Nice to see another chapter up here! And hope this means you are feeling better from that cold. Interesting that mithril was poured into the sword and absolutely love the idea that Frodo breathed upon the sword and why he was asked to do it. I'd be rather light-headed myself after that. And of course, love Sam's TLC.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'd indicated that the original runes empowering Narsil were inlaid with mithril, so it makes sense that the mithril would have been separated from the steel and carefully made molten so as to form the runes for the reforged blade. And as I indicated above to Shirebound, I'm certain that already they might see Frodo as chosen by greater powers than themselves for his role as Ringbearer; in such a case I'm certain they'd wish for him to assist in the hallowing of the blade for its renewed purpose, as well as to represent the Hobbits in the process of recognizing its and Aragorn's combined purpose in leading the final fight against their joint Enemy.
Am feeling much better, but will probably need to take the meds and use the inhaler for at least another week or two, according to the doctor. Having an asthmatic-type reaction after this last bout of flu was not something I'd expected to experience!
Thanks again for the feedback!
AzureSkye
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 21: Reforged
I love the idea of all the Free People of Middle Earth combining to reforge the blade that will be wielded in their defense. Frodo's song was the most intriguing. The others I had half expected when the Song started, but Frodo's addition was unexpected, but the most fitting I think. Hallowed by a Hobbit and a Maia, this definitely is a sword that is restored to greatness. And then, after all the magic and wonder, there is Sam's plan Hobbit sense. Wonderful!
Author's reply
Music and song have such a place in the world of Arda, having been there at the beginning to spark it all into being. I'm certain that all the memories of what is being fought and how and why, as what is being protected through the use of the sword, helped to bring Anduril out of the shards of Narsil. Thank you so, AzureSky!
Dreamflower
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 21: Reforged
Oh my! Once more you have written a wonderful gapfiller, of the sort I think of as a "howdunnit"-- showing the details of how something was accomplished. I love all the details you show in the working. What a great job!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Dreamflower! Yes, we must wonder about many of the details of scenes the Master mentioned only in passing.
Baggins Babe
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 21: Reforged
What an incredible description! Very moving too, to think that all the Free Peoples took part in this, and that the hobbits played their part. I agree with Harrowcat - I'm glad I was up late to read this.
Author's reply
So good to hear from you! I do think this would be best done with cooperation, after all.
Thank you so much for the feedback!
harrowcat
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 21: Reforged
Wow - what a wonderful description of the forging. A great expansion on the short comment we get in the Master's epic. I love your use of ritual, symbolism and ceremony for these so special moments. I am so glad that I am up late and on line. It is midnight and I really must go to bed!
Author's reply
It's four in the afternoon here, and soon I will need to prepare for work. Yes, there would need to be a ritual of some sort as they reforge this blade, and a recognition of how it had been before and will be as it comes again into its own. And I think that just as the final victory comes only as each does precisely what is needed of him--and her, that all needed to cooperate here also.
Thanks so for the feedback! Now to get it posted elsewhere as well!
Antane
· 3 January 2011
· Chapter 20: Talk of Paths to be Trod
An interesting dream that Boromir has.
Happy New Year and congrats (a little belatedly) for all your MEFA's!! Still will be a little bit until I unbury myself from all the other fic to read including the young Estel series and Potter's Shed.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, I know how stories tend to mount up during a hiatus, no matter how short, or so it seems. Thanks so, Antane, and welcome back!
Teresa
· 2 January 2011
· Chapter 20: Talk of Paths to be Trod
Now this is an excellent start to the new year; another chapter! I enjoyed it very much! I like how Boromir is starting to learn more about the others and their views of the world. It is in both the small things like Aragorn's brothers chiding him over the chances he takes and the plans that are being made for the quest that Boromir will realize the depths in his new companions. And as he learns about them they will learn of him........ Seeing Aragon and Boromir together is great; and even now their future friendship and brotherhood begins to arise. As always, your stories take me back to Middle Earth! Many thanks, and Happy New Year! :)
Author's reply
I am so glad you feel this does manage to bring you back to Middle Earth, Teresa. Thank you so for the honor, and much joy to all on the Master's birthday!
harrowcat
· 2 January 2011
· Chapter 20: Talk of Paths to be Trod
I find that i like the thought that Boromir has good intelligence to offer the Fellowship about the state of the land. It makes sense of Denethor sending such a valued person on an errand so far away. Loving every chapter of this. Any news on 'Tenant'.....? *prods very gently*
Author's reply
He was sort of able to tell what might be encountered should they pass through Rohan--but didn't go enough into depth to give them a full appreciation for the situation.
As for Tenant--I am working right now on "Or Perchance," and have a chapter from "Stirring Rings" partly finished, but have resolved that this year I will work on ALL my works in progress and try to get them ALL moving along! Wish me luck!
Ellynn
· 2 January 2011
· Chapter 20: Talk of Paths to be Trod
Great gapfiller! I like it so much.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Ellynn. It was nice to be able to meet two needs with this one!
