Cuthalion
· 28 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
“You are different amongst the halflings… more spirited, and less tense. You seem... younger here.”
“Perhaps, after a few days in Frodo’s company,” Aragorn smiled, “you will feel the same.”
*smile*
Which explains in a most profound way why I started writing and translating fanfiction three years go... because I fee the same.
Thank you Janet. This heals my heart.
Cúthalion
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to share; thank you. And you *know* I feel the same... about the power of our stories, our friendships, this world in which we're privileged to play.
*hearts*
Glory Underhill
· 28 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Ah, I'm so excited to see you've started another installment. It already promises to be another gem in your box of jewels!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Glory. I know you're very busy these days, and don't have much time to read! I'm so happy you're enjoying this.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Yes! Scamp is going too! Excellent news. And I agree completely with this: (Frodo is quite a remarkable person.) Truer words were never spoken. I love Sam's name for Aragorn's horse by the way. Great bedtime chapter, thank you!
Author's reply
Yes, the best hobbit (and dog) in the Shire! It's lovely when others recognize it. Thank you for reading, GW. :)
Larner
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Yes, Frodo himself is a tonic for others, and now to see if they can do the same for him. Alas, our Estel's long betrothal must at times have felt somewhat a burden in itself. Now to see it come to fulfillment, and to see what Frodo's visions will lead to.
Elendil must have left something worth finding.
Author's reply
I know that Estel enjoys every visit and adventure with Frodo. I do hope they discover something interesting. :)
lbilover
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Oh, a lovely chapter. I'm glad to see that Scamp can go with them and it just delights me that Aragorn even reminded Frodo to bring her water bowl :)) It's beautiful that the carvings continue to play such an important role, and to witness Elladan's changed feelings about Aragorn and Arwen.
Author's reply
Scamp is definitely a member of the family, and a most important part of any ranger-hobbit expedition! I do love finding opportunities to weave this whole 'universe' together, like weaving the carvings into different stories. I'm so glad you're enjoying this.
harrowcat
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Iget very frustated when I don't have time to leave a review for something that I enjoy reading so much. Especially loved Elladan's reaction to the carvings and his resulting conversation with Aragorn.
Author's reply
Thank you, harrowcat. Any review, long or short, can warm an author's heart. :)
Grey Wonderer
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
An adventure for Frodo with Estel and Ellandan. I hope Scamp is coming along too. I love Frodo's concern for Bilbo in this chapter. I also liked the way Bilbo let him know that he could go along by asking about the singing. I wonder if there are any elves that can't sing? There's an idea. LOL Well, off to bed and to work tomorrow but I will be back for more.
Author's reply
Elves who can't sing, LOL! That would be like my silly little story about Erestor getting seasick.
Now I'm up *out* of bed (at 4:30 a.m.) and off to work. What a crazy world. So glad you're enjoying this already. :)
Grey Wonderer
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 1: An Elven Encounter
I finally get a minute here at nearly 3:30 in the morning to read and this is just delightful. Scamp and Sam and the pups! Oh, I love how quickly Frodo translated the name. Another adventure! This is excellent. I have time for one more chapter and so I'm off to read now.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading, GW, especially since you're super busy!
Lily Baggins
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Frodo is just absolutely adorable here... wanting to ride Arthad... and so excited about his trip. I have to admit, I'd be excited, too... it's not every day that a hobbit of the Shire gets to go on an excursion with an elf and a ranger.
I so enjoyed Elladan noticing Frodo's weariness---the wee things such as that make this story a treat. Frodo is always cared for, always looked after, and always respected by his friends and relatives. Which is why, really, this is such a feel-good story.
I can't wait to see what happens on this trip!
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. I doubt *any* hobbit has ever been on such an excursion! And yes, we must ensure that Frodo is always cared for, looked after, and respected. I suspect that's why I write fanfic in the first place. :)
Andrea
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Wonderful new chapter!
Of course, if Sam wasn't able to come, at least Scamp should accompany Frodo on his adventure. And what good care she will be taken of! Some people might even envy her ;-)
So, Frodo tasted the doggy biscuits before he gave them to Scamp? Great! I have a colleague who does likewise. She even showed me a book with recipes for doggy cookies. The ingredients sounded good, except for the egg shells that should be worked into the dough as well.
