Moments in Time by Larner
harrowcat · 30 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
Aw... I got tears in my eyes reading this. Lovely Larner. And belated birthday greeting our dear Queen.
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat. I found I got teary-eyed writing it, even. And I'll pass on your greetings to her, if she doesn't read them.
Lindelea · 30 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
Ah, what a lovely image, the blending of light and song.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Lindelea. Two of Tolkien's repeated elements--how Light and Song fill all that is good and wholesome and blessed by the Creator. Thanks again, and see you next week. Should be down on Sunday evening.
Agape4Gondor · 29 August 2007 · Chapter 1: Thinning
I know I read this someplace before and just absolutely loved it. Or else it was here and I was stupid and didn't put in a comment. But here's my two cents - absolutely delightful, gorgeous, well-written, good characters. Lovely!
Author's reply
You've read it in the review process on HASA, I think. I'll give it a good time longer before I'll try putting it up for review again, so that the memories of the kafoofle from the last time have been well forgotten. Am so glad that YOU like it, and that you love the characterizations. And thank you so for the vote of confidence. And I'm glad some are looking at the older stories in this collection. Thanks so much for all the encouragement you've given me.
Antane · 29 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
What a lovely, loving story of thanksgiving and healing. Loved the beginning, that they shared a room and Sam rejoicing in his treasure's voice. Loved the explanation of why our joint treasure sang especially toward the end. Loved the end - indeed those two lights must have been bright, enchanced by each other's presence as always. A fitting present to our beloved queen. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Antane. I'd written that the summerhouse Frodo shared with Bilbo and later Sam had one bedroom, and that Sam inherited the couch that had served as Bilbo's bed during his residence there; so they became roommates there in their last time together, and the two of them came to treasure one another's Light. And am so glad you apparently found it uplifting. Thanks so for the feedback.
Queen Galadriel · 29 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
Thank you so much, Larner! *smile* (because my little faces no longer turn out very well when I cut and paste into the review edit box thing) Frodo expresses himself very eloquently, and the circle of hope and warm love, that he describes, unbroken though he is no longer physically there with those dearest to him, is wonderful. And the image at the end makes *me* want to sing. I find myself humming the tune to Sam’s song from the BBC radio adaptation… As for lateness, I still haven’t managed to come up with something for you all, and I don’t know what I’ll do. Though I love to read it more than ever, it just isn’t as easy to focus on writing even short pieces of fanfic since I’ve gotten so caught up with more original projects than any sensible person should have going at one time. But I promised myself I’d still try to come up with stuff for special occasions such as birthdays and Yule and such… God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
When you're busy, you're busy. Have been writing too much and leaving too much else left undone at times myself. He may have left Middle Earth, but that didn't mean he lost his love and caring for those he left behind. I suspect he would wish for Sam to fully appreciate that fact. And am so glad that inspired you to sing as well. Thanks so much! Author Reply: And Harrowcat forwards her own birthday wishes.
Dreamflower · 29 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
I love the idea of Frodo and Sam, singing together to greet the dawn in the Elven manner! Beautifully executed!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dreamflower. I found I do, too! And thanks for the compliment.
shirebound · 29 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Rejoicing with the Dawn
the scent of healing to greet you Many about the isle turned toward the great gardens that grew north and west of the City, their attention caught by the great flaring of Lights to be seen there that morning. 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.... Oh my, how lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you!
