Moments in Time by Larner
SurgicalSteel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
Oh. I love this very much, the kindness and Rosie's reaction to it. Just lovely!
Author's reply
I see it more as love expressed than mere kindness, of course. I'm so glad you loved it! Thank you!
shirebound · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
Ohhh, that's lovely. I can well imagine this very scene taking place.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Shirebound. It must have been surprising to Rosie to learn she and Sam would live not with the Gaffer but with Mr. Frodo in Bag End.
Pearl Took · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
This is so charming Larner! “No--as his brother and his brother’s wife--that’s what he told me. And I’ll tell you this, my Mr. Frodo--he don’t say things like that lightly.” No, he most certainly wouldn't. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl Took! No, Frodo would never say a thing like that lightly.
Andrea · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Beautiful, Larner! Now Frodo can be sure that his healing is completed! And Bilbo will be as glad as his nephew about it. I loved the image of Frodo dancing in the rain and inviting Bilbo to join him. That was pure delight and joy - no more bad memories. The ending, with Osse asking Frodo to dance with him the next time, was perfect! Thank you very much :)
Author's reply
Yes, he is now healed, and can find joy and delight again in all around him, even in the midst of the extremes of weather. And of course Osse would appreciate someone who likes the same things he does! Wouldn't you think it would warrant an invitation to dance again next time? Heh!
Rhyselle · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 48: In Defiance of the Dark
I weep, I smile, I cheer. How very wonderful to see such a reunion between two, each who thought the other lost, even though they will have so little time together before they must separate once more. And how wonderful for Frodo to have made such a friend as Lillith. I like to think that it was their conversations that at last allowed Frodo to admit to Narcissa his feelings even if his health would not allow him to act upon them. Although, truly, now I wish that you would write an AU scene in which, despite his failing health and hold on Middle-earth, Frodo and Narcissa DID marry before the end, whether that end be his traveling over the Sea or deciding to accept the Gift of Men in Middle-earth. I have really enjoyed reading the different chapters in this series of short stories and am, I have to admit, somewhat envious of your ability to write so much so frequently, when my own muse seems to be flighty and prone to disappearing when my children and other responsibilities command my time. Wonderful tale!
Author's reply
I like to think that Frodo had more to him than just being the Ringbearer and a scholar. He must have had desires for physical love, a desire I'm certain the Ring would hae sought to exploit and distort. Now he is free, wouldn't he find those stirrings reasserting themselves in a more natural way? And had he met someone like Lilith, wouldn't she seek to help him accept that part of himself? I don't know if I'll do such an AU. White Gull and Cuthalion have done such marvelous jobs at giving Frodo such relationships, after all. But I'll agree to think on it--my muse seems to be intent lately on keeping me from finishing "Stirring Rings" and "The Tenant," after all! I did have several days on which I might write plus a job that left me with open time late at night when I needed SOMETHING to keep me awake! Now that I'm on day shift at last we'll see how things go.
harrowcat · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Loved this Larner. Frodo's release is so much the greater for his fear of still being imprisoned by his experiences. You make me want to dance with him too. (And we have a bad storm predicted for tonight but I don't think that I shall be dancing down my London street!)
Author's reply
No dancing down the street there in London, eh? Oh, I can imagine that might cause some consternation from your neighbors and the local bobbies. But I could just imagine how joyful he'd feel to find the bad memories no longer rule him! Am so glad you like it!
Soledad · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Somehow, it makes sense that Osse loves to dance, too. *g* And to think that everyone was worried sick while Frodo was enjoying himself so immensely is really funny.
Author's reply
Oh, for one who's known to raise storms at sea, it only makes sense that for him this is a form of dancing! Am so glad you appreciate the humor of the situation. Thanks, Soledad.
Theresa Greenfalcon · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
The image of Frodo dancing in the storm was delightful - well done! T
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it--I had a dream the other night in which Frodo was staring up through the rain with a look of intense joy on his face, and this was the story that rose to fill out that image. Thanks, Theresa.
Dreamflower · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Oh Larner! This is absolutely delightful! I'm so glad to see Frodo once more entranced by the storms. It's sad when someone becomes fearful of something they once enjoyed. My own dear husband used to enjoy a good thunderstorm--but no longer, since Katrina. I wish he could so easily recover his joy in the wind and rain.
Author's reply
I'm so sorry your husband was so traumatized by Katrina--although I can see how it could happen. For Frodo, the realization that his fears had been truly cleansed away must have been so freeing! Thanks so much. And my prayer is that your husband will know the same healing in time.
