Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe by shirebound
Antane · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
I was just thinking yesterday that it's been a while since we had a new chapter and here it is! Thank you! A fun bath was had by all and a good night's sleep holding onto the hand of one so beloved. Interesting talk by Frodo and Sam about Aragorn and I look forward to more of that. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. Yes, it's time we finally got around to that talk.
cookiefleck · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
I felt like hopping into the tub after reading this! :o) And those lemons just keep making an appearance, LOL.
Author's reply
Those silly lemons! Sam is having a wonderful time discovering their many uses.
Dreamflower · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
Oh, what fun to see the hobbits enjoying their bath, even if Frodo enjoyed it maybe a little too much, LOL! Poor hungover Frodo! You have such a way with the little touches that characterize the thoughtfulness of all these people with one another. Eomer bringing cloaks for the hobbits; Pippin making sure that Merry's last thoughts before sleep were not of what happened on the Pelennor; Sam's usual care for his Master; and Frodo's worry about Aragorn. Trust him to figure out what'd been going on, and that it was overextending himself as a healer that had made his friend sick. I also loved the humor--especially Pippin's line about Frodo getting "squinched like a prune" if he stayed in the water too long. (((hugs))) What a lovely thing to find on Sunday morning before I head off to church!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. It's the "little touches" that I so enjoy digging up and exploring. It takes courtesy and humor for diverse people to live in such close quarters!
6336 · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
Oh where is Aragorn when I need him to ease one of my, almost, migraines! I have never heard of lemon in tea being a cure for hangovers! Will have to try it, next time I have one, whenever that is! A glass of wine and a Bourbon and pepsi is about the extent of my boozing! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
I think we all long for the healing-hands of the King once in awhile. Lucky Gondorians, having him all to themselves!
Gentle Hobbit · 5 October 2008 · Chapter 11: The Hands of the King
Reading about the hobbits' bath was delightful and fun and relaxing, almost as if I were in there myself! I'm glad that Frodo and Aragorn are going to talk about the healing so that Frodo stop worrying about it. And, as always, I enjoyed reading about Frodo's revulsion concerning lemons!
Author's reply
I'm also delighted by hobbits-in-baths, and it's obvious the Professor believed they found great joy in them. Those lemons! What a silly theme to tie a story together, but Sam just keeps bringing them up, doesn't he?
Grey Wonderer · 20 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
I loved Eomer singing. I think that is an interesting thing with all of his people singing their history and their stories. It is a shame the others don't understand the language. I can just imagine Frodo trying to learn it. (Plot Bunny anyone?) Loved the party. I am also enjoying the fact that Gimli has a large part in this tale. Most of the stories that I read don't include him this much. Makes it more entertaining with Gimli about!
Author's reply
I dabbled with Frodo and Merry learning a bit of Rohirric in "A Rohan Tapestry", but there are definitely plot bunnies here! Tolkien said that a lot of Rohirric words (like 'mathom') were incorporated into Shire words, so there might be common ground. Thank you for reading! It's challenging to imagine what a lone Dwarf might do, think, and say in such circumstances.
harrowcat · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
“People feed plants certain things to make ’em more healthy and grow taller, and it seems like those Ents feed people the same type of thing. It don’t seem natural for plants to be treating people like... well, like...” I never saw the ent draughts like this before. True and a very clever observation! Lots of people healing with good food, good drink, (Did they leave any ale for me?) and excellent company!
Author's reply
I never gave Ent draughts much thought before, either, but I really enjoy coming up with (hopefully) new ways to look at things. Thank you!
Larner · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Ah--a warm bath, and in such a tub! Sounds glorious!
Author's reply
It really does. Lucky hobbitses. :)
Linda Hoyland · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
I'm so glad Aragorn is getting better.It is good to see them all enjoying the feast.
Author's reply
I'm glad he's getting better, too. I imagine he would be incredibly resilient, with the blood of men, elves, and even a Maia in his ancestry.
Baggins Babe · 19 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Lovely to see such a hobbity get-together, Shirebound. Chicken stew and baked fish, eh? Wish I was at that feast and in that company. Now we have a hobbit-pile in the tub? Let's hope Pip desn't splash all that water out or Frodo will be cross!
Author's reply
A well-deserved "merry evening" after all everyone has been through! I'm so glad you like it.
cookiefleck · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Very nice chapter and thanks for making sure Sam was looked after. ;o) I laughed to see the lemons make another appearance. I wonder if they'll figure out that fish is good with lemon juice on it. Looking forward to hearing more about Frodo's and Sam's healing process.
Author's reply
Thank you, Cookie. You're so sweet to read, even though Sam isn't the center of the story. But we all know that he's the center of this "family", without a doubt. :)
Gentle Hobbit · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Ahhh... I had missed the last chapter, so I was able to enjoy two chapters' worth in one sitting! Reading this story is rather like sinking into that nice warm bath that almost everyone seemed to enjoy by the end!
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say. I feel that this time of rest is good for everyone involved, and I'm glad it's coming off the page and taking you along. :)
Cuthalion · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
The hobbits didn’t understand the words, but watched Éomer’s face, marvelling at the depths of emotion that played across it. His people’s story was told in song, and the hobbits found themselves imagining the many campfires of warriors, over hundreds of years, at which histories were sung and lists of kings and their deeds memorized. This is so beautiful! And the rest of the chapter is pure, soothing delight. Thank you so much for this, Janet! Mona
Author's reply
Oh my, thank *you*. To me, the Rohirrim seem like a completely different race than any other: a proud, free, tale-telling, poetic culture. Whenever I write about Eomer, I try to let these aspects come through.
