ohhh, at last I can escape them...they're demons, DEMONS, I tell you...but I've figured out how to hide from them for a time at least, heheh! Yes, sometimes I can whip the stuffings out of them, but other times they can soundly return the favor, which is how it should be; it would be boring if they were too easy to beat, what? But then my musical muse has had me by the hair of my head as well, thanks to the new toy Santa brought me--a MIDI keyboard, and I've been on something of a composing frenzy. Written 4 complete pieces so far, and the beginnings of 2 more, and there's yet another that needs completion...ah well! There's no hiding from HER! But maybe I'll catch up on my reading sooner or later! Even sneak in a little writing if possible.......
So, A & A had--ahem--a nice, er, prelude to their wedding night, hmm? I should think so! *stifles naughty thoughts* You make it fatally easy to empathize with Frodo, however. Glad that his hand has been mostly healed. Wonderfully evocative writing, as always.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Well, I do think they deserved it, don't you? After all--FORTY years! I ask you--is that right to put anyone through?
And so glad you feel I make it easy to empathise with Frodo....
As for my Christmas--my niece found me the Kings of Gondor figure set, which sits now on one of the bookcases. The one of Aragorn is fine, that of Theoden excellent, and the one of Isildur sets me giggling, for it's plain awful! And I got the Yulia Townsend "Into the West" CD. They had to order it from Australia, but it got there on time! Heh! It's loaded on the laptop now. Love her interpretation of "Into the West," and her "Scarborough Fair is gorgeous, too.
French Pony
· 14 January 2006
· Chapter 66: 66: A Conspiracy Stripped
Hi! I was away on an adventure for a couple of weeks, but now I am back. I decided to catch myself up on this story in one long go, and I'm very glad that I did that, since I've had the move to the Shire in one big gulp.
This is an excellent shift of place. I really enjoy all the new characters you've introduced, seeing a little bit of their history and relationships to each other, and the glimpses of Frodo's own childhood. You're one of the few hobbit writers I know of who really seems to "get" the hobbit voice. They seem very much like real, adult people, with concerns of their own that they face in a direct, if simple, way. They care for each other and for Frodo, but know when to back off and give him some space. Reading about your Shire, I can very much see why Frodo would give up everything to protect it, and how it might in turn try to care for him even without fully understanding what he did.
Author's reply
I am very flattered by your evaluation of my descriptions of the Shire and its inhabitants. The Hobbits haven't bothered much with history for quite some time, but that's getting ready to change. And, yes, Frodo wanted to protect his land and people, and in return they try to protect him back as they are able; but understanding will not happen immediately.
Bodkin
· 14 January 2006
· Chapter 66: 66: A Conspiracy Stripped
Frodo has a good eye - he can tell who has really been bullied into co-operating and who is using that as an excuse. Mind you, anyone who has the name Bracegirdle in their family tree seems to be worth a second look.
A nice, comfortable, hobbity lockhole seems a wise precaution. The idea of estates in Gondor providing the money seems to cause a bit of understandable head-scratching.
Timono is nothing if not predictable - I'll bet that's exactly where he is.
I'm glad Frodo was able to let Saradoc and the others know a bit more about what happened. Although he makes a point of praising Merry and Pippin's contribution and making it sound as if he and Sam were on an unpleasant hobbit walking party. That resulted in the king embarrassing them. Someone needs to let out a little more about how Frodo and Sam are viewed outside the Shire. But it won't be Frodo.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo knows the players, and is able to figure out who's not quite being truthful. Yet, as you note, he's still not able to explain fully. I LOVE your evaluation of what he says, "as if he and Sam were on an unpleasant hobbit walking party. That resulted in the king embarrassing them." Oh, that is so wonderful a way to describe it! Thanks!
But their story takes years to finally come out--and even then probably a good number who hear it and of it probably think much of it's but a story.
Queen Galadriel
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 66: 66: A Conspiracy Stripped
Oh, poor Frodo! If I had to deal with all that paperwork and sort out all those dreadful cases, while trying to hide what needed to be dealt with even more, I think I'd lose my sanity! He really needs to tell someone what he went through-everything-that's so obvious, hard though it may be...harder than I can fathom. Writing is not going to do it this time. Can't wait to read more, as always. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Frodo's proving competent; but then he's watched the masters at it lately in the persons of Aragorn, Faramir, Imrahil, and probably Halladan as well. And he's letting more slip--a bit at a time. Not enough at one time, perhaps for most to have any idea what really happened, but enough to ease the pressure a bit and to express his own love.