Antane
· 19 November 2010
· Chapter 19: Return of the Scouts
Nice to see another chapter up here and sorry to be so late in reading it. Nothing keep Pippin off his feed does it? :) Found it interesting that Gloin and Gimli would be involved in the reforging of Narsil. And poor Frodo to have to be there to see that terrible crown. Love his smile to his Sam and his concern of the coming day of parting with the beloved pony.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Somehow I managed to miss this one--am so sorry, Antane! No, Pippin isn't easily put off a meal. And I'm certain that having had Gloin there and with Gimli remaining, they would want to involve the Dwarves in at least the plans for reforging Narsil. After all, it was initially forged by the greatest Dwarf smith in the history of Arda!
And Frodo would have to realize it could easily happen that they'd need eventually to abandon Bill.
harrowcat
· 17 November 2010
· Chapter 19: Return of the Scouts
So glad to see the next chapter of this although I know that you are very busy. An evil time of the year to set forth but, also, with so many animals and birds hibernating or mitgrated the lands would also be emptier of spies.
Looking forward to more and loved the dedication to Roisin.
BTW the Parents send rather bemused good wishes and Jet his most eager woof!
Author's reply
Oh, the past two months have been rather grievous, and I don't have as much energy to write as I've known in the past, I fear.
Yes, a difficult time to set out, but with less chance, perhaps, of detection--at least for a time. We know that they will be detected soon enough, once they get down into Hollin. At least their first few weeks will be without great incident, apparently.
Thanks so. And I hope that Roisin has the chance to appreciate this story that was written partly in her honor.
Dreamflower
· 16 November 2010
· Chapter 19: Return of the Scouts
The final plans are being laid, I see. Boromir's concerns over the food supplies are, of course, well-founded. (Of course, he little realizes the foraging skills of hobbits even in a snowy wilderness.) The discussion of weapons was interesting as well.
Pride of place goes to Bill the Pony, who is revealed finally as the Tenth Walker. Sam's right, and not just about Bill being upset if they leave him behind, but also that they will travel better at the start if they are not carrying everything on their backs.
It's so intriguing to watch the gradual cumulative effect on Boromir of his observations. He still has not quite yet got a grasp on his companions, but he's getting there...
Author's reply
Boromir is having to learn a good deal about a good number of folk he'd never thought to meet in his lifetime, I'm certain. And he is finding a good deal to note in his hosts and his expected companions. Now, to see him put it all together as the journey begins!
shirebound
· 15 November 2010
· Chapter 19: Return of the Scouts
“I find I must agree with Sam here,” he said at last. “‘Trust to their friendship,’ or so Gandalf has counseled you before. There is a different friendship here that must be honored
That's a lovely thought. It's nice that Bill was truly considered a friend and companion in this Fellowship.
Author's reply
I agree. Elrond must have questioned the wisdom of allowing the pony to go with the Fellowship, knowing well that it might not be able to cross the pass or go through any tunnels they might come upon--much less cross successfully through Moria as they ended up doing. But it appears that Bill had already bonded with Sam and in a peculiar way with Frodo as well; that he would not like being left behind seems very likely.
Thanks so, Shirebound!
Kitty
· 6 August 2010
· Chapter 18: A Warriors' Dance
The comparison to stave dancing seems to be a good idea to me, and at least it got Frodo to show off some of his dancing abilities :-) I'm glad Elrond and the others got a glimpse of them, seeing as he couldn't really dance any more after the Quest. And it has probably given Sam some more self-assurance as well.
Author's reply
Oh, heavens--I didn't respond to the reviews from this chapter? I'm so sorry!
Yes, I do believe that dancing the Staves Dance would be good for Sam in this case. And it does give both Frodo and Sam a chance to shine for the moment!
Thanks so for the review back then. Haven't heard from you for a time--I'll try to send a copy of your birthday present to you as you don't appear to have been online for a while.
Kitty
· 6 August 2010
· Chapter 17: An Encounter with the Ringbearer
Nice to see Frodo and Boromir get to know each other a little better, and an interesting turn when Frodo went from understanding the reluctance to accept Aragorn as King to compare it to Lotho. But while the situation with Bilbo adopting Frodo to make him his heir starts out a bit similar, no one says Boromir's family is too bad to continue. Something that can't be said for the S-B's.
So Boromir got his warning about It already. Sadly it didn't help in the end.
Tari
· 16 June 2010
· Chapter 18: A Warriors' Dance
Now that's one dance I would dearly love to see. LOL
Author's reply
I loved imagining that dance! Thanks so, Tari.
Tari
· 14 June 2010
· Chapter 17: An Encounter with the Ringbearer
This is one of the best chapters I have read anywhere based on LOTR. Had the conversation between Frodo and Boromir really occured, Boromir very well might not have died. And then there is Arwen. What she told Boromir was awesome and also might have changed his fate.
Excellent job!
Author's reply
I wonder, Tari. For the memory of the intensity of these encounters would fail, and the Ring was by him to remind him of Its potential as he traveled by Frodo's side. Our minds can be so malleable! I would like to think Boromir might have been spared, but wonder if that was possible.
