Andrea
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 13: Washing Troubles Away
Though Merry did not have such an adventurous spirit as his two cousins--he much preferred the settled life—well, someone had been needed to go along to keep an eye on them, keep them out of trouble. His face relaxed in a smile. Keep them out of trouble! If that was what he’d done, he’d like to know how they might have found any more troubles than they had found!
On second thought, perhaps he didn’t want to know.
That was simply perfect - and very Merry :)
Thank you!
I love Merry's thoughts about now being related to royalty! :D
Author's reply
It seems to be a very handy thing, especially when it comes to hot baths and not having to wait...
Bodkin
· 6 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Musing
I'm not surprised Frodo thinks he's dead. It must be beyond belief to lose consciousness on Mount Doom and wake in the garden of Ithilien.
Having Gandalf where you want him. There's something very scary about that thought!
It'll take Frodo a while to adjust - and he's only just got time for breakfast before they wake him up for the party of the season!
Author's reply
I was a little surprised to read it (Frodo's waking up thinking he was dead) in a Shirebound story, at least I think it was a Shirebound story, way back when I was starting to write fanfic. I thought I had thought of it myself! LOL! I had not yet heard of that acronym: GMTA.
Pearl Took
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Musing
Ahhhhh! Sweet relief! And dear Frodo panicing a bit when he does his head count, bless him :)
" 'In the meantime, I have Gandalf just where I want him, and I'm not going to let him get away until he answers some questions.'
The wizard's joyful laughter followed Merry from the grove."
What a wonderful sound that laughter had to be!!!
MEWD m'dear!
Author's reply
I imagine Frodo *would* do a head count, first thing.
I remember Sam's thoughts on Gandalf's laughter. What was it, something like rain on a parched land? I think it must have been a wonderful sound.
Andrea
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Musing
He looked at Merry, who was still beyond speech. 'Where is this place? How did you get here? Are we dead, then?' His own eyes filled with tears. 'O Merry, did you die as well?'
Oh, this is heartbreaking - and absolutely Frodo! Not only *his* eyes filled with tears, I can assure you.
I'm glad that Merry has his Frodo back. In these first moments after awakening Frodo was the one to comfort Merry and to let Merry forget all his burdens. But I'm afraid there will be times, when it's the other way around. I just hope for more time for Merry to heal himself.
Author's reply
Aw.
I enjoyed writing this story from Merry's viewpoint, and allowing him the privilege of being there when Frodo first awakened, though JRRT didn't give us any details except to say that Sam slept through it all.
It might have been nice for Pippin to be there too, but as he was newly recovered himself, and thus to be shielded from strain both joyful as well as difficult, and very fidgity at the best of times, I imagined that there might have been plausible reasons for his not being on the spot.
Thanks!
Author Reply: p.s. I'm sure that Merry comforts Frodo as much as Frodo allows (meaning that I think Frodo likely hid his illness from Merry as well as Sam).
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Musing
Amazing how much Frodo has returned to himself already, comforting Merry like the older cousin always has. There had to be a lot of grief, not just the strain of the last two weeks, that Merry got rid of right then.
hehehe... and then how nice it is to get back to hobbit mischief, with Merry pinching Frodo, apparently fairly hard, to convince him he's not dead, or dreaming. That made me laugh!
And now Frodo will get some answers, and I am caught up and will give you a rest from all my reviews in one day! LOL
Author's reply
Actually, it was lovely to read all your reviews in one day! When I had more reading time, I used to review every single chapter I read, even if I was reading a multi-chaptered story from start to finish, giving my reactions to the material in each chapter. I love that sense of connexion between reader and author that feedback gives, that "meeting of minds" in a manner of speaking.
Sometimes it is a comfort in the midst of one's troubles to be able to comfort another. I don't know how much of it was Frodo momentarily forgetting his "failure" in the joy of reawakening, and how much was responding to Merry's need.
I've never seen Frodo as completely depressed and melancholic from the time of his awakening in Cormallen until his sailing from the Grey Havens. Quieter, maybe, and more thoughtful, and at times overwhelmed by pain, but still some hobbitiness remaining in his ability to love his cousins, and his care for Sam, even to ensuring Sam's future when his departure became inevitable.
Whew, I'm wordy today!
But thanks.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
Sigh... I'm going to have to charge you for a couple new boxes of tissues.
I love the healers listening in on the stories... I imagine after all that time they would have gotten quite addicted.
I loved Frodo finishing it up, when Merry couldn't go on. I saw it coming, but it still made me cry. I think my cheeks are turning pruney....
