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


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Reconciliation by Larner	140 Review(s)
Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 4/29/2006
And behind the ale tent the tradition of story telling to the children of the Shire continued, the one telling the tales this year always sitting on an ale barrel as depicted in the sculpture. The children of the Shire knew that there was no other way for it to be done, after all. I like that sculpture very much! It was just the right way to put it there without an unveiling ceremony, for Frodo would not have wanted it. This way he will always be a part of the Shire and Shire life. Those Shirelings who knew him, will recognize the "father" figure, as Dianthus did, and the tradition of storytelling will live on. I'm always impressed by your Author's Notes, that once again show how much work it takes to write an excellent fanfiction story. This statement intrigued me: Frodo is a saint, and yet is not a Christ figure. He is too definitely a creature of Middle Earth and kin to our own nature with his conflicting humility and vanity, his compassion for and impatience with the failings of others, his secretive nature and his profligate generosity. I totally agree! That's exactly what I thought, but I've never seen it expressed in such fitting words. Thank you, Larner! I'm looking forward to reading more of your stories! Author Reply: So glad so many appreciate the statue and the manner in which it was introduced and in time kept surrounded by athelas and Elven lilies, with each reading into it what he or she pleases, but all able to see the enjoyment and love expressed in it. It is in the sharing of stories so much of our cultural identity is passed from one generation to the next and then expanded upon. That Frodo would come to symbolize this truth in the Shire I felt right and fitting. Thank you so much for your feedback, and for your appreciation of not only what I've written but how I've written it. The next story will begin shortly. Need to go down and get the next disk.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 4/29/2006
Lots arrived so quickly! I'm so pleased that Will was able to see in Sam all the sensible, good-hearted practicality touched with inspiration that made him such a good candidate for the next mayor. And that the Master (and the Thain?) took on what Frodo had done and accepted Sam fully as the Master of Bag End and a power in the Shire. The statue of the Storyteller is very appealing - and gives yet another way of ensuring that Frodo's memory remains green. He gave so much to the Shire, it seems only fair that the Shire should remember him, if only in legend. Author Reply: I managed to skip chapter ten and had to slip it in after the fact, which was frustrating. Oh, well, such is life. And I, too, am glad Will realized the potential he had here in Sam for a successor and decided to follow through on it. And I'm so glad you appreciate the statue. A quiet way for those who honor Frodo to remember them, and for all others to remember that continuing the passing of traditions is important. Thanks so very much for following this, Bodkin.

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 4/29/2006
This has been another beautiful and thought-provoking story, larner. I always bounce with excitement when I see a new chapter and I've loved every minute of it. It was wonderful to see Will grooming Sam once he realised that Frodo had been right about our favourite gardener. The statue was perfect - nothing heroic, just a gentle image of Frodo telling stories to a child. How very hobbity and sensible. I love reading your notes because it is always fascinating to find out what influences an author to write as they do. Your Middle-earth is so finely crafted and imagined, just as the Professor's was, and everything you write is interesting and touching. Thank you! Author Reply: Thank you, Baggins Babe, for your expressions of appreciation and your comments, as such keep me writing. There had to be a moment when Will began to appreciate just how proper it would be to have Sam as his successor, and it was fun imagining it. So glad you appreciated the statue. Frodo as I've always envisioned him has always been the Storyteller; and now the Shire will have that image before them ever. So glad you also feel it was hobbity and sensible. And again, being compared favorably with the Master is the greatest compliment of all. Thank you!

