Reviews (429)

Eirinn Leigh · 2 July 2015 · Chapter 1: Revelations

I found it! Thanks for advising me on the origins of the dragonfly.

ReaderKit · 8 January 2015 · Chapter 80: The Final Gift

This tale is lovely. For one, it's fun to look at the Fellowship from an outside perspective, and also because you make me fall in love with your OCs. Fleshing out your characters the way you have is wonderful, and the research into and way your characters have expressed their love of stone carving has led me to appreciate the craft whereas before I have not thought much of it. Also you should know, this story was recommended to me and is the first I read on this site, so thanks for being so good that you convinced me to stay!

Freyalyn · 22 August 2014 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

I've just been re-reading this over the past few days - and have shed a tear or two at the end of it. Lovely, lovely writing - beautiful characters and situations, and as I'm sure I've mentioned to you before, as a knitter/spinner/dyer/sewer, I delight in the detail you put in about such crafts. Thank you so much for sharing your tales with us.

Szepilona10 · 26 August 2012 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

So, I just finished reading this for the umpteenth time...it might be my favorite of your stories...but there are a few stories competing for that title (this, Lesser Ring, and Tenant...well, mostly anything with rangers :D). I was at work today (at our local university's cafeteria...not glamorous, but when you're a senior in high school, you take whatever job you can get :P) and I saw a man who was Exactly as I imagine Ruvemir; he had his stature, beard, everything! (though, the glasses weren't exactly Middle-Earthy ;)) Anyway, I just wanted to let you know how much I still enjoy (re)reading your stories, 4+ years after discovering them :) ~Szepilona~

Tigger · 11 June 2012 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

I have spent the last week or so re reading both Lesser Ring and this. I can't explain why either. Just that I had that kind of a "feeling" I needed to revisit Ruvemir again. And what a lovely re visit it was too. :o) Now...I have a couple of plot bunnies to sic on you. If you're willing that is. :oD First...I'd love to know just what The Royal Family of Harad ended up recieving as an addition to the Family. A Prince or a Princess? Also what Aragorn and Arwen's reaction to the news, which I have no doubt Aragorn saw happening in the Palantir, and what gifts they sent to newborn and Family. Also Pippin's reaction, as he was there when the announcment was made there was a new baby on the way. Speaking of newborns...I'm a Great Auntie!! My niece Lisa had a lovely and healthy baby boy on Saturday and they've named him Parker. The first Grandchild for my Sister and Brother in Law and first Great Grandchild for my Mom and Judy's Dad. If you could pass that news along to everyone over at LJ, I'd really appreciate it. Yes, I'm still having problems w/it, but now I think it's just due to how old this computer is and my slower than slow still on Dial Up connection thanks to being in Rural Canada. I did get a laptop earlier in the Spring, and it works wonderfully in the real world where there's High Speed/WiFi, but there's no connection I can see for the plug in for a modem connection. I may just be missing it, but I don't think so. The next time I'm over at my Sister's though, I plan on posting a very long catch up post over there. Not sure when that'll be though. Anyway... Second plot bunny!! You mention during the Feast for both the New Year and to celebrate the dedication of the Memorial Elanor had pride of place at the table beside Aragorn in honour of it also being her Birthday. I can't help but wonder just what she was thinking or feeling at that moment. I'd think it would be quite the experience for any child, but especially for a Hobbit child. Okay then...I'm either still your friend or you're ready to throttle me...LOL!! :oD As always, I so enjoyed both of these stories and keep enjoying whatever you share w/us of your newer stories whenever I see a new posting of yours on the main page here. Hope you have a fantastic Summer and I'm sure it'll come to no surprise at all to you I'm counting the days until a certain cauldron's lit in London in a few weeks time. ;o) Take Care and ((((HUGS))))

nancylea57 · 28 March 2012 · Chapter 46: And to the Queen, a Daughter

after reading this how many times, today pondering if i could get to sleep after 36 hours of wakefulness i spot this: Pando and Ririon had made the day before on Sir Meriadoc’s figure, and found it was almost ready for detailed shaping. Again it was the lower portions of the figure that he marked for rough cutting, and he directed Ririon and Ruvemir to use their smaller chisels that not too much be removed at a time. think that it might have been meant to say Ririon and Pando to use their smaller chisels since its Ruvemir marking the sections. nothing life changing or anything just one of those small how did i miss thats? still loving it all the more each read.

