Dreamflower
· 28 July 2005
· Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
This is so beautiful!
I loved the image of Merry, Pippin, Legolas and Gimli sitting together in the night, talking quietly over the events of the day, and the way Merry seemingly had not actually *heard* the words, but just the *feeling* they gave him. And it was so sweet that they declared their friendship for Farohan--I do hope they get to see him once more, and that perhaps Frodo and Sam *can* meet him.
But best of all, I love that you quoted my favorite paragraph in RotK. That last paragraph is so beautiful it moves me every time I read it, and this was the perfect way to end the chapter.
Thank you very much!
Lotrgirl1415
· 28 July 2005
· Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
Hello!
i actaully just came across this story yesterday and..saved it today earlier and just got done reading it so far.
I just wanted to let you know this is such a wonderful story!
keep up the great work!
hugs&kissies...oh and alot of "hobbity" love!
--Katie
aka: lotrgirl1415 or chickloveslotr
GamgeeFest
· 22 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
You go Merry! I know Aragorn has a lot going on at the moment, but he shouldn't have been so dismissive of the hobbits' feelings on this. I'm glad he listened and is willing to give Farohan a chance. I loved your descriptions of both lays. It's good to know that Merry would have been satisified with Menelor's lay if it had come to that, but Farohan's time was well spent it seems. His teacher should have more faith in him in the future.
Author's reply
Poor Aragorn. Beset on all sides by the needs of all these different people (and his own desires for a finished lay!) But through it all, he has shown willingness to listen when reasonable words are spoken. He needed Merry to put his foot down, I think.
Andrea
· 22 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
Wow! Farohan's lay has impressed Merry deeply, and me, too.
What happened to Merry is exactly what always happens to me when I listen to the brilliant soundtrack of Howard Shore. There, too, amongst the music of Gondor and Rohan and Mordor is always the voice of the Shire!
Aragorn should see this too. I really hope so!
Merry will be a good Master of Buckland, when the time comes :)
Author's reply
Merry will be a brilliant Master. Absolutely! And... what a lovely comment, that you likened Merry's experience with the lay to your own with Shore's soundtracks. Those soundtracks are brilliant, aren't they. Thank you, Andrea.
harrowcat
· 22 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
Sorry for reviewing twice but I had another thought. Aragorn was right when he said that the lay needed to speak to the people of Gondor. Merry was right when he says that Gondor will only understand through the words of the lay. The Shirefolk also need to understand what Sam and Frodo did, (and Merry and Pippin of course). Perhaps both lays are needed!
Author's reply
No worries! This is an interesting comment. Yes, just as Shirefolk need their voice to be heard in Gondor, so does Frodo need his voice to be heard back in his homeland. Alas, as we already know, his voice, one of the four Travellers, is the only one that isn't heard. A good bit of heroics in a lay would have woken the folk back home quite nicely!
harrowcat
· 22 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
Oh so lovely - to have both lays be powerful and moving is a masterstoke. The offer of the different harp built the tension for me. I play the clarinet and to swap to another instrument without practice would definitely affect my performance. And the way that Aragorn is approached by the hobbits was great. 'we used to speak easily to you, things have changed.' How sad but true. I am dying to hear Aragorn's reaction to the lays.
Author's reply
It is interesting that you mentioned the tension of having to switch to a new instrument without practice. I play the harp, myself, and I know that, for example, the strings on mine are very slightly wider apart--not by much, but enough to make a difference--than most harps. To switch to another always necessitates an adjustment period where my fingers mustn't splay quite so much to create chords, etc. I know that my performance would certainly be affected by such a switch!
I'm afraid that there isn't a detailed reaction from Aragorn. His reaction is more implied than described. There are, however, reactions from several others, each in their own way. I hope that that will make up (a little) for the lack of Aragorn's...
Bodkin
· 22 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
I'm glad Menelor's lay is impressive - and that Farohan's is better. (Menelor still didn't think that Farohan had anything to sing, did he!)
Merry is right - both to point out that he and Pippin are the representatives of the Shire, and to say that Farohan is the only one who has tried to understand what Frodo did from Frodo's perspective. Don't know if that's quite what Gondor wants to hear, but it is what Gondor should hear.
I like the way all nearby men have been shepherded out of hearing. And that Menelor is generous enough to let Farohan play the extra-special harp.
It'll be interesting to hear what Aragorn and Menelor have to say.
Author's reply
Menelor was certainly not expecting what came! And the message of Merry is what Gondor definitely needed to hear. I am glad that you pointed out that message. The need for a "minority" culture to have a voice is an important theme in the story, and the majority need to learn and respect that voice.
Larner
· 21 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
What a beautiful description of Farolan's lay! Gorgeous! I don't think there is any contest at this point.
