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Moments in Time by Larner	20 Review(s)
Elemmírë	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
I really enjoyed this piece, Larner. I especially liked how it sort of came full circle. At first Margil doesn't believe in the existence of the hobbits and their great deeds; he then is shown different, only at the end to see that Frodo's deeds are disregarded in his own lands. Very well done. I still think those peacocks are such a cool addition to Minas Tirith and once again you've written a marvelous tale involving them. I love the hobbits fascination and appreciation of those beautiful and magnificent birds. And that image of Frodo’s face between the beauty of the peacock and that of the gardenia flower was one that would stay with him forever.... And suddenly the Man was kneeling, being embraced by the three of them, the bolt of fabric between them--one with white gardenia blossoms woven against a silken fabric of peacock blue. I'm glad Pippin got the idea to have the hobbits (especially Frodo) dress in their finest for the trade talks. It was definitely an importance for the various Big Folk to see them arrayed as such ... most especially those with the opinion like Margil. I also really enjoyed the concept of getting all the races together to discuss the reopening of trade routes, etc and also how Aragorn made it a point to formally declare what each region of Middle-earth was known for and best produced. One of the many markings of a fine leader indeed. So, does Pippin ever tell Frodo about that secret hideaway under the yew tree? Author Reply: The question of the hideaway beneath the yew did get sort of ignored, but I suspect Pippin did tell Frodo. That you appreciate how Frodo's accomplishments have come to be admired outside the Shire while they are disregarded within it is gratifying. And am so glad you enjoyed seeing the peacocks again. That the world has changed, and now trade is possible with distant lands I feel would be something Aragorn would want to reinforce, and as I've written him in "Lesser Rings" as having used the role of a merchant to hide his survey of Harad I felt he would wish to let it be known by all just how important he feels the activity to be. He now has the chance to display he's personally aware of what representatives of the different peoples produce, indicating they'd best not underestimate him as well as his interest in seeing all benefit from the new ability to trade freely and appreciate what one another is capable of. And am so glad you appreciated the image that inspired Margil. Thanks for the feedback.

AspenJules	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
Oh Larner, this was utterly delightful! I have never met these characters before (hint, hint - where can I find more, as there obviously is?) but I loved them. I am especially impressed with Valdarion, such an intelligent boy. It's obvious he's lived through and experienced a lot more than he should at his age, which I'm assuming isn't very old, even though he's described as tall. If I recall correctly, wasn't Bergil about 10 years old at the time of the war? And I got the impression that perhaps Bergil was about the same age or perhaps a little older than Valdarion was. Is that at all accurate? Anyway, you can see the maturity that experience has forced upon the young man, and he wears it well. I think my favorite quote is “Stop it, Frodo. Stop it now. The Ring is destroyed, and you have no right to keep repeating its arguments to yourself.” We all so very often do that - repeat negative things to ourselves that we have heard, and believe them, while ignoring the many good things that people tell us about ourselves. We all of us, or many anyway, have a bit of Frodo in us in that way. I love when I get a bit of a needed lesson tucked into pleasure reading, and Tolkien's work so easily inspires such lessons. Another quote I loved was The true measure of a prince is what he is willing to give of himself for those he cherishes, not how much temporal power he wields. Of course Gandalf is an absolute treasure trove of such wisdom. Finally, the epilogue was absolutely lovely. I loved the image of the tears in Margil's eyes, and that silly Chubb's confusion over them. