What must have it been like for Saradoc to see his "other son" in that state?
He finally sees with his own eyes all the scars that tell of Frodo's quest. On the other hand he sees the love directed to Frodo by many others.
It is true that love alone could not heal all the wounds, but one thing is sure: love never dies! Not Frodo's love for his family and friends, and not their love for him. That might have been a consolation for Saradoc and all the others when they learned that Frodo had left Middle Earth forever!
Thank you very much for this wonderful little story :-)
Author's reply
Sara now knows for certain what all four of them went through, and realizes just how bad it was for all of them, and particularly on Frodo.
And you're right--that's balanced by the love he sees directed at them all, and particularly Frodo. It's hard for a parent to know a beloved child or foster child suffers pain and be unable to do anything about it. As for love never dying, that is so true!
You are welcome, and thank you!
Kitty
· 3 June 2009
· Chapter 87: Last Comfort
Oh, it must have been hard for Saradoc to see Frodo in this state, realising how bad his health has become! But it was nice that he asked after the clothes Frodo wore, not after his scars. And thinking about it, seeing these scars might have helped him to understand how bad it really was what Frodo had been through and why he never really healed.
Still, I am glad Saradoc got to do this, to help Frodo, have this last few words with him and so see him sleeping peacefully when he left, considering it was the last time he saw his foster son. The end left me sniffling. Very touching, Larner.
Author's reply
I'm certain you are right, Kitty. It's never easy seeing someone you know suffering and know there is nothing you can do about it. But now he has an excellent idea as to what ALL of the Travellers experienced, and has a better idea of WHY there is the pain and the unwillingness to share the worst bits.
You're right that at least he has this memory, and the knowledge that it's not for lack of recognition or caring that Frodo leaves in the end.
Thank you so much!
Linda Hoyland
· 3 June 2009
· Chapter 87: Last Comfort
This was so very sad. I'm glad it didn't happen like this, but I liked the way you explored this AU.
Author's reply
Not exactly AU--in my original storyline, after the dinner Frodo collapsed and Saradoc helped him to bed, after which a much chastened Paladin and Eglantine asked a few final questions of Sam before taking their leave and returning to the inn where they were staying. Sara and Esme stayed a bit longer and saw Sam infusing athelas leaves for the vapors within Frodo's room, after which they, too, returned to the inn where a long discussion was held between the two pairs of parents and Merimac, with them deciding perhaps it would be best to go out and meet with the Rangers to discuss with them what had happened and its implications in the outer world.
And the next morning an Elf arrives with a different bundle of herbs to make a medicinal tea for Frodo, and Frodo makes his final preparations to leave the Shire and Middle Earth.
This was Saradoc's last chance to see Frodo before his cousin left Middle Earth, one way or another. They have that one last shock waiting them, when they find the Crickhollow house hastily abandoned and only a mallorn leaf about a crushed lembas wafer as a clue as to where Pippin and Merry might have gone.
But I would hope that for Saradoc the memory of Frodo sleeping would help him accept that Frodo's choice to take the ship was the right one.
Thanks so for the feedback, Linda.
Antane
· 2 June 2009
· Chapter 87: Last Comfort
Human love was not enough, but nothing is stronger than Divine Love and he will feel that full force soon one would like to imagine as he must have felt in some dimmer way on the Quest as well. All that mortal comfort was not in vain though, not at all and with that sweet smile, he knows it.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I know he at times felt that comfort while on the quest, but now he needs it more directly, I think. But, yes, he does know that the love he feels helps him--just not enough to remain long.
Thanks so, Antane.
Ainu-Yavanna
· 2 June 2009
· Chapter 87: Last Comfort
After the first sentence I knew this would make me cry. And it did. After so many misunderstandings, so much pain, love is still there and wins in the end. Last comfort indeed - for both of them.
Author's reply
Thank you, Ainu-Yavanna. There must have been a good deal of love between Frodo and his Brandybuck cousins who helped raise him, and who were Merry's parents.
Andrea
· 30 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
Great story, Larner!
As was already pointed out in other reviews, Frodo gained a lot of experience in his Buckland years, especially the "rascal years" ;-)
But Ted did not know that, which was bad for him and good for Frodo! *Grins*
And what impressed me most was that Frodo had a backup plan!
