Oh, this is just an amazing chapter, dear! I love the coming of the Ice Men and what you are revealing of their culture and their handed-down knowledge.
And the rhyme is utterly perfect, with the initial words, rhyme scheme and scansion reminiscent of the words in the dream that Faramir and Boromir had, and yet utterly different in tone and meaning.
Very well done, and I look forward to seeing the King (and the hobbits) making friends with these strange new people!
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend. I didn't want to portray an isolated culture as having too complicated a history, but did want to give them a proud identity, and try to 'show their quality', as Sam would say. I'm so pleased you like this.
I appreciate you mentioning the rhyme! Why should whoever sent that 'dream' to Faramir and Boromir not still be putting his/her hand in when needed? :)
addie71
· 18 June 2013
· Chapter 6: The Token
What an interesting chapter. Right along with the hobbits, I enjoyed meeting the people from the North and learning a little more about the history of Middle-earth, too. I love how Sam's question was about the 'bear' dogs. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Addie. I love it when cultures meet in friendship, eager to communicate and share what makes them who they are.
I love writing about dogs; we haven't seen the last of them. :)
Periantari
· 15 June 2013
· Chapter 1: The Road Less Taken
very nice scene-- its' great to have a moment of having all be honored by the King and declared that their property of the Shire will be under the protection from the King of the Gondor. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Peri An. Joyous, gentle reunions like this make my heart happy.
Linda Hoyland
· 15 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
What an unexpected turn of events!I hope the icemen are friendly. A gripping chapter and as enjoyable as ever.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Linda. We'll find out whether or not the icemen are friendly in the very next chapter.
Lindelea
· 11 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
How exciting!
I love the way Merry watches Frodo, and is assured of his beloved cousin's complete healing, and Gimli's reverence towards his gift, and Pippin's plans for Gandalf's ring (and the possible effect it has on him), and the glimpse of Rose and Diamond, and Pippin keeping his promise to Gandalf, and Frodo noticing. Wonderful! Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I appreciate you letting me know which parts you enjoy. :)
lavendertook
· 10 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
What a gorgeous description of the room and the staff!!!! Just lovely! And now we're going to get to meet a new people Tolkien didn't tell us much about at all--very exciting!
Author's reply
Thank you! It means a lot to know that my descriptions convey the look of the room and staff -- I always feel that I'm better at dialogue than description.
It's such fun trying to flesh out 'a new people', and fill in one more gap that the Professor left for us. *happy bounces*
Estelcontar
· 10 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
A most exciting chapter. Bringing in the Ice Men of Farochel was a brilliant idea. I can't wait to read about their reasons for coming and see them meeting Aragorn.
And I agree with Frodo about Vilya. I'm sure Elrond would be very happy and proud to know it was with Aragorn, and sure to that Aragorn is going to put it to good use.
Bring on chapter 6.
Author's reply
I'm so eager to finish and share chapter 6! Imagining the Ice Men, and the reason for their long journey, has been fascinating and challenging. I'm so glad you're enjoying this tale. :)
Larner
· 10 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
How marvelous the chamber sounds--it has been a time since I read the last visit--may revisit it! But to know that Aragorn wears his foster-father's Ring and that it apparently accepts it, and that he now goes forth to greet the people of Forochel as they come south--I find myself wondering if they might just be bringing back another of the Palantiri that was lost in their bay? After all, in a thousand years their lands might well have changed!
Author's reply
I considered that idea, I really did, but it doesn't fit with this particular story. Feel free to use that plot bunny in a story of your own!
Dreamflower
· 9 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
Oh how wonderful! I was suspecting that maybe Rose was going to have the baby and they'd see it in the Stone--the appearance of the Ice Men is so unexpected!
Author's reply
I'm having such a great time with the idea of the meeting of these two cultures. Chapter 6 is so eager to be written, I can barely keep up.
Dreamflower
· 9 June 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
Oh, goodness! What a perfect reason for Frodo's healing! And Gandalf's ring was so wonderfully bestowed on Pippin, since the Wizard had always had a special connection with the Tooks! And I'm glad Merry got to keep the Lady's ring for a while before bestowing it on Gimli--I'm sure having it near him helped strengthen his innate foresight.
I too have always thought those Rings would fade slowly--not simply be extinguished!
This story is such a delight~
Author's reply
I'm glad the distribution of the rings 'rings' true for you. I know you share my admiration for them, and the hope that they would continue to be used (never abused) for many years to come.
Dreamflower
· 9 June 2013
· Chapter 3: The Memorial
How on earth did I miss so many chapters? Oh well--I've more to read at one time this way!
What a wonderful memorial, with the map of the journey and the portraits of each member of the Fellowship. I would truly love to see such a place! But my favorite was the engraving:
"THROUGH THE DEEDS OF MANY
EMERGES PEACE.
PRAISE THEM
LEST WE FORGET
THE COURAGE SHOWN
AND SACRIFICES MADE
TO ENSURE FREEDOM AND SECURITY
FOR GENERATIONS YET UNBORN.
THUS DOES THE FOURTH AGE BEGIN
IN LIGHT AND HOPE."
What a perfect description and summary of the Quest!
Author's reply
Oh gosh, I'd love to see that place, myself. I hope many, many people travel to see it and appreciate what it took for them to live in a time of peace.
I'm glad you like those words! They would keep the memories alive, I hope. *beams*
Romeny
· 9 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
"I know you already wear a special ring, but I'm as sure as I can be that this one is also supposed to be yours. Its energy may last for years and years, long enough for it to help you to... well, I have no idea. You'll have to figure that out for yourself."
