Lindelea
· 22 August 2026
· Chapter 20: New Perspective
"one leg and one ear"
One thing I appreciate about your stories is that you include less-than-perfect outcomes. So often in fanfic, a character falls ill or is injured but then heals completely. It reminds me of the television series I watched in my youth, where no matter what characters went through in the current episode, they'd show up as good as new in the next episode, with no apparent aftereffects. But RL isn't like that...
Oh! Merry! And the way he tells his tale is so matter-of-fact, not embroidered at all, just the bald facts as they happened, told from a plainspoken hobbit's perspective. that might pierce—pierce him: he seems to falter at the thought of the Nazgûl Captain, and I don't blame him one bit. "as neat as neat, as Sam would say" – so hobbity! I think I melted, just a bit, just now. And then going on to talk of how suspicious they all were back in Bree, and his casual mentions of Strider, and poor Derunol hasn't a clue as to the identity of the narrator or the others he's talking about...
Poor lad. Lost his leg and his ear, and his brother's gone.
Merry's repeated "They're so thin!" sounds just like the kind of detail a hobbit would fix on.
The young Man's gradual dawning of understanding is well done.
None of them is awake, even. How I love Cormallen stories! Especially knowing the joy and honor that will be coming soon. But oh, the agony of not-knowing. Merry's distress at Frodo's unconscious responses rings true.
How will anyone else really understand? Most of the Shirefolk never did come to understand, sad to say. I can believe that Merry, knowing how well he has known Frodo, and having had his own encounter(s) with the Nazgûl Captain at Weathertop and Bree and before Minas Tirith (I'm trying to remember if it was the same Nazgûl that accosted him in Bree?), understands more than most.
I like the hopeful conclusion quite a bit.
(I am told to convey greetings from the fur-family along with the two-legged household members. We all hope this note finds you well.)
shirebound
· 5 August 2026
· Chapter 20: New Perspective
. If this Meriadoc Brandybuck could come back from the shadows as he had, then so could Derunol!
Yes he will! What a marvelous, moving, and insightful conversation. Inner wounds are as real and life changing as outer wounds, and can be more challenging for people to understand.
UTfrog
· 20 June 2026
· Chapter 19: Plans for Rebuilding
This is lovely
Fimbrethil
· 15 June 2026
· Chapter 19: Plans for Rebuilding
Nice! I haven’t read one of these where Faramir goes to plan his house before, or at least where he scouts out the ruins. It was very nice.
Lindelea
· 2 June 2026
· Chapter 19: Plans for Rebuilding
Denethor's insistence on carrying 8yo Faramir on his saddle is a lovely picture of a father's love and care, so different from the glimpse we have of him at the end of his life, consumed with grief and bitterness, and burdened by worry and impossible responsibility.
(I love Faramir's forethought for Éowyn's comfort in her new home-to-be.)
The signs (and Pippin's explanation of the scouts' arrow "code") that Legolas and Aragorn left to mark their trail for the other members of the Fellowship – what a clever idea!
It really is amazing that Frodo survived the Morgul knife. Whew.
I am fascinated at the idea of the ruins of the old fortress. I could – and often did! – spend hours exploring old castle ruins in some of the places we visited over the years.
I can clearly see in my mind's eye, Legolas lounging on a branch that would not be likely to hold the weight of a Man.
The "recently swept" floor is a nice touch.
I was able to form a mental map of the layout from your descriptions. Well done!
I can understand why hobbits would not be so fond of granite hills – much harder to delve, I should think.
The ending is perfect.
shirebound
· 2 June 2026
· Chapter 19: Plans for Rebuilding
as he slept, Pippin seemed to hear others join him in his song, and he smiled in his dreams, knowing that Faramir and the Lady Éowyn and whatever children they gave birth to would be very happy here.
That's lovely. And the detail about Legolas sitting so lightly on the branch is a nice detail.
Fimbrethil
· 18 May 2026
· Chapter 18: Dark for Dark Business
“and perhaps one of the most responsible of Hobbits” *I immediately think of the Bree incident, and just now while typing the Maggot Farm incidents* :)
“From the sounds of it, most of them didn’t find it particularly funny, although it must have been eminently diverting. “Ah, Hamfast, my good fellow—there you are!”” heheh, sneaky Bilbo. He is not completely responsible either, is he?