Szepilona10 · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 27: Setting Out

So Aragorn is a competent healer? I never would have guessed, Elrohir!(jk :D) Eregiel was a good choice for a guard; young(and handsome!), strong, able to lead in defense! I fear I am becoming quite enamored of him! So, he lives with his mother when he is in the North; does he have a "lady love"? Or is he young for that, still? Has he been able to grow a beard yet? I hope I'm not overwhelming you with my reviews and questions, but I am beginning to realize that this is my favorite of your chapter stories! It's even beating out "The Tenant from Staddle"! (although, "The Tenant" is still a very close second!) Well, I can't really concentrate anymore, for my brother is banging away on the piano, so I'll stop writing now. God Bless! ~Szepilona10~

Szepilona10 · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 59: Gilfileg Son of Gilthor

Oh, this my favorite chapter of all of your stories! I love Gilfileg! Eregiel might be young and cute(he is...right?), but Gilfileg has such a story! I think that he's lonely and sometimes a bit serious, but I can tell that he cared very much for his mother and that he would do most anything for the people he loves! I saw that he, like Aragorn, got frustrated when he was told to stay behind, but he did it because he knew it was best for his people! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~

Szepilona10 · 27 November 2010 · Chapter 29: A Stop in Edoras

So I'm rereading this story and I had forgotten how much I liked it! Eregiel is such a lovely young man; he reminds me of a boy in my math class...only Eregiel is older! I bet Eregiel is really cute! I just love this story but I have one question: Why does Eregiel call Aragorn "cousin" but Hardorn "Uncle"? I was looking at my stats on here today and realized that I haven't reviewed for a long time, so as I was already rereading this story I decided to drop you a note! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~

Szepilona10 · 18 November 2008 · Chapter 48: The Prisoners’ Audience

Why is Halladan so serious all the time? He never smiles! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~

Linda Hoyland · 20 February 2008 · Chapter 60: Night Assault

I liked the glimpse of Aragorn's ranger days,It was so sad Halbarad died. I loved the idea of using the bull to protect the property!

Linda Hoyland · 20 February 2008 · Chapter 59: Gilfileg Son of Gilthor

I like your speculations who Aragorn's kinsmen might have been. How things must have changed in the early years of his reign!

Soledad · 15 February 2008 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

Hi Larner, I finally got around to read this one - it's quite marvellous. I like your main character a great deal, and I love what you've done with the various cultures of Rhun, Harad and so on. I was glad to recognize several oringinal characters from your other stories. Your private little corner of the Ardaverse is a lovely one indeed.

Dreamflower · 10 February 2008 · Chapter 59: Gilfileg Son of Gilthor

How wonderful to see this chapter! It's nice to be reminded of one of my favorite fics! And now Gilifleg has a proper introduction! I remember being quite puzzled about that "mystery man" the first time through! I think I may need to re-read The King's Commission very soon!

Anonymous · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

Wow! Truly epic! Now that I see the questions that yuo've asked yourself, I understand where you got your inspiration for this tale. (Novel?) I admire your dedication in writing such a long story- thank you for sharing your amazing work.

Queen Galadriel · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 9: A Family Formed

I'm rereading and noticing yet more connections this time, such as Gimli's comment that if a Hobbit ever made it to far Harad, it would be a Took. Sure enough! :) I recall being a little bit mystified, maybe, the first time, at your cooking techniques which Mirel learned from their cook-and now I live by them, as it were. :) I find reading this very inspirational as I'm beginning to shape a new sculpture of my own, a baby this time. God bless, Galadriel P.S. I promise I won't pile up reviews or chatter as I did before! :)

