Moments in Time by Larner
GamgeeFest · 18 August 2009 · Chapter 91: Time Wasted?
Dear Frodo, your life has not been wasted, for if it had been, you would not have had such devoted friends willing to risk everything to accompany you on your Quest. *hugs him* (But typical naysayers - never happy no matter what you do!)
Author's reply
Amen, GamgeeFest! Frodo did have devoted friends and relatives, thank heavens--he must have needed them so! And the gripers indeed will gripe no matter what! Thanks so!
Dreamflower · 18 August 2009 · Chapter 91: Time Wasted?
It is rare in fic to see Frodo worrying about what he's done with his life, pre-Quest. It is even rarer to see him making use of one who would have been a very likely confidante: Fatty Bolger. Yet here you show both. At fifty, Ring or no Ring, Frodo *would* have been thinking of such things. I think it was a crucial year for him, and even without Gandalf's news he would have been considering following Bilbo. But there is a bit of desperation now. He is not making the choice freely, but under the constraint of a duty to protect the very Shire which has been telling him what a "waste" his life is. And Fredegar Bolger, as a member of the Conspiracy, knows exactly what the trouble is, and cannot offer consolation. Perhaps it's the ale that's loosened Frodo's tongue, but his words are those he's probably been thinking ever since he decided to leave.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appear to approve, Dreamflower. In reading Lindelea's "A Small and Passing Thing" I was struck by the relationship between Frodo and Fatty, and how it's Fatty who does his best to convince Frodo to write the story as requested by Bilbo, and how he ends up serving as Frodo's editor. So, that relationship ended up being written into my story, too, although I changed it somewhat. Poor Lindelea--I did so much blatant borrowing from her at the beginning! Heh! That Frodo would have one cousin who was truly a confidant seems so likely; Merry would have been too much a younger brother, I fear, so that it would be Freddy to whom Frodo might confess his feelings of dissatisfaction with what he's done with his life just seemed right! Thank you so much for the thoughts, for they are indeed the ones I, too, had on the subject. And I'm grateful Anglachel posted this challenge for her birthday, to examine how one of the characters might have reacted to realizing he's about halfway through his expected life! It has sparked some interesting fics.
shirebound · 18 August 2009 · Chapter 91: Time Wasted?
perhaps it is I this time who wishes to see something of worth accomplished in what time I have left. I feel that way myself sometimes! I can well imagine Frodo having such thoughts.
Author's reply
I do too, at times at least. Thanks so, Shirebound!
GamgeeFest · 16 August 2009 · Chapter 90: Comfort Given
Poor Freddy! Unable to do any of the hobbity things he took pleasure in before, though he is lucky compared to others. What a horrible nightmare for the Shire. Little glimpses of Frodo's ordeal - how he knew to feed a starved hobbit - contrasted with his proud smiles for his cousin strike just the right balance. Freddy and the Cottons can tell there is much more to be told, but for now are content just to be together.
Author's reply
Am so glad you found all this admirable! I find I do like poor Fatty Bolger, and love working him into my stories. Thanks so!
Andrea · 9 August 2009 · Chapter 90: Comfort Given
And if Aunt Rosamunda tries to tell you how irresponsible you were, I shall tell her myself just how wonderful it is to be cousin to the hero you are! And that is said by someone who is a hero himself! Both of them, Frodo and Freddy, saved the Shire, but in different "dimensions". Frodo left the Shire to protect its inhabitants. But on his way the task grew, so that at last by carrying the Ring to Mt. Doom he saved all the free peoples, including the hobbits. His first plan however, to protect the Shire by leaving it, failed. Saruman and his Ruffians invaded it anyhow. And that's when Freddy decided to act. He saved the hobbits from starvation and ended up in the lockholes. If you asked the Shire inhabitants about their heroes most of them would name Freddy and maybe Merry and Pippin, even Sam - but not Frodo. Because most of them didn't even comprehend what he did (or refused to do so)! It's really tragic. Frodo however is glad that he came in time to save Freddy and to see to it that he recovers! Let's hope that this will distract him for some time from his sorrows.
Author's reply
If anyone can truly appreciate how difficult it must have been for Fredegar Bolger to do what he did, I would think it would be Frodo Baggins! As Elrond in the end chose to send Merry and Pippin with Frodo, I rejoice that Freddy had stayed behind so as to be there when the need arose! And to realize how close he came to losing Freddy must have torn Frodo so! And I so agree about how tragic it is that most within the Shire had no appreciation for what Frodo accomplished. Thank you so very much, Andrea!
