Wonderful as always. I loved Melilot in this one and how she helped just by listening and asking the right questions. I also enjoyed the way Pippin had to be the strong one this time. The moment in the beginning with Pippin and Esmeralda when he first arrived at the Hall showed how worried they both were about Merry. It also showed how close Pippin is to his Aunt and how well she knows him. I cried along with Merry and the stuffed pony but I was smiling by the end of this one.
Author's reply
Grief gets worse and then better, as we remember what we've lost, and the joy we had. Even though Frodo isn't dead, he isn't HERE, which is almost the same; and they can't look to even communicate clearly with him during the remainder of their lives.
But Frodo found ways of being there for his cousin-brother the day he proposed marriage, and had already shown Merry that even for himself grief could still come, the first time he visited after Bilbo was gone, and he found himself missing both Bilbo and his own parents so intensely.
So glad you like the relationship between Pippin and Esme--I think it would be close, and felt even more so after reading some of the stories of Pippin, Esme, and the fairy-ancestress.
Armariel
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
Awww nice.....cozy and nostalgic and sweet....and that about the stuffed pony *sniff* my favorite part........
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Christmas is often the most difficult of holidays for those who are grieving, and I am certain this would have been true for Frodo after his parents and later Bilbo left him, and now for the conspirators, and especially Merry and Pippin.
Frodo was Merry's older brother in all but blood, and Merry is Pippin's. And I've always felt Pippin would feel a moral obligation to help others through their griefs by making certain they have reason to laugh and know joy.
So glad you liked the stuffed pony.
cookiefleck
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
Very nice story... thanks! I liked how you wove so much into it. Loved the little bit about the book... I am picturing Sam reading it. :o)
Author's reply
I have Sam reading it in "For Eyes to See as Can," after all, so felt a copy ought to have been here in Brandy Hall, too, and probably Frodo used it in teaching his cousins as Bilbo and his parents probably had used it to teach him and as Bilbo had used it to teach Sam. Yes, I can see Sam reading it, too.
Antane
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
Well, that was a bit hard to get through but marvelous anyway - all the little bits of Frodo and his love for others still left in the Shire, the first book that Sam read to himself, the loss still so fresh - I knew you would find me - I could just hear Merry saying that, Merry and Pippin curling up together just as they had during the Quest, the celebration when Frodo first moved on his own... I know I'm forgetting some parts but these are some of my favorites. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Yes, I think at this point Pippin and Merry would begin to share what happened with the other conspirators and near-conspirators, for I think that Freddy and Folco would need to know, and Brendi, as I write him in my stories, would also want to know more details from other folks' point of view, having heard some of it from Frodo himself.
Yes, it's a bit of a wandering story, and I'm glad you could get through it after all.
And I think at times Pippin and Merry would find themselves reverting to how they acted when isolated from the others during the quest.
Joy and sorrow shone so well. The grief for Frodo mingled with the joy of new hope and promise on the horizon. Beautiful. And I love Dahlia's gift to Merry--how thoughtful!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I managed to slip Dahlia's other gift into the story, having written the one about Sam already. And in the end I think somehow this one would mean the more to Merry.
Yes, the grief and joy would be mixed, as I believe you have experienced yourself. But Frodo wanted to support Merry as he could once Merry made the commitment to marry Estella, and if all he could do to do so was to provide a family ring as the wedding token, it would be what he would do.
AspenJules
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
Wonderful, Larner! I just loved this, and was intrigued by the range of emotions this little story brought out, being bittersweet, sweet, cozy, joyful, and that emotion that makes you say "AWWWWWWW" when Dahlia sends the statue and Merry proposes (can't find a name for that one.)
I think most of all I loved how the little group in Frodo's room grew from just Merry to all the friends. It's like Frodo is drawing them together still. Also, the conversation in the room was so realistic, just kind of rambling from one topic to another, as a conversation among a group of friends is wont to do. It was comfortable, open, relaxed and yet intimate. Their reminiscences of times from their childhood to the time of the Conspiracy, to after their return were enlightening, and I just felt like I was there and accepted.
