shirebound
· 13 December 2006
· Chapter 16: An Unlikely Friendship - Gimli and Arod
I'll give you the apple on one condition," he said to the horse. "The elf never finds out about this."
Arod looked at him for a moment, then seemed to nod his head in agreement. Gimli smiled slightly as he held out the second apple for the horse to eat. After he had fed him the remaining apples he had brought, Gimli lightly rubbed the horse's forehead. "You're not so bad, I guess…for a demonic beast."
Oh Misty, how adorable! I love this.
A feeling of warmth suffused Aragorn as he listened to the soft voices of those he loved.
A sense of peace filled him as he looked back around at his family, those who would always welcome him back with open arms. Giving in to his fatigue, he rested his head back against his chair and closed his eyes, drifting into the world of slumber with a peaceful smile on his face. He did not even notice when he was lifted and carried to his bed, being tucked in like he had been as a child.
Oh Misty, what a lovely holiday tale. I'm so happy Aragorn found his way back to warmth and love, and the only "home" he had ever known.
Seasons Greetings!
Author's reply
Thank you. I think we all need times like this with our families and loved ones. Everyone needs a place where they are always welcome.
harrowcat
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 39: The Road goes ever on - Frodo
Yes, every setting out seems filled with a mixture of emotions and never with unmitigated joy or anticipation. But then such is life for us all. Great Misty. And Happy Christmas to you too.
Author's reply
True. I think that any new journey involves a mix of emotions, and certainly those feelings would be stronger in Frodo's various journeys. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Thank you for the review.
Dreamflower
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 39: The Road goes ever on - Frodo
I liked these thoughts--they do all seem very much like what would have been on his mind at the various points in time. But most of all, I like the hopefulness of the last one. So often his departure is seen as so horribly sad--but it *was* a new beginning for him, and I am glad you show that aspect of it.
Author's reply
I wanted to end this on an uplifting note, and I do think that part of Frodo must have been looking forward to seeing Valinor, even if it was a small part. I did not want this to be a sad ending, though there were certainly sad aspects to it. Thank you.
Larner
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 39: The Road goes ever on - Frodo
Yes, we've come full circle, and the next adventure is begun.
Author's reply
Yes, exactly. It was very sad when Frodo left Arda and all his friends, but he did have a new adventure ahead to look forward to.
shirebound
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 39: The Road goes ever on - Frodo
These are wonderful glimpses into Frodo's heart and thoughts, Misty. He is quiet and thoughtful, resolute and hopeful, but most of all practical and strong of spirit.
BTW, what *are* the Middle-earth Express Prompts? Is that a community or challenge group?
Author's reply
Thanks, I certainly did my best to delve into his thoughts and determine what he might have been feeling at these certain points in the quest.
The Middle-earth Express Prompts originate on the Aragorn Angst Yahoo group. A word is posted to the list each week, and the authors are encouraged to write anything in the world of Middle-earth that the word brings to mind. There is supposed to be a 500 word maximum, but I have a lot of trouble with that part of it. ;-) I'm glad you're enjoying my prompt stories.
grumpy
· 25 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
Time for a group hug. I am so glad for Elrond that he made the cradle.
harrowcat
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
What a wonderful gift. Especially loved the carving. I did wonder why no wilds of the Northern Kingdom but I suppose that Aragorn didn't really ever call that home.
Idril Celebrindal
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
Oh sniff sniff, no words, sniff sniff.
Author's reply
*hands over a tissue* Thank you. :)
Selene
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
O my, this is so sweet. I can just feel the love that went into making that cradle.
Author's reply
I love writing Elrond as a loving father, and this allowed me to do it even after he had sailed, so I had to write it. Thank you for the review.
Jay of Lasgalen
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
Very, very nice. I like the obvious love and affection E2 have for their sister and Aragorn. The carved cradle is a beautiful idea.
Jay
Author's reply
Thanks. E2, that's cute. I like that. :) But yes, I had to write them as a very close, loving family. As for the cradle, once I had the idea, it wouldn't leave me alone until it was written. ;-)
Larner
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 37: Hope Renewed
Ooh, interesting look at life from the tree's point of view.
Author's reply
It was fun to write from such a different perspective. Thanks.
Larner
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
Yes, oh how I can so see this happening, Misty. Yes, yes indeed. The gift of love and reassurance, arriving now when it is right and proper.
Author's reply
I'm sure Elrond wanted to make sure that his children knew how much he loved them and wanted to be a part of their children's lives, even if he couldn't be there with them. I just loved the idea of the cradle.
shirebound
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 38: A Father's Love - the children of Elrond
"Ada made this before he sailed," Elladan spoke softly, stepping forward and embracing Arwen as he continued. "Though he could not remain here long enough to see your children, he wanted them, and you, to have a reminder of his love."
