Reviews (429)

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

I'm a bit concerned about Frodo's drawings. They should - short of mouse infestation - be safe where they are, but once Miriel and Ruvemir leave that room, who knows who could find them! Unless it's Elise - that could be a useful plot device. I hope the exercises help Ruvemir's hip. This journey to see hobbitses could be quite painful for him, but actually meeting the three musketeers would be very good for the project - as would seeing the Shire, which would help him understand the heart of hobbits. He knows who Strider is! And Arwen is back! (The poor kid, though - to lose his sight.)

Dreamflower · 12 December 2004 · Chapter 7: The Houses of Healing

So now he knows! And Aragorn is going to send him to the Shire! Lovely! That is so great! I can't wait to see his reaction to meeting Merry, Pippin and Sam in person. But I know that a lot more will have to happen before that. You have really nailed Ioreth's chatter. And I loved the idea of the pompous healer being depicted with donkey's ears. It's lovely to see that his sister has come to be with him, and I am very pleased that the lovely Elise seems to return his regard. But I'm a bit worried about Frodo's sketches.

grumpy · 12 December 2004 · Chapter 6: Rain and Distress

Poor Ruvemir's hip, hopefully he is found soon, and given some healing, hope they find the drawings too. So the fenced in area was for Snowmane, I had forgotten about him. Wanted to reread my book to find out who "him" was in Sam's letter. (the books are packed away), but after some thinking I figured it out. So Sam has two babies and one on the way, And Strider's baby to be, is missing him. Love this story, can't wait for more.

Dreamflower · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 6: Rain and Distress

Oh this is just a wonderful chapter! You are really showing our hobbits through the eyes of others. I like it that we are seeing them now mainly through minor characters: servants, soldiers, etc. instead of from just those who knew them best, the Fellowship. For example, you *could* have had Legolas identify himself and speak to Ruvemir, but instead you used the servants and Elfhelm. This seems to give the story so much more depth. The description of Merry by Elfhelm nearly brought me to tears, it was so perfect. And I loved the way the maid described them by the way they made their beds--or not, in Pippin's case, LOL! Sam's letter was so perfectly Sam! Of course, I understood all the allusions that Ruvemir did not. How puzzling it must have seemed! Frodo's sketches were so beautifully described--I'd never thought of Frodo that much as an artist, but your descriptions were so lovely that I could just *see* those sketches in my mind's eye! Poor Ruvemir and his bad hip! I hope the sketches are recovered. He would be so distressed if they are presumed to be lost! Is Strider going to have to tend him? How long will his anonymity last if that happens? Hope you update soon. I am loving this.

Anonymous · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 6: Rain and Distress

I loved the way that you described the hobbit clothing worn in Frodo's drawings without actually naming the articles that Ruvemir might not have been familiar with (suspenders, vests, etc). Looking back in time it's amazing to see the variety in the styles of clothing worn by different cultures--how much stranger must the styles of dress have looked to different species!

Rayma3 · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 6: Rain and Distress

Larner, I just had to post this. I am really enjoying your work. I look forward to seeing the next part and will check several times a day to find out if you have posted. Ruvinel? is a wonderful character and I'm looking forward to him realizing who Strider really is. Please keep writing. Rayma

Grey Wonderer · 11 December 2004 · Chapter 6: Rain and Distress

Only just found your story this evening and have been enjoying it very much. I love seeing the Hobbits through the eyes of others. I have also enjoyed your character, Ruvemir very much. I can almost feel the pain in his hip from your discriptions. I like the idea of his trying to make the statue without having known the hobbits. Lovely story and I hope you continue soon. The looks at the hobbits from those who met them during their time in Minas Tirith have been very entertaining.

Amy Earls · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 5: Shaping the Face Unseen

Forgot to say that I thought that one of Ruvemir's informants would see his drawing of Strider and tell him who it was. I see that you're prolonging the discovery, however . . . *rubs hands in glee*

Amy Earls · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 5: Shaping the Face Unseen

I'm wallowing in your glorious hidden!king fic (e.g., Arthur, Henry V, Richard the Lionhearted in Robin Hood, but best of all Aragorn). Fervent thanks for your frequent updates! Amy

Bodkin · 10 December 2004 · Chapter 5: Shaping the Face Unseen

I do like the way Ruvemir is doing his research - and the way he went cold when eventually someone mentioned the feet. So often people spend ages telling you what they think is important and never consider mentioning what they think is general knowledge. Hairy naked tootsies is a 'secret de polichinelle' - everyone knows it so nobody says. He must catch on soon about the Dunedain who knows everything the King knows, surely. I can see him not picking up the Thorongil connection, because it is just too unlikely, but Aragorn, Strider, Dunedain, well-dressed, too busy with embassies, determined to hide his face - the clues are there.

Grumpy · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 5: Shaping the Face Unseen

Another great chapter, and another clue with Gimli dropping Aragorn's name. I would love to have tea and seed cakes at the inn. Wonder what a seed cake is, like poopy seed cake. Where is a hobbit with a cookbook when you want one. I also wonder what is behind the white fence in the field.

Dreamflower · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 5: Shaping the Face Unseen

Oh this just gets better and better. I love the way the descriptions by the various people of the events are all just a little *off* from one another, so that we realize the folk of Minas Tirith really did not *know* much about the hobbits. I also liked the incident with Frodo and the cook's boy--I could just see that happening: Frodo would certainly feel confident enough to speak up about something like that! The descriptions of Pippin were also wonderful--I wonder now who he's going to meet to describe Merry and Sam, and if there is any chance any of them will be back to the City before Ruvemir begins the work?

