Holding Back the Flood by shirebound
Grey Wonderer · 22 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Yeah! So glad everyone is out and that the Elves are starting to realize that Gimli is well worth knowing and having around. Can't wait until Frodo knows that his Sam is safe. Looking forward to more as always.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. What a whirlwind that was! And I think your wish will be granted in the next chapter.... :)
GreyLynx · 21 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Phew, they made it! I hope poor Sam will be alright, and Elrond, did he just become unconscious or was it something else that happened to him? Valar, he´s not dying or something? Don't kill him! (Ok, I know I'm overreacting but I'm very fond of my dear Elrond :) ) Ha, looks like Estel is going to have some healing work to do , with help from Gandalf of course. Update soon!
Author's reply
Whew, we finally got everyone rescued! Now there's lots of healing to be done. Thank you so much for reading. I promise *never* to kill anyone in one of my stories! Comfort and healing are my favorite things. :)
cookiefleck · 20 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Finally able to make my way here! Excellent chapter and very descriptive. I really liked how you wrote the part about Legolas' rescue... his hazy awareness of the voices, etc. Felt very realistic. And I was glad that Merry used his head and was able to convince the others to adopt his plan. I felt the sense of relief right along with Gimli when Merry's head popped through the hole. And... Sam!! Unconscious, oh my... BTW, my favorite exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History was a huge gemstone display. OMG, the gorgeous natural formations they had there (and of course I took a few, ha ha, photos). Your Gimli comments made me think of it... dazzling.
Author's reply
Oh, I love gemstones! Next time you're down this way, you should visit the Gemological Institute of America in Carlsbad, which is awesome. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. And I'm going to make sure there lots of Sam! in chapter 12. :)
Larner · 19 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Hooray for Merry and his plain Hobbit sense! Yes! Wise indeed he's proved--and more helpful perhaps then any had suspected! Now all are safe, and it's time to get Legolas and Sam to help! Excellent details!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Hobbits have their own wisdom, and it's always a joy to find ways to show it.
grumpy · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
I love it that Arwen thought to wash Pippen's scarf. She is like a breath of freash air, no wonder Strider is in love with her.
Author's reply
Thanks, Grumpy. It's fun to bring out little details like this.
grumpy · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Thanks to a smart hobbit and a lot of dusty elves and a dirty dwarf, they are free and not heading over a waterfall in a gush. Poor Gimli to see so many pretty rocks and have no time to look.
Author's reply
Finally free, and due to the efforts of many. It was a close call indeed!
galimeril · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Great chapter, very vivid!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! I appreciate that very much.
Tigger · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
YAY!! They're finally out!!! Now the fight for Elrond's recovery begins. Thank goodness Merry was able to realize his Heritage as a Hobbit would be needed and how best to use that knowledge. If he hadn't insisted on digging that smaller tunnel, then... I love seeing the Elves learn that all they've learned about the Dwarves might not be true. That they also value beauty, but in a different way, would go against the prejudice they've been taught about the race of Mahal. I do hope they're able to restore some of the cavern to what it was. This was fantastic m'dear, as usual. Now bring on the Hobbit and Elven healing!! :oD
Author's reply
Yay!! *bounce bounce* From as far back as "Quarantined", I've been exploring what diverse people can learn from (and teach) one another when they're stuck together and have something difficult to achieve. It's one of my favorite themes. Thank you for all your enthusiasm. Healing, wheeee. :)
Dreamflower · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Yay!!! Everyone is safe!! *jumps up and down* And Merry was able to help, and Gimli got proper appreciation for his stalwart bravery and hard work. On the other hand, there are now two hobbits--Frodo and Sam, one Wood-Elf, and the Master of Imladris all in need of lots of rest and TLC! I hope you have lots and lots of blankets!!! And plenty of cups of tea, and some nice food trays, and plenty of loving comapanionship on hand!