Queen Galadriel · 28 March 2006 · Chapter 999999: Author's notes

Yes, I've devoured the rest of this story. It just so happened that I was fortunate enough to wake up this morning with the really bad cold everyone has around here lately, and so got to finish this today. I meant to stop and review chapters I liked several times, but when I enjoy something, I read really fast. Now. I don't know how you do it, but it seems you can write a story about anything you like--let it be as thrilling and full of happiness as you please--and I can still be crying at the end...and it's always the very last chapter that does it, except for "For Eyes..." in which it's the last several chapters. I also admire the way you wrote Ruvemir's good-bye to Aragorn. "I won't be leaving on my feet this time." That cuts to the heart, and I was just about to protest, "No! Why does he have to die?" But there is a peacefulness about that scene that stopped me short before I'd finished the thought. He'd led a full life, after all, filled to overflowing with love and blessings, and in the end the physical difficulties he had such a hard time dealing with at times didn't keep him from anything good or worth having. I think that's how it is with a lot of so-called disabilities; I've heard, more times than I care to count, one or another of my relatives or maybe family friends, saying (generally indirectly) that I miss a great deal of joy because I don't see this and that. I don't think so. Oh yes, there are times when I'd like to see what something looks like, for writing purposes usually, but that's what the imagination is for. And there are times when I'm thankful to be blind. And as to what you said about acceptance, sometimes we whom some seem to see as so different have a hard time being accepted, so of course it's natural that we should accept one another, no matter what our differences. Now I'm going to try to backtrack here. That was a very, very clever plan to catch Landrion, very clever indeed! It was almost amusing, and would have been if not for what came after. He might have deserved it, but I don't like the thought of anyone, no matter how vile, being tortured to death, and I don't even want to think about how it was done. Ivarnon really must have been drunk, and rather ill-natured, to try something like that. I'm so glad Liana found happiness at last with one who accepted both her and Angara. And of course the romances springing up everywhere were most delightful. :) Wonderful to see poor Mirieth healing, and Ruvemir helping her and of course all the apprentices. I think maybe Mirieth, once her health was recovered, would make an excellent foster-mother, and she needs it. But speaking of those connected with Varondil, I must say I don't think he received enough of a punishment, and it's unfair to those in the Houses of Healing as well. I wouldn't want to be anywhere near him! :( But I can see Aragorn's reasoning too and can hear him say, "Perhaps he can find some measure of healing, in time, through helping in the healing of others." Ever the compassionate one, when it's most difficult to show compassion. It was wonderful to see the change in Celebgil as the story progressed, and seeing him at the end with his own shop and profession really brings it home just what he was saved from. Oh, and Pippin's pranks were funny. The house was really cute, and the study transformed into a stall was hilarious! I can just see that young pony, unfastening the gate, walking right up to the door of Brandy Hall, and just striding right in when it was opened. :) And Elanor's fancy about her Uncle Frodo was very, very sweet and would have delighted him, I think. Of course I enjoyed the full description of the memorial, too. An excellent design, and very detailed. But I must say :), if you want to do a model, you do have a task before you. Still, if/when you decide to try, I wish you luck. To see Frodo laughing over what he was told by Gandalf in the last chapter was wonderful, though it still saddens me that he faded so that he rarely spoke. And the description of the mantle was beautiful. A wonderful story as always, and a perfect ending. I've really enjoyed this, meeting these intriguing original characters and revisiting the familiar and already-beloved ones, and following them and especially Ruvemir, on a kind of quest of their own. God bless, Galadriel P.S. You know, it's wonderful to know I'm not the only one that has trouble with spelling, even if Thoronduil or whatever really is inexcusable! :)

