Dear Sam, what an usual talk before a wedding night! Of course he had to warn Rosie, although I suppose she knew already a lot and wouldn’t have been shocked even if he’d not said anything. And as for being able to see it, I think here Sam didn’t give his Rosie enough credit.
Well, Esmeralda is at last trying to understand and to hold her overprotectiveness in check – it should make things a bit easier for the Travellers.
Author's reply
Yes, this has to be an unusual way to start a marriage--and yet a necessary one for Sam, I think, knowing that his bride not only understands but honors what those scars stand for. And he'll not underestimate her again, I think.
And now if Merry can only open up and allow Pippin to do otherwise at least with the Brandybucks they'll both be better off.
Andrea
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 84: 84: Encounters
Wow! It's really difficult to write a review for this chapter. So much emotion: sadness, anger, embarrassment and also joy!
Frodo went through all those feelings again when he told Lily about the Ring. It must have been really hard to do so, yet he did and that showed his respect, his love for her.
Not long after that happened, Mina asks him the same question. Of course, he is too exhausted and frustrated to recall the complete story again. But what he tells Mina has been a private matter just the same - until that point.
He rose, suddenly stepped forward and gave her a small kiss on her forehead. “Sometimes, Mina, you look so much like my mum, you know.
That's the best compliment he could give her. He needs his mother much more than he recognizes. Mina and Lily are doing their best to help him!
Author's reply
Yes, there's a bit of everything here for Frodo, except a good, sound laugh. But he'll get that soon enough, you'll find.
He's starting to get the questions as to when he'll start living a proper Hobbit life, and at a time when he doesn't think he can. But he is getting the caring expressed he needs, and indeed the mothering that he's missed for years, as you've noted.
Am so glad you pointed that out.
Bodkin
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 84: 84: Encounters
Will really ought to consult him before proposing him as mayor, though. And he's only seeing the results of having Frodo in charge and not the effect it's having on him.
I'm glad Frodo sees something of his mother in Mina. He needs the comfort that offers.
French Pony
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 81: 81: Shire Wedding
Yay! Hooray! Mazel tov to Sam and Rosie!
Author's reply
Yes, finally married, and glad of it at that. It's not been quite as long a wait as between Aragorn and Arwen, but it's felt that, I'm certain, for Rosie.
French Pony
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 80: 80: Birthday Gifts
Sam's wedding is going to be the do of the Age. Although I'm amused at the idea of Hobbits trying to pull together that big a party in just two weeks.
Moving on......
Author's reply
Well, if anyone could do it, I think that Sam, his family, and the Cottons could do it. And it will be a nice one, of that you can be certain.
French Pony
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 79: 79: Restoration
I'm here and catching up -- Le Thesis is stealing quite a bit of my time these days -- and all I'll say here is that I love the description of Bag End, with its blend of original and new decoration, each bearing its own story. Your descriptions are always wonderful.
Author's reply
Le Thesis has a way of doing that, you'll find. Good luck, and break a leg.
I am so glad you appreciated the first full inspection Frodo gives his home returned. Thank you for the compliments.
harrowcat
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 84: 84: Encounters
Well! That was a powerful 'wow' of a chapter right enough! It would take something as important as that to get Frodo to open up as much as he did. Lily got decidedly more than she bargined for. At least Sam was in the vicinity to minister to him. I am glad that the chapter ended up on a much more positive not with dear, empathic, Mina.
Aragorn, Lord Halladan, Prince Imrahil, and Lord Faramir got into quite an involved discussion on just this subject one day, and the tales they told were beyond belief.”
I bet that was also a sad eye-opener of a discussion to be party to!
Dreamflower
· 18 February 2006
· Chapter 84: 84: Encounters
Poor Frodo, being forced to admit to others what the Ring did to him. But both Lily and Mina are motherly types--they will keep his confidence, and try to comfort him as best they can. It's good to see him get a bit of mothering--he deserves it if anyone does.
I was glad to see Mina, as well as Esmeralda, speak to Paladin and Eglantine about Frodo. Of course they are both still in denial, but it had to shake them a bit to hear these things from those whom they consider reliable.
And poor Will, not having any idea that Frodo's just not in any shape to take on the job of Mayor, no matter how well suited to it he is.
