Moments in Time by Larner
shirebound · 9 April 2007 · Chapter 29: Awakenings
How poignant, Larner, as Frodo's life unfolds from dream to nightmare to dream, until at last he 'awakens' fully at last. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you find it so. It was a series of awakenings, all preparatory for the one yet to come, of course. Thank you, Shirebound.
Radbooks · 16 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Oh, that grotto sounds like a wonderful place... very peaceful and a wonderful place to rest and be at ease. I love the image of Sam trying it out and then realizing it wouldn't work for him... :) It's what any of us would do!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you approve, Radbooks. Yes, I think we all would want at least to TRY the mirror for ourselves; but for Sam to realize that for him, whether he was granted his own visions or not, this could perhaps become a sort of Mirror of Erised was important Thanks so much for the review. And again, I LOVED the first true misunderstanding between Thomas and Rebecca--how very real it was.
Linda Hoyland · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Touching and beautiful images.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Linda.
Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Sam is a great gardener! His grotto sounds beautiful - with the basin providing the final touch. He has a long time to live in happiness in the Shire and ... be one and whole - and I daresay such things helped him enormously.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam, I would think, would manage to bring beauty out of most things he'd turn his hand to. And realizing he can't live forever seeking visions of elsewhere when he has a life here and now, he sets the basin within the grotto so he can be one and whole. I'll admit this was in part inspired by the Mirror of Erised.
Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Oh, wow!!! This time I really *am* speechless! Such imagery...wow. There's something about this whole piece I can't describe. Somehow it reminds me of some of the more classic children's books my mom read to me before I could read them for myself, the kind that brought me to tears that I could never explain. And yet it's deeper. Maybe that's it--a simplicity combined with so much deeper beauty. (I told you I didn't know what to say. :)) I agree with your other reviewers: it never even occurred to me to wonder about the Mirror. But what a fitting place and caretaker! And I think I know what Sam saw. :) God bless, Galadriel P.S. And I also agree on this point: you do make it look so easy! And not just this, either. Having reflected on the latest in "Joy" for most of the evening, I find myself wondering repeatedly how on earth you keep up with so many Hobbits, OCs and canon characters alike. I'm for ever realising I left something out, forgot that so-and-so was only such and such an age in this or that year, and am hopelessly disorganized when it comes to family tree notes.
Author's reply
I have to add and subtract, move and adjust frequently as I review what I'm ready to post, and often I have to redo great sections of it as I go. I do have a fairly good memory, but find myself still forgetting, reminding myself, and so on. But I thank you for the compliment. I was trying for a dreamy feel to this one, and I'm so glad I accomplished it. I am honored by all who've reviewed it. Thank you indeed for it all.
Althea · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
This is so beautiful. I love the dreamy feel to it.
Author's reply
As that was precisely what I'd intended, I'm very flattered and gratified I managed to reach that state. Thank you so much!
Baggins Babe · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
I've always wondered what happened to Galadriel's mirror - this is such a beautiful story, Larner. A wonderful look at Sam and his appreciation of beauty. If only everyone would work in harmony with nature like the hobbits do. *sigh*
Author's reply
Elves are in harmony with the wild, and Hobbits with cultivated earth; between them they make a formidable partnership. Add it the aid of Dwarves with their understanding of stone and the bones of the earth, and they are almost indomitable. Am so glad this has been so well accepted. Thank you.
cookiefleck · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
So glad to see a story from you about our "golden treasure." This one was wonderful... went right to the heart. Thanks!
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciated it so, Cookiefleck. Thank you.
Grey Wonderer · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Lovely! I enjoyed every word.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you did, GW. Thank you!
Beruthiels Cat · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Larner, I am positively green with envy...you make it look so easy! A lovely story, and Sam is my absolute favorite of the hobbits... BC
Author's reply
Make it look so easy? I'm flattered indeed. Thank you, so, BC. As for me, I love them all (okay, perhaps Frodo and Aragorn more than all the rest). Thanks again.
