Andrea
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 11: Settling Affairs
Frodo is able to forgive everyone, but he cannot forgive himself for claiming the ring at last!
If someone called him "Lord Frodo", he would object. But a lord he is. No-one else would have made it to the very Cracks of Doom. Anyone else would have succumbed to the ring earlier. Why can't he see that?
I hope with all my heart, that this wound will heal , too, in the west!
Author's reply
That is one of the major reasons Frodo was granted the grace to begin with, of course. I think all Hobbits tend to deal poorly with titles and honors, really. Thain is even more than most would want to deal with.
Thanks for the feedback.
Kitty
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 11: Settling Affairs
*sniff* The first part is quite sad. It is hard to know Frodo has to leave, even if he can be healed in the West. But it would be so much more nice if he could stay and be happy in the Shire.
Oridon and Brendilac came to love him, too, that is obvious. I think it is harder for them because they don't know much and so can't understand all of what they are asked to do.
To ask Brendilac to stand with the prisoners - that is so like Frodo, wanting to help them a bit. Although I refuse to see his own behaviour at the Sammath Naur as failing, he has at least resisted longer than any other could have done, and only so the ring could be destroyed.
And it is sad ht couldn't see Aragorn another time - it was quite hard for both of them, I believe. Oh, and I love the thought of Fosco as a head of the Baggins.
The justice for the collaborateurs was well done. They have topay and work to undo some of their misdeeds, what seems quite fitting. Imprisonment seems too comfortable, banishing only is difficult because they can do more harm, and I can't imagine Hobbits execute one of their own. And I think the final sentence is much more impressing coming from Lord Halladan instead from the Shire itself.
And I must admit, I enjoyed Lord Halladan's explanation why Frodo is *Lord* Frodo now and how highly esteemed the four travellers now are outside of the Shire.
Author's reply
The worthies of Gondor and Arnor must have found the lack of recognition for Frodo and Sam's sacrifice to be inexplicable, as obvious as it is to those outside how all would be for naught had they not gone alone to Mordor and the Mountain.
Even if Frodo recognizes he was powerless to resist the Ring's commands once in the Sammath Naur himself, he still is likely at an emotional level to see himself as failing. Intellectual knowledge is often ignored at the emotional level, you know, which leads to a great deal of psychic dissonance and stress; and I suspect Frodo was deep into that level of personal confusion.
As for Frodo's wish that those who would stand trial not to stand alone--he knows that had he gone alone as he intended the Ring most likely would have been taken again before it even got out of the Shire. He knows now that everyone needs to know some level of support if they are to find reformation or forgiveness of and for themselves.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
NiennaTru
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 11: Settling Affairs
It's amazing how much love those around him have for Frodo. I was touched by the scene with Frodo, Oridon, and Brendilac, and was amazed at Frodo's mercy once again. I am glad that Fosco will be family head next, and hope to see he and Forsythia make a trip to Minas Anor at some point. I'd love to see a meeting between these Baggins, and Aragorn.
Author's reply
There will be a meeting between the twins and the King, but not yet in Minas Tirith.
And I think everyone who came close to Frodo would eventually come under his spell of love and caring, including his lawyer and banker of discretion. As for mercy--those who receive great mercy do well to offer such to others, lest they make a mockery of the gift; and Frodo was not given to mockery in any form.
Thanks for the review.
Kitty
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 10: Fostering
Great chapter! It is amazing how Frodo cares so much about others although he is so ill. Truly, it is a great loss to the Shire that he is unable to stay. He is the best Hobbit in the Shire, no doubt!
As for Lilac - I am quite upset and annoyed about her behavior. Even if she wanted to raise the children, it was so wrong what she did with the letters and all. And even now she tried to still isolate them. She has probably destroyed a lot of the trust the children had in her, now that they know the whole truth and should have to work hard to regain this trust. And I am very relieved to know Frodo has intervened in this way and ensured they are raised properly in the future, even if he can't do more himself. Now there are so many people knowing the truth and Lilac can't hide their true relations any longer.
It would be interesting to watch Fosco and Forsythia on a visit to Minas Tirith. Frodo was right, they are Baggins after all, with some Tookish blood - they should have some need for adventures ;-)
Author's reply
Lilac has a good deal to make up for, definitely. But indeed Frodo is making certain the children will, from now on, get a proper raising and proper introduction to their families.
Glad you liked this chapter.
harrowcat
· 30 May 2005
· Chapter 11: Settling Affairs
Oh, you had me in tears at Frodo's regret at not being able to say farewell to Aragorn.
