Reviews (95)

Kitt Otter · 18 June 2008 · Chapter 3: No Company Forgotten

I am so glad to have the rest of the Company come! I was wondering when Bilbo would ask of Oin, Ori, and Balin, but it came as uncomfortable, nonetheless, when he did. Bombur never fails to amuse me. So Bombur's grown since Gloin saw him? Just how long had it been since Gloin saw him... ? "uncommonly neighborly or a bit morbid." - now that is quite an observation. Oh my, I am not sure what to expect when they get to Thorin's tomb.

Kitt Otter · 16 June 2008 · Chapter 2: Dain Ironfoot

I wanted to clap my hands in delight at the reunion! Dain is quite the king. But gasp! Accusing him of being a common thief. Bilbo stood up for himself well and slyly. (Good for him). I like the constant references to Dwarven terms like “Wash the dust from your beard”. Erebor sounds so beautifu;l I cannot wait to hear more of it. This is defiantly going on my favorites. : ) Kitt

Kitt Otter · 14 June 2008 · Chapter 1: The Bells of Dale

Wonderful! Bilbo is marvelously in character. "The Hobbit" is definitely my favorite of Tolkien works– at least because I was introduced to it in my formable years. I am enjoying Bombur’s Diet so much, and am glad to say I am enjoying this as well. The regions of Dale and Erebor are too little treated. Your descriptions of it are so crisp and clear! Very melancholy as Bilbo remembers about Thorin (that really almost had me sobbing) and the way the Mountain was. I am happy to see there are 24 more chapters to go! -Kitt : )

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

Ah, as marvelous as your tales usually are. Dear Bilbo--now thought to be a jewel expert! And he does know how to use Dwarf egos now, doesn't he? So glad all is well and back where and how it's intended to be, and that Dim is well and unharmed. So wonderful a tale, as always!

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 24: Footwork

Between Hobbit and Dwarf tendencies, this chapter is just a lovely giggle. And the assurance the matter is over and done with in writing is just the right touch.

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 23: Harvest

From what I can tell, during the days when Hobbits lived east of the Misty Mountains the two races lived in symbiosis, with the Harfoot farmers providing much of the food for both communities, and the Dwarves providing much in the ways of tools and other craft items or teaching for young Hobbit craftsmen. The death of Mizul was, I suppose, only to be expected under the circumstances. Something in the heft or sound of the box with the replacement stone within it managed to rouse the old Dwarf. I'm just glad it's back where it belongs.

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 22: Returning

Oh, Mizul wouldn't go after it AGAIN, would he? Or did he realize the loss, and give over, or go seeking after the thief? Or has someone come calling in search of it or an explanation regarding the letter?

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 21: Planting

Ah, Bilbo has THEIR numbers, doesn't he? And the ruse with the angelica is perfect! Now, to get the Arkenstone back where it belongs! And Dim did take the suggestion seriously? Perfect!

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Circling

Poor Dwalin--first to have his brother's honor impugned and that of his family line with it; now to have to wait when he'd like his answers now. But Bilbo's handling it well.

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 19: Memento

At least there is a benign reason for it having gone missing. Now, to see it put back. But where will the find the proper stone to replace it, that feels and sounds the same as it shifts within the box?

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 18: Boxed In

Aha! He's been found out! Poor Mizul, confused but well aware of thieves in his rooms. Now, to find out what's in the spice box.

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 17: Time out of Mind

Ah, he's figuring it out, I think! But now I need to rethink to realize what it is that has caught his attention.

Larner · 26 December 2007 · Chapter 16: Well Guarded Treasure

Ah, poor Bilbo--just beginning to appreciate how women are dealt with in Dwarf society. And now he's actually seen a maiden of the Dwarves! Sorry to be so long getting back to the story, but real life....

Bodkin · 8 February 2007 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

I'm glad Dim seems to have escaped without any repercussions. And I expect Bilbo is rather glad that matters have settled - and that the return of the necklace to the Mountain isn't going to be followed by any unnecessary stir! (Clever bit of thinking on his feet there.) The remaining adventurers can settle down and eat a lot of good food and enjoy the rest of his visit.

Agape4Gondor · 7 February 2007 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

Bravo! Well ended..... with food and friends! You are PRICELESS with the chatter between the Dwarves - even in this taut-filled atmosphere!!!! I am very grateful that Dim survived this mess. I was afraid - a chapter or two back - that retribution would be required. Blessings!

eiluj · 6 February 2007 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

"Small golden clips they thought might be becoming in his foothair" -- what a mental picture that summons up! But not very hobbity. What a pity to reach the end of this story. You do Bilbo so well -- something very, very few can claim. Will there be another Mountain adventure? Or perhaps in Rivendell? Thanks again.

Dreamflower · 6 February 2007 · Chapter 25: And a Bit of Gemwork

Awww...*sigh* It's over. *pout* I mean I knew it would be over sooner or later, but I was having so much *fun*... Oh well! This chapter was so funny! I loved how perturbed Bilbo was over Dim, and how mystified he yet remains, about Dwarven ways and customs--yet still his friendship remains as strong as ever. His outrageous flattery of Dain reminded me of his conversations with Smaug--and I daresay he may have felt much as he did when he talked with the wily old dragon! And I loved his explanations to Dain about the necklace--extremely clever, especially for being thought up on the spur of the moment. Not having confidence in his facial expressions, Bilbo bowed low once more. "By no means, O King Under the Mountain, I do not." He slowly straightened as he regained control over his features. "And even if you were to offer to restore it to my hands this very day, I would refuse. As custom dictates, I have already sworn my treasures to my heir and he is many leagues from this land. It would be dishonorable to accept this treasure in his stead and not deliver it. I do not plan to return." And that was an amazing thing for him to say--and whether that is Shire custom or not, I am quite sure that that was exactly the way he felt about it. And Bombur was adorable--I am sure he must have hobbit in his ancestry somewhere! I am really going to miss your Bilbo. It was such a treat to read a story starring him on his own! I do hope you have some more stories with him up your sleeve!!

