Dreamflower
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 21: Releasing Grief
Another lovely chapter. I love the description of the lights that Rose can See, and how Sam could see Frodo's and Aragorn's lights. As someone who is married to a person who can See other people's lights, I know how significant it is that Rose can do so. She really is very remarkable.
I am enjoying Ruvemir in the Shire so much; I am going to be sorry to see him return to the White City. Am I mistaken in thinking that perhaps Miriel might be staying?
Author's reply
She is a daughter of Men; do you think she will be welcomed once it comes out?
Yes, I'm glad that Rosie and Sam came together, both able to see the auras of those who are most important.
FantasyFan
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 21: Releasing Grief
You know, I am jealous of Ruvemir right now. To be able to read the red book, in Frodo's own hand, while knowing the story but discovering all the details fresh; while already loving and knowing the people it describes, but hearing for the first time their thoughts; to have that connection strengthened and refined and deepened. Yes, I am jealous.
Even though I haven't reviewed all the chapters, I am still avidly looking for this story and reading each installment with great anticipation. This really is a lovely study of the fellowship, and especially of my favorite member, Frodo. I love the little reminders of other author's universes you have included, but your own touches are as deft. Keep up the good work!
Author's reply
Thanks. I have loved so many of the stories I've read written by others--it's wonderful to be able to reference many of them.
So, now he's going to read The Red Book. Sam has certainly begun to trust him a great deal and I wonder if he and his little family might not be happier in the Shire than in Minas Tirith in some ways. They seem to fit in so well with everyone they meet.
Author's reply
Then how would they do the statue? No, gotta go home sometime, I fear. But it's a wonderful idea.
Grey Wonderer
· 17 January 2005
· Chapter 20: Budgeford and Bag End
I think that your take on the Athelas smelling different to everyone was terrific. I loved that and the fact that in Sam's hands, it worked better because of his understanding of plants and his talent with them. The Yule gifts were lovely also. I liked the way Sam put Runemir in Frodo's room and allowed him to look through it. A person's room does tell a great deal about them. Very good thinking on Sam's part.
Author's reply
Tolkien himself indicated that athelas smelled differently for each individual, so I was only trying to figure out what it would smell for Frodo and the others Sam would know. And Sam's affinity with plants would undoubtedly impact how well the athelas would work for him.
Thanks for the response.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 January 2005
· Chapter 19: Defining the Image
Ferdibrand questions were so interesting in light of the fact that he doesn't see, so very frank and open like a hobbit and almost child-like in their nature. I enjoyed the party and the fireworks which were so perfect for everyone there just as if Gandlaf had known. I suspect he did. A wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Aack! I see I never responded to this one.
Yes, I, too, suspect Gandalf had some level of foresight. Borrowed the firework from another story, trying to keep our various views of the Shire somewhat consistent. But I thought it would be very apropos.
Radbooks
· 16 January 2005
· Chapter 20: Budgeford and Bag End
I can't believe how quickly you update and with such long, wonderful chapters! I am truly loving your story and the insights into Frodo and the other hobbits that you have written. Thanks for sharing your story.
Radbooks
Author's reply
I like seeing people from different points of view, myself, which is why Ruvemir is getting the full exposure he receives.
I try to limit myself to updating only a chapter or two at a time, for I have written a bit ahead, I'll admit. Got a fair amount done while the two computers were being reworked.
Thanks for the feedback.
Eruviluieth
· 16 January 2005
· Chapter 21: Releasing Grief
Wow, what a gift. Ruvemir has obviously won Sam over for Sam to let him read the Red Book. It'll certainly help him understand. Excellent chapter. Seems the simplest hobbits can see the lights as none other but elves can. But that's what makes hobbits so wonderful!
Author's reply
I agree. Gandalf said there was more to hobbits than meets the eye.
Roger Gamgee
· 16 January 2005
· Chapter 21: Releasing Grief
This was a beautiful chapter...I've been meaning to comment on the story before now, but I've been held up by other issues until now. I love how Ruvemir sees the need to apologize for his unintended intrusion into Frodo's privacy, and tries to make amends with Sam for it. Sam's love and devotion for his master are strong as ever, even when Frodo isn't around.