Linda Hoyland · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
I never thought there would be storms in the WEst, but I loved the idea of Frodo's joy in the power of nature.
Author's reply
Storms have their place, and since I wrote of Osse and Uninen's interactions with Saruman and Gandalf I thought that there must be a primal joy that Osse finds in bringing up his storms that he and Frodo could share. Am so glad you loved that idea of Frodo loving the power of nature--and who more primal in nature's expression than Osse? Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
(“Oh, we Hobbits take our food very seriously,” Bilbo responded,) Truer words were never spoken! I loved Bilbo in this one. Oh, and I could just see the joy on Frodo's face as he danced in the rain. Wonderful!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you love Bilbo in this one. Bilbo always was a wonder, once he let his imagination out! Heh! And am so glad that this one brought that image to mind--I see it, too! Thanks so much, GW!
Rhyselle · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
A beautiful story, Larner. And imagine my surprise to see my name used for an elf who grows fruit trees. :) As I have a black thumb, and have always wished to have a green one, this was kind of a bit of wish-fulfillment for me! I loved the ending in particular, with Osse inviting Frodo to dance with him again in a few years. It's so good to see Frodo's realization of his healing. Knowing intellectually is one thing, but Frodo needed this to allow him to know that he has been healed. Thanks so very much for sharing your stories. I really enjoy them!
Author's reply
It's an honor to see you pleased, Rhyselle. And I do think that Osse would be greatly pleased to find a mortal loved the play of wind and rain and lightning as much as he does! Yes--intellectual knowledge isn't necessarily the same as emotional knowledge of the same information. And now Frodo can see that the healing has indeed come to him indeed. Thank you for reading my stories.
shirebound · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Lord Ossë as he dances in the winds and waves. It has been long and long since I’ve seen him on this side of the Straight Path. What a lovely way to think of the storms and tossings of the waters. And this is a lovely story. Such joy, and such a delight to witness this healing.
Author's reply
Am very glad you appreciate it, Shirebound! A joyful March to you!
Kitty · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Lovely, Larner! It must have been quite the shock for Bilbo to wake up and find Frodo gone, but to find him dancing in the storm in joy, not frightened by it, was such a relief! And what a joy to find Frodo healed at last!
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Kitty! Am so pleased you enjoyed this one! Thank you so!
Alassiel · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 48: In Defiance of the Dark
Hello Larner, There are many kinds of love, and all are no less love. I am glad that Frodo was able to give to this woman, who may have known pleasure but rarely love, a glimpse of it, and I am glad that she was able to help him along the road to healing by giving him love as well. That her captain found her and wed her was beautiful, for then she truly knew what love is. I read this and the following story twice this week-end. Thank you. Blessings, Alassiel
Author's reply
Am so very glad you found they spoke to you, Alassiel! The two of them needed one another for the moment, I think; and Androd needed to find her and show her he'd truly come to love her as all deserve to be loved. Thank you so!
Alassiel · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
Greetings Larner, When I read Filled with Light as with Water several years ago, one thing I wondered was: What happened when Frodo met the Valar? Now I know. This tale is both beautiful and terrifying. The idea that Ungoliant could lodge in another's body like a parasite made me physically ill. I'm glad that horror was exorcised. Frodo's spiritual journey was also frightening, but lovely—from terror to peace. Yes, your vision is different from Fiondil's, but to me it is no less valid. Thank you for telling us of Frodo's healing and rest. Blessings, Alassiel
Author's reply
I would think that for mortals to find themselves face to face with the Valar would be very difficult in many ways; and Tolkien indicated the Undying Lands would cause most mortals to burn out early, as they couldn't bear such concentrated Light. Frodo is a mortal, after all; and is still fighting his demons, one of whom has been lodged in his neck for the past three years. There are such spiders in this world that do things like that, and I found myself remembering that as I first contemplated what might be causing that wound to reopen as it did. After going through Elf Interrupted I was finally inspired to write my own version of a judgment and the type of healing that Frodo would need. And I doubt he had much in the way of fear of death left to him, once he'd made it that far. Thanks so much for the feedback.
harrowcat · 25 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
This is one that bears re-reading any number of times. I can hear echoes of Fiondil's work which I couldn't put down either.
Author's reply
Yes, Fiondil managed to inspire me to write this one at last. So glad you feel it bears rereading! Thank you!
