Queen Galadriel
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
Yeah, did you know anyone could leave this many reviews? :) I've probably come close to burying you by now, but I must tell you I adore this!
“Drink this, Strider, and don’t argue,” Sam said. Aragorn continued to look down on him for some time, but Sam’s expression didn’t change. “I’m
not falling back until you do,” the gardener advised. “And you can stop looking at me that way. Didn’t work for him, and it won’t work for you, neither.”
Yes, that's our Sam. I love the image of him giving Aragorn the same argument I'm sure he had to have given Frodo many a time. LOL!
Author's reply
Yes, Sam treats his spiritual brothers the same, and in the end they both obey him.
Queen Galadriel
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 31: The King’s Judgments
You know, the ignorance of these Angmarians was almost amusing, and I laughed with Eowyn. Children fed to eagles indeed!
And maybe I don't pity Beasty after all. Such...such...ugh, I don't even know how to describe it--it's appalling! To do all he did with Lotho, to go and act really stupid after getting off so easy the first time, to blame it all on his father (not that he's excused either), and, to put the icing on the cake, to act like he's about ten years old instead of old enough to know not to indulge in pointless, cruel, contemptable, and childish teasing...*sigh* No. No, he deserved what he got and more--and he most certainly didn't deserve to have the one whom he had physically abused stand with him. But it was more than honourable of Brendi to do so, for the sake of Frodo's wishes. But then, I don't think I could have resisted that appeal either.
And, as always, Aragorn has proven himself remarkably just. When I first started reading "The Acceptable Sacrifice," I must confess I wondered if I'd ever get used to court life :), but I find I rather like it after all.
Oh, and one more thing: I love to see Aragorn comforting Sam!
Author's reply
We tend to interpret what we see in terms of our own experience and expectations, which all too often are based on what WE would do in such a situation. The Angmarians have no other experiential base on which to understand what they've seen, for they haven't seen Hobbits before.
It is one of the defining traits of what I consider the "small" man that he will consistently attribute his own motivations and actions to others, and will fail to perceive that not all are like him. Another central trait to the criminal personality is that such an individual is almost totally self-centered and self-absorbed. And face it, there is no question Bedro Bracegirdle is as small individual as there is, and the perfect example of the criminal mind. He NEVER learns from experience.
And this is quite the contrast to Brendi, who is completely the opposite.
And I, too, like to see Aragorn comforting Sam.
Queen Galadriel
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
The way in which the story of Frodo's and Sam's being called back was told was very moving.
And I can just see the hobbits looking on in astonishment as the high king and the three most important persons in the Shire did a common chore and talked, like four husbands made to relieve their tired wives! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I am so glad you appreciated how the waking was described; and you can see echoes of it in "The Acceptable Sacrifice."
And I agree--the idea that King, Thain, Master, and Mayor are naturally doing what needs doing and forget the idea of privilege would be astounding to many, and yet in the end indicates just how worthy they all are, for they do what is needed and forget the idea they are somehow "above" it.
After all, all four of them ARE husbands!
Queen Galadriel
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 27: Guardianship
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually pity Beasty Bracegirdle for being stricken from the family book. I can't say why, after everything he did; I suppose because what comes closest to home for me, what I can most identify with, is his low meanness to Fosco...and that, of all his wrongdoing, is the smallest.
I love the way you write Sam telling the tales--with a kind of humble pride.
And I'm so glad the Shire has that model.
Author's reply
For a Hobbit the loss of family ties is the worst punishment of all, worse probably than even death might be. That you feel empathy for him says much of your own emotional maturity.
And I, too, see Sam particularly with that native dignity that makes him such a wonderful Hobbit to know and a worthy successor to Frodo in all ways. You're right--the Shire needs that model before it as it establishes its place in the outer world.
You do come up with the most interesting original characters! *sigh* Poor, foolish Emro. But at least he got the chance to set things right.
And as to Beasty--well, he's hopeless.