So Sam gave him the Red Book? That should make an interesting read for Ruvemir. Sam was right...if he tries to read it all at once they won't see him for days. It should give him some interesting insight into Frodo for the memorial, though.
Rose's perceptiveness is remarkable. She seems to know exactly what is bothering Ruvemir, even though he hasn't said a word to her about it. I can see why Sam chose her to be his wife...they make about as perfect a match as one could ask for in a marriage.
Looking forward to the next chapter...great job so far!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree about Rosie and Sam being an excellent match.
As for reading the Red Book--when we pick up LOTR ourselves, how often do we get so caught in it we don't surface for days?
Marigold
· 16 January 2005
· Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
I especially loved Sam's story in this chapter, the way that Frodo spoke to Sam after he gave him the healing draught, and the way that Merry and Pippin stood at attention in respect. I also liked Sam's veiled comment about the ship that would someday be ready for him, and the fact that he could see the elven rings!
The word "okay" in this paragraph was rather jarring:
Pippin was immediately contrite. “Oh, I’m so sorry, Merry. Please forgive me. Didn’t mean to reawaken the pain. Is your arm okay?”
The rest of the chapter is so well written that it really sticks out. Off to the next chapter! I am still enjoying this story very much!
Author's reply
Sorry about that. Yes, the jarring ones do slip by us from time to time, don't they? Thanks for the alert. And I'm glad the rest of the chapter met with your approval.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 January 2005
· Chapter 18: Memories of Dinners and Captains
Just wonderful. I loved the fact that Pippin and Merry might have seen Strider when they were very small. I also loved the fact that Pippin and his father both admitted the trouble they had had when Pippin first came back, but how the love they have for each other still came through all the while. The discriptions of Frodo's last days in the Shire are very well done and I think you are showing how much pain he was in at that time in a very excellent way by having others tell what they saw of him. Lovely story!
Author's reply
Thanks for the feedback. In the end it is the impression we leave on others that is important, and Frodo left a deep impression on many.
Dreamflower
· 15 January 2005
· Chapter 20: Budgeford and Bag End
There is so much to love about this chapter I don't even know where to begin!
I see that you have been somewhat influenced by one of my favorite stories, "A Small and Passing Thing" by Lindelea. It's such a good one, and an excellent take on Frodo's leaving.
I *do* like your Folco. I had my fingers crossed that Miriel might find a hobbit to fall in love with. Your Folco is so nice, and he's alive, which is helpful, LOL!
I am enjoying this so very much!
Keep it going!
Author's reply
Yes, Lindelea and I have exchanged notes on how I drew on her Budgie and Viola, although they are tending to diverge a bit, I fear.
Folco is the cousin who gets mentioned and dumped in the books, so I thought we should see what he was really like.
Bodkin
· 15 January 2005
· Chapter 19: Defining the Image
That firework was very appropriate! Still if Gandalf foresaw some of what would happen, that would explain it.
I like Ferdibrand and his special insight into Frodo and Gandalf - and Sharkey. And into his grasp of the real nature of Ruvemir and Miriel. A hobbit with brains.
Author's reply
Probably why he and Frodo hit it off so well, once he started paying attention to him.
Bodkin
· 15 January 2005
· Chapter 18: Memories of Dinners and Captains
I hope we see Ruvemir and Ents. That would be an interesting meeting.
The description of Frodo's meeting with Paladin/Eglantine and Saradoc/Esmeralda is very moving. And in addition to letting them know more of what they needed to understand, he made sure they all knew about Sam and his right to their respect.
Author's reply
I describe it in more detail in my first fan-fiction work, "For Eyes to See as Can" in the chapters "Family Troubles" and "The Cost of Victory." I've tried to stay true to canon and my own previous works, of course, as well as some of the stories told by others I especially have liked.
