The Rings of Evendim by shirebound
whisperer · 16 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
what a happy way of ending the tournament.. wise Pippin out there. i enjoy this chapter thank you for sharing this to us..
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind comments. I'm enjoying writing this story very much, and am so pleased to be able to share it.
Andrea · 16 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
A great and wise way to end the contest! But still very Pippin ;-) With the ring warm upon his finger, he caught a brief, clear knowing that Frodo’s life would be long and blessed. I like this very much, because it is the opposite of what Saruman foretold at the doorstep of Bag End, a long time ago, it seems!
Author's reply
I really had to think hard about that tournament... once begun, how would it end? Good old Pippin. *grins* Darn that Saruman. Who knows how insidious that voice was, even at the end. I've often wondered if he somehow, subtly influenced Frodo's inability to heal in Middle-earth.
Linda Hoyland · 15 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
What a beautiful chapter! I especially enjoyed the blessing and the contest.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I was looking forward to writing this particular chapter most of all.
layne · 14 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
For one horrified moment, I thought they *would* resort to shooting arrows at Arwen!! Thank goodness Beren caught on almost immediately. Phew! I love Hé-An's parting gifts to the hobbits *approves whole-heartedly*
Author's reply
Thank you! Farewells can be sad, but I wanted the friendship and respect these folk now have for one another to shine through.
Estelcontar · 13 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
What a charming and happy chapter. Aragorn raising the starglass during the blessing of thanksgiving for his people was perfection itself.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I couldn't wait to get to this chapter, where I finally was able to use a lot of my original ideas for the story.
Dreamflower · 13 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
What a lovely, lovely chapter! I especially love the bit where you explained how the gathering became a tradition; it reminds me of the many times JRRT will do that in canon, little mentions of what the future will bring. Pippin's solution to the archery contest was also fun (though for a brief second, I thought his proposal would be to shoot an apple off his OWN head, LOL! Which you must admit a much younger Pippin might have thought up! But his solution was truly clever!) This story has been so delightful, I both look forward to the last chapter and kind of dread it, because it will be over with. *sigh* Of course, I always want Shirebound stories to go on and on.
Author's reply
Dear Pippin! I enjoy imagining him as a more mature hobbit, losing none of his innate exuberance. Thank you for your support and encouragement, my friend. It's always bittersweet to nudge a story towards its conclusion... especially in this AU, which is my "happy place". :)
Fiondil · 13 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
Pippin has certainly gained some wisdom. That was a clever ides for ending the shooting match. The evening event was very beautiful and it would have been really cool to have been there for real. And now, what more is to come, one wonders, as it seems as if the story has come to an end, but apparently not. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. Wouldn't we all love to be present when the King ascends to the hallow? I love imagining that scene. There are just a few more loose ends to tie up in the concluding chapter. I'm very happy you're enjoying this story!
Baggins Babe · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
This was absolutely beautiful, Shirebound. I loved everything - Pippin's wisdom, Frodo's star glass and the blessing at the hallow, and the farewells had me sniffling. All the characters are perfect but I so love the hobbits!!!
Author's reply
Hi, BB! *waves happily* How we do love our hobbits! I know how much you share my need to know that Frodo receives his happily-ever-after. It's stories like yours that inspired me to keep Frodo in the Shire for this AU, and enjoy life as a much-loved part of Sam's family. Thank you so much for reading. :)
UTfrog · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
Great way to end the contest. Love the whole story. Thanks so much.
Author's reply
Thank you! One more chapter to go... :)
curiouswombat · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
All hail the wisdom of Pippin. I do like the way that, in your 'verse, Frodo will get to live a long and happy life amongst his own people, for I always feel he must have felt a little lonely in The West.
