When the King Comes Back by shirebound
PSW · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Good story! Boy, it's true ... Aragorn can't go anywhere near the Shire without some sort of adventure, can he? Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this tale. Scamp came into Frodo's life several years before I finally got a dog of my own (an adorable 'scamp' I named Pippin), and I enjoyed imagining life at Bag End with a mischievous pup.
PSW · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 13: Tales and Tails
Okay... calling the puppy Ranger because he's scruffy and constantly needs a bath is pretty funny ... :-P
PSW · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 12: New Strength, New Life
Awww ... yay for Sam! If anyone deserves the pups, it's him. :-)
PSW · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 11: A Breath of Fresh Air
Ah ... the long-awaited party. ;-) So to speak. Glad to see Halbarad back, hope everything went swimmingly ...
PSW · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 4: A Small Complication
Those Gamgees are good people ... :-) Hopefully Aragorn's just rattled around a bit, and will be more lucid when he actually wakes up ...
PSW · 15 November 2015 · Chapter 2: Market Day
Well, this might throw a kink into the plans. Wonder if Halbarad could handle the Dwarves himself? (And hopefully that really is just a 'permission meeting', and not a trap as Bilbo suggested ...)
Eirinn Leigh · 18 June 2015 · Chapter 7: Concerning Dwarves
"Did you say... burglar?" It is indeed hard imagine the upstanding Mr. Baggins of Bag End as someone of so dubious a career! It makes me wonder why Thorin, who was also of a high and noble character, was seeking such a disreputable person at the 14th member; sure one /might/ be useful but, as I believe is said in the book somewhere, he can hardly have expected to smuggle out the treasure piece by piece while Smaug slept on!
Author's reply
Bilbo the burglar... it is indeed an interesting thing to ponder. You might enjoy my short story "More than Meets the Eye", in which the Dwarves discuss this very subject. :)
addie71 · 12 September 2011 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Oh, I love the double h/c in this! *grins* I'm so glad I got a chance to re-read this little gem.
Author's reply
Thank you, Addie! If I *ever* get my next story going (my right hand has to start feeling better), I think there will be double h/c in that one, too. :)
nancylea57 · 1 September 2008 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
puppy love, just love the lil ones hobbits,pups,kits, elflings,just any lil one. but patch and blossom might need some followup tales. what say you? it isn't a bunny but it might grow hair.
Author's reply
I love the wee ones, as well. I have no idea if their story is finished or ongoing, but I'll certainly pay attention to any bunny hairs that start growing. :)
Cairistiona · 6 May 2008 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
I'm so glad I discovered your stories, shirebound, for I'm really enjoying reading your writing--and playing catch up in a huge way, obviously, since this story was written quite a while back and I'm only just now reading it (I'm fairly new to LOTR fic, can you tell?) Anyway, this one was great on so many levels... the warmth between the hobbits, the very ordinariness of impending puppies contrasted with the fear and the injuries from the explosion ... you weave them all together into a very satisfying tale. And me being the Aragorn nut I am, I ate up every single bit about him: the injury, the care for him by the hobbits and the touching thank you notes they sent him, his amnesia and subsequent healing and remembering. I especially like how his past was revealed all the way back to Melian ... the vision was an amazing scene. Well, I could go on and on but you get the idea: I *really* like this story, and I really like how you write the characters (especially Aragorn!)
Author's reply
Thank you very much for your lovely comments, and welcome to LOTR fanfic! You might want to read the original story of this series -- "Quarantined" -- which begins and ends with Aragorn-healing. I've had a wonderful time writing this series, and everything else in this amazing fandom, for six years now. (And hopefully for many years yet to come.) I think Aragorn is an amazing character, especially when he interacts with my beloved hobbits. You might also enjoy this short, adorable Aragorn h/c ficlet by Slightlytookish, "Healing the Healer": http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=3091
Elanor Silmariën · 23 December 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Awww... reminds me of my puppies! *sighs* They sound so cute! What a lovely Yule present for the Gamgees! My dogs are so spoiled, they even have their own stockings for Christmas! God bless and Merry Christmas! Ellie
Author's reply
Eeee, doggie Christmas stockings! They're such lucky pups. I'll bet they sense all the holiday excitement, too. Happy Holidays, dear Ellie. :D
grumpy · 12 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Glad to see that the puppies all got to go to good homes and have found love. Some of them even got ranger laces to chew on.
