Oh my... Even though I know you don't like it, you seem to be very good at describing or hinting at malevolence. I found this chapter rather creepy in places.
Poor Frodo! I hope he will have enough time to get out and have the stalagtite fragment removed safely. Yay for Merry--a most practical and valiant hobbit!
Author's reply
It's very creepy to try to understand malevolent intent; I only bear it because of the opportunities it presents for hobbit healing and comfort! :)
Gak! How did I miss this the other day?
I love Arwen gently distracting Frodo, and i really love dear Gimli, all no-nonsense bustle and care. The way he call Legolas 'lad' makes me laugh.
Glorfindel - my favourite Elf! I like the way he uses the tree to send a message to Legolas. We have an oak in our local park which is huge - 500 years old and massive. The stories that could tell us!
Can't wait for the next instalment, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love massive trees, although they're hard to find in "the desert southwest" of the U.S. We could use some of Sam's grey dust here!
I'm having way too much fun writing Gimli. :)
Linda Hoyland
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
What a lovely vision for Frodo to awaken to! I liked the idea that Glorfindel could use the tree to send a message.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda. I gave that tree a lot of thought when I was planning out the story. :)
grumpy
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Great chapter, I do like Arwen trying to distract Frodo and keep him awake. And bless Sam, he has learned from Bilbo stories, and remembered to have several handkerchiefs, when he walked out the door
Author's reply
Yes indeed, Sam has been very attentive to Bilbo's stories. Never leave home without the essentials!
Galimeril
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
The suspense is killing me! I do so love your story! I admit it, hobbits aren't really my thing, but you've made me want to even read more about Pippin and Company! That, my dear, takes real skill.
I wish I could write analytical essays about this instead of classic works of literature tomorrow... That would be enjoyable compared to the sensation of pulling teeth I get when I take AP exams... Blech!
Have a great weekend!
Galimeril ;D
Author's reply
That's quite a compliment, Galimeril. I do love hobbits, especially when they're interacting with the Big Folks with each race learning more about the other.
Thank you for reading, and good luck with your classes!
Periantari
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Sam h/c! Oh my poor Sam! Sorry that bit had me rather light-headed myself. I hope Sam will get much care (and more angst) soon too. ;)
Nice dialogue between Frodo and Arwen-- we hardly get that in the book...only see that interaction in the movies.
It's interesting to have Glorfindel sense trouble. =)
GLad to read more and certainly looking forward for more!
Author's reply
Thank you. I really tried to imagine what a realistic conversation would be like between Frodo and Arwen, under these circumstances.
Dear Sam deserves lots of TLC once this is over. :)
Oh! I love the tree being a part of the communication in all of this. That seems so very right for the Elves. I am also enjoying Gimli as the care-giver. I don't recall another story that has him so very involved in helping the injured. It's an interesting look at him.
I do hope Frodo is able to hang onto hope for Sam and Legolas and Gimli. The last thing he needs now is something more to worry about!
Author's reply
Thank you! A bit of role-reversal now and then is such fun, such as hobbits taking care of Big Folk, or Gimli taking care of... all kinds of folk! I think Legolas and Gimli would have had to show their worth to Elrond before being chosen for the Fellowship, and I love finding a way for them to do that.
Let me echo Febobe: Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!! I can just PICTURE Frodo's red cheeks as he lies there, all embarrassed at Arwen's attentions! How adorable! Talk about a good distraction for him---Aragorn knows what he's doing. :)
I'm slobbering and drooling for the next chapter, which I believe you indicated earlier that you were very much looking forward to writing. I'm very curious as to how the rock splinter will be removed, if it will be painful, and well---just excited to see Aragorn, with Arwen's assistance, perform such a procedure on Frodo. You know how I adore the way you write them all together.
I love the suspense here involved with Sam and Legolas and Gimli, as well---poor things! It seems nobody's having a good day in Rivendell, are they? But I'm sure you'll get them out of it in one piece---though hopefully not too soon!
Author's reply
Lily, your slobbering and drooling are very inspiring, truly! I'm glad I could slip in a teensy bit of "embarrassed Frodo" for you. *grins* I'm definitely looking forward to writing chapter 9.
LOL, maybe I should have named this story "A Rather Not Very Good Day in Rivendell".
*hugs hugs*
Tigger
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Oh, I loved how it was Arwen who stayed by Frodo while Aragorn was getting what was needed. Especially his reaction to Pippin actually speaking to Arwen. I can imagine the hobbits were overawed by her beauty, but Pippin most of all. I can easily believe it being the only time our spirited Took was tongue tied.
Glorfy sensing the Oak knew what was happening and using it to let Legolas know that help's on the way is so perfect. Of all the Elves being able to use the trees to let Legolas know that the alert has been sounded and help is coming, Glorfy really is the perfect Elf in Rivendell to be able to do that very thing.
And Sam's woken finally!! Yes, there's cause to worry still, but at least he's woken. Always a good sign w/an injury like that.
What a great chapter!! Can't wait to see what happens next. :o)
Author's reply
This chapter was a challenge! I do think that Glorfindel would have the power and knowledge to accomplish many things that other Elves couldn't... or wouldn't even think of.
