Reviews (255)

Queen Galadriel · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal

Oh, Shirebound, I'm so sorry to see this end. But how I loved the whole thing-and you can bet I'll be rereading to leave a real final review very soon! This one is definitely going on my favourites list. This last chapter was so beautiful and perfect. I love everyone's reflections, and the thought of Mordor-ahem-Minas Estel :) becoming a land of beauty and fertility gives a sense of peace and contentment. And the very end, with Aragorn and the hobbits playing cards, had me laughing. Thank you for this wonderful story! God bless, Galadriel

Dreamflower · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal

*sigh*grin*sigh* What a lovely ending for Frodo and his friends; it's such a shame that this insight could not have endured the setbacks of seeing the Shire devestated, of Saruman's curse, and the anniversary illnesses. But perhaps this time of healing and renewal aided him later, as he came to terms with things in the West. I would like to hope so. Of course, this could also be the start of a lovely AU, where he is able to hold on to this healing, and stay in Middle-earth...

SlightlyTookish · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal

I like how you wove together the history of the northern kingdom with what may (hopefully!) happen in Mordor. Beautiful and fertile lands in that place would be the ultimate victory. And it's nice to see light-hearted hobbits at the end! Thanks for ending it on a happy note (but really, who would expect you *not* to?) :D :D

SurgicalSteel · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal

Oh, lovely ending! Everyone found some healing - Alcaren wearing his ring again, 'Minas Estel.' I like the idea of war-weary soldiers helping to reclaim the land - and love the idea that with loving care, Mordor may eventually become something like the Shire. A really hopeful ending. Though I have the feeling Aragorn knows more about that card game than any of the hobbits realize - having served in Gondor as Thorongil for so many years. "Shuffling the cards expertly." *snicker* Merry and Pippin won't know what hit them!

Cuthalion · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal

“Given time, Mordor will also be valued and rich someday, and I hope that willing hands will labor to help make it so. These lands will be settled and at peace.” ...which of course reminds me of jodancingtree's marvelous tale Following the other Wizard. And I love Frodo's idea with Minas Estel! What a wonderful tale, my dear, and thank you for sharing. *rubs hands* Okay... what comes next?

Larner · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 11: Renewal

Perfect, Shirebound--Perfect. Very true--the ash of volcanoes tends to make land very fertile indeed. As mountains tend to cause rainshadows, however, I myself wrote the lands through which Frodo and Sam passed as remaining basically desert, but now capable of supporting proper life of its own, with the great beauty such lands can and do know when the rains do manage to fall on them. (I happen to live in a small valley which is in its own little rainshadow, you see; and the small city I live near has the one native cactus in Western Washington, and based my story a good deal on that and the state of the area just over the Cascades into eastern Washington which is desert in nature save where it's watered by irrigation from the Columbia and related rivers and streams.) But I love to see Frodo finding more of his own healing here as he embraces the memories, and how it offers healing of the heart to Alcaren as well.

Armariel · 11 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

A really sweet tale, one of your best ever. “No,” Gandalf said. “Frodo and Merry are correct; we all wish for things that are denied us. Our strength and wisdom in recognizing that fact grows with the years, and with experience. We must learn to reach out, instead, for what we can have, and for those things that will bring our lives joy.” Gotta love it! \/ ** ...~~~~~\\\\{}////~~~~~... {{{{{@\\\\\\\\{}////////@}}}}} {^{\\*\\*\\\\{}////*//*//}^} {^{{\\@\\\\{}////@//}}^} {{^^//@///{}\\\@\\^^}} ///~*///{}\\\*~\\\ {__//@////{}\\\\@\\__} ^^^^^^^*****^^^^^^^ ^^^^ *§* “~§¤§~” “*§*” ~\|/~ | | ~~~~~~~~*@*~*@*~*@*~{~***@***~}~*@*~*@*~*@*~~~~~~~~

Daynawayna · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Gee, it only took me a MONTH to play catch up with this fabulous story. You never cease to amaze me, Shirebound, with your depth of character and fine nuiances. And I noticed that you just crossed the Angst Line, then came running back to safety. LOL It was beautifully done, and I love how Sam sang to Frodo again. And Gimli with the hand, then giving the whip to Sam to burn, and Alcaren's wedding ring! Darn you, but you made me almost cry! I can't wait to see how this comes into play for Frodo and Alcaren: I have a feeling you're going to cross that Angst line one more time, and just a bit farther for Alcaren's sake, then gently close the doors on those old wounds and memories and let the healing flow. I don't know if I've said this before, but some day, when I become a grown-up writer like you, I hope to achieve your level of skill, depth and character deveolpment. :)

Larner · 10 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

The source of the Elessar stone was questioned, as well as whether there was one or were two. Green stones we know are greatly beloved by Elves, and so to wear an emerald would indicate the Elven half of Earendil's heritage, at least. Love Frodo wanting to speak his lesson learned beneath the stars, and the lightening of hearts all are knowing. So, an orc thought to take Frodo's buttons as trophies, eh? Interesting! And they are to be keepsakes for several now, perhaps along with the clothing to be kept in honor in Minas Tirith.

Frodo Baggins · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Oh shirebound! This only gets better every chapter! But alas that it must end soon! *sniff* I love this story! Hannon le, mellon nin, for writing it! God Bless, Frodo Baggins

Bodkin · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

I love the Merry and Pippin moment at the beginning. And I think Gimli is right that Sam needed to see the end of the orc - burning the whip is very symbolic. And the buttons as treasures is very likely! Pippin's response to the yearning in Legolas and Frodo is very interesting - and the exchange about going on despite it is very wise!

