PSW
· 13 October 2015
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
So, hey! I decided to venture in and see how it works. :-)
This was a fun story too! Was an interesting arc, with the three Hobbits. I laughed when they started going on about genealogy -- that is definitely a favorite Hobbity topic. Enjoyed Arwen's role too, especially the giggling over their discussion of Aragorn's looks now that they had reached Rivendell. I enjoy seeing Arwen in stories, we see so little of her from Tolkien himself...
Thanks as always for writing, I enjoyed!
Author's reply
Hey, look at you, all logged in and everything! :D
Thank you! This was another of my very tiptoe-y forays into romance... fortunately with Aragorn and Arwen, it's not too intimidating to tackle (probably because, as you say, Tolkien gave us so little of her to work with. She's about 76% blank slate!) And hobbits, though not my fave up there with the Dunedain, are still doggone fun to write. So irrepressible!
Suzelle
· 30 August 2011
· Chapter 2: Elrond's Your Father?
Sooooo to distract me/get me out of depressing writer's block, I am re-reading various fics that I enjoy. One of which is this one. And I had completely forgotten the ending of this chapter, and I cackled for about a good ten minutes. This is just as lovely reading the second time! *g*
Author's reply
Hee! Glad you liked it the 2nd time around, and may it bump you out of your writer's block. Can't have that, nope. There really needs to be a vaccination or something for writer's block....
Mirach
· 2 August 2011
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
I'm just rereading the books, and I missed something when I got to Rivendell. I realized it's this gapfiller... I had to stop, and read it before I continue to the Council of Elrond. So now it's officially a part of the story to me :D
Author's reply
Aw, wow... thank you, Mirach! It's a high honor indeed to have any reader consider one of my fanfics good enough to fit in as an official part of the story! *big silly grin*
Ainu Laire
· 26 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
I'm always terribly late with reviews and whatnot, but here I am nonetheless xD
I loved the extension of the Pippin chapter, you really captured the hobbit's personality well. I loved the foreshadowing the whole 'king' part with the bed XD I was actually expecting the hobbits to discover this about him because of the foreshadowing in this story and was a little disappointed when they didn't. I especially love to think of Pippin's reaction (though his complete confusion in the 'Minas Tirith' chapter perhaps shows he really was clueless, though I am not sure if I like to think of him completely in the dark... I think it's open to interpretation. Mmmhmm.)
Ok, and as I'm rereading this, you had Merry elude to Aragorn's kingship. You do realize that these hints of foreshadow really call for a sequel for when Aragorn's lineage is revealed and both Frodo and Sam know, right? And they would obviously tell Merry and Pippin. You could even do movie!verse council. Yes. Evil foreshadowing with nothing here to appease it :P Must appease the foreshadowing! And I want to see what your version of the hobbits think.
I love the connection you made to your own Aragorn-encounters-Nazgul story, and how you made the Nazgul have an effect on him. Seriously, awesome.
If Halbarad stops by Rivendell while the hobbits are there, Merry should squeeze the story out of him. I can imagine Aragorn arguing about the events that happened. I love those two XD
I also imagine Merry asking Aragorn about the reason he breathes on the athelas leaves. Merry is an observant and curious hobbit, after all. *nod*
I LOVED the Aragorn and Arwen meeting. That was hilarious. Loved also Sam not believing the others one bit until he saw it for himself. But really, you must address the hobbit's reactions to the 'king' bit, you foreshadowed it too many times not to. And include Halbarad in the sequel, because that would be even more awesome. Yes, I am an incredibly demanding reviewer >:D
Author's reply
LOL... no review is ever too late, so thanks, Laire! You certainly did lay down a lot of demands, didn't you! *g* But I don't mind at all. I am thinking about a follow-up story of the hobbits and Strider together in a kitchen in Minas Tirith, looking back on that day in Rivendell's kitchen. So it's on the list. And Halbarad and the hobbits--now there's food for thought! No reason he couldn't have a chance meeting with them while they're in Rivendell. Hmmm....
As for the foreshadowing, well, it's a gap-filler and I had to fit it into canon, and at that time, Merry & Pippin didn't know about Aragorn being a king, so my hands were pretty much tied on that front. But a little bit of unresolved story is a good thing, in my book. *g*
I'm glad you enjoyed my expanded version of that first encounter. Thanks again for the not-too-late review! :)
Linda Hoyland
· 21 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
A lovely ending to a lovely story. I also enjoy reading about Aragorn looking kingly!
