Moments in Time by Larner
Edlyn · 29 November 2007 · Chapter 45: Lack of Discretion
LOL! I'm snickering out loud and getting some funny looks from the people sitting nearby. Very cute!
Author's reply
Oh, dear--don't want you getting into trouble at work! Glad to give you a giggle.
harrowcat · 29 November 2007 · Chapter 45: Lack of Discretion
Hah, hah! Hobbit lesson number one; Never cross the cook! (Needed that after your e.mail. Got to go checking that fact about the UK. I haven't heard it!)
Author's reply
Yes--one does NOT do well to pull such a prank on the one who is well placed to wield skillets! Hope you got the note I forwarded from my friend as a follow-up to the earlier story. Actually, there are schools here in the States that have tried to push the Holocaust denial theory, although only religiously oriented ones, mostly very fundamentalistic in nature and several of them aligned with extremist groups, have been able to get away with it for long. But there are some political action groups that push the idea that it didn't happen. One of the times my late husband was most moved was when we visited the camp site outside Dachau. There is a barn outside the camp, screened from sight by trees, to which the bodies used to be brought for cremation before they built the gas chamber-crematorium building. There was one oven in it that was not roped off as were the ones in the later building. Being able to set his hands in that oven and know how many individuals' bodies went through it brought the whole history of the camp home to him. Nowadays the camp docents insist the gas chamber there was never used; former inmates and the testimony of those who liberated the camp say differently.
Antane · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 44: Of Coins and Kittens
This is a heartache that we all know what Frodo is planning - and Sam thinks he knows - but he doesn't know the half of it yet and Frodo will keep that til nearly the very end. At least in the book Sam had some days to adjust to the fact that his "sweet master" :) and that beautiful, beloved smile would no longer be with him physically, instead of the movie in which that terrible wound was made without warning, Frodo plunging the sword into their shared heart at the last moment. There must have been many moments like this between friends and relations, many gifts to bestow, silent goodbyes that would only be realized as such by the recepients afterwards. Wonderful to see that the "ISP from Mordor" is allowing you back on! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, the ISP is cooperating a bit, but it's been working at downloading an email message from the server for over twenty minutes and still is only 73% done! But it's allowing me to surf fairly easily tonight. Do not ask me to explain the vagaries of my ISP--it's driving me crazy! Last night it was dragging out both email and board reading, and cutting out on me frequently. Yes, I'm glad Book-Frodo didn't wait until the last moment as did Movie-Frodo. And being the thorough individual he was, I think he would indeed have done some planning to see to it that at least the transfer of Master of Bag End and the Hill at least went smoothly; and that his relatives would have some sort of final word, even if he didn't warn them. Anyway, thanks so for the feedback. Always good to see you online.
Andrea · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 44: Of Coins and Kittens
Well, actually I had to read until I reached the word "bargain" before I understood what had just happened ;-) Very clever of Frodo to try it that way, although Sam gave him a hard time with all his questions. I loved the last scene with the kitten. Cats seem to sense where they are needed. They are special animals, indeed!
Author's reply
Ah, but at least you did realize what it was about in the end. It will take a week or so more before Sam and Rosie understand. And yes, animals do tend to sense when and where they are needed. Between my kitties and the pomeranians I'm blessed with love.
shirebound · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 44: Of Coins and Kittens
What a poignant scene. I suspected that was why Frodo needed that coin! Leaving Bag End to his dear Sam brought Frodo a great deal of peace of mind.
Author's reply
Having used the first gold coin sent by Aragorn as the means by which Lobelia deeded Bag End back to Frodo, I thought it likely that Frodo would seek to use EVERY means possible to assure that Bag End went to Sam when he left the Shire. And I do believe this would have given him a good deal of peace of mind indeed. Thanks so, Shirebound.
Kitty · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 44: Of Coins and Kittens
Of course, as soon as Frodo asked Sam for the coin, I knew what that was about and was following the conversation with some amusement, though maybe I should be sad, knowing what is to come. But still, I found it interesting to see how Frodo managed to get the coin without telling him the truth. Poor Sam, so he realises there is something going on, but he doesn't even guess what. The end with the kitten was so sweet. And I was grinning about the name. Of course, in the household of a gardener, and particularly Sam's, what other name could be used than the one of a flower?
Author's reply
This was written in response to a challenge in which I was to start as I did and include a coin, a blanket, and a kitten. That this should fit as well as it did within my storyline was adventitious, but I'm glad it worked. And what other name for Rosie's ginger kitten than Nasturtium, hm? Thanks so much, Kitty.
harrowcat · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 44: Of Coins and Kittens
Now that is a treasure of a chapter that I suspect a lot of people besides me wanted to see written. Thank you. Loved the gentle picture of Frodo and the kitten. A friend of mine has been adopted by a cat since her dog died, well actually the cat started coming into the house before Benjy died. I t has taken to licking my toes - funny feeling! The toes were clean by the way!