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that many who weren't that close to Frodo would not understand why he would want to leave again. Of course those with that sort of attitude would not be ones Frodo would be comfortable letting on to about his illness, especially as he barely let on to his closest friends and companions. Still, it's painful to hear such sentiments expressed, and a good thing Merry or Pippin didn't hear him express them! Margil's tribute to Frodo was absolutely beautiful. I would love to know who bought it and what was made from it. All in all, Larner, beautiful compelling read, as usual. Thank you! Author Reply: The predecessor to this story is "Iridescence" in this collection, so you have the chance to read it any time you please. I found I liked Elisien and her family, and it was interesting when a shiningly blue-green plotbunny went running through the bedroom chased by a couple cats and a yapping Pomeranian and I found I could revisit them. I believe Tergil was about eight, Bergil ten or eleven, and Valdarion probably about thirteen and starting to shoot up the way such children often do, while Margil, who's almost the same age, is broadening out before he starts his own adolescent growth spurt. I suspect Frodo repeated a good many of the Ring's arguments to himself--hear a specific thing often enough, no matter how much of a lie it is, and it's hard to accept it isn't true. Destro was probably a distant cousin of Frodo's, as there were Chubbs family members in the family pavillion at the Party; that he'd feel personally affronted that Frodo left the Shire with no warning not once but twice over, and like Bilbo appeared to feel more at home with Elves than with his own folk, seemed likely. And am so glad you like Margil's tribute to his memory of Frodo. Thank you so much for your response.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
And that image of Frodo’s face between the beauty of the peacock and that of the gardenia flower was one that would stay with him forever.... sigh How utterly lovely. This is a wonderful story, and the ending so poignant. Beautiful, Larner. Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Shirebound--one of those longer ones that insists on passing itself off as a single chapter, of course. And I think that the image of Frodo would have inspired a number of folk who saw him during his time in Gondor. Thanks so much for letting me know how it moved you.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
This story was a lot of fun. First, it was so good to see Elisiel and her family again, and second, I could feel with Valdarion, having a younger brother myself who thinks in certain cases he knows everything and I nothing. How lucky he ran into Bergil and Tergil and then Pippin himself and told them about his quarrel with Margil! Of course Pippin’s sense of mischief was piqued by this. I was snickering a lot about his preparations. Had a lot of fun, too, to watch how Valdarion tried to get Margil to the meeting and his mother backed him up, obviously guessing part of the conspiracy to teach him a lesson. And Aragorn and Gandalf played along, too :) I can see how satisfying this was for Valdarion! That is another visit of the hobbits somewhere the hosts will not forget, and certainly Margil did not forget it. But you know, it is still raising my hackles when I see how dismissively certain hobbits talk about Frodo. What an idiot this Chubbs is ... that is something I will never get used to. Author Reply: It's fun to think of how much Valdarion would want to see Margil having to face the fact that there are Hobbits in the world, and then everyone else working to see to it that when he does see them, he sees them at their most impressive, and Frodo himself looking like a miniature prince, there at the King's side. For Pippin it serves double duty, seeing Frodo dressed up and fussed about it, but showing just what there is in him that makes him so special; Gandalf gets to do the same and has a chance to reinforce that Frodo has, in his way, behaved as much like a prince as Aragorn has, and Aragorn has the chance to see his friend displayed in the proper setting for the light of his being to show to its best advantage. As for Destro and many who felt like him--they had no idea what Frodo did, and I doubt Frodo wanted the average Hobbit to know what was done out there, not that most would understand even if they were told. Frodo spent about eight months as deputy Mayor, but refused to accept proper election to the office when it was offered him (in my version of events, at least); he then just up and left the Shire the second time, obviously attempting to hide the fact he was doing so from everyone. I suspect that such actions would be confusing to everyone, and would have managed to insult more than one person. It's likely to have been read as rejection, in fact. I think many would have felt personally insulted about Frodo's habit of leaving as he did, and would have felt it indicated he didn't care about the Shire at all, particularly if it appeared he preferred the company of Elves to that of his own people. Perhaps an idiot Destro might be, but one who himself doesn't understand. Thanks for the feedback.

