Oh Larner this is just beautiful. You have a real gift with words; both in longer prose and in the spare minimum of this form of poetry.
Author's reply
You're up? Am do glad you were able to read this before you went to your own rest.
And I thank you. I find this "dribble" poetry to be an interesting form to play with, and a good deal easier than to work with scan, rhythm, and rhyme. And I did use a form of it in Frodo's farewell to Aragorn when he and Sam finally accepted the Gift, after all; it just seemed in keeping to use it here, too.
Periantari
· 25 June 2007
· Chapter 34: Once
oh wow that is quite beautiful~ So sad and poignant too.:*( Lovely poem, Larner.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Periantari. And love the asterisk as a tear.
These insights in the thoughts of others about Frodo are very well done, Larner. And I'm even more impressed because I myself am absolutely hopeless when it comes to poetry.
Author's reply
Considering how long it took me to write this when it worked at my mind all the way to work, I certainly don't claim to be a poet, either. But these are the wishes I think these would have known.
So glad you appreciated it.
Andrea
· 18 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Don't Linger, Sweet Brother
So don’t think to linger, sweet Frodo, our brother.
Thy life, it’s now offered to thee.
That was beautifully done, Larner!
These last two lines reminded me of what Esme said in "Second Mum": "You have to be your own Frodo!"
I'm glad that he accepted this gift and was able to live fully and in joy for a while!
Thank you!
Author's reply
Yes, the sentiment is the same. When the decision was made Frodo should go with Bilbo to Hobbiton she realized that before Frodo could be anyone else's, he needed to come to term with being his own person first; and here is a sort of plea from all that Frodo again find himself that he be better able to assist others to find themselves as well.
Thanks, so much--am so glad you liked it.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 June 2007
· Chapter 33: Don't Linger, Sweet Brother
A very touching poem
Author's reply
The wanderings of minds when driving! I'm glad it moved you. Thanks.
*tears*
That is the most touching LOTR poem I've read in a long, long while. (Please tell me I'm wrong when I seem to recall you once saying in a reply to a review that you weren't a poet. I beg to differ, even if this did take a while! :)) Such beautiful verses that truly read as if they come straight from the hearts of those who loved Frodo best! the last line of Sam's verse got me teary-eyed.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
No, I certainly don't consider myself a poet, but this one started singing its way into my mind as I was driving to work yesterday. Took me hours to get right--I'm no Bilbo or Tolkien to just dash off poetry at any odd moment.
Am so very glad you felt it was true to each individual or group, and these would love him dearly.
This is very nice! There is a comforting feel to the rhythm of the scansion, and the repetition of the word brother, and even though it's not stated, I can easily tell in each stanza who the "speaker" is!
Frodo was so loved, that those who loved him could set him free!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it, Dreamflower. This one presented itself to me as I drove to work last night, and took hours to get down and to do it properly. I am NOT a natural poet!
And am so glad you could tell each "speaker." And, yes, they all loved him, and I'm certain deeply.
A wonderful poem. Just the title was enough to compel me to read it. :)
I am terrible when it comes to guessing...
1. Aragorn
2. Sam
3. Merry
4. Pippin
5. ?
6. Galadriel
7. Um..Elanor?
8. ?
9. ?
Again, a lovely poem. *favorites*
-Calenlass
Author's reply
Aragorn, Sam, Merry, Pippin, Saradoc and Esme, Gandalf or Galadriel, Arwen, Eru, all or Gimli and Legolas.
Thank you so very much, Calenlass. I'm honored.
Wonderful, dear Larner! Wonderful! Even Iluvatar Himself asking/begging him to come West. Love it all. :) I wonder if you would consider a sequel if that would be possible of Frodo responding to these individual entreaties. I'm going to have to put this on my website which at long last I hope to update next weekend - Go Out in Joy would be there also - if all right with you.
Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)
Author's reply
Again, will consider the possibility of a sequel, but promise nothing. I spent hours over this in spite of the shortness of it. I'm not a natural poet, I've long accepted. Am flattered indeed you with to include this on your website--with my blessings, of course. Thank you. And "Go out in Joy" as well.
While I've been reading, rereading and appreciating this wonderful masterpiece you've had two reviews.
You've managed to capture the true essence of each contributor so well. I happily quote it all back to you but if I have to pick then I would go for
Aragorn, Pippin, Sam, Merry, Esme and Pal, .....and all the rest!
One to print out!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Harrowcat. So, you like Pippin's especially? I'm glad, for he's indeed one who would see to the depths while on the surface he appeared a mere giddy youngling.
