Seeing Isn't Always Believing by shirebound

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Larner · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 5: Healing Hands

Another pair I recall vividly. And I suspect my comments from the last time are here. The comfort of Aragorn's hands easing the weary feet, followed by the realization of how empty Frodo's life has become as those who love him seek an easing for him. How deeply Frodo is loved by Aragorn and Arwen and all they represent.

Author's reply

I really appreciate you reading and commenting on these again. It's wonderful to be able to imagine these little "fill in" moments for Frodo.

Larner · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 4: The Best We Have

Appreciation and respect grow between these travelers and the Hobbits, as is right and proper. Wonderful!

Author's reply

Thank you. I love reading and writing about the Fellowship members learning from (and about) one another.

Larner · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

And another Hobbit is now converted into loving bananas. Wonderful! And I LOVE banana bread.

Author's reply

Thank you! I love banana bread too, and plan to make some this weekend. *shares*

Larner · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 2: Treasures

Frodo Baggins, one of the most responsible of Hobbits ever to be born. And worried about Bilbo going broke? Poor feverish lad.

Author's reply

This is the Frodo - Bilbo relationship I love best... each looking out for the other.

Larner · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Seeing Isn't Always Believing

I remember reading the second one, but not the first and third before. Three good looks at our beloved Frodo needing more aid than he would ask for himself. Stubborn Baggins!

Author's reply

I do love it when Frodo is taken care of, willing or no. And we're just the folks make sure it gets done. :D

Dreamflower · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

Aww...that's such a beautiful comparison, and not one that had occurred to me before. But how true, that both of them were in unique situations--to see a dear friend overcome by the power of that Thing at the very point of Its destruction. Well done!

Author's reply

Thank you. Wasn't that a wonderful bunny? I love finding comparisons between seemingly unrelated characters or events. :D

Elemmírë · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

This was beautiful, Shirebound, and so very PERFECT! I can't imagine their conversation going any differently. "I lost Isildur to the Ring, but you did not lose Frodo.” “No, sir," Sam said with a relieved smile. "Except for that one moment, when the Ring took over at last, I didn’t ever lose him. Gandalf said not to, and I never did.” It's good that Elrond now has someone he can discuss his own situation with after hundreds of years gone by. He must have himself at one point been blaming himself as Sam was, wondering what would have happened if he'd stopped Isildur in some manner. But alas, poor Elrond has had a very long time to think such things over. If Frodo was meant to carry the One Ring, then perhaps Elrond was meant to endure such a situation at the Cracks of Doom and such guilt himself all those years ago--if only for the sake of being able to truly understand and help one guilty hobbit, Sam, cope with the aftermath. I'm glad Elrond had that talk with Sam ... that they could both help each other. Sam needed that conversation and I'm glad you wrote it! :D ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

If Frodo was meant to carry the One Ring, then perhaps Elrond was meant to endure such a situation at the Cracks of Doom and such guilt himself all those years ago--if only for the sake of being able to truly understand and help one guilty hobbit, Sam, cope with the aftermath. My goodness, what an insight. Perhaps so! I'm very glad I wrote this little scene -- it's given me a lot of food for thought, as well. Thank you.

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

Well done indeed, Samwise Gamgee! And well done shirebound as well :-)

Author's reply

This bunny was very inspiring. Thank you so much. :D

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 7: Half Elven

LOL The wonder and marvels of the common cold!

Author's reply

This was such a fun silliness to write. :D

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 6: Trust

Cool twist! Well Done!!

Author's reply

Thank you! I don't do misdirection very often, and it's always a challenge.

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 5: Healing Hands

*sigh* Wonderful!

Author's reply

*hugs you*

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 4: The Best We Have

Aw, warm, cuddled up hobbits! They are very protective of Frodo!

Author's reply

I just love imagining a cuddlepile of protective hobbits. :D

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 3: Stubborn As Can Be

“Did you only bring one?” Perfect!

Author's reply

Thanks, Pearl! I loved writing this. :D

Pearl Took · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Seeing Isn't Always Believing

Wonderful as always :-)

Author's reply

Thank you, Pearl. :D

Periantari · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

ooo how lovingly written! I love Sam comfort so much! THis was written so very well ...i appreciate Elrond's words of wisdom to Sam and glad that Sam realized this: I didn’t ever lose him. Gandalf said not to, and I never did.” awww he never did indeed. :) ::snuggles Sam:: =)

Author's reply

Awww, you highlighted my favorite part. Sam finally realized that he accomplished the only thing that mattered -- he didn't lose Frodo, and stayed in there to the very end. He did all he could do, and it was enough. *snuggles you*

