PSW · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Very interesting! I've never seen a fic set around this before.... I enjoyed, thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thank you. Whew, this fic required a LOT of research. But it was fun.
Spellbound by shirebound
Reviews (134)
naiade · 17 May 2006 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
A sensitive and convincing tale, effectively weaving together canon and newly imagined scenes. Thank you for sharing this, shirebound, and congratulations on the award it won*
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I did a huge amount of research and imagining for this story... I'm so thrilled you enjoyed it.
PIppinfan1988 · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
*heavy sigh* That was beautiful; the whole story. I am so glad that you took on the Barrow Whights--and even Bombadil! He's not my most favorite character, but you portrayed him wonderfully (I like your version of him better than...dare I day it???) I stand amazed at your talent; thank you for sharing this most excellent story and your hobbits. :-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you so much! When I started this story, I had no idea what a challenge it would be. I really appreciate knowing that you enjoyed it (even Bombadil!). *hugses*
PIppinfan1988 · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 5: Out of Deep Water
Well done! :-)
PIppinfan1988 · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 4: Voices in the Dark
Wow... From the moment Frodo awoke, Merry's whimper from his nightmare...Frodo hacking at the arm to save his friends, or to die with them...awesome--all of it. Even the cold, haunting thoughts of the Whight is written with such excellent care. Wonderful tale.
PIppinfan1988 · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 3: In the Barrow
Amazing; there is no other word to describe this tale.
PIppinfan1988 · 22 May 2005 · Chapter 2: Snared
I do apologize for not keeping up with the original telling of this wonderful tale; I had difficulties in getting internet time at my sister's house. Now I'm in my own place and am back to finish it. :-) Spellbound is just as brilliant and beautifully written as when I first started to read it back in Afteryule. *I'm* Spellbound by this most clever "filler" of hobbit-tales written in the spirit of JRR Tolkien...and onward I go! Pippinfan
Auntiemeesh · 11 May 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
I've been shamefully remiss in not getting to this sooner. What a great ending, tying in Aragorn's wedding and returning to that image of the line of kings. But my favorite bit is this...“Meriadoc Telcontar,” Aragorn mused. “Don’t you dare burden a helpless child with such a name,” Merry groaned.
Author's reply
Thank you! I needed at least a somewhat lighthearted ending, after such a grim tale!
Mariole · 28 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
This was fantastic! Literally! I loved the whole thing, but mostly the shrewd and illuminating glimpses you give to these fascinating characters. I love the hobbit interactions as always, but the little snippet of Goldberry and Tom on their own, in their own realm and power, was spellbinding. Humility rules his heart -- you break mine, in a good way! Thanks very much. Cheers.
Author's reply
Thank you, Mariole! (I love how you refer to Goldberry and Tom's 'realm and power'. What a fascinating couple, and so enigmatic.)
Sandy K · 28 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
I finished it! Finally! What a wonderful story. I loved how you described what Tom Bombadil was thinking and his impressions of the hobbits. I've always felt Tolkien left his character a little too flat and mysterious. Like, maybe he had another purpose for him later in the story and then never got around to using him again. I also liked how you jumped to the King and Queen's wedding feast and the hobbits re-telling their vision on the down. A lovely ending.
Author's reply
Thank you *so* much. This was a difficult story to write, but a very satisfying one. And I never dreamed I'd be writing Tom Bombadil -- he's a difficult character to decipher!
Inkling · 11 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
The Star of Elendil—what a great note to finish on! Tolkien’s work is so rich with teasing glimpses of a past only hinted at in LOTR, providing so much wonderful material for our stories! The Barrow-downs inspired my very first lines of fan fiction (which still sit patiently on my hard drive waiting to be finished), so I was thrilled to see them explored in your engrossing and well-researched tale…thanks for sharing it!
Author's reply
Thank *you*, Inkling! I wasn't sure how (or where) this story was going to end, but the hobbits' shared vision had always intrigued me. I hope you finish (and post) your story someday!
illyria · 8 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
What a lovely, shining ending! I love Tom's observation of the hobbits (how they seemed to shun the glittery hoard of the wight, and how Frodo seemed to have been accompanied by worthy spirits) and the scene when Tom gave the hobbits their swords--each hobbit's reaction was unique and a reflection of his character. And I also like the way Aragorn seemed to hang onto the hobbits' account of what they saw as they left the barrow. And "Meriadoc Telcontar" doesn't sound like such a bad name, you know! :) Thank you for a ride through the cold and drear, through courage and ancient might, into glory. Thank you! This has been a fic full of interesting observations, as always.
