A Rohan Tapestry by shirebound
Sophinisba · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
This was a lovely chapter too. I think you do a really good job with Sam and it is good to see him so happy here.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It's always a challenge to ensure that each character has their own 'voice' and comes through realistically.
Sophinisba · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
It is good to know that Frodo doesn't hold any anger against Boromir. I love Merry here! He's so noble and good and it's nice to see he's doing so much better.
Author's reply
Hobbits are wonderfully resilient, aren't they? :D
Grey Wonderer · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
So glad to have this to read over the weekend! Lovely chapter! I like the way the Hobbits have affected their traveling companions. I also like the idea that Merry and Frodo are able to talk and to share secrets which might help both to heal. Now, if only Gimli manages to teach Legolas to enjoy and appreciate caves. LOL
Author's reply
Thanks, GW. The hobbits may be small, but I believe they affect everything (and everyone) around them in large or subtle ways. It would be a funny AU to have Legolas excitedly dragging Gimli into a new cave he discovered, wouldn't it? *grins*
Daynawayna · 16 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Again, I read without reviewing for a few chapters... I sowwy! But you must know that even if I don't review, I read all of your stories and I love each one! I like this one because we get to actually see growth and change in Merry, and here even in Pippin; I just love the Bowing to Gondor ritual! Pippin is a very wise tween, and it's really neat to see him mature on his way home to the Shire. And now that Merry has "released" the black breath's hold on him (as well as he can at the moment, since its memory will always remain), I like that he and Frodo are talking again and Mer is enjoying things more. You never cease to amaze me with your stories, Janet, and I look forward to seeing the alerts in my In Box! God Bless and Always Keep Writing! :) Dayna
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dayna. These are four very special hobbits, and it's such a joy to be able to ponder their lives and experiences, and fill in the blanks the Professor so kindly left for us. *hugs you*
Bodkin · 15 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Frodo must be relishing the return of some normality. Even if normality has changed beyond anything he might have expected. At least they are all going home, more or less in one piece. Legolas isn't looking forward to the caves? Now, who'd have thought it!
Author's reply
After going through so much, for so long, there's something wonderful about knowing that you're finally on your way home.
Linda Hoyland · 15 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
I was touched by Pippin observing the Standing Silence.I keep forgetting to mention that when I should in my own stories !I would love to read an Aragorn and the Hobbits meet a dragon tale from you !
Author's reply
If I'm ever bitten by a plotdragon, I'll certainly considering writing it! :D Author Reply: If I'm ever bitten by a plotdragon, I'll certainly considering writing it! :D
Baggins Babe · 14 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Another lovely chapter - Frodo and Merry enjoying long walks together, Gimli teasing Legolas, Pippin continuing to grow in stature and maturity.... *happy sigh* And dear Sam bold enough to approach Galadriel and Celeborn to ask about the plants of the Golden Wood. How much they have all grown and changed, and yet they are still our sensible hobbits. More soon, please!
Author's reply
Isn't it a joy to explore the thoughts, emotions, and interactions of our hobbits? I wasn't sure *what* this story wanted to be, when I began writing, but apparently it's happy being gentle, peaceful, and introspective. Thank you, BB.
Andrea · 14 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Frodo and Merry usually walked together for an hour or so when the Company made camp each evening. They talked about a great many things each had kept hidden from the other, of fears and sadness, and perceived failures, and both found great comfort and new strength on their walks. Great comfort and new strenght - I like that very much! Those two have always been like brothers, since Merry was born. "And speaking of foul tunnels..." He frowned at Gimli LOL! Legolas tries everything to avoid those "tunnels", doesn't he? But wait until he sees the Glittering Caves with his own eyes!
Author's reply
Thanks, Andrea. I wish there were caves (glittering or otherwise) somewhere near where I live. It sounds very adventurous to explore underground realms.
Periantari · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Really liked that bit with Sam riding up to Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn to inquire about the trees and flowers of Lorien-- so like Sam and i could so imagine him growing to ask questions of the "great Lords and Ladies"... =)
Author's reply
Yay for Sam! And what's the use of knowing special things, as the Lord and Lady to, if there's no one interested in learning them?
