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Second Mum by Larner	11 Review(s)
Calien	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 1/2/2019
In the end, I choosed an "overall review" (not a single review for every chapter). I loved this story. You describe Esmeralda as a wondeful character - and her final letter to Frodo is so moving. No doubt she was a real second mum for him. It was difficult to understand some aspects of "Second Mum", because English is not my native language - and there were connections with other stories. I had to read something of "The Choice of Healing" and "The Acceptable Sacrifice" for a better understanding. I also read a few chapters of "The Ties of Family". I'm very impressed by your creativity: your fanfictions are much detailed and breathe all your love for the characters - not only Tolkien's characters, but yours. I like your Hobbits, such as Brendilac Brandybuck, Pando Proudfoot... but my favourite is the little Cyclamen. She is so sweet and tenderhearted! In your stories Frodo's suffering is so vivid and he needs a lot of comfort; Cyclamen seems to lift him, because of her innocence. There are a lot of people who care for Frodo, of course; and he does deserve love and care, because his Burden was so terrible! And the poor Narcissa Boffin, who falls in love with Frodo and loses every possibility because of the Ring! Please, Larner, write another story about her and Frodo. They deserve to stay together… perhaps for a little time, but together! Her marriage is happy and Brendilac is a nice Hobbit… but I’d like the description of a relationship between Narcissa and Frodo. Please! Even Esmeralda hoped that her first lad fell in love with Narcissa… Pearl Took threw him over, after all! Well, if you invent a new fanfiction about Frodo and Narcissa, I’ll gladly read it :-) :-) At the moment, I congratulate you on your writing, because "Second Mum" and other stories are very beautiful and touching. Author Reply: I am so sorry that this has taken so long to be responded to. My email has been working in hiccups coming into my server, and I've not been able to write any emails myself for months unless I am away from home. I hope to purchase a new computer that I can set up with Windows seven or eight so that I can actually send email as well as intermittently receiving it. As I've noted elsewhere, Frodo could not have lived in a vacuum--he had to have family and friends who cared for him and wanted the best for him (or, in the case of the Sackville-Bagginses, wanted the best for themselves at Frodo's expense). My daughter and stepson had their birth-families torn apart when they were very small, and as a teacher of special education I saw children who'd been robbed of their families at a young age. In almost every case, they wanted desperately to know the security of their own family as soon as they could, and I believe it would have been so for Frodo Baggins. Once the Ring became part of Frodo's life, in one manner or another It would undoubtedly have disturbed his desire to build a family of his own. As Sauron had poured so much of his own nature into the Ring as he created It, the Ring would have demanded Frodo's attention and undoubtedly would have found ways to punish him for looking at those he might love unless he did so from Its own point of view. It's a terrible thing to contemplate, but I doubt It would have been happy unless he became abusive, mistaking abuse for "strength" and "power," two of the characteristics It was created to increase in Its wielder. I am so glad that you like Cyclamen--I know that such children have always brought out my own best nature, and I suspect that she would have done much for Frodo, and particularly after his return to the Shire. As for writing a story in which Frodo and Narcissa might know a happy relationship--maybe one day, but not now. I am trying to tie up loose ends in some of my older stories, and I have so many I've not added to in years! And the plotbunnies still hop around me, hoping to be written out from time to time--not that they don't too often prove to be nuzguls with ears on! Thank you so very much for your feedback, and please forgive me. I'm also finding that as I approach my seventies it's harder to focus on writing like I used to do. Having to struggle through our current president's foolishness makes it even harder. Knowing that what he does hurts so many people throughout the world makes it even harder! I pray that the House of Representatives does its duty and impeaches him soon, and that the Senate follows through. How much longer the world can suffer his abuse I don't know.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/24/2007
I have loved this series showing the loving relationship between Frodo and his 'second mum' that continued throughout his life. She must have taken Arwen's advice to heart - loving him in the cherishing and in the letting go, just as Sam and Merry and Pippin had to learn to do. Merry words about Frodo needing Sam were very true. I agree also that it must have grieved Frodo sorely to see Saruman die unrepentant, scorning the possibility even. He would have recognized another tormented soul, as his was and by the same person, and would have wanted healing for him. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: There must have been such a relationship between Frodo and someone in Brandy Hall, and as he and Merry became so very close it was most likely that it was due to Saradoc and Esmeralda being his custodial guardians, so that he was there from the time Merry was born for that special bond to grow between them. And what Arwen has told her is what she already has experienced is necessary when dealing with Frodo--to love with an open hand, for in holding too closely before they almost destroyed him. Esme received from the Queen only the knowledge she already possessed, and an affirmation that the same sacrifice would be needed a second time if Frodo was not to perish untimely. You are certainly right about Frodo recognizing in Saruman the need for the same forgiveness and spiritual healing he'd been offered and that he was given more fully in the Queen's gift. To die unrepentant, still caught in the fullness of his own conceit, kept Saruman from being able to return to the Source. What a terrible waste of the Maia's potential.

Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/9/2007
A lovely letter from Esme, very touching. I bet he kept it to read all his life. Always good to have a spare Mum or two, isn't it! And THANKS for the nomination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@ Author Reply: Yes, such would indeed help to support his hopes, and I suspect it was in his pocket as he found himself rising up to dance with the stars. And I'll always find some poem of yours to nominate, I think. Thank YOU, Armariel, for all the reviews. I so appreciate them!

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/7/2007
I loved hearing Aragorn's views and what a bad cook Boromir was. Sad, but every society needs its prison. The letter to Esme was very touching. Author Reply: They're learning about the outer world, that Frodo truly considers the King his friend, and that Pippin's still Pippin as he ever was, but that he misses this Boromir. And they have their new prison in spite of it going against Hobbit traditions and aesthetics; but at least it is a Hobbity one. And I'm glad that you found Arwen's letter touching. Thanks so much, Linda.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/6/2007
It must have been incredibly hard for Esme to understand what she was hearing from Merry. It is still far out of her experience, even with The Troubles. But she is doing her best to put it all together. And poor Pippin - doing his best but the memories are still too raw, too recent. Of course Sam is still looking after his Frodo. You could almost call him Frodo's third Mum! Just joling - well semi anyway! Painful memories are only the start of what ails Frodo but at least they are continually trying to understand. I enjoyed the discussion concerning the library and the goal. Esme was encouraging his talents at such an early age and, even then, Frodo was encountering those who dislike change in any form. All of which stands him in good stead now. No experience is wasted as they say. Esme is a wise soul and wants only the best for Frodo but is able to sew seeds and leave be. At least she listens to advice as to how to feed Frodo although it must tear her heart to see him in such a state again. The stars soothe so many. I like how you link Frodo now with the little lad who had just lost his parents. Ferdi is so much more perceptive than most. I am glad that so many people are beginning to piece an outline of the picture together and that Pal is not allowed to retreat into disbelief every time. I am so glad that Esme is able to share so much with Arwen although it will grieve her. It made me wonder just how much of his thoughts and feelings about that time Frodo confided to Aragorn during their travels or while in Minas Tirith. I am sure that Arwen would agree with her about large kitchens. Esme seems to be the one person that Frodo will answer even when it is difficult for him. And she is wise enough to keep the questions simple. I love the gentle teasing of 'Mr' Samwise! Arwen's response is very much in keeping with her. It must have been hard for her to respect Frodo's request in the face of a mother's plea. The elven blankets are inspirational! If they can have'magic' cloaks why not blankets? It must have hurt Esme to think that Frodo wouldn't have stayed to see her. Private as always about his 'business'. I am glad we find out more about the wreath girl and that she finds happiness too. I had a tear rolling down my cheek too at that last letter. Could just simply quote it all back to you if I quoted favourite bits. Looking forward to the epilogue and A/N. Now I have to get into PANIC mode to get to work on time! Author Reply: Merry, Pippin, and Sam are now back in their own world, among their own people, and only just beginning to realize how their experiences have set them apart. They need to feel their way back as best they can, and they're realizing how the memories will intrude from time to time--both the good and the bad, but especially the bad and sad ones at most inopportune moments. And Sam as Frodo's third mum--a distinct possibility! Heh! For Frodo the wounds and the scars go deeper than for the others, and he must struggle harder to come through them and to keep them in order. He'll let Esme have more glimpses of what's inside than most others, and of course, having seen him when he first lost his parents she will recognize that even nearly a year after the quest was won he's still feeling the loss as intently and intimately as he did the loss of his parents. She tries to help ground him once more, and is able to show how he's used his past experiences to the betterment of all now, and comes to understand how many of his own aversions he's had to overcome in order to do his job now. But it's not always easy. He's able to appreciate many of the details of his own dreams better now, and integrate knowledge shared with him by others, and recognize the differences between restraint and vengeance. She is able by being matter-of-fact able to get him to admit his finger is gone and that adjusting to that took time and even work, and