The Ties of Family by Larner
harrowcat · 9 June 2005 · Chapter 19: King and Sculptor
Wonderful Larner - thank you. Yes, family comes first before rank, job or duty in both times of joy and sorrow.
Author's reply
I agree. It's always been this picture of Aragorn treating the Hobbits as friends and family that has beenn with me, that has added to the love I've held for him for the past forty-plus years.
Dreamflower · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 19: King and Sculptor
This is such a sweet chapter. I am very much enjoying seeing all this through Narcissa's eyes. I love how you do that--take the same events and make them fresh with a new POV, adding more depth as you go. Very well done!
Author's reply
I'm glad this technique is appreciated. I love to look at things in depth, obviously, and am glad so many find it enjoyable and not boring.
Radbooks · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 19: King and Sculptor
I haven't reviewed yet, but I am loving this story as much as all of your others. You have done another excellent job of capturing the personality of someone that is hinted at in your other stories. I really have compassion for Nacissa and the anguish she must have felt most of her life. Though I'm hoping she might be finding something special in Brendilac. Interesting twist with Fosco and Forsethyia. I really like them and how special to think that they are there and to have someone for Narcissa to dote on and care for. But one of the things I really enjoy about your stories is how they all intertwine and weave together, though I would think that at some point you will run out of ways to tell it! :) Anyway, nice job! Oh, I am also amazed at how fast you can update, especially as I know you are a teacher.
Author's reply
I work a total of six hours a week with my blind students, which leaves me too much time. Then I work mostly nights and weekends with my DD adults, and do a lot of the writing when I'm on night watch. So, I have plenty of time to write--perhaps too much time. I write way ahead before I start posting, so can post a chapter a day. Am almost at the end of this story, actually. And I'm glad you find the interweaving of the stories interesting. Often when I put a character in one story I find I wish to find out what happened to that one, and write that one into another so we can see who she or he is, and how this one fits into the whole tale. I think the next one will take place previously to these, though, although it, too, will have a tie to some of my former tales.
Baggins Babe · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Journey South
I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying this story. The characters are so fully realised and rounded and the twins have such definite personalities. I also love the way all your stories are inter-connected, and was delighted to read of some of the events in 'The King's Commissions' in this one. Loved meeting the Ents again and how nice to see Radagast. I had the feeling he would stay around a bit longer. Oooh, do I detect a hint of feeling creeping into the relationship between Brendilac and Narcissa? That would be lovely.
Author's reply
Yes, I try to intertwine my own stories--Lindelea has been instrumental in teaching me how this is done, I've found. And that others see my characters as well rounded is wonderful. And as with Jodancingtree, I always felt that a good part of Radagast's role in the affair would be in the reconstruction after Sauron was finally dealt with. And, yes, I think something is beginning to spark between Brendi and Narcissa.
harrowcat · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Journey South
I am so glad that Radagast came back into the story. Putting him with the Ents is so appropriate. His injunction to Sam was great. I love the way that Marry and Pippin automatically resume their share of 'duty' when travelling. Once seasoned I would imagine that they could never go back to being typical hobbits. And I am pleased that the other races recognise it. Honour is earned and a sense of duty is seldom lost. I can imagine Pippin paying special regard to the Lord Haladan as the King's representitive. Sam's recognition of the Ring's temptations is wonderful proof of his inate common sense.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam would recognize the Ring's lure, I am certain. And glad you like seeing Merry and Pippin automatically taking their turns at guard and being accepted by Lord Halladan's own folk as peers. And Radagast needs to get some more recognition, I've always felt. Thanks for the feedback.
Grey Wonderer · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Journey South
I do believe that there may yet be romance for Narcissa with a certain Brandybuck? Loved the visit with Treebeard!
Author's reply
Yes, it does look as if Brendilac and Narcissa are becoming aware of one another, doesn't it? :-)
NiennaTru · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Journey South
My goodness! Another two-chapter day!! I'm not sure what I've done to deserve such a treat. ;) Loved the appearance by Radagast. I don't come across him too often in the stories I read which I find a bit strange. It seems to me he should have more recognition somehow...
Author's reply
Twice he's appeared in one story, Radagast has. Glad you appreciate his presence. So, you are seeing both chapters in one day? Interesting!