Author's reply
Perhaps you are right. Perhaps there is none. And... I am glad that you liked the description of the lay. That was a focal point of the story, so I wanted it to work for everyone. Thank you for telling me that it did for you.
Dreamflower
· 21 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
Good for Merry! To stand up for the hobbits that way was what was needed, and I am so glad to see that he did! I am surprised Aragorn was reluctant to listen to him, but I am very glad he did not back down and said his piece!
Your description of the music was beautiful; I could *almost* hear it!
Author's reply
I think Aragorn was caught between three voices here: his own need for a guaranteed, finished lay, the advice of a master harper (who should know what he is talking about), and the needs of two dear friends. But, as you say, Good for Merry!
And thank you for your kind words about the music description. I wanted that to work very much, and it seems to have done so.
shirebound
· 21 July 2005
· Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
Ohhhh, what a beautiful description of each singer's different song! I feel as if I was in that tent myself.
"Aragorn, we have no voice! If this lay is truly to honour Frodo, it simply must allow him, and the land he is from, to have a voice. Frodo is not an elf. He is not a warrior. The only way that the Men of Gondor and Rohan can truly understand is to listen to the harper who is willing to be that voice. Only Farohan has taken that time to truly honour Frodo, and to respect the only emissaries of the Shire that can speak for him."
Wonderful. And this explains something about why Aragorn made the Thain and the Master two of his councillors of the North.
Author's reply
"And this explains something about why Aragorn made the Thain and the Master two of his councillors of the North."
Yes! The very beginnings of those appointments can be seen here in this story. Fancy that.
I'm glad that the descriptions felt "real." I knew that I could never actually write a lay, so this is how I wanted to express Farohan's (and Menelor's) artistry.
GamgeeFest
· 16 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
I agree with Pippin; that Menelor has some nerve, to first think he could write the lay when Farohan couldn't and then to expect Farohan to help him. Typical boss, actually. And if anyone can make Aragorn see reason, it's Merry. I would truly love to see that encounter.
Author's reply
Your wish will be granted soon. Several people are going to realize some things over the next little while.
Bodkin
· 15 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
I don't know what it is about Legolas saying 'However, the grammar escapes him.' that is so delicious it makes my toes curl, but it just is! Maybe it's just that I don't associate Legolas much with the ins and outs of Sindarin grammar.
I love the way that Farohan is taking this project forward - this is going to be a masterpiece of a lay. (Literally, perhaps?) He just seems so on top of the whole thing that I'm rather pleased to see Merry getting rather obstreperous and putting his foot down.
So Menelor wants to do a bit of brain-picking, does he? He's not finding it as easy as he thought, to write about a race he knows nothing about achieving a goal he cannot imagine in a way he hasn't taken time to learn? Well, who'd have thought it.
"Woah!" said Pippin. "His mind is already made up. He won't listen to you."
A steely glint came to Merry's eyes. "Oh, but I rather think he will."
So how is Merry going to wangle that then? More soon, please.
Author's reply
I suppose that longevity, or immortality, gives elves the chance to be knowledgeable about most things, even if it is something that doesn't seem so important to them. But I'm tickled pink that I made your toes curl!
I'm afraid that the lay won't actually be seen (the words that is). How I wish that I could write lays! But there will be a bit of a description coming along soon... as well as Merry's determined actions.
Dreamflower
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
I was so glad to have this chapter printed out to have during my lunch hour today; I knew I needed to make a point to review as soon as I got home.
Oh I am *so* glad Merry is going to put his furry foot down. Strider will know not to lock horns with a determined Brandybuck over *who* gets to sing about his favorite cousin! Especially since an equally determined Took will back him up!
I must say I found myself in agreement with Pip, at how *unfair* it would be for Farohan's Master to pick his brains after taking the task away from him. I was a bit surprised, for though I felt his Master was being too stern over the timing, I did think the old fellow was just. This makes me question his decision on other grounds--maybe he just want the glory himself after all.
Author's reply
Yes, it is quite unfair for Menelor to not need to go to the same amount of work. On the other hand, given that he did take the task away, there is no way that he could get the depth of understanding that Farohan did in just a few days. It is not clear, is it, exactly what his motivations are at the moment.
And yes, the furry foot has gone down!
Andrea
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
Somehow I knew, it would be the colour of his eyes ;-)
Well, since I saw Elijah Wood as Frodo, *my* Frodo has blue eyes, but I'm really fascinated with your description of the different shades of brown.
Poor Farohan! He has to be loyal to his master and he wants to be loyal to his new friends. That's not easy.
But Merry has a plan, and when that happens, everything is possibly!
Thank you!
Author's reply
*chuckle* It all comes down to the eyes, doesn't it--at least when Elijah Wood is involved. But I'm glad you liked the description of the shade of brown. I love brown eyes.