Author's reply
I'm happy, too! Thank you. :) Oh my goodness, such a lot of TLC needs to be dispensed now. Can we bear it? Will there be enough blankets? Are the chefs ready for all those food trays? Such suspense....
Inzilbeth · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Oh Meriadoc the Magnificent to the rescue, and Gimli was pretty magnificent too! What a relief that they are all now safely on there way back indoors. Elrond looks top be in need of some urgent TLC. I do hope Aragorn does the honours! An excellent chapter, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Thank you! Finally everyone's out from underground; they should all be very proud of themselves. But... goodness, a chapter without Frodo *or* Aragorn? I must have a talk with this author immediately.
Antane · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Well done indeed and you, too, Merry and Elrond, bless you! *hugs* When I saw the title of the chapter I was a little nervous but this was a good breakthrough! *dances around* *breathes easier* Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, on behalf of everyone! I'm relieved to reach this point, too. :) *hugs*
Andrea · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Gimli looked up at the Elves surrounding him. They stood tall, the bright stars glittering in their hair and eyes. They were also as dirty as he, and must be as weary. The strangeness of the situation suddenly seemed quite amusing, and he threw his head back and laughed. Yay for Gimli! He did a great job. But we should not forget Merry, for he had the right idea at the right time. Frodo will be very proud of him! It was also a good idea to send Aragorn away to have some rest. He will be needed now, I fear. Probably not for Legolas and Sam, but maybe for Elrond...
Author's reply
Thank you. I like to think that Elrond had a valid reason for picking Gimli for the Fellowship, beyond the obvious (that Gimli was relatively young and willing to do it). Who knows what might have happened during those two months in Rivendell? He might have gained the Elves' respect in some way or other. Good old Merry. He's such a strong and steady sort, and so devoted to Frodo. :)
6336 · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Yay! There Out! Now for a lot of comfort for all, hope Elrond likes the P.J's. picked out for him! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
The 'comfort' part is the *best* part, of course. :) It's fun pondering about Elvish P.J.'s.
Cairistiona · 18 June 2009 · Chapter 11: Breaking Through
Ah, time to let out a guarded sigh of relief. Elrond worries me, though, and of course, there's still Sam and Legolas' injuries to tend to. Very exciting chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you. Quite a lot insisted on happening in this chapter!
Lily Baggins · 16 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
I adore Legolas admonishing Gimli here to "never underestimate a hobbit." So true, so very true, as everyone else will learn, I'm sure. And the second portion---perfect!!! I've been craving---YEARNING---for some adorable TLC bestowed on Frodo by Aragorn, and this is wonderful! I so enjoyed Bilbo being there, and Aragorn's gentle talk to Frodo, and well . . . all of it. *wants to wrap Frodo in blankets and Aragorn in blankets and care for them*
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Lily. Regretfully, I can't devote the whole story to Frodo and Aragorn the way I could with "Keep Him Secret..." (and the way I'd love to devote *every* story), but I'm so happy that the times they're spending together here make you happy. Gosh, gentle Frodo TLC is still what makes me happiest, after 7 years of writing!
shadowolf · 8 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
Ahh! The suspense is killing me! You have to update so I can find out what happens! Hope to read more soon! But alas, that means UPDATE SOON! please?
Author's reply
I'll do my best! Thank you for the enthusiasm. :)
GamgeeFest · 7 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
Good of everyone to insist that Strider rest, and the hobbits will be sure he gets a proper meal when he wakes. ;) Now to hurry up and dig out those trapped in the cave so Elrond can rest!
Author's reply
It's a fun turnabout to have everyone worried about Strider (and even Elrond) for a change. :)
Gentle Hobbit · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
“Nay, there is now but one Dwarf before me,” Legolas said, trying to smile. “I am much relieved.” I adore Gimli and Legolas' interactions, and I love the rather ambiguous comment above from Legolas. Your talent at writing these two has really emerged during this story!
