Reviews (25)

grumpy · 29 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

So glad to see that Bilbo is having adventures, after his departure from the Shire. Loved how Aragorn took off after Arwen.

Dreamflower · 27 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

What a wonderful epilogue! Bilbo back in Rivendell, and just as honored and beloved as I have always imagined him there! And do I understand that beginning a-right? There is a competition for the most awful rhymes? LOL! That's a perfect explanation for "Tra-la-lally!" I enjoyed his reunion with Gandalf, but the best part was his renewed acquaintance with Aragorn/Estel/Dunadan! What fun that they wrote the verse together! It's clear that they will have a warm friendship from here on out. I do wish we could learn more about Samid, his errand, and the Blue Wizards. But maybe that will be a tale for another time! I can hope. This was a delightful story!

Redheredh · 27 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

What an enjoyable ending! I loved Estel and Bilbo composing together. I like that the return of the cloak pin being *almost* an afterthought. :) "Tra-la-la-lally!" <> Dang ring... always messing around with people... There is only one person it belongs to. The very one that should not have it. I am glad it looks like Samid may have lived to love another day. Cook! :)Gandalf comes than goes - abruptly as just about always. But, it would seem strange any other way. And lastly, Bilbo is guided onto the path of dreams by those who know it well. "Have you travelled far?" "Why would I?" Oh, why indeed... I want to live in Rivendell too. Great little story. Thanks for putting this out for us here to read!

Elena Tiriel · 26 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

Ah, I enjoyed this story, Perelleth! Bilbo is a delightfully rich, three-dimensional character here.... Well done! - Barbara

daw the minstrel · 26 March 2009 · Chapter 9999: All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

I'm so smitten with Bilbo's love of learning and new projects. We all should be so lucky as we grow old. And what an idyllic life he lives. reading and writing and thinking and listening and eating and sleeping. Who could ask for more? Have you travelled far, Tuluniben?” “Why would I?” Why indeed. Except for the bad things out there that Aragorn has to face. And except for the passing of the Elves.

