Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House
No, definitely not long enough since Bilbo saw it last, not long enough by half. And the relationships are so very well drawn out and clear....
Author's reply
Thank you so much.
By Chance or Purpose by shirebound
Reviews (165)
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 18: Rivendell
Fascinating indeed, the manner in which Gandalf and Elrond use their Rings together to help Frodo, to help him into and out of stasis.
Author's reply
I had this scene planned even before I started writing this story. Professor Tolkien left so much for us to interpret during these days Frodo hovered between life and un-life.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen
It's been fascinating seeing how each chapter garnered more and more responses as you posted it. And the description of the whole sequence has been so very well done, I could indeed see it before me. I missed this in the film, Frodo lifting the sword in his final defiance before it fell and shattered and they sought to take him with their wills. Courage in him to the last of his strength.
Author's reply
Omigosh, where was the Frodo-confronting-the-Witchking scene in the film??? It was an incredible omission on Peter Jackson's part.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 16: Estel
Yes, the million dollar question--just WHO and WHAT is Aragorn son of Arathorn? And will Frodo manage to hang on one more day at least? The Baggins stubbornness is truly needed here.
Author's reply
I don't know what book-Aragorn thought about hobbits before this journey, but he must have been incredibly impressed with them by the time they reached Rivendell.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 15: Between Two Worlds
Yes, there is the promise of rescue now. Wonderful understanding here on the part of all.
Author's reply
Thank you. Glorfindel is such an enigmatic character, it's interesting to try to see things from his point of view.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 14: Facing Reality
If only our beloved Merry's words had been true! But, yes, the story has gone on and on, and they are all in the center of it for the moment.
Author's reply
I always found that scene amongst the trolls very interesting. It really helps tie together Bilbo's adventure and the hobbits' journey many years later.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 13: Mists and Shadows
They are all preparing for what comes next, and Frodo continues to hang on, which is needful. And Sam will fight to the last....
Author's reply
I love hobbits so much. They're just wonderful.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 12: Merry's Secret
Yes, Merry has to be the one who knows, who understands what's happening. Each is taking his proper role in the quest....
Author's reply
Merry is so much more perceptive and mature than the movie portrayed. *sigh*
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 11: Into the Wild
Yes, the worry about the knife and its effects, and what to do if things go THAT far.... You know I've considered what might have been asked. A horrid thought.
Author's reply
A few reviewers on ff.net were dying to have that "what if" scene written -- but it won't be written by me!
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 10: Not By Chance
And Pippin helps keep the desire to live going in Frodo, keeps him grounded.
Author's reply
Pippin is such a source of strength, through his love and unquenchable spirit.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King
Yes, our Wise One told Aragorn that once.
Author's reply
Love... there are few things that make us stronger (or weaker, on occasion).
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 8: Ring-bearer
But never has a Hobbit been faced with this challenge before; and Frodo is NOT a common Hobbit, even. Well done look at the WK's thoughts here.
Author's reply
Thank you. This chapter was very difficult for me to write.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 7: A Tale Only Fire Can Tell
So the Ring already finds ways to tempt Aragorn through his desire to protect others, and Frodo cannot bear to trust the Ring to fire, although doing so might have saved him much pain.
Author's reply
Just watching Gandalf throw the Ring into Bag End's small hearthfire must have been agony for Frodo!
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 6: The Power of Words
Yes, there's comfort in the names at times, as long as they're from the right people. I bless Aragorn for being there for Frodo.
Author's reply
I was always intrigued by Aragorn's warning not to speak too loudly about certain things. I didn't think it was superstition, but more a knowledge of the Creation Song, and how words/songs had great power still.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 5: More Midges than Water
Our sweet, thoughtful Took. So young as you portray him, so artless, and so endearing.
Author's reply
Isn't Pippin fun to write (and read)? He's a delightful character.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Breathing Easier
Pippin the hero! So glad to see him in action.
Author's reply
I tried to give all four hobbits somewhat "equal billing" in this story.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 3: An Unseen Enemy
Marsh gases--methane particularly! Very dangerous. Come on, Strider--find them quickly.
Author's reply
Go, Strider, go!
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 2: Strider
So, you, too, see Pippin as the self-appointed jester and lightener of moods. I've always seen him that way, myself, you know. And love the easy friendship here. Poor Pippin--wearing himself out here.
Author's reply
I do see Pippin as caught between childhood and almost-adult. He matures so much on this journey.
Larner · 26 October 2006 · Chapter 1: The Doom of Men
And Sam has stayed true to that vow. So glad that in this version Frodo has confidence in Strider, and some knowledge of who and what he is.
Author's reply
It was a challenge -- but a fun challenge -- to expand the "Quarantined" universe into the Quest.
