Linda Hoyland
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Halls of the King
I wouldn't have eaten that sea slug either ! Nice that Aragorn remembers Boromir.
Author's reply
Hullo, Linda! That sea slug scene is from an actual experience in my past life ... I wasn't given a choice and wasn't as fast thinking as the hobbits. I was re-reading the SOA quote of the day today, about Arwen's choice to accept mortality, "both the bitter and the sweet." I'm sure that's what Aragorn was thinking as he looked around his High Table, and at the empty seat there.
Queen Galadriel
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Oh no! I see the signs--four unguarded Hobbits, Faramir not near enough to help, three obviously suspicious characters who are armed and by their own account want Frodo. They'll have a struggle, though. Oh, I hope they don't get him!
On a lighter note, of course Pippin would charm the whole city! :) That was so cute that everyone wanted to give him treats! :)
I love Mikah! He reminds me a little of one of my best friends' father. :)
Please update soon!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
*laughs* Yes, Your Majesty, the writing is on the wall. Chapter five is done but needs a little polishing, and six is half done. You shouldn't have too long a wait!
shirebound
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Pippin was piled with so many sweets and treats he could scarcely walk. He accepted each little gift with heartfelt thanks, and beamed back at the circle of charmed, happy faces shining at him. Frodo turned to Merry for an explanation. Merry grimaced, but his eyes were glowing with pride. “He’s their Periannath,” Merry said.
“I think it best if I carry you back.” Frodo stiffened, and Sam winced. Sitting on either side of Faramir, Merry and Pippin tried to unobtrusively inch away from the soon-to-be unfortunate Man.
Awww. This is so full of wonderful things. But Budgie, not... not ruffians!? *hides*
Author's reply
Yes, ruffians ... and worse. But good things to come! (Er ... eventually.) Thank you again for letting me know what parts you like - you would be surprised to know how much that helps me shape a story!
Larner
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Oh, dear--kidnappers--I mean Hobbitnappers! Alas and alack! Trouble is back! Sam had best begin keeping an eye out. And what skullduggery are these not-so-fine fellows planning? Do they desire gold or goods or political advantage of some sort, or what? And who is sponsoring them, we wonders?
Okay, waiting for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yesssss ... we wondersss, we does... and who is behind it all, Precious? Not who you think... (See what you started? It's contagious.)
Dreamflower
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Uh-oh!
It's fun seeing someone else's take on the perils of fame for our four lads in the City after the Quest--but I am quite certain, knowing you, that the plotters in the corner mean a good deal more harm than my con men did in "Chance Encounter"!
I am glad Frodo does not remember what happened the night before--he would have been completely mortified, especially if he found out about kicking Legolas. I loved the line about hobbit feet. Yes, I think a hobbit kick would feel pretty bad!
And I like the way Gandalf manages his conversations with both Frodo and Aragorn. I am wondering what our good old wizard is up to.
I really like the way Merry takes charge here, and the way he has never ceased conspiring for Frodo's sake. And Faramir is great as well. But I think he will be sorry that he had to leave them in the inn...
Author's reply
Ah, the webs we weave... I agree, Dreamflower, poor Faramir will be very sorry he left the hobbits. And my villians don't have a single redeeming feature and are about to do something utterly despictable. Thank you for enjoying Merry in this fic - even though he is about to make a big mistake. Oh, I often wonder who has the most fun - we writers or our readers?
harrowcat
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Ooh, a cliffie you evil author, you! :-) Post soon pleeeese! This is wonderful reading.
Author's reply
TO which I reply ... heh, heh, heh. I'm so glad you are enjoying the story!
eiluj
· 10 May 2006
· Chapter 4: On the Streets of the City
Oh, dear. You're going to kidnap that poor hobbit *again*?
Author's reply
Erm ... yes? Of course, it's not me, you understand. As I have explained to the Frodoll sitting on my desk, it's nothing personal. It's just so much fun. My Frodoll is looking terrified and planning an escape with Samdoll.
Dreamflower
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
Oh, I am *so* glad you are posting the rest of this here! I loved the beginning of it, at the Exchange site, and now I get to the rest.
You really have built up to this, from the more-or-less light and humorous tone of the first chapter, to the building up of Frodo's distress in the next, and finally his actual peril in this one...
Some of the touches I loved were Merry saying his mother would be able to handle Frodo--and Gandalf's agreement! Sam's attempt to get Frodo to come in for "Mr. Bilbo"! And Frodo's instant response to the thought that Pippin was in trouble--yes, that would do the trick! Brilliant!
But I truly love Merry in this--his insight, and his love and loyalty for Frodo really do shine here!
I am very much looking forward to the rest!
Author's reply
I am so glad you are looking forward to this story! We do love the hobbits' time in Minas Tirith, don't we? Well, the groundwork and backstory has been laid, so we can get to the action. On with the fun (for everyone except Frodo and the hobbits and the Fellowship and Minas Tirith, of course ... but you can't please everyone. :D ).
songspinner
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
Merry's comments made me breathless for a moment there. I'd never really looked at it that way, but from his perspective, it makes perfect sense. Good character piece, from details like Pippin's using his "little" voice to the reactions everyone had.
