Who writes like that!
Once again Ariel weaves her special brand of magic. I completely lost myself here. This chapter had me flying through another galaxy and I felt like a brilliant star.
Oh my gosh I must quote you:
************
The stars! His thought was jubilant.
I have never seen them, came her answer, though not formed of words.
But they are you. He was confused.
I… had hoped they were there. Most women dare not even do that much.
He cradled her spirit and gazed up at the vast, bejewelled heavens. They are beautiful. How can you not see them?
Her spirit gave a shudder like a sigh. We have been the defeated for so long, we have forgotten even the rumours of what we once were. But it is no matter. What I see is beautiful too.
Suddenly, he saw in his mind this joyous realm as she perceived it; a vast, endless plain of gold under the roof of a clear blue sky. And in the centre was a brilliant golden light; his light.
************
Poetry for the soul.
Author's reply
*Sniff*
Thank you, Este! I am so delighted that this chapter was able to transport you like that. I've always believed in the power of love, and in the worth of women. We are special beings but rarely ever see ourselves as worthy as we are, even though we hold all those we love on a pedestal. I am glad you found the passage soothing.
Estë
· 25 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
What a sensual piece to start with before going on to second breakfast!
She doubted there was an exposed inch of her skin that he hadn't nuzzled, kissed or explored with his demanding tongue.
GAH!!
Oh my! I am dead. Imo only a woman is capable of knowing how that feels *slides off chair makes towards the breakfast room* :D
Thank you Ariel
Author's reply
Heheheheh! Darned tootin'! This was a very fun chapter to write. Vive la differance!
songspinner
· 21 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
...eep...
I'll second Dreamflower's review, but I'm more melted than combusting at this point. Such beautiful descriptive language, dearie!
Estë
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
You lifted my evening. A wonderful scene, I could smell the crushed grass under the feet of the dancers.
The sweetness of the sorrow that is Arwen’s and Merry’s *sigh*.
Author's reply
Sweet sorrow - the best kind of angst! I am pleased you enjoyed this scene as well.
Estë
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Your description of the hobbits greeting King Aragorn - hugging and thumping each other so that they nearly knocked each other to the ground - had me in stitches.
You certainly know ho to combine drama and comedy. I applaud you.
Author's reply
:)
Estë
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
This was a powerful scene – I sensed all the emotions they were going through.
This gets better and better.
Author's reply
*Wags tail*
Oh, I am glad. I worked very hard to get the right tone to that scene. I am glad you thought it worked.
Estë
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I love the way you have written this scene with Merry and Pippin two very special Hobbits. You have got them down pat. The Professor would be delighted.
Author's reply
*wags tail*
That is all I hope to do. Thank you for reading!
Estë
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
This was a delight - you know you are entertaining me and teaching me at the same time. You are giving me lessons in the history of English country life. I should be ashamed really. I put it down to being brought up in London.
P.S. I have not left my e-mail address in the box above because I do not know if these reviews ar public.
Right on to the next chapter.
Author's reply
:D
The reviews are public, but it looks like the email addresses, even of those who do enter them, are not shown. They are sent to me, however, and, if you haven't gotten any of these replies, then they may be being used to send these replies back. Your choice what you want to do, though I am delighted to see you enjoying this story.
Estë
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
This chapter made be cry and then it made me laugh.
I loved the following true statement:
"No one can refuse Peregrin Took, my dear."
Author's reply
:D hehehe! Yep, even I have fallen for the fellow upon occasion. ;)
Estë
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Now you have me worried. Poor sweet Estella. I can imagine how she felt.
Author's reply
It's gratifying to know I communicated that feeling well enough that others could know it. Thank you.
Estë
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Quote:
He must have lain beside her every night, for she remembered the drumming of his heartbeat as an enduring rhythm in her ear. It had kept her anchored to this world.
*Oh sigh*
I loved this first chapter I found it deeply moving. So tender and loving it is full of promise for the following chapters.
So what am I waiting for? I’m off!
Estë
Author's reply
Awwww! Hope you feel that way about the rest of the story. I know it's not Frodo, but I do love all the hobbits and felt I was probably focusing on him so much the other guys were getting lonesome. So here's my attempt to remedy that. :D
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
I'm sorry I am so late in rreplying to this but I only came back online on Monday night after a several weeks long break.
