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Moments in Time by Larner	22 Review(s)
White Gull	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/3/2007
That was a cute take on Strider's perspective! And close to the mark, I'm sure. I always did think it was remarkable that Frodo kept the secret of the Barrow Downs to himself the whole way through Bree to Rivendell. I giggled at Strider during this, "He wasn’t completely certain of the relationships here, for although Bilbo had described them often enough, only Frodo apparently had been a full adult then and hadn’t changed appreciably in the seventeen years since his older cousin left the Shire. The other three all looked much of an age with Frodo, perhaps even a bit older, although Strider knew from his conversations with the old Hobbit that the other three had been still youngsters when he’d left the Shire while Frodo had that day become of adult status." Apparently, Strider understood Pippin so well because he was also capable of saying, or thinking, a whole lot at one gulp. :) WG Author Reply: Oh, I think that the Hobbits probably surprised him several times during their journey, much as he must have surprised them a time or two in return. As for thinking a good deal at a gulp--what can I say? Sorry--given to run-on sentences, I fear! Heh!

pebbles66	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/14/2006
I'm not sure how I missed this, but now that I've read it, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the story. I love how Aragorn is slowly coming to respect the hobbits, and is enjoying learning about them. Very nice! Author Reply: Our beloved King in the making is indeed coming to be aware that this particular group of Hobbits has its own unique skills it can offer the world of Middle Earth; and I think he'd enjoy watching them learn and prove themselves. So very glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks!

cookiefleck	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/2/2006
I liked this story a lot. Always enjoy watching the hobbits through others' eyes and this was interesting, and entirely plausible. Author Reply: It must have been quite a transition on both sides when the four Hobbits found themselves traveling with the mysterious Strider. Aragorn knows more about them than they do about him, but is learning they're anything but superficial in nature. Meanwhile they're finally beginning to see that not all Men are big and scary or big and dumb; and maybe there's good reason why he carries two sheaths and a knife. And am so glad you find it plausible. Thanks!

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/1/2006
I love that even Aragorn obeyed Frodo without question - cute! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Well, of course. Frodo always knows best, doesn't he? (Except, of course, when dealing with residuals of influence and damaged thinking engendered by evil Rings.) Thanks, Antane.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/1/2006
I love this story - the hobbits and the ranger beginning to get to know each other and overcome their distrust. Hobbits surprising said ranger is good, too - I like it that they are clearly showing that they may not have his depth of experience, but they are competent and shrewd. Author Reply: So far Aragorn's experience with Hobbits has been limited to Bilbo in Imladris and whatever Hobbits he's come to know in Bree; and I doubt the friendships he's developed there have been deep ones. As for whatever Hobbits Rangers might have guarded between the Brandywine Bridge and the Shire--that's a bit harder to predict, but I doubt that the relationships that activity might engender would be very deep. Aragorn knows Bilbo is shrewd; but learning that these four each have surprising depth must have been heartening to him, as he realized he wasn't traveling with total incompetents. And I think he'd probably find it all somewhat refreshing after so many years having to deal with dire circumstances, such quests as seeking out Gollum, his one journey through Moria, and the sheer boredom of those private patrols where nothing much is happening, much less dealing with the dismissal given him and his by the Breelanders.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 10/1/2006
giggle Loved the misunderstanding with the watch, and Merry trying to stop Pippin from talking too much about cousins and the like :) And I am sure Strider had some silent fun with all this, too. And I remember the topic of ‚how to wake a ranger’ in the other fic. So this was how the hobbits were introduced to never creep silently at Aragorn before waking him. Well, they will not forget it again after witnessing this! This will be a journey full of new experiences for all of them, no doubt, even for Aragorn, who obviously never had the chance to observe how silently the hobbits are able to move. Author Reply: The misunderstanding between keeping a watch and WEARING one was just waiting to be exploited, I found. English opens itself to so many such potential situations, of course, as mixed up as it is! And I do think that Strider found himself suppressing laughs at the expense of the four Hobbits, especially Pippin, so as not to insult them. And it only made sense that the lesson on how to safely waken a Ranger would come EARLY in their journey. Glad you enjoyed it.

Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/30/2006
Delightful...yes, you CAN write humor too...and everybody is so everybody in it and it is so...............well.............CUTE (there, I just had to say it, couldn't help myself) I just feel like patting it on the head! A most pleasant change. ~~~{~@ Author Reply: So glad I can also write CUTE! Thank you for the compliment! Heh!

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/30/2006
Oops! Sorry for the messed up quote. It was supposed to start here: Strider came over to check them out, and could see a line was visible between Frodo’s brows even in the dim light of the stars and the small fire.... God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Didn't bother me. And having had the mother board on the desktop, the power unit on the server, and the external power supply on the laptop all go at the same time, I certainly commisserate with you now.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/30/2006
Oh, this is just delightful! The characterizations are perfect, and the mood is very believeable. "We’ll be setting a watch..." began the Man. "Setting a what?" Pippin asked him. "A watch." "Do you have one in your pocket?" Pippin asked. "Frodo didn’t bring his, you see, but sometimes he’d have to set it." Oh man. Poor Aragorn! :) "But how does the one who stayed up first know it’s been about three hours if he doesn’t have a watch? Now, my Cousin Bard has a watch--well, he’s my third cousin, actually, for he’s----" "Pippin! He’s a Man--they don’t care what degree of cousin you are to a cousin he’s not even met! Honestly!" Merry’s voice was becoming very annoyed. "You’ll have to pardon him, Mr. Strider," he explained, apparently deciding the honorific was necessary to counter the bother Pippin must be becoming. "He’s overtired and nervous and hungry, for he’s not had more than one proper meal today and he’s not certain how to deal with it all. And then, to be traveling with a Man, and one who speaks as little as you do, and to have worried over whether or not those Black Riders are maybe coming after us--well, anyway, put all that together and he’ll start blathering." "I do not blather, Meriadoc Brandybuck!" "You most certainly do, Pippin, and you’re blathering right now." "I do not! Take it back!" laughing Oh dear, one overtired Hobbit, and Pippin at that, and another who is annoyed. Not good! "Pippin! Merry! That’s enough, do you hear? Be quiet and let Strider talk, and listen to what he says, for he knows what he’s talking about. And stop talking so much anyway--I have a headache." Frodo’s voice was pitched softly, but nevertheless carried sufficient authority that both his companions immediately complied. The Man felt his lip twitch, and he knew a moment’s admiration for his primary charge. Well, Bilbo had told him Frodo Baggins had a very natural authority to him--a couple times during the day’s stops he’d looked at Strider himself and said something along the lines of "Will you please get me five sausages from the roll Sam’s carrying?" and he’d automatically complied. Obviously he was as vulnerable to that natural authority as these three. Ah, yes, this is Frodo's way. And of course that authority would impress all, even Aragorn, who has just as much himself. "Tonight it’s going to be between you, Merry, or Samwise, for I’ve had no sleep for three nights already, and your Master had less than an hour last night." "He’s not our Master--he’s our cousin. He’s Merry’s first cousin once removed and my second cousin once removed----" "Pippin." Frodo’s tone was enough to restore quiet. giggles "I’ll go first," Pippin sighed. "I know how to tell now, and I’m already awake anyway." "But you’re tired." "And you aren’t? And I bet Sam’s even more so, for he’s been carrying the heaviest pack of all--probably has lots of things Frodo didn’t think he’d need that Sam knew he would anyway, just as he always does when we go for a tramp." Aww! That's our Pippin. :) tin plates and spoons and mugs washed, and at a look from Frodo the other three Hobbits slipped into their bedrolls. Strider came over to check them out, and could see a line was visible between Frodo’s brows even in the dim light of the stars and the small fire. "Your head still aches?" the Man asked softly. "Yes, really." "I’ll prepare a draught for it," Strider offered, and immediately returned to the fire. Merry had brought some more fuel earlier and set it to hand, so it took little enough to stir up the blaze a bit and set a pan of water over it. Merry, he realized, was sitting up on his elbow watching. "You know about draughts?" the Hobbit asked in a low voice. "Anyone who must spend as much time in the wild as I do had best know something about at least simple draughts," Strider replied. He found his satchel where Frodo and Sam had set it while unloading the pony, and opened it to remove a