I'm done! Glad that he saw Sam and Sam saw him - what joy for them both to see the other half of their heart happy! I don't know if you've read my story Love Letters but this is how I imagine them to be - attached at the heart so they know what's going on in each other's lives. Knitted souls they are.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
"True friends are always together in spirit" (Anne of Green Gables) I came close to having them meet in each other's dreams like in my poem "The Bridge" but decided, nah, that may work in a poem, but in a story? Hmm! But maybe, by virtue of the upgraded phial, he could at least be allowed to see Sam, and Sam should be aware of being seen by him. A way of keeping in touch without the internet!;) I looked at "Love Letters" once, but the first chapter or two looked so depressing, I didn't get back to it after someone interrupted me, but I may give it another try soon. I always like to see other authors' takes on this subject. But although I've read an abundance of F & S "reunion" stories, some great, some awful, most somewhere in-between, I've seen very few tales of Frodo's life in between his arrival and his meeting with Sam...and so I feel free to tackle it myself to the point where it's pretty much become my "specialty" and I just can't seem to bring myself to leave the Blessed Realm............
So glad you finally got to this one!
blessings & cheer
Armariel~~~{~@
Antane
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Namarië Bilbo
Those eulogies were marvelous and profound, Lyrien's saying she will pray everyday that Sam will come simply because he's important to her adored Iorhael and therefore to her; Gandalf's words about the importance of being small; Frodo's own words. Love that Lyrien placed a Bilbo-doll at the grave, the Light he had brought to others through his counseling and that Drogo and Primula got their names on the wall for the orphaned. So much love Frodo has rec'd and given.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've a feeling Frodo pinched that Bilbo-doll for himself;) Well, he did say the room was full to overflowing and he had to keep some of the things....And I dare say Lyrien played one of the biggest parts in his healing with her loving innocence. Gandalf's statement about the bigness in littleness forms the central idea of the whole story, as you might have guessed. And of course the final culmination in the process of Frodo's own healing is his desire to impart to others what he was given himself. And he will keep on doing so, never content to rest on past accomplishments, but to keep on accomplishing as long as he is able!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 10: End of the Race
"Frodo-lad. My beautiful boy,” he said. “I’ve no more regrets. I’ve seen you grow well and strong and happy again. You’ve no idea what that’s done for my old heart, to see the sun come up in you once more, where once there was mostly grey clouds and rain with only a rare gleam of sunlight that didn't last near long enough. If I just didn’t have to leave you here….Yes, I know you won’t be alone really. Everybody loves you. They’d do anything for you. It’s silly of me to worry, you’re not a child after all. I just wish…that it was Samwise that was going to be here to look out for you… My prince..."
Beautiful words! Yes, very good to see the sun come up again in him. That talent for poetry that comes out so strongly in Frodo must have come from somewhere, besides the Creator of course. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Poetic genes, Bilbo and Frodo both gifted by their Creator, yes....And yes, that was the whole point of the story, to make the sun come up in him again!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 6: The Door
Lyrien is adorable! He gave me his hair - oh, lucky her! :) And I echo her thanks that M-e was saved.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Wait until you see what she does with the hair!;) Here's how she looks, btw: http://delroz.bravepages.com/elves/lyrien.jpg Made it for my website, just happened to stumble across a huge photo of this beautiful little girl and thought to myself, why, that's Lyrien! lol
~~~{~@
Antane
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Revelations
I forgot to mention that I applaud the reasons that Frodo didn't undergo the erasing procedure. Surely he would have come to love Bilbo and Sam and Gandalf again but the fact that he doesn't want to give Sauron the final victory over what that dark lord had so very nearly accomplished, emptying Frodo of himself during the Quest and filling him with Sauron's own filth, is very good. I am also very glad he wasn't consigned to oblivion as most people are when those who remembered them are gone also. Frodo lives! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I got the idea for the erasing procedure from what someone said about a story she read in which after he goes to the West, his memory is erased and he doesn't recognize Sam when he arrives. I never saw the story and what with that description, I didn't much want to...but I liked the idea of at least offering him the choice. And decided if he were offered, he would not take it because that would, to him at least, meant giving in to Sauron, but instead, chooses to defy him and be the victor, and that is the beginning of his true recovery, both mental and physical.
