Dreamflower
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 11: Isildur's Heir
I love the way you are giving each member of the Company a chance to shine. Here, Gimli gets his turn to show how strong and sturdy a Dwarf can be. And the moment with Frodo, Frodo's confession that Gimli's presence helped remind him of Bilbo's successful adventure was so poignant and touching. Poor Frodo needed any hope he could get to hold on to, and yes, a reminder that Bilbo not only made it "there" but "back again" must have been heartening.
I was interested in the talk of the Argonath. I remember Aragorn's speech about long having wanted to look upon his ancestors, but I had not really realized that meant he had *not* made the trip to Minas Tirith by river before--it just didn't click. I had always assumed that would be a normal route to Gondor, and that he would have been that way in the past--but, yeah, it doesn't sound like what he would have said if he *had* seen them even once, no matter how long ago. Wow! I love how fanfic can make the "penny drop" sometimes.
I am not so sure the Ring *never* tempted Aragorn--I think he would have cast Its temptation away fairly quickly, though. But I think that once It realized that Boromir was the weak link in the group, It concentrated Its malice towards him, and probably more or less left the others alone in the meanwhile--except poor Frodo, of course, who was never able to get away from Its evil whispers.
The time of Frodo's decision is coming near. And now we can understand why Boromir was the catalyst.
French Pony
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 11: Isildur's Heir
Gimli is major league awesome here. He really gets a chance to shine, showing off both his rock-like physical strength and his rock-of-comfort-ness to Frodo. Gimli is great. There is not enough Gimli in the world.
As I read this, I wondered how Aragorn could possibly have never seen the Argonath before. Tolkien sets him up as this well-traveled, wandering Ranger. The Argonath seems well nigh impossible to miss -- two ginormous statues set on the major river of the continent. That'd be like some self-professed globetrotter never having seen the Arc de Triomphe or something. Yet, according to canon, Aragorn has somehow missed out on the Argonath. Well, it'll be a treat for him. And for Gimli, too. Yay that you thought of him there!
Garnet Took
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 11: Isildur's Heir
Great conversations in this chapter. I really liked the one between Aragorn and Frodo. Gimli's and Frodo's was nice, too.
And, yes, I've read "While We Dwelt in Fear" at least once. Great story.
Thanks.
Garnet Took
SurgicalSteel
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 11: Isildur's Heir
Oh, another lovely chapter!
I really enjoyed the Frodo/Gimli moment here - Gimli being actually very sweet and gentle and then getting all gruff when he realizes people are listening in.
And poor Frodo, you've really captured how difficult it must have been for him to make the decision to leave the company.
Cuthalion
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 11: Isildur's Heir
I love that almost tender moment between Gimli and Frodo - and you make Frodo's anxiety to make the wrong choice very palpable, my dear. Bravo. And - funny enough - when I read that you write that Aragorn is not tempted by the ring, I always see that moment in FotR in front of my inner eye, when Aragorn closes Frodo's hand over the ring, refusing to give in to temptation.
Simply good.
Linda Hoyland
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Poor Frodo,he truly has the weight of the world on his shoulders.I feel as if I can see the sand running out of the hour glass for Boromir now.
lovethosehobbits
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Don't mind if you see-saw between angst and fluff, as you do well at both. I'm really enjoying this, kiddo.
Andrea
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
I think any young hobbit lady all over the Shire would be delighted to live under one roof with Frodo Baggins :)
"I suspect I'm a bit old for any of them." Always the wise elder cousin, but in fact Frodo is only seven years older than Pearl! There are possibilities ...
The image of fighting off Pippin's and Sam's sisters with Sting is hilarious!
That I'd like to see!
Pippin always succeeds in cheering Frodo up, and is rewarded with warm words first from Merry and then from Frodo. Go on, Pippin!
Larner
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Aha! Found it today. Was out of it earlier this week, really.
Anyway, am glad Frodo was prevailed upon to take a nap, and see Sam and Merry are continuing the conspiracy and all to make certain Frodo doesn't leg it alone.
And the idea that they can keep Pippin under control by letting it be known Frodo has the lembas is priceless! Love it!
Pearl Took
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Such a tense time, with Aragorn and Legolas leaving, Frodo with his horrible decision to make. It is good he has his cousins and dearest friend :) This is so very good, shirebound :) :)
Ainu Laire
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
*happy* Ahh, this made my day! A very unexpected thing happened Monday... I shall probably rant to you on LJ sooner or later :P
You know, I completely forgot about that scouting elf and ranger did... gah! *pulls of plot bunnies that have latched themselves on her* Bad bunnies! Bad bunnies! But you know, it's so funny how many book scenes could be filled in with fan fic, yet many people do not fill them in *frowns* So many lost oppertunities...