But then later, when Pip finds Merry alone in Frodo's earliest rooms, there I felt like a distant observer, which was also appropriate because that was a grief shared only between those two. The whole dynamic of the story made me feel like I was there, was one of the friends. Very well done, Larner, very very well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, AspenJules. Apparently I managed to communicate the natural ebb and flow of emotions just as I'd intended.
For my husband, the first Christmas we had together as husband and wife was a very sad one, as he found himself mourning for the Christmases he would no longer be able to share with his father and ex-wife. The marriage may have been long over, but it was the first time he felt safe, I think, to mourn for the good lost--the bad done with he could handle better, he found.
Thank you so much for your review.
Dreamflower
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
Oh how wonderful!
I love this look at the first Yule after Frodo was gone, and Pippin's efforts to take care of Merry.
It was a "Conspirator's Yule" in more ways than one: the original members of the Conspiracy (except Sam) all together, and a conspiracy by Pippin and the others to cheer Merry, and a conspiracy of all the rest to cheer both Pippin and Merry.
And Dahlia made another appearance! I loved it! How lovely!
Author's reply
Well, I'd written that Dahlia had a gift for Merry, too, to ease his loss and reinforce the love she knew was still there. Started this just after I finished the other one, but with all the distractions of working double shifts and illnesses and more snow, it took a much longer time to finish.
I felt that the first Yule with Frodo gone would have been difficult for all who deeply loved Frodo; and Melilot would want to better understand the relationship between Frodo and Freddy at this time, which means understanding where Freddy got his inspiration to do what he did for the folk of the Shire in defiance of Lotho and his folk during the Time of Troubles. Realizing that Frodo's quest was so desperate and important would be a part of that, I think.
So they come together, the conspirators and those who perhaps ought to have been included in that number, and start sharing details, aiding through the grief, adding to the joys. And Frodo found a way to be a part of Merry's marriage in spite of knowing he wouldn't be there when it happened.
shirebound
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
"Oh, yes, we miss him," Pippin said, the pain obvious in his voice. "He was our reason for everything when we were younger, as well as the reason we left the Shire."
"That cursed Ring," growled Freddy. "First it kept him younger, and then it left him so much older."
Such a rich, full chapter, full of deep emotions and comforting love. It's a delight to be present when Merry proposes, and to see him give Estella a ring that Frodo gave him. Beautiful scene.
Author's reply
It's a bit of a wandering chapter, but I know from experience that grief is that way.
And as always I so appreciate the lines that have the most meaning to you as you read them. Thank you so!
harrowcat
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 25: Conspirators' Yule
Oh, fantastic the waiting for another Larner offering is over. Now don't gulp your reading too fast Harrowcat. Make it last....make it last... ! *happy and sad sighs*
Not time to review properly as I am off to the Ballet - Giselle. But had to drop in and say this is wonderful as always. And I am so glad that they are going to use the original marriage contract. Perhaps the Wedding itself should just be ratified and blessed.
I think that you have a minor editing problem as you seem to have a line gone astray at the end.
Author's reply
Since the laptop dissolved it's harder to get things written. I get distracted so much more often when I'm home, and can't get a good flow going as I often can when my clients are asleep and the apartment house is quiet.
Yes, one of the lines decided to attach itself at the end, and I missed it when I posted night before last. Fixed it now, I hope. I'll check and make certain.
This story has been in construction for weeks--glad it's finally done.
Antane
· 27 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Finally got to this! Yes, our dear is a most responsible gentlehobbit, taking or trying to take in all the poison of the Ring into himself so others would not be touched. It's a tragedy that even after the despicable thing was destroyed, he still thought he had to keep everything inside - as though he could fool those who loved him most. Never thought of his collapse as relief, but that's certainly better than fainting from utter exhaustion. Thanks for another reverent tale.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, you have it there, Antane--one of the most responsible of all Hobbits glad to meet at least near his like among Men, and finding it in him to relax his guard, for at least a short time. And thank you for the evaluation of it as reverent. Thanks so much!
