Reviews (22)

periannore · 11 May 2022 · Chapter 3: Intrusion

I love your pen name because that's how I envision hobbits and especially Frodo and Sam. I mean if hobbits were perfect it would be nearly impossible to craft a plot for what would there be to resolve? Still, overall hobbits are a gentle race with happy dispositions and loving hearts. I'm interested to see what Fellen's part will be in this story. Imagine if your story happened in our time. Those kids, and the adults, too, would be pointing their phones and taking snaps of the hobbits for souvenirs and bragging rights. Fellen wants a deeper connection with his hero and Frodo isn't feeling like hero material. My favorite part of this chapter is when Sam says: Day by day, you've been sitting out here, brooding on all manner of hurtful things, no doubt. We're all worried about you, all of us. You ain't doing none of us, or yourself, any good, stuck out here with your face looking all pinched and drawn. I simply won't budge. From now on, where you go, I go. Wherever you are, there I am. You're not gettin' rid of me, and that's the end of the matter. Sir." I love the way Sam tacks on the sir at the end of his, this is how it's going to be, rant. How wonderful that Sam's demonstration of concern and loyalty frees Frodo to unload some of his misery.

buffyaddict13 · 18 September 2011 · Chapter 14: Epilogue

i have to tell you i am amazed and in awe of your talent, especially since this was your first lotr fic. i read the books long ago and have seen the movies many times, but lately i seem to have fallen head first into lotr fandom. and frodo and aragorn are my favorites of the fellowship. any fics that explore frodo's feelings post quest AND feature frodo and aragorn talking are my favorite things. this fic was so beautiful, and you captured each character so perfectly. thank you so much for sharing your talent. i look forward to reading the rest of your fics. <3

Kats · 15 September 2011 · Chapter 14: Epilogue

Thank you for writing this amazingly beautiful story! The story made me feel sad in places but was also very heartwarming. I really felt like the characters acted believably and true to themselves. I was very curious about how the trial would end, and I like the final speech Aragon gives on pride. This story reminds me of the Leonard Cohen song "Sisters of Mercy." Have you ever heard it? You can read the lyrics here: http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/74401/ Anyways, thanks again for all your time and effort. This story really touched my heart!

Queen Galadriel · 15 May 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue

Oh, GH, how I love this!! I've just read it all in one sitting-I hadn't intended to, I'd meant to savour it, but I couldn't stop! This is certainly a new approach, but a very interesting one, and you really have some great insites brought out in the course of the trial. "...soft care and blind forgiveness..." That's what we all want to give our beloved Frodo, and I'm no different than any other Frodo-lover. But I have to own the truth in this. Those very things would have been most oppressive to him in such a state. I love your Sam! So perfectly in character, and that was the way to deal with it! I tend to see through his eyes when I read the books or fanfic (have from the start, which is why I love to write him), so I feel it keenly when he is misrepresented, and I want you to know yours is one of the most faithful portrayals I've yet seen. :) Also your style of writing is quite reminiscent of Tolkien's own, I thought, particularly in the last chapter and the epilogue. Frodo's begging Aragorn to judge him and just his state then was enough to reduce me to tears. Poor Aragorn, that had to be hard! I couldn't have done it. It's hard for me, even now, to acknowledge that Frodo was guilty of pride, though I've known it for a while. He just seems so humble, and I love him so much that it's hard to find fault. But Aragorn was right, as Frodo's arguments prove. *sigh* I'm glad Frodo told Merry, and that he told the captain and thus helped to heal him. It was wonderful, also, to see Frodo and Eowyn finding a little healing in their friendship, and in helping in the care of the ill and wounded (though I think the latter was more so for Frodo than Eowyn). And I just love Fellen! He's so sweet, and the perfect young friend for Frodo, with his polite consideration, native sympathy and good will, and eager but shy earnestness. The other children were cute too-typical boys. :) "What's an Ent? Can we fight it?" LOL! Mercy! I'd think they'd have had enough! But to me, more than anything else, it's the precious little moments that make the story. Frodo and Fellen on the wall together, neither speaking; the crucial moment when Aragorn calms Frodo after agreeing to judge him; Merry and Pippin looking in as Sam tends Frodo's hand; Frodo tending the delirious captain; Merry watching Frodo sleep and waking him from his dream, and then the cousins talking; and that last moment with Frodo and Fellen companionably on the wall. This is one I'll want to read again, and it's my favourite of your fics that I've read so far. Thank you so much for this wonderful story! God bless, Galadriel

harrowcat · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 14: Epilogue

I was browsing and came across your story - again. I remember reading it and loving it but I was a shy reader and am ashamed to admit I didn't review. Anyway I'm back again and wanted you to know I enjoyed it all.

Celandine Goodbody · 29 June 2004 · Chapter 14: Epilogue

Thank you for a beautiful story. I enjoyed it very much. In trying to write about post-quest Frodo myself, I have struggled too about whether Frodo wanted to be punished or whether it might have helped to show him, just as you pointed out, that he was guilty of pride. I came to the same conclusion that perhaps he was guilty of pride. If he was crushed by the fact that he wasn't perfect or that he failed to win over the Ring in the way he expected to, than that is a logical conclusion (although I don't at all think that he failed in the quest). He did win over the Ring in the end, but not by his own strength of will (although that played a big part until the end) but rather by his benevolence and pity toward Gollum. Anyway, after much struggling and thinking about Frodo's post-quest dilemma and agony, I have come to the conclusion that the damage done to him (physically, mentally, and spiritually)by his close proximity to the supernatural aura of the Ring for SO long made it impossible for him to lead a normal life again in a mortal world. He was too damaged by the rarified immortal world of the Ring and Sauron. So I don't think Frodo could have been saved by any psychological counseling about guilt or pride or even by the love of his friends. I think it was inevitable he had to leave. Sniff. Sorry for the long discourse but I imagine you have thought long and hard on this issue too. Thanks again for a great read. I really loved it.

daw the minstrel · 3 October 2003 · Chapter 14: Epilogue

The scene with Arwen was very moving. Her choice is so difficult, I just can't imagine it, but the gift to Frodo is such a puzzling thing. How could she do that? And is the jewel the means that allows it? It's one of those Tolkien puzzles, I guess.