It's difficult; but Frodo will do well--until March, at least.
Grumpy
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
Love the names the people of Bree come up with for the Rangers: Black Glove, the Scribe wonder what thet would have come up with for Eregiel. Maybe now the townsfolks will respect the rangers more.
Glad that the hobbits now have a handle on the trouble in the Shire.
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect the folk in the Breelands are beginning to understand just how important the Rangers have been to their safety and comfort. And of course the Hobbits are beginning to have a handle on the trouble in the Shire--the Travellers are back and have lit up the hollows of their hearts and have let loose the native courage and gumption of Hobbits to see to their needs.
shirebound
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
Mina sighed. “I’m not sure,” she said slowly, “I could bear it proper if I knew it all.”
You know, that's the main reason I started writing Frodo hurt/comfortcomfortcomfortcomfort stories in the first place. I just couldn't bear what he had gone through, and wanted him to get all the love, healing, attention, care, and happiness I could squeeze out of my imagination. It's so easy to love him, and want him to know joy, peace, and healing.
Author's reply
Mina wishes to give Frodo the mothering she's held for a son since her own died; and Frodo is in need of the eye that sees and cares anyway; the heart that accepts when it doesn't understand. And we all so much want him to know that comfort and acceptance.
Mina is feeling what you certainly feel for him, and for what so many on this site and elsewhere have wished for him as well.
Thanks, Shirebound. And thanks for the understanding.
Dreamflower
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 66: 66: A Conspiracy Stripped
Frodo's astuteness as a judge of character has only been sharpened by his experiences. I love the way the Smallburrow person started to break into a sweat at just the thought of Frodo's questions.
These inquiries are an interesting take on those hobbits who collaborated with Lotho. I also like the possibilities you draw upon by comparing their behavior to that of the Dwarves who were exposed to either the Seven or to Smaug's hoard. Yet Frodo needs to realize that some of these hobbits were greedy and unhobbitlike long before the Ring awakened.
I have to admit I got a little chuckle when Frodo described his ennoblement as a "public embarassment". Even without the things the Ring did to him, I have a feeling he would have felt that way about it, though not as strongly.
I also like the way his reticence can be overcome by his need to make them understand what Merry and Pippin did--again, his concern for others can bring him out of his self-imposed silence. But all these hints and glimpses must be worrisome and tantalizing for those who hear--I am very sure that Saradoc had far more questions *after* this conversation than before it.
Author's reply
I've loved looking at the collaborators in your own stories, and am glad you like seeing another point of view. I doubt Frodo believes that the dragon sickness is only due to evil influences; and I agree that in my ME, the Bracegirdles do tend to have inherited the brunt of the nastier tendencies.
Frodo perhaps has more in common with Aragorn than he realizes. First, in the Shire where relationships are closer than among Men, he knows a great number of the players, particularly those through his Hobbiton, Westfarthing, Took, and Brandybuck connections. Then he has a very intimate knowledge of the Shire's geography from his walking tours by himself or with Bilbo and his younger cousins. I suspect it would be as difficult to lie to Frodo in the end as it would to be to lie to Aragorn when the King has turned the full brunt of his power on you.
harrowcat
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 66: 66: A Conspiracy Stripped
It's the most he has said yet - to them - and the reason that he can't eat anything for tea! Poor Frodo. From the child comes the man. Frodo will be blaming himself for not being kinder to Timono as a tween.
I guess that it was Frodo's foresight about evil in the Shire that led to the preparations/thought he made for the lockhole. He must be so sad that it needs to be expanded, even before it is built.
“Oh, yes, we finally made it.” He looked down. “We made it, before I was lost.” I am glad that none of the Travellers heard this it would break their hearts yet again.
BTW Am off down the motorway to take Mum's wheelchair to the hospital. She is being allowed up! - for all of 10 minutes at a time! Thank you for the prayers, they are so appreciated.
