harrowcat
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
What better place for family and friends to talk than over a pile of dishes. What a wonderful insight into that crucial moment. I shall always remember the expression on Aragorn's face in the film. I am so looking forward to re-reading this as part of the whole.
Elanor really did need to hear from the King himself but I am surprised that Sam could bear to sit there at all. Another triute the the healingthat had already taken place.
Author's reply
I know what you mean about Aragorn's expression in the film, and the tall guy behind him as well, that moue of surprise. I love to see that on the big screen, for that whole sequence of the fall of Barad-dur is so fantastic!
In my Middle Earth Aragorn feels free to sweep floors, cook a meal, or wash dishes, and especially when he's talked of that which has caused so much grief in his past. It is often in completing the everyday necessities that we find the balance we need, the ties to life as it goes on.
Tigger
· 16 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
Oh my...Leave it to a little one to ask a question most wanted the answer to, but no adult would ask. Oh and, "Lord Mr. Strider." That is just too adorable. W/out a doubt that is Sam's daughter. :o)
What a wonderfu gap filler to the books. This is one of the more satistfying versions of the healing and bringing back of Frodo and Sam from Aragorn's POV I've read. Very well done indeed.
Oh and I loved, loved, loved that final part. "Others were watching with awe and shock as the King, the Mayor, and the Thain washed dishes and talked." The world needs more of that kind of "Shock and Awe" than it's known the last few years.
Great addition to a fantastic story. As always, looking forward to the next installment. :o)
Author's reply
Yes, this is Sam's daughter, and Rosie's too, for I think it would be from Rosie she'd inherit the courage to tackle the big questions.
Perhaps Ruvemir might eventually have asked the King, having had Sam refuse to answer; but I doubt he'd have done it then. Yet this is also a part of what the Shire needs to know--that they almost didn't get that eight months of service out of Frodo, that the one who led the physical reconstruction and replanting almost didn't come back. And I'm glad you feel it is a satisfying version of this part of the story. Thanks!
Lindelea
· 15 June 2005
· Chapter 29: A Tale of Waking
Lovely chapter! So many neat things, and no time to comment. Dh is due in any moment, and he'll take over the computer...
Ah, well. I needed to make it an early night for once, anyhow.
I don't know when I'll get back to give you more thoughtful feedback, but I am certainly glad that the computer is working well enough to update this story!
(Loved so many things about the chapter I can hardly begin to list them... but Elessar's story of calling Sam and Frodo back was wondrously crafted, for starters.)
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you like it, Lindelea. Give the lasses my greetings, and DH as well.
Radbooks
· 15 June 2005
· Chapter 28: The King’s Arrival
Wonderful chapter, Larner! I really need to get out my thesaurus and come up with some other adjectives for your chapters! :) But I really enjoyed this one and having all the hobbits getting to come and greet the king. I loved how Legolas and Gimli were so eager to see their friends that they came early. Then the meeting again between Sam and Aragorn and then with all of the others. I could just picture in my head Aragorn sitting on the ground smoking his pipe with Paladin. (you do great visuals!) Here is one of my favorite parts:
“I see. I will not sit in judgment here, though, and certainly not today. Let him see the contrast between the Travelers’ friend and the King.” The Thain, impressed by the change in the King’s voice, looked at him closely, saw the authority that Aragorn son of Arathorn wore so easily, just a layer down from the Man who sat comfortably on the ground by his table. Unconsciously Paladin Took straightened, appearing more like his son than he realized.
Just very well written and seeing the contrast between the king and the man that was such a part of Aragorn and then how Paladin responded to that. Nicely done.
Radbooks
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you, also, appreciated this scene visually, for as I was writing it I could see it in my mind as well. I have seen Aragorn as an individual who is aware of the different roles he plays and who realizes he can switch easily from one to another and another, and who even realizes how to use such changes to good effect. That you appreciate that vision of Aragorn is heartening.
Tigger
· 15 June 2005
· Chapter 28: The King’s Arrival
Wow...I love seeing Aragorn w/his friends. So, he hasn't met the twins yet. Looking forward to that meeting. I'm glad he got the chance to talk to Paladin and Eglantine. Both needed it. For Paladin to understand more deeply just what Pippin went through and for Aragorn to explain to them that Frodo is finally finding peace again. Also for Aragorn to show he is finally forgiving himself for what he thought was something horrible. Bringing Frodo back, only for him to face what Frodo faced...That had to have weighted heavily on Aragorn's mind and learning what he did that night at the Tree... Everyone is finding healing and peace at last and it's lovely to see.