Three reviews now, at least, and I'm so glad you feel this is indeed a keeper. Thank you so--I'm truly honored. Thank you.
Oh wonderful!!! Let me see now....the first verse is: Aragorn speaking, the next one is Sam, then Merry, then Pippin, then...Esmeralda? then Galadriel, Arwen, Eru? and the last is all together.....correct? I think I like the next to last verse best...but all are lovely! See, you CAN write niccceeee poemsessss.......
Author's reply
The drive between home and work has become a time when ideas start working on me, if I don't have a cassette book or some such thing to listen to, at least. And last night that cadence began insinuating itself.
I'm not truly a poet, and there are a few places here where the scanning bothers me even now, but at least it works.
Actually I'd thought Gandalf rather than Galadriel, but she could easily be the one; and I wasn't certain if the last was all together or perhaps Gimli or Legolas--they let me hear their verse, but not make out the voices. Sometimes I hear what I write; sometimes I see it. This time it was the former.
And thank you for the vote of confidence. I'm nowhere near your quality, I suspect.
Thanks again. (And poor Gollum didn't get written here, did he? Poor thing! Left out again!)
I made thee for gladness, for wonder, for singing,
a beacon of Joy all might see.
The path, it lies open, the way set before you
that leads through rejoicing to Me.
How beautiful, Larner. A truly lovely Song and message for our dear Frodo.
Author's reply
I'm so grateful you appreciated that portion especially, Shirebound. Hopefully I'll be able to read more today.
Oh, dear, poor Ivormil. I have to pity him even while his arrogance is (or I should say was) disgusting. There's a prime example of "young and foolish," if ever there was one, though I shouldn't say that and honestly probably have no room to talk, considering all the stupid things I've done and still do. After all, the poor boy probably didn't have the best example in his father and was more than likely spoiled and used to having everything he wanted exactly when he wanted it. He still might have listened better, but...well, at least he's being given a chance for growth and change.
Poor Frodo and Sam, I don't think I would have considered that a funny joke in their place! But what a wonderful way for it all to turn out:
He turned his eyes back to meet those
of Frodo Baggins, filled with hard-won wisdom and experience, realizing those bare feet had trod the many, many leagues between his own land and the slopes
of Mount Doom and those eyes had seen terrors the likes of which he, heir to the Lord of Bidwell, could not imagine. Humbled in the face of true greatness,
Ivormil made the first bow of honest respect he’d ever offered. “I ask your forgiveness for my discourtesy yesterday, my Lord Iorhael,” he said with a
sincerity he’d never felt before.
“Please,” the Hobbit answered him, “please address me as Master Frodo if you must use any title.”
Confused, Ivormil looked back into the eyes of the King, saw the pride and love held for this one, and began at last to understand what the
Lord Elessar had meant about developing an understanding of the true nature of honor and humility.
Wow! I'd be interested to see how things went with Ivormil after that. He seems to have his share of spirit, and if he would just pour it into learning the true qualities of nobility, he might turn out very well.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
We've all been young and foolish, and in my case middle aged and foolish as well. But this young lordling is at least open to learning, and is beginning to understand just what those terms the King insists are important mean. And there's hope for him. But I'm NOT following the rest of his story YET. (Grinning.)
Linda Hoyland
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
I enjoyed seeing this pompous young lord learn some lessons.Poor Aragorn having to no doubt deal with many like him, I can see where the rebels in my last story come from !A nice mixture of the comic and the serious.
Author's reply
Yes, this is the type of guy likely to lead to your Folco and his co-conspirators against Aragorn.
So glad you appreciated the mixture--but the thinking of such folk does tend to be absurd, after all.
Elemmírë
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
This is terrific, Larner! You always come up with such interesting concepts. I was very glad to see "Lord" Ivormil receive the proper rude awakening he deserved at the end. And Aragorn delivered it with such grace. And Sam was priceless, as was Frodo. Kudos to Balstador for bringing his worship to them as they were indeed the only Lords left in the White City at that time. I certainly hope Ivormil takes the time to learn and reflect on the humbleness of the hobbits. He could certainly learn much from them. I'd like to think Gandalf would have turned him into a toad otherwise.