Author's reply
I can't imagine the "Quarantined"-verse unfolding any other way than showing a happy and peaceful life for Frodo. This 'verse' is my happy place. Thank you for sharing it with me. :)
addie71 · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
I love how Pippin came up with a solution to the archery competition and the way Frodo’s star glass was used by Aragorn in the celebration of thanks. I had to wipe my eyes as Frodo said his good-bye to Aragorn. What a lovely chapter. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Pippin doesn't need Gandalf's ring in order to 'show his quality' and good hobbit sense. It's fun to imagine a more mature (but still child-like) Pippin. The nature of the hobbits' farewells (especially Frodo's) didn't reveal itself to me until I was well into writing this chapter. I'm so pleased you like it. *beams*
Larner · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 11: Blessings Bestowed
Oh, yes, a worthy knowing, that, to know that Frodo will after all know a long and healthy life, unlike what Saruman had foretold. And what wonderful parting gifts to share! Love the archery contest and its conclusion. I rejoice that our wise fool of a Took figured out how to end the contest with full honor to both of the archers! As for the image of Aragorn raising the starglass at the height of his offering of the blessing of thanksgiving for his people--Oh, but how satisfying! Yes!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! There was quite a bit I wanted this chapter to convey, and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed everything. There's nothing that makes me happier than imagining Frodo healed and living at peace. Aragorn using the starglass atop the hallow was one of the first things I thought of before I started writing this story. It just took awhile to get us there. :)
Tirnel · 28 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
Hey, sorry for not reviewing sooner after getting your messages about the story updates. I had forgotten all about Quarantined and that's not a reflection on your writing, but rather the result of LOTS and LOTS of reading and a lot of it being fanfics. So I went back and reread Quarantined along with some of its sequels and it just took me a little while, what with other books I'm reading, preparing for my Bible class, work, fall festivals, the list goes on. I do like your Quarantined series. And it's nice to see something decent (even though it's not canon. I'm a very much stick-to-canon person) in lotr fanfic world as good stories are growing thin. I've read some of your other stories before, I remember reading a lot of them in one sitting, but I can't remember which ones. But I'm sure I liked them as well and sorry for not reviewing on them. I don't have internet at home and don't have time to read them when I go somewhere I have access, so it's easier for me to put fanfics I'm interested in reading on my laptop or a flashdrive to read later at home. Then I forget to write review :P. Well, I guess I had better stop droning on and watching youtube videos long enough to upload my latest fanfic...speaking of which I also have to upload my others to here. (I'm mostly on fanfiction.net) Cheers! ~Tirnel
Author's reply
Thank you, Tirnel! I know how challenging it is to find time for reading everything we have stored up to enjoy. I'm so pleased you like this series well enough to go back and re-read all of it! This story will have two more chapters, and I'm working on chapter 11 this week.
lbilover · 24 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
I finally made time to catch up on this terrific story and I'm enjoying it immensely. Love the details about the 'Snowmen' and their world, and of course their dogs, lol, and Elanor's bond to them. Interesting about her dreams. She is indeed a special lass. Most of all it's Frodo and his happiness that resonates for me. I can't get enough of that. :-))
Author's reply
I'm so happy to know that you're reading and enjoying this story, my friend! I spent so many years writing about wee Scamp, it's a hoot to introduce such enormous dogs into a tale. Frodo's happiness... the very thing that started me reading (and writing) fanfic. *beams*
layne · 21 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
I'm looking forward to the tournament between Hé-Sokar and Beren! Hmmm, I wonder what it would involve ... Also, I love the gifts that the hobbits gave to Aragorn. So much love and thoughts in each and every one of them. Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! This whole "Quarantined" series revolves around Aragorn and the hobbits, and I love writing scenes involving just those five.
whisperer · 19 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
I agree with Pip, it took great LOVE.. why, this made my day :) great , please keep them coming
Author's reply
I'm so glad this made your day. I'm greatly enjoying writing this gentle, happy tale.
Larner · 15 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
It is a blessing to see Frodo healed and with a heart at peace. And the gifts are just perfect!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. My initial inspiration for writing fanfic, when I started in 2002, was to explore the ways Frodo might find peace, healing, comfort, and always be surrounded by those who love and honor him. It's still such a joy to write about that.
