Keep Him Secret, Keep Him Safe by shirebound
Aiwen · 23 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
I very much enjoy Sam and the lemons. It is wonderfully in character for him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Aiwen. I think Sam would get excited about something new to plant and introduce to other hobbits. And Frodo finally realizes that he should just step aside and let him. :)
Gentle Hobbit · 23 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
Lemon trees in the Shire? No wonder Frodo is aghast at the thought. Poor hobbit. First Aragorn's illness, now this? Truly it's more than any hobbit should be expected to take!
Author's reply
Ohh, the angst! The sourness! Sam's beautiful orchard of lemon trees growing happily in Hobbiton!
Agape4Gondor · 22 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
Though it is a sad and difficult time - it was great to hear of the bath and think back to Crickhollow and the bath song. Perhaps the Hobbits will teach it to Aragorn??? Great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I did have Frodo teach both Aragorn and Elladan the bath song in "The Vault of Annuminas", but since that was part of the "Quarantined" series, it doesn't count for this story. We'll see!
Cairistiona · 22 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
Ah, a giant hot tub under the trees ... what could be more restorative? I'm glad you didn't have Aragorn put up a fight. I've always figured he doesn't really like being grimy when he has opportunity to clean up. ;) I like that Sam's discussing lemon trees with Eomer ... nice to see a softer side to Rohan's new king.
Author's reply
I agree... Anyone of such noble blood can't enjoy being grimy, can they? :) I think Eomer would want to get to know hobbits better, since one of those legendary folk saved his sister's life and two others were Ring-bearers, so it's fun to imagine what their interactions might be like.
Linda Hoyland · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
Another lovely chapter.I just love your Aragorn and the way you write the Hobbits.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. :)
inzilbeth · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
That was a delightful chapter, Shirebound; I think my favourite yet. I loved Sam and Frodo's gentle lesson for their king, and of course, the fact that he was wise enough to heed it.
Author's reply
Thank you! My favorite stories are those when folks are teaching -- and learning from -- one another.
Andrea · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
Well, not only wizards but also kings should always have one or two hobbits around. They are a very good influence! I thought Aragorn would fight ;-) And it's really a shame that Pippin was not able to test the safety of the bath tub before Aragorn was allowed to use it. Last but not least, I'm wondering if this story turns out to be a Frodo h/ccc story as well. Aragorn's insistence to find athelas as soon as possible makes me suspicious :)
Author's reply
Luckily for Aragorn, his brothers realize the good influence of hobbits, especially as he hasn't had many people in his life around whom he can show weakness or vulnerability. To the hobbits he's become their friend Strider, not a distant, mysterious figure. I have to admit that there may be some Frodo h/ccc to balance out the Aragorn h/ccc. *hangs head as sheepishly as possible*
cookiefleck · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
I liked the tone of this chapter... mix of melancholy and humor. And very nice glimpses of Sam. :o)
Author's reply
It's a pleasure to include your beloved Sam in this story of comfort and healing. And who knows, maybe he's so attracted to that 'lemon water' partially because the whole subject distracts Frodo from sinking inside himself too much. You never know with Sam...
Antane · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
I love this sweet story, h/ccc indeed! Must be nice to be that spoiled by hobbits, but poor Frodo, suffering and trying not to show it. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. Frodo needs to learn the same lesson as Aragorn -- to let your friends help you as much as they are able and willing.
Dreamflower · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
What a lovely chapter! Just the right amount of gentle angst, as Frodo worries about Aragorn, and the others worry about Frodo. And the hot tub! How wonderful that they can have a hot tub! I could just imagine the look on Pippin's face. Aragorn can unwind and relax in the hot water, and then the hobbits can enjoy it! It's a shame they can't have some way to make a whirlpool, LOL! (I'll bet Gimli could come up with something!) If he decides to sing "The Bath Song" I hope he doesn't get carried away, like he did at Crickhollow!