Antane · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
I hate that Ring and its master for what it/he did! I don't know why people are so hung up with Frodo and Sam being gay and say nothing of *expletive deleted* Sauron who so brutally raped all the bearers of his *expletive deleted* Ring! Okay, I'll go back to being more calm now but *grrrrr....*
Author's reply
If Tolkien hadn't had Sam call Frodo "me dear" and then the movies came out just at a time when EVERYTHING is interpreted sexually and so many have such ambivalent and often poorly reasoned attitudes toward homosexuality, there'd probably have been little such consideration, Antane. The Ring worked to remake Its bearers into Its own image. Look what It did to Smeagol! That it would attack through almost any potentially strong emotion is, unfortunately, all too likely; and it's difficult to find emotions that run stronger than sexuality and love, particularly as the two are so closely bound together. But not everyone someone has sex with does that individual tend to love, especially if the person has multiple sexual partners. Then the love that is supposed to be expressed through sexual sharing tends to turn inwards and become destructively self-love instead of what it was meant to be--a means of reinforcing emotional and spiritual commitments with your partner. As for the emotion of love itself--in "The Great Divorce" C.S. Lewis points out that the greater the good, the more evil it becomes when that good is twisted from its purpose. The greater the angel, the more destructive a devil it becomes if it falls. And love that is used to grasp and control ceases to be love, no matter what it might be called. There had to be some reason Frodo, with his background, didn't marry. Yes, it's possible he might have had homosexual tendencies (although there is no indication that Tolkien admitted or intended such a situation within the universe of Ea or the world of Arda). However, I suspect that the Ring Itself took his own romantic and sexual tendencies and sought to twist them to evil, and he resisted as best he could; and that before him Bilbo did the same thing. That would leave the two of them increasingly isolated, and probably seen as increasingly eccentric in a culture where it was expected folks would marry and have children, particularly the heads of prominent families. And for Frodo, beginning to avoid emotional ties so as to avoid the twisting of them by the Ring during his young adult years, there would be a greater chance that invitations would begin to drop off to attend events where it might be expected for him to mingle with potential spouses, as the conclusion he was odd and perhaps a sexual deviant would doubtless be considered at a far younger age, and where people will tolerate eccentricity to a point, they don't tend to tolerate even suspicions of deviancy. I understand the rant you were tempted to, believe me. I am not opposed to those who are truly homosexual, as long as they look to develop committed relationships only with others of the same bent who are truly emotionally mature. I've known devoted homosexual couples who have been more constant than far too many heterosexual couples I've met. But true perversion, where sexual love is meant to demean, belittle, hurt, or destroy the recipient of the pervert's attentions, I am against in all cases. But I cannot think of Frodo and Sam having had a sexual relationship with one another at all.
harrowcat · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
There is so much in this to make me both grin and smile sadly at times. And, as usual you manage to throw in extra twists to thicken your plotting for this and other bits of the tale. At this rate you are never going to run out of things to expand upon! *g* This made me giggle.... Had I tried to wear it, it should have looked much as if I’d tried to wrap myself in the open sided tent the Green Dragon sends to the Free Fair in Michel Delving. And this made me nod In the wardrobe in the room I always stayed in within Brandy Hall I kept a dressing gown Gilda gave me shortly after I became Master of Bag End, and I purchased one to leave at the farm in Whitwell as well. After all, I didn’t wish to have to carry such things as dressing gowns about with me along with all the other items I had to carry when out on a walking tour or a drive to see relatives throughout the Shire.” I do the same. I have toiletries, nightie etc at my parents house. It makes packing so much easier each week. Slowly plowing through what I have missed while being internet free but may have to miss next week as my landlord now wants to change the carpet in my room. *sigh* I know it will be better when it is all done but he isn't making my life any easier!
Author's reply
I've never seen Bilbo as a particularly tall Hobbit, but suspect most Bagginses were taller. I tried to wear Dad's bathrobe one time, and I looked so ludicrous--he was a foot taller than I am, and it absolutely hung on me and dragged the floor. So that image came to me. We did most of our traveling by motorhome for years, and we kept clothes and robes and nightclothes in it at all times, as well as an extra set of sheets, a store of dogfood for the beasties, and food for a week. I know about not wanting to pack things back and forth, even out to the parking area! Heh! Good luck with the new carpet. Hopefully it will feel as if you have a whole new apartment when he's finally done--just hope for your sake he finishes soon. Good to hear from you.
Kitty · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
This is a great handling of a very difficult topic, Larner. It must have been a horrible time for both of them, Bilbo and Frodo alike, to deal with *these* urges caused by the Ring. It’s telling that neither of them gave in, though, that they didn’t allow It so corrupt them so much. There are truly days when I do regret it that I couldn’t torture It a bit before It was destroyed simply for what It did to Bilbo and particularly Frodo ... Though I agree with Frodo he should have courted Narcissa *sigh* I fear now I’m dreaming about a happy AU where Frodo is recovered and they are married. Sweet image. (Yes, I know – poor Brendi!)
Author's reply
Isn't it odd how this one item--Sauron's Ring--so many hate so profoundly--this Ring that is a product of imagination and holds Its reality only in the world of imagination we share through Tolkien's work--is so real to us? It and the people who had to deal with It? We hate It, and so empathize with those who had to deal with It! And we want to punish It! Yes, I, too, wish we might have seen Frodo courting Narcissa or SOMEONE. But I'm not touching THAT nuzgul yet--oh, no--look at how long it's taking to post chapters from Stirring Rings and The Tenant from Staddle? But thanks so for the comments.
harrowcat · 25 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
Beautifully and delicately done Larner. Bravo!
Author's reply
Thank you. I so believe that if it hadn't been for the Ring Frodo would have made a marvelous husband and father--and Mayor in his own right.