Author's reply
Just couldn't let this story end without all the puppies finding loving homes! And those ranger laces must be delicious. I know that *my* dog, growing up, loved leather chew-toys better than anything else. :D
Baggins Babe · 11 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Daddy Twofoot was at first a bit alarmed at the prospect of “a pack of wild hounds,” as he phrased it I rolled about at this - those tiny pups as a 'pack of wild hounds'!!!!!! Still, even Daddy Twofoot is not immune to the charm of Scamp's pups, and the Gaffer has obviously melted into a soggy puddle! The adoption documents were perfect and I giggled at the idea of the puppies in sweaters! As for Estel sending bootlaces........... :-)) Perfect, Shirebound. I'm buried in fluff and loving every minute of it.
Author's reply
*giggles* I also loved that phrase -- "pack of wild hounds" -- for two such tiny pups! But most hobbits are slow to accept change, and the Gamgees' neighbors have a lot to get used to all of a sudden! Thank you so much, BB! There was just something missing in this story, but finally it seems finished. Now I have to dig out myself -- and my friends -- from the avalanche of puppyfluff. What fun. :D
Lily Baggins · 10 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Oh, that was a perfect ending---I love the idea of the pups being knitted sweaters! And what a giggle---Estel sending some bootlaces. Yes, I think he will regret it next time. ;D
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily! Yes, Estel is a proud 'uncle' now, and couldn't let this special occasion go by unnoticed. :D
harrowcat · 10 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Awwwww! *sniff* I've just returned from my weekly visit to my parents. They have a noisy, lively, over friendly and large Flat Coat Retriever and I love him dearly. I hate leaving each week so your story was great to come back to tonight - Thanks.
Author's reply
What a shame you *have* to leave each week! I hope he loves you right back. Thank you for reading! This was a fun story to write. :D
Elemmírë · 10 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
I'm overjoyed that you continued this, Shirebound!!!!! This chapter was comfy, cozy, perfect. I loved every bit of it! Patch and Blossom are ever the proper names for a gardner's dogs. Daddy Twofoot was at first a bit alarmed at the prospect of “a pack of wild hounds,” as he phrased it, moving in next door. However, once he grew used to the tiny and friendly pups frisking about, he officially pronounced them “harmless little things,” and was twice caught sneaking treats to them. LOL! He sounds just as bad as the Gaffer when Frodo got Scamp! It's good to see that the puppies very easily warmed their way into his heart (and hand) however. Both Frodo and Sam were a bit put out by the fact that, although they spent the most time with Patch and Blossom, the pups had apparently both fallen head over heels in love with... the Gaffer. They followed him about wherever he went, and he was hard-pressed not to look as delighted as he felt. When Bilbo casually mentioned his “little shadows”, the Gaffer appeared surprised. ROTFL!!!! This reminded me of when we used to have our dog. It was my older brother who'd always begged for a dog and one day my parents went to a shelter. There, a 6-month old beagle/border collie mix gave brown doleful eyes to my mother (and didn't shed her fur when being held) and I came home from school to find a puppy sitting on our couch. Anyway, the dog took to all of us, but it was my father that she took to the most. Wee Marigold was way too cute for words. As were Patch and Blossom, which goes without saying. I utterly love the way your young Frodo writes out his "official documents." He writes them so serious from his own personal experience with adoption, yet they are funny in a childlike way too, like how he added the bit in about digging in the gardens. As soon as Estel made reference to Scamp's wicked ways, I knew he just had to have sent shoelaces!! LOL!!! A perfect gift for teething puppies! ~Elemmírë~ p.s. When I saw the credit you gave me, I really had to think about what idea you garnered from me. Then, I remembered at last as I was reading ... another adoption ceremony! I'm so very glad you were inspired and this is truly a warm hearthside tale for the coming holiday season. You make me want to go out and adopt my own puppy to cuddle with. :D *hugs you right back, Shirebound ... and pets Scamp ... and her puppies*
Author's reply
You definitely inspired this epilogue, and I'm happy you did. And I'm *very* happy you enjoyed this so much! I realized there were still a few loose ends to be tied up (and fluff to be wallowed in). NOW the story seems complete, in a way it didn't before. Yes, dogs do seem to pick someone as their "pack leader", and it's not always the one who pays the most attention to them! It was fun to let the pups reveal the Gaffer's softer side in this series of stories. *pups wag happily at you* *hugs*
Mariole · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 12: New Strength, New Life
What a charming story! Such lovely bits-- Bilbo, always with a clean handkerchief, Halbarad smiling over knowing his 'trade', Scamp's silky ears. Serindë's feared "complex medical procedure". And Hee, you made Aragorn wash his hair! I so enjoyed Bilbo's selfless competence, Frodo and Aragorn's bravery. I love how you made Frodo believeably independent, and Bilbo's intelligent recognition and support of it. Aragorn's vision--and the star on his brow! The oath made me cry. “There are many treasures here," Halbarad murmured. So very true!