Last but not least, I very much enjoyed the scene when Elladan approved of Aragorn's wish to marry Arwen one day!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Andrea.
When I was growing up, I nibbled on the biscuits we gave our dog just to see what they tasted like. I suspect that 'Shire biscuits' would be much tastier!
It was a challenge writing that short scene between Elladan and Aragorn; I wanted it to convey a lot of emotion with very few words. I'm so glad it worked.
Elemmírë
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Oohh! You're getting me all excited like Frodo is to be reading another Shirebound Adventure! I can't wait to see where you go with this one. I'm eager to read about Lake Evendim and if Frodo or Scamp come across anything interesting.
It would have been so glorious to ride across the Shire on a Ranger’s horse, so high up in the air.
ROTFL!! Every time my less-than-five-foot mother climbs into my Hyundai Santa Fe (which is not a big, hulking SUV like most are) she always comments on how much more of the world she can suddenly see from sitting up higher while I drive. Frodo's thoughts regarding riding on Arthad made me laugh as it reminded me of that.
LOL! So even Frodo tried tasting his dog's food and and found it edible. I remember my brother and I trying a taste of our dog's Kibble n' Bits once and finding it "agreeable." Of course, Farmer Cotton's puppy treats are "all natural".
I really liked reading the conversation Elladan and Aragorn had at the very end of this chapter. I never before thought of Arwen's brothers being angry at Estel for falling in love with her, but it does make sense. I hope that one day both Elladan and Elrohir will indeed see such a monument erected in honor of the King and Queen of Gondor.
~Elemmírë~
p.s. Hmmm, Bilbo's got a nasty cold .... Frodo's exhausted from taking care of Bilbo .... Frodo is traveling 80-90 miles away from home up North to where it is colder with Aragorn .... hmmmm I wonder if you might be headed somewhere in particular with this? ;)
Author's reply
Awww, thank you for sharing your excitement. It's certainly more inspiring to write stories when folks let you know they're eager to read them. *hugs*
Tell your mom that I'm 4'10", and understand completely! It's thrilling to be "way up high" sometimes.
I'm afraid I can't promise anything about where the story is headed, since I rarely know until we get there. :)
Pearl Took
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
I could use a trip to see the hobbits!
But truly, it must have been soothing to be among people who love life's simple comforts.
I think it's interesting that they are taking Scamp.
Well done as always, dear shirebound!!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. I think the Shire was the Professor's idealized world, and it's such a joy to visit there as often as we can.
Baggins Babe
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
I'm not surprised that Aragorn feels younger in the Shire - we all would!
How wonderful that Elladan finally understands the love between Arwen and Aragorn now he has seen the carvings. I suppose her brothers would find the whole idea difficult to deal with at first.
Scamp is going too!! *bounce* I don't think she would have liked it if she was left behind. Shame Sam can't go but someone has to look after Bilbo.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo needs to know that someone is looking after still-sniffly Bilbo. I think the Gamgees are pleased that 'the young master' trusts their family so thoroughly.
Thank you for reading, BB! Yay for new hobbity adventures.
Amy
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Elladan's reaction to the carvings is very touching.
Eee, so many things to love, e.g.:
Rangers and their horses thriving among hobbits!
Hobbit inns!
Elladan escapes doing the dishes!
Now we see the fruits of the discussion of horse vs. pony travel. I'd be disappointed, too, to have to ride a pony, rather than on Ollie.
Scamp carried in a cunning contrivance, no doubt!
Author's reply
Eee, so many things to love
What a lovely compliment, Amy! :)
Yes, I really had to re-think the timeline (and many details) of the story once folks educated me a bit about horses, ponies, and travel times.
Elwen
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Elladan's conversation with Estel about Arwen was so touching. And your story is building slowly and steadily as always. Love it.
Author's reply
Thank you, Elwen. I'm so happy you're reading along. :)
Antane
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Another cute chapter. I'm glad to be back in this universe, before the Shadow touched our dear hobbits. I wish Sam could come too - maybe another time. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
I wish Sam could come too, and so do our lads! But this time, Frodo gets his own adventure. Thank you so much for reading.
aprilkat
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
I was surprised to find tears springing to my eyes at Elladan's understanding and acceptance of Arwen and Aragorn through his viewing of the carvings of Luthien and Beren. So lovely. How meaningful it must have been for Aragorn to hear this from his foster-kin, when we know how reluctantly-won Elrond's approval was - and why.
