Antane · 4 September 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
What a sweet, loving little story! :) Those two were so much alike. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you agree! Thanks, Antane!
Moments in Time by Larner
Reviews (1,168)
Kitty · 3 September 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Oh, lovely! Yes, I can imagine that Frodo would feel unsettled about the truth of Bilbo's stories after hearing what the S-B's or Paladin and Eglantine have to say about it. Good that his own parents were more sensible. Though admittedly it is difficult to imagine that there are some people still living who witnessed that time ...
Author's reply
Oh, the idea that some of the remaining Elves might indeed have seen the days before Sun and Moon must seem very odd to him. But he needs so to have someone to trust in, now that Bilbo is his guardian, and I think Bilbo handled that question properly for when dealing with Frodo. Thanks so, Kitty!
Kitty · 3 September 2009 · Chapter 92: Visitation
Oh, I love that story! The ceremony really sounds like something Aragorn would hold every year to honour the fallen. And I always thought it so nice when the dead were able to visit in Middle-earth again, to see what was going on with their loved ones, and in a non-creepy way. That at least the little girl and the twins were able to see these spirits was just perfect.
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so, Kitty. We always need our Memorial Days, after all, to remind us of those who died to protect what we have. And this day those who gave the most are there! And the twins need that reassurance, I think, to better make their own decisions; and the next generation realizes there is yet a tie to these ancient graves--ancient being a relative term here.
poppymuddyfoot · 2 September 2009 · Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Oh, Larner! The image of Frodo sitting all alone and empty on a day when so many others rejoice and honor him just breaks my heart. His pain brings tears to my eyes. Beautifully written.
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Poppy. At least we know (or have the hope) that it turns out well in the end! Thank you so!
Andrea · 31 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
“The Sun and Moon are beautiful, but I think I love the stars best.” How wonderful! Of course, Frodo has his doubts about Bilbo's stories, because all the adults around him don't believe everything the old hobbit tells. But Frodo's statement comes from the heart and shows that he believes and *feels* that Bilbo's stories are true!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Andrea. Yes, he has come to appreciate that Bilbo didn't lie to him, but would be true at least in spirit no matter what he might chose to tell. And joy to you!
grumpy · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 92: Visitation
I love this one where the dead, get to visit the living as they gather arround the graves. Nothing like a little laughter in the flowers to show that one is pleased and happy.
Author's reply
How wonderful to hear from you Grumpy, whenever you comment! Yes, laughter indeed in the flowers, and reassurance to those who take part in the ceremony! Thanks so!
harrowcat · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Just got back from a week's camping so i was also enjoying star gazing without city lights or even a moon to interfere. I think that Bilbo and Strider could empathise a lot about people trusting the truth of them.
Author's reply
We've had only a few clear nights in the last couple weeks--goodly amount of grey days, although not enough rain. But I do appreciate the delight of seeing stars without light polution. And, yes, both Bilbo and Strider must have felt like kindred spirits when they met again, both having had so many disbelieve them! Thank you so!
6336 · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Nice one. Bilbo had so little respect from some of his peers. Hobbit society did not seem to take to much 'book learning'! Lynda
Author's reply
No, as happens even sometimes here, it appears many Hobbits were suspicious of intellectual pursuits! Heh! Thanks so, Lynda.
GamgeeFest · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
How sweet! Bilbo is so gentle with Frodo and his doubts, and his response about those who don't believe is so true.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GamgeeFest. To know that Frodo trusts him enough to state aloud what he's seen and heard from others in the end must have been a relief for the old Hobbit. And, yes, it's all too true!
shirebound · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Oh, I love imagining the two of them up there, watching the stars. Finally Bilbo has someone to talk with who really wants to listen to him, and finally Frodo has someone to ask all the questions for which his heart needs answers.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Shirebound. They each needed the other so much at that time of their lives. Thanks so!
Dreamflower · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
One of the sad burdens Bilbo had to bear as a consequence of his Adventure was that of being doubted by those he was close to. And you have shown so well how that doubt must even have come to young Frodo every once in a while as he dealt in everyday life with the others. But he was able to allow his love and trust to overcome his small doubts, and the larger ones never plagued him.
Author's reply
Oh, you so have the right of it, Dreamflower, and I so love how you've put it. And having that basis, he was better prepared for what he must do one day! Thank you so!
Ainu-Yavanna · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Just wonderful
Author's reply
Thank you so, Ainu-Yavanna. Am glad you think so!
Elena Tiriel · 30 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
What a lovely vignette, Larner! I like how Frodo trusts Bilbo to tell him the truth, despite the nasty rumors passed on by nasty people; he clearly is learning how to judge people well, even as a tween. And scenes of stargazing always give me a warm fuzzy feeling.... ;-) - Barbara aka Elena Tiriel ('Stargazer' in pidgin Sindarin)
Author's reply
My stepfather was an amateur astronomer, so I grew up with starmaps and photo collages of the surface of the moon taken from "Astronomy Magazine" fastened to the walls going upstairs. Certainly wanting to know the origin of the names of the constellations led to my life-long love of myth and legend--and fantasy! Am so glad to know the origin of your nick! And I do believe that Frodo was glad to be able to trust Bilbo, and that Bilbo rejoiced to know that Frodo, of all the Hobbits in the Shire, loved him. Thank you so! Am so glad you enjoyed it.
Raksha The Demon · 29 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Very nice; Frodo was receptive to stories about Elves, and things faraway in time from the Shire, from a young age; and Bilbo was just the person to encourage that tendancy.