Iorhael
· 14 January 2005
· Chapter 19: Defining the Image
I really admire the sculpor for doing so thorough a research. :) But that was excellent - very much - the elaboration, again. And this:
And he’d listen, truly listen to you as you spoke--wasn’t always thinking of what he’d say next to you.
I realize I sometimes do that, I mean, thinking of what to say next. Hm. Anyway. But this statement reminds me of Elijah. Heheh.
Author's reply
I wonder if he realizes how strongly he has impacted Tolkien Fan Fiction? Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 14 January 2005
· Chapter 19: Defining the Image
*sigh* You've done it again. When this story is complete, I'm going to have to go back and read it through all together!
There is just so very much to love about this chapter, but I am just going to pick one thing: Gandalf's firework, and the crackers! I love the notion that Gandalf would have left such a thing for Pippin's Coming of Age, and that it would be so special, not only for him, but for all the guests. That Pippin would miss Gandalf so much--I've always thought that Gandalf was sort of a grandfatherly figure for the hobbits, but most especially for Pippin.
I also loved all the other little details you gave, Ruvemir's talk with Pip's sisters, and with Ferdinand just ring so true.
*sigh* I can't get enough of this story!
Author's reply
The idea of the hidden firework came from someone else's story, but the crackers were my own addition.
I am glad that the conversations with Ferdibrand have proven so realistic to you. And I know I feel with Pimpernel and Pervinca the same frustration about those who haven't had the chance to do the most common things, such as having their own children.
Dreamflower
· 14 January 2005
· Chapter 18: Memories of Dinners and Captains
You can put me down as someone else who was late to work this morning, as I read these last two chapters, and couldn't tear myself away. I'm glad I had no errands after work and could come home to review them!
I think these are your best chapters yet! This story just gets more and more wonderful as you go!
I love your take on the Pippin/Paladin relationship. It's very like my own thoughts on it: loving and solid underneath, but affected by a very rocky adolescence, and some difficulties that were exacerbated by Pippin's leaving. But not a complete estrangement, as some writers have it, but a relationship that is not just being restored, but will be on a higher level, as Paladin discovers respect for and pride in, the hobbit Pippin has become.
The idea that Frodo would ask Merry's and Pippin's parents to come see him just before he left, and spoke to them of what was so very painful to him in an effort to help them is *so* like Frodo--considering the well-being of others before his own, right up to the very last!
I am so impressed with how forthcoming all of them are being with Ruvemir. It's as if a dam has burst and details that have long been held back are flowing forth, in order to help do justice to Frodo.
I've reccommended this story to a few people--it's just marvelous! I'm looking forward to the next update!
Author's reply
I know with some of the parents of my students and clients, just getting them to start talking is so helpful for them, as they can then begin healing and accepting what is, then looking at creative ways to help their children adapt to and compensate for their disabilities.
Many of my friends who were in Vietnam (I'm dating myself, aren't I?) had to learn to let go and talk before they could ready themselves to readapt to civilian life.
Thanks for the feedback.
SilverMoonLady
· 14 January 2005
· Chapter 2: The Sculptor
Wow!
Just finished chapter 2 and am thoroughly enjoying this... You have a lovely way of capturing both the physical actions and the internal motivations of your characters. I can't wait to finish work so I can sit and read the rest of this!
SilverMoonLady
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying this. Happy reading, and thanks for the feedback.
Iorhael
· 14 January 2005
· Chapter 15: Letters to the King
I'm amazed at how you seem to understand what these people have in mind. That was totally brilliant. And I'm amused at all Frodo's characters you elaborated. :)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo was a complicated individual. To be able to do him justice in a sculpture, Ruvemir would need to realize he was often a bundle of paradoxical qualities and even personalities. Thanks for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 14 January 2005
· Chapter 18: Memories of Dinners and Captains
What a wonderful wonderful chapter Larner - thank you. But now I am lat for work as I couldn't stop reading.
Author's reply
You mean I'm not the only one who starts reading and then is late? Oh, dear.