Except perhaps Beasty, but that's for the next chapter I'm guessing.
Lovely, lovely chapter Larner. Made me feel snug and cozy inside. :o)
Author's reply
A couple more chapters before we see Beasty before the King, I'm afraid. Hope you enjoy the anticipation.
Yes, all are still healing. I've found it can take years to fully heal from a major loss, and I still miss my own husband.
Kitty
· 15 June 2005
· Chapter 28: The King’s Arrival
Of course Rosie-lass adores Gimli. He is not so terribly tall and has a beautiful beard to play with. Although ... she seems not afraid of heights at all if she wants to ride with him on Arod.
The reunion was lovely. I like it that Aragorn doesn’t stand on ceremony but simply hugs his Hobbits, and it was sweet how he treated Rosie-lass. And I would’ve loved to see the faces of Paladin and especially Eglantine when Aragorn sat at the ground besides them. It was surely not what they had expected from the High King of Gondor and Arnor, as Aragorn himself admitted! I fear I tend to strain the patience of my minister of protocol. Oh indeed! *smile* But it makes Aragorn so much more sympathetic, doesn’t it?
All in all, I’ve enjoyed the talk between Aragorn, Paladin and Eglantine very much. Now I look forward to Aragorn meeting Fosco. It surely will be interesting considering his strong resemblance to Frodo and his love for his cousin!
I’ve appreciated this chapter very much because I always wanted a meeting between Aragorn and the parents of Merry and Pippin, even if it is probably AU. It is such an interesting thing to play with how they would get along. Thank you very much!
Author's reply
I'm not certain it's truly AU. In the proposed epilogue, Sam tells Elanor, now fifteen, that the King had been there before, but when she was quite small, so she undoubtedly didn't remember. So, I'm imagining that meeting, and feel fully justified as Tolkien himself had envisioned it having happened. (Thank you, Christopher, for letting us see the two scenarios for that unpublished chapter!)
And I know that all my nieces loved my husband and his beard, and always when tiny seemed to love to entwine their fingers in it. So, Gimli and the children have become sort of a memorial to Tony and my nieces, and I guess I've written them into my stories in this way. And the King teasing Rosie-Lass as he does seemed to just flow naturally into the story, then the swinging her up--how often I've seen my husband, my brother, my best friend's husband, and my daughter's foster dad doing the same, and the delight in the eyes of the children.... Daddies and favorite uncles seem to delight little ones so!
shirebound
· 15 June 2005
· Chapter 28: The King’s Arrival
What a marvelous description of the King's visit. And these two passages really stand out, for me:
“I hope that the Elves there in Elvenhome realize just what a marvelous individual they have with them.”
It was a different world out there, he realized, and he was venturing out into it further this time than he’d ever done before.
Author's reply
I wrote a response to this this morning before I left for work, but it got lost when I got called away from the computer and something reset before I got it posted. Sorry about that.
That people so like the wording I use helps keep me willing to keep writing, and I truly appreciate it when you show me what you think to be effective. Thank you very much.
How much Will Whitfoot would begin to understand of the outer world is always questionable--I doubt he'd ever have believed, prior to the Time of Troubles, that he'd ever have to deal with it. Yet, suddenly he's been imprisoned by an invasion from it, then freed as a result of the growth and training the four Travelers brought back from it. Now he's actually seeing the King and part of his court, and realizing there is indeed still another world out there, the Undying Lands where Frodo has gone, one of his own whom he obviously thought highly of as he made him deputy Mayor. He has less understanding of that world than he does of the encroaching world of Gondor and Arnor to which he now must give thought.
As for Paladin, he, too, is coming to a fuller understanding, from the denial he practiced so long, to the acceptance of ways and authorities he'd never dreamed when younger he'd ever have to think of, much less interact with. It's a big step for both, I think.
harrowcat
· 15 June 2005
· Chapter 28: The King’s Arrival
I keep going all mushy when I read your story Larner. I adored Aragorn's description of the encounters under the tree. And his respect for Merry and Pippin's parents made me so proud. It must have bee so hard for them to realise how badly they had handled the Travellers' return and yet to receive the respect of the King must have been healing. It is a difficult shift in relationship when children realise that parents are also fragile beings, able to make mistakes and with their own needs for comfort and caring.
Author's reply
We are fully adults in our own right when we are able to take the relationship of parent and child and turn it instead to friendship, or so I've ever felt. Not all get to that point, and not all parents are willing to change to it. I was blessed in that I could do so with my mother, and my son and daughter have done so with me.
