Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Second Mum by Larner	12 Review(s)
Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/21/2007
Now we see more up close and personal the grip the Ring was getting on him even then and how he fought it and was frightened and confused and thinking it was all coming from him. How terrible that must have been. But it's good that he's comfortable enough to speak of it to Esme at least in some fashion. The poor dear. But love that he went all out for Sam's coming of age and Esme's words to Lobebelia in the beginning of this chapter. Go, Esme, go! :) And that Frodo paid for the healer to go to Otho - Oh, darling, you think you are growing into a monster, but you're not! Sometime I think it's too bad Gandalf didn't find out about the Ring sooner and never had Frodo handle it but then we don't choose our crosses as much as we accept them from God's loving hand. It was all meant to be, I know. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I felt that to have changed as much as she did after her imprisonment and Lotho's death Lobelia probably started to appreciate that Frodo was a far more worthy individual than she'd dreamed probably before the purchase of Bag End; and I enjoyed sort of bookending this chapter with her at each end--being the most obnoxious Lobelia at the beginning, and starting to reevaluate at the end. Most of the children I've dealt with who lost beloved parents young as Frodo did chose to start families as soon as they could; I suspect that the effects of the Ring stopped Frodo from following this typical path. How he'd have reacted to the Ring's effects on him is, of course, questionable; but it must have had some effects; and now and then Frodo must have felt the need to speak to someone about it. But being the type of person he was as well as Baggins family head, I suspect that Frodo would have done his best even to see Otho's needs met as he approached death. And he would have done anything for Sam, I suspect. As for Gandalf interfering earlier--perhaps it might have averted some problems, but it would have made the final story perhaps a good deal less interesting, and as you indicate, this was Frodo's burden, and one he did manage to bring where it needed to go.

Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 6/2/2007
Oh my, that Lobelia is pure poison.....and Lalia sounds a total pill...glorious! There's just enough of them here and not too much..... But poor Esme, she can only think Frodo has mental problems, the way he goes on............. Author Reply: Yes Lobelia is poisonous, and Lalia is over the top, yet both have a human side, too, one that others are surprised to find there. After all, after the Time of Troubles is over Lobelia not only gives Bag End back to Frodo but offers her own property to help pay reparations to those Lotho so seriously wronged. And Esme's not certain what to think, and isn't as yet knowledgable about what resides in Frodo's pocket.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/29/2007
I am very glad not to be related to Lotho and Lobelia !Thank Goodness Frodo sees Sam's true worth. Author Reply: Oh, I am, too, although I had a couple relatives who were anything but warm and supportive. Mine were more foolish than actively destructive, though. And Frodo does indeed know Sam's worth.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/29/2007
I suppose that you can't always avoid difficult people! Esme handles her with great dignity even under the most adverse conditions. Frodo had good teachers. It is exactly like Esme to be keeping track of Frodo even at a distance. It shows her confidence that she names her source to Lobelia. So Pippin starts his avoidance techniques early although it is obvious that Merry's parents are complicant in this. I would love to hear a conversation between the parents at this point in his life. Frodo is obviously taking his responsibilities as family head very seriously. I am glad that the feud is sorted before Lobelia's death. What, if anything, do you think Frodo did about these responsibilities when he left the Shire? Bilbo had no opportunity to make any arrangements but Frodo had quite a while. I love the conversation between Pearl and Frodo. So much detail and yet another story link! g Nice to see the difference between her and Pippin in their choice of abode. And Frodo admitting, even vaguely, what the Ring is doing to him is heart-breaking. Frodo shows the sort of mind that stands him in such good stead as Deputy Mayor in helping Pearl and Begonia. I also heard echoes of the way Aragorn hands Eowyn over to Eomer when he is healing her in Frodo suggesting they send for Isumbard. You bring out the differences between Gilda and Lalia very well. The former who would work alongside the paid servants while the latter holds the puse strings so tightly they looked ready to snap. Not a happy ending to the affair. Not an ending at all if Lobelia has her way. The dancing episode is so sad. Frodo is stuggling to understand himself and noone near can help. Bilbo might have done but he is far away and letters are infrequent at best. Brendi has learned to embrace the joy of the day - a lesson for us all and Frodo too! Sam's birthday is great. Love the touch with the mushrooms! And the youthfulness plot thickens. So Merry's preoccupation with Frodo has been noticed. Maybe that helps his parents to understand a little more when he disappears. Frodo is consistantly helpful to the Sackville-Baggins' in spite of all the hatred in return. Lobelia is just beginning to appreciate those who have sttod by her. Frodo's struggles with the Ring over his feelings for Narcissa are so painful I could weep for both of them. The conversation under the stars adds to that. And so the Adventure is underway. Saradoc is so close on the trail. Like seeing him as Master and believing in good communication between Master Thain and Mayor. A great example for Merry, Pippin, Frodo and, later, Sam too. Snippits