Roger Gamgee
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
It's been a good while since I've read a story here at SoA - I found this one while browsing around the site and had to read the first few chapters again to refresh my memory. This is a wonderful tale, and I'm curious to see exactly what Merry has planned.
I've also added your name to my list of authors - I make a point of keeping up with several of them, and don't want to miss out when this story gets updated. Thanks for sharing this, and I look forward to seeing how it progresses!
Author's reply
Thank you very much for your review. I'm glad that not only do you enjoy the story but that you've "rediscovered" SoA. It is a very comfortable and friendly site, and I too enjoy browsing in it.
Cuthalion
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
This is gentle, wise and beautiful; I just chose this chapter to have a first glimpse on this tale (though I vaguely remember having read one of the earlier chapters before). And now I will read the whole thing!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad to see that you have tried this out. I hope that the rest of the story is also enjoyable for you.
harrowcat
· 14 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
Oh poor Farohan. Divided loyalties, whether between 'work' and home life or between different friends can be heart-breaking.
And poor Aragorn - watch out a stubborn Brandybuck is coming to get you!
Author's reply
Farohan certainly isn't in a comfortable position at the moment, is he! And, yes, Merry is a hobbit with a mission. Aragorn had better beware. :)
nerdinpink
· 13 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
Ooooo! I wonder what Merry's up to!
Author's reply
Hmmm... We shall see!
Larner
· 13 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
I love the movie dialogue from Aragorn here used by Merry as he determines Aragorn will let Farohan sing his lay.
I see you avoid the movie-blue eyes thing. Good move, although I've fallen to it for convenience's sake in one of my stories. Then, having commited myself to it there, I've been stuck with it.
Author's reply
Now... I've tried to imagine where Aragorn might have used Merry's words, but I admit that I have no idea. Where in the movies is this used?
I have used blue eyes in just a couple of very, very short pieces ("drabbles"). But Frodo has always had brown eyes for me, and since I love the Lord of the Rings of my imagination (which is all I had, and what I have cherished for so long), I am very resistant to the movies telling me how I should view the characters! I wouldn't think that you should feel compelled to stick to blue eyes if you don't really want to use them. (The way I said that makes it sound like they're contacts or something!)
shirebound
· 13 July 2005
· Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
This chapter is a jewel among jewels, Gentle Hobbit. What a marvelous description of Elvish... "Imagine a skein of silk. When you sing, each note, indeed each vowel, is a rain drop; they glisten, each one pure and shining, yet they are not alone. The drops run swiftly down the silk and so strand and water shimmer together."
I love this story so much. Thank you for bringing us along with you on this fascinating journey.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound! I loved writing that description. It comes from an old memory of a singing teacher explaining to me how to sing legato. The description itself is vastly altered, and she did not use silk, rain drops or shimmering, but I have tried to keep the same feel of the message.
nerdinpink
· 10 July 2005
· Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
Oh this is so wonderful! Please write more soon?
Author's reply
Thank you! And I have... :)
Budgielover
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
The scene of Farohan deciding which was the Ring-bearer was just beautifully written and explained. I loved following his thought processes and hearing his mental evaluations of what his heart knew to be true. The angelic beauty of MovieFrodo will ever color our thoughts of what the Ring-bearer looks like from now on, yet you managed to mute that and turn it into a believable decision. This was undoubtedly my favorite chapter so far.
Author's reply
Thank you for all of your lovely reviews for each chapter!
As for Frodo's looks--yes, MovieFrodo's looks are quite in constrast to my own BookFrodo's appearance. In fact, little of that contrast makes its way into the next chapter. I hope that it will not intrude too much on people's perceptions of a beloved character.
Budgielover
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 8: A Small Measure of Defiance
I absolutely loved the hobbits coming to Farohan to commission him with the lay - so much for the opinions of Men to hobbits! And it was so wise and kingly of Aragorn to honor his master bard's decision, even if he disagreed with it. The bestest part, of course, was Merry and Pippin absolutely delighting in describing Gandalf's letter to the poor man. How odd that must have seemed to him, to reconcile those words with the savior of the world!
Budgielover
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 7: Truth and Rumour
Most interesting chapter! You ratcheted up the tension between Farohan and his master and create conflict in the story. More conversations between characters (but not enough about hobbits) and a perfect scene of Legolas stringing his bow. I should have known you would work that in! And the discussion on the bow-string was fascinating and illuminating and very, very logical.
Budgielover
· 9 July 2005
· Chapter 6: The Crucible
My favorite moment in this chapter was Merry touching Pippin's knee in reassurance that Frodo and Sam were all right, just sleeping. That was such a cousinly moment, not overdone, a guesture of reassurance and affection between them. I loved Farohan's apprehension - he would know to be wary if he knew those two better! More hurt/comfort, please!