Queen Galadriel
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Oh, the electronic LOTR isn't a big deal. I can get it back. It's just a pain to do so because the website I get my books from isn't the best managed, and I haven't had the chance yet. As to the Braille version...hmmm...I think it's...let's see, five vollumes in the Fellowship (the vollumes are each about the size of a standard-sized print dictionary, only much wider)...uh, four in TTT, and five-no-six in ROTK, when you add the appendices. The whole thing is currently taking up nearly every inch of bookshelf space I have, and that isn't exactly convenient. But though I don't really need it any more, I'm attached to it because of all I went through to get it in the first place. Sat by our noisy versapoint (spelling?) while it printed every vollume off, gathered it up, removed the little computer Braille paper strip things on the sides, took the pages apart, put them in order, often stayed up till the wee hours to get the thing into one of those binders with the pins that hold them in and the really thick covers, and then went right to reading it and dealt with the errors that were due to embosser problems...and I don't regret any of it. Actually, I don't even have the last vollume of ROTK, because I got the electronic about that time, and it was soooo much easier! I love love love technology! :) As to the appendices being nice to read in Braille, I haven't even managed to get through the whole thing; it's pathetic. The family trees are what throw me. I can't help it, family history just makes my head spin! :)
Now look what we've got going here! (You didn't start it though-my name ought to be Gabby. :))
Author's reply
I'm hoping to get the Juliet up and running soon--my laptop that had become my devoted braille computer (an old 286) was stolen, and so I've just received the gift of a new laptop I hope will communicate with Julie so I can get back to producing braille. (My current Toshiba notebook won't speak to Julie, I've found.) Julie is an interpoint unit, btw. Haven't used a VersaPoint for years.
I can't imagine trying to do the family trees in braille. He published them sideways on the pages in the print book, and they get VERY complicated, particularly when you find yourself also looking at birth and death dates when they are added in. Family trees are so visual in nature with the spatial relationships it's hard to translate into braille, which is more linear in nature.
Would you like to receive my descriptive scripts for the movies? I have them for the EE of FOTR and TTT, and the TV for ROTK. They've been forwarded to folk literally all around the world to look at in conjunction with playing the film to add to the understanding of the action of the movies.
Endaewen
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
This is beautiful so far.
Author's reply
My, you have been reading quickly! Am so glad you appreciate it, Endaewen. It is an honor to have someone indulge in reading such a work as you have.
Queen Galadriel
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Aw, drat! I meant "dilapidated." That must be the hundredth time today I've done something goofy like that! Sorry.
Author's reply
Considering the several spelling errors I've corrected today, I can't complain, my Lady.
Queen Galadriel
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
I've wanted to ask this for a long time, but it's kind of a stupid question. Did you come up with the customs for the weddings, or are they described by Tolkien? I could answer that question by looking in the back of ROTK, probably, but I've managed to lose my electronic copy (goodness only knows what happened there) and my *huge* Braille five vollumes are so unwieldy that they've taken quite the battering in being carried all over everywhere and are now too delapidated to be read. :) I have the recording as well, but the whole appendix wasn't included. Just curious.
Author's reply
The wedding customs I've written are all my own invention; and I'm unaware of Tolkien having described any but the ones of the Elves, which amount basically to the bride and groom declaring to one another they take one another as husband and wife and then consummating the marriage. There are some customs in which the respective families give special gifts in recognition of the new joining, I think, but that's apparently in The History of Middle Earth Series, and I don't have that. I do have the Making of LOTR series, though, and have found that fascinating.
You lost your electronic version of LOTR? Oh, I'm so sorry. And I'd love to see a braille copy of the entire LOTR--what is it--fifteen volumes or more? Reading the appendices in braille must be fascinating. I know a friend on one of the blindness lists to which I belong used her electronic version to find where the lyrics in Pippins song in the movie version of ROTK came from, and I was supremely grateful. One of the few poems I hadn't composed my own music to.
lotrgirl1415
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
OKAY STUPID QUESTION TIME! (And yes I know how hard they fought earlier to get him on the ship...)
Will you by any chance be changing the LOTR story of Frodo actually sailing away?(or is it a secret?..you can tell me I won't tell lol ;P)
I'd love to see how this particular story would evolve from the choice of NOT going...especially after the debate on "if Frodo can sail away or not"
Yet I have a feeling that if he stayed he's surely die...but a part of me always wanted Frodo to stay in Middle Earth...mainly because he's my fave character. :)
Sorry for asking but I'm tired/hyper (bad mix)..lol Blame that question on that :)
love ya lots
--Katie
Author's reply
No, I do stay true to canon in that Frodo sails away, and this stays true to the rest of the stories I've written as well.