Bodkin
· 21 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Faramir and Frodo would get on well, I think. They have a lot in common, even without Faramir's rejection of the Ring and consequent boost to Frodo's courage. And Sam would probably see and appreciate those Frodo-like qualities in the man.
But Sam is just such a star. Selfless. And brave. And, doubtless, frequently a considerable surprise to those who pigeonholed him and dismissed him from their consideration.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that during the time spent in Minas Tirith Frodo and Faramir came to appreciate one another even more deeply. It was indeed just at the right time that Frodo and Sam met him in Ithilien. Certainly Sam would appreciate the nobility he sees in the Man, just as he admires the nobility he sees in his beloved Master.
And I think that everyone would tend to underestimate Samwise Gamgee until this quest was finished, and that his gradual revelation of his true nature and competency and wonderful nature would be a delight for all.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Grey Wonderer
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
This was lovely. I so enjoyed Sam in this and his conversation with Faramir. Everything rang so very true to character as it always does in your stories.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so honored, Grey Wonderer. Am always honored when folks feel I've truly caught the characters we love so much. Thank you so much.
Elemmírë
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
I LOVE this one, Larner! I really enjoyed how you analyzed why it was that Frodo passed out when he did and not before ... or after. The conclusion that Sam came to--that it was relief--is utterly perfect and quite plausible.
While it's true that the food and water Faramir gave the hobbits went towards their physical relief, it was the mental relief that Frodo truly required as well. I'm glad that Sam was able to soothe Faramir's troubled heart.
You really delved into that scene in the book and brought new meaning to it. Very well done!
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Frodo needed that moment of respite, just as he needed the dreams of ease he knew on the stairs of Cirith Ungol. And Faramir needed to know he hadn't added to Frodo's burdens, but had helped ease them. So glad so many appear to appreciate this assessment of the why of that collapse. And thanks so much for letting me know you feel it adds to the original story.
Raksha The Demon
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
I've always thought that the interlude in Henneth Annun gave Frodo and Sam new strength not only through the provisions, but through the courtesy with which they were treated and the friendship Faramir gave them. This vignette is a lovely reminder of that, and brings home the significance of Faramir's quality, as both a friend unlooked-for in the wild, and a worthy son of Gondor and Numenor.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for letting me know how you feel this reinforces your own assessment of that moment from the books. Yes, Faramir walked out of the woods of Ithilien into Professor Tolkien's story and into the hearts of so many, and you are certainly right that he is indeed a most worthy son of Gondor and Numenor. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Queen Galadriel
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Wow. I've wondered about that scene a lot, since being introduced to LOTR through the BBC radio drama, but I'd always thought it was just exhaustion. It makes sense, though, that it was relief, when the tension was so suddenly lifted and Frodo suddenly realised it was okay just to let go for a little while; I've seen/experienced similar reactions.
I love the way you have Sam tell a tale, any tale. He's an excellent narrator, and the simplicity of his speech only adds to it, at least for me; the most inexpressible things are usually better expressed in simple words.
There are so many wonderful passages that I can't pick them all out. Even the little mannerisms are so in-character. Love it!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
So, you, too, have known that feeling, the knowing that it's okay for the moment to let go and let the feelings you've been keeping under such tight control have their way so they can be let go.
And am so glad you like how I have Sam narrate stories. I try to keep true to my understanding of his preference for "simple" speech, simple speech that still is full of understanding of concepts most in his station don't usually appear to give a lot of thought to. But he was at least partially educated by Bilbo and was a companion to Frodo from Sam's childhood--I think his horizons would have been much broadened by such an unlikely and uncommon education.
And so glad you feel even the nervous mannerisms are in character. Thanks for letting me know!
Armariel
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Ahhh, Faramir *big sloppy grin*
I like the description of the screen.
Was rather puzzled for a while all through Sam's narrative, thinking, Now what is he getting at? Then the revelation and the lightbulb came on in my head *bling* Quite a nice little epiphany.
“It was more’n just food and water and the little wine as you sent with us and the walkin’ sticks as you gave us he took with him when we began again the next day, you see—you gave him hope that there was folk in Gondor as was true-hearted as Strider was, as was worth honorin’ and seekin’ to protect. His own hope was bein’ stripped away from him, bit by bit, by the Ring. The hope you give him helped give him heart to go that much further. And I thank you for it.”
