Reviews (165)

meckinock · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 21: A Thousand Stars

What a great way to start a Saturday! At the risk of having to dodge rocks thrown by other reviewers, I really loved the group effort to heal Frodo! Of course Elrond had to perform the surgery, but echoing the healing scene in "Quarantined" with Aragorn calling Frodo back (and then gently putting him to sleep) was very touching, and the involvement and after-action review by Gandalf, Elrond, and Elrohir only enhanced its effectiveness, in my opinion. I'm also glad you managed to work in Elrohir's concern for his foster brother. Your speculation about the source of Aragorn's healing powers was intriguing and insightful. What's next?

trishette · 1 November 2003 · Chapter 21: A Thousand Stars

Wow... I love the healing. You are the master of Frodo-comfort stories! All you've been through has not marred your gift of writing. *hug* You had such a rough week... Like I said, today starts a new month and new hope! It is cklever how you came up with Vilya's ability to slow time.. I've always wondered how Frodo's bodily fluids were jept up- they didn't have IVs in Middle-earth! and how he didn't lose much blood. I always wondered how he managed not to bleed to death. *thinks of her donating blood for the first time yesterday* They didn't have blood transfusions either! Like Nilmandra said, your story smacks of unique twists. You really enable me to visualize the scene and see the characters as real people in ways even Tolkien could not. I also greatly enjoyed the conversation inside Frodo's head... that was another thing I wondered.. what sort of dreams did Frodo have? Gandalf said that Frodo talked long in his sleep, but what about, besides the barrow-wights? I am glad Frodo's finally recovering... so sad, seeing him suffer! He has no clue what torture to his mind and body will be in store for him, but at least he is recovering and comforted for the present!

Iris Sandydowns · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

omgomgomgomg! I know you're following book canon and nothing untoward will happen to Frodo in the end, but you've still got me in serious suspense here. Now that the group has arrived at Rivendell and Frodo is going to be "healed", there probably won't be much story left. I can sense the end coming soon. Have you given consideration to another story, possibly the trip from Rivendell to Lothlorien? I'd love to see how your hobbits and Estel handle the fall of Gandalf in Moria. These characters have become so dear to us all, it will be a great loss when we have to say goodbye. Your elves are really rather cool! Every time Elladan shows up I start grinning since I know exactly what Strider told Pippin to get him up on that horse! That's why Pip finds him so fascinating! They also seem to have no end of delicious, nutritious, relaxing, refreshing, energizing drinks. I'd love to see Glorfindel do a commercial for Red Bull - "It gives you wings!" ^_^

Iris Sandydowns · 30 October 2003 · Chapter 5: More Midges than Water

Janet, I got so behind reading BCOP that I've decided to start over from the beginning. I'm enjoying it even more with the second reading! I wanted to stop here just for a moment to comment on this: **“Silly Took.” Pippin smiled; he could read Frodo’s emotions as well as anyone, even in the shrouded half-light of a misty dawn, and the look in his cousin’s eyes conveyed to him every thought behind Frodo’s light words: Thank you… I’m proud of you…I’m glad you’re here… Please don’t risk yourself for me, I can’t bear it. And Pippin answered, in his own way, that Frodo would be watched out for by people who loved him, whether he liked it or not. “Stubborn Baggins.”** That has got to be one of my favorite passages of all time! I love how Frodo and Pippin convey so much to each other with just two words. I picture this scene in my head with such clarity, its like a scene straight out of one of the films. On to chapters 6-20!!! Sandy

fliewatuet · 28 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

I am glad that Merry is on the mend. Though for Frodo, the worst is yet to come (and for Sam being forced to watch, or rather unwilling to leave Frodo's side, even during the operation). I am, by the way, still thrilled by your story, even though I don't manage to leave a review for every chapter.

