White Gull
· 3 October 2007
· Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
That was a cute take on Strider's perspective! And close to the mark, I'm sure. I always did think it was remarkable that Frodo kept the secret of the Barrow Downs to himself the whole way through Bree to Rivendell.
I giggled at Strider during this, "He wasn’t completely certain of the relationships here, for although Bilbo had described them often enough, only Frodo apparently had been a full adult then and hadn’t changed appreciably in the seventeen years since his older cousin left the Shire. The other three all looked much of an age with Frodo, perhaps even a bit older, although Strider knew from his conversations with the old Hobbit that the other three had been still youngsters when he’d left the Shire while Frodo had that day become of adult status." Apparently, Strider understood Pippin so well because he was also capable of saying, or thinking, a whole lot at one gulp. :)
WG
Author's reply
Oh, I think that the Hobbits probably surprised him several times during their journey, much as he must have surprised them a time or two in return. As for thinking a good deal at a gulp--what can I say? Sorry--given to run-on sentences, I fear! Heh!
White Gull
· 3 October 2007
· Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Wow, that was quite deep. And the sentiments ring true, both for Frodo and Aragorn.
I did get a kick out of Legolas trying not to laugh. For a 2000 year or so old virgin, he didn't have too much room for snickering at Frodo. :)
Author's reply
Am so glad you find them ringing true, White Gull.
As for Legolas--you're right! Heh!
harrowcat
· 2 October 2007
· Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Oh that is just so perfect Larner. Thank you so very very much. And I am amazed just how quickly you managed to post this. I loved every word but especially the bit about a contrite heart, (echoes of one of my favourite psalms,) and, of course all the bits about brothers. And the speculations about Sam's background and Sam feeling more able to take comfort from Merry and Pippin and...... I had better stop now before I mention everything!
Above all I love the tone of the piece and the POV. Now, I know I am being greedy but, some day, we want to hear about Thorongil's first visit to the Hallow.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.
Author's reply
I'm so pleased that this served its purpose so well, Harrowcat. I enjoyed writing it, of course, although it's taken me longer than many stories I've written. And that is one of my favorite psalms as well; and for some reason always reminds me of the book of Isaiah, my favorite book in the OT.
As for Thorongil's first visit to the Hallow--that was written in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" in the chapter regarding the finding of the White Tree." The situation of the assassination attempt on Denethor and Finduilas hasn't been written as yet, though, so maybe one day I'll get that written. And I've been wishing to write something from Aragorn's POV for a time, so this gave me an excellent reason for it.
And many happy returns of the day.
Lindelea
· 2 October 2007
· Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Ah, yes, you said somewhere that you had contemplated the story of Aragorn's wanting to take Frodo to the King's Hallow, and Frodo's refusal. I'm glad that you wrote it, and posted it here, for us to share. A lovely, if poignant piece.
I loved the discussion of hobbit family trees!
Have to get back to reading aloud now, but this was a lovely treat to go along with our tea break.
Author's reply
Frodo mentions to Delphie in "The Tenant" that Aragorn had wished to take him up to the Hallow, and Harrowcat said she wished she could hear that story; so as her birthday approaches and Kitty's birthday just passed, this came out for the two of them.
I've played a good bit with the development of Hobbit families first in "Stirring Rings" and later in "The Tenant from Staddle" and how various mixtures of Stoors, Fallohides, and Harfoots as described in "Concerning Hobbits" went into each; somehow this discussion just seemed to flow naturally out of that.
And I'm so glad you, too, found it poignant.
Now the daughter wants me to put my writing of FF on hold and go for a contest--write the story of Louie and John for real. I'm just not certain I'd be able to get it done in time is all. It's a long book, and they're giving just a month.... Grr!
Andrea
· 2 October 2007
· Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Let us stay here, and let us merely be the brothers we dream ourselves--for tonight at least.
A special kinship indeed! Those two are brothers of the heart! And their rare moments of just being together alone and sharing their thoughts are most precious!
It's fascinating to see how much similarities there were in Frodo's and Aragorn's youth!
Thank you very much, Larner!
Author's reply
Indeed they've accepted this relationship.
There was a great deal of similarity between the two of them, Aragorn and Frodo both raised elsewhere than among their birth family in their own home; both having particularly wise foster parents, both having been exceptionally well educated and prepared for the world they must save and serve, both of them prepared to lead and guide, both in their middle years and appearing younger than their kind are meant to appear at that age, both having offered himself for the safety of the Mortal Lands and all who dwell within, both having known that odd isolation that sets aside those who are often the greatest and best of all....
Thanks so for the feedback, Andrea.
shirebound
· 2 October 2007
· Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
with you beneath it, the Tree all but purrs aloud, so pleased it is to shelter you, rejoicing its flowers bloom while you may see them, joyous to share its sweet odours with you. And you shift closer still, pressing slightly against me, your warm, gentle presence relaxing more. I feel your shoulders ease, and your breathing slow and deepen.
