In the Mind's Eye by shirebound
Grey Wonderer · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
All caught up and now I will have to wait with everyone else for more. I love the fact that Pippin's suggestion turns out to be something worth trying. I also like how very concerned and attentive the hobbits are with Aragorn. This is all just lovely. Can't wait for more. : )
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely reviews. There's much more to a hobbit (including Pippin) than meets the eye.... or the Eye. :)
Grey Wonderer · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 9: The Eye
Very exciting chapter. I sometimes wish that Tolkien had written more 'magic' things for Gandalf to do instead of making him allow events to occur. This was excellent.
Author's reply
Thank you. And I agree! Except for fireworks, the hobbits really didn't see Gandalf do much 'magic' until well into LOTR.
Grey Wonderer · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 8: Preparations
So far, so good. Still, this will be the tricksy part, won't it? I hope Gandalf is right about this. I am enjoying this very much. In a way, I was glad I was behind because I have more lovely chapters to read all in one go. : )
Author's reply
Yay, I'm glad you're enjoying this. Gandalf does tend to come up with fairly risky plans, doesn't he?
Grey Wonderer · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
A very daring plan. I love the way Frodo trusts Gandalf completely on it all. I think I'd be more like Sam though. The entire thing would make me very nervous.
Author's reply
I'm glad the hobbits' reactions ring true for you.
Grey Wonderer · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 6: The Warning
OK, wow! That took my breath as well. I was not expecting it at all because everything had gone so calmly along until that moment. Brilliant surprise. I do love this story.
Author's reply
Thank you! :)
Erulisse (one L) · 19 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
I've been behind on my normal reading and reviewing, but I wanted to let you know how much I have been enjoying this tale. The basic premise is completely reasonable, and your characterizatons are spot on. I love Gandalf being able to act more 'wizardly' and that you have dear Glorfindel able to play a role. My only complaint is that your Arwen seems a bit weak, but it's been such a pleasure to read that I'll let that slide. Well done. I can't wait for the next chapter. - Erulisse (one L) Sent from my NookColor
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and reviewing, I appreciate it so much. It's a pleasure to explore these characters, and give them new challenges. I haven't written chapter 11 yet, but I hope you will enjoy Arwen's part in it. :)
Estelcontar · 18 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
What a delightful chapter. Aragorn is sooo lucky to have such good friends. I loved the gentle humour of the chapter, and really enjoyed seeing Pippin coming into his own here. Wise-hearted Elrond is right. Arwen is the perfect person to reach Aragorn.
Author's reply
Thank you. Even such ancient, learned beings need to be wise enough not to underestimate the innocent wisdom of 'the small folk'. Aragorn is sooo lucky indeed. It's amazing how much has been going on that he's not even aware of yet.
Lily Baggins · 18 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Oh, this chapter is full of lovely, delicious comfort! I can't tell you how much I enjoyed seeing Gandalf at Aragorn's side, soothing him as he was fretful. *melts* And Aragorn shivering, and Aragorn delirious, and well---all of it! And Frodo all worried about whether Aragorn remembers them... adorable. As if anyone could forget those hobbits, right? Of course, leave it to Pippin to come up with a practical, non-complex solution to the problem---I'm sure Aragorn won't mind having Arwen looking after him and entering his mind for a bit. Again, LOVE your comfort so much. It really is h/cccccc. Or maybe h/CCCCCCCCCCC?
Author's reply
Oh Lily, you make me so happy. I know this isn't *exactly* what you're craving, but I was hoping you'd enjoy it. Gandalf has a very compassionate and 'grandfatherly' aspect to him that he rarely shows, but we know it's there!
Antane · 17 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
How thoughtful of you, my dear, to post a chapter just when I can read it! Today being an exempt day from Lent as it is St. Patrick's Day - happy day to you! I love Pippin's suggestion. It probably will be just as simple as that. The world has yet to find out what great power hobbits have over great evil, but this is another sign. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Glad you could read today, my friend. I suspect that a fanfic 'fast' is a most difficult one. We're lucky enough to already know the amazing power and influence of hobbits. What a joy to find new ways for them to prove it.
lavendertook · 17 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Heee, Frodo denying his dancing. Yay for Pippin! I very good plot twist. And good, I was wondering where Arwen was during this.
Author's reply
Thanks so much. Hobbits are good at introducing unexpected developments. :)
Shemyaza · 17 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Awww, what a lovely story. I am stuck at home after my stem cell transplant to get rid of my leukaemia and your story really heartened me and uplifted me. I can't give you a better compliment than that.
Author's reply
That's a compliment I'll never forget, believe me. The thought that something I've written might uplift and warm someone fills me with happiness and gratitude. I hope your recovery is complete, and your life will be full of hobbity joy. Thank you so much for your review.
Dreamflower · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Oh now that we are rid of the nasty wraith, the cccccccc can start! *grin* I love the hobbits at Aragorn's bedside, Merry wiping his fevered brow, and Pippin singing to him. And I am quite sure that Arwen can provide some "c" with a capital "C"!
Author's reply
The cccccccc, wheeeee! What a pleasure to wallow in it. Thank you so much for reading, my friend. I love getting to this more gentle portion of the story.
harrowcat · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Clever Pippin! And Elrond is right, Aragorn won't dare to disobey Arwen!!!
Author's reply
Heeee, I suspect not. I'm glad Elrond wasn't stubborn enough to brush aside Pippin's 'silly idea'.
Addie71 · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
I adore hobbits taking care of Aragorn. *happy sighs* I also love when sweet, little Pippin surprises himself and everyone else with a simple solution to a big problem.