An excellent chapter!
demeter d
· 18 February 2006
· Chapter 83: 83: Hidden Scars
Let us now sing praise for strong women! This is indeed the Rosie who told a newly returned Sam, in the book, that she had kept faith and hope for his return even when others had given up and he had "not spoken yet" before he left. This is the Rosie who said that she 'had been expecting you since spring'. I always took that little remark from the book to mean that somehow Rosie had been aware when the Ring went into the fire and the two were rescued and restored to their friends.The wedding night scene just served to reinforce the point that she was as brave and strong as Sam, and would love and support him all of the rest of their lives. Yes, we were right there in their room, but i do not think it felt intrusive. They, together, were the reason that Sam was able to live a long and full life even after all he had endured. Stories like this lend support to my own hope that this mortal time is not all there is to us, and that somewhere, "beyond the bonds of Arda", all of the things that really matter will survive and be restored to us.
I like your Esme, too. This is someone who was able to give ophaned Frodo a sense of being loved and belonging. She will try to do the best she can for all of the four.
Good Luck to Harrowcat!
Author's reply
Yes, that was precisely what I was trying to convey. The Rosie Cotton who's been waiting through the disappointments of the past spring and summer for the return of the one she's loved is the very best one for Sam. Too bad she didn't have a twin sister for Frodo, who needed just such a one for himself, not that he'd have opened himself for her, I fear. No, perhaps my Narcissa would have been more proper for him--not that he opened himself for her, either.
And I agree about there being the hope beyond the boundaries, and am looking forward to a few reunions of my own.
And am so glad you like Esme--she's grown through the years.
I couldn't have done it. I couldn't have done what Lily did, and what Mina attempted, if it was so obvious that Frodo wasn't well-why, I guess by now anyone who cared to observe could tell just by looking at him, and one doesn't need to be able to do that; I recall Ferdi knew-and I'd know, even if I didn't fully understand about the Ring and all he and Sam went through. It's too plain from his behaviour. But Lily and Mina do care, even if Mina did show a little more tact and more of a maternal air. And I think that simple show of affection on Frodo's part did them both good.
God bless,
Galadriel
Antane
· 18 February 2006
· Chapter 84: 84: Encounters
I'm glad (and a little surprised) that Frodo was so open with Mrs. Cotton but it's good he trusted her enough to be that upfront about the whole thing, esp. what the Ring wanted him to do with lasses. I hoped it helped him some. Poor dear, wanting a lass but too feeling too emptied out to give her anything. I find myself anxious for him to go West so he can heal, heartbreaking as it will be at first. Enough of this suffering!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Linda Hoyland
· 18 February 2006
· Chapter 84: 84: Encounters
All the weddings are a good sign that the Shire is returning to normal. I doubt the other Hobbits will ever understand all that happened,but then how could they?
Author's reply
You are right, there, Linda. It's hard for those with no experiential base to understand what those like Frodo have been through.
What a perfect wedding! The additional details really made this even more beautiful - the presence light, the cord...... How touching to think that Dunedain traditions were brought in to a Shire wedding, and fitting that Frodo should perform it. I'm only sorry his heart was faltering during the marriage ceremony, and I don't think he's up to a walking trip to Buckland, but he's such a stubborn Baggins.
I think Sam and Rose will always remember their wedding day.
Author's reply
I am so glad you appreciated it, Baggins Babe. This is a bringing together of all their experiences, and a recognition in ways that Frodo and Sam belong as much to the world at large as they do to the Shire.
Frodo is truly appreciating he is fading, and so is putting all he can into the wedding, and seeking to do as much as he can while he can.
And, yes, he is a stubborn Baggins, isn't he?
I think far more than Sam and Rosie will remember their wedding day, actually.
Andrea
· 18 February 2006
· Chapter 83: 83: Hidden Scars
She smiled. “That’s real courage, you know, Samwise Gamgee--doin’ what’s needed in spite of bein’ scared witless.”
Rosie is a wonderful woman! She may not know everything that happened on the quest, but she knows the essence and she understands and accepts it. Sam does not have to worry, he found himself the best wife in the Shire!
