Elemmírë
· 12 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
What a great follow-up as to what became of Frodo's drawing of wee Merry and Dahlia! Sam will always treasure anything portrayed by Frodo's hand.
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Yes, I think this will mean a good deal to Sam. So glad you approve, Elemmire. Thanks so much!
Andrea
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
"I doubt as Master Frodo ever understood as just how much as all kinds of folks loved him and membered him with joy, you know.”
Larner, you're amazing! That's exactly what I thought after reading Dreamflower's story. But somehow I didn't find the right words.
What a wonderful idea of Dahlia to give the present to Sam and Rosie and remind them that way that for years to come Frodo Baggins will not be forgotten, but will be remembered with joy.
Thank you!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree.
It's for the small things we are often best remembered, after all. And I think Frodo's legacy of thoughtfulness to those who aren't seen as mattering a good deal would have helped the entire Shire to have been a better place for his having lived there than even those who knew and loved him best appreciate.
Antane
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
And Sam's too modest too to realize how much he left his mark also. Indeed these two were brothers. What a nice gift to get - and for us too! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Yes, both Frodo and Sam tended to underrate their own worth.
Radbooks
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
Oh, very sweet and a nice yule gift for us. It would be wonderful for Sam, and for any of the others, to have a painting of Frodo's. I wonder where the dragonfly is? :)
Author's reply
Yes, once again Dreamflower has managed to get my own brain kickstarted. And Sam needed that picture right then.
As for where the dragonfly is, we'll have to use our imagination, I suspect. Heh!
Baggins Babe
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
I lovede Dreamflower's story and it was such a treat to find a sequel today. Gifts go round, and this was a balm to poor Sam's troubled soul. A lovely glimpse of the Bag End residents and a very insightful look at those last moments of the Ring's existence. I've often wondered what would have happened to Frodo if Gollum had not snatched it back so quickly.
Author's reply
Certainly Tolkien's own idea of what would probably have happened had Gollum not taken It was terrible enough. Tricked into confronting the Nazgul before he had strength enough to truly command them, then carried to Barad-dur to be given to Sauron.... (Larner shivers with disgust!)
And this was one mathom that ended up truly easing the soul of its recipient.
So glad Dreamflower wrote her story so I could do a sequel of sorts to it! Thanks for the review!
Kitty
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
It hadn’t been able to totally take him till the very last, and even then Gollum had taken It so quick It hadn’t been able to make certain of Its victory
That is true, though I shudder to think what would have happened if Frodo had held the Ring longer. But somehow it is comforting, too, to know the Ring didn't suceed completely after all the time It tried to take Frodo. And before It could try to do something about it, maybe to turn Gollum and Frodo against each other in an attempt of murder (or whatever the Ring would've done), It was destroyed. Serves It right for being so nasty to my Frodo.
This little gift was exactly what Sam needed to cheer him up on this day. I am sure this picture, painted by Frodo, was the perfect Yule gift for him. Not only it is another memento of his beloved Master, but a sign how much others he wasn't truly aware of loved Frodo, too. Very nice of Dahlia to give this picture away - I am sure it must have meant a lot to her, too, as a reminder of both Merry and Frodo.
Author's reply
What the Ring would have done to OUR Frodo is indeed a question, and certainly Tolkien's own suggestions of It betraying him to the Nazgul is nasty enough.
And am so glad you felt the gift was properly bestowed. Certainly you're right--that this was a true indication that love for Frodo burned throughout the Shire, often in places he was unaware of. But the gift had done its work with Dahlia and was ready to be returned.
Armariel
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
Ohhh very sweet! I liked Dreamflower's story very much, and this is a delightful follow-up, if it can be called so.
Now that's the nicest instance of "regifting" I've come across yet.;) Glad something came along to cheer Sam's Yule.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Am so very glad you appreciate it, Armariel. I love finding other stories that inspire me to follow up on them. And am so glad you appreciated the "regifting." Thanks!
Agape4Gondor
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
'...scouring the heart right out of the one as had carried It.'
Incredible sentence... Of course, I loved the whole story - but that line just 'scoured' me.
Author's reply
Well, at least the vessel is now receiving its final cleansing and is being readied once more to be refilled. I'm just glad Frodo accepted the gift at the last and has the chance to know full joy and delight once more.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Agape.
cookiefleck
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
How nice that the picture put a smile in Sam's heart just when it was needed. I enjoy reading loving glimpses of Sam and his family life at Bag End. Thanks.
Author's reply
Yes, the picture has been passed on, and comfort is found when it is truly needed.
And I love to think of Sam finding the happiness in Bag End Frodo intended for him. So glad you liked it, Cookiefleck.