“Well, as the Dwarves said so long ago, Dark for dark business. There are many hours before dawn. I must away and quickly” ohhhh THAT is what the title is from. I couldn’t think of it.
“and then the Thain and his party. Probably a good thing that Missus Lalia hadn’t come with her son that evening, the Gaffer thought wryly” oh, yes, and I forgot the Thane would be there! It is not Pippin’s father yet, is it?
“Dark for dark business, I suppose, as Mr. Bilbo used to say. I’d say as it’s time t’ put them barrows as was hired into service, considerin’ as how many Hobbits I see here and there under the tables, sleepin’ it off. Well, I’d best be to it, then. It’s part of what stewards is supposed to see to, after all.” heheh, yes, Sam is right.
Nice view of events!
Lindelea
· 16 May 2026
· Chapter 18: Dark for Dark Business
I've never thought about the Party from the Gaffer's perspective. Brilliant! I love the little details, especially Hamfast's observation that Bilbo hasn't visibly aged. (I wish I felt half as spry as a 30yo, myself...)
shirebound
· 14 May 2026
· Chapter 18: Dark for Dark Business
This is a wonderful point of view for this momentous event. The Gaffer's a keen observer, even if he doesn't always have (or seek) all the clues to piece together a mystery.
Lindelea
· 4 May 2026
· Chapter 17: Arming the King
I remember, more connected with watching ROTK than from reading the book, wondering about Aragorn's change from a Ranger's garb to that of a Gondorian. (Boromir's vambraces were a nice touch, which I seem to recall came out of the film though I don't remember whose idea it was.)
Perhaps in Mandos Denethor will learn better. In my version of his story, the scales fall from Denethor's eyes (in a manner of speaking) upon reaching Mandos, and he sees all things truly. Certainly, he remains in the Halls of Mandos contemplating his choices and deeds, along with his failings, including his pride, but the "learning better" part happens early on.
The details regarding Meneldil's armor are fascinating, including the possible fire damage to the right gauntlet, as well as the incredible state of preservation of (most of) the original leather components.
“When we meet one another in Námo’s halls?” Aragorn hazarded, checking to see whether he could easily reach his dagger. Okay, now I'm curious about the identity of the armorer.
Alas, poor lonely Merry!
I love that the chapter jumps forward to and finishes with the Coronation. Faramir's flash of foreknowledge and his recognition of Boromir's vambraces, along with the suggestion of Boromir's conveying reassurance to his younger brother from beyond, are well done.
Lovely story! I read it on my phone yesterday, and came back to the laptop today to re-read and convey some of my thoughts. Nicely done, and I hope to read more from your keyboard soon.
Fimbrethel
· 2 May 2026
· Chapter 17: Arming the King
"Oh, no Steward of Gondor ever wore this set of armor, or at least not in sight of anyone else. No, it was the set of armor said to have been worn by Meneldil when he was crowned sole King of Gondor by his Uncle Isildur.”
Faramir straightened in surprise. “Meneldil’s armor? But it is said in the annals of the city that he wore that set of armor but the one time, and that it has not been worn since that day!"
Wow! That is some historic armor! Great idea as to how Aragorn came by it! I forgot Hurin is written so well in fanfiction. He is my favorite here...though of course Faramir is a close second.
Ha! And there is room for Boromir's vambraces! :)
Meneldil's statues were shorter than he was? (from Aragorn saying he must have been taller than the statues led him to believe).
LOl, Aragorn would strike a pose to check the fit.
..."I shall wear Boromir’s vambraces,” Aragorn said. “I promised him that I should lead our people to victory, and I would have his own love for Gondor represented before all.”
Gandalf nodded. “Most appropriate, and I am certain that he approves, my friend." I knew it!
Faramir recognized the vambraces from that far away? Wow. But I am glad Boromir spoke to him in spirit!
shirebound
· 30 April 2026
· Chapter 17: Arming the King
What a beautiful gap filler. I remember the wearing of Boromir's vambraces, but never once wondered where the rest of Aragorn's kingly garments came from!
shirebound
· 25 April 2026
· Chapter 16: The Cat
Dear Gaffer, he's one of my favorite characters. I enjoyed exploring his soft heart in "How Does Your Garden Grow" and "When the King Comes Back". I miss writing, but my wrists just won't allow it any longer.
