Author's reply
Darn those spam boxes! They're so unreliable. I'm really happy you're enjoying this story. :)
Lily Baggins
· 15 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
I adored every single bit of this chapter from start to finish. Arwen caring for deeply for Aragorn was a wonderful touch, and poor Sam! Poor Sam on painkilling potion!
I laughed and laughed at the hobbits---
*“I know that now,” Frodo sighed. “I’m so dizzy.”
“I’m dizzier!” Sam announced triumphantly.*
Hee! What hobbit goings-on here. Of course Pippin would have his hands full trying to watch a recovering Frodo! And worrying about a recovering Sam!
And oh my . . . you probably could EASILY predict that I was squeeing like mad when Frodo---pale and worn and still ill---escaped from his bed, selfishly trying to see how Sam fared.
Only to be found by Aragorn and STERNLY---okay, not too sternly given Frodo's health---reprimanded. :) And then to have Aragorn carry Frodo back to bed . . . that was too darling for words. *blissful happy sigh*
Now, to see what poor Elrond is going through!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! I couldn't *wait* to finally get to a more relaxed, banter-y part of the story, and of course I thought of you when Strider simply took matters (errr, Frodo) into his own hands.
Our hobbits deserve every bit of undivided attention and TLC they can get, even if they *are* a bit tipsy from Elvish medicine. :)
Larner
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Trust Frodo to hurry to see what was up with Sam! Ah, dear--each so concerned for the rest he isn't sleeping properly! Ah!
Author's reply
I think it might be quite unsettling for Frodo to have been separated from Sam, and not know if he was alive or dead. Nothing would stop him from finding out the truth for himself! :)
Inzilbeth
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Well that may have been the longest chapter you've written but it certainly flew by to read! Great hobbit banter, as always, and it's good to see Sam receiving all the fuss and attention for once. I loved Arwen's gently awaking of Aragorn, as well as his masterful, no nonsense picking up of Frodo. Being one of the big folk does have it's advantages!
Author's reply
I think 'Strider' learned quite a bit about dealing with hobbits during their long walk to Rivendell, and they've learned to trust him. It's delightful to write these scenes.
Yes, Sam deserves a bit of undivided attention for once! This was fun. :)
Andrea
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
“Sam, how badly are you hurt?” Frodo asked.
“I can’t quite remember offhand, sir,” Sam replied rather cheerfully.
“What?”
LOL!!! That potion is funny! Sam should take it more often ;-)
I'm glad that Sam and Legolas are in good hands now.
And how very clever of Arwen to let Aragorn eat *before* she told him about Elrond!
I have a feeling that he will need all his strength...
I know you would never hurt hobbits and hope that this is also true for elves!
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. I love that potion too! This dialogue was such fun to write.
Oh gosh, you don't have to worry about me ever writing anyone so far gone that a little TLC won't bring them back to health. The TLC is the good part! :)
Althea
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
This chapter is such a joy. I love all of the loving comfort and hobbity humor. It's wonderful to know that Sam is out of danger. I am glad that Merry suggested that Sam be brought to Frodo's room. It's pretty clear that neither Frodo nor Sam would have been able to rest fully if they were not together; however, I do feel that Merry and Pippin are going to have their hands full watching over them.
Author's reply
Thank you, Althea. Naturally, I couldn't wait to get to the comfort-y part of the story!
cookiefleck
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Aww, this was a sweet chapter filled with shirebound-y touches. Glad to see Sam safe and in good hands (both healer and hobbit). Aragorn only had eyes for Frodo, but I guess after what they just went through to save him it's understandable. "Tipsy" Sam was lovably funny ("foothair in a frazzle," LOL),and I always chuckle in stories when Sam appends "Mr." to names that don't need a Mister, such as Lindir. I liked the image you created of Gimli and the elves making merry in the dining room (and Gimli deserves it, after all that he did!).
The first part, with Aragorn and Arwen, made me think about the ramifications of having a spouse that can read your mind. Takes trusting the one you're with to new levels...!
Author's reply
LOL, I thought of that "foothair in a frazzle" line before I even started writing the story! I was happy to finally find a place for it. I'm so glad you enjoyed this, especially all the Sam-silliness, which was fun to plan and write.