Interesting that once again Frodo gives up a ring of power but this was done willingly and no pain to him. It'll be interesting to see how it affects Aragorn.
I don't think I'm familiar with this story but your writing seems almost magical. I love how Pippin wants to leave his ring to his son.
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely compliment. I never thought I'd be continuing this series of stories, but the ideas for this one just wouldn't leave me alone.
Andrea
· 9 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
"Pippin," the King said quietly, "you may have received a greater gift from Gandalf's ring than you realize.
An unexpected turn of events indeed! How will the Ice Men react to Aragorn? Will they accept him as their king? Is this Aragorn's intention?
Well, we'll see... :-)
Author's reply
We will see, and very soon indeed! I can barely type fast enough, the ideas for chapter 6 are flowing so strongly.
Andrea
· 9 June 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
A most special dog, who should never be forgotten.
How wonderful! A statue of Scamp!
And I very much liked the idea that the Elven Rings were given to the hobbits and to Gimli.
Frodo smiled, his whole being radiating peace. “Because I’m finally strong enough to give it up, as I could never have given up the Enemy’s Ring.”
A great moment for Frodo! And a sure sign that his healing is complete.
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. It took me quite awhile to figure out who got which ring, and what they would choose to do with them. In fact, I wasn't able to begin writing this story at all until I unraveled that part of it!
Dear Frodo. It seems that all I've ever written about is ensuring that he finds comfort, peace, and healing.
Antane
· 8 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
That's an interesting development there toward the end!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Antane. I'm really enjoying exploring this idea of the two cultures meeting again.
addie71
· 8 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
Another wonderful chapter. The moment between Frodo and Aragorn when Frodo gives him Vilya is so moving, as is Gimli's decision to put Nenya on under the stars in Galadriel's honor.
Amd how exciting is it the thought that the Ice Men from the North are coming?! I'm looking forward to their arrival.
Author's reply
I'm so happy you enjoyed this, Addie, and hope you're feeling much better already.
I started writing chapter 6 today, and am very excited as well! What a joy to have another gentle tale to share. :)
Fiondil
· 8 June 2013
· Chapter 5: Fair Warning
An unexpected event, indeed, Shirebound. It will indeed be very interesting to learn what has brought these people so far from their homelands to Annúminas. Can't wait to see what happens next. Reading something from you is always a joy and brightens my days considerably. Thank you.
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say, thank you. :)
I'm looking forward to the visit of the snow people; I'm not entirely sure what will happen, myself!
whisperer
· 3 June 2013
· Chapter 1: The Road Less Taken
definitely, a great ending.. :)
i really like the point where Frodo should not sail to the west :)...
great .
Author's reply
Thank you, Whisperer. I like finding ways for Frodo to find peace, healing, and enjoy his wonderful friendships.
Estelcontar
· 28 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
I really enjoyed reading chapter 4. I liked very much the idea of Frodo being healed by an Elven Ring, and very, very fitting that Nenya was given to Gimli, and Vilya to Aragorn.
Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
I'm so happy you enjoyed this chapter. Each one is more fun to write than the last.
Thank you! :)
lbilover
· 28 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
Oh wow, what a fascinating premise, that the three could still be used in Middle-earth. It's always seemed so sad to me that their time was over. I love the idea you've had for them. It's especially wonderful to have Frodo give his to Aragorn because he is healed and no longer needs it.
And awwwwwwwww! A statue of dear Scamp. <3<3<3
Author's reply
Thank you. I was really inspired by this whole idea of the rings, and what more they could accomplishment.
Scamp! *beams*
lavendertook
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
Oh how perfect with the rings!
Of course the blue ring could heal our Frodolijah eyed hobbit. (-:
Author's reply
Indeed, a blue gem for those jewel-like blue eyes. :)
Glad you enjoyed this!
Antane
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
A delightful chapter! How wonderful that Frodo's healing came about through a ring to cancel all the damage done by another one. Sweet! And I love the power of the Three have not faded entirely and even more that pippin was trusted with one. I too assumed that extinguish would be the meaning behind fade but fade is indeed correct. It is too bad the Wise did not think of this in the real story! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Frodo's healing came about through a ring to cancel all the damage done by another one.
Exactly! *beams*
Thanks, Antane. I'm so glad you enjoyed this chapter. It was fun to write. :)
Lady Edlyn
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
I was looking for a story to read in my breaks between studying and found this. Thank you, Shirebound. This tale was exactly what I needed after several weeks of being overwhelmed with work and school. You've eased my mind and heart, especially with the fourth chapter. I could visualise everything so easily and my heart kept being lifted higher and higher. How utterly perfect is the distribution of the Elven rings!
Bravissimmi, mellon nin! Thank you!
Edlyn
Author's reply
What a lovely review, Edlyn. Your comments lift *my* heart! I'm so happy you're enjoying this gentle tale. *melts* Thank you very much.
Mysterious Jedi
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
Lovely chapter. Maybe your Pippin will have her own statue someday :)
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. What a sweet thought that is.
addie71
· 27 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Legacy of the Ring-bearers
Oh, my dear! *wipes eyes* There is so much that is lovely and heartwarming about this chapter that it was almost painful to read. I adore that Scamp was remembered and honored, but the bestowing of the Elven Rings of Power was absolutely perfect. Adore this!
Author's reply
Oh, my! Thank you, Addie. It means a lot to me that this chapter moved you so. There's a lot of love and happiness I want to pour into this story, and it's wonderful to know that it's coming through. *hugs hugs*