Baggins Babe
· 16 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Hello Shirebound. I've been diving in and out of SoA lately but I was determined to leave a review for this gorgeous chapter.
Everything about this made me so happy - Frodo falling asleep, Sam's resiliance, Gandalf and Elrond having breakfast together........ This is perfect and just how I like to imagine their lives on Tol Eresa.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
I'm always so happy to hear from you, BB. I still re-read your stories often and with love. And I'm glad you're enjoying this gentle tale. The hobbits bring something so new and unusual (and delightful) to this quiet, ancient land. :)
lbilover
· 14 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
This is so lovely and healing, and a happy Frodo and Sam reunion is just what I needed right now. Thanks so much for this!! *hugs*
Author's reply
I'm very glad the hobbits and I can surround you with warm happies. *hugs you right back*
Larner
· 12 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Perfect! Yes, perfect! Dear Gandalf--always Gandalf to Frodo and Sam and Bilbo! And of course there would be letters.
Author's reply
Dear Gandalf. He's so fond of his hobbits, and always will be. :)
cookiefleck
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
What a delightful chapter, with the patented shirebound gentle comfort touch. I enjoyed Elrond carrying Sam like a precious bundle. I'm glad Sam make the trip with no ill side effects and I was pleased that Miss Kemantari ;o) appeared. The reunion with Frodo had nice echoes of Cormallen and I liked that Frodo noted the difference in Sam's demeanor and speech. Looking forward to Sam's reunion with Mister Bilbo... I've always imagined a very fond, special relationship there.
My favorite line was this one - gorgeous writing on your part. I do so cherish a well-turned phrase! "As he stood there, the plants around him seemed to rustle with joy, and the air rang in his ears as if crystalline bells were chiming."
Author's reply
I love making sure that there's plenty of 'comfort' to balance out all the 'hurt' our beloved characters go through. Thank you so much for telling me the parts you enjoyed best... and for highlighting that line. In the Professor's world, nearly everything is aware in some way. I never fail to be inspired by Middle-earth.
Siiw
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
This must be one of the sweetest stories I have read here. I love all of it!! :D
Author's reply
Thank you! It's important to me that our hobbits enjoy the peaceful, happy, respected, fulfilling 'retirement' that they've earned. I love writing gentle "what if's" in the Professor's world.
althea
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
What a beautiful reunion. I love how Sam was treated so tenderly by all and especiallyl I loved the image of Frodo curled in sleep next to Sam.
Author's reply
Thank you, Althea. You know I love those things. too!
Andrea
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
“That’s not all I brought,” Sam grinned. “But we have time.”
“We do,” Frodo said. “All the time we need.” He felt as light as a feather.
How wonderful! And those two deserve every single second of that time!
I enjoyed this chapter a great deal, particularly Elrond's little "mistake" ;-)
I'm looking forward to reading more and hope that your small companion will give you enough time to write. She's really cute!
Author's reply
LOL, I realized that if there was a sleep-song floating about, Frodo wouldn't be immune to its effects!
Thank you so much, Andrea. My small companion is curled up nearby, wondering why I'm not cuddling her 24/7. In fact, she inspired a wee scene that I'll be posting as soon as I have time to polish it. :)
Cliodna
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
You are such a wonderful writer, my dear! I have been away from fanfiction a long time, but your stories are also a wonderful breath of fresh air, and I feel immediately at home in them. Thank you so much, I can't wait to see how this story continues. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Cliodna. What a lovely thing to say. I'm really thrilled that you're still reading, and that you're enjoying this story.
Antane
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Another lovely, loving, sweet chapter, my dear! Love Frodo falling back asleep by Sam's side, at last (and falling asleep because of Elrond's song) and Sam seeing his treasure for the first time with his physical eyes after so long. Glad to know that Frodo's gift of dreams allowed him some window into the lives of those he physically left behind. What a marvel that Bilbo has lasted this long. Hantanyel for this gift. *hugs you and them* And how sweet to see Yavanna there also. Looking forward to the next chapter! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Bless the Professor for giving Frodo that "gift of dreams"; it really opens up a window of opportunity for us. Why *should* the gift leave him when he sails West? And thank you for your loving words, which are a true gift. *hugs you*
lovethosehobbits
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
How exciting for Frodo and Sam to finally be reunited! They must be near bursting their so happy.
Author's reply
I've always envisioned it as a very happy reunion, followed by many years together. :)
6336
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Ah, good Sam is awake and he is hungry, not too much wrong with him! Looking forward to his welcome from Bilbo, who probably already has lunch under way!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. Hobbits and food... all is well with the world!
harrowcat
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Ah, happy sigh!
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. :)
Dreamflower
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
What a beautiful reunion! So much love!
I had to smile when Elrond's song put Frodo to sleep as well! And his brief glimpse of Yavanna in the garden was beautiful!
But most of all, I enjoy seeing Gandalf here-- this was all so reminiscent of Cormallen, Sam waking after Frodo, Gandalf's presence, Gandalf's laughter! What a wonderful echo of that marvellous moment long past!
Author's reply
Elrond's encounter with Yavanna was a last-minute addition, and I'm so happy you like it. There should always be moments of magic and wonder, even for ancient Elf-lords.