Meldewen Ilce · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

“Surely you don’t mean to wait to remove the fragment until Frodo is nearly gone? Even if you then take it from his body, he will be too weak to ever recover consciousness.” “There is another way,” Elrond said. “With Vilya, as you know, I have bestowed a timelessness to this valley; I have never attempted it with a person, but I can attempt to do the same for Frodo -- slowing his breath, heartbeat… everything. His body functions will slow such that he will require neither food nor drink. The fading will progress, but at a greatly diminished rate -- perhaps taking days instead of hours. That way, at the first… hint… of transparency, when I can at last perceive precisely where the shard lays within him, there should be time to remove it before it is too late for Frodo to recover.” Elrond fixed the wizard with a steely gaze. “But you must use Narya to strengthen him, and give his body the energy it needs to hold on.” The wizard nodded slowly. “It may give Frodo his only chance,” he agreed, gazing at the pale, still face. “Let us begin.” You know I had never really given this issue much thought: How did Elrond get that piece of Morgul blade out of Frodo? I mean I could see why he wouldn’t want to just dig around in Frodo’s shoulder because by the time Frodo got to him he was already very weak. What you have written only makes sense – and I never really thought about it but I suppose Vilya did give Elrond to control the effects of time on Rivendell and its valley – I mean we know Nenya gave Galadriel the ability to greatly slow the passage of time in Lothlorien so I don’t know why it never occurred to me that Elrond could do the same with Vilya. Clever thinking here! Merry finished the cupful and lay back, growing drowsy again. “Thank you. I can’t believe we finally got here. We would never have made it, if not for Strider.” Elrond smiled. “Pippin called him ‘Strider’ as well. An odd name, but I see that you have learned to trust him, as he has learned to trust you.” “I know he’s not just a Ranger,” Merry declared suddenly. “He can’t be.” Elrond touched his fingers to the hobbit’s brow. “There are many aspects to each of us -- to you, as well, Merry.” “It’s more than that,” Merry insisted. He was suddenly finding it hard to stay awake. “I overheard Glorfindel say…things… and the healing plant, and his… grandfather was…” I like how Merry is starting to suspect that there is something very special about Aragorn… And I do love Pippin and Merry’s conversations, especially Pip’s reaction to seeing Arwen! And wow I am glad Gandalf decided it was unwise to allow Bilbo to see the Ring because yes indeed 17 years of being away from it is not enough! “Maybe Elrond is keeping most of them away from this area,” Merry said thoughtfully. “The Ring is still a secret, I suppose.” “It sure is,” Pippin agreed. “Gandalf wouldn’t let Bilbo see that Frodo was wearing it.” “He’s wearing it?” Merry gasped. “Around his neck,” Pippin hastened to explain. “It’s on a chain that belonged to Strider’s mother. He called it an ‘heirloom of his house’, one of the gifts his father gave to his mother on their wedding day. It’s really beautiful; Strider said that it’s one of the few things remaining of that land he told us about -- the one that was drowned in the Western Seas.” “Hmmm,” Merry said quietly. “Strider has heirlooms of his ‘house’?” “Oh!” Pippin suddenly sat straight up. “And the most amazing thing happened, Mer! We were all in the middle of talking about… oh, everthing except the Ring, I guess, because Gandalf didn’t seem to want us to talk about it in front of Bilbo, maybe because---” “Peregrin Took, what was the amazing thing that happened?” Merry asked in exasperation. Pippin took a deep breath, his green eyes reflecting the starlight coming in through the window. “A lady came in. You have never, ever, in your entire life seen such a beautiful lady,” he said reverently. “I couldn’t believe my eyes, and neither could Sam. And guess what?” Pippin got so excited he nearly started bouncing, but remembered just in time that Merry still had a headache. “It’s the lady Strider’s in love with! Her name’s Arwen, and she’s so…” He sighed. “She’s really beautiful.” “You said that,” Merry grinned. “Not too bad looking, eh?” “Meriadoc,” Pippin said frostily, “wait until you see her. Sam nearly passed out, I think.” He looked thoughtful. “I wonder how old she is.” “Too old for you, I’ll bet,” Merry said teasingly. “It doesn’t matter,” Pippin said with deep regret. “The way she and Strider were looking at each other, well… it was like there wasn’t anyone else in the room. Or the world. Strider suddenly looked so different, all of a sudden… But Mer, guess who she is? She’s Elladan and Elrohir’s sister. She’s Elrond’s daughter! It’s like Strider’s betrothed to a princess or something!” “Prince Strider,” Merry chuckled. “What’s going on out there, now?” I do love Pippin and Merry’s conversations, especially Pip’s reaction to seeing Arwen! Pippin found Merry in what had become their favorite place -- indeed, a favorite place for many -- the grand porch on the east side of the House. It lent a view of the high mountains, and the air was filled with a sweet fragrance from the many gardens and the sound of waterfalls near and distant. The evening’s shadows darkened the valley beyond, and a few stars had begun to twinkle in the clear skies above them. “What are you doing out here all alone, Meriadoc?” asked Pippin. He plunked down on the luxuriously padded bench beside his cousin, who seemed lost in thought. “It’s nearly suppertime!” “I was just talking with Gandalf,” Merry said. “Pip, did you know that the Rangers are the last remnant in the North of the great people, the Men of the West? Gandalf called them ‘the race of the Kings from over the Sea.’” “Oh Merry,” Pippin scoffed. “The kings are just legend.” “I’m beginning to think that they’re not,” Merry murmured. Yep, I’d say Merry more than suspects there is more to Aragorn than meets the eye *g* “Shall we speak of other things?” Aragorn asked, seeing the hobbit’s discomfort. “Yes, please,” Merry whispered. “Very well.” Aragorn joined the hobbits on the bench. “What shall we talk about?” ”Frodo,” Merry said promptly. “No one will tell us anything specific. I want to know what everyone’s waiting for! Why hasn’t Elrond or someone cut that evil thing out of his shoulder? It’s been days, and…” Suddenly he gasped and turned ashen. “What’s wrong?” Pippin asked anxiously. Merry stared at Aragorn in terrible comprehension. “Which of you is going to be the one to kill him?” he blurted out. “What?” Pippin cried. “Merry!” Aragorn grabbed the hobbit’s suddenly-cold hands and held them tightly. “Merry, no! No one is planning to kill Frodo.” “You are,” Merry said wildly. “You can’t help him, and he’s fading, like you said, and he’ll become a wraith and disappear and take the Ring, but before it happens… one of you will… will have to…” “Merry, calm yourself and listen to me,” Aragorn said firmly. “Elrond believes that Frodo can be cured, but he’s waiting for just the right moment to take further action. He doesn’t want to cut into Frodo until he perceives exactly where the shard lies, and he has told me that soon he will know.” “Soon?” “Very soon.” “Swear it,” Merry insisted. “Swear it on your house, and your lineage.” Now it was Aragorn’s turn to be speechless. After a long silence, he slowly nodded. “I do so swear it.” Merry slowly relaxed. “I’m sorry,” he said at last. “I don’t know what I was thinking.” “You love him,” Aragorn said gently. “We all do, Merry, but he could not be in better hands.” Wow – I can’t believe Merry could actually think they were going to kill Frodo – I mean Frodo is surrounded by the people who love him most, Aragorn included. Still I can’t blame Merry too bad he is just getting to know and understand how much Aragorn loves his cousin! Man, oh man you MUST continue soon – leaving off at the beginning of Elrond’s surgery on Frodo! Please UPDATE soon! On another note sorry I have not commented the last several chapters – I have been reading this story and I still love it – it has just been a matter of finding time to comment when I have been busy lately. Please know I love this story and I hope you’ll continue it for quite awhile!