Author's reply
I am not sure why, but I have always seen Meriadoc as the least 'easy-going' of the hobbits, quick to take insult and fiercely protective of the others. I was surprised and delighted to see MovieMerry adhere somewhat to that vision of BookMerry that I have had for years. I think Merry would have felt as 'my' Merry did - he loves Frodo too much not to.
shirebound
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
Ohhh, I'm loving this story so much (as you know!). The mischief in Chapter 1, the slow-building illness and distress, the love and concern of everyone around Frodo, the comfort and TLC yet to come...
*happy dance*
Author's reply
I am so glad you are enjoying it, and not groaning in horror. As promised, there will be lots of comfort and TLC, but the 'hurt' must come first. I hope you do continue to enjoy it, even through what's coming... (Poor, sweet Frodo ... even the Frodoll on my desk is looking horrified...)
harrowcat
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
Oh Budgielover. This is great and I can't wait for more. My heart was in my mouth the whole time Frodo was on that stone. Not being able to reach dear friends when they are in the midst of such anguish is really heart-breaking and you are showing all the emotions so well. I, too, was laughing at the 'umm' delicacy that Aragorn couldn't stomach. I wouldn't have even tried! An the empty plate was a master-stoke! Looking forward to having a moment to sample your web-site as I have really missed reading your stories on a regular basis. You and Shirebound were the first to truly hook me into fanfiction. This addict thanks you for that even when she is late for sleep or work - again!
Author's reply
I know what you mean, Harrowcat! Real life sometimes takes a poor second place to LotRs fanfiction. I treasure your remark that I was one of those who got you 'addicted' - I am honored. I haven't done much more with my website than post stories, but have all sorts of plans for it. What a wonderful new toy to play with!
Queen Galadriel
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
Oh! Poor Frodo...poor everyone! To see him all the way up there, completely unaware of his danger, and to not be able to persuade him down! Reminds me of the worst case scenario--small child on some high place, totally innocent, and the frantic onlookers and loved ones below, not knowing what to do.
Oh, poor Merry! I hope he can forgive them, but I know the feeling, and it's a horrible one.
You really have the intrigue up, and I just know I'm going to lose a little more tolerance for cliff-hangers before this story is over. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I hadn't consciously thought of the parallel to a small child, lost and alone, but I can certainly see it when you point it out. There is something childlike about Frodo, even after all he's been through. I wonder if that is why we want to protect and nuture him? (And is so ... why do we do these horrible things to him? There's a fascinating critical essay in there someplace.)
Queen Galadriel
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Halls of the King
Oh dear me, Frodo, what *are* you thinking of! He'll kill himself before they get back to the Shire! *tsk tsk tsk*
I usually prefer book canon over movie-verse, but I love it when Arwen gets to be a part of things in Minas Tirith for a longer time before the Hobbits leave! :)
*shudders* Eeeewwww! A *sea slug*! Oh, oh, I wouldn't wish that on anyone! *going pale* But it *is* funny to see Aragorn actually unable to eat one of his wild delicacies. *giggling*
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Hi, QG! That sea slug scene came from direct, first-hand, unhappy experience. I was a guest of honor at a function and had to eat one. Had to do it, like poor Aragorn. Unlike poor Aragorn, I was horribly sick later. Another instance of real life incorporating itself into our art!
Larner
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 3: Under a Vault of Stars
I can certainly appreciate Merry's protests. Poor lad. And the thought of Frodo on a crumbling merlon makes even me cringe!
Author's reply
Our beloved Frodo on the merlon was a fun scene to write ... in a sick, twisted way. He was so sweet and innocent, holding all his friends hostage to the slightest misstep. If I ever have a spare billion dollars, I am going to round up all us LotRs fanfic authors and pay for psychotherapy sessions. Wouldn't the results be fascinating?
Larner
· 9 May 2006
· Chapter 2: In the Rooms of a Ring-bearer
Bless stubborn hobbits! Poor Frodo. Sick and seeking to hide, and probably both fearful of dying and hoping he will at the same time.
Author's reply
probably both fearful of dying and hoping he will at the same time - brilliant observation, Larner. That threw me, and I read it several times. How very keenly you have sliced to the heart of Frodo's misery.
Larner
· 8 May 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Halls of the King
I don't know whom to be most sorry for--Frodo, Pippin, or Aragorn. All of them are having anything but a pleasant feast, apparently. But hiding out in the tomb of the stewards has to be the most unlikely place of all. Now to see how this plays out.
Hilarious and tragic at the same time.
Author's reply
Ah, Larner, I think you can guess the direction this story is taking (though not the details, I hope)! Set up the readers, a little humor, get them nice and relaxed ... then POW!! Not that I would ever stoop to that, of course. *cough* *looks shifty*