Return to Rivendell by shirebound
Celeste Lucretia Black · 12 May 2021 · Chapter 4: Comfort in the Night
It's nobody's fault. You guys are survivors of a war you're bound to get nightmares.
Author's reply
My gosh, they sure were. How comforting it must have been for them to have one another.
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 10: Treasure
What a nice ending! Another great story. :-) I'm enjoying these so much ...
Author's reply
Thank you again for your lovely reviews. :)
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 9: The Gift
That's a surprise! I never pictured Radagast as looking young ... :-)
Author's reply
LOL, that was my mistake! It actually says in The Silmarillion of wizards: "In the likeness of Men they appeared, old but vigorous, and they changed little with the years, and aged but slowly."
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 8: Confrontation
Hmm ... how did they get in? I wonder if Vilya's starting to lose strength already ... ?
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 7: Hidden Strength
So many interesting speculations! Good for Pippin. :-)
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 5: A Light in Dark Places
:-) Yay for Sam!
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 3: Echoes of the Past
Good chapter. Delayed shock for Merry -- definitely to be expected, I think. They all just went from one thing to the next to the next for so long, eventually their brains are going to catch up and actually *think* about all that happened ... And the conversation between Frodo and Pippin. Someone is going to bring it up eventually, and Pippin is probably the one to do it with the least trouble and embarrassment -- for exactly the reason that he's just being silly and throwing it out there instead of treating it like a serious topic (to start out). I liked that whole conversation, actually ... seems like things they'd definitely have to talk about eventually ...
PSW · 21 November 2015 · Chapter 2: Last of the Ring-bearers
A Middle-earthquake. LOL. :-P How good of everybody to think of Sam. You know, sometimes I feel like in the book he doesn't get enough credit -- and then I listened to the books again and realized that they do credit him pretty well in the books. It's the movies that never notice him. (If course, movie Frodo really wasn't anything like book Frodo, at least not that I could see. I'd be curious what you thought of the movie hobbits, actually ... I have very mixed feeling about them ...) Anyway, also great that there was a birthday party, how fun!
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 10: Treasure
Hello Shirebound, I've read the final chapter now and there's no more left of this hidden gem for me to read. This was a really unexpected find, a wee treasure hidden - waiting for me to stumble over it. And I'm very glad I did. It was a thought-provoking and insightful look at the Hobbits (all five) during this final visit to Rivendell. The sense of relief at a Quest won mixed with a touch of melancholy for things lost was clear in all of them and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Don't forget to send me your list of Sam stories. You have a good appreaciation of his character and I'm keen to read your other tales of him. If they are anywhere near as good as this, I know I'll enjoy them greatly. Excellent work! Maureen :)
Author's reply
Maureen, I truly appreciate your lovely reviews. Hopefully you got my list, and if you run out of things to read, please let me know. I've been reading LOTR fanfic since 2002, and have encountered many lovely Sam stories by various authors. Author Reply: Oh, and here are two teensy ficlets you might enjoy: http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3755&cid=21337 http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=3755&cid=24125 Dear Sam. :)
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 9: The Gift
Hello Shirebound, Oh how lovely you've written this meeting with the Eagles. It brought a tear to my eye that Sam & Frodo could have the experience again, but this time under happier circumstances. And Radagast was there! Excellent! Radagast is the bees kness (very, very cool). Only one more chapter to go. I almost don't want to read it so I can prolong the experience... Forget that! Patience has never been a virtue of mine. On to the final chapter. M :)
Author's reply
I always thought it such a shame that the hobbits didn't really appreciate that Eagle flight! Author Reply: I mean the *first* Eagle flight, of course. :)
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 8: Confrontation
Hello Shirebound, this was another great chapter. The threat of the two Men was unexpected and brought a great moment of tension. I enjoyed the arrival of Frodo & Sam's guardian angels - very realistic to think that they would protect both Ringbearers whether asked to or not. And I had a good laugh at Frodo's cheeky praise of Sam at the end when he dodged his friend's embarrased rebuke by claiming it was practise for Rosie! M :)
Author's reply
I love writing Frodo and Sam. They both have always been my favorite characters. I'm so happy you're enjoying this story.