Poor Frodo. He had to stop at Maggot's farm, I remember that. But considering what happened during the wedding ceremony, he really covered a pretty good distance.
I like Esme here. She tries hard to comprehend what happenend to the travellers, but as Dreamflower said, it's too remote for her. Regardless of that she continues to take care of Frodo, Merry and Pippin as best as she can, always afraid of overdoing it and losing them. And that isn't an easy task!
Author's reply
Sam chose a true jewel in his Rose--there I agree--certainly he deserves the best of the best. She may not know everything that happened to them, but appreciates what true courage is and what it took for Sam and Frodo to do what they did.
Yes, Frodo did get pretty far, although he did accept a ride part of the way. He's stubbornly insistent at doing what he can while he can.
And Esme is working so hard at trying to strike the balance between accepting and caring, fearful of losing Frodo once again. And I'm so glad you appreciate that.
What a lovely, gentle and surprisingly intimate description of Sam and Rosie's wedding night considering they were talking about scars and how Sam got them. I am glad that Sam is now clear about how proud Rosie is of him. The blankets were a lovely touch too. The many colours reminded me of the marriage cord.
And - poor Frodo - but at least his state is beginning to make certain parents that they HAVE to re-evaluate their disbelief.
Got to run! Taking 40 kiddies for a team building and retreat day by coach. Good thoughts please! 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.......
Author's reply
Yes, I tried to be intimate without being offensive or overly invasive of their privacy; and now it appears counting scars and making certain Sam thinks of them with joyful thoughts of her instead of the fear associated with how they were gathered may well become part of Rosie's lovemaking.
The blankets are actually based on a yarn I've been using lately to make scarves--quite a lovely thing with two strands of fiber, one a glowing golden brown mohair wool and the other a twisted combination of synthetic fibers of all kinds of colors around a core of gold metalic material. I have completed two scarves for others, and am working on a third for myself. I'd love to do an afghan for my bed, but couldn't afford the yarn for it, as each skein costs $7.00, which would make it outrageously expensive for my queen-size waterbed.
Esmeralda and Saradoc don't have the experiential basis yet to fully understand what Frodo and Merry have done, but would be willing to listen if they could get either to talk, and Pippin is letting Merry take his own time to explain. In the end, of course, it will be Frodo who finally makes it clear to both sets of parents just what Merry and Pippin went through. But Esme is realizing she must not push lest she lose Merry as she did Frodo, and as it appears Frodo is being lost now.
Forty? Hope you do have more adults along to act as chaperones. And hope all forty come home again! Heh!
Oh, dear Sam, so worried that Rose might be offended at the sight of his scars. Of course she wasn't but was just as proud as could be. I love the note of triumph in her thoughts at the end of that section--she certainly felt victorious at finally being his wife.
And poor Frodo, not able to walk all the way to Buckland. Still, he had gone further than he would have at one time. But not nearly as far as before the Quest. And his decline is inevitable.
I like your use of Esme's POV. She'd been Frodo's foster mother--it has to make her both worried and confused. She is incredulous--not in denial, like Eglantine, and not skeptical or disbelieving of her dear ones' stories--but simply unable to comprehend. It is all too far out of her experience, and even her imagination is not up to the task. Yet it hasn't caused her love for them to falter, and I love her going in to check on Frodo, as if he were still the grief-stricken young teen who made his life with them for so long.
Author's reply
I am glad that Sam's concerns about how Rosie might be frightened or disgusted by his scars were shown baseless, myself. He's got himself the finest flower in the Shire, and he now knows it, and she will make certain he never again regrets a single one of the scars he bears. And am so glad you appreciate that feeling of triumph she shows. She, too, has made out extremely well in mates, and is thrilled with the idea.
Frodo will do his best to defy his condition, although he slowly comes to terms with the acceptance of his fading. He will try, though--try as hard as he can to live in spite of what's happening.
And am so very glad you appreciate Esme's point of view here, and that you see her as I'd intended. Thank you so.
This chapter really serves to fill in some of the gaps in your other stories. I must admit to blushing while reading the first part-I felt a bit like I was intruding on Sam and Rosie's privacy, or like I was watching them when I shouldn't have been. But I guess it's just because I can't even fathom all of what it means to be a wife; I have the knowledge but not the experience.