Clever Hobbit · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

I absolutely love how you write Gimli! I haven't read very many fics with Gimli in them, usually going for hobbits and all, but now I'm compelled to find more fics with him in it!

Linda Hoyland · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Gimli knows great wisdom in lettingSam have the cathartic experience of throwing the whip into the fire.I'm sure the trip had helped them all come to terms with the past.

Baggins Babe · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Ah lovely! I'm so relieved to see Frodo happier and more settled. Nothing like good old hobbit caring for making anyone feel better. I love dear Gimli - he's so sensible and caring. What a good idea to allow Sam to burn the whip - very therapeutic for Sam, I'm sure. Thank you for a terrific story, Shirebound.

lbilover · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Thank you for letting Sam destroy Snaga's whip! Gimli has always been second only to the hobbits in my affections, I am so glad to see him portrayed so wonderfully here. I love that he will keep those buttons, but also his perception to let Brengil keep one of them. Another lovely chapter. Thank you so much.

Elanor Silmariën · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Oh, Frodo's poor feet! I am glad he is feeling much better, though. And poor Pippin, thinking about that Palantir this whole time, and not telling anyone! I'm also dying to know what is making Frodo and Sam so happy. Please write more soon! Elanor

Andrea · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

“Another one who won’t talk.” Merry gave his young cousin a poke on the arm. “Maybe we should send YOU up to that room, Pip. A little peace and quiet would be--” “Hmmph.” LOL! That was a good one! I liked it to see Merry and Pippin taking care of their older cousin as if he was a child, including the scolding. But he did not repeat that part about the "silly Baggins", now did he? Once again Gimli shows that he has learned a lot about hobbits. It was a wise decision to give the whip to Sam to see it destroyed. And he was also right about the buttons. Brengil will treasure his as if it was a gem. I'm looking forward to reading Chapter 11!

SlightlyTookish · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

I like that you show how important Merry and Pippin are to keeping Frodo in good spirits and well tended. The cousins' relationship goes unlooked too often, so it's great to see it here. I also liked the bit with the buttons, and how Gimli was generous enough to give one to Brengil, knowing how well he would appreciate it :)

Queen Galadriel · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Oh, I love the discussion at the end about everyone having desires that can't be fulfilled, and what Merry said is so true! And I think this wasn't only good for Pippin, but likely for Frodo as well. And the bit at the beginning- "Say you're sorry." "I'm sorry, Merry."-is soooo cute! LOL! Leave it to the hobbits to take good care of our Frodo. :) Can't wait for chapter eleven! :) God bless, Galadriel

Pearl Took · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

A happy chapter :) I like the foot baths. Sam burning the whip. Gimli letting Brengil keep a button - and Gimli planning to offer one to Aragorn and to put the rest with Galadriel's strands of hair. Pippin gaining understanding about the urges he still feels to look into a palantir. All well done indeed :)

Dreamflower · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

“Say you’re very sorry.” “I’m very sorry, Merry.” “Say you were a silly Baggins and it was a silly thing to do.” “It was a silly thing to do, Pippin.” Ah-huh. *grin* Just as I thought, Merry and Pippin are not going to let Frodo forget for one moment that he should not have gone up there alone. And of course much of it stems from them not being included. I love the way the scolding is interspersed with their care of him, and of switching the water from hot to cold. At least Frodo's taking their light-hearted reproaches meekly and in good humor. And since they see that it seems to have done him some good, they can't be *too* cross with him. But they still won't let him forget. The interlude with Gimli, Sam and Snaga's whip was both chilling and well-done. I love the way Gimli knows what satisfaction it will give Sam to see it burned up, and that he saved it for that reason. The buttons were another thing. Of course, now he's laid his ghosts, so to speak, Frodo will wish no further reminders of his horrid time in the Tower. But Gimli knows the value of a keepsake, as well. I was touched beyond words when he thought of cherishing it in the same way he did the Lady's Gift. And poor Pippin. Like many people, he sometimes confuses the desire to do something with the deed--we all have thoughts or wishes that are not exactly good--it's whether we *do* anything with them, or allow those thoughts to obssess us, that determines whether it's wrong or not. I'm glad the others were able to help him realize that. I'm sorry to see the story is beginning to wind down. In spite of the horrid memories, this has still been a soothing, gentle and loving tale. I hope there are a few more chapters left...

aprilkat · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

What an uplifting relief after the last chapter. The washing of Frodo's feet seems to symbolize more than just cleanliness, and I LOVE that Gimli retrieved the whip for Sam to destroy. Also, dealing with each character's unfulfilled desire and acknowledging it's something to live with was a theme strong in the book. I'm glad you tied in Pippin and the Palantir, as well as Legolas and Frodo's longings.

harrowcat · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

Well you really know how to hang out the suspense of Frodo's explanation don't you! *g* Loved the bit with Gimli and the whip and the buttons. Nice release for Sam and good chat over Pippin's desire for the stone.

SurgicalSteel · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

I absolutely loved Pippin scolding Frodo - I could just see it happening! Sam burning the whip - and Gimli realizing that Frodo really wouldn't want *those* buttons back. All lovely.

Cuthalion · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 10: That Which Is Unseen

“No,” Gandalf said. “Frodo and Merry are correct; we all wish for things that are denied us. Our strength and wisdom in recognizing that fact grows with the years, and with experience. We must learn to reach out, instead, for what we can have, and for those things that will bring our lives joy.” Very wise. And I love the scene with Gimli, Sam and the whip. Wonderfully done, Janet, as always.