Author's reply
Am glad you like it. It was in response to a challenge on LOTR-Community, and what was required by the challenge just happened to work into my story. Author Reply: BTW--one of the poms loves to lick my legs when I get out of the tub or shower. But the cats so far have abstained.
Linda Hoyland · 27 November 2007 · Chapter 44: Of Coins and Kittens
This was just lovely. My Leo often curls up against any ache I might have. I liked the idea of the symbolic purchase. I hope there are kittens in Valinor.
Author's reply
One of my poms will curl up near where I'm sore, too. And I hope there are dogs and cats in Valinor as well. So glad you enjoyed it, Linda. Thanks!
cookiefleck · 16 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
Lovely story, dear!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciated it, although Sam chose to stay home and sleep this time. Thanks so much, Cookiefleck.
Raksha The Demon · 15 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
A lovely portrait of two survivors of the Ring War, coming together under the sun as they once barely dared to hope they would do. Faramir is beginning to adjust to the idea of a prosperous future stretching out before him; while Frodo, it seems, begins to know that the prosperous future he has attained for others will not be granted to him. Good characterisation of both; and a nod to Faramir's knowledge of Gondorian history as well. Can I wish for more stories in which Faramir plays a prominent role?
Author's reply
And a happy birthday to you, my lady! Yes, I'll undoubtedly do at least a few stories here and there, one of which was turned loose by Dreamflower. And am so glad you like the characterisations. As Faramir was supposed to have been the one who, like his father, was a master of the Lore of Gondor, it only made sense he'd have an idea as to which King it was that was pictured at the Crossroads, and it was fun to go through the list of the Line of Kings trying to decide which it was! Thank you, Raksha.
Grey Wonderer · 14 October 2007 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
This was lovely. Enjoyed every word.
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoyed it, Grey Wonderer! I do like to imagine the relationship between Frodo and Aragorn, after all. Thanks so much for letting me know you read it.
Linda Hoyland · 13 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
A lovely thought provoking story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda.
Andrea · 12 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
Like Dreamflower I recognised the different types of walls in this story. Since she's already described them perfectly I won't repeat it all, but simply agree with her! Great review, really! “But if he is never tried, Frodo, how can he ever learn of what he is capable?” Faramir is absolutely right here! Frodo should know this best. But he tends to underestimate what he achieved during the quest. And no one in Middle-Earth will be able to convince him that this is not the case. I certainly understand that Frodo would wish for his Shire to be protected from the outside world. However, he will have to find out very soon that this is simply impossible. When he comes back he will see that in fact the outside world "found" the Shire, and not noble man like Faramir, but brutal ruffians and their leader, Saruman! How devastated he must have felt when he found this out! After having set things right with the help of his companions, Frodo seems to have changed his mind. He even encourages hobbits of the Shire to trade with men, or sends a lawyer to take lessons from a man of Gondor! That's the right way! I think in the short time Frodo lived in the Shire after the quest, he achieved a lot. And he made his kin aware of the outside world! At least these "walls" were breached. Thank you very much, Larner, for this new addition!
Author's reply
I am honored, Andrea. Yes, in the end he realized the "walls" had indeed been breached, and set about making certain the holes were made into gates for proper entrance and exit. And now they do have trade going, and lessons going back and forth. So glad you realized even he accepted this was necessary in the end. Thanks so much, Andrea.
Antane · 12 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
Frodo is sadly right that his efforts and terrible sacrifices would not be understood or appreciated by those in his beloved Shire, but still they were by many who knew the truth and it is right for him to think it was all worth it if those he loves are kept innocent because of what he did. But the poor dear, to think he was worthless now, not wanting to 'inflict' himself on someone. I would hug him if I thought he would accept it. Namarie, God bless you and him, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, it was worthwhile in the end, Antane--an acceptable sacrifice after all. And I think he'd accept the hug, myself.
Dreamflower · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
What a lovely conversation, taking on so many different variations on the theme of "walls", from the literal wall of the parapet where they stood, to talking of the walls of the buildings in both Minas Tirith and the Shire. I loved the way Faramir was so curious about the Shire, and Frodo's vivid descriptions--it makes me wish that Faramir could have seen it at least once before the Edict went into effect. Then we see the metaphorical walls--both the ones around the Shire, keeping not only evil, but knowledge as well, out; and the ones Frodo is building around himself, a guard against the pain and self-knowledge his Quest had given him. It was also very bittersweet to hear Frodo talking of the Shire he'd left--all unknowing of the Troubles there--the walls there have already been breached, though no one knows that yet. It's so ironic that at this point he thought he'd never live in Bag End again--the reader knows better, and yet his repossession is so brief and unhappy. And I really loved the ending, with Faramir's hand on Frodo's. These two, I think, had a great understanding of one another. Beautifully done, Larner!