Lúmë	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
Every time! Every single time I finish one of your stories I'm blinking back tears. That makes it hard to read :-) I love how you capture everyday ordinary people witnessing greatness from afar and being changed and enhanced by it. I'd like to think even your readers are changed and enhanced by the way you show us those courageous Hobbits and the tall King. Thank you. Author Reply: Oh, thank you so much. That I'm able to move you so is a great compliment. And I do think that those who knew Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn would have been profoundly changed for the better by the experience. Again, thank you so much for letting me know how you enjoy this story.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
Oh, Larner, what a gem. And just what I wanted! Things are really rough right now, to the point where all I wanted was to just have done with angst for a while and lose myself in a gentle tale...and this is wonderful. Delightful to see Elisien and the family (both humans and animals :)) again, and I love Marc and Narieth and the cousins, and Popea too, of course. I had to smile at Valariel. Most definitely the elder sister! :) I always enjoy how some of your original characters seem to remind me of people I know, but when I think about it I can't place them. That and just seeing ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and treating those circumstances as as part of life even while acknowledging them to be extraordinary, is part of what impresses me most about your stories--you make them more than just stories. And only Frodo would pick a word like "obtuse," to make it sound as nice as he can! :) As had been anticipated Frodo was openly rebellious. “Now, this just isn’t fair,” he grumbled as Pippin and Lasgon between them smoothed the new surcoat over Frodo’s mithril shirt. This had arrived as a gift to Frodo from Eryn Lasgalen with the party sent to honor the new King among Men, a garment of finest silk velvet of midnight blue, embroidered with the Two Trees, Sun, Moon, and seven stars. Pippin sighed. “Frodo, this isn’t just traders from Gondor, but that deputation from the Dunlendings and some free-traders from Harad and Umbar as well. Lord Halladan will be attending for the court of Annúminas, you know, and will have his mail under his surcoat; and you can believe Lord Elfhelm will be dressed in court armor.” “And we are just Hobbits of the Shire, Peregrin Took!” “Frodo Baggins, you have never been just anything, and it’s past time you accepted that. You personally are the best individual the Shire has ever produced, and as our primary representative you’d best look the part today. You never know what trade agreements might be forged as a result of this conference.” “The Powers help the Shire if that’s true,” Frodo muttered, but Pippin cut him off. “Stop it, Frodo. Stop it now. The Ring is destroyed, and you have no right to keep repeating its arguments to yourself.” Chastened, Frodo went quiet. It was extremely rare for Pippin to seek to correct him, and he knew well enough that Pippin’s opinion reflected that of Gandalf and Aragorn. He only hoped the day would pass swiftly. Then, when Gandalf entered with the box in which lay his and Sam’s circlets he groaned again, but held his tongue at first, recognizing he’d been outmaneuvered. Noting the glint of humor in the Wizard’s eyes, however, Frodo became suspicious again. “Is this truly necessary, Gandalf?” Gandalf lifted an eyebrow as he removed Frodo’s circlet from the box and settled it about the Hobbit’s brow. “Necessary, Frodo? Perhaps not--but desirable for the day. Let your Light shine before all. Not all princes are born so, you know.” “And when a prince comes among Hobbits----” “All with hearts to understand rejoice,” Gandalf interrupted. “The true measure of a prince is what he is willing to give of himself for those he cherishes, not how much temporal power he wields. Now let us hear no more complaints.” Realizing he’d not be allowed any grumbling, Frodo went silent as Lasgon fastened the glittering belt and hung Sting’s sheath from it, although his heart lifted when he saw Sam dressed in a rich wine-colored velvet surcoat over his gilded mail, a golden sunburst on his chest, from the same source as his own garb for the day. “Oh, yes,” he murmured. “Yes indeed--that is beautiful on you, Sam." This scene is both amusing and touching. I can't help but be amused at stubborn Baggins being all ruffled up over nothing. But Pippin's correction was rightfully given, and Frodo did well to heed it, at least for the moment. And that his pride in Sam and his cousins would make it easier for him to accept having to do this is just so like him. “Close your mouth before you swallow a fly, Margil,” he said, somewhat smugly. I just love the image of Margil sitting there at the table, gaping in utter astonishment at seeing four legends come to life enter the room, one being seated at his table! LOL! Valdarion is very mature and already shows much promise of the man he will become. She then turned to her brother and his family. “A few things of which you should be advised. First, from what we’ve learned of them, the Hobbits, as they call themselves, prefer to be informal, and are unlikely to appear as they did yesterday. It disturbs Master Frodo to be addressed as ‘Lord,’ you will find, for such designations are not used by them for one another. Even their Thain and his lady wife, whom I understand to be the leaders among them, are addressed directly, we