Bedro looked at the two of them, and smirked at Fosco’s stricken face. “So, you’ve gotta leave, then? Poor little blind Baggins has to leave Westhall?”
Fosco stood up and moved toward the older Hobbit. “Actually, Beasty, you forget Forsythia and I own our own hole here. Perhaps we will move away,
or perhaps we’ll simply stay here and enjoy our own property with a guardian of our own choosing until we come of age. And we retain our interests in
the farm here as well. We can even continue to work the farm alongside our aunts and uncles and da if we please and they agree.” He came closer. “Unlike
you, we haven’t been found with stolen jewelry or weighted dice in our pockets. You are the one who gets to leave Westhall, you know.” He finally stood
in front of Beasty. “You have made yourself unpopular here all your life. You’ve have done your best over the years to make the entire village hate you.”
Ha ha! I'm glad Fosco finally got a chance to deliver that well-deserved punch...and justly so! Honestly, Bedro is so like Lotho it isn't even funny. And, it's funny, but he reminds me of a schoolmate who used to bully me. Only this kid was a lot *younger*.
Author's reply
Bullies are bullies, whether older or younger. And I, too, am glad that Frodo taught Fosco that punch and to limit himself. You're right--Beasty deserved it if anyone ever did.
And it is with reason Bedro is sent out to stand before King and Stewards.
And Emro at least learned from his experience, something Beasty never does.
Queen Galadriel
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 24: Interlude
Oh, I'm so glad to see Frodo...and that he's happy is even better! :)
Author's reply
Once Frodo embraced the healing offered him, I think he'd be very happy. Glad you appreciate it.
Queen Galadriel
· 4 February 2006
· Chapter 22: Impressions
“It is your Light, my Lord,” the Hobbit smiled. “It keeps me apprised of where you are, and when you are near to me, of what you are doing.”
That's very interesting. But is it like a light that is seen, or more of a presence? That might be impossible to answer, but I can't help wondering. :)
Author's reply
Having become blind as a result of injuries sustained during his imprisonment in the Lockholes, my Ferdi recognizes what he perceives as Light. You might perceive it instead in terms of an aura of warmth or as an echo of song or rhythm about the individual which marks him as special.
Vision is a difficult form of perception to explain to those who've not experienced it--we can only see what is within our field of vision, mostly what is before the plane of our face; and unless an object is transparent or at least translucent we cannot see what is behind it. Also, the more distant the object is from us, the smaller it appears to be and the more difficult it is to perceive details. And so Ferdi, who grew up with the concept of seeing, turning toward the west can "see" the Light of the White Tree but not similar Lights which might be beyond it, as the Tree's Light overwhelms the more distant Lights beyond it. Then, when he is distant from Aragorn he might perceive Aragorn as a point of Light; but when close to him may actually be seeing his outline as shown forth by his Light.
Those who say they see auras indicate they tend to outline the physical body of the one they see, and that each person tends to have a particular color usually associated with that aura, which may change colors as a result of shifts to strong moods sparked by emotional reactions to circumstances. Serious illness is said also to change the color of the aura, particularly in the area of the body associated most strongly with the illness.
All right, I'm going to finish this one before I go flitting between this and that story again, because if I don't, I'll lose my place and then I'll never get through. This is just one of those times when I have a terribly short attention span.
I imagine that, though she has said nothing, Narcissa might already begin to see that Frodo and Aragorn are brothers of the spirit.
I love this:
As they walked back to the ramp preceded by Pippin and accompanied by the other four, Aragorn asked quietly, “You are missing him a good deal today?”
Sam nodded. “Oh, yes, I am. He is the most dearest of all I ever knew, and I miss him terribly. You?”
After a moment of thought, the King answered, still quietly, “Yes, I’m missing him terribly today, also. Although I did pray that as I must lose
him, one way or the other, that he would choose to go via Tol Eressëa that he might know easing and a level of joy once again ere he finally goes through
the Gates.”
Sam nodded, and Hobbit and Man took one another’s hand, squeezing them in mutual assurance.
