Lindelea
· 14 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
Ah, lovely.
A tearjerker, as you said, perhaps... Though I found more smiles than tears. How lovely that there was time for a proper farewell. And comforting, to know that the Feast would follow, where all he ever lost would be restored to him, and misunderstandings made clear.
Nicely done.
Looking forward to raising a cup with you on the morrow.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you found the smiles outnumbered the tears! And they needed that proper farewell, I think.
And I, too, look forward to tomorrow. See you then!
6336
· 14 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
Oh, that was lovely, sweet and gentle, just how it should be.
You do write good stuff,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thank you, Lynda. I am honored!
Dreamflower
· 14 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
Oh my! You do know, my dear, that you do write absolutely beautiful deathbed scenes, don't you?
You manage to manage the angst so that the reader is kept precariously balanced between tears and smiles. I think my favorite part was at the end, with Merry and Pippin keeping watch over Sam. I know that Frodo expected that not only would Sam look after them for him, but that they'd return the favor, and this showed it so beautifully. And I loved the oblique reference to "Merry Mine".
Lovely job! Just lovely.
Author's reply
I am so honored you find it this way! Beautiful deathbed scenes? I am indeed honored.
I agree--Frodo would expect Sam, Merry, and Pippin to all watch over one another. And the reference to "Merry Mine" was indeed deliberate, of course!
Thank you so, Dreamflower.
Antane
· 14 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
A sad story, but how wonderful that Sam could feel Frodo's loving presence and Pippin gave Sam such a loving gift too. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And I believe that Sam would feel Frodo at that moment, and of COURSE Pippin and Merry would be there for him.
So glad you live it, Antane. Thank you so!
Antane
· 8 September 2008
· Chapter 63: Rebellion
So the worst rascal in Buckland is showing his head again, eh? Maybe he can copy that book outside in the sun or reward himself for all his hard work with a walk afterwards. I wish I could be with him - the weather sounds wonderful, not to mention the company! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
As this was written for International Literacy Day, I found I had to make mention of books! As for the company being wonderful--oh, indeed!
Thanks.
Andrea
· 8 September 2008
· Chapter 63: Rebellion
Frodo is absolutely right here!
And I'd say Bilbo needed this reminder, too. Maybe he might even be willing to join Frodo in watching clouds, with a good pipe, that is ;-)
Author's reply
I'm certain the old Hobbit would be right out there with his pipe, actually, and would actually appreciate Frodo wanting to be outside on such a day.
Hope this gave you a giggle.
Virtuella
· 8 September 2008
· Chapter 63: Rebellion
Quite right, Frodo, go get a tan!
Author's reply
Amen, Virtuella! Heh!
harrowcat
· 8 September 2008
· Chapter 63: Rebellion
Brilliant Larner! I DO want to copy books - onto my ebook reader :) But the Royal Mail is keeping it from me. :( Pray that they haven't lost it entirely!
Author's reply
I hope it gets to you soon, Harrowcat. I so hope it's not lost entirely! Let me know, okay?
Kitty
· 8 September 2008
· Chapter 63: Rebellion
Have to agree with Frodo here - books are wonderful, but they're not everything in the world. Particularly when the sun shines from a blue sky!
Author's reply
Amen, Kitty! Let the lad enjoy a balmy summer day!
Kitty
· 1 September 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
Glad Elrond and Frodo got to talk a bit. Elrond understands very well how Frodo feels, I think. And maybe he was able to lessen at least some of Frodo’s doubts about sailing with the Elves, even if Frodo still needed two years to really accept it.
And I loved the part where Elrond considered the similarities between Aragorn and Frodo. Well, if anyone has an idea where these similarities are coming from, then it’s probably Elrond ...
Author's reply
Indeed, Kitty. Yes, Elrond understands perhaps too well how Frodo feels. And now sees just how similar the son of his heart and this one who was perhaps in spirit intended to be his brother are.
Ah, blame the Master! After all, he's the one who wrote the similarities to begin with!
But I am grateful for the feedback! Thanks so very much.
Linda Hoyland
· 31 August 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
Some very interesting observations. I hope Frodo will come to accept that aging is the natural lot of all save Elves.I'm glad we know he does sail and Elrond too
Author's reply
I think it's the suddenness of the aging that's bothering Frodo--as well as his vanity. Here he's been young- and relatively good-looking for so long, and suddenly he's aged so much. Same mirror, same lighting conditions, probably; much older, skinny, weak-looking Hobbit in his own eyes--it would take anyone aback, I suspect. But I'm so glad you read it and left feedback!
Andrea
· 30 August 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
What an insightful conversation!
I'm quite sure Elrond knows or senses much more than he tells Frodo. And I loved his observation about the similarities between Aragorn and Frodo.
Last but not least, the image of the trouts holding their place against the current is very fitting here.
Elrond saw the same defiance in the small figure there beside him.
As Bilbo said, he is a most stubborn Baggins, and he will make the right decision.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you, too, appreciated the similarities between Frodo and Aragorn. Each has found himself having to shoulder unexpected responsibilities, and questioning his abilities at times. And am also glad you appreciated the fish and how they reflect the determination Frodo is feeling.
Frodo is stubborn, which is sometimes a blessing and sometimes a bane. But he does have a good mind....
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Antane
· 29 August 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
I'm sure he was given that time and I would hope he took advantage of it too - I would think Iluvatar would watch over such a beloved child taking his unsteady steps toward healing as a father would watch over his toddler and slowly, slowly the memories would no longer be suppressed but led out into the light where they could be seen and felt and then let go so they could no longer cut such a beautiful soul and then the laughter and the joy would burst forth and what a glorious sound that would have been to hear, second only to Iluvatar's own joy and that of the Valar and Sam who would of course know the moment it happened.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I, too, believe that this happened for him, as you know. And his humor would return, and his joy.
