Dreamflower
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
The bits and pieces they are hearing must be making the hobbits even more mystified--for each explanation creates a hundred more questions! And the events are so far out of hobbit experience that even if they believe Frodo and the others are telling the truth, they still don't really believe in what actually happened, because they can't even imagine it.
I like the insight Pippin shows in his talk with Frodo. He truly has grown, and not just in height.
Author's reply
The bits and pieces help pave the way to fuller understanding. But often in world-shattering events this is how we learn what is real--in just such bits and pieces. Yes, it's hard to take; but too many folks can't take all the facts at once, as Paladin and Eglantine couldn't.
In real life each bit of real information DOES lead to more questions, and then more still.
And I, too, like to see Pippin exhibiting his maturity so. Once again he's being what Frodo needs at the moment--the one he knows in the real world who reaffirms what he's being told in his very heart.
shirebound
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 64: 64: First Hints
“You mean as there really is a Gondor?”
I love that. Gondor was as much a legend in the north as the 'halflings' and their land were in the south.
three of you had to do it together, Frodo--all three of you together. Not one of you could have done it alone.
What a perfect thing to say. Dear Pippin.
Author's reply
Yes, the two legends are becoming real to one another, and it's a good amount of culture shock.
And Pippin is fast outgrowing the foolishness of his reputation, preparing to become the great Thain he will be.
Good to hear. And Aragorn and Arwen got more than they asked for, too - and all for very logical reasons.
And the end of one story is the start of another. The Fellowship scatters and the elves head home for a last few years before sailing, and Aragorn has to turn his attention to the business of building a kingdom in a world that has changed. Which means war. And diplomacy at home and abroad. But, I suppose, at least he has Arwen and she has him.
Author's reply
The word may have come to Aragorn and Arwen (and perhaps simultaneously to Rivendell via Gandalf) first; but the gift is to those who need it and is beyond what Arwen had first envisioned as the Creator read hearts and needs.
This is still Frodo's story, though, so it's not quite ended. Yet, yes, there was still war to face, still diplomacy needing to be practiced.
And Aragorn and Arwen do indeed have one another.
There is so much beautiful imagery in this chapter, Larner. I loved the thought of Gwaihir wiping Aragorn's tears, and his respect for the King and Queen.
Your explanation of why Gimli was allowed to go was brilliant, and I was so relieved that Arwen's brothers are allowed to stay and make their own choice.
Aragorn must be so relieved, not only to learn that Frodo has been permitted to go, but that his wife will not be alone whe the time comes.
And dear old Rustovrid, already proving trustworthy!
Author's reply
All truly sentient beings SHOULD be capable of compassion and wish to comfort others when it is needed and appropriate; that Gwaihir would so act with Aragorn seemed logical.
I'm unaware of any explanation by Tolkien himself as to why the twins were allowed to remain behind when their father left Middle Earth past the original limit of having to accompany him; and this seemed the most logical and comforting reason for the lifting of that limit.
And I like to believe that from the beginning Sohrabi and Rustovrid would prove true in their dealings with the new sovereign of Gondor. After how Sohrabi showed himself in "Lesser Ring" I'd expect nothing less.
I see Rustovrid already has proven trustworthy, even at this early stage of the relations between the realms.
It is so sweet of Frodo to leave these gifts for his birthday at Gondor as a last reminder for his friends. And after the separation from so many he will never see again it must’ve been a great relief and joy for Aragorn to know the Valar granted their request and even more than they ever had expected.
Author's reply
Yes, things are changing for the better in several places throughout the known world; and I think Sohrabi and Rustovrid between them would not wish their whole land to come under Gondor's displeasure so early in the new order.
That Frodo would think to plan for his birthday gifts seemed very in keeping for my image of him; and they were probably for several of them the only bequests he could think to leave them, as he is aware he's almost totally unlikely to return to see them again.
And the decision of the Valar and Iluvatar Himself as to the disposition of more than just Frodo must have caused such thanksgiving in Aragorn and Arwen and others.
Kitty
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
It’s quite satisfying that Barliman and probably the others in Bree finally begin to understand what they owe the Rangers. It was not right they thought so less of them while they in truth prevented them from a lot of harm.