Author's reply
Yes, we do see that Timono hasn't progressed spiritually from his childhood. That in part Frodo would blame himself for the way Timono turned out is, I fear, not unlikely; and he's again upset at what he sees as his failings. And I do think you're right about the other three's response to that; but Frodo still has a good deal of self-acceptance to regain, and it's not that long after the assault of the memories in October.
Give your mother my love, and I continue praying for her.
Kitty
· 13 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
I don't know ... on the one hand to have seen the scars may help Mina to understand Frodo a bit better, but on the other hand that was no proper behaviour and an intrusion in his privacy. I'm not sure what to think about it.
*sigh* So Frodo can see and understand why Isildur acted as he did, but he refuses to accept his own circumstances were not much different? It's truly hopeless.
Anyway, he made a wonderful and even for the other hobbits understandable tale of the long history of the half elven and Elros' descendants. Am glad he did draw the picture - it seems to do him some good to talk of Aragorn and even draw him. His confession to the others he saw Aragorn and Sam as brothers was touching! Maybe it helps them to accept that not all men are bad.
Author's reply
In projecting his own reactions onto Isildur and realizing that Isildur also had been taken by the Ring, he paves the way for his own eventual acceptance, so it's not fully hopeless. However, stubborn Baggins he is, he still has a difficult time applying his understanding for others to himself.
And Mina is, I think, shocked at her own actions; but as a motherly person who has been half imagining Frodo as her own lost son she's knowing the natural mother's shock at learning how the cruelty of the outer world has treated this younger Hobbit she has always known as considerate and basically gentle and caring; and I think Frodo needs to have a mother's mourning for the hurt he's known and the loss of innocence he's suffered. It will do him good in the long run, I think.
So far the only experience most of the Hobbits of the Shire have had has been excruciatingly nasty; they do need to know that this is not the rule but the exception, and that to counter all the Big Men they have a King such as Aragorn son of Arathorn. And Aragorn is one of his points of reassurance, and is healing just to hold in thought right now.
Linda Hoyland
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
The changes must be very hard for the Hobbits to understand,especially as some sound like fairy tales.
Pippin's words are very wise.
Author's reply
Well, before the coming of Aragorn southward with such a party, Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits were themselves almost the stuff of fairy tales in Gondor; now all are getting an education in how the rest of the world lives.
And Pippin is no longer just that "Fool of a Took!"
Thanks so much for the comments.
Radbooks
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
I can't decide if I'm glad that Mina saw his scars so that she has some understanding of Frodo's pain and suffering or appalled at the intrusion on his privacy. Perhaps a little of both. I suppose it will give her more compassion and help her understand why things play out the way they do in the next year or two with Frodo.
I really liked the part where Frodo was talking about how he met Strider and how he showed them Narsil. How Frodo knew the story of the broken sword and that made him trust Aragorn, etc. I just liked that scene in the kitchen with the young ones - it was him telling stories as he did so well. He ate the tart, but I was afraid that later he would lose it. :(
It's hard to say whether or not Bilbo and Aragorn met when he was a child. I've read some fanfics that are about them meeting and they are fun to read. But I'm reading Nilmandra's History Lesson III (I really enjoy all of her stories, wonderfully done) and I agree with her that if you truly want to keep someone hidden, you do not let them meet people that come wandering through or visiting etc. She had the twins take Estel off camping for the weeks the dwarves and Bilbo were there.
Author's reply
As I said above, I think Frodo needs the mourning Primula would have shown for him, whether he knows of it or not; but for someone who is intent on seeing in Frodo a surrogate for the son she has lost this looking in on him would be rationalized as just seeing to it he's all right, just as she would have done had it been Fenton in there rather than Frodo Baggins.
Telling his stories is now in many ways the means that is being used, partly by Frodo, and partly by the Powers, to help him begin integrating the truth he knows intellectually and that held in his heart, preparing him for his eventual spiritual as well as physical healing.
I also wonder whether or not Estel would have met Bilbo, but loved letting them meet in "Fostering" anyway.
Bodkin
· 12 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
Mina does tend to poke her nose in where she shouldn't. A touch too inquisitive - I would think Frodo would find it rather difficult to endure, even though it isn't done in a nasty way. And then she talks about it - and the only way to keep something quiet is never to let anyone know that the secret exists.
