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| Fallow by Ariel | 11 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/29/2006 |
| And how much of his reaction is the effect of the Ring? It's already taking hold of him, I suspect. I truly feel for Pearl in this situation. Author Reply: Considering how quickly it started affecting Bilbo, I thought it credible to have Frodo already starting to feel its pull. Poor young Pearl just hasn't got a chance against it. :( Thanks for reading and I hope you can enjoy this piece as much as I have enjoyed yours! | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 11/27/2006 |
| Must have missed out on this chapter while my internet was down. Interesting. Pearl never actually did say why she was there but Frodo assumed. I wonder if he was right or if it was something more? I liked the farmer and his concern that things be done 'proper'. Reminded me a bit of what Sam might have said had he been around when Pearl arrived. Still enjoying this one and on to read more. Author Reply: Well, because of the nature of their last real 'talk', he can sort of guess - and she does confirm his suspicions pretty clearly by her reaction. I actually thought him speaking outright and turning her down came out rather cold but when I took out the dialog, the scene seemed to work. At least I hoped it did. *grin* Pearl is now old enough and, maybe, wise enough not to misinterpret things so hugely anymore. Call this the last part of a very rude awakening. Poor Pearl... | |
| White Gull | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 10/2/2006 |
| I was just rereading chapter four, and had to comment on something mentioned in passing...about the strange look the farmer gave Frodo when Frodo thanked him for helping to guard his cousin's virtue. I wonder why the strange look?! :) WG Author Reply: Did I ever answer this? Well, it's actually a hint that the farmer isn't so convinced of Mr. Baggins' propriety that he wouldn't gab about the event to his neighbors. Rumors of this visit have to reach Great Smials and I had to have some hint that the farmer would gossip! ;) | |
| Lily | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/24/2006 |
| It's amazing what you did to this chapter. Especially the ending adds a lot to Frodo's character. Great job, dear! Author Reply: I am very glad you found it convincing. Now I have to make sure that the rest of the story is too! | |
| lovethosehobbits | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/22/2006 |
| So sad the Fro' wouldn't listen to her problem and then discuss it with her, when it was so obviously tearing her apart. Knowing you, my dearest of friends, eventually he *will* speak with her again, but I feel sad for both of them for now. Well written and captivating, as usual. Can't wait for the next chapter. tree Author Reply: Well, you'll have to wait a teensy bit longer, I am afraid. I've been betaing like mad and actually *gasp* working! My demonstration sale is finally cut and I have been doing a lot of work trying to get it into shape to serve its purpose. Keep an eye on my LJ - I'm sure to have a big write up on it (with pictures). | |
| Mechtild | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/20/2006 |
| More and more intriguing! I still didn't find out any more about Pearl, but believe me, I'm prepared to be patient! This was a splendid chapter for having a look at Frodo, settled and seemingly content as a bachelor, but almost priggish about it, as if jealously guarding it, even though he has only just come of age. Odd behaviour for Mr. Unconventional Baggins. The way you are working with the Ring is very leading. I had read in an old draft for LotR that Tolkien thought one of the signs of the Ring working on Bilbo was restlessness, an inability to settle down to anything, including his life in the Shire, as time went on. It's almost as if Frodo has already grown restless - but unable to settle down to *himself* -- or to whatever may be his real wants or satistfactions in life. I very much appreciated your little moment of self-revelation when Frodo allowed himself to admit that in the case of Pearl, it was he that she wanted, not marriage. Perhaps he has forgotten that anyone could want him for himself, rather than for what he can offer (in a worldly way). Well, life will teach him a few things, I am betting (and hoping). I look forward to the next chapter! Author Reply: Odd behaviour for Mr. Unconventional Baggins. You know, I don't think it is, not for book Frodo, at least. Tolkien said one of the most unconventional things about both Bilbo and Frodo was their bachelorhood, and both keep the Ring. I don't think it too far fetched to believe It had something to do with that aspect of their lives. It's almost as if Frodo has already grown restless - but unable to settle down to *himself* -- or to whatever may be his real wants or satistfactions in life. Indeed, though at first he is lulled into the illusion that he is contented 'being THE Mr. Baggins of Bag End'. The Ring is courting him at that point, cementing its solitary hold on him while he remains oblivious of it's effect. Well, oblivious save for wondering why he doesn't even want to consider Pearl. Even then, if it weren't for her forward behavior in this chapter, he might not even have wondered about his current lack of interest. The Ring's influence has to remain subtle enough through these 17 years for Frodo to not have 'really' recognized it, but there have to 'hints' both for the reader and to cause Frodo's increasing restlessness. Remember the strange things Bilbo reported It doing? But even he never attributed those things to the Ring. I somehow doubt Frodo would either, at least not until Gandalf's visit in the spring of 1418. Perhaps he has forgotten that anyone could want him for himself, rather than for what he can offer (in a worldly way). I am afraid 'Frodo as the sought after bachelor' is my own invention entirely, but considering his generally accepted appearance, how could it be otherwise? hehheeh. People who are highly sought