Author's reply
Am so glad you are seeing just what I'd hoped to communicate, Dreamflower. Yes, bittersweet indeed, the caring Frodo knows for his own folk yet how they do need, as a younger Frodo realized, to come into full awareness of the world OUT THERE (or out here as he's outside the borders of the Shire himself at this point) while he's still fighting his own walls. Thank you so for your comments, Dreamflower.
harrowcat · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
The King's Hallow AND Frodo talking with Faramir within a week! - Ah, sometime's life is just perfect. And I am posting you plenty of nice fresh carrots and greens to help out with the housekeeping for the plot bunnies, especially the new one! *g* Solved the birthday gift challenge - two new vases together with a commitment to fill them once a month! Home to deliver tomorrow.
Author's reply
Oh, how much I DON'T need more plotbunnies, Harrowcat! Heh! So, new flowers for Mum on a monthly basis, eh? I wish her many happy returns of the day! Give your folks and Jet my love.
Kitty · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
This conversation left me thinking what a pity Aragorn’s ban of Men was sometimes – I am sure Faramir would have loved to visit the Shire ; he’d have appreciated this fertile land. It is so understandable why Frodo wants to protect the Shire from the evil outside, and it is meant well. And yet – I’m not convinced it is always the right thing to allow the hobbits to deny that there is an outer world at all. They’d be at least forewarned if there were any danger when they knew more and kept contacts with others. The Shire schools are a very sensible idea, and I am glad Frodo in the end realised it – it’s a protection of his folk in its own way to know a bit about the world outside of the Shire. Anyway, I was glad these two got some time to talk to each other. Faramir’s hand on Frodo’s was a very nice touch. And I *so* agree with Faramir’s last wish. Lovely story, Larner!
Author's reply
Ithilien is also rising out of the ruins of a lost province, as the Shire rose on the remains of Cardolan. And I agree that perhaps Aragorn didn't truly do the Shire any favors by making it totally off limits for Men. Am so glad you agree with the Shire schools, even if they didn't have a place in this particular story. Yes, a protection his folk will need in the future. And the last wish does end up granted, just not within Middle Earth itself. Thank you so, Kitty.
Lindelea · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
and did you know you just released still another plot bunny in the house, this place that is now infested with them? This one has climbed to the highest shelf on the utility porch, where it is defying the tortoiseshell! And Bookie is looking over her shoulder in alarm to find this one sitting in HER place! Heh! We aim to please! Heh. Go, bunny, go!
Author's reply
Heh! We'll see what it accomplishes before we see it exorcised.
Pearl Took · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
Beautiful Larner!! I love that Frodo isn't weak, whimpy or overly maudlin and I love that Faramir ends up with his hand resting on Frodo's injured one. Simply beautiful!
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it so, Pearl. I NEVER see Frodo as weak or wimpy, but filled with a great deal of dignity by this time, and all too often a bit wary and in need of that wariness being relieved. Thank you!
Lindelea · 11 October 2007 · Chapter 43: Concerning Walls
Ah, so many different kinds of walls, visible and invisible. And yet somehow understanding is found. I loved this bit: after the gloom and desolation of the day, somehow it gave us heart, Sam and me, as if secretly he was crowned in glory, and the Enemy didn’t realize he was already defeated. And also the thought of the Mountains of Shadow needing a new name. I'm glad that Frodo reached the conclusion that it was all worth it. Would you say this conversation is one of the seeds of the King's Edict?
Author's reply
It only makes sense that eventually the Ephel Duath would take on a new name, now that Mordor is gone and cannot rise again. And I believe he would find it worthwhile, even if it cost him so very much. As for this perhaps being one of the inspirations for the King's Edict--I hadn't thought of that, but you are right--this might indeed have been a spark for it--and did you know you just released still another plot bunny in the house, this place that is now infested with them? This one has climbed to the highest shelf on the utility porch, where it is defying the tortoiseshell! And Bookie is looking over her shoulder in alarm to find this one sitting in HER place! Heh!
Antane · 7 October 2007 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Sorry too am I that that trip was never made, I was looking forward to it. But I hope he heard his Creator's words in the West and knew that immense love cradling him as it always had. Maybe Aragorn is wrong and that trip will still be made? *tosses carrot at plot bunny* Yes, we are all imperfect, but we are all still loved. "An encouraging thought" as Gandalf would say. And I love too the way the people of Gondor came to Aragorn - as children eagerly wanting their father's attention and love. Sorry to be so late in reading this. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There's never "late" when reading, Antane. (Grinning.) Just glad you read it, for I was certain you'd like it. As I believe that Frodo'd always been one to hear the voice of Iluvatar, once he no longer had the Ring I think that, in spite of the PTSD and all he still heard that voice more and more, and that once he went west he found the healing to allow him to accept that Voice's love freely. Yes, an encouraging thought indeed. As for Aragorn as King--I see him as I personally believe a King ought to be, of course. I'm certain he'd be a marked contrast to Denethor. And many of the people of Gondor must have been surprised to find such an individual as their ruler, one who understands the ruler rules FOR the people, not OVER them, if you understand the distinction. Glad you could read it at last.