Author's reply
I miss your writing, and wish I could twitch my nose and heal your wrists. Gaffer is indeed quite the character, and I am certain that considering how his children turned out, he was a good dad. How hard it would have been to say "NO" to his daughter, even about a war-battered tom such as she was holding in her arms.
Thank you so!
Fimbrethil
· 24 April 2026
· Chapter 16: The Cat
Awwww...fortunately the cat will have a good home, I think. With Sam cooking.
Author's reply
I just hope that one of the local healers will treat the abscess for that cat! Heh! At least he's likely to keep the Hill rodent free.
Thanks so, Fimbrethil!
Lindelea
· 24 April 2026
· Chapter 16: The Cat
Well, at least the battle-scarred Tom ought to be able to contribute by reducing the local populations of mice, rats, and moles, I should think? What'll they name him, I wonder?
...I could never resist such a look in the eyes of one of the wee hobbits, either. This battle was already lost before it began, I suspect.
Author's reply
Oh, but I know! And don't forget the voles, who are infamous for gorging on bulbs and root vegetables. I find myself missing my dear Lydia who used to bring me voles by the gross! All the daffodils, crocuses, flags, and the like that would bloom for two or three years before disappearing?
Lindelea
· 19 April 2026
· Chapter 15: The Elf's Perspective
I hadn't thought of Legolas and Gimli's "constant bickering" arising because of the Ring's influence – I rather put it down to a longstanding bad feeling between the two races, stemming from the time I read something about Elves hunting Dwarves like animals early on in Middle-earth history. I double-checked just now, and found an interesting essay on the topic at the "Ask Middle Earth" tumbler account (https://askmiddlearth.tumblr.com/post/67465996730/elves-and-dwarves-early-contact).
In addition, there certainly did not seem to be any love lost between Thorin (and his Dwarves) and Thranduil (and the Wood Elves under him) in Bilbo's time. Gimli faced a lot of suspicion and downright hostility when they came to the Golden Wood, as well, making his request for a strand of Galadriel's hair extra-extraordinary.
However, the idea does make sense, and I can easily imagine the Ring fanning the flames of old resentments and grudges as part of its nature. Perhaps it's a wonder (and a testament to the innate goodness of hobbits in general and Frodo in particular) that the Elf and the Dwarf became friends in spite of everything.
Author's reply
I am sure that much of the bickering and mutual distrust seen between Gimli and Legolas was due to traditional prejudices. But wouldn't the Ring find that prejudice as a proper entry point for Its work to weaken trust amongst the Fellowship? (Not that I'm preaching to the choir, right? Heh!)
I see as part of native Hobbit magic that their small size and apparent helplessness drew protective behavior from the larger races as well as the assumption that Hobbits were largely in need of the help of others in spite of the fact Hobbits had been living independently in the Shire for well over a thousand years and in company and cooperation with Men in the Breelands for even longer. It took being allowed to enter Lothlorien for the Dwarf and Elf to begin purposely spending time together. Once they were no longer within the easy reach of the Ring once Frodo removed himself from the Fellowship, they were able to cement their friendship. Love the addition to that one exchange before the Black Gate between the two of them proving that fact.
Fimbrethil
· 19 April 2026
· Chapter 15: The Elf's Perspective
He calls Frodo "mellon nín". I should have thought of that myself, but for me that is a name only for Arwen, Aragorn, or among the Elves.
Author's reply
I suspect that by now Legolas has realized that Frodo speaks at least some Sindarin, and that now, when Frodo is apparently comatose, the Elf will unburden his heart, by using those terms that are more familiar and thus more intimate in his own life.
Fimbrethil
· 19 April 2026
· Chapter 14: Giving Honor Due
Hi, Larner.
Well, everybody seems to have survived. Alas for the Gaffer's taters and Bag End, though. And Gríma and Saruman, I suppose. Glad Freddy gets some recognition. He really suffered as much as the Fellowship Hobbits.
Author's reply
Most Hobbits of the Shire had no appreciation for what Frodo and Sam achieved outside the Shire, but so many benefited from what Freddie and his fellows did in raiding the Big Men's troves and seeing those in need getting their food back.
