Elemmírë
· 12 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
This is absolutely wonderful, Shirebound! Once again, I'm so glad you've decided to further expand this tale.
The few times you've written Galadriel have all been well done, and this is no exception. I'm really liking Eärwen's characterization as well. I feel she will do much to help poor Frodo. And in turn, he will inadvertantly teach her many things as well. I loved how he stuck up for Galadriel to her mother in his wn quiet, but noble way. His words alone probably helped to ease Eärwen's upset over her daughter's exile. That it had not all been for naught.
Wow, that's such a neat idea to use the light in Frodo's phial to rekindle the Two Trees--it's just a shame that it cannot be done. And how very like Frodo to offer when he knew neither the Elves of the West, nor that the Light from the Trees was truly vanquished forever.
I'm also glad to see Mellon immediately agreeing to carry Bilbo about every now and again. :D It's really too bad Bilbo can't go far and explore with Frodo, however.
Speaking of Bilbo, how very like him to meet one of the most ancient of Elves and want to write her story down! LOL!
I eagerly await to see where this lovely tale goes next, Shirebound.
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your encouragement. This story is such a challenge for me, but one I've been thinking about for quite awhile. It may not end up being very long, but I hope it will convey everything I'm trying to say about Frodo's arrival and the effect it has on everyone involved. I do love thinking about that phial, and how it brings us full-circle back to nearly the very beginning of the Professor's exquisite tale.
Larner
· 12 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
And in accepting her gift of friendship, in return Frodo eases the reunion and resumption of affection between Earwen and Galadriel.
Very lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. Each good word, act, or intention -- no matter how small -- is like a ripple in a pond, isn't it? You never know what effect it might have... in ways we can't even imagine.
harrowcat
· 12 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
Loved this chapter Shirebound. Meeting Earwen is so special. The idea that Frodo carefully returning the gems to the sands helps the elves to overcome their wariness is great. And I can just imagine that offers to help tend the gardens will be more than gratefully accepted. My Dad gets very distressed that he no longer has the time or the energy to keep his, very large, plot well looked after. And Frodo especially will want it looking good to honour Sam.
Author's reply
You're reading my mind, harrowcat! Frodo and Bilbo have never lived anywhere "unkempt" or untended, and it will be a great relief to have their home and gardens lovely once more. I used to help my dad in his garden, and even a small plot was so much work for two people.
Daynawayna
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
I'm really enjoying this new story SB. I'm sorry I haven't reviewed before now... I tend to read it at work and that means I'm in "stealth mode" (read: sneaking online) so I don't always review when I read it. This is just wonderful and I really like Mellon; she seems such a sweet dog (Or whatever she is)! I can't wait for more! :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Dayna. And Mellon is definitely a dog -- albeit a very, very large one! :D
Antane
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
How sweet of Frodo to want to make that gift, to rekindle the trees if he could.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Some have written it differently, but I imagine that the journey into the West took weeks. Frodo would have had a lot of time to think, and wonder about many things that were ahead for him.
lbilover
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
I love this, and how you've explored the ramifications of Frodo's and Bilbo's arrival on the Elves. It had not occurred to me that they might not understand, and perhaps might even fear, their coming, and it seems so entirely right that they bring healing to the Elves as well as receiving it. And I just loved this line: "If I have learned to love dogs, I now believe that anything is possible.” Mellon’s tail thumped slightly, and the great animal looked very pleased." Aww... *happy sigh* I'm so glad you've started writing this wonderful tale!
Author's reply
At least *some* of the residents of Tol Eressea must have been confused -- if not downright suspicious -- about such an unprecedented event. And how many of them had even heard of hobbits before this?
