The Vault of Annúminas by shirebound

Reviews (314)

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Glory Underhill · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

Awww, what a lovely chapter. I found your description of elven singing especially magical!

Author's reply

Thank you, Glory. I like to imagine what that might be like.

Linda Hoyland · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

Another delightful chapter. I could feel I was with the heroes,especially as I had a (car) ride through lovely countryside near my home last week.I am glad the travellers were made welcome at the inn.It always brightens my day to read a new chapter from you.

Author's reply

Oh Linda, what a lovely thing to say. Thank you.

Antane · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

I'm sorry Sam was not there to hear that song - how he would have loved it, but his brother will tell him all about it, I'm sure. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

There's no doubt Frodo will want to share this adventure with Sam. :)

Elwen · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

the notes liquid as a waterfall, as bright as the stars. What a very evocative description.

Author's reply

Thank you. I still find descriptive writing very difficult, so I appreciate that very much.

lbilover · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

Oh, that was lovely, especially the ending. And how lucky for those hobbits at the inn to hear an Elf sing. As you say, something they will never forget in all their lives. The scene with Elladan resting his hand on the tree reminded me of Frodo in Lorien. Such a beautiful chapter, Shirebound. Thank you.

Author's reply

Oooh, you've given me a glimmering of an idea for a later chapter in this story. Thank *you*! Elladan resting his hand on the tree reminded me of Frodo in Lorien I didn't make that connection (consciously!). I'm glad you pointed it out.

Pearl Took · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

I wish I could hear Elven singing, or sit beside a gladsome hearth listening to Hobbits. Wonderfully peaceful, shirebound. I also wish I could talk to the tress . . .

Author's reply

Thank you, Pearl. I think we *can* talk to the trees, but we might not necessarily sense their answer. As to the rest... ah yes, if only we could. Thank goodness for fanfic, where we can in some way make our dreams come true.

aprilkat · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

Every step in this journey is like a delightful new adventure. I love the way Frodo is taking everything in wide-eyed, and how Aragorn and Elladan are trying to keep him from learning too quickly about the danger of the world outside the Shire. You write elves so well, too, making their ways seem different and yet oh so sublime. Loved the song and the tree-soothing.

Author's reply

Thank you, Aprilkat. Wouldn't we all love to be part of this 'road trip' with Frodo, Aragorn, and Elladan?

Lindelea · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

Oh, but what a lovely chapter! So many things I'd like to quote, or comment on... Elladan's inner radiance, and his protectiveness of Aragorn, who might well be the coming King. Ted, ready to step in to protect Frodo, if he'd been snatched (though against such odds...) How sore and tired one is after a full day in the saddle. Yep. The curious crowd, and the song, and the innkeeper's refusing payment. The description of the North Farthing (don't forget the bogs!) and the quaint but practical custom involving fruit trees. The conversation with the oak tree... ...and where Aragorn draws his paycheck from! Don't have time for specific quotes, but was glad to hit the highlights. Happily looking forward to more.

Author's reply

Thank you so much for highlighting so many parts of this chapter as your favorites. The "conversation" with the oak tree was taken from a real-life experience of mine, while on a Native American vision quest. We were taught to explain to the trees what was happening, before tying our tarps or tents to them. It was fascinating.

Larner · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

A very promising beginning to their journey; and love that the Burrowses so appreciate the increase in custom as well as Elladan's song. I so wish I could hear an Elf singing! I'd be there at that inn myself if I thought I could hear Elladan sing!

Author's reply

Oh Larner, wouldn't that be amazing? Maybe some night, in our dreams, we'll hear that singing...