Dot · 24 March 2009 · Chapter 3: The Old That Is Strong Does Not Wither

I’m so sorry I’m late. I really enjoyed this chapter. I loved the battle from Bilbo’s point of view. He’s so brave! And he has such a unique voice. I like how you got across the sense of chaos but still made sure that we could follow what was going on. As he struggled, he again met the eyes of the creature hiding by the trees some thirty paces from him, the light of the torches sparkling strangely on a pale, sunken face. As the creature fixed him in a glare and then ran away with an angry hiss, Bilbo’s hand closed tightly on something smooth and cold. “But that was in Gollum’s cave,” he murmured, as darkness and exhaustion crept upon him. “When I found the ring…” Oh, that was an excellent moment! LOL at Legolas immediately presuming Mallereg is involved in the sudden fireworks display. Actually, Legolas was great, especially considering what a bizarre situation he’s just walked in on and how annoyed he is with his nephew. It must have been some sight when he finally got a chance to let Mallereg know how he felt. I had to laugh at Halbarad’s comment that Sámid would have panicked again if he saw the two of them. “Do not meddle in the affairs of the House of Oropher, my foster father always says” LOLOL. Elrond is wise indeed. And I love Legolas’ reaction to Aragorn – so not impressed! Yeah, where the heck is Sámid gone?? There’s someone who must be sorry he ever set foot in Mirkwood. If he’s still alive to be sorry, that is... Bilbo made me smile with how he’s always prepared for a story, despite how sore or tired he is. I’m glad Legolas insisted that Gandalf go to Thranduil - if only because I’m hoping to see Thranduil! What a pity Aragorn couldn’t go. Um, this time. “I would ask that his life was spared, since it saved ours,” Halbarad asked softly. Good man, Halbarad You know, I have to say you’re one of the best I’ve seen at writing dialogue. I absolutely love how they all cut across one another and talk about a few things at once. It’s exactly how we all talk but I don’t think I could ever get it across on paper like you do. I was half afraid to discover what was in the pack. And oh! Ick! Ack! Yuck! I knew it! I’ll have nightmares for a week. It was very interesting, though, to ponder just what this Blue Wizard might be up to. You had me in stitches with the way Mallereg just answers Legolas’ command with “I will not.” I love Mallereg. I really do. My brother will understand. I suspect that my father has finally decided to give him a full command… and that is why Sûlgalen wanted all of us to be there. ROTFL! So that’s the announcement. What fun Mallereg must have had at poor Thalaûr’s expense. “Thranduil is certainly more generous with his wine than Elrond!” *snort* I feel sorry for Bilbo, though. Scary and all as Mirkwood is, he seems reluctant to say goodbye to it for what is undoubtedly the last time. Bilbo reminds me of you, actually :-) He cherishes home and his loved ones, yet he’s irresistibly drawn to adventure and the thought of meeting new people and seeing new places. Bilbo was moved, as every time he was made aware that his adventures had left a mark on the people he had met, and that they, too, would think of him when they reminisced about those times. It was comforting in a way, to know that he would be part of those people’s thoughts and memories as they would surely be part of his, even if they never met again under the sun. Their lives would go on for long, but he would always be part of them, and that helped ease the pain of the parting. That bit is just gorgeous. It actually brought tears to my eyes. And you’ve caught the tone of The Hobbit perfectly in the parting blessings. “All that is gold does not glitter,” the ranger called Aragorn said almost casually as he caught up with them and grabbed Bilbo’s water skin from Halbarad’s hands. He cast an impish grin at Bilbo and then trotted up to exchange indications about the road with the dwarves. I’m grinning again here. What a devil Aragorn can be. But what a wonderful link between stories! That was a lovely ending. I was glad to see Bilbo reach Imladris again. And I look forward to the epilogue! This chapter was great – just the right mix of tension and humour. Merry elves, indeed. Apologies again for my lateness.

Redheredh · 16 March 2009 · Chapter 3: The Old That Is Strong Does Not Wither

Oh, that was good! :) I liked seeing the battle from two povs. Especially one of them being Bilbo's! Mallereg is just so much fun to have around! For everyone but his kith and kin, that is. lol! And really, Aragorn should have just told Bilbo they had met before. Well, all will become clear when Bilbo settles in Rivendell. It works very well that there are several reasons and explanations for the spiders and Samid's prize. That's what it's like in real-life. Sometimes, things just happen. Circumstances are what they are. But, poor Samid! I hope you haven't killed him off, so he can turn up again. Bilbo's concern for him is rather forlorn since it looks like he ran after the sack, besides there being no sign of him. More than likely, he has met with the worse at the ...er, feet? ... of the spiders. Then, there is that nagging question of Bilbo's about the Blue Wizard.... another desperate adventurer may come looking for something of more concern, like Hobbits said to have mithril hides. Other people have already pointed out the notable bits I would cite. Most of all though, I like arriving at last at the Last Homely House, and Bilbo feeling that he was truly home at last. An Epilogue! Yay!

Larner · 15 March 2009 · Chapter 3: The Old That Is Strong Does Not Wither

He doesn't recognize the child he once knew, then? Heh! I bet Aragorn is smirking inside at Bilbo's confusion! Ah, poor Salid. And he lost his egg clutches, then? Probably better he did so. (Shuddering!)