Ah, Bedro again! I’m glad I know already he got his comeuppance in the end. And I am glad the Rangers are going to at least try and catch the ruffians the hobbits threw out of the Shire. I found it always too good a fate for them to only been thrown out. And it is interesting to see how the exchange between Hobbits and Rangers started after the Shire couldn’t remain so insular any longer.
Author's reply
Yes, the land of Bree also is having to move into the dawning Fourth Age, which means coming to an understanding of WHAT and WHO the Rangers really are as well as what they've been doing for the past thousand years since Arvedui Last-King died in the snows of the far North.
It would only make sense, I thought, for the returning Rangers to want to learn more who these ruffians were, who recruited them for certain, how they got into the Shire, what others might be headed toward the Shire and the Breelands, and so on. What they might be able to tell of communication between Saruman and Lotho might also be important right now.
So soon Aragorn has to go to war again, so sad. But then such joyous news for him and Arwen. I do so like the fact that they got to be the bearers of such wonderful news. To the ringbearers first, but then also to Elladan and Elrohir and then to Gimli who will be shocked beyond belief at the thought of that. I wonder what his thoughts will be at that news... instant denial or interest or what. It will be interesting to see what happens! :)
Author's reply
Well, I'd written in "The Choice of Healing" that in Frodo's first letter from Aragorn the news came there'd already been a battle with folk from Harad, but without the Farozi's blessing; I had to figure out the circumstances, of course; and if Sohrabi and Rustovrid weren't backing the situation they'd want to stave off further invasion of their own land at such a sensitive time when the overlordship of Mordor has crumbled completely by giving the new leadership in Gondor a heads up.
And I'd wondered for years why the limits were lifted for Elladan and Elrohir and what other reasons than being friends with Legolas and favored by Galadriel might have led to Gimli being granted that grace; that this would be the reason is plausible, I think. As for Gimli's own response--good question! We'll have to explore that!
Radbooks
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
Ah, it was good to see Lord Gilfileg again! I'm not sure why I like him so much, his courage and what he endured and overcame in Rhun, perhaps. His quiet dignity and honor. For some reason he has just struck a cord with me and he is one of my favorite of your minor original characters and so it was good to see him again. :) It's funny how some characters stick with you.
It was good that the rangers were there to go and see what was going on in the Shire and to be able to send back word to Halladan and to Aragorn who is going to be heartsick when he hears what has happened.
I liked Barliman finally taking his courage in hand and going and asking the 3 rangers where they had been and what had happened. It was good that someone had finally realized how important the rangers were to the safety of Bree and the other areas of Eriador.
I was glad that the hobbits ended up trusting Gilfileg enough to let him in to talk to Saradoc and Brendi. They needed to hear from each other what was going on both inside the Shire and outside the Shire.
It was all nicely done. By the way, I think you may have had the name wrong for the ranger with the dog. Isn't it something like, Eregiel or something ending in an 'l'? The name you have, Eregion, is the name of the area also known as Hollin. I told you I've read your stories numerous times! At least, King's Commission, Ties of Family, & Lesser Ring. :)
Author's reply
You are correct--will correct that now. Man, posting on Sundays between shifts is perhaps something I shouldn't do.
I liked having Eregiel and Gilfileg join Berevrion here, too, and that Gilfileg strikes a chord with you is pleasing to me as well. But I'm certain once they realized what had happened in Bree and the Shire the Rangers would go to check it out, and that Halladan would send down several of his most experienced and senior Dunedain to do this. And what Gilfileg and Berevrion have to say is so similar to what they've heard from Merry and Pippin that Saradoc takes a chance with them, and they are able indeed to establish a working relationship with one another.
It is nice to see Butterbur getting a clue, isn't it? Yet Gandalf had told the Hobbits that Butterbur was said to be able to "see through walls" at need, so of course he'd be the first in Bree to take the chance to believe what they'd been told of the new King and his people is true. So glad you approve.
Andrea
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 63: 63: Grace Offered
“The Tree is excited, dearling. I have never felt it so before. I will swear it sings today, a hymn of delight.”