Queen Galadriel · 24 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
Oh, wow...That's amazing. My first thought when I realized what was going on was "Ooo! She actually did it!" (I sort of hinted at it in a review of something a long time ago, so naturally I was thrilled!) But I didn't know you were going to go beyond the healing of the neck wound and show the whole thing! It's late and I want to reply to your e-mail real quick before I head to bed, so I won't be wordy enough to be annoying this time. ;) Frodo's feelings were especially vivid in this piece, I thought; I felt like I was right there with him, either feeling or watching, depending on the perspective you were writing from. Parts were terrifying (the battle in the shadow realm--what an adversary! *shudders* spidery in her nature, whatever form she took); and then there were the touching moments, like the Valar's care of Frodo. I especially loved Yavanna here, the offering of food was so perfect and I think Frodo's Hobbit friends/relatives would have approved of that. :) Absolutely loved the interlude with Este! I just love the way you portray the Valar! At any rate, by the time the healing and the judgment were over, I felt I'd definitely witnessed and been a part of a trying ordeal, but then there was the rest at the end. Gandalf's and Namo's conversation about Frodo not being truly healed and being cherished brought a lump into my throat. The whole thing was masterfully done, and so beautiful! (I feel like I never say what I really mean, but the English language does have limits, you know.) God bless, Galadriel :)
Author's reply
I rather thought you'd like this one, and will catch up on the email tomorrow evening when I get off work--am being switched at last to day shift. I've been reading "Elf Interrupted," so this was working at me as I read Fiondil's work. Am so glad you feel that I managed to portray Ungoliant as propery "spidery" even in a form that mimics that of the Creator's Children. I've tried to imagine what it must have been like for Frodo to find his healing at last; would he have been totally physically healed, or would it be enough that his spirit would be set at rest? I suspect that the very fact he was mortal would preclude total physical healing, but that the fact he was now at peace would allow him to live a full life nonetheless. And am so glad you like him with Yavanna and Este. Thank you so! It's been an interesting past month--flu and conjunctivitis have taken their toll (am fighting the latter at the moment) plus I've been subbing for colleagues while training my replacement as night-nanny. And now I need to get to sleep so I'll be up in time to work in the morning. I was to continue working primarily in the attended facility, but will be subbing for a colleague who's retiring and whose brother is now dying--it's going to be interesting as I make the transition. Good to see you have time to read again.
Kitty · 22 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
You filled another gap with this one. I remember the mentioning of finally cleansing Frodo's wound from this evil, but there were not much details. So it was truly interesting to finally get them. The Valar and the judgment show how Fiondil influenced you. As I loved 'Elf interrupted' very much, I am glad you liked it, too, and enough to be inspired. It seemed very fitting here how you included and described the Valar in the act of destroying Ungoliant and healing Frodo at last. After all he went through, it's probably no wonder Frodo was so uncertain if he should continue to live or go on beyond the circles of Arda. But luckily, after the one evil still tormenting him is destroyed, now he can enjoy the time still remaining for him. What I enjoyed, too, was that Gandalf was there the whole time and cared for Frodo. No other would have been more fitting, after all the long time he has known the Hobbits. And he even sang a Hobbit song at the end!
Author's reply
No, I'd always left it up to the imagination of my readers to figure out how Ungolian was dealt with in my other stories, except, of course, for "Go Out in Joy," of course--in that case there would have had to be a way to make certain she doesn't come back to "bite" the Shire, after all. I agree that Frodo must have been fairly frustrated at this point--he's just thinking he's pretty much all better, and here he has this wound acting up again, and to find it's inhabited would be a shock, particularly when one realizes which Maia it is that's causing the problems. Perhaps it would be better to let go--or maybe not. Now that he's finally starting to feel better.... And Gandalf would have to be part if the whole process, I'd think--Hobbits have been his passion for so long; and this will be the last Hobbit he'll have the chance to truly cherish through the remainder of his life. And for this Hobbit and for Bilbo of COURSE he'd want to sing Hobbit songs! And it was all Fiondil's fault this one got written.... Thanks so much for the feedback.
Andrea · 22 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
Dear Larner, First of all I would like to quote Fiondil here: One can only cherish, never protect, for from what can one protect another when the other is already in the hands of the One? This is wonderfully said! If we keep this thought in mind, life will be much easier to bear. It is frightening to imagine that Frodo took with him more than an old wound to Tol Eressea. On the other hand that particular place was the best place to get rid of that evil creature. I'm fascinated by your knowledge of the Valar and Maiar. I have read some parts of the Silmarillion, but not enough I fear ;-) I particularly liked it that even the Valar were reassuring Frodo that he did all he could, and even more. He just has to believe them, and I think he finally does. Last but not least I liked it that this story began with Frodo reminding himself that he is a hobbit: I am Frodo Baggins of the Shire. And it ended with a hobbit song and a hobbity remark! Very well done! Thank you.