Dreamflower · 5 February 2007 · Chapter 24: Footwork

So glad to *finally* get some uninterrupted time to read this chapter! This was just delightful--such a respite after the tension and bittersweet sorrow of the last few. Poor Bilbo, I so sympathized with his hunger and exhaustion, as he was interrogated by all the Dwarves on his return. You really brought forth the individual personalities of each one there--the various turns of phrases from each, and their reactions. I liked the way Gloin rather took the lead in defusing the others, and Dwalin's peculiarly persistant suspicion. Bilbo's reaction of basically ignoring them until he had eaten and rested was so perfectly in character. And their incredulous cry of "You *killed* him?" was so shocking as to be funny! (Of course he didn't, silly Dwarves!) And the ending, with the nut-chucking contest was hilarious! Bofur and Bombur's good natured competition for some reason made me think of it as the sort of thing Merry and Pippin might have done, LOL! And naturally Bilbo, as a hobbit, could not be outdone in any sort of throwing and aiming contest! While I am sorry to see this winding down, I really like the turn it took, and the resolution which you found for it. I *love* Bilbo. And I especially love *your* Bilbo!

Agape4Gondor · 4 February 2007 · Chapter 24: Footwork

I've been silently reading and enjoying this and thought I'd add my 'huzzah's' to the comments below. You have Bilbo down pat IMHO. The Dwarves too - it is as if you have lived with them???? And the kindness towards Dim and his uncle... the tenderness with the Arkenstone and Thorin.... the gardening... Well, I could go on and on. Beloved tale of a beloved Hobbit. Thank you for not making him sound like an old feeble codger!

Dreamflower · 30 January 2007 · Chapter 23: Harvest

Oh, how sad! And yet, it *is* for the best--poor Mizul is beyond any possiblity of reprisal now, and can be at peace. And poor Dim. I think that he is still feeling a bit as though his family was dishonored, but perhaps with time he'll realize that through his own actions that honor was redeemed.

Dreamflower · 30 January 2007 · Chapter 22: Returning

What a treat to find a new chapter so soon!! This was an excellent chapter: so much to enjoy--the unexpected encounter with the rude (even for a Dwarf) Urd--I just adored Bilbo's spontaneous exaggeration of hobbit eating habits, and the fact that he found himself seriously considering the scenario he was making up, LOL! And also loved his imagination working overtime, as they made their way back to Thorin's resting place. That, too, is so Bilbo! The respectfulness with which he treated his task of returning the Arkenstone to it's rightful place was lovely. I liked his tribute to Fili and Kili, and his wondering if Thorin would know. And the Elvish blessing seemed very appropriate as well. Dim's own near-enthrallment to the Stone, and Bilbo's handling of it was very much in character. But now we have to see what has alarmed Dim--what *has* his Uncle got into while he was gone? And of course, we have to see what Bilbo's Companions will say to his return of the Stone--will they be willing to forego vengeance? I *do* so love the way you write Bilbo!

Dreamflower · 27 January 2007 · Chapter 21: Planting

Oh, this is just adorable and so hobbity! That Bilbo would think digging a splendid diversion, and that the Dwarves would buy that explanation, was so clever! I loved Bilbo's memories of his garden, and the slightly sinister memories of the Ring. And now, resourceful hobbit that he is, he's nearly accomplished his task! I do hope he doesn't get in too much more trouble, though I'm in no hurry to see the end of this--it's such a lovely Bilbo story!

DrummerWench · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 20: Circling

Hello, Primsong! A very nice continuation of the tale! Will Mr. Baggins be able to keep the contentious Dwarves in line? Will Dím be able to make the swap? Will he keep his position? I really enjoy this, and await the next chapter eagerly. DrummerWench

Bodkin · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 20: Circling

Cheese ... ... ... A very hobbity idea. And one that would doubtless pass by any dwarf who wasn't very closely acquainted with a hobbit. The dwarves would be better leaving this to Bilbo, I think. His advantage is surprise. No suspicious watcher would expect him to behave the way he does, because it's just so completely different. Dwarves would never act the way he will. Although the thought of him disappearing for a few days doesn't sound that good. I can't imagine him keeping away from the table for too long. Not willingly.

Dreamflower · 18 January 2007 · Chapter 20: Circling

How delightful to find a new chapter of this!! I do so love your Bilbo; you really have his character nailed down perfectly. I adored this little exchange: "A cheese?" Dím gave him an odd look. "To take something so valuable and make it into a cheese…how do you think of such things?" "Well, I suppose to my people cheese is valuable," Bilbo shrugged. He looked around the darkened room out of habit searching for a mantle clock. He didn't see one. “Now, it’s getting quite late I expect. So late that it is getting early and I’ll be missed if I’m gone much longer.” And the part about his brass button was wonderfully hobbity! And I loved Bilbo asserting his authority with the Dwarves. Their temper and volatility must really make the hobbit quite nervous! But he does know they are his friends, and that their anger will pass, if they just give themselves time to think. I thought the part about the lost secrets was so sad; and yet, it seems quite true to the characterization JRRT gave to Dwarves. I'm very anxious to see what sort of plan Bilbo has come up with!