*smiles* That's nice.... :-) Wonderful story!
You know.... I'm a little torn about what I think the twins' choice might actually have been (you know...if they were real. :-P) I really think their hearts might have been with Men ... but then I think that would just be too unfair to Elrond and Celebrian, to be so separated from all of their children. I have trouble imagining either way...
In any case... I really enjoyed this, thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Thank you. :)
Three cheers for fanfic, which lets us explore every possible scenario. I've read stories with the twins staying, leaving, and even going their separate ways!
PSW
· 3 December 2015
· Chapter 8: The Most Famousest of the Hobbits
What a fantastic gift! Hope the Silmaril didn't irradiate it... :-P
And again, what an opportunity, to hear from those across the sea. Good for Aragorn for helping the children to remember and being sure they know it wasn't all just made up -- as I'm sure will be said by some down the years.
'He saved the whole world with his servant, Samwise!' :-)
Author's reply
Irradiated athelas! *grins* It might be even more powerful now.
It's always difficult for people to remember what it took to bring them years of peace and safety. I enjoyed imagining Aragorn sitting with the children.
PSW
· 2 December 2015
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Of course Yavanna is checking up on him! So fantastic -- I'm sure she had a special place for him... ;-)
Author's reply
I love imagining that the Powers took a special interest in the hobbits. Just letting them sail West was quite an amazing thing.
PSW
· 1 December 2015
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Ah, hobbits -- always thinking about breakfast. I'd probably fit right in... ;-)
Author's reply
*grins* I love how 'hobbity' our beloved hobbits always are, no matter the circumstances.
What an opportunity -- to send letters to the other side (as it were). I can really see people jumping on that chance.
I often think that if all the partings, Galadriel and Celeborn's makes me wonder the most. I suppose I can see how it happened -- she longs to return to Valinor, but ME is his home and probably in many ways will be still even after he sails -- but they have been together for do long tact such a separation must be very difficult...
Author's reply
It is rather unsettling that Galadriel and Celeborn chose to separate. Thank goodness for fanfic so that we can explore all these little mysteries the Professor left us.
PSW
· 1 December 2015
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Umm...this chapter was so fantastic, I really don't even know where to start w this... Sam's hobbit sense and humor, Elladan escorting him, Aragorn and Arwen (yay, good for them for coming, Sam deserves it) and the Eaglewanting to be of service ... Yes. This chapter gave me many warm fuzzies... :-)
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I really wanted to let Sam shine in this story, and it was a joy to include those who truly respect him, and want to be part of his leave-taking.
PSW
· 1 December 2015
· Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Oo, cool... :-) A shame he can't be awake though....
Author's reply
I hope you enjoy this story! I tried to write something very different for this one.
lbilover
· 29 January 2011
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
I'm very late with reading and commenting, but better late than never I hope. What a lovely way to bring the story to a close, with dear Gimli and Legolas arriving in the West! Though it's sad to think of Bilbo's passing, it's a wonderful idea for an Eagle to leave him on the mountain. Very fitting! I'm glad Frodo and Sam aren't ready to go quite yet and hope they share many a mug of ale with Gimli!! Thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! For an epilogue I hadn't even planned, and which was re-written more times than I can count, I was really happy with the way the story concluded. I suspect that Gimli, Frodo, and Sam will enjoy many years of talk, laughter, good food, and (of course) good drink. :)
Pipwise Brandygin
· 21 January 2011
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
This was very beautiful. Thank you! I have missed reading your stories.
Author's reply
I've missed you, my friend! I hope things are going well for you. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. This story is very special in my heart.
Antane
· 25 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
What a lovely final chapter, my dear! How wonderful that Frodo and Sam would still be alive to welcome their friends and loved also where Bilbo asked to be buried and Frodo's trust that he will see his beloved cousin/uncle again. Sorry it's taken so long to read but I gave up hobbity reading for an Advent sacrifice and so here I am celebrating that being over with your story. Thanks for this Christmas present :) Merry Merry! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm honored that you broke your 'fast' with my story, Antane, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the ending. Merry Christmas and Joyous Yule to you!
6336
· 18 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
That is such a lovely image, Frodo and Sam singing Vingalot home.
Huggs and Scrits,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thank you, Lynda! I tried to bring a lot of special moments into this Epilogue. Our hobbits deserve every happiness. *hugs you*
Cairistiona
· 16 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
It took me far too long to finally read this epilogue, but what a lovely experience it was. The reunion between Gimli and the Hobbits was just perfect. I love Gimli's mock exasperation that even here in the West he cannot escape hobbits!
A perfect ending to a wonderful tale... thank you for gracing us with it!
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words. Gimli's 'mock exasperation' was the first part of the chapter I wrote; everything else expanded from that one line! It's such a pleasure to bring a happy and gentle closure to this story.
Inzilbeth
· 10 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
'“Hobbits are full of surprises,” Frodo said, winking at Gandalf.'
Just one of so many wonderful lines from this wonderful tale ns this last instalment was simply perfect. Thank you so much for sharing these final journeys with us.
Author's reply
What a joy to share these journeys, and give Sam such a grand adventure! I'm so grateful to make my small contributions to the Professor's wonderful Tale.
harrowcat
· 7 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Ah! *sigh* A perfect epilogue to this. Love your Gimli...and everyone else of course!