are told, as ‘Master’ and ‘Mistress,’ even by those who are very much social inferiors. “Second, the other three are very protective of Master Frodo. His acceptance of the duty to bring the Ring to the Mountain nearly killed both him and his friend Samwise, and the rest are rightfully concerned for his health and well-being. “Third, do not allow their size and apparent light-heartedness fool you--they are all very competent individuals, and well respected by the King and his people. Indeed, from what we can tell the King’s kinsmen have protected their realm’s borders for generations due to the service their folk have given the throne of Arnor in the past." This was very thoughtful of Elisien, and would be very much appreciated by all four Hobbits. “I guess it’s almost all any of us have left of the clothing we left the Shire with. The darker stripes are of a spinning of variegated fibers, what we call tweeds. It’s much the colors of the hills of our sheep runs--the greens of the grass and bracken, the browns of the moss and earth, the greys of the twigs, the lavender of our heather blossoms, and the yellows of the larch leaves; and the yellow stripes are the colors of the sun on buttercups and dandelions, and reflected from our streams and ponds on still days." Suddenly the peacock, which had been nestled down on the grass by Frodo’s chair, stood up and shook himself, displayed his beautiful tail, then closed his eyes as he pushed against Frodo’s hand for a rub; and Sam, having found a perfect bloom that would soon begin to fade, brought it to press into Frodo’s other hand. And that image of Frodo’s face between the beauty of the peacock and that of the gardenia flower was one that would stay with him forever.... sighs Ah, I always love your descriptions of beauty. Vivid and gentle, painting lovely pictures in the mind that I often remember for a long time afterward. And what a beautiful, touching end. Frodo unconsciously influenced yet another, helping Margil to find the desire to be and do all he could, bringing out the best in him as he did throughout his life. And the fabric is a perfect tribute. God bless, Galadriel P.S. Thank you so much for the help with how to make Gondorian names! It has helped a great deal. Author Reply: I am so honored, my Lady. And glad this was the right mood to help calm yours. Pippin is scheming on Valdarion's part, and is also eager to help impress on Frodo that he is more than just a "simple" Hobbit. Nor will Gandalf let Frodo belittle himself, knowing better than all others present Frodo's true worth. "No greater love has any man than this, that he be willing to lay down his life for his friends." And all Frodo met became his friends and neighbors, and he would see each helped as he could. Not all princes are born so, as Gandalf points out. I see Elisien as a very thoughtful and compassionate woman, and in many ways she's the better half of my mother, who was extraordinary in her own right, and perhaps the most compassionate individual I have known personally. That she'd wish to see the Hobbits accepted on their own terms would be very likely. And am so very glad the images of beauty expressed remain with you as they obviously do. And am so glad my suggestions on how to construct names now works for you. Thanks for letting me know.

Amy	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
Wow. I really enjoyed this. wallows in the post-War details It is lovely to read about creative inspiration in this way. Author Reply: Oh, thank you, Amy--am so glad this story pleased you so. The city must have been a mess at first; so much so the Merchant Adventurer's Guild has to meet in the Potter's Guild Hall in the Third Circle instead. But the need to rebuild trade networks and to expand them and bring needed and desirable goods to all would be there, and now is the time to begin working these plans out. And glad you like the creative inspiration! Thanks.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
Oh I loved this story! It was so fun seeing Valdarion and Pippin put one over on Margil, and you could have ended it there at the banquet. But instead you went on with the hobbits visiting the next day, and that lovely little epilogue! One of my favorite parts was that with Gandalf, as he persuaded Frodo to wear his finery. You do a wonderful Gandalf, my dear! I can never get enough stories about people being amazed and impressed by our hobbits--they deserve every little bit of it! Author Reply: Yes, Margil lost the quarrel but won in the end, for he's now inspired to go out and seek beauty and bring it where he can; and now he wants to see what he can of the Hobbits' own land, not that this is so much, but more than most Men of Middle Earth would ever know. And Gandalf is a favorite of mine, as you know. He so wants each to appreciate his own worth, I think; and will do what he can to bring them to that appreciation. Am so very glad you appreciated this story. Thank you.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/11/2006
I am soooo late for work Larner and not even dressed yet but this was so good I just had to finish reading. Will come back to comment if I can. Author Reply: Oh, dear--I'm inspiring tardiness again, am I? (/Larner smiles with wicked glee!)

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/10/2006
This was lovely. I always enjoy it when Pippin has a plan. LOL Author Reply: Yes, our Pippin does get plans, and am so glad you appreciated this one! Thanks for the feedback!

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