Linda Hoyland
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
This was very moving.I'd never have thought of the lembas that way before.Were you inspired by the quote on the page ?I'm glad Pppin was able to get his son to understand.
Author's reply
Yes, I was indeed inspired by the quote they had last week. And, I, too, am glad Faramir appears to have understood at the last. After all, in "Light on the Way" he follows his father to Minas Anor to become the newest of Aragorn's companions from the Shire, and is by Aragorn's side when he goes to his own rest.
Andrea
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
"First time I left the Shire I was following Frodo, but in the end I couldn’t go all the way with him, although I certainly intended to. Now I can’t go after him the way he went, either, but I’ll go to those who understand because they feel it, too."
Wonderful, indeed! A perfect explanation for the feeling of restlessness Merry and Pippin (and the other remaining members of the fellowship) experienced after the quest.
One last question - I love to ask questions, you know ;-)
Why did you chose Pippin? Did you have a particular reason for it?
Author's reply
While Sam remained, Merry and Pippin stayed as Master and Thain. He left the Shire to follow Frodo; and the others, their wives also being dead now, followed after, left to the South, to bid Eomer goodbye and to remain by Aragorn and Arwen until their own ends came, their tombs finally being set by the final resting place for Aragorn's own remains, Tolkien tells us in the appendices. Why? And might the effects of the lembas, which have been described in the quotes from HoME posted here last week, have had a part in that?
As for why Pippin and not Merry, can't really say save that as the questions I noted above started percolating through my mind, it was Pippin I saw with his pony, descended from Strider's Roheryn somehow. So, it was Pippin and Faramir whose conversation we hear.
harrowcat
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
What a wonderful Christmas present. Thank you so much dear Larner. Keep it simmering, even if it has to be on the back burner, because it is just begging to be expanded. I can't imagine Pippin and Merry getting all the way to Rohan and Gondor without at least a few adventures on the way. And I can just see the white tree and all that singing too. Happy holidays. Jet sends a wag and a howl back.
Author's reply
It will be on the back burner for a time, I fear; but it and Camaloa are still struggling for expansion. Glad you appreciate it.
A joyful Christmas season and new year to you. Prayers still going up for your parents.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
Lovely Christmas present. Enjoyed reading this very much!
Author's reply
You are welcome, GW. And considering how much enjoyment I still get from your stories, I must thank you, too. I still think of Merry and Pippin caught in their own deadfall trap, hanging upside down in the stables, waiting for Frodo to find and free them, Pippin still enjoying it and Merry still embarrassed and furious with himself, after so long.
Lianna
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
Fascinating, but it begs the question of why the elves of Lorien allowed the hobbits to have lembas in the first place. Perhaps you might want to tell us that story too.
Author's reply
The reason is given in chapter 52 of "The Acceptable Sacrifice"--that Galadriel foresaw that all would need to restorative and sustaining powers of the lembas, and particularly Frodo and Sam, as they fought the influence of the Ring and continued each to fulfill his own part of the quest. But, if you'd like that in an independent story, maybe I'll consider that plot bunny.
Thanks for the question and the feedback.
shirebound
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
What a perceptive, heartfelt conversation. And whatever Farry *can* understand, he now does. Dear Pippin.
"Now I can’t go after him the way he went, either, but I’ll go to those who understand because they feel it, too. It’s as far as I can go to follow him this time, until I die and I can finally see him again. I wouldn’t do this while your mum was alive, any more than Sam would give in and go while Rosie was still here. But I’m going. And hopefully, there by the King and Queen, able to sit for a time beneath the White Tree there and able to listen to her and her brothers and Legolas sing, I’ll be at ease until it’s finally time for me to finish the journey, and find Frodo and Sam again.”
Faramir nodded his understanding. He reached up and gripped his father’s hand until at last they both realized it was indeed time. Both withdrew the clasp together. “I love you, Da,” Farry said.
“Love you, Farry,” his da replied, smiling. And as he rode away Pippin was singing the song he’d heard the Elves sing as they led the horses aboard the grey ship on which Frodo had sailed to Elvenhome.
Author's reply
Yes, Faramir does understand as best he can; and in the end I have him do similarly, as I write in "Light on the Way."
Thanks so much for all the support and feedback you've given me, Shirebound.
Raksha The Demon
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
Very interesting interpretation of some of the effects of lembas consumption on hobbits!
Good short story about a moment in the Fourth Age that, as far as I know, is not given much attention in fanfic.
Eomer will be glad to have Merry by his side for his final days. I imagine that Faramir will also be pleased to see Pippin again. The hobbits were very much loved in Minas Tirith and probably in all of Gondor by this time.
I do feel a bit sorry for Faramir Took - perhaps he could go to Gondor and visit his father; I think Pippin and Merry live there for several years...