I barely have words for this because the story and the ending is so beautiful and lovely and imaginary and perfect that all I really can say is THANK YOU!!! :D This is a masterpiece and I treasure it greatly!
Author's reply
Awww! Thank you! What can I say? You are a terrific muse and I was in the mood for Merry. hehehe! I've done Frodo, Sam and Merry, now I suppose I shall have to wrangle Pippin. ;)
Larner
· 5 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Ah, the endurance granted by mmiruvor! It is very likely the evening is NOT over for some time yet!
Lovely, lovely tale of reawakening passion and the love that is shoul accompany.
Author's reply
Thank you!
It took me a bit to figure out what you meant by the above comment. I actually looked up the word 'shoul', thinking it must be some word I had never heard of and feeling self-conscious about my vocabulary yet again.
You should take it as a credit to your impeccable writing that it never even occurred to me you had produced a typo.
Heheheh!
Larner
· 5 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Good enough, then! Glad the two of them had it in them!
Author's reply
I am afraid I am rather fond of a good racy fic. There's so little in hobbitfic that isn't slash, and of that, even less that is adult. If you are looking for quality on top of those criteria, your pickings are even slimmer.
I doubt I am going to create a market out of nothing with my writings, but I've always been told 'write what you like'. This is what I like.
Lily
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
We have been the defeated for so long, we have forgotten even the rumours of what we once were. But it is no matter. What I see is beautiful too.
Suddenly, he saw in his mind this joyous realm as she perceived it; a vast, endless plain of gold under the roof of a clear blue sky. And in the centre was a brilliant golden light; his light.
Perhaps it is good that we cannot see our own true natures? But I see you, Merry Brandybuck. And that is why I love you.
That's very philosophical. That's the best of endings you could have given this story. Thanks for it!
Author's reply
((((hugs))))
I am very glad you liked it. I worked hard on this story and it is a great reward to see those who've read it say that they enjoyed the read.
Bodkin
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
It seems very right - that he should perceive stars, while her vision is more earthy. She seems very close to the Earth Mother - productive, receptive, warm and so on, while he is wilder and more free, better able to fly, yet protective.
I think I can say that they have overcome their difficulties! And the miruvor has given them enough staying power to make this a night to remember.
Author's reply
Awww! Thank you! Yes, Yavanna, stars. I used a line from Fellowship to guide my impression of Estella's spirit -
"He knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless."
I positively LOVE that line. Love that whole Bombadil section, actually, though I know many readers skip and dismiss it. There's an unconscious depth there, and a great respect for history and the beliefs of his ancestors in it. It makes me feel like I do when I am reading someone's description of something I know intimately but that they are unfamiliar with. At first you don't recognize what the speaker is talking about, but as they go on, you catch a phrase or glimse that 'clicks' and lets you see what they are describing. It may be clear they don't understand what they are looking at, but you can tell they have truly seen it. That's how that section strikes me.
Oh, well, enough rambling. I should write an essay, but fic is easier. ;)
Bodkin
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
The only thing I would argue with over this ... delightful chapter, is red satin. Red satin? It sound a most un-Arwen-like shade!
Although I suppose, in the dark, what would it matter!
Doesn't Merry like to be in control of these things, though!
Author's reply
LOL!!! But is it an Aragorn shade? *wink, wink, nudge, nudge*
Heheheh! Yes, indeed! When I thought of how Merry would be in bed, it was such a no brainer. I think I have read a total of two racy Merry stories in my life - one a fic that is no longer available called 'Solace', and one from Silvermoonlady - and both of them gave a rather strong willed impression too. How could I buck such a tantillizing trend?
lovethosehobbits
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
OMG! Such a fantastic fic...I hate to see it end. I generally don't ready many fics without Frodo in them, but since it was YOU, I just had to delve in. And what a wonderful ride and tale you have given us. Thank you so much for sharing this delightful story and your wonderfully writing style, once again.
Author's reply
*Wags tail*
Oh, THANK YOU! I am delighted to share this tail, especially with folks who are willing to read it. I write what I like but it is very nice to get kudos for it.
