Janvpals
· 29 July 2022
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
I AM CRYING. The part about the rings was so unexpected and emotional, I literally just sat with my jaw hanging open for a minute straight, with tears streaming from my eyes. And the part where Aragorn refers to Elrond as Ada - OH MY GOSH SO EMOTIONAL! Just so, so well written.
PSW
· 20 November 2015
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Didn't Frodo almost name Scamp Anna? Seems like a good name... :-)
What a wonderful story -- it may be my favorite of the whole series. Such joy and fellowship, and they're able to live in peace now. Thanks so much for writing this final story in the set!
Author's reply
Thank you! It's still amazing to me that I had one more "Q" story in me. This one was quite a challenge. What a joy to know that folks are still enjoying it.
PSW
· 20 November 2015
· Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
Boy, Aragorn sure knows how to do things right. ;-) Nice idea, with the star phial...
I loved the teasing about Sam being a clan ruler just because of the number of his children -- so funny...
Author's reply
Dear Sam! His Gamgee 'clan' will keep him and Rosie happily busy for many years to come. :)
PSW
· 19 November 2015
· Chapter 7: Common Ground
So, another amazing couple of chapters! The gems from tree bark -- that was great! Yes, Gimli and Legolas would especially find those significant, given their friendship and backgrounds. No need to worry that your wares won't be good enough for them -- these people fought long and hard through all sorts of conditions, and appreciate all different cultures who would be friends...
Author's reply
What a challenge it was to imagine these snow folk, and what would drive a delegation of them southwards. Perhaps someday another fanfic writer will investigate their culture more than I was able to.
PSW
· 19 November 2015
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
So wonderful! I'm spending most of the chapter in this story going 'oh, that's so great!' ;-). I'm so glad Aragorn was able to bring the palantir, and the statue of Scamp was just perfect. And then the rings. What an idea! It makes a lot of sense, and it enabled Frodo to both stay and be healed. How wonderful. :-) and giving the Lady's ring to Gimli -- yep, absolutely right choice.
Thanks so much for writing!
Author's reply
Thanks! Finding a way for Frodo to remain in Middle-earth, healed and joyful, was such a delight to think about. Just because there was a prophecy that the Three rings would fade, the Professor never said outright that they did... or that they faded immediately.
PSW
· 19 November 2015
· Chapter 3: The Memorial
Such a fantastic idea! I love the thought of the northern kingdom, I have always wondered what it was like...
Author's reply
Thank you. I love imagining how the Fourth Age would unfold for the hobbits, especially in my "happy" AU.
PSW
· 19 November 2015
· Chapter 2: A Royal Welcome
'The modest grace that so complimented her beauty.' I loved this line -- modesty really does make beauty shine, doesn't it? :-)
Having just read The Vault of Annuminas, these have been delightful chapters as it is all fresh in my mind and I see the similarities and differences. I laughed about The Hobbit, the Elf, and the Ranger, and it's a little bittersweet to think that Scamp isn't with them this time. I'm anxious to hear Frodo's story, and to see what has been planned for them.
Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Just when I thought there would never be another "Quarantined" story... the Muse had other ideas! Reading it right after "Vault" is so awesome. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. :)
Linda Hoyland
· 3 January 2014
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Thank you so much for this lovely story. I would love to read a sequel about the return visit one day!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I never know where this "Q"-verse will take me!
Antane
· 24 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Merry Christmas, my dear, and Happy Yule/New Year! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Sorry, it took so long to get to this, been so busy. Those are mighty gifts indeed that were exchanged to go with mighty trust and friendship. Glad to see that.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
A sweet review is a lovely Yule gift!
Joyous Christmas, my friend.
lavendertook
· 17 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Oh, I love when Gimli and Aragorn delight in showing Frodo the wonders of their hearts, and so what a lovely ending. How beautifully you described Aglarond. And the exchange of tokens between Elessar and He-Ann was perfect. A tale full of such rich details of Middle earth. It was a delight to read. *squooshes*
Author's reply
Thank you for such a lovely review, my friend. Imagining a rebuilt Annuminas and a to-be-built Aglarond was challenging, and fun. But of course it's the friendships and sweet moments between our beloved characters that bring a story to life. I'm just delighted that you enjoyed this tale.
Estelcontar
· 14 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
What a wonderful ending for a most charming and sweet story. Thanks for writing it, Shirebound.
Author's reply
I'm so happy you enjoyed it! This was a fun and relaxing story to write, and I always hoped it would feel 'sweet' from beginning to end.
Cairistiona
· 14 December 2013
· Chapter 2: A Royal Welcome
Much to love in this chapter, but I think my favorite line was: " Elessar walked next to Frodo’s pony, with each hobbit child taking a turn on his shoulders." I like to think that Strider would have been a King that didn't always stand on pomp and ceremony and always appearing untouchably dignified (though at times that was no doubt required)--somehow that sort of monarch suits him ill. But walking along with his friends, carrying a child on his shoulders... that's just how I see him. And seeing Elanor made the Queen's maiden was so touching and sweet. I also greatly enjoyed your descriptions of the city. It's always fascinating to see how everyone plies their imagination for those details Tolkien left unsaid.
A lovely chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I've always loved how relaxed Aragorn can be in this "Q" universe, especially having known all four hobbits since they were children.
What a blessing that the Professor left us so many gaps to fill! I've greatly enjoyed imagining the city before being rebuilt ("The Vault of Annuminas") and after.
lavendertook
· 10 December 2013
· Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
Awww, so much love. What a sweet repurposing of the William Tell tale to make competitors stop. What a nice hug from Vilya in the end between Aragorn and Frodo.
