Your picture of the Shire in the time of the troubles is great Larner. And I really enjoyed seeing Frodo as the head of the Baggins Family; so responsible and yet sinsitive to the situation too. He must have bee sorely tempted to have the twins live with him. The effects of the ring on Frodo and those around him make me cross/angry/cold every time!
Author's reply
The One Ring--the one artifact that has never existed physically but is there forever inscribed on our hearts and imaginations, it and the effects of it on those we have come to love even if, they, too, only exist in the same places. The characters we love, the artifact we abhor.
Yes, the responsible nature of Frodo has always been a part of my understanding of him.
Thanks for the feedback.
shirebound
· 22 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Family Head
Such a complex and fascinating tale! You're making me reflect on Bilbo and then Frodo as "head of the family", which I never thought about before. I'm glad the children found out who Frodo was, and that someone cared about their welfare.
Author's reply
Yes, what family head means in the Shire would be the question; but I see it as being the one in charge of seeing to the needs of the particular family members, no matter where they are in the Shire. And I have always though Frodo would be very responsible in seeing to his duties.
Thanks for the feedback.
Armariel
· 22 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Unrequited Love
Just a short note to say that already I am enjoying the story and appreciate the speed with which you update it. Keep it up please!
blessings & cheer
Armariel~~~{~@
Author's reply
Thanks, Armariel. Am trying to update it daily, but am having difficulty with my A: drive now. Seems the computer is intent on falling to pieces bit by bit and having to be rebuilt. As I do the writing on the laptop and post from the desktop, this is proving frustrating at the moment.
Glad you are enjoying the story so far.
NiennaTru
· 21 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Unrequited Love
“It’s so odd--I get the feeling someone is standing behind me, watching me when this happens, watching me and laughing at me. You know I don’t want to stay unmarried. You know how much I’ve wanted to have a wife and children.”
How sad for Frodo and how cruel of the Ring. I hadn't given the issue of Frodo remaining a bachelor much thought, but I believe you've captured the reason quite well. The Ring would naturally be posessive and jealous. It's odd how much one can come to hate that horrid thing.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Sauron's Ring would seek to punish all who failed to carry it on to its master once it began to awaken, and that it would not have approved of hobbit marriages which tend to be based (as I see it) more on love and sharing of responsibilities than on matters of policy as was more true in the world of the one who forged it.
Glad the reason seems reasonable to you. I'm with Aragorn in hating the Ring for what it did to Frodo.
Breon Briarwood
· 21 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Unrequited Love
Oh, darn you! You've made me cry again!
I've always interpreted it as he just didn't have those feelings, was sort of numb to it all. But that Frodo recognized his loss and could tell something was blocking his desire for a family is so heartbreaking.
*sniffle*
Author's reply
I didn't expect this chapter to have folks weeping, but am glad that you appear to have found the frustration Frodo feels to be right after all, now that the possibility is out in the open.
It's wonderful when chapters move the readers.
Andrea
· 21 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Unrequited Love
That evil ring! Frodo would have been a wonderful husband and father! And the fact, that he himself realizes that something is terribly wrong, but can't do anything about it, is very sad.
He hasn't yet discovered the source of all this, but when he finds out, he will do the only thing possible: get rid of the ring!
Poor Narcissa! If she had known all this, maybe it would have been easier for her.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree about Frodo would have made a marvelous father. And knowning this would also have helped Narcissa. That on some level Frodo would realize what he was missing and not be able to say what it was or why seemed obvious to me.
Dreamflower
· 21 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Unrequited Love
Oh, poor Frodo! I've always thought that the Ring would have been jealous of him, and done just as you described, but somehow, I never realized that Frodo might have been aware of the change and frustrated by it.
And poor Narcissa, as well. But at least she has the poor consolation of knowing that no other lass has his attentions.
So--Frodo has noticed his little cousins. Will he be the catalyst to bring Fosco and Forsythia to Hobbiton?
Author's reply
Yes, I think Frodo would notice something was interfering with his love life, putting an end to it completely, and would be frustrated by it, which would further delight the Ring--if the Bearer isn't moving it back toward It's Master, I think the Ring would consider retaliation in one manner or another.
That Narcissa has that as a poor form of consolation is something I hadn't thought of, but you are correct at least.
As for bringing the Twins to Hobbiton--yes, I think that would be part of Frodo's role, but not quite yet.
Kitty
· 21 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Unrequited Love
Wonderful, Larner! It is so very sad for Frodo and Narcissa the ring has robbed Frodo of the ability to love a lass and have family and children! I know, it would've been quite hard for them when he left the Shire, but it is sad nonetheless. But it was truly nasty to ask Frodo not to dance - I'm quite furious about this myself!