Author's reply
I cannot believe that there are no answers here to your lovely reviews to this story. I don't know what happened... all I can think is that this was a time when we were out of town and I didn't quite get "all caught up" when we returned.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your impressions. It adds so much satisfaction to the writing.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 10: Mustering Courage
Darn it, Lin, you made me cry AGAIN!
Beregond's toasts, especially to Pippin, and Pip's comments back caught me by surprise and brought quick tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat.
And then his cheerful comment about being called to muster... that was a MEAN thing to do to Merry! Poor hobbit, thinking he was going off to the execution of one with whom he'd just been eating and drinking. Odd habits indeed. And on a side note, interesting to think that Beregond had not been restrained or imprisoned at all, but was simply expected to wait honorably (and apparently patiently) for his execution.
At least the tears at the end of the chapter were happy ones.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 9: Pondering
OH - I LOVE your Eomer! Very wise, for such a young king. And that's what I'd imagined him doing during that time in the story.
"'It's hardly sporting: The creatures are weary from running and have no clear direction.'
'Good riddance,' the Wood Elf said, with a sip of his wine."
Nice showing he had some feeling about proper treatment even for orcs, though he did what was necessary. The elves, however... I can't imagine them being able to connect in any way at all with such twisted, evil creatures. I guess orcs truly are the antithesis of elves. Interesting, considering where the orcs came from.
Nice foreshadowing of the Shire problems in Eomer's comments.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 8: Getting Better
Oh my.... more tears.
STOP THAT, Lindelea!! *Sighs, and swallows a sob*
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 7: Spending Time
Ah Aragorn! Pulling out the truly wicked weapons against Pipping, telling him that Merry is wearing himself out with looking after him! Wow... that's ... that's... almost too harsh, though probably about what Pip means.
And I love the healers talking over their charges, and discussing what they are like based on their hands. Did a good job, they did.
Author's reply
Aragorn has probably hit on the perfect solution: Pippin's love and concern for his older cousin will keep him in bed better than all the nagging in the world.
I'm glad you liked the discussion of hands. I never seem to tire of trying to see hobbits in ever more detail.
Thanks!
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 6: (Not) Getting Up
Ahhh, lovely Pippin/Beregond banter!
"'You watch yourself, Master Perian. If I have to, I'll sit on you.'
'And that's supposed to scare me?' Pippin returned. 'I'll have you know I've been sat upon by a troll, no less.'" Lovely!
And apparently the hands of a hobbit are *also* the hands of a healer, huh? LOL
Glad they're all doing better, even if Pip is driving everyone nuts already!
Author's reply
LOL, indeed! Thanks so much for reading and stopping to share your thoughts and impressions. I really appreciate it.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 4: Holding On
Wow... love the dreams.
It almost seems like Merry is feeding Pippin his own newly-recovered strength and health, that as Pippin begins the slow path to recovery Merry is fading. I kept finding myself wishing Merry would be more awake so I could *see* what was happening with Pip... but he's totally focused on channeling every bit of strength and life he can into his beloved cousin.
Author's reply
Goodness, didn't see this review until now, when I came to answer one that reached my email box today. So sorry for the belated reply.
Yes, the perspective is limited by Merry's own limits--concentrating on hanging on to Pippin so hard that he's scarcely aware of their surroundings.
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 3: Entering the Grove
Oh my... that was heartbreaking.
It's hard to read with tears in my eyes.
Author's reply
(((hugs)))
Thank you for reading and taking the time to share your response.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 2: Arriving in Ithilien
ooohh... Poor Merry, to be greeted with such news, and poor Gimli, to have to face such a sharp Merry! I loved Merry's soft "You'll be wanting more practice if you're going to tell a convincing lie." That was such a wonderful line. I'm loving this!
Author's reply
I'm so glad! Many thanks for reading and stopping to share your thoughts.
AspenJules
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 1: Summons
A first read for me, Lindelea, and so far I'm loving it! I understand about little hobbits around, they can be quite time/attention demanding, without the rest of life making its demands!
Hot scones sounds wonderful, btw! Where would you be, if I wanted to pop in? LOL
Oh, and I LOVE the hobbit-like captain, rubbing his tummy! Nice touch. AspenJules
Author's reply
Glad to hear from you!
Actually, it was easier to write when the little hobbits were littler--I had their naptime for writing, but naps have gone by the wayside and the days are full. But I admit I wouldn't have it any other way. Each day is a golden coin for the treasure-box.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Musing
Frodo extended his hands, looking from one to the other, then seemed to be taking inventory of the rest of himself. 'It's like waking up on my birthday,' he said, 'with the day all fresh and new and full of promise.'