after do sometimes forget that someone can like them for themselves (or so I have heard). Thankfully, he does learn otherwise, as the good Professor shows us. :) Author Reply: Odd behaviour for Mr. Unconventional Baggins. You know, I don't think it is, not for book Frodo, at least. Tolkien said one of the most unconventional things about both Bilbo and Frodo was their bachelorhood, and both keep the Ring. I don't think it too far fetched to believe It had something to do with that aspect of their lives. It's almost as if Frodo has already grown restless - but unable to settle down to *himself* -- or to whatever may be his real wants or satistfactions in life. Indeed, though at first he is lulled into the illusion that he is contented 'being THE Mr. Baggins of Bag End'. The Ring is courting him at that point, cementing its solitary hold on him while he remains oblivious of its effect. Well, oblivious save for wondering why he doesn't even want to consider Pearl. Even then, if it weren't for her forward behavior in this chapter, he might not even have wondered about his current lack of interest. The Ring's influence has to remain subtle enough through these 17 years for Frodo to not have 'really' recognized it, but there have to 'hints' both for the reader and to cause Frodo's increasing restlessness. Remember the strange things Bilbo reported It doing? But even he never attributed those things to the Ring. I somehow doubt Frodo would either, at least not until Gandalf's visit in the spring of 1418. Perhaps he has forgotten that anyone could want him for himself, rather than for what he can offer (in a worldly way). I am afraid 'Frodo as the sought after bachelor' is my own invention entirely, but considering his generally accepted appearance, how could it be otherwise? hehheeh. People who are highly sought after do sometimes forget that someone can like them for themselves (or so I have heard). Thankfully, he does learn otherwise, as the good Professor shows us. :) | |
| Inkling | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/19/2006 |
| Well! Frodo is behaving rather badly, isn't he? The scene at his door is very atmospheric...reminds me of something out of "Letter from an Unknown Woman" with Joan Fontaine and Louis Jourdan (have you seen it? Great flick!) Author Reply: Hmmm... sounds like a film I would like, but I haven't seen it yet! (makes note for Netflix). Frodo's a bit put out, yes, but it's mainly the ring causing him to do it. I had hoped I had gotten that across effectively, but I might have been too subtle. His behavior is going to bother him though, and that, along with what Paladin tells him, will spur him to play detective and come to Pearl's aid after all! ;) | |
| White Gull | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/19/2006 |
| Guess I'll leave a review here, as well as on your lj. I knew this fic would have angst, but didn't expect my confusion. I certainly didn't expect Frodo to jump into bed with Pearl, but I did expect more compassion. 1401, was that the date? Bilbo's been gone 3 months? I can't blame Frodo's reaction on the ring, then. I've always imagined that Frodo & Pearl's paths crossed quite often, being the relatives they were. I can adjust my thinking on that, but it takes a bit more to get used to the idea that Frodo took Pearl's vow so lightly. I suppose it goes along with the rather cavalier attitude he had at the beginning, what with teaching her a lesson, and all. Poor Pearl. To be so broken I wonder if she's "pushed" Lailia down the stairs. You are a master story weaver, Ariel, so I'm looking forward to Frodo's redemption. Odd to say that, considering the grip of the ring will certainly be stronger in the coming chapters! You have your work cut out for you! :) But, you are up to the task. WG Author Reply: Why could you not blame Frodo's reaction on the ring? Bilbo may have just left, but didn't the ring have an effect on him almost the moment he found it in Gollum's cave? Remember how cagey he was to the dwarves concerning the way he actually got it? And the fact that he kept the ring a secret from his companions for so long? I think it would be affecting Frodo, at least in some subtle way, as soon as it came to him, and possibly even before that while Bilbo had it in the same house. Anyway, I am assuming that. ;) It is necessary for Frodo to be so abrupt with her now so that he will feel compelled to investigate what is really going on in Great Smials! | |
| SurgicalSteel | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/19/2006 |
| Well. That was certainly interesting - now you've got me curious. What made Pearl so desperate that she'd come to Frodo alone, insist that he not let anyone else into the smial - and leave before morning when she realized he wasn't interested in marrying her? Curious, and looking forward to more! Author Reply: You are absolutely right. And in the next chapter you will learn what has made Pearl so desperate that she would come to Frodo in such a way, after not speaking to him for years, despite the way her family and former friends have come to view her. She's been fighting a lonely battle thinking Frodo would someday give her a way to escape, but it is (and always was) a battle she can only win by defeating Lalia. *rubs hands eagerly* | |
| Cuthalion | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 9/19/2006 |
| Oh dear - poor Pearl. I like the social structure you portray here, and the most understandable doubts that make Frodo react as he does, at least in the beginning. And the effect of the ring on his heart and soul (and I guess a good part of his attitude towards the desperate, stubborn damsel is caused by the influence of the ring) is frightening and saddening at the same time... a kind of sneaking change of his character. Again, poor Peaarl. But poor Frodo, too. Author Reply: Indeed. He's already feeling its effects but doesn't realize it, and there's no way Pearl can understand why he's so absolute in turning her down. Poor Pearl and poor Frodo - they are both victims of the ring's evil power already. | |