Ainu Laire
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Awww! I cannot wait for the continuation- and I suppose the near ending- of this story. Aragorn truly can trust Frodo with his heritage. He is completely correct though, if the Enemy knew that he lived... well, there's fan fiction for such dark thoughts.
Anyways, it was such a delight to read this. A morning (being sick, at that!) very well spent.
I love the Quarentined series. One of the most delightful series I have ever read, and, if your muses keep on cooperating, will continue to read ;P
Thank you for the experience. I loved this. A beautiful early Christmas/birthday present ;)
Author's reply
I'm sorry to hear that you're sick! I hope your Christmas season and birthday find you feeling much better.
Thank you so much for reading, and for letting me know you enjoyed this. What a delight to share these gentle tales with my friends. :)
Ainu Laire
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 12: Behind the Door
Hah! HAH! What a very perceptive hobbit! He would notice that the sword on the mural and the one Aragorn had were the same. And a uncanny family resemblance would bring some suspicions, too, I would guess.
Oh wow. I love this story. Perfect thing to save for a lazy Saturday morning.
Author's reply
Thanks, Suvi! As usual, this story evolved far beyond my original plan for it.
Ainu Laire
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 8: Lake Evendim
The imagery you use to describe Lake Evendim is absolutely beautiful.
I play Lord of the Rings Online, which added Lake Evendim and the lands around it as an area to the game. With my character I have climbed those hills near the lake and I have gazed at the beauty that is the lake. Your description of it sounds exactly what the game depicted (though Annuminas is in-tact and overrun with bad guys for gameplay's sake).
Thank you for that image. I loved it.
Author's reply
Oh gosh, thank you! I spent a *very* long time trying to imagine what the lake looked like 3000 years after it was last inhabited, and how it would appear to a hobbit.
Ainu Laire
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands
AWW! The last two lines of this chapter made me just melt. You know I am one to read mostly drama, so it is so nice to read a bit of well-written fluff... I am enjoying myself quite a bit.
I love Frodo's hesitation and then quick recovery. I imagine he will ask many questions, and Estel and Elladan will need to be careful about what they say to the perceptive lad. Hmm, if Bilbo is over 100, that means Frodo is in his 20s. Aww.
Loved the scene at the Inn, too. It's nice to see hobbits that are not completely suspicious of Rangers or other strangers, and so friendly to elves, too! Very nice.
Reading on..
Author's reply
Frodo's going to realize very soon that this will be the adventure in which he gets to ask all his questions. He's been waiting since "Quarantined" (2002!) for that chance!
It's been fun taking just *one* of the twins and crafting a story with him. :)
Ainu Laire
· 22 December 2007
· Chapter 1: An Elven Encounter
School has not allowed me to read this and review it properly.
I am going to enjoy the next hour *g*.
Author's reply
I hope you enjoy the story, Suvi! :D
Gentle Hobbit
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
I rather liked the idea of Frodo being so captivated by that underground room that he utterly lost himself in sketching every thing. I'm almost surprised he acquiesed to Strider's order -- that he didn't try to stay longer.
Author's reply
I think his hand was getting sore and tired after sketching not just that floor, but everything in sight for the previous days! Poor Elladan didn't choose to be 'underground' very much, but Frodo didn't mind a bit. :)
harrowcat
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
A very large bit of magic all through this story. Lovely Shirebound and so much to develop later. *g* I especially want to hear Bilbo sharing his song with Frodo. You aren't going to make him wait until Rivendell now are you? I am haunted by that particular poem and your sirebunny about it.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I really never know what's coming next until... it starts nibbling on my ankle!
I was mildly annoyed that in the film, Arwen said those verses, not Bilbo. Unless folks have read The Hobbit, they don't know how amazing Bilbo really is. I hope "The Hobbit" movie showcases his adventure "there and back again" the way we all hope to see it.
Andrea
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
On the floor, an industrious young hobbit lay on his stomach, surrounded by dozens of sketches.
Awww! I can very well imagine that!
Home at last! And it's going to be a grand evening with a splendid meal!
I wished some stories would never end :)
Author's reply
I love making sure Frodo has fun adventures he can talk and dream about for years. Isn't it fun that we can go along? Thanks so much, Andrea. :)
Mysterious Jedi
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Awwww
Author's reply
Happy fluff. :)
Dreamflower
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
Aww...they're home. I love that Bilbo was all ready for them.
And little Sam being all tongue-tied over the Elf. Just adorable!
I liked how industrious Frodo had been, in making the drawings for Estel. I think that someday you should show us how the Dwarves have used those sketches in restoring the Northern capital! Have you ever thought of showing how this AU impacted the future? I think it could make for an interesting expansion...*hint*hint*
Such a shame to see this sweet story come to a close...I'm guessing that there are probably only one or two chapters left.
Author's reply
Thank you. I think this adventure has been just long enough -- Frodo loved every minute, but is happy to be home again.
Have you ever thought of showing how this AU impacted the future? I think it could make for an interesting expansion Uh oh. I'll certainly file that idea away! (I *always* think that every story in this series is the last one.)
SurgicalSteel
· 21 December 2007
· Chapter 15: A Bit of Magic
OH, that was lovely! Frodo doing all those sketches, and Aragorn planning on bringing certain Rangers back, and Elladan singing - all of it's just lovely, and you can keep writing this as long as you like!