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda! There's something very intriguing to me about Strider vs. Aragorn/Elessar... I like it when I can work the contrast into a story and it fit this situation perfectly for him to perform his presto-change-o act. :) I imagine he really shocked people, changing his appearance so drastically. I'm glad you enjoyed the story and thank you for the review!
Antane
· 20 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
"Indeed, my heart would shrink at facing such prospects except for this one thing: as long as there is bravery, and friendship, and stout hearts that hold true, there will always be hope."
Sam looked at Aragorn, then looked at Arwen and finally to Merry and Pip. He raised his mug. "To hope, then," he said.
"And bravery and hearts stout and true, wherever the road may lead," Merry added.
How wonderful! Like Sam in the beginning too. Le hannon for this gem!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane! It was indeed a pleasure to present this story, and I'm very glad you liked it. I'm always pleased to hear what lines or moments left a strong impression with a reader. That line of Strider's is a particular favorite of mine, for it seems to sum up his own optimism and his ability to encourage others, even worried hobbits. :) Thanks again for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
This story was so wonderful! I laughed and giggled the whole way through chapter 3, with the hobbits so sneakily discussing Aragorn's appearance. I can imagine how embarrassing that would be to him!
And gracious---how the hobbits did go on about their family trees. LOL! So perfectly hobbity.
Oh my---I really did enjoy this. Every single little bit of it. I must echo Shirebound in saying I'd love to see a chapter with Frodo! Perhaps a still-recovering and weak Frodo is the one to find out first that Aragorn is a future king!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! I'm glad you enjoyed this story so much... it was definitely a giggle at times to write, if I can say that myself. *g*
As for a Frodo chapter... maybe as a separate ficlet. I'll jot down the story idea. :)
Thanks again for the review!
Estelcontar
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
This was a perfect concluding chapter to a most satisfying and enjoyable story. Your Aragorn is perfection as usual, and you do a great job of writing hobbits. They sound so true to life.
The peredhel parsnip bit was a total delight, as was seeing Aragorn and Arwen together. And you absolutely struck the right note at the ending. Well done indeed.
Author's reply
Thank you, Estelcontar! I'm glad you enjoyed this story. Aragorn and hobbits are such a fun combination--lots of opportunity for humor! :)
Raksha The Demon
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
I love Sam's skepticism; and the younger hobbits' gosh-wow enthusiasm for Strider's exotic affiliations. And the ending is perfect!
Author's reply
Thank you, Raksha... so glad you enjoyed it!
Vanadesse
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
Magnificent !
I like the down to earth point of view of Hobbits !
Author's reply
Thank you, Vanadesse! I'm so glad you enjoyed this--and yes, the hobbits are nothing if not down to earth, aren't they? Thanks for the review. :)
RS
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
I enjoyed this so much!!!
I love the fact that Sam's "scrap of food" consisted of pile-high scrambled eggs and two sausages to top it off! What's a hobbit story without the mention of food?
Imagine...a room full of puppy dog eyes just staring at you? (including your love)! Although I could imagine this reader suddenly thrown in that room and my eyes would certainly turn puppy dog-- towards the ranger!
The smile on my face has not faded! Your hobbits are truly endearing! And need I say it... I love your Aragorn and Arwen.
A wonderful gap filler that I will read on and on....
Author's reply
Thank you so much, RS! I'm glad this little tale has left an indelible impression. I'm with you in that I'd be making puppy eyes at a certain Ranger, too. *g* And yes, you can't really have a hobbit story without food in it somewhere. LOTS of food.
Thanks again for the review!
LisaG
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
Yay! Another great story/filler...I adored the way the hobbits now seem to innately trust Aragorn after the harrowing journey to Rivendell. It was also heartwarming to see Elrond so receptive to his "son" and non-critical of his and Arwen's open affection.
Author's reply
Thank you, LisaG! I'm very glad you enjoyed this. I'm with you in that the hobbits must have formed a fairly deep attachment to Strider by the time they reached Rivendell, even if they are still a bit puzzled about who he really is. And you know me, I always take the interpretation of Elrond as loving toward Aragorn, and I think by this point, he's so resigned to them as a couple there's nothing for it but to smile and be glad that Aragorn does seem to be all that he needs to be to wed such as Arwen... except for that crown, of course. So... an indulgent Elrond. :)
Thanks for the review!
utfrog
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
I just love your stories - you write a wonderful Aragorn. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
Thank you, utfrog! I'm so glad you like my take on Aragorn. Thank you for being such a faithful reader. :)
Ellynn
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
Aww, what a beautiful little story. Everything is perfectly described - Aragorn, Arwen, hobbits, their interactions...