Dreamflower · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Journey South
Another POV of the visit to Gondor--I love all the little details. Brendilac seems to be showing a very pointed interest in Narcissa's well-being. I wonder if it's all out of duty? And he suspects Emro is up to something? What could he do that would be harmful to the twins' interests? I was fascinated by the gathering in the Pony, and loved Butterburr's observations. The bit about the Underhill hobbit was sweet and a little sad. I see they came across that Bracegirdle doing his time. I wouldn't mind a bit from his POV--from being a respectable lawyer in the Shire to having to do hard labor among a lot of Men who were criminals of a rougher sort--it must have been a real jolt to his system. And I also liked the way Narcissa and the others were able to see Merry and Pippin treated as equals among the soldiers of their escort. This story just continues to delight me, as do all of yours.
Author's reply
I am so glad the details are so pleasing. I thought the Bree Hobbits deserved some recognition in their own light, particularly as Sam had spoken of their interest in Frodo's alleged book. And that they'd feel a family feeling for an alleged Underhill over there in the Shire seemed logical. I find I rather like Ned, myself. Those who attend this journey will be among the first to see Merry and Pippin as they are seen by the outer world, as menfolk among menfolk, taking their rightful turn at watching for difficulties along the way. And, yes, there does appear to be a growing interest in one another going on between Brendi and Narcissa, doesn't there? So glad you like this chapter.
Kitty · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 18: Journey South
Uh ... I wonder to what Emro is up to? Probably it is good Brendilac is going to have an eye on him. It sounds a bit suspicious. And am I mistaken if I suppose there is something blooming between Brendilac and Narcissa? It was funny how he examined her about what to take with her! I always thought it would be the female examining the male about this, not the other way around! It is certainly more than his duty asks of him *grins* Somehot I wouldn't be much surprised if they end up being married and fostering Fosco and Forsythia ... I am glad Narcissa decided to go to Gondor and to take care of Cyclamen on the way so Cyclamen could go, too. They will both benefit from this journey. And then in this chapter I loved the bits about Bree, Eregiel and his dogs, and the Ents and Radagast. It is so nice to see all of them again! I second what others said before - I love it how your stories are connected together. It becomes a universe of his own over the time which is familiar to me and in which I am very comfortable. I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, I, too, find myself seeing something beginning to grow between the one who thinks of himself as a widower and the one who has been a spinster for so long. Interesting to see them beginning to appreciate one another, I think. Glad my world of Middle Earth is welcoming to you. As for Emro, something will come there, too--but after the journey.
harrowcat · 7 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Visits with Tooks and Brandybucks
*she wold have to think on it she decided.* And we know what she decided! I do like the way that you weave your storites together and it is a tribute to the integety of your universe that they slot together so neatly. Merry as storyteller was a nice touch. I enjoyed his 'voice'. I would have loved a description of Pippin's wedding but maybe you are keeping it for another tale. Ican't wait til Narcissa meets the King.
Author's reply
The meeting with the King comes soon. And glad you are awaiting it with pleasure. Yes, I try to keep the integrity of my stories, and appreciate it when others appreciate it, too. Glad you like Merry's voice in telling stories. But, why should Sam get all the fun? Thanks for the review.
Grey Wonderer · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Visits with Tooks and Brandybucks
Lovely visits all around and Merry did an excellent job with his story-telling efforts.
Author's reply
The twins waking to the reality of the world of relatives and ties about them as the Shire wakens to the realization that, as with the news of Mark Twain's death, the belief that the Bagginses were at an end was exaggerated. Thanks for the feedback, and glad you enjoyed the visits.
shirebound · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 17: Visits with Tooks and Brandybucks
You always give me something new to think about! “I’d not realized that the immortals could truly find in life a great weariness, that they might themselves wish to be relieved of the burden of it in the end, but so it was with Saruman, who had been intended to know the most blessed of existences but who had lost that ability by coming to desire power instead. And so it was he found the same end as did Sauron himself, but to a far smaller and more petty scale. The Valar would receive neither back among themselves..." Very interesting. What an insightful passage.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you find it thought-provoking. But it did appear to me that Saruman was not going to stop being nasty till he was relieved of life. And what an end for both him and Sauron--both not only losing the lives of their bodies, but no longer accepted by anyone, losing their souls to their own selfishness. No need of Hell in the world of Arda--the nothingness of total rejection must be even worse.
