Lindelea
· 9 April 2026
· Chapter 12: End Game Strategies
This snippet might be short, but it bears a powerful impact.
One of the small details I noticed was that Galdor avoids speaking the name of Sauron, but Círdan does not shy away.
the smile of one who had lived through too many assaults and sieges in his long life, from the shadowed Hunter of the days before Days to Melkor’s vast armies of twisted Maiar, Eldar, and Edain; from assaults by the Kinslayers to Sauron’s goblins and wolfriders... You convey a long, eventful lifetime in so few words. I remember the first time I delved into Círdan's background; in my mind, he went from merely a name with a novel description attached – an Elf lord with a beard – to someone whose story I would love to hear in full, no matter how long it took to tell it.
Preparing ships and sharpening blades; arrows and ships; the combinations struck me in my first reading as "belt and suspenders" thinking, but I think it goes beyond that. If Círdan had a coat of arms, the motto would likely be something that translated to "Stand ready" or "Ever prepared" or "Always faithful" or something like that.
Well done! And now that I have finally powered up the laptop to read, I see you have posted another work since we last talked. So, onward and upward... on the SoA homepage, that is. (And wishing you a happy early birthday, and safe travels! If I can manage my energy properly, look for a little something to be posted next week in your honour.)
Author's reply
Thanks so much for your response to this ficlet. I, too, was taken by the brief description of Cirdan in the books, and enjoyed imagining how he might respond to the threats from Mordor. We know he faced many threats over the ages of the Sun he'd spent in Middle Earth. He knows that this threat is also likely to pass away as they had done so many times before.
I hope that your energy remains properly managed in the near future.
shirebound
· 9 April 2026
· Chapter 12: End Game Strategies
I like the idea that Círdan has a "famous smile".
Happy early birthday, my friend!
Author's reply
As old as he was, I'm certain that Cirdan had a good deal about him that was famous, including his smile.
And I certainly hope that my birthday will be a happy one!
periantari
· 7 April 2026
· Chapter 9: Birthday Gifts
Tolman looked up at him with that expression Frodo had become familiar with in his younger brothers and sisters, who all seemed to look up the same way when they felt the answer to a question was far too obvious to need answering, but they would answer it at least just this once to have it over with. “Well, Unca Leg’las is a wood-Elf, right? So him has lots and lots of trees. And Unca Gimli don’t need more stones, does he?”
The logic is so right.
THis is such a sweet story about the future generations knowing about Frodo and what he did for Middle-earth and it's so great to hear all the familiar characters in here reminiscing via reading the story. Loved Gimli and Tolman in here especially.
Author's reply
I love writing the younger Gamgee/Gardners from time to time, and small children's logic is so often so precious! How those of the Fellowship who were able to enter the Shire must have loved seeing those children born due to Frodo's beneficent nature; and I imagine that Gimli in particular would prove putty in the hands of Sam's little ones.
Again, thanks so much, Periantari!
periantari
· 7 April 2026
· Chapter 11: Announcing One's Love
Such an encouraging thought to feel and know that Frodo knows what goes on still in the Shire even though he is so far away. :*) I loved the detail about the flute!
Author's reply
I love that the Elven trees might serve as conduits of information between the Mortal Lands and the Lonely Isle.
periantari
· 7 April 2026
· Chapter 10: Send Sam?
loved this one a lot- so funny- Sam outranking Pippin . Didn't Eglantine wonder about the travels that our hobbits had and what had happened to everyone's ranks afterwards? haha
Author's reply
Few within the Shire appreciate what was done by the Travelers while they were gone off on their "Adventure," do they? And what would they understand of their ranks outside the Shire? Heh!
Eglantine is determined that her son's time OUTSIDE could not have changed him or his companions, no matter he and Merry are so much taller than they'd been before they followed Frodo out of the Shire.
Tripsy
· 11 February 2026
· Chapter 11: Announcing One's Love
Really expressive work belongs in comic format. Paid artist, connect with me! Discord: tripsydraws Email trippsyyarts@gmail
Author's reply
Thanks. Unfortunately, I can't afford to pay for illustrations. Glad it caught your attention!
Antane
· 22 January 2026
· Chapter 3: The Mystery of the Brown Ghost
I love that memory of Faramir and Boromir as lads! Great stuff. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)V
Author's reply
You know that I treasure the love the two brothers had for one another. Had to find a way to include Boromir in this story!