Tolkien wrote about Arwen that "from afar she watched over him in thought", one of the very many tidbits we've been given to ponder, yay.
That dining room may never be the same! :)
pebbles66
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 6: Taking Charge
Oh, I love Gimli's inner voice helping him to remain calm and think what to do. Gimli doesn't get to be the hero very often, not near often enough in my opinion!
Author's reply
It's been so interesting to make him a major character, and see these events through his eyes and experience!
pebbles66
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 3: A Clash of Cultures
Gimli and Legolas' dislike for each other and barely-disguised sniping is so cute, since they become such fast friends later on. I'm really enjoying this - but very nervous about them being in that cave...
Author's reply
Thank you. I really wanted to write an 'action' story before Legolas and Gimli were friends, since it would be so interesting to trap them together and force them to work together.
pebbles66
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 2: A Fellowship Forming
A lovely chapter! I love that Gimli, Sam, Merry, and Frodo are spending time together, and that Gimli enjoys being with all the hobbits. I love Pippin's sweet concern about Aragorn, and Merry moving to shield just-woken-up(!) Frodo's face from the sun. I love Sam telling Frodo he might get to carry something tomorrow, and Gimli being all serious about telling them about the mountain, but with his eyes twinkling.
But uh-oh, it's probably not good that Gimli's left all his weapons back at the House. And they're looking for a cave?!
On to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Eeeee, a cave! This can't be good.
Thank you for letting me know all the parts you enjoyed. I love writing about the Fellowship just getting to know one another.
pebbles66
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
Oh my gosh! I've been putting off reading this till I had more time - and now I am seriously looking forward to getting lost in this!
This chapter is so different than what you usually write. It's chilling, frightening; the Nazgul's hatred, desperation and sinister plan is so clear and vivid. I'm amazed that our sweet fluffy shirebound can write this type of malignant evil! And I mean that in a completely good way!!
Author's reply
Thanks for diving into this, Pebbles! This first chapter was really difficult to write, but I'm so glad the Nazgul's thoughts come through as realistic. *shivers*
6336
· 14 July 2009
· Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
Yay! An update and such a looong chapter! Sam and Legolas seem to be doing O.K.
I am worried about Elrond though, holding back that flood for so long must have been a very draining experiance!More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Gosh, my longest chapter ever!
Yes, we need to find out what's going on with Elrond. There sure is a lot of diverse h/c to have fun with in this story. :)
Sila Lumenn
· 8 July 2009
· Chapter 11: Breaking Through
I finally got round to reading this story. Well done! I discovered I was holding my breath while they were digging out the cavern. Can't wait for chapter 12. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm so glad you like it. As soon as I get back from my trip (the middle of next week) I'll be posting chapter 12.
GamgeeFest
· 29 June 2009
· Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Yay! They're all safe! But not sound. They all have a lot of recovering to do and it worries me that Sam did not stir during all of this. This was especially wrenching:
How can I face Frodo if anything happens to Sam, and I could have done something?
Dear Merry, so worried for Frodo and Sam both. Frodo would have never blamed him, but Merry would have blamed himself if the worst had happened.
Author's reply
Dear Merry! He has Frodo's welfare uppermost in his mind, always. I'm relieved everyone is safe, too. Now to get everyone well again. :)
lbilover
· 24 June 2009
· Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Oh thank goodness Legolas, Gimli and Sam are rescued at last! *relieved* Good for brave, quick-thinking Merry!! I just love Gimli, that jewel among Dwarves, in this story. This is one of the best characterizations of him I've read. Thank you!
Author's reply
Oh, I really appreciate that! The braver I get in writing Gimli, the more I learn about him. I like to think that all the members of the Fellowship were jewels, in their own way.
Baggins Babe
· 22 June 2009
· Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Thank goodness everyone is out1 I have no fingernails left now, you realise?
I love Gimli here - practical and determined and still able to appreciate beauty.
Merry proves himself a sensible hobbit and Gimli must have been delighted to see him. Poor Elrond must be completely exhausted and I hope Legolas and Sam are in for lots of spoiling. *hurries off to boil water and find extra blankets*
Author's reply
My fingernails are as short as yours, BB! All this tension is exhausting. Only a heaping helping of comfort 'n cuddles can save us.
Thank you for reading, and for helping out. There can never be enough blankets! :)