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 7: Hidden Strength
Hello Shirebound, Good old Gandalf! Trust him to come to the rescue of his favourite Took. And what a clever spin on Pippin's experience with the Palantír. I'm glad he has some peace now though! On to the next chapter! M :)
Author's reply
I love finding new ways to look at old things (such as the phial or the Palantir). What fun. :)
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 6: Quiet Moments
Hello Shirebound, I love how you write Frodo - he's still watching out for everyone even though the Quest is over, ever the older cousin. Soothing Pippin after another troubling dream (poor Pip). Though I suppose they could hardly remain unscarred after their deeds. I laughed at Sam's modesty and could practically see him blushing when Merry told Frodo he's be welcomed everywhere. And yes, I'd love a list of your Sam stories! Thanks for asking. M :)
Author's reply
Frodo doesn't get much chance during the Quest to be the older cousin, as he's the one everyone's looking out for. I think he'd welcome a chance to get back into that role. :) Here are my stories that feature Sam as a major character (although most are Frodocentric: Pre-Quest: "Discoveries" Pre-Quest Series: "Quarantined" (Sam joins the story in chapter 12 and becomes a major character) and its sequels "Reflections of the Past", "When the King Comes Back", and "The Six-Fingered Glove Mystery". Quest: "Avalanche" and "Whispers of the Dragon" Post-Quest: Just about everything, but mostly "The Three Towers", "Making it Right", and "Mind to Mind". In the West: "Healed" and "What Every Parent Knows" There are more, but these are the major ones!
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 5: A Light in Dark Places
Hello Shirebound, I am loving this story! It was great to read about the Fab Four telling their own 'grand tale' to Bilbo after years of growing up listening to his adventures. Bilbo must have been delighted to hear the new tale (between his doses). And Sam holding the glowing Phial while relating his encounter with Shelob: Merry and Pippin's appreciation of his strength - and then Pippin asking Sam to keep him company. Sooo sweet. Great work (again)! M :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I like to see Sam get his due, and it's obvious that Frodo feels the same. Frodo wouldn't have got far without his Sam.
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 4: Comfort in the Night
Hello Shirebund, Oh poor Pippin! Sometimes it's the most inncoent thing that can trigger a flashback and Merry's earlier comments seemed to be his. How like Merry to berate himself for Pippin's hurts, even though it was unintentionally done. And Frodo's words to Sam outside the room were very moving. Beautifully written work. M :)
Author's reply
Many thanks. These are very special hobbits, and we're so fortunate to be able to contribute a little something to the Professor's tale.
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 3: Echoes of the Past
Hello Shirebound, WHY did I not find this story years ago? Am I blind? Or just daft? Again, you address in this chapter a point that I have always believed: "Carrying that blasted thing around for a day or two is nothing like having it for 17 years, that's for certain." Sam looked thoughtful. "Although when all is said and done, I probably wore it longer than you did the whole time you had it." I am glad there's someone else out there who's thought about this! I loved the Merry/Pippin interaction. Pippin was definitely drunk because he called his cousin 'Meriadoc' - really funny. Great work again! M :)
Author's reply
Awwww, you're reminding me of how much I loved writing this story. I had so much to say about hobbits, but never dreamed I'd still be writing six years later!
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 2: Last of the Ring-bearers
Hello Shirebound, I LOVED this chapter. Hobbits and Elves, you just can't beat that combination! The thought of all those elegant Elves eating and clapping and watching fireworks like the best of Hobbits was irresistible. It reminded me a bit of how Bilbo's eleventy-first birthday party must have been. Also, this is the first story I have ever read (apart from my own, which deals solely with this issue) that acknowledges that Sam may have been touched by the shadow of the Ring - and you wrote it long before I dared to. Excellent chapter! M :)
Author's reply
Thank you. Even Elves need entertainment and distraction, especially after a War, and during the time of the fading of the powers of Elrond's ring. What a strange time for them.