Dear Sam. I think it's time he woke up for real, and found out what's been going on.
Thank you so much for reading. :)
Frodo Baggins of Bag End (FBoBE/"Febobe")
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
I'm behind on reading this lovely tale, but I just dropped by to see the latest chapter, and wanted to squee over the Arwen/Frodo part. . .you know what a fondness I have for that sort of thing by now, don't you? :D
EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!! :D
It made me melt. . .soooooooo sweet. . . .
*snugs delightedly and praises you with great praise*
Author's reply
You make me wriggle with delight, my friend and mentor! Thank you ever so much. *huge grin and big snugglehug*
Larner
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Oh, that wonderful moment of awareness that things are RIGHT in spite of what is now wrong! Yes! And that tree root is helping Legolas be comforted, which allows the others to be comforted through him. Yes!
Poor Sam!
Author's reply
Even a humble tree root can help change a bad situation into a better one. :)
Poor Sam! But think of all the TLC to come...
shadowolf
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Oh my gosh this was so good! Great job shirebound! You are still portraying the characters just perfectly. Please update soon! I can't wait to read the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'll certainly update as soon as I can. :)
Inzilbeth
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Another great chapter, Shirebound. It is so good to see Arwen and Frodo together [I love it that Pippin was too scared to speak to her!]. There is so much happening, yet you really keep the tension up and the ending was terrific.
Author's reply
First Goldberry, and now Arwen... the hobbits are certainly meeting very lovely and impressive Big Folk females!
Thank you so much. There's a lot to keep track of, and I'm happy to hear that the story is working well. :)
Althea
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
There are so many wonderful things going on in this chapter that I am having a hard time figuring out where to begin my praise. Of course, I love the idea of the elves using the tree as messenger. It's also lovely to see Frodo being so lovingly tended by Arwen. The detail of Pippin's shyness around Arwen being forgetten in his worry for Frodo and the others is just one of the items that makes this story seem so real. Gimili's practicality is another. I admire how he keeps his head and makes use of those things he has at his disposal. Oh, and dear Sam, I am still very worried about him. Even as ill as he is, he is still using his good Hobbit sense.
Author's reply
What lovely comments, thank you. I'm certainly trying my best to help the story seem realistic and plausible. :)
cookiefleck
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Oooh, love this chapter. Glad Frodo is in good hands. Thinking about removing the shard it occurred to me how lucky WE are to be living in an age of anesthesia and pain-numbing drugs.
And poor Sam! In pain, barely conscious, and in fear of Gimli and/or his imagined situation. Yet he's still reasoning throughout, calming himself, figuring out what's going on to the best of his ability - even thinking of escape, the poor thing. This is the kind of stuff I really enjoy reading, especially when it concerns Sam.
I don't think I mentioned it earlier, but I like the way you brought the tree root aspect into the story.
I am getting worried about the water... the title of the story is "holding back" but I wonder if the flood will let loose at some point. Sam!!
Author's reply
Oh gosh, we are soooo lucky. Folks must have gone to doctors (or dentists) only as a last resort in the "olden days".
Finding ways to weave little things through a story (like that tree and its root) is such fun, and I love doing it.
Sam certainly made the best guesses he can, under the circumstances! I'm so pleased you're enjoying this. :)
Antane
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
That was a neat ending! God bless Glorfindel and that tree. Love also how prepared Sam's pack is - all those handkerchiefs. :) and that book of Elven songs or poems. I like Pippin marshalling everyone and the section of Frodo and Arwen too - interesting nightmare and how the area is numb and all that.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Sam is always prepared! It's fun to think about all the details.
Glad you liked that ending, and are enjoying the story. Thank you!
Andrea
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
... and suddenly something hairy and damp was looming over him.
*grins* Well, actually dwarves *are* hairy - from a hobbit's point of view! Poor Sam, though. I hope Gimli will find them a way through all those stones.
At least they have enough pocket-handkerchiefs with them ;-) I really liked that bit. Great idea!
I also loved Arwen distracting Frodo and Glorfindel contacting Legolas through the ancient oak.
I wonder how Elrond and Gandalf are faring?
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. Sam and Frodo awakened to two very different visions, didn't they? One hairy and damp, the other lovely and gentle. Poor Sam!
It's fun to bring out details like Sam making sure there would be no lack of pocket-handkerchiefs. He certainly listened closely to Bilbo's stories!
Fiondil
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
I've been reading this right along, Shirebound, and this is the best chapter to date, IMO. I love Glorfindel here speaking to the oak and wondering if Legolas is old enough to 'hear' the tree's message. *lol* And Arwen is just lovely with Frodo. Looking forward to what comes next.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm greatly complimented that you like my portrayal of elves. :)
lbilover
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Ah, there are so many wonderful bits in this! I love how the tree to which Legolas spoke becomes so important here, and able to send him a message. (What a totally cool idea!) And Pippin finding his courage to speak to Arwen for Frodo's sake is so dear. Arwen is wonderful here, too- I wish she'd gotten some of this treatment in the book!!
