heheh I did it, yes, already--anything to get out of doing dishes;);)...... Sam's Song
It may not be as good as Swann's...or even yours.....but hey, "I did it my way"..........
~~~{~@
Author's reply
I haven't heard Swann's, but imagine it is quite moving. I'll have to write mine out and scan it one day. Wish I had a music program to write music on my computer. Used to swipe my dad's music paper when I was a kid (having a stepdad who once trained as a concert pianist does have advantages, you see!) and wrote out many of my compositions then, but have no idea what ever became of them when my parents moved out of state.
Antane
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
"But wherever Sam cultivates his garden, that’s home and full beauty for me.”
Sweet! Like the petting of the peacocks, too.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Am trying to get caught up on reviews that were left after the computer system all decided to fail at the same time.
Yes, I do think that for Frodo Sam would be a symbol of home. He doesn't expect now to return to Bag End, and must wonder where he'll end up. But with Sam there, at least he knows he won't be alone. And all coming to know him would, I think, wish to see him surrounded by great beauty.
And I think even the peacocks would be drawn to him--obviously!
Pearl Took
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
Beautifully, wonderfully done, Larner!! Putting the song in just is perfect. It got me all teary. Wonderful!!! :)
Author's reply
A proper song for hope that needs strengthening, I think. And one beloved of both Frodo and Samwise.
Armariel
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
heheh....actually it was I who saw to it Frodo got a pet peacock...in "Bear Me Away" he ends up with the palace peacock since Gandalf finds it obnoxious, and at the last he says something like, "Shirefolk have roosters to wake them in the morning; I had a peacock." Yeah, guess it would have made a good watchdog too, if he'd had need of one......
But hey, if the bunny bites...well, Easter IS coming up! *g*
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, I'd forgotten about the peacock in "Bear Me Away"--you're so right! I like the birds, but can't imagine keeping one, although Tony's aunt and Uncle had a few.
I can't imagine, however, that in the Undying Lands Frodo would need a watchdog, or in this case a watch bird. Certainly Jean's peacocks would let all know when we got out of the motorhome in the morning. Very much watch birds.
Armariel
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
A lovely moment. Am strongly tempted to set that song to music....*g* Nice to see Ruvemir again!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Swann has done it, and so did I, long ago when I was in eighth or ninth grade, sitting down at my Dad's piano.
One of the most moving songs in the book, I always felt.
And Ruvemir was demanding a little exposure! Heh!
Bodkin
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
Much easier to get everyone to remember those days there in that White City above the Pelennor, with Mordor in sight. Until, I suppose, so many years have passed that it just becomes Granda's old tales. And, in the end, it will only be Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli who remember it with the clarity of those who were there.
Author's reply
Of course, this is a good deal closer in time to the action of the War of the Ring than is your story. And in the end those remaining in Arda will be those who went to Aman in the end--Elrond, his sons, Legolas, Galadriel and Celeborn, and Gandalf--with help, of course, from Glorfindel.
But I do love your story, and suspect it will find its way into my notebook. I did move me very deeply.
harrowcat
· 26 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
Ooh, a wonderful snippit including all my favourite people. Thank you. I, too, am greeting the dawn this morning as the clocks have just gone forward one hour and this is a nice treat. Am off to deliver daffodils to all the Mothers in Church. Sometimes makes me feel left out except that someone pointed out that I 'mother' all those I teach. That made me feel like Frodo so I felt much better!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, Mothering Sunday. One year when we were in England we attended an evening service on Mothering Sunday in Oxford, which was very pleasant. That Lenten Sunday found me very depressed, I must admit; I needed an Evensong service, I found.
Our Mother's Day is in May, and Father's Day in June; we have some time before we are expected to do something for the mothers among us.
So glad you enjoyed seeing so many gathering there to sing in the dawn.
(Not daylight savings time yet here, thank heavens. Not my favorite affectation.)
Kitty
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
Nice to see Ruvemir again. He is still one of my favourite OCs in the whole fandom.
It is good to see the honour showed for the hobbits and particularly Frodo and Sam and to know they and their large part in winning the war are not forgotten. Well, I'd not expect anything else from Aragorn, but it is still good. And in case Frodo should be at the other White Tree, I suppose now he wouldn't object too much to the "Eglerio" ;-)
Author's reply
Ruvemir appears to have grown on a good number of people, for which I'm glad. I'm honored you enjoy him so!
And there would be honor shown there for all four, and especially Frodo, on that anniversary. And I hope, too, he's recovered enough to appreciate an "Eglerio" or two.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
Lovely story for the day. Happy New Year.
Author's reply
And a joyful new year to you as well, Grey Wonderer. We need it. The tide turns at last!
Dreamflower
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
How lovely to see Ruvemir again! And what a beautiful tribute, to hear all of them singing Sam's song. "In Western Lands" is one of my favorites in all the books--and I always "hear" it to the lovely melody Donald Swann wrote for it in "The Road Goes Ever On". I could just *see* this scene!
Author's reply
I wrote my own music to it when I was in eighth or ninth grade, so tend to hear that tune, of course. I'll have to get "The Road Goes Ever On" one of these days to see how Swann does it.