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 4/28/2006
Hi Larner. Sorry to only pop back in at the end but I got a little lost. In between visiting parents who don't really understand fanfiction and this addict's need for her nightly fix, and a computer that suddenly decided, between one night and the next morning to go on internet strike I have only managed to catch up tonight. Have thoroughly enjoyed the last half an hour or so. Will beginning to groom Sam as Candidate for mayor, the visit to Buckland, of course the statue and the Shire's reaction to it. I love the author notes as always and am looking for time to rereading them in more detail. I do admire how true to the Prof you try to stay and the amount of work you put into your stories. I, too, always felt disappointed that Aragorn didn't get to say goodbye at the Havens. I like the BBC's radio dramatization version of their farewells on the road but your solution is the most satisfying that I have read and I am glad that you have developed it further. Am now going home overnight each week and life, though very stressful and busy, is into a routine. Though for how long I don't know of course! Thank you for helping to keep me sane! Author Reply: I finally got my "new" used satellite modem today, and so am finally back online at home, after three weeks of no access save from the office. As I work as an itinerant, going from client's home to client's home and working in a supervised apartment complex where there is no internet access, not having my computer at home is a frustration, particularly as I often get to the office only once a week if then. Now I can actually post from home again, and I'm SO relieved! Considering that all three of the computers in my home decided to go on strike one after the other, two of them overlapping, I appreciate the frustration you've been experiencing. So glad you appreciate the trip to Buckland and the acceptance by Will he now has a worthy successor at hand, and am so glad so many appreciate the statue. I may take the BBC version with me to work over the next week or two and reread it again. I love the final confrontation with Gollum in that one, myself. If I can get the radio switched out, though, I'll take the Rob Inglis reading with me and read it instead, as I have that on CD and the new radio accepts CDs as the current one doesn't. I'm glad you approve of me trying to have Aragorn come to bid Frodo, Gandalf, Elrond, Galadriel, and others he knows who accompanied his adar farewell. I do think he'd have at least tried. Sounds like you're spending a good deal of time on the motorway. Drive safely, and give my love to your folks and to Jet.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 4/28/2006
Corrupting me? No! LOL! The Stationery box is a good thing; it has saved me from venting my anger on someone who doesn't deserve it (or someone who does) many times. And as to the pocket thing, I started that a long time ago. It's worse than a worry stone, though; it's generally the model of the Ring I have, because if I don't keep the silly thing about me, it goes and disappears. Still does, in spite of my efforts. I've a good mind to lock it up when I find it again. How it keeps getting lost for such long intervals is beyond me. Unless, of course, it's my little brother playing Smeagol again. (He's actually proud of that! Ugh!) But he vows he doesn't touch it. You've roused my curiosity now, and I can't wait for the next story! :) God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Oh, dear--you keep THAT in your pocket? Then you do indeed follow both Frodo and Bilbo, don't you? How old is your little Smeagol brother? I've even indicated Frodo sewed loops in his vest pockets to anchor the chain he used to safeguard the Ring so that it couldn't escape as it did with Gollum. So glad the Stationery Box is serving positively in your experience. I know writing things out has helped me more than once. I must go downstairs and get the disk for the latest story now. Hope you appreciate it!

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 4/28/2006
I can't believe it's over all ready! :( But thanks for it and for the statue. I think Frodo would like it! :) Thanks for letting Sam see his brother's childhood homes and for your kind author's notes. I do not consider Frodo a saint but still a very good person who corresponded with the grace he had been blessed with, said yes to a Voice inside him that he barely understood, if at all and carried his cross all the way to Mordor. He did exactly what he set out to do - I will take the Ring - and succeeded brillantly. It is a tragedy that he spent himself so completely and still considered himself a failure, but that is what makes this tale more real than any traditional fairy tale or adventurous yarn. I know Iluvatar blessed him greatly during the Quest and reward him afterwards for his courage, strength, endurance and willingness to give all he had to save those he loved and so many others he didn't even know but still loved and wished to save. Eglerio, darling, eglerio! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: What is a saint, Antane, but one who does precisely what you have indicated? They rarely know why they're acting at first, save in response to a command spoken in their hearts or as a result of being moved by compassion. And often even in their best times they can still be insufferably self-righteous and still require someone to correct them from time to time. Peter was already a saint, and yet had to be reproved from time to time by Jesus to stop trying to tempt Him from doing what He knew needed to be done. Yes, this is, in spite of the fact it's a fantasy, one of the realest stories and tales available. And I hope I do manage to add to the world and the tale without changing it too much! Namarie.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/28/2006