Estelcontar · 14 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
What a charming chapter! I was so happy to learn that Halbarad's son was the first steward of the Northern Kingdom! Not that I expected anything different from Aragorn. But it's great to have Halbarad and his kin remembered in your story. Being a book lover and book collector how can I consider Frodo's gift to Aragorn anything but perfect. All the other presents were lovely too and very fitting. Bring on the next chapter!
Author's reply
Halbarad was such an important part of this AU in previous stories, I just had to include his memory -- and legacy -- in this tale. I'm really glad you liked the gifts! When I started writing this chapter, I had only figured out Sam's and Frodo's. I've done all the planning for chapter 11, and will absolutely post it as soon as it's ready. *hugs you*
LavenderTook · 13 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
What lovely gifts the hobbits gave their Strider. “Eldest first, or best looking first?” Merry asked cheerfully. “Eldest,” Pippin proclaimed, pointing to Frodo. “As best looking, of course I’ll go last.” Yay for hobbit banter! (-:
Author's reply
Gentle, light hobbity banter can bring a smile in any situation. I'm glad you liked the gifts. *beams*
Fiondil · 13 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
A nice quiet evening with friends is always a treasure and I like the gifts the hobbits gave to Aragorn. The end of the chapter was very poignant. Glad to see this story continuing, Shirebound. Can't wait to see the tournament.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I remember the long-ago days when I had time to write and post a chapter of something every week, but now (to paraphrase Gandalf), I do the best I can with the time I have. It's such a pleasure to write this gentle tale, and I'm very happy you're enjoying it. I'm especially glad you liked the ending of the chapter. I believe Pippin and Gandalf always had a special bond, now enhanced by Pippin's possession of Narya.
Andrea · 13 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
“It took great love,” Pippin said softly. As the others nodded, he sensed the comforting presence of Narya, and felt for a moment that he could see the wizard smiling at him, from far across the Sea. Beautifully said! Great chapter and great gifts, as individual as their givers!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you for highlighting that passage! I couldn't figure out how to end the chapter, but then Pippin just summed everything up in his own sweet way. I enjoyed writing about this gift giving so much; I'm very happy you liked it.
LavenderTook · 12 October 2013 · Chapter 9: A Fair Exchange
I love everyone warming up after the doggies rescue the children. And I loved all the things for market day--I felt I was in the excitement of the market with them and how generative such an exchange can be--something that gets lost in our consumerist culture--you really caught the richness of material cultural exchange. I loved Arwen being the best archer and the line about why--all that Elvish practice time. Hehehe! And Pippin working through the issues of allowing and then not allowing the snowmen to visit the Shire. And Pippin and Merry's delight in Frodo's healing at the end.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I loved imagining and writing about market day. I really hoped to convey how much each culture appreciated how the others' goods were unique, well made, and desirable. How I love writing about hobbits. They will always charm and enrich my life. *hugs you*
Dreamflower · 12 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
What a fun chapter this one is! I do so love hobbits giving or receiving gifts--and their gifts were delightfully perfect! I am enjoying this story so much!
Author's reply
Isn't it a joy to imagine what gifts hobbits might give and receive? Each of these is very special, and I know that Aragorn would have appreciated all the thought, time, and love that went into them. I appreciate your review very much. Thank you for reading. *beams*
Antane · 12 October 2013 · Chapter 10: Kingly Gifts
I love most what Sam said about his gift. Merry's is very thoughtful also. Namarie, God bless, Antsne :)
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the gift giving, my friend. It was a fun scene to write.
LavenderTook · 12 October 2013 · Chapter 8: All That is Gold Does Not Glitter
I love Elanor's vision and the image of her falling asleep with the giant dog. And the exchange of songs and tales. And the trade competition. The cook and atrist 's excitement. And what a plot bunny is Arwen coming to the Shire. (-:
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend. It's great fun to 'change it up' and write about giant dogs, after so many years of writing about wee Scamp!