Dreamflower · 14 March 2009 · Chapter 3: The Old That Is Strong Does Not Wither

Oh, I just loved this chapter, from the action filled beginning, with that spider fight--in which Bilbo aquitted himself wonderfully well for a 111-year-old to the encounter among all of them afterward. I wonder what's happened to Samid--I hope Gollum doesn't get him. And I am mighty intrigued by the Blue Wizard references. And this, I utterly adored: Bilbo was moved, as every time he was made aware that his adventures had left a mark on the people he had met, and that they, too, would think of him when they reminisced about those times. It was comforting in a way, to know that he would be part of those people’s thoughts and memories as they would surely be part of his, even if they never met again under the sun. Their lives would go on for long, but he would always be part of them, and that helped ease the pain of the parting. Wonderful, just wonderful, and so true!

daw the minstrel · 14 March 2009 · Chapter 3: The Old That Is Strong Does Not Wither

When you show Bilbo battling the spiders, you do a really nice job of capturing the same tone The Hobbit uses--there's serious trouble but the telling is spiked with humor. Cool moment when Bilbo spots Gollum and tries to tell himself it couldn't be the same creature. I really like the way Bilbo likes Samid, seeing him as a man who loves his home, not some dehumanized enemy. It's also funny that Legolas expects to find his nephew in the middle of the fireworks, though he should be nowhere near. A nephew ready to take over his patrol, no less! And then answer an order with "I will not." The moment when the stag joined the battle startled me. It was like magic. I cannot see why he thought I was Halbarad…” “I am offended,” the wounded man snorted from the ground. LOL. And then the memory of an "Elven child" teases Bilbo's mind. I really liked Bilbo's thoughts about how he'd been part of others' lives and they'd remember him even if he never saw them again. That's a comforting thought, isn't it?

Redheredh · 2 March 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

A little delayed, but finally here... I am sooo glad the fellow under the boulder was not killed - especially since it turned out to be Halbarad! But, I am sorry he is hurt so badly. I really like Bilbo thinking of Gollum, and the whole idea that there might be corrupted hobbits, like orcish men, skulking around out there. But, I take solace in knowing that the Dark Lord had a hard time corrupting the Dwarves because of their innate nature, so I will hold faith that in general as well the Hobbit's nature (there will always be Mims and Smeagols) protects them from Sauron. Poor subjects for his evil do not warrant his attention, you know. Hmm, medicine (magic) used to treat "wounds in dark forest, make us immortal..." How intriguing! And Poor Poor Samid! To be so in love! "...sand-gazer, the one who ties and unties the future." Loved that! oo,oo! He's going to open the bag! Yay! Dang! He's been interrupted! Boo! Mean Perelleth! The camp is becoming quite crowded! But, certainly lively!! Dumb Dwarves leaving stuff out like that just so they didn't have to sleep on the ground! Poor Poor Samid! It's a wonder he has not swooned or gone crazy let alone utterly panicked. A Gulliver he ain't. Two elves, two rangers, two dwarves, two ponies, a hobbit, and a southron (a rather mismatched pair of far travelers) - AND AN ARMY OF SPIDERS! "hell" Uh,yeah. But wait, there's a clue here! Why all the spiders now? They can't be suddenly hungry! Venom! That used as medicine! Samid put his prize in a sack, which means he could handle it in the first place... maybe its already in a sack... with the rest of its siblings...*shutter* Now, I'm hoping you will trick me! On the Author Note: very nice. One of my favorite 'slip's is in the Sil, Luthien and Beren's adventure on the Isle of Werewolves, where Sauron takes a vampire shape like Thuringwethil. I appreciate finding both beasties with their own particular features in Tolkien's world. Can't wait to see how you get them out of this one! ;D

Larner · 2 March 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

I must say quite a gathering is appearing in Mirkwood--Dwarves, Bilbo, Radagast and Gandalf, Aragorn and Halbarad, spiders and patrols--and Gollum! It sounds suitably ominous! And love the inclusion of so many folk tales. And I certainly agree with you about DrummerWench's lovely tales!

meckinock · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

I'm sorry, I'm late - I haven't been keeping up with fanfiction for the longest time, but daw pointed this out to me - Halbarad! Squee :-) I will be back later with a more mature and thoughtful review, hopefully