You built the tension and drama of this tale so well ... I too, wanted to skip to the end to see Ivormil get a reality check, but I behaved myself and read every delicious word and enjoyed it immensely. After all, what goes around comes around. (there was a higher-up at the hospital I work at who bears strong resemblance to Ivormil--anyone who didn't have MD or RN after their name was the scum of the earth and treated as such ... until recently, that is ;)
~Elemmírë~
p.s. will we see a sequel perhaps? After all, Ivormil's father has within a month’s time and explain himself
Author's reply
Yes--dealt with a outreach director for a public institution who refused to accept my credentials for some reason I still fail to fathom, so I know the type. Sam and Frodo, as Hobbits of the Shire, have a far more democratic view of the rights of those who inherit titles than do the folk of Gondor--the Thain and Master, after all, advise and consent and take responsibility for seeing things done, and don't actually rule as the folk of Gondor are more accustomed to seeing. Therefore they're not likely to be very patient with this obvious blinkered, bureaucratic nincompoop; and where Sam is likely to let it be obvious he takes offense, Frodo will be more diplomatic but probably at least just as obviously disapproving in the end.
But Ivormil is quite young and realizes his blunders as he actually recognizes the King; I think there's hope for him, but can't say as yet how his dad deals with the new reality for the realm.
As for a sequel--can't say as yet. Am almost finished with the next chapter for "Tenant" and have one partially finished for "Stirring Rings" as well, and MUST get them continuing on, at least.
Thanks so for the comments and feedback.
grumpy
· 10 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
Well this trip was certainly an eye opener for Ivormil. He and his father for going to have to start earning that Lordship. That part about Ivormil looking down on the dents on the guards armor, reminds me of some idiot general in WWII who expected soldiers to be neatly pressed'
Really enjoyed the story.
Author's reply
I doubt that Aragorn would gladly tolerate self-centeredness in the lesser rulers of the nation. And in a culture where there isn't mass communications such as television or broadsheets or news photos and so on, recognition of the newcomers to the Citadel wouldn't be nearly universal as it is in our culture.
And where Aragorn would honor those who found themselves wearing somewhat battered armor because they'd actually been fighting the enemy, someone like Ivormil would merely see it as slovenliness and would need to have the facts of life slapped home to him. And I'd heard about that general, also--one who'd never actually fought and was worse than many green lieutenants. How that guy got promoted as he did is beyond me, although I've felt the same for many who promote public policy that sounds good in theory but destroys the efficacy of what they'd "improve".
This was hugely enjoyable. I had to hold myself back, because I really wanted to skip down to the end to see that kid get his just desserts! But the build-up was just as enticing as the hoped-for end, and I particularly loved Aragorn arriving in all his scruffy grandeur to further add to the calculated confusion. I could just see Viggo all shabby and disheveled, just as he was in the beginning when Merry wondered whether he was fair or foul. I expect the lordling thereafter spent a lot of time falling over his fancy feet trying to prove himself worthy, with his valet snickering in the background. Just excellent!
Author's reply
Ngila's costuming was so superb for these movies, and shows how indeed it was that Strider could have come off as both somewhat disreputable and regal at the same time. And the idea that this hot-house lordling would have mistaken it for a commoner's garb was too delicious to ignore.
I think Ivormil at least will reform. Not certain about his father, of course.
Dreamflower
· 10 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
*grin*
Lesson learned, I think. I have a feeling that this was a most salutary lesson, and that, whatever his father may or may not do, young Ivormil will someday prove to be one of those who does offer loyal and steadfast service to his King. And I think he will have a proper respect for hobbits as well, after this!
Author's reply
Yes, I do think in this case the lesson has been learned, and the example properly honored at last. So glad you enjoyed it.
Oh I did enjoy this one, Larner! Fabulous story and I was so hoping Aragorn would give the upstart a talking to. Loved Sam's reaction too, muttering away to himself and clearly aware of the sort of person this young lordling was.
Phone line was out for over a week so I'm catching up!
Author's reply
Oh, that's horrible being cut off. So often I try to log in at home to find that the satellite is refusing to give service, and I can't seem to get through to the grandson it's NOT my computer downloading email but the under-endowed equipment the ISP has online. They keep blaming us for using "too much bandwidth" when in reality we'll often be unable to access the internet at all for days and haven't used any; and text downloading such as I do uses little bandwidth at all. Blame the users rather than update infrastructure is what my ISP does!
Author Reply: And I hit the send instead of return! Gaack!
Anyway, so glad you liked Sam's reaction, for I can see him doing just this!
Tigger
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
Oh, nicely done Larner. Nicely done indeed. Loved, loved, loved this. Are you sure the Senschal of Minas Tirith hasn't taken lessons from Glorfindel on how to bring stuck up lordings down to size? ;o)
Sigh...Oh, how I wish I could send this to a certain two members of Canada's National Figure Skating Team. They both need the same lessons this young popinjay needed. However, I do think after things that have happened in the last two months, that might just indeed be starting to happen. And not before time either.