Dreamflower · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
Stunning, Larner, just stunning.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Dreamflower!
shirebound · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
the water spilling and singing in it as it filled and the overflow rained down in gladness on the pool below where silver and golden fishes swam. the coming of a ship they had great hope would bring to them the golden treasure they’d left behind How beautiful, Larner. This is more poem than story.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you found those two lines particularly moving, Shirebound; and I was trying for a "misty" feel to this one--perhaps similar to how I think a mortal within Lothlorien might feel at the time.
daw the minstrel · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
It never even occurred to me to wonder what happened to Galadriel's basin. This is so fitting. And I like the way the grotto was created by hobbit, dwarf, and elf, each contributing. I hope whatever Sam glimpsed gave him peace.
Author's reply
I just found that basin and ewer nudging at me yesterday after I finished writing chapter eight of my other story. And it was nice to think there would be some inter-racial cooperation on this one. As for what Sam saw or didn't see or thought he saw or knew he saw--he's not telling, and neither am I. Heh! Thanks.
Pearl Took · 9 March 2007 · Chapter 28: Mirror, Mirror
This is wondrous, mystical and magical. A work of art, Larner! "The water ran slightly more freely now, as if now that it had a pool to disport itself in it felt free to explore and play." Beautiful!
Author's reply
Oh, am glad I was able to communicate that feeling properly. Thanks indeed, Pearl.
Linda Hoyland · 22 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
We have pretend weddings here to,how sweet that Merry should twice marry his true love !
Author's reply
I think most little girls play at weddings--certainly we did. And this would be the one way in which Frodo was able to be a part of Merry's wedding, something I'm certain he'd always looked forward to.
harrowcat · 21 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
I am feeling distinctly miffed Larner. This is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful and I nearly completely missed reading it! My thanks have to go to His Magnificence, KnittedMerry. *Glares very grimly in the direction of the 'Author alerts gremlin and threatens it with the sword!* Am off to drool over motor-homes at the boat and caravan show in Birmingham tomorrow. *Firmly tells self that dreaming is allowed but signing pieces of paper is not allowed, really NOT allowed!*
Author's reply
Author Alerts gremlins can be unreliable, I've found. Perhaps the Sword might just work on it! One never knows. And am so very glad you like it. I'll one day get another motorhome, but can't afford it now, of course. I so miss having one. But certainly understand the having to tell oneself not to sign pieces of paper. Yes, really NOT allowed for me right now, either.
Kitty · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
Although I knew they played at wedding back when they were rather young, now I am surprised how seriously they took it, and how much they tried to get every detail right, with cake and dresses and marriage contract and everything. And I am sure that Frodo, even if he felt a bit awkward and too old to play along, was glad to have it done back then so many years later when he knew he would not be able to stay until Merry's and Estella's true wedding. I think it must have given him the feeling to have been there nonetheless in a way, and it was a lucky coincidence that at the pretended wedding he was the one to officiate the ceremony. Maybe it made it easier for Merry to have Frodo not there at the real wedding, too.
Author's reply
Hi, Kitty. When we played at weddings we tried to make them authentic; and considering Merry's painstaking personality I think he would have made certain this wedding was as authentic as possible, considering he was roped into being the bridegroom and he already found himself liking Estella Bolger. And I do think that the idea that his father was now only officially confirming the marriage Frodo performed so long ago would indeed have been one Merry would have entertained and been glad of. To not have Frodo physically present for the official marriage must have been very sad for him--there we agree.
Bodkin · 20 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
Delightful - the family conspired to make Merry's first wedding to Estella as memorable as his second. And possibly even more treasured by those who loved Frodo.
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Bodkin. To not have Frodo there in person must have been a wrench, and this memory must have been a comfort. Thanks so for the comments.