You are right--one more small yet important healing performed by the King.
Tigger
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 27: Guardianship
Wow...This was so satisfying in many ways. Glad Emro won't lose his home. It's one thing when something like that happens through someone's own actions and completely another when they've been tricked into doing it. I feel sorry for the poor old hobbit. Glad to see he'll be among family to help him.
I am truly amazed Ted Sandyman was not banished. I mean, he's more than proved himself to be a hobbit of no good, so...At least Beasty will not only be banished, but also be getting a taste of the King's Justice. I'm very interested to see what Aragorn will do once he gets an accounting.
Would like to finish this, but there's thunderboomers going off...
Author's reply
Yes, computing in storms can be problematic at best.
So far, Sandyman has been a follower. Had he proven to be a leader in the plan, I suspect he would have gone out to see the King's justice himself.
Good luck in your storms.
Kitty
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 27: Guardianship
Some of the Bracegirdles have had quite mild judgement, but I think the main perpetrators have gotten what they deserved. I look forward to see Beasty in Rivendell before the King. I doubt he will dare to be so overbearing any longer. And I can't wait for the twins to meed Aragorn.
The story told by Sam was wonderful - I truly love all the details about the Quest woven in this fic. However it was so very Sam to tell only about what Frodo had done and how Frodo is honoured in Minas Anor. Luckily Freddy and Narcissa were there to remind him of his own part in Frodo's success and to talk about Merry and Pippin. Sam is way too modest. It is so reassuring to know the four travellers are now honoured in their own homeland, too.
Author's reply
The realization of what all was involved in the Quest would probably have taken years for the Shire to realize in full, I think. And Bedro Bracegirdle before Aragorn is something I, too, have anticipated with a regretable level of pleasure.
Kitty
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 26: Weighted Dice
So this was the reason why Emro would marry off Forsythia? I must admit to be relieved because he was not as bad as it had seemed before. Of course he was a fool to handle with the Bracegirdles in the first place, but at least he was not evil, but only cheated himself. I truly enjoyed how Paladin uncovered all this! And although it is sad for the twins to leave their home, I am happy they will be with Narcissa from now on. Thank you! Oh, and I am relieved Griffo and Daisy are unharmed.
Sometimes I wonder if Frodo has foreseen anything of this - his dispositions truly seem inspired by some knowledge of the future.
Author's reply
Well, he appears to have known some level of foresight before he left, so perhaps he might have done so. I suspect, however, that he was mostly relying on his own knowledge of the folk involved in ordering backups guardians, and figuring out how well they would work out with one another.
Andrea
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 23: Taking Leave
Again, I have a lot more chapters to read, but I can't leave this without a review!
What a wonderful idea to create a communication link between Frodo and those left on Middle Earth through the White Tree!
It was good for all of the Hobbits to come to the unveiling of the monument and last but not least to experience this particular moment at the White Tree.
Frodo is happy now, everyone feels it, and I'm glad, that Narcissa has found joy in life again, too :)
Author's reply
"All things work to the Good for those who love the Lord" goes one of my favorite quotes from the Bible, and I see that working in the world of Arda for those who have grieved for Frodo Baggins. The need to love is ever there, even when we believe we've left the griefs behind us at the last.
Thanks for the feedback!
shirebound
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 27: Guardianship
I do love it when Sam tells the Tale, and the hobbits hear more of the story filled in. It's important for them to know that hobbits played such an important part in the winning of the War.
The clothes themselves are preserved as Gandalf told us would happen, in crystal cases made by the Dwarves, hanging in the Hall of Memorials
How I would love to see that myself!
Author's reply
I find myself wanting to go through the Hall of Memorials myself, as well as the Mathom holes in Michel Delving. Primsong on FFN wrote a description of a harp to be found there that was fascinating, and Baylor has written some lovely descriptions of its contents as well. Oh, I'd love to see them!
Dreamflower
· 14 June 2005
· Chapter 27: Guardianship
This was just lovely. So much of it made me smile and tear up at the same time.
This exchange really moved me:
Saradoc sighed and shook his head. “No, I think you have the right of it there. Far too decent a Hobbit, Frodo was.”
Narcissa gave a wry smile. “Just look who taught him everything he knew about fairness and decency, though,” she said.
The Master smiled.
And then to see Sam get his due:
Fredegar smiled gently. “Two of our own are honored there, equally, Sam, and with reason. Let our children know about both.” He then bowed deeply toward Sam, and the others who had made the journey to Gondor did the same while Sam continued to flush, but stood his ground.
