Reviews (249)

Larner · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 68: Farewell Words

Glad he escaped.

Larner · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 67: Errand of Mercy

Oh, I have wanted to read this chapter for SO long! I wrote it dxifferently, of course!

Beruthiel · 26 August 2004 · Chapter 16: Dreams of Home

"Well done, cousin," Freddy said, applauding. How can he applaud with a broken hand?

Saoirse · 13 August 2004 · Chapter 70: Pause, and Full Stop

Oh, how beautiful. This story is a wonder, the seams where sewn with flourish. I loved your Frodo. Freddy was endearing. The entire thing was poignant and lovely. What a wonderful piece of work! There was one thing that particularly struck me as saddening while I read this, it was in the chapter of Freddy and Mellie's wedding, when Pippin had to stand in for Merry, because he took off to Rohan, and Freddy told Estella that Merry was still mourning the loss of his true love. Then we find out she died on the eve of his wedding, and I think you said this, when she was washed away "so were Merry's dreams". How sad! V. good job!

Dreamflower · 28 March 2004 · Chapter 70: Pause, and Full Stop

I read your story a few weeks ago, before I figured out how to leave reviews. (I'm a bit slow in the computer dept.) But I have to say that in spite of its length, it has to be one of the best takes on Frodo's leaving I have seen yet. Although you don't say it, it seems clear that he suffered from congestive heart failure; my mother-in-law, who lived with us until she died, suffered from that, and the symptoms sound very familiar. Do you have a medical background? As Frodo was relatively young for that, I can only assume it was something congenital, that had been staved off by the Ring's life-preserving effects; or that his sufferings and illnesses on the quest somehow brought it about. I like the idea that Frodo was not leaving just because he was emotionally miserable; he was too courageous for that. But if he was leaving to preserve his life, that puts a whole new spin on it. I really enjoy your stories; they are among the many that have kept me hooked on fanfic and are of very high quality.

PIppinfan1988 · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 4: A Little Fall of Rain

Very powerful and very moving. Sorry, but I'm at a loss for words right now. Pippinfan

PIppinfan1988 · 7 February 2004 · Chapter 0: Prologue

What a lovely start! And I'm saying this jokingly, but don't you write anything under seventy chapters?? Whew! This is going to take me while...be patient with me. :-) God bless, Pippinfan

Elwen · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 99999: Background Information / Story Progress/update 11/13

Does it tell you how impressed I was with this tale to say that I sat down and read it in one sitting? (It's 2.30a.m. here.) An amazing work. For a while there I thought you realy were going to kill Frodo off and my own heart was in my mouth. You are wasted writing fanfic. BRAVO for a wonderful and rivetting read.

katakanadian · 13 December 2003 · Chapter 40: Thoughts of Home

Marvelous as always. I don't know about southern England but cherry trees in central Japan (which is south of England) and Victoria (which is very Shirelike) do not blossom in February. More like mid-march to mid-April. I have seen some very early blossoms (January) in Okinawa but that is sub-tropical. Plum blossoms come out before cherry so you could just change that if you want to minimize fiddling with timelines.

FantasyFan · 17 November 2003 · Chapter 70: Pause, and Full Stop

Sorry I didn't get to this last chapter until now, weekends are full of obligations for me. How long is the hobbit gestation period, anyway? If Rose is announcing her pregnancy in late September, and the babe is due late June, that's just about nine months, so she must be barely pregnant - or do I have the dates of Sam's leaving wrong, or midsummer? I wondered with Budgie and Viola as well - they hadn't told Freddy yet, on March 25 when Elanor was born, so if Viola was say, two months pregnant at that point, Amaryllis would be born near the end of October, yet Budgie goes off with Freddy without a concern on October 3. - I would think hobbit gestation would be shorter than us Big Folk, if there was any difference...I've never tried to calculate it before. I am intrigued by the thought of Freddy taking his family, and Budgie's, to Gondor to live. You've mentioned Ferdi's trip, and of course Pippin and Sam visit Gondor, and eventually Merry and Pip are buried there. But it seems that these aren't isolated visits, that there is actually a little hobbit colony in Gondor. Who else would have been adventurous enough to travel there - Bucklanders and Tooks? Are there enough hobbits there for the group to be self-sustaining (ie., who will Amaryllis marry?) Though Fastred mentions the White City, hobbits wouldn't live in Minas Tirith, in a city of stone, would they? Ithillien would suit the hobbit sensibility much better, I would guess, but what made them decide to stay? This opens up all kinds of possibilities. So Sam's final decision was whether or not to remove and burn the final pages. I'm glad he decided to leave them. Even if they're only in one copy, and not the 'official' one at that, the story will be passed on by word of mouth, from Elanor's and Rose's family. History will become legend and myth, but not all will be forgotten. A nice compromise. I forgot to mention earlier, I enjoyed the idea of Frodo illustrating the Red Book with drawings of his companions, more than just the few maps we have. I didn't know Frodo could draw, and too bad all the archivists were'nt as talented as Tolman, to reproduce them. Sam's goodbye to his family was sweet, but perfectly understated. At this point, very few words are needed between him and Ellie, and he slips away as Bilbo did, as Frodo tried to do many years before. We don't need more tears here, because Sam's going to be happy. *small sniffle anyway* And happy he is, and so is Frodo, and the story really doesn't stop, but goes on. Very lovely. It's going to take forever to post all of this on ff.n! It'll give you time to write a lot more (hurray!)

