A Journey through Arda by Larner
shirebound · 21 March 2011 · Chapter 19: That We Not Fade
I enjoyed your story showing Pippin's growth, and now you've given us a wonderful insight into how Legolas changed and matured, never to return to what he once was. This is beautifully imagined.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Shirebound! Yes, none of them remained unchanged by their experiences, and definitely Legolas will indeed not rejoice in his father's kingdom any more.
Tari · 21 March 2011 · Chapter 7: Negotiations
Certainly the Dwarves would be the best choice to build Nargothrond given their ability to delve underground. I'm not sure trusting Finrod completely is a good idea though. This could be the first chapter of a very good story if you so chose to expand on it (I hope).
Author's reply
Oh, indeed it could be expanded--but NOT now! Have too many commitments as it is, I find. Although I do believe that the Dwarves have little if anything to fear from Finrod, although I'd not say the same for Thingol or Turgon. Thanks so, Tari!
shirebound · 21 March 2011 · Chapter 18: Taking Charge
Enough was enough! Someone had to take charge Good for Pippin! He grew up a little in that moment.
Author's reply
Oh, that he did indeed, Shirebound. The dear Took has begun to take even more initiative, and is showing his true mettle at last. He'll make a heck of a good Thain when his time comes!
Linda Hoyland · 21 March 2011 · Chapter 18: Taking Charge
Good for Pippin! I often wondered why it took Aragorn so long to realise Frodo and Sam were injured.
Author's reply
He knew they were injured, I'm sure; but the shock of having leadership thrust upon him at the moment by Gandalf's fall took his mind off those following him save to think on the fact he must lead them out of danger. But something needed to remind him of those injuries, I always felt! And who better than Pippin to realize that Aragorn needed that reminder? Heh! Thanks so, Linda!
puppypersonLOTR · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 18: Taking Charge
I see so few stories about this little scene from the book, they are quite fun to come across. I like the perspective from Pippin, I don't think I've seen that before.
Author's reply
I've done a few stories from Pippin's perspective, and it's always fun to write. He's a mixture between naivete, impulsiveness, and a growing sense of responsibility at this point, who's seen his basic role in the Fellowship as morale officer, I've always felt. But now and then he notices that those in leadership need reminders to pay attention to details and that morale themselves, and he's now up to reminding them to do so! Heh! Thanks so for the feedback.
Teresa · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 17: In Thanks for Welcome Shown
And so Boromir's memory lives on! Sighs. I've always wished that he had survived the battle at Amon Hen. It's lovely to see that others remember him as well. Many thanks for another wonderful vignette! :)
Author's reply
Yes, he lives on in the memories and imaginations of many. And thank you for your lovely words!
shirebound · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 17: In Thanks for Welcome Shown
“And you do not wish to keep it yourself in his memory?” Again the Hobbit smiled sadly. “I will never forget him. He saved my cousins, and so it is I have them to his memory." What a simple and loving realization. Frodo has turned what could be a bitter memory into a grateful one, and paid a debt that was weighing on his mind. This is a very inspiring piece.
Author's reply
I'm so very glad you find it inspiring. That is such a wonderful thing to read at the end of what proved a contentious day. Thanks so very much, Shirebound!
Ellynn · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 17: In Thanks for Welcome Shown
Aww, Bonnie, this is so beautiful! So touching, so wonderful, so perfect... I love this and I will read it again and again.
Author's reply
I am so happy you feel that way! Thank you, Ellynn!
Linda Hoyland · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 16: A Prince's Wardrobe
I could just picture Nob'a amazement. A most enjoyable ficlet.
Author's reply
It must have been quite the windfall to come into, even if he couldn't wear the garments himself. How they must have stimulated his imagination! Thanks, Linda.
Linda Hoyland · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 17: In Thanks for Welcome Shown
What a lovely story! I really enjoyed this!
Author's reply
Oh, and I'm so very glad. I imagine Faramir giving Frodo the cloak brooch, and how happy that Frodo found a way to express his thanks to this family!
Lindelea · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 16: A Prince's Wardrobe
Ah, Nob. What, indeed? Under - Baggins! I love it! Thank you for the bedtime story. I glanced over the next chapter, but it is long enough and my eyes are weary enough that I will have to save the reading for another day.
Author's reply
I know. What garments to find himself in charge of finding new wearers for! And of Barliman had difficulty sorting out "Underhill" and "Baggins," it stands to reason that Nob would probably be just as muddled. Heh! Have the house back to myself at last, but it's going to take months to get it properly livable again. I cannot believe my own family has done this to me!
Szepilona10 · 19 March 2011 · Chapter 15: Building on the Ruins
Beautiful imagery! When I picture this scene it always ends up being so awkward but this was lovely! A shy Aragorn is so funny! (but so true!) Anyway, I loved this! Thanks for writing! God Bless! ~Szepilona10~
Ainariel · 17 March 2011 · Chapter 14: The Wedding Breakfast
Absolutely adored this! To speak of a wedding night (and all the activities that go with it) and still maintain an air of innocence...this is just so hobbity! (er, hobbit-like? you choose, it's late!) And I bet chocolate was one of those things that could make even the most steadfast hobbit appreciate the outside world just a little bit!!