And of course, Merry and Pippin recieve their due as well, thanks to Narcissa,
Fosco turned to look into Narcissa’s face, holding his own face near so as to examine her expression carefully. “So, it is true, all four a heroes?”
She smiled, her eyes filled with pride. “Yes, they are all four heroes, Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Each and every one of them.”
It is so good to see them getting the recognition at home--at least from their nearest and dearest--as they got abroad.
I am very much looking forward to seeing Beasty before the King in Rivendell. I can just imagine him having to look into those grey Numenorean eyes and then try to justify himself. It should be interesting. And I am really looking forward to Aragorn's reaction to seeing Fosco, if the resemblance to Frodo is so strong as you suggest.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Beasty is in for a shock, particularly when he realizes he can't easily lie to the King. And Aragorn will be pleased once he really gets a look at the twins.
As for Saradoc and Esmeralda, I suspect that basically they were very loving foster parents for Frodo, and assisted him in developing his character; but that at the end he and Bilbo truly saw the need for the two of them to serve as a family together, that their own likenesses in temperament and interests would offer the balance Frodo needed to fully become what he was to become as a fully adult Hobbit. But what he received in character training from his younger days, first with his parents and then fostered in Brandy Hall would also serve to assist him to become as decent an individual as he was. I like to offer some tribute to the Master and Mistress of the Hall who helped him grow and recover after the deaths of his parents.
shirebound
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 26: Weighted Dice
My goodness, what an intricate story you've crafted! You've written Fosco as a wonderfully confident and intelligent hobbit... he's a credit to the family.
Author's reply
I WANT him to be a credit to the family, and to carry on the more recent Baggins legacy of responsibility to go along with the Took curiosity, whatever Brandybuck portion of independent thinking they might have inherited, and the Boffin love of the land they've inherited. Glad you find him confident and intelligent. Now to further enhance that intelligence with more knowledge and experience!
Tigger
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 26: Weighted Dice
What an interesting chapter. Glad to see Frodo's lesson on making one punch count stuck w/Fosco. If anyone deserves it, it was Beasty.
One thing I am confused about. Are the twins moving in w/Narcissa or is Narcissa and the twins moving to their real parents smial? Sorry if it seems obvious, but that did confuse me a little bit while reading.
Looks as the Thain has everything under control. I wouldn't want to be that group when they meet up w/Halladan.
Looking forward as always to the next installment.
Author's reply
They're going to Overhill for now, and then on to the conference for the Northern Kingdom; then will decide for the future. Sorry, thought I'd made that clear, but will check it again.
And, yes, it's about time Frodo's patient teaching of Fosco on how to throw that punch paid off, isn't it? And am proud Fosco stopped with the one. And Paladin is proving to be a good Thain indeed.
Dreamflower
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 26: Weighted Dice
What a complicated scheme they cooked up! No wonder it was doomed to failure. Not only are Bracegirdles prone to bullying, but they don't appear to be the brightest bulbs in the package, either. They obviously had no idea of what they were doing.
I loved Fosco getting a chance to throw the punch Frodo taught him. About time Beasty got his.
And I definitely look forward to seeing Narcissa offering a bit of comfort to Brendilac.
Author's reply
Remember, Bigelow is probably an alcoholic himself, a situation that tends to limit clear thinking and lead to grand schemes doomed to failure.
Each family in the Shire seems to have its characteristics, and envy and scheming are a good part of it for the Bracegirdles, it seems.
Kitty
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 25: Into the Westfarthing
What a turn of events! Over the last days I had pondered to what mischief Emro is up to, but *this* has never occured to me! Really, they've returned from Gondor just in time! I am glad Forsythia was able to escape and Narcissa had her wits about her and Sancho was there to help, too. It was a good idea to go to the Great Smials and seek help from the Thain.
I wonder if the Bracegirdles have *any* brain left after all!? Did they really think they could get away with this?? Even if they had gone through with this forced marriage it wouldn't be a legal marriage, no matter which lawyer they have used to set up the document, as far as I understand it. And it seems they haven't thought even a second about *who* Forsythia is - with her connection to the Thain and all ... brainless fools!
And Emro ... no wonder he woulnd't let go the twins to Gondor if he thought he could to something like this in the absence of Narcissa.
Paladin and Pippin handled the problem very well. And I am glad Fosco was able to get poor Brendi away, so he was at least not longer mistreated. I hope he will be well again soon. And what have these brutes done with Griffo and Daisy?
This should be the end of Emro fostering the twins, shouldn't it? As I said earlier: I'm dreaming of Brendi and Narcissa getting married and fostering Fosco and Forsythia - they would all be happy then.
