Dreamflower
· 21 August 2007
· Chapter 38: Reassurance
I love this glimpse of Bilbo and Frodo in their new home, and the way they have fallen into the old ways they once had of being together, as well as a look at Bilbo's early life.
And the idea of him wearing Belladonna's dressing gown tickles me, as well as the way he would have worn it out if it had been anything but of Elven weave,LOL! So like a male of any species!
Author's reply
Yes, returning to familiar ways as healing comes to them, and opening up a bit of what happened before that adventure of Bilbo's.
A warm and comfortable bathrobe is so necessary to male peace of mind; and familiarity in bathrobes breeds contentment rather than contempt! Bilbo and Ruvemir cling to their dressing gowns while Aragorn seeks to hold onto his disreputable riding leathers! Heh!
So glad you appreciate it.
Author Reply: And check out the change. Blast--I hate having to pull out ROTK and the appendices for EVERYTHING! Gaack!
shirebound
· 21 August 2007
· Chapter 38: Reassurance
His face once again was falling into a habit of delighted discovery
The smile widened into that familiar grin, the grin of one who appreciates irony and thinks in terms of mischief
What lovely images. This is a sweet and intimate moment between our two beloved Bagginses.
Author's reply
It would begin with this that Bilbo would realize his beloved lad was indeed on the route toward full healing at last, and I believe that Bilbo would need that reassurance before he set out on his final journey of all.
Thanks so, Shirebound.
cookiefleck
· 19 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
What a nice idea for a story. I especially liked the touching paragraph about Bell, and also the one about Rosie, as it always warms my heart to imagine Sam and Rose's loving marriage and family for those many years. Of course, I also like that you ended it over the sea. :o)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you appreciate it, Cookiefleck. I suspect that for those who felt truly loved by our mothers, their smiles are often the ones we remember most fondly, followed by our spouses.
To have given life to so many children, I think that Sam and Rosie undoubtedly loved one another very, very much.
And now his complement of smiles is complete, as he enjoys again the smile of his beloved brother of the heart.
Thanks so very much.
Antane
· 18 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
I forgot to mention about the Gaffer's fear that Sam and Frodo's hearts were so entwined that when Frodo accepted the Gift, so would Sam - he was right but not as soon as he feared it would be. I'm glad he seems to have accepted such a strong love.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I strongly suspect that part of the reason Frodo remained as long as he did in the Shire was to be assured Sam was grounded there and would NOT follow him should he die or leave Middle Earth as he did. I think the Gaffer realizes that these two did indeed do something unimaginable together, so much so they now are indeed brothers of the spirit.
Oh, and the way Pippin got rid of his bells--that's what my little brother did when he was small--was always taking his clothes off, including the bells on his shoelaces, of course.
Antane
· 18 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
I love that Pippin had bells sewn into his clothing and how he got around those! :) And I love what the Gaffer said about him noticing that Sam would be there to let Frodo know that things are all right even when they didn't feel like it and their obvious love for each other. One of the best (out of a zillion or so wonderful things) about hearing the BBC Radio adaptation is Sam saying "It's all right, Mr. Frodo." It's definitely *not* all right as they are trudging their way to Mordor, but at the same time is was because he said it was and he doesn't lie. But I think the very best was the pride the Gaffer had in his son. I hope Sam knew of that. I forgot to ask earlier but can I have the story about smiles for my website too? Please with a mushroom on top?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The bells are borrowed from Grey Wonderer, and the knitted pig from Cathleen, of course. The Gaffer had known for years of the growing friendship between his son and the Young Master, but now he sees there is a special relationship and a brotherhood there as intense as what Sam has known with his real siblings, but of a different caliber, for these two have literally been to the Black Land and back, sustaining one another through it all. And he had to have felt pride, having heard Master Frodo himself saying that Sam is one of the most famousest of Hobbits ever, honored even by the King himself. I'm certain Sam had to realized how proud his dad was of him.
And of course you may post the story of the smiles!