Author's reply
Thank you so. And I'm certain that things like oranges and chocolate ended up being loved by the Hobbits, now peace had come and trade was open to so many lands. Maybe such things encouraged one or two to go on their own adventures to see where they came from!
cookiefleck · 17 March 2011 · Chapter 14: The Wedding Breakfast
I've always been glad that Tolkien rewarded Sam with a long, happy and fruitful life. I like your portrayal of Sam and Rosie's first morning together as a married couple: very loving and happy.
Author's reply
And I'm certain that the two of them had a very joyful time of it, realizing the joys of being married! And I, too, am glad that Master gave them that time together.
shirebound · 17 March 2011 · Chapter 15: Building on the Ruins
Estel here, Aragorn the Valiant, shall become the cornerstone for the rebuilding of Arnor and its honor; and, we hope, will bring together North and South once more. Oh my, what a weight of destiny for a young man! But Aragorn did his people proud.
Author's reply
And that he did indeed, Shirebound! Thank you so!
Ellynn · 17 March 2011 · Chapter 15: Building on the Ruins
Awww, beautiful story. Yes, this is a tough period for Aragorn, as all his world is turned upside-down, it is hard to meet all the responsibilities and expectations, but he will be brave and strong. I love the moment when he and Halbarad exchange smile - it somehow feels like the beginning of this new life with his family, the beginning of making bonds with them.
Author's reply
He needs to make those bonds; and he needs a friend in his new life to help him in the transition. Thanks, Elynn.
Teresa · 16 March 2011 · Chapter 13: The Warning
I'm sure that this experience was in Aragorn's thoughts during both his visits to Harad. I can see why Zimrakil didn't want Aragorn to see such things, but it would have been better to have explained and given a proper warning. Aragorn's curiosity was always going to lead him there eventually. No doubt Elrond and the twins had a very strong opinion about this incident, and I can see Halbarad and Hardorn adding a few words in their turn! And yet, I think that he was right to investigate and gain more information about Sauron and his supporters. He just should have taken better precautions! :)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain everyone would have been aghast had they realized Aragorn did something so precipitous as to visit Sauron's own temples with no one to watch his back; but he does need to know at this point just what is going on. But this is one part of his land's current culture that Zimrakil is NOT going to want to share with other people, I think.
Teresa · 16 March 2011 · Chapter 14: The Wedding Breakfast
What a lovely way for Sam and Rosie to enjoy their first breakfast as a married couple......... strawberries and hot chocolate! I hope that somehow Sam learns that melted chocolate and whipped cream go well with strawberries too! Chuckle, did he make sure that Merry and Pippin had a supply of hot chocolate when they got married? Many thanks for this vignette! :)
Author's reply
I don't know if Merry and Pippin also get hot chocolate for their weddings, but I suspect that now that the secret of chocolate is out in the Shire, they will let Aragorn know they want to trade for it! Heh! Thanks for the comments, Teresa!
shirebound · 16 March 2011 · Chapter 14: The Wedding Breakfast
What a lovely, wonderful morning for them both. I suspect Mr. Frodo is spending a few days at the Ivy Bush so these two can be alone. :)
Author's reply
Actually, in my-verse he's taking a walking trip to Brandy Hall, one that didn't go quite as well as he'd expected. But he intentionally absented himself ao allow them their privacy.
Linda Hoyland · 16 March 2011 · Chapter 13: The Warning
I enjoyed this very much. It would surely help strengthen Aragorn's resolve that Sauron must be defeated to see things like this.
Author's reply
Oh, knowing that Sauron promoted such atrocities would certainly have added to Aragorn's desire to see him brought to nothing! Thanks so, Linda!
shirebound · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 12: Lilies and Sympathy
I just adore conversations between hobbits and Master Elrond, and this is a lovely one.
Author's reply
I'm so glad I found myself writing this, Shirebound. I think that Elrond and Sam would have been the right ones to share this conversation.
harrowcat · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 7: Negotiations
I would love to see you extend this Larner. ?Am I getting the idea that dwarves, like hobbits, need to eat more and more frequently than Elves and men?
Author's reply
Hmm. Perhaps I will do so, one day. I don't know that Dwarves tend to eat more frequently than Elves and Men, but are, I think, likely to eat more when they have access to food, as I see them simply as being rather earthy and having gusto for all the good things of life. Thanks for the thought-provoking questions, though!
harrowcat · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 8: Where Shall We Call Home?
Very poignant Larner. It brought a lump to my throat and a prayer for all refugees and then I thought of Japan - gulp!
Author's reply
I know. I thought of the bombings of Dresden and Coventry as I was writing this, but the situation in Thailand and Japan and all other countries that have been struck by such disasters in the past few years have been brought to mind as well. Australia, Haiti, Indonesia--so many places where so much has been lost!
harrowcat · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 11: The Gifts of the Valar
And who was to say which was most right? Not me that is certain. You paint wonderfully vivid pictures Larner. You remind me of the caves at Wookey Hole (Chedder Gorge) which I visited years and years ago. The impression it left is still with me today.
Author's reply
I've been through the Carlsbad Caverns, which are wonderful, and to the Sea Lion Caves on the Oregon coast. We considered visiting Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole when we were in Britain, but never seemed to find the time. I hope to see them one day!
harrowcat · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 12: Lilies and Sympathy
Comfort from a hobbit. Even the greatest would treasure that. I love the flowers calling out to Sam to visit them. I love lilies but sometimes find their scent too overpowering.
Author's reply
I so agree. And, of course the flowers would find some way of drawing a visit from the Shire's most noted gardener! And I certainly know what you mean about the lilies' scent--sometimes it can be too much for me, too.