Author's reply
Thank you! It's such a breakthrough when a tenuous friendship evolves to where two people can gently tease one another. :)
Antane · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
I hope there will be good news to tell Frodo about Sam when he wakes! And cute that Legolas remarks that now he only sees one Gimli and bless the dwarf and Elrond for all their efforts to be everyone else and of course Aragorn for keeping Frodo safe. Poor Sam with that concussion. I also want you to know that the muscles of my arms are trembling with the strain and effort to remain on this cliff, so do hurry back, my dear, to save us all! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm worried about all of them too, but we won't rest until they're all safe. And now I'm extra-inspired to get everyone rescued, since you're in danger, as well! Thank you so much for the encouragement and for letting me know you're continuing to enjoy this story.
Baggins Babe · 6 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
I have been reading, Shirebound, although time has been very short recently. Poor Elrond must be exhausted, and Aragorn too. I'm nibbling my fingernails in anticipation. I loved the dialogue between Gimli and Legolas - “Nay, there is now but one Dwarf before me,” Legolas said, trying to smile. “I am much relieved.” I love that line! Now we have to wait for the rescue - eeeek!
Author's reply
Heee, I love that line too! BB, I'm always so thrilled to hear from you, whenever you can check in. All of our lives are so busy; if only we could cause time to run more gently, as Galadriel seems to have done in Lorien. *hugs you*
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
I love the discussions between Legolas and Gimli! Such humor in times of stress and each making an effort to understand the other's beliefs and personality. A very nice beginning to their friendship. I also love that Gimli is thinking ahead to saving Sam from high water while Legolas is trying to keep Sam's spirits up. A common goal! Love this line most though, (Time... the one thing Elves think about the least. It is now my enemy.) So very thought-provoking coming from an Elf. Looking forward to more and so very happy Frodo is safe(crosses fingers and knows full well there could be more ahead.) and that Aragorn is asleep and Pippin's scarf is clean!
Author's reply
Writing that strained 'banter' is really enjoyable! There's nothing like a shared goal to bring mutually-suspicious people together. I love knowing what lines in a chapter make folks smile or think. Thank you. :) LOL, we can't forget the scarf! It was in need of healing too, poor thing.
Galimeril · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
Awww! Poor sleepy Estel! I do so adore your story! It made my day when I realized you had updated! Have a great weekend!
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say! Thank you very much, and I wish you a great weekend too. :)
lbilover · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
Oh, I am still so worried about poor Sam! *frets* But I am loving dear Gimli more and more. He's such a terrific character who was given such a rotten hand in the movies (imo). And again, I love seeing more of Arwen and her gentle humor and competence! I hope the next chapter won't be far off and has some Sam healing!
Author's reply
I agree, movie Gimli (and Legolas too, imo) were nowhere near the 'real people' they are to me in the books. And after thousands of years -- and the role of Lady of Imladris -- Arwen *must* be competent. I enjoy trying to figure them all out, especially where hobbits are concerned. :) Can't promise Sam healing until after the rescue, but I'm working on that now!
Althea · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
It's wonderful to see Frodo at peace and pain free, at least for the time being; however, the flooding situation really has me worried, especially since Elrond is becoming so exhausted. It's bad enough that Gimli, Legolas, and Sam are still trapped, but Legolas's fever and Sam's inabilitly to stay awake certainly cause the suspense level to rise.
Author's reply
Thanks, Althea. Of course it was very important to me that Frodo get safely tucked into bed and looked after. Now it's time to get everyone out of that scary dark cave. Eeeeee!
Inzilbeth · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance
You do such a great job of juggling so many storylines, Shirebound. As always, I really enjoyed the banter between Legolas and Gimli. “Nay, there is now but one Dwarf before me,” Legolas said, trying to smile. “I am much relieved.” One dwarf is clearly more than enough for the poor Elf! And it was great to see Aragorn finally get some rest.
Author's reply
Thank you for highlighting that line; it's my favorite in the chapter! Aragorn gets his well-deserved nap at last. :) Whew, this *is* a lot to juggle, but what fun. Thank you so much for reading.