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| The First Snowfall of the Season by Larner | 26 Review(s) |
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| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/23/2008 |
| *beams* Awww! That is so sweet! And what a wonderful, wonderful gift for all of them and for us! I love the family feeling that pervades the whole story, and the memories of Frodo that the marks he left brought out, and dear Frodo's confusion when he woke to find himself chilly and wet from actual snow. :) So, so sweet. Thank you! Author Reply: Yes, a truly miraculous gift for them all! These would all feel like family to one another, I think. And seeing Frodo's footprints and the handprint--it must have been wonderful! Thank you, my Lady! And a joyous Christmas to you! | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/23/2008 |
| But it was Frodo-lad who found the handprint where the sculptor of snow had steadied himself when he started to slip--the print of the right hand, with one finger clearly missing! That was a wonderful story, Larner! It was a joyful moment not only for Frodo, but also for the others present. I especially loved it that both places (or worlds) were connected for a short time, so that Arwen found the leaves of the White Tree of Tol Eressea, and Frodo found the melting snow. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to you and your family :) Author Reply: For a moment they touched, the two worlds; and there was reassurance, I think, for both sides. And seeing that handprint must have been a delicate, poignant delight. Thanks you so, Andrea! And may your Christmas also be delightful! | |
| Elena Tiriel | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| What a heartwarming holiday vignette, Larner! I have also written Olórin in Aman as being an advocate for his friends from Middle-earth, so I really liked that aspect of his personality. But the idea that Frodo got to recreate his first-snowfall traditions, especially pelting his dear friends with snowballs, and his friends were able to realize that he was there, was the highlight for me. A lovely job, Larner! I enjoyed reading it. Happy Holidays! - Barbara Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad you like it, Barbara. Yes, I remember you doing just that--Olorin as advocate; and I do feel he was one who truly held love for each of those with whom he dealt over the ages of Arda. We do need to have reassurance from time to time that those we love who are far from us still are able to know our love; and no matter how beautiful and healing the nature of the Undying Lands, Frodo is a sojourner there, not necessarily a full resident. Hungering for mortal bread and mortal loves, as he was indeed a mortal. It's reassuring to me to allow him these small contacts with those he loves, and the ability to realize just how much he's healed--and for that realization to be known by BOTH sides. Thanks so very much! | |
| eiluj | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| A snowball assault on the High King: the hobbit doesn't lack for audacity! I kept noticing prompt words from the drabble series ... bottle, moon, monkey, money, chair, bread, snow, boat.... Surely you could sneak in the other dozen words? *lol* What a lovely, lovely present! And a Merry Christmas to you also. Psst: Tulkas's wife Nessa is the only one of the Valar not mentioned. Author Reply: It was the Rivendell story that inspired this one, as I found I had to explain the backstory my mind automatically provided for why he sculpted a monkey, bottle, and loaf of bread! Heh! Was boat in this one? And Frodo has immunity, I think! And I'll have to slip Nessa into the story, I guess! I thought I might be missing someone, but couldn't remember who! And glad you enjoyed this. | |
| 6336 | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| This was a very good expansion of your Advent Calandar ficlet. Sometimes you need more than memories to sustain you. It must be very hard for Frodo sometimes, with Bilbo gone, even with the Elves and Mair befriending him, to be a stranger in a strange land. It will still be many years before Sam can join him. More please, Lynda Author Reply: Oh, I agree about needing more than memories. Frodo is the one mortal now amongst the immortals, and it's just not the same! Sam's coming will be like being reborn again for him! | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| How wonderful for Frodo! And for the others, though I wish they could have seen their beloved treasure but at least they heard his laughter and saw his handprint and other evidence. That would have been joy fit to burst and then longing and heartbreak too perhaps that it was so brief, but how wonderful still. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: They didn't see him, but he saw them! And he got to experience snow again in a moment of wonder, a moment of renewal as a simple Hobbit once more! Thanks so, Antane. | |
| Independence1776 | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| This is a wonderful story! Everyone, especially Frodo, recieved what they needed. It's one of the hardest things to deal with at this time of year- seperation from those you love. I'm glad they were able to reunite for just a little bit, even if they never actually met. ~ Indy Author Reply: Oh, yes, a moment of communion, a moment of reassurance, and a moment of mutual wonder! That reassurance is often most treasured! Thanks so, Indy. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| This is just delightful! I love how you have built on your Advent drabble to come up with something new! Turning the snow-sculptures into a Haradirc custom was a really clever move! And I love the idea of Frodo occasionally being given a treat of a special dream, and that he can commune wiht his loved ones in that way--leave is to Gandalf-Olorin to come up with the idea. Author Reply: There was a reason why Frodo chose to sculpt what he did in the gardens of Rivendell; this occurred to me then, and finally I'm able to explain it to others. The others needed to know that Frodo was healed enough to play in such a manner, delighting in the snow, sleeping beneath the White Tree of Tol Eressea, resuming some of his old habits and delights, remembering the little rituals he'd taken to himself to rejoice in changes of season. And he needed reassurance that life is going on, and his sacrifices are worthwhile! As for Gandalf--he'll never give over his love for these particularly, I think, ever bearing that love before the Valar and the Creator as a reminder of just how much each of them was able to accomplish! | |
| Sunny | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| I suppose the christmas calendar story the other day was sort of the haiku version of this :-) Well done (for both of them) Author Reply: Once I'd had Frodo sculpt bottle, loaf, and monkey, I knew the reason for the choice to do those shapes was this; and then I had to find a way of expressing it, showing his friends that Frodo was feeling indeed much restored, able to play again, able to plot and giggle, and enjoy the snow as he hadn't in years! Thank you so! I am honored! | |
| Fiondil | Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 12/22/2008 |
| Oh, Larner! Such a lovely story. I liked how you incorporated the monkey, bottle and loaf of bread from your Advent series. So it wasn't quite a dream was it? *grin* The Valar all gathering to give their assent to the 'dream' was really neat. I liked the way you described them. And Olórin is definitely Olórin whatever his guise. Thank you for such a delightful story. I hope someday we read more about Strider in the North. I'm sure there were adventures there as well. Merry Christmas! Author Reply: When I had Frodo do his snow sculptures, I had to find a reason for those items in particular to be sculpted, and this reason came to me. So, having their backstory, I had to find a way of explaining it! And I wanted for the others to realize that Frodo was indeed restored--at least enough to lie in wait for innocent folks and pelt then with snowballs! Plus the snow that's hit so much of the U.S. lies heavy on us here in the Pacific Northwest as well. I had to work it in somehow! A bit more than a dream. If a dream is shared by more than one, just how much of a dream is it, after all? And for this gift to be made manifest, I believe that all of the Valar would need to assent. Gandalf is himself ever, no matter what guise he takes--you have it there! As for more stories of Aragorn/Strider's visits to the north--they will come, at least from time to time--if I can EVER get some of my longer tales written, of course! | |