Starship by shirebound
Linda Hoyland · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
What a lovely chapter! I liked the idea of the super athelas,a perfect gift for Aragorn and loved the image of Aragorn telling stories to the children and them not fearing him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I really enjoy the idea of the King surrounded by children who will never forget this special visit with him. And what a challenge to think of a gift from Frodo to Aragorn! I'm pleased you like it. *beams*
lbilover · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
Oh, this is very beautiful and very healing, and I adore the image of the King telling Bilbo's great Adventure to the hobbit children. I'm glad Aragorn convinced you to give him another small part in this tale! Thank you. :))
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you so much. I'm really pleased that this scene insisted on being written. It took me quite by surprise! If the hobbits can spread news of the King returned, why can't the King tell a tale about hobbits? *happy*
harrowcat · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
I have tears in my eyes and a happy sigh in my heart Shirebound. A lovely gift to find at the end of an awful day! Mum is back in hospital with yet another urine infection and i am 100 miles away! But she seems to have turned the corner thank goodness. So, a little peace reading your story was just what i needed. Thank you.
Author's reply
Oh my, I'm very sorry to hear about your Mum. If this moment of contentment for our beloved characters brought your day some peace, my heart rejoices. I'm sending your Mum good wishes for a very fast and complete recovery. *hugs for you*
cookiefleck · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
Nice interlude! It's nice to imagine that their deeds will never be forgotten.
Author's reply
Thank you, Cookie. Thanks to the Red Book, the King, and fanfic(!), the Tale goes ever on and on.
Andrea · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
“Gandalf is a wizard!” a tiny girl cried out happily. “He has grey clothes and white clothes and rides a big horse!” Great summary :-) I just have to smile at the image of Aragorn surrounded by children, telling them to never forget what Frodo and his companions achieved. And I'm quite sure, they won't! They will pass it on to their children and grandchildren and thus fulfill Frodo's wish.
Author's reply
It was such fun imagining what the interaction between Aragorn and the children might be like. I suspect they'd be awestruck... but still children, after all. Glad you enjoyed this!
6336 · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
Yoe were right, Aragorn did still have something to do, so much that happens becomes story and fades into history and then into legend and is forgetten for the truth it is! Hopefully these children will remember and pass on the truth. Lynda
Author's reply
Even from across the Sea, Frodo is looking out for his dear Uncle Bilbo and ensuring that his importance in the Tale is remembered. I know that Aragorn would make sure the story is passed on to future generations.
Cairistiona · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
I'm soooo glad you realized Aragorn's part wasn't finished in this tale--this was absolutely perfect. I love the picture you paint of Aragorn, the King, leaning up against a tree, surrounded by children. *melts* I loved every word of this.
Author's reply
Yay, thank you. I imagine Annuminas as a place where Aragorn can be less formal than in Minas Tirith. Just being "home" would bring him joy, I think.
Lindelea · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
What a delightful chapter, filled with smiles (at the King and the children) and peace. How lovely to hear that Frodo is truly healed, and that he was able to get word to the King. I can almost see the city as the dwarves built it, and the Ranger-King walking among his people, and surrounded by children, and Arwen and her brothers rejoicing over their mother's healing. Thanks for a cool and refreshing pause in a day that's going to be too warm by half, from the signs.
Author's reply
I'm so pleased that you like this chapter. I love the idea of folks getting a chance to send and receive letters across the Sundering Seas. It's satisfying to picture Annuminas restored, a center of trade and peaceful interaction in the North. I know there's a LOT of scorching heat out there. Wish I could transport you to Lake Evendim!
6336 · 13 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Ah, good Sam is starting to settle in a bit. It must be overwhelming for him to realise that he is with Frodo and Bilbo at last, plus he has meeting Galadrial again to look forward to, I don't think Gimli was the only one who was a little smitten with her! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Sam did love Lorien, and on the River he said he wished they were back there. Perhaps it *was* Galadriel he missed! :)
lbilover · 12 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Oh, I'm just gobbling this reunion up like a hungry hobbit!! Thank you so much! *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Yay, I'm so glad. Imagining them happy and together again makes me feel very peaceful.
Andrea · 12 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
What a beautiful gift! It's like closing a circle. Through Galadriel there is a little bit of Valinor in the Shire, and through Sam there is a little bit of the Shire (nearly) in Valinor! Now I'm looking forward to reading more about the "special tree"!
Author's reply
"Closing a circle" was exactly my intention. I'm so glad it came through. Thank you for reading, Andrea! Yay for happy hobbits.
cookiefleck · 12 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
This was very sweet. Sam seeing the gardens reminded me of the film, The Wizard of Oz, when Dorothy first sees Oz and the cinematography changes from black and white to color. I chuckled when, after the big meal, Frodo in true hobbit fashion nevertheless set out some peaches and cream. Of course, I now am wondering about the tree, etc. And I also have a feeling that Sam's gift of soil (not to mention just his presence) will be a very, very good thing.
Author's reply
Oh, that's a good analogy! I hadn't thought about The Wizard of Oz (consciously), but there really is the same 'feeling' about that moment. We *know* that Sam's presence in the West will be beneficial for Frodo, for him, and for everyone who interacts with him. He's one of Yavanna's beloved gardeners, after all!