Dot · 1 March 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

I’m so loving this. Radagast! And of course he’s friends with the white buck. And there’s Mithrandir! Well, I was expecting him ;-) I love how Radagast doesn’t seem remotely surprised to run into him in the middle of Mirkwood. Radagast is such an interesting character – I look forward to seeing what you do with him. And he gives a very precise report, don’t you think – Thranduil could probably use him! But I found myself with a lump in my throat with his description of darkness spreading across the forest. So Halbarad was the one who got squished! Excellent! Having Halbarad in the story is excellent, I mean, not the squishing of him. “Their screeches drove the blood from my veins and the strength from my knees,” Very powerful description. It actually made me shudder. I enjoyed watching Halbarad and Aragorn together. They move from grim conversation to gentle teasing with ease. How do they know the Southron thought they were ghosts? It sounds like they’ve been having quite a time in the forest. All these people wanting to meet one of Thranduil’s patrols and for once not an elf in sight... I think I know who owns that creaking wagon, though! And there’s Mallereg. It’s good to see someone enjoying themselves anyway! “You’ve made up such a convincing case that were we to run into that white deer with the fabulous rack of antlers, I could not honestly say that you were pursuing your personal interests…” LOL!! Mallereg has diplomatic skills for more than persuading Galion to give him the king’s best wine, it seems. Poor Thalaûr. He doesn’t appear to enjoy being teased. I laughed at him taking the piece of antler from under Mallereg’s nose in revenge. Radagast will have something to say about them hunting his guide, though... Boy would I not like to be listening to the Southron’s scary stories before settling down for the night. In a forest teeming with strange and dangerous creatures. Still, the Dwarves don’t miss an opportunity to have a dig about the tolls. Bilbo’s thoughts about Gollum were really unsettling. It’s a good reminder of just how dangerous Gollum is. It was almost imperceptible, but the man first cast a quick glance to his pack, safe by his side, then hastened to shake his head, avoiding Bilbo’s searching glance. “No spiders. Heard rumors, but no spiders!” I just had a horrible thought. If that’s a baby spider or an egg (or whatever the heck spiders have) I’m not reading any further. *shudder* Very interesting conversation between Bilbo and Sámid. From Sámid’s description of his home you can really see why he’d be so uneasy in this forest and why all the tales he’s heard seem suddenly so horrific. And I adore that moment when Bilbo longs to see that new land! So very Bilbo! Medicine. Our sand-gazer says medicine for wounds in dark forest, make us immortal. Medicine? Immortal? Hmmm. Nope, still clueless. “Well-met, travelers in the Greenwood.” Oh yay! The elves are here! That was a nice little stand-off. What Sámid thought he could do against them I have no idea but fair play to him for trying anyway. The two elves drawing their bows so fast sent my heart all a-flutter ;-) And now the Dwarves are awake. Lovely. And go ahead, Grerin, just dive right in and insult the Elvenking as much as possible in a short space of time. Oh, and the entire race of Elves too while you’re at it. I love Mallereg. He just does as Bilbo says and shows Sámid the back of his head! LOL. Bilbo is fabulous in the way he just tries to be all sensible and calm things down. I’m still chuckling at his “storytelling voice”! Another gorgeous moment when Thalaûr and Mallereg hear the two rangers before anyone else does. I was delighted when Halbarad and Aragorn appeared until a split second later it dawned on me that Sámid might very well freak out again. “Djinn!” the Southron shouted, wielding his torch to the newcomers and looking around for an escape. “The two-bodied djinn!” And so he did. Spectacularly. Fireworks??? Holy crap. I definitely wasn’t expecting that! LOL at Mallereg still managing to be amused for a moment. But yeah, every foul creature in Mirkwood must have just been roused with that unexpected show. It might even have caught the attention of two wandering wizards? What’s going to happen next??! Great chapter, Perelleth. Thanks too for the birthday wishes. And I very much enjoyed your author’s notes! It always fascinating to see the thoughts behind the story. I don’t think I knew that about twins. Ok, I’m off to fall into my bed – and hopefully dream of handsome elves with quick reflexes and not of mysterious squirmy things in bags :-)

Dreamflower · 28 February 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

Oh I love how you manage to gather them all into one spot, finally! And Radagast--I always love seeing Radagast in stories! Bilbo is wonderful here, as he manages to try and create a bit of order out of all the wild tales of the Southron. And I am very curious about the humorous undercurrent between the Elves.