And I enjoyed Sam's logic over the extended punishment for Ted Sandyman. It was so logical. Just so long as the others do learn their lesson. And I really imagine that a hobbit prison would be comfortable. Given the nature of the hobbits the lifelong banishment is a terrible punishment. Thank you for letting me into your universe.
Author's reply
Some folk just hide from the truth, and I have always seen Ted as one of them. He'll do his best, once out of sight of his watchers, to convince himself he did nothing of note and deserved no punishment at all. It will take some time to come to terms with his own perfidy.
And thank you for entering my version of the Shire and Middle Earth, and apparently relishing it so well.
shirebound
· 29 May 2005
· Chapter 11: Settling Affairs
Timono Bracegirdle straightened. "Lord Frodo?" he asked.
"Yes, Lord Frodo Baggins, the Lord Frodo Baggins about whom minstrels from Angmar to Umbar sing, whose deeds are told from Rhun to Harad, as well as within the Undying Lands. His elevation to Lordship has been ratified by all of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth, by Men, Elves, Dwarves, those Halflings who were there, and Ents. He and the Lord Samwise Gamgee are among the most highly praised and honored of individuals of all races within Middle Earth, as is true of Captain Peregrin Took and Sir Meriadoc Brandybuck as well. Do you have any further questions?"
Wonderful. And it's lovely to read about the infinite mercy Frodo held in his heart for everyone who was found wanting at tbeir moment of truth... because he saw it in himself.
Author's reply
Yes, Shirebound, this is I think a good part of why we love Frodo, because he gave fully and willingly. He had failed in his own eyes, yet was willing to offer others the same chance at healing and forgiveness offered him.
Thank you so much for the review.
Dreamflower
· 26 May 2005
· Chapter 10: Fostering
I love the way you put so much thought and detail into the legalities of things, and into the workings out of the various relationships. That which was seemingly illogical--Daisy not knowing about the children, the way in which the secret had been kept, and so forth, suddenly becomes very clear. And the way you worked out the detailed "custody" arrangement for the twins was very fair and equitable.
It's a shame that Lilac did not trust in the Bagginses to do the right thing. It is quite likely that she *would* have been able to foster the children, openly, and could have avoided the stress of years of keeping such a volatile secret, as well as the strain it has inevitably put on her relationship with the children. For though they will probably always love her as a mother, they will probably never trust her again.
I had a cousin who was adopted, back in the late forties. My uncle did not want her to know she was adopted, and forbid my aunt to let her know. After his death, a medical problem arose and she had to find out the truth. It put a certain amount of estrangement and bitterness between my aunt and her, and she never really forgave her mother for not telling her the truth. After my aunt died, she just quit keeping any ties alive between the rest of us, and I have not seen or heard of her since then--almost twenty-five years.
When I was a little girl, she was my favorite cousin.
Author's reply
We had a similar but not same family secret in our family as well, and it led to the estrangement between our younger brother and sister on one side and our older brother and me on the other side when it came out. It was a terrible blow, for I had always been so close to my sister. I've tried to heal the rift, but she will have nothing to do with me or Big Bro.
There had to be some reason why the existence of these children was not generally known, and some means at the end for them to finally come into their proper place within the Shire. And I believe Frodo would do his best to see this done for them before he left Middle Earth.
Tigger
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 9: Relief and Grief
“It was odd,” he concluded, “to think of the hatred Sauron had shown to all who loved beauty, and how he’d forced the mountain to spew forth such great clouds of ash to support the troops he was sending against Minas Tirith, intent on destroying its majesty and glory from the face of Arda. Only, that very ash was the source of a form of beauty such as I’d never seen before. Sauron did not realize how the product of his hatred would be used to bring such glory into the world, or I doubt he’d have caused the Mountain to spew forth so much of it.”
I *loved* that!! So often, what someone tries to use as a way to hurt another can be turned around to light and beauty. Such a beautiful passage.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
"All things work to the good for those who love the Lord" is one truth from the Bible that has stayed with me over all my years so far. And, as Galadriel says in "The Choice of Healing," the potential for beauty lies in all the Creator has placed in the world. It just takes some experimentation, time, and patience at times to bring it out or allow it to manifest itself.
Glad you find my interpretation of the glory from the ash to be inspiring.
Dreamflower
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 9: Relief and Grief
So *that's* how your Lotho ended up with Bag End!
You know, knowing how Bilbo and Frodo both felt about the S.-B.s, it's always been one of the minor mysteries why Frodo sold Bag End to them. Of course, we know the story external reason--to prepare the way for the Scouring of the Shire, which is something JRRT said he had planned from the start.