Yes, they would all miss Frodo especially today. I've lost loved ones before, but none that I was especially close to, and quite a number of pets as well, but that grief fades after a couple of months or so. I can't even imagine how terrible this loss would be. And I don't want to try; for I have a friend as dear to me as Frodo was to Sam, so I can at least know the depth of such a friendship.
Looking forward to reading more of this.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'm middle aged now, and so have managed to lose a few along the way. It's never an easy matter, having lost my husband, a foster child (but not to death that we know of), both parents, all my beloved grandparents, aunts and uncles, and having a rift between my half-siblings and my full brother and myself. Even my stepfather is near death now. It's a part of growing older, unfortunately. And the dreams I have of them and the love we held for one another can be pretty intense at times, not to mention the days when something happens and I STILL turn to tell Tony or reach for the phone to call my mother....
There are just times when you still want to reach out, which is why I ended up writing "A Message and a Bottle," having read "A Message in a Bottle" and seeing the imagery there of wanting to reach for and communicate with the one who's been lost.
I'm glad this moved you.
Queen Galadriel
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 19: King and Sculptor
Oo, I'm very anxious to see what this monument is going to be like! Hopefully better than it looked like being the first time they tried. LOL! It's too bad Fosco and Forsythia couldn't come...and I'm wondering if I should be worried about them and Emro. Narcissa would have made Frodo a wonderful wife, and it really is a pity they couldn't have married. What a wonderful husband and father Frodo would have been, and how lucky the lass to have him. :-) Oh, and I must tell you, this brings back a favourite memory:
“At least he has an excuse for not noticing their moon eyes, though,” Ferdi said, smiling.
*laughs* Oh yes, that has to be one of my very favourites...though when I'm in hearing of a remark like that it usually leads to good-natured teasing and a lot of silly (and occasionally witty!) nonsense. Can't wait to read more ASAP! God bless,
Galadriel
P.S. Love Ririon too! Again, he reminds me of another friend of mine. And he's very like Fosco, too. I look forward to knowing more of him, and of Ruvimir. Please forgive any misspelling-I'm afraid I don't often take the time to do the character-by-character thing with the screen reader when I'm really interested.
Author's reply
The full description of the monument, of course, is in "The King's Commission," so to fully appreciate it you will have to read the chapter Unveiling, although it's also described more briefly in the last chapter of Ruvemir in the Shire.
Glad you like the comment, as ironic as it was. Once he had the Ring Frodo had to learn not to notice lasses, or had his noticing shut down by the Ring itself; and it must have been extraordinarily for those lasses who were attracted to him.
And am glad you like Ririon. His vision was based on the descriptions given by a friend of mine while we were in college--I was a reader for most of the blind students who attended WWSC while I was an undergraduate. Fosco's is based on that told by a friend whom I met in grad school at WMU.
Queen Galadriel
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 15: Tales for Bairns
Well, apparently this story is going to take me longer than I would like. I just want to read it all; I can't get enough! But I'm reviewing as I go along so I don't forget anything. That said...
1: I don't know if I've told you this before, but the way you write Frodo before he leaves has had a tremendous impact on me. It's so heartbreaking, the frailty, even the faltering speech gets me teary-eyed. And that remark about being in the process of dying being uncomfortable completely did me in.
2: I love the way you're making the realisation sink into the rest of the Shire through Sam's and even Frodo's stories. They have to realise *sometime*, goodness.
3: As another reviewer pointed out, I like that, though maybe Frodo wasn't hailed as a hero, he *was* genuinely loved and cared about. Too often the impression is given that the rest of the Shire just didn't care about him at all.