What a beautiful image! The White Tree was always a sign of hope and renewing, for the people of Gondor - and for Frodo. Now, not only Gondor's hope has been fulfilled, but also Frodo's, though he doesn't know yet!
As a link between the Mortal and the Undying Lands the White Tree may also mirror the joy of the people of Tol Eressea about the decision of Iluvatar, and that's a wonderful thought!
Frodo has still some time before him and not all will be to his liking. Your mentioning of the coins reminded me of a really nasty scene ...
Author's reply
So glad you enjoy the idea that the Trees would already be aware of the decision for Frodo and the others; and Frodo has now the hope he doesn't yet accept he needs.
And we'll see that nasty scene from a different point of view this time.
Linda Hoyland
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 61: 61: Brandybuck Lawyer
I just love the way Frodo speaks of Aragorn.He must miss him so much as there is no one to rely on now.It must be very hard with people asking nosey questions.
Author's reply
Yes, I think Frodo's love for Aragorn would make itself felt, as well as the fact he missed being at the King's side.
And the questions which he knows he will have difficulty answering and they will have difficulty understanding answers to are going to be a distinct trial.
Ooh! No words at all for this chapter Larner it is just so perfect!
But I guess if you push me then Frodo's presents stand out and above all the Answer!!! And your reason for Gimli being allowed to go is one that never dawned on me but is so real in this context. Oh and I love the two guards!
Author's reply
Am so glad you approve, and that the reason for the grace granted Gimli is so well accepted by several.
And I do think Frodo would use his birthday as a pretext for leaving his bequests, as he foresees he will not return.
And the guards must have been worried indeed about the possible outcome of following the King's orders (or not). But either way, they would have undoubtedly faced censure by one or the other of the two most serious people in the combined kingdoms to offend. Luckily the King outranks his cousin, however, even if Hardorn IS Captain of the King's own Guard.
Inkling
· 9 January 2006
· Chapter 15: 15: First Audience
An enjoyable look at the nuts and bolts of assuming kingship…Aragorn is doing well so far, though I can see how the order of business would annoy Master Galador (housekeeper first, lords second). Sounds like fun ahead with the hot-tempered Seneschal, too!
Author's reply
I'm not certain just how hot tempered Balstador is, but he is giving fair warning there's a limit beyond which he's unlikely to allow himself to be pushed. Probably learned that this was necessary to establish with Denethor--after all, even many with tendencies toward bullying will respond properly if limits on what possible victims will accept are made plain.
And, yes, Galador will find Aragorn's priorities are strictly his own and rather practical in nature. After all, he'll have to live with seneschals, housekeepers, and servants every day, while he'll have far more limited encounters with many of the lords.
Glad you appear to have enjoyed seeing Aragorn begin establishing himself as Master of the House as well as of the Kingdom.
Such good news for those who love Frodo, and yet at the same time, such sad news, for they know the day is hastened when they will never see him again.
I like the way you have tied up the loose ends, and shown that Gimli was not simply taking a chance when he went with Legolas, but had good reason to believe that he would be welcomed.
I am glad that you returned for a time to Aragorn's POV. It's good to see how he is dealing with things...
Author's reply
Point of view does tend to switch sometimes rapidly in my stories, I'll admit, and am glad you like the return to Aragorn and Arwen, however briefly. And I don't think Legolas would have taken Gimli with him had they both been unaware of the welcome for the Dwarf.
The knowledge they won't see Frodo again must be difficult for all who remain in Gondor and who've come to love him.
Ah, at last we get to see for ourselves that the petition was granted!
And this is a little thing, but I love it! “Lord
Hardorn will have our hides cut from us in strips,” one murmured quietly to the other.
“Perhaps,” the other replied, “although I suspect that had we insisted in accompanying them further what the King would have ordered would be worse.”
Ha ha!
It's amazing how you keep track of all this, Larner-writing what's going on in, what, three different places at once. I'd be totally lost by now! :-) And one thing I forgot to ask while they were still in Gondor: How on *earth* do you come up with such lovely Gondorian names? God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I've read a fair number of stories by now by other authors who have studied Sindarin and so on, and have learned more of the commoner name elements, such as "gil" meaning "star" and "celeb" meaning "silver," "-rion" and "-lion" meaning "son of" and so on--; plus some names I have picked up from the appendices or the writings of others and used where I felt they were appropriate.