This is so lovely and gentle, and yet bittersweet for both of them. These two have a most treasured and rare kin-ship.
Author's reply
Thank you so, shirebound. Yes, a special kinship between the two of them, and one that remains with the two of them ever, I suspect.
Thank you so for the thoughts expressed, Shirebound.
Dreamflower
· 1 October 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Oh Bilbo, you stinker!!! Putting that sweet little fauntling up to such a trick! LOL!!
This was so fun to read--what a treat to come home to! I loved all the little touches: most especially that Lily (soon to be Cotton) made the cake, and the use of a certain euphemism! Those really made me snicker! I really enjoyed this!
Author's reply
As to whose idea it was in truth--well, that's questionable. And sweet the small Hobbit might be, but NOT innocent, as his mother can attest! Heh! And what other euphenism MIGHT I have used? It's such an appropriate one for Hobbits, and we WILL borrow from one another, won't we?
As for Lily Brown--had to check to make certain the last name was proper; but once I'd found it I had to see to it that she had her part in the preparations for this birthday! So glad you enjoyed that!
And again, welcome home!
Armariel
· 30 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Yes, late reviewing--been sick all week, better now!
Gee, poor old Lobelia, she really comes in for it, doesn't she? (And I'm as guilty as anyone else...heheh) A nice trick...not that it will teach her to keep her mouth shut and refrain from crashing parties or anything! And it was cute how Frodo didn't want to wear the awful shirt and how they spilled the grape juice on it and refrained from actually pinning the deed on him to dear auntie Lalia.......
But goodness me...imagine being named Bachelorbutton! Now a story about her might be interesting;);)
~~~~{~@
Author's reply
It's fun to have at least one character we can throw slices of cake at with impunity, isn't it. Heh! And I didn't wish them to have to lie for Frodo's sake, but give him a viable excuse for not wearing the shirt. Heh!
As for Bachelorbutton--they shortened it to Button as a nickname, and she appears in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" and I think I mentioned her in one other story. But I do like to give the full garden exposure! Heh!
Had to run last night to get to work on time, so didn't have a chance to answer then. So glad this gave you a giggle.
Oh saucy, adorable little Frodo! Those incorrigible Bagginses! This was perfect - little Frodo is just the cutest little lad and I can just see him innocently delivering the cake! *snerk*
The dragonfly blanket makes another appearance! I love that, and that Frodo used the symbol as his signature.
Author's reply
It's so much fun to think of the days when Frodo was just a delightful little kid. And I'm certain he and Bilbo both thought this was a wonderful way to get rid of the unwanted party crashers.
And so glad you appreciated seeing the dragonfly blanket again! Yes, a possible second influence for choosing the dragonfly as his signature sign.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
This was hilarious !Young Frodo is so sweet .I loved the ending.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it, Linda. I loved having something fun to write about. And I myself just loved the idea of Frodo taking part in this "birthday present" to Bilbo.
Thanks so for the comments, Linda.
Antane
· 27 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Forgot to mention that I loved the joint cutting of the cake too! :) Reading the other reviews, yes, a lovely tribute to his mother to take up that dragonfly as his own signature. And I hope your muse is tickled enough to do those stories for harrowcat - the Frodo and Aragorn one sounds esp. interesting, though it would be nice him and Faramir too. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, it WAS their joint birthday--ought they not to cut the cake together, do you think?
Yes, I think that the dragonfly on the blanket might have been part of why he used the dragonfly made of the stylized "FB" to sign his drawings.
As for the story for Harrowcat--well, we're thinking on that one, of course! Heh!
Antane
· 27 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
LOL - Frodo's hiding place. :) Lovely little faunt, isn't he, softly glowing.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I once hid on the far side of Dad's grand piano, sitting on the windowsill with my feet up on the lower beveling of the soundboard case. The rest looked for me for about a half hour before giving up. But my little brother was the one who figured out the laundry basket worked for him--wouldn't have worked for the rest of us--we were too big!
And I suspect that Frodo was indeed a lovely little faunt.
Kitty
· 27 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Oh, I *so* agree with Frodo about the clothes! Seems he had even as a three-year-old more of a taste for that than Lalia ever had! Was amused about Ferumbras’ comments to Primula about it. Great idea to stain it with juice, so poor Frodo hadn't to wear it, in spite of Lalia being there.
Primula embroidered Frodo’s blanket with a dragonfly? Oh, Larner! Now I know why he used it as a signature for his drawings. How touching, this silent tribute to his mother!
The last bit left me howling with laughter. Though I suspect Bilbo put the idea to Frodo, the little lad was acting amazingly well, ‚slipping’ just at the right moment to ... err ... deliver the piece of cake at the most convenient place! And then to tell Bilbo ‚happy birthday’, that was so fitting – it *was* the perfect gift to remove the S-B’s from the party!