Good to tell some of the story - especially the parts about Strider and Rivendell - that'll leave Frodo with a better feeling than the dreams.
Author's reply
Mina is inquisitive, yes; but remember that "All things work to the good for those who love the Lord"--or, in this case, Iluvatar. Frodo would be devastated if he knew, and will be embarrassed when he finds out; but it will work to the good in spite of both.
For her to tell Mina--I think she needed to confess what she'd done; and eventually the realization of Frodo's actual sacrifice for the whole of Middle Earth will reach a wider audience. Most may not care a whit one way or the other; but most who came to care for Frodo pre- or post-Ring War will be better able to appreciate his heroism while shaking their heads over his own belittlement of himself.
And even the thought of Aragorn is healing for him as well as for their understanding of the outer world and their interactions with the world of Men in the future.
Andrea
· 11 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
“Oh, yes, I love him very much. It’s almost like he were my older brother, and Sam was our younger one--except sometimes Sam acts older than both of us.”
That's so very true!
I can imagine that there were always crowds when Frodo started telling a tale. The story of Aragorn, combined with that of Isildur and a part of Bilbo's story - brilliant! Of course, this is also a compliment for you :)
Author's reply
Aragorn the warrior and leader, Frodo the dreamer and mystic, Sam the eminently practical, and all of them scholars beyond the level of normal for their time and peoples. I think Sam's practicality would help ground the other two.
As for folks crowding to hear Frodo's stories--I've always see that as true.
And thanks so much for the compliment!
Armariel
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
*sigh* *sniff* Beautiful, just beautiful......finally getting caught up here...but my puter's been in the hospital and ever since it got out, these demonic friends of mine just WON'T leave me alone! Every time I head this way, they grab me and drag me off to the pool hall, and I just now managed to sneak out for some reading......
But this chapter is just......beyond words!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
So very glad you enjoy being at the wedding. And hope they don't keep you incarcerated in that pool hall. Do you beat those demonic friends of yours? I certainly hope so. And glad the computer is better. We've missed you.
Dreamflower
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
Dear Mina, so motherly and concerned for Frodo. Yes, she would wonder about the scars, and the nightmares, and the lack of appetite.
I enjoyed Frodo's telling of Aragorn's story. Really, a succinct telling of the whole history of the Silmarils and of Numenor, as well as of Isildur. Quite a lot of information to pack into just a few paragraphs.
Author's reply
Frodo brings out the caring in such folk as Mina, particularly as she's seeing him as a surrogate for her own Fenton; but she's recognizing now that what he's not telling is likely to be devastating. At least she's willing to accept that much--just having others accepting he was badly hurt is part of what Frodo needs to continue in his own healing.
And Frodo's beginning to help others recognize what he and Sam discussed in the books--that they are all part of the same ongoing story, from Beren losing his hand taking the Silmaril to Isildur being taken by the Ring to them wandering in the wilderness seeking the path to Its destruction to the folk of the Shire realizing they, too, are part of the same story as well.
harrowcat
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
Yes, took him a time but just talking about Aragorn is healing to Frodo and enlightening for everyone else.
I have read quite a bit about the Christian background to Tolkien's writing and coming from that faith tradition myself I suppose that I have just accepted and appreciated it; recognising themes and allusions but not really averting to them in deference to the great whole of the story. However, it wasn't until I read this chapter and the description of Aragorn's family history and early life that it really dawned on me how many comparisons can be made between Aragorn and Jesus. And there are other comparisons that can be made with other characters too. But, above all, it is all about our relationship with and to the Creator and that supersedes religion.
I think I need to think this through for myself a bit more as I am not sure I am sounding very clear but thanks for sparking the jolt of recognition.
Author's reply
Yes, there are comparisons between many of the characters and Jesus, but the fact remains none of these is Jesus, all being quite mortal and normally flawed and all. Each member of the Fellowship has already been tried in one way or another before the quest; and in the quest each is a normal individual thrust into extraordinary circumstances where much is asked of him. Boromir fails, then redeems himself, though he dies. Theoden resurges, and dies the hero's death deemed proper to his people, now certain he does indeed merit standing with honor among his ancestors. Several pass very close to death and are brought out of it by Aragorn; but he's earned his own power, authority, and reward by almost a century of severe toil and obedience already. And Frodo's own failure and Gollum's end up being used by the Creator to end the evil legacy left by Morgoth and those who chose to follow him.