Dreamflower · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 4: First Study

I can't begin to tell you how lovely this story is in its slow unfolding. I love the descriptions of the Shire and its Folk, the casual mentions in passing of who and what the hobbits were, and then finally, the mention of Frodo's name and Ruvemir's startlement at finally understanding. And I just adore Pippin's endowment of tea and seedcakes for all the "hobbit rooms" that were added to the inns! Such a very "Pippish" thing to do! And I agree with Aragorn's assessment of Bilbo's reaction! LOL!

FantasyFan · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 4: First Study

I laughed out loud when Pippin sent tea and seedcakes. That was perfect. And now the easy half of the puzzle is unravelled, for Ruvemir knows who his commission is. I doubt it will take him long to figure out who his commission is for. The idea that we show little parts of ourselves to everyone we know, and that together they make up the whole picture of our lives, is very interesting. I wonder if Ruvemir will get to talk to Sam, perhaps the one person that Frodo showed the most to?

Bodkin · 9 December 2004 · Chapter 4: First Study

Has Ruvemir still not cottoned on to Strider's identity despite the many clues? The only problem I can see with Ruvemir's method is that - well, he's seen Men, so when he gets the feeling of what a certain man was like, he has a mental template. There are Elves around - so he could take a look at the generic elf. Gimli is there - so he can see a Dwarf. But he's never seen a Hobbit, so a huge amount of description would be necessary - including the sort of things you wouldn't need for a species with which you were familiar. The feet, for example - they'll take a bit of explaining! It's a bit like the story of the elephant - felt by a series of blindfolded people, they all perceive something different.

Dreamflower · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

This is really living up to its promise! I love the slow unveiling of Strider's identity, all the hints and clues--it shouldn't be long before the penny drops, I would think. I especially love the picture *you* are drawing of Aragorn as King--one who works tirelessly and selflessly for his people, and of Aragorn as Frodo's friend--who misses him so much. This is a lovely tale, and I am very much looking forward to more!

LaurelinsSong · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

I am completely enamoured by this tale, it's wonderful...please continue

grumpy · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

I love this story. I love how you have written the characters out. Seeing the city , the King's Head and pipes, from Ruvemir's point of view. I think Aragorn is having a good old time keeping his secret. Gimli's is as great as ever. Looking forward to more

FantasyFan · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

Strider is clearly enjoying remaining anonymous as long as possible. But both he and Gimli have given many clues to Ruvemir, and I wonder how long it will be before he puts the entire thing together. After all, how many groups of four heroic halflings has Gondor seen?? I also wonder if Strider deliberately wants to keep him in the dark about Frodo's identitiy so as not to influence the picture that Ruvemir gets of him from his friends. The details of this story continue to intrigue. Ruvemir's pain and wariness are well-drawn, and his interior dialog amusing. I like seeing Aragorn through the eyes of someone who doesn't know him. Also, I'm glad Elessar thought to accomodate all his friends, and it's a nice touch that Pippin made rooms for hobbits so comfortable. I wonder if, with hobbit rooms, come hobbit-scheduled meals?

Grimnir · 8 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

I'm truly thrilled by this story. This hide and seek and slow unveiling of Striders nature from Ruvemirs point of view is great. I love the way the artist observes his surroundings and the people around him. He has much a puzzle to solve, since Strider is ahead of him in disguising. And the king deserves a little bit of fun game, it seems. And Aragorn's great respect and love towards Frodo is heart-warming :)

Bodkin · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 3: Meeting with the Patron

Ruvemir is remarkably talented. It's very interesting seeing this through his eyes - I wonder how long it will take him to cotton on to Strider's identity. It must be such a relief to find himself in a room suited to someone his size, especially since he is in pain. Maybe Strider will be able to help him a bit - although there's probably not a lot he can do for hips. Still, there's always athelas!

Dreamflower · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 2: The Sculptor

I like this chapter from Ruvemir's POV. I like the way Aragorn is keeping his anonymity here, as well. This way, he knows the sculptor will either take the commission or not based on his own wishes, and not feel that he is being "ordered" by the King. It's also funny to anticipate his reaction when he gets to the White City, and finds out "Strider" is the King!

Dreamflower · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 1: Revelations

What an interesting premise! I love this idea. I always get a kick out of stories where people find out Aragorn was Thorongil, for some reason it tickles me to imagine their reactions, and this one, where Imrahil suddenly realizes...it's hilarious. And I love your depiction of Aragorn's grief at Frodo's departure. While for Frodo himself the exile was a way to hopefully find healing and peace, for those he left behind, he might as well have been dead--they are never going to see him again, and were left to grieve. I'm sure Aragorn's grief was sharpened by his feelings that he should have somehow been able to find healing for Frodo on this side of the Sea, as well as the burden of gratitude, knowing that he owed his bride and his crown to Frodo. To memorialize his friend perhaps will help to assuage his grief.

grumpy · 7 December 2004 · Chapter 2: The Sculptor

Wondrful, I love how you write. And how this chapter is written from Ruvemir's point of view. That Aragorn is wearing both the old and the new, he has his old quiver, but a new sheath for his sword. Ruvemir uses his eyes. Hope he takes up the offer.

grumpy · 6 December 2004 · Chapter 1: Revelations

great start to your story, very well written. Poor Imrahil, to be tricked by the king (or Thorongil). I liked what you said about Frodo bringing out the best in people, that because of him Aragorn put away he habit of disguising himself. looking forward to more