That was wonderful, Larner! You couldn’t know it, of course, but you contributed a highlight to my birthday with this. Thank you!
Author's reply
As a small child I had very tender skin, and so many of the very dressy nylon dresses my mother would buy for me I wouldn't wear, not until they'd been washed enough to take away the scratchiness. And I hated it when I outgrew one white lace dress purchased when I was in primary grades to wear in a school play where I played a fairy, as it was one of the few dressy dresses I owned I could bear to wear from the start. So, Frodo's response in part is based on my own dislike for things of colors and textures that I couldn't abide. And Primula didn't exactly lie about how the shirt got stained--she just let Lalia infer that Frodo himself had stained it! Heh!
The dragonfly blanket appeared in "Second Mum," so again I was working in a detail created elsewhere into a newer story. Yes, this probably inspired Frodo to use that stylized "FB" dragonfly as his signature sign.
And am so glad so many enjoyed the method of removing the unwanted guests. Yes, Frodo even then could be quite the actor. Had a student who, at sixteen months, realized that when it came to any situation in which he and his sighted twin had a physical encounter the sighted boy would get the blame. So, one day little blind brother was seen by his mother standing behind the wall, waiting for sighted twin to come down the hall. Once sighted twin's steps and breathing told blind twin he was just coming through the doorway, blind twin stepped deliberately right into sighted twin's path far too quickly for sighted twin to keep from bumping him. Both toddlers fell down on their padded rears, and blind twin immediately set up a howl intended to get his brother into trouble. If his mother hadn't watched the whole thing, she'd undoubtedly have reprimanded her sighted son. So, even very, very small children can be remarkably devious at times.
And a most joyful birthday to you, Kitty.
harrowcat
· 27 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Ooh what a wonderful offer! Thank you Larner. It wasn't intended to be a 'not so subtle hint!'
How about that conversation between Frodo and Aragorn about the Hallow? Or more about Frodo and Faramir on the walls when they got back to the city? Or just about anything that you fancy would be delightful.
Oh, is your e.mail still the same? I sometimes feel a little guilty cluttering up my reviews with chatter.
Many thanks again
Author's reply
Will see what I can do, Harrowcat. And, yes, the same email for the past year and a half--as long as the ISP from Mordor agrees to work properly.
Fiondil
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Cute, Larner. Even at the tender age of three Frodo was already fighting off "orcs", for Lobelia certainly was one in spirit if not in body. Loved the incident with the red frilly shirt. Women are so weird about what they consider suitable clothing for lads, I swear. It must be because you can dress up lasses any way you please to your hearts content and those mothers with sons must miss begin able to do so. *grin* Anyway, the obvious love between family members (S-B's not included) is a delight. Even though we know that Primula and Drogo will be dead inside a decade, it's comforting to see that Bilbo and Frodo already have a loving relationship between them, even to sharing the same sense of wicked humor.
Author's reply
Yes, in her way at the time Lobelia was as much an orc at heart as Lotho later proved to be.
I remember my grandmother trying to put a pair of "little old lady" shoes on me as a teen, and my insistence that if she thought to buy them she'd best get them in her size and be ready to wear them, for I certainly wouldn't! Heh! And one outfit purchased for the stepson was SO inappropriate, and the giver couldn't appreciate why he refused to wear it!
There's already a foundation of love between Frodo and his cousins Bilbo and Esmeralda, anchors to cling to once his parents die. And I'd think both could be trouble when they wanted to. Except who'd believe it of that so-innocent appearing child? Heh!
Thanks for the comments, Fiondil.
harrowcat
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Oh my! I had dissolved into a fit of the giggles by the end of this! Frodo- the innocent scamp!
(Oh and yes my dad did buy a wheel chair car (Renault Kangoo) several years ago but has already gone looking for a new and better vehicle. We are beginning to need one with a winch as Mum's steering ability is getting very erratic and I dread her driving off the ramp! Now I am getting to the impossible week with the twin difficult questions of 'What do you want for your birthday?' and 'What are you getting Mum for her birthday?' Why can't I be a hobbit? There are plenty of mathoms around the house!)
Author's reply
Oh--didn't realize your birthday was coming up. Give me a plotbunny and we'll see where it runs to.
I understand the need for the winch. Good luck with that. And what does your mother WANT for her birthday?
And am so glad this had you giggling. I like playing with Frodo and Bilbo's twin senses of mischief! Heh!
shirebound
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
He was her beloved star-kissed son, her so desired child.
“Happy birsday, Unca Bo,”
How adorable is this!! What a lovely party for our "oldest and youngest Bagginses".
Author's reply
Yes, just the proper party for them both, with Frodo's gift to Bilbo being the shooing of the Sackville-Bagginses! Heh! So glad to give you a smile.