Elemmírë · 18 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
How very wonderful, Larner! I'm glad to see that you decided to expand the idea of the hobbit children playing at Weddings into a longer, detailed piece. It was a total surprise as I was not expecting such from the title. It was all very touching, especially the childrens' attention to all of the right details from their manner of dress, to the sword, to the steel pen Frodo used. Yet, the end was so very bittersweet as well--but at least Frodo was able to attend one/perfom one of his cousin's "weddings." I'm sure that Estella was remembering her first "wedding" to Merry as well during the real one years later. And Brendi ... writing his first marriage contract, albeit and unofficial one. (I wonder if he kept it and maybe gave it to the happy couple for the real wedding gift?) I enjoyed Saradoc and Bilbo as well ... it's very nice to see that they did not tease the children in any way and Frodo received such high praise for being able to perform such an adult ceremony with such grace. I also very much enjoyed Old Rory, especially how he decided to take a page out of old Bilbo’s book and just enjoy life while he could. Menegilda had been upset at first as she watched her husband bit by bit throw protocol out the window, yet she’d also found her life with her husband had regained some of the freshness and excitement she’d known when she first married him, all those long years ago. Well done! ~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
How did I miss responding to this one, Elemmire? Now and then something I wrote elsewhere niggles until I find myself expanding on it, and the play wedding of Merry and Estella was doing just that. Why would the children seek to do such a thing then? And if Merry and Estella were a bit on the older side, how would they be convinced to take part? I've always seen Merry as the meticulous one, and I think most of us see him as the one who thinks things through most of the four of them as far as planning for the future, or at least the equivalent of Sam, who tends to look at what he can carry on his back while Merry has both the experience and means to think of adding ponies to the expedition, even if they didn't stay with the party all that long. So, any play wedding he participated in as a teen would include an attention to detail that would make it most close to real as possible, particularly once he was made aware of details as happened here listening to his father and the bridegroom. And any excuse to play that would include food and drink and partying would be welcomed by most Hobbit children, I think; so the wedding cake and punch set also seemed likely. Once they realized this play is indeed a "practice run" for the future, I think that Sara and Bilbo would indeed be respectful and keep the teasing to the most mild possible, even managing through it to communicate the pride they feel. And whatever Frodo did of this sort I think would always be done with his singular grace. And am so glad you like the depiction of Old Rory, who at the Party made the comment that at least when Bilbo disappeared so spectacularly he didn't magic the food and drink away also. I think by that time in his life he'd already begun living more in the moment, which in the end would be communicated with Saradoc as well. Thank you so much.
Lily · 17 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
This was certainly not what I expected when I read the title. It was even better! This is a marvellous story, very much in character and just so... lovely. Merimac lending his old vest, Bilbo being curious and proud at the same time, Frodo very much tween... it all fitted perfectly. I love Saradoc inquiring about their place of living until they are of age. And the ending was... well, it had me in tears. That says more than words ever will. Marvellous!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you did find this better than you'd expected. And I'm so glad so many appear to have found it so moving. Thank you so much!
Queen Galadriel · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
Oh, how very sweet. I had to grin at the youngsters, but I found myself blinking away tears at the end. I'm so glad Frodo had this chance to do for Merry what he couldn't do when the time really came. This brings back lovely memories of the time I was the happy bride (at the mature age of eight) of a play wedding, almost as beautiful and elaborate as this. :) God bless,and a belated happy Valentines Day! Galadriel
Author's reply
My younger sister and I had such elaborate weddings for our dolls and imaginary friends (my imaginary friend, really, but ones she accepted for my sake) and occasionally for ourselves. I remember Mom once being concerned because I read the marriage service from my prayer book--she was worried it might tinge on blasphemy, I'm afraid. I doubt God was offended, though. (Heh!) That the children of Brandy Hall might have played at such wedding ceremonies only made sense to me, and that Merry would choose Frodo to officiate at the ceremony also only made sense. And the memories of that first time would have been nostalgic, perhaps somewhat painful, but also comforting, I'd think, for Merry and Saradoc especially. And the stories others were writing made me do this! I swear I hadn't intended to write it now. And a belated Valentines Day to you, too.
Grey Wonderer · 16 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
Oh, I just loved this so very much! The first wedding was so very special and in a way, Merry and Estella were married at that very second. Love the fact that Merry was permitted to use the sword too. But this line, (“Frodo Baggins, if there was ever a Hobbit who ought to be Mayor, I think it’s you.”) and the fore-shadowing put an extra something into the mix. And here the Tooks think they're the ones with the sight. LOL Brilliant and I am going to read it again now.