Periantari · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
Very nice hobbity dialogue here between the hobbits-- i liked how you mentioned Frodo forgiving Boromir for what he did... and also liked the importance that Merry would have ties with Rohan forever. Nice last line to the chapter too. :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I enjoy writing dialogue more than anything else. *hugs*
Periantari · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air
Very nice Frodo and Merry dialogue in here... i'm glad that Merry is looked after too-- he deserves it so very much. And whenever you attach hobbits and blankets, i get all melty inside. :) awwww hobbitses! <3 Merry & Frodo <3
Author's reply
Hobbits and blankets! I can't seem to resist! Hobbit love... :D
Periantari · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath
::trying to catch up:: This chapter was really lovely, Janet~ I really liked the attention that Merry got and loved this line because it's so true: “Healing, Pippin, is a process that takes time.” And yes, Merry was exposed 5 times to the BLack Breath and that indeed is something to take into account in anniversary fics with Merry... Also loved the last line because it made me smile so-- “Your cousins need to rest.” “They will,” Sam and Pippin said as one. Sam and Pippin caring fro Frodo and Merry is lovely. :D
Author's reply
Thank you, Peri An. I'm not sure I've ever written about Sam and Pippin being the 'caregivers' before. Merry had his own healing to do post-Quest, and of course I had to sneak a bit of FrodoHealing in as well! :D
Queen Galadriel · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Oh, I just love everything about this chapter! Frodo as older cousin again, Merry opened up, Pippin growing and still maturing while remaining his dear self, Sam happy, and all of them engaging in pleasant conversation! Love it, Shirebound! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you so much! :D
Althea · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
It's wonderful to read of the growth and healing of each of the hobbits. I love how Pippin reminded the others of the silent standing tradition. Merry and Frodo seem to have found such peace. Sam's quiet joy that his master is better is, as always, a delight. I am so glad that he overcame his shyness enough to speak to Galadriel and Celeborn. I can just picture Legolas's lack of enthusiasm for the upcoming exploration of the Glittering Cave. This chapter is a treasure.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you. I'm so happy you're enjoying this. It's a pleasure to explore a more peaceful and contemplative time for the hobbits, and all of the Company surrounding them.
Dreamflower · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
This was so nice, it really was! I loved that Pippin kept the Standing Silence--it really is the kind of thing he would have done. And this, oh, this was lovely: Frodo and Merry usually walked together for an hour or so when the Company made camp each evening. They talked about a great many things each had kept hidden from the other, of fears and sadness, and perceived failures, and both found great comfort and new strength on their walks. Frodo had fallen into a new role as well, or rather, an old and much-missed role: that of older cousin. It had been many years since Frodo had anyone to care for or look after; indeed, during the past few years he had given thought to little save a growing restlessness, and then the dangers and trials of the Quest. But the ‘brother’ Merry had idolized as a child and respected as an adult now once more walked beside him, sharing wisdom and strength, love and gentle words. That just made me melt.
Author's reply
Thanks, Dreamflower! Hobbit cousins just being themselves, wherever they are, makes me so happy.
lbilover · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
But the ‘brother’ Merry had idolized as a child and respected as an adult now once more walked beside him, sharing wisdom and strength, love and gentle words. I love this part best. I think we as readers miss that Frodo, too, and it's so lovely to see him here. Another beautiful chapter, Janet!!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. There are still so many levels and aspects of these characters yet to be explored. I'm really enjoying writing this calm, less frantic type of story.
Larner · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Oh, such a sweet and gentle chapter, and do expect Gimli is right.
Author's reply
Thank you. Our hobbits deserve to have reached a more peaceful and gentle time in this long journey!
aprilkat · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
Your story touches my heart with its sure touch about the hobbits - who they are and why we love them. I feel as though I am reading part of LOTR, it feels that true and sure.
Author's reply
Oh Aprilkat, what a lovely thing to say. Thank you.
SlightlyTookish · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
*happy sigh* I so love that Pippin becomes the one to lead everyone in the Standing Silence, and I adore what Aragorn says to him :)
Author's reply
Pippin grows so much over the course of the Quest, doesn't he? I think he would be constantly surprising people.
SurgicalSteel · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Journeys of the Heart
This was so gentle and sweet - I adored Pippin keeping the tradition of the Standing Silence, and I can't wait to see the trip to the Glittering Caves!
Author's reply
Thank you. I can't wait to 'see' the Caves, myself! :D
Bodkin · 3 March 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
Eowyn isn't that young, really - not in terms of the Rohirrim, who have shorter lifespans than hobbits. But I can see Pippin not knowing that - why should he, after all? And Eomer is probably not than keen to have his sister wed. The horn is a good souvenir to take - and the treasure Merry really goes home with is the love of Eomer and the respect of the Rohirrim. And nothing gets past the sadness of Arwen's division from her family. They must have been reunited beyond the end of the world. It would be only fair.
Author's reply
and the treasure Merry really goes home with is the love of Eomer and the respect of the Rohirrim Such a wider world these hobbits discovered! All four represented their people well, in their own individual ways. Thank you very much for reading.
Baggins Babe · 2 March 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
Sometimes it takes a story like yours to make us realise the full impact of the loss of Arwen for the Elves. How sweet and touching that the hobbits can empathise. Dearie me - Eowyn is too young, Pippin is too young............ Frodo must be feeling positively ancient! Merry and his leave-taking of those he has come to love in Rohan was lovely - sad and bitter-sweet. I meant to review this ages ago but RL got in the way!
Author's reply
Thank you, BB. And RL is definitely in the way these days! I've hardly have any time to write, which is so hard to bear. Hopefully this month will be a little less frantic.
Larner · 28 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
Oh, how perfect, Shirebound, especially Merry's personal leavetaking of the Mark. How very lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I'm learning a lot about Merry by writing this story.
Lily · 28 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
“There are some lovely lashes... some lovely lasses here,” Pippin giggled. “You’re too young,” Merry said firmly. *ROFL* Oh, that Pippin!
Author's reply
*giggles* That line really tickles me, as well.
Linda Hoyland · 28 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas
A very moving chapter ad nice to mention Boromir at the end of February !
Author's reply
Yes, it's a good time to remember Boromir, isn't it? :D