In "Fostering" I looked at how the word was passed among the great Elves via revelation to Mithrandir and shared via mind-links; how Aragorn and Arwen would learn of it was now the question. That since Arwen used Gwaihir to make her plea, it seemed proper that he would also bear the answer to her and her husband.
And I like the guards, too! Heh!
I was hopimg to write this before the cat came along to claim my lap, but to late. He does not like to share. Anyways loved the "scouring of the Shire" from Mina's point of view. She or you put it all in a great way.
Poor Frodo trying to explain things to Will, loved the part about Galadriel not being his girlfriend.
Author's reply
Mina has had to watch what has happened and has felt helpless; and then Frodo comes home with the other travelers and everything is turned around in a heartbeat; now it's time for her to begin doing for others.
And Frodo is having to try to put himself back into realizing how those who have no idea what happened will think, and switching gears isn't as easy as he might have thought.
Then there's Will, who after all does think kindly of Frodo and would love to see him married and happy, I think, and finds this was a hospitality gift and not one dealing with interest after all. So glad you appreciated the irony.
Aragorn straightened to his full height, which before the Great Eagle seemed little enough. “I ask that you bear our thanks to the Valar, and ask that Manwë offer it further to Iluvatar Himself,” he said. “We can ask no more, and rejoice that you have agreed to do as you have done already.”
“For such a petition, and one which we of the Aeries of the Misty Mountains also supported, it was no labor, son of Eärendil, Elros, and Elendil the Faithful,” Gwaihir responded. “And your response is already known--I have no need to bear it anywhere.”
Oh, how beautiful. What joy Aragorn must feel, knowing that Frodo at last has a choice -- where before, he had none.
Author's reply
Yes, he has reason to rejoice. And I think Gwaihir would have been delighted to deliver such a message.
Bodkin
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
It must have been terribly disconcerting to Barliman Butterbur to have those scruffy dangerous Rangers turn up - and know they were Lords of the Realm and kin to King Strider.
Yes the Rangers would have turned up at the borders of the Shire once they learned what had been going on. And discovering Saruman had been there would be more than worthy of interest.
Good to know that the hobbits coped without them, though.
Author's reply
The Rangers can report to their King and kin that the Hobbits managed this one on their own, with guidance from those who'd been to Gondor. But I do believe they'd have felt responsible, once they heard the rumors, to check things out as thoroughly as they could so as to be able to report similarly. And certainly Saruman's presence in the Shire would be of interest to all. I'm going to have to look one day at the ending of Saruman from Gandalf's point of view, I think.
As for Butterbur, well, if the Hobbits and Gandalf are right, he'd best begin paying a bit more attention to those who prefer that corner table--they just might be important, you know! Heh!
Andrea
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
A really interesting chapter! To see the story we all know so well from different viewpoints makes it sound as if it was a brandnew tale. And it helps to understand the reactions of others towards the returned travellers.
When you see it through the eyes of Barliman Butterburr, the Breefolk must indeed have had suspicions when first all the Rangers left and then the ruffians arrived. A bad coincidence! But the three Rangers were able to gain Butterburr's trust again, I think. And when he trusts them, the rest of Bree will follow suit :)
Author's reply
You already know I love looking at the story from different viewpoints, and it would impact each so distinctly.
I'd not thought of suspicions toward the Rangers as perhaps a catalyst for the arrival of the ruffians, but it's a distinct idea to consider. But after the news given by the Travelers and Gandalf, I think even Butterbur would be getting the idea that perhaps he might need to give more thought to the Rangers and what they mean to the safety of the lands of Eriador.
And you're right--where Barliman leads, the Breelands will eventually follow, and probably pretty quickly now.
shirebound
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
It's wonderful for some of the Shirefolk to be reintroduced to Men who are not only respectful, and show compassion for the Troubles.
And oh, what a great line: "But until the last year no one had ever given thought to the possibility that the Rangers were actually *good* for anything." What a long, thankless job those Rangers had.