But at least I know as he now has the chance to become as he was afore, and hopefully more than he was, if you take my meanin’. He has the finest healers aside him, and old Mr. Bilbo for company, and old Gandalf for teachin’ and the showin’ of the way. He won’t always find his shoulder achin’ and his head a-poundin’. I hope as they’ll finally clean out whatever it is as makes the bite on his neck keep comin’ up infected so as it’ll finally heal. I hope as he’s so surrounded by beauty as he’ll member us here always with hope and love and not just with longin’. And I hope as his Light’ll shine and be appreciated by all as sees him, not like here where a full half or more looked on him with envy or without understandin’ Lovely! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I'm so glad you find it feels right, Antane. This is how I'm certain Sam in the end would feel about his master's removal to Tol Eressea, the hope that Frodo would find restoration and more. Thanks so much for your response.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 4/28/2006
Oh what a perfect Epilogue, Larner! Finally, a statue of Frodo in the Shire, and one that he might not have objected to, as it showed him not as a hero, but as simply someone doing something he loved. I am guessing that the Elf and one of the Dwarves were Legolas and Gimli--I can't see them passing up a chance like that. And the statue of the storyteller cements a new tradition, and even if not everyone recognizes who he is, he will still be leaving a part of himself there in the Shire. I also love that Dianthus' new little sister was named after Frodo's mother, and I hope one day when she is a bit older, her big sister will tell her why she has that name, and the whole tale of the Storyteller. Such a lovely and gentle end to this story. I have enjoyed it very much thank you, and look forward to more from you soon! Author Reply: Of course Legolas and Gimli were part of the party--you're right--they'd insist on such a mission. And I do hope Frodo himself would appreciate this statue. And it was fun to put Cyclamen into it as well. They may recognize Cyclamen, but how many will truly recognize Frodo, though? Well, the Shire needs its own memorial, as you say, even if it's only in honor as most see it of tradition. I think that Aster would be proud to name her new daughter after Frodo's mother, who after all is a relative. And I'm certain that she will one day know the origin of her name and the full story behind the statue and her sister's favorite, prized book of tales. So glad you appreciated this so, Dreamflower. Am going to have a difficult time catching up over the next few weeks, I fear. Three weeks off, basically! Aargh!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/28/2006
I'm so glad that Sam got the chance to finally really visit Buckland, and to see Brandy Hall, and appreciate the place where Frodo grew up. There was such an air of quiet enjoyment in the visit, and I loved Sam's conclusions about visiting Buckland when he finally left. I like to think there was nearly as much coming and going (allowing of course for new responsibilities and growing families) as there had been before, between there and Bag End. Sam, Merry and Pippin are now the best of friends, and it can't help but be a good thing. I also like the little visit to Will, and Will's conclusion about the next Mayor. I'd love to see you do a story about his first approaching Sam, and asking him to take on the job. sigh I hate to see this coming to an end... Author Reply: Yes, at last Sam is able to see where Frodo spent much of his childhood and to get a true feel for that period of time before Sam himself knew him (or at least before the time he would have known him well, I think). Now Sam is finally becoming a citizen of the Shire at large as well as being a citizen of the world beyond the Shire's borders. It's amazing how few people know little about the region in which they live. I know that I grew up rarely leaving a thirty-mile radius around my home, although I knew the route well from our home on the west coast to my grandparents' homes very well from regular visits there. I knew more about the topography and geography of other states than I did of the state in which I myself lived, which of course is ridiculous. Marrying a husband with wanderlust finally gave me the chance explore much of my home state, and my own children saw far more than just our state, and indeed had an intimate knowledge of much of British Columbia and had traveled in Europe and England as well as all the states on the coast. I hadn't considered a story about Sam being drafted by Will as his successor; but certainly Sam's first day as Mayor is addressed in my next (VERY short) story to begin posting tonight, I think.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 999999 on 4/28/2006