Lovely!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, Faramir is such a worthy one, and needs his own reassurance he's done the right thing from time to time.
So, you're the second to indicate this at first had the feeling of a shaggy dog story, until Sam finally came to the point. I hadn't intended that, of course, but it's how, I suppose, it came out.
Thanks so much for the review, Armariel.
demeter d
· 20 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Sam and Faramir are my two favorites of hobbit, and human, respectively. This is a lovely shared moment. Other reviewers who are more gifted writers than i have picked out many fine moments to comment on here. I will just note this one which no one else seems to have mentioned. Gandalf said that the Gamgees may have had a strain of Fallohide in them after all. If Bilbo got his sense of adventure from his Took half, then that little bit of Fallohide must be what gave Sam the extra spirit he needed to do what he did. And why did the ring not understand why he would never just leave Frodo? I remember a line from Disney's cartoon "Sleeping Beauty". The three good fairies are trying to decide how to protect the baby princess from the wicked Malificent. The gentlest of the three said, 'Malificent would never understand love and kindness." And, of course, neither did the Ring.
Author's reply
The Fallohides were reported by Tolkien to have lived in the northern regions of the Anduin valley, and were the most closely associated with Elves. I'd think that in the end the ability to do so well with plants must have indicated a stronger Fallohide strain than one might think; and the sheer loyalty Sam exhibited as well as the moments of insight into the thought processes of others must have been favorably influenced by such ancestry as well.
Oh, I so love the parallel you draw between Merriwether's comment in "Sleeping Beauty" and the Ring's nature in LOTR. So very apropos! Thank you!
Althea
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
What a lovely story this is. It was wonderful to listen to Faramir and Sam as they became better acquainted. Sam knows his Frodo so well. Sam's explanation for Frodo's fainting perfectly reflected his understanding of as well as his love for Frodo. It's wonderful to see Sam portrayed so well. I especially loved this, "Faramir examined the face of the Hobbit gardener more closely. There was definitely more to this Hobbit than was easily visible, he realized. It appeared Lord Samwise Gamgee was already more educated than any within Gondor appreciated." It makes my day when Sam is recognized for the exceptional hobbit that he is.
Author's reply
Yes, I believe that Faramir and Aragorn both truly appreciated just how special Sam was, and sought ever to honor it in him. And I'm so glad you liked this encounter between these two.
Linda Hoyland
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
I enjoyed this very much.It is interesting to read Sam's reactions to the ring and how Faramir gave Frodo added strength.
Author's reply
I've often wondered how Sam might have responded to the Ring and what other strategies It might have used on him besides the image of him as a war hero and the Gardener of Mordor, so this gave me a chance to explore that idea. And I'm certain Faramir's treatment of Frodo and Sam eased Frodo's heart greatly, and helped restore his hope that not all Men could be easily taken by such things as the Ring's promises and evil.
Kitty
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
The Ring thought of Sam as the King's brother? Interesting. So it sensed what probably nobody save Elrond, Gandalf and Bilbo knew at the time.
You added a new layer to the first meeting between Faramir and the hobbits in Ithilien, at least for me. Until now I had seen it only as a simple meeting with someone nice and a certain help for the hobbits. But you are right - it must have been a relief for Frodo to realise there are some noble men left in Gondor and not everyone is easily influenced by and lusting for the Ring as Boromir did. The fact that Faramir was Boromir's brother made it probably even more important for Frodo that he acted so honourable.
Author's reply
I suspect that Glorfindel knew as well, but that's neither here nor there, of course. But how could the Ring fail to appreciate some truths that it might make use of. That possible recognition by the Ring made sense when the Ring tried to tempt Sam with the image of him as the Hero Against Sauron he experienced. And I thought there had to be some images Sam might have experienced from the Ring's tempting that he didn't share with Frodo and thus failed to make it into the Red Book.