But yes, I'm sure he would have been drawn to Sam just the same, even if he had chosen to be erased........
~~~{~@
Antane
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 4: Revelations
I read a very interesting book about post-tramatic stress called Failure to Scream that talked about people who did what Frodo did or tried to do - not dealing with the terrible trauma done to him, the rape of his soul and heart and the damage done to those people because they didn't deal with whatever tragedy had befallen that and how important it was that they did and how God could help them. I am glad that Frodo found someone to scream with.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Neat title! Yes, keeping it all in is not a good thing. But realizing that you are not alone and others have gone through it too can be an immense help. Or at least, so I'm told by those who've been there, done that, and were forced to buy the t-shirt;)
~~~{~@
Antane
· 15 October 2006
· Chapter 2: A Strange Journey
A strange journey indeed, but wonderful that he got through it and defeated his enemies. Reminds me that patients are sometimes told to imagine defeating or containing their illnesses in such a way, though probably less dramatically! I loved the idea of candles in human form for that is how Elves really look like - so full of light and how even Frodo appears in a dimmer form for those they can see them with their heart like Sam and Gandalf and Faramir. I forgot to mention in the last chapter, poor Elrond, having all that guilt for thousands of years over not being able to stop Isildur from leaving with the Ring and I thought Frodo's guilt was bad! My sister and I were having just that same wondering shortly before I read this - why didn't Elrond just take it and throw it away himself - paralysis of the will is a great explanation. You could see how much Frodo was straining in the movie and just couldn't do it. Have you seen the new behind the scenes documentaries of the films? There's one neat, unused scene when Sam is shouting for Frodo to throw it in and Frodo is looking so lost, child-like, confused, vulnerable and then he looks at Sam and you can see him thinking "Oh good, Daddy's here and now I don't have make these grown-up decisions all by myself." It's a very interesting expression, not at all like the finished film, not even when he says "I'm here, Sam" which is the closest to it. Okay, now that I've written a novel of a review, I'll sign off.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh my...hadn't heard that one (about patients defeating their illnesses etc.), I thought it was my own idea, but hey, if it works! A friend and I were discussing the scene with Elrond and Isildur--I had forgotten when I wrote the story that it wasn't in the book, but that's ok, I'm not above using movie elements in my fanfics, do it rather often in fact. She was looking for theories as to why Elrond didn't make Isildur throw the Ring in, and was asking some of us for our opinions. My first (smart-alecky!) reaction was, because if he did, there wouldn't be any story! Then I came up with the theory that the Ring had paralyzed his will just as it paralyzed Isildur's and Frodo's, and needless to say, she liked that one much better! She was toying with the idea of using it in a fanfic of her own, and she came up with a first chapter, but I don't think the rest ever materialized, and then I thought, well, why don't *I* do something with it, since I did come up with the theory? And I figured, well, surely poor Elrond would have suffered some monumental guilt over his failure worse than Frodo even, being an Elf and immortal and powerful, not some puny little mortal hobbit who at least has an excuse....and so the underlying idea of "Bear Me Away" was conceived, and the rest of it gradually came into being, and so instead of it all being on one side, in the course of the story Elrond and Frodo could help each other overcome their guilt together!