they might be but enough to show us growth and change and fill in more gaps. Lovely Larner. Author Reply: Esme and Lobelia both show some growth in this chapter, I think. Esme knows Frodo, and knows that although he might have taken part in raids on pantries and gardens and so on, he'd not take things that actually mean things to others, which is a good part of why he stopped raiding when he did, once he realized that doing so took food from other folks' mouths and pay from other people's pockets. Yes, Pippin has realized that in a lose-lose situation, the only way to truly win is to find the way that allows you at least some pleasure along the way; and he's showing his own determination early in life. Frodo's as responsible to all his family as he is to those of the family name; in fact he's already showing he cares for those beyond family, as you point out showing he is indeed likely to be one of the best ones to ever serve in the Mayor's office. He's even able to continue to feel compassion and to show it to those who have been his worst enemies, another thing far too many aren't able to accomplish. I'd not thought of the correspondence to Aragorn giving over Eowyn to her brother's care, but now you've pointed it out it does seem very obvious. My thought was that this showed indeed that Frodo is able to let go a relationship he realizes has ended, and accept that Pearl has found the right one for her. To realize that one has been worshipping a dream and not truly loving another as he is is something a good many folk never learn to do. And where Menegilda learned from her mistakes and learned to let go, Lalia became merely more grasping and controlling as time went on, although even she managed to keep enough humanity to accept the advice given by Pearl--at least part of the time. We begin to see the effects of the Ring more openly now, although no one realizes as yet what it is that is causing Frodo to doubt his own integrity. And Frodo finds he can open up a little--a very little, at least. And in the end the Adventure is begun, and all will return home profoundly changed. Sara has an idea indeed, but not a great one--just enough to hope that Merry's right that this is truly needed. It's going to take a great deal of faith for him and Esme to see this through.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/28/2007
As always, an absorbing and endearing look at the too-often-marginalized side characters of the Shire. I did especially enjoy the double portrait of those two fearsome ladies, Lobelia and Lalia. Lobelia comes off as that special blend of nasty and batshit that I always imagined her as. Too mean to be humored, but too crazy to be properly put in her place. And even though Lalia never appears in person, you can see so much of her personality in the effect she has on other people. Frodo and Esme show great skill and diplomacy in dealing with these ladies.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/27/2007
Dear Larner, "Todays portion", as you called it, was simply perfect! I admired how Esme dealt with Lobelia during their first conversation, or should I say confrontation? Primula feared Lobelia's sharp tongue, it seems, but Esme was well prepared to give her the appropriate answers! And then Lalia's accident! Frodo was handling the situation perfectly. I think it tells a lot about his reputation among his relatives that not only Esme was waiting desperately for his arrival! Esme's observation of Frodo watching Narcissa was heart-breaking! That cursed Ring! At first, Frodo did not know what was happening, and then he blamed it all on himself. How typical! Sometimes I wished Bilbo had never found the Ring. But what would have become of Middle Earth then, I wonder? Although I don't like Lobelia, I was really moved by her conversation with Esme about her husband's funeral! In LotR someone called Frodo "the bestest hobbit in the Shire" (was it Hamfast or Sam, I can't recall). I only know that that person was absolutely right! At last, they have arrived at Crickhollow. Esme will find out very soon what the "prickling of foreboding" means! Poor Esme, I feel with her!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/27/2007
‚Nasty old bat’ is certainly the nicest name I’m able to come up with at the moment. Oh, I enjoyed it so much, how Esme shut her up! The way you described Lalia’s behaviour, it is only too understandable, even if not right, that Pippin so often ran away, poor little lad. It’s difficult to cope with people like her. Interesting conversation between Frodo and Pearl. Though I find it difficult to understand Pearl would rather take up with Lalia than live on the farm. But of course, all my female relatives would agree wholeheartedly with Pearl. And even if Frodo may not know, it is obvious the Ring is working at him, isn’t it? Why do I get the feeling the Tooks will all be glad to be rid of Lalia? Of course there had to be some talk, as there are people who always have to say something bad about everyone, and I am glad they examined the chair and Frodo insisted it had to be made known nobody was at fault for Lalia’s death. Though Ferumbras didn’t chose his words very well to announce that sigh The bit about Narcissa was depressing, but considering the urges It induced in Frodo, it was probably for the best he realised what would happen if he approached it. But still ... sigh The only comfort is to know at least Narcissa was later happy with Brendi. And I see, there is only a very short time left before they all vanish from the Shire. Poor Esme, it will be such a nasty shock for her! Though I look forward to see all that from her POV. Author Reply: Esmeralda is a Took turned Brandybuck and has had the example of Menegilda for several years to learn how to deal with folks; I think that having spotted that locket she'd have been moved to particular eloquence in bringing Lobelia to her well-deserved comeuppance. So glad you approved. I had a former boss who was just the type of