Reviews (429)

Amy Earls · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 11: Negotiations with the Shire

Another deeply moving chapter. I adore Butterbur Getting a Clue and like how it would take the sketches (and coins) for the reality to sink in. I love how Sam will only consider being memorialized for Frodo and for Aragorn. Also love how the hobbits react to the Strider carving and how Sam sees through Ruvemir's lie about Frodo's drawings. I cherish this story so much! Amy P. S. Isn't Imrahil's father Adrahil, not Adrihil?

Bodkin · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 11: Negotiations with the Shire

Barliman Butterbur - what a great name it is - is still not entirely convinced of the truth of what happened after Frodo met Strider, is he? Still, the arrival of gold coins stamped with Strider's face is pretty convincing. (I'm glad they're having their clothes washed again. Adventurers frequently omit this necessity - and they must smell rather high.) Sam knows that Ruvemir has seen Frodo's pictures - I wonder if he is going to get him on his own and talk about it? He is the most sceptical of them all - but could turn into the biggest Ruvemir fan, I think. “Strider is grieving?” Sam just wants to look after everybody - he has great heart. (Probably an essential, given that he goes on to have 13 children.)

Bodkin · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 10: Journey in Late Fall

It's hard to imagine, these days, journeys that take weeks - and the complications and the sheer tedium of creeping across the scenery. At least they got to meet a lot of interesting people on the way - even to spotting an Ent.

Grey Wonderer · 18 December 2004 · Chapter 11: Negotiations with the Shire

I had to laugh at Butterbur in the beginning. It seems as if he learned more from Ruvemir, than Ruvemir learned from him. It might be very hard to learn enough from Butterbur to do a proper sculpture because he has so many questions of his own. I also liked tha Butterbur couldn't get over Strider being the King and had a good laugh at the idea of Pippin as Ernil i Pheriannath. Both reactions were great. Loved Sam in all of this too. So like him not to feel that he deserves a statue but worrying about how the artist will depict Frodo. I love the connection between Ririon and Frodo. Another excellent chapter. I look forward to more of this. I am wondering when or if Ruvemir will mention having seen Frodo's drawings.

Eruviluieth · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 11: Negotiations with the Shire

This is terrific. The realism is incredible. Everyone reacts not so much the way I'd expect, but they way they really would. You've really got the characters down well. And the story's interesting too. Can't wait to read more!

Dreamflower · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 11: Negotiations with the Shire

This is such a long and detailed chapter, with so much happening: The re-telling of events of the Quest is always tricky, but by making it so that they are telling Butterbur, and getting the different POVs you are able to make it interesting even to those of us who know the story inside out. I love the reaction of Sam to the idea of the monument, and that the Travellers, the Thain, the Master and the Mayor are able to travel to Bree to see Ruvemir. This is a bit early for the ban, which did not go into effect until 1427, but there are ways around that. (I used a similar device, and had that Aragorn had passed a partial, temporary ban, that would be either removed or made permanent, in seven years.) You have really captured the characters of our heroes beautifully, especially the camaraderie between them, and the love they have for their Strider--who incidentally happens to be their King. I like it that Ruvemir had to convince them--especially Sam--that he would be able to do justice to Frodo. I am very much looking forward to Ruvemir's visit to the Shire, and find myself eagerly wondering who he will speak to: Saradoc and Esmeralda I hope very much, and perhaps Fredegar Bolger... hmmm... Keep up the great work! I love this story!

Dreamflower · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 10: Journey in Late Fall

I printed this chapter out to read at lunch at work today! You continue to keep up my interest in Ruvemir and his experiences. I love all the careful preparations made for the journey, and the lovely leave-taking. You covered a lot of territory in this chapter. From Minas Tirith to Bree in one chapter! I was worried about the wolves, but I guess I needn't have bothered. Well, on to read Ch. 11!

