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Holding Back the Flood  by shirebound 20 Review(s)
Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 13 on 10/31/2009
I just loved this chapter.It makes excellent sense that Aragorn learned more about the use of athelas at this time,as he was able to help Faramir later in the story.

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda. Aragorn left Rivendell so soon after finding out his true identity, I'm sure there were a lot of things left for him to learn there.

AspenJulesReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/15/2009
So THAT'S how and when Aragorn learned this trick! How delightful to have such teachers, and to be able to remind Elrond of his long-lost brother Elros. I also love Arwen's role in supporting him through that task, as well as Elrond spending his entire store of energy in such a monumental task.

This is truly a very well-done story, Shire. Your story-telling just continues to mature and improve, and it started off DARN GOOD already!

Author Reply: Thank you so much. Your lovely comments make me all warm and happy.

*squishes*

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/15/2009
It was very interesting that you wrote the dream part where Elrond is outside intent on defending Rivendell but was weak. I like dream flashbacks/flash forwards like that.
Elrond h/c--awesome! :)

Author Reply: Thank you! This chapter was pretty intricate, and I'm relieved the flashbacks/forwards worked.

grumpyReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/30/2009
THe healer gets to be healed by his one time student. SO glad that Arwen and Aragorn can be of help to each other. Just shows that they were ment to be together.

Author Reply: I thought it would be interesting for Elrond to need help from Aragorn, and also his daughter. Thanks for the review. :)

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/16/2009
A wizard cannot be wheedled... only convinced to do something they were going to do anyway? ;) I love Aragorn's description of the hobbits. :D

So this is Aragorn's first foray into calling back wandering spirits. I love that Arwen served as his anchor to Middle-earth, and I found Elrond's unconscious wanderings fascinating, as well as his thoughts about the new pool being formed by the flood waters. Well done!

Author Reply: Thank you so much. Tolkien gave us such a fascinating area to explore regarding Aragorn's bloodline and its conferring special abilities. It was challenging to weave all this together!

only convinced to do something they were going to do anyway?

LOL, stay tuned for chapter 14. :)

EstelcontarReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/9/2009
That was a most lovely chapter. Your version of how Aragorn came to learn how to use his healing power is very convincing. I especially enjoyed having Elrond see Aragorn as Elros, and the detail of having Glorfindel mention that Arathorn was most skilled in the use of Athelas. It's a good reminder that it was not restricted to Aragorn, but a gift of the house of Elros.

Of course the fact that Aragorn needed Arwen's strenght to anchor him was perfect too.


Well done indeed.

Author Reply: Thank you so much. It was interesting to try to weave past, present, and future into this chapter, and imagine a glimpse into the training of Elros's remarkable descendants.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/9/2009
WOW! This was very powerful and I liked the way this seems to connected to the time later in the Quest when Aragorn will need to call Frodo and Sam back to the world. It seems as if this needed to happen to prepare him in some way for what he would face.

Oh, and I adore this line: (“They remain hobbits -- stubborn, exasperating, resilient, and altogether remarkable,”)

And may they always remain hobbits!

Author Reply: Oh, thank you. I do like to imagine how folks learn the skills they need later (such as Aragorn's unique ability to call back 'wandering souls').

Bless our hobbits! They're unique, lovable, and remarkable beings, and it's fun when that can be recognized.

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/8/2009
What a brilliant chapter, Shirebound. I loved every bit of it. Poor Elrond - so much effort to hold back that water. It was wonderful to see Aragorn and Arwen working together, and how perfect that somehow Elrond thought Aragorn was Elros. at least it gave him the strength to go on, and the athelas did its work.

“Wizards cannot be 'wheedled',” Gandalf declared.

*snigger* We'll see about that!



Author Reply: Thank you, I'm so happy you enjoyed this chapter!

Ahhh, wizard wheedling. Surely one of a hobbit's favorite pastimes!

GreyLynxReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/8/2009
Elrond is back, and thank the Valar, he lives! Very nice chapter, me wants more :D cheers!

Author Reply: Thank you very much!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/7/2009
I read this just before I had to leave for work, so I didn't have time to let you know how much I love this! It's always fun for me to see the healer in need of healing-- and Elrond certainly is.

I love the way Arwen supports Aragorn in this-- just beautifully portrayed!

And the way in which Elrond saw his brother in Aragorn was delightful.

As always, I look forward to more!

Author Reply: I appreciate your comments so much. Isn't it fun when a healer needs TLC? I wanted to make sure Aragorn was needed not just for Frodo, but for Elrond as well. I'm so relieved it seems to have worked out! :)

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