But a *story internal* reason? Well, it's up to each reader to decide, I suppose. Yours is very logical and makes a good deal of sense. You have really worked out the legalities of it all. I went for the simple--they had a standing offer, Frodo was in a hurry, and if he sold to them, he would not be tempted to stay in the Shire after all. Another fanfic I read has Lotho basically extorting it from Frodo by force (not an explanation I find credible--) while another just has Frodo feeling sorry for Lobelia.
So far, yours appears to be the most logical.
I'm really wanting to know more about Fosco and Forsythia, now...
Author's reply
Your reason makes sense also, but agree about Lotho extorting it from Frodo--not exactly in keeping with Tolkien. How would Lotho, after seventeen years of Frodo remaining in possession of Bag End, come up with just the right scheme to extort it right then? Of course, there is no one right answer since the Master didn't write one. It is fun to imagine how it was done, isn't it? And I'm flattered you find mine the most logical.
We will be getting more Fosco and Forsythia, of course, but it will go over the length of the story.
Lindelea
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 2: First Summer in Bag End
How I love the discussion of family and ancestry and relation. Bilbo and Frodo and the Old Took! The little scene with the picture was wonderfully done.
It stands to reason that Frodo would be a fine storyteller, considering the writer he became, later.
Thanks! Looking forward to when I have time to read more.
Author's reply
Yes, a good way to stop the old vicious gossip in her tracks before she can again convince others Bilbo cuckolded his cousin. Nice way to let folks see Frodo is Fosco's grandson after all.
I spend too much time reading, I fear, and need to get some other work done.
Take care and God bless.
Kitty
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 9: Relief and Grief
Uh. Lotho was truly unbearable nasty and disgusting! It is his own luck he was murdered by Gríma, otherwise I suppose he would have had some very painful encounters with the Hobbits he has deceived and ruined. I can't have any pity with him after all he has done.
Author's reply
As soon as "normality" was restored in the Shire, I suspect, had Saruman not ordered his death, Lotho's cheats would have been all overturned and he would have been sent off to face the King's justice. He was spared a trip to Gondor and the King's presence; but he would probably have been granted a chance to redeem himself--which he might or might not have accepted.
It's hard to feel sorry for him, but I'm certain Frodo would have done so. Frodo is an unusual case, for he recognized he was granted mercy by the Valar and perhaps by the Creator Himself, and was willing to extend that on to others. So many, having received mercy themselves, are all too willing to exact violent justice on others.
Kitty
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 8: Spring Leads to Summer
Don't know how you do it - you're updating faster than I can write reviews, although I'm at holiday at the moment! *shakes head*
Anyway, I loved the last chapter about Frodo's lawyer and this one about the twins. It must have been a very bad shock for them so understand Frodo is not well at all - they surely had looked forward to more regularly visits from him.
At last now they know exactly who they are and that there's a half-sister. It is probably a good thing for the Gravelly's Frodo is not his former self - I think he otherwise would've given them a piece of his mind! And I think it is good Elladan and Elrohir have told Fosco and Forsythia this much - so they are at least a bit prepared when Frodo leaves the Shire. They will be worried, but it will lessen the shock later.
Author's reply
Yes, I think they needed the warning, although I believe Fosco was already prepared for it. At least, now having seen him at one of his weakest moments when he couldn't properly hide how hurt he is, they understand why he didn't come to them, and why he wouldn't accept election, either.
Thanks for the feedback.
NiennaTru
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 9: Relief and Grief
"Frodo was always polite, but looked at her with compassion, tended to greet her with a level of reserve. She recognized he saw her now as a lass and not just another Hobbit, but that at this point he wasn’t ready to try to sustain a relationship as a lover or husband with anyone, and mourned for him."
I'm not exactly sure why, but when I read this it made me think of Anne Frank. I've always thought that the greatest tragedy of her life and death was the fact that she died three weeks before her camp was liberated. I realize she may not have lived had she lingered long enough to see the day, but the thought of her dying so close to freedom has always struck me as one of life's greatest cruelties. So when I read that Narcissa realized that Frodo could once again look at her like a lass, yet was unable to love her as a husband, I was saddened. The two situations seemed so similar to me.
Author's reply
There is simply a moment in time when the top of the slope is reached and after there is nothing but the slide down toward death, no matter what else might happen in between, and for Anne and for Frodo, I think that peak had been reached. Found just too late, in Frodo's case, for him to return to normality, no matter how hard he might try to grasp it or Sam to restore it for him.