Bodkin
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
That piece of comfort came for Sam at just the right moment. It does seem to be that kindness is repaid with kindness and care with care.
Author's reply
Yes, the first Yule without Frodo's presence must have been a bit difficult, or so I'd think; and that the Creator would nudge others to see to it that both Merry and Sam were comforted just seemed right to me.
And when the kindness and caring can't fully be returned, to see it passed on to others to their needs is the greatest sign of thanksgiving we can give, or so I think.
Thanks to you for your note, Bodkin.
harrowcat
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
Aw this is lovely Larner. I read and was moved by Dreamflower's tale last night when I got back from my Parents. To find it's conclusion by you this morning is a wonderful treat. I love the way that Authors are inspiring each other and sharing the gifts of their characters and story-lines with each other. More gifts going round!
It hadn’t been able to totally take him till the very last, and even then Gollum had taken It so quick It hadn’t been able to make certain of Its victory, praise to the Powers and Creator for the mercy of it. /
I hadn't really thought about this. The idea that Sauron would have had complete victory over Frodo if Gollum hadn't stolen the Ring back so quickly is frightening and depressing. Just what would have become of Frodo if Gollum had taken longer to wrest it away or if he hadn't been there at all? It doesn't really bear thinking about. Another thing to be thankful to Gollum (and the Creator ) for! A small parallel with the Morgul Blade in a way. It was removed in time to save Frodo from becoming a wraith but not soon enough to prevent him suffering on-going effects. Links between Elrond and Gollum? Surely not! Working for Good or Evil from a little distance? I'm rambling again, sorry!
Good News from Home! Mum's pressure sore has healed enough to begin to think about getting up again for short periods. So no Christmas around the hospital bed this year thank the Lord! But this then means that Dad will have to hoist her alone two or three times a day! Not good but getting carers for this would be impossible. Jet is suffering from the very wet and muddy weather. A bundle of energy with little outlet. Did you get my e.mail or, with all your computer problems is it floating somewhere in the ether? Anyway, Happy Christmas to you and Yours.
Author's reply
Now and then I have to add to someone else's story line, and that one of Dreamflower's was just begging to be followed up upon. So glad it gave delight to so many. And in it the gifts do continue to be shared further.
Gollum may not have shared the blessings of Elrond; but I think that as the Creator used Aragorn, Sam, Bill, and at last Elrond to aid in bringing Frodo where he needed to be in time and removing the shard, so He sent Gollum as a far more rough but as effective surgeon this time to relieve Frodo of the Ring before it could destroy him forever. As for what Frodo might have become--Tolkien's own imaginings that the Ring would lead Frodo to think he could command the Nazgul and would end up being taken by them to Sauron himself is itself more horrible than I wish to imagine.
So glad to hear about your mother's improved health, and will be sending your father good vibes as well as offering prayers for both of them. As for Jet--I can understand the poor beasty's frustration.
Have a windstorm working its way through, and hope we don't lose power lines again. It happens so often....
BTW, the note you sent appears to have gone to the old email address. Send it to the same at @hughes.net instead of @direcway.com, and I should get it. Direcway has been subsumed by Hughes now.
shirebound
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
What a lovely Yule story, Larner. Frodo's legacy burns brightly in the hearts of all who remember him.
Author's reply
I had to answer the story Dreamflower wrote...it called to me. And you're right--Frodo's legacy remains.
Dreamflower
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 23: Gifts Go Round
Aww...Larner, I am *so* touched! That my little story inspired this one of yours! How lovely to know that Dahlia's gift had been treasured all those years, and that it eventually came to brighten up Sam's Yule! That was just beautiful!
Thank you! *sniff*
Author's reply
You're welcome, Dreamflower. And I found I didn't need to borrow Dahlia myself--just her daughter managed to walk up the steps to Bag End and introduce herself and tell more of the story. So glad I made your day. Now, will I have the laptop back again as of tonight, or will I have to rewrite what I had done on there? The wondering keeps going on.
grumpy
· 25 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
Good thing for the want of green things, that led Sam to the lake, and then Frodo remembering, which led to the finding of the men. Two more that the dark lord did not get.
Author's reply
Good is indeed still being brought forth from evil intent.
Thanks so for the review, Grumpy.
Linda Hoyland
· 24 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
What an enjoyable story !I loved the idea that evil was turned to good.
Author's reply
Yes, at least two were restored to their families, both of whom I'm certain rejoice to have family members home.
harrowcat
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
Oh I am so glad that you took thought to return to this dreadful sight in Ithilien and brought some good out of the evil the firepit represents.