I, too, suspect that had Frodo remained in Middle Earth he would have died, particularly my view of Frodo who carried longterm disabling conditions based on the experiences he'd endured, including congestive heart failure, myocardial infarctions, recurring problems with his digestive system, and so on.
It would indeed be interesting to see what Frodo might have come to had he remained in Middle Earth instead of sailing to Aman, particularly if he'd chosen to marry Narcissa Boffin after all. However, the first AU story I intend to write is intended to go quite a different direction completely.
Endaewen
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 44: 44: Glory out of Ashes
Beautiful. I love the thoughts of Frodo as he's watching the glass-blower.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you approve as well. I've been rereading the chapters as you've commented on them to remind me, and it's been interesting revisiting where the tale has wended its way.
Linda Hoyland
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Some of the Hobbits must have found the wedding rather puzzling.Poor Frodo, to be denied a wife by the Ring and not even able to ance any longer.
Author's reply
I'm sure many of the Hobbits found the wedding confusing, but I think more found it fascinating.
And Frodo is now definitely beginning to suffer degeneration, which is distressing to everyone. But the loss of the ability to dance must trouble him deeply indeed.
Endaewen
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
Love it. This chapter had me chuckling.
Author's reply
So glad you did. I love the thought of a devious Aragorn doing such a thing, and folks realizing afterwards that when Hobbits show up at Council meetings they are indeed there as Lords off the realm!
Dreamflower
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Ah, if Frodo realized just how much he was the focus of concerned attention, I am not sure if he would be gratified or upset or both. He sees the concern of the obvious people such as Saradoc and Paladin, but he's missing all the less obvious people, such as Narcissa and Mina and Lily, who are just as concerned.
It's so sad about Narcissa. I'm glad that I've read "The Ties of Family", so that I know she was, finally, able to know happiness.
I love the brief glimpses of what hobbits who were not "in the know" thought of the non-traditional elements of the wedding. But some of them will eventually learn the meaning of them.
Author's reply
I wrote a lovely long reply which the Dalmatian managed to wipe out by putting her paw on the keyboard and somehow losing all I'd written. Big dogs! Gaack!
There are going to be several who will approach Frodo about Narcissa, and I hope you appreciate how each does it. I find myself grieving for Narcissa as well, but knowing she finds a new love post-Frodo, I know she will come out of it all right in the end.
As for how those who haven't before been exposed to Dunedain traditions react to the wedding--glad you appreciated what you saw. And Narcissa has her first foreshadowing of her own wedding to come some years down the road. Glad you are glad you already know she makes out well.
Endaewen
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: The Minstrel of Gondor
This chapter ending was absolutely perfect. I can just see them doing and saying what you wrote there.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you find it all believable, Endaewen. I certainly have tried to remain true to the characters established by Tolkien. I have upped the ante in some ways, looking at how the specific wounds and experiences would truly have affected the characters, but I do believe I've kept as true to Tolkien's creation as I could.
Glad the tale has gathered another reader.
Andrea
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
This was a deeper thing, a completion of sorts of the stirring he’d begun to know years ago when he’d finally gotten over his love for Pearl Took and had noticed the love in Narcissa’s eyes and had found himself responding to it
He loves her still, as she loves him. But again he feels guilty for the thoughts the Ring evoked in his mind so long ago. And he's afraid to speak to her, it seems. But why? The Ring has gone and it cannot "bend" his thoughts any longer for it's purposes. I'm fully aware that there won't be and can't be any marriage proposals, but a quiet talk between the two of them would have done both of them good. Look at Frodo when he sets off for his walking trip, he has a hard time to think of anything else but Narcissa.
Mina and Lily want only the best for Frodo of course, but I doubt that they will be able to change his mind. It's really a shame!
Author's reply
We're dealing with a stubborn Baggins here determined not to leave a lass bereft when he dies early as he believes he will. You're right--that quiet talk could indeed work miracles--but he's not likely to have it.
And I doubt Mina, Lily, or the several others with similar ideas will have that much impact on him, either. You're right--a shame indeed.
Queen Galadriel
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Oh no! This little talk both good mistresses are planning doesn't bode well. It isn't wise, but I guess they can't know that, unless someone or something reveals the real reason before Frodo's return.
Poor Frodo-I wish he could have wed Narcissa. I know I've said all this before, but he would have been such a wonderful father and husband, and it's such a shame he can't see that. I guess he couldn't marry now anyway, simply because of his physical condition-it wouldn't be fair to Narcissa if he knows he hasn't long left. Still...