Agape4Gondor · 28 February 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

I loved the author's notes at the end of this chapter. But I loved the chapter even more - Poor Halbarad and Aragorn, the poor Southron, the poor Dwarves and their fireworks.... but a great happenstance as the light shone upon a hideous enemy. GREAT CHAPTER!!!

daw the minstrel · 28 February 2009 · Chapter 2: A Light From the Shadows Shall Spring

Halbarad! Yay! But how funny that the Southron thought they were ghosts. If the horse seller in Laketown has his horses trained to dump riders and head home again, he has a good business going. Shame on Mallereg for teasing Thalaur! LOL. I hope he really is courting the guard's daughter. I understand Samid's discomfort in the forest if he's used to grasslands. I feel the opposite way, exposed here on the prairie, instead of sheltered by trees. It's very Bilbo-ish to long to see Samid's lands, even though he's just been wishing for comfort. So then everyone is together and "all hell broke loose"? You're so mean, Perelleth. LOL

Galimeril · 28 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

This is shaping up to be quite promising! I can't wait to findo out what's in the bag, and who your mysterious southron smooshed with his rock slide! Poor elf! You really characterize the dwarfs well too, many authors only develop their elvish characters. A very pleasant read if I do say so myself!

Dot · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Yaaay! Mirkwood! I was just thrilled to see this. You’re the greatest, Perelleth :-) No-one writes bedlam like you do. Mirkwood seems almost as chaotic as one of Gil-galad’s council meetings. What a fabulous opening. Poor Sámid! He’s terrified. I seriously gasped out loud about the Blue Wizard. You’re so clever. And that’s a mighty story about the demons with two faces. Although, you know, I suspect legends and folklore from different places have a way of getting quite mixed up. I really want to know what brought Sámid and his pal into the forest if they’d heard such horrific stories about it. Who’s under the boulder? Are men and elves all merging into one demon? And then there’s an odd creature that sounds distinctly Gollum-like. Run, Sámid. But first, tell me what’s in the bag... As bad as the situation is, I found myself reading most of this with a grin on my face. I just love the touches of humour and how everyone has such distinct personalities. And look, it’s Penalag! He’s wonderful. It’s always a little sad when you know their fate, though... I also really like the explanation about Thranduil’s spies. It sounds like Penalag might be a good person to have around if they were to unexpectedly encounter a wandering Southron. For some reason it tickled me too to see the casual discussion of vampires, etc. You always sprinkle your tales with cultural details that no-one else would think of and they’re always the better for it. “Apparently only Lord Mallereg enjoys unrestricted access to the king’s cellars…” “Is that true?” Legolas asked; his curiosity piqued as every time he heard that piece of gossip. ROTFL!!! Well, is it?? Some would say it is a rider cloaked in black, others an old man in grey rags, others a bald frog with hairy feet, others a giant bloodsucker in different forms…” Uhh... that odd-sounding mix might not be quite as farfetched as they might think... “You are telling me that three rangers, two Southrons and a band of woodcutters…not to mention these murderous creature or creatures, spirits or not, with sharp teeth and claws, are loose in the Greenwood?” And Dwarves! Oh, Thranduil will love this. I’ll bring the popcorn. “When he is not distracted by a wounded wolf or a passing butterfly!” Heeheehee. I picked that out for no reason other than that it amused me. I absolutely love Mallereg here! It’s so good to see him more carefree than in WLB. I’m laughing at himself and Gelirben explaining themselves to Thalaûr. “The scouts have…scouted…” *snort* Oh, sorry. Just amused again. A white stag. A white stag? And Mallereg and Thalaûr are going after it. Towards Legolas’ territory. Ok, then... Who knows what portents this one may bring to the Greenwood? *gulp* And there’s Bilbo! With a bunch of Dwarves. And our friend Sámid. Well, Bilbo can’t go anywhere without having an adventure. Your Dwarves are wonderful, btw. “Well, he doesn’t look like the kind who would pay the fare,” Borin, the youngest of the two, objected, studying the newcomer’s bloodstained clothes. LOL!! That’s the first thing that would come to my mind too. Really. “What would a Southron be doing in Mirkwood?” That’s a very good question! And what the heck is in that pack? And how is it still alive? This deserves much more than I’ve said but I’d be here forever if I picked out everything I loved about it. And I feel like I’m missing something, mainly because you’re so tricksy that I don’t trust you for a second. But I’m prepared to go along for the ride ;-) Thank you so, so much for such a fantastic birthday story. That was very sweet of you, and while I’m always delighted to see an update from you I was particularly excited to see you back in Mirkwood. Ok, I need to go read it again and see if I can figure out what I’m missing...

