The Vault of Annúminas by shirebound
Antane · 20 October 2007 · Chapter 11: Behind the Curtain
Three cheers for Scamp! What fun for Frodo to have this adventure. I know I sound like a broken record, but it's so nice to see him young and innocent and beautiful and excited. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It's nice for me, too, Antane! This is the young Frodo I love to imagine -- happy, intelligent, curious, and surrounded by love. Thank you so much.
Dreamflower · 20 October 2007 · Chapter 11: Behind the Curtain
Frodo proves once more he is no ordinary hobbit. The "luck" of the Bagginses, that helped Bilbo--"chance if chance you call it"--is definitely with him! I am as eager as the three of them to see what's behind that door!
Author's reply
There certainly is something special about the Bagginses... and their little dog, too! I can't wait to get chapter 12 written, so we can *all* see what's been waiting to be re-discovered for all these years.
SurgicalSteel · 20 October 2007 · Chapter 11: Behind the Curtain
Well, that was yet another lovely chapter. *hugs* Loved Elladan giving credit to both Frodo and Aragorn for their parts in finding the door, and I can't wait to see what's behind it!
Author's reply
Awww, thank you. Even someone as old as Elladan hasn't experienced everything, especially when it comes to a certain very special hobbit. This series is such a gentle, happy place for me to play.
grumpy · 14 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
So Estel got a chance for a couple of extra hours of sleep, plus lots of food, and a archery contest. I am with Frodo, and want to stay there for a long time. Sounds like paradise, except the water needs to be warmer.
Author's reply
This is such a restful place for Estel, and it's nice to give him a little well-deserved 'holiday' once in awhile.
Linda Hoyland · 6 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
A delightful chapter. I loved seeing Aragorn and Frodo so happy.Your stories are a true tonic! You have inspired me to start on a ficlet set in this area,though with different characters.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I'm so happy this has been inspiring to you. :)
Lily Baggins · 4 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
Gracious, Frodo is too adorable here for words... he's so eager for adventure and so happy to be included ... ah, the part in which TEARS came to his eyes... so sweet, so incredibly sweet. Who could not love him? I must admit, I grinned broadly when I read about Frodo wanting to ride Arthad, and Aragorn leading Arthad into a gallop just to please Frodo. What a Tookish, adventurous hobbit! This story is really a balm to a stressful day, believe me. Like a good long soak in a hot bath...
Author's reply
This story is really a balm to a stressful day, believe me. It makes me so happy to hear that. I really do try to write stories that not only offer Frodo comfort and happiness, but allow us to share it. *hugs you*
Baggins Babe · 3 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
Frodo with all his questions sounds a lot like Pippin! I felt very moved when Frodo said how much he was enjoying himself - the poor lad has had far too little fun in his life and it was wonderful to see. Poor Scamp will be confused - staying in one place after all that travel. Glad she didn't chew Aragorn's boots though! Now I can't wait to learn what they do find.
Author's reply
I absolutely insist on Frodo having fun in these stories! And now that they're all relaxed and fed and happy, it's definitely time for the "treasure hunt". Thank you, BB. :)
aprilkat · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
I found this chapter so touching. I got a little teary-eyed at Frodo's thrill at being the center of Aragorn's attention. He is truly such a sweet boy. Heh - now Aragorn is the one champing at the bit to explore, and he can't use Frodo's eagerness as an excuse. I like the way you give us more information about the elves through our learning about the twins.
Author's reply
Thank you, Aprilkat. Yes, for all of Aragorn's infinite patience, he's very eager to get on with things to see if this trip will bring new insight into his ancestors and their lives.
lbilover · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
I really had tears in *my* eyes when Frodo teared up. I didn't expect that, and it was very moving. But it's a joyful thing, considering what we know about Frodo, to see him laughing and happy, too. I'm just loving this story. The care you put into it just shines through. Thank you :)
Author's reply
I absolutely insist on Frodo laughing and being happy! Thank you so much. Writing and sharing these stories brings me such joy.
harrowcat · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
Aw, *happy sigh*. A perfect day for Frodo. One to savour and treasure.
Author's reply
Yay, that's exactly what I try to give him in these stories.
Amy · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
Just like Frodo, I don't want their stay to end! This time I liked the hut, and Scamp going to the horses, expecting to move on, and fishing, swimming, and cooking. Almost like modern summer camp! But what about this mystery!?
Author's reply
Glad you're enjoying the lake! Yessss, I think we need to investigate this mystery...
Lindelea · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
A few impressions... Grab me by the throat, why don't you, with mention of Frodo fishing with his father. Garlic for breakfast? Ah, the cleverness and perfect timing of the Elves. (Reminds me somehow of Gandalf, always arriving exactly when he means to.) A poignant moment, regarding hobbits and the uses of bows. Lovely, very exciting, and eagerly waiting for more. (Especially a possibility of treasure!)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo told Aragorn in "Quarantined" how long it had been since he'd been fishing. I like to show Aragorn remembering little things like that. Ah, the cleverness and perfect timing of the Elves. (Reminds me somehow of Gandalf, always arriving exactly when he means to.) Exactly! Conscious or not, you do learn some things over a few thousand years. :) Thank you so much. Now to contemplate that treasure hunt...
Larner · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
I am not the only one to sense the kinship between Estel and Frodo, am I? (Smiling gently.) This visit to Evendim is strengthening the love between them, the laughter they can share, the shared joy of discovery and love of beauty and peace, and the shared wisdom between the two of them. Most, most lovely, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Larner, your review is most, most lovely. Thank you.