Marigoldg · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 10: Journey in Late Fall

Another great chapter! I enjoyed the detail of the packing of the trunks, and the description of the journey - you described it in such a way that I could see their route as they progressed, day by day, and approached their destination, and I really liked that. Yay, they are at Bree! I can't wait for them to meet the hobbits : ) I recced this story on my Recommendations Page for this week, and I hope that it steers more readers your way. Here is the link if you'd like to look: http://www.geocities.com/marigoldsrecommendations/

Gentle Hobbit · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 10: Journey in Late Fall

I have now caught up with all the chapters. I am enjoying this story very much. You are weaving your original characters into a background very true to the books so that I could well imagine this happening after RotK has ended. I particularly enjoyed (in this chapter) Eomer's comment: “Always does the Lord Aragorn seem to bring worthy souls of unusual nature through my lands...” Thank you for writing (and continuing to write) this fascinating story.

Viresse · 17 December 2004 · Chapter 10: Journey in Late Fall

Ah, another chapter to brighten my morning. Thank you. One small nit. 6th paragraph, first line. Lord King Elsa?

Dreamflower · 16 December 2004 · Chapter 9: A Family Formed

This was such a lovely chapter, filled with loving detail. I really enjoyed the natural way the exchange of information was done between Gimli and Ruvemir; sometimes the exposition of material that already appears in canon can be a bit dull, but you make it seem almost new, using differing POVs to accomplish that. I am enjoying this immensely, and am looking forward to their trip north and their arrival in Bree. I *was* going to point out about Pippin's mother, but I saw that Marigold beat me to it, LOL! The only reason it stood out was because you were so very careful about all the other canon details! I am *so* looking forward to more!

Marigoldg · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 9: A Family Formed

I am enjoying this story so much! Your original characters are wonderful - normally I don't care much for stories that feature OC's but that is certainly not the case here, and I eagerly watch for every new chapter. The wealth of detail is astounding, and all the plot points are just perfect. I really enjoyed Gimli's lecture on the hobbit family trees - there was an error though that really jumps out - "And Pippin is a Took, but his mother was a Brandybuck." Pippin's mother is a Banks. I can't wait for them to reach the Shire! : )

Gentle Hobbit · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 1: Revelations

What an intriguing story. I haven't yet "met" Rumevir and already I find him a fascinating character. I like the way you portray Aragorn, with the mixture of nobility and humility that I find consistent with the books. I am very much looking forward to discovering more as I read through the chapters.

lwarren · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

Ah Larner, I love the way you take your time allowing the story to unfold...such descriptions! The very appropriate bedroom designed by the Ernil i Pheriannath, the meeting with Elise, and I felt like I was sitting in the common room with Gimli and Ruvemir and Strider (*sigh* wishful thinking!) I love Gimli! He has to be one of my favorite grumpy-grouches of all time...all prickles and caring and hrrummmmphs! :-) Strider's sorrow once more very much makes itself evident as he tells of meeting Frodo and the others in Bree, and their journeys together. This is sooooo good! Thank you... linda

lwarren · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 2: The Sculptor

...they do not know the envy they inspire...they who have so much and walk by unaware and unfeeling... I read that somewhere (it's paraphrased here) and never forgot those words. You used Ruvemir's POV to quickly reveal the mind of a character whose great awareness and appreciation of beauty (not to mention the talent to recreate that beauty through his art) made him all the more aware of his own physical lack. Then the meeting with Sir Strider...I loved seeing that through Ruvemir's eyes - the contradiction of the old clothing mixed with the new boots, the newer sheath for the sword...the hints of wealth...the first glimmer of recognition tugging at Ruvemir's mind...just a really neat chapter! Once more, thank YOU for sharing! :-) linda