I hope we won't wait long for your next story. :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellynn! I hope we don't wait long either, but with my daughter's summer holidays starting in a couple days, I have no idea how much writing time I'll have. Hopefully enough for some short ficlets, though! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story--it was a lot of fun to write and it's gratifying to hear that it's a lot of fun to read as well. Thanks again!
Inzilbeth
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
A most delightful concluding chapter to a most delightful story! Aragorn resting at Rivendell is always good but throwing in a few hobbits arguing about family trees is a stroke of genius! Very well done indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the entire tale. I did enjoy writing the hobbits arguing about the family tree--it seemed a very hobbity thing for them to do. ;)
Very grateful for the beta assistance, as always!
Dreamflower
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
*grin* Perfect final chapter-- I love the discussion of Strider with Sam, and how he and Arwen overhear it!
I enjoyed Sam's doubtfulness as to how regal Strider could look, and his skepticism of Pippin's and Merry's accounts.
I loved the genealogy discussion, Bolgers, Burrowses, Hornblowers and all! You were very clever in choosing Sadoc off the Brandybuck tree, as we are not told who he marries!
BTW, I once had it worked out for me, for one of my own stories: counting only on Elrond's and Elros' side of the family, and not taking into account any collateral connections that could have been possible on Aragorn's maternal side, Arwen is Aragorn's first cousin, 64 times removed! I do think that is quite enough generations to satisfy any fears of consanguinity! And, also BTW, though none of the three know it yet, every one of those hobbits will end up marrying a cousin of one degree or another! (And a lot closer than 70 or even 64 generations, LOL!)
as long as there is bravery, and friendship, and stout hearts that hold true, there will always be hope.
Such a perfect thing for him to say!
Author's reply
Ah, I should have known someone somewhere would have worked out just how many generations removed Arwen is from Aragorn! *g* I wasn't too far off with 70, then, although it was a number I, and hence Arwen, pulled out of a hat. So the hobbits married cousins as well... I suppose the hobbit population wasn't big enough to ensure absolutely no connections at all.
I chose Sadoc for that very reason: no spouse name and a nicely vague "various descendants" after his "Two Sons". It left my three hobbits free to argue, er, I mean speculate. :)
Thank you so much for the very interesting tidbits and your kind words about my story. I'm very glad you enjoyed it!
Mirach
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
I love how the hobbits always unconsciously stumble upon the truth about Aragorn's identity. I would give anything to see his expression while listening to them! You write the interactions between the characters just wonderfully, it is a great pleasure to read!
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! I had so much fun imagining all of Strider's expressions...I'm sure they were quite pained at times. *g* I'm glad you enjoyed the story. :)
Radbooks
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
A wonderful tale, and I thoroughly enjoyed every word of it! Thanks for sharing it with us!
Author's reply
Thank you, Radbooks! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
shirebound
· 19 May 2010
· Chapter 3: You're Having Me On!
pear... parcel... parsnip..."
LOL! I enjoyed every bit of this delightful story. The hobbits would certainly be drawing assurance from 'Strider' by now, and it's very nice to enjoy the peace of Rivendell through his POV. I hope you'll continue this tale if the Muse inspires you! Maybe something with Frodo... *is insatiable*
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! I'm so glad you enjoyed this... it was certainly a fun topic to explore. I don't have any thoughts at the moment about Aragorn and Frodo as part of this tale, since Frodo's still asleep, but it's something to think about for another, definitely.
Thank you for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 2: Elrond's Your Father?
Oh, I loved this chapter! Love love love. Trust you to fit in a little angst and comfort for Aragorn here, and I adored every minute of it. Especially Merry being so very observant and realizing that there's something wrong with Aragorn.
And of course, the reunion between Aragorn and Elrond and Aragorn's subsequent awakening. You know, I have a thing for reading about my favorite characters sleeping and enjoying sleep, and this was lovely! And I laughed at Aragorn's reaction to Arwen's presence. Can I say that I'd enjoy being Arwen here, getting to meet up with a sleepy, warm ranger in his bed? Yes.
The ending of this chapter was the best! Oh yes, some stern Aragorn there when need be. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! I kind of have a thing about warm, sleepy Rangers too. *g* And what a nice wake-up call for him, eh? I'm so glad you enjoyed this--I have to admit, as I wrote the h/c I was thinking about you. :) Thanks again for the review!
