Reviews (179)

Grey Wonderer · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

That was lovely! I need Pippin to drop by the house and tell me I'm too young for something. Anything at all. hehehe At my age it would be greatly appreciated. I do wonder how it must have been for the Elves, especially Elrond, parting with Arwen for the last time and knowing full well it would be the last time. Such love she must have had for Aragorn and for Frodo too that she would remain behind.

Althea · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

This is an absolutely gorgeous chapter. I very much enjoyed Frodo and Sam's discussion about the elves saying goodbye to Arwen forever. I also liked also your version of how Merry gained the horn. You did a great job of creating just the right mood of melancholy before the departure from Edoras. Pippin's tipsy comments at the farewell feast and Merry's comment about his youth added just the right amount of levity.

Gentle Hobbit · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

Vintage Shirebound. Yes... more than Namarie. Thank you for this chapter.

Queen Galadriel · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

This is such a lovely chapter! “There are some lovely lashes... some lovely lasses here,” Pippin giggled. “You’re too young,” Merry said firmly. LOL! “It’s just awful,” Sam said at last. “It was hard enough sayin’ goodbye to folks we’ve only known for a short time, like Captain Faramir. And it’ll be dreadful hard when we have to say goodbye to Strider, once he has to leave us to take Lady Arwen home to Minas Tirith. But can you imagine--” “No,” Frodo said quietly, “I don’t think we can, Sam.” Like the others, he coud sense the air of mourning emanating from the Elves. “Maybe they can’t even grasp this, themselves. This is more than namarië – farewell – to them. Elves always wish that their folk will ‘fare well’ until they meet again, even if it takes thousands of years. But they’ll never see Arwen again, not anywhere, ever. It’s beyond their experience.” Yes, one of the saddest (and yet sweetest) things about LOTR is that underlying air of sadness--sometimes barely perceptible, sometimes so keen that it pierces the heart. You've captured that beautifully here. “Strider’s so lucky,” Merry said suddenly. “Arwen gave up everything for him. Everything.” “She loves him, Mr. Merry,” Sam said. “I hope we’re all that lucky, someday.” And they were. Sam had his Rose, Merry had Estella, and Pippin had Diamond. Even Frodo was lucky in that way, though through quite a different kind of love. After Rose's death, Sam gave up all he had in the Shire to go over the Sea and rejoin his dearest friend. Hmm, wonder why I'm bordering on poetic today? *G* God bless, Galadriel

Pearl Took · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

*a deep heartfelt sigh* That was beautiful, shirebound! **“And it reminds me of Boromir, too.” Merry looked at Frodo. “Do you still feel angry about what he did?” “I never really did,” Frodo sighed. “It was the Ring, Merry. It was truly evil, and I don’t blame Boromir any more than I blame Sméagol. Boromir loved his city the way we love the Shire. The way Arwen loves Aragorn. The way--” “...Sam loves Farmer Cotton’s Rosie.” Pippin grinned at Sam’s sudden blush. Frodo put an arm around Sam’s shoulders. “Perhaps that much,” he smiled. “Strider’s so lucky,” Merry said suddenly. “Arwen gave up everything for him. Everything.” “She loves him, Mr. Merry,” Sam said. “I hope we’re all that lucky, someday.”** Wonderful, wonderful sentiment :-)

Andrea · 27 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. LOL!!! That's our Pippin! But what he said was true, nevertheless. Do you know the Latin expression "In vino veritas" - I'd say that's true for ale as well ;-) I also loved Frodo's observation of the Elves his comment that they will be in a situation completely new to them, when they finally have to say good-bye to Arwen. This is more than namarië – farewell – to them. Beautifully said!

Dreamflower · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

A beautiful conversation between our lads. I love Pippin blurting out that Eowyn was "too young"! LOL! That was adorable, and likely just what the hobbits were thinking. And I loved Merry's response. I've always loved the fact that Merry refused to take all that treasure he was offered, and only took the silver horn. (But, as you know, I'm not so certain Eomer would have left it alone. That, however, is a different subject altogether,LOL!) It's a sad a solemn occasion, as the farewells and goodbyes begin to hit home.

Cuthalion · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

Wonderful, Janet... the way you capture the strong sense of melancholy and loss the elves must feel. And the hobbits are wise enough to understand what's going on... Someone should watch Pippin next time when he's around a beer cask, I'd say. *grins*

aprilkat · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

This story is so lovely, as are all of your fics. There's so much feeling and understanding of the implications of the back history in every comment and action. Many partings, indeed.

lbilover · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

Another beautiful and moving chapter, and drunk Pippin made me giggle, too. He's so dear. I love how you've filled in the story of Merry getting the horn from Eomer. And Frodo's words of forgiveness about Boromir touched me to the heart. Thank you :)

SlightlyTookish · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

I always liked that Merry ended up taking home a gift that proved so useful. This is a nice look at him, and also the elves through the hobbits' eyes.

harrowcat · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

The machine just ate my review!!!! A perfect chapter Shirebound. Loved and giggled at tipsy Pippin. Wanted to cry at the hobbits trying to imagine the feeling of the Elves and Elrond parting from Arwen. And the solemnity of their own partings from the people they have grown to treasure. Lovely.