Dreamflower · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
What a delightful new chapter! It's lovely to see how joyful Frodo is, and how excited he is to have Sam with him at last! And, oh, I love it that Sam was covered in stardust! I'm eager to see Frodo's reactions to the letters and messages from his friends!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm trying to portray Frodo's excitement and joy bubbling up through the calm and long-ranging view of things his life in the West might have given him by this time. I love that 'stardust' as well. Long ago Sam saw Frodo shining, and now Frodo's seen the same with his Sam. :)
Fiondil · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Sam's gift the the soil from the Shire is so typically Sam. *grin* Your description of the place, especially of the harbor and the boats, was so vivid I could see it clearly. Wish I were there instead of here. *sigh* Another lovely chapter, Shirebound. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you! I wish we could *all* vacation there. Thank goodness for fanfic, and our imaginations. I love imagining our hobbits making a new life for themselves in such a beautiful, peaceful place.
lovethosehobbits · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
“What an adventure... and I feel as if we’re all still living in his tale and always will...." I do to and I hope it lasts forever. I loved this. I had accidentally read one of our dearest writer's take on whether Frodo would live or die once he sailed. By the end I was so depressed and I couldn't get it out of my head. I believe he still lives...as long as we believe and think of him.
Author's reply
Thanks to our love, and fanfic, Bilbo's tale will go ever on and on. What a joy to be part of it. The reason I started writing fanfic was to shower Frodo with all the comfort, healing, peace, and respect he deserves... in Middle-earth and across the Sea. I will always believe that he found all this, and more, in the West. Thank you, dear friend.
harrowcat · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
I am sure that it is and I am very much looking forward to seeing that meeting. Can't wait but will bide in patience and pray for the well-being of your wrists!
Author's reply
Many thanks for those good wishes. My chapters may not arrive quickly, but they arrive eventually! I'm looking forward to Yavanna's special tree finally getting to meet Sam. :)
FantasyFan · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Another lovely chapter. Very hobbity, with luncheon in the title and all. There's a lot of talk of dust here - Galadriel's earth that Sam sprinkled in the Shire, the sparkly dust that fell from Sam's clothes from Vinglot, and the good soil of the Shire that he's brought with him. I wonder how that will all come together! I'm glad Sam is settling in and getting his legs. It will be wonderful for him to visit the special tree.
Author's reply
My working title for this story, until I was nearly ready to post chapter 1, was "Stardust". There certainly *is* a lot of very special 'dust' floating around, isn't there? :)
Kara's Aunty · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Hello shirebound, such a beautiful, ethereal (in a hobbity sort of way) story. I love everything about it; from Sam's journey on Earendil's ship, to the sparkling star-powder which fell from his clothes and landed in the garden. Sam is mistaken when he says he brought Mr Bilbo nothing from the Shire, though - he did; a handful of Bag End's very garden! I think old Bilbo will enjoy that as much as Frodo! The mere thought of it certainly makes me smile :) Thanks very much for this gem of a story. I'm really looking forward to the next chapter!! M :)
Author's reply
Thank *you* very much. It's such a joy to give Sam this special journey, and a sweet reunion with *both* Bagginses. And since Bilbo loves his gardens so very much, I'm sure you're right that he'll also enjoy Sam's gift!
Antane · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Ah, another chapter up! Wonderful that Bilbo was there to greet Sam. But best of all is Pippin's unflagging hope and Sam's gifts to his treasure, the beloved soil of the Shire and those letters. Looking forward to more and the resolution of this gentle cliffhanger. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Pippin shows a form of 'clairvoyance' so many times during LOTR, I believe that such a gift would only grow stronger with time. Awwww, I like 'gentle cliffhangers'. I'm glad you're enjoying this one.
Larner · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
A wonderful welcome. Time stretching, but in a good way--how wonderful! And the soil from home is perfect!
Author's reply
I like to believe that time can stretch in beneficial ways, such as in Lorien and in the West, and not just the uncomfortable way that Bilbo experienced in the Shire. I'm so glad you like Sam's choice of gifts! :)
Cairistiona · 11 June 2010 · Chapter 7: At Luncheon
Another excellent chapter! I loved hearing Sam relate about "Strider" and how he's doing, and the gift of soil from Bag End is a perfect touch. I also like how the meal settled Sam nicely. Far be it for a Hobbit go so long without eating! I'd be a little shaky on my pins after two days, too! Looking forward to the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I couldn't imagine anything better to help Sam begin his "settling in" than a good meal, shared with good friends. The thought of such a gentle reunion, with all the time in the world to adjust, makes me happy.
GamgeeFest · 29 May 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Yay! Sam is in the West and reunited with his soul-brother! Love the image of the star dust illuminating Sam, and Frodo choosing the softest patch of grass to lay him upon.
Author's reply
I thought that since Sam had seen Frodo shining with light on the Quest, Frodo might enjoy seeing Sam all a-sparkle as well. :) It's so joyous to imagine a happy reunion for them.
GamgeeFest · 29 May 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
I could have sworn I left a review for this already, but I obviously didn't. Love the care that Earendil shows to Sam, and the messages going back and from to Arda and the West. I was especially touched by his amazement that there was a letter for himself. Wonder who it's from? ;)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this. What a fun challenge to imagine how Earendil might have reacted to such an experience.
Grey Wonderer · 21 May 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
So now Sam has arrived safe and Bilbo is starting breakfast! LOL So very hobbity of him. I like the way he and Frodo seem to have changed Gandalf and Elrond a bit just by being with them. Can't wait to hear Sam's reaction once he is fully awake. Great story!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm having a wonderful time writing this, I just wish I had *more* time! I do love the notion of Elrond and Gandalf changing as much as Frodo probably has. :)
Grey Wonderer · 21 May 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
This was a lovely chapter. I also wish that he could speak with Sam but it is probably best this way. : )
Author's reply
It was fascinating trying to imagine Eärendil and how he would react to this experience.