Reviews (106)

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

On my way out to vacation, but had to stop and leave a quick review. It seems very fitting that the light you end up with is fire for a couple of reasons. The fact that Frodo and Pippin are overcoming their fear of fire and are able to start enjoying the safety and "home-iness" of it again shows the amazing feat they accomplished - returning Middle Earth to a sort of normality after the horrors of the Dark Lord. And somehow, despite Frodo's eventual growing away from the Shire, fire somehow seems the most hobbity of lights, so it returns us where we all started. Just a nice sense of return and completion.

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

p.s. I liked Gandalf's echo of "all grown up" and his realisation that his task in Middle-earth was through; he could go "home". Much as he loved Middle-earth, I think his heart must have yearned for home somehow. This is so hobbity: “Good.” Pippin plopped down next to Frodo. “Sam forgets to cook when he’s worried, you know.” Frodo smiled at the light words, hiding -- he knew -- deep feelings. There had been such praise heaped on him in Gondor. Minstrels had sung, there had been feasts, tributes, honors... yet all he had longed for was this. Just to be a hobbit again, and treated as nothing more. Or less. And Merry being hopeful that Sam was going to cook. And Sam being secretly pleased. And one more thing... we were evidently on the same wavelength once more (remember the Time of the Dog?). I was working on a story for Marigold's challenge this week, which involved camping out in front of the hearth at Bag End! What a shock of recognition reading that phrase in this chapter gave me! Anyhow, let me congratulate you once more on a job well done.

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

When I saw this was the last chapter, I felt a pang. And some part of me said, How in the world can she end this? Any ending would be an anticlimax, after the powerful writing that went before. Am so happy to report I was mistaken. The ending is the perfect touch.

Lindelea · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Not only peace and healing, but joy! What a wonderful and comforting tale you have spun. I did like this: (rusty as I am in Sil-knowledge, and ignorant in many parts as well. Will have to get back into the Sil, I think, but don't know when the time will allow) “It is said among us that Elbereth gathered up light from the Two Trees, and flung it outwards,” the Lady spoke softly. “Thus were the stars kindled and set as jewels above. We praise her kindness, in giving us the stars to light our way in the pathless places. We believe that our songs are heard, and that she somehow knows that we honor her.” Frodo's goodness and humility is very clear here, and it is a comfort to think that his leaving Middle-earth was not a retreat from failure and pain so much as a seeking after the Light: He does not know, Galadriel thought. He appears as radiant to us as we appear to him. Middle-earth will soon grow dim to his sight, and his heart will ache for a Light to match his own. The Blessed Realm calls him home. His choice has already been made, although he may not yet realize it.

Lindelea · 7 August 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Somehow I missed the earlier updates, and now you've finished the story! Congratulations! This chapter, as the others, is infused with healing and peace. Gimli is very wise and understanding; he already knows Legolas well. I particularly liked this: it will remind me that even in the darkest places can be found beauty... and friends

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

Shirebound, Wow... I mean... just... wow! This fic has been wonderful, and ending it with a conversation between Pippin and Frodo was a stroke of pure genious :)Throwing in a bit of Gandalf and Sam wasn't bad either, but I happen to be a bit partial when it comes to Pippin, as he is my favourite character. (Billy Boyd has absolutely NOTHING to do with it... none at all... really... I'm not kidding..!) Somehow, the fact that Pippin was younger than the rest of the hobbits, not even of age yet, and all that he had to see and do has intrigued me ever since I read the books for the first time. He had to grow up and mature very quickly after everything that had happened to him and Merry since leaving Rivendell, and I think watching Denethor burn must have been a horrific experience. Being so little in a world full of Men must also have been daunting, especially in battle. It was beautiful to see (read?) Frodo, not yet fully recovered from his relapse, comforting his young cousin by the fire while all the others (more or less, anyway) slept. The fire has played a major part in both their lives up to this point, and that they should be afraid or uneasy around it is not difficult to imagine. A lovely story, and I am sorry to see it end. Love, Aewyn

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

That was a sweet ending. That last sentence was just so hobbity. And I could see Pippin doing just that. It is interesting that while none of the other hobbits went through as much as Frodo, their own experiences help them better understand his. Oddly enogh, or maybe not so odd, I think Pippin may actually understand him the best. Sam, of course, was with Frodo till the better end, but he never faced Sauron; and Merry killed the Witch King and suffered from the Shadow, but I still think that Pippin's look into that Stone gave him the truest picture of what Frodo faced, even though it was only a glimpse. Of course, I would see it this way; others may disagree. Can't wait to see what your next story will be. Connie.

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

I loved this conversation between Frodo and Pippin. I had never really thought about how fire would affect either of them after their experiences. I'm glad they've both been able to come to terms with their experiences enough that fire can once again provide a feeling of safety and security.