Author's reply
At least some of the Shirefolk besides the Travelers are going to be able to see the contrast between Lotho's and Sharkey's Big Men and the true Men of the Dunedain who serve the King.
And so glad you appreciate that line--because it's true. The Ranger who said in ROTK that it was worthwhile to labor so just to know simple folk like Butterbur don't have to worry about such things always had an impact on me. Well, now Butterbur is beginning to appreciate just what others are doing for his land, and will begin showing his appreciation in more than a drink on the house in the future, I think.
harrowcat
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
Yes thanks be indeed or things would be a lot worse now. You have a great gift for telling The Story from the view point of so many different people and often all at the same time. It makes it so much fuller and more rounded. The anger of the Rangers at the scouring of the Shire is almost palpable.
Just a minor suggestion: would this paragraph,
By the time the interview was over Saradoc and Brendilac were both feeling drained. But the two of them were beginning to realize that what little they’d been told was true, that the four Travelers had indeed been to Gondor and had done extraordinary things, and that all there held the four of them, and particularly Frodo, in great esteem. Also, the chronology of how Lotho had managed to gain control of so much was now much clearer in the minds of all.
fit just a little better after Saradoc's description rather than before? But I admit to reading quickly again!
And, yes, yesterday was a frustating day all round!
Author's reply
You are probably correct about the placement of that paragraph, but I'll have to check it tomorrow--have to go do quick bath and general feeding and get to work. Hate night duty sometimes.
And you know I love multiple points of view. Glad you find it helps make things feel more well rounded rather than redundant. Thanks.
demeter d
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
As i read other's reviews of Chapter 62, found some comfort, if you will, in seeing that i am not the only strange person who stays up waaaay late at night reading these things, or has to really think about getting to work and other every day life activities, because i would rather be reading! I enjoy this little secondary world .
It is interesting to see the story now shifting back and forth between locations and points of view of various characters. We have now seen bits of what happened both from inside and outside the Shire. It was fun to watch Mr. Butterbur and Merry's Father learning that the unbelievable things they have been hearing from the outside world were true. If the Master had had any trouble believing what Merry had told him about his doings the last year, I am sure that he no longer does. He and Mr. Butterbur stand as ordinary people swept up into extrordinary adventures, involving people who seem to have stepped out of legends. And, Tolkien's tales and these tributes to them allow us to do the same thing, stand aside and watch legends touch everyday life.
Author's reply
The Hobbits who went on the quest themselves represented those normal individuals who got swept up into extraordinary circumstances and met or exceeded the needs of the situations; and now others are learning to appreciate just how important those events are seen by those who know what they were about. And I don't think Saradoc will question his son's stories so much as wish to see more of the bad along with the good.
Eglantine is the one who doesn't want to believe the bad; Merry is the one who doesn't want to tell it, and Frodo wishes he hadn't had to live it.
Queen Galadriel
· 8 January 2006
· Chapter 62: 62: Meetings with Rangers
Wow, this really ties into "The Ties of Family." I obviously have a lot of reading to do before I'll fully understand all of this story...and I can't wait.
Ha! I'm glad I'm not the only one to be confused by hobbit family history and such! Good grief, I wonder they kept up with it! :-)
It's good to see the "simple" folk finally learning what's been going on all around them all these years, what they've been protected from. And it's even more satisfying to see the wiser learning from the less learned.
As I was reading this, it dawned on me anew that all four of our travellers were really necessary in the restoration and healing of the Shire. I remember thinking, when I read ROTK for the first time, "I can't blame Frodo for not wanting to fight. But if he didn't, what *did* he do?" Duh! He was needed to put the records and twisted contracts back in proper order; Merry and Pippin, as the two wariours, were needed to stir the Shirefolk and then to clear out the ruffians; and Sam was the only one right for the job of seeing to the Shire's physical healing. I guess I ought to have thought of all this before, but it really came home to me just now. Can't wait to see more of this! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Sorry not to have responded till now, but with weather changes my connection is being sporadic, and I keep getting knocked offline.