she sees that Frodo is working to get Sam to see himself as Frodo's equal and not only his subordinate. Of those in the Great Smial who didn't go on the quest, Ferdi knew Frodo best and, perhaps due to his own disability, is now better able to just listen in a nonjudgemental way and then put the pieces together that Frodo, Pippin, and Merry let him have. He's not been one to avoid painful truths since he came out of the Lockholes no longer able to see the Sun himself, and he'll do his best to get his inlaws to face them also in spite of themselves. Realizing she needs more information as well as reassurance from one who hopefully will appreciate her point of view, Esme turns to the one woman she's aware of that she has some hope of receiving a response from who was able to observe Frodo while he was gone, and although she doesn't get all the answers she wants, she does get the painful advice to remind her the only strategy that worked the last time. At least she doesn't feel alone in her worry and the anticipation of loss to come. Am so glad so many appreciated the blankets. They don't need to hold any magic--just the fact they were woven by Elves within their lands would be comforting enough--a reminder that the Shadow didn't prevail in those places for all its long endeavor to do so, and that even here in Crickhollow it only visited and left again--it would help remind those who lay under them of the great beauty they knew in Rivendell and Lorien and in the company of the Lady and her granddaughter. Esme must indeed have felt hurt at the admission he'd not intended to stay, but is able to know at least some moments of peace with him before he finds himself frightened to find the lie that he is somehow all right within him, and that he's been trying to force this on others and that they--or at least she--recognizes that for the untruth it is. And in the end he knows that the love will still be there even if he must go away, whether he chooses to go in search of healing or remain to spend what time remains surrounded by those who love him. One last reassurance to help sustain his hopes.... Thanks for the long and detailed review.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/5/2007
What a lovely, dear, wonderful chapter, Larner. I have to highlight my favorite lines, which moved me deeply. my husband, who serves the lands of Gondor and Arnor as King You can do no more than you did before--to love him both in the cherishing and in the letting go. and so we know hope that in time our beloved Frodo will find again his capacity for joy renewed. my so beloved oldest lad You’ve always brought out the best in all who came near you and opened themselves to your warmth and the sheer Light of you. Author Reply: And all from two of the letters sent and received. I'm honored. Aragorn doesn't see himself as ruling so much as serving, I think; and Arwen would see it similarly. To help Frodo find himself, others must let him go as was done before. And the hope is there that he will be able to be restored. She's known and loved him since the day after he was born, has raised him for the sake of the memory of his parents and for his own sake, and recognizes just how special an individual he is. I'm so glad you found these moved you, and thank you for your response.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/5/2007
You did a good job in showing the slow realisation how much was wrong with Frodo - his health, psychic state and all. Loved the letters - all of them. Oh yes, it makes sense for Esme to write to Arwen! Even if she wasn't able to tell her everything Esme wanted to know. Esme's last letter to Frodo left me in tears. I am glad he got it just in time before he left forever and took it with him. But now I'd like to know what Esme thought about Aragorn and Arwen when meeting them for the first time, when they came to the Bridge during "Ties of Family", and what they would tell her. Oh, and I love the idea with the elven blankets in Crickhollow! Author Reply: By the time Frodo left the Shire there had to have been hints all was not well with him, and that there was reason he needed to leave. Nor do I believe Esme would have agreed to leave any stone unturned in trying to find some way to help her former fosterling, even if it means writing to a woman she's never met. And I do think Frodo would have taken THAT letter with him, and kept it close. After all, he was advised to bring those small things that strengthened his hope and faith, and that letter showed how Esme was willing to lose much out of hope and faith for his joy to be returned to him. As for that last--the epilogue will be up soon. Oh, and I loved the idea of them, too--one last act of joyful defiance and reassurance against the memory of that darkness.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/5/2007