Queen Galadriel · 28 March 2006 · Chapter 67: Letters from the Sixth Circle

I've read so much that I'm going to have to mention the earliest events only briefly--but I couldn't stop! Now if I can just remember everything... The wedding was beautiful, just what I would have wished for Ruvemir. And it's good to see the children happy with their foster parents, and Lorieth seeming to treat Ririon as her elder brother. Poor little thing, I can understand why. I'd be terrified. That was quite a clever trick to send the Runim with Ruvemir's party and make it seem casual--well done on both sides, too. That Mistress Narieth is quite a character. Goodness! :) But she obviously has a good heart, in spite of being decidedly unladylike. The last farewell between Ruvemir and Ririon was very touching. I'd thought that his and Pando's absence would leave a gap, as it were, but there's not time for it to sink in that they're not there before everything picks up again...and doesn't slow down for a little while. The account of the assault was thrilling (from the POV of the reader), and Rupter makes quite an efficient guard. A guard bull--who would have thought? :) I can't believe the intricacy of that conspiracy! So Varondil was involved in that, and that's how he got all those apprentices! A rogue if ever there was one, and that Landrion is appalling! And now I finally come to what's utmost in my mind now: Oh, those poor, poor boys! Reading of those unfortunate souls who had destroyed themselves in their desperation, and of Varondil's poor wife, trying to grow a child in her garden, and of her natural child, I was surprised to find myself wiping my eyes--it's so heartbreaking! That poor kid, only eight when the man who ought to have been his father but acted anything but, began abusing him in a way that no living creature should be abused, and to suffer so that he would take his own life at twelve...I've heard horror stories before, not unlike that, but never, never that horrible. Strange, though, that Varondil arouses different feelings than the one he reminds me of--Angrapain. I must confess that with that one I would have gladly ordered his execution myself, and I was angry with Aragorn for letting him off easy at first; I longed to get my hands on him myself. But Varondil--I wouldn't come within a hundred miles of him. But they're not really that different: both had a powerful lust for immorality, both had a strong desire for power and/or wealth. I suppose that what makes Varondil in a sense more bearable is that he didn't display his disgusting nature to all and sundry, and that Angrapain seems to have been naturally ill-humoured and really hard-headed, to put it mildly. But I can't pity either of them, much as I know they ought to be pitied, caught in such wretchedness. I only hope that all those poor enslaved apprentices escape their so-called master's torment. I'm rather confused about the doll, though. What exactly happened there--how did that work? Or do I want to know? I find myself interested in this Lianna (forgot to look at spelling again--sorry if it isn't right) and her little daughter. I don't want this story to end, but at the same time I can't wait now to finish this...so that I can start another. :) God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 27 March 2006 · Chapter 48: The Prisoners’ Audience

LOL! What! "A Bicycle Built for Two?" That is just hilarious! And kind of scary. :) You can do "Mary Had a Little Lamb" on the Braille-and-speak by going into the speech parameter, getting the pitch to a certain level, and then going up and down between three settings that sound for all the world like the notes for that song in F-sharp major, if I remember rightly. But A Bicycle Built for Two? What did that, and how did that work? Oh my goodness, that is so funny. I have a friend who enjoys making Jaws do very, very strange and creepy things, and he'd love that. :)

Queen Galadriel · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 48: The Prisoners’ Audience

Death by impalement! Oh, how horrible! Even if they do deserve it--and they certainly do. To come in and try such a trick at that time, just when it would be best for things to be peaceful! And to intend to make it look as if the Gondorians did it! What baseness! Still...*shudders* I pity them for the death they must face. So delightful to see the birth of Melian! And it's wonderful, also, to see the Haradrim and the people of Run have made peace with Gondor. The gift from Harad was very thoughtful. It's too bad Celebgil is still unwilling to tell Ruvemir the whole story. Surely Aragorn would take steps to see that Varondil was dealt with properly--it isn't the first time, after all--and Celebgil would have no more to fear from him. But something like that--at which I am only guessing and am still not sure I want to know in full--can't be easy to tell. Poor boy. No, I imagine anger, stone, and carving tools would be a very unwise mix. "The crafting trance..." I like that! It's delightful, isn't it? I'm not to the point where I can get lost in sculpting, but when the "writing fit" takes me, I can be at it for hours and not notice the passage of time, not grow hungry or tired, be unable to sleep at night for wanting to still be at whatever I'm working on, and basically neglect everything. And no touch on the shoulder brings me out. :) I enjoyed the dinner as well, and like Ifram very much. I can see how he and Ruvemir would get along well. As to screen-readers and such, I use Jaws (which, at the moment, is being a real pill, but I love it anyway :)) and pretty much always have. I figured you'd probably had some interesting experiences with various speech synthesizers along the way, but some of them still surprise me--and I still manage to get into funny or frustrating little predicaments. Like the time I got Jaws stuck speaking French! LOL! I'm serious! (The latest, I believe, is 7.01, but I'm sticking to 7.0 for now, as I'm not anxious to do the updating thing again--had some trouble with Freedom Scientific last time.) And when I was in elementary school, when Braille-and-speaks had just really gotten big (at my school, any way--I guess it was in 96/97) it was the favourite amusement when we VI kids had time together and were kind of bored to see who could make their Braille-and-speak say the most interesting thing. :) I liked to think I finally won because I figured out how to get mine, supposedly, to "sing" Mary Had a Little Lamb. LOL! You really can do that, funny and crazy as it sounds. But now I really am fighting with Jaws...again, and the computer has formed an alliance with it, and they're determined to defeat me. :) I declare, technology has personality of its own--especially Freedom Scientific's products! But then, that's what makes thing interesting... God bless, Galadriel P.S. Please pardon errors--I'm not able to correct them right now. Something is not working right and I'm going to have to shut everything down before I can do anything properly.