Author's reply
Oh, you are so very right, Raksha. Thank you so very much!
njomo · 29 August 2009 · Chapter 93: Questions of a Young Hobbit
Larner, This is just quite...marvelous! Having just seen a really "dark" star sky this week, I can well imagine what Frodo and Bilbo were seeing. Hmmm...like to be there with them, and wonder along with Frodo what it would be like to have a real opportunity to meet elves. Joanne
Author's reply
I was able to do some serious stargazing myself last week, although until last night it's been too cloudy this week. And I, too, would so like to spend time just watching and listening to the two of them! Thanks so, Joanne.
Linda Hoyland · 27 August 2009 · Chapter 92: Visitation
A beautiful moving story. I love to think that all our loved ones are present on occasions like this.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Linda. And, after all, our denominations do teach the Communion of the Saints! Thank you so.
utfrog · 25 August 2009 · Chapter 92: Visitation
Absolutely beautiful!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Utfrog!
Raksha The Demon · 24 August 2009 · Chapter 70: Loss of the Light
I would dispute that Maglor was still intending to fulfill that wretched Oath at this point, but the rest of the story is haunting and powerful. You capture Maglor's loneliness brilliantly; I wanted to yell at him to Get On The Boat! (because I feel that the Valar would have relented, since Maglor had pretty much renounced Silmaril-hunting by throwing one into the sea) I loved it that Maglor, as weary and heartsore as he was, still had enough empathy in him to wish Frodo well, and to sing that last song for him and Elrond, weaving in some extra wind-and-water enchantment.
Cairistiona · 24 August 2009 · Chapter 92: Visitation
Very much enjoyed this... very comforting exploration of the idea that life continues even beyond the grave. And of course, you're reunited Halbarad and Aragorn, which I absolutely love!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Cairistiona. The Communion of the Saints is, after all, a teaching of my denomination that I have found to be supported by my own experience. And I do believe both of these former Rangers of Eriador would find themselves drawn to such a memorial when folk who remember them with love are there to show such honor to those who fought to protect the City! Again, thank you!
FantasyFan · 24 August 2009 · Chapter 92: Visitation
I find this a very gentle and comforting story. Some people hate graveyards, but I always have found them to be very peaceful places. People always say funerals and memorials are for the living, not the dead, but it's nice to contemplate that the remembrances we have of our lost ones can be appreciated beyond the circles of the world as well. I'm a firm believer that the dead we love don't ever really leave us, but that they are present in at least some way just out of sight, just around the corner or over the hill; here as long as we remember them, and here, but just not in a way that we can visualize. And in your story, they are visible in a way to those who have eyes to see, which is comforting to all.
Author's reply
I am so very glad you appreciate it, Fantasy Fan. And such a memorial would be certain at times to draw those who have passed beyond, I think, and they would find ways to communicate that they are at peace!
Linda Hoyland · 22 August 2009 · Chapter 91: Time Wasted?
I think we can all identify with Frodo's thoughts here at a certain age and there are always people ready to criticise. Frodo's story is a shining example.
Author's reply
I agree, Linda. I'm starting to have them myself at somewhat past the probable halfway point.
Kitty · 20 August 2009 · Chapter 91: Time Wasted?
Some people find something to complain in absolutely everything, don't they? It must be frustrating for Frodo, but I fear there's no pleasing everyone. No wonder his last words made Freddy shiver. I felt similarly, knowing what is in store for Frodo! Oh, he proved worth so much more than all these people who were complaining about him – and the sad thing is, they never understood.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Kitty! For those of us familiar with the story Frodo's words are too prophetic; for Freddy, it must have been so strange to hear such purpose in a fellow Hobbit, and particularly from his beloved older cousin. And to know that most of the Shire never understood Frodo either before or after the quest must have caused him a fair amount of pain, once he understood what Frodo had truly done. Thanks so!
Kitty · 20 August 2009 · Chapter 90: Comfort Given
Poor Freddy! First he had to suffer so much, and then so many restrictions for the rest of his life! It's true, he might have been better off if he had left with the Travellers. Well, at least he got to be seen as the hero, something that was denied Frodo, who deserved it even more, but was never recognised for what he did. That must have been quite a confusing conversation for Freddy – Ent draughts, Gondor, a King ... I'm sure he was looking forward to hear the full tale.
Author's reply
I think that realizing Frodo saw him as a hero from the beginning would mean a great deal, and increasingly more so as he learned what Frodo himself had been through--Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin. After all, the respect that means the most is that given by those who have shown themselves most worthy of respect, as Faramir acknowledged of Sam. But there's no question that particularly at the beginning the whole thing must have been so confusing! What would a Hobbit be expected to know of Ents, after all? Thanks so very much!
Antane · 19 August 2009 · Chapter 91: Time Wasted?
Never a mistake, dear me! But I love this: “But, if half my life indeed is spent, perhaps it is I this time who wishes to see something of worth accomplished in what time I have left." This is just so me right now in my life. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad I'm not the only one to find this happening with me at this point! Thanks so, Antane!
KyMahalei · 19 August 2009 · Chapter 34: Once
I just had to comment on this piece. It is so well crafted, insightful and bittersweet. Hobbits don't usually lend themselves to a great deal of introspection. This poem does that very nicely with a simple poetic format and plain but meaningful language.
Author's reply
Thank you, KyMahalei. Dreamflower introduced me to the "dribble" form of poetry, adding or reducing a word per line; it has its own form of elegance to it, as you've noted, that I've often felt was most appropriate for writing about Hobbits. I suspect that Frodo was a good deal more introspective than other Hobbits even before the quest; afterward I suspect he was far too much so. It would appear that last night the MEFAs made each of us aware of the other's work--and I truly love the story of yours I read--it is wonderful!