SurgicalSteel · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 5: The Sundering Seas

So much to love here - tipsy Pippin was too adorable for words, and the view from the outside of Arwen's farewell to her father was bittersweet. Just lovely, as always!

Linda Hoyland · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

It is nice to see Frodo looking after Merry.You are right,he always was left behind.

Bodkin · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

Some people need to look after others to feel better themselves - and Merry is one of them. Although it could be a form of insecurity, I suppose ... Still, the caves should be interesting!

Grey Wonderer · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

Dear stubborn, Merry. This was very good. I loved the smoke ring contest and the way that Strider just knew to leave Merry alone with Frodo. Wonderful!

Queen Galadriel · 19 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

Oh my, that image of Frodo and Merry at the end is so nice and cozy...can I join the Hobbit-pile? :) This whole conversation between these two dear cousins is so very Hobbity, Shirebound! *aplauds* And I love the smoke-ring contest, LOL! God bless, Galadriel

Baggins Babe · 18 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

“That you grew wings, flew into the air, rode an oliphaunt into battle, and lopped off the Witch King’s head while singing 'The Ballad of Isengar Took’ at the top of your lungs.” What a mental picture that conjures I must say! I cannot possibly list everything I loved about this chapter - the relationship between Merry and Frodo, the smoke ring competition, Sam's threat to lock Frodo in a closet........ And the prospect of a visit to the Glittering Caves! Anything which can make Gimli wax so poetic must be incredible. Can't wait, Shirebound. Hobbity hugs and thank you for more cuddly hobbits - there can never be too much of that for me!

Elemmírë · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

Another lovely chapter, Shirebound! I'm glad that Merry's feeling well enough again to engage Aragorn in a smoke ring contest. “That you grew wings, flew into the air, rode an oliphaunt into battle, and lopped off the Witch King’s head while singing 'The Ballad of Isengar Took’ at the top of your lungs.” ROTFL! Now THAT I'd like to see! (talk about AU, LOL!) You show the depth and complexity of Merry and Frodo's relationship so very well here. A very heartwarming and tender look at the cousins and their fierce love and protection of each other. he said that if he catches you walking any farther than the front doors of the Hall before we have to leave, he’ll lock you in a closet .... Hmm, perhaps Sam muttered as such under his breath ... or Pippin declared that statement and Sam merely nodded his head in agreement. Frodo may never know. And Gimli's invited the hobbits to see the Glittering Caves!!!!! Very cool addition and I can't wait! Frodo's absolutely right--Gimli is a good friend indeed. :D ~Elemmírë~

demeter d · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart

I got this first chapter when you first posted it. But, I have been trying to be GOOD and limit my "time-wasting" on the computer lately. I see that this lovely story has been well received. Like others who have commented, I enjoyed Eomer's beautiful speeches that you have here. This is, after all, the man who called out poetry on the battlefield. Oral cultures have rich, beautiful spoken languages. Well done. I like one touch in the scene at the gates of Edoras. When The Three Hunters and Gandalf came the last time, Gandalf led them. But now is the beginning of the Age of Men. this is Eomer's kingdom, and Aragorn is here to show him tribute and respect. Gandalf stays sort of "back in the bunch" with the other leaders. Such a shining group, of course! But Gandalf's work is done. He stays in the background, and lets Eomer and Aragorn have center stage. I like your comments on the age differences. Eomer is, indeed, younger than Pippin. Merry and Sam are close to Farmir's age. Eowyn is enough younger than all of them that many stories i read give she and Merry an "older brother-younger sister relationship! (Now I have to make time to finish this!)

Althea · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

What a lovely scene you have presented to us. Merry and Aragorn's smoke ring contest was great fun and seemed so perfectly right for the characters. The gentle and comforting conversation between Merry and Frodo showed such understanding and love of the cousins for each other. I very much enjoyed reading this.

Althea · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 3: The Black Breath

Sam can say so much in so few words. I love his, "He wills." It is a relief that the others have figured out what was ailing Merry. I particularly enjoyed the pacing of this chapter and the way you managed to mix humor into a serious situation. It's very hobbity.

Althea · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 2: The Barrow of the King

This is another wonderful chapter. I like how the happy banter of Frodo, Pippin, and Sam at breakfast contrasts with Merry's more somber mood. I am so glad that Frodo knew exactly where to look for Merry. I hate to think what would have happened to Merry if he had remained at the barrow alone. I love how Frodo carries Merry just as Sam carried him. I hope to find the time to read more later this evening.

Althea · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Written in the Heart

Somehow I managed to miss this one. I've started reading it only today and I'm very glad to have found it. Your vivid use of detail makes me feel as if I am part of the company. I like the way you have included so many of our beloved characters in your story. It's great to see Frodo enjoying himself. I especially enjoyed the ceremony in which Aragorn asked permission of Eomer for the free people to enter. I'm off to read the next chapter.

Baranduin · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 4: Clearing the Air

This was exactly what I needed to read today, thank you! Poor Merry, he's such an unsung hero, it's no wonder it all got to be too much for him. Am particularly fond of your Eomer, especially in the first chapter :-)