Soledad
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 69: The Shire's Soul
Oh, but this was beautiful - to see them in their youth, when they were still happy. Special thanks for treating poor Fatty with respect... we fat people are usually not treated that way. The drum must have been a marvel to look at... and poor Folco, forced to play an instrument he hated so much. I can certainly relate, having tormented the piano for ten years or so.
(Sorry I haven't commented earlier on the other updates - work has been insane lately.)
Author's reply
Yes, it was wonderful to work in Frodo's youth and the childhood of the others.
I think Fatty deserves this respect, personally, for he managed to surprise even himself with his courage and determination in the end, I think. And considering I, too, am now too heavy for my height, I am not one to denegrate heaviness. This is particularly true as one of the most graceful people I ever met was my husband's oldest sister, back when she was grossly overweight. She could move so beautifully!
I play the piano some--had years of lessons but mostly play by ear. Was raised in a home where my stepfather had a nine-foot concert grand as he'd once trained to be a concert pianist but gave over his dream to work in aeronautics instead--for thirteen years he tested components that went into each and every Boeing airplane that came out of their Seattle Plant 2 building. I'm only good enough to truly appreciate those like my dad who are truly excellent at it.
My younger half-brother was our second musical prodigy--picked up a bugle for the first time and was immediately playing recognizable tunes. Also played drums, trumpet (I gave up at my first blow at that blasted trumpet; Big Bro was okay at it and younger Sis was awful!), violin, and I'm not certain how many other instruments.
The "Soul Music" prompt was a fun one to work with.
Elflingimp
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 69: The Shire's Soul
Larner, after reading this I swear I could hear the music!!! Hugs Deb the Imp
Author's reply
I am thrilled at how vivid folk appear to find this one. Thanks so, Deb. I am truly honored! (I do love dancing Frodo!)
Celeritas
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 69: The Shire's Soul
*grin* IMPROMPTU JAM SESSION!
No, seriously, this made me ridiculously happy not only because it reminded me of similar moments among friends and acquaintances but also some of the "song and dance numbers" in old movies where one or two people quite innocently start playing and then slowly everyone joins in. Which is quite amusing since the jazz that usually supplied moments like that is the modern equivalent of folk music since it calls for improvisation.
It was lovely taking such concepts and applying them to the Shire, which is rooted so much more deeply in such traditions than our own locale.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Celeritas. Frodo as sort of "Lord of the Dance" for the Shire is rather a recurring theme of mine, I fear; and when I was challenged to do a story for the Wee Hobbits LJ site and work in the book title "Soul Music" by Terry Pratchett (who's one of my favorite authors, and which book is one of my favorite books in the Discworld series) this was, I suspect, inevitable, particularly as the book title brought to mind the forming of "Buddy's" band and the creation of "Music with Rocks In"!
That one scene in the FOTR movie where Frodo's doing a dance step while admiring Hobbit maidens look on has so inspired me!
Just start with a bunch of Hobbits gearing up for a big party the following day, a drum, and some instruments, and I think this HAD to happen, particularly remembering the dancing of the Springlering by the young Hobbits who attended THE Party!
shirebound
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 69: The Shire's Soul
I feel as if I was right there, hearing the beat and watching the children dance for the sheer joy of being young, and carefree, and... hobbits.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Shirebound! Yes, young, carefree, and Hobbits! Am so glad this chapter seems vivid to so many!
harrowcat
· 16 November 2008
· Chapter 69: The Shire's Soul
The music of the Song reveals itself in the Children. Lovely Larner. I could see the dancing and hear the music.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad it was that vivid for you! Thanks so much!
Dreamflower
· 15 November 2008
· Chapter 69: The Shire's Soul
I know I already reviewed over at LJ! But I wanted to say how lovely it was to see Folco was talented with the flute! (But poor lad--to be forced to play the viol instead!)
Anyway, that part really made me smile. 8-)
Author's reply
Oh, I thought you'd appreciate that, Dreamflower! We already know Wisteria is a bit of a social climber; I figure she'd see the viol as a more desirable instrument. Heh! And thanks for the double review--I'm honored. And am so glad that did indeed make you smile.
Kitty
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
That's a lovely tribute to the occasion, Larner! Theodred and Boromir deserve to be remembered on this day as much as all the other real and fictional heroes and warriors who died in wars.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree--all who have sought to protect their lands need to be honored, and in this Boromir and Theodred (and those who fell with Theodred and lie by him) stand for all who have ever served their lands and peoples.
Thanks so!
Antane
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
A nice tribute to the fallen. Hantanyel!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you so, Antane. And may all who have served their lands and people ever be honored for what they have given of their own lives.