Author's reply
I'm not certain this was Emro's idea--but then you can read today's chapter and see what I think of it, anyway.
Glad you are finding yourself so involved in the story.
Kitty
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 24: Interlude
Truly, I love the idea they are able at least to sense each others presence and feelings between Minas Anor and Tol Eressea through the White Trees! It is so touching how happy Frodo was to sense his friends and how they themselves tried to reassure him of their well-being. Wonderful done.
Author's reply
I thought it was a logical idea, and glad you like the image of the communion through the medium of the Trees.
Kitty
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 23: Taking Leave
It can't have been an easy life for Aragorn, to grow up among Elves as a man, although Elrond and his family loved him dearly. And then to come to the rangers and discover they are so different from him as he was from the Elves ... poor fellow.
You've done a great work with this. I think this is the reason I love fanfiction so much: Tolkien left so many details unsaid or at least uncertain and the fanficauthors are picking up these details and turning them in wonderful stories. This world has so many gaps to fill out.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, and love to see what others have done with the same questions I've played with.
It must have been a mixed bag for Aragorn, going from being Elrond's son to Arathorn's, and finally taking Arathorn's place among the Dunedain.
Glad you like my take on it all.
harrowcat
· 13 June 2005
· Chapter 25: Into the Westfarthing
I didn't think you did cliffhangers Larner. I have borrowed one of Marigold's sticks. Don't keep us waiting! (You don't anyway so it is an idle threat!)
Author's reply
Oh, I've done one or two, I'll admit--just don't like to leave them going TOO long is all.
Glad you want to see what happens next. Wait till we head off to Rivendell, though....
Tigger
· 12 June 2005
· Chapter 25: Into the Westfarthing
How stupid the entire bunch of them are. To try and pull such a stunt and w/not just Frodo's cousin, but kin of the Thain as well. I can easily imagine they will be facing the King's justice for this. How many laws of the Shire and Gondor did they break anyway? I can easily think of four and I'm sure there are more.
Glad Pippin and his father have things well in hand. This chapter literally had my heart in my throat. You write suspense very well.
Looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Hadn't thought of it as suspense, but glad you find it suspenseful. Yes, the Thain and Pippin have things well in hand indeed. Am glad they got home in time.
NiennaTru
· 12 June 2005
· Chapter 23: Taking Leave
Oh, I liked that so well, the honoring of the Tree, and the communication with Frodo. Once again, it painted such a vivid picture for me--especially when Narcissa stepped forward. Lovely chapter.
Author's reply
I'm trying to look mostly from her point of view, so it made sense to realize what others might be experiencing by describing Narcissa's own encounter. That the Tree itself might feel enjoyment in being the middleman I thought would be wonderful. Am so glad the images are so welcome.
Dreamflower
· 12 June 2005
· Chapter 25: Into the Westfarthing
Oh dear! Those Bracegirdles will never have done with making trouble will they? Your idea of the plot cooked up by them would never have occurred to me in a million years. I'm glad to see that Narcissa was home in time to see it nipped in the bud.
Poor Brendi! And does Narcissa get to comfort and nurse him?
I can't wait to see what the Thain dishes out to *this* bunch!!
Author's reply
Yes, we get a bit of comfort and nursing here, but the serious nursing is yet to come. Yes, I think Paladin is going to be very stern this time.
radbooks
· 12 June 2005
· Chapter 23: Taking Leave
More wonderful chapters, Larner! I have really enjoyed Aragorn's interactions with Narcissa and I liked the story he told in this chapter about what it was like being a new ranger - how strange it was for him. How set apart he was from the others even before they knew who he was. You write Aragorn so well, that I would love to read a story set in his growing up years or around his young ranger years. *hint* *hint* :)
I think it was an earlier chapter, but I loved when Ferdi had Arwen describe what she saw and how she went on and on because of course she could see so far. But it wasn't just things in the distance, she just saw things that non-elves wouldn't have noticed. And Ferdi's comments about how we all see things so differently is so true. Everyone is so unique. Very well done!
Radbooks
Author's reply
Have found a nuzgul about Aragorn as a younger man hiding out in the catbox--seems to have a passion for sand, it seems. Will see how it grows up, I guess.
Yes, each person who looked out from there would see different things, or see the same things differently. And it must have felt odd to grow up among Elves and then switch to living among Men. Elrond and the twins and Lord Glorfindel must have worked hard at teaching him the skills he would need, if he were to lead the Dunedain effectively and perhaps face becoming King again.