I did enjoy seeing how Esmeralda viewed Frodo and what she must accept as fact. It's obvious from the description of how she saw him that she sees him with the eyes of a mother. And her "Sleep well, dearling," at the end was perfect.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I was trying to be intimate without being overly titillating, allowing to see how the wedding night comes with the appreciation for just what a hero Sam was, and thus the appreciation that Frodo is even moreso in spite if his horror of having his scars seen.
Those closest to Frodo are beginning to appreciate Frodo is not well, and may indeed be actively failing; and they are given the chance to offer what caring they can as the opportunities are granted them.
She was suddenly filled with an intense sensation of triumph. She’d married him, this beautiful, dear, sometimes foolish, loyal, brave Hobbit--he was hers now!
What a marvelous, wonderful scene. You truly brought us into Rosie's sense of triumph, and Sam's gentle strength... and their powerful love.
Author's reply
I am so glad I was able to convey this properly, Shirebound. For Rosie it must have been a feeling of triumph indeed after so long a wait.
And I wanted to lead to the moment of the consummation of the marriage without titillation.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 83: 83: Hidden Scars
You capture Sam's character beautifully and Rosie is truly worthy of him.He will need her more than ever as Frodo's health fails.
Author's reply
I rejoice you think so, Linda. And the two of them do need one another, as Frodo needs the both of them now.
Kitty
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Poor Narcissa, that was a difficult time for her. But knowing your other stories is somehow comforting, because I know she will find a new love with Brendi.
*sigh* Freddy was right, Frodo should’ve accepted the extra coddling and used the wagon – we know already how his walking trip ended, don’t we?
Author's reply
Those who've read my other stories do know, of course, which is why I didn't go into detail this time in the newest chapter. And Frodo is foolish for not accepting the ride--I agree there.
demeter d
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 81: 81: Shire Wedding
....never want for food,clothing,shelter and ...love. The last perhaps even more important than the rest. As Star Wars's Obi Wan Kenobi said to Luke after his first training success, "you have just taken your first step into a larger world". Frodo and the other Travelers, and their many friends and visitors, are slowly but surely alerting the Shire to the fact that they are part of a larger world. Your marriage vows are lovely, the most complete that I have ever seen! They promise to respect each other's families even though they put each other first. And to promise to be financially careful for the sake of those who depend on them, and to try to mind their tempers and be prepared for bad times as well as good. I liked the touch of Lord Glorfindel greeting Sam with as much respect as Sam gave to him. Sam has grown indeed! Lovely, Larner. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Slowly Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin are drawing much of the rest of the Shire into the larger world, a step that needs to be taken.
I see the Shire wedding as primarily practical, while that of the Dunedain tends to be more spiritual. Sam and Rosie have taken both sets of vows now, and I think these two will take them MOST seriously. So glad you appreciate the Shire vows. If only we all took them seriously.
As for Sam and Glorfindel--they are BOTH Lords of the Free Peoples, and I'm certain the Elf would treat a brother Lord, particularly one whose willingness to give of himself for all as was true of Sam, would be most certainly respected and honored. Am so glad you approve.
Alright Frodo is back in Bag End where he should be, and Sam has finally asked Rosie. I love the part about the tree. When Frodo touches the mallorn tree and feels Lord Erond, Arwin, Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. May the trees in the Shire grow strong.
Author's reply
Yes, life begins to return to normal for Frodo--not that it will ever truly be so. And for a moment he knows he isn't alone, which is something he desperately needs reassurance about.
Lady Sarfuman
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Well, no, I don't think that the guy is a pervert. Sorry, I haven't told you the whole thing yet. If the guy who puts his arm around my waist happens to be the guy I like, then he's obviously not a pervert. But when it's a stranger, well, you can't be too sure. For example, my friend's dance partner, every girl hates him, because HE IS a pervert, and here's proof that was eyewitnessed by ME myself. When the teacher told us to start, he said to my friend, "Come on, baby, let's groove." He then put his arm around her waist, but she could barely tolerate that. Then, his arm slid, and I am 100% sure that it was NOT an accident. See, if it was, he would apologize and move his arm back to the appropriate position.
