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| Moments in Time by Larner | 14 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Celeritas | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 1/14/2009 |
| Nope, haven't looked at this one before! ^_^ There was much good in this fic: tactful but obvious discussion of elven biology (and poor bachelor Frodo's subsequent embarrassment!), the idea of a tweened Frodo deciding to find out about such things in books (what were they doing in Bilbo's library, anyway?), mentioning of The Fairy Wife, etc. And the King's Hollow!!! Of course there was still stuff that I disagree with--Frodo's continual guilt/unworthiness/whatnot, Frodo not having a hobbit soul (and I happen to like Harfoot!Sam; he's always struck me as someone who started out perfectly ordinary), overemphasis on brotherhood, etc. But you already know that. So thanks--it was a fun scene and dealt with a lot of interesting topics I hadn't seen you touch on before. Author Reply: I personally think that Frodo's soul was perhaps more universal than anything else. It was his nearly unique ability as a Hobbit, after all, to be able to see beyond the here and now to the consequences of allowing the Ring to remain within Middle Earth, as well as knowing a love of the aetherial that is well above and beyond the normal Hobbit's abilities, that makes me think he in many ways could have been as easily born a Dunadan or an Elf. And it is this love of the aetherial as well as attendant fascination with things Elvish that from the start raises even Sam out of the ordinary. Yet, having been born Hobbits, their first loyalty brings both back to the Shire and sees to it that this land into which they were born is renewed as fully as possible, and in the end their hearts remain those of Hobbits of the Shire. I've touched on Frodo's sexuality a few times--and particularly in this collection in "Regrets" (#39,) and "In Defiance of the Dark" (#49). And I managed to offend one young reader with a chapter in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" when I have Frodo imagining what Narcissa Boffin might have looked like as she prepared for her bath. As for how Bilbo came to have books about puberty in his library--as an inveterate book collector I certainly have had them in MINE! Don't know necessarily how he'd end up with such a thing, but he might have found a Healer's text for Men somewhere--perhaps on a trip out to Bree? I know that although my mother gave me several long talks about growing up female and a few about males as well, I found myself looking into HER library as an adolescent, as did my kids when THEY became adolescents in spite of the talks we gave them. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 12/21/2007 |
| Wow…I’m rather speechless… This is so dominated and made so beautiful by that mood, that tone or emotion of mingled joy and sorrow, blending to make a deep, sad, almost overwhelming sweetness that so often characterizes your stories such as these. Everything contributes to it—the perspective, the imagery, the depiction of these beloved people..everything. I’m in awe, once more. Oh dear, poor Arwen. And poor Frodo; yeah, slightly embarrassing conversation. And Legolas really shouldn’t have laughed, though I found myself trying not to smile (and failing utterly in the end), but that’s different from a female and a mortal. ;D Stubborn Baggins…sometimes he doesn’t seem to get that it’s okay not to have perfect knowledge or not be perfect in any other way. Well, he’s glad to accept others with their faults, but he can’t accept them in himself, which can be both a good and a bad thing. This is such a peaceful scene beneath the Tree; I love Frodo and Aragorn’s conversation. Yes, brothers truly, more truly than they realize now. I wish Frodo had allowed himself to be carried to the Hallow, it would have done him good; but I’m glad, still, that he found such peace just where he was. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: I'm glad you found it so, my Lady. I'd been wanting to try another first person POV, and whose better than my beloved Aragorn's? Yes, stubborn, but still beginning to accept what will come; and so unwilling to be less than his best, unfortunately. Thanks for the feedback. | |
| Edlyn | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 11/29/2007 |
| This was gorgeously moving. I can close my eyes and see Aragorn and Frodo beneath the tree and hear their voices as I read. You truly have a gift. Edlyn Author Reply: Oh, am so glad you found it moving, Edlyn. I am truly honored. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/14/2007 |
| This was lovely. Enjoyed every word. Author Reply: Am so glad you enjoyed it, Grey Wonderer! I do like to imagine the relationship between Frodo and Aragorn, after all. Thanks so much for letting me know you read it. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/7/2007 |
| Sorry too am I that that trip was never made, I was looking forward to it. But I hope he heard his Creator's words in the West and knew that immense love cradling him as it always had. Maybe Aragorn is wrong and that trip will still be made? *tosses carrot at plot bunny* Yes, we are all imperfect, but we are all still loved. "An encouraging thought" as Gandalf would say. And I love too the way the people of Gondor came to Aragorn - as children eagerly wanting their father's attention and love. Sorry to be so late in reading this. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: There's never "late" when reading, Antane. (Grinning.) Just glad you read it, for I was certain you'd like it. As I believe that Frodo'd always been one to hear the voice of Iluvatar, once he no longer had the Ring I think that, in spite of the PTSD and all he still heard that voice more and more, and that once he went west he found the healing to allow him to accept that Voice's love freely. Yes, an encouraging thought indeed. As for Aragorn as King--I see him as I personally believe a King ought to be, of course. I'm certain he'd be a marked contrast to Denethor. And many of the people of Gondor must have been surprised to find such an individual as their ruler, one who understands the ruler rules FOR the people, not OVER them, if you understand the distinction. Glad you could read it at last. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/7/2007 |