Author's reply
In the quotes for this site offered last week we had two days when Lembas were covered from quotes from HoME. (Obviously need to invest in that now. Heh!) The quotes on the effects of lembas on mortals sparked this story, obviously; and I wanted to see how they might have affected the final decision of Merry and Pippin to finish their lives with Aragorn.
I've seen several stories of their actual deaths and a few written about that trip, but none on what explanations they might have offered Faramir and whatever Merry's son might have been named. (I've bowed to a fanon idea and have called him Periadoc, and hope all find that acceptable, although I'm certain there's at least one person on HASA who will complain, as that person complains about all bowing to fanon. Ah, well--that ones loss, isn't it?) So, this is what came out once we fed all the relevant data and questions in to the imagination....
One thing--if you read "Light on the Way," you'll see that apparently Faramir Took eventually does appear to understand, for he, too, follows his father at the end of his life to Aragorn's court, and is there when the great King Elessar is laid to rest.
Dreamflower
· 25 December 2005
· Chapter 6: Longing
Larner, what a brilliant explanation! It makes so much sense, when explained in this way! Poor Pippin and Merry! But they *will* be with others who understand, especially their beloved Strider, who also cannot go...
What a wonderful Christmas present!
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate it, Dreamflower. After all, so many here on SoA have given me such enjoyment in the last two years! Thanks!
Iorhael
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
I love this a lot. So much like Tolkien's work.
Author's reply
To be compared to the Master himself is the greatest compliment. Thank you so much! You have made my day!
SlightlyTookish
· 12 December 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
This is just amazing, Larner! I just adore it. It brought tears to my eyes. Just the idea of them getting to communicate with Frodo, and that Ulmo was helping them along - it's gorgeous. Thank goodness for Pippin and his hopefulness and optimism! Thank you for this. It's just outstanding
Author's reply
I rejoice that you enjoyed it so. I felt that it was a fitting follow-up for Pippin's and Isumbard's adventures in Harad. The idea for it, however, had been working its way through my awareness for months, and finally had to be expressed. And, yes, Pippin's optimism was very much a part of the success of the venture. The desire to send and receive something tangible must have been overpowering at times.
Thank you so much for your appreciation for the story.
Tigger
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
Oh sheesh!! Combine a tete a tete w/someone I really don't like, tiredness and being in pain thanks to the cold making my knee flare up and Tigger gives Galadriel a brand new ring to be the keeper of.
Of course I know Galadriel is the keeper of Nenya and not Narya.
Sigh...What a night....
Author's reply
Sounds as if this individual was quite a trial to have to deal with. And so sorry the knee is flaring up so.
As for the mistake--I've done worse, so am NOT complaining! Heh!
Tigger
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
This was a fantastic gap filler Larner. I don't think I've ever read a story about Galadriel *after* she passed the test and this was wonderful. I really loved this...
************************************
Celeborn was himself amazed. "That one looked also? I expected his master to do so, for it is in his nature to seek to know. But the gardener?"
Galadriel gave a mirthless laugh. "My husband, do not discount him. A gardener he may be, and he may indeed see himself as but a servant; but that belies his full nature." She turned to look into his ageless, so well beloved eyes. "After all, my love, I, too, have been little more than a gardener since we returned here; and what is a true lord in the end save for the servant of all who think of him as their ruler?"
"And whom does he rule?"
"In time...." She didn't bother to finish the statement. "If Sauron is indeed cast down, the wisdom he has garnered from his teachers and from his beloved master will augment that which is native to him, and will be shared
***************************************
So many underestimated our wonderful Samwise, but not Galadriel. I also really loved how you had her comparing Sam and his nature w/her own when it comes to Lothlorien. Nice piece of writing there.
Also liked the bit of using the power of the Elessar Stone to use instead of Narya to bless the gifts she would give to The Fellowship. That perhaps The One would sense Narya and in turn corrupt what Galadriel was trying to do...That was a great part of this as well.
Thank you for such a lovely gap filler. :o)
Author's reply
I always thought Tolkien himself underrated Sam. He had to have a good deal to him to appreciate being educated alongside Frodo and to love the stories of Elves so. He went on to become Mayor seven times, and I can't believe it was ONLY because he did well at officiating at feasts. No, there had to be a good deal to him under the surface, and I can't imagine Galadriel not noticing.
The light of Earendil had to be fixed into the phial in some manner; and somehow the ability to enhance the fertility of the soil of the Shire had to be given to the soil presented to Sam. That Galadriel would have realized the possible conflict with the Ring carried by Frodo just seemed logical; and as the Elessar was a stone of healing and renewal, that seemed better to use for the purposes of empowering the garden soil than Nenya.
Am so glad you appreciated it, and particularly the exchange between Galadriel and Celeborn.