Daynawayna · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 25: Epilogue
WOW! Gentle Hobbit and Shirebound... what a combination! That was completely unexpected and really cool! :) I think Gandalf was wise to do it... even though Aragorn would obviously be furious. What an interesting twist to the story... I liked it! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Dayna. I appreciate all your reviews, and your enthusiasm. (And I did receive your e-mail, but haven't had a chance to respond yet!) :D
Daynawayna · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 23: The Council of Elrond
Another amazing round of chapters! I love your explaination of how Elrond and Co. healed Frodo... and Aragorn calling him back again! How cool! I think that your theory is probably as close to the mark as anyone will ever come because it makes SO much Sense. Only 2 more chapters to go, but not tonight. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Dayna. I wanted to write this story partly because so many things in the Professor's Tale were unexplained in the text (such as how Frodo was healed by Elrond, and why it took so long). It's fun to read different folks' interpretations of the same events.
Daynawayna · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Rivendell
W.O.W. I'm just... it's... wow. SB, at the risk of repeating myself, you are simply amazing. I'm convinced that you must have Tolkien blood in you, since I don't belive in channeling spirits. :) That chapter was simply amazing. I think it's the H/C aspect that I love so much... and once the travelers come to Frodo's room... I can't even describe how you made me feel it... I loved it. Now i"m of to read more again! :)
Author's reply
Tolkien blood! That's even better than Numenorean blood. *preens* But thank you, Dayna. I couldn't wait to get past the 'hurt' and pile on the 'comfort'.
Daynawayna · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 14: Facing Reality
“It’s real, isn’t it?” Pippin whispered. “All of it. Trolls and… all of it?” “Yes, it’s real,” Merry said softly. “I wish it wasn’t, but it is.” He helped his cousin on with his pack. “Don’t think about them anymore, Pip; I’m sure you’ll never see another troll.” As they left the glade, Pippin cast one last backward glance at the massive, once-living creatures, forever frozen in stone. How do you do it!?!? Oh.My.Gosh. You still never cease to amaze me. I didn't comment on the "he promised not to become a wraith" line earlier (though I should have... poor Merry's heartbreak was precious), but now this?? Of course we have full knowledge of their story before they do, but... wow. I'm so glad this plot bunny bit you so hard! LOL This is just wonderful! :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dayna. This whole "Quarantined" series has been such a challenge, weaving together movie, book, AU, and my own ideas.
Daynawayna · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 10: Not By Chance
The Ranger found himself shaking, and, still out of sight of the hobbits, he fell to his knees in the grass at the foot of the hill -- and allowed himself the frightening knowledge that the wraiths had left because they no longer needed to stay. Whatever they had come for, they had achieved. “Frodo,” Aragorn whispered, “I’m so sorry.” He had tried, and failed. Thanks to Gandalf there had only been five Nazgûl to attack them, and not nine -- but what difference had it made? Frodo had put on the Ring, and the wraith king had seen him. I should have taken the Ring from him, Aragorn thought desperately. I could have fled and drawn them off. Possibly a fortnight until we can reach Rivendell. Even if I could get word to Elrond, and he could meet us halfway there, what can he do? What can anyone do? How long can Frodo hold out, and what do I do if he cannot? Aragorn didn’t know how much time had passed, but he grew aware that dawn would soon be approaching. Looking up, he could see a small, flickering light. They had kept the fire burning. Good. Frodo needed… needed… “He needs me,” Aragorn said aloud. He stood up and took a deep breath. “They must not see my fear. I must trust in my strength, and his, and all of theirs. There is always hope, and we must all do our part.” So saying, he commenced the climb up the hill. Nothing like being grabbed from the moment the chapter starts. You have crawled inside his skin and given us true insight to this mysterious Ranger/King and I know the Professor would be proud. The whole chapter was just one wonderful character insight after another. I don't think you could have titled it any better. Off to read more! :)
Author's reply
"...and I know the Professor would be proud." Oh Dayna, what a compliment! You really just made my day.
Daynawayna · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 9: The Hands of the King
WOW WOW WOW! :D Love it love it! You need to teach me how to write, SB! :) I'm so loving this... now I'm off to read MORE! Yippee for slow phone days at work! ::dances around, stops then looks at you...:: Ok... who spiked my tea? :) But seriously this just keeps getting better and better. I love how grounded it is in Book-Cannon, yet the AU seamlessly weaves its way in, around and thru the story till you can barely tell the two apart. You're going to make today much more bearable for me, that's for sure! :)
Author's reply
Wow, thank you! This story was so intense, I spent months trying to make it sound "just right". Glad to give you something to read today! And I agree about the joy of slow work days! That's pretty rare, for me, but I do adore them when they appear. :D