Queen Galadriel
· 18 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
Oh man, this computer is determined to embarrass me! I’m so sorry about the messed-up review. I’m on my brother’s computer because mine died (and he decided to be really, really nice to me an let me install Jaws—which he hates), and for some reason whenever I try to type in online form fields it garbles everything I type. I’ve been typing e-mails in a Word document and then cutting and pasting them where they need to be; now I know I have to do that with reviews to. Sorry.
What I *meant* to say was: I’m reviewing two chapters in one this time because of the aforementioned problem.
“The Light of Your Smile”
I love this one; it’s truly heart-warming! Each smile is so unique and beautifully described. My favorites would have to be Bell’s, the Gaffer’s (love his grin at Bilbo’s outrageous statements, LOL!), and Gimli’s—and of course Frodo’s at the end is perfect!
“Contrast”
Oh, these poor Fathers. Saradoc wants so much to understand, but Merry just can’t tell him yet. As for the Tooks, I have a little more sympathy for them after that. I found myself thinking back on your saying a while ago that you’d worked with parents with that attitude, and also on some true accounts I read not long ago when researching a certain branch of special ed because I thought I’d like to go into it (though I’ve changed my mind now because I know a few things firsthand that really burned me out), and I can definitely see the comparison; it’s heartbreaking. Hamfast’s section made me want to cry. As narrow-minded as he can be at times, he is certainly perceptive and has a great, loving heart.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Some computers will do that, I've found. Bless your brother, and thank heavens for the ability to write elsewhere at times!
Oh, I'm so very glad you liked these two so. Each smile does tend to be unique, and to remember people in that way particularly is so wonderful. And am so glad you appreciated the Gaffer's grin--I suspect that having worked so long for Bilbo he would have developed an appreciation for his Master's wry humor and biting wit. Gimli is Gimli, and his smile must have taken a while to fully appreciate, but once recognized would have been dear to Sam, I think, whose people had dealt primarily with Dwarves for so very long, after all. And Bell--well, a mother's smile is always the sweetest and best remembered, I think. And am so glad you loved the depiction of Frodo's, now the two of them are together again.
So, you now appreciate the feelings of those who are in denial. It's impossible to fully embrace them, but they need to be respected in a way if they're to be changed. And the Gaffer--he perhaps does the best simply because he just accepts and is proud of what he has had returned to him. It must have been such a quiet shock of pleasure to have his son return to him at last!
We've missed you, and hope the computer problems are solved soon. Bless and keep you!
Queen Galadriel
· 18 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
I'm eviewing two hapters t nce here because my omputer died, nd 'm n different ne hat eems t njoy doing attle ith aws nd onsequently ith e. It akes orm ields oddly ifficult, so idn't want o o his wice.
"The ight O Your amile"
I love his; t's truly eart-warming! Every mile s unique nd beautifully dscribed, and Frodo's t he nd s ust erfect. s I thnk Armariel aid, his ould ave asily een corny n oer hnds, ut ou ade ewel f t.
Now, his ne:
Oh my. Saradoc o ants o nderstand,but erry just an't ell him et. And as or he ooks, I hink ave ittle ore sympathy or hem ow. I hink ack o hat ou ncesaid bou orking ith ome arents with his kind f ttitude, nd aso of certain true ccounts ead th ast year when tudying particular branch f pecial d or hort tory (and ecause I *thought* I might onsider it as a ossible career hoice) nd cn ee he omparison. Makes e ant o o ack nd read "Reconciliation" gain.
God less,
Galadriel
P.S. Sorry f his s ot legible; for ome eason Jaws does ot ead in or fields n his omputer, nd aven't exactly otten used o it yet. h, nd Imet to omment n amfast's art f his. A arrow-minded s e an e t imes, e iscrtainly erceptive. The ast ouple of entences made e ant o ry.
Author's reply
I'm leaving this in honor of the wonders of computing in spite of obstacles. One program we used to work with just didn't work well with Tony's screen reader, and this so reminds me of trying to do anything while it was up. Hope you aren't too embarrassed. Hail, JAWS! Screen readers are a godsend at the same time they're a royal pain in the patoot!
Kitty
· 18 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
Interesting look at the Travellers through the eyes of their fathers, pondering what they know and think about the whole matter.