Bodkin
· 13 January 2005
· Chapter 17: To the Great Smial
I like Frodo's self-portrait - and the dragonfly signature. Ruvemir is really settling in well with the hobbits and they seem to have developed a real rapport.
(The stick with the dragon is good, too!)
Author's reply
Anyone who gets involved in forensic artistry is going to have to be a good people person to do well in the art, I think. And wait till you see more about signature signs.
TopazTook
· 13 January 2005
· Chapter 17: To the Great Smial
I like the idea of Frodo having a particular artistic signature in the dragonfly, and your description of the Great Smials' dining room is very evocative. The "waistcoat war" is very much a great glimpse into personality, too: stubborn Bagginses, LOL!
I'm a little confused, though, about the character of Primrose. Is she supposed to be an older sister of Pippin's, older than Pearl, if she's married to Ferdibrand and had her eye on Frodo, too? And if Ferdibrand was blinded during the Troubles in your story, did something even more terrible happen to Pimpernel to explain her absence?
Author's reply
Oops, typical burp of the brain for this one, who often misnames folks. Has been corrected. I love the idea of how Frodo and Bilbo would fight, myself. And I find I can imagine many of the rooms in the Great Smial with intricate detail. The dragonfly logo was inspired, if I remember correctly, by Anglachel's story of the "butterfly hunt" when Bilbo and Frodo went in search of the linens so marked by Primula Baggins.
Grey Wonderer
· 13 January 2005
· Chapter 17: To the Great Smial
There was so much in this chapter that I can hardly begin to cover it all. I love the detail that you went into about Frodo's drawings. I also loved all of the stories that Merry and Pippin told. I loved how Merry knew that Ruvemir had seen Frodo's drawings because he recognized Frodo's work in what Ruvemir had done. Loved Merry and Pippin's reaction to the drawing of Sam and Sma's reaction as well. To save time, I loved the entire chapter!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you did. I enjoyed writing it.
Radbooks
· 13 January 2005
· Chapter 16: The Bathing Room
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this chapter (and actually the last 3 new chapters as well!). To see how physically marked the hobbits were from their experiences during the war. I forget about that. I knew, of course, that emotionally they were changed and they would always be different but you tend to forget about the physical effects - well I guess except for the fact that Pippin and Merry are taller. And to see how Ruvemir is being accepted by them and this whole trip is helping him (and Miriel) to accept their own uniqueness.
Oh, I did want to comment about the letters chapter. I really enjoyed the one from Pippin's dad to Aragorn. How when he came back he could see the positive sides to his son. I also liked how Ruvemir is seeing so many different sides to Frodo - he is very complex! :)
Do you know what Ruvemir's name means? I know the Mir stands for jewel, just as in Boromir and Faramir but I don't know what the first part stands for.
Thanks again for writing... this is a long review!
Radbooks
Author's reply
No, I don't know what the prefix ruvi- means, but I'd like it to indicate red, as rubi- in English does. Red Jewel, ruby or garnet, I suppose.
Glad you enjoy the chapters.
Yes, they would all carry physical as well as emotional and (in the case of at least Frodo) spiritual scars after their experiences.
Grey Wonderer
· 12 January 2005
· Chapter 16: The Bathing Room
I loved this. I loved how Ruvemir became so moved by Sam's grief that he also came over to support Sam. I also loved that the hobbits were so open with him once they realized that he had issues of his own to deal with. This is a lovely story and I look forward to more.
Author's reply
I've been working with folk who are obviously disabled for almost forty years now, and one thing I've learned is that all of us are disabled in one way or another, just maybe not visibly. We want to hide our scars, and need to see others have theirs as well. Then it becomes easier to accept others as they are, on their own terms.
Grey Wonderer
· 12 January 2005
· Chapter 15: Letters to the King
Lovely letters and you captured the voice of each writer so well. I think Sam's was my favorite.
Author's reply
Sam is the one crucial to getting the grouping right, I think; only reality in portraying the subjects and honesty in approaching the Hobbits is going to win him over.
Thanks for the feedback.