Armariel · 7 October 2007 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Oh my...sooooo beautiful...one of your best yet. An atmosphere of ineffable peace and light and love hovers over all. The voice is just right, and the overall effect is both poignant and uplifting. A pity Frodo won't see the Hallow however. Interesting point about elf-women and "courses". I've wondered about that myself. And nice observation about hobbits who may have elven blood--I've toyed with the idea also, and had a story in my head once about it, but never went through with it. Probably still won't, but well.... Anyway, a wonderful piece, thanks so much for sharing! ~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Thank you, Armariel. I am so pleased you find it this way. And it is too bad Frodo didn't go up. How would menstruation be handled among Elves, one must wonder? This just seemed logical. And the euphenism for sexual intercourse between husband and wife comes from the older English and early American Anglican marriage service. I first ran across it in a Madeleine L'Engle book, "The Other Side of the Sun," and then found it in an older British Book of Common Prayer--I collect such things, as well as various translations of the Bible.
Kitty · 7 October 2007 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Oh Larner, it was such a wonderful surprise to return from a vacation yesterday night (the reason this review is so late) and to find this! Thank you very much, that was so sweet of you! I truly enjoyed this – I love Aragorn and Frodo both very much, and them having this private time together was great, and Frodo snuggling up to Aragorn was just perfect. It was interesting with what explanations they came up about Frodo’s ability to feel the White Tree, to draw upon the power of the Elessar stone etc., and for someone who knows already about their special connection, it was fun, too. To read his mother’s journal years later had to be quite an eye-opener to Aragorn, I suppose. And about the Fallohides and this Fairy they maybe should ask Gandalf. If *anyone* knows anything, it has to be him. The speculations about hobbit family trees are fitting in nicely with some of the other stories like ‚Stirring Rings’. How regrettable that Frodo refused to go with Aragorn up to the Hallows – that could have been interesting. Now you left me pondering if it would have changed anything, at least about his feeling of failing. Maybe it would be a possibility for the happy AU, if you ever get to write that. with that burden you bore me with you--me, my hopes and dreams, my destiny, even. Certainly you bore about your neck the one chance there was I might reach my true desire--to take Arwen as my wife and know that completion Larner, that is beautiful expressed and made me a bit teary-eyed! Maybe it is a bit of comfort to Frodo, particularly as he is refusing to accept his own worth – that is always rather sad to read how unworthy he feels. Thank you again so much for this unexpected gift! *many hugs*
Author's reply
I'm thrilled you like it so, Kitty--you and Harrowcat. It's always fun to write something specifically for particular individuals and have them affirm that this is exactly right. Thank you! Pearl Took's faerie wife has been the inspiration for some of my own speculations on the meaning of that story that Tolkien mentions in The Hobbit. I love her Culassiel (sp?) and how she inspires Pippin and his Aunt Esmeralda and some of the later Tooks as well. Frodo's quest saved Middle Earth, and thus gave the chance for everyone's dreams to come true--save, of course, for his own. And again I'm grateful you enjoyed this so.
Linda Hoyland · 6 October 2007 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
I loved this touching glimpse of the bond between Aragorn and Frodo. I also like the way you see the White Tree.A pity Frodo will not visit the Hallow.
Author's reply
Frodo commented that in leaving Aragorn he felt as if he were falling into sleep again where the rest felt they were waking from magnificent dreams. There must have been a tie there between them. Am so glad you appreciate the bond as pictured. The White Tree is the Tree of the King; with its ancestry coming from the Trees of the Valar and the Tree of Eressea, that it might be partially sentient somehow makes sense to me; and I feel it would sense that Frodo belongs in the Elven lands. And I agree--too bad he wouldn't agree to go to the Hallow himself. But perhaps he was right, and it was enough. So glad you had the chance to read it.
lotrgirl1415 · 4 October 2007 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
...But I am not worthy to remain here.” My heart twists within me. “Do not say that, Frodo Baggins. It is a misrepresentation of yourself. Eru loves you so deeply, and who am I to go against His estimation of you?” You look at me, and I see unveiled the pain I’ve known was there, hidden behind light words and isolation. AWWWWWW!!!!! You have no idea how much I love moments like this between Aragorn and Frodo!!! You really made my own heart twist when Frodo said that. Wonderful Job! --Katie No galu govad gen
Author's reply
Am so glad it moved you, too, Katie. Thank you!