Author's reply
Thanks, Addie! I love both of those concepts as well. It's nice to finally get to this part of the story. :)
Larner · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Excellent thought! Yes, time to enlist Arwen's help now, now that Wizard, Hobbit, and Elven healer have each done his best.
Author's reply
I'm inspired when folks work together, each using his or her own unique Gift, to achieve a common goal. Maybe that's why I love LOTR so much.
Andrea · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
“You bear a strong resemblance to a hobbit I saw dancing on a table in Bree,” Aragorn said, smiling weakly. Frodo looked delighted at this response, his eyes now full of mirth. “Surely you have me confused with one of my cousins,” he said. “A respectable Baggins would never find himself in such a state.” LOL!!! That was funny :-) I liked it that Pippin put an idea into Elrond's head. Sometimes it needs a non-professional approach to find a stunningly easy solution. And now I'm curious about the practical implementation!
Author's reply
One dose of hobbit teasing is worth many doses of (bitter tasting) healing tonic. Thank you for your review and support, Andrea. :)
6336 · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Ah, if any one can get through to Aragorn, other than Gandalf, it will be Arwen! Good idea Elrond! Huggs, Lynda
Author's reply
Elrond is so wise, even when it comes to taking advice from a hobbit. *grins*
mews1945 · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Oh, blessed Pippin! He's so wise in his innocence. Although I suppose he's not so innocent after all that's happened. It's lovely to have the hobbits looking after Aragorn, and even bringing food for Gandalf and Elrond. I was so delighted to see this posted this morning.
Author's reply
It's such fun to write about hobbit caregivers, especially for one of the Big Folk they hold so dear. Thank you for bringing such a smile to my face. *beams*
Cairistiona · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Poor Aragorn, caught in the throes of an unnatural fever! But he has a lot of friends caring for him, and I like the thought of who will be coming to help him! *g* Very nice chapter, full of lovely caring moments. *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Aragorn is fortunate to be surrounded by so many caring and wise folk. I'm ever so glad you enjoyed this!
Fiondil · 16 March 2012 · Chapter 10: A Breath of Hope
Oh, what a lovely way to start the weekend with an update from you, Shirebound. Poor Aragorn. That dream of his was very terrifying. I love this: “Sam rescued the teapot,” Frodo said. “Thank goodness for that.” Merry gave Sam an approving nod. LOL! A typical Hobbity response. And Pippin's idea is very good. Trust him to see a simple solution when all the great Elf-lords are thinking too complex thoughts. And Arwen... yes, I think she would be the perfect person to convince her beloved that he's not burning up with fever. Looking forward to the next installment whenever you get to it, Shirebound. Thanks for brightening a rather dreary wet Friday.
Author's reply
Elf-lords are *very* wise, of course, but sometimes an answer is so simple it's difficult to see. Everyone should have a hobbit or two in their care, apparently! I'm delighted you enjoyed this chapter, and that it brightened your day. :)
Baggins Babe · 23 February 2012 · Chapter 9: The Eye
That was amazing, Shirebound. Gandalf is an incredible actor - he almost convinced me! Loved the way he convinced the entity to leave and then Elrod and Glorfindel (my favourite Elf!) rushed in to help. Poor Aragorn - hope the fever doesn't last long. Hobbit practicality - you have to love it! And how remiss, to alllow the teapot to cool!
Author's reply
Good old Glorfindel. It's nice that we can give him a larger role in the Great Tale than he might have had otherwise. And three cheers for hobbits! I suspect that when the Fellowship left Rivendell, the Elves missed their cheerful voices and light-hearted talk. Thank you so much for reading, BB. (And I still re-read *your* heart-warming stories all the time!)
lbilover · 23 February 2012 · Chapter 9: The Eye
Phew! That was intense!! What a risk they took, but thankfully it paid off. Arrogance was always the downfall of Sauron and his minions. I love that the chapter ends on a bit of hobbity practicality and humor. It was needed after what happened!!
Author's reply
Thank goodness for hobbits and their gift of lightening the mood of any situation. It was intense for me, too! Whew, glad that part is over with. :)
Lily Baggins · 22 February 2012 · Chapter 9: The Eye
Oh, that was absolutely chilling! VERY well done. I loved every aspect of it... especially the birds falling silent outside. That was creepy, I must say---but very realistic. I've noticed that happening here when a hurricane is out in the Gulf, lol---it's a bad portent. I enjoyed the entire "speech" in the entity's mind, and of course seeing Gandalf and Elrond work together with Narya and Vilya, and of course, Glorfindel could probably frighten Sauron away when he's at his full power. Loved that! And I see that the entity wanted Aragorn to feel one last bit of suffering---oh, what a nasty thing it was! And how gullible, luckily. But of course I'll not complain about a fever, not one bit. Fever is always good, in my book! Looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily. Glorfindel never got to 'show off' much in the book, but I'm sure he would have been a welcome aid in this situation. The fever is a gift the entity left for *you*, my friend. It's so thoughtful! :)
Layne · 21 February 2012 · Chapter 9: The Eye
A thrilling and suspenseful update, Janet, especially the part when Gandalf was impersonating Sauron. My heart was in my throat, thinking that at any moment, the entity was going to realize that that wasn't its master. I'm glad that went well, but omg, Aragorn!!!!
Author's reply
I'm glad you found this thrilling and suspenseful. The Achilles heel of the dark forces is their arrogance; of course they could never be tricked by 'lesser beings'!
lavendertook · 21 February 2012 · Chapter 9: The Eye
I almost feel bad for the tricked bit o Nazgul. But yay they got it! That was an impressive light and wind display.
Author's reply
Those Nazgul need to learn to ask permission (nicely) before they invade someone's mind, or risk getting booted out by wizards. :)