And last but not least poor Sam! Imagining himself caught by a spider, never knowing that someday that fate will befall Frodo. :(
Author's reply
Thanks! You never know when showing respect and kindness to a tree will come in handy, especially in the Professor's magical world. :)
Arwen was rather a nonentity in the book, regretfully. But during those two months in Rivendell I imagine the hobbits just had to have interacted with her.
Cairistiona
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
Another gripping installment... you're managing to get all the characters involved! I enjoyed Glorfindel's moments with the oak tree, especially, and how it tied in with the way the chapter ended. Very well done! But I am starting to worry about Elrond and how his strength is holding out...
Author's reply
Thank you very much. Glorfindel shows such 'hidden power' in FOTR, I have no doubt he would be able to commune easily with a receptive tree.
Hang in there, Elrond!
Dreamflower
· 5 May 2009
· Chapter 8: Channeling Hope
I love the idea that Glorfindel was able to use the tree to send a message to Legolas of reassurance-- and a beautiful bit of symettry in the way you used that to bracket the story's beginning and end. Very deft!
The interlude with Frodo and Arwen was lovely-- I do love your take on her, and the way you capture not only her beauty, but her kindness of heart, her faith and love, and her bravery. And in spite of his injuries, I loved Frodo's embarrassed reactions to her, as well as his astonishment that Pippin had spoken to her! *grin* Poor Pippin, though, having to break the news to Bilbo! It's going to be so horrid for the old fellow, to learn his beloved lad is in peril once more!
And I'm very worried about Sam's injury and him not remembering Gimli! Gimli is bound and determined, though to do all he can-- but I do hope he doesn't try to shift any of that rock. It might mess up what Elrond and Gandalf are doing.
Another really gripping chapter-- I'm already eager for more!
Author's reply
Thank you! I do think, based on the Tolkien quote that begins the chapter, that the hobbits would be rather in awe of Arwen. It's fun to find ways for them to interact.
I love finding ways to weave little things throughout a story, such as that tree and its roots. :)
GamgeeFest
· 23 April 2009
· Chapter 7: Leaf and Stone
Oooh! I do hope everyone will start digging quickly and get them out of there. Sam may be breathing all right, but I don't like Gimli's other observations. They're not good signs. Glad though that Gimli and Legolas are getting along. They may even find that they have something in common, difficult as that may seem to believe. And of course, extreme worry for Frodo and Elrond, unseen here but not forgotten.
Author's reply
Thanks, Gamgeefest. Sometimes it takes extreme situations for common ground to be found. It's fun to work out how this 'might have been'.
Frodo and Elrond are definitely not forgotten! :)
Lily Baggins
· 20 April 2009
· Chapter 7: Leaf and Stone
It absolutely kills me to think of Frodo having to go through the Morgul poisoning again---the poor thing! But you know, if it means he'll HAVE to put up with Aragorn's tending . . . then I suppose I can live with it . . . ;) Gosh, you have my favorite elements here, all wrapped up with suspense and danger---I'm enjoying it greatly.
I'm really getting a kick out of your Gimli and Legolas banter here! This is the beginning of a very unlikely friendship.
Author's reply
Thanks, Lily! Yes, I'm afraid you (and Frodo) will have to endure a bit of Aragorn tending. Maybe you can just skim past it quickly, you know? :)
LOL, I'm having such a good time encouraging this 'unlikely friendship' to evolve. :)
Grey Wonderer
· 19 April 2009
· Chapter 7: Leaf and Stone
(“How is your head, lad?”
Legolas had to smile. No one had called him that in over a thousand years. )
Love this bit here. I enjoyed all of the scenes with Gimli and Legolas. I like how you show their difference, as with the tree root, and the things they share in common like their bravery in the face of pain and danger.
I see I didn't avoid a cliff hanger by reading several chapters at once! Now I have to worry about Sam and Frodo until the next chapter turns up. I hope you're writing non-stop. : )
Author's reply
Oh thank you! It's their differences (and ability to learn to get along and respect one another in spite of them) that I'm trying to highlight, among other things.
I'm writing as much as I can, as often as I can. Wish it could be faster! But we'll all get off those cliffs together, and I hope enjoy the adventure. *hugs hugs*
(“No, no, and yes,” Frodo said. ) A bit of hobbit humor during a dark situation. Good for Frodo.
And the team of Merry and Pippin trading ideas on the move. That was great too.
Oh, and this from Pippin on the way out to safety.
(“Honestly, Frodo, he’s been back in Rivendell for at least an hour. You do own a brush, don’t you, Strider? I could lend you one of Merry’s.” ) and the way Merry knew that Pippin was trying to lift Frodo's spirits and didn't mean any real insult to Aragorn.
I am enjoying this all very much!
Now, we got to get Sam and Legolas and Gimli out of the cave and get Frodo the help that he needs. When I say, *we*, I mean you of course. : )
Author's reply
Thank you. Praise from the praiseworthy (in hobbity humor) is a treasure indeed! It just seemed so natural that Pippin would generously offer a brush, but hedge his bets when it came to whose he was offering.
I'm working on those rescues! *type type type*