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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner	9 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/29/2009
He's but a Hobbit? grin Oh well, but he's a very exceptional one, isn't he? It was fun to watch Halbarad realise about whom his chieftain was talking! I can just imagine his face :) It makes sense that Aragorn made sure that Halbarad knew why they had to guard the Shire. Considering his life, he had to make sure someone knew the truth in case he was killed, and that someone made sure the guards took their duty seriously. He can't be everywhere himself, after all. And I like the idea to keep Frodo's true name a secret. It really makes sense, too. Thank you so very much! Really had not expected this present, particularly as I have been such a terrible reviewer lately! I enjoyed it very much! :) Author Reply: Oh, yes, there's no question that Bilbo Baggins proved a most exceptional individual of ANY race, and particularly as a Hobbit! And it must have been a wonder to Halbarad to think he would shortly be meeting such a famous individual. I, too, would have enjoyed seeing his face! And I'm certain that Aragorn did feel it necessary to see the Shire guarded in this manner. He had to have at least one individual who would, as you note, be aware as to WHY it was so important at this point that the Shire be properly guarded. I'm not certain myself precisely when this happened; if it took place just before he went off tracking Gollum the last time, it would be doubly important at that point no orcs or other servants of the dark forces be allowed in. And to use a code-name for Frodo would be very important, particularly if they believed that someone among their own could have been a traitor. And I'm so very glad you appreciated this gift. Hope your birthday proved joyous!

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/29/2009
And so another duneadan learns of the importance and reason for their long watch! And now I find myself unclear and about to show my ignorance! :) Just when did the Rangers start guarding the Shire and it's people? Author Reply: It appears that the Dunedain had always guarded the settled lands of the Shire and the Breelands, and perhaps other settlements such as Tharbad and whatever community surrounded the Last Inn and such. But it is noted that when Gandalf first began to question the nature of the Ring held by Bilbo he asked that the watch on the Shire's borders be doubled, and again once he was certain that it WAS the One Ring. According to the Tale of Years, he approached Aragorn the first time in 3001 TA, at the same time as Bilbo's leaving of the Shire and a year before he returned to Rivendell to take up residence there. He apparently managed to get a message to Aragorn or spoke with him before he was approached by Radagast with the message that sent him off to Orthanc advising him of the original plan for Frodo to leave the Shire on his birthday accompanied by Sam; Aragorn appears to have not gotten the word that Gandalf had written a hasty letter to Frodo from Bree advising him to get out of the Shire earlier, as he turned up along the East Road just at the time Frodo and Gandalf had planned for, admitting he'd been off on his own affairs, which I suspect involved making certain his own people's borders were intact before he set off for points unknown with Frodo. I do think that it would be important for Aragorn to have at least one other Dunadan aware of the real reasons for making certain the borders of the Shire were well guarded for those times he must be off seeing to other portions of the realm or doing important work for the general good of all the Free Peoples. Hope this answers your questions! And thanks for the feedback, Harrowcat.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
I enjoyed this very much. Author Reply: I'm so glad you do, Linda. Thank you!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
What an interesting thought-- that Aragorn would have introduced Halbarad to Bilbo because of their suspicions about the Ring! Author Reply: Once the suspicions began, there had to be a core of folk who knew what the guard was about to make certain it was kept as well as could be, or so I'd think. Thanks so, Dreamflower!

Cairistiona	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
I really enjoyed this fic; I can never really decide whether Aragorn shared with Halbarad that the Ring was what they were guarding, but I find myself enjoying either approach. I really like how Halbarad's eyes were opened (literally!) to the quality of hobbits. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to watch Halbarad listening to Bilbo's tale. Author Reply: I've dithered back and forth myself. I am certain, however, that they would have begun using a code-name for Frodo fairly early on, for his own protection; and probably once Gandalf was certain Sam would come with Frodo Pantail would have been added to the names as well.

Celeritas	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
This is lovely. I particularly like Halbarad's skepticism turning into awe. ^_^ Author Reply: To come face to face with such a legend would be most surprising, I think! Thanks so, Celeritas!

Sunny	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
Aragorn shows a lot of common sense here. Considering the sorts of missions he probably assigned himself, giving his deputy sufficient background information would have been essential. Even if it was of the "burn-before-reading and slit-your-throat-after-reading variety. Have you ever encountered Murphy's Law, or in particular Murphy's Laws of War? http://www.murphys-laws.com/murphy/murphy-war.html Hopefully the Muse may find some interesting bits-and-pieces here. (and my apologies if this input has distracted her!!! If you want more of my thoughts about this sort of thing, mail me!! Author Reply: Ah, more plotbunnies! Like I need them? I'll have to check out the war-oriented ones, as I've seen so MANY of the regular ones! Heh! And I do believe that Aragorn, knowing how he might end up having to dash off to the far side of Eriador or possibly even east of the mountains on a moment's notice, would want Halbarad suitably warned as to just what might be lurking within the Hobbit's Shire, not to mention who or what kind of enemies might now wish to find their way into it!

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
Oh, wonderful. Aragorn's most trusted kinsman would need to know something of these matters, after all. Author Reply: Indeed, Shirebound! Thank you so!

Szepilona10	Reviewed Chapter: 67 on 9/28/2009
I love Halbarad! I wish he didn't die. Author Reply: I agree. But when next you surf on FF.n, do look at Radbook's "In Aragorn's Safekeeping" and its sequel. I am certain you will like them both!

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