KathyG · 6 July 2025 · Chapter 5: Fire and Water
AS I WAS SAYING!!! [glares at laptop for cutting me off] I was one of the lucky ones--I didn't come across this story until it was finished!
Holding Back the Flood by shirebound
Reviews (394)
KathyG · 6 July 2025 · Chapter 5: Fire and Water
Oh, no! There were those who were chewing their nails and anxiously watching SoA for a new chapter from you, were there? I'm one of the lucky ones--
PSW · 27 August 2022 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
Sigh. I’ve been needing some good stories, and your name popped into my head. I didn’t remember this one — it was good! I quite enjoyed it. Off to find another! :-)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, my friend!
KathyG · 22 July 2021 · Chapter 14: The Morning After
Nice parallel with Frodo’s waking up to find Gandalf sitting at his bedside in the novel and the movie! I like that. Wonder if Bilbo has visited with him yet? And Gandalf was going to carry Frodo to the chamber pot anyway??? Surely not! =) Please, Shirebound, would you write a gap-filler/missing scene story if I asked you to? I would so love it if you'd write one in which Sam wakes up to find Gandalf is sitting there, and perhaps one another with Bilbo! Please? Pretty, pretty please, with sugar on top?
Author's reply
You're such a sweetheart, Kathy! I haven't written anything in several years, and can't promise anything, but please email me at shirebound1@ gmail dot com and give me more details about what you're longing for. Are you referring to a gap filler for *this* story, or a stand-alone scene that could happen at any time or place in the Quest? The more details the better. ♥
KathyG · 21 July 2021 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power
Too bad local anesthetics hadn't been invented in Middle-earth! At least, that way, Frodo wouldn't have been compelled to feel the agony of that knife cutting into his skin. [winces] But thank goodness that rock shard is out of his leg!
Author's reply
It's always important to me to get through the 'hurt' as soon as possible so we can get to the 'comfort' part of the story! Thank you for reviewing, Kathy. :)
Cuthalion97 · 2 March 2019 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
What an interesting way to tie everything together! I like the idea about that white jewel . . . I think that one of the joys of reading Tolkien's stories is that they tie back to themselves and each other. . . Perhaps a little bit like reading Dickens? Hmm. I'm not sure, but either way, you do that overall feeling justice with the white jewel. As for the rest of the story, I liked Glorfindel very much. I am one of those people who despise badly written characters, and Glorfindel is all-too-often, if I may use the word, mutilated. :) He is good here, though! And Elrond uses his powers, which is always great to see. My favorite part was the part with Glorfindel, Legolas and Gimli, where Gimli brings in that little tree. :D Oh - Boromir was well-written. There are two kinds of Boromir authors that I do *not* like: the kind that idealizes his character, and the kind that demeans his character. Neither are accurate, and therefore both are to be avoided, as far as I am concerned. Thus, I was overjoyed to find him well-written here! :D
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you. It's important to me to be as true to the essence of each character as possible, whatever the story. I think I first tried writing Glorfindel back in 2003 in "By Chance or Purpose", and Boromir waaaay back in 2002 in "Avalanche" and again in "Whispers of the Dragon". The characters are as multi-layered as the Professor's tale itself, and it's satisfying to really research and weave them into a new story.
KathyG · 14 June 2017 · Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
I first discovered this story back in early 2014, I think it was (or maybe it was in late 2013--I can't remember now). I've read it repeatedly in the years since. I just love the comfort scenarios that pervade the latter chapters, including this one! I especially love the comfort that Sam is getting at this point in the story. There's just one thing missing in this story, I'm thinking. Frodo gets to wake up to talk with Gandalf, but Sam doesn't get to--in the scene you wrote, he sleeps through Gandalf's visit. Also, neither of them are shown interacting with Bilbo while they're confined to bed. I know it's too late to add either of those scenarios to this story since it's finished, but would you be willing to write a gapfiller to "Holding Back the Flood" in which a bedfast Sam also gets to interact with Gandalf, and in which both hobbits, while in bed, get to interact with Bilbo? He had to be relieved that Sam was safe, no less than he was about Frodo. What do you think?
Author's reply
What a compliment to know that someone re-reads one of my stories. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. I'm insatiable when it comes to comfort. My first introduction to LOTR fanfiction was in early 2002 when I was scouring ff.net for stories in which the hobbits received healing and comfort. No current plans for a gap filler, but... you never know what the future will bring. :)
PSW · 19 October 2016 · Chapter 12: Feeling No Pain
I've been reading through this again, and am reminded of how much I really liked this one. And then I come across 'Don't get your foot hair in a frazzle.' :-P Nice....
Author's reply
Thank you so much for re-reading! That line is actually my favorite in the whole story. *beams*
PSW · 11 November 2015 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
And, a good ending! Enjoyed this story, it was fun to see the Fellowship interact before they were all on the road in danger. :-) Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
I'm so happy you enjoyed this. *beams*
PSW · 11 November 2015 · Chapter 17: A Puzzling Tea Party
Ha! This chapter was fantastic -- Boromir so confused, and the hobbits (and the rest of them, really) like herding cats... :-P And 'do not mistake innocence for ignorance.' Yes, I like that... Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thank you! It's such fun to write humorous banter (and hobbit logic) into encounters with the Big Folk. They're so easily confused. :)
PSW · 10 November 2015 · Chapter 14: The Morning After
*Sigh* I have to go to bed now -- I was trying to finish, but it's not going to happen. But, I just wanted to say I am really enjoying this story! I like your take on Legolas and Gimli here -- is a nice approach to think they might have started to get to know each other and get along before the Fellowship headed out. As usual, Aragorn is fantastic :-), and I do like Sam to get his time in the sun, as it were -- I think he's my favorite hobbit, though they do all have their charms... Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I love true "fellowship" stories, even if at this time they hadn't quite formed their bonded group yet. It was nice to give Sam so much attention for a change... usually he's the caregiver, or quiet helper of the group. :)
KathyG · 21 April 2014 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
I just love this story! I loved it on Fanfiction.net, and I love here, too. You should write more Sam H/C stories! I love reading them. =)
Author's reply
My apologies for such a late response to your review, Kathy! I just discovered your kind comments for this final chapter. I absolutely loved writing this story, and am really happy you enjoyed it so much.
