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When the King Comes Back  by shirebound 21 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/17/2006
Yes, a Hobbit who doesn't think of food is likely seriously ill, after all.

So, the Ring remains their secret. Interesting.

Author Reply: Yes, the cat was almost out of the bag in "Quarantined", chapter 7 (I think), but the secret remained a secret. :D

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/17/2006
I am glad Bilbo talked to Aragorn and said the right things about his inherent abilities.Sensible to teach Frodo about money young. I'm sorry i'm behind with my reading.

Author Reply: Reviews are never late, Linda! Thank you so much for reading, and letting me know you're enjoying this. *hugs*

CuthalionReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/16/2006
This is so delightful... I love this exchange between Bilbo and Aragorn, and that loving conversation between Bilbo and Frodo. I love this gentle tale!

Cúthalion

Author Reply: Thank you so much. I'd rather write dialogue than anything else, so I'm just thrilled it's coming across well.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/12/2006
*sigh* What a lovely chapter to come back to!

“Don’t overdo things, and don’t worry too much about Halbarad or anything else. Now then,” Bilbo said briskly, “drink up that willowbark tea Gilly left, and let us know if you need something stronger for your headache. Put that ice pack back on your wrist, and get some rest. Come to the kitchen when you are hungry. Remember that Bag End is your home whenever you are with us.”

There is absolutely no doubt as to who is Master of Bag End. I loved the image of Aragorn kneeling before Bilbo to have his hand bandaged. And the way you are winding in Halbarad's romance to your universe. And the biography of Aragorn. And the Gaffer, (my Dad is exactly the same with his dog which can get rather confusing for the poor thing but there is no doubting the bond between them.) And.... I could go on and on but I have a lot more reviews to catch up on and I don't want to quote the whole chapter, well I do but I had better not!



Author Reply: Thank you, harrowcat! I try to write a Bilbo who is kind and loving, but very perceptive, wise, and strong in will and personality. He is certainly Master of his domain. And thank you for quoting your favorite part! That's always such a joy for an author. :D

ElemmírëReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/12/2006
I loved every bit of this chapter, Shirebound. These were some of my favorite parts:

Bilbo closed his eyes for a moment. “I haven’t wanted Frodo to see my fear. He’s had so much upheaval in his life. Safety, reassurance, stability... these are what he needs so very much.”

Aragorn frowned at the use of his given name. Halbarad had told him that Bilbo knew his true identity, but not Frodo. This hobbit, he thought ruefully, currently knows more about me than I do.

“Perhaps you just need a few days off; a bit of a vacation, as it were. I often feel that way, myself.” Bilbo smiled and got to his feet. “Or... perhaps Halbarad needed the opportunity to grow up more quickly than he would have, otherwise.”


I was thinking that myself at one point when trying to reason why Aragorn lost that particular memory. Although he didn't show it, it must have been very stressful for him to know that the future and well-being of Middle-earth rested on his shoulders should the circumstances present themselves for him to become King.

Bilbo went looking for Scamp, and found her in the kitchen – with the Gaffer. Hamfast was sitting on the floor, feeding the dog some pieces of roasted beef and talking quietly to her.

“And you don’t have to fret none. Your master’s on the mend, and we’ll see to it that no one has any worries. Why, you’re nearly ready to meet your little ones, aren’t you? You need to keep up your strength now, and...” The Gaffer looked up and saw Bilbo watching him, and scrambled to his feet, red-faced with embarrassment


This scene was such a hoot! I just know the Gaffer will have to accept a Scamp puppy. How can he refuse the pleading blue eyes of Frodo when faced with a young hobbit holding a newborn cute puppy, Scamp the proud mother standing at his side and wagging her tail. Why, he'd have to have a heart of stone! LOL!

I still like the idea of Serinde receiving a puppy. Will you or Surgical Steele write that scene somewhere?

“Of course!” Frodo said, a smile blooming across his face. “Bilbo, you never asked my advice about money before.”

“It’s time I started. You are not yet of age, Frodo, but you are my heir, and have shown true maturity regarding matters of finance.”