I hope he manages to take this trip without mishap.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Goading someone intent on doing what he sees as the the right thing doesn't tend to work, although you'll see in the next few chapters that Mina and Lily aren't the only ones intent on seeing Frodo know some happiness.
I also wish Frodo had been able to know a happy marriage to anyone. There are many fics where he does so, either to a hobbitess who inexplicably is also admitted to the Undying Lands, to a selky-type being from the sea who meets him during his voyage from the Grey Havens, to a veritable stable of maidens made available to Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam on Tol Eressea, to marriages or assignations within the Shire in which the lover sometimes accompanies Frodo across the sea, and so on. I stick to canon in leaving him unmarried, but I do have him considering the situation, held back by the realization he won't remain in Middle Earth long enough to remain with any bride for long. As to whether or not he needed to remain celibate--that's another thing completely.
Antane
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Oh, I wish he had danced! You better write a sequel to this and have him dancing in the West! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Antane, the dancing in the west is written into "The Ties of Family," where at the end many come to Minas Anor to attend the tenth anniversary of the end of Sauron's reign and dance the Husbandman's dance before the monument done by Ruvemir son of Mardil in "The King's Commission" while on Tol Eressea Frodo and the children of the island perform a special dance under the White Tree that is ancestor of the White Tree of Gondor. Don't need a sequel! (I grin with enjoyment.)
Author Reply: Oh, and in "Lesser Ring" Frodo is invited to a party thrown by Elves from Lothlorien and joins in their dancing as well. Frodo fulfilled in the Undying Lands is one who is able to resume dancing again as well in my version of Middle Earth.
harrowcat
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
P.s. Just found your response to my last review! You would be dreadfully disappointed in this house! The presbytery is basically a concrete and brick box stuck onto a equally drab Church. Surrounded by busy roads and NO green in sight. The nearest trees are in the cemetery across the road. Send Legolas or Sam pleeeese! I stay over when both the priests are absent to answer the phone and give the key to those using the hall next door. It can be quite creepy here on your own. At least Aragorn has lots of white stone and plenty of guards. Actually, don't tell my parents but the main reason I go visiting so frequently is that they live in Shire Country, (near Stratford upon Avon) so I get castles and countryside every time I go home!
Jet is recovered and is being a teenager with a big bark! Mum is also recovered and waiting for her care plan in order to come home! It is taking ages to sort it out though!
Author's reply
Oh, I love the Midlands, as John and Jeannette lived outside Banbury and we got very acquainted with the region when we had the antique store. I really love Warwick, myself; and every time I get to Brackley I see friends and visit the Old Hall bookstore.
The rectory does sound a bit dreary--quite unlike John and Jeannette's new place in King's Lynn or the lovely place friends lived in outside Manchester.
I'll get there yet, though.
harrowcat
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 82: 82: Love Not Accepted
Oh poor Narcissa! Interestingly I spent a good portion of this morning, (while I was supposed to be working,) re-reading part of your Ties of Family. I wanted to find the section about the journal. I came across her wedding. I had forgotten how moving that was too!
This chapter is heart-wrenching yet again and for so many people. Well-observed Mina and Lily but I am not sure that speaking to Frodo about it, if either gets the chance, is going to do much good. Nor will it be welcome in his current state of mind. And I am not sure that Narcissa will welcome their, well-meaning match-making either.
Author's reply
As I write I often have to go back and forth between my previous works to make certain of continuity or just to remind myself of how certain passages were done to better one I'm working on. I, too, reread the wedding of Narcissa and Brendilac in preparation for writing this one, wanting to remember just which Shire elements I'd used so I could construct a proper Shire wedding around them, and then add in the Gondorian elements necessitated by the inclusion of the marriage cord. And in the closing chapters the journal will be featured.
Frodo will be hit from several sides about accepting a possible marriage to Narcissa.
I wonder how Sam arranged the meeting with Glorfindel? Well, it’s certainly a request Elrond will fulfill gladly. And Sam should be honored it was the legendary balrog-slayer who came to meet him.
How nice of Frodo to sent Sam to The Green Dragon and to take the preparations in hand himself! I am glad Merry and Pippin put him to bed before he collapsed.
Of course Frodo had to add Sam’s title and explain it, but to forget to mention his own title. He’s truly hopeless. *shakes head, smiling*
Wonderful idea to have Aragorn send the rings and the cord for a marriage as he himself and Arwen had. And you described the wedding ceremony so well! It was wonderful done. And I was glad Frodo get through the ceremony without collapsing after overdoing it so the day before. Although I am a bit worried about this pain he felt – was it the knowledge he will never have the joy Sam and Rosie now shared?