SurgicalSteel · 2 October 2007 · Chapter 10: Fun and Games
So much to love about this chapter! First of all, Aragorn cleaning up in the morning? *fans self* Lovely mental image, that. Fisherman Frodo who hums while he cooks! :) Frodo's wonderment at just how big the world really is - and he still doesn't know the half of it! The friendly competition between Aragorn and Elladan was lots of fun, too - and I liked the moment between them talking about the peacefulness of the Shire-folk and Aragorn's wish to see Annuminas re-built. Absolutely lovely - as per usual! ;)
Author's reply
Awww, thank you! I thought everyone could use a day off to just relax and enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
Lily Baggins · 20 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
Me! Me! Me!!! I'll be a guest at the Ranger, the Elf, and the Hobbit!!! Oh, excuse me---the Hobbit, the Elf, and the Ranger. I'll be a guest! Book me! Immediately, please. I want my bed soft and cushy and I want to be served breakfast in bed by the hobbit. The ranger can draw my bath and then take me on a walking tour. The elf . . . the elf can read to me and sing to me. *nods* What a dreamy vacation that would be... Seriously? This story is like a dreamy vacation. You have described the scenery so beautifully---I really do think this is the most lovely imagery you've used to date in your stories. I could live there, happily, forever. And Frodo is so cute and eager---just like a happy tween. And wow, what a mysterious plotline. I can't wait to see what happens with the hidden door---now THAT will be very exciting. You're right---hobbits do inspire you. :) The last few lines are priceless.
Author's reply
Lily, you're reserved for the biggest, most luxurious guest suite, just as soon as they get the place built! Wouldn't that be a wonderful vacation spot? I just love imagining all the possibilities. Eeee, thank you so much! :)
grumpy · 16 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
It most likely is a good thing I am not on this camping trip, I have a urge to give Estel a little push into the hollow, just to see what would happen. Maybe this is why elves and rangers will not take me anywhere.
Author's reply
We just have to insist on accompanying them, grumpy. They'll never know what delightful travel companions we'll be unless they give us a try!
Larner · 14 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
Oh, how wonderful! And of course they'd arrive at the proper time--how else would it turn out? Now, to examine the stone. No, they couldn't approach the Hallow itself--although the King is there....
Author's reply
Glad you're enjoying this! I believe that Aragorn thinks of himself as "a Ranger of the North", and would hold to the traditions of his people. But it will be quite an experience for him to finally ascend to the hallows of old... as King.
Baggins Babe · 14 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
Perfect! This was a wonderful chapter, Shirebound. I loved eager and excited Frodo working out what his dream might mean and keen to be off right away! Dearie me, Elladan and his brother need to be updated about Bilbo's adventure. I suppose Elves don't have the same urgency as humans - they have thousands of years to catch up on things! 'Scruffy rascal'- and Frodo wasn't talking to Estel! :-)
Author's reply
Elves must feel that they have all the time in the world to see, learn, and do whatever they wish. That really is a fundamental difference between the Firstborn and mortals, isn't it? Yes, Estel is off the hook this time; there is someone scruffier than him on this little adventure! Thanks so much for reading, BB. :)
harrowcat · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
Hm... *shivers like Scamp in eager anticipation*!
Author's reply
*feeds you a yummy travel-biscuit and tells you stories while we wait* :)
Pearl Took · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
Hmmm . . . at the right time, eh? That is an important matter. I hope they are there at just the right time :-) If there are mushrooms, Hobbits will come.
Author's reply
We'll have to always make sure there are mushrooms, then. :)
Dreamflower · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
Finally, I got to read this chapter! (Silly internet was down all day yesterday!) I love this picture of their stay--I could easily imagine the huge lake, and the shore. And young Frodo proves his competence as a cook. I find it humorous that Elladan was not familiar with his father's role in Bilbo's Adventure! Perhaps he was off orc-hunting at the time... But I loved Frodo's quick surety that he had figured out the riddle, and his natural assumption that of *course* they'd arrived at the right time!
Author's reply
I doubt Elladan and Elrohir are home often enough to hear all the news and tales! They have a lot of catching up to do. Yes, I wanted to show that Frodo is as quick as his uncle to put the pieces of a puzzle together. Now we'll see where those pieces lead... :)
Linda Hoyland · 13 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
I loved the part about the Hallow. I wonder if the eagles senses who is there? It was great too to see Frodo and Scamp having fun.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. When Frodo's happy, I'm happy. :)
Gentle Hobbit · 12 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
I loved that moment of realization and excitement when Frodo started to connect the bowl, the star and the door in his dream with what they were seeing. Even if it doesn't prove to be the answer, I liked the way you conveyed that sense of heady excitement.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm trying to keep a balance between showing the exuberant, but sometimes uncertain tween, and the clever and gifted hobbit he already is.
Amy · 12 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
The treasure hunt kicks into high gear! I love the kingly foretelling bits, of course, and the swimming and cookout and songs. (Sounds like summer camp!) I was only slightly surprised when Frodo said, "Come here, you scruffy rascal," and Scamp answered!
Author's reply
Frodo might be brave enough to call Estel 'scruffy', but maybe not 'rascal'. :) Glad you're enjoying this, Amy. Yes, it's time to see if there's any treasure to be found in them thar hills.
Baranduin · 12 September 2007 · Chapter 9: A Cup of Stars
I love how you evoke Annuminas and especially like the thought of that inn. What an interesting inn that would be!
Author's reply
Maybe there will be such an inn, at a future time. Mmmm, hobbit, human, and Elf cuisine... what a smorgasbord. I've been trying so hard to imagine the city, past and present. I'm glad the descriptions are working. :)