Elentari · 20 September 2003 · Chapter 10: Kindred Spirits

awww~! what a sweet chapter...i really loved the interaction between Fellen and Frodo! It was perfect! It was perfectly paced and perfectly written... nobody could've done better =) Very very good =) you had me going "aww" many times :-)

Elentari · 20 September 2003 · Chapter 7: And in Your Stead?

Wow... at the encouragement of Nivina1421, i decided to read your fanfic and i must say that i'm enjoying every minute of it so far... Chapter 7 is one of my favorites so far...i love how you have Frodo describe why every member of the Fellowship could not have taken the Ring and why he was the ideal choice... The reasons you provided were so fitting! The reason why Merry couldn't/shouldn't have taken the Ring was a very strong point that you made... =) I also love your depiction of Sam... so loyal, so concerned, always at Frodo's side... I also loved your scene where Merry and Pippin tried to ask Sam what had happened in Mt. Doom... your scenes of Frodo and Eowyn are commendable as well =) Great job so far! And i'll be reviewing the last chapter perhaps.. i can't wait! You're a great writer! Good job! =)

Kit5 · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 13: Healing

What a wonderful story this has been! I will miss it, and think it would have been a fascinating addendum to the "real" story.

daw the minstrel · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 13: Healing

Great concluding chapter (and an epilogue to look forward to!). I like the fact that Frodo can pass his healing on to another. That seems right.

Nilmandra · 18 September 2003 · Chapter 13: Healing

I am glad that Frodo chose Merry - not entirely sure I could articulate why, but it seemed fitting. Perhaps it is because Merry had been injured by Shadow physically as well. I think it is fun that Sam was miffed at Aragorn, but I like that Frodo told him to let it go. That is a good sign that he has. Very nice. Glad Frodo went and spoke to the injured captain. Helping others is extremely good therapy. Glad for an epilogue, and then I do hope you will write something else.

mpfan · 16 September 2003 · Chapter 12: The Judgement

This is a wonderful story. Aragorn's judgement made me squirm, for I am often guilty of pride myself. I hope you update soon.

pebbles · 12 September 2003 · Chapter 12: The Judgement

At last! New chapters are up. I'm so glad. I really like this story. I feel so sorry for Frodo, but Aragorn is right. A lot of Frodo's overwhelming grief and guilt come from pride. I look forward to reading more of this great story.

Nilmandra · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 12: The Judgement

This was wonderful - I like that Aragorn saw his pride and gently pointed it out to him. Wow. Wonderful. His true crime has been pointed out and he can move past it - and it was done so lovingly, so kindly.

daw the minstrel · 8 September 2003 · Chapter 12: The Judgement

Another fabulous chapter. The fact that Aragorn finds Frodo guilty of pride surprises Frodo because he is not ready for it. He has not claimed it for himself. So he really does feel the judgment. I am struck again by how you convey feelings and angst through actions and words. Just great.

jodancingtree · 4 September 2003 · Chapter 11: The Choice

No! It's not finished, is it? You can't stop here, you wouldn't! Hurry, hurry, I want to see what Aragorn's judgment will be, I want to rest of the story! This is marvelous, just marvelous. This is the Frodo I love so dearly. jo

jodancingtree · 4 September 2003 · Chapter 7: And in Your Stead?

I haven't finished it yet, Gentle Hobbit, but I had to stop a moment just to say -- oh, this is good! Aragorn's meeting with Frodo in the throne room, making him say who else in the Fellowship could have been trusted with the Ring -- wonderful! And I'm dying to see how Fellen fits into the story. Must get back to it --

Olwen · 31 August 2003 · Chapter 11: The Choice

I have been following this story with great interest and would just like to sya Thank you.

daw the minstrel · 30 August 2003 · Chapter 6: Fellowship

I've been reading along here, enjoying this, but this chapter was so good I had to stop and review. Your portrayal of Aragorn is absolutely wonderful, as he finds it in himself to be an honest and just judge, and thus an honest and just king. Marvelous. This story is so well written.

Nilmandra · 30 August 2003 · Chapter 11: The Choice

Once again you have reduced me to tears. You outline nicely the 'facts' as we knew them, but also you incorporate from Tolkien's letters what Tolkien knew Frodo's intent to be. He would have cast himself into the fire, I think, even though he claimed the Ring - rather than allow Sauron to take it from him. Nicely done - very well thought out. Aragorn is just fantastic - so Kingly. I cannot wait to see what you do with the punishment portion of the trial.

Kit5 · 5 August 2003 · Chapter 10: Kindred Spirits

Ah, I missed this story...I had begun to follow it avidly on FF.net and then every time I tried to go back and catch up, or review what I read, it was (gasp) down. I love the picture of Merry, Sam and Pippin "sightseeing" (LOL) and Frodo's conversation with Eowyn. This a startling and thought provoking piece; a friend steered me toward it and I am glad she did. I shall eagerly await further updates!