I love thinking that Freddie's heroism would be so recognized. Thanks so much, Fimbrethil!
shirebound
· 18 April 2026
· Chapter 15: The Elf's Perspective
He remembered the imaginings he’d found himself entertaining—of himself returning to his father’s halls as the conquering hero, the Ring upon his hand, Sauron no more than a blithering memory of malice, the Dwarves subjugated as servants to the Firstborn.
Oooh! These are very challenging insights.
Author's reply
I suspect perhaps only the other Hobbits were largely immune to the calls of the Ring, protected unconsciously by Frodo seeking the safety of those he knew loved him as he loved them. Legolas could protect himself from the Ring's influence by recognizing Its alien nature, or so I imagine it.
Lindelea
· 14 April 2026
· Chapter 14: Giving Honor Due
Of course he's curious and wants to hear some facts from someone much closer to the action. I can only imagine the rumors that must have circulated in the Shire... And gone (beyond the bounds of the Shire) must be unfathomable for Shire-folk in general. (He asked the Gaffer four times, LOL!)
I smiled to see Freddy and Estella staying at the Cottons'. I wish I'd thought of them taking in Hamfast and Marigold, too...
And when Freddy and Estella walked in together, the description, One was taller than most Hobbits, and was far, far too thin for his build. There was a feeling to him as if he’d lost a good deal of substance.... By his side was a lass, one whose hair was shamefully short, well, that arrested me, and thank you for that nod to my imagining of the aftermath of the Scouring, but it was the fact that everyone rose in respect at their entrance – it was that detail that brought tears to my eyes.
And of course, the story ends with appropriate hobbity humor. Pipped the Pimple, indeed!
Author's reply
You know how much I've been inspired by the writings of other fanfiction writers, and I so appreciate how your own writing led to me joining the company. I believe the song of Freddie Popped the Pimple was written by Dreamflower, and I had to include that here! I rejoice that so many of our fellows had appreciated that I give nods to their writing in my own. Bless you all!
Lindelea
· 14 April 2026
· Chapter 13: Farewell to Family and Friends
What a difficult farewell this must have been. It is painful to imagine. I should think Eldarion and his sisters are fully aware that he will lose his mother soon after Elessar lays down his life.
This slice-of-time tells so much in so few words.
Author's reply
Aragorn had apparently decided that to survive to three score and ten by a multiple of three was enough for him, so this was well planned in timing. May he ever be blessed for his choice not to prolong his life to the point of losing himself.
shirebound
· 13 April 2026
· Chapter 14: Giving Honor Due
Then he realized that everyone in the common room was rising to his feet, including the Gaffer.
I just love that image.
Good old Gaffer, it must be so satisfying to be the storehouse of so much news.
Author's reply
If only he realized what heroes his son and his former employer were, not to mention Masters Meriadoc and Peregrin! But all in the Shire can appreciate the hero whose deeds were done there in the Shire for all to see.
shirebound
· 11 April 2026
· Chapter 13: Farewell to Family and Friends
Ohhh, this is so moving. Eldarion may rise to greatness, but there will never be anyone like Aragorn. And Faramir Took is there! What a lovely detail.
Author's reply
Eldarion will be a great King, I'm certain, particularly as he's known the gift of Elven instruction from his uncles and daeradar. But Celeborn in my-verse is already gone, not wishing to see his granddaughter's grief and ending, leaving so few other than Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas who will continue to visit Minas Anor in the future, and the last not that much longer. With Elessar gone and Arwen having fled Gondor in her own grief, there is little holding Legolas and Gimli to Middle Earth any longer.
The wonder of the Eldar World is gone with the King Returned, with only its echoes to be known by Eldarion's subjects.
Fimbrethil
· 11 April 2026
· Chapter 13: Farewell to Family and Friends
Nice! Glad to see Faramir Took decided to die in Gondor with friends. Three cheers for Eldarion, as well as Aragorn,
Author's reply
I thought it only proper that Aragorn should be blessed by the company of at least one Hobbit at the end. I've written of his coming and his company for Aragorn in other tales....
Thanks so!
Fimbrethil
· 11 April 2026
· Chapter 12: End Game Strategies
I liked the "born by the winds of Manwe" part.
Author's reply
Both sails and arrows are concerned with air and wind, after all. Here Manwe is the Power involved. Thus he is instrumental to both of Cirdan's primary concerns--both providing transport for 5hose going Home, and guarding those under his protection. Thus Manwe would receive his attention equally with Ulmo.