Author's reply
"a ride through the cold and drear, through courage and ancient might, into glory." Wow, I really appreciate that! What a lovely thing to say. I did so much research and thinking for this story, I'm gratified it 'worked'. It really taught me a log. Thank you, my friend. Author Reply: Good heavens, I meant to type, "It really taught me a LOT." *looks around for a Barrow-wight to blame*
Dreamflower · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
This has been a wonderful ride--suspenseful, thoughtful, intelligent and well-planned; and this chapter was the perfect ending for it. Take a bow! Well-done!
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you! *bows and hugs*
Armariel · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
we loves it, precioussssss...do more, do more....more stories I mean:D:D:D:D *clapping* xox Armariel~~~{~@ ~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm not sure what story is coming next, but there surely will be one! I'm happiest when I'm writing about hobbitses. Your reviews are so visually lovely! :D
Mysterious Jedi · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Excitement!!! You gave me an Aragorn and hobbit interaction :) (I don't use / so no one gets the wrong idea.)
Author's reply
I never planned for Aragorn to be in this story, but he snuck in at the last minute! Glad you enjoyed it! :D
Larner · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Ah, I am so glad that you added in the vision of the line of Kings. A very satisfying ending.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I found the hobbits' 'vision' to be a fascinating part of the story that was never expanded on.
Breon Briarwood · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
YAY for happy endings! This was wonderful Janet! You do creepy very well when you have a mind to. :D
Author's reply
A happy ending... from ME? *grins* I'm so glad you enjoyed this story. Just the thought of writing it made me nervous for a long time.
Lindelea · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 5: Out of Deep Water
Lovely turns of phrase! Just two that jumped out at me: more ancient than ancient Eldest gets a head start (sounds so natural, like I've heard it all my life) I can just hear Frodo shouting this, laughing, when his cousins were much younger. I like the way you've fleshed out Merry's dream, and Frodo's protectiveness of him, and his protectiveness of Pippin.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! My beta (mom) wasn't crazy about "more ancient than ancient", but I just liked how it sounded. I really appreciate your comments.
Lindelea · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 4: Voices in the Dark
O I really like the way that Frodo finds strength and courage in memories of Bilbo. ...and that Tom was already on his way towards the barrow seems quite logical.
Lindelea · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Very well done, indeed. "Worthy companions" -- I quite agree! I was intrigued the the hobbits' vision. And nice to think Tom "knew" somehow what had happened.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. I didn't remember that all four hobbits had that 'vision' until I re-read the chapter in research for this story. What a unique experience! I still don't know if they were seeing Elendil or Aragorn, but that's part of the fun.
Pearl Took · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Bravo, Bravisimo!!! Wonderful:) Totally mavelous and wonderful!!! Thank you for telling the tale :) (I so glad the wallpaper pleases you :) enjoy! )
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl! I really hesitated before beginning such a 'dark' story (which of course ended in fluff, what a shock), but it taught me a lot! Ohhhh, that wallpaper... bliss. :D
SlightlyTookish · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
A wonderful ending! I love how their vision in the barrow comes to reflect their friend. The bit about Aragorn naming his children after the hobbits was just terrific! I'm so glad you wrote this story, it was enjoyable from start to finish! :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I don't know *where* that ending came from, but it just started writing itself. :D
aprilkat · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Perfect ending to round out the story and bring in the meaning of what the hobbits saw at the Barrow!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! :D
Lily the Hobbit · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
“Meriadoc Telcontar” *ROFL* Merry is right about the name... isn't truely fitting :) I loved this tale, especially how you handed Tom Bombadil. I'm always scared when it comes to writing elves or Gandalf or any other member of the fellowship and I guess I would never dare to write anyone like Tom - and never would he be as well characterized. Very well done!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. Writing Tom was more daunting to me than writing Barrow-wights! It's fun to stretch ourselves and see what we can do.
Connie B. · 7 April 2005 · Chapter 6: Behold the King
Cool chapter. I always hate to see a good story end, but all things must. The idea of the shared vision was probably one of the neatest ideas I've read. I always thought that Frodo and Pippin were gifted with some special ablities, but the idea that all four of them were so blessed, or cursed, is intriqueing. The reason I say cursed is that such a gift can definitely be a double-edged sword. As for other authors writing about these gifts that the hobbits may have, I have a story sitting unfinished on my hard drive that deals with Pippin and his talents. Hopefully I'll finish it sometime. This is a subject that I have thought about since the first or second time I ever read TTT, and that's been quite a while ago.:) Thanks for another great read. Connie B.
Author's reply
Thank YOU! And Connie, I hope you'll let me know when you unleash your story! I've been fascinated by the subject of the hobbits' unique 'abilities' since "Mind to Mind", and would love to read more about it.