Author's reply
I had been listening to my recordings of the BBC radio broadcast of LOTR, and for some reason the part where Sam saw the bones in the orc firepit hit me hard. What folk had they been feasting on, and what if one or two had managed to get away? And so this story was born....
Glad to hear from you. And, please, pray for Nance, who has just been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and a broken rib. I am so furious that the rib went undetected in spite of multiple doctor and ER visits for almost two and a half weeks!
Love to your parents and Jet.
Bodkin
· 23 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
Remarkably lucky pair of Rangers, there! And such a good thing that they were found when they were - I doubt they would have survived much longer. I like the hobbits seeking for fresh food in Ithilien - I can imagine them living off the land very successfully!
Author's reply
Doctors have found those who die of malnutrition have managed to survive surprisingly long times if there is water available, at least. With these, who have sorrel and a few greens available along with whatever they had in their pockets, the chances they would survive for some time is greater, although they aren't getting enough fat and protein to sustain them forever.
I just found I loved the idea that two the Ring had thought to betray had somehow managed to survive anyway, and the very act of using their betrayal as a means of torturing Frodo in the end would serve to grant them rescue.
Yes, remarkably lucky, if you consider being stuck in a cleft in the rocks for almost two months lucky.
As much as Sam found Ithilien refreshing and recognized sources of food and flavoring there, I do believe he'd be glad to help the camp's foragers to find what greens they could for the needs of those camped there. And, yes, I suspect all the Hobbits could have lived comfortably off the land, between wild plants and former gardens and fields gone wild.
Thanks so for the feedback.
Daynawayna
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
Larner! I love it! what wonderful stories! OK, I didn't review 'stricken from the book', but I read it first, and WOW! Both of these are just amazing pieces of work my dear! I really like how the gods work to heal the hobbits... I imagine that's just how it would be. And for the Book of Bagginses... very poingnant and refreshing... I liked meeting another cousin and knowing that old views could be changed and worked for good. Thank you for sharing! :)
Author's reply
Oh, I appear to have missed this review. I'm sorry--didn't mean to ignore you here.
Am so glad you appreciate this story and "Stricken from the Book," and hope you read some of the following ones as well. The Baggins twins are featured in my story "The Ties of Family," and are the almost hidden heirs Frodo leaves behind as he abandons Middle Earth.
And this story of "A Message and A Bottle" was one that refused to resolve itself for weeks until suddenly it fell together. Am so glad so many enjoyed it.
Thanks so much for the review.
Baggins Babe
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
A beautiful look at how good can come out of evil, even against the Ring's own will. I really hope Frodo holds on to this and realises that it was his beautiful nature and compassionate soul which wrenched the Ring's own designs.
Mean to review this yesterday but spent most of last evening in shock, having been told that a friend of mine, due to give birth last week, learned over the weekend that the baby has died. Bad things do happen to good people unfortunately, even today with the advanced medical technology at our command.
Author's reply
Yes, even if he hadn't claimed the Ring yet, still, Frodo's own compassion managed to sway Its actions long enough to help at least two Men escape. I'm sure the Ring took delight in the idea of the two of them being blocked in so they couldn't escape further; but the Creator here took a hand to see that the Ringbearer's will and desire was in the end met, beyond the destruction of the Ring.
I know what you mean about Real Life interfering--just learned one of my clients, one whose querky humor I've come to love, is dying, and it hit me pretty hard.
My prayers are with your friend.
Andrea
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
You helped save two good Men, child. And that will for good helped you remain stronger against It that much longer. Rejoice, Iorhael.
Wow! Wondeful story, Larner!
And so it was that even after Its destruction the Ring, through the memories of Its visions, helped Frodo to save the lifes of others. Rejoice, indeed :)
Author's reply
I like to think that on occasion the Ring had to bow at least in part to Frodo's will, even though he hadn't claimed it. And I do suspect that Frodo's Voice that Argues truly wished to see him rejoice, and rejoiced to have this chance to see the rejoicing expressed.
Kitty
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
Of course, *who* other could Aragorn send to look for edible plants and herbs than hobbits? It's about time the rangers learn something about it, considering how much they are out in the wilds. Maybe King Elessar should employ a hobbit for teaching his rangers how to cook in the field ;)
It is a lovely idea that Frodo was able to twist the vision meant to torment him in help for the two rangers to escape, at least so far they weren't killed. How luckily they stumbled over the fire and then didn't keep their find from Frodo out of fear to upset him!
I think it was important for Frodo to see not all these visions were only evil and he was, even if unintentional, able to do something good with It.
Author's reply
Oh, I suspect the Rangers know many edible plants; but there in the relatively early spring I'd think the aid of Hobbits would help identify even more, particularly at a time when the need is great to help meet the needs of so many. And I do have it indicated elsewhere that in the letters renewing the charter for the Shire Aragorn states he'll accept Hobbit service in case of war in terms of cooks for his armies.