Radbooks
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
I really enjoyed this short story. I thought you wrote Galadriel and her thoughts and feelings very, very well and I liked the relationship that you showed between her and Celeborn as they talked together about the future. I'd always wondered how the star got captured in a vial like that and so now I know! :) I had forgotten that Celeborn had given Aragorn the sheath for Anduril - the image from the movie sticks in my mind of him giving him the knife. :(
Nicely done!
Author's reply
So glad you approve. Yes, sometimes the imagery and dialogue from the movie have a way of working over what the book said, and it can get frustrating trying to remember precisely what happened where.
And this seemed as good a means of the light of the star to have been caught in the phial, so am glad we've settled that one!
Kitty
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
Interesting look at Galadriel and the reasons why she chosed these gifts! Not to mention her foresight – it must have been a great burden for her, at least at times. Particularly the orc tower in this case – I’m sure everyone who comes to know Frodo wants to protect him at all costs.
I know she was tested when Frodo offered her the Ring, but it is intriguing to think of some of the gifts as another test.
Author's reply
I think the choice to call upon the Elessar rather than Nenya there was as much a test as anything else there, and that the gift of the soil and starglass were indeed an indication of her heart as it was at the time.
As for foresight being a burden--I truly think it can be. As she counseled Sam in book and Bakshi movie, some things foreseen won't come to be unless we turn aside from our paths to try to prevent them; in trying to forestall them we only serve to precipitate the very situation we were trying to avoid.
Anyway, am glad you enjoyed this one, and thanks for the feedback.
harrowcat
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
Oh this is so great Larner. Galadriel is not a character that I have paid much attention too. Now I want to hear more. I am going to have to go and read much more of Tolkien's literature. Your ideas about Sam's box and all the links to the Elessar stone are just wonderful. And, as for the last paragraph, well I had the same tears in my eyes as Aragorn.
BTW I am reading this at 7am and watching the TV. Was woken up by a big rumble which turns out to be a huge explosion at a fuel depot in Hertfordshire, (about 30 miles away), The plume of fire and smoke look like Mount Oridruin. Not many casulties, Thank the Lord, but I am not sure what all the smoke and fumes are going to do.
Author's reply
Oh, dear--I love Hertford, a town my husband and I visited several times over the years; to have a fuel dump explosion and fire could do such damage to the environment! I hope they get it under control quickly. And I imagine that it does look almost as if Mt. Doom were in your back yard.
As for the story about Galadriel--I thought I'd experiment a bit with her and her reaction to the Mirror experience. How would she have been feeling privately? I wondered. And this is what came out.
And the idea that the casket might have held the Elessar stone for centuries was just so intriguing a one! Had been considering the relationship between the Elessar and Galadriel, and had to see if it might have had a positive impact on the Lady as well as on the King and his kingdoms.
Linda Hoyland
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
THis story was a perfect gem !I enjoyed learning more of Galadriel and loved your insights concerning the gifts.What a lovely idea to put the earth in the box that had contained the Elessar and to use it's power.
Author's reply
So glad you appreciated it, Linda. Galadriel must have been shocked beyond imagining when Frodo offered HER the Ring! And I'd always wondered where the box for the soil came from....
shirebound
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 5: Parting Gifts
Oh Larner, there are so many wondrous concepts and beautifully written passages in this story, I'm just in awe. These are my *very* favorite parts:
A knife edge, had she described the dangers facing the eight who remained in the Fellowship? How much finer had been the path beneath her own feet as she had stood looking down on It, the chain still through Its circle, lying in that palm?
When Celebrimbor had gifted Nenya to her, she'd accepted it as her due; and there was no question she had used it well. And yet--what had she wrought? Had she built a land unique within the world? Nay--she had instead reproduced in the mortal lands a reflection of the immortal lands she'd left of her own free will!
"After all, my love, I, too, have been little more than a gardener since we returned here; and what is a true lord in the end save for the servant of all who think of him as their ruler?"
Aragorn would not need the box, for he would wear the stone openly. She would fill it, therefore, with earth from her own garden and charge it for renewal
Manwë and the Lady Elbereth, far away in the fastnesses of Aman, watched as the Lady Galadriel passed her final unwitting test with satisfaction. Yes, their errant and willful daughter would now return to them; and full worthy had she shown herself at the last.
And as the light of Eärendil fell on the sleeping form of the Ringbearer through the open entrance to the pavilion, that sliver of Light Galadriel had foreseen slipped gently into place, blessing him and preparing him to win through past the ordeal in the orc tower. Lord and Lady looked down on him with compassion and love, and gently they gifted him to Ulmo for his relief when the time came.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound, for showing me in such depth what you appreciated best here. A definitely bittersweet story, I think. Am glad it moved you so deeply.