Thank you! And you and I both know that dogs are fully capable of showing that they're 'pleased'. :D
SurgicalSteel
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 3: Among the Trees
Oh, I just loved every bit of this - don't know that I've seen much of Earwen in fic before, but loved her here. The notion that Frodo would offer up the phial to try and heal the trees - something that had never occured to me, and yet it's something I can very much see him doing. And I love that the Elves will finally properly welcome the hobbits. Oh, and Earwen telling Galadriel 'I'm proud of you.' Healing for both mother *and* daughter, and utterly lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm just fascinated by that phial, for some reason, and have woven it into many of my stories. It's fun to speculate about that bit of Elven magic, and Frodo's thoughts about it.
Armariel
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
Beautiful and wise.....(but those pesky elves should not be watching...for shame...shoo!)
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Hee hee. They were watching for a reason, as we'll find out soon!
Love your rose... :D
harrowcat
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
To live in a constant atmosphere of stress and tension is so tiring and debilitating. Times of peace and safety are to be treasured. Frodo had so few on the quest! It is great to see him and Bilbo making good use of this time, each in his own way.
Mellon and Frodo make a wonderful partnership. This whole chapter is so lovely Shirebound. I liked Frodo's awareness of help given especially.
Frodo nodded slowly. “When I needed a home and future, Bilbo took me in. Aragorn was there for us in Bree, and at Weathertop. Tom Bombadil, Lord Elrond, Faramir... Sam...” His eyes widened in sudden understanding. “Even now...”
Author's reply
Thanks, harrowcat. I hope my 'retirement years' are as full of love, peace, and growth as Frodo's are going to be!
shirespirit
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
For the first time, he began to realize the path his healing would take here in the West. It would be a process, one step at a time. He would heal at the pace he, himself, chose, and would not be alone. The long, gentle years he would spend here spread before Frodo in a new way, brighter and more far-reaching than he had imagined. He would be whole – every dark place in his heart, mind, and spirit whole and truly healed... and the process had already begun.
And no one deserves to be completely healed and whole more than our lad does, do they?
Well, it was a rather long and unpleasant day, and let me just say, I was thrilled to get on here tonight and see this updated...I reeeally needed a good dose of Frodo. Thank you :D
Looking forward to the next chapter!
shirespirit
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm so glad to give you "a good dose of Frodo" today! Every day should have one. :D
Blackadder
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Meadow
A nicely written story.
Just FYI but Frodo and Bilbo weren't the first mortals to reach the Enchanted Isles, Tol Eressea or Valinor.
Author's reply
Thank you. I know that they weren't the first mortals to reach the West, but they *were* the first mortals to be allowed to live there. As far as my research shows, other mortals came West, such as Earendil and Ar-Pharazon, but they never actually lived there.
Fimbrethil
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
Wow! I'm already hooked and am looking forward to your next chapter. I love the stories that deal with Frodo and others as they come to the Blessed Isle.
You have a wonderful writing style. thank you. Fimbrethil
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It's wonderful to try to imagine what this part of Frodo's life must have been like.
demeter d
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
How fascinating! This whole process will never cease to amaze me. Here I sit, reading and commenting on your story. And as I sit, you read and reply. Connected across many miles by that telephone line and our love of Tolkien's tales! This one too, is lovely. One more step, with friends along the way. And an insightful description on perceiving things beyond our physical senses.
Author's reply
I love this process. For me, most of the joy of writing is the interaction between author and reader. Yay for the Professor, and the internet, and our love for this endless Tale.
Thank you, demeter. I'm not writing as quickly these days as I have been, but I'm enjoying every moment I can spend in imagining Frodo's new life. :D
demeter d
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Meadow
So gentle and sweet! Bilbo will always want the best for his "dear lad". An interesting thought, that Bilbo was already somewhat familiar with the timeless flow of life for the Elves, and hence adjusted more quickly. And I can just imagine how much Bilbo would enjoy meeting Earendil and other of his heroes of old! I always enjoy reading about Celebrian having a happy, useful life in the West. She and Elrond went through so much together, they deserved to be happy in the end!
Author's reply
They *all* deserve their happily-ever-afters! What a joy to help them along a bit. I love writing about Frodo in the West -- happy, learning, and surrounded by love.