Antane · 8 August 2009 · Chapter 90: Comfort Given
Indeed, Freddy would hear many new things he had no idea of before! Love the ending with the singing of the lullaby. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Freddy will learn probably a good deal of it even faster than most others who learn anything at all of the real quest, and in good part because he's there at the Cottons' house with Frodo. But right now he needs to concentrate on his own healing. And the lullaby is in a way a tribute to our Queen Galadriel. Thanks so, Antane.
Baggins Babe · 8 August 2009 · Chapter 90: Comfort Given
Another perfect gap-filler, Larner, and one I've often wished to see. Poor Freddy - there's an awful lot to take in and he must be feeling very bewildered. I loved Frodo's gentleness and consideration here - but it's only what we would expect from our beloved Ringbearer.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much, Baggins Babe. Actually, there are a few other Freddy stories out there, particularly by Lindelea, that are quite good. And newly released as he is, Freddy has a good deal of recovering and sorting out of his own thoughts and experiences before he can truly appreciate what's happened to the Travellers. Thank you so, BB!
UTfrog · 7 August 2009 · Chapter 47: The Perfect Gift
I do not know how I missed this story earlier, but it was a perfect read for today. I love stories of the earlier days of Aragorn's reign when he had so much to learn and do. This is just lovely. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
This was in response to a Christmas challenge, and I had to find some way to work into canon how it might have been that somehow the Hobbits could have helped Aragorn find the "perfect gift" for the first Yule he and Arwen would spend together. I am so glad you enjoyed it. It's been fun imagining so much of Aragorn's early reign. Thank you so much for the feedback, UTFrog.
Dreamflower · 7 August 2009 · Chapter 90: Comfort Given
It was lovely to re-read this! A couple of other touches I really loved-- the part about waiting to hear the rest of the "joke" about Pippin, and the part about Rosamunda not being especially "restful" for Freddy! LOL! I really like how you wrote Fredegar in this-- I'd love to see his first conversation with Pippin after all this, and finding out the "joke" was true!
Author's reply
How can one who hasn't even been to Bree begin to appreciate about Ents and Ent draughts? I'd think he would consider it all a joke at first! And I've always imagined Rosamunda as being a bit fussy, fussy enough to exasperate her son, at least! As for your wishes--who knows what the future will bring? Heh! Thanks so, Dreamflower, for respondin to this in both places.
GamgeeFest · 23 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
LOL! Frodo is such the proper, polite and not-so-subtletly insulting heir apparent! He certainly does take much from his cousin, doesn't he? I'm glad that he was able to give back a little of what he got from Ted and Lotho, though it's extremely unfortunate that he began his life in Hobbiton thus. What bullies!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you liked this. Yes, he already has found how to give as good as he gets verbally, and is not going to allow himself just to be run over roughshod without at least giving some effort to defending himself! And bullies are ALWAYS there, I've found!
Celeritas · 6 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
*grin* I am very glad that Frodo is not afraid to go below the belt when he's clearly outnumbered! This was such a nice story, and a proper length for what you wanted to tell. It's always fun watching the odious Sackville-Bagginses get thwarted, whether through verbal insults (Frodo's first greeting to them was priceless!) or through getting clearly caught as in the case of Lotho.
Author's reply
In "Second Mum" I wrote about some of the bullying that Frodo was subjected to in Brandy Hall, and hope that he would realize that sometimes one needs to fight back dirty with those who do so to you. And it's always fun to write bullies getting their due, of course. And you are the not the first to be glad I wrote a longer tale this time. Thank you so!
Kitty · 5 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
Ha, the fact that it annoys Lobelia would be reason enough for Bilbo to adopt Frodo as his heir, if you ask me! For her to have the temerity of calling Frodo a thief is more than hypocrisis! He wouldn’t dare! He knows that the whole of the family would be up in arms at such an act. So? *raises brow* Maybe if the whole family contains of Lobelia and Otho ... Hm ... it would probably not dawn on Lotho that the people might think Bilbo not respectable, but still treat him better than the S-B's because he is nice and generous, while the S-B's are a nasty, thievery pack. “And whom do I have the honor of addressing, if honor it is?” *snicker* Well said, Frodo! :D And ...pretensions of being important in society.. was even better! Oh well, maybe I should just say that I enjoyed that little talk between Bilbo and his unwanted cousins very much! :D As much as I am sorry for poor Frodo for being hurt by these two bullies, I have to admit it was great to see that he didn't allow Lotho and Ted to intimidate him and gave as good as he did. And that the bullies were seen and interrupted was even more satisfying. And of course, Bilbo's little visit to the S-B's was the icing on the cake! Even if Bilbo wouldn't have decided on this already, that little intermezzo alone should have been another very good reason to make Frodo his heir, and Lobelia has no one than herself and her nasty family to blame for it *eg* Enjoyed this story very much - nothing better than something to get one over on the S-B's to brighten one's day! Thank you!
