Holding Back the Flood by shirebound

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Andrea · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance

Time... the one thing Elves think about the least. It is now my enemy. Wow! I can just admire this sentence. It's great! Go, Elrond! Just a little more! Gimli is doing a great job, too. I dearly hope that Merry and the Elves are as successful as the never-exhausted dwarf! Time is running low. And let's give Aragorn the sleep he deserves! He did all he could. Frodo is safe now. But he would be devastated if Sam could not be found in time! But - this is a Shirebound Story :-) You won't harm him too much, will you?

Author's reply

Thank you, Andrea. It's so wonderful when folks highlight sentences they really like. And... yes, it is indeed a Shirebound Story! Let's get past this nasssty Hurt so we can enjoy the Comfort. :)

cookiefleck · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance

I'm glad Aragorn finally got some rest; he deserved it. But Sam!!! Still suffering from his injuries and in increasingly dire circumstances. Gimli and Legolas continue to show their quality, especially Gimli. Clearing off the shelf for Sam (just in case), giving food and water to the others, and all the while attacking the rockpile with a vengeance... go Gimli! And here's a nod to hard-working Elrond, too. But what of Merry and the Elves... they must be working frantically as well but naught to show for it as yet.

Author's reply

I love finding ways for folks to 'show their quality', especially when it comes to our dear hobbits. It's definitely time we got Sam out of there, and lavished with all the healing care he deserves. :)

Dreamflower · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance

I'm so glad poor Aragorn is finally getting some rest; Pippin and Bilbo and Arwen will take good care of Frodo. But, oh I'm so worried about Sam and Legolas and Gimli! I know you will get them out of there safely-- but the waiting is so suspenseful!

Author's reply

Yhank you. I'm really gratified to know that the story is remaining suspenseful! But it's definitely time to get everyone out of that nasssty cave.

Larner · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance

It does seem almost beyond belief! Poor Frodo and Sam! Now, to get that hole properly open and get the three out of the inner chamber, and get them to the surgery as soon as possible!

Author's reply

The Elves of peaceful Rivendell are certainly getting some eye-openers, aren't they? :) One rescue, coming up!

Cairistiona · 5 June 2009 · Chapter 10: Endurance

Aww, everyone's so tired... I want to tuck them all up in bed with a hot drink and plenty of blankies! Very good chapter... I enjoyed finally seeing Elrond in his battle. The descriptions of the water working its way both over and under the mountains, and the bit about the Rings and their workings was fascinating. But the comfort parts were the best. I'm glad Aragorn at least is going to get a bit of rest. He may end up being the last one standing at the rate this is going! :)

Author's reply

Thank you. I'd been meaning to get back to Elrond sooner, but there's just too much happening. I'm tired as well, from dashing back and forth all over Rivendell! Maybe I'll usurp some of those blankies when we're all finished. :) Gosh, I love the comfort parts. Can't wait to wallow in them.

grumpy · 4 June 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

Let's hear it for the dwarves and their rocks and the elves and their trees, if it was not for Sam, who knows what would have happened. Loved how the shard let Frodo "know"!

Author's reply

Thanks, Grumpy. I thought it would be fun to have Sam negotiate a truce (without even knowing it) between to two 'hostile forces'. :)

cookiefleck · 25 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

Sam!! I liked that Legolas and Gimli immediately set aside their differences once Sam awoke. Sam and Legolas are both in such a weakened state that the danger of flooding is very frightening. Glad that the shard was removed so completely. I liked the voice whispering promises to Frodo... eerie. Kinda wanted to slap Glorfindel for that cryptic comment about "at least one..." And, of course, I liked that Frodo was thinking of Sam (that Sam would worry about Frodo is a given, of course). Sam!!

Author's reply

I really wanted to show that Frodo and Sam would be thinking about the other, no matter what separated them. But wherever they are, I insist on attentive and gentle caregivers. Those cryptic elves (and wizards)! What are we to do with them? Thank you for reading! Dear Sam. :)

GamgeeFest · 25 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I'm so glad Aragorn was able to get that shard out of Frodo without any problems. That at least is a relief. Now Frodo can begin recovering. Everyone else though... Gimli and Legolas still don't see how much they do have in common. Rocks and trees may not be the same in their eyes, but their feelings and relationships to them are. Now, on with the rescue effort!

Author's reply

I'm relieved for Frodo, too. Whew! What a perceptive comment about Gimli and Legolas. Their hearts do feel the same passion, but for different things.