Oh, I do love the letters in this part. I think it so likely that Esmeralda would write to someone in Gondor and I'm glad it was Arwen. I was only sorry that the answers she received weren't what she might have wished for. Both letters were so lovely and so in character. That last letter from Esmeralda to Frodo put tears in my eyes. This is such a lovely story! Thank you! Author Reply: In wishing to understand, I think Esme would seek to speak as she could, woman-to-woman, with one she hoped could give her the information and advice she needed. And I'm so very glad you feel they are in character. So glad you feel I managed that! And WRITING that letter brought tears to MY eyes! Epilogue and author's notes left.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007
Wow...Stellar as always Larner. I've been reading this from the start, but because of various things going on, haven't been able to review until now. This was a fantastic story and one I haven't seen done before. Excellent as usual my friend. Just one little thing...You need to fix something in this final little bit. You have Esme coming home to Brandy Hall, learning Frodo is there in his room, but she goes to The Thain's rooms first. Unless Pal and Tina were there visiting too... :o) Don't worry about it as w/a story as complex as this, I'm sure you did have The Thain and his Lady on your mind as well. :o) Loved all of the little touches and also subtle references to some of your prior tales. Very well done!! Looking forward to whatever will be coming our way from your talented mind next. :o) Author Reply: Thanks for the correction--I HATE it when I do that! I'm so glad you're continuing to keep abreast of it, even if you don't comment often. And of course the other tales are woven in the midst of this one. Need now to get back to Stirring Rings and The Tenant from Staddle and SEE THEM DONE! This was another small nuzgul with ears on!

elanor winterflowers	Reviewed Chapter: 11 on 6/4/2007
A sad and deeply moving chapter that gains in power as it progresses; I finished with a lump in my throat and such regret. It is the 'prequel', as it were, to Go Out in Joy, is it not? So many lovely details in this; I especially loved the Elvish blankets sent to the lads to help them sleep without night terrors. That was inspired! And it was very fine to see the steadiness of Esme's long relationship with Frodo remain steady and comforting to the end. I liked the scene with Paladin and Eglantine and their daughters and sons-in-law. Again, there is the sense of the great extended family here, and many backstories. I would like to know more about Ferdibrand's blindness--maybe you could direct me to the story that explains it? I so enjoyed this whole story! Author Reply: If you ever get to reading my other stories, you'll find they all intertwine. In a way this is a prequel to "Go Out in Joy," but it's also a prequel to "Filled with Light as with Water" and "The Choice of Healing" and several others. Now, it all started with me reading Lindelea's "A Small and Passing Thing" and getting caught up in that, as well as a few other stories she'd written, and that Baylor had written, and Jodancingtree and Ariel and Anglachel and a few others--but particularly Lindelea's story there--these got me writing "For Eyes to See as Can." In at least one of her stories Ferdibrand Took was blinded during the Time of Troubles, although when I started writing Ferdi into MY stories I'd forgotten that much of the reason she gave was due to an initial injury that eventually resolved itself, but left him hysterically blind for a time. I not only write bits of my own stories into my further ones, but bits of other folks' stories as well, seeking to weave them all into a single tapestry, as it were. ANYWAYS, if you'll go back a chapter you'll note that the last report they get from the Tooks tells of Ferdibrand Took being caught by the Big Men, being identified as a Smials Took, and being kicked in the head repeatedly before being dragged off, fate unknown, to Michel Delving. In my version of events this left him permanently blind. In "The Acceptable Sacrifice" he is actually found in the Lockholes and rescued by Frodo and the others, along with Will Whitfoot and Fatty Bolger and Lobelia. In "For Eyes to See as Can," which was my first story, Ferdi would visit Frodo on occasion after he came to live in Bag End; he first is depicted as blind in "The King's Commission," and he describes to Ruvemir and Ruvemir's ward Ririon how he's come to compensate for his blindness. I believe Ferdi appears in "For Eyes to See as Can," "The King's Commission," "The Choice of Healing," "The Ties of Family," "The Acceptable Sacrifice," "Reconciliation," and "Second Mum." I don't think he's mentioned in "Reunion." That gifts such as Elven blankets might make their way to our four lads just seemed plausible, and that such would be comforting to the four of them also seemed very likely, helping to overcome any residual feelings of horror or terror left by the brief visit by the Nazgul. Tolkien gave us names and some relationships to work with; several of us have tried to turn these into real individuals who have personalities we can appreciate and even relate to. Am so glad you get this feeling with my stories.

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