personality I've ascribed to Lalia--could NOT be pleased; and one of my grandmothers was very similar. Had family members and friends who couldn't wait to get away to a far different environment once they were able to get out on their own, and Pearl is patterned on them. And unfortunately the Ring is coming vaguely awake and doing Its best to awaken the basest It can find within Its range, particularly within Its bearers. I always felt that there would be problems with that chair that led to its and its owner's mutual destruction; and according to Tolkien's own letter there was a fair amount of gossip that Pearl herself was to blame for the accident; that Ferumbras's own manner of presenting that string of pearls might add to the rumor mill seemed likely. After all, Lalia didn't do much to assist her son to reach the heights of his potential. Yes, Narcissa later finds happiness in marriage to Brendi, but never the perhaps more intense joy she might have known with Frodo, much less the joy he might have known from a marriage to her. He did deserve to know that joy, of course; it's still a grief that he didn't have that experience while living as a Hobbit of the Shire. No, a few days before she and Sara realize that Frodo has fled the Shire, and their son and nephew and Sam with him. I hope I can do that realization from Esme's POV justice.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/27/2007
(Pippin nodded. "She doesn't like it when I'm there, and she doesn't like it when I leave, neither. So I may as well go be with one of you so I don't have to listen to it.") This is true Pippin logic right here. I liked the way his relatives were more amused than angry at him for running off. (Esmeralda Took found herself supremely glad that she would not be amongst those expected to carry Lalia to her grave. ) This made me laugh out loud. There is a lot of Took in Esmeralda in spite of her being married to a Brandybuck! (Merry had convinced Sara to sell Frodo the Crickhollow house,) You know, Merry is involved in every major step in Frodo's life starting with his being at the house the day after Bilbo leaves the Shire and helping Frodo with things to all of the things he helped set in motion when the time came for Frodo to leave. Reading this reminds me. On some level I think Merry's parents had to know he was leaving. All of the clues were there and I wonder if perhaps they wanted them explained away and took Merry's reasoning easier than they should have. I am all caught up now and looking forward to more. I hope you've been writing while I've been reading! : ) Author Reply: I'd think, as you have made so clear in your own stories, that from the youngest age Pippin has managed to worm his way into everyone's heart, and that all tend to indulge him and find charming in him behavior that in others would lead them to smack their heads with frustration--yes, Pippin logic at work, and all just fall to and accept it. Of course Esme remains a Took in the depths of her heart--glad it gave you a laugh. I'd not thought of that consciously, but you are right--Merry is the one who plans consciously for the future, once he has an idea as to what Frodo's general plans are--Merry's the one to think in terms of seeing to it the specifics are appropriate to the need. Thank you for bringing that out. And I agree--Merry's folks are beginning to be aware, and Sara perhaps more so as the next chapter makes clear, although it's not yet ready for posting. A day or two, I think.

elanor winterflowers	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/26/2007
This was a wonderful read--each section fascinated me more than the last. I was sorry to see it end, especially at such a crossroads of history. Your Esmeralda is a marvelous creation; I especially like how she keeps her cool with Lobelia, and how proudly and lovingly she stands up for Frodo. What a splendid person she is! And, as always, the rest of the Shire are each and all ingeniously wrought and perfectly believable. The glimpse of Pippin as he began to grow up--dodging the Smials for all he was worth, admitting he was a bit of trial to his parents--was excellent. I am so sorry that Frodo must carry that wretched Ring, especially in the Shire, and that it preys upon him so that he does not trust himself. This a new twist, but utterly reasonable. Great story! Author Reply: I've tried to bring more depth to the characters, giving even the likes of Lobelia a hint of what she might have been had she made different choices; and in dealing with Lalia I found myself thinking of a person I had to deal with whose health has been poor and who as a result tended to take out her own discomfort on others, making her even more uncomfortable to be around most of the time than she used to be. But such people would put Esme's own back up, and she'd find ways to deflate Lobelia effectively. I'd written in "For Eyes to See as Can" that most of the winter after Bilbo's leaving Pippin, as young as he was, nevertheless kept running away from the Great Smial to be with Frodo or Merry, worried at how Bilbo's leaving would effect them; so I had to explore the kinds of reasons he might have given then as to why he'd kept running away. And I'm so very glad you like Esmeralda as I've pictured her, and that you find my writing believable. Thank you so. As for the Ring--It's effects probably started before he left the Shire, and I've always suspected It had much to do with why neither Bilbo nor Frodo ever married, but especially Frodo.

cookiefleck	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 5/26/2007
Good character study of Esme. And I liked the dramatic locket scene in particular. Thank you! Author Reply: In many ways this whole story is a character study of Esme, of course, and am glad you particularly liked that scene, as it was one that percolated for several days before it sat me down and wrote itself out. These stories do that, I find! Heh!

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List