Saradoc was probably the one who understood the facts best; he is so perceptive and saw what happened and made connections as best as possible, summarised the problems rather well without knowing most of the answers. It’s truly sad that Merry took so long to finally talk about all that.
How is it that you four managed to do in two days what we, in nearly a year of occupation, could not? Interesting question. It seems they only needed someone to take charge, didn’t it? The Hobbits there in the Shire probably have wondered later why they waited so long.
Pippin isn’t even of age yet, and still he walked into the Great Smial and commanded his own father when the need was there. How else could he walk out of there within two hours with a troupe of Took archers without Paladin quite understanding what had happened? That’s another story I’d love to read. Until now, I’ve found only one story dealing with this and always wanted more about this. It was one of these parts I missed in LotR. And to be honest, I already wondered how this would have gone, considering the situation between Pippin and Paladin.
Paladin, on the other hand ... here it is so obvious he had difficulties to accept not only that Pippin has matured beyond his age, but that it was his underage son saving the Shire, though it was Paladin’s job as Thain to protect the Shire. And it was informative to know what he exactly thought, as we had mostly the summarisation of it until now. Had to grin about his opinion about Rangers and a certain Ranger in particular :-) Though in the end it was rather sad that he so desperately wanted his little son back, and that’s impossible. Pippin has lost his youthful innocence forever.
As for the Gaffer, I think he is the one who understands the least of it all, but is the one most trusting of his son, accepting what happened and how they have changed without much questions.
Author's reply
Saradoc most reflects me and my own take on life--I have at times a pathological need to understand. And I think that's the path most reasonable folks would take in trying to accept the changes once they become obvious.
I may tackle Pippin walking in there and wresting a troupe of archers out of his dad, and perhaps sooner rather than later; but I am trying to continue to make headway, of course, on the stories in progress, too. But the question of why did we wait so long must have occurred to many once the ruffians were on the run and Sharkey dead.
Accepting that our children are growing up is difficult; I know--been there, done that, as the new saying goes. But as I said in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," innocence, like virginity, once lost is gone forever. Wisdom, experience, and empathy are hopefully the results of the sacrifice of innocence; and Pippin certainly embodies those attributes. Unfortunately it takes Paladin and Eglantine time to accept the truth--there is no going back, only forward; at least they did do this in my version of the story, even if it was at the expense of a good deal of pain on the part of themselves, Pippin, and Frodo.
And it was fun to think what Paladin might have thought had he realized he had met Strider during a jaunt out to Bree sometime in the past! He must have been taken as much by surprise as the Bree Hobbits were to realize that that odd Strider was now the King!
And am so glad you appreciate Hamfast's reaction. Acceptance first, and then let understanding come as it might.
Thanks so for the comments.
Raksha The Demon
· 17 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
Heart-wrenching in every sense of the word. The fathers of Merry and Pippin and Sam all consider the 'fab four' after the end of the Time of Troubles, and are sorely troubled by the changes in them.
Paladin's thoughts are the most painful; it's obvious he is terribly saddened by his precious little boy's transformation into a powerful warrior who has seen things that perhaps no hobbit should have looked upon, and has been strengthened by them, but is still haunted by them. Paladin's love for his only son is cruelly obvious; and it's sad that he measures his own strength by his ability to shield Pippin; who has simply grown beyond his ken. Unlike Saradoc, who does seem to want to know more about what has changed the younger hobbits; Paladin cannot even bear to think about what his boy has seen and done. I found Paladin's thoughts the most painful, and sad, of the three hobbits. Perhaps Paladin's attitude towards his precious heir might have contributed to Pippin's original immaturity and heedlessness.
And leave it to the Gaffer to wind things up, and to see what the other two fathers could not - he knows his son and trusts Sam to weather the changes that he has been through, though as a father he still has concerns.
Very good vignette!
Author's reply
Am so very glad this has been accepted just as it was intended, Raksha. The terror of knowing Pippin faced perhaps unspeakable things fills Paladin; the desire to understand his brother-in-law. And indeed the Gaffer, who accepts he doesn't understand (and who, like Paladin, perhaps doesn't wish to fully understand) nevertheless appreciates that his son has prevailed and that HE understands, and that that is all that is needed.