Ahh, Pippin is excited about his b-day, eh? He's not the only one... sweet 16 is coming up! *bounces around*
Back to hours of hw *groan*
harrowcat
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
I just love your Merry he is so insightful, especially when it comes to Frodo. And the pack full of Lembas is great.They are going to need all of it too!
Dreamflower
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
What a delightful chapter! You have two of my favorite things in it Frodo-Pippin moments (and I nearly *squeed* at the remarks about Pippin's sisters--so cute!) and a really *good* Merry-Sam moment. I just love the way Merry and Sam understand one another and Frodo here! It is *so* perfect!
SlightlyTookish
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
This was another lovely chapter. There just aren't enough Frodo and Pippin moments out there, and this was a special one. I loved how Frodo reassured Pippin and how Merry and Sam are looking after them both. Merry and Sam's new conspiracy is wonderful too. I love how all the hobbits work together!
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
A wonderful hobbity chapter! I especially liked that new conspiracy between Sam and Merry. They are all so tender and caring towards Frodo. :)
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 8: Choices
Nope, no decision at all to make for them, and Aragorn knew that but he had to ask. Merry is so perceptive and even if all the hobbits know the others worry about them I too doubt that Frodo knows exactly how much they worry about him.
Pip is indeed growing up fast and lying around in those boats has given them all time to think. Merry is right about Boromir of course, he acts strahger and stranger and does not see Frodo as a person or the hobbit he is but as the ringbearer. Scary, that. And we all know how it ends...
Frodo Baggins
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Shirebound, I know I keep saying this, but I really am enjoying this story. I really liked the part in this chapter where Pippin and Frodo are talking. Frodo is such a good cousin. It's amazing, isn't it, the way all of the Hobbits encourage each other while trying to hide their fears from each other? It's really sweet the way they are all so caring...and not only to the other Hobbits, but also to the other members of the Fellowship. You capture that very well! Namarie, mell min! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 7: Stout Hearts
Reading my way through your story again. Such a tender moment between Aragorn and Merry! *happy sigh* Merry worries so much but once in a while he needs that special encouragement and confirmation. :D
Nothing can destroy Pippin, lol! Reading on...
aprilkat
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Another good chapter taking us along on the march toward Mordor!
Can I just say again how much I love Sam?! Packing a bulky yet feather-light pack for Mr. Frodo!!
Cuthalion
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
"Frodo, you haven't had any sleep," said Merry, guiding his cousin over to a dry patch of soft grass. "Rest while you can. You don't have to be so brave all the time, you know; it's all right to say 'ouch' once in a while!"
Oh yes. Very true! *laughs*
And this, of course:
"We can't let him know," Sam said. He turned to look at Frodo.
"He won't," said Merry, his eyes resting on Pippin.
Perfect. This chapter is absolutely lovely. And the imagination of Frodo fighting off a horde of enamored hobbit lasses brings a huge grin on my face!
SurgicalSteel
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
Oh, another lovely chapter! Merry telling Frodo not to be so brave all the time, then Frodo turning around and aiming that advice at Pippin was just lovely, all the cousin-caring. And Frodo's "I think Pippin could fall asleep in a tree" - nice foreshadowing. Just lovely.
Garnet Took
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
This was wonderful. There were so many nice moments in it. The sight of Pippin falling asleep in Frodo's lap was just too sweet. Them waking up together and talking about birthdays and home was so hobbity, it was just right for them. I also really liked Sam's talk with Merry. I'm glad to see Sam trusting someone with his worries. He usually is so secretive and protective of Frodo that he keeps everything, no matter how trivial or serious, to himself. I glad he shared his fears with Merry, who, in his own way, is just as worried.
You've managed to open a few more areas you could explore in other stories. One that jumped out at me was what the reaction was back home when the Master and the Thain realized their sons were missing.
Looking forward to more of this story.
French Pony
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 10: Cousins and Friends
This is great. It's exactly why Gandalf wanted the younger Hobbits to come along in the first place: to give Frodo moral support.
Frodo Baggins
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 9: Nazgûl
I love this! It's really a neat look into how the company started getting little "revalations", as you put it. You are a wonderful author...keep posting!! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
lovethosehobbits
· 3 December 2005
· Chapter 9: Nazgûl
LOVING THIS!!! You even have *angst* in it, which you seem to generally avoid (*sigh*...I have been unsucsessful in swaying you to my *dark* side, it seems) this is such a great fic,,I can't wait for more!