I visited Dachau concentration camp in Germany with my hubby and children many years ago, and saw the footage filmed by the reporters who accompanied the American troops into the camp to free it. There were many lying there on the ground whose one consolation was that, at the last, they died free, surrounded by compassion for the first time in years in some cases.
I can understand the parallel you see.
harrowcat
· 25 May 2005
· Chapter 9: Relief and Grief
What can I say! Just perfect - and how sad! I think that the Guild of Minstrals and story-tellers of Gondor will be after you Larner. This is absolutly masterful!
Author's reply
They have to induct the King and Pippin first, so I ought to remain safe for a while at least. :->
To find they had been cheated out of their own home must have been terrible for those who found themselves facing Lotho's machinations, and it seemed logical that this would be another ploy Lotho used after his moving the denizens of Bagshot Row out, lock, stock and barrel. He'd have gone after the richer denizens of Hobbiton and Frodo's relatives as well, I always thought.
Tigger
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 8: Spring Leads to Summer
Oh Larner...I've finally caught up on all the chapters of this lovely story. You're doing a wonderful job w/this. I can't wait to read the next part. I'm only sorry it's taken me this long to get to this story. :o)
Author's reply
I often find myself chapters and chapters behind other writers, even those I care for most, as real life has a way of getting in the way. Glad you are reading it now, and that you are appreciating it.
NiennaTru
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 8: Spring Leads to Summer
Well, I started to cry as soon as Frodo, Fosco, and Forsythia were reunited, and couldn't stop--especially not when it came to the singing of the lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers. ::sniff:: And you included Bronwe athan Harthad in Frodo's titles!! Thank you. Since discovering it I've been sorry that Professor Tolkien didn't include it in the final text. Oh, I'm sorry that this review is making little sense. Any kind of coherent thought I might have included here is gone now...
Author's reply
That this has moved you is praise enough. And I wanted the children to be aware of the full depth of honor the Elves offered Frodo, so tried to use every title.
I have the feeling that Bronwe athan Harthad was a title Tolkien bestowed after the fact, as he was discussing the fulness of Frodo's experience with his correspondents, and that this was why it wasn't in the book.
shirebound
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 8: Spring Leads to Summer
"And we rejoice that he has such as you to love him now, and to keep alive his memory after."
How lovely. The Elves truly delighted to honor the Ringbearer(s), even when they, themselves, lacked a sense of confidence about what they'd achieved.
Author's reply
Yes, I agree, Shirebound. That is the one phrase in the ride to the Havens that keeps coming back to mind, that the Elves rejoiced to honor them. And to know there were some capable of being able to understand what Frodo had gone through and loved him still, accepting as Frodo himself could not that just getting the Ring there was all that was needed, and that Gollum's taking of it was the means Eru could use to aid both creature and he who was still a Hobbit, must have been reassuring to these Elves.
Andrea
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Brandybuck Lawyer
Wow! Did Frodo really meet with Radagast? It must have been Radagast, no-one else would have calmed down Maggot's dog so easily.
Frodo's life seems to have changed from that day on. "Cormacolindor"- If my research was correct, this means "Ringbearer". I wonder what Frodo's feelings were, when he for the first time held the ring in his hand and remembered the words of Radagast.
Wonderful chapter! Thank you!
Author's reply
I wonder if he remembered them until he realized what Ring this was--then I think the memory of that day would have come flooding back.
I'd asked for aid in finding the Elvish translations for "Ringbearer" on the Henneth Annun site, and then realized that on the Field of Cormallen Tolkien had himself had the two acclaimed with the title of "Cormacolindor." As Radagast has less to do with individuals than Gandalf, I think he'd be more likely to have been trusted with the probable future for Frodo and Sam, and would know this would be one of the names and titles by which Frodo would be one day called.
NiennaTru
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Brandybuck Lawyer
Hmmmmm...could that be Radagast??? Lovely chapter, Larner. Engrossing and emotional as always.
Author's reply
Yes, I think it would have been Radagast.
Glad you find the emotional tone so pleasing, and that it continues to hold interest.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 24 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Brandybuck Lawyer
Just perfect again Larner. You are making the Baggins family history a fascinating read. Will the twins ever find out that Frodo had originally left them Bag End and how will they react when Sam is named as Frodo's heir? Positively I hope. And that final encounter sent shivers down my spine! My thought turn to Radagast. I do hope my guess is right as I would love to see his character developed more. I love the way that you have explained Frodo turning from a farm-raiding tween to a responsible hobbit who tries to expiate his faults in a most practical way.
Thank you too, for your response to my last review. You put into words exactly what I was thinking but wasn't brave enough to express.
