Reviews (95)

iVSHNDllV · 26 November 2015 · Chapter 10: Stray Conversation

I seerahcd a bunch of sites and this was the best.

EVXPrRUeaz · 23 October 2012 · Chapter 21: Planting

I went to tons of links before this, what was I thniknig?

walkerskye · 30 September 2010 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

ou have a delightful grasp of character. I feel like I've stumbled on a tale of Bilbo's own telling. And I thoroughly enjoyed the view of Dwarves at home. We never got that in the Professor's tales - hobbits, elves and men, yes, but never much on the dwarves. thank you for a delightful story.

Kitt Otter · 15 July 2008 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

How like Bilbo to not want to make a fuss, even for the King. *laughing* No, gold clips might not be so becoming in his foot-hair. Amazing, even Bombur came out for the occasion. I was pleased to see Dim also, Bilbo’s exclamation was a little embarrassing… And Bilbo’s titles led up to more than he bargained for! But now Dain has him in more esteem. And about that necklace and the Elvenking… Oh, that is hilarious… I’m chortling myself silly. “The stone is where it belongs.” Well-rounded ending, very well done. As I’ve said again and again, I loved this story. And if I may, I will share it with my wee brothers – they too have a great fondness for Bilbo and the Dwarves. Thanks for sharing this! -Kitt :)

Kitt Otter · 14 July 2008 · Chapter 24: Footwork

"He felt like he could sleep for a week, provided he could also eat several meals in a row first." Which is a most hobbit-like wish. But those pestering Dwarves - tsk; good thing Gloin had the sense to let the poor hobbit rest. (Had he really gone without dinner? Oh my!) And dreaming of lying in state clasping cheese... ? So Bilbo explained it all, the Dwarves are satisfied and Dim's line is not dishonored. Most satisfying to the reader! What a fun scene of the nut throwing, and tasty as well to Mr Baggins. *g* Only one more chapter to go! It is rather a sad thought - I have enjoyed this so much.

Kitt Otter · 12 July 2008 · Chapter 23: Harvest

A shocking end to Mizul and very a sad one too. I like that Bilbo was there, how he in his hobbity way sincerely tries to comfort Dim. I thought the same thing as you: why would the Dwarves be in debt to men for something like food? So such a task as caring for it *would* go to youths, and yes, that would be quite disciplining!

Kitt Otter · 11 July 2008 · Chapter 22: Returning

Urd again! I’m glad they escaped; I was getting nervous. Very wise of Dim to not want to know the secret of the door. Of course Bilbo understood the temptation of the stone and I like that you refer to this several times, along with his desire of the Ring. Oh my, *dent* Thorin? That is not a pleasant thought. It was proper of Bilbo to give a blessing, though whether Thorin would have liked an Elven one I don’t know… Has Mizul noticed the stone is missing? Suspense, suspense, suspense.

Kitt Otter · 10 July 2008 · Chapter 21: Planting

I loved to see the Dwarves singing in the firelight, just how back at Bag End so long ago. The gardens sound lovely. Just the practicality of Dwarves to not plant flowers, seeing only beauty in stones that last... Oh, I felt for Bilbo, hot, scratchy, and his nails full of dirt. Still, that was a clever way to escape his companions. I do hope no one tries to pilfer Dim's "lunch"!

Kitt Otter · 7 July 2008 · Chapter 20: Circling

A cheese to replace the Arkenstone? (Dim may be right to feel unrighteous.)How hard it must have been for Bilbo to part with one of his own buttons... it is funny how you show the difference between what Hobbits (cheese and buttons!) and Dwarves value. Dwalin's anger gave me a jolt. But I guess I cannot blame the Dwarves for their reactions, as their honor and the *Arkenstone* is on the line. Sorry, I laughed mightily when Bilbo thumped onto the floor. Poor Bilbo! This last part did get tense; at least his Companions are willing to trust the former burglar.

Kitt Otter · 6 July 2008 · Chapter 19: Memento

What an uncomfortable situation! Lapsing between singsong and whispering made it… worse. But the tea really helped - and the biscuits. Bilbo crumbling them on himself reminded me of myself, alas. *g* “A hopelessly curious race”; well, that is not altogether a lie. So! So the Arkenstone is with Mizul! And that complicates things, to be sure, if his health depends on it. I like that the pieces now are clearer and well put together! Yet now the further snags will require sorting out… Bilbo will put it back; oh, he is clever and benevolent (I don’t tire of saying it). And yet I wonder if it can be done without something disastrous happening.

Kitt Otter · 5 July 2008 · Chapter 18: Boxed In

Oh, it is a little creepy being in the dark halls of the Mountain at night – I do not care if Bilbo thought it peaceful, I was nervous! Well, it occurred to me to wonder about Gloin’s wife in this story… and wives for the other Companions as well. How interesting it would be if Bilbo could learn something… but then that may be not a good idea. Mizul’s sudden attack was almost unexpected. Now I truly understand to never get between a Dwarf and his treasure! What could be in the box? And Dim is again so much more mysterious!

Kitt Otter · 4 July 2008 · Chapter 17: Time out of Mind

I cannot believe that Mizul is Dim's uncle... The pieces are falling together, but still, still there are some missing! Dim's alright in my mind again, anyway. It is rather sad about Mizul. I wish they could have learned more. So Bilbo is on to something! Will it get to the bottom of this mystery??