Author's reply
I've so often wondered what happened to Ungoliant, if Shelob was her daughter. I know that spiders have a habit of consuming one another, and that Ungoliant might have been ingested by her daughter is, unfortunately, a possibility. But as a Maia, how would her spirit be dealt with? Could she still be lingering around? Where? And if she had been sort of injected into Frodo's wound, how would that be handled? Indeed, after reading Elf Interrupted I found myself being annoyed again by the bunny that led to this one, and finally wrote it out. Frodo was conditioned by the Ring to think of himself as being more responsible than any one individual can be, or so I've always seen himself; he'd need that reassurance from the highest authorities that he'd done his best, and no one can do more; and others also NEED the chance to follow his example. And to begin and end this with the reminder that Frodo is a Hobbit was as much a joy for me as it is for you. Thank you!
Fiondil · 22 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
Particularly for Fiondil, in return for many hours of reading recently--although I don't quite see some things precisely as he does. And why should you? *grin* But this was just lovely, Larner, and I'm glad that my own take on the Valar and such were an inspiration to you. I think you showed the various Valar and Maiar with great sympathy and sensitivity. I particularly enjoyed watching Frodo's fëa going in and out of his hröa like a yo-yo. Even poor Glorfindel didn't do that. *LOL* It's good to see Frodo finally being healed enough that he can make the choice for Life, however long that might be granted him. I particularly liked the conversation at the end between Námo and Olórin. One can only cherish, never protect, for from what can one protect another when the other is already in the hands of the One? I think this has to be one of my favorite of your and I'm delighted that I had some small part in sending this particular bunny your way.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Frodo, not truly certain what he wants, and suddenly feeling totally overwhelmed again. I mean, I'm certain he thought it had all been left behind when he left Middle Earth, but here his mind sees a stone circle and conjures up barrows and all, and then faces Ungoliant, and not certain he wishes to continue to live.... I agree, could probably give Glorfindel a run for his money. And am so glad you agree with the conclusion Gandalf and Namo make. And am honored to have turned your bunny into this. Now, am looking at a very, absurdly small Ranger....
Linda Hoyland · 21 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
Poor Frodo having to suffer evenin the Blessed Realm.Let us hope the Maiar have finally healed him.
Author's reply
I rather think this is the last suffering Frodo will have to know. Mostly it's accepting it's now time to live without fear for the future, a pleasure he's not known since he first learned the nature of the Ring. But at least Arda is now free also of the fear of the return of Ungoliant!
Dreamflower · 21 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
So now we see how they rid Frodo of Ungoliant in the West--something you had sort of hinted at showing at the end of "Go Out in Joy". I think what I was most touched by here was seeing Gandalf/Olorin's great depth of love for his dear friend--the lengths to which he was willing to go to see that Frodo finally got his healing. Lovely job!
Author's reply
I'd mentioned this happening in "The Choice of Healing," and after reading Fiondil's "Elf Interrupted" this has just been practically beating me up, demanding to be written! Heh! Author Reply: And I felt that Gandalf would have a very special love for this Hobbit--the last Hobbit he's likely to know closely from now on, the last he can truly call "friend." For the sake of all of Frodo's people and ancestors he's known, I think he'd especially wish to see this one know peace and fulfillment.
shirebound · 21 February 2008 · Chapter 49: Judgment and Healing
What a beautiful, lyrical journey, Larner. And how wonderful to end it with laughter and friendship, two of the most cherished things indeed.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Shirebound. When the spiderbite bit again Frodo must have been quite shocked, and particularly once he learned what was in there. So much must have been difficult, and choosing to live and see where the life he'd been granted might lead would have taken some courage, I'd think. A joyful Lent to you!
Soledad · 17 February 2008 · Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
I see I must be careful whom I offer my favourite recipes in the future. :)) This was a very funny story. Poor Mistress Loren, unknowingly trying to acquire a harem of Hobbits...
Author's reply
Yes, this was such a fun one to write, and to think of one custom that must be very Hobbity to the point that it could be misconstrued elsewhere and amongst Men. Poor Mistress Loren must have been totally confused and embarrassed. And it was wonderful to find a moment when Frodo felt just happy, a child in his arms, after his return from the Quest.