Hai · 15 November 2003 · Chapter 70: Pause, and Full Stop

A tear for your story! So wonderful to see Sam and Frodo together again! How hard it must have been for Sam to leave all his family though! I wonder what all Freddy did when he traveled to Gondor! He probably wanted to visit everything that Frodo wrote about. He missed a lot but did wonderfully for the Shire against the ruffians! Thank you for such and wonderful story!

Tim the Enchanter · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 69: Epilogue

Yea for the epilogue! Melilot is a wonderful character, too bad this marks her only appearance thus far. If you intend on editing this story I would like to see a scene or two with her in it. Maybe Frodo was not Freddy's only correspondant? She and Freddy seem truly suited to each other - an interesting contrast with Pippin and Estella. This scene also serves to answer a question raised in "Jewels" where Pippin and Estella seem resigned and making the best of things before Estella takes things into her own hands. Here we see that while they like each other well enough, being married would have driven them each crazy. In many ways they are too much alike - both high spirited and willful. Speaking of "Jewels" when will that story appear here?

Tim the Enchanter · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 70: Pause, and Full Stop

I love this chapter, even if it is the end. Sam took after Bilbo in slipping away quietly! I adored the reunion between Sam and Frodo! I especially love how you portray Freddy stepping in as a sort of honarary traveller, not filling Frodo's shoes, but keeping his remory fresh and making his absense easier to deal with.

????? · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 70: Pause, and Full Stop

Very well done! It seems like I've been saying that a lot about this story, but it's true. The last two chapters don't have the feel of being written just to continue the story, but rather round things out quite nicely. I love that you ended the story with Sam saying "Coming, Mr. Frodo!" as he'd done so many times before and now could, at last, do again. And the ending with Elanor was well managed. So, in conclusion, I echo may statement at the beginning of the review - Very well done, indeed.

Hai · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 69: Epilogue

How touching! I liked reading Frodo's letter to Freddy, very sweet and perfect! He wonderful advice to the end, about Freddy getting married! It was all great I hope your finished product will meet your standards I know you hold them high due to your other stories but I enjoyed this just the way it was! thank you for so much time Jodancindtree's as well!

FantasyFan · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 69: Epilogue

So, your motto is 'Nothing or a double helping," right? I like this bonus chapter. You managed to work in quite a bit off my wish list, except Budgie and Viola and baby Amaryllis (autumn flower), and even a way to have Merry missing. Estella is very good at controlling her demeanor - not even a flicker when Freddy describes Ruby as Merry's 'true-love' - but in her agitation, there's a hint of irritation that once again Merry is officially unattached, and she is not free to follow her heart. She's even cheated of the chance to sit by him at Freddy's wedding. Instead, the Thain has Pippin glued to her side, and the bright smile is brittle. All that's a sidenote, though. Frodo is there at the wedding breakfast, in spirit anyway, and that makes me happy. Though it seems Freddy plans on having the last laugh. Hopefully they won't have a daughter first to be burdened with "Frodette". Frodo will be mightily grieved when Sam tells him. Regarding the changes to the previous chapter, they satisfy. If Freddy wants Frodo to stay as much as I do, then his reaction is just right - to sieze on that possibility first, then to wonder how Sam knew about Frodo's heart condition secondly. And Sam's explanation fits, though it galls to have Saruman's words intrude. He foretells in truth, and we can't get around it. Good job, and I'll be looking for the Pause Before the Story Goes On.

FantasyFan · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 68: Farewell Words

The only thing I don't like about this chapter (but its a biggie) is: ‘Master Elrond gave him something to drink, when we reached the Havens. He said it would make his heart strong again, and that he’d have a good, long time to enjoy Elvenhome.’ How dare Elrond have a cure for Frodo, but not offer it until the last minute? If he had given this magic elixer sooner, would Frodo have decided to stay in the Shire? Could he not have been cured, and seen Bilbo off, and returned to live a good long life with his friends and those who loved him? I feel really cheated by this. He doesn't have to leave!

Unadrieniel · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 68: Farewell Words

somehow, it doesn't seem quite right i think you need another chapter to close out the night. 68 chapters doesn't quite pay, add on another, and see Sam on his way. ~Una (sorry abt the rhyming, i've been watching a documentary on Dr. Suess. i think you get my point anyway)

Bob's Your Uncle · 13 November 2003 · Chapter 68: Farewell Words

Wonderful chapter but I have to throw my dime in and say that I want to see an epilog! I want to see Sam coming to terms with leaving, his farewells... and hopefully his reunion with Frodo.