So glad it was that vivid for you.
Dreamflower
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
I was *sure* I had reviewed this, but apparently not! This is a delightful look at something that could easily have happened when the hobbits were in the White City! I can see Pippin's curiousity and eagerness being aroused by such strange birds--and yes, he would have hurried to share his discovery with his friends!
I love this--I love peacocks. I have a cousin who keeps them, and she gifted me once with a huge bundle of really long feathers, most of them five feet or more in length, at least two dozen of them. I keep them in a vase, and they are lovely.
That said, they are aptly named, for their brains must be about the size of a pea--they seem to be even stupider than most birds, LOL! The nursing home where my mother lives is home to a number of them, and the males are fond of standing right in the driveway to display their plumage, and once a mother led her chicks halfway across the drive, and as a car was coming, turned around and led them the other way. Most folk know to drive about 5 miles an hour around there--but still, they are not really wired for intelligence! *grin*
And you are right about that scream. To me it sounds like either a cat being tortured or an infant in the throes of a tantrum.
But their beautiful appearance really makes up for it!
Author's reply
I have loved the peacocks I've met, but can't imagine keeping them myself. I think our local coyotes would love them, though, for they'd be perfect prey for them, I suspect.
As for their intelligence--Jean told us much the same. Not the brightest of birds, but definitely prone to preening themselves.
Sorry to be so late responding--the system has been giving me fits for two months and seems intent on self-destruction at the moment.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
A very appropriate story for today.
Author's reply
Yes, and of course it was written specifically for that purpose.
So glad you enjoyed it, Linda.
Queen Galadriel
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
Oh, beautiful! Simply beautiful. I like seeing this moment from Ruvemir's perspective, and the thought of so many folk singing Sam's simple and yet profound song is heart warming. Excellent way to commemorate March 25.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, and a good way of honoring both Frodo and Sam, with Sam's song sung here.
So glad you enjoyed it. And happy day after Ring Day to you.
shirebound
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
all singing to greet the dawn.
What a lovely thing to imagine. This is a very inspiring New Year's tribute.
Author's reply
There have been so many inspiring tributes today, Shirebound--I loved yours, of course. It was so wonderfully done.
Thank you for your kind words on this one.
Elflingimp
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 8: In Memorium
You never cease to amaze me, all the stories you put out at almost the same time and none of them lose their quality which is the highest!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp. I am honored by your appreciation.
Anonymous
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Hi Larner! Being quite a bird enthusiast, I was quite delighted with Iridescence! I have a large vase in my front room filled with peacock feathers, and now I shall always think of you whenever I look at it!! I wonder how Frodo and the other hobbits would react to meeting an African Grey parrot...one of the most prolific talking parrots...and the conversations the hobbits could have with it...LOL!! As always, thanks for sharing your story!!.........Q
Author's reply
Yes, an African Grey would be quite a one to meet and would probably thrill Pippin, as loquacious as both are capable of being. I have a mustached parakeet myself, who has one indistinguishable phrase he utters before ringing like a telephone. We often threaten to answer the bird.
So glad that you enjoyed seeing the Hobbits make the acquaintance of some peacocks. And that your vase full of tail feathers will now bring this story to mind is flattering.
Kitty
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Peacocks are truly beautiful birds! I remember how fascinated I was as a child when I saw some for the first time in a public park, where they were allowed to walk freely around. I always looked around in the hope to find lost feathers, intrigued by their length and colour.
I think that was a very pleasant hour in Minas Tirith for our four hobbits, being invited in this estate and getting to know this nice woman and her children. Not to mention the peacocks and the little ones! That was cute! And I’m sure Elisien and her children enjoyed this visit and the storytelling as well.
Thank you for another wonderful little story!
Author's reply
Thank you for reading and enjoying it, Kitty. I've always liked peacocks, myself, but wouldn't enjoy listening to their calls all that long at a time.
Frodo Baggins
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Oh, Larner! This is very beautiful. Hannon le for this gift. :) Keep up the good work! Namarie, mellon nin!
God Bless,
Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
So very glad you appreciate it, FB. Hannon le for your thanks.
grumpy
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Oh, peacocks, what a great story on the hobbits first meeting with peacocks. I loved how Pippin discribes the sound they make. I also loved your discripton of the family. What a nice gift a pair of peacock for the king and queen.
Author's reply
Peacocks and formal gardens seem to go together in England, we found during our visits there. Now that I've had Frodo describe Aragorn as becoming a peacock, I had to explore just how Hobbits of the Shire would have become aware of such birds to begin with. And their cries are rather unnerving if you aren't expecting them. And so glad you like the description of the family. Rather inspired by the Nesbitt Bastable stories, I think.
demeter d
· 24 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Wonderful, Larner! Sadly enough, "An Acceptable Sacrifice" has now come to its conclusion. But lovely moments like this can allow us to continue visiting in Middle Earth. Even the creatures of Iluvatar respect our Ringbearer. A funny moment when the cock was annoyed with Pippin's attentions. The children are lovely, and very real. A sweet little story.