Redheredh · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

What an exciting start!! I really like your launching the story from Samid's desperate pov. This Mirkwood novice's fears make circumstances even more interesting to us human readers than would seeing things from the other already savvy characters. I am dying to know what is in the bag! But at this point, I am not even going to guess. You would trick me, I am sure. ;) Still, how can it breath in that sack?! The varied tales and myths held in mind lend both an entertaining confusion and colour to events. Which have and will propel actions that are not necessarily going to be what the participants expect or find pleasant to deal with. Can't wait for things to precipitate! As always, your descriptions paint an expressive picture of people and places. As always, your humour gets me laughing out loud! :D Especially, because it is so wry. Others have included vampires or bats in a story, but only in a rather 'goth' way. You are looking at this a little more culturally/ethnically, me thinks. Personally, I like that approach better. But, I hope you explain, in the author's notes, a little more about your take on the nature of these creatures in Tolkien's Arda. "Being an old oak familiar with all kind of bug tricks..." Liked that in particular! And gosh, I like grandson Mallereg. Nice revelation of his legacy from Oropher. The dwarves are delightfully dwarvish. "...Black whatnots...And they say this is safer! Ha!" :D Ha! Wonderful beginning! More!

Agape4Gondor · 21 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

I am reminded of a Midsummer Night's Dream - Very interesting, intense, and complicated tale you are weaving. At first, I had thought the Haradrim had Bilbo in the bag. Very glad to know it was not, but wondering what/who it is.... Also - loved the cast of characters - all very good, so far. Getting to know them in such extreme moments makes it easy to 'see' them - much better than 'court' faces and such. Putting you on my list for updates! Many thanks for sharing!

Larner · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Eww! Gollum! And who knows what else? Does he have a young spider or an elfling of what in there? And obviously this blue wizard has gone bad, convincing the Haradri Elves are vampires of some sort! Fascinating.

Elflingimp · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Arg!!!!How could you leave it there? LOL! A cliffhanger? I wanna know whats in the pack (I hope it's not an elfling) Very interesting story you can bet I'll be back for more! Hugs The Imp

Dreamflower · 19 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

Oh, this is extremely intriguing! I love the Southron's skewed view of things, the hints about the Blue Wizards, and the delightfully creepy descriptions of Gollum! I'm looking forward to more!

daw the minstrel · 19 February 2009 · Chapter 1: Not All Those Who Wander Are Lost

What an interesting time period! I don't think I've ever seen a story about it before. And you have so much going on in different parts of the forest. I'm assuming they'll all collide. Well, I guess the Southron and the dwarves already did. I laughed at the detail about Mallereg being the only one with access to the wine, something Legolas has heard rumored but isn't sure about. I also laughed when he listed the various intruders. Things do sound a little out of hand. I'm looking forward to seeing what you do with this, Perelleth.