Pearl Took
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
This is a touching and elegant piece of writing. Beautifully done, Larner.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Pearl. All who have served their lands and peoples deserve equal respect.
I tried answering this the other day, but got cut off by my server--am glad I can get back to it now.
Linda Hoyland
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
I love frodo's thoughtfulness.How apt he mentions the horse!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I think Frodo would find reason even to remember the horse, he who will serve to record all that was done in the protection of the Free Peoples and the downfall of the Darkness of the time.
IIRC, it was said that the horse returned to Rohan after the flood at Tharbad. I love to imagine it did so.
Thanks for the feedback, Linda.
harrowcat
· 12 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
Highly appropriate for it to be the epitomy of honour to honour the fallen. Great Larner.
Author's reply
Indeed, Harrowcat! Thank you!
Esquire_of_Rohan
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
Beautiful piece. I like it.
Author's reply
Thank you, Esquire_of_Rohan. I am honored.
Dreamflower
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
What a touching tribute! I think Theodred deserved so much honor.
Author's reply
I am honored, Dreamflower. Thank you!
shirebound
· 11 November 2008
· Chapter 68: To Honor the Princes
That's a lovely, moving tribute.
Author's reply
For all who fell there--and who have fallen elsewhere. May they be remembered with honor.
Linda Hoyland
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
I loved the idea of the friendly ghosts.I am lucky enough to live in house that has been in the family over 80 years and sometimes feel the same as young Frodo.
Author's reply
How wonderful to have that continuity. Bag End had been inhabited for at least a hundred thirty-five years, or so I'd guess, by the time Frodo Baggins left it the last time to go over Sea; by now it must be nearly two hundred years old, and most of the memories it holds are happy ones.
Linda Hoyland
· 6 November 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
This is just heartrending that Frodo,the one who made the joy on this day possible is unable to share it.
Author's reply
I so agree, Linda. Those who have faced the threat of Mordor directly rejoice, and Frodo feels diminished. It was at a horrible cost the war was won.
Fiondil
· 2 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
And a Happy All Saints to you, too! A lovely little ficlet, Larner. I suspect that Bag End had any number of ghosts (most of them benign) cluttering up the place over time. *grin* Thanks for sharing.
Author's reply
Probably so, Fiondil, and especially once Frodo brought Sam and Rose there as he brother and sister-in-love. Good memories have managed to drive out the bad ones.
Alas for Lotho and what he brought to the hole and what he suffered there; but this will always be remembered instead as the home of Bilbo and Frodo and Samwise Gamgee, where their love of life and the Shire always served as a blessing to the entire stubborn little country.
6336
· 2 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
If you have to have ghosts, benign ones are the best!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Lynda. Memories more than actual ghosts perhaps haunt Bag End, and at least most of them are pleasant ones!
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Kitty
· 2 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
Well, I doubt any of us would mind *these* ghosts going around in Bag End. It would be more comforting than frightening, I think, to know something of Bilbo, Frodo or Sam still remains, though they all have left long ago.
Author's reply
I so agree, Kitty. Memories of what it was like when the Ringbearers lived here and were Masters of Bag End and the Hill--three who always sought to make things better for others!
Thank you so!
Celeritas
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
Ah, I'm glad for an All Saints Day fic (and the idea that the "happy ghost story" would tie in so well with both it and its rather notorious eve).
I too love looking at places and things that have withstood Time and imagining the whispers of the things they've witnessed, so it was easy to feel for Frodo Gardner.
The last sentence capped the whole thing off perfectly.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed a "happy ghost story" for a change. And am so very glad you appreciate just how happy he appears to be with them all! Thank you!
shirebound
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
And Frodo Gardner doesn’t mind--not at all.
Ohhhh, how lovely! :)
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so. To be among those/i> ghosts would be comforting.
harrowcat
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
It is safe to say that each one also delights us. Hope that All Saints' was a blessed day.
Author's reply
Amen. May it be so indeed. For some reason this is one of my favorite holy days.
Antane
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
What a neat story, my dear Larner! How blessed Frodo G. was and how blessed we are by them as well and with you with this tale - what a way to celebrate the day!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've done my scary stories, so I felt that All Saints deserved its own story this year! Am glad it is so well accepted.
Dreamflower
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
This was very evocative! I'm sure that if there's any place that would echoe with the happy memories of times past it would be Bag End!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Dreamflower. I am honored!
Rhyselle
· 1 November 2008
· Chapter 67: Echoes
How very lovely this particular ghost story is! :) It was so gentle and calm and it just made me smile from beginning to end. Wonderful! May all the ghosts you encounter be as kind and loving.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Rhyselle! And may it be so with you as well--may those you love and have loved ever stand near your left shoulder.