Author's reply
I think that Sam just went specifically to a region he knew the Elves were likely to travel through and set himself planting trees there in hopes he might actually see one, and it happened Glorfindel was just returning from one of his jaunts to Mithlond for Elrond--or perhaps on his own hook, there being stories written elsewhere here of his friendships and relationships with some of those who worked under Cirdan.
For so many wedding parties it's difficult to keep the anxiety of the day from driving the bride, groom, and parents crazy; and Frodo would recognize when that anxiety was taking over poor Sam and do his best to see it relieved and the responsibilities dealt with by others better able to see to what needed doing. That he himself might end up pushing himself too far is very likely.
I think that, knowing the wedding between Sam and Rosie was coming, Aragorn and Arwen would want to have some impact and would think to send marriage tokens and the wedding cord; that Sam and Frodo would consider using them and Rosie would agree for their sakes seemed logical.
As for the pain Frodo was experiencing--I suspect he pushed himself too much the day before and is feeling the consequences of it, although his hidden grief he didn't expect to know the same happiness is probably contributing as well.
I couldn't review this last night Larner. First it was so late and second I stayed over at work to look after the house - a BIG house with lots of rooms and doors. I felt like hobbits in Bree or in the King's House. So I printed out the chapter and took it to bed to keep me company. What a beautifully bitter-sweet chapter to send me into dream-land (or as much of dream-land as I got!)
I've decided! I want a wedding just like Sam & Rosie's! But then, of course it would need someone as wise and gentle as Frodo to preside. (Aragorn would do!! *g*) Only one obstacle to all this - first find a man to be my very own story-book hero and who can put up with the eccentric creature that is me!
As usual you have out-done yourself yet again with this chapter dear Larner. And, for me the beauty is in all the detail; such as Frodo learning the marriage knot.
Got to run and open up!
Only one thought - Isn't Sam going to be too 'busy' to make up more 'tea' for Frodo to take with him? This does not bode well. Especially if we have read your other tales!
Author's reply
I love BIG English houses, and would probably love the one you work in. And I find myself looking for a second husband of the quality of the first, but yet different--am finding being widowed is beginning to pale after almost five years. I had two wonderful priests who cooperated in our first wedding, one doing the nuptial mass and the other the actual marriage, and I'd look for a similar situation were I to do it again, of course (although I wouldn't mind if the groom were Aragorn and Frodo doing the honors, of course). But, as with you, I need a special guy who can put up with me and my dogs, cats, and books.
So very glad all seem to appreciate my idea of a Shire wedding. And again we do have Frodo appreciating Aragorn's insistence he learn the wedding knot--the foresight of the line of Kings is legendary, after all. So glad you approve.
As for the tea, I suspect Sam filled the waterskins with that last night, you know.
Love to your folks and Jet.
What a beautiful wedding! I'm sure Sam wasn't too enthusiastic about the Lord Samwise references, but he took them very graciously.
Frodo has been putting rather too much strain on himself, though - and Sam isn't going to be in any state to notice for a while. I don't think this is the perfect time for a walking trip.
Author's reply
So glad you approve of the wedding, Bodkin. No, Sam isn't likely to appreciate the Lord Samwise comments, but also isn't going to make an issue of it now. And Sam certainly has excellent reason to not notice Frodo's physical condition.
I agree, a walking trip isn't the best idea at the moment, but Frodo's going to insist on it anyway.
Lady Saruman
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 81: 81: Shire Wedding
I'm so happy that you're updating every day again--I can't stand it when you don't. The wedding was a bittersweet thing, because Sam, Rosie, Frodo, and all the others are happy, but when the wedding was over Frodo experiences the wound he had obtained from the Witch-King.
Thank you for this chapter, and for making the wedding come at last.
Please hurry and update!!!!
Hershey's hugs/kisses,
Lady Saruman ^_~
Author's reply
It's easier now I can actually transfer the files from laptop to the server to post. Am going to have to try to find a card that will put the laptop on the network properly--it's an older wireless system, and the newer cards don't always hook in properly with the older routers.
Yes, the wedding is bittersweet for Frodo, although his actual symptoms are of a mild heart attack--I did write him as originally suffering heart damage which was partially healed by Aragorn and his brothers; but the two bouts of memories have left him compromised once more. However, he is very happy for his Sam, I think.