Thanks, Antane.
Antane
· 29 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
I love the idea of Frodo taking his proper place here, among so many others, and being welcomed by angels no less!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The idea of expanding on that comment of Elrond's has been working on me for a while, so it was nice to finally write it out. And who better to welcome him than one of the Maiar, just as one of them led him here.
So glad you liked it.
harrowcat
· 29 August 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
What a sensitive and great conversation Larner. And I especially loved the comparisons between Frodo and Aragorn. (Well you probably guessed that I would!)
Author's reply
Thank you so, Harrowcat. I am honored. (And I like that idea, too.)
shirebound
· 29 August 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
What a poignant, thoughtful conversation. And how interesting that Elrond sees a physical similarity between Frodo and Aragorn. I like that.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Shirebound. And I like that resemblance between them, also.
Dreamflower
· 29 August 2008
· Chapter 62: Meditations while Watching Fish
What an introspective conversation! I am sure that Elrond saw far more at this point than Frodo could see for himself.
And I love the points you make about the similarities in appearance between Frodo and Aragorn--it not only plays up the canon similarities between the two heroes of the tale, but also plsys into your own fanon about their being "brothers in the spirit".
Very insightful!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. That conversation reported in which Frodo comments that going home will not be the same for he won't be the same has always stayed with me.
And there are so many parallels between Frodo and Aragorn, even if they were not intended at one point to be born brothers. Frodo's own time of rule approaches, although he refuses to keep it in the end.
Anyway, again, thanks for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland
· 21 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
What a beautiful idea that they should all meet together as bright as angels and Aragorn shoukld get to meet his illustrious ancestors.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Linda! And thanks so for the feedback!
Baggins Babe
· 17 August 2008
· Chapter 60: The Departure Observed
A marvellous glimpse of a very special occasion - one these two and their mother will remember for ever. A moving and beautiful tale, Larner. I felt I was there with them.
Author's reply
I am so honored, B.B. To have been there to see that sailing must have been seen as a great honor in after-years.
Dreamflower
· 12 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
This is so nice! I love the acknowledgment of all those Elf-friends, especially Frodo, Sam and Gimli!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Dreamflower!
Kitty
· 12 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
Very fitting title – in the company of heroes, indeed! How it must have felt, being surrounded with more and more of these heroes out of legend! But no matter what Frodo and Sam may think, they deserved the honour – absolutely. What a great gathering that is!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Kitty! This one's been working at me for a time.
Kitty
· 12 August 2008
· Chapter 60: The Departure Observed
Interesting to watch the departure of the Ringbearers through the eyes of outsiders. These three mortals clearly felt that they watched something rather important. Somehow it was touching to know they were sad for the departure of the elves, even before they knew *who* was sailing. And they even saw the lights of being in Sam and Frodo!
The farewell between the Hobbits made me sniffle again. (Oh well, no surprise at all ...) Though it was lovely that we could watch Frodo holding up the phial a little bit longer through the eyes of someone who was there. And it is wonderful that these three will remember this day for many years. How fitting that Gilboron thinks of Eärendil when he remembers Frodo’s eyes!
Beautiful ficlet, Larner!
Pssst - Elboron suddenly knew, recognizing what they must be from the stories You mean Gilboron. Sounds quite alike, doesn’t it?
Author's reply
Thank you, Kitty. I would think that to realize that the Elves were leaving in increasing numbers would be difficult for those who have lived in proximity with them and who have profited personally from their teaching and assistance. And as these are more pure Dunedain than their distant kinsmen in the south, I'd think they'd be more likely to perceive the Light of Being.
I am glad this has touched your heart. Thank you!
And those blasted mistakes KEEP slipping past me! Gads! Thanks for the heads up.
Andrea
· 12 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
Great idea, Larner!
I loved it to see Gerontius Took amongst the elf-friends - and Gimli the dwarf.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Andrea. And of course the Old Took belongs there, and especially Gimli!
shirebound
· 12 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
Oh my, what a gathering! This is a lovely idea.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Shirebound. I'm honored.
harrowcat
· 12 August 2008
· Chapter 61: In the Company of Heroes
You constantly amaze me Larner. How do you find the time? I am glad that Frodo is present in the various companies that love and honour him. And, of course, Gandalf would have his own seat amongst this company of Elf-friends. What about Radagast do you think? (Surgical Steel has just reminded me about 'Following the other Wizard'
Author's reply
This one wrote itself one night when I was having difficulty sleeping. I sent it off to RiverOtter to be beta'd, and she go it back to me yesterday, so I posted it this morning. That quote from Elrond keeps showing up on the top of the homepage, and it's been bugging me to do an expansion on it--so, here it came!
The two challenge pieces I wrote some weeks ago, shortly after I got my elements. It took about a week for RiverOtter to get them back to me, and I was having Dreamflower look over the Lobelia piece, for which I'm grateful. After discussing the family trees with her, I found it was time to probe just how it was the Ring might have affected the birth of Baggins males since It came to the Shire, and that one got written. I decided to post it just before the challenge pieces were done....
Many of the ficlets take me less than an hour to write, and the one about Frodo and the HP books took me about a half hour, then another half hour to go over, rework a bit of the wording and decide on breaks.
I try to post challenge pieces juat after they're posted at the challenge site; that so many stories got back to me at the same time was a bit of a coincidence. I wanted to post "Curses Fulfilled" only a day apart from "A Useful Gift," as in many ways they're intertwined. I'm late for Bodkin's birthday, so her birthday story I felt I should post as soon as I got it back.
And so it goes.
I can't sleep? Out comes the computer. Waiting for a client to get out of an appointment? Out comes the computer. I write a LOT, obviously.
Anyway, thanks so for the feedback.