Author's reply
Lobelia is definitely into hypocrisy, obviously, condemning in all other far simpler, more innocent versions of what she has done for years. And she assumes that even if the rest of the family is not upset, they can be influenced to at least pretend to be upset so as to keep her and Otho off their backs. You're certainly right about Lotho and why folk would still freely visit with Bilbo, no matter how iffy his reputation! Frodo's reactions to Lobelia I first wrote for "For Eyes to See as Can," and felt it couldn't be truly bettered, although Bilbo goes beyond what was said there. It was fun to visit that again! But I think that Lobelia would automatically put young Frodo's back up, and that verbally he could dance rings around her. I, too, hated seeing Frodo hurt, but cannot imagine him just rolling over and letting things happen without fighting back. It might be some years before he learned his proper punch, but I wanted him to have good reason in the end to ask Merimac for that training! It was one thing I missed in the movies, the feeling that Frodo would do his best to defend himself and others as he could, and was unlikely to back down just because he was outnumbered. But this had to be the final straw in confirming to Bilbo that it was well past time to displace the S-Bs as his heirs. So glad this brightened your day. I enjoyed writing it, believe me!
Andrea · 3 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
Great story! Even if Frodo had no chance to win against those two, he did not give up and even managed to give them some good kicks! Maybe it were his years at Brandy Hall among many other lads that taught him some very important lessons. I also enjoyed his sharp-witted answers to Lobelia. Frodo Baggins should never be underestimated! And Bilbo chose the right heir at the right time! “Not a moment too soon to get myself a new, proper, decent heir!”
Author's reply
Thank you! You're right, Andrea--at this point Frodo is already showing the unwillingness to back down to intimidation he'll need once the Ring comes to him. And he's willing to fight back as effectively as he can. Facing the likes of Gomez Brandybuck has stood him in good stead, although he's not yet learned his proper punch from Merimac as yet. I'll admit that as I was describing a scene I'd already written, the dialogue is the same as in "For Eyes to See as Can" when Frodo is dealing with Lobelia's impertinence. But as she and Otho insist in the book on making certain the adoption and will are all proper in the aftermath of the Party, I've always suspected they did their best to the end to delude themselves that Bilbo had only taken Frodo as a ward and not an heir. That being true, they couldn't have been a party to the actual adoption or have seen his will prior to that date. That they would ignore the signs before their eyes that Bilbo had put Frodo over them indicates a willingness to convince themselves that Bilbo would stick to tradition in the end in spite of all the evidence that he'd taken to relying on his own wishes and acquired wisdom instead. And there's no question that Bilbo did choose a proper heir for himself! Thanks so much!
6336 · 3 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
Just what twisted Lobelia into such a nasty peice of work? I have a feeling Otho has regreted marrying her for some time. As for Lotho he and Ted seem to feed off one another to some extent, it is a pity nobody in the region was able to stand up to Lobelia when he first started bullying others, some people have more money than is good for them. Poor Frodo what a welcome to his new home, I am glad he had the integrity to stand up to the pair of them and not just give them Bilbo's money and then run home to him, it would never have ended! He was lucky that they were interupted, who knows just how much damage they could have done. Now Lobelia will have to admit that her son is not as inocentt as she makes out. Good one Larner, Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, Lobelia is one who as a child wanted more than her parents would give her, and decided only in marrying well could she hope to get all she wanted. She mistakes things for happiness, I fear. It's not easy to understand all there is in Otho, but he's fallen to much the same weaknesses. As for Lotho, not knowing true unconditional love and realistic limits and guidance given in love rather than in mere indulgence, he just wants to be the biggest fish in the pond and fears that he'll be displaced by Frodo. Frodo, however, already knows that indulging bullies only makes them worse and weakens the self, and has vowed not to again fall to becoming a thief. He knows it's hopeless standing against the two of them, but he's not going to give them the satisfaction of giving way easily--which in the end helps him hold out as well as he does in the future when it's him against the persuasion and coersion of the Ring. And this time Lobelia can't as easily convince herself that Lotho's just someone everybody else blames. And there's still, she is convincing herself, the promise she and Otho and their son will inherit Bag End and the family headship for the Bagginses one day!
shirebound · 2 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
Oh, I just *love* that last line. It must have aggravated Bilbo no end, earlier in his life, to imagine that propriety would force him to make Lobelia & family his heirs. I love your strong, confident Frodo, too. :)
Author's reply
I can imagine (obviously!) that Bilbo had little but contempt for what Otho became once he married Lobelia. And incidents such as this must have confirmed he made the right decision in adopting Frodo. As for Frodo--I suspect he was willing to fight for what he felt was right even at such an early point in his career. He might have known he couldn't win, but he wouldn't just roll over and take what Lotho thought to hand out! Thanks so very much!