Author's reply
Yes, perhaps they were, married well and truly as Saradoc teased them, although I think there was a level of seriousness to that teasing. But it was a sign for what was to come, perhaps, that the next time they recite those vows they mean them thoroughly, although I suspect that the sword he carried at the second wedding was a bit newer than the Sword. I think all who knew Frodo would have considered him a good candidate to become Mayor, helping to wed the Master and Thain into the awareness of everyday Hobbits across the Shire, being so closely related and familiar with both as family. The manner in which Will decided to make him his deputy so swiftly indicates Will was certain of his level of responsibility and love for the Hobbits of the entire Shire as well. I'm sorry he hadn't agreed to serve as Mayor before, in some ways, although it would have put a strain on him to set that aside in order to go on the quest, I fear. And remember, Took blood does flow in the veins of the Brandybucks, and probably has since they first came to the Shire. I suspect they had a good deal of Fallohide in their background as well, which is one reason I've written it that way in Stirring Rings.
Antane · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
Yes, a gem his Frodo was, a marvelous gem, and that gem needed be set off properly So he always was, lit from within. A shame he couldn't be at Merry's 'other' wedding but this was certainly fun for him and of course he would do a great job, no matter what he put his mind to. Reminds me of the other weddings he officiated at as Deputy Mayor and how seriously he took that responsibility. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I think that performing weddings, as few as he probably performed as Mayor, must have been in some ways satisfying and in others troubling, believing he could never know that joy. I suspect he knew when Merry married Estella, and that his own memory of that childish wedding would have comforted him, knowing it had all been done properly.
FantasyFan · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
There is a lovely gentleness and solemnity about the entire fic that is so beautiful. Everyone there takes the entire ceremony so seriously, and treats it with true reverence. There's a couple of things that come to mind reading it. The first is a curiousity. If the wedding contract is written perfectly legally, and the ceremony is carried off without error, is it possible that the marriage is valid? Probably not given their ages, but there was an adult Brandybuck present who did not object - it'd make a odd argument for a point of law! The second thing is that, of course, Frodo is not there to officiate at the real wedding so many years later. Sam hands the wreath to Pippin: is he there in his capacity as mayor to hear the vows? Merry and Saradoc and Pippin all remember the first ceremony, and I am sure they feel the loss of their dear older cousin. Yet, in a way he is there, by virtue of their memories of the words spoken so many years before. Frodo's first wedding, one of probably very few he officiated at, and so very gently done and with attention and intimacy. Uncle Rory spoke truely - it was the only chance he had to stand up with Merry, and it was well done that he made it special. A very nice story.
Author's reply
Thank you, FantasyFan, for your responses to the story. I've always seen Merry as the one who truly thinks things out and sees to all the details; and once he became aware that things like marriage contracts could be done incorrectly I think that our Merry would want to make certain even one for a pretend wedding would be properly written. As for Frodo, whatever he did was undoubtedly done with a certain grace and probably also with great attention to detail, and that he would tend to put his heart into whatever he did. Your first question is an interesting one, and I've played in my head with what might have been done with that marriage contract, whether it was presented to be signed a second time by the participants, the one signature different the officiant, or whether it was framed and hung in Merry and Estella's own quarters, or if it was sent to the Mathom House in Michel Delving, or if it might have ended up being filed in either Fornost or Minas Tirith. As I have Merry marrying the second spring after Frodo left in my version of events, Sam isn't Mayor yet, and so can't hear the vows; but instead he and Pippin together stood up for Merry as Young Tom and Merry both stood together for Sam at his wedding. I strongly suspect Saradoc himself had the pleasure of performing his son's second wedding to Estella, actually. And Rory had become a wise old Hobbit by this time, and had undoubtedly realize we cannot count on tomorrow and so must do what we can and must today.
Andrea · 15 February 2007 · Chapter 27: Merry's Wedding
You might never be able to stand up for him when he marries for real, so this may be the one chance you have to see it done. Dear Old Rory! When he spoke these words he did not know how true they would come in the future! Thank you so much for this lovely story. It was really beautiful!
Author's reply
Rory wasn't young when Frodo came of age, but I loved him, at the Party, deciding there was no reason to get overly upset at Bilbo's disappearance as long as the food and drink wasn't part of the disappearing act; as a result, I see him becoming increasingly free-spirited as he aged, and increasingly aware of how precious it is to grab at enjoyment and laughter and wonder as you can; therefore he wouldn't be upset if the children played at weddings and wanted to carry the Sword. And, being experienced, he would undoubtedly have become aware of how accidents and the like can change or take lives in an instant. Perhaps he was being foresighted--he had some Took blood in him, after all; but more, I think, he was wanting to see the wonder not lost before it had to. Thank you for appreciating it.