The Three Towers by shirebound
PSW · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Very interesting scenario. I don't know if I would have ever wanted to go back to the place...but I suppose not being able yo remember holds it's own issues. Good that he had his friends to go w him... Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thank you. This story was a bit more angsty than my usual, but bless our hobbits for always being lights in dark places.
PSW · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 7: What Might Have Been
Well...this seems like a terrible idea...
PSW · 27 November 2015 · Chapter 2: Resolve
Hmm...well, I can totally see this being both helpful and problematic...
Endaewen · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 11: Renewal
This was a great story to re-read, true to the characters, settings and everything.
Author's reply
Thank you, Endaewen. You're so kind to comment.
aranel of gondolin · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
well I can think of only a few words to sum up this an I bet half of them aren't in the dictionar,so I'll just say I enjoyed it. ps I love the word smudgy. it goes in my personal dictionary, along with snuffles and many others
Author's reply
Thank you, Aranel. I do love words like smudgy and snuffles! :D
mistry89 · 16 July 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Thank you - what a lovely "missing scene only not really"! I can't believe that I waited so long to read it, a very healing story. Thanks again.
Author's reply
Thank you, Mistry! I'm so happy you enjoyed this. I worked very hard to make this AU as believable as possible.
GamgeeFest · 21 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
This was wonderful, Shirebound! It had the perfect balance of angst and comfort. I love Frodo's courage in this and that he was able to reliaze that he did accomplish his goal. I'm glad that Sam found healing as well, for you know that time in the tower must have haunted him even after the War. It's such a shame though that Frodo couldn't really have made such a revelation, for I think if he had, he would have been able to resist Saruman's curse and might have even been able to remain in Middle Earth.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It was probably as healing for me to write this as it was for the characters involved in the story! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. :D
Coriandra · 11 April 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
What a beautiful ending! Frodo being at peace with himself when he finally realized he'd done the best he could during the quest and image of Mordor becoming green and fertile again. I loved Frodo's idea too, to keep the tower and name it Minas Estel. What an appropriate name. I'm sorry this is the last chapter, but I know you have others I'll read when I get the chance. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much. That's all any of us can do -- our best! :D
Coriandra · 11 April 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen
I just re-read this chapter, the first time was just after it came out. I should have reviewed it then, but as usual things came up. Anyway, I really enjoyed it. Very cute, the Hobbits giving Frodo a foot bath and telling him how silly he was to do what he did. It's good see him finally healing, both his body and mind. I'm glad Sam found some healing by throwing Snaga's whip into the fire. Nice interaction with Frodo and Legolas too, both of them admitting they feel torn in two and are longing for the same thing. I never would have thought of that. My favourite part though, was Gimli taking Frodo's buttons to make sure nothing was forgotten. Off to read, and review the last chapter now. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It was such a relief to get to this chapter and watch the healing for everyone just start to overflow.
Lily Baggins · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
A perfect ending... thank goodness I knew I could count on that before even finishing the story! Lovely, lovely ending---especially upon seeing Alcaren wearing his ring again---what a nicely done OC you have here. I really like Alcaren---and seeing the hobbits through someone else's eyes. It goes without saying that the Frodo-care show by the others is superbly done---love the hobbity banter and Pippin attempting, it seems, to win some money playing cards. :) I'm really feeling mellow and warm and toasty right now after reading of Frodo's spirit being healed somewhat by his trip ... he just so rarely experiences this in post-quest fanfic.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! My gosh, if I ever write a story where things aren't all right at the end, I'll probably have to invent a whole new identity to post it. I'm so happy to contribute to you feeling warm and FroToasty. Anytime I can help him heal, laugh, or feel loved -- I'll jump at it. :D
Lily Baggins · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen
I just love Frodo learning not to argue with Aragorn about matters having to do with his health! And Pippin and Merry are the perfect nurterers here... not to mention Sam, of course. Lovely chapter.
Baggins Babe · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Thought I'd reviewed this when you posted it - RL in the way yet again! This was such a lovely story and I'm glad there wasn't too much angst for our favourite hobbit. Good to think of Mordor renewed - volcanic land is very fertile and often grows superb wine, as on the slopes of Vesuvius. Nice to imagine Chateau Mordor at some future date! How lovely to see Frodo accepting what has happened and recovering himself - and what a pity that could not continue after their arrival in the Shire. Thanks for this lovely story.
Author's reply
I can't imagine every putting Frodo through more than a couple of chapters of angst. I always want to hurry past it and get to the *important* things -- like healing, peace, recovery, love, comfort, and blankies. Chateau Mordor! That would be a new Age indeed! Thank you, BB. :D
Bodkin · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Somehow, I think Pippin might have met his match ... as far as cards are concerned. But then, so might Aragorn. It's good to think of Mordor recovering and becoming green again. This has turned out to be a very healing visit, one way or another.