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, that tent is just a round-robin of concern and healing, wheee. Oh gosh, a whirlpool bath! That would be *so* therapeutic.
Larner · 21 August 2008 · Chapter 8: Making Progress
I'd LOVE that tub. Am more than a tub-addict! And the realization that Frodo is again feeling guilty and why is itself engendering feelings of guilt. And I'm upset--I didn't know you'd be in my neck of the woods! I would have loved to have met with you guys at your moot! And I hope you got to go on the Underground tour--isn't it a hoot?
Author's reply
Mmmm, I rather love large tubs myself. :) I had no idea where you lived (even what country you lived in), alas! I didn't get to experience the underground tour, but I'd love to go back and do more exploring.
AspenJules · 6 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
ooooh, SUCH a nice chapter, Shire!! I love Aragorn being cuddled and coddled by his 'brother' Elladan, and Elladan's subtle testing of Eomer's feelings towards Aragorn. A feast with storytelling and good company, and the prospect of reluctant!Aragorn getting a bath! MMMMMMM!!! Lovely! Truly lovely!!
Author's reply
Thank you for your enthusiasm! Yes, Aragorn can't avoid that bath deserves some cuddling and coddling after so many solitary years.
harrowcat · 4 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
You seem to have a knack for leaving us with a most profound or moving comment right at the end of a chapter Shirebound. I have always liked the concept of Elrond guarding his bother's offspring. The idea of the Sons of Elrond caring for the Sons of Elros is even better, (and bears development!)
Author's reply
Thank you very much. This is a concept I wrote about a little in "Vault of Annuminas", and just keep wanting to go back to it.
Baggins Babe · 3 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
What could be better than being looked after by hobbits? Feasts and fun - and baths too! I think they're going to have a battle on their hands, keeping Aragorn in bed another day.
Author's reply
I love it when Aragorn is on the receiving end of hobbity TLC... lucky guy. :)
Lily Baggins · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
A hobbit feast!!! I wish I were going to that hobbit feast, I truly do. I really loved Aragorn's character in this chapter---his "This coddling is unnecessary"---when he cannot even stand on his own----made me smile. And don't they say that healers make the worst patients? I have to admit, I'm really looking forward to hearing about Aragorn's bath. I have a feeling he'll be quite recalcitrant on that matter if he requires help . . . maybe Frodo can talk some sense into him. :) Lovely chapter! You have a gift for putting deep thoughts about important Middle-earthy things into elegant words.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Lily. You certainly deserve a seat at that feast (and front-and-center at that bath). They could use some of your lovely bath products at Cormallen. *hugs you*
Lily Baggins · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 6: When Life Gives You Lemons...
adgjskjgksjksaj at the idea of Aragorn being too dizzy to even stand up on his own and needing to be carried---love it!!!! Love it, love it. And hobbits in bunkbeds! What a fine idea. Though knowing hobbits, they'll probably still all be sleeping in one bed together. This was such an enjoyable chapter---and pssshawww on Frodo for disliking lemons, too. He's so funny here. :)
Author's reply
If I can't give you convulsive vomiting, I can at least give you weak and dizzy! :) Sam appreciates lemons as much as I do, but his master is drawing the line at these particular "foreign foods". What fun.
Larner · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
Alas, the time nears for that indeed. Soon the descendants of Aragorn will be the stewards for the mortal lands. But he is growing stronger, at least.
Author's reply
I like to think that Aragorn will have his brothers (Elvish and mortal) at his side for many years to come.
inzilbeth · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
This is one of my favourite stories at the moment. Elladan's concern for Aragorn is so touching and your Eomer is just magnificent.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you so much. It's a challenge to find the 'heart' of each character.