Inkling
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Perhaps all women held, unrealized to themselves, some morsel of that power that brought the world into being
*sighs, then applauds*
Once again, Ariel, you’ve crafted a tale of thought-provoking, graceful prose and heartfelt emotion. Thank you for such a “grown-up” and satisfying love story!
Author's reply
Awww! Thank you! I am delighted I could share it with you. It's not a sentiment I see often in fanfic, though it is one I feel strongly about too. Maybe one of these days I'll run out of things to 'say' and just write something fun to read for a change. LOL!
harrowcat
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Now that is a use for Miruvor that didn't get much exercise during the quest!!! *g* I love your description of each of their essences.
Author's reply
Oh, but wouldn't it be great for that?!!? LOL!! I tell you, my mind is ever in the gutter. It's such a fun place to be!
And thank you for the compliment. I always have seen Merry as sunlight, for some reason. It just fits. Thank you so much for reviewing - I am delighted I could write something that you enjoyed so much.
Inkling
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Aha! I wondered what that coach was doing there, having always pictured Aragorn, and even Arwen, riding around on horseback…I should have known you’d have your reasons! ;) Guess some things just can’t be done on horseback…although, hmmm…nope, not going there!
Author's reply
Hehehe!!! Well, you figure the Greenway is probably back in business, so these days it would only be a matter of hopping on the road north. And he's a king, what better way to travel in style? Heheh!
Lady Saruman
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Oooooooooooooooooohhhhhhhh... that was absoulutely enchanting, and so suggestive. you know, that is quite daring of you to sneak up on Merry and Estella like that and record what they've been doing, publicly.... and privately.... JK, JK... of course you didn't. only somebody with absolutely no tact would do that. but of course, this is all from your imagination, and you have a good imagination. this is compliment, since i don't usually compliment people because, well, they can be SO BORING sometimes, you know what i mean, right? well, this story kept my eyes stuck to the screen, but i think you like to make your stories carry risks, don't you? see, when Merry knew he shouldn't be pleasuring his wife anymore, he still did. but if Estella actually dies, then he's gonna scream with misery and then blame himself and might even commit suicide.
well, this is a well story done, and i thank you for writing this out for all of the people who have enjoyed this tale.
Thank you,
-Lady Saruman ^_~
Author's reply
LOL! Thank you, Lady, for the compliment. And it was most definitely my pleasure to share it with you.
Cuthalion
· 3 February 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
My dearest Ariel,
this is wonderful. I remember how I read A Little Night Music for the first time and was amazed about the depth you are able to put in a relationship... how clearly and insightful you portray what goes on between husband and wife, even in the deepest secrecy of souls. And here you've done it again... and masterfully so. I am ever so glad for the challenge on hobbit het, for this would probably not have been written without it. It is exquisite and deeply moving, and the last chapter was a kind of climax (in many ways...*smiles*). Thank you for sharing this extraordinary gem of a tale with us.
Author's reply
*Preens* Thank you! I think you're right, I probably wouldn't have written this without that challenge, but once it sank its little teeth into my calf, it would not let go. Thank you so much for your reviews, you've been reliable and kind to me throughout and have made me so glad I was able to give you something back for your delightful BIGS.
Congratulations, btw! Your tales deserve all the accolades they can get. I never remember when these awards things are going on, so you will have to remind me when they let people vote on those things. I may only be one vote, but I will definitely want to give it to your stories.
Larner
· 2 February 2006
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
A wonderful reawakening of the passion and the acceptance of mortality. Arwen knows she must lose her husband before she follows after, and is in the position to advise Merry, while he can mirror the same advice back to her. May the reawakening be joyful for him and Estella.
Author's reply
I certainly hope so!
Larner
· 2 February 2006
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Ah, bless sweet Diamond. I recognize our Aragorn and his queen very well, although I generally see him in slightly newer boots.
Author's reply
LOL! Well, I figured the ranger had to be in there still and would have to show somewhere. Thanks for reading, and for providing me with delightful stories that I have to remember to review once in a while. ;) One of the problems of reading things offline is that you have to purposefully remember to review once you get back to a computer.