Anyway, thank you so!
Antane
· 13 June 2010
· Chapter 18: A Warriors' Dance
Well, wasn't that interesting. I never imagined Sam a dancer, though he does a little in the movie when pushed into it by Frodo, let alone that he would be one to teach Frodo, but that was an eyeopener and no mistake, not only to Boromir who must wonder if there was any end to marvels, but to me as well.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I suspect that Sam had sought to hide a good deal of his own light under a bushel or two, actually. How could he compete with the likes of Frodo?
But Frodo saw it not as a competition, but a matter of cooperation and mutual joy, or so I suspect.
Thanks so very much!
Dreamflower
· 13 June 2010
· Chapter 18: A Warriors' Dance
This is such a delightful chapter! I love the way you make use of Frodo's talent with the dance, and Sam's, and Pippin's singing. And not to be outdone, Merry's talent in conpiracy-- because he clearly instigated it in!
But my favorite part was:
As for Mithrandir—you would have thought the Hobbits’ skill was somehow his own doing, or so Boromir found himself thinking.
I can so see that smug and slightly possessive twinkle in Gandalf's eye! Why, you'd think he'd discovered hobbits all on his own.
Author's reply
Oh, I see our Gandalf as thinking of the Hobbits as his own. Of course he's proud of them!
And all four each has his own skills. And if Merry's good at convincing others to do what they'd want to do anyway, well, why not? He'll make a perfect Master of Buckland one day, after all!
Am so glad you are enjoying this. Thanks so!
shirebound
· 13 June 2010
· Chapter 18: A Warriors' Dance
Pippin’s singing instead made him smile at the simple, vibrant, mortal beauty of it.
What a marvelous line. And I could picture every moment of this rare event. Just wonderful!
Author's reply
I'm so glad this line moved you particularly, Shirebound. Thanks! And it would be something to watch! As Harrowcat noted, the Morris Dancers have nothing on dancers within the Shire!
harrowcat
· 13 June 2010
· Chapter 18: A Warriors' Dance
Oh, ho! Morris men of England watch and admire!
Author's reply
Much as I was envisioning, Harrowcat! Thank you so!
Antane
· 10 June 2010
· Chapter 17: An Encounter with the Ringbearer
Glad to see another chapter up and a little joy for the Ring-bearer to hear Elven song. His words about violation are so true - he endured a brutal and repeated rape and that endurance is what is so inspiring. Very interesting insights of Arwen to Boromir about the Ring. That man's education continues.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
To hear Elven singing must have been so wonderful for Frodo Baggins. And each day Boromir the Brave learns a bit more!
As for Frodo, Antane--you know how I feel about what he endured. The Ring betrayed him and nagged at him and manipulated him....
Lindelea
· 9 June 2010
· Chapter 17: An Encounter with the Ringbearer
Alas, Boromir! Had you only taken Arwen's advice to heart!
It seems that Arwen has inherited a bit of Galadriel's ability to read the heart of another.
It is interesting to contemplate the plucking of the Ring at the sleeve of Aragorn's will, in a manner of speaking. I wonder if and how Faramir felt the Ring's influence, as well, for he didn't seem to show any discomfiture in his interview with Frodo.
But I'm rushed, no time for more.
Thanks for the breakfast reading!
Author's reply
I suspect he did take it somewhat to heart at the time; but the Ring still found Boromir fairly easy prey after so much time in his presence.
I'm not certain what Faramir experienced of the Ring's presence. I may one day investigate that! Heh!
Love to the girls, Hubby, Zoe, and the Interloper! Heh!
shirebound
· 9 June 2010
· Chapter 17: An Encounter with the Ringbearer
the Man felt as if there were a strange kinship between his companion and that urn, both deceptively delicate in appearance and filled with an alien beauty, but both enduring beyond what a Man might expect of them.
That's a wonderful passage. This whole chapter is full of very thoughtful and perceptive things.
Author's reply
Thanks so, Shirebound. Frodo must have posed quite an enigma to the Gondorian!
Dreamflower
· 9 June 2010
· Chapter 17: An Encounter with the Ringbearer
I've always felt Boromir would have been impressed with Frodo's dignity, and see the resemblence to his brother Faramir.
It does not stir here, in Imladris; again It slumbers.
Something else on which we agree! I am sure that the Ring recognized the presence of Two of the Three there, and knew it could not challenge them without being on its own Master's hand.
Very glad to see another chapter of this!
Author's reply
Finally--time to answer at length! I suspect that Boromir found much to bring to mind Faramir within Rivendell and the Last Homely House, and suspect that Faramir would have felt right at home there while things would quietly disconcert Boromir.
Yes, we do agree about the Ring within Rivendell. Here is not the seat of Its power, but that of Vilnya, and that had to be a markedly dampening effect, much as being in Lothlorien in the realm of Nenya gave Frodo a time of peace from it.
This one keeps whispering to me--but I have so MUCH to finish! Gaack!