Andrea · 24 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
Dear Larner, Thank you for reminding me again of how evil, wicked and dangerous that Ring really was! To imagine what images the Ring let Bilbo see concerning Frodo was a real eye-opener! Sometimes we tend to forget what it must have cost Bilbo to hide the Ring for that long a time. Like Frodo he had to suffer a lot even in the times when the Ring was mostly asleep. In the last year when It finally awoke, it must have cost Frodo all his strength to battle against It! And even more! For me those two Bagginses are heroes, even if they would never accept it :) It would have been wonderful to see Frodo and Narcissa happy together! But that's over now. Maybe there will be a reunion beyond Middle Earth.
Author's reply
Apparently once again the ISP from Mordor ate my reply. The Ring we know was filled with a good deal of Its master's own evil will and malice, and was intended to turn all good to evil. Love and sexuality are two of the strongest of sentient urges and are far, far too easy to twist. I've always felt that it would have taken Frodo's own desires to love and be loved and sought to twist them into something else. To finally heal completely from the Ring's effects, wouldn't he have to fully face how much It sought to twist his emotions and sexuality? We know from The Hobbit that for all he was hired to serve as a burglar, Bilbo had a very high degree of integrity, leading him to do all within his power to stop open warfare between the Dwarves and everyone else over proper division of the treasure. He undoubtedly had as high of moral standards when dealing with his love life, too, I therefore suspect. We see the changes the Ring has wrought in Gollum--how little he resembles, physically or emotionally or psychologically, the Hobbits of the Shire, many of whom had a high degree of Stoor in their makeup as Frodo and Merry did. We know from Bilbo's own words to Gandalf that he was recognizing things weren't right with him, and that he gave up the Ring so easily once Gandalf scooped up the envelope holding It and the will off the floor indicates that subconsciously he recognized he had to give It up now rather than later, that he was beginning to recognize It was the malevolent agent. I'm certain that along the way It was doing Its best to mess with him and his nature. Yes, both of them are heroes, and it's good to see others agree with you and me. As for Frodo and Narcissa--or Lily Proudfoot or Iris Whitfurrow or Pearl Took--so many of us wish Frodo could have known the joys of marriage. Thanks so for your comments.
elanor winterflowers · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
I have been unable to read/review much for awhile now--a lot of RL obligations that have gobbled up many hours--but I have in the last few been reading your last few Moments here. I love the quietness of these pieces, the very gentle emotional arcs, and the deeply sympathetic insights. They are beautiful little works, so very well done! This one is indeed a delicate touch for a delicate subject, but with such a powerful undercurrent of sadness and regret. Poor Frodo! Poor Bilbo! What a vicious thing the Ring was!
Author's reply
Thanks for the feedback, and am glad you've been able to read some of these in spite of real life. Oh, I KNOW real life, believe me. The effects of the Ring on these two would have at times been brutal and at other times very subtle. I've often felt that, particularly for Frodo, the Ring was a good part of the reason why there was no marriage, and have ascribed to Its presence in his pocket the reason why both over time appeared to become increasingly isolated in the midst of so much extended family. And I've wondered if a good part of the reason the Baggins name in general is failing has to do with the fact the Ring was held for so long by Bilbo, and yet during that time he never made a move to taking It back out of the Shire, closer to Its desired goal of reunion with Sauron. These last two began working on me after a troubling dream last Friday morning. Now I need to think of a good humorous one to counter them! Heh!
Kitty · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Oh my, this dressing gown had to be beyond disresputable. The elves who had to wash it were probably tempted to let it vanish for good. Though I suppose Ruvemir and Aragorn would understand Bilbo very well *grin* But I loved the reminiscences connected with it, the fact it was elven made fabric, and it was so good to see Frodo laughing so carefree again.
Author's reply
Yes, Ruvemir and Aragorn would both understand Bilbo's attachment to his rose-colored dressing gown. And the Elves of Imladris must have sensed how much this meant to Bilbo. And I think we all needed, along with Bilbo, reassurance that Frodo was indeed knowing healing there on Tol Eressea.