Author's reply
All good things must end someday, and it was definitely time to end "The Acceptable Sacrifice," I found. That the two nuzguls that sparked it were intended to be mated was a surprise to me, I must say.
Am so glad you appreciated this story. We had a peacock at York attach itself to my husband, who was totally blind. He thought it hilarious as the children and I described how it was flirting with him and displaying for him, and how every time Tony turned his back the bird would cry out until he faced it again. That one would do this for Frodo just seemed right, somehow; and that it would reject other "suitors" also seemed right.
Am so glad you like the children and find them believable. I've always loved British stories about families of children, such as Nesbitt's stories about the Bastables or the children in the "Five Children and It" series. I may write my own story about such a family one day.
Tigger
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
What a lovely story. The perfect end to a draining day. Nothing serious, just my favourite skater did not end his season on a good note at the World Championships tonight and I'm feeling a bit down for him. Anyway...This is just a beautiful little story. I loved how the male was so sensitive to knowing Frodo wouldn't hurt him, but protested loudly if any of the other hobbits touched him. And then for the nesting female to come out w/her chicks...So sweet.
The ending was so picture perfect fluffy though. A lovely way to end the day. :oD
I know I owe you a review for your last story. I was away for nearly a week and a half and still catching up on things. I'm getting there though. Sometime this weekend I'll get to it hopefully.
Looking forward to whatever you write next, but you know that. :o)
Author's reply
I thought we needed a bit of fluff after the angst of "The Acceptable Sacrifice." So sorry a skater didn't do as well in the finals as he ought to have done, but all of us have off days, I find. And I hope you do find the ending of the longer story worthwhile.
Baggins Babe
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Ah! This was perfect. Such moments of beauty would be particularly wonderful and helpful for Frodo. I loved how the peahens settled by his chair and the peacock decided to be on guard. All living things see the light in Frodo. The appearance of the little chicks was delightful.
The pushiest peacocks I ever met were at Warwick Castle some twenty years ago - they were everywhere, and mugged me for my lunch quite shamelessly. There were some very inquisitve ones at Whipsnade Zoo too, and at Dyrham Park near Bath, where a peahen sat almost under my friend's car and refused to move. They are incredibly beautiful.
Author's reply
The pushiest peacocks I've met are at Waimea Falls Park on the north shore of Oahu, the opposite side of the island from Honolulu. Come among them with popcorn and they'll about run over you to get to it--believe me, I KNOW.
Have seen the peacocks at Warwick Castle, but the one on which this was based was in the Minster Gardens in York. Was intent on impressing my blind husband, he was. We all found it hilarious, how every time Tony turned away from it the bird would cry out until Tony turned back, at which time it would preen, strut, and display again. Not, of course, that Tony truly appreciated the attentions any more when he faced the bird as when he had his back to it! But, then, what does a peacock know about blindness?
And I did decide to show how many creatures would be drawn to Frodo here, and to allow him to be among the first to see the new chicks. So glad you appreciated it.
Armariel
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Charming and lovely meditation on the themes of beauty and renewal. Hmmm, I think Frodo should have a pet peacock too.....*grin*
Author's reply
You think he ought to have had one, too? How would he get it home to the Shire? Maybe I should see to it one attaches itself to him on Tol Eressea, then? Or maybe in Middle Earth hummingbirds or quetzal birds would have found their way there. Hmm--that's an idea.
Did you just present me with another plot bunny?
Queen Galadriel
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
Now that my PM is behaving as it ought again--*after* it's battery died and I lost everything, of course--I can put stories on a flashcard again and read on the go without the bulky laptop. So I took this one and "Parting Gifts" with me today, as I knew I would be out from late morning till late afternoon.
This was so wonderful and touching! Poor old Toby. Pippin's idea certainly seems--original, but of course it had to work. If only Frodo had sent them a picture of himself, but I suppose he couldn't. I was crying by the end, right in the passenger seat of the car. My family won't let me forget it now: "What's wrong? Alergies?" "No, no, it's this story--it's so happy it's sad!" "Oh, that is pathetic!" LOL! But don't mind, and I like to cry over a good story. This is one of my favourites of yours.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, as you can see this one ties into the mathom of the bottle story in "The King's Commission," and you already know I love tying my stories together. Aren't you glad Pippin's idea worked?
But I've seen how we do find ourselves wanting tangible proof the lost one is well and happy; this would constitute such a wish-fulfillment in Middle Earth, I think.
As for your family and their reaction to the story--hehehehehe! You have me giggling! I, too, like to cry over a good story, you see.
Endaewen
· 23 March 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
That was beautiful. Peacocks are beautiful birds. I seem to recall reading somewhere that they were sometimes seen as birds of ill-luck though.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it, Endaewen. I agree--peacocks, hummingbirds, and quetzals are among the most beautiful birds we're ever likely to see.
Among theatrical folk peacocks are considered bad luck; but certainly not all agree with that idea. If you read Andrea's comments below you'll notice that for her city one was considered miraculous.
I love to see them wandering about gardens, myself, although I find their calls obnoxious.