Okay, I'm reviewing three chapters in one review again. :) I've been hoping for that look at Sam's visit to Brandy Hall and was delighted to see it. The feeling of bittersweetness as he is shown Frodo's haunts and favourite things, and the home where the little Bggins family lived, is perfectly conveyed. Dear me, poor Primula and Drogo! To get stuck with such a home as that! And I thought it was bad when our whole downstairs got covered in two inches of water due to a broken icemaker. And I can see Sam taking up the habit, almost unconsciously, of fidgeting with that stone in his pocket. It's like it's contagious; I've picked it up, myself, just from reading LOTR and writing fanfiction. And so, Sam is on the way to becoming Mayor even now. :) What a beautiful epilogue, and a perfect tribute to Frodo, to show him at his best. Even if Primula didn't know who it was, it was so sweet that she thought he looked like the father of the child. I think Frodo would have been pleased by such a compliment, seeing that that's what he wanted so much. I can see that staute and the little garden around it just becoming a part of the Shire, even for those who didn't recognise it for what it was; for I think even if Frodo did leave, part of him always remained in the Shire. Wow! Such insiteful notes-it's like an essay! It's so interesting how you've taken ideas of Tolkien's that were hinted at here and there and woven them so tightly into your own sub-universe. Really most of LOTR does look just as if Frodo wrote it, doesn't it? And if he was declining physically, I can see him not mentioning it except when it's necessary, which, in his eyes, is hardly ever. "Too deeply hurt" indeed. I know I've said it before, but I'm still awed by how intricate and real you've made this, how much is added to Middle-earth through your stories, without contradicting canon. And while others (myself included) may do things differently in our own sub-universes, this, to me, will always be among the most real. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: I hadn't intended to do three chapters at once, but accidentally managed to leave out chapter ten. I can't believe I did that! So had to carefully reinstall it, as it were. And I can appreciate wanting to deal with all three together. So you, too, are finding yourself with a worry stone of sorts in your pocket. I fiddle so with almost anything I carry, particularly when I have coins in there, rearranging them constantly. I have to halt myself when I carry disks, for fear I'll open the cover over the media disk and corrupt it. Have done that a few times by accident. I hope I'm not corrupting you somehow--first your Stationery Box files, and now fiddling in pockets! (Grinning!) In many places in the Missouri-Mississippi system there are flood plain areas where folk built cities, only to find that after years of growing they've experienced repeated flooding over the space of a few decades, with the final realization they need to be moved. It's frustrating for the people who have to accept that Nature has her own ideas of what should be done with the land and the proper place to build homes and settlements. It was fun to imagine Primula stubbornly trying to cling to her lovely little hole by the river and having to accept finally it wasn't a good idea and WON'T be a good idea--but you'll see more of that when I post my next story, which is also quite short. Now Sam is finally being groomed for his succession to the Mayor's office, while he's learning how to work Will to the best things for the Shire as Sam sees it. And he's indeed learning more intimately what it was like for Frodo before he came to Hobbiton. So glad you like the statue and the reactions to it. The decision not to let it be known that this was intended as a memorial for Frodo must have been a difficult one in many ways. And am so very glad you appreciated the Author's Notes. Have one person on HASA who keeps insisting I have this or that wrong and need to rewrite, and in some ways I find myself feeling the need to explain why I write as I do simply to forestall that individual's constant criticisms. But if Frodo was indeed a victim of PTSD, there'd be a good deal of minimalizing of his own situation and accomplishments and condition. But we keep coming back the realization that Sam KNEW Frodo was leaving and was okay with it--only becoming upset when he realized the true destination and that he'd not be able to freely visit. I am so grateful for your appreciation of how I draw my subuniverse of Arda, and am honored you have characterized it as "the most real." That is a great compliment indeed, and I do thank you so very much. Will probably post the next story next week, once I finally get the modem in place and back online at home.

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List