Grey Wonderer · 24 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I love the fact that throughout it all, Sam thinks only of Frodo and with all he's endured, Frodo's thoughts are with Sam. I wonder what Merry is planning to do? And will Gimli and Legolas manage to keep from fighting long enough to be rescued? It's good that Sam is there to keep the peace. Sam has a talent for that.

Author's reply

Thanks! I tried to set up from early in the story that Sam would be the 'glue' that was going to hold this budding friendship together. Frodo and Sam might be separated physically, but never in spirit. :)

Antane · 23 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

Another great chapter! Sorry that I've been so busy I didn't get to it until now. Love Sam waking up in the middle of that argument and the poor dear thinking of Frodo being in trouble and not being able to be with him and Frodo's last thought being of Sam. Those two are connected and no mistake. That dark voice was interesting. Neat of Arwen to be singing to Frodo. Glad he is on the mend! Looking forward to the next if my fingers don't lose their strength from holding onto all these cliffs! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Thank you so much. I did want to show that Frodo and Sam were concerned about one another no matter what else was happening to them. LOL, those cliffs are hard on all of us! I'm trying to let the story evolve "exactly as it means to", so I don't always know what's going to happen, either. :)

Lily Baggins · 21 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I love the Legolas and Gimli banter about trees and stone! You write them so in-character, especially at this stage of the game. And oooh myyyy . . . the part I'd been waiting for, when Aragorn leans over Frodo with concern in his eyes. *happy, happy sigh* That part was just extremely well done---such darling tending for Frodo. And it gave me shivers to realize the rock was RESISTING being pulled out. I can't wait to see what happens next. And so sweet that poor Frodo is thinking of Sam, and poor Sam is thinking of Frodo!

Author's reply

Thanks, Lily! Aragorn had to be stern! with someone or something, and this time it was the enspelled rock. :) Surrounding Frodo with solicitous tending and attention... *happy happy sigh*

Adelina Rose · 20 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

Hi! I'm new. I simply adore your stories. I have read all of them within this week. I am currently following you up on your unfinished one. It is so good. Will you be able to finish it soon. I just can't wait!

Author's reply

Hi, Adelina! I'm so happy you stopped by to say "hi", and let me know that you're enjoying the stories. I really pour my heart into each and every one, and love writing them.

Jay of Lasgalen · 20 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I love the squabbling between Legolas and Gimli about whether trees or rocks are more communicative! These two have a lot in common, though they don't realise it yet, despite their growing respect for one another. I somehow missed the previous chapter, and loved Glorfindel sending a message to Legolas via the tree. So ... the shard of rock has been removed from Frodo's leg, those trapped know that help is on the way, an army of elves are digging them out ... all seems well. Have you got a nasty surprise in store for the next chapter?

Author's reply

Thanks, Jay. Legolas and Gimli are both 'young', as their people measure it, and have much to learn from one another. There's nothing like a common danger -- or concern for a mutual friend -- to keep things peaceful. :)

Larner · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

Ah--freed of the foul darkness that would take him from within! And the others work tirelessly to free those made captive by the cavein. Excellent use of tension!

Author's reply

Thank you, I appreciate that. It's difficult keeping all these separate parts of the story flowing smoothly!

Ariel · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I read the first parts of this on my phone, but wasn't able to get the whole page loaded - I am delighted to find there was more (and it was a Frodo bit!) for me to read once I got to my computer. *Grin* Very enjoyable, SB. Thank you!

Author's reply

Thanks, Ariel! I'm very impressed with folks who have internet on their phones. I'm about ten years behind all the new-fangled technology. Glad to give you some FrodoAngst to enjoy. :)

Galimeril · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

That was sweet, what Frodo said about seeing Aragorn the way Arwen did. I love how you worked in the argument between Gimili and Legolas, I knew that peace could not last for too long! :) I'm so glad you updated! Have a great week! Galimeril ;D

Author's reply

Thank you very much! I hope you have a great week, too. :)

Inzilbeth · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I loved the bicking between Legolas and Gimli, it was so believeable and so right. But full marks for the removal of the shard! The sudden appearance of the voice of the Nazgul was chilling and unexpected. And Aragorn was suitably shattered by the whole experience. I too was going to highlight the passage that Dreamflower did. Beautiful.

Author's reply

I always thought that Elrond needed to battle that original shard on levels physical and otherwise, and wanted to show Aragorn going through something similar. I'm so glad that scene rang true. :)

Andrea · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

Wow! So full of suspense, especially the description of that dark voice in Frodo's mind! I'm relieved that he's rid of that stone now. I could feel with Merry when he was torn between staying at the cave and following Frodo. But I think his place is right were he is - in the cave. I have a feeling that someone as small as a hobbit will be needed there... Last but not least, the title is great! Not only Aragorn and Arwen were singing in this chapter, but also Gimli. And I bet that this "strange grumbling sound" was a Song of Power as well, maybe to soothe the stones.