NiennaTru · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 16: The King's Sculptor
I loved how you incorporated Ruvemir's visit to the Shire into this chapter! I've been reading "The King's Commission" very slowly and have yet to finish it (five? more chapters to go), but I do know what Narcissa decides about traveling to Minas Anor, so I'll be anxious to read what her motivations and reasons are for doing so in this story. I truly enjoy how all of your stories tie together in one way or another. =)
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying The King's Commission. The reasons why Narcissa goes are probably complicated, but the public one will shortly be made clear. Yes, I try to tie my stories all together, and am glad this is appreciated.
Kitty · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 16: The King's Sculptor
How nice to hear from Ruvemir and his family again :-) So this was the reason why Narcissa hadn't meet Ruvemir and Miriel during their visit in the Shire - her care for the twins and the ill Lilac. I am sorry for Fosco and Forsythia to lose her foster mother, too. And I wonder if Emro alone is enough to look for them - he seems quite devastated at the moment. Probably a bit more work for Narcissa in the future to replace Lilac as a mother? But it is good to know she will go to Gondor with Merry and the others soon. Only a pity the twins weren't with her, but I'm sure at another time they will travel together to the south and probably to Annumínas as well when Ruvemir or the King is there. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, Ruvemir and family do appear here, too. Will get to the visit to Minas Anor soon. As for Emro--he has his problems, and they are going to get a bit worse with time, I fear.
Grey Wonderer · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 16: The King's Sculptor
I wonder if Narcissa will find someone to love or if she will devote her life to the twins now that their own foster-mother is gone. It seems that a great many of the Shire-folk are now traveling and seeing what the four travelers saw. Since Frodo did want the twins to travel, I am guessing the Narcissa and they will eventually go to Minas Tirith and see the King. Still enjoying this very much. It has turned out to be my weekend read.
Author's reply
Ah, my weekend read has been on FFN, where a lovely story called Nothing of Note has been published, and I am now touting it. Quite an excellently written story, and I hope to convince the author to bring it here. Yes, we are getting more folk actively engaged in the outer world now, as the Shire enters the Fourth Age at last. Where the twins visit with the King may take you by surprise.
harrowcat · 6 June 2005 · Chapter 16: The King's Sculptor
I raised a cheer when I saw the title of this chapter as I thought that you must cover this part of the King's Commision. I am enjoying the view of events through other characters' eyes. As an ex-primary school-teacher you have my every sympathy. I am sure that it is not the actual children that cause the pressure - at least not individually! Try to keep smiling as the Summer break is looming. This chapter was clse to home for me as, unfortunately, my Mum is not getting any better and I live and work over ninety miles away. However, this crisis does seem to mean that my relatonship with my Dad is improving.
Author's reply
Good is coming out of it, then. When I lost my mother several years ago, she was two thousand miles away, and it took quite the trip to get there for the funeral which was arranged by Grandmother and which completely went against Mom's own wishes. It is difficult losing parents, but it is, unfortunately, more expected in this day and age than the other way around. God bless you and yours, and hope the relationship between you and your dad improve. My problems are more with the district than with the children, I find.
Dreamflower · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 16: The King's Sculptor
Oh goodness! I love how you have tied in "The King's Commission" here! This is brilliantly done!
Author's reply
Yes, all play off against one another. I'm glad you appreciate it!
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Tales for Bairns
Pippin's meeting with Diamond was so sweet. Seems no matter what Pippin attempts there is always a bit of embarrassment attached to it. He did manage to win her over in the end though. Now, sadly, I must wait like all of your other readers for more chapters of this one. I have enjoyed it to this point very much. Hope there is yet a bit more of this one.
Author's reply
Pippin is still impulsive and likely to say what's in his mind up front, realizing he may be embarrassing the lady in front of her family after the fact. But, being Pippin, he'll come out on top after all. Yes, now you'll have to do with a chapter a day for a time, won't you? Heh! Did you read The Choice of Healing as yet? There's one that's complete, you know.
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Summer's Progress
I loved Sam as story teller and his reason for telling the tale made it all the sweeter. I also like that moment when he told the story about Pippin throwing the stone and Merry snickering. I am enjoying this very much and am also glad I was so far behind. Gives me so much more to read and enjoy at one sitting. Nothing better on a day off than a long, enjoyable story to read. Thank you.
Author's reply
At least you get a day off! I sneak in between jobs, it seems. And, yes, showing up Ted Sandyman would be a wonderful reason for telling this story. And Merry would still be laughing at Pippin's immaturity in many ways, I think--but loving him the more for it.
