In the Mind's Eye by shirebound
Dreamflower · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
Oh what a risky plan! But yes, Gandalf, having an affinity with fire and flame, might very well be able to fool that foul thing! This is quite an exciting story, dear!
Author's reply
Thank you! The story is (of course) going in directions I had barely imagined when I started writing it.
Baggins Babe · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
Good grief1 You realise I have no fingernails left?! I will be on the edge of my seat waiting to read the next instalment - Gandalf's plan sounds fraught with danger, not just for him but for Frodo too. I keep telling myself this is a Shirebound story so it will all be sorted out in the end, but....... I love Sam's stubborn refusal to have 'Mr Frodo' put in danger. Arwen is wonderful - I'm glad she has made an appearance - and love Merry and Pippin guarding Aragorn. Wonderful chapter, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, BB. I'm so happy you're enjoying this tale! Dear Sam and his wonderful stubbornness. I'm sure Frodo has come to rely on his practical 'hobbit sense' and unswerving devotion. And this is totally a Shirebound story... we both know that comfort and healing cannot be denied. :)
Fiondil · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
Oh dear, Shirebound. This plan sounds very risky and I just know something will go wrong. Can't wait for the next installment.
Author's reply
That wizard comes up with the riskiest plans! Hopefully all will go well...
lavendertook · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
Wow--the fire connection between Sauron and Gandalf is really cool, or opposite of cool, really! Gandalf doing a Sauron impression is an intriguing idea--though I fear even impersonating Sauron could be dangerous to Gandalf's psyche. Of course Frodo wouldn't hesitate to take his role and of course Sam would be wary. I'm so glad for Arwen's heart being warmed by seeing the hobbits' devotion to Aragorn and I'm so glad Elrond is insisting she be informed--what an excellent dad--much better than the one in PJ's film who plays on her fears. (-:
Author's reply
I always imagine Elrond the way Tolkien described: "As noble and as fair in face as an elf-lord, as strong as a warrior, as wise as a wizard, as venerable as a king of dwarves, and as kind as summer." I never thought about that fire connection before I started writing this story. Glad you like it!
Cairistiona · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
Oooooh, I've been wanting to read Arwen as the provider of healing and comfort, which we rarely see, and here you've done it! I loved that part (and wished it had lasted about 30 pages more... yes, I am obsessed...). And the plan! Eeeeeep!!! It sounds so dangerous and fraught with peril, but it does sound like it has a chance, and what is more appropriate for any story in Tolkien's world than one of heroes going forth with hope in the slimmest of chances? I sense a eucatastrophe looming.... *g*
Author's reply
I didn't know Arwen would even be *in* this story when I started it. I love how stories unfold in ways that surprise even the author. I appreciate the enthusiasm so very much. *beams*
Andrea · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
“Strider will be safe with me,” Pippin said firmly, and Arwen gave him a smile that seemed to light the room with a golden radiance. Great scene! What a dangerous plan! Dangerous not only for Aragorn but also for Frodo! What will happen (to Frodo) if Gandalf is not quick enough? There can only be one answer to this question: This is a Shirebound Story :-) I hope it is still correct.
Author's reply
Never fear, this is totally a Shirebound story. Comfort and healing cannot be denied. :) Thank you for reading, Andrea. I'm having such a good time with this story.
Ellynn · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
This is more and more thrilling! Can't wait for the next chapter. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Ellynn! :)
addie71 · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
OMG, I love this! The hobbits gathering around Aragorn in the healing rooms and Pippin and Merry standing watch is so sweet and just melts my heart. Gandalf's plan is scary, but it does seem like the only solution. Can't wait for part 8! *bites nails*
Author's reply
Eeeeps, what will happen next? I hope Gandalf knows what he's doing. Thank you, my friend. Hobbits do make everything sweeter and meltier. *beams*
Laikwalâssê · 14 January 2012 · Chapter 7: The Plan
Elrond is right - the plan sounds dangerous but what other option do they have? I hope with so many competent elves and the unpredictable hobbits around it will turn out well. What a suspenseful and amazing chapter to a wonderful story. Thank you. Lai
Author's reply
I'm so pleased you're enjoying this. Gandalf does tend to propose plans fraught with uncertainty; hopefully they can pull this off.
lbilover · 7 January 2012 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh my, that was terrifying!! Poor Aragorn, poor Gandalf, poor Frodo!! Lovely juxtaposition of the lighter hobbity moments with the darkness of evil. Thankfully I'm sure light will emerge triumphant by the end of the tale! Thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks for reading! I started writing chapter 7 this morning, and hope to continue tomorrow. We need to start getting that hopeful and comforting light shining. :)
Layne · 5 January 2012 · Chapter 6: The Warning
>“It is odd... I feel as if I have not tasted food in a thousand years, and am only now savoring each flavor.” That sent shivers up and down my spine, and when Gandalf looked into Aragorn's mind, that's even MORE chilling. Oohhh, how on earth are they going to help Aragorn when the darkness has so much control over Aragorn??
Author's reply
How indeed? Hopefully Gandalf has a plan that will work. Thanks for reading, my friend!
lavendertook · 30 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Eek! I haven't a clue how they're going to solve this! The eating like he hadn't for 1000 years was a nice chilling touch before things got rough.
Author's reply
Thank you. Hopefully Gandalf can somehow get this dire predicament resolved.
lavendertook · 30 December 2011 · Chapter 5: A New Conspiracy
Awww, yay for hobbit banter! Gandalf is in much need of his hobbits. I was glad Gandalf was able to take Sam's nighmare away.
Author's reply
Hobbits make me *so* happy. What a pleasure to imagine new adventures for them.