Stolen from Frodo Baggins That was very clever, indeed!
It is no wonder that Merry in later years was also an expert in planning, for he had the best teacher.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I do believe Frodo could be very devious when it suited him. And I would have loved to have known him when he was the terror of the Marish! And now Ted has had a taste of Frodo's cleverness.
And am glad the backup plan meets with your approval! Yes, Merry had very good teaching! Heh!
Thanks so!
Celeritas
· 29 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
And here I was expecting to read about cakes and pies!
This was marvelous--you know how much I like your devious Frodo, and the idea of him using his wit to bring perpetrators to justice was excellent and well-executed! "Stolen from Frodo Baggins" indeed. *grin*
Author's reply
No, no pies or cakes this time. And I do believe that Frodo must have been very good, when he wished to be, at figuring out how to manipulate others. Yes, he is expert at reading the hearts of his fellow Hobbits. Heh! Glad it gave you a chuckle!
6336
· 29 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
Been reading some of the reviews for this and got to wondering just how much input Frodo actually had in planning the quest, I keep thinking he might have done things a little differantly if he had been given the chance!?
Lynda
And yess if this nibbles at you you may have it with my blessings, I will even provide the virtual hutch and the carrots!
Author's reply
Well, you never know precisely what might end up being worked into "In Empty Lands," you know. It may take a few chapters to get there, but I think it MIGHT end up being covered. Heh!
Linda Hoyland
· 29 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
Revenge is sweet!It seems Ted started being unpleasant very young.
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect Ted started quite young on his negative career. And I'm sure Frodo found revenge very sweet indeed!
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
Well, it's an hour yet until tomorrow for me, so I really shouldn't be peeking at this early birthday present yet *grin* But thank you so, Larner! It's just perfect! I love Frodo, though I haven't had occasion to write him much myself, and the hobbits were wonderful in this story!
Well, with the notable exception of Ted...but then he was even perfect in his...horrible-ness, if you get my meaning *grin* I'm sure his dad was angry and rightly so! Pity that he kept on like that in later life. *pokes Ted*
Thank you again for the birthdayfic, my friend!
~Kaylee
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Kaylee. And there's no problem accepting the present early, you understand! Have a joyful birthday, and many more to come!
Am so glad you feel I caught the Hobbits well, including Ted Sandyman. Poor Ted--he is such a wonderful Hobbit to see thwarted--heh! Ah, but I love to see him get what he deserves from time to time!
Again, thanks so, and enjoy your day.
6336
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
Good job Frodo is an honest lad, with his deviousness he could be a lot of trouble for someone!
Ted got what he deserved though!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, I bet that during the years Frodo was running wild in the Marish he could drive those who had to deal with him more than a bit crazy. That he could turn himself around and become as honest and honorable as he did must have been very satisfactory for all concerned. Too bad Ted Sandyman doesn't appear to have followed Frodo's example. Am so glad you feel Ted got what he deserved--I tend to agree!
Thanks so for the feedback, Lynda.
Kitty
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
HA! That was one of the most satisfying ficlets you have written so far, Larner! I was smirking from the moment Frodo noticed the thievery and who it had been, knowing his reputation. And the trap he set for Ted was absolutely perfect! Of course, being caught by Saradoc is much better than only being caught by Frodo and Merry, and Old Sandyman would not dare to dispute Saradoc *evil grin* Our dear Ted will have some problems with sitting in the near future, I guess *very evil grin* Serves him right!
Thank you, Larner, that made my day!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you feel that way, Kitty. That Frodo could think of using Saradoc to assist in catching Ted just seemed so likely and so right. And you're right--when the Heir to the Master of Buckland himself catches your kid stealing, what can you do if you're the the local miller, right? Oh, but it is fun to write these looks into Frodo's more irresponsible youth from time to time. Heh!
Am so glad this made your day, for you helped make mine!
cathleen
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
Oh, this really made me laugh - how clever an ending is that?! I enjoyed your story very much!!
Author's reply
Thank you--and thank you for nominating it for a MEFA--I'd certainly not expected THAT to happen! But now and then I like thinking to some of Frodo's escapades that worked, and almost missed being detected! Heh!