Frodo Baggins · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

Oh my goodness! *hugging Sam* He's so wonderful! The poor dear with feeling guilty and all. :( I am glad Elrond could persuade that stubborn Gamgee that it wasn't his fault. The dear, he doesn't realise how much he did for Frodo, how Frodo wouldn't have made it without him. He just was there the whole time, and gave Frodo the strength and will to go on. And your prowess as a writer is not to be matched! I love all of your stories, and this is a shining jewel among treasures. :) I am not flattering, it's true. Namarie, and hannon le. God Bless, Frodo Baggins

Author's reply

Oh my goodness, thank you so much. I had a very inspiring plot bunny to work with, and enjoyed trying to figure out what Elrond would have to say to get Sam's attention. I just want to hug Sam to pieces, too. He really was "there the whole time", and was Frodo's only tie to home and sanity.

Antane · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

As soon as Sam awoke, and was assured that he was alive, and not dreaming, he insisted on tottering to Frodo’s room. Once there, he simply refused to leave... As the days passed, the staff of healers acknowledged among themselves that Sam seemed to draw strength just from watching his master sleep... It's good that Sam has some peace, doing his favorite thing, watching over his Frodo and Elrond's talk was good for him - the one person who would understand Sam's guilt. I hope they were able to talk again at some point when Sam and Frodo both discover that the battle wasn't over after all. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

doing his favorite thing, watching over his Frodo That's a lovely way to say it, Antane. :D

Andrea · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

He had followed Frodo to the end of all things, and was with him still. Beautifully written, Shirebound! Who else but Elrond would understand best what Sam experienced at Mt. Doom! What would have happened at the Cracks of Doom if Sam hadn't been there? I think it was of great help for Frodo that Sam simply *was there*. To keep him grounded and to prevent him from doing something horrible, something mad. I remember that scene in the movie where Frodo obviously wanted to let go, but Sam convinced him to (literally) hold on! Sam should not blame himself. He should be proud of what he achieved. Unfortunately, Sam reacts very much like Frodo in that respect! Thank you :)

Author's reply

Thank you, Andrea. Yes, one shudders to imagine the many "might have beens" if Sam had been less devoted and strong. He needs to be reminded of that by those he respects.

Queen Galadriel · 3 January 2007 · Chapter 8: Finding Peace

I love these little ficlets, Shirebound, and I'm thrilled you keep adding to them! This one is so sweet. Poor Sam, that would bother me, too, I think. But Elrond's right, and he knows what it was like. I'm glad he was there to comfort our Sam. God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Thank you. I just can't get enough of hobbity-healing, especially when it's gentle and respectful.

Queen Galadriel · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Trust

Ooo! Another one I haven't read! And what an intriguing AU and a sweet scene to show us from it. I love it! God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

That *is* an intriguing AU, isn't it? I love how infinitely we can explore and play in the Professor's marvelous tale. *hugs*

Queen Galadriel · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 7: Half Elven

LOL! Oh, that is priceless, Shirebound! LOL! I know it shouldn't be that funny, but I can't help it! Poor Elrond! LOL! I found this when I needed it most, as it happens, because right now I and about half my family are sick with a real pain of a cold. This really makes you think twice about it! LOL! God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Glad this gave you a giggle! And I hope you and your family feel well again, very soon.

Antane · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Half Elven

Cute! Poor Elrond. I'm sure this is one new experience he feels he could have done without! Love that Frodo wants to keep him company. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Thanks, Antane! It's a treat to write about Elrond needing a bit of care. :D

Antane · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Trust

Interesting story - like this alot - I explored the same idea of Faramir going to the fire with the hobbits in my own huge epic so much welcome the idea here. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane

Author's reply

I do love the infinite ways we can tweak the Tale and wonder "what if..."

Antane · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 5: Healing Hands

Always nice to see Frodo getting some TLC! He needs so much of it, poor dear. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

I will never tire of Frodo TLC! :D

Lindelea · 22 July 2006 · Chapter 7: Half Elven

LOL! Trust shirebound to write an Elf-tale that a hobbit-fan can devour with glee! “The Third Age *is* ending, you impertinent hobbit,” Aragorn chuckled (I loved that.) “The Third Age is ending, you impertinent hobbit,” Aragorn chuckled “On the contrary, having a cold is no doubt quite intriguing for an Elf. Someone as long-lived as Lord Elrond no doubt believed that he would never encounter such new and fascinating experiences ever again.” This was intriguing for the reader to contemplate as well, and the ending was perfect and good for a chuckle! Thanks!

Author's reply

Thanks, Lin! It's fun to take a lighter look at things (poor Elrond!) once in a while. *glee*