Author's reply
Thank you! *happy*
galathil
· 5 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Dear Shirebound
The hole story left me breathless.I love the idea of Sam coming to Valanar via the Vingilot.
That Gimli and Legolas also coming the lands.
Galathil
Author's reply
Thank you, Galathil. I'm very happy you enjoyed this story. :)
Rhyselle
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Oh, Shirebound, I am so very glad to have gotten to finally read all of this story. I'm sitting here in a kitchen filled with the smell of ginger cookies baking, and yet in my heart, I'm on Tol Eressea welcoming Gimli to his next and final home, with Frodo and Sam and Galadriel. I particularly loved how Galadriel was the first one he saw when he arrived, and how Legolas made sure that Gimli was the first off of the ship so he could greet her. Bilbo's final resting place was wonderful! I don't think I've ever read of him being laid to his final rest anywhere than Tol Eressea before, but this feels so very right! :) It's a lovely, wonderful thing that you've created with this story, and I'm going to come re-read it over and over again. Thank you so very much for sharing this lovely vision with all of us. Well done!
Author's reply
What a lovely review! Thank you so much for highlighting many parts of this chapter you enjoyed. When I finished chapter 9 I thought the story was complete, but now there's definite closure. I greatly appreciate your your kind words.
and yet in my heart, I'm on Tol Eressea... I hope we both have lovely dreams tonight, of this wonderful place that welcomed our beloved friends to their new home. I feel very privileged any time I can add something to the Professor's exquisite tale. *hugs you*
cookiefleck
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Ah, a lovely epilogue. And this part was so touching in a quiet, understated way (I hate to think of them "moving on," even though in Tolkien's universe it's implied that there is a hereafter for mortals):
“No,” Frodo agreed, taking his friend’s hand. “Not just yet, dear Sam.”
Oh, to see Gimli's arrival at the meadow. *hints shamelessly*
And I just loved the final paragraph. Thank you, dear! I have loved this story from first word to last.
Author's reply
And I have loved giving Sam this unique adventure. I'm glad the Professor ended the Tale where he did, giving us leeway to find infinite ways of continuing it. I'm so very glad you enjoyed this. *beams*
curiouswombat
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
What a suitable ending. It is nice to think that the Elves welcomed Gimli just as he deserved; and the hobbits made him feel at home.
Author's reply
Thank you. I like imagining that the hobbits would come to feel at home in the West, and that the Elves in the Blessed Realm would realize that the mortals permitted to travel there must be very special indeed.
Fiondil
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
A nice ending to this story, Shirebound. I thoroughly enjoyed the story from beginning to end. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! That makes me very happy.
Baggins Babe
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Oh Shirebound, you have me sniffling here! This was so perfect - I've always hoped that Frodo and Sam were still around when Legolas and Gimli arrived.
I'm not sure how I missed the previous two chapters - had a chaotic few months - and I love the notion of Frodo cheerfully admitting to being 'an impertinent hobbit.'
Thank you for a wonderful story, told in your own inimitable style.
I am definitely feeling warm and fuzzy.
Author's reply
We're lucky to be able to imagine the Professor's grand tale in so many ways. Who's to say the hobbits *weren't* there to greet their friends? I just had to add one more chapter, and I'm just delighted that you enjoyed it.
I'm so glad we're both still here, BB. I re-read one of your lovely chapters nearly every evening.
Andrea
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Oh how beautiful!
I liked this ending very much, especially that Gimli was greeted by Galadriel in his own language! That must have been the happiest moment in his long life.
Last but not least, I just loved this line:
Adding their voices to the delicate harmonies coming from shore, they helped sing the starship home.
Thank you very much :-)
Author's reply
I'm so pleased you enjoyed this, Andrea! I would hate to think of Gimli's arrival as anything but truly welcoming. Such a long life, and how courageous of him to leave Middle-earth and sail into the unknown.
It took me soooo long to find just the right line to end this fic. Thank *you* so much. (((YOU)))
lovethosehobbits
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
This was a delight to read. I am so glad you were able to finish it.
Author's reply
Thank you. So am I! *happy dance*
6336
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Oh beautiful!
Gimli finally gets to meet Galadrial again, he does have a 'thing' for her dosen't he?
And Elrond gets good news about his 'boys', they will be coming home soon too!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Nothing but good news for the ending of this gentle tale. Thank you for all your support and enthusiasm, my friend.
Larner
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
A beautiful reunion, and a blessed ending, singing Earendil back once more!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I like to think that the Blessed Realm has its own sweet traditions and rituals which would include the hobbits, and perhaps Vingilot's arrival is one of them.
Dreamflower
· 4 December 2010
· Chapter 10: Journey's End
Oh. Oh, Janet, what a beautiful notion and what a sweet reunion! I hardly know what else to say except that it moved me greatly.
This has been such a lovely, lovely story, and this Epilogue is a joy and a delight. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Author's reply
Thank you very much, my friend. It's taken me quite awhile to get this chapter feeling 'just right'. I'm so very happy you found it moving! We both greatly love our 'happily ever afters'.