Queen Galadriel · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
Wow. I confess I don¡¦t really know what to say¡XI can only agree with Dreamflower: a very delicate handling of a difficult topic, written in a way that is not embarrassing¡Xthank you for that. I find myself sympathizing with Frodo here, though I¡¦ve never felt anything myself (well, of course not counting what all elementary school students go through ƒº) beyond a crush that could have been serious but, fortunately as it turned out, had no opportunity to grow. It *is* a hard topic, for those who must ask questions and I¡¦m sure for some of those who have to explain. This facet of what the Ring tried to do to our dear Baggins is horrifying. That it should try to ruin Bilbo and Frodo¡¦s relationship in that of all ways, ugh! But that kind of thing might be expected of something so full of Sauron¡¦s evil, I guess. This made me want to cry¡Xthe almost-father-son relationship so evident, and the sorrow of what both had been robbed of. There¡¦s so much perversion so obvious today, even among kids who are way too young to even think about having those kinds of relationships. They brag about it; it¡¦s absolutely sickening. Since receiving my little ¡§culture shock¡¨ (and it was that, all right) I¡¦ve learned to let profanity go in one ear and out the other with as brief a stop in between as possible; to listen as patiently as possible to a seriously depressed kid who talked about killing and nightmarishly brutal torturing and other things that shouldn¡¦t be repeated and try not to think about what he was saying; to not be appalled at those who go running down the hallways shrieking that they¡¦re high on stuff that ¡§makes me feel gooood, man!¡¨ (nope, not kidding); but bragging about having intercourse with some cute member of the opposite gender is something I don¡¦t think I¡¦ll be hardened to, at least not for a while¡Xespecially when the braggers like to go into detail. It¡¦s somehow comforting to know that there are still those who can and will deal with such matters calmly and maturely. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
As this is Tolkien Fanfiction, I try to be circumspect with my dealings with such topics as sexuality. But if these were real individuals the question of how the Ring would seek to twist them through this feature of sentient life would undoubtedly have come up. Sexuality is part of life, and was undoubtedly a feature of Sam's relationship with Rosie, seeing as they had thirteen children; how is it that Frodo and Bilbo ended up remaining bachelors? As I commented to Dreamflower, most of those children I've dealt with who've been deprived of happy families want such things back, and want to build them for themselves. That Frodo would remain unattached just doesn't seem likely; and I don't think, this being Tolkien's universe, that homosexual tendencies would be part of it. That the Ring itself has managed to cut Frodo off from his desire to create his own family just seems natural to its intent and makeup. As for today's values being very odd--tell me about it! I've been a teacher for over thirty years and have seen it all. It's not a pretty picture. Part of this reflects on conversations I had with my own kids when they were teens. They'd seen such perversions in their other homes--trying to give them a feeling for what sexuality OUGHT to be and how it ought to promote healthy relationships between committed partners and how easily diseases, pregnancy, and exploitation could become part of the equation was sometimes frustrating.
Linda Hoyland · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 37: Contrast
I liked this as I can well imagine the baffled relatives thinking like this.I laughed at the section about the Rangers only having clean horses !
Author's reply
Am so glad you see this as plausible. And I can well imagine Paladin coming out with such a reaction to Rangers--they take such good care of their horses, but look at them! The reaction to Men's beards would be different, I'd think, than to those on Dwarves, whose facial hair is, we're told, congenital and a matter of pride. If anyone had such a beard as Strider wore I can see Paladin considering him terribly scruffy. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Queen Galadriel · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Me, to the possessed computer: Very amusing, my friend, very amusing indeed. You¡¦re lucky everyone who sees how you butcher things has a sense of humor and that the one who has by far seen the most of your messes can relate. Very lucky. Computer (speaking with the voice of JAWS): M-m-m-hmm, I thought you¡¦d think so. Me: I was being sarcastic! Computer: Well, I wasn¡¦t. Mwahahahaha! Me: Whatever, you don¡¦t play fair anyway. In fact you can be really evil sometimes, and it just so happens that I don¡¦t like it. And don¡¦t try to laugh until you find another voice; Eloquence is a fine synthesizer, but it¡¦s no good at that sort of thing. Computer: Oh dear, sensative, aren¡¦t we? Me: (clenching fists): You--you do not want to go there. LOL. Uh-huh, I know I¡¦m a nerd. And yes, as a matter of fact I am perfectly aware how extremely pointless and stupid that was, but I¡¦ve had a very interesting half day with this thing and I¡¦m ready to make a joke out of anything it does, even a ridiculous joke that makes other people roll their eyes and confirm my family¡¦s long-held belief that my sense of humor is completely wacko. Actually I agree with them, but it sure comes in handy sometimes. ƒº Okay, seriously. Sorry about that. So, apparently the paste command doesn¡¦t always work on this one; that bit of info is good to know. And of course I don¡¦t have a copy of the original review, so I¡¦ll try to reconstruct it: A lovely, peaceful story. Had to giggle at Bilbo in his mother¡¦s dressing gown, but the story behind it was sweet, and the memories tied to the gown are funny and touching by turns. Love the reference back to Decorum! ƒº Of course, it was great to have Frodo laughing at the end and to see them both so happy and healing and at peace in their new home. A perfect way to brighten and close what was a not-very-fun day (for no particular reason, just one of those days). There was more, but I can¡¦t remember it now and I want to have time to read your other story. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Which voice in Eloquence do you use? I tried a couple the days I had to be blindfolded at WMU. Can't remember which I ended up with, but think it was the default one. Tony liked his DecTalk and Perfect Paul. Yes, this one is rather peaceful, and a time for the two of them to truly bond adult-to-adult for a change. Most men I've known have had at least one garment that was their comfort garment that couldn't be pried out of their possession without major fights. My brother wore one velour sweater until all that was left was lace; my husband loved the caftans a friend sewed for him. Life isn't all one mood, and I suspect most of my stories tend to follow that philosophy. And you know how I like to tie stories together! Bilbo needed to see Frodo able to fully laugh again--I suspect that truly humorous moments have grown fewer and fewer as his PTSD progressed and his health, physical, mental, and spiritual, declined. Now Bilbo knows that Frodo is indeed on the mend--truly so. Sorry the day's been a bear--have had a few of those myself.