Author's reply
Ah, so you are in sympathy with Esmeralda and Eglantine now. I'm glad. And I think the Ring would enjoy having Frodo realize something was interfering with his life, but not realize quite what. Yes, had he married and had children it would have been devestating for his family when he had to leave, plus the Enemy might have used them against him.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Dreamflower
· 20 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Dudo
This is shaping up very nicely indeed! I am enjoying seeing Bilbo and Frodo through the eyes of relations other than the main ones--we often see, for example, Saradoc's or Esme's POV, sometimes Pippin's family as well, but those other connections seem to be a bit neglected.
I see you connected the blank spots on the family tree a bit differently than I do. But you've been very thorough with it.
You do have such a knack for OCs. I have become familiar with Narcissa from "The King's Commission",but this really expands her character, and I do enjoy your take on Frodo's Uncle Dudo. It's always been a question mark to me why his uncle did not take Frodo in (which I solved in my own way) but I think you have dealt with it very well. I was quite sad to see that Dudo died when his children were infants, and am curious to see how it is that Fosco and Forsythia end up in Hobbiton after all.
Author's reply
I am glad you enjoy the differences between your version of the Baggins family ties and mine. I'd wondered also why this younger brother didn't take Frodo when Drogo and his wife died; it would be more logical than leaving them with the Brandybuck relations, after all. So, in exploring it, this is what came out.
I wanted to see what the ties could be between Dudo and Narcissa, and realized he was so much older there would be little chance of them having developed much of a relationship, particularly since he never bothered developing one that we know of with Frodo. So, I realized this would come via the children instead.
It will be interesting seeing how his children become introduced to Hobbit society.
NiennaTru
· 20 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Dudo
The detail, and time and attention you take with all of the characters that people Middle Earth is truly impressive. I teared up when Dudo died and Emerald wept over the cradles. Wonderful chapter.
Author's reply
They become real to me, and I want to make them real for others as well.
For Emerald to lose her husband so soon after the birth of the children would be difficult, I think. I'm glad that the chapter moved you so.
shirebound
· 20 May 2005
· Chapter 4: Dudo
Goodness, the details of this story just leave me staggered! What an amazing look at Hobbiton and its inhabitants. It's nice to read about a shrewd Bilbo who keeps an eye on his family whether they know it (or want it) or not.
“Lovely! I approve! If you must be eccentric, then at least do it in a responsible manner--and it appears you have done so.”
:D
Author's reply
Well, in my version of the Shire, Bilbo is family head and has the responsibility to care for any Bagginses in want; so he would find ways to do so in spite of others.
And I'm glad you enjoy Dudo's response to Bilbo's announcement. I think it would be right in keeping with Baggins feelings.
Thanks for the feedback.
Andrea
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Story Tellers
Larner, this story is wonderful!
Referring to the last two chapters, I like the lighthearted way you describe the life of Frodo in Hobbiton and his delight in dancing and I love it to see Narcissa as his little shadow. When will he notice, I wonder?
The description of the Rangers and Strider in particular as protector and gifted storyteller was fascinating. And Fortumbald - it is good and right to realize that there always have been adventurers among the hobbits, but not all of them are remembered in stories.
Thank you!
Author's reply
Well, as we don't know for certain what happened to Isengrim and his brother, I thought I'd show us perhaps one other who was less than timid in looking at the outside world. And that there were some among the Hobbits of the Shire who had a better idea of the nature of the Rangers than the folks of Bree just felt properly ironic.
Glad Frodo had a good time of growing up with Bilbo, myself--the one time when he was truly happy most of the time, I suspect.
NiennaTru
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Story Tellers
I like the fact that you take characters we know so little of, and make them come alive. I very much enjoyed hearing Fortumbald's story, and found his interactions with the Rangers to be very engaging. I'm especially intrigued by your closing sentence, and am eager to see where you will be taking that.
Author's reply
It is referenced far down the line, that last sentence. Those stories helped a Hobbit lady gather the courage to go to Minas Anor for the unveiling of a particular monument, after all.
Glad you enjoy this, and hope the story continues to please.
Kitty
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Story Tellers
Wonderful story, Larner! It was nice to have a closer look of how the rangers guarded the Shire and its inhabitants over the years! Surely Narcissa remembered these stories from her father years later when she travelled to Gondor and meet Strider!
Author's reply
She certainly had remembered them when she spoke with Frodo in the Green Dragon. Glad you are enjoying it.
shirebound
· 19 May 2005
· Chapter 3: The Story Tellers
How fascinating to see the mysterious Rangers through the eyes of the hobbits, who scarcely understand who they are... or why they're there. Such detail! A marvelous tale.
Author's reply
I'm very glad you enjoy it, Shirebound, and hope you continue to do so. I love looking at the details of life in the Shire.
Bodkin
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 2: First Summer in Bag End
I love picturing Frodo as a joyful dancer. And as a fantastic story teller, whose listeners have been trained to expect only one story a day.