Gandalf sat down next to Frodo, gathering him under one arm the way a mother bird might cover a nestling with her wing.
'I have Gandalf just where I want him, and I'm not going to let him get away until he answers some questions.'
The wizard's joyful laughter followed Merry from the grove.
Awwww! I do love all this joy, gentleness, wonder, and discovery.
Author's reply
Ah, yes. I love reading stories about Frodo's awakening, the wonder he must have felt, the joy that must have been there (even if later, his "failure" was to haunt him, as JRRT said in his letters).
And how lovely for Gandalf to be able to be a gentle and kindly old "man" once more, a grandfatherly figure and not some great lord.
SlightlyTookish
· 29 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
At last I've caught up again! The chapter where Merry and Pippin are knighted is just perfect, from the tailors using Merry to make Pippin's dresss uniform, to Merry worrying about Beregond, to the toast and finally the knighting ceremony itself. And now Frodo is awake, and I'm so happy Merry was there with him.
Author's reply
Whew, good for you! I sympathise, having zero reading time these days--what I do read is usually during "stolen moments" when I ought to be doing something else...
Speaking of which, I really ought to go and put the kettle on and start a load of laundry and get down to business. Happily the little ones are cutting up boxes and making castles and things, on the floor at my feet, so I've had a little time this morning for fanfic.
Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment!
Bodkin
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
I love Frodo waking up to complete the story. Merry kept Frodo and Sam walking in the green fields of the Shire until their bodies were ready to wake.
I'll bet the healers will miss the tales - and hope they remember enough of them to pass them on to their children and grandchildren, so that a little bit of the Shire continues in Gondor.
Author's reply
What a lovely image that brings to mind: "kept [them] walking in the green fields of the Shire until their bodies were ready to wake".
Wouldn't that be a lovely tradition, hobbit tales at bedtime?
demeter d
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
" 'The Hobbit' had gone missing at our house, probably under someone's bed"
So nice to know there are others who love these tales enough to read themselves to sleep, as I love to do. How beautiful to use Bilbo's poem about homecoming to "bring Frodo home", as it were. So very lovely!
Author's reply
It was reading Bilbo's poem in The Hobbit that was the inspiration for "LifeWatch", actually. It's funny how often a story is built around a single scene, clearly envisioned, at least the way I write.
Thanks!
Andrea
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
'Eyes that fire and sword have seen, And horror in the halls of stone, Look at last on meadows green, And trees and hills they long have known.'
Wow! I nearly had forgotten how beautiful that song was! And it was just perfect to let Frodo say these words.
This is the reward for all Merry went through and the endless hours he spent with Frodo and Sam telling them stories, to be the first one to see his beloved cousin awakening. That should make him forget his sorrows, even if only for some time.
'I'm harder to lose than you think, cousin.'
Well, that's true for both of them. And I love them for their unbreakable friendship!
Author's reply
I love that poem. Actually, this story came into being when I was reading The Hobbit as a bedtime readaloud. But by the time I got to writing this chapter, the book had disappeared! (A couple of weeks later it came to light under someone's bed.)
Thankfully a friend IMd me the text, bit by bit, so that I was still able to finish the chapter while the writing mood was upon me. (Thanks again, Toni, if you ever happen to read this!)
Larner
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
Oh, so PERFECT, my friend, for Frodo to first awaken with Merry by him quoting lines from The Hobbit! Bilbo's story come home to help Frodo come back. And I'm so very glad he was so hard to lose.
Author's reply
I'm glad they *both* were so hard to lose!
(And yes, it's the next best thing to Bilbo being there himself...)
Pearl Took
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
"This was their payment for all the days of ceaseless care, rich coin, treasure indeed."
Beautiful!! proper payment indeed :)
*sigh*
That, m'dear was wonderful!!!
MEWD!!!
Author's reply
Ah, high praise indeed.
(And congrats on the MEFA noms. So glad that reading season comes *after* our schedule empties out a bit. Looking forward to days reading by the pool whilst the swim team practices...)
harrowcat
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
Oh! It doesn't matter how often I read this chapter there is always a *happy sniff* at the end!
Author's reply
Aw, so glad to hear that!
shirebound
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 11: Awakening
Yay, what a beautiful awakening! And the healers will remember this all their lives, and tell their families about the day they were present when the Ring-bearer awoke on a joyful spring day in Ithilien...
Author's reply
It seemed so right, for Frodo to waken to a "Bilbo" story... the next best thing to Bilbo being there, I guess.
Thanks!