Light Out of Darkness by shirebound

Reviews (106)

Write a review

quodamat · 18 September 2016 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Wow, what a lovely chapter! I haven't encountered many Frodo & Gimli stories, but this makes me want to hunt some down. I especially enjoyed the way you have Gimli speak about the way different environments resonate with different peoples. It reminds me, in a small way, of something I've experienced. I spent most of my older childhood and teen years on the Canadian prairies. I lived in a major city, and I'm a pretty indoorsy person, so I didn't really think of myself as particularly connected to the landscape as such. It wasn't until I moved elsewhere that I realized there really is something to the idea of "big sky country," and that I get a sense of freedom and peace from open spaces that a lot of people don't. Thanks for a wonderful story!

Author's reply

Thank you for your lovely review. I currently live in the Southwest (USA), and occasionally drive out to the desert east of us just to see for long distances and hear only the wind. We sound like kindred spirits. I'm delighted you enjoyed this. A few of my stories have Gimli as a major character (along with hobbits), such as "Healing the Blessed Isle", "Holding Back the Flood", and "The Three Towers".

PSW · 25 November 2015 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Very nice story -- you raised several quite interesting points that I had not thought of before. Thanks so much for writing!

Author's reply

Thank you for so many kind comments.

PSW · 25 November 2015 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

*Of course* it was something Pippin said...when is it ever not? :-P

Author's reply

Good old Pippin. *grins*

PSW · 25 November 2015 · Chapter 2: The Pelennor Fields -- May 7

Huh. Yes, I guess his ring would have been in there somewhere. Yet another thing I never thought of -- and kind of creepy...

Author's reply

It's such a thrill to come up with new little ideas (such as, what happened to the Witch-king's ring?). Thank you for reading.

PSW · 25 November 2015 · Chapter 1: Ithilien -- April 8

Yes...it would be hard not to have something to *do* after so many months of just going and going every day. I never thought if that, but so true... I like that Aragorn and Gandalf left them a bunch of candles, that was nice (and very perceptive).

Author's reply

Thank you. I can imagine Frodo and Sam's tent so clearly. It's a pleasure to ensure that they have everything they need.

Periantari · 13 September 2015 · Chapter 1: Ithilien -- April 8

Such a nice moment between my favorite hobbitses. It is quite something to be afraid of any sound. I think that is a good point to make since they've been hunted so long.

Author's reply

Thank you, my friend. I loved writing this story, and tried hard to find new ways to experience familiar scenes.

Periantari · 13 September 2015 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Loved this hobbity conversation between Pippin and Frodo and i did appreciate that bit about Gandalf thinking that he wasn't needed anymore and that the hobbits have grown to take care of themselves. Also i liked how Frodo has realized how much Pippin has grown. Very nice and sweet...now i want to reread this whole story! haha

Author's reply

Awww, thank you. And I appreciated your post so much. Anytime I can be reminded about our sweet hobbits, and those who care for them, my heart just smiles and smiles.

Periantari · 10 May 2012 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Such a gentle scene and i love your description of light in here and Frodo and Galadriel talking about Elbereth. Your last sentence was described very beautifully and it's great that they see the sun come out together. :)

Author's reply

You're so sweet to review! Thank you. *hugs hugs*

Larner · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Aha! A gift of light of fire indeed here for our Frodo! And the ending is perfect. Pippin never ceases being Pippin.

Author's reply

Thank you very much for reading and commenting, Larner. I just can't seem to end many stories without a bit of lightness and hobbity teasing. :D

Larner · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Yes, indeed--the Light of Frodo Baggins shining before all, clear in the sight of Elves and even some of mortal kind as well. And he needs that Light in the end and goes to it, lets it shine through him and offer him healing.

Author's reply

I just can't imagine that only Sam saw that 'light' in Frodo. It must have been there shining, for eyes to see that can.

Larner · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Yes, star, water, earth--only fire's light left to gift him with, although he goes with Gandalf and the Ring of Fire on his finger....

Author's reply

It's always challenging for me to work Gimli into a story! A very interesting Dwarf, that one.

Larner · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 3: Minas Tirith -- July 18

Oh, yes, this is fantastically beautiful--and the tree glowed in the light of the phial and probably reflecting Frodo's own Light as well. Beautiful, Shirebound--beautiful.

Author's reply

Thank you so much. I'm very fascinated by the Trees and the phial, and how the light in one reflected the original Light in the other. And I think Frodo reflects them both.

Larner · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 2: The Pelennor Fields -- May 7

Yes, the Light of Anduril has now been unveiled for Frodo's peace of mind--and a wonderful act it accomplished, between hands of King and Hobbit, as that one was killed jointly by Hobbit and daughter of Kings. One who gave up all to accept the ring he wore and its lying promise, and who has at last lost the ties to this world and the power he manipulated while in it. So glad I found this one.

Author's reply

Wow, thank you. Your eloquence reminds me of how this chapter nearly became a short story unto itself. I really loved thinking out this scene.

Larner · 17 October 2006 · Chapter 1: Ithilien -- April 8

I apparently missed this one when it was posted. But the image of Frodo lying there in the light of the candles, Sam lighting them and Aragorn and Gandalf thinking to leave them there is so wonderful! Very poignant, and a reminder that recovery included not having for them to be always on the watch as they had had to do for so long. Not only Aragorn needed thought at waking, after all.