Quite often when we are in emergency situations we run strictly on adrenaline for quite a while until we realize it is suddenly safe to let go. After our motorhome caught fire while we were in it, I was still running on nerves two days later, when at my son's school I finally was able to let go as they questioned me about the story the Kid had told that day. Suddenly it was safe to let that anxiety go--we were all safe, and the world was running normally once more, and I got to sit down with my head between my knees for a time until I was steady enough to drive home and put the situation behind me. That this might well be part of the reason why Frodo collapsed when he did suddenly seemed right.
And if this adds more meaning to the meeting between Frodo and Faramir is wonderful. Thanks for letting me know.
Lindelea
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Nice! (Even though I had to read at great speed, or be interrupted and maybe never get back again.)
There was definitely more to this Hobbit than was easily visible, he realized.
So very true!
And you show Faramir's thirst for learning very well.
We have a carved screen something like what you described! What fun!
I really didn't "get" what you were getting at until nearly the end, and then I understood. Nice conclusion.
Author's reply
I agree. There's far more to all four of the Travellers than showed on the surface, of course; but I like to see people realize it for the first time, and particularly with "simple" Samwise Gamgee. That Faramir might begin to appreciate that Sam as well as Frodo was a kindred spirit when it came to learning things made sense.
I'll admit your screen and one we had in the antique shop we had both added to the image of the screen I envisioned.
And am glad you feel I finally managed to communicate the point of the story. Thanks so much for the reaction.
I'd hoped to get down this week, but it looks as if it won't be until after the New Year at this point. Everybody's trying to take the next few weeks off, so I get to do my share of overtime, allowing me a much nicer end-of-the-year paycheck, which I need desperately, of course.
Love to the Hubby and the Hobbitlings. And the violin practice sounds wonderful.
shirebound
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Faramir straightened in confusion. “Relief?”
The gardener nodded. “Yes, sir, relief. Once you knew as what It was you was sayin’ no to and you showed as you’d just keep on sayin’ no to It, he realized for the first time in days as it was all right, all right not to have to worry for a bit. He could let down his guard and rest, really rest for a time, and he did. He needed real rest so much, and he got so little of it, you see.
“It was more’n just food and water and the little wine as you sent with us and the walkin’ sticks as you gave us he took with him when we began again the next day, you see—you gave him hope that there was folk in Gondor as was true-hearted as Strider was, as was worth honorin’ and seekin’ to protect.
That's a wonderful explanation, and you help me to see and understand that scene much more clearly.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad this added to your enjoyment of the original. Thanks so much for letting me know.
harrowcat
· 19 December 2006
· Chapter 24: The Bearing of Burdens
Now that is a nice present to get when you are sneaking a minute or two's reading time at work!
Loved this Larner. I have been dying to see more of Faramir and Sam and/or Frodo after the quest. You've even got the bit about sitting in the sunshine. The last three paragraphs are especially moving. And, of course, the snippit of the ring calling Sam the 'king's brother'!
I much prefer Tolkien's Faramir to P.J's although I do understand why he wrote Film Faramir as he did.
In case I don't get another chance, Thanks from my Mum (and a woof from Jet) and best wishes to all over the Festive Season.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
A touching story.Sam must miss Frodo dreadfully.
Author's reply
I would think that first Yule without Frodo must have been difficult, as it so often is when we miss those we love.
Queen Galadriel
· 18 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
Oh, this is so sweet and compliments Dreamflower's fic so well! It seems so right that this gift should "go round", and Sam's Yule will be the happier for it.
And speaking of gifts, I'm doing special fics for the five of you: you, Antane, Frodo B., Elanor S., and Harrowcat (well, I'm going to try--so busy! and I'm already having some interesting writing issues), and as of now I'm sort of at a loss...anything you'd like in particular?
Thank you for this, and Merry Christmas! Hope to catch up on "Rings" and "Tenant" very soon.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'm having difficulties as well, as I don't have my laptop available, probably until after Yule, so I can appreciate the difficulties of others. It's difficult to find time to write when the server is being shared with so many others.
A gift story for me? A moment when Merry is supremely glad to be Frodo's cousin.