Kara's Aunty · 29 October 2008 · Chapter 1: Reunion
Hello Shirebound, I was flicking through SoA looking for a Sam story and saw this fic, so decided to read it. I nearly fell over when I clicked on the title page and saw there were NO REVIEWS for it, although it's been here for a while - so as a recompense for every time I've ever lurked (though I try to make an effort now) I'll review this with pleasure. The first chapter: how lovely to read Frodo's keenness to see his uncle and then his delight and relief when he finds him alive and well. He certainly deserved such a moment of joy after all his struggles and you've displayed wonderfully the touching moment of reunion between kin, including dear old Bilbo's slightly scatty state of mind. And Sam's in it - yippee!! On to the next chapter. M :)
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm just thrilled that the older stories are still being discovered and enjoyed. (If you ever want a list of my "Sam" stories, please let me know.) This was one of my first stories, and such fun to write.
SurgicalSteel · 26 May 2006 · Chapter 10: Treasure
Finally found time to finish this and review - just lovely, gentle - comfort all around. *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Thank you so much. It seems such a long time ago that I wrote this story, but I remember how satisfied I was with how it turned out. :D
Queen Galadriel · 8 November 2005 · Chapter 10: Treasure
"He was going home." *sigh* Ah, if it had only been that simple. This is excellent, as usual, Shirebound! What happened during the two weeks in Rivendell on the return journey is something I hadn't added to my "list of gap-fillers" that I intend to write. And I'm glad someone else has done it! Goodness, so much to write and so little time to do it! Maybe I should open my own plot bunny adoption centre! :-) Namarie, and God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you, QG! Wasn't it lovely of the Professor to leave so many gaps for us to fill in? And we can each envision these times in our own way.
Dreamflower · 24 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Treasure
Oh Shirebound! I truly thought that I had already read every story you had archived at SoA, but somehow, I had missed this one. When it came up on the MEFAs, I started to read and realized it was completely new to me! This story is just wonderful, so full of joy for our four lads, that the angst and h/c is just almost overwhelmed. I loved this so much; your own love for the hobbits just shines through in this one! I am off to post another review of it for MEFA!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, my friend. This story was very special to me... especially in giving the hobbits a joyous encounter with the Eagles, and helping Pippin to learn new things about himself. I really appreciate your lovely comments. :D
SlightlyTookish · 16 October 2004 · Chapter 10: Treasure
You mentioned this story in your review of my latest one and I'm so glad you did because I had never read it. So I just read it in one shot now, and it really is amazing. A lovely story all around, but I especially loved Gandalf's explanation of Pippin's dreams - when I read the books I'd always thought of the "dainty" as the Ring itself. I never thought of it being Pippin. What a fascinating idea! :)
Author's reply
Thank you for reading! I like coming up with alternative or "new" ways to think about things, like what Pippin heard Sauron say through the palantir. This was a fun story to write. :)
Orophins Dottir · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 10: Treasure
A lovely story. And this is said by one who is not the world's greatest hobbit lover! Yet, even in the camps of the elves, is your story a joy. I do appreciate particularly the loving interaction among the halflings and your evocative language. Almost you tempt me to include Pippin in a story in more than a peripheral role and that says much for, until now, only Rosie and the fair Elanor have gained admittance to my particular corner of elvendom on earth! You are an excellent writer.
Author's reply
My goodness, thank you! What a compliment! I have only recently begun including Elves in my "hobbit stories", most particularly in "Sing Me Home" and the latter half of "By Chance or Purpose". Perhaps various hobbits will find their way into one of your tales, as well! Thank you so much for your lovely comments.
Coreinha · 28 September 2003 · Chapter 10: Treasure
this was a delight to read, thank you so much for sharing it! XOXO Cor
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely review, Cor! I enjoyed writing this story immensely.