Mirach · 29 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh, that's so suspenseful! I really hope Gandalf knows what he is doing!
Author's reply
So does he! This will be a test for him, and no mistake.
Andrea · 29 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh my! That was a demonstration of complete power! And very dangerous. Now what is Gandalf's plan and how is Frodo involved? I'm really curious to read more :-)
Author's reply
I'm looking forward to *writing* more. I need to consult with Gandalf about this plan of his... :-)
Iorhael · 29 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh goodness. What can be attacking Aragorn? :(( But I have to tell you how I love the budding relationship between Aragorn and Frodo here. If I didn't know you better, I'd think it was Aragorn/Frodo here. :D Another thing, I adore Glorfindel's loyalty to Aragorn here. :) It's so great, Janet! :D
Author's reply
Thank you! A strong bond definitely evolved between Frodo and Aragorn throughout the books. By the end of ROTK, Aragorn is calling Frodo "dearest friend", and passages like that help to bind stories like mine more closely to canon.
Lily Baggins · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Well, I have to say that no one would suspect that fandom's Master of Fluffdom is also a master at writing scenes that chill my bones! Seriously, that "bit of Nazgul consciousness" is just about the most evil thing I've seen lately---definitely on par with the Ring. Oh yes, most definitely! LOVED the hobbity-ness in this chapter! Frodo slumping in his seat and looking ill was darling---that made me smile. Of course Aragorn could in no way deny them! How could you deny hobbits anything that makes them happy? But of COURSE I ADORED the physical discomfort you put Aragorn through---oh man, please tell me there's more!!!! I'm dying, dying to read more of this---what a cliffhanger! Is he going to be ill? Or recover swiftly? Pain? WE LOVE PAIN. Thank you so much for this---I am in line to hold his hand and wipe his fevered brow!!!
Author's reply
Yay for hobbity-ness! Always my favorite part of any story. WE LOVE PAIN... Lily, you crack me up. I'll do my best for you -- within the limitations of the Immutable Laws of Fluffdom, of course. For now, Aragorn is calling for you in his sleep. You'd better hop over to that bedside and commence some tender hand holding.
Estelcontar · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Poor Aragorn is really in for it this time, isn't he? I so hope Gandalf, Elrond, Glorfindel and co, get him out of this horribly tight spot without further ado. You won't leave us hanging there in doubt for long, now, will you? *hint* *hint*
Author's reply
Call on Gandalf & Co. for all your Middle-earth exorcism needs! Low rates! Guaranteed success (hopefully)! *type type type*
Cairistiona · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh good heavens, you can't mean to just LEAVE us, er, I mean, Aragorn hanging like this!!! Humph. At least Aragorn is unconscious now and won't suffer from the slow drag of time until you update again, but your poor readers... argh!! *g* Seriously, wow... that was a very chilling chapter, but I loved how it progressed at a bit of a slow burn to that dreadful finish. Poor Aragorn! I do wonder what Gandalf has in mind to help him, and yay for Frodo willing to take on great risk to help his new friend.
Author's reply
You made me *g* too! Lucky Aragorn in that timeless state, while the rest of us get in line to hold his hand and wipe his fevered brow scurry about trying to figure out how to help him. I know Frodo would trust Gandalf, and also want to help Aragorn no matter the risk.
Dreamflower · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh wow! You really have a ruthless enemy within Aragorn now! It's good that Gandalf is aware of it, and that he has a plan to deal with it-- but wow! That must have really shocked Gandalf to realize how quick it was. And a plan that is dangerous? *bites nails*
Author's reply
It's the cold, dispassionate enemies that are the *most* dangerous, but they also have their weaknesses. I see Gandalf as someone who's still able to be surprised by the unexpected, and have to draw on all his skills and knowledge to deal with unforeseen challenges. *frets and paces with you*
Fiondil · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Nasty and evil. Poor Aragorn and he doesn't even know what is happening to him or why. Sure hope Gandalf, Elrond and Glorfindel (not to mention the Hobbits) can help him before it's too late. Looking forward to more, Shirebound.
Author's reply
Thank you. With luck, our friends can band together to exorcise this nassssty parasite while leaving Aragorn safe and sound.
Erulisse (one L) · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh, what a cliffhanging chapter! But at least their fears are confirmed and now they can move ahead with possible solutions to the problem. - Erulisse (one L)
Author's reply
Yes, it's best to know exactly what they're dealing with instead of just speculating. Darn those cliffies! I don't know where they come from...
addie71 · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
Oh, dear! This is terrifying, and I can't imagine what can be done about this evil. Hopefully we won't have to wait too long to find out. :D
Author's reply
Thanks, Addie. I need to consult with Gandalf and find out what he's planning.
Ellynn · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
And now, don't hang out on the internet, don't watch tv, don't *insert any random waste of time*, but write! Write write write! We want to know what happened next. ;)
Author's reply
Thank you for such a nice compliment. I wish everything else *could* take second place to writing... well, except for puppy walking and snugglng, which are always #1 on my to-do list. Just hang in there, Aragorn! Put your thinking cap on, Gandalf!
Agape4Gondor · 28 December 2011 · Chapter 6: The Warning
This is a great read. I find the whole concept positively fascinating. I am very glad that Glorfindel wasn't around to see what happened though he'll find out soon enough. But to actually witness Aragorn's distress... the Elf has been hard enough on himself as is! I do not trust Gandalf as far as I can throw him -- but I'm sure he's got a plan. Hope it works. Again, great tale.
Author's reply
Gandalf does his best, but he's going to have to be a bit more creative and wizard-y to succeed here. Let's wish him luck! I'm so pleased you're enjoying the story. :)