Author's reply

Recovery takes place on so many levels. I like imagining that little details (such as candles) were thought of, just in case they were needed.

Inkling · 27 September 2005 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Back when you were first posting this story, I didn’t have time to read it but thought it looked like something special. So I bookmarked it, always meaning to get back to it…and there it sat until just now, when the MEFAs nudged me to finally read it! I just loved it, more than I can find words at the moment to say. I will try to find some for my MEFA review, though! ;) But I will say this…the quotes you chose fit the chapters perfectly, and include some of my very favorite passages from LOTR. Especially the one from “The Tower of Cirith Ungol,” which I think shows Tolkien’s writing at its loveliest and most tender. And Cirdan’s gorgeous, sad, stirring words: “For this is the Ring of Fire, and herewith, maybe, thou shalt rekindle hearts to the valour of old in a world that grows chill.” Thank you so much for this beautiful story!

Author's reply

Oh Inkling, thank you so much! What a lovely review. You really made my day a lot brighter, and I'm so glad you enjoyed this story.

Pearl Took · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Another I've missed!!!! I'm a wretch!! Yes, Pippin and Frodo would both have to wrestle with frightful memories of fire. *sigh* Our dear precious Shirefolk! I never tire of your stories of their love, care and loyalty for each other. Would that we could all be more like hobbits :)

Author's reply

You're such a sweetie, Pearl! I don't think I'll ever tire of writing about hobbits. Bless Prof. Tolkien for giving them to us.

Armariel · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Beautiful...what else can I say? I think you must have a very lovely light burning in you also, to be able to turn out all these jewels so effortlessly. I'm just trying not to read through them all too fast, so as not to run out too soon. Although, I must say, I've read one or two of your stories twice, and it was like reading them for the first time, they hold up under repeated readings and that is a rare thing. All I can do is repeat myself: Keep it up, please! Armariel~~~{~@

Author's reply

Oh my, what a lovely thing to say! Writing these stories is hardly "effortless", but I do pour my heart and soul into them. I'm so happy you're enjoying them. :)

Mewsette · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

"Oh, blessed Peregrin! May he never change, but remain our own irrepressible Pippin. you write him beautifully, and the chapter had so much warmth I felt as though I were sitting by their campfire with them. Lovely.

Author's reply

Mewsette, thank you so much for your lovely words on Chapter 5 (and this one). I've often wondered myself how fictional characters can grow so important to us. What a joy to have others with whom to share our passion and creativity. I'm so glad the warmth and light of this story came through as strongly as it did! I loved writing this, and thank you for letting me know how much you enjoyed it. :)

Mewsette · 19 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Oh, yes, Frodo shines, always and forever, and, like you, he and Sam have always been dear to me, and they are more so as I get older, and since the loss of my own true love, only a couple of years past. How can fictional characters be so real? I think part of the reason is so many of us love them and long for more stories about them, and there are authors like you to give us that precious gift. thanks, Shirebound. You are also a light in the darkness.

Parker · 14 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Janet, I'm in tears over this chapter--very bittersweet, thinking about all that the hobbits suffered on the journey to rid the world of evil. That they can now find joy in the simple things really says a lot about resiliance (not only of hobbits, but also of humans). This has been a most pleasurable experience--I'll be eagerly awaiting more from your cyberpen! Brava on a job most wonderfully done!

Author's reply

Oh Parker, thank you! What lovely words. I tried to make this story as light- and hope-filled as possible.

cpsings4him · 9 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

Happy, contented, warm, hobbity sighs! This is so lovely. It's official now! They are ALL my favorite chapter! I only regret that this is the end...but I know you will go on to write more beautiful stories! Yea! Blessings! cp

Author's reply

Thanks, cp! You make *me* feel happy, contented, warm, and hobbity! :)

nivina · 8 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

I so enjoyed this series! It is beyond wonderful, and in this last chapter I particularly adored how Frodo and Pip found comfort in each other, and the way you kept exploring Gandalf's thoughts. :) Thank you so much for another wonderful story. :) *tight huggles*

Author's reply

Thank *you*, Nivina! I knew this 'story' would be a bit unconventional, but it turned out to be such a joy to write. *huggles you back*

Grey Wonderer · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

I have enjoyed all of these. Read them all at once and am reviewing here. Just wonderful, everyone of them.

Author's reply

Thank you so much. :)

esamen · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

“All grown up,” he whispered. “Yes indeed, my dear hobbits,” Gandalf murmured softly to himself, “you have all grown up.” Sigh. Ah, sweet sadness mingled with joy. I can't bear it . . . more, please . . . thanks for your wonderful stories. Applause across the miles, esamen

Author's reply

Oh, what a compliment when a reader "can't bear it... but wants more"! More is coming, I promise. Thank you so much for reading.

Elwen · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 6: West of Rivendell -- October 7

What a beautifully peaceful scene. It's good to see that fire has become a friendly light to them once more and I love your insights into Gandalf's thoughts. (I always thought he left them rather suddenly in the book.) I could see the warm glow of the flickering fire and hear the soft light murmur of their voices. *sigh*

Author's reply

I agree -- Gandalf's departure from the hobbits was even more abrupt than *Frodo's* eventual departure from them! I'm so glad you enjoyed this story, Elwen. So very, very glad.