Parker · 3 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Janet, Lovely, as always. There *is* a light in Frodo, even though he doesn't know it. Sam saw it, and I think Galadriel did too. Somehow, I think the choice to leave the Shire was made for him the moment he said, 'I will take the Ring.' I think he'll take comfort in what Galadriel said both on the way to Mordor and after. Anxiously awaiting the next installment :)

fliewatuet · 3 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

This series of vignettes continues to amaze me, and not only for the sheer number of variations of the common theme. I loved Galadriel's way of rejoicing at being admitted to sail to Valinor in this chapter, but also Gimli's gift in the previous one. But I think my favourite bit so far was the combined light of the replanted White Tree and the phial of Galadriel. That was a marvellous idea and fit so perfectly.

cpsings4him · 2 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Shirebound, I know I always say this...but this is my favorite chapter so far! I mean it every time I say it! This was just beautiful. You portray Frodo's humility, even in the face of what he has done, so perfectly. He does not know just how bright and beautiful his spirit is! And, I loved your explaination of why he will pass into the west. Thank you for this. Blessings! cp

Pearl Took · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

This, like the Lady, was elegant and a lovely explanation of part of what convinces Frodo that he needs to leave Middle-earth. it has left me with a wonderful cosmic feeling.

esamen · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

He appears as radiant to us as we appear to him. Middle-earth will soon grow dim to his sight, and his heart will ache for a Light to match his own. The Blessed Realm calls him home. Oh, my goodness . . . what a perspective on Frodo's life after the quest. This is truly seeing it from another perspective, a different side. It is a much more positive side! I will be keeping this in mind forever as I read. Wonderful work . . . great words. Thanks!

Aewyn · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Oh Shirebound, this was so beautiful! What a lovely take on Galadriel - as I have read the Silmarillion not long ago, I remember her journey from the Undying Lands with her brothers, and her seeing Celeborn for the first time. It is never said why she chose to stay in Lórien, other than to dwell there with her husband, but as one that had once been over the Sea, she must have longed to be back there. The fact that Frodo provides her with the chance to go back "home" feels very real to me, and gives an extra depth to her - and Frodo's - story. I also liked the reference to Glorfindel as a shining light that is found in FotR, and that Frodo shines in the same way when the Elves look at him, as they to when he looks at them. Very lovely. Thank you :) Love, Aewyn

Periantari · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

lovely chapter as usual :) i especially like the dialogue about the Elves light and Frodo's question about how they see themselves =) lovely...i'm really enjoying this story! =) can i ask who's next? ::is curious hobbit:: =)

Meldewen Ilce · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Oh, Shirebound, that was very lovely - no chapter of this fic has failed to bring tears to my eyes! What a gift the Shire and Middle-earth lost when Frodo had to sail West - but for the most part he was surrounded by eyes that eitther could not see his Light or they chose not to see it. And so those who could not, would not see his Light deserved to lose it! And to hear Galadriel sing from the joy of her imminent homecoming must have been breathtaking as we know already the Lady has a beautiful voice! Oh again, Shirebound, this was so VERY LOVELY!

Connie · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Oh, how lovely. That was just beautiful. What else can I say. Connie.

Nivina · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Another wonderful chapter, so full of light... literally. :) He does not know, Galadriel thought. He appears as radiant to us as we appear to him. Middle-earth will soon grow dim to his sight, and his heart will ache for a Light to match his own. The Blessed Realm calls him home. His choice has already been made, although he may not yet realize it. Oooh. This is so beautiful. I love the way you describe Frodo's (inner) Light, and how the Elves might see him. And it suggests so much hope that Frodo found his healing in the Undying Lands. Thank you for this great chapter and wonderful insights! :)

Elwen · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

You did it again. You took a seemingly obvious statement, "I pass the test", and draw more from it. I had never looked at that and linked it with Galadriel's return to the Undying Lands in such an explicit way. Kudos! And her vision of Frodo's light . . . oh my. I could hug you.

aprilkat · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

Shirebound, I found this very beautiful and touching. You have such FEEL for these characters and how to fill in the gaps of the story. I was so moved by Frodo's entrancement by Galadriel's song and her letting him know that HE was partly responsible for the forgiveness that allowed her reentry into the Undying Lands. I had never put together that it was the "test" that granted that to her. The idea that Frodo's light would grow until it would YEARN for matching radiance and thus NEED to go West was a new twist on how he might be healed. And since I am one who always find his trip West a bitter pill to swallow, I appreciate this kind of perspective when presented with validity. Altogether lovely, as always.

maya_ar · 1 August 2004 · Chapter 5: West of Moria -- September 5

"He does not know, Galadriel thought. He appears as radiant to us as we appear to him. Middle-earth will soon grow dim to his sight, and his heart will ache for a Light to match his own." Elf-friend indeed! Just lovely. Thank you! cheers, Maya

esamen · 21 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Wherever you go, Frodo, remember the splendor that is Middle-earth, from the highest star to the deepest cavern.” This sentence really impacted me. When I first read LOTR, when I was twelve, I very much felt that it was a world of splendor. When I re-read it last year, I felt more as if the other land, the land of the Elves in the West, was the more splendid world, and that Middle-earth was definitely the lesser. But you're right . . . it's a splendid world . . . no wonder we all spend so much time in it. Thanks for sharing your vision with us.

Pearl Took · 21 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

I'm sorry to be so late in responding. I was writing my response and my computer went haywire and I had to unplug it to shut it down. This is the best of these to this point, though they have all been wonderful. There is something in this one that glows like Gimli's gift to Frodo. Beautiful!! (as always)

Parker · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

Janet, This is just lovely--the imagery is breathtaking (especially in chapters 3 & 4). I think that, besides being sworn to protect Frodo (as the Ringbearer), each of the Fellowship learned to love Frodo for who he was, and your work shows this so very well. Am anxiously looking forward to more!

Nivina · 20 July 2004 · Chapter 4: Isengard -- August 22

What a lovely chapter! I really loved to read about a conversation between Gimli and Frodo. Gimli's present to Frodo, and the way you wrote about it, made me sigh with happiness. And you captured Gimli perfectly, in my opinion. :) Did I mention that I love this story??? :D