Queen Galadriel
· 17 November 2005
· Chapter 3: Gifts and the Benefits of Scholarship
*guffaws helplessly* Oh, Larner, I...I'm laughing so hysterically that...that I can hardly type! *wipes eyes* Oh, that's just so hilarious! I have never in my life...such a phraze! LOL! Poor Aragorn! Ha ha! But it was good to see Frodo laughing. Oh, how I needed that! Now if I could just stop laughing...so I can read another story...*giggles* It's hopeless! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Now, read Bodkin's stories to see how this started. Once I'd seen them, I had to write this one. So glad you enjoyed it!
Pearl Took
· 2 November 2005
· Chapter 3: Gifts and the Benefits of Scholarship
This was great :) Good to see your Frodo laughing :) I need to learn Dwarvish ;)
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it. If you desire to learn dwarvish, however, I suggest approaching Lord Elrond or Gimli rather than any younger dwarves. They won't teach you things that mean completely different than you'd thought.
And Frodo deserves to laugh, richly and warmly. So glad you appreciated that.
Grey Wonderer
· 1 November 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
Simply amazing! I just found this tonight and I love every word! I could see Pippin insisting on sending the bottle on the little boat with that child-like faith that he always has, could see Sam struggling to write a proper note and I could see Merry desperately hoping for a reply. I was so pleased when it reached Frodo and even more pleased when it returned to the Shire. This was wonderful and I plan to read it again and again!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you enjoyed it so, GW. Hope it continues to please through rereadings.
Thank you so much for letting me know. And I, too, found myself enjoying just those attributes in our three who remained for so long in Middle Earth.
Antane
· 19 October 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
What a wonderful, sweet story, Larner! I am so glad they had some contact with each other! I don't doubt that a regular correspondence would be devoutly desired now that the first, shall we call it, s-mail (sea mail) worked.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Personally, I doubt they'd try it again. When the bottle was sent little Faramir Took was still a baby; the response comes into their hands so long afterwards. Just knowing the first message got through and they got a tangible response would be relief enough, I think.
One of the plot devices I've put into my stories that's mentioned in both The Ties of Family and Lesser Ring is that now and then when Aragorn and Frodo are beneath their respective White Trees they become briefly aware of one another, and sometimes others are aware of Frodo, too. These brief moments of communion and the rare visions Frodo might share with Aragorn as depicted in Lesser Ring are one thing; but we so NEED something tangible to accept that the love is being perceived; and I suspect that Sam, Merry, and Pippin truly needed that reassurance that Frodo was again knowing peace in his soul and to have that tangible sign of it to hold in their hands as in their hearts.
Thanks so for the feedback.
utfrog98
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
The story about the bottle made me cry and the story about Aragorn hammering his thumb made me laugh. What a lovely way to begin a Sunday. Thank you!
Author's reply
Well, apparently we've elicited the full range of emotions between the two stories! Glad you loved both of them. The next story I'm working on is sheer angst, I fear.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Tigger
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
Oh Larner...After a frustrating day dealing w/doctors, I find this lovely little story waiting for me. Still choked up. Lovely, lovely, lovely!!!
Thank you for the wonderful story.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you enjoyed it, Tigger. And hope the being choked up doesn't make things from the doctors' visits worse! I have had my share of dealings with doctors, and don't do particularly well with them myself.
Praying things work out well.
Kitty
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
Finally I have a bit time to review! Sorry I am so late, but the last days were quite busy.
Larner, that was a very lovely story! First Toby's last gift to Pippin, that was touching. And I had to grin about Lord Halladan's wish to buy so much Shire wine. If that's not a compliment for the Hobbits!
Second, Pippin's idea how to use the bottle. Oh yes, that was the same mind who thought of the little house for the children - very creative. It was sweet to even try it, although it was quite unlikely Frodo would ever get the bottle. But obviously Pippin's plea to Lord Ulmo was successful. It was so wonderful Frodo got these little notes from his friend and favourite cousins! And that he did sent back the drawings was so sweet and touching - so the others knew he had gotten the message and was well.
Truly, that was wonderful - thank you so very much!
Author's reply
Oh, Kitty, am so very glad you enjoyed this one. And, yes, this is the mind that came up with the little Hobbit house and the pony in the study, and the stubborness that kept him going when Frodo did all but order him to stay in the Shire and Elrond threatened to send him home as well.
And, yes, I think Ulmo enjoyed making certain the two messages got to their intended recipients.
Am so glad this one was well received, and that people appreciate Halladan's inclusion in the story as well.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Armariel
· 12 October 2005
· Chapter 4: A Message and a Bottle
A beautiful tale. So heartwarming! Pippin is such a cutie, what? What an idea! *applause* Love it, keep it up!
Author's reply
So glad you like it, Armariel. And, yes, Pippin is one who comes up with some of the most innovative ideas.
Thanks for the feedback.