Author's reply
Oh wow, thank you so much! I do try to weave rather a lot into these stories, and it's so nice to know that everything seems to 'work'. I do love these folks, and their interactions. They're *all* such 'treasures'. :D
Linda Hoyland · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
JUst delightful and heartwarming even to a cat lover such as I !
Author's reply
What a compliment! Thank you, and I'm so glad you enjoyed the story.
Larner · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Oh, I LOVE the bootlace gift from Estel. He knows what Scamp's pups will be like, after all! Heh! And Sam holds his FIRST adoption certificate. Nice touch there.
Author's reply
Thank you! This was such a fun story to write. And who knows how many official documents (of the legal sort) Mayor Sam really will sign someday? :D
Dreamflower · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Aaawww...that was cute! Glad to see them going to their new home--I hope that someday we'll see them in another story!
Author's reply
Thank you. I *never* know what's going to happen next with this series! Several times I thought there would never be another "Quarantined" story, then... oh, those fluffbunnies! So unquenchable. :D
SurgicalSteel · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
*melts* Fluff fluff fluff. Exactly what I needed.
Author's reply
I'm happy to bring you a full day's (week's?) quota of fluff! *hugs*
Endaewen · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
It's a pity the story is over with so soon. I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading it.
Author's reply
Thank you. I smiled while writing, it, too! :D
Cuthalion · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
“Why, I suppose they just realize that I’m head of the household, is all. Tryin’ to curry favors with me, no doubt. Well, they’ll get no special treatment, you can take my word on it. Hard trainin’ and discipline, that’s what I always say.” And he knelt to pat the ‘little ’uns’, grinning widely as they nearly wagged themselves into a frenzy. God, how sweet. *grins* And Estel's letter made me laugh aloud. Absolutely wonderful, Janet. Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thank you! I had all this leftover fluff, you see, and no place to put it... couldn't resist one more plotpuppy for this story! :D
Andrea · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Awwww!!! That was *so* sweet, Shirebound! I especially liked this line: "Both Frodo and Sam were a bit put out by the fact that, although they spent the most time with Patch and Blossom, the pups had apparently both fallen head over heels in love with... the Gaffer." He *has* a soft spot, our Gaffer! He only is very good at pretending he has not ;-) I liked the official adoption document and - of course - Estel's present. LOL! As long as they don't start to dig up gardens that don't belong to them, Patch and Blossom Gamgee will have a lot of time and maybe even encouragement to develop their "wicked ways".
Author's reply
The same thing happened to me, when I was growing up! I fed, combed, and walked our dog, and she slept on my bed at night. But... she loved my mother the best! I can just imagine how delighted the Gaffer would be at such unconditional love and waggy-ness. I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Andrea. The story just didn't seem complete with that "official adoption document". :D Author Reply: That should be, "without" that official adoption document! :D
Queen Galadriel · 9 November 2006 · Chapter 14: Epilogue: Their Wicked Ways
Awww! *grinning* The Gaffer is all talk! And the puppies are so adorable! And this is so gentle and loving and full of happiness! Thank you for a wonderful and much needed chuckle, Shirebound! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you, QG! Yes, that grumpy old Gaffer hasn't a chance, now that two adoring pups have let his "softer side" identity out of the bag. As if his family didn't already know about it! I just couldn't let this story rest without letting Sam officially get his new pups. :D