Queen Galadriel · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 42: Looking to the Future

I believe "hooked" is an understatement! :) Repeatedly I've sat down intending to work on my own writing and find myself here, reading, instead. And now I meant to stop earlier, when I left my last review, and here I've read several more chapters! :) I like Elise's sister--obviously romantic and with perhaps a bit of a love for mischief, very like a friend of mine. And her grandmother seems to be an interesting person. Glad all went well with those meetings, and of course Mardil is liked by all; who wouldn't? Ririon is fortunate to have him as a master and an informally adoptive grandfather. Celebgil's parents seem very kind and decent, and I have a feeling they will not be pleased when they find out what their son is dealing with. And the moments with Aragorn are wonderful. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 38: Lord Frodo's Stone

Oh dear, where to begin? I love your descriptions of the work done. I have had more experience with clay than anything else, and none at all with stone--yet, so it's very interesting to see how all this is done. And I do feel as if I'm seeing it as I read. I also really like Ruvemir's kindness and care for his band of apprentices, especially for poor Celebgil. I do pity him, and not only for finding himself stuck with a master whose goals and desires for his apprentices are obviously infinitely less noble than those of Ruvemir, or of any decent man. (I'm pretty sure, though, that something will be done to remedy that situation in the end. The truth always comes out sooner or later.) The fear, even of physical closeness, the "closedness" (I know, it's not a word :), but it's descriptive and I can't think right now) are what move me most. Yes, Ruvemir ought to talk to him. If he'll just let himself respond... I loved all the letters, especially the ones from the travellers and Syclamen, and from Rosie. Speaking of, just out of (amused) curiosity, have you ever heard a screen-reader read mixed cases in words? It's quite interesting I assure you. :) I enjoy letters in stories, so I was listening with contentment, when all of a sudden it seems to have changed languages. "Wait a minute! What happened here? Who is this person, and where are they from?" LOL! Of course it didn't take me long to realise it was plain English, and I did finally manage to get through the whole letter and found it well worth the extra care it took to read. (Was that hard to write?) Yes, Rosie is as wise as Sam, and never was there a more well-matched couple. Oh, and I'm interested to know what Pippin's planned trick is! :) Oh, those poor children! And a baby too! I hope Miriel and Folco do take them in as fosterlings. I love the care and respect shown Frodo's stone here, and Aragorn's singing in Quenya was very touching and really shows the love he bore his "small brother." And so wonderful to see Master Iorhael again! I'm glad I read The Acceptable Sacrifice first, for it makes so much in this story familiar, and of course the things mentioned in passing are more deeply explained in the other. So, Mardil and Faragil have come for the wedding! How very different Faragil is from Varondil. Celebgil can't but notice, and I hope that difference will help to bring him to talk of his troubles to Ruvemir--who, as you said, is quite a healer of hearts. "Red jewel" seems to suit somehow. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 31: Beginning the Execution of the Commission

