Starship by shirebound
GamgeeFest · 11 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
How lovely to see old friends reunited, and for Gimli to get his own honored invitation! Thank you for this lovely tale!
Author's reply
It was such a pleasure to write this gentle story. Thank you for reading! *beams*
GamgeeFest · 11 August 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
What a lovely letter from Frodo. How it must put Aragorn's mind at ease. Love his interaction with the children, so gentle and loving, and his gives wise council. I know the children will remember it!
Author's reply
Thank you. I was just compelled to bring Aragorn back into the story, and you know how much I love it when he and Frodo interact... even in such an unusual way! :)
Antane · 7 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
That would make sense that Sam would be more attune to the tree than anyone and now another reunion is coming at some point. What joy that would give Gimli! Sorry to be so behind in reading here. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I always appreciate your lovely comments, Antane. I'm very happy you enjoyed this conclusion. :)
lbilover · 6 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
A perfectly beautiful end to a perfectly beautiful tale. Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Thank *you*! I truly enjoyed writing this gentle tale.
Cairistiona · 5 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Ah, a fitting end to a lovely story! I enjoyed Gimli's dream/vision, and Sam putting the Shire soil at the foot of the tree. Beautiful imagery! I'm sorry to see it end, but very satisfied nonetheless. Good luck with whatever tale you'll be working on next!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I'm rather sorry to see this end, as well. I enjoyed writing this gentle and happy tale.
Erulisse (one L) · 5 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
This tale has been a delight in all of its' chapters and I am sorry to see it come to an end. I could not have imagined a nicer final chapter than the wrap-up that you have given it. Thank you for brightening my day with the final image of Gimli and his hammer. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoyed this tale. Dear Gimli! His adventures are just beginning. It's been a pleasure sharing this story.
lovethosehobbits · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Oh Jan, this was so lovely. Such a wonderful hopeful ending.
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend.
Inzilbeth · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Shirebound, this has been a wonderful story made all the better by your own deep understanding and appreciation of Tolkien's world. Sam's naming of the tree was perfect and these last passages with Gimli and Legolas were unexpected but so fitting and a pure delight to read. And who wouldn't mind stopping off for a pint in 'Roheryn's Roost'!
Author's reply
Yay, I'm glad you liked it. I wanted to bring *something* unexpected into the final chapter, and Legolas and Gimli insisted on sharing their letters from the West. :) Thank you for such a lovely review, and for all your support.
cookiefleck · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
The final chapter is a lovely end to your story. Wouldn't it be fun to be able to peek in as "...the meadow rang with talk and laughter..."? And as for lovely sights, (my) Sam happily asleep under a singing Elvish tree certainly would be among them. ;o) I could be wrong, but something tells me your fingers are itching to pen a Gimli epilogue or follow-up story.
Author's reply
I'm so happy you enjoyed this "Sam" story, Cookie. I had a wonderful time imagining and writing it. Dear Sam! LOL, maybe someday I'll write something about Gimli arriving in the West. That would be fun, especially if there are hobbits there to greet him. :)
nancylea57 · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
simply as lovely as all your tales; though i have to admit i first saw the title of the work in progress soon after seeing star trek xi and had visions of sam fizzling into sight with archer's dog clasped gently to his breast saying "now where did you come from?"
Author's reply
Thank you, Nancy. I'm glad you enjoyed this! LOL, "Hobbit Trek" is a fun idea.
Fiondil · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
A most satisfying end to this delightful tale, Shirebound. Thanks for sharing this lighthearted story with us. In these dark and troubled times, such stories are a balm to world-weary souls and offer us a glimpse of hope for a better world.
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say. I really do try to bring as much gentle, lightheartedness to as many stories as possible.
UTfrog · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Utterly lovely. Thank you so much. You ended this perfectly.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! I really appreciate that.
Estelcontar · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
That was a most lovely ending for a most charming and gentle story.
Author's reply
I’m so pleased you like the ending. Thank you!
Larner · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Ah! Perfect ending--looking forward to the coming of the last of the Fellowship to Tol Eressea! Yes! And love that the Tree of the Ringbearers welcomes them all as it does!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm really happy that the ending left you feeling satisfied. Isn't it lovely to imagine our beloved characters safe and contented as their new life unfolds?
Andrea · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Wonderful ending! The tree's song was "attuned" to hobbits by giving it Shire earth to grow and by naming it after Sam's Rosie (for him she was a Living Jewel, too). But the song will only be really complete when Gimli's hammer will add the Dwarvish notes to the music, so that it can provide healing for all. Thank you :-)
Author's reply
for him she was a Living Jewel, too Oh, how beautiful! *beams* And yes, little do the Elves know that Gimi has his own music to add to the Song of Tol Eressëa. Thank you for your kind and lovely reviews. :)
curiouswombat · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
That's a lovely conclusion to a lovely gentle tale.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm really pleased you enjoyed this.