Author Reply: You know that I treasure the love the two brothers had for one another. Had to find a way to include Boromir in this story!
Antane
· 22 January 2026
· Chapter 11: Announcing One's Love
I am so glad that Frodo still has contact with the brothers of his heart! What a sweet story. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
How better than through the use of the Elven trees should Frodo keep touch with those he loved in the mortal lands. So glad you liked it so!
Fimbrethil
· 29 December 2025
· Chapter 11: Announcing One's Love
Larner!
Another one! I have been waiting ever since the last one. Pippin fell in love with Diamond on business for Strider, did he? And nice glimpse of Frodo and Gandalf.
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin was to bring words to many of the family heads throughout the Shire, and the North-Tooks were in his remit. I think that both Olorin and Frodo would have an interest in this message from Pippin.
shirebound
· 19 December 2025
· Chapter 11: Announcing One's Love
I love this so much, every word of it and the whole idea. Dear Pippin, never losing belief that Frodo could hear him, and dear Frodo still so in tune (no pun intended) with his beloved Shire, relatives, and friends.
Author's reply
And so it is, Shirebound. The Trees serve to further some communications, at least. And this would be a message Frodo would receive with joy.
Lindelea
· 19 December 2025
· Chapter 11: Announcing One's Love
This story left me smiling from the moment Pippin laid his palm against the silver bark of the mallorn tree until the moment we glimpsed Frodo beneath the White Tree. Using the trees as a connection between Shire and the Lonely Isle works quite well!
But really, everything ties together so nicely, from Diamond giving Pippin a flute, and Pippin playing one of Bilbo's tunes on it, and Frodo singing along...
Lovely!
Author's reply
I do try to make the story flow in this one, and just as you described it! So glad you enjoyed it!
Lindelea
· 29 September 2025
· Chapter 10: Send Sam?
LOL! Reading this little gem made me laugh. Good for Pippin! (And Frodo, who "didn’t even allow me to order Sam about before we left the Shire, you know.")
Some attitude adjustment is in progress, I think.
Author's reply
I think that the attitude adjustment is beginning to take place more amongst the citizens of the Shire than in Pippin. I hope it is beginning to take place in Eglantine. Heh!
Have been laid low by a nasty virus, and am only now beginning to recover. I've not been so sick since the sepsis that accompanied my last kidney stone some four or five years ago. Today I've been out for the first time in a week. Wish me well!
shirebound
· 26 September 2025
· Chapter 10: Send Sam?
This is marvelous. I can imagine Pippin's words being quietly shared and circulated amongs the hobbits (perhaps with a bit of puzzlement), and his real respect beginning to grow.
Author's reply
And what a stir they will cause--if they aren't dismissed by the hearers as simply more of his usual (from before-quest) Pippin nonsense.
Thanks so!
Fimbrethil
· 25 September 2025
· Chapter 10: Send Sam?
Larner!
This is actually rather more amusing than I thought it would be.
But I have some questions: why isn’t Pippin talking with his father and the others in the first place? Secondly, where is Merry? In Buckland or with Frodo? Thirdly, who named Sam that? Gwaihir or Gandalf?
A nice bit of humor after a busy day.
Author's reply
Sorry to be so belated in responding. First, I was having to borrow time on a friend's modem, as mine was no longer serving. My attempt to acquire a hotspot failed to meet my needs, and it took me time to find a new modem that works--much less get the money to buy it.
Frodo and Sam were both enobled for their service to all of Middle Earth as indicated by the acclamations given them on the Field of Cormallen (book-verse). They were both acclaimed and crowned with silver circlets of honor. We are not told who gave this order, but in my-verse I see it as having been given out by the Great Eagles, probably through Gwaihir as you've suggested.
Since his return to the Shire Sam has been apparently subconsciously demonstrating a good deal of responsibility in seeing to the renewal of the Shire, planting new trees, offering aid in renewing farms and gardens, helping organize the rebuilding of homes and businesses as well as overseeing the renewal of the Quick-post and the like. I see the three proper leaders from within the Shire simply drawn to his new natural authority as if he'd always been more than just Bag End's gardener, discussing with him what had been seen as needs all of them now need to see to.
In my-verse, Paladin hasn't yet accepted that Pippin is now an adult in all but age, so Pippin is listening and learning, waiting for the day when all will recognize him as the capable individual he has become. Frodo withdrew after refusing to be candidate for the Mayor's seat, nursing an anxiety-fed migraine and stomach upset. Don't know where Merry is, but he may be seeing to Hall business while his father is consulting with his fellows and Sam, who will be Mayor in seven years and has been raised by Frodo himself to equivalency to the Master of Bag End and the Hill.