Dreamflower · 2 July 2009 · Chapter 89: Choice of Heirs
*grin* Oh, I just loved seeing Frodo confronting Lotho and Ted, even if they did gang up on him in the end. Even better was seeing Bilbo give Lobelia and Otho what-for! Thanks so much for the story! ((hugs it))
Author's reply
It was my joy to write it for you, Dreamflower. I just wish it had allowed itself to be finished yesterday! It was being as stubborn as any Baggins, though! Heh!
Armariel · 15 June 2009 · Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
OH kissy kissy!! Sooo romantic, so almost shakespearian! Well...maybe...lol... A sweet treat, indeed.=D ~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so, Armariel. Almost Shakesperian? Okay.... Thank you so! I enjoyed this prompt (obviously!).
Armariel · 14 June 2009 · Chapter 81: Honor Avenged
Tut tut tut........naughty hobbitses!!! LOLOL ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Naughty Hobbitses, eh? Naughty Frodo, you mean! I bet he could be implacable when the mood struck him! Heh! Thanks, Armariel!
Andrea · 11 June 2009 · Chapter 88: Probing
I liked this very much! They are equals! And they fight with the same kind of weapons, so to speak ;-) We know for sure that Aragorn should have answered the question with a "Yes!". And from your stories about Frodo I'd say that *his* reply should have been the same. If only the Ring hadn't been in Frodo's possession and twisted the word "longing" into an emotion that made Frodo avoid the lasses altogether.
Author's reply
Oh, but you are so right, Andrea! So right! Thanks so for the feedback!
Kitty · 10 June 2009 · Chapter 88: Probing
Aragorn can’t hide his longing for Arwen, at least not with Frodo around. Clever way to avoid an answer – to answer the question with another question *grin*
Author's reply
No, he can't quite do that. And he and Frodo, both rather private persons in so many ways, managed to achieve a standoff! Thanks so, Kitty.
6336 · 9 June 2009 · Chapter 88: Probing
In other words M.Y.O.B.! Darn Ring! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, and on behalf of both at this point! Thanks so, Lynda!
Celeritas · 9 June 2009 · Chapter 88: Probing
*grin* Nice intellectual sparring here, with just the right touch of wistfulness. This sesquidrabble was really well crafted.
Author's reply
Yes, neither will quite reveal himself at this point in time, and am so glad you feel I caught the wistfulness I was trying for. Thanks!
harrowcat · 9 June 2009 · Chapter 88: Probing
A Larner drabble and a half. Now that is a nice start to a wet Tuesday morning. Private souls - both of them! Shame that Frodo didn't startle Aragorn enough to get a straight answer! :) But then, the ranger is too used to the subtle battle of conversation to be caught off guard. I see this conversation happening in Minas Tirith but before Aragorn finds the tree. Is that what you envisaged?
Author's reply
It's clear here, although cooler than last week. Yes, both private souls, and neither at this point willing to declare his own loves before others. No, no revelations from either at this point, which I admit I see as happening along the road southwards somewhere--but am not yet certain precisely when or where. Thanks so, Harrowcat, and love to the family and Jet. Have barely had time to visit LJ lately, so am very out of the loop, I fear. A couple of clients have known fair amounts of stress and at least temporary setbacks in their conditions, so we've been kept rather busy.
Dreamflower · 9 June 2009 · Chapter 88: Probing
Just the sort of thing our observant hobbit would notice-- and just like the wiley Aragorn to try and deflect that notice! A very plausible conversation, and the reactions of each to the "Probing" was quite in character.
Author's reply
Am glad you find it so, Dreamflower. I think the two would well joust so verbally in the earlier days of their joint journey. Thanks!
Linda Hoyland · 8 June 2009 · Chapter 85: Change in Guard
A truer word was never spoken! I was a good day when Sam came to work for Frodo!
Author's reply
You have hit it right in the gold, Linda! Thank you so!