Kitt Otter · 3 July 2008 · Chapter 16: Well Guarded Treasure

So it was Dim’s sister! What a reaction from the Dwarves… Gloin’s comment made the most sense: “We do not ask to be understood.” Ah, reading further along, I see now why they reacted so; well, that is embarrassing… but it explains still more the rare appearance of Dwarven women. I like Bilbo's constant bewilderment of Dwarven customs. (And it is bewildering to myself.) And now another mystery: who is Dimul?

Kitt Otter · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 15: Old Secrets

Oh, Dwarves! Their lamentations were rather harrowing. I was afraid Gloin and Dwalin were going to kill each other. : ( Good for Bilbo! Trust him to uncover the truth of the matter. I had been fooled it was Oin and the others for a while, but now the mystery is deeper than before. The Dwarven proverbs I like; they must have been fun to think up. I'm just glad they are getting along again, though now I fear for Dim.

Kitt Otter · 1 July 2008 · Chapter 14: Something Fishy

I could just see the glazed-over look of the Dwarves as they talked of their treasures. They are so suspicious it is funny - from a Hobbit's point of view, anyway. Now I do not know what to think about Dim. What does he really know? I still love the food. Baked mushrooms - yum. Mushed peas are good, though they look like... I dunno. The comparisions of Shire norms with Dwarven ones are such fun. A letter with Balin's seal! That's quite a cliffhanger.

Kitt Otter · 30 June 2008 · Chapter 13: Hidden Ways

I always enjoy the details of the meals. Bilbo's comparing the treasuries to cakes was very apt. Ooh, Dwarven books! Fascinating, especially about the beards. I like the references back to Balin, how you give him character though he is not present. I had a big sigh of relief at the end, that for the moment things are well. Now I must know what they found out!

Kitt Otter · 29 June 2008 · Chapter 12: A Private Affair

I never get weary of hearing about their measls. So many wonderful descriptions! (Makes me hungry). Bifur and Bofur's arguments had me in chuckles. All the "dwarven secrets" almost had me rolling my own eyes. Glad that Dim is to help them. (And that Gimli appeared again). I liked Bilbo's theories on Old Age. :)

Kitt Otter · 28 June 2008 · Chapter 11: Unexpected Appearances

I'm glad that Dim turned out to be nice... the Company did not give anything away to the spies... and Bilbo turned up just where he needed to be. Very relieving! But still the Arkenstone is just as missing. I cannot wait to see what Dim has to say.

Kitt Otter · 26 June 2008 · Chapter 10: Stray Conversation

Wonderful details that bring the whole scene to life, as ever. Dain's grudging hospitality to the Men is somewhat funny... Eek! What a cliffhanger! I'm almost afraid to know what happens next. Will Dim reveal Bilbo to the King? Will the Company be caught saying something treasonous?

Kitt Otter · 25 June 2008 · Chapter 9: Dim Hopes

I am biting my fingernails for Bilbo. Very curious as to whether he had seen a Dwarf lass. At least he found a guide, though he was guided into a most awkward situation. Why oh why, indeed, Gandalf! Leaving his ring behind... What can he do!? I certainly don't want the ex-burgler tossed over the wall, without a hankerchief.

Kitt Otter · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 8: Jeweler's Passage

Holebit! My, but nothing is going according to plan. I was very impressed, Bilbo is crafty - spoken with the Gaffer! Knows many kings... I was just as bewildered at his titles as was Urd. I like the references back to Smaug and Bilbo's adventure with him. My heart was in my throat as he fled down the halls from Dain. And now he is lost? No Gollums to show him the way out this time?

Kitt Otter · 23 June 2008 · Chapter 7: Forging Ahead

There was so much that I liked about this chapter, I cannot put it all into words. Mostly, I was *very* happy for Bilbo to have finally talked with Gimli! What an exciting place the forges sound. You show so well the sounds of tools and singing, the colors, the heat, Bilbo's perplexity at so many things with no name... I felt as awed. I like that Gandalf was mentioned. Poor Bilbo, feeling like an idiot. : ) "ever at your service, and your families'" - now that’s a premonition... loved it! So the suspects have been narrowed down to Urd; he doesn't sound like a pleasant fellow; I hope that they can investigate the jewels without getting into trouble...

Kitt Otter · 21 June 2008 · Chapter 6: High and Low

Oh, yeah! Gimli, Gimli! I hope for much more of him. Much more. At least they have some leads. But what is so bad about Urd? I suppose I'll find out soon enough. I like the way Dwalin keeps taking charge, along with Gloin's support. I cannot wait to see the mysterious forges.

Kitt Otter · 20 June 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Amiss

I guess notifying Dain would be bad. But how ever can they solve this mystery? I love that Gimli is mentioned! From they way Gloin talks, the forges must be all-consuming on Dwarves, to not have time for visiting or coming home to bed. (Well, that might be expected). I hope that Bilbo can keep his promise...

Kitt Otter · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 4: Untimely Taken

I liked the Dwarves’ repartee. Bilbo's curiosity is seriously going to get the better of him: sneaking looks into the door's crack and the tomb door's opening. You know Thorin was my favorite and I felt rather sad as they came in. But, no, no... not the Arkenstone! I am in suspense till my next read...