Baggins Babe
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
I love your thoughts on Ulmo and his vast presence in the waters.
Love Frodo's gradual healing and his bonding with the delightful Mellon - she will help him every step of the way.
Author's reply
Thank you. It's challenging to imagine what the Valar are actually like, and how they know what is going on in their different 'realms'.
Antane
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
And then the Quest had broken him down until there was almost nothing left from which to rebuild, until he finally had sought the only healing journey open to him.
The poor dear, but here is the one place that he will be able to piece back the broken pieces of his heart and mangled soul and become whole again. Great for him to know joy once more and to know he's not alone! :) I'm glad to see another chapter of this and look forward to more!
Very interesting comments about Ulmo and that he cares and senses those around him.
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. Isn't it wonderful that all of us can actually play a part in Frodo receiving all the love, healing, and peace he deserves? :D
Larner
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
Yes, one joyous and gentle and shining step at a time he will find the healing he needs for body and spirit. And Mellon is there to help him along the way.
Author's reply
I love how we can imagine the best and brightest future for our beloved hobbit.
Elflingimp
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
So,so interesting ,I wonder what those elves are thinking?
Author's reply
I'm so glad this is interesting. And chapter 3 will reveal a lot, as soon as I find time to write it! :D
cpsings4him
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
Shirebound, your dialogue is magic. You have a unique gift for getting inside your characters and becoming their voice.
I love this. I love the slow, gentle healing of our hero. It's lovely. I can't wait to read more.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. And I can't wait to *write* more!
SurgicalSteel
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
Lovely as always - gentle, healing - the tender reassurance that healing is there for Frodo when he's ready to accept it.
I needed this this morning.
Author's reply
I'm glad to contribute a bit of gentle healing to your morning. I need it, as well! Thank goodness Frodo is willing to share. :D
Iorhael
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Along the Shore
but you have not been without aid, or love along the way.
Oh dear. That's so true, and so touching.
Love this.
Author's reply
Thank you. I think Frodo tended to think of himself as solitary, alone with a great secret and burden, and perhaps lost sight of all the love and support with which he was always surrounded... and always will be.
Elemmírë
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Meadow
Oh goodie!! You're going to make a series/expanded tale of this one!!! Yeah!!! :D
I don't belive I ever left you a review for this one before, but I really love your introduciton of Mellon to Frodo. I'm sure she will make a wonderful companion for him. I don't know why, but I picture her as a giant, oversized golden lab or maybe even a golden retriever :D I'm glad that Frodo is able to overcome his fear of dogs and befriend her.
How very good for Bilbo to see that his lad will be well-cared for, looked after, safe, and happy when it comes time for him to finally depart.
~Elemmírë~
p.s. Looking forward to more of that maximum love you promised!!!
Author's reply
You sweetie. Thank you. And I couldn't bear the thought of Frodo living in the West (or anywhere else) unless he was surrounded by maximum love.
Elanor Silmariën
· 26 September 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Meadow
Oh, how sweet! Did you post this somewhere else before? It sounds very familiar. I love the dog already! *hugs dogs and hobbits*
God bless,
Ellie
Author's reply
Thanks, Ellie. Yes, rougher versions of chapters 1 and 2 were posted on Livejournal for two 'Waymeet' challenges. I linked to both of them, and you probably saw the posts in my LJ.
*dogs and hobbits hug you back*
Baggins Babe
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Meadow
I meant to say - Mellon sounds like a (much smaller) version of my Daisy - part Saluki, gentle, loving and very wise. I could see her befriending a hobbit! :-))
Author's reply
gentle, loving and very wise
JUST the type of doggie I hope to own someday! Daisy sounds like a treasure.
cpsings4him
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 1: In the Meadow
Oh! I DO remember this and I'm so happy you are going to expand it into a larger story. Can't wait! :D
Author's reply
Thanks, CP! This storyline has just been begging me to expand on it (even though I'm not sure yet exactly where it will go!). :D