There's a lot of sleeping and waking in this story! But I thought it would be delightful for Sam to awaken to laughter, especially in voices that he loves and recognizes. Thank you so much. :)
Cairistiona
· 11 May 2010
· Chapter 6: Gardens of the Heart
Another lovely chapter. It was nice to see that even someone as great as Elrond has a heart-pounding reaction to seeing the Queen of the Earth, and I'd love to know what sort of letters he received. And I'm looking forward to seeing Frodo and Sam catching up. And Sam greeting Bilbo. And... and... and let's just say I'm looking forward to the next chapter! :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much for your enthusiasm for this story. It's been wonderful to let it unfold and see where it wants to take us. :)
Raksha The Demon
· 2 May 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
This is my favorite chapter of this very moving story - I love the warmth of Sam's last days in Middle-earth; and the joyful memories; and his touching the mallorn tree...
Author's reply
Thank you. I envision his leave-taking to be as full and rich as his life had been. :)
lbilover
· 27 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Oh gosh, my tears of joy flowed when Frodo took Sam in his arms and rocked him. What a perfect reunion. The image of Sam glittering with stardust will remain with me forever.
As always, you come up with the most wonderful explanations for why things happen: "Galadriel wondered if something of Lórien would transfer to the Shire when Sam used her gift. It appears to have been the case... in many ways." I love the idea, not only because it allows Sam not to have aged too terribly in the intervening years, but it is a blessed antidote to the effect of the Ring.
Thank you for another marvelous chapter.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you for a marvelous and much-appreciated review! Our hearts are made happy from the same things -- a joyous reunion, an extension of time for Frodo and Sam to spend with one another, and the health and vitality for each to enjoy it. *hugs hugs*
lovethosehobbits
· 26 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
As Sam is anchored by Frodo, you have anchored me to Middle Earth. This was BEAUTIFULLY written and curses on your wrists for making it so hard on your. (prayers also given that you will find some relief) Thank you so much for this chapter it was so lovely
Author's reply
And thank you so much for your love and kindness, my friend.
Baggins Babe
· 24 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
I was so delighted to find this chapter yesterday - I've been so busy decorating my house I haven't had a minute! - and to know that Sam has arrived safely.
I just loved everything about this - Frodo sleeping in his clothes, the joy of the Eagle given the honour of carrying Sam, and of course Sam's resiliance even to Silmarils and travelling among the stars.
And FIVE hotcakes for Gandalf?! Greedy wizard! :-)
Wonderful as always, Shirebound.
Author's reply
House decorating! I hope you're enjoying it, and will love the outcome.
Thank you so much, BB. I'm just delighted that you like this chapter. What a joy that we get to imagine these scenes in so many (happy) ways. :)
Love Eärendil's and Meneldor's care for Sam, the former wishing he could speak to him and the latter brushing his wingtip. Love that Galadriel would have included a note for Gimli in her package. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I've been doing so much thinking about those little details. :)
Antane
· 23 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Love that chapter title and even more my very favorite quote from Book IV! *hugs you and them*
Frodo rocked Sam back and forth, finally allowing tears of joy and relief to flow freely.
“Now Sam has begun to be anchored,” Gandalf said quietly, smiling at the two hobbits.
Love this, esp. Gandalf's emphasis on 'now'. :) Indeed, and Elrond is right also and neat about the stardust and Sam's memory of smells he had dreamed about. Can't wait for more!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There aren't many quotes that are more wonderful than that one! :)
Thank you for your kind words. I'm greatly looking forward to writing the next chapter. *hugs you right back*
Antane
· 22 April 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
I love this chapter so much! What love Sam was surrounded with. Indeed the luckiest hobbit or one of them! :) How interesting Elladan's observation that the Shire was letting go of Sam and Sam of the Shire so he could transplant himself into richer soil. What a wonderful time awaits him in the West. How marvelous that Aragorn and Arwen were there to say goodbye and the Rangers' there to salute Sam and the king's comment about it being too long since he was in the company of hobbits. Love Sam's excitement as he closed his eyes and trusted Strider completely.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm so happy you love this chapter. In my heart and imagination, Sam's leave-taking is a peaceful and fulfilling one, as he looks ahead to what might await him. And I just had to give Aragorn a chance to say "farewell".
Antane
· 22 April 2010
· Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Finally getting back to this! Oh, that was sneaky of Sam of how to tell the twins apart! :) My brother-in-law has two sets of identical twin siblings so I know well how difficult is to tell! I wondered why three eagles came to Mount Doom, but of course they wouldn't have known that Gollum had perished and how neat that they would have thought of him also. What a neat idea of Sam being inside Mr. Frodo's star glass. I would have guessed that he would have known in his heart that his treasure was still alive, but still sweet that he burst into tears to know that he was.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Antane. I wanted to write a very gentle tale around the idea that Sam might have arrived in the West in an unusual way. It's fun to be allowing Elves and Eagles (and others) their chance to be of service to this special hobbit.
cookiefleck
· 22 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
How good to know Sam made his journey safely and is now surrounded by loving friends. And sprinkled all over with sparkly stardust, what a delightful idea. I'm sure Frodo probably spent many happy years without Sam, but what a pleasure it will be for him to finally have his good friend back in his life. And everyone has a lot of catching up to do!
Author's reply
They certainly do! :)
Whether the notion is plausible or not, I love imagining happy hobbity reunions, and many years of peace and "catching up". They deserve it.
Larner
· 22 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
A lovely gift for Elrond--a cloth woven by his daughter! And quite the appropriate welcome for them all!
Delightful, in every sense of the word!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! :)
Inzilbeth
· 21 April 2010
· Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Ah, a lovely reunion, and your Bilbo is a pure delight!
Author's reply
Thank you. I didn't even know he'd be in this chapter until he woke up and got curious about what was going on out in the garden. :)