smaller red bag with an elaborate knot about its throat. In moments he’d found the willow bark, slippery elm, and chamomile and had measured out what he believed was needed into his palm and poured them into a clean bit of cheesecloth he’d also brought out of the red bag. Then he restored all else and set the red bag aside, bringing the twist of cheesecloth and a cup back to the fire to wait on the water to boil. Pippin was watching him curiously. "You carry healing herbs with you?" At the Man’s nod he continued in a whisper, "Merry will be interested for he’s always liked puttering about with herbs, and Sam will be interested because he’s a gardener and just loves plants, and Frodo will be interested just because he’s interested in about everything." "I see." After a moment’s silence Pippin asked, "Since getting supper took so long, shouldn’t I watch a bit longer than when Ancalimaë reaches the tree?" The Man felt himself smiling. "If you wish, but not far beyond it." He saw the small nod of understanding. Once the water was boiling and he’d poured it into the mug, he dipped the twist of fabric carrying the herbs into it until he felt it had steeped enough, then crossed quietly to where Frodo lay. The taller Hobbit sat up and accepted the warm mug, and made a face as he drank the draught. "We have no honey, apparently," he sighed. "I’m sorry, but I’d thought to save what I purchased in Bree in case it was needed for wounds, what we don’t use in our meals. I hope you can bring yourself to drink it all. You’ll sleep the better if you’re not in pain." Aha! Aragorn as the healer already. Lovely! And Pippin shows his caring, even while talking too much. :) Frodo had bested a barrow wight! Yes, no wonder he had a headache. "Mister Strider--it’s time as----" It was as well the gardener had spoken before he touched the Ranger’s shoulder, for the Man was instantly upright, half on his knees, knifeblade ready for instant defense. At last we see what happens when someone is unaware of that instant reaction and tries to wake Aragorn! Poor Sam--that would scare me to death! the Ranger made a startling realization--there was no real sound there other than the rub of one trouser leg on the other. He took a deep breath. "Oh, I see. It’s to be like traveling with Elves." This interests me, for some reason. Is there a story behind this--of an Elf almost being scewered? :) He smiled as he accepted a plate of the breakfast Sam had prepared before he’d awakened the others. It appeared he would be properly fed along the way, although he was certain the Hobbits would be complaining about no elevenses soon enough; and he was certain to learn a good deal more about Hobbits in general before they reached Rivendell. He set himself to enjoy the meal, anticipating the most diverting journey through the wild he’d had since he himself was young. Oh yes, it will be quite diverting. :) He has no idea. :) I love this! Just what I wanted to read right now, and very refreshing after a prolonged battle with one dead and one messed-up notetaker that's going to drive me out of my mind before it's over with! :( Thanks so much, Larner! :) God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: I know I have a tendency to talk too much when nervous and tired, and it's even more pronounced in the Kid; that Pippin would show this tendency just seemed natural--but it does allow Strider to learn a good deal of information he'd probably not otherwise know. Yet Pippin is still showing promise of the wise leader he'll be when he's Thain, as well as showing the reasoning for which Aragorn chose to make him one of his personal advisors. Each of the four Hobbits is showing his personal strengths at this time, and Aragorn is beginning to appreciate just what they are capable of. It's too bad the entire journey couldn't have been so pleasant, and that the diversions offered along the way should prove so potentially deadly. But the Hobbits are learning also, and are coming to fully appreciate that this ISN'T another Hobbit walking party. As for traveling with Elves, I was thinking more of the fact that when doing so, as opposed to traveling with other Men, Aragorn would again not have the vibration of footsteps to awaken him, and they'd probably have worked out a different system to let him know it was his turn to waken. I suspect any Elf finding Aragorn's knife aimed at him would probably have his own blade out to counter it before Aragorn was quite awake.

Pearl Took	Reviewed Chapter: 19 on 9/30/2006
A wonderful tale, Larner!! I like how you have Strider learning special things about each of the four hobbits - they were a very special group. Very Well Done :-) Author Reply: Yes, the entire group learning from one another at this point; and getting at least a bit of a laugh from most of it. Thanks so for the compliment!

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