4: I find myself caring more and more for those left behind. It can be so hard to pick up the pieces that are always left when someone leaves, in Frodo's case by ship. Even when things are well sorted out it isn't pleasant. I'm glad to see Narcissa (spelling?) shown in more detail here. Poor girl! And of course I love the twins even more now, especially Forsythia. Yes, search the house and find the letters! And I'm so glad Fosco is a good dancer like his cousin! For some reason I thought it was funny when the others realised he was almost blind after he'd finished. Ha! I heartily sympathise. :-)
Oh, now you've roused my curiosity and I'm going to have to read "The King's Commition" next! Can't wait to meet Ririon! I've been blind myself since birth, and for some reason I find myself drawn to such characters...*when* they are written as real people and not stereotypes or worse. No wonder you do it so well! I'd meant to compliment you on Ferdie in "Choice of Healing," but I never got to review due to technical difficulties. So I'll do it now: I was very impressed and glad to see it done right. Well, I'm off to read the next chapter of "The Acceptable Sacrifice!" Sorry for the extremely long review. :-) God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Don't apologize for long reviews--I appreciate them.
It's amazing how many visually impaired people follow Tolkien Fanfiction. There are several; and when I wrote the King's Commission one of the readers who left comments indicated that dwarfism runs in her family and what I wrote about Ruvemir was true to life, which made me feel happier. I'd based the character and some of his experiences on a former student (not blind) who was a dwarf, and a former teacher who as a child went through two of the forms of polio which caused him to grow abnormally, leaving him in a condition similar to dwarfism. (He was a drama teacher of mine in college, by the way, which isn't a profession one ordinarily thinks of in when one thinks of individuals who are so disabled, so believe me, I understand how even we who are special ed teachers will also fall to stereotypical expectations for individuals with disabilities other than those we have devoted ourselves to.)
My husband of 27 years was blinded in an accident at age nineteen, and many of my best friends have been blind or have severely limited vision, usually congenitally.
Many people seem to appreciate my version of Frodo who is physically as well as emotionally fading before he leaves, but who has done his best to hide that fact; others seem to resent it. That you appreciate it I, of course, tend to appreciate; and I try to write the speech patterns consistent with the background, physical, and emotional condition of the individual as the time I'm writing.
I do think such as Frodo Baggins would have had a tremendous impact on many, many people, particularly in the society of the Shire where family ties and relationships are so very important. And over time people HAVE to begin to appreciate what Frodo and Sam and Merry and Pippin all did, but particularly Frodo and Sam. So I have Sam beginning to tell it out, letting them know, leading the way for the others to begin speaking out as well. After all, the Shire is no longer isolated any more, and it's important that the folk of the Shire begin to appreciate how the rest of Middle Earth sees their country AND individuals of their folk.
And, as you will find, it's often far easier for the person who's dying to appreciate what's happening than those who are going to be left behind.
And you spelled Narcissa correctly.
Queen Galadriel
· 7 January 2006
· Chapter 6: Family Head
I really like this so far. You write young Frodo very well. I've seen some stories in which he is unbearably saintly; I kind of like to think of him being a part of a group of wild teens, though it certainly wasn't the best decision he ever made. I like how you show the way the Ring went to work on him almost at once. That Frodo could no longer be interested in girls says a lot for why Bilbo never married. Perhaps it had much the same effect on him. Not that I'd expect Bilbo to marry anyway.
You never cease to amaze me with your original characters! I love Fosco and Forsythia! Fosco reminds me a little of a friend of mine: clever and perceptive...and they used to have about the same amount of vision; my friend has lost a lot though. It's really too bad they didn't have Braille in the Shire. And Forsythia would undoubtedly be an interesting person to know: sharp, quick-witted, obviously as independant as she can possibly be, responsible, and considerate. I hope Fosco gets to land that punch on Beasty! :-) Great nickname, by the way! Looking forward to finishing this tomorrow perhaps. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I've been working with, teaching, and living with blind folks for all my adult life, and teach braille as well as orientation and mobility (otherwise known mostly as cane travel). You'll notice a few blind and nearly blind characters in my stories as you go along. Wait till you see Ririon, the boy from the Inn of the Dragon's Claw in Minas Tirith, a few years down the road in "The King's Commission."