Elwen · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

Yipes. I'm devouring this fic. Merry's fear was so sweet and very real, under the circumstances. I sense more Frodo angst in the next chapter . . . says she, hopefully.

Elentari · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

cliffhanger?! aww Shirebound! you're just too much! =) well i have only nice things to say about the latest installment... the dialogue between Merry and Pippin in the interim is much needed and dealt with quite nicely...my favorite part is when Merry asked Aragorn to swear that nothing will happen to Frodo... awww~! and also when Merry started questioning about the phrase that the Shire had about the return of the King =) hehe...very cool. looking forward to another chapter as always, hanned le, ~Elentari

Nilmandra · 26 October 2003 · Chapter 20: Piecing Things Together

I am really caught up in the timing of this surgery (enjoying it just doesn't sound right!) and this unique twist you've given to this part of the story. That the shard has to make its move, so to speak, and when that happens is their best chance of retrieving it. Pippin is as irrepressible as ever, and his reaction to Arwen is priceless. I slso love the sly little bits of humor wound in there. Why is it that I think Elladan and Elrohir might be doing some wardrobe exchanging? And Merry is beginning to see Aragorn in a new light :D

Elwen · 20 October 2003 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House

When you write comfort it's so very . . . comfortable. You've achieved a soft, peaceful feel in this chapter that is just how I imagine Rivendell to be.

Elentari · 19 October 2003 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House

wow... this was better than expected, Shirebound! I am soo glad that you included conversations between the hobbits and the elves as well... The last part about the Ring and Bilbo is praise-worthy as well too. and i'm glad you haven't made it "angsty" yet..hehe... It's light so far and it's a contrast to other "before Frodo wakes in Rivendell" stories that i've read which is quite refreshing =) Great job, i look forward to reading more as always =) hanned le, ~Elentari

Nilmandra · 16 October 2003 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House

I enjoyed seeing things through Pippin's eyes. I couldn't help laughing as he rushed from subject to subject - hyper, excited, irrepresible tweenager! I am sure that a young hobbit is just the thing to liven up a house that hasn't had many children, perhaps not since Estel himself. But, they are fed, bathed and clothed - and we just need to see what is to be done about Frodo now. I am glad to see some humor and interest in things despite Frodo's condition - I think that is likely realistic in the nature of all the races there.