Tim the Enchanter · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 68: Farewell Words

Frodo's advice is wonderful... and please post the Sam and Elanor chapter. With the story beginning with them, it would seem odd and incomplete not to finish the story with them.

FantasyFan · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 68: Farewell Words

The ending of this chapter is satisfying, but I for one want an epilogue. I want to see the last conversation between Sam and Elanor, to see Sam come to acceptance about leaving and hear that he hopes to find Frodo still alive. I want to hear who else besides Sam wrote the last part of the story (Frodo says he leaves the writing to Sam, but it’s really Freddy’s story that is being written, and I could see him writing it). I want to hear how the pages were finally finished and when, since they've been lost at least once and possibly twice. I want to hear if Freddy marries Meliot Brandybuck, and what he does name his first son if not Frodogar, and about Budgie’s and Viola’s child too. I want to see Freddy happy in later years. I want to get the feeling that life went on in the Shire, and it was good, and that those who knew Frodo remembered him and acknowledged that anything they had was owed to his courage and missed him because he couldn’t stay to enjoy it with them. I know you have moments like those in some of your other stories, but they are among my favorites and I’m greedy for more, especially in a story that focuses so much on Frodo. Raven says she wants to see another chapter too, especially to see the goodbye between Sam and Elanor. That’s two opinions for your consideration!

?????? · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 99999: Background Information / Story Progress/update 11/13

Yes, I think you should include that last chapter. You've wrapped up the inside story quite nicely, but the framework of this framework story still needs an ending, unless you want to give up the framework altogether. You said in an earlier chapter that the rest of the story from that point on wasn't written by Frodo, and you still need to tell us who it is.

eiluj · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 99999: Background Information / Story Progress/update 11/13

Very briefly (sitting here eating pork fried rice and getting my fanfic fix for the working day): It's Freddy's story, more than anyone's, I think (maybe I should re-read the whole thing before I say that?). It's all very nice to end with a Sam and Elanor moment, but why not have Freddy's wedding? Or if not Freddy's wedding, another milestone occasion (large or small) where Freddy is thinking of Frodo. The whole crowd can be there, or be mentioned (depending on the scene). Lovely story, as always. Freddy was one of Frodo's closest friends. We don't see enough of him in tLotR to understand their friendship well. Your Freddy is entirely believable as someone who would have been Frodo's close friend.

????? · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 67: Errand of Mercy

Okay, well done. I think if you decide to get rid of chapters 65 and 66, though, you'll have to change chapter 67 a bit, because without the plot there's no reason for Freddy and Budgie to be so worried about getting to Bag End "in time." I'll admit I was getting a little worried that you were going to take a major departure from canon and not have Frodo sail in time, but you've pulled it off splendidily. This story is about finished right? It still says "In Progress" but from the feel of it, it can't have more than chapter or two left, because everything's pretty well wrapped up. This story is quite well written for a draft. I'm sure it will be even better once you've revised it, and I wish you luck with the revision process!

FantasyFan · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 67: Errand of Mercy

As if Freddy wasn't anxious enough, his plan is going all wrong. Delay and tension - you want to get out of the waggon and push the ponies faster. He's not even trying to think up a new plan to explain to Sam - he's just trying to make it in time to save Frodo. I wonder if there's even a little corner that's a bit relieved that it will be impossible to decieve Sam away from his master's illness, and allow him to help the fight and say his goodbye. And it's very dedicated of Budgie to press on without even mentioning the pain of his newly broken arm, to try to save Frodo who he's not even related to (and Freddy as well, who he does love like family). He's a very dedicated healer. Then the word that Frodo's gone. In his grief, does he not wonder why nobody but him is upset? If it wasn't so sad, it would be funny. Now everyone will hover over Freddy - he's had a shock. Will Sam be smart enough to wonder why Freddy jumped to the conclusion that Frodo is dead, and pry the story out of him? Did Frodo leave a note for Freddy explaining what happened, or is the birthday present his last communication? You know, I just thought of something. You could even move the dratted dream to after this chapter, because it wouldn't matter now that everyone knows what really happened. But I still want the dream to end peacefully somehow, as a reassurance that Frodo really is all right - unless you really don't want the happy ending, and you want us to always wonder if he made it through this day or not. Another thing I keep forgetting to mention. Many chapters back, in a reply to a review of one of the pauses, you said Sam still has a decision to make with Elanor. So close to the end now, I thought I should be able to figure out what that's about, but so far no clue! Another loose end - I'm rooting for Freddy to marry Meliot Brandybuck, but I can't remember if that ever happens. Has it been written that way? One last little thing - you use the word 'jerked' three times in two paragraphs near the middle of the story, which caught my eye. My English teachers were always on me to vary word choice, and I'm usually pretty bad at it, though it's not typical of you.