Oh, and the gentle teasing between Aragorn and Frodo. Just lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I remember reading you a draft of Chapter 1 in Las Vegas, and thinking the story *might* go for 6 or 7 chapters. They always surprise me!
grumpy
· 11 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
Ah the secret is out, but I know that Frodo will not tell. I love the part about Bilbo knowing and making up a verse to Aragorn. Good of Elladan to save some opals to make a gift for Aragorn's future.
Author's reply
Yes, the secret's finally out. I've been wanting to get to this scene for a long time. :)
Linda Hoyland
· 7 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
What a beautiful chapter !
I know how special Aragorn is,but it is nice to be reminded sometimes of his greatness and unique destiny.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda! I think even Aragorn sometimes needs to be reminded about the possible joys that await him after his lonely, difficult, dangerous life as a Ranger.
Mysterious Jedi
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
Excellent as always. So now Frodo knows who his king is!
Author's reply
Thank you, MJ! I've wanted to write this part of the story for a long time.
Larner
· 5 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
How wonderful, to bring that movie image into this story--Aragorn lifting up and swinging Eldarion about, both happy and at ease. And more fitting, I think, for Elladan to have this vision than for it to come to Arwen.
Opals in a wedding gift....
The peace of the evening and the realization of who and what Aragorn is....
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. I do love opals. :)
I'm so glad this chapter conveyed a peaceful feeling.
Baggins Babe
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
Clever Frodo - and clever Aragorn. He gave Frodo the information he needed and Frodo was able to put things together. I love the trust between hobbit and future King - and Elf. Frodo will keep this information to himself.
I loved the harp - how perfect that Frodo and Aragorn were the first to hear it after all those years.
An absolute delight, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Thank you! I enjoyed writing this conversation *so* much. It's been a long time coming, especially since I began "Quarantined" in 2002!
SurgicalSteel
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
Oh, lovely. Very Socratic, the way Aragorn leads Frodo to the answers about himself by asking questions.
Author's reply
Thank you. Somehow I think that's how the Elves would teach, and would have taught 'Estel'.
Tigger
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
Sigh...I wish I could hear Elladan playing that harp. What a wonderful thing for both him and Aragorn to hear played what is very much a part of their heritage.
Now Frodo knows everything about Aragorn. Well, mostly everything. He couldn't have given that information to a more trust worthy hobbit or friend. For Frodo to be given that trust though...For a person who has gone through the neglect Frodo did and to be trusted w/such a secret, this will do so much for Frodo's confidence and self esteem. I'm sure Aragorn realized that as well.
What a wonderful addition to this story. I'm guessing that Sam and Bilbo will be hearing that harp and I can't wait to be there w/them. :o)
Author's reply
Oh Tigger, that's it exactly! Frodo began this series as very hesitant about himself and his value, and he's matured so much under Bilbo's (and Aragorn's and Gandalf's) nurturing, love, and trust. He's really come so far, and I've loved writing this whole series to show that.
Amy
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
I love this entire chapter!
My favorite part is "Until the King comes back," wow!
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Amy! :D
Andrea
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
As Elladan left to retrieve the harp from the shelter, Aragorn had to laugh at Frodo’s expression. It was obvious that the boy was torn between wonder at what he had heard, and a desire to know even more.
LOL! I would have loved to see that expression!
Your description of Elladan playing the harp was beautiful.
"Liquid notes" - loved it :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. I like thinking that Aragorn can read Frodo's expressions so well.
lbilover
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
What a wonderful moment when Frodo finally realizes Aragorn's true identity! And when Elladan plays the harp, it sent shivers down my spine.
Author's reply
I couldn't wait to write this conversation. I didn't want Aragorn to overload Frodo with too much information, just enough to tell the story as simply as possible.
I love harp music. My sister-in-law plays two or three different size harps, and they all sound magical.
Dreamflower
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
What a difference a little knowledge can make! I'm sure you never had a clue, back when you wrote the first "Quarantined" AU just how far it would go. I can imagine now all the differences it will make in the future.
Frodo's got a lot to think about, but I will bet he has no clue how important his *own* role will be one day, in helping his friend achieve his goal...
Author's reply
I had *no* clue! I still can't believe how far this story has evolved, while still remaining true to the original themes.
harrowcat
· 4 December 2007
· Chapter 14: Aragorn
Oh, Shirebound. Revelations and the harp. What a wonderful treat. Great antidote as I am trying to install anti-virus stuff on my new lap-top and now it won't let me on my e.mail! Now we have another Shirebound moment to look forward to one day - the presentation of my birth-stones!
Author's reply
I hope you can get everything installed. My laptop had a hard-drive meltdown over the summer, and it was a challenge to restore everything I had before.
Glad you enjoyed this chapter, Harrowcat! :)
Gentle Hobbit
· 25 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
I have finally caught up with the last three chapters. I love the description of the inner chamber with the city of Annuminas on the floor and the pearls and opals on the wall of the inner chamber. My fingers also itch to tune and play that harp...
What a marvellous adventure Frodo is having -- full of dreams, tunnels, friendship, treasure, song and beauty. The very best kind of adventure!
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, this is exactly the kind of gentle, exciting, friends-filled adventure I always wish for him... and for all of us! *hugs you*
grumpy
· 18 November 2007
· Chapter 13: Gems from the West
I loved it when Frodo asked if Estel had shaken it. Aren't all unopened boxes and presents ment to be shaken. I have broken a lot of china in my days, people really should package things better. Elrond will be very happy to see the harp!
Author's reply
That just seemed like such a natural thing for an exuberant tween to ask! :)