Frodo beamed with pride


And as always, I really enjoy the care and worry Bilbo shows for Frodo, along with the understanding of how Frodo's matured. He understands his heir so very well, knowing his dislike of losing his independesnce and that it took a lot for Frodo to ask for help. I also liked Aragorn and Bilbo's disccussion. Very shrewd of Bilbo the way he handled speaking/leading up to Aragorn's past.

Looking forward to more, Shirebound!

p.s. I don't know why, but I would enjoy it very much if you have it in your plans to have a scene of Bilbo helping Frodo clean up in the bath. I think it stems back to that love, care, and comfort that you write so very well, along with thoroughly enjoying their conversation.

Author Reply: The Gaffer most certainly does *not* have a heart of stone, and it's melting fast, isn't it? And yes, I suspect that the story of Serinde receiving a puppy will be carried on in Surgical Steel's story. I'm just tickled to death how our stories are intertwining. Thank you so much for highlighting all those passages! I work very hard on weaving a tale that entertains, evolves, ties up loose ends, and brings the characters one more step forward in their lives.

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/11/2006
Oh my gosh, Frodo is so adorable here!!! I have to say, I like the little glimpses into his and Bilbo's relationship so much... it's a foreshadowing of how clever Frodo eventually proves as master of Bag End, I think. And I never mind Aragorn complaining about pain OR carrying a sleeping Frodo to bed despite the pain.

No, don't mind at t'all... lovely chapter!

Author Reply: I've definitely tried, over the course of these "Quarantined" stories, to show Frodo maturing and gaining both self confidence and Bilbo's trust.

I wish one of us knew how to draw. A lovely portrait of Aragorn carrying sleeping/drowsy/blankie-wrapped Frod... *happy sigh*


Gentle HobbitReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/10/2006
*happy sigh*

I do love the warmth and gentleness between Bilbo and Frodo. I love your Bilbo -- he is such a perceptive guardian and friend... and not only to Frodo. One can see where the friendship hinted at in FotR began to develop.

Author Reply: I do see Bilbo as "guardian", very much so... and as a wise and perceptive friend -- un-looked for by those who might have begun by underestimating hobbits and their worth.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/10/2006
Oooo! I've missed this, Shirebound! Healing...a secret courtship...our darling Scamp...puppies coming very, very soon...Shirefolk helping one another...Bagginses and Gamgees...it all gives me the cosy feeling that is your trademark. Oh, I've missed this-sitting down to one of your stories and not being able to stop smiling. :)

Poor Aragorn! He's forgotten one of the most important things. But I'm sure when he regains his memory, it will be in a wonderful or touching way.

And yes, the Gamgees will indeed end up with one or more puppies, and I'll bet one of them will follow Ham everywhere he goes. *grin*

Can't wait for more!
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Thank you, sweet one! And I do hope you enjoy the means by which Aragorn fully remembers his worth and destiny.

Puppies! *grins*

*cuddly, cosy hugs*

AmyReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/10/2006
Ah ha, using the proofs of his kingship on Aragorn himself! What an original idea! Let's hope he remembers in time to take up the throne!

Interesting how the term little one, when said with love and respect, can mean a lot. Aragorn's and Frodo's relative size difference also would take any sting away.

Promised puppies, hooray! Wee doggies!

For some reason, I feel like a nap and a snack after reading this chapter.

*wanders away*


Author Reply: It was fun how in "Quarantined", Aragorn insisted on saying 'little one' even when Frodo protested. It became such a loving nickname by the end of the story.

*joins you in nap and snack and puppy dreams*

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/10/2006
That was wonderful, shirebound! I would very much like to quote the whole chapter, but instead I'm quoting just this:

Bilbo went looking for Scamp, and found her in the kitchen – with the Gaffer. Hamfast was sitting on the floor, feeding the dog some pieces of roasted beef and talking quietly to her.

What an image! The old Gaffer sitting on the floor and talking to a dog!

Frodo grinned. “I’m not surprised in the least. He acts so gruff, but he’s always delighted to see Scamp out in the garden – unless she’s digging up something, that is.

LOL! Clever boy! I'm quite sure that old Bilbo will find a way to give the Gamgee children a puppy!

Author Reply: Thank you so much! I'm so happy when folks highlight their favorite parts. So you think there might be a Scampling in the Gamgees' future? Could be... *grins*

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