Dreamflower · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Oh, my dear! What a beautiful ending you have crafted for this tale! This whole chapter is so gentle and warm and filled with love! Thank you for sharing it with us! (((((((((massive hugs))))))))))
Author's reply
Yay, I'm so glad you like it! Much of this final chapter didn't reveal itself to me until I was actually writing it. *massively hugs you right back*
6336 · 3 August 2010 · Chapter 9: A Rose By Any Other Name
Oh, this is beautiful, Sam is finally home, the Jewel Tree has a name and Gimli can go see The Lady! He must be so happy. Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Thank you, Lynda. I do like to think that all three hobbits and one Dwarf) found a welcoming home in the West, and spent many happy years there.
lovethosehobbits · 9 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
So lovely, I so loved this story but have to admit, I was left with a bittersweet feeling. I so want to actually BE there, it's scary. Thank you so much, dear sweet Janet.
Author's reply
I want to BE there too, dearest Tree. We'll have to meet there in our dreams. One chapter left to go! This has been a peaceful story to think about and write.
Inzilbeth · 8 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
Oh, Shirebound, that was simply wonderful! I do love to think of Aragorn enjoying his visits to Annuminas and what better than to have him gently instructing the next generation in all that has gone before. And it was quite brilliant of you to have Frodo present at the scene courtesy of his letter. Thank you for another lovely chapter
Author's reply
I'm so happy you like this chapter! I hoped this would be a very peaceful and gentle story, and Aragorn certainly has earned his 'holiday' time. *beams*
Antane · 8 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
What a treat for Aragorn to receive that letter and the joy that is enclosed with it and the athelas too. Love his talking to the children and what he said about needing to remember the truth about what happened so they would be safe. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Wouldn't it be wonderful if they could all send letters back and forth? I'm very glad you enjoyed this. Aragorn will make such a wonderful king. :)
Dreamflower · 8 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
What a wonderful interlude, to return across the Sea and find Aragorn and Arwen enjoying the messages from their loved ones. And what a peaceful picture you have painted of their Northern realm. I love the thought of them surrounded by children who are neither fearful nor overawed by their King-- who love him enough and trust him enough to boldly ask for stories or even to touch his famous gem. And I love his response to their request. This was just beautiful!
Author's reply
I just love thinking about Annuminas, and those who might have inhabited the area after the War. It would have been a lovely place for the King and Queen to visit, and such a joy for everyone to see them. And there's something about King Elessar surrounded by children that really makes me happy. I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Why couldn't these folks have found a way to communicate with one another, even across the Sundering Seas?
Larner · 8 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
I found myself reminded of the final scene in "Camelot" when Arthur charges Tom to run behind the lines to keep alive the memory of Arthur's dream of Camelot as I read of Aragorn charging the children who came to him to remember all that was done by the Fellowship, and particularly Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam. It is lovely to think of this letter being received and read and treasured! And the reassurance that Arwen, Elrohir, and Elladan received from their mother's journal must have been beyond price! Yes, the most famousest of Hobbits!
Author's reply
What a joy for us that we can imagine ways in which our beloved characters, in Middle-earth and the West, can communicate even now. Indeed, one of King Elessar's great tasks might be to ensure that peace is not only maintained, but appreciated.
Estelcontar · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
Oh I'm so glad you wrote this chapter. It was a most satisfying one to read. I have this special spot in my heart about Aragorn in rebuilt Annúminas because I've always thought that reigning there would be for him like having a cherished dream come true. In this chapter, you did such a great job of picturing Aragorn's bliss in a beautiful, prosperous and peaceful Annúminas as I've always imagined it to be, in such vivid colours that it just felt perfect; as also did the picture of Aragorn surrounded by children telling them the whole story from the very beginning. Thank you for writing this.
Author's reply
Oh my, you're quite welcome! As you know, this chapter rather surprised me in its insistence to be written. It makes me very happy that you found it satisfying. :)
demeter d · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
From your reply to Lindalea's review of this chapter..."wish I could transport you to Lake Evendim"... But you just did! This was indeed peaceful and lovely. Frodo's gift of the very special seeds. Celebrian's journal giving comfort to a daughter who will always have regrets, but perhaps fewer now. The image of Aragorn telling the children, Hobbits, human and dwarven, to remember. That brings to mind the scene at the end of both the stage musical and movies of "Camelot." A boy comes to a dying Arthur and wants to fight for him. Arthur tells him that his command to him, as his King, is for the boy to run away from the fighting, live, grow and remember. And, in the commentary interviews to one of P.J.'s Extended DVD's, Ian McKellen remarks that the stories, even though told as if history, 'never really happened, except, perhaps, in our hearts.' To have an image of even one shining moment of peace, sometime in the story of our sad old world, is worth...very, very much.
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to share. I hadn't consciously remembered that scene from Camelot when I was writing this chapter, but I'm very gratified that the feeling of it is the same. Frodo asked for so little when he was in Middle-earth, and I know the King would make sure that the 'quality' of the hobbits, especially Bilbo (in Frodo's eyes) would be honored and remembered.