Thanks for the "novel of a review"--I love the really big ones!:D
~~~{~@
Author Reply: P.S. Oops...I haven't seen that outtake but would very much like to, it sounds really interesting!
hugs
Armariel
~~~{~@
Antane
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 1: Into the West
I've finally begun this! I do love the ending, telling Sam that they arrived safely. That would be important for him to know. And you solved the mystery of who wrote The Sea Bell! :) I love that poem. Oh, yes, I've seen the Mythic Truth site - I've printed it out but haven't read much of it yet. And thanks for that e-mail about Death - very interesting. I forwarded it to many others.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Ahhh, so you are reading it finally! Actually I didn't solve that "mystery"--it's there in the notes appending the poem (did you see the link at the bottom of the first chapter?) I stumbled on this poem one day while I was struggling with the first chapter, really it was as if someone had tapped my shoulder and said, "Read this!" and I saw it and I was all set, and felt justified in making a poet of Frodo, since his creator had already done so! "Bear Me Away" was orginally intended to be a series about Frodo's adventures in the Blessed Realm but ended up being a serial, naturally, with the poem defining much of what happens. How Frodo made up his mind to rise above the very grim fate mapped out for him in it, through creativity, beauty, faith, friendship, work, and above all helping others as he was helped.
I thought you'd like the Death thingy...I did and so did many others I sent it to.:):):):)
hugs
Armariel
~~~{~@
Samwisegirl12
· 28 June 2006
· Chapter 12: Home Again
hey! I read this story since you mentioned it being a portion of your other story, and I love it! very very good :)
~ swg ~
Author's reply
So glad you like it Dearie...and I can't seem to get out of this universe, who'd have thought it? So I've gone and put up yet another chapter! Thanks for reviewing and please don't hesitate to do so again if you like!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 17 October 2005
· Chapter 12: Home Again
I like the dancing girl.
But most of all, I like the vision Frodo and Sam have of each other - courtesy of the phial.
It's a good thing Galendur came to find Frodo when he did, or he'd have been playing with the dolphins a bit too soon. (Galendur's way of speaking amuses me enormously.)
A most enjoyable story.
Author's reply
I stole her from an opera *teehee* I decided in my universe, there are gypsy Elves *wink*
Glad the vision thing went over well! Just have a major problem with them being separated so long with no Internet.
I suppose the dolphin-lady probably sent Galendur over; Frodo was too, er, occupied for her to budge him, maybe? *g*
Sooo glad you enjoyed; now maybe I can catch up on some reading? yesssssss precious!!! Thanks for the lovely comments once more!
xoxx
Armariel~~~{~@
Larner
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 12: Home Again
I especially loved the vision of Sam and Sam's awareness and words to Elanor. Frodo would need that.
"A bun in the oven"? Would elves really say such, I wonder? Made me giggle.
Thanks for a different view of the story.
Author's reply
Was originally going to have Sam actually appear physically, like in the poem "The Bridge", by means of Frodo's upgraded star-glass, but decided against it. Works in a poem maybe, but in a story? Hmmmm! Still, I liked the idea of it establishing a connection between them...just can't really get past the idea of them being separated for so long with absolutely no means of communication!
Hmmm...THIS elf would! *giggles also* Well, having nothing around but wise, ethereal, near-perfect elves all the time could get rather monotonous after a while *g*
I'd love to see still more views of it--but seems there aren't many out there!
Thanksss sooo much for reviewing!!!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Larner
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 11: Namarië Bilbo
Fitting memorials.
Author's reply
Glad they work for more than one person--thanks!
~~~{~@
Larner
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 10: End of the Race
I still snort at an Elf speaking like a Victorian fop, but I'll live with it.
As for Bilbo's Prince....
Love the butterfly.
Author's reply
*giggle* His audacity has rubbed off on me...or maybe it's the other way around? Actually to me the hobbits are Victorian to the core, and fit oddly into the medieval world of Aragorn et al., but I live with it just fine *g*
Guess the butterfly might be a fitting transport for Bilbo's soul........
Andrea
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 12: Home Again
That was a wonderful story, Armariel!
I liked your OCs here, especially Galendur, a very uncommon elf, but a good soul :)
Now, that Frodo found out, that there's still a link to communicate with Sam, he can endure waiting.
And maybe that dolphin-lady is not only a dream. I'm really curious about her. I think, I'm going to read "Anemone" now!
Author's reply
Thank you thank you thank you! or should I say Danke schön? *wink* So glad you enjoyed, I have had fun writing it! Now must find some other project to throw myself into.....