Thanks so for the feedback.
Andrea
· 17 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
Wonderful, Larner!
First Saradoc, who tries hard to understand what happened to his son during the quest and who desperately wants him to tell of his travels to help his parents comprehend what happened in that long year.
And then Paladin!
He simply doesn't accept that his son has changed. He wants Pippin to be his little boy again and he wants him to seek his father's protection - not the other way around.
And he forbids Pippin to speak about his journey!
He would like to turn back the time and restore eveything and everyone like they were before. There is actually another character in LotR who wished for this, too: Denethor!
Last but not least, old Gaffer Gamgee!
He admits frankly that he won't be able to comprehend what happened to Sam and the others on the quest.
But he does not need to know it. One look in the eyes of both, Sam and Frodo and he already knows more than Saradoc or Paladin! The Gaffer may behave gruffy at times, but in fact he is a very wise hobbit and a good father.
Author's reply
Each is an excellent father--at least to a point. At least Saradoc wishes to understand and realizes Merry needs to speak of it. Paladin wants to hang onto the innocence a bit longer, but innocence lost cannot be restored, a truth he has as yet to appreciate. I'd not thought of the parallel to Denethor wishing things frozen as they are with the Steward ruling Gondor forever, but now you've mentioned it it seems obvious.
As for the Gaffer, yes, he merely accepts, which at the moment is what is needed most of all. Let the lads deal with what they've done--for now it's only necessary that he let Sam know he's glad he's back, acknowledge the changes, be concerned for the losses but accept they can deal with them as it proves necessary, and love his son.
Thanks so for the feedback.
shirebound
· 17 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
you’re not just a gardener to them, but one as has done somethin’ powerful important and brave, somethin’ as not just anyone could o’ done.
I really love that line.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you do, Shirebound. But it ought to have been obvious Sam came back more than he was when he left the shire.
Thanks for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 17 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
the rumor of Black Riders was one thing, but nothing to the reality of Lotho’s army of Big Men and the predations of Gatherers and Sharers.
Betrayal at home would have been worse than rumour, even of such evil creatures. Unfortunately our lads discovered the full reality of it all between them and came home to more. But with their experience it is no wonder that it only took them two days to curb it.
if we are to fully appreciate this glorious King you apparently all love so deeply, we must understand the sources of the shadows he has helped each of you face. Indeed but it is so hard to do.
If only..... Awful regret to live with.
Sweet water, Peregrin Took--Frodo was fifty and you still a tween! How were you, a lad yet, to protect someone who’s helped take care of you since you were born? No young person should have to take on this carer's role but so many have to! I got an overtone of Theoden's 'No parent should haveto bury his child', (from the film,) with this.
The way that you have written Saradoc's anguish is so, so painful. But, with his feelings of failure, his treatment of Pippin is understandable. But he did protect the Tookland as best he could.
Just don’t let your heart be so close tied to his as when he fails you do as well. Rosie’ll never forgive’im if’n that was to happen, you know.
And the Father who sees clearest of all. Gruff and reticent but with a heart full of love. He reminds me so much of my own Dad.
Wonderful Larner.
Author's reply
The coming of the Black Riders in the end affected only a few, including the Bounder they rode down and the few with whom they interacted. But the Gatherers and Sharers and the Men affected everyone throughout the Shire, large and small, village dwellers and distant farmers. And the wonder that the returned Travelers managed in barely a couple of days to do what those who'd remained there hadn't managed in a year must have wrankled.
The realization that the King understands what they'd done recently better than their parents must also have wrankled.
That you see the echo of Movie-Theoden's grief is interesting--I'd not thought on that particularly, but have heard adults turn down the aid of their adult children with just such words--"We're the parents--we're supposed to take care of you, not the other way around." And for Paladin there must have been such feelings of failure in not being able to do much more than protecting his own family's lands. He didn't have Frodo's greater appreciation for the whole Shire, or the understanding of human nature all four of them now knew as a result of their experiences and observations moving amongst the powerful ones of other races for as long as they did. What did most Hobbits understand of the motivations of those who would make themselves the dictators over others? Yes, of the three fathers Paladin knows the greatest anguish.