Andrea
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
He smiled up at her sweetly. “Worked,” he advised her, then turned to plant a kiss on Bilbo’s cheek. “Happy birsday, Unca Bo,” he said.
ROTFL!!!
Oh my! I just can't stop laughing! Naughty Bagginses indeed! But I simply loved Bilbo and little Frodo in this story.
I also loved all the little details you put into this story, for example the dragonfly on Frodo's blanket.
A great birthday! Thank you, Larner!
Author's reply
The blanket with the dragonfly's appeared in a couple of stories now, so glad you approve. And it's fun to play with Tolkien's depiction of Bilbo having rooms full of clothes and ruffled shirts and the marriage eventually of Peony to Milo Burrows, a nephew of Primula and Rory's, and all. So glad it gave you a laugh. Sorry I didn't get it posted in time for the birthday, but it had to work at me for several days before it all came to me.
And thank YOU for the feedback. Love to make folks laugh from time to time.
lotrgirl1415
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Naughty Naughty Bilbo indeed!
hahaha
LOVED it!
<33333333333
No galu govad gen
<3
--Katie
Author's reply
Glad it gave you a chuckle. Whose idea it was is questionable, of course, but it was fun to write, once it finally let go and allowed me to build to the ending. Heh!
Thanks for the feedback.
Nessa
· 26 September 2007
· Chapter 41: Enemy Vanquished
Hahahahahaha! Loved it. But Frodo so intelligent at three? Hmmm, I think it works just fine. Nessa
Author's reply
He might be just three, but I suspect that even at three Frodo was pretty precocious. Glad to give you a laugh! And thanks for the feedback--am glad it worked for you!
Bodkin
· 5 September 2007
· Chapter 35: Jewels of Light
Thank you so much, Larner! That is a beautiful look at the Fellowship in Lothlorien - and I'm not surprised that Galadriel and Celeborn can see the honing of the light in them and how they fit together. The image of Frodo being cut for a briefer flowering than Aragorn is telling - he needed to withstand a great evil over a short time, while Elessar needed endurance. Good to see the understanding between elf and dwarf growing in strength, too.
I am so behind in reading - and it was such a thrill to find this. Like having a second birthday!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you finally had time to read this, Bodkin. And that you agree with the image of Frodo being swiftly whipped into shape while Aragorn might be prepared at leisure is reassuring, for some reason.
And it was there in Lothlorien that we are told Gimli and Legolas first began seeking out one another's company, often spending hours at a time together away from the other members of the Fellowship.
And hope that your birthday was a joyful one. May the coming year bring you much fulfillment.
Kitty
· 1 September 2007
· Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
If he was singing even half as well as he was dancing, Frodo had to take to the elves like a duck to water, I suppose. They’re great singers, after all.
Oh, I love the idea that Frodo started rising early and singing with them with the image of Sam and his family in mind! And now Frodo has his Sam at his side and is completely whole again.
The last paragraph was wonderful, Larner. All the elves noticing their Lights of Being, and the comparison to Laurelin and Telperion ... *sighs contentedly*
Author's reply
I think that Frodo did belong in the end on Tol Eressea, although I grieve he never got the chance to be there to hold all of Sam's children on his knee and visit with Aragorn and spoil his kids, too. He'd have been such a wonderful uncle, I think!
Am so glad the final comparison works for you, too.
Armariel
· 31 August 2007
· Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
It must have been like this when the Lights of Laurelin and Telperion were both at their greatest and blended before the courts of the Valar.... A perfect and very apt image. As always, lovely!
~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Am so very glad you, too, find that appropriate, Armarie. Thanks so much!
Linda Hoyland
· 31 August 2007
· Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
How I wish I could hear their song !
Author's reply
Yes, me too, Linda! Am so glad you liked this one.
Andrea
· 30 August 2007
· Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
It must have been like this when the Lights of Laurelin and Telperion were both at their greatest and blended before the courts of the Valar....
What a beautiful comparison!
I also liked the fact that the Athelas plant was like a link between Frodo and Sam, the promise of healing and of reunion for both of them!
Author's reply
Am so glad you liked the comparisons. If, as I've postulated, Sam looked for athelas plants along the way back and sought to plant them as a source of their leaves and for their easing qualities, I'd think that finding one of the plants given to him on Tol Eressea would prove very reassuring to Frodo. If the Elves of the island were the original source of the plants for the Faithful on Numenor and the plants were taken by Elendil's people back to Middle Earth when the island foundered, then I strongly suspect that Frodo would have found them a strong association between himself and Sam and Aragorn.
And both of these needed this healing, and the reunion as well, I truly believe.
And as I was picturing that flaring of the Lights of Being for these two, the image of the Trees of the Valar came to me, and I realized the original source of the Lights of each.