NiennaTru · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Tales for Bairns
"Narcissa and the twins sat with many of the younger denizens of Long Cleeves in the front garden, enjoying tea in the open air while the youngest of the children turned cartwheels and somersaults on the lawn among the dogs, and the mothers and nurses watched all in between gossiping and taking stitches at whatever needlework each carried that day." I saw this so clearly and vividly in my mind. The bright sun that must have been shining, a warm breeze billowing the needlework, the sound of the children laughing as they played...From my understanding (and correct me if I'm wrong) Professor Tolkien intended the Undying Lands to represent Heaven, or something very like, but in my imagining, Heaven is like the Shire. Few places sound so appealing to spend eternity, don't you think?
Author's reply
He felt, I understand, the Undying Lands to be more a pleasant Purgatory for Frodo, Sam, and Bilbo, and preparation for what would come in the end; yet at an earlier time, according to Christopher, he appears to have spoken of Frodo's trip to Tol Eressea as being equivalent to Arthur disappearing at the end of his life, going with the Fair Folk in possible preparation for his coming again when the need was there. I personally don't see the Shire as Heaven, but can certainly see why you might wish it to be that way. And I love that this description moved you in that manner.
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Independent Guardian
So now Narcissa has a bit of closure as they say. I hope the best for her. She seems to have suffered the most with the least explanation up to this point.
Author's reply
She is finally beginning to find healing of a sort, I think. She needs and deserves it if anyone does.
Andrea · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Tales for Bairns
It's a wonderful idea to have Sam tell bits of their story to the children. And you have captured his voice perfectly! It's interesting to hear the story from Sam's (or your) viewpoint. There are lots of details in it, I hadn't recognized before. In particular I loved the scene where Strider's voice changed to a more gentle and educated tone while he was speaking with Frodo, and Sam recognized the light that shone in both of them. Last but not least, to see how the romance between Diamond and Pippin started, was wonderful, and funny :) Thank you!
Author's reply
I'm always pleased when people tell me they think I've captured Sam's voice, although it isn't exactly Tolkien's voice for him. Of course Sam is going to interpret things from his own viewpoint, and I think he'd have been shocked to see two with the same light in them together like that. In the Fellowship, Tolkien described Strider's tone as changing as he spoke, no longer as frightening, so I tried to imagine what changes it would take, and how this would better reflect the King in Waiting. As for Diamond and Pippin--as I've seen a few similar stories started just as I got to this point in my writing, it's been very interesting to me to see how this interaction has taken place from so many different imaginations at the same time. But somehow the image of Pippin in his mail and surcoat, helm and shield by him, his sword at his belt, coming up the track to a relatively modern garden party just seemed fitting for the first realization between them that they were important to one another. The Knight in Shining Armor meets Emma!
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Final Business
I guess that Narcissa was as close to a bride as anyone Frodo ever knew save for Pearl who broke his heart. It seems that he managed to provide for everyone. I love the fact that the elves and Bilbo signed his last documents. It seems fitting that folks in the Shire would know of Bilbo's signature and know that he had survived all those years that most had thought him dead.
Author's reply
Yes, in his way Frodo managed to see to it Narcissa realized she might indeed have been his wife. And it was only fitting Bilbo's presence should have sealed the end of Frodo's time as family head as it sealed the beginning.
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 11: Settling Affairs
A very fitting sentance. All justice should be as even-handed as this was. I liked that you had Frodo insist on a lawyer for Timono. It seems so very like what Frodo would have felt should be done.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Frodo Baggins would have wished even the worst offered a chance for mercy, and that they know that they are not alone in what they face. And I, too, wish our justice system were more true justice and less forcing people to plea bargain to close cases. I've seen several innocent folks who accepted fines for crimes they didn't commit so as to avoid going to jail or for spending years in prison.
Grey Wonderer · 5 June 2005 · Chapter 10: Fostering
I think that Lilac Gravelly did the right thing by bringing the letters and confessing to all present. I doubt that her adopted children would have forgiven her otherwise. Now, she may eventually have a chance to earn their love and trust once more. Seems as if their adopted father was almost as in the dark as the others were. I do feel sorry for Daisey. Not only did she miss her brother and sister's childhood, but everyone has been led to believe that she was resentful of them. Her reputation has suffered through no doing of her own.
Author's reply
I suspect that Emro knew what Lilac was doing. You'll note he didn't chide her for not mailing the letters, but for keeping them. But both were remiss in allowing all to believe Daisy had only contempt for Emerald and the twins. It's a bit late, but at least Lilac is doing the right thing now.