Had no idea when Galendur sneaked onto the scene that he would turn out to be such a show-stealer lol Now he's among my favorites of my OC's also....I thought of having Frodo actually summon Sam physically there as in my poem "The Bridge" (which is a fanfic in poetic form) in which they are able to visit each other by means of his upgraded phial, then decided naaaa, that was taking it a bit far, at least at that point. Maybe later.
Yes, please do read "Anemone", a romantic tale I think you'll enjoy! Thanks so much once more for your lovely review!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Breon Briarwood
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 11: Namarië Bilbo
Oh, how touching. I love the idea of Frodo's parent's names on the wall too.
But nights were another matter…
*anxiously awaiting the next chapter.*
Author's reply
I'd say that was Gandalf's doing, just off the top of my head *wink*
The next chapter is in progress...I always kind of dread writing the next chapter, it's a little like preparing for a long hike uphill--but coming downhill is the fun part! Thanks for reading & reviewing!
cheers
Armariel~~~{~@
Baggins Babe
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 11: Namarië Bilbo
I'm starting to like Galendur! He is a Hooray Henry (British expression) and probably a chinless wonder who sounds as though he has stepped from the pages of P.G.Wodehouse, but his heart is in the right place and he's not as daft as he sounds.
Lyrien is lovely, and Gandalf's speech was so right. Between them they said everything there was to be said.
Author's reply
Somebody else called him that too--it was a new one to me! Actually, I think his chin is verging on being a bit oversized! LOL I confess I liked him from the get-go, even at his most uncouth. I really love taking a less-than-perfect character and watching him/her shape up into something surprising, especially when I'm the one who's surprised along with the reader and the other characters.
I'm glad you like the speeches--I was afraid this chapter might be a little too preachy and contemplated cutting it back a bit. Thanks so much for reviewing! Lovely to "hear" from you. I believe I've read some of your stories and liked them very much, even rec'd one to somebody.
cheers
Armariel~~~{~@
Andrea
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 11: Namarië Bilbo
I'm really impressed with Gandalf's words:
"And so I came to learn that in order to be great, one must first become small."
This is simply brilliant and so very true!
I'm glad that Frodo found a new field of activity. But what about the nights, I wonder?
Author's reply
I think there was a philosopher or theologian who said something along those lines, but for the life of me, I can't remember who it was or his exact words! Every time I write something a little weighty, long afterwards I'll look at it and think, "Seems I've heard that somewhere before, but WHERE?"
Maybe it's that Jungian collective unconscious?
I believe Frodo will benefit enormously from helping others. As for the nights, we'll find out...soon, I hope! Really hoping to have this story finished by the weekend so I can move on.
Thanks for your lovely review!
xoxx
Armariel~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 11: Namarië Bilbo
Lyrien said everything that needed to be mentioned really. She has enormous potential, that elfling. And her father managed some words of wisdom too!
I'm glad Frodo has found something to do that helps other people - I think he would need that to keep him content. He likes to be useful.
Author's reply
Out of the mouths of babes! I was a little afraid the chapter was too preachy and thought of giving only Lyrien's speech and summarizing the others, but the other characters protested too much, so just had to let 'em have their say...lol
He does indeed! I thought counselor might be a fitting occupation for him, and would help him keep his mind off his own loss to work with those who had been through even worse. I thought, well, even in the Blessed Realm not everything is all hunky-dory and there are plenty who have suffered and need counsel, and thought, well, why not have Frodo pass on what he's learned and been given?
xoxx
Armariel~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 10: End of the Race
Good for Galendur - that is a very noble way of encouraging Bilbo to take an interest in life.
But not even Ringbearers can live for ever. Frodo will find it hard to be without Bilbo to give him a reason to be ordinary. But his reward will come.
Author's reply
Bilbo should have had a little more confidence in Frodo's ability to choose his friends, what? Seems he's a bit of an expert in that department, to say the least. Yes, he'll have to learn not only to do without Bilbo, but to cope with being the only mortal on the island. We'll just have to see how he does.