While Hamfast has recognized from the first he has exercised little enough authority over his son in the past decade and a half or so; what can he think to say to correct his son now, who's basically been his own master in the ordering of his own time and Bag End's gardens since Master Bilbo left. So he takes his son as he finds him, recognizing his own limitations and therefore better accepting both what he sees in his son and what his son has accomplished.
And am so glad he reminds you of your own dad. I so wish my stepdad had been more this kind of person.
Dreamflower
· 17 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
What a wonderful summation of the POVs of the three fathers who waited so patiently for their sons to return home! All of them, worried sick and desperate for over a year--and now the homecoming was so different than expected--so much better and worse at the same time! Incomprehensible!
Saradoc's displays the trust he has in Merry, and in Frodo, and the frustration at his son trying to protect his family from all the darkness he's faced. Brandybuck stubbornness and determination all gone into firm denial--yet Saradoc's keen eye and intelligence has far more understanding than his son will give him credit for.
Paladin's own desperate reach for a denial he cannot quite convince himself of; preferring to wish his son turned back into a child whom he could protect; preferring not to face his own perceived failure as Thain to protect the Shire. How hard it must have been for him in the depths of the night to continue to push his suspicions that Pippin was telling the truth away.
And the Gaffer, who is a son of the soil, and who knows far less about the world Outside than either of the others, but who knows his son well and the one he served also. He doesn't need to understand; he's simply himself, and he's proud of whatever it was they did, because he knows that however they came to do it, it had to be right. But he's not going to change his irascible tone or native gruffness. After all, Sam knows him too, and he knows that his father's proud of him and is glad for him to be home, whatever his words might say.
Beautiful job, you convey their love in spite of all their differences.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Dreamflower. To hear I managed to convey exactly what I hoped to do is heartening. Thank you so very much.
And if Paladin was as I write him, yes, keeping the uncomfortable truth pushed away must have been very difficult indeed.
Grey Wonderer
· 16 August 2007
· Chapter 37: Contrast
Such wonderful little looks at our hobbit lads! I loved them all but I found the almost pleading way that your story asked for information from Merry to be simply wonderful and haunting all at once. I think Merry could have told it all most accurately too. He, of all of them, could have cleared it up for everyone if he'd been able to speak of it and been given the chance.
And Pippin and his bells. That one must have been quite a surprise to everyone upon his return. All grown up and yet still not of age.
And that pride for Sam and all that he had become! He really completely changed his family's place and future simply by giving his loyalty and love and friendship.
And the words mixed in through it all about poor, dear Frodo!
As always, I love your writing!
Author's reply
Thank you so, GW. I had to work the bells in, and Cathleen's knit piggy! Hope folks don't mind!
My little brother would take off all his clothing except his T-shirts, which he couldn't get off or didn't mind wearing or something, sometimes as soon as he was dressed and we turned around to ready ourselves to go out shopping or to visit friends. Can't tell you how many times we'd have to dress him two or three times just get him out the door!
Three living fathers who watched their sons come back profoundly changed; and one the rest all worried about, even if they didn't understand the what and why.
Thanks so for the compliments and the feedback!
Linda Hoyland
· 12 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
This is so true that everyone has a very individual smile.Trust Sam to notice !
Author's reply
Indeed, trust Sam to notice. No one better than he at noticing such things, I'd think.
Thanks for the response.
Grey Wonderer
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
I love this! My favorite description of a smile was this one.
((He’d learned to see Gimli’s beyond the great mass of beard and mustaches, sly and satisfied. ))
That one made me smile! Thank you!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked that one, GW. Gimli's such a marshmallow disguised as a warrior!
Pearl Took
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
Wow, Larner! This was a fascinating study of smiles and their different effects on those who view them. A wonderful and touching string of memories.
Author's reply
As a review of one's life--what better a measure than smiles? Thanks so for the response!
SurgicalSteel
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
Oh, this was lovely, an exploration of each person's soul and what they mean to Sam through their smiles. Heartwarming.