Author's reply
Wouldn't we love to watch that card game unfold? I think the trip back to Minas Tirith is going to be quite interesting... Thank you, Bodkin. "Healing" is exactly what I wanted to write about. :D
Linda Hoyland · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
A delightful ending to a touching story which I hope has brought healing for Alcaren too.Gondor is in good hands with Aragorn as King. I liked Frodo's new name for the tower and Pippin's forseight to bring some cards.Thank you for a most enjoyable story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. Yes, Alcaren seems to be have benefitted greatly from this experience. I hope they all have! :D
Armariel · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
A heartwarming conclusion. Thanks once more for a lovely, touching and very 'shirebound' tale. ~~@*@*@~~ ~\~\*\|/*/~/~ ~\*\./*\|/*\./*/~ ...."~~~~****@@@@@****~~~~".... ~~\@\".".~~@~~@~~."."/@/~~ ~\*\\/\*\~|~/*/\//*/~ ....~~~~****@@@@@****~~~~.... ~"\*\./*\"|"/*\./*/"~ ....~~~~****@@@@@****~~~~.... ~\~\*\|/*/~/~ \\@\|/@// \\\|/// {\|/} {|||} {|||} {|||} {|||} {|||} {|||} {|||} ////|\\\\ ....~~~~****@@@@@****~~~~.... (it's a tree in case you're wondering;))
Author's reply
Your designs are such a delight! a lovely, touching and very 'shirebound' tale Thank you, Armariel! (If I could have slipped a puppy in there somewhere, I would have.) :D
Frodo Baggins · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Oh, wonderful ending!! However, it is sad that it *has* come to the ending. *sniff*. But you did it wonderfully. And you didn't leave me hanging off a cliff!! Namarie, God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Thank you, Frodo! No more cliffs for awhile! :D
Elanor Silmariën · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Aww, I'm sorry to see this end so soon! I absolutely loved it! This is definately a story I will read again! God bless, Elanor
Author's reply
Thank you, Elanor! What a lovely thing to say. :D
Andrea · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
“You have found a treasure greater than the one you lost.” I agree with Aragorn and I think Frodo does, too. There is a certain letter of Tolkien (which Larner mentioned in her author's notes yesterday), where the Professor describes how Frodo's life will be in Tol Eressea: "a period of reflection and peace and a gaining of a truer understanding of his position in littleness and greatness ..." And that's exactly what Frodo tells his friends about what he found out in this chapter. So this could indeed be the beginning of a very happy AU story in which he remains in Middle Earth. But as Dreamflower said, the hobbits do not yet know what awaits them in the Shire. For the time being, I agree with Alcaren: “It is good to hear laughter, my lord.” Thank you, Shirebound for this beautiful story, and I must say you kept your promise and did not pain my favorite hobbit too much ;-)
Author's reply
Oh my, I need to continue reading Tolkien's letters. I started them, but never finished. They sound very inspiring (and full of new plot bunnies, I suspect). Thank *you*, Andrea. And anywhere I can slip in a little comfort, peace, and healing for Frodo, I will!
lbilover · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
I'm sad to see this beautiful story come to an end, but what a perfect ending you gave us. This is a fic I will reread often, and gain hope and comfort from it as Frodo did from his friends in the story. Thank you for gifting us with this.
Author's reply
I tried hard to end on an "up" and lighthearted note. Thank you for your lovely words. I'm happy you enjoyed the story so much; I certainly enjoyed writing it, and having folks to share it with. :D
demeter d · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Well met, as they say, and well ended. One nice moment, for me was Alcaren and Aragorn's exchange. What nice "bookends" for Frodo's trust in "Man"kind. One tried to take something away, one was willing to sacrifice. I might add, however, in the end when the basically noble Boromir was able to shake off the pull of the Ring, he sacrificed somthing precious indeed for Merry and Pippin, his own life. Well done.
Author's reply
That conversation between Alcaren and Aragorn was one of my favorite scenes to write. And of course you're correct; Boromir made the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you so much for reading. :D
aprilkat · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Lovely and appropriate ending - restoring hope to a damaged land and restoring Frodo to himself. Minas Estel - nice touch! Thank you so much for this beautiful story!
Author's reply
Thank you, aprilkat. As usual, this story evolved far beyond my original plan for it. I'm so happy you enjoyed it.
Pearl Took · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Bravo!! This shone like the found mithril and refreshed like the rain falling on Mordor! Minas Estel is the perfect name for the reclaimed tower. Most excellently well done!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl!! *basks in your lovely words*
Gandalfs apprentice · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Hi, Shirebound! I like your ending very much. "Minas Estel"--terrific! And also that short glimpse of Aragorn shuffling the cards...Ha ha! Thanks for a good tale. G.A.
Author's reply
Thank you! That card game would be fun to watch, wouldn't it? :D
harrowcat · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
Oh I was so disappointed to see the complete tag on the end of this Shirebound! And no little side trips into the heart of Morder? :( But then Frodo doesn't need to go so that is good. I like the new name for the tower and the fact that some of the guard would like to work there. I really enjoyed taking this trip with you all. Now, Legolas and Gimli? Hm.... stubbornly loyal perhaps?
Author's reply
Thank you, harrowcat. I hated to complete this story, too, but I wanted it to end with laughter. :D
Mariole · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal
What a sweet and inventive tale. I so enjoyed the exploration of Mordor after Sauron, and the Fellowship's reactions to the place. In this last chapter, I particularly loved the theme of renewal--that both land and people can come back, and be healed. It makes me more appreciative of King Elessar's offer to give the former slaves of Morder the lands around Lake Nurnen to be their own; this had seemed a fairly skimpy offering to me. Now I'm imagining the land to be as lush as the Shire, and Elessar's generosity and kingly wisdom is happily restored. Cheers!
Author's reply
the theme of renewal--that both land and people can come back, and be healed. That is precisely what this story was trying to say. Thank you so much, Mariole. :D