And plus, the guys in our school are soooo ugly. All the hot guys are in high school. As my friend says, they get uglier and uglier each year. I personally agree with that. And as for you saying that soon I will think that gentlemanly, I don't think that will be possible. You see, gentlemen have long been extinct, and so now we are stuck with men who don't even bother to open a car door for their lady. Of course, one person says that this is because they are afraid that the lady will say she can do it herself and all kinds of things. And in another matter, it used to be "ladies first." But noooooo, in our school, (and in elementary back then) all the boys always clamor to go first in anything interesting and the girls get shoved behind. When there's something they don't understand the instructions to, they say "Ladies first," and then they make us go first. I don't know about you, but that is definitely NOT my definition for gentleman.
And plus, I never did like dancing. I always hated it because you have to pair up with a guy you hardly ever know and dance with him. And, we're only in eight grade! If it was high school I would tolerate it better, but there's no way I'll tolerate it now, and it is a first-timer too. And of course, you'll say that stuff about wanting to do much more because you're an adult and you have experience.
Author's reply
Okay--sounds like he needs to grow up a bit. Young teenagers are often anything but the best, unfortunately. Hormones can be terrible things to deal with.
Lady Saruman
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
okay, I'm really tired here so I'll say good job, and I'll tell you about our history lesson in school thing, then I'll go to bed.
History: we are now square dancing. It sucks. This was what happened.
At first, the first several steps weren’t that bad—they were things like swinging your partner (that’s when you hook onto the crook of your partner’s elbow and vice versa and then you spin in a circle, then reverse arms), then we have the do-se-do, which is putting your arms on your chest and circling your partner to the right. I forgot to mention ONE important thing: WE ALSO HAVE A CORNER PARTNER. That means that we have TWO partners. Ewwwwwww!!! Ok, and then the third step is that we grip our partner’s right arm, then you walk past him on their left side, then move to the next guy, get his left arm, and walk past him on his right side, and you keep on doing that until you reach your partner. Then there’s the bridge. The “head couple”, which is the couple facing the mountains, makes a bridge by placing the palms of their hands against each other, then the second pair goes under the bridge—girl, boy, girl, boy, and so on. Now, in each group there are four couples, and the last couple (which happens to be me and some guy) goes under the original bridge and makes a second one next to the first bridge. Then the head couple goes under our bridge and walk to their original spots, then we walk back. Finally, there’s the most horrible thing of all. It’s called something—it starts with a ‘p’—and what happens is that a girl has to turn to the right. She raises up her left arm, and her partner takes her hand with his left, and puts his right arm AROUND A GIRL’S WAIST and walks around with her around the circle. That was so disgusting and humiliating!!! Most of all, this was because this was during 1st period, and there were two PE classes, and they all gathered together to watch us dance. Waaahhhhhh!!! So with my partner, I snarled to him “DON’T YOU DARE TOUCH ME!” and he agreed, but there were actually some guys who actually DID PUT THEIR ARM AROUND A GIRL’S WAIST! *PERVERTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*
Author's reply
You think a guy who puts his arms about a girl's waist is a pervert? In a few years, dearling, you will think such a one a gentleman, for most will want to do MUCH more--and you may find yourself wanting them to do more as well.
Have done my share of square dancing both when I was in junior high and as a teacher working with students. It can be LOTS of fun if you don't start feeling self conscious. But I prefer different folk dances, myself. The Virginia Reel is a hoot, and there are a few Israeli dances which are beautiful and quite complicated.
But if you have a chance watch Riverdance or Lord of the Dance. Both are gorgeous, and in part inspired my idea of the Husbandmen's Dance that Frodo used to perform regularly.
Bodkin
· 17 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Tinges of romantic feeling - but Frodo's too ragged for it ever to be more than that. Paladin is a pain. I hope Frodo makes it to Buckland, so he can spend more time with Saradoc and - hopefully - make himself more clearly understood.
There are a lot of people here recovering - one way or another, to a greater or lesser extent.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, you are right about Frodo being too ragged for romance, although if he'd moved then he might have known some joy.
And, yes, there are so many recovering, either from the Time of Troubles or from what happened long ago, or from the disappearance and then return of the Travelers.
(But you know that Paladin DOES get over it--just a bit too late.)