Lily Baggins
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 1: Rivendell Is Your Home?
I remember the first version of this---I adored that one and I like this one even better!
You capture Aragorn's world-weariness here so beautifully, as usual. And Pippin is a delight! I do enjoy seeing Aragorn fussed over by a hobbit. LOL at Aragorn's reaction to seeing Pippin crawling inside the cabinet.
This story is such a pleasure to read!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! I'm glad you enjoyed the "new and improved" version! I love seeing Aragorn fussed over by anyone but it's especially sweet when it's hobbits doing the fussing. :)
Dreamflower
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 2: Elrond's Your Father?
What a delightful second chapter!
I loved the breakfast Merry brought him!
The ‘slice’ of roast beef was a pile three inches high, buried in gravy, and a ‘few’ sweet buns amounted to at least a half dozen. The greens looked more like a forested mountain, and somewhere in Rivendell a vast orchard had been denuded of all its apples in order to provide him his baked fruit.
Marvelously hobbity!
I also liked the discussion of the Black Breath, and Merry's own instant understanding after his brief encounter with it in Bree. (That makes me want to give you a little bunny: after Merry's healing in Minas Tirith, will he recall this time, and this conversation, and know that the King who healed him knew only too well how he'd suffered? Would he talk about it with his new friend Faramir, who also had suffered it, as they wait in the Houses of Healing? *nudges bunny with toe a little closer*)
It's so like Merry's protective nature, to stay with Strider all night, and to take his "duty" as chaperone so seriously! I must say, I love the sense of humor you've given Elrond. He had to know that Merry would be no match for Aragorn and Arwen together! But it must have amused him to put them to the trouble.) Most writers make Elrond far too serious and dignified to pull a jest like that, or if they *do* give him a sense of humor, they go over the top with it. This was just right!
Nice bit of Aragorn h/c, but then you excell at that!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! Ooh, what an intriguing plot bunny... I'll put that away in my ideas folder. This is only the first time I've tried writing Merry, and I've never tried my hand at Faramir, but that might be a very good way to dip my toe into those waters. I do want to follow up on the whole idea of them having guessed, unwittingly, that Aragorn was king, so that might all work together somehow.
I'm so glad you like the twinkle I put in Elrond's eye. I've always seen him as someone who, despite the sorrows he's endured, is strong enough to retain a sense of humor. But no, it would never be slapstick or over the top. I'm also glad you like my take on h/c. I do truly love h/c in any story, fanfic or regular fic, so it's always nice to know someone feels I've done it well.
Thanks for the review... and the bunny! *plops him in hutch and gives him carrots*
RS
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 2: Elrond's Your Father?
"Aragorn reached for Arwen, but suddenly a small hand slapped his. "That will be enough of that, Strider!" And Aragorn's reaction is priceless!
I don't think anybody slaps this Ranger and wakes up the next day without bruises! -- Unless your a lovable hobbit like Merry!
This has all the elements that I love in a story! Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, RS! I'm so glad you mentioned the hand slapping bit--I had so much fun imagining anyone daring to do that, and Aragorn's reaction when they did. He gets slapped by Halbarad a lot in my tales, for various reason, but it's altogether different when a hobbit has the temerity to do it!
The next chapter is up and the tale is finished... I hope you enjoy it! Thanks again for the review. :)
RS
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 1: Rivendell Is Your Home?
I love this!!
My favorite moment: "Pippin had the boot in his hand and, with a yank that had Aragorn grabbing wildly for the chair’s arms to keep from sliding to the floor." I would have loved to see that!
RS
Author's reply
Thank you, RS! I have to say, I'd love to have seen that to. Too bad I'm useless at sketching!
Estelcontar
· 18 May 2010
· Chapter 2: Elrond's Your Father?
This chapter got everything: angst, romance and humour. I found your description of the effects of the black breath on Aragorn totally convincing. Need I say I loved to see Aragorn and Arwen together? And as usual you've added the right amount of humour to balance things very nicely indeed.
I'm sooooooooooo looking forward to reading chapter three.
Author's reply
Thanks, Estelcontar! I do like to mix a bit of everything into my stories and this chapter ended up being a bit of a microcosm of my writing style. I'm glad you enjoyed it... and I had a feeling you'd enjoy seeing Aragorn and Arwen together. ;) Thanks for the review, and enjoy chapter 3!