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When the King Comes Back  by shirebound 327 Review(s)
Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/2/2006
“I spoke those same words, as did my father, as did his,” Aragorn said. “We have pledged our lives to the guardianship of Middle-earth, Halbarad. We are few, but we are vigilant. What safety and peace we may bring to others, we must do.” He reverently touched the carving of Beren. “And those who came before us still watch... and wait.”

Halbarad turned to Aragorn. “Little remains of Annúminas, Captain, and yet the very stones seemed to speak to me. They wait, as well.”

I love those words of Halbarad's - the idea that the stones wait also is wonderful and quite spine-tingling.

This was so delightfull - naming the adorable puppies, cuddles for hobbits, and Bilbo's reputation higher than ever among the Dwarves. *happy sigh*
This has been a lovely tale, full of love, and interaction between our favourite Ranger and our beloved hobbits.

I'm in favour of an epilogue or something similar. Can we, can we, can we????
Huh? Huh? *bats eyelashes*

*Goes off to roll in the fluff once more*

Author Reply: One of the themes I've tried to bring out in this series is that the Rangers (or at least a few) come to realize the very unique 'treasure' that is the Shire, and its inhabitants. I like to think of their tireless protection of the Shire performed out of love and respect, not just duty because Gandalf asked them to do it. I like to see characters grow and evolve, and learn new things about one another (and themselves). And if a few puppies, cuddles, and adventures happen along the way, well... Yay! I don't think I'll ever tire of piling up fluff for us all to roll in, BB! Thank you so much for reading, and for being one of the folks who enjoys Frodo finding the peace and joy he so richly deserves.

I wouldn't be a bit surprised if *some* type of epilogue or short fic comes out of this story, but I don't know yet what form it will take.

*jumps back into the fluff-pile with you*

Elanor SilmariënReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/1/2006
*grin* I love the names! Patch, Blossom and Ranger. So cute! And I love how Sam couldn't decide on his pups names. I do hope Estel and Halbarad get to visit again soon!
God bless,
Ellie

Author Reply: Thank you, Ellie! I'm sure they'll visit as often as they can. Wouldn't we all love to? :D

ElemmírëReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/1/2006
What another wonderful tale from beginning to end, Shirebound!!

LOL! Bilbo's reputation has spread far and wide amongst the Dwarves. :D

It's good to see that Halbarad's meeting with the Dwarves went so well ... and mostly because he was acquainted with Burglar Baggins.

“Have you thought much about what it will be like... when the King comes back?” Bilbo asked

I've really enjoyed Bilbo and Aragorn's conversations throughout this tale. They say so much by saying so little at times, yet there is such a deepness to them that is heartening between the two characters that also foreshadows their meeting in Rivendell, decades later.

Frodo came outside, then, and joined them. Aragorn helped him up on the bench between himself and Bilbo.

As always, I adore the love and care Aragorn bestows upon Frodo and vice versa.

Ah hah, so Pirate was really Ranger at first!

“The two of you are the scamps of this family,” Aragorn chuckled, “and always will be.”

“Absolutely,” Bilbo said, putting an arm around Frodo’s shoulders.

“And proud of it,” Frodo grinned.


LOVE the ending!!!!

I vote in favor for a future epilogue/short continuation!






Author Reply: Thank you so much. I think Aragorn really grows to respect Bilbo's wisdom and experience, and Bilbo proves to be very trustworthy as one of the few people who knows Aragorn's true identity. A wonderful friendship.

Yes, I suspect there will be *some* type of continuation, as soon as the muse barks... errr, strikes again. :D

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/1/2006
Thank you for a most enjoyable story, I shall miss this and hope you will return to Aragorn and the Hobbits in future. I fear I've forgotten where Bilbo found the staues.Is it in another of your stories?
Your stories are always a treat to read.

Author Reply: Thank you, Linda! :D The carvings were discovered (and Scamp first arrived at Bag End) in the story "Reflections of the Past".

Lily BagginsReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/1/2006
I finally got caught up with reading this... oh my, words cannot do justice to how heartfelt and adorable this was. I was grinning from ear to ear... especially at the light banter between everyone, Halbarad's talk of the visit with the dwarves (I do love how you include so many details about other races in your stories---even the ranger oath!), and you know, I did enjoy that little bit about Aragorn carrying Frodo in his quilts ...