Cuthalion · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 9: Knights of the City
*bites her lip* Ooookay... how naughty am I when the strongest image I "carry home" from this chapter is Aragorn, leaning back in the bathtub, rinsing his hair and breaking through the surface of the water again...? *blushes fiercely* Mona
Author's reply
Oh Mona, what *am* I going to do with you? :D
Andrea · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
A Merry Evening indeed! But what a shame that Aragorn wasn't allowed to taste the good ale! And while the hobbits take their baths, the twins are searching for athelas? Maybe Frodo will need it, but what he needs most is a long conversation with Aragorn! I'm looking forward to reading it!
Author's reply
Thanks, Andrea! Hopefully the twins will succeed in their quest, and Frodo and Aragorn can settle in for a talk that will help them both.
Antane · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Yea another chapter and the bath to come! Might as well just quote my favorite parts: Although still dizzy, Aragorn shook off his brothers’ supporting arms as they neared the tent. He walked inside under his own power, and was rewarded by Frodo’s brilliant smile. Yea!! “Two princes,” Frodo reminded Pippin, settling into the chair with the cushion on it. “I’ve heard what the soldiers call you.” :) “I was garbed by Galadriel, as were all of you,” Gandalf replied. His robe, gleaming in the lamp-light, matched the white and silver of his hair. “However, whereas the cloaks were woven such as to shield the wearer from the eyes of the Enemy, my garment was meant to attract his Eye.” “From us,” Frodo whispered. Sam took his hand, and pressed it. Now that's interesting - I hadn't thought of that before. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. I appreciate you sharing the parts you enjoy! I'm trying to include the 'little moments' that bring a scene to life.
Dreamflower · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
How wonderful! I love how observant Frodo is in all this--he's noticing right away when people leave things out--but instead of saying anything, he just ponders on them. I really am enjoying how you characterize Elladan and Elrohir in this. And it was fun imagining them having an evening of song and tales!
Author's reply
Thank you. I really enjoyed imagining this scene and trying to make it ring true.
lbilover · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
What a lovely scene to imagine: the singing and storytelling and laughter and good food and companionship. (I love Sam being praised and his ears turning red :)) And what an interesting idea that Gandalf's robe was white to attract Sauron's attention. Thanks for another wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you. Dear Sam! Galadriel clothed Aragorn in white to catch Arwen's attention (or so I presume), so it occurred to me she might have had a similar 'Eye-catching' motivation for Gandalf.
Cairistiona · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Poor ill Aragorn, having to make do with lemon slices and water when there's good ale flowing all around him. Still, he made out all right in the end. And Aragorn's reflections on how much he gave of himself and how closely he had come to giving away TOO much was very well done. I enjoyed this chapter a lot. :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this. Events have moved so quickly, Aragorn hasn't had much time to reflect until now, has he?
Pearl Took · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Very well done shirebound :-) I like the end with Frodo being concerned about Pippin splashing out all the warm water - LOL! It will be interesting to hear how Aragorn called them back.
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl. Isn't it fun how Tolkien went out of his way to tell us about how much Pippin enjoys singing and splashing?
6336 · 18 September 2008 · Chapter 10: A Merry Evening
Aragorn does clean up good doesen't he!? I hope he continues to improve with no setbacks, any chance of Samum's stew recipe? More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. And Sam says to stop by Bag End anytime, and he'll be happy to trade recipes with you. :)
Grumpy · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 9: Knights of the City
I can imagine that Aragorn now feels much better. I always feel so, after getting the grime off, and Aragorn had lots to get rid off. So very good of Pippin to make sure nothing was lurking arround.
Author's reply
Getting clean is a wonderful thing. And Pippin's mind and heart will be more at rest, now. Thanks, Grumpy.
Grey Wonderer · 7 September 2008 · Chapter 9: Knights of the City
I loved the mention of Halbarad. It must have been one of Aragorn's deepest regrets. I also liked Pippin and Aragorn teasing one another about the tub and the fact that Pippin had to check the area in spite of everything. Now if only Frodo can be convinced that he is not to blame for Aragorn's illness. Another lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. The part in ROTK when Pippin runs up to Aragorn at the Houses of Healing, takes his hand, and calls him 'Strider' makes it obvious how much Aragorn means to him, but at the same time how 'hobbity' he will always speak with his friend.
Agape4Gondor · 5 September 2008 · Chapter 9: Knights of the City
Beautiful chapter due to the care and love of the Fellowship for each other... and Aragorn's brothers... My heart was broken, needless to say, for Pippin... To know that he has been so changed because of what they have lived through... Brings a lump to my throat but also makes me so proud of the little one. Thanks for writing this!
Author's reply
I think they were all changed, to some extent, but Pippin will be a stronger and more confident steward of his beloved Shire because of his experiences. Thank you for reading.
Szepilona10 · 5 September 2008 · Chapter 9: Knights of the City
I miss Halbarad!(sob) Great chapter! Update soon please! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~
Author's reply
I miss him too! I loved writing a whole story ("Force of Nature") in which he interacted happily with the pre-Quest hobbits. I think he must have been very special for Aragorn to have been so overjoyed to see him in TTT (the book). And... thank you! I'll update as soon as I can.