Wonderful story Larner!! :o)
Author's reply
So glad you do love this, Tigger. Have known a few colleagues who needed just such a lesson, and it's interesting you've found it even among figure skaters1 Now, that's interesting! But I think in this case the lesson was learned.
Antane
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
The humble shall be exalted and the exalted shall be humbled. Lessons indeed.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, so it has happened. Those who are thoroughly grounded in proper responsibility don't tend to worry so much about signs of status because they're too busy doing what's needed to care much; but fools mistake the protocol of signs of respect for true respect and need to learn the difference.
Good to see you back online. Second Mum is now finished, and now to get to your story posted yesterday that the ISP from Mordor wouldn't let me access.
utfrog98
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
Any new story is a treat, but this one is just marvelous. I am especially fond of stories just after the coronation when both Aragorn and his people must learn to deal with each other. I agree completely with your portrayal of a man who has simply had it with useless protocols and now intends to end them. Thank you so very much.
Author's reply
There must have been a few minor lordlings such as Ivormil and his father hidden here or there who, out of the paths of the Enemy's armies, didn't see the point to going out of their way to send appropriate troops anywhere else, offering only the least service they felt they could get away with; and those who mistake the ritual of displaying proper etiquette for true respect are legion, I've found.
And thank you for reading and commenting.
shirebound
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
I fear, my lord, that you have a good deal yet to learn about the nature of service
I will not have serving as lords of this realm those who do not exhibit the traits you just recited to me. Lordship must be earned--it is not merely a birthright. I will honor those who display honor, no matter what their birth.
How wonderful. This King is ushering in a new and most glorious Age, that is for certain.
Author's reply
Aragorn is indeed demanding substance and not show, and Frodo and he both provide excellent examples of just what traits he expects to be emulated by those serving under him.
So glad you approve.
Kitty
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
Was grinning through much of the story – that was fun, Larner. From the moment Ivormil was complaining to Balstador about the food I was gleeful anticipating his reaction when he finally understood that he has *no* right and reason to think the High King of Arnor and Gondor has to be at his beck and call. Knowing Aragorn, it was so clear he would be seriously displeased with this pompous, arrogant young guy. (Foppish popinjay was a very nice name for him!) Truly, I have to applaud Balstador for his patience with him.
But of course, the bit we learned about Ivormil’s father is enough to know the boy hadn’t a good example. I doubt Ivormil – and his father – would have dared to act similar if they would’ve had still to deal with Denethor. Though I feel sorry for Ivormil’s servants.
Hmm ... Ivormil isn’t overly bright, isn’t he? They told him he was led to Lord Perhael and then Lord Iorhael, and the hobbits told him he had seen both, but he failed to consider they could be these lords. And if Ivormil thinks he is adequately trained with a sword, I’d love to have him spar with Pippin *evil grin*
Can’t say I’m sorry for the public humilation Ivormil got during the audience. He brought it upon himself. But I think there are some signs he is not completely lost yet – maybe he thinks about it all and changes.
Very well done! Every court has fools of this sort, I suppose, and it was as much fun as it was intriguing to read this one example.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it. Ivormil's realizing just what a self-centered wretch he'd been acting and is having his eyes opened to the new reality for the realm. And Balstador has indeed shown superb restraint in his ability to curb his desire to ream this one thoroughly. I think you're right, Denethor wouldn't have stood with it, either, although he'd have landed with both feet on them for not sending proper support to the forces along the Anduin or to the capital sooner than Aragorn did, not that Aragorn had as yet had a good deal of time for dealing with such situations at that point.
I never thought to consider having Ivormil spar with Pippin, but then I suspect you've just set another plot bunny loose in the dog pen. You would do that, wouldn't you? Heh!
And I do think there IS hope for the young man, too. As for his father....
harrowcat
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 32: Vocabulary Lessons
Oh what a pompous, arrogant young upstart of a Lordling! I was giggling all the way through at the thought of the come uppance he would be receiving once he met the KING! Public in his disrespect so very public was his lesson in humility! Fortunately he seems to be quicker on the uptake and more ready to learn than he appears at first.
The last bit was inspirational Larner and the rest - just wonderful!
Please give Lindelea's writing companion a doggy treat and a pat from me and your own pack ofcourse.
Author's reply
Yes, Ivormil has been now made an example before the realm, but at least there is indeed hope for him. And am so glad you found the last inspirational. Thank you.
And the dogs send a numerous amount of tail-wagging to you, from Yogi's little tail wiggles and attempts to speak to Kerry's most expressive waves of her lovely tail--she, as Mama Dog, is our fan-dancer and uses her tail outrageously to express herself and flirt.