No, I don't think Frodo would have been all that saintly, any more than any kid in his early adolescence. But he'll get his warning to stop in a difficult way from Maggot's dogs and a stranger in brown, as you'll find later on in the story.
As for Fosco landing a punch on Beasty (and glad you like his nickname), wait till you see the circumstances under which it is given.
Debbie
· 4 October 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
Such a wonderful, sweet sweet story! I didn't want it to end! It took me weeks of reading it on and off in my down moments, but it was worth every bit. Thank you so much for writing it!
Debbie
Author's reply
I am glad you have enjoyed it, Debbie, and that you stuck with it so long. So many, faced by a longer story such as this, back off. But that you did so is very much appreciated. But as all my stories tend to be intertwined, you may indeed find others to follow to make you feel it isn't over quite yet.
Ami
· 29 August 2005
· Chapter 15: Tales for Bairns
This story is poignant and beautifully written, but it is also breaking my heart. I think I may have to finish it a bit later when I am not so sensitive.
One thing I really liked in this story was even though the shirefolk weren't too interested in Frodo's travels to see him as a classic hero of the War of the Rings, you make it very clear that he was very well loved and remembered fondly for his gentle and sensible heart.
Author's reply
Oh, I am so sorry that it apparently is hitting too close to home. And I do wish to think that Frodo was remembered as gentle, sensible, and full of empathy and compassion. I think that gradually, as they themselves began to recover Sam, Merry, and Pippin would wish others to understand that Frodo was the real hero.
I will tell you that things do start becoming more positive from this point as the protagonists begin to deal with life beyond Frodo. I suspect a good number of folk were surprised to realize how much of an impact--and a positive one--Frodo Baggins had on their lives.
Thanks for the feedback.
grumpy
· 26 August 2005
· Chapter 40: Signs of Love
I love this chapter. How is Aragorn to be a man among men with a blanket roll, with squares of pink in it. I bet he would not give up that quilt, for all the gold in Gondor. It is great that it has something from all the people he loved, includinging his parents, ada, and Halbarad.
Author's reply
Precious indeed are such tangible signs of love given; and for the one who grew up in what amounted to isolation within Imladris, these would be treasured indeed. Elves, Men, Hobbits, Dwarves--those living, those dead, those who'd fled the griefs of Middle Earth--he has a tangible tie to each, a symbol of all those who have supported him and encouraged him and added to the sum of his being.
Am so glad this story is still getting readings and that you love this chapter. I even referenced it in my current story. This is one of the chapters that could stand alone, and I think it's one of my favorites, also.
grumpy
· 8 August 2005
· Chapter 36: Bound in Love
Loved the double marraige that took place. So Aragorn finally got Hardorn to ask her. Glad to read that it was somebody he knew for awhile. Can not have one of my favorite rangers just marrying anybody. Aragorn can be very sneaky.
Author's reply
So often in my stories Hardorn is the one lingering in Aragorn's shadow, so am glad this has become one of your favorite Rangers in spite of being an OC. And I, too, am glad that he had been working on the relationship for a time. It was a late time of life even for one of the Northern Dunedain to marry, after all.
grumpy
· 20 July 2005
· Chapter 32: The King's Justice
Very much enjoying reading this story, I am a little behind on things. Anyways loveed this chapter, with Hardon trying to get Aragorn to let him do the deed.
Plus Sam and company helping Aragorn feel better afterwards. Looking forward to the rest of the story.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you've dipped into this one, and that you appreciate all working to try to ease Aragorn's way as they can. Thank you for letting me know you found it! Hope your summer's day is as fair as ours here has been.
Andrea
· 6 July 2005
· Chapter 43: Author's notes
Thank you, Larner, for this wonderful story!
It made me see Frodo Baggins from a lot of new perspectives, all adding perfectly to the image of him, I have in my mind.
Aragorn's speech in the last chapter was really touching. It was honest and came deeply from the heart.
And the Husbandmen's Dance performed by Frodo and all the hobbits who love him - perfect!
