Seeing Isn't Always Believing by shirebound
Pearl Took · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 12: Battles Won and Lost
Wonerfool! Prefect! Marvilouse!!! I needed a good laugh. And Pippin and Sham did both win even though Strider keeps changing his name ;-)
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl! This was such a blast to write. :)
Queen Galadriel · 20 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
Awww! I smiled fondly as I moved the last chair into position in the Crickhollow sitting room, and looked around, pleased with what Fatty and I had accomplished in so short a time. Frodo might only be coming here to stay for a few days, at best... but for as long as he was here, it would look and feel like home. He deserved no less. That made me tear up, Shirebound. How sweet. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I think Merry did a lot of quiet, thoughtful planning that the others may have never known about.
harrowcat · 6 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
What a wonderful expansion on such a short sentence; 'We've done our best to make it look like home.' (or something like that. I don't have the text here at work!) I loved the way you took it to Crickhollow.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, harrowcat. Yes, the joys of fanfic include filling in, expanding, wondering what if... We're so lucky to have such a rich world in which to play. :)
Elemmírë · 6 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
Aww! How sweet of Merry and Fatty! It's good too that Merry realized both during his first visit to Bag End and then later at Crickhollow that his dear cousing does indeed deserve no less. I know he must have missed his cousin terribly when Frodo was first adopted, but it's heartening that even at such a young age Merry came to realize the wisdom of Bilbo's words, for it obviously touched him as well. His actions reflect that wisdom years later. :) ~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, the lessons we learn as children often stay with us all our lives, and Merry truly took Bilbo's words to heart.
Baggins Babe · 5 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
This was a lovely look at Merry - he's often quiet and doesn't show his emotions as much as Pip, but his determination that Frodo will have some home comforts was wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you, BB. Merry truly is a strong, determined, loving hobbit, who shows he cares in every way he can -- however quiet or behind the scenes.
Periantari · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
so sweet~ i love peaceful Frodo...lovely description all throughout. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Peri An. :)
Periantari · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
yay for it being on SoA! Slightlytookish cut and pasted this for me on an email but i was glad to read it here too. Such a lovely and loving double drabble showing Merry's love fro Frodo. “It’s his own place, Merry lad,” Bilbo told me quietly. “A home where he can learn who he is, and someday be his own master. He deserves no less.” Sweet birthday mathom, Janet~ :hugs:
Author's reply
These are truly the hobbits I love -- caring and thoughtful and 'doing what needs to be done' for one another. I'm so glad you like it. :)
Grey Wonderer · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
Loved this on LJ and just had to read it again over here. This is so like Merry.
Author's reply
You sweetie, thank you. *hugs*
Larner · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
Oh, I'm so glad to think that this attitude went into setting Frodo's things up in Crickhollow. Yes, that would be Merry, wanting to make certain his Frodo is comfortable, if even for such a short time.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. It's so easy for me to imagine this exact scene, with Merry doing what he can to ease the burden of 'his Frodo' in any way he can, for as long as he can.
Lindelea · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
Awww. I just love seeing from Merry's perspective. He's my favourite hobbit, you know... and you do him beautifully. The love and respect for Frodo shine through his observations, and Bilbo is so very wise in his memories. Hugs and happy 4th!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Merry is quite special, isn't he? So much of what he thinks and does is quiet, and known only to himself. Hugs you right back!
Antane · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
A sweet story! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. :)
Andrea · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
“A home where he can learn who he is, and someday be his own master. He deserves no less.” Wise old hobbit! That reminds me of what Esme said to Merry in Larner's story "Second Mum": "He has to be his own Frodo!" I agree with the both of you, as did Merry. But for him it must have been a difficult time. The last paragraph was lovely! And Merry is just wonderful :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. It's such a measure of love to want someone to be their own person, and fulfill all their potential. It's obvious from the books that Merry thought very deeply about things, and worried a great deal about his loved ones.
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Half Elven
ROTFL
Author's reply
*giggles*
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 5: Healing Hands
Oh my! I loved the second one - of course, the first was brilliant - who doesn't love a good foot massage... but the second... great insight! *shivers* The blade that was broken...
Author's reply
One of my favorite things is trying to find connections between things (or people) that aren't obvious... like Frodo seeing himself as a 'blade that was broken'.
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 4: The Best We Have
Oh good grief - as a Boromir lover - you now have me in the palm of your hand. I am your devoted fan forever! Absolutely excellent. Loved the cloak (are you surprised) and Aragorn's clasping hand! THANK YOU!
Author's reply
You're welcome! I love writing scenes that include Boromir and the hobbits.
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be
ROTFL - good ending! And I hate the strings - Frodo was lucky - there never seems to be 'just one' on any bananas I eat. Thanks for this little vignette.
Author's reply
This was such fun to write. I *always* have to peel down those pesky strings! :)
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Treasures
Blessed tale, this one is. I love Sam's little creatures for Frodo's comfort. I love the healer's kindness. I love Gandalf's saving Frodo and the spectacular way he did it - all unseen by the other Hobbit lads. And especially Frodo's love for Bilbo and vice versa. Delightful.
Author's reply
Awww, thank you. I have such a weakness for writing what I perceive as a wonderful relationship between Gandalf, Bilbo, Sam, and Frodo. It just seemed so 'right' that wee Sam would send some small things he treasured in order to cheer up his "Mr. Frodo". This healer just came to me out of nowhere, and I liked her so much, she plays a major role in another story, "When the King Comes Back". It's fun to re-use characters and weave these stories together.
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Seeing Isn't Always Believing
Ah - the first made me sigh and sit peacefully. The second - I loved the fight and Imrahil's brilliant solution. And dearest Frodo - probably an Elfish-made mirror! Delightful as all your writings are! Thank you for sharing.
Author's reply
Indeed, one of the 'trick' mirrors for which the Elves are so infamous! Thank you for reading, and I'm so happy you enjoyed these.
Cuthalion · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 11: Like Home
I saw this over in LJ but didn't find the time to read undisturbed - how utterly lovely, and what a gentle birthday present! Wonderfully done! Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It's obvious that the cousins greatly loved and respected one another.
Queen Galadriel · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
Oh, so lovely! A true bit of Shirebound-sweetness! :) I've missed your stuff--I need to catch up! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you so much.
Bodkin · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
Touch is so important in healing (- and something that many people these days lack). I can so see it grounding Frodo and drawing him back where the other senses might not.
Author's reply
Thank, you Bodkin. A simple touch -- even from a baby or a beloved pet -- can bring great peace and joy.
Antane · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
Don't you just love stories that has him drowing in love? :) Hannon le! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
You know I do! *hugs*
Baggins Babe · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
Beautiful, Shirebound. Touch is also one sense which does not vanish, even if someone is unconscious, and hopefully Frodo would also have been aware of Sam and the others holding his hand before he woke up. Hobbits would certainly need this reassurance, particularly Frodo, after losing his parents as he did.
Author's reply
and hopefully Frodo would also have been aware of Sam and the others holding his hand before he woke up I hope so, as well! I might explore that in a future story. :)
harrowcat · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
This is very expressive Shirebound. As a single, and I have to admit very British, person who lives a long way from her immediate family touch is an expression of love and friendship that is especially valued.
Author's reply
I'm so glad this rings true, Harrowcat. Thank you.
Larner · 4 May 2007 · Chapter 10: Touch
Touch--that one, most elemental calming force--has been used indeed properly and effectively to reassure Frodo this day. Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you. I felt calmer just writing this. :)