Aragorn discovered that Scamp seemed calmer when it was his hand that stroked her, so he petted and comforted the dog.

Well, of course she'd be most comforted by Aragorn, right? He's very good at that and has had lots of practice at administering TLC. :) Hobbits, pups... they're all cute and furry and in need of a ranger's protection.

So glad Sam got to keep the "twins." I have a definite feeling we'll be seeing them in future stories... hopefully not causing too much trouble. And a lovely second look at the wonderful carving below Bag End... wow, that was intense.

Lovely, lovely story... can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve next!

Author Reply: Hobbits, pups... they're all cute and furry and in need of a ranger's protection.

They certainly are! And they all need to be carried about and given lots of TLC by said ranger (and everyone else).

Thank you, Lily. I know this wasn't the intense Aragorn-angst you crave, but every little bit helps! :D

AmyReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/31/2006
Aw, the pups have names, and Halbarad has seen the carvings and has another reason to protect the Shire, and they're off Rangering again tomorrow!

But, oh, dear, it's over already?!

We'll just have to encourage your muses to take up another story thread very soon!

*still pondering about who at Mount Doom signs for that package that Frodo sent*

Author Reply: Glad you enjoyed, Amy! We'll see how long it takes for the puppy-muses to start barking in my ear again.

*giggles* That was a cute cartoon, wasn't it? :D

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/31/2006
A good ending! Love the Frodo-Aragorn hugs. The many name changes for the 'other' little ones - "that was hours ago". :)

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Thank you, Antane. Hugs and puppies... *happy sigh* :D

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/31/2006
“I know your pup will get a real name when he goes to his new home, but we have to call him something in the meantime.”

“And that would be?” Halbarad asked.

“Sam and I discussed it, and decided on ‘Ranger’,” Frodo grinned. “He’s so scruffy, and constantly needs a bath, and... well, it just fits, don’t you think?”

“Perfect, Frodo lad,” Bilbo laughed.


LOL!!! Perfect indeed! Although I like 'Pirate' as well ;-)

That was wonderful, Shirebound and I would very much appreciate "a short continuation". Thank you very much. This story never failed to cheer me up :)


Author Reply: Of course, 'Ranger' is just his *temporary* name!

Thank you so much for reading, Andrea. :D

EndaewenReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/31/2006
Lovely. Thank you for writing another wonderful story.

Author Reply: Thank *you* for reading, and for your kind words.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 13 on 8/31/2006
“We have pledged our lives to the guardianship of Middle-earth, Halbarad. We are
few, but we are vigilant. What safety and peace we may bring to others, we must do.”

That is the most beautiful quote of the whole chapter, Shirebound. How very like our dear Ranger...healer...king.

Sounds like Halbarad had a very interesting and proffitable time with the Dwarves. Had to laugh at the part about drinking! How Dwarvish! LOL!

“Oh, and Sam’s finally named the twins. He wanted me to come out and tell everyone.”

“He told me earlier that the names were Sunny and Cloud,” Halbarad said.

“I thought they were Bramble and Ramble,” Aragorn argued.

“That was hours ago,” Frodo said. “They’ve had a dozen names each since then.”

“So what are we to call them?” Aragorn asked.

“‘Patch’ and ‘Blossom’. I can’t tell them apart yet, but Sam claims he can. And of course Scamp won’t have any trouble.”

“I am certain of that,” Aragorn said. “And there will be time enough for us to get to know them a bit before Halbarad and I depart tomorrow.”

*grin* It can be very difficult to choose just the perfect names, can't it? But this one *is* perfect...

“Sam and I discussed it, and decided on ‘Ranger’,” Frodo grinned. “He’s so scruffy, and constantly needs a bath, and... well, it just fits, don’t you think?”

“Perfect, Frodo lad,” Bilbo laughed.

LOL! Too cute! I wonder if Serende keeps that name? And do *we* get to know the little puppies a bit? *nudge* *grin*

You know we'd love a short continuation or epilogue! But if you should decide to end it here, it's a sweet ending and I have enjoyed this story as much as ever and more!
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Thank you so much! I really had an interesting time with that oath, and a *wonderful* time thinking about puppy-names. I'm hoping there will be at least a short fic (possibly for Halloween or Yule) so we can all get to know Sam's new puppies a bit. :D

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