And I certainly got my share of candy for Valentines! (Including a Hershey's Pot of Gold box, of course! Love Hershey's Pot of Gold chocolates.) Wishing you the same.
Linda Hoyland
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 81: 81: Shire Wedding
What a lovely wedding for Sam and Rosie !I loved the link's with the King's wedding and that everyone had their say.It was also nice to think of Glorfindel visiting.
Author's reply
I suspect that Glorfindel and others from Rivendell made a few trips back and forth to Mithlond regarding the progress of the ship Cirdan was building for the trip, and so once he saw Sam along one of the Elf routes it was likely he'd stop to find out what was on his mind.
That somehow Aragorn would find a way to influence Sam's wedding seemed logical, and that they'd incorporate Dunedain traditions into a Shire wedding seemed likely as well, particularly if Frodo were conducting the ceremony. Am so glad you liked it!
Now that was a wedding! And Frodo performed it. Very nice. Glad to be there. Too bad I couldn't sample the deviled eggs myself - I love those. :)
Glad to see the Presence Light there. Sorry that Frodo was pained even now, but glad (and surprised) that Sam didn't notice, but of course he had other things on his mind!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
At the moment Sam is focused completely on the changes this day has wrought. He may notice in a few days, and may have noticed more than he yet realizes. But the fact remains that he has just been well and truly married and is still feeling the effects of that change.
And glad you, too, liked the Presence Light.
The Dúnedain say that the use of the many colors in the cord reflects all the moods you will know, the kinds of days you will know, the days of joy and the days of frustration, the days of peace and the days of grief. I know, however, that the love you are willing to continue to share with one another will aid you in getting through them all.
What an utterly beautiful ceremony, Larner. I feel as if I was there.
Author's reply
The mixture of the practicality of the Shire and the spirituality of the Dunedain, come together to join two special Hobbits through the intermediacy of the third, Elvish one. So glad you found it beautiful. Wanted to make Sam and Rosie's marriage a special one even by Shire standards.
Oh, what a beautiful wedding-very bittersweet. If only Frodo could have had this day without pain, though. It's so sad to see him already beginning to say good-bye, in his way. I must say I'll be sorry to see this story end--but then there's more to look forward to in future! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Unfortunately pain comes alongside joy, and as Roger Whittaker sings in one of his songs, the first time we say hello is the beginning of the final goodbye. Frodo has lost so much and has more he will lose before the end, and at last he finally begins truly finding himself again. Frodo is also reminding Sam that in taking Rosie as wife, this relationship takes precedence even before the relationship he's shared with Frodo, and he wants Sam to be well and whole and for as long as he can enjoy it and the Shire might need him.
Andrea
· 15 February 2006
· Chapter 80: 80: Birthday Gifts
Into the room which had eventually become Merry’s was placed a longer bed from the Great Smial which it was said had been made for Bandobras; a second which had been made for the Old Took, who had insisted his bed be the equal of that of the Bullroarer, went into the room which had become Pippin’s room
LOL! This is simply great! I love those little details.
A beautiful chapter, Larner! I particularly liked how Frodo was able to communicate with the Elven Lords and Ladies through the Shire Mallorn tree and how Sam and his cousins joined him to sit under the stars. A wonderful beginning for a special day - Sam's birthday and the day, he asked Rose to be his wife.
Rejoice, Iorhael, said the one who argued.
I rejoice.
That is as it should be.
For the the first time the "voice" has no need to argue any longer!
Author's reply
It was said that Bungo built and furnished Bag End largely through Belladonna's money, and I certainly can see him having put a large bed into the master bedroom in token of the grandness of the home the two of them would live in together. As Bandobras was exceptionally tall for a Hobbit, I would think they'd have made a bed to fit him, particularly if he indeed did have to ride a small horse rather than a pony; that old Gerontius would want his own as "grand" as that of the Bullroarer seemed very probable. And giving those two beds to the use of Merry and Pippin at Bag End just seemed fitting.
Frodo is already learning the use of the Elven trees as media of awareness and some level of communication, which helps prepare him for his life to come in Aman. And this is one perfect morning for the four of them, one moment of mutual peace and love in which even the Voice doesn't need to try to correct Frodo. So glad you approve!
A sweet chapter and Frodo is the one that will officiate at Sam and Rosie's marriage! Is that cute or what? I can't wait to attend!
Yes, indeed, darling, rejoice! Your sacrifices and Sam made this day possible.
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Well, as of today you can indeed attend that wedding, as I posted it this morning. And Frodo can indeed share in the joy of seeing his best friend and almost brother married to the one he's loved for years.