Linda Hoyland · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Bilbo and the dressing gown were really sweet.How sad that he lost a brother.
Author's reply
In our past so many only children were that way only because there were so many pregnancies that were unsuccessful. But am so glad you enjoyed the tale of the rose-colored dressing gown. Men love their comfort clothes, after all, or such has been my experience.
Linda Hoyland · 23 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
It is so sad what the Ring did to these two,especially in trying to warp Bilbo's feelings towards Frodo.These two brave Hobbits passed so many hard tests.
Author's reply
We have seen what the Ring did to Smeagol, making him into Gollum, changing his very physical appearance in the end. That it would seek to make Its bearers over starting emotionally, seeking to pervert what ought to be the most sacred of instincts first, just seemed logical. You know I've touched on this theme elsewhere, but I felt it was time to look at it straight on with the two of them comparing notes. Actually, this started as a dream Friday morning, and this and the last story have been working on me since then.
Dreamflower · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Regrets
A very delicate examination of a very difficult topic. You've woven a very plausible explanation for Bilbo and Frodo always remaining bachelors, and it's lovely that even *that* could be healed in Elvenhome.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. My own experience with children who lost happy families--and even some who lost unhappy families--is that they wish to produce happy families of their own as soon as they can. There had to be a reason why Frodo never followed through on this. I know I've touched on this in other stories, but I felt it ought to be dealt with openly here. A few nights ago I had a dream in which Frodo and Bilbo were discussing topics such as this, and all the way to work and back Friday and Saturday (and Sunday morning) the stories were working at me. And I remember my own talks with teenagers who didn't know how to deal with these new urges, images, and dreams.... Thanks again, my friend.
Armariel · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Well I remember the story where Dora caught them out in ratty bathrobes! Funny, I'd always thought of Bilbo as quite the snappy dresser, even, dare I suggest, a dandy...but perhaps behind closed doors it's another matter. But imagine him tricked out in his mother's robe! Nice touch that it took on added value because he wore it only in Frodo's presence. A sweet moment between them, altogether. ~~~~{~@
Author's reply
The dandy Bilbo might have been (he had rooms he'd used to hold his extensive wardrobe according to the Hobbit, after all); but when he left it was in his old clothes and with his old cloak and with little more than what he'd need for the journey; and left to themselves most guys will keep their "comfort" clothes until they fall to rags. It was fun to work that into this story. Heh! Thanks, Armariel.
Radbooks · 22 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Oh, very nice. Such a peaceful morning in Aman with the two of them reflecting back on their lives. It's nice to see them both at that point... not hurting and suffering anymore but able to enjoy a good book and each other's company.
Author's reply
Yes, the healing is well underway at this point. And am so glad you enjoy it. Thanks!
Antane · 21 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Yes, very reassuring to hear that lovely laugh again and that they have settled back into their morning routines and the Shadow has been removed from their hearts. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Both are healing, and Frodo has a bit of his youth back again, for a short time, at least. And he learns that Bilbo, too, missed his own mother. Thanks so much, Antane.
Queen Galadriel · 21 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Author's reply
Er, yes? (I don't think the review took--heh!)
SurgicalSteel · 21 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Reassurance
Oh, that was immense fun!
Author's reply
So glad you liked it, SS. Thanks!