lwarren · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 1: Revelations

I have been waiting to be able to sit down and read this story properly, and finally I have some spare time (well, not...but I'm making time LOL). I had to giggle at Aragorn's teasing Imrahil about his past identity...he got a kick out of that, didn't he? :-) But the focus of this first chapter to me was on Frodo, and Aragorn's grief over his departure. I've read lots about Frodo and his deep connection to Merry, Pip, and Sam...but this is one of the best I've read showing the strong feeling Aragorn developed for the Ringbearer. "He brought out the best in almost everyone he ever met...including me." What a heartfelt tribute to a friend! It's not often you find one of those who have the ability to make the people around them better. "...it was traveling with Frodo, who always called me by my rightful name, Aragorn, that I began to put aside all the disguises..." I have a friend who firmly believes in the power of a person's name...she never calls her children by nicknames (or short forms even) because of that belief. I can see how Aragorn might become other than what he was born to be simply by being called so many different names not his own. That was a very thought-provoking statement, Larner! :-) A great introduction to this story...Ruvemir is intriguiging also! A memorial worthy of one who sacrificed all to save the world...possibly made by an artist who has never seen him before and must rely instead on how he was perceived through the eyes of the ones he saved! Wow! Thank you for sharing this! linda

Bodkin · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 9: A Family Formed

What a lovely long chapter! Ririon will do well with Ruvemir and his family - he is a talented youngster. He will feel at home. Miriel has taken on some interesting commissions as well. The detail about the gates is fascinating - and I like Dorlin. The shoes are good - it would seem that Ruvemir and Miriel have been taken into Elessar's extended family for care and he is thinking of ways to help them that have never crossed their minds - and they are extending that care to others with Ririon. And everyone has their stories - it would seem as if Frodo and the other hobbits touched all they met.

Bodkin · 15 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Settling Fees

I'm glad Ririon has a promising future ahead of him. Shame to think, though, that without the illness-induced blindness, he could have remained a pot-boy at an inn throughout his life. On such things are chances set. I'm glad Frodo's pictures emerged undamaged. It's really funny to imagine the King and Queen sneaking off to a room in an inn to get a bit of time to themselves. I'm not surprised Elise was taken aback - the Queen as chaperone - yes, I think that will probably satisfy the scandalmongers.

Dreamflower · 14 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Settling Fees

This is delightful! I so enjoyed the picture of the little group's party--the three Hunters together, Arwen, delighting in being a wife and prospective mother, Ruvemir and his sister, and Elise joining them. All of them able to relax among friends and put celebrity behind them. I am so relieved that Frodo's sketches were all right. I was quite worried about them. And I am really looking forward to the journey to the Shire!

grumpy · 14 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Settling Fees

Do hope the Ruvemir and his father take Ririon on as a apprentice. Like the growing courtship between Ruvemir and Elise. Great that Aragorn, Arwin, Legolas and Gimli escaped for awhile and came to the inn. It is wonderful how you show the love between Aragorn and Arwin.

Grey Wonderer · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 8: Settling Fees

I think it is lovely that Ruvemir has Frodo's drawings and that he admits that they are better than any he has done. I also like the fact that he is still proud of his talent as a sculptor and says as much. I look forward to his visit to the Shire and I am happy for the child that he will have someone to care for him and to watch over him. I like that he is connected to Frodo in a small way.

grumpy · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 7: The Houses of Healing

Loved Ruvemir's time in the house of healing. So Ruvemir finally got to know who Strider really is and who he was before. Also like the intro of his sister Miriel. Plus the singing at the homecoming of Arwin, bet Strider is one happly man.

Viresse · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 7: The Houses of Healing

I am so enjoying this story. And if Ruvemir is going to the Shire, can I hope that this story will be a nicely long one? All the way to the Shire and back? And who's going with them? They couldn't go alone that distance. Legolas and Gimli, maybe, to see their friends? And please let someone find Frodo's drawings soon.

Amy Earls · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 7: The Houses of Healing

Only time for a drive-by review to say how intensely I loved this chapter (Ioreth! healing!king singing!elves-&-king). I think that Tolkien was a little hard on Ioreth. She may talk a lot, but she has a good grasp on the essentials. Yum, king in green and in black! Loving your quick updates! Amy

Grey Wonderer · 13 December 2004 · Chapter 7: The Houses of Healing

The troubles of others often make us less annoyed with our own. I liked this part at the end of the chapter where Ruvemir sees the nearly blind lad and his friend and re-thinks his own life in a way. I found it very fitting that Sam should be the hardest to capture as he did stay in the background most of the time. Lovely story and I was glad to see such a quick update!