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Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil  by Larner 11 Review(s)
Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/25/2008
I,m very glad I didn't have to travel in days gone by. It sounded tiring and scary! The Hobbits very very brave as Hobbits are.

Author Reply: Oh, I agree, Linda. And I doubt Merry would allow fear of the possibility of enemies and danger to put him off doing much of anything.

Thanks so for the feedback!

Raksha The DemonReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/23/2008
OMG, it's Lassie in Middle-earth! Well, Lassie with a gender change (though the great canine heroine has always been played by male dogs) and apparently a breed change; but Goldenrod is a wonderful addition to the helpful animals of Tolkien's world. And of course, he must be a descendant of Huan!

Wonderful descriptions of the dog's actions and the hobbits' care of him is heart-warming; you can tell how well Peri has been raised, to have compassion on a hungry frightened dog. And it's neat to see squire Merry transformed once more into Holdwine of the Mark, the hobbit who helped slay the Witch-King.

Would Goldenrod be an Irish Wolfhound, or an Otterhound perhaps? It's implied that he's got longish hair, or at least hair that isn't short. And I don't know if a Golden Retriever could have killed an alpha wolf; the jaws might not be strong enough...

Now you've got me wondering how Goldenrod came to be lost, who had him before...Of course, he's got to stay with the Brandybucks now, but I'd like to know what befell his original owner(s).

Author Reply: Lassie was always played by a male except when Lassie had puppies--then and almost only then they had a female in the role. Goldenrod a descendant of Huan? In spirit, if not physically. I'd think an Irish wolfhound would be a good guess as for breed.

As for the question as to whether I'll ever write his history--that's always possible, of course. But, then perhaps not--depends on how other stories behave themselves!

InzilbethReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/22/2008
What a lovely story! Merry is truly the magnificent Master here and I love the idea that Gandalf would have added hobbits to his list of dangerous folk had they actually been present at the time. Love the glimpse of our king, but best of all, I enjoyed the Gelert-like loyalty of Goldenrod.

Author Reply: Oh, yes, the Magnificent is indeed seen here in all his glory! Gandalf always did see Hobbits as folk to surprise one, but I doubt he would have been terribly surprised about this situation and Merry's martial competence, not after what he'd seen of the Travellers during the quest.

And I'm so glad that Goldenrod is receiving so much attention. I swear his tail is wagging, and he's wriggling with pleasure under my hand! Heh!

Esquire_of_RohanReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/21/2008
Very good. I enjoyed this piece!

Author Reply: I'm so glad! And I'd think especially you would find its main characters meaningful!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/21/2008
A great story with a happy ending for Goldenrod!

I also loved the moments when Perry saw his father like he was on the quest, a reminder that all the stories he had heard were true.

“But what are we to do--go nowhere, do nothing, because to step outside our door may mean we might slip on ice or find another unexpected danger? No, I didn’t travel alongside Frodo for so long to sit, craven, hiding from possible danger. And it’s not for nothing I am accounted a knight of Rohan.”

That's very true! Even in our times the world outside is dangerous. Just read the newspapers or listen to the news. But to sit inside and wait for safer times won't solve the problem!

Author Reply: Oh, I agree, Andrea! Even our homes are not perfectly safe, of course. But Merry learned a long time ago that one must be ready for danger, and not allow fear to imprison him. Now it's time for his son to learn the same lesson.

And Goldenrod does have a new home, where he will be treated well. And there's no question he's earned his place!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/21/2008
At first, after the dog turned up, I was half expecting Eregiel to follow *lol*
Poor beast, I wonder where he came from and why he's out there. Very lucky that he found Merry and Perry! I think he's got a wonderful new home now.

Uh, wolves? Just what they need! Luckily Merry isn't the inexperienced Hobbit any more who left the Shire for the first time. It was great to see the Holdwine of the Mark again. And Perry proved to be his father's son, didn't he? Perry did very well when the wolves attacked. Though I am glad they are not alone any longer.

Still have to get around to 'Stirring Rings' *sigh* Days are simply too short!

Author Reply: No, not Eregiel this time. And perhaps I might just write the rest of his tale one day.

Merry and Pippin are making certain their children aren't helpless if they ever leave the Shire, and it's paid off for Perry, at least. You're right--definitely his father's son! But it is better to have as escort others who are also skilled at defense.

I know about not enough time--or at times perhaps too much time.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/21/2008
What a nice dream Merry had there toward the beginning. How very good that all turned out well at the end. Love Aragorn's little tease there.

Namarie, God bless, Antane ;)


Author Reply: Oh, yes, I'd think that Merry would find himself thinking often on this trip about Frodo. And the two of them were ready, and Perry more ready than he'd ever dreamt he could be, I think!

Thanks so, Antane.

SunnyReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/21/2008
Methinks my nose doth smell a happy ending for Goldenrod :-)

Charming story!

Author Reply: I do hope so, Sunny! Yes, he's found new people to cling to, and he'll be well accepted there in Brandy Hall.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/20/2008
Ooh may I offer Goldenrod a good and loving home? If not then I definitely want to hear more about this marvelous hound.

Author Reply: So, you need a Jet fix, do you? Oh, then Goldenrod might well decide on you next, if he finds anything at Brandy Hall he doesn't like! Heh!

Thanks so much!

Am so glad I finally got that new chapter added to "Stirring Rings" and am working on the next one between challenges.

lwarrenReviewed Chapter: 35 on 10/20/2008
Well!!! Now, I am wide awake after all that excitement(wolves yet *shivers*)! I would say the two Hobbits acquitted themselves quite well against that attack! Scary, Larner, but the lad did well and of course, Merry was his usual intrepid self. I enjoyed Periadoc seeing his father become the warrior he's heard or read about...it must have been somewhat disorienting to see that other side of his father emerge. And I liked the addition of the dog (poor thing, I'm glad he found Merry and his son - they'll take good care of him) and he turned out to be the best escort possible! I do love your Hobbit and Aragorn stories (with an elf or two thrown in for good measure!), Larner! I'm going to have to revisit my favorite sculptor, Ruvemir, with maybe a little trip to Harad...hmmmm, yes,....I do like the sound of that! Wonderful story!

linda

Author Reply: Somehow I missed this the other night--I do apologize. Am so glad you found the story both interesting and exciting. And now Periadoc Brandybuck both is convinced his father's tales are real, plus he now has a far better idea of what he's capable.

And I, too, have been rereading parts of Lesser Ring--have some final editing to do, I find. I have a Ruvemir story in the works, but it seems to be stalled for some reason I don't appreciate.

Thanks so for the feedback, Linda. This was interesting to write, having to take as inspiration the quote given from the Hobbit.

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