How beautiful. What a wonderful idea for a story.
Author's reply
Thank you. It was the first thing to come to me after I saw the prompt, and it wouldn't leave until I wrote it. :)
harrowcat
· 13 November 2006
· Chapter 37: Hope Renewed
Oh so well done Misty! You got the voice of the oak just as I would imagine it. The only tree left sturdy and untwisted. I really hope that he/it lasted until better times and was the wise counsellor for the young saplings that would grow up around him.
Author's reply
Thanks. :) I also like the thought that it managed to hold out till Mirkwood was freed from the power of Sauron.
lwarren
· 12 November 2006
· Chapter 37: Hope Renewed
One of the most astonishing things about elves, I think, is their relationship to their environment, and the Silvan elves have one of the strongest in their love of the trees in their forests. I dearly love a good story showing that mystical, magical connection and this is a great one, Misty. To show it from the great Oak's POV and take it from the edge of despair to the first fragile sprouting of hope was truly inspired. (And of course, I loved the fact that Legolas inspired that hope! *g*) Wonderful!
Linda
Author's reply
Thanks. I like the thought that not all of the trees succumbed to the darkness and evil twisting Mirkwood, and that it was Legolas who gave the tree hope when it most needed. It is a great relationship to explore in the stories. I'm glad you liked it.
Antane
· 4 November 2006
· Chapter 36: The Monster Within - Frodo
This is my favorite scene in the movie, the terrible power of the Ring to come or try to come between these two shared souls and the just as strong power of Sam's love that never faltered. Good story about the disbelief and horror Frodo felt after one of the more violent rapes of his soul by the Ring.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks. I do think this is the moment when Frodo truly realized the power of the ring and that there might be no coming back from this quest. It would be very difficult to come back and see what he had almost done.
Larner
· 4 November 2006
· Chapter 36: The Monster Within - Frodo
A wonderful look at this movie-verse moment from Frodo's own POV.
Author's reply
Thanks. I like delving into my character's heads, so this was a good moment to explore.
harrowcat
· 4 November 2006
· Chapter 36: The Monster Within - Frodo
You have really nailed that moment. Brilliant Misty.
Author's reply
Sorry for such a late reply. Thanks for the review. :)
Oh, how much this reflects the grief she must have known always. To be one of the Dunedain and not have the likelihood of a new love and marriage must have been very difficult at times.
Author's reply
You know, I wasn't even really considering that aspect of it. But I think you're right. That had to have added to the grief she felt over the loss of Arathorn. They only had a short time together, and then she had to live the rest of her life for her son. She had a great responsibility to Aragorn, and she knew that he would be her reason for living from then on.
Such a difficult role for Gilraen, grateful for taking them in but resenting the necessity of keeping the secret. No doubt one of the reasons why so many fanfic writers kill her off or get her out of the picture so that they can focus on the Peredhel family with Estel.
Interesting to muse about all of those tamped-down feelings rushing out when Estel finally learns the truth.
Author's reply
OK, I have to admit that I've been guilty of killing her off in more than one of my stories as well. She is a difficult character to write, in my opinion, but I'm trying to include her in more of my stories. I do wonder what she felt when she was finally able to tell Aragorn about his father. I'll have to consider that. :)
Oh poor Gilraen. You express her pain so well including the illogical feelings that she cannot help.
Author's reply
Thanks. I do feel that she would have had a very difficult time adjusting to life in Imladris without her husband, watching Elrond take Arathorn's place in her son's life. Her emotions would naturally be mixed, and at times, as you said, a bit illogical.
grumpy
· 22 October 2006
· Chapter 34: Hope Will Prevail - Estel and Elrond
I love Estel and Elrond stories, so you made my day. Love how Elrond knew Estel was there, and Estel learned about hope.
Author's reply
I love writing Estel and Elrond stories, so that works fine. :) I kind of figured that a ten year old would have a hard time sneaking up on an elf, and I'm sure Elrond would have taken that opportunity to teach Estel that very important lesson.
harrowcat
· 16 October 2006
· Chapter 34: Hope Will Prevail - Estel and Elrond
Thank you so much for this one Misty. On a morning that I really did not wish to get out of bed and go to work it was perfect timing! Thanks again.
Author's reply
I'm glad I could help out. ;-) I'm glad you're enjoying my little ficlets, and always look forward to your reviews. :)
Larner
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 34: Hope Will Prevail - Estel and Elrond
Leading to one of my favorite movie-verse situations in TTT, when Aragorn take's Haleth's battered sword and cuts with it through the air, and returns it, finishing with "There is always hope." Yes, always hope, and Aragorn is the embodiment of it.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn's true gift was the ability to inspire hope in others. In him, they saw possibilites they never would have otherwise. (Like surviving a battle against overwhelming odds.) I did like that scene, too.