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More Than Meets the Eye  by shirebound 12 Review(s)
CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/5/2014
A restocked larder really would be the wealth of a hobbit's dreams! That gave me such a smile. Balin is a real treasure himself, and you've done him justice with this little snippet. Thorin as well--you've captured his dour character wonderfully. I love how you show Balin basically running rings around his every grumbling protest.

Author Reply: Thank you! It's interesting to imagine what strengths the different Dwarves bring to this venture, and I like to think that Balin would be a calming anchor for Thorin's impulsive (and often dark) thoughts.

lbiloverReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/4/2014
As always you have keen insights of your own (does the blood of Durin flow in you??) and I especially love that you focused on Balin in the second vignette, for he is most definitely my favorite Dwarf in The Hobbit. He is so kind and such a good friend to Bilbo. Thank you!!

Author Reply: Dear Balin, I really enjoyed writing about him for the first time. Thank you so much! I'll try to keep tapping in to my 'inner Durin'. :)

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/2/2014
Oh, how I love Balin! (And grieve the manner of his passing once more... but that is some time in the future, and so I will concentrate on enjoying him in the "present moment".)

I love his thoughtful dissection of Thorin's sentence! It makes so much sense, even as it's all wrong!

And the way you draw the relationship between him and Thorin -- Thorin is very blessed to have such a cousin.

Author Reply: I'm enjoying dear Balin in the 'present moment' as well. Thank you for letting me know that these characters ring true here. I do believe Balin would speak to Thorin from the heart.

LavenderTookReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/1/2014
Of course you write a great Balin. I could hear their conversation clearly. (-:

Author Reply: What a nice compliment! Thank you. :)

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/1/2014
Oh Shirebound, I could so see this scene, especially as played by the two Dwarves in question. This was priceless, especially Balin's misinterpretation of why Bilbo has "never done an honest day's work in his life". LOL! But his character is so true to himself and I loved the end. It was good to hear Thorin laugh.

Author Reply: Thank you so much! I'm so glad to know that the characters ring true. I'm greatly enjoying these little scenes, and am nearly finished with the next one.

layneReviewed Chapter: 2 on 4/1/2014
“Re-stock his larder, which we have sorely depleted!”

I bet that was indeed what Bilbo did first thing when he got back home!

Author Reply: *grins* I think so, too.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/30/2014
This was just delightful!

Author Reply: Thank you! *beams*

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/30/2014
A wonderful blend of movie- and book-verse Balin here. He was right not to dismiss the apparent youth of their reluctant host, but if Thorin underestimates Bilbo somewhat, Balin overestimates him.

Author Reply: Balin showed his confidence in Bilbo -- or at least not as much suspicion of him -- several times in The Hobbit -- such as when he was the only dwarf willing to enter the mountain with Bilbo through the hidden door -- and it was fun to anticipate that a bit.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/30/2014
“Of course he would not be entirely honest. He is a burglar, after all.”

LOL! He is indeed a little misled, but he does his best to convince Thorin that Bilbo is the right person for the job. From my POV Balin was from the beginning on Bilbo's best friend among the dwarves.

PS: Happy belated birthday to you and many happy returns :-)

Author Reply: Thank you, Andrea. What a joy that no matter how many birthdays come and go, I continue to be inspired by hobbits. And to have folks with whom to share these wee tales... that's the best part of all.

Balin does seem very supportive of Bilbo in the book, and it was fun to expand on that a little bit.

addie71Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 3/30/2014
I enjoyed listening in on this conversation between Balin and Thorin. It's interesting hearing their thoughts on Mr. Baggins. I'm glad you are continuing on with this.

Author Reply: You'd be amazed at how many of my stories were written by "listening in on conversations". I'm really pleased you're enjoying these snippets. *beams*

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