Author's reply
Not brave enough? Glad I was able to express, apparently what you wished to see expressed there. It was Ian McKellan who commented that Middle Earth never existed except in our hearts, and so it is with that within Middle Earth that has so moved us as well--the Ring and all it touched have touched us because they have come to exist in our hearts and imaginations due to Tolkien's writing.
Yes, I think it was Radagast who found Frodo and convinced him to "go straight" from that point forward, although I suspect that, Frodo being Frodo, he tended to take the whole situation far too much to heart, overreacting to the correction. It took going to Bilbo to put the whole matter into perspective, to the point that although he no longer took part in raidings and so on, he nevertheless gave pointers to the teens he came to know in Hobbiton as to how to handle them more efficiently.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
shirebound
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Brandybuck Lawyer
What a truly fascinating chapter! Frodo's explanation of the "dangerous object" was so perfect -- simply stated, yet true in all he said. And that last encounter...!! My goodness. This is an amazing story.
Author's reply
Glad you find the description perfect, Shirebound. And I had to explore my previous descriptions I've given of Frodo trying to atone for his thefts from the farms and so on, why he would feel it necessary to "borrow" a hoe and use it so intensely, why he'd go to the dairies and prepare the cows for milking, and so on. This encounter just seemed to need to be explored, although it took me a bit of personal exploration to figure out who it was with.
Dreamflower
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Brandybuck Lawyer
Oh, I do like Brendilac. Of course you have such a knack for credible OCs! What a sad tale of his marriage. (It reminds me of CS Lewis and Joy Davidson.)
The details you work out for the legalities are remarkable and well thought out.
I find myself fascinated and intrigued by this bearded stranger--he's not Tom Bombadil, as you say Frodo never saw him again in M-e, and he has a beard so he can't be an Elf. I can't imagine a Maiar having a beard either, though... (Except for the Istari, and that was to further their guises as old Men.)
I am thoroughly hooked and eagerly awaiting more.
Author's reply
Think, my friend, of the one known to be robed in brown....
I hadn't thought of Lewis and Davidson's marriage when writing this--was thinking of other literary characters in such a relationship; but certainly this is an excellent parallel (LOVE the book and movie Shadowlands and Lewis's own description of his own grief process in A Grief Observed).
Glad you enjoy my OCs and find them credible--hope it's true of both the good ones and the bad ones. Find myself not liking Bartolo Bracegirdle, who wormed his way into being mentioned in The King's Commission and walked into the Council Hole in The Choice of Healing.
Thanks so much for your steady feedback on the stories I write. It means a good deal, as you know.
Dreamflower
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Family Head
Goodness! I find myself enthralled by the way Frodo dealt with the existence of his young cousins.
It appears that the Gravellys did love the twins, but they also appear to have been somewhat acquisitive. I am looking forward to finding out what happens next.
Author's reply
Trying to figure out how to handle the existence of these two must have been somewhat troubling, not wanting to expose them to the poison of Lobelia's tongue, not wanting to take them out of an environment which appeared to be mostly supportive and loving, not wanting to disrupt their lives too much, but at the same time needing to develop and maintain a good relationship with them both to satisfy both his personal and social requirements.
And, face it--NO parents are totally perfect, not even the best.
NiennaTru
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Family Head
What a charming chapter! It makes me happy to think that while Frodo could not have children of his own, he cared for those around him as if they were indeed his own. Fosco and Forsythia are lovely characters, and I enjoyed reading about the time they spent with Frodo. I'm looking forward to Iorhael's return to them in the spring as well.
Author's reply
If he's up to going to see them in the spring, of course.
Glad you enjoy the two of them, and that you enjoy their growing relationship with Frodo. I've always seen Frodo as one who would want to see other folks' needs met however it could be done. Must have been extraordinarily frustrating to find himself unable to do for others and connect properly any more after his return from Gondor.
Kitty
· 23 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Family Head
Very lovely! Thinking back how you describe Frodo I think he would've looked for the twins not only out of duty as the head of the family, but because he truly cares for the little orphans. Especially after he lost his parents, too. They must have looked forward to his visits. It is a pity he remained not long in the Shire after his return from the Quest - they will miss him greatly. I hope someone looks after them a bit - be it Sam, Merry or someone else who knows Frodo well.
Somehow after reading this I would have liked for Fosco and Forsythia to meet Ruvemir.
Author's reply
Meeting with Ruvemir is a distinct possibility, once he comes north to do his commissions for the Elves and the Dunedain.
Yes, he would have probably had a lot of sympathy and empathy for their situation, recognizing the love they were getting, but increasingly realizing they need more than their foster parents can give them.
Thanks for the feedback.