PipMer · 5 June 2010 · Chapter 1: The Sorcerer Prepares
I have been reading last year's MEFA winners, and have just now started reading this. Great beginning, Janet! I know you finished this awhile ago, but I thought I'd leave you a drive-by review :)
Author's reply
Many thanks, Pip! I hope you enjoy the story. It was a real challenge to write, and great fun to let it unfold.
Linda Hoyland · 22 May 2010 · Chapter 18: Thanksgiving
What a lovely description of the feast. I felt as if I were there! The candles must have looked stunning and the tables.I'm pleased Aragorn could be present this time.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. I spent a lot of time trying to picture that feast hall, and what it might have been like. Aragorn deserved to be present at *one* feast, at least!
GamgeeFest · 16 March 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
Finally got to finish this! I love Pippin betting Merry over who will win the horse race, and Frodo slipping Pippin the basket while he was otherwise distracted. :D I also love that the crystal found its way back to the Fellowship, and lifted their hearts during a dark time. This is a great finale to a wonderful tale!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. I didn't know all the details about how I would wrap up the story until I started writing this chapter. So pleased you enjoyed it! :D
Linda Hoyland · 11 February 2010 · Chapter 17: A Puzzling Tea Party
A lovely chapter.I loved the way you showed events through Boromir's eyes.
Author's reply
Thank you. This was a fun chapter to write.
Edhel Maethor · 6 February 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
This story is amazing! I have been following it since the beginning. By the way, I've been working on some stories and I am looking for a beta (I think that is what it means when you need someone to look over my stories for errors) and your stories have been amazing and awesome and I was hoping that you could be my beta? If not, that's fine. I can find someone else. Keep up the great work and I look forward to more stories from you! Edhel Maethor "Elf Warrior"
Author's reply
Thank you, Edhel. I'm really happy you enjoyed this story! I feared it would be my last, due to ongoing wrist problems, but another (small) one has been percolating slowly. Regretfully, I can't beta stories as I have to restrict my typing and computer time.
Lily Baggins · 23 January 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
This has been such a feel-good story! Well, of course it started out with a bang and could have been tragic, but our heroes persevered (it always happens with hobbits, doesn't it?) I loved this last chapter, as the Fellowship is moving on sans Gandalf and finding their hope again. The finding of the crystal was lovely, as was, I'm sure, the look on Aragorn's face as he thought of Arwen. I really do enjoy your action-adventure stories so much! They're sort of like action/comfort, I'd say. :) So awesomely done!
Author's reply
Lily, *you* are awesome! I know how little time you have for fic reading, and I'm very happy you enjoyed this. Isn't this Fellowship special? I can't imagine what our lives would have been like had we never discovered them, and each other. *hugs you*
Antane · 14 January 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
Sorry that it's taken so long to get to this! But what a lovely ending - Gandalf's gift to all of them and his prayer/blessing/wish as he cast it into the water, then found and given to Aragorn, then Arwen, then Frodo - love that thought of all that love and hope wrapping around them all and our dear one especially. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Antane. Yes, all that love and hope flying straight towards our dear one. That makes us very happy. :)
Linda Hoyland · 12 January 2010 · Chapter 16: Contemplations
I loved this chapter especially Aragorn and Arwen's scene and the riddle.
Author's reply
I'm glad you're enjoying this!
Linda Hoyland · 12 January 2010 · Chapter 15: The Company of Friends
I loved Gimli bringing the tree and am pleased Aragorn is back in the story.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. It's been fun thinking of ways to bring Gimli and Legolas's friendship closer with humor. I couldn't imagine writing this story without Aragorn. :)
grumpy · 10 January 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
Wonderful story! And wonderful chapter, loved that hobbits betting on the outcome of the race, (who has to carry the basket) "Strider walks all the time", I got a laugh out of that line.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm very happy you enjoyed this, and that this chapter gave you a laugh. :)
Linda Hoyland · 10 January 2010 · Chapter 14: The Morning After
It is good to see Frodo recovering.
Author's reply
That's always my favorite part of the story. :)
Larner · 10 January 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
A beautiful hope, Shirebound--a jewel blessed by Olorin wearing Narya the great as well as the lords of earth and water. I'm not certain how a river running west from the mountains could flow into the Anduin, but if one branch disappeared underground I suppose it might manage the flow.... Thanks for this tale!
Author's reply
Thank you for reading! Yes, I imagine that somehow a portion of the river found another underground channel, and made its way to the Anduin. When a Maia and two of the Valar are involved in a task, anything is possible. :)
Ainu Laire · 8 January 2010 · Chapter 19: Let the River Run
Aww, this whole story was great, and the ending was very satisfying. Aragorn's and Arwen's story is not much spoken about in LOTR, so to see scenes between them always make me happy. And, of course, I love Fellowship stories completely! Seeing them together, well, it makes me wish that Tolkien had devoted more time to conversations between Fellowship members in Rivendell and before Moria, as well as in Lorien. Well, that is what fan fiction is for.
Author's reply
Indeed, the Professor left it up to us to fill in the conversations, thoughts, feelings, and "might have beens"... bless him! I'm very happy you found this ending satisfying. Thank you. :)