Oh no, not another one! Yes, let Celebgil tell someone who can rescue him! *shudders* This Varondil...I can't believe I'm even thinking such a horrible thing, but a comment about comeliness makes me wonder if I won't find myself putting up with another Angrapain--only less rash and lacking in sense (I don't like to speak so of your OC--forgive me please--but I don't lie either), more subtle and crafty, and with a bit more control over his baseness. That another should see his apprentices as he did, indeed! Ugh! I'm half afraid to read on because villains of this sort can make me so angry and repulse me so much that I could do and say a great deal to them if they stood before me, and never regret it...but I can't *not* finish the story, of course. And my guesses at what this man is make his preference of work seem morbid. *sigh* But even while I say all this, I really have to hand it to you. You have the ability to create such true-to-life characters that they can inspire great love and respect (Ruvemir, Hardorn, Brendi, Narcissa, the Baggins twins, Miriel, Ririon, Elise, Master Iorhael, and others) or feelings of quite the opposite (Angrapain, Varondil, a few of those from Angmar whose names escape me just now, 'Beasty Bracegirdle), and that is a great, great gift and one of the things I admire most about your writing. I've never had the chance to get into the mind of my "bad guy," and I still don't understand how one can create such a character, realise how horrible he is, and still put up with him. But then I haven't been writing very long and am still very inexperienced. Very, very interesting about the stone! Can one really tell such things? I suppose many of the arts really are very alike in their ways. This block of stone isn't right for this statue; this tune isn't right for this song; this situation won't do for this character after all--she won't like being seen as weak. I couldn't help but be a little amused at the stone's being likely to become tempramental if not properly cared for, and touched by the care with which it was treated. Yes, like its subject, indeed! :) That compares so much to characters in stories--it's amazing. I don't know how many I've had/do have that I must treat with special care or they just don't seem to cooperate--or if one is left out, he/she will just push right in and announce his/her presence. "Hey! I'm here too, you know, and you're not paying any attention! I'm supposed to be a part of the story too!" :) Very thoughtful gifts from and to all, and I really liked the meeting with Treebeard. You have captured his voice perfectly! Well, the journey south should be an interesting one, and maybe Celebgil will open up a bit. It really brings home how accepting the Shire is when we return to the world of men and meet with stereotypes, both for Ruvemir and Ririon. Speaking of Ririon, I love Joy! What a fitting name and a brilliant idea! Animals just seem to know so often--my mom's cousin once had a large dog (I don't remember the breed now) who wouldn't let me out of his sight when I was there. I guess maybe he was a bit overprotective, actually, reacting to everything, everything, as if it might endanger, but I was too touched and delighted to mind. :) The plot deepens, and I'm going to have to stop for tonight or I won't go to bed at all. :) But I may get a chance to read more tomorrow. God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 27: Setting Out

Wow! Awesome plot twist! I'm familiar enough with your work by now that I was just beginning to wonder when something really out of the ordinary was going to happen, and now it does. Poor Clothilde, finding herself merried to such a rascal--but I'm glad it was no worse than what it was for her. And Ruvemir will be busy indeed, for quite a while, it seems. :) Well, he certainly got his wish, and when he goes to do the Fellowship, he might just find himself having to go here, there, and everywhere inquiring about Gandalf as he did about Frodo. I'll send you a picture--with pleasure, and I'm honoured you'd want to see it. I'm not saying I have a special talent with clay, but I've always wanted to do something artistic, and when I was finally convinced that I was absolutely hopeless at drawing (I asked someone to cut out something that was supposed to be a man and looked like something from Mars LOL--I was crushed then, but it's really funny now, to think about that pathetic little thing) I took up sculpting and have kept at it as a hobby. My brother is as proud as a peacock of his digital camera and his (I suppose) skill at photography, and he'll usually do that stuff for me without any trouble (big surprise!--I have to bribe him to write a simple note for me because the paper was too small to print on, yet he'll do all the pictures I want with elacrety). Oh, a model of the memorial would be wonderful! :) God bless, Galadriel

Queen Galadriel · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 26: Decisions

Oh, I'm so sorry they're leaving the Shire! These last many chapters have been lovely. And Folco and Miriel are married at last! :) So that's how Pando got to Gondor. Loved Ruvemir's meeting with Syclamen; I hoped he'd meet her, and the image of her held beneath his cloak and holding and caressing his hand as she often did Frodo's is very touching. Poor Frodo, no one would blame him for shouting, and most definitely not Widow Rumble. Ririon seems to have a decided talent for making people--your own characters and one reader, at any rate--laugh. I love Ruvemir's affectionate address of "son"--very heart warming. So, Ruvemir finally knows how he's going to make the memorial. I'm happy for him. :) As it is, I'm still fussing over my own planned sculpture of Frodo, and i've about decided to make him sleeping, just to keep this little project from becoming so complicated it will get out of hand. I can't do an entire clay sculpture--the head and limbs will be of clay, and the body will be cloth, so there's little chance I'll be able to get the finished piece to stand up straight (when i do that, the heads always seem to wobble). Plus, well, let's just say I'm anything but good with paint, and eyes present a problem, especially if I want them to look like Frodo's. The purpose of all this is to say that your description of the face and hands are my lifelines now--I'm serious. Glad Ruvemir got to read Sam's story as well! Yes, I've read it all in one sitting too, as well as stayed up all night reading it (well, I started late and got to bed about four o'clock in the morning). :) God bless, Galadriel