Hope this answers your questions. And may this virus I'm entertaining go away and leave me alone!
Lindelea
· 1 September 2025
· Chapter 9: Birthday Gifts
"far lovelier and less crushed" made me laugh. How many dandelions with half-inch stems did I try to arrange in a small vase over the years...?
I find Tolman eminently logical and observant and understanding. He sounds precious. (And precocious.) The echo of Frodo reading to young Sam on that same bench brought a lump to my throat.
I laughed with Merry at the gifted spoons but was brought up short to see the Ring appear.
The book reminds me of A Child's History of the World or the children's version of Ivanhoe that we read aloud together during our homeschool years. (I also read the unabridged version of Ivanhoe to get the full story, and, frankly, I remember preferring the children's version.) I love that Tolman's gift from Gondor offers a tribute to his father and Frodo.
Tolman's question and Sam's answer brought tears to my eyes. Alas, poor Frodo.
Coming to the end of the story... as I said, Tolman is eminently logical. (And it seems that Frodo is looking in on Sam and his family once more in the middle of the celebration. It seems quite fitting for him to be there at the party, seeing as he and Tolman share a birthday!)
This is the story I mentioned to you last night, about Pippin wanting to give his mum "the kitty's purr":
The Mathom.
...and now I feel increased urgency to get my Ring Day story finished in time for Ring Day! (I don't know yet if I'll manage, but I'm motivated to try, at least.)
Author's reply
Sorry that this is so belated, but am battling a new modem that is less than satisfactory and that is most likely going back this coming week.
I would think that Tolman would be far more careful than most Hobbit faunts in both his choice of blooms and how they were handled before presentation, most likely due to watching his father and in being guided by the experience of whichever sibling oversaw his choosing of gifts.
The book sent by Princess Melian was fun to imagine, and I've tried to do that first illustration but need to do it over with a better easel. Yes, the spoons do make quite the contrast with the Ring, don't they?
I expect that the Valar saw to it that Frodo got a glimpse of this party, the first Faunt's gifts to his family and guests.
I hope to get to read The Mathom soon. Have been reading through Jewels, but haven't beeh able to respond much, what with the new modem intermittently taking time off to buffer information. Not as advertised, believe me. Not does it look as if it will work with the VOIP so that I can get the home phone to work again.
Why is it I am doomed to go through intervals when such problems crop up after years of relatively reliable service?
Lindelea
· 1 September 2025
· Chapter 8: A Frodo Returns to Bag End
It was so nice to see you last night! I regret that I was so tired, I could hardly rub two words together to form a sentence. Still, it was a lovely visit, and talking about fanfic with a fellow fan stoked my enthusiasm for reading and writing all over again.
I love various hobbits' way with words in telling Sam about the imminent birth! "Big things happenin'" and "Took yer sweet time", LOL! (That last sounds just like I'd imagine Sam's Gaffer!)
I also adore how Sam takes inventory. Yup, got all his fingers and toes. (I remember, with each new babe, marvelling at tiny, perfect fingernails. They never failed to amaze me.)
I must admit, the first time I read this, I thought you were writing in movie-verse (where Frodo-lad has already been born before Frodo rides to the Grey Havens, for Rosie is holding him in her arms when she greets Samwise upon his return). But on re-reading, I realise that Frodo is visiting in spirit from his temporary home in the West. I love that Sam knows he's there in that brief but satisfying instant.
shirebound
· 31 August 2025
· Chapter 9: Birthday Gifts
There are few things I love more than the joy of hobbits. Thank you for posting this wonderful chapter.
“Seeds is t’pant, right?”
“Wead it, peese!”
Awwwww. :)
Author's reply
I remember my little sister talking about her "Bebee," and my baby brother and his demand for his "botta," not to mention our littlest asking if Daddy had a "tiny of his lunch left over to share" when we picked him up after work. Children's speech can be so delightful. And I love their logic.
Thanks so, Shirebound.
shirebound
· 31 August 2025
· Chapter 8: A Frodo Returns to Bag End
“Welcome, Frodo,” he whispered. “Welcome to life and to your proper place here in Bag End.” He looked up and caught amused eyes meeting his own. “Isn’t he a fine one, Mr. Frodo?” he asked.
How lovely this is!