Author's reply
Again, when one is remembering the joy one has known, memories of smiles make an excellent measure.
Thanks so!
Armariel
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
Another little gem, that could have been corny in less skillful hands, but misses that entirely. Now I gotta get out and write something too......ahem....
Thanks much for this!
~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much for that, Armariel! And am looking forward to what you write next.
Antane
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
I was wondering when you would get to Frodo's smile. :) All of them treasured, mother, father, siblings, children, wife, but perhaps the best saved for last? Love the ending and the beginning the most. It was nice to hear description of all the children's smiles, so many different ones!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
When you have thirteen children, each must have had something special to remember them by.
And of course, the best are first and last--most honored and dearest, those two places tend to be.
Kitty
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
A beautiful little piece, Larner, to have Sam remembering the different smiles of his loved ones. And what he thought of Frodo's at the end was so touching! Oh yes, I can see how happy Sam is to have this particular smile restored to him, and probably more bright than ever!
Author's reply
They are facing the end of their lives together, looking for those who went before and what will come next. And they now rejoice to have these special smiles to complete themselves in what time they now share.
Thanks for the review. Kitty.
Andrea
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
... a smile to lead the birds themselves to sing and the butterflies to rejoice to open their wings to the morning’s sun.
Just beautiful, Larner!
I saw a glimpse of that smile at the end of the last movie. It was enough to make me happy and to convince me that Frodo would find healing at last.
But *this* smile can not be compared to it! He *is* healed now. And the last step to complete the healing process was to have his Sam back!
This is also true for Sam! You can see the love for his parents and siblings, his Rosie and his childern. He lived a full life, but to have his Frodo back made it complete (He should really give up the "Mr." now ;-)).
Thank you very much, Larner!
Author's reply
Yes, the final healing as each now has his Light shining brightly, rejoicing to have had the chance to live and love; now ready to offer back what had been given them.
That final smile was so wonderful and promised the healing that one could see Frodo needed as he stood in shock and discomfort as all knelt before him at the Coronation. Thanks for that memory sparked.
And Sam really OUGHT to give up the "Mister"--I agree!
shirebound
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 36: The Light of Your Smile
A thrill ran through him as his heart lifted to see the smile of his so beloved friend once more, a smile to lead the birds themselves to sing and the butterflies to rejoice to open their wings to the morning’s sun.
Oh my, that makes the sun shine in my heart, too. :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad it did, Shirebound.
Armariel
· 9 August 2007
· Chapter 35: Jewels of Light
Absolutely lovely. Just got back from Germany day before yesterday so I'm catching up. The image of the constellation is breathtaking, so is that of souls being "carved" like gemstones to catch the light in every facet. I wrote a poem somewhat along those lines many years ago, don't know whatever happened to it. Wasn't that good, really, but I still love the image. (Have to admit, I love gems, although I don't wear jewelry very much) Love the stars also. And this line: “Light for the world of Arda to find itself by, perhaps.” Perfect!
A beautiful and endearing piece.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, then I'm so glad I posted The Cook-off today, then! You'd think I knew!
And am so very glad you, also, appreciated the imagery in this one. And Middle Earth has a chance at a new start due to these who remain of the Nine, and the one who will be sent back....
Thanks so much.
Raksha The Demon
· 9 August 2007
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Came here via the MEFA's; and noticed I hadn't reviewed this story on-site. It's a chilling piece, absolutely one of your best, and really raises the reader's hackles, as well as bringing up some uncomfortable questions.
What a narrow escape Sam and Frodo had here! And of course, it speaks well of Frodo that he had the presence of mind to ask Sam, rather than Aragorn or the younger hobbits, to give him the "mercy"; and of Sam, who accepted an unacceptable duty in the name of friendship.
Author's reply
The thought of this one had been with me a short time when I sat down and wrote that, just after another reading of the early chapters of FOTR. It's difficult to know for certain just what Frodo understood of what would happen if the shard reached his heart; but to think of being a lesser wraith under the greater ones and the Enemy would be unthinkable to most people, I think.
And again am so honored you appreciate this one, and that you consider it among my best.
Thank you so much, Raksha.