And, in the end, each one who fought for the Free Peoples, and particularly those in the Fellowship, develops that clearer relationship with the Creator that you acknowledged.
Linda Hoyland
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
I hope the people understand now,just what the rangers have done to protect them over the years.It is ice to think that some did go to the Shire after the Hobbits returned to see what was happening and offer help.
Antane
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
Now if Frodo would just think about what he said about Isilidur not being able to destroy the Ring because the Ring was too strong for him and realize that the same thing happened to him and it's not his fault or weakness that only he has that prevented him from destroying it.
Author's reply
Frodo needs to realize this for Isildur so that eventually he can accept it for himself as well. This is another step forward for him in the process of accepting he is not a failure but is fully worthy of the Creator's love.
Antane
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
Glad that Pippin pointed out that Gollum would have died no matter what when the Ring was destroyed. Hope Frodo really heard that. Doesn't mean Gollum was saved, since not even the professor was sure about that, but interesting conversation between the two and then the one between Frodo and whoever.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Gollum, after all, recognized that when the Ring was destroyed he would "die into the dust"; I think that Frodo needed this pointed out to him again; hearing it repeated by the one who argues with him AND by Pippin hopefully helps him accept it better on all levels.
As for whether Gollum was saved--I suspect it helped him turn back to the Light at least some and may eventually help him return to the Presence--or at least I would hope so.
Pax Vobiscum.
Queen Galadriel
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
Oh, poor Frodo! Not to be able to eat and enjoy food...and he's a hobbit! It's bad enough for us, but when one is used to at least three or four decent meals a day, it must be unbearable! I love this:
“Oh, yes, I love him very much. It’s almost like he were my older brother, and Sam was our younger one--except sometimes Sam acts older than both
of us.”
:-) Hmmm, that gives me an idea for a story. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'm always pleased to set a plotbunny or nuzgul lookw on someone else. I, too, have a nuzgul going on regarding this.
And Frodo is having problems living a proper Hobbit life, between stomach and so on. But all will work to the good in the end.
Kitty
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
Aster’s teeth clenched. “If Lotho Sackville-Baggins is ever found alive, I’ll kill him myself.”
“You’ll be standing in line,” advised her father Well, I suppose Will is only too correct! And it would be a very long line.
“You mean as there really is a Gondor?” *grin* For most hobbits Gondor is probably something like Atlantis is for us, I'd think.
So, Will doesn't believe in the existence of elves? Then he will get quite a surprise at the Free Fair, when Elladan and Elrohir turn up there! Anyway, all what they hear must be absolutely confusing for Will and his family, and for Hildibrand as well.
Dear Pippin, he came just in time to help Frodo explaining at least a bit and to try and comfort Frodo! And he is absolutely right, no matter what Frodo himself thinks. If Frodo had jumped in the Sammath Naur, Sam and Gollum would've died, too - and I can't imagine he would kill Sam, if he could avoid it.
Author's reply
Lotho has left the entire Shire in turmoil, and I think a lot of folks would now wish they had access to him, although I think all grieve for the fate already bestowed upon him.
Again, throughout Middle Earth there's a reassessment going on of the structure of the world as so matters of legend have been shown to be true and far more complex, mundane, and glorious than told in those legends.
At least Will is now coming to accept there are such things as Elves, although the coming Free Fair will be a shock seeing the legends in the flesh.
And indeed Pippin is showing himself to be far more than just that "Fool of a Took." His growing wisdom is being honed for the time he will follow his father. And I agree about Frodo's thoughts about Sam's possible demise--he needed this dual reminder of this fact.
harrowcat
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
Oh I do like this 'all growed up' Pippin. So mature and wise and it shows in everything from his choice of clothes, *g* to his words to both the Shire folk and, above all, Frodo. In a way his Mum an Da are, or have become, the barometer for the acceptance of change within the Shire.