Andrea · 2 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
“However, this ability comes from a part of you that knows better than you do, if you comprehend my meaning.” That's it, exactly! Even a healer, or maybe especially a healer should listen to the signals of his body. But I can very well understand that a man like Aragorn wants to have everything under control. I think Merry's party was a wonderful idea and might work as a distraction for Aragorn, but I have my doubts about the bath ;-) And I loved Eomer's words at the end. Brethren, that's what they are, and if not by lineage than at least in their minds and there intentions. I'm looking forward to reading more. But take your time and give your wrists a break. I can wait :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. Eomer hasn't had to think too hard about the rulership of the South, and his place in it. He's followed his heart and instincts all along. I love working at this story, even at the ever-slowing pace I need to take now.
Lindelea · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
This chapter was a delight from start to finish, and if it were not so late (and the yawns so very prodigious) I'd supply a multitude of favourite bits. But I fear my own body is attempting to put itself into a healing sleep of some sort, and so I had better sign off before I nod off and hit the keyboard with my nose... Had a lovely image just now of a dozen Tooks sitting on Strider to keep him down and resting... after all, that's what the Tooks I know have to do to their own, when the latter are recovering from illness, and very proud of the fact, for some reason. *g* Lovely bedtime treat! I'm so glad dh was able to make the poor wee beastie, very ill itself for most of the day, work again so that I could catch up on email and chapter alerts.
Author's reply
Yes, you should always listen to your body when it's trying to get some healing sleep! I hope you slept well. I'm very happy you enjoyed this. My best wishes to you, your dh and valiant beastie, and all the wee hobbits.
Linda Hoyland · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
This was a lovely chapter.You vividly conveyed all the love that has carers(and we too)have for Aragorn.A heart warming read.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. Aragorn has spent much of his life 'in the shadows', safeguarding others. He certainly deserves a short rest, and a little TLC.
Tigger · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
Perhaps the time had come when the sons of Elrond no longer needed to safeguard the sons of Elros W/all of the various ways that Aragorn can get himself into trouble, I highly doubt that!! ;oD LOL!! I'm glad Aragorn was finally told everything that had happened. I've been in a position when I was out of it for a few days and it's not a fun feeling when you finally do begin to feel better. That feeling of being so lost and out of touch w/things takes time to leave, but it eventually does. Loved Elladan's conversation w/Eomer. Especially the compliment Elladan gave Eomer about how well he's handled being King of Rohan when he never expected it to happen. A high compliment indeed. I can't wait for the party. I take it we're invited too? :oD Lovely as always Janet. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you, Tigger. Mortals aren't usually of much interest to Elves, so I think receiving a compliment from one would be quite treasured. Why do you think Gimli made that tent so big? It's so all of us can come to the party! :D
Agape4Gondor · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
Very nice chapter indeed. I do so love the chat between Eomer and Elladan - and I look forward to the night's activities. Though I really had to laugh about eating as often as a Hobbit!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this. I think Eomer would be fairly overwhelmed by all that had happened in such a short time, but, like Aragorn, his courage and determination never faltered. He'll make a strong friend and ally, and Elladan recognizes it.
Antane · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
Aragorn is indeed fortunate to have those who love him - hobbits, Elves, and Men, not to mention a Dwarf. I hope the evening will pass very pleasantly for all and Frodo will enjoy himself too. Don't keep us waiting too long! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He really is a fortunate man, and one who waited and worked for a very long time to see his dreams come true.
Cuthalion · 1 August 2008 · Chapter 7: Kings of Men
“Perhaps he and I are brethren long-sundered, both descendants of the ancient Fathers of Men,” Éomer said softly. “Perhaps some among my people see us as equals, and wonder at my fealty. But the son of Arathorn is the High King of this land, and my heart knew it the day we met.” This is pure Horse Lord-poetry. I don't know why, but I like the sheer music of this; the way you write Éomer in your tales is wonderfully uplifting. Thank you! Mona
Author's reply
Thank you, Mona. I really enjoyed exploring Eomer's character in "A Rohan Tapestry", and again here. He's so experienced in war, and so perceptive about people, yet so young to be king.