So Frodo will get his adventure! I love your presentation of his enthusiasm and goodness and seeing others appreciate it. I can't wait to see what happens, especially with Scamp along.
Author's reply
Oh Aprilkat, thank you. That small scene between Elladan and Aragorn was brief, but I do think it would have been very meaningful for both of them.
I'm right there with you, curious to see what will happen on this adventure!
SurgicalSteel
· 23 June 2007
· Chapter 3: An Enduring Hope
Yay, a new chapter! *throws confetti in the air*
“When I learned that you and my sister were in love, I felt... confused, and angry.” Aragorn started to speak, but Elladan stopped him. “Those carvings, Aragorn... hearing the tales is one thing, but seeing the images is something quite different. The love that Lúthien and Beren felt for one another, and what they endured...” He sighed. “I truly hope that you and Arwen find happiness. It is my wish that someday there will be monuments to your love as stirring as the one that lies hidden here, in the Shire.”
Loved that. Just loved it. *happy sigh* And it gives me ideas.
Makes total sense as well that it'd be cooler around Lake Evendim. It's much cooler around Lake Winnepesaukee (about an hour to an hour and a half drive north) than it is here right now. *wants to go there*
Can't wait to see more!
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm so thrilled when something I write inspires ideas in others. *bounce bounce* And I do love imagining that contact with hobbits can allow others -- such as these two 'brothers' -- to communicate things to one another that might otherwise have gone unsaid.
Cuthalion
· 17 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
Well, it was worth the wait, and perhaps I should have left my task much earlier to get the intense refreshment your tales always seem to offer. That was good - and very intriguing! What kind of door? And is there a treasure or great and ancient mystery hidden? I am glad that there is more to come!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Intense refreshment! What a lovely compliment. I do love gentle adventures, and am so glad you do, as well.
Andrea
· 15 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
And so the adventure begins!
My guess is that they will find more than rocks and stones. But we'll see ;-)
I'm right glad to have internet access again, it's far too boring without it.
On my holiday trip I met a nice barely one-year-old dog, a Labrador. The only problem was that she wasn't as well-behaved as Scamp. So I had footprints on my trousers more than once ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, we'll see, won't we? *grins*
Thanks for coming along on another adventure, Andrea.
Elwen
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
"I doubt we will find anything other than rocks and hills, and perhaps some peaceful fishing."
I'm rubbing my hands with glee in anticipation of Estel eating those words some chapter soon.
Author's reply
Do you think so? *looks innocent* :)
Baggins Babe
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
Yay! A new Shirebound story! This is wonderful - my phone line was dead for over a week and then the modem played up a bit. Grrrrrr! Nice to be able to review properly.
Will Sam be going with Frodo or is he going to look after Scamp? Will Scamp allow Frodo to go without her?
Only one twin? Oh well, I suppose they must have split up from time to time.
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Glad you're back online! It's frustrating when access to our 'virtual world' is inconsistent.
Yes, only one twin! It seemed like something that haedn't been written about too often. Glad you're coming on our new adventure, BB. I'll try to make it interesting! :)
Linda Hoyland
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
This sounds fascinating.I am already enjoying this story.
Author's reply
I'm so glad! Thank you, Linda.
aprilkat
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
This was so charming - Frodo trying so hard to be useful and take care of Bilbo, and wanting so much to go off with Aragorn. How interesting that he can see things like that in his dream.
I think it's time for another adventure! (But will Scamp let Frodo go off without him?)
Author's reply
It *is* intriguing that Tolkien wrote about Frodo's clarity of dreaming, which is scattered throughout the Trilogy. It's fun to explore that unique aspect of this unique hobbit.
Yes yes, another adventure! Better pack your bags, Aprilkat. :)
Dreamflower
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 2: An Unexpected Invitation
This is going to be very exciting! I love, by the way, that you are writing a fic with only Elladan accompanying them. It seems to me that occasionally the twins must have had adventures separate from one another, but you really don't see that very often.
Author's reply
Thank you, I hope it turns out to be a fun journey! Yes, if young Frodo can have an adventure without Bilbo, why can't Elladan have one without Elrohir? I like the idea of it. :)