Dreamflower
· 28 May 2009
· Chapter 86: Just Desserts
*grin* Frodo is definitely the clever one! LOL! I love that-- "Stolen from Frodo Baggins."
Not quite so dramatic as a troll's purse, but effective enough. But arranging for Saradoc to catch Ted in the act was nothing short of brilliant!
Author's reply
I always suspected that Frodo planned thoroughly! Heh! Glad you like it! Thanks!
Celeritas
· 19 May 2009
· Chapter 84: Worthwhile
It's true--if Frodo had allowed himself to perish, even after the Ring was gone, he never would have gotten to see Elanor, if she'd even have been born!
And that beginning momentary sleep-filled confusion was lovely. This was a tender family moment.
Author's reply
Indeed so, Celeritas. Would Sam have gone home and married Rosie? Another interesting possibility to ponder! Am so glad the half-awake confusion worked for you. Thank you!
Kitty
· 9 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
Nice nod to that pest Lobelia ;) And it was good to see Frodo was not having to fight her off alone.
Was grinning a bit about the Gaffer's insistence of keeping the proprieties. Very typical. And equally typical of Frodo and Bilbo to have already set something up to pay the Gaffer a pension, so he has nothing to worry about when he retires.
“I know as him’s been your man since him was but a little’un and you first come here t’Bag End. He’ll do ye proud, just you wait ’n’ see!” Oh, the Gaffer can't know how true that proved to be, can't he?
Author's reply
Thanks so, Kitty. Frodo isn't the only one on the lookout for Lobelia's mischief, at least! And I'm certain Bilbo would have made provision for the Gaffer before he left.
And indeed Gaffer had no idea how much he'd understated the situation between Sam and Frodo Bagins! Thanks ever so much!
Andrea
· 7 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
Wonderfully done!
Not only Fatty Bolger, but also the Gaffer and "Master Frodo" himself have to adjust to the new situation. All three of them are a little nervous, but that makes the situation the more funny :)
What I liked most in this story was the Gaffer's accent! Just great, although I had to read some of his sentences twice to understand them ;-)
And last, but not least: I totally agree that Frodo would never ever have to regret it that he made Sam his gardener!
Author's reply
The whole Shire needs to accept the new order on the Hill in Hobbiton, I think. It wasn't precisely anticipated by most folks that Bilbo would leave when and as he did.
Am so glad you like the Gaffer's accent. And there's no question that Frodo never regretted THAT decision.
And it was fun working Fatty into this one! He was still young then, and about the same age as Sam. He must have felt rather strange, helping to screen Frodo from the fools out to empty Bag End!
Antane
· 7 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
“I know as him’s been your man since him was but a little’un and you first come here t’Bag End. He’ll do ye proud, just you wait ’n’ see!”
Your hobbit, you mean. :) Love this. I am writing a paper on Sam for the upcoming Tolkien Society Seminar and it has given me new appreciation for how wonderful our Sam is. *hugs him*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Here I was using "man" more in a generic term as one who has chosen to devote himself to another rather than as a racial identifier. I used such terminology in my first fic when Sam first decided to accept Frodo as his personal "master," and felt I ought to remain consistent here as well.
But Sam had to always be wonderful, I'm thinking! Now, to get my Mothers Day fic written....
And I'll join you in hugging our favorite gardener!
njomo
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
Hi Larner. I just wanted to let you know that I think you've done a marvelous job of writing in this story. You've not only written a wonderful portrayal of the Gaffer as well as Frodo and Fredegar, but you've also done a good job of writing in a “voice” that fits very well into canon. I could easily imagine this story as an adjunct to the main FOTR story-or maybe as another piece of the appendix! Thanks so much for bringing this scene alive.
One funny note--a joke on me, really. It took me a moment to realize who “Mr. Bolger” really was!
Joanne
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Joanne. I've found I enjoy writing Sam's family, and particularly the Gaffer, who has appeared in quite a few of my stories at this point, both my longer fics dealing with Frodo's occupancy of Bag End and shorter fics as well. There are several, in fact, in this particular collection as well as in Between Green Door and Gold Ring and 'Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil. He even appears in a humorous short vignette in Only a Second or Two as well. You are not the first to feel I have managed to capture his "voice," and it is very satisfying to know so many appear pleased with how I portray him.