What a great quip from Pippin in the end. (-:
Author's reply
Thank you! "So much love" is exactly what this "Quarantined" series is all about. I wanted to write stories that felt just like a hug.
*hugs for YOU*
Cairistiona
· 9 December 2013
· Chapter 1: The Road Less Taken
Yay, finally getting to read this! What a terrific first chapter. I do love imagining Annuminas and how Aragorn and Arwen lived while there... it had to have been such an idyllic time.
""Estel," Frodo whispered, "I'm so happy to see you,"
"As am I, little one," the King whispered back, returning his friend's hug. After a time he pulled back to look at Frodo, surprised and delighted by what he saw.
"You look well, my dear friend," he said, the relief evident in his face. "Remarkably well, in fact."
"As do you, Your Majesty," Frodo grinned. "I have much to tell you." He stepped back and bowed.
Elessar sighed. "None of that," he said, but Frodo just grinned. "
Perfection!
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. I love how sweet and comfortable Frodo and Aragorn's friendship is in this series.
layne
· 9 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Gimli awakening the living essence of stone - that was awesome. As was Aragorn and Hé-An exchanging the ultimate gifts.
Lovely, lovely story, Janet, one that I enjoyed very much. Thank you for writing and sharing this!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I wanted to wrap this up on an inspiring note, and I'm very glad you enjoyed it.
whisperer
· 8 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
and now it come to its end..
what a gentle ending :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I wanted this tale to be gentle and joyful from beginning to end.
Andrea
· 8 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Oh what a beautiful ending!
I liked the exchange of those very special gifts between Aragorn and He-An and, of course, the moment when Gimli put on the Lady's Ring! A great moment and a vivid description of what the place could look like in the future.
He closed his eyes, imagining that Frodo could hear him. After such wonders as he had experienced, perhaps even that was now possible.
And why not? After all, this is the "Quaratined" universe :-)
Thank you very much, Shirebound!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea! It's been such a pleasure to write and share this gentle tale. And I'm always so glad to know the parts that moved or pleased you. *happy hugs*
UTfrog
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Lovely ending to a great story. I was surprised that Aragorn loaned the ring of Barahir, but it certainly makes sense. I also enjoyed the ending with Gimli in the cave. Since he was so interested in amber, did he craft his piece for Legolas? Thanks for a very enjoyable read.
Author's reply
What a fun idea! I know Gimli and Legolas would spend much time together discussing this interesting and unexpected adventure.
Thank you so much. I'm very happy you enjoyed this story. :)
lbilover
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
I'm sorry to see this sweet and gentle tale come to an end, but hopefully this isn't the last story about Frodo healed and whole in Middle-earth. Love the title of this chapter and how it ends with dear Gimli. Little does he know that one day he will be able to thank the Lady in person.
Thanks for such an imaginative and fascinating 'what came after' story.
Author's reply
I've learned so much about Gimli through writing about him. I do think he's very dear, especially when it comes to how brightly 'his hobbit' shine in his heart.
Thank you very much for reading, my friend. I, too, hope that there will be more tales about Frodo healed and whole.
Author Reply: (Oops, that should have been 'his hobbits'. :)
curiouswombat
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Just the right ending chapter. I especially love that last scene with Gimli - it is so beautifully written that I feel I can see it as well as he can.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! That means so much. When I began writing this chapter, I only knew that it should somehow end with Gimli. I ended up imagining that scene so clearly, but didn't know if others would be able to 'see' it as I hoped.
Dreamflower
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
Oh what a lovely tale this has been! Such a fun story, and also one filled with gentle wisdom and insight.
So many people think a story needs to be filled with angst and drama and conflict, but your stories are proof that those things aren't necessary to make a good story!
Gimli's part was just wonderful, the glimpse of how beautiful Aglarond will be under his rule. I loved that so much.
I hope you've been left with a few bunnies for the future--I'd love to see more about Pippin and Gandalf's Ring.
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend. Although the "Quarantined" series has had its share of gentle angst and drama, I wanted this particular tale to be peaceful for everyone -- characters and readers alike. The experience of writing it was also peaceful, which was truly a delight.
I promise that if any Pippin bunnies hop my way, I'll listen closely. :)
Larner
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
A most felicitous parting, and a great promise for the future. The thought that Frodo shall perhaps see what this new Dwarven realm might come to is so delightful! I so rejoice that Mahal is now able to speak in Gimli's heart, and that the two realms of the North have exchanged such tokens and promises.
Thanks so for this story, Shirebound!
Author's reply
I share your delight that Frodo's post-Quest life will be one of happiness and peace. It's been a pleasure writing this "Quarantined" series and bringing such a gentle tale from the Third Age into the Fourth.
I appreciate your kind words. Thank you so much.
Fiondil
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
A very gentle story and most enjoyable, Shirebound. The exchange of the necklace and the Ring of Barahir gave me chills and ending the story with Gimli was a stroke of genius. Loved it very much. May your days continued to be blessed and I look forward to seeing another gentle story from you someday soon.
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely comments. Stories of friendship such as this, where each race (or person) is able to both learn and teach, and appreciate both similarities and differences, are very dear to me. I'm delighted that you enjoyed this tale.
addie71
· 6 December 2013
· Chapter 12: For Ears to Hear that Can
What a beautiful ending to this story. So much trust between races and the hope for a peaceful future for Middle-earth.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Addie. I can't imagine ending any story in the "Quarantined" series any other way.
Antane
· 17 November 2013
· Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
The celebration of light was my favorite part. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. I loved writing that part! It was a challenge to describe that scene in a way that matched what I was seeing in my imagination.