I'm looking forward to reading lots of new stories :)
Author's reply
I am so glad you have enjoyed this story. Examining the lives of Aragorn and Frodo are two of my favorite activities, I am finding.
Am sort of going between two stories at the moment, trying to deal with two nuzguls that have been haunting the house lately, one in the cat sand and the other in the nursery. Didn't realize it was a nursery until the nuzgul showed up there, released by I think it was Harrowcat about a week ago--but now I know, particularly as my niece and her two tiny daughters have moved into the room during their visit.
grumpy
· 4 July 2005
· Chapter 30: A Trial in Bree
Please forgive me for not reviewing earlier, I have been moving, and things are all over the place.
Love your story, you write the rangers and the people of the shire so well. Glad to see that the king has let the ranger out again, he and Bowman make quite a pair. So the folks at Angmar are making trouble again.
Author's reply
Thank you for the compliments, Grumpy! It is ever an honor. I find I love writing about the Rangers, and like to see Aragorn letting Strider take precedence from time to time. He has no real reason to resume Thorongil's role, but there will ever be reasons, I think, to return to Strider from time to time. Hope you continue to enjoy the story.
I tried to review this the other day but my dial-up connection had other ideas!
It was lovely to see them in Minas Tirith again, and I was particularly pleased to see the Emro had made the effort and travelled with them. For a hobbit of his unadventurous nature that was a huge step to take.
This has been a wonderful story, Larner. Further glimpses of Ruvemir and more of Aragorn both as the hobbits' friend and also as the king and judge.
I've loved every word. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
I am so very glad that you enjoyed it, Baggins Babe, and that you found Emro's inclusion in the party gladsome. I, too, felt it was time he had a broadening experience.
Thank you so much for following this.
Pernauriel
· 1 July 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
I have truly enjoyed reading this story, sorry for waiting until the end to say that. I loved the bit about the war with Angmar very short and sweet with only one life lost. I questioned the bit about sestor, after he had learnt everything going back to Angmar but it all made sense in the end. Had to read it a couple times for it all to make sense. A very smart fellow.
Author's reply
It's not easy, giving up your homeland even if it is obviously going to the dogs. No, Aragorn would wish someone like Sestor working to change things from the inside, I think. And Aragorn would wish the new government of Angmar to develop its own way, in keeping with its own people's sensibilities and needs.
Am so glad you appreciated the story and at last realized why Sestor went back to Angmar, and his part in making certain the war with Gondor and Arnor didn't become totally destructive.
Thank you for reading and the final comments. They make the writing worthwhile.
Radbooks
· 1 July 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
This was the perfect ending for this story and I was thrilled that Narcissa had a little 'Frodo' and that Frodo was dancing the Husbandman's dance over in Valinor. Very nicely done! :)
Thanks so much for another wonderful story, Larner. I so appreciate your talent and the effort that you put into your storied and for sharing them with the rest of us. I look forward to the next one that you write because I'm sure it will be as well done as this one. Radbooks
Author's reply
Yes, Narcissa and Brendi would both wish to honor the Hobbit they'd come to love and miss so. Am glad you appreciate that, and that Frodo was dancing a Hobbit exhibition dance in Aman. A celebration of the fact he remains a Hobbit and mortal in spite of where he is and what he is becoming.
Thanks for your faithful following of the story and your frequent feedbacks. It's kept me writing.
Kitty
· 1 July 2005
· Chapter 43: Author's notes
Larner, this explains a lot. I thought more than once you must have had some experiences similar to these you've described in the story, not only with things as blindness and child abuse, of which I know by now. It is quite clear you know too well about what you do write. You had certainly no easy life, and I admire it how you dealt with it.
I am sorry for your recent losses and feel with you. Hopefully it is not too bad for you.
Hugs, Kitty
Author's reply
Kitty, I am now in my middle years and am a grandparent. My daughter lost two babes and raised two more; and other friends and even former students have done similarly. Have held hands, seen regrets expressed and heard lost dreams confessed by the same ones who dote on those children who lived.
