Beautiful. So little literature bothers with the love of a man and wife, and even less the love of Hobbits. You captured Sam and Rosie wonderfully.

Author's Response: Thank you! I know exactly what you mean. Maybe that is why I like writing husbands and wives so much; no one else does it. I\'m a married woman myself, with kids, it is the kind of life I know best. Maybe most people think married life is boring, but I don\'t think anything could be further from the truth. If you enjoy such fics, I have also written a Merry/Estella called \'Starlight at Eventide\' that details a troubled time in their marriage and how, with Aragorn and Arwen\'s help, they overcame it. If you think hobbit romance gets short changed, poor Merry and his lady are even more so! (Tolks didn\'t even mention their children!) I am pleased you took the time to let me know that you enjoyed this piece.

My dear authoress. I simply love your writings. Your Middle Earth is a joy to immerse myself in. One suggestion, please take it or leave it as you see fit. For imbeciles such as myself, who fail to notice the chronological dates which you have written your wonderful tales, perhaps you might place in the titles of your works some sequence number . . . or mayhaps even something simple such as: "Read this one first you dunce!" Simply because I had the misfortune of reading one or two out of sequence and lost a bit of the thread of conciousness as it were. My own fault of course, but when I first navigated this site I was encountering your works by title instead of by author as I now do. The only one that truly disappointed me when I found I had read it out of sequence is this one. As I am now hanging on your every word regarding The Heir of Meduseld and waiting with baited breath the next chapter, I find that I should have read this one before moving on to that one. It's a bit disconcerting reading these letters, knowing as I do that poor Bandy is now continuing in the unhappy task of searching for his Master's remains. It has taken some of the joy from reading this correspondence. On the other hand, it has given me somthing to read as I await the arrival of the next chapter in the Riddermark. Your faithful reader,
Elaura

I am sure you are weary of my flattery, but I must tell you your writing moves me to tears and laughter and to anger and satisfation as well. Such a talent you have! It is not a simple thing to move an old soldier to such emotion, but it is a blessed relief to feel it, alone.

That is the most hilarious cock-up of a first date I have EVER heard! It even beats some of mine. And to think it could've happened to two of the most beautiful men on the planet! EGADS! I needed that belly laugh!

Author's Response: Hee! Thank you so much, I\'m glad that I was able to brighten your day. (and I suck for not responding.)

Sweet author! I've always hated the way Haldir met his end. Thank you for giving me hope for him.

perfect

Fantastic! But what happened to Sarah, Alice and Bella? I know Bella was there, but if Natasha died . . . and again, Gandalf fled before sending Alice and Sarah back, didn't he?

You have the same values as I, obviously. The respect due a mother is paramount. Pearl is obviously an extension of your own personality, wise and kind. Are you getting tired of my flattery yet?

Author's Response: *deep blush* Wise, kind, and a sucker for a pretty face, maybe!

Is it my mistake or was this story marked complete?

OK, I goofed. And now for some reason, instead of letting me delete my post and hide my shame I've double it, maybe even tripled it. Sorry. Great story, though. Loved it when Liv got tossed aside, I like her, and Arwen, but I'm just a little twisted when it comes to Orlando and Viggo.

Author's Response: Glad you like it... I like Liv and Arwen too, but I just wanted someone to mess things up, and she was the best for it :)