Narcissa certainly seems enchanted by him.
Author's reply
Blame the movie for the dancing. The sheer happiness in Frodo's face as he cuts a caper for the admiring lasses watching him did it for me. As a youngster, to know such pleasure as dancing and dancing well....
And, yes, Narcissa is enchanted by him, and will find herself blessed by him in some ways she never expected before the tale is done.
Breon Briarwood
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 2: First Summer in Bag End
Oh gosh, he's done it again! That little thief has stolen my heart...
I saw you had posted another story and got a HUGE grin on my face that won't go away. I know it won't be all sweetness and light, but I can't wait to read the rest of the tale!
Author's reply
Yes, he does manage that--stealing our hearts. And we love him for it.
Thanks for the compliments.
NiennaTru
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 2: First Summer in Bag End
Another lovely chapter! I, too enjoyed the paragraph describing Frodo's genealogy and the traits he'd inherited from various relations. It was quite detailed and very interesting. And again, I am so happy to find that Narcissa is being fleshed out and given attention as the bits of her I met in The King's Commission was very intriguing and heartbreaking. Thanks so much for another wonderfully written story, and I anticipate I'll be enjoying reading it as each chapter is posted.
Author's reply
I've spent a lot of the time writing this one with the genealogies open in front of me, so it only made sense to write them in in one form or another.
Hope it continues to please as it continues.
shirebound
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 2: First Summer in Bag End
How lovely that Frodo is such a happy, self assured tween! And I was fascinated by your genealogy... and how he's such a mixture of all of his ancestors.
Author's reply
We're all affected by our inheritance from our ancestors, and I thought this should be brought out. And, once Frodo was with Bilbo I'm certain he did blossom pretty quickly.
Thanks for the review.
harrowcat
· 18 May 2005
· Chapter 2: First Summer in Bag End
Oh it is so nice to see a confident and happy Frodo. And what a picture he made telling Bilbo's story. Of course, it brings to mind the scene in the movie, with Bilbo. I just loved the faces of those children. I can't imagine that he was unaware of Narcissa 'shadowing' him...?...
Author's reply
Well, he is a tween, after all, and probably only just beginning to become aware of the lasses. And certainly the image of Bilbo played by Ian Holm inspired much of the image of the story here. I suspect both Bilbo and Frodo were exceedingly happy telling stories, reading stories, and otherwise sharing them with others.
NiennaTru
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Seeing Love
I can't tell you how happy I am to find you're posting another of your stories. I love them so, and treasure each one. I'm extremely happy to find that Narcissa Boffin will be in the forefront of this story as I adored the character as you created her.
Author's reply
There will be several folk highlighted here as we look at what happens throughout the Shire as a result of Frodo's life and leaving.
Glad you like Narcissa, and glad you enjoy what you've read so far.
Kitty
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Seeing Love
The issue of this story is an interesting idea, and the first chapter very lovely. It was nice to see Frodo over the years and of course, I've enjoyed it immensely he was able to win this bet while Lotho lost :-D
No wonder Narcissa lost her heart to Frodo - it is truly sad he could never love her in the same way!
I look forward to more!
Author's reply
It's been an interesting story to write, I've found. Thinking of inheritance laws, how the birth of children might have been hidden in the Shire, how revelations would strike various people, and so on has been quite involving.
Glad you enjoyed seeing the bet won by Frodo. Yes, it's nice to see Lotho get what he deserves.
Lindelea
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Seeing Love
What an absolute delight! I loved the glimpses of the years going by, and Frodo's changing status, all through the limited lens of events at the Free Fair. I loved seeing Frodo, happy and evidently in good health, at the end, and from your description I could just *see* the dancing.
Very nicely done.
Author's reply
I always wanted to be a dancer, and don't have the coordination for it at all, so it's nice to give this skill to one of my favorite characters ever. And it is nice to see Frodo in good health for a change, particularly considering what he went through later on.
Glad you enjoy this, Lindelea. Hope I can keep the interest up throughout.
shirebound
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Seeing Love
What an intriguing beginning to a story! I'm especially pleased that Bilbo was keeping such a concerned eye on Frodo through the years.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Bilbo would have been very caring of Frodo over time, and worrying that his best interests were not being met, particularly as Frodo approached maturity and he was becoming more concerned about the ambitions of Lobelia's crew.
Hope this continues to please.
harrowcat
· 17 May 2005
· Chapter 1: Seeing Love
I really enjoyed this Larner. And I love the link between Frodo looking after the Hall youngsters and his thought about becoming a teacher you have in another story.
Author's reply
In my version of Middle Earth Frodo has always ended up caring for youngsters, one way or another. I loved the one story I read early on where Frodo actually opened a school in the dining room of Bag End after his return, and he cared for Ted Sandyman's stepson. Can't remember who wrote that one, and hadn't been able to find it again.
Glad you are enjoying it.