Thanks once more!
cheers
Armariel~~~{~@
Larner
· 8 October 2005
· Chapter 9: A New Home
To watch those we love prepare to leave us is heartbreaking, but a necessary part of being mortal. And I can understand Gandalf's concern.
Author's reply
Yes. Something we are never quite prepared for, even when we think we are!
Bodkin
· 8 October 2005
· Chapter 9: A New Home
Well - Galendur seems more fun than Seragon, who seems a little stodgy. And Frodo's wishes for his new house, and his unspoken desires, seem to be on the way to being granted!
Gandalf and Riannor. Good. Bilbo continuing to age. Not so good. Frodo's problems don't go away just because he's settled in the west, do they!
Author's reply
Oh yes, Seragon is a bit on the stuffy side, but with such lively company, maybe he'll lighten up. And Frodo seems to have forgotten that Este's spouse is the one who can make dreams come true for those who love, work, believe and pray. Yet the cloud of mortality does loom even in paradise!
Bodkin
· 6 October 2005
· Chapter 8: Unveiling
“I don’t doubt he can ride a horse,” Bilbo said. “But it hardly makes him husband material.”
That is one deep hobbit!
I just love the idea of squiggly hair becoming a fashion statement among all the young elves. And their mothers cursing the name of hobbits - and of Galendur. Who might find himself with a career in Hair.
The mosaic sounds most beautiful - but the sound of a despairing cry, the howl of someone who has just lost all he had striven so long and hard to gain, the sound of utter defeat gives a lovely edge to its creation. And old Olorin, huh? That could be an interesting relationship!
Lyrien is a poppet. I like the hobbit doll. Which could become another fashion.
Author's reply
For a bachelor, Bilbo's got the right idea, I would say! Acting like a daddy. Guess looking after Frodo taught him a few things about parenting. The elf-mothers should be thankful hobbits never went in for body piercing! Galendur might become quite a successful hairdresser, at that. Doubt that Tilwen would go for it, however! I imagine hobbit dolls will become the rage as well.
Wonder if I'm the first non-slash writer who ever provided Gandalf with a mate? If anyone else has, I've yet to see it!
Thanks so much for reviewing--I greatly value your comments!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Larner
· 5 October 2005
· Chapter 8: Unveiling
You matchmaker, you! The Maia and the former dark elf! Love the mosaic.
Author's reply
Just can't resist tying a few knots, can we! ;);) The mosaic was inspired by some paintings I've seen, although I didn't try to reproduce them exactly. Perhaps there will be another soon, well let's hope so.
Thanks so much for r&r!
xoxx
Armariel~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 4 October 2005
· Chapter 7: Writer's Block
OK. Maybe Galendur isn't completely in love with himself. Maybe he's just a bit of a Hooray Henry. A bit of an oaf with a heart of gold. But I still hope Tilwen makes him suffer - because it will help him grow as an elf! Or a half-elf. (Mind you, Tilwen doesn't seem to be the sharpest knife in the drawer either. Oh well, maybe like is calling to like.)
Author's reply
Hooray Henry? lol haven't heard that one before! I think of him as this big wacky kid who was accustomed to being a big fish in a small pond, and is coming to find he is quite a little fish in a huge lake now and getting a bit of a wake-up call, if that isn't mixing metaphors a little extravagantly. Guess he'll find that heroes come in more than one size!
Larner
· 3 October 2005
· Chapter 7: Writer's Block
I have to laugh at the elven hero with a stupid English aristocrat's vocabulary and attitude, but nice to see there is a person in there and not just all facade.
Author's reply
Welllll, it was a daring step, but I thought maybe if Tolkien et al. could get away with cockney-ish trolls and orcs, maybe I could get by with it...heheh I think I conceived of him as a sort of Peter Pan/eternal football hero/Douglas Fairbanks swashbuckler type who, if he lived in the early 20th century, would have been a dashing aviator or rodeo rider. I dare say Tilwen will have her hands full with him, but at least she won't be bored!:D