I see a link between the way that the Shire-folk need to have the Story confirmed by several people independently and Frodo needing to hear the truth again and again, forthrightly and clearly from his 'inner voice' and those who know the truth and/or believe in him implicitly.
Oh, and I am glad that it was the taters and not the eggs that got dropped! Taters bounce and roll, not break.
Author's reply
Pippin is less worried about image than Frodo--but having had to accept himself as the one seen as that "Fool of a Took" for all those years has probably helped him accept himself as he is better than Frodo does.
Yes, both the Shire and Frodo need the knowledge from several sources to begin to accept it fully, emotionally as well as intellectually.
And I, too, am glad it wasn't Dianthus who dropped the load carried. Hate cleaning up eggs, myself.
Linda Hoyland
· 10 January 2006
· Chapter 63: 63: Grace Offered
This was a beautiful bittersweet chapter.What a lovely surprise to return to Aragorn !How hard it must have been for him to part from so many,knowing he would never see them again.I loved the way you explained why Gimli could go to the Undying lands and that the twins could stay a while.
Author's reply
There had to be a deep reason for these decisions more than just Galadriel's appreciation for the courtly love paid her by a dwarf and mere whim. I truly believe that these would have been under consideration in the making of the determinations to lift certain bans; and that Bilbo's admittance and later Sam's were as much for Frodo's comfort and strengthening at the beginning and end of his stay as for their own deserving.
And Aragorn knows grief--he's eighty-eight, after all; his parents both died young for their kindred; he's led countless battles in several realms; he's healed and watched those he sought to heal die. He's learned to deal with it, not to let it fester, but not to let it drag him down, either.
Thanks so much for your comments, Linda.
Tigger
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
To quote a friend of mine, that Dear of a Took!! Sweet Pippin trying his best to comfort Frodo and make him understand. Bless his Tookish heart. If only Frodo could see that he really was only the Ring*bearer*. :o(
Sorry I haven't reviewed in awhile and it's going to be awhile until I can review again. We were getting the Christmas stuff put away and now I'm at my sister's. Wednesday, I head for Ottawa and four days of the best skaters in Canada at our National Figure Skating Championships. I also get to see who will qualify and make up our Olympic Team. Not that I'm excited or anything about that.... ;o)
I will catch up w/this wonderful story when I get back!! Can't wait!! :o)
Author's reply
Between wind, rain, and power outages as well as a death in the family of a coworker requiring me to take extra shifts to cover our clients, I'm behind in posting and responding to reviews again, so believe me, I understand. Hope your trip is a nice one!
And, yes, Pippin is indeed a Dear of a Took, and Frodo needs to relax and let go of a lot of his guilt, pride, and distorted self-perceptions.
Queen Galadriel
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
I do pity our four travellers. I can't imagine having to explain something of such magnitude to anyone. And I declare, what *is* the matter with Eglantine Took?! I never saw such a hard-head! Why should it bother her so very much that her son was in as much danger as he was, now that he's safely home? I know, she's a mother, and he's her baby, and it would be horrible for any mother to think of how near her child came to dying. But it's *over*, and she'd do much more good helping him heal than trying to hide herself from it all. If she really loves him, she oughtn't to shut him out-and that's exactly what she's doing! It's a shame that it took Frodo's own story, and doing almost more than he could bear, to show her that. But I suppose sometimes it takes a very loud and shocking wake-up call to show some people their mistakes.
On a lighter note, I love how you portray Frodo as loving children. I've always imagined he would, and was always sorry that he didn't remain long enough to be called "Uncle Frodo" by the children of Sam, Merry, and Pippin. Can't wait to read more! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Galadriel, you wouldn't believe what I've seen parents do or deny about what their children have done or not done or experienced. Eglantine's behavior is mild compared to some things I've seen. You're right--she should open up and just be glad Pippin is home; but she's trying to deal with the world as she's been accustomed to doing, and in her world view Pippin is her sweet, innocent, rather thoughtless but dear child whom she will always need to protect. That he's taken the man's role and has proven able to protect others on his own responsibility is rushing things in her view. And for such people it DOES take a shock to get them to shake out the old conceptions in order to accept the reality.
I've always imagined Frodo would have loved children and would be at his best with them. And I, too, wish he'd been able to hold ALL his nominal nieces and nephews.