Yes, I tie my stories together, and wrote an entire story that's in "Moments in Time" about the Baggins family book, called "Stricken from the Book." As Tolkien told us of Hobbit fascination with family ties and genealogies, and in one writing he tells of Old Yellowskin, the Took family book, it made sense to me all the families would have them to keep the family records in.
Frodo was important to keep the reins on his folk to keep them from giving into the temptation to indulge in vengeance as well, and to see to it the Men had better tales to bear away of their treatment by the Hobbits than the Hobbits had to tell of them. He was important for keeping alive the spirit of tolerance and forbearance, the will to forgive and the gift of compassion that is central to Hobbit nature. And afterward, he helped sort out what he could within the Shire, again leading by the example of integrity and caring, showing his long intimate knowledge of the entire Shire and showing in the first glimpses of the outer world the Hobbits must now interact with.
Yes, each had a job to shoulder in the healing of the Shire; but those who sit in offices to sort out the paperwork aren't often remembered as well as those who are riding around with mail and swords and helmets or replanting the Shire in sight of all.
I think Brendi is one of the best OCs ever - he's so sensible and sympathetic, and at least he believes Frodo, even if the story boggles his mind! He's heard of the Witch-King but didn't quite believe it, but he knows Frodo wouldn't make such things up.
I loved Pease scolding Brendi for riding his pony too hard. Naturally he would be horrified.
And how like Frodo to blame himself for so much - even Saruman's fall he sees as being the result of wanting the Ring for so long, and of course he knows all too well what it feels like to have that thing hooked into one's mind and will.
Author's reply
I'm glad others also like Brendilac. He and Ruvemir I've both come to love so much since they introduced themselves into my imagination, Ruvemir from the space where the drawer's missing under the bed and Brendi in a tavern in Buckland.
Frodo needs someone like Brendi right now, just as he needs someone like Mina right now. Brendi's about worn his poor pony out trying to make certain his beloved cousin and client is indeed home to the Shire safely; and of course someone like Pease is going to give him what for, and he'll accept it as his due because he knows he deserves it. Yet it was worth it to see Frodo.
And Frodo does understand at the same time he can't completely understand. Frodo's lust for the Ring was planted and brought to flower by the Ring itself; to be lusting just for the IDEA of the Ring being available must seem in ways incomprehensible to him.
grumpy
· 7 January 2006
· Chapter 58: 58: The Road North
So sad the parting of Aragorn and his father and Frodo, knowing they will not see each other again in this world. more kleenexs are needed. Too bad the Ents did not keep Saruman under their eyes. He is bound to cause more trouble. Got to wonder why Wormtongue stayed with him.
Author's reply
Yes, there is grief at the partings Aragorn knows will be for the rest of his life. And I agree about the Ents letting Saruman go. You KNOW he's going to cause more problems--heh!
And I can't imagine why Wormtongue stayed with him--why so many stay with abusers is a question we've been baffled by for centuries.
Andrea
· 7 January 2006
· Chapter 61: 61: Brandybuck Lawyer
“What didn’t happen to me, Brendi?” he said softly. “Don’t waste your time feeling sorry for me--I’m not worth it.”
It will never be a waste of time to pity someone! No-one knows this better than Frodo himself, for that's what he did his whole life and he never considered first if someone was worthy enough! Why can't he accept pity and comfort from others? It's just not fair!
Brendi, however, does not so easily give in. He senses that something terrible happened to Frodo and he wants to know what it was - as a friend!
I'm surprised how much Frodo finally told him, but on the other hand Brendi is the perfect audience. He is not so close to him as his cousins and Sam, or Sara and Esme, but also a real good friend and, being his lawyer, reliable to keep all secret. It was very hard for Frodo to speak of his journey, but I think it helped a lot. I'm really glad that Brendi arrived.
BTW, will we meet Narcissa in this story, too?
Author's reply
We tend to be so much harder on ourselves than we are on others, and Frodo cannot see his own standard of behavior he shows toward others is due him as well. Too bad our emotional selves aren't necessarily fair.
Am glad you appreciate Brendi's arrival and presence, and the fact it's easier to speak with him than his cousins to whom he's more closely emotionally tied.
And, yes, Narcissa will be here as well.