Dreamflower · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

What a nice chapter! I really like your Mr. Burrows--in spite of being rather dazzled by an Elf, his first thought is to make sure that young Frodo is all right! And I liked the singing in the common room--these Northfarthing folk will always remember having Elladan among them. Yet even after hearing him, they are not spoiled for hearing from their own, which is both hobbity and heartening. Frodo's questions are very astute. It must be difficult for Estel sometimes to remain reticent about certain things when talking to Frodo, who is so open and curious. I would think that sometimes he would find himself on the verge of saying too much, simply because of the friendliness and trust that Frodo shows to him. I do like his and Elladan's careful answers though, answering each question truthfully, if not fully. I do hope, though, that they don't encounter too many of the dangers for which the two of them are remaining vigilant.

Author's reply

Thank you so much. I'm definitely trying to sustain the 'hobbity' feel of the Shire, so thank you very much. I spent several weeks trying to craft this chapter so all the 'voices' and reactions seemed right. answering each question truthfully, if not fully... Yay, that's *exactly* what I was trying to achieve. :)

SurgicalSteel · 1 August 2007 · Chapter 6: A Glimpse of Distant Lands

Oh, that's a lovely chapter again! A nice explanation for how the Rangers survive lean times as well, that Elrond supplements their income. I'd love to hear Elladan singing. *sighs* Every bit of this was lovely, but especially the bit at the end where Elladan says he considers Aragorn to be his brother. I look forward to seeing more!

Author's reply

Yes, we all have our own ways of explaining just how the Rangers support themselves, and their families. I'm glad you like that part between Elladan and Aragorn; there will definitely be more snippets like that. :)

Grumpy · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

I like how Elladan had to move away from Aragorn and Frodo, or he would have put them to sleep too. Glad that Frodo is back to asking questions.

Author's reply

Thanks, Grumpy. I'm trying to think about details like that. :)

Queen Galadriel · 23 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

Oh, Shirebound, this is delightful! Even if I have fallen behind for a while, I love your Quarrantine stories no less--indeed more with every one! So Frodo gets to journey with Aragorn and Elladan. Cool and cool! I can't wait to see what adventures they have and what they find when they get there--for I'm sure they'll find *something*! :) Love Sam's idea of how to carry Scamp, and the comments about "Elvish fashions" had me in hysterics. Oh, I'm sure Elladan would have just *loved* to hear that, LOL! Also love how attentive Frodo is to Bilbo; an unusual treat, though of course it couldn't be any other way! I can't wait for more! God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying these stories so much. Yes, Frodo's off on a new adventure, and it's fun to be bringing Elladan into the mix... even if his fashion sense is a bit unusual. *grins*

lbilover · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

Frodo reminds me a bit of Pippin here, with all his questions :) And I loved the light moment at the end between Aragorn and Frodo. He does know exactly how to ease Frodo's worries with such kindness and humor. I'm very much looking forward to the next chapte!

Author's reply

We don't meet canon Frodo until he comes 'of age', but I like to imagine tween-Frodo as irrepressible as tween-Pippin. :) Thank you so much. Writing about Frodo and Estel make me very happy.

Jane · 19 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

I've been reading all your stories, and I love them all. They are all so gentle and sweet...I guess everyone needs some of that! I am so glad Elladan is in this story! I've always been very fascinated about the Twins. And I have somehow gained a crazy obsession with Elladan...I don't know how. I wish I could be sung to sleep...that seems very pleasant way to fall asleep! And...aaaaawwww! Look at da kwute wittle dwoggy...*pets Scamp with watery anime eyes* What a good way to make sure she's calm and content throughout the trip. Why can't calm MY doggy like that? Great job! Update soon!

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Jane -- I'm very glad to hear that you're enjoying the stories! I'm certainly enjoying writing them. I've only been brave enough to write about the Twins in a few stories, such as "Mind to Mind" and "By Chance or Purpose", but I learn something new every time. Some people think they're 'interchangeable', but it doesn't look like you're one of them. :) Maybe if we sang to our pets in Elvish they'd enjoy it! We'd have to learn Elvish, though... *grins*

Baggins Babe · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

I was so happy to see this this morning, and almost made myself late for work but I had to read it! I just loved eager, curious, beautiful Frodo asking all those questions and Aragorn only too happy to answer them. Scamp being sent into sleep by Elven singing and Elladan in Mrs Gamgee's baby sling - images to turn me into a little puddle of goo. Totally adorable, Shirebound.