In listening to the BBC radio presentation while driving back and forth to work over the past few days the portion where Sam first sees the firepit and the bones in it struck me, as it did when I was rereading that section in the books to check some detail or other; the next thing I knew this story was working its way out of my head, through my fingers and into the computer.
And I agree it was indeed important for Frodo to realize he wasn't always just a helpless spectator in the visions granted him by the Ring for his torment.
In Boromir the Ring would work on his desperation to protect his land and city; in Frodo I believe a lot of Its influence was intended to work on his feelings of responsibility toward others, seeking to force him to take and use It to help stop the pain It showed him. That without wearing or claiming It he'd still at least once in a while manage to force It to do good in spite of Itself just seemed to flow. The Creator would see to it that Its own will didn't win all the time, I think.
Dreamflower
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
Brilliant! I love the beginning of this, with Sam going out to help forage. So very hobbity!
And then for Frodo to remember--and to realize that the Ring was forced to do good in spite of itself! I am quite sure that this would have helped Frodo to hold out on It just that much longer.
The Ring, unwittingly helped Itself to It's own destruction in a number of ways--by helping Bilbo on his Adventure, and extending his life so that he could adopt Frodo, and extending Frodo's own youth and vigor. By tempting Boromir and causing the break in the Fellowship, by delaying Sam with It's temptation, so that he was able to hide from the Orcs and rescue Frodo, by cursing Gollum at the end.
Eru managed to turn It's evil back to good so many ways.
Author's reply
Yes, very Hobbity indeed; and having written Sam joining the foragers into TAS, I had to reflect it here. I'm certain most Rangers would be fairly able foragers, but I doubt they'd be as aware of as large a variety of edible plants and their proper preparation as Hobbits.
I love to think that now and then Frodo's own will to see good come and his defiance of the Ring might just have managed to invoke Its power in spite of Itself, forcing Its power to save and preserve when It would rather have delighted in death and destruction. Indeed by extending the relative youth and vigor of both Bilbo and Frodo the Ring helped prepare these for Its own destruction; and Eru certainly was able to use Its own malice and will to evil against It again and again to the end of Its existence.
Again, "All things work to the good for those who love the Lord." No matter how we seek to twist things or manage to mishandle matters, if we truly wish good to come of it all, that good will happen to the amazement of all.
Queen Galadriel
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
Oh, wow!
I'd forgotten about the fire pit, and I guess it never registered in my mind before what exactly was in it...Oh, how horrible!
It's wonderful to see that good came even out of one of the Ring's visions, and even more so to see Frodo's will win a victory over the Ring's!
Your portrayal of the brotherly love between Frodo and Aragorn is so very sweet, and one of my favourite things about your stories, especially those set in Gondor.
And I love the inner dialogue at the end.
God bless,
Galadriel
P.S. Haven't forgotten "Stirring Rings" or "The Tenant From Staddle, just been very, very busy, and I'll catch up as soon as I can. It's always something now, it seems.
Author's reply
Was listening to the BBC radio presentation on the way to work and back over the last few days, and that part hit me, for some reason. Then the story followed, and this is what came out.
"All things work to the good for those who love the Lord," and I like to think that Frodo's held intent to fight the Ring's influence for as long as he could would work to the good of others as well as himself. I think he should have at least one memory of when he fought the Ring that turned out well to take with him, to serve as a core about which to wind his healing of its influence.
And having started the inner dialogue in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," it only seemed right it should be reflected here.
That there should have grown up between Frodo and Aragorn a feeling of kinship and love also just seems right.
As for the other stories--they're coming more slowly as the MEFAs wind down and I try to get my reviews in.
Grey Wonderer
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
I always enjoy the relationship that you write between Frodo and Aragorn. It just seems so very right to me. Lovely story!
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate that relationship, GW. I have just always felt there would be a special one there, between these two special Hobbits.
Author Reply: Between these two special people, I meant. Man, I am TIRED.
Armariel
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
*shudder* Poor Sam, what a thing to stumble on...eek! Surely very gratifying for Frodo to know he saved two men from a horrible fate. Guess he'll never know the full extent of the results of his actions. But what he does know should be plenty!
A lovely tale...as always.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
I was listening to the BBC radio production on the way to and from work, and the part where Sam stumbles on that fire pit the first part just hit me; next thing I knew this story was working its way through my mind and into the laptop.
At least there is some evidence Frodo can take with him now that he did manage to thwart the Ring at least once, and it will make it easier when he accepts healing completely to accept he did better than anyone else could have done.