I supposed I ought to have had the Gaffer thinking of Fatty as "Master" rather than "Mister" Bolger, as he was the same age as Sam, and thus still in his early tweens when Frodo came of age. However, I suspect that as Merry, Pippin, Fredegar Bolger, and Folco Boffin are all of the gentry the Gaffer has a tendency to address them all as "Mister" when he encounters them behaving quite properly and responsibly, as they would be doing in helping screen Frodo from the throngs of bargain hunters in the aftermath of the Party and Bilbo's disappearance.
Dreamflower
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
A wonderful look at a moment in time that *had* to have been, somewhere along the line-- very good voice for Hamfast! I do like the way you portray him!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Dreamflower. We know this decision was made--it was just delightful to imagine it. And I'm so glad folk like how I portray the Gaffer! Thanks again!
shirebound
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
"I will miss seeing you up here every day, but I will always know you are there and helping with the vegetables and quietly inspiring your son to your own standards of excellence. And I do thank you--for myself and for Bilbo, who always respected you so.”
What a wonderful (and respectful!) conversation. Proprieties are so important to these folk. I like thinking that the Gaffer had a pension, and that he thought so highly of his Sam.
Author's reply
I can't imagine Bilbo would ever have forgotten about the Gaffer's possible needs. We know he left seed potatoes and linimint for the old fellow; wouldn't he be likely to foresee the need for a pension fairly soon? We know that Sam took over the gardens on his own shortly after Bilbo left the Shire, which indicates that the Gaffer undoubtedly felt he could handle the job and should be given the chance to try.
Thank you so, Shirebound. This was a delight to write.
harrowcat
· 6 May 2009
· Chapter 85: Change in Guard
Loved it Larner. I think you have the Gaffer just right. He does remind me of my Dad!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad, Harrowcat. He reminds you of your dad? Oh, I'm glad--your father sounds such a delightful fellow!
Thank you!
cookiefleck
· 26 April 2009
· Chapter 84: Worthwhile
This is very sweet and cozy and I always enjoy stories where Sam's inherent astuteness is exemplified. It's nice to imagine Frodo and Elanor's relationship in this way; it seems a logical extension of his feelings for Sam, and possibly as you surmise one tangible "proof" - if he needed one - that the quest was worthwhile.
I wish Tolkien had left us more to go on regarding the dynamics of the mingled Baggins/Gamgee household than his somewhat spare account. From the way LOTR is written I've always felt that Frodo was looking inward rather than outward (e.g., it's stated he felt lucky to be looked after with such care) which is understandable as a symptom of depression; perhaps there is more in the HoME or the Letters that I don't recall that contradicts what I have just written.
Author's reply
I, too, wish Tolkien had indicated more about the relationships between Frodo and Sam and Rosie during their time together in Bag End. I have long imagined that families of siblings might well share a home with one another, or perhaps with parents; and that Frodo might see his sharing of Bag End with Sam and his family in this light has always seemed very plausible to me. I've read some of the letters, but not as deeply as I'd expected to by this time, although I must plead a good deal of distraction at the moment. Certainly he appears to have suffered at the very least depression, although personally I see it as full-blown PTSD, considering how he closes increasingly in on himself and his home, the anniversary illnesses, the decreased communication even with Sam....
Am so glad this feels right to you. And I suspect that Frodo treasured the time he was able to spend with Elanor.
Kitty
· 24 April 2009
· Chapter 84: Worthwhile
That was something Frodo always loved, I think - caring for the small ones. And Elanor had to be very special for him, maybe even more than Merry so many years ago, as she would not have been born if the Quest had failed. The image of him in the rocking chair with the baby in his arms is just perfect.
Author's reply
Oh, indeed yes, Kitty. And I'm so glad you, too, feel that image is the proper one! Thank you so!
Kitty
· 24 April 2009
· Chapter 83: Leaving the Flock
Very symbolic, Larner. Frodo was rather philosophical here, and his comparisons fit well.
The end, with the little bird obvoiously staying on the ship and Sam's thoughts about it, made *my* throat tight. That was so touching!
Author's reply
Thank you, Kitty. Frodo knows now he belongs elsewhere, but if he can find hope and heartening in such small birds he deserves it! And it's always a joy to learn that what I wrote has led others to feel moved. Thank you!