Author's reply

Awww, thank you. I suspect this will continue to be a dreadfully gooey story. *hugs*

Andrea · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

"I MISS your questions, little one." “Do you?” Frodo asked, brightening at Aragorn’s words. “May I truly ask you and Elladan anything I wish? You may regret it. I do have so very MANY questions.” LOL!!! That's Frodo as we know him! And I'm impressed by Aragorn's ability to answer every single question Frodo asked when he woke up, in the right order! Wow! I'm fascinated by Elladan's care of Scamp! And I believe in the healing powers of music! Elves are amazing! P.S.: Would you do me a favour and answer me a question? Is it "care of s.o." or "care for s.o."? English prepositions are really tricky, you know ;-)

Author's reply

Thank you so much for letting me know which lines delight you. I always love knowing that. I don't think Aragorn will be complaining about Frodo's lack of questions from now on, do you? *grins* If I understand your question correctly, it's a matter of how the sentence is phrased: "I am taking care of Frodo" and "I am caring for Frodo" are both correct.

Elwen · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

"Elvish fashions" A flowered sling? My imagination is working overtime and I'm grinning as it does so.

Author's reply

Yay, I'm glad this image gave you a grin. :)

Pearl Took · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

A wonderful Chapter, shirebound :-) I can completely understand Frodo's feelings, I've always felt Elves to be a bit intimidating. I bet Elladan does look fetching wearing that flowered sling :-)

Author's reply

Thank you, Pearl. I *still* find Elves intimidating and difficult to write. But putting Elladan in Mrs. Gamgee's baby sling helps a lot. :)

harrowcat · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

Ah! *happy sigh* Happy Frodo + happy Scamp = happy Harrowcat! What a nice way to go to work. And I just loved this - You mean us?” Frodo asked, amazed. The thought of being put to sleep on a wave of song filled him with wonder. nice to think that his future experiences of this ability will be wonderful.

Author's reply

I feel the same way! When these characters are happy, I'm happy. :)

Linda Hoyland · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

A delightful chapter. What a lovely way for Frodo to wake up!I can well understand his awe of the Eldar and think your story very realistic in that way. I like it that Aragorn shares many Elvish skills.

Author's reply

Yes, Frodo is learning his first lessons about Elves, and Elladan will certainly come away from this trip with much more knowledge about hobbits. I'm glad you're enjoying the story. :)

Telpethoron · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

They say music 'hath charms to soothe the savage breast'...or in this case, the restless pup. Well done, Shirebound, as always. I love this 'alternate universe'.

Author's reply

Thank you so much! It's such a joy to imagine this soothing 'universe' for Frodo and Aragorn -- and the rest of us -- in which to play.

Gentle Hobbit · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

Oh my. I just love that ending. I'm all soppy over Scamp curled up fast asleep (little warm puppy!) under the power of Elven song. Powerful magic indeed!

Author's reply

Yay, soppiness! I'm afraid this story will be just oozing with it. :)

Antane · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

Oh, I love Frodo so beautiful and bright and happy and endlessly curious and innocent. Reminds me of a certain Took with all those questions. :) What a joy for Aragorn to be with him. And for us. Hannon le, dear shirebound! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Thank you, Antane. What a lovely description of Frodo! It's a joy for me to write stories where he's able to learn and grow and experience so much... always with those who love and care for him.

Glory Underhill · 17 July 2007 · Chapter 5: A Perspective on Elves

What a lovely chapter! I loved Frodo's string of questions! I think I'd like to ride with Scamp *yawns, stretches, then snuggles down* It all fit so beautifully with the opening quote. Just lovely.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Glory. I love trying to find quotes that will help weave even AU stories, like these, with canon. Scamp is going to return home *very* well rested, isn't she? :)