Fimbrethil
· 31 August 2025
· Chapter 9: Birthday Gifts
But you likes pantin’ things,” the youngest of Sam and Rosie’s children told him. “Seeds is t’pant, right?”
Ooh!” he said. He held it out to the Dwarf, asking him, “Wead it, peese!”
(His baby speech.) Tom’s birthday is September 22? I hope Frodo-lad isn’t jealous.
“It did happen, one day safely long ago, that the esteemed Burglar Bilbo Baggins decided it was time for him to retire far away from the Shire, and left all his possessions (except for some things intended as gifts to his friends and relatives) to his beloved younger cousin Frodo, whom he’d adopted as his heir.”
LoL. I take it the gift was not parentally approved?
“And so the story unfolded of the four friends who’d left the Shire to keep it safe, taking with them the simple gold Ring that Bilbo had given to Frodo, and that Frodo in the end took on to Mordor to destroy It, accompanied ever by his friend and gardener. The story was far from complete, of course; certainly the grave injuries each of the Hobbits had suffered were rather glossed over. But there was no question that the younger fry were enthralled by the tale.”
Oh, it is the whole thing? Perhaps soon it will be compared to the Red Book?
“Tolman looked up at him with that expression Frodo had become familiar with in his younger brothers and sisters, who all seemed to look up the same way when they felt the answer to a question was far too obvious to need answering, but they would answer it at least just this once to have it over with. “Well, Unca Leg’las is a wood-Elf, right? So him has lots and lots of trees. And Unca Gimli don’t need more stones, does he?”
Heehee.
Author's reply
I have always loved the logic of small children. When I was young we used to watch Art Linkletter, and he loved to have conversations with little kids during his shows. His favorite question to ask was "What did your mom or dad tell you not to say?" The answers were delightful, and sometimes would be released in volumes entitled "Kids Say the Darnedest Things." (I know that this dates me, but so what?)
One day I will reproduce the Princess's gift, I hope.
We know that Tolman was born while his parents and oldest sister were visiting in Minas Tirith, so in another story "The Ring-day Fete" I indicated he was born that day after the children of those who worked in the Citadel performed a play they'd put together of Frodo and Sam's climb up Mount Doom.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Fimbrethil
· 26 August 2025
· Chapter 8: A Frodo Returns to Bag End
Awwwwww! And hooray!
Sam was just in time!
I was struck by the fact of the midwife this time—I don’t usually think of Hobbits in the job, but perhaps they were!
Now Merry and Pippin have to be told! Or perhaps they will come because they know Sam came home, and they will be surprised to see Frodo-lad early?
And Sam’s Mr. Frodo looked in on them too. Nice.
KathyG
· 25 August 2025
· Chapter 8: A Frodo Returns to Bag End
Whoa! How was the original Frodo able to make contact with Sam all the way from Aman? Or was it a figment of Sam's imagination?
Lindelea
· 25 August 2025
· Chapter 8: A Frodo Returns to Bag End
This story is an absolute delight from start to finish! As always, I love all the little details you include that bring the scene to life.
Beautifully done!
shirebound
· 23 August 2025
· Chapter 7: Tribute
smiled after by Guardsmen who recognized her easily enough, eager to bring her newest acquisition to her Lady.
What a delightful conspiracy! Arwen couldn't have a more attentive and loving handmaiden.
Author's reply
Indeed! Thanks so, Shirebound! The devotion of our four-legged family members is delightful, if sometimes deplorable as well. Heh!
shirebound
· 23 August 2025
· Chapter 5: Shared Intelligence
“Let them know this moment of fellowship uninterrupted.”
Such compassion! I always love it when Faramir and Frodo can enjoy each other's company... especially when they're both feeling so useful.
Author's reply
I feel much the same, Shirebound. Frodo and Faramir now have time to learn how much they have in common, with the approval of one both love.
Lindelea
· 21 August 2025
· Chapter 7: Tribute
"Breakfast in bed!"
LOLOLOL!
Beautifully done!
Author's reply
This was written to memorialize tribute brought me in this manner by Lydia, my first snowshoe Siamese, with her Charlie Chaplin mustache and her determination to single-cattedly eradicate the Olympic Peninsula vole. She was with me for 18 of her 22 years. I also remember how 9-pound Scollops would lead 14-pound Diablo, both
Author Reply: seal points, both hauling enormous Norwegian ship rats from Seattle's grain elevators up Magnolia Hill to lay at my feet. Gotta love our kitties!