Author's reply

So many of Frodo's battles are fought in a silent, unseen world. It's fascinating to try to imagine what it's like, and write it out. And... thank you so much! I changed that title a half-dozen times before I settled on this one. :)

Cairistiona · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

A bit of progress on some fronts--Frodo, mostly, and Sam waking finally, but still very worrisome with Legolas' fever and Lord Elrond's strength. As always a good chapter that leaves me wanting to read the next *now*. :)

Author's reply

There's no better compliment! *beams*

Dreamflower · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

I enjoyed the bickering between Legolas and Gimli, in spite of their growing admiration for one another as individuals, their racial differences are still not easily put aside! But Sam has a marvelous sense of timing. And I have a hunch about Merry's idea... But I really liked the scene with Frodo, Aragorn and Arwen, especially Frodo finding the strength to tease even in all of his pain and difficulty. And this was just beautiful: When she had Frodo’s full attention, Arwen began to sing. Frodo recognized the same song to Elbereth he had heard before in this Hall, and again felt lifted into a realm of gold and silver and blue, where the air was pure as crystalline water and colors had no names. Such a lovely bit of description!

Author's reply

Good old Sam, waking up just in time from his "dream". I really enjoyed writing that scene. Thank you so much. It's such a joy to write FrodoHealing in all its many forms. :)

Lindelea · 19 May 2009 · Chapter 9: Songs of Power

gripping. You move smoothly from perspective to perspective, from one scene to the next, keeping the story moving along. Oops, I forgot where Gandalf was. Where is he? No time to go back and read. Funny argument between Gimli and Legolas. Sweet that Sam's wakening brings them together in purpose once more. If Elrond is stretched beyond his strength... Sounds ominous. Yay for Arwen! And Aragorn. And Arwen and Aragorn together. *sigh* would spend more time in the world of fanfic but RL is hovering at my shoulder, telling me it's time to start the day. Thanks for a lovely respite.

Author's reply

Thanks, Lindelea! I know you don't have much time to read, and it's a pleasure to give you something new. Especially with Aragorn and Arwen. :) (Gandalf is with Elrond.)

GamgeeFest · 11 May 2009 · Chapter 8: Channeling Hope

Love the image of Pippin running about Rivendell and sending everyone to the cave, and even managing to speak to Arwen! And Arwen shows she has a bit of a naughty side. I don't think that's what Aragorn meant by distracting Frodo! LOL! It did work though. ;) Gimli the spider and tree-phones. :D Poor Sam. He seems to be suffering a concussion, in which case they should really try to keep him awake. Legolas was thankfully able to sense the change in the tree and know that help is on its way. That will make the digging easier for Gimli, as hope gives new energy and determination. I hope the strain of holding back the river doesn't make Elrond lose consciousness next!

Author's reply

I have to credit my beta-mom with the Pippin idea. She really wanted to see Pippin 'show his quality' in every way possible. Tree-phones! Love that. As for brave and selfless Elrond... well, there may be quite a few folks convalescing by the end of the story. :)

Gentle Hobbit · 11 May 2009 · Chapter 7: Leaf and Stone

I'm going to sound like a broken record here, but I love your Gimli! I can already see some groundwork developing for their future friendship. Also, that continued need to keep the splinter out of the sunlight... Yikes!

Author's reply

Thank you so much. I'm really enjoying exploring this very tentative friendship, and how these two might have interacted with one another in such a situation.

Gentle Hobbit · 11 May 2009 · Chapter 6: Taking Charge

*shiver* The idea of that splinter actually moving and burrowing itself into Frodo's leg gives me the shudders. My goodness... you are really giving this fic what-for in the creepiness department! Again I cheer for Gimli! Hurrah! A wise and steady dwarf indeed.

Author's reply

Creeeeeepy stuff! *glares at any splinter that dares touch Frodo* Thank you so much for reading. :)

Gentle Hobbit · 11 May 2009 · Chapter 5: Fire and Water

Oh no! Legolas and Sam! But Gimli is here to take care of them, and he being the one best suited to being underground, he will keep his head. I got a good giggle at Merry's stream of thought as he ran. Very Merry--he never stops thinking!

Author's reply

Gimli is truly at home amidst his beloved stones, however dire the situation might be! And I love bringing out Merry's quick thinking and ability to assess each situation honestly.