| Oh my...sooooo beautiful...one of your best yet. An atmosphere of ineffable peace and light and love hovers over all. The voice is just right, and the overall effect is both poignant and uplifting. A pity Frodo won't see the Hallow however. Interesting point about elf-women and "courses". I've wondered about that myself. And nice observation about hobbits who may have elven blood--I've toyed with the idea also, and had a story in my head once about it, but never went through with it. Probably still won't, but well.... Anyway, a wonderful piece, thanks so much for sharing! ~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@ Author Reply: Thank you, Armariel. I am so pleased you find it this way. And it is too bad Frodo didn't go up. How would menstruation be handled among Elves, one must wonder? This just seemed logical. And the euphenism for sexual intercourse between husband and wife comes from the older English and early American Anglican marriage service. I first ran across it in a Madeleine L'Engle book, "The Other Side of the Sun," and then found it in an older British Book of Common Prayer--I collect such things, as well as various translations of the Bible. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/7/2007 |
| Oh Larner, it was such a wonderful surprise to return from a vacation yesterday night (the reason this review is so late) and to find this! Thank you very much, that was so sweet of you! I truly enjoyed this – I love Aragorn and Frodo both very much, and them having this private time together was great, and Frodo snuggling up to Aragorn was just perfect. It was interesting with what explanations they came up about Frodo’s ability to feel the White Tree, to draw upon the power of the Elessar stone etc., and for someone who knows already about their special connection, it was fun, too. To read his mother’s journal years later had to be quite an eye-opener to Aragorn, I suppose. And about the Fallohides and this Fairy they maybe should ask Gandalf. If *anyone* knows anything, it has to be him. The speculations about hobbit family trees are fitting in nicely with some of the other stories like ‚Stirring Rings’. How regrettable that Frodo refused to go with Aragorn up to the Hallows – that could have been interesting. Now you left me pondering if it would have changed anything, at least about his feeling of failing. Maybe it would be a possibility for the happy AU, if you ever get to write that. with that burden you bore me with you--me, my hopes and dreams, my destiny, even. Certainly you bore about your neck the one chance there was I might reach my true desire--to take Arwen as my wife and know that completion Larner, that is beautiful expressed and made me a bit teary-eyed! Maybe it is a bit of comfort to Frodo, particularly as he is refusing to accept his own worth – that is always rather sad to read how unworthy he feels. Thank you again so much for this unexpected gift! *many hugs* Author Reply: I'm thrilled you like it so, Kitty--you and Harrowcat. It's always fun to write something specifically for particular individuals and have them affirm that this is exactly right. Thank you! Pearl Took's faerie wife has been the inspiration for some of my own speculations on the meaning of that story that Tolkien mentions in The Hobbit. I love her Culassiel (sp?) and how she inspires Pippin and his Aunt Esmeralda and some of the later Tooks as well. Frodo's quest saved Middle Earth, and thus gave the chance for everyone's dreams to come true--save, of course, for his own. And again I'm grateful you enjoyed this so. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/6/2007 |
| I loved this touching glimpse of the bond between Aragorn and Frodo. I also like the way you see the White Tree.A pity Frodo will not visit the Hallow. Author Reply: Frodo commented that in leaving Aragorn he felt as if he were falling into sleep again where the rest felt they were waking from magnificent dreams. There must have been a tie there between them. Am so glad you appreciate the bond as pictured. The White Tree is the Tree of the King; with its ancestry coming from the Trees of the Valar and the Tree of Eressea, that it might be partially sentient somehow makes sense to me; and I feel it would sense that Frodo belongs in the Elven lands. And I agree--too bad he wouldn't agree to go to the Hallow himself. But perhaps he was right, and it was enough. So glad you had the chance to read it. | |
| lotrgirl1415 | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/4/2007 |
| ...But I am not worthy to remain here.” My heart twists within me. “Do not say that, Frodo Baggins. It is a misrepresentation of yourself. Eru loves you so deeply, and who am I to go against His estimation of you?” You look at me, and I see unveiled the pain I’ve known was there, hidden behind light words and isolation. AWWWWWW!!!!! You have no idea how much I love moments like this between Aragorn and Frodo!!! You really made my own heart twist when Frodo said that. Wonderful Job! --Katie No galu govad gen Author Reply: Am so glad it moved you, too, Katie. Thank you! | |
| White Gull | Reviewed Chapter: 42 on 10/3/2007 |
| Wow, that was quite deep. And the sentiments ring true, both for Frodo and Aragorn. I did get a kick out of Legolas trying not to laugh. For a 2000 year or so old virgin, he didn't have too much room for snickering at Frodo. :) Author Reply: Am so glad you find them ringing true, White Gull. As for Legolas--you're right! Heh! | |