As one writer and minister, Robert Fulgham, once noted, "Life is lumpy." It isn't all sweetness and light. But you find what you seek--if you only look for the dark times, that's all you'll see. I've looked at all the students I've known who have gone on to do wonderful things and rejoice in them. I've seen how my daughter, who of all things dropped out of school to marry young, who has somehow made of that a joyful commitment and who has gone on to become a teacher of sorts herself, and am amazed at God's ability to bring delight out of what for far too many leads to downward spirals. I've seen my daughter and son-in-law learning about the learning disabilities and other biochemical imbalance conditions rampant in both's birth families, and insisting that my grandsons learn to overcome them, and am proud of the four of them. "All things work to the good for those who love the Lord" has become my beacon of hope, particularly as I see it coming true day by day.
As one who is no longer young, I've seen a good deal of loss; but far more of triumph. It's just that the triumphs don't seem to be noted as much as the losses.
As Tolkien wrote many of his own life experiences into LOTR, I've tried to do similarly. And if I've managed to bring delight to such as you, that's one more joy to add to the score.
Thank you for following this and my other stories.
Kitty
· 1 July 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
A wonderful end for this tale! It is so nice there are Hobbits in Gondor again for this occasion. And I am so glad to see Narcissa and Brendi have a son of their own. Of course they had to name him Frodo, it is so fitting after it was more or less the Ringbearer who brought them together. I think there will be some Frodos running about the Shire in years to come :-)
Oh, and it is nice Folco and Miriel have a child of their own, not only the fosterlings. I had wondered ever since "The King's commission" if Miriel is able to bear children.
I loved it how the Hobbits danced in Minas Anor the Husbandmen's Dance at the anniversary, and it was so wonderful so see Frodo doing the same in Tol Eressea!
If I have a complaint, then it is that this is the last chapter. I loved this story and have enjoyed it so much! So it is a bit sad to see it completed. But I look forward to another story from you!
Thank you for the many hours of fun and joy I had with this!
Author's reply
The major part of the Shire may not appreciate what Frodo and Sam did, but a significant few are coming to realize just what the journey meant to the safety of the entire Shire and the rest of the world as well. Yes, there will be more tiny lads named Frodo, and scattered about the Shire. I've already envisioned little Faramir as an adult naming his own son Frodo as well as Frodo-Lad having another Frodo-Lad of his own.
I wanted for Aragorn to know that Frodo had healed enough to dance again, and for there to be the unrealized communion between those who'd danced with Frodo before and Frodo himself, once again able to delight in the joy of movement.
Thank you for following this.
Tigger
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
What a lovely ending to a wonderful story. Thank you so much for this wonderful story Larner. Looking forward to your next story. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you, Tigger, and I'm glad you enjoyed it so.
harrowcat
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 43: Author's notes
Oh what an ending Larner. And what a magnificent summing up of the Frodo Baggins that we have grown to know in so much detail and love even more through your writing. I am now looking for a clear space in my diary for a long and leisurely re-read to tied me over until your next Nuzgul is let loose.
Thank you, too, for the insights you offer through your answers to reviews and your Author's notes. I am single and although I find much joy in my God-children, my only Nephew and the many children that I teach, I find the realisation that I will never have a child of my own harder to come to terms with than I thought. The theme of this story has resonated deeply with me. I have held the hands of a few friends who have suffered the trauma of a miscarriage and I found your idea surrounding Gilraen's other children to be both believable and comforting. Well done indeed.
Author's reply
As a child I thought I wouldn't want to bear my own children, as fearful as I am of needles and such. When it came time to have them, however, I found the knowledge I would most likely have none of my own was devastating, which made the one time I might have conceived that much harder to bear.
That I have added to the love others hold for our already well-beloved Frodo means a great deal to me. Thank you, thank you very much for your words of encouragement and appreciation. They have made it worthwhile.