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Keep the Home Fires Burning  by shirebound 10 Review(s)
quodamatReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/7/2017
I only just came across this story, but I wanted to chime in and agree about the warm fuzzies. :) All the favorite parts mentioned by others are certainly deserving. I'll just add that I very much liked the interactions with Elrond and Arwen. The gift of a carved miniature of the Hall of Fire is a very sweet touch. I can imagine Elrond taking that with him when he sails West, in remembrance of his old home. Arwen's mysterious response to Gloin's question was another nice moment. "I am the daughter of Elrond, and mistress of this House." Oh, of course, all cleared up then! I imagine comments like that don't do much to alleviate the sense of adrift-ness. Lovely story!

Author Reply: Thank you! I do like to think that Elrond took treasures with him, such as this carving. And who knows, maybe Gimli saw his father's carving when he sailed West. I appreciate your kind words very much. I'll never tire of imagining little scenes like these. Bless the Professor for giving us so many gaps to fill. :)

SilkleafReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/13/2017
I really enjoyed this, it gave me the warm fuzzies! I liked your take on Rivendell not being quite "anchored", and both of them noticing. The influence of Vilya, I suppose. Sadly, Bilbo's lad won't be the same when he returns, but he doesn't know that yet. I'd hate to be in Gloin's boots when he gets home and has to explain to his missus that he let Gimli run off with an elf! 😀



Author Reply: Hooray for warm fuzzies! Oh gosh, that's a fun idea about poor Gloin explaining Gimli's absence to "the missus".

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/12/2017
The fire of a dragon... No, not that. The fire of a warm and welcoming hearth at the end of a long day, or a long and full life.

Beautiful story! Thank you very much, shirebound!

Author Reply: Thank you, Andrea! I really appreciate you highlighting that line. :)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/10/2017
I so love the iconography of the opal, and its ties to Nerdanel and her sons with the opals that were identified with each.

Author Reply: I have a book showing large color photos of gems, and I always find myself gazing the longest at the opals.

lbiloverReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/9/2017
This reads so much like Tolkien himself that it could have been lifted from an unpublished manuscript. :-) There are so many lovely moments. I especially like this exchange between Bilbo and Gloín:
“It is just that I never felt entirely... anchored in this place,” Gloín said. “It is as if the stars above this valley pull one upward with more force than the earth is able to pull one downward. Something about this land feels adrift, as a boat on a river, rather than fully a part of solid ground.” He shook his head. “Forgive me, I do not know how to explain it.”

“But you have,” Bilbo assured him. “Perhaps I’m more at peace adrift with the Elves, and wherever their river may take me, than I would be elsewhere, however solid the ground beneath my feet.”

As today's Fandom Snowflake Challenge is to leave feedback for a favorite author, let me say how glad I am that you are still writing and in this fandom, and how much joy your stories have given me over the years!!

Author Reply: Oh, thank you! *beams* I'm so pleased and also rather amazed that, after 14 years, I'm still able to enjoy writing these stories so much. And thank you VERY much for highlighting that passage. It came to me when I was pondering why Bilbo always felt so contented with the Elves. :)

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/9/2017
*Happy Sigh* Just right Shirebound. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us. A Opal is my birthstone too so i loved that touch.

Author Reply: I just love opals! Thank you so much for reading. I never tire of wondering what our beloved hobbits (and others) are up to.

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2017
That's a nice scene between two friends. I like the fact that Gloin departed with a gift for Bilbo. Do they ever see each other again according to Tolkien?
Thanks for this!

Author Reply: Thank you! Tolkien never mentioned any other meetings between Bilbo and Dwarves before Bilbo sailed West.

I like to think of Dwarves as very creative; it was fun writing "Healing the Blessed Isle" to show how naturally creative Gimli was.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2017
This is a great glimpse into Bilbo's life - thanks for sharing!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Thanks, Antane! I really enjoyed imagining this scene.

PSWReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/7/2017
This ws really nice! I don't think I had ever really thought of this scene, but of course it must have happened. There were so many little bits that jumped out at me that I can't touch on them all here...but I really liked Arwen's little speech (very Elvish :-P), and my very favorite part was when Gloin told Bilbo he would have gone w him. Friends are what it's all about... :-)

Thanks so much for writing!

Author Reply: The unconditional friendships are part of what I love about the Professor's wonderful Tale.

"but of course it must have happened"... Thank you for the lovely compliment! :)

AranadhelReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/5/2017
Happy new year to you good sir/lady?

This story warmed my heart and almost broke my heart too. Gently told, everlasting pain and sorrow alas for these two.

Author Reply: Happy New Year! (I'm a lady!)

Thank you for reading. It calms my heart to know that Bilbo is loved, respected, knows his life has had great meaning, and is welcomed in each home to which his wanderings lead him.

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