LaurelinsSong · 16 October 2003 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House

Oh Shirebound, this story continues to delight! Please continue, the hobbits in Moria, the hobbits in Lothlorien, the hobbits meet Gimli and Gloin for the first time... I cannot wait! One thing I must share, even if I am not sure this is an altogether good thing, but with the line: “Special,” Elrond murmured to himself. “Indeed he is.” my Lord Elrond took a Holiday and Hugo Weaving popped in to take his place. Complete with the rising cresendo that accompanied "And you shall be the fellowship of the ring" *shudder* (I loathed that movie moment) It seems my minds-eye Tolkien elves are slowly but surely being replaced by Peter Jackson versions. :) Not that I am objecting totally as Legolas looks quite darling as a blonde (I'd always thought he was dark for some reason, But I am quite happy with my Elladan and Elrohir which fitted quite charmingly into your portrayal of them :) To conclude this ramble, Shirebound, while I have enjoyed all your tales I must admit that this is quickly turning into my favourite! Thank you for sharing!

Nell Marie · 16 October 2003 · Chapter 19: The Last Homely House

Those lost two chapters were lovely. I'm so glad they've made it safely to Rivendell, and your descriptions of it almost made me feel like I'd just arrived after a long, long journey. And I'm pleased to see Bilbo too and am looking forward to the sharing of stories as much as the hobbits. Sorry I have been so slack with reviews lately. My internet access is erratic at best these days. NM

Little Mouse · 12 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Rivendell

Wow. Well done. I liked the way you intigrated Elladan and Elrohir back into the story at that point, it worked very well- it was very believeable. And as far as how Elrond healed him, I never thought of that, and the way you put it makes perfect sense. I also loved the way Pippin was so protective of Frodo, despite his utter exhaustion. I love the way you protray the Hobbits as so much more than merely being friends. I'm not sure all of my close friends would do the same for me, so it's really neat to see the Hobbit's do it. Especially Pippin. He's still a tweenager, but wise beyond his years, more so than he knows. I just love him, and the way you portray him. He becomes so much more than mere comic relief. Anyways, that was a lot of rambling out of me, hope it made sense. I can't wait to see what happense next. :) -LM

Mysterious Jedi · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Rivendell

You can't stop after Rivendell. Your writing is to good. You must write another sequal.

Elwen · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Rivendell

Oh my . . . that's a dangerous plan they've come up with. I know you won't go AU and kill him and yet I'm still on the edge of my seat. Pippin's fierce protectiveness was a great touch. And they were all so exhausted, even Aragorn. I think some folks tend to forget that they had all been through a great trial . . . which is not to belittle Frodo's injury in any way.

fliewatuet · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Rivendell

Thanks for including the sons of Elrond into your story! I always enjoy well-written Aragorn-Elladan/Elrohir interaction. Aragorn allowing himself to be put to bed by Elladan and Elrohir is testimony to his bone-deep exhaustion, but something that fits so perfectly into the story.

Nilmandra · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Rivendell

Your hobbits are exquisite (but EVERYONE knows that) - especially Pippin in this chapter. What a heart of courage! I love that he had no fear of Elrond :) Glorfindel continues to be wonderful, and now I love your twins too. Good brothers to Aragorn, I like how they cared for him and the hobbits. You gave them a dignity that is often overlooked. Elrond's theory is both amazing and unsettling. I don't like the idea of Frodo fading any further, yet if that is the best way to see the shard.... and I like that you have put Narya and Vilya to good use - really, for the purposes intended when Celebrimbor forged them so long ago. Great chapter.

MarigoldG · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Rivendell

I absolutely love Pippin's reaction about the safety of the Ring! He is the only other hobbit aware right now and he takes over the responsibilty from Frodo when he is unable to himself. Just perfect!

Pearl Took · 30 September 2003 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen

shirebound, There is so much energy and power in this chapter! It rushes and tumbles over itself like the flooded river. I felt swept away and yet stopped still at the same time, the rush of the physical world and the inner battle of Frodo. I read this the day it was posted but haven't been able to think straight enough to write a response that was worthy. Again, a powerful chapter!!! Pearl Took

pebbles · 29 September 2003 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen

In a hurry, but yet another lovely chapter!

Mysterious Jedi · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen

Still excellent, although I have no idea how one person can write so much detail just from Bree to Rivendell! Oh, well. The longer, the better :) Keep writing!

trishette · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen

Wow.... I thought you reached optimum in the fear factor chapter eight, but this one has got eight beat! Wow. I was actually able to conjure up the image of the scene from your vivid descriptions. I am very glad to hear that you are going to go through the four agonizing days of waiting, and even to the Council of Elrond. Will Aragorn also be by Frodo's bedside when he wakes in this story?

Kit5 · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 17: The Ford of Bruinen

Hello SB dear... I shall review this here since FF.net won't let me into the chapter. What a gripping chapter-one of your best yet. I can't wait to see that Witch king get his. On a lighter note, a sleeping pile of Ents sounds pretty neat. Perhaps they're auditioning for a part in my Firewood story??? Thank you for your help this weekend too...it meant a lot.