Amy
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
The wedding of the millenium! Yumm, flowers and friends and nervous bridegroom.
The listing of Aragorn's names nearly wore me out. Sounds quite Old Testament, actually; hadn't thought of that before, so thanks for the insight!
Arwen's sacrifice and Elrond's rather sombre words of joining v. interesting.
Squee for the Tree! Lovely to include it in the wedding party, and Aragorn and Frodo having a lovely sit-down with it.
Author's reply
Yes, the Tree is part of the wedding, of course.
Elrond cannot truly teach Arwen what she needs to know of living among mortals and preparation for dying, for this is not an Elven experience to be prepared for, for when Elves die it tends to be either violent or due to fading; and they are then bound to the Halls of Mandos until the end of Arda, if they are not given a new body. And so he must ask her husband to show her the way, which must have been humbling for him. But he's great enough a soul to do this.
And so glad you loved the nervous bridegroom. It's nice to imagine Aragorn at least now and then as human as any other man.
harrowcat
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Ooh, words fail me! So I will use yours
“Thank you, my friend.”
Please pass me Gandalf's towel because I, too, need to wash my face again before I go to work. It could be a mite difficult explaining the tear-filled eyes otherwise. I can't quote my favourite bit as it would be the whole lot!
But I am glad that Smeagol got a mention. Frodo's envy took me by surprise but it was so true as my own twinge was mirroring his. Aragorn as a nervous bride-groom was sweetly hilarious as was the threat of dumping him in the fountain if he fainted.
The part that moved me most was Mithrandir's summing up of Frodo's present reality and the part that lembas had to play. Worthy of the Prof himself Larner. (and the rest of it too.)
BTW Thank you for half of my Christmas present - it was perfect. I did try waiting up for Santa but you hadn't posted by the time I had to wake up enough to fall into bed last night! And I am glad/honoured that sometimes my reviews return you the giggle favour!
Now, it seems rather mean of me to be nit-picking such wonderful writing and it didn't spoil the enjoyment but....
“Sam swears it is at least a foot taller. I think it’s grown [more?] than that, myself.” Is this missing a word? And....
He stepped to the Man’s side, reached up to take his friend’s side. Wouldn't 'hand' or 'arm' be better than side a second time?
Anyway, this story is going from strength to strength as is going to stand as a wonderful pre-cursor for your other tales, (so far,) when you have finished posting it. Thanks for sharing it and giving us so much joy!
Author's reply
Was getting ready to go Christmas shopping, so this morning had time only to correct the errors. Man, my editing is getting ragged as Christmas approaches. Only one more chapter before Christmas, I fear, as otherwise I won't get what needs doing here done before the big day.
I found I needed Gandalf's towel, too, believe it or not. This chapter wrote itself, by and large, and as I was reading it aloud looking for errors (and I STILL missed those two!) I found myself crying, too. Frodo was so compromised by what he underwent, he cannot remain in Middle Earth long, which will, of course, cause all great grief.
And in spite of his dislike for Gollum's company considering the injuries he underwent capturing the poor thing and getting him to Mirkwood, still Aragorn must have recognized his role in the destruction of the Ring, and I think he'd have forgiven him in the end.
And thank you so much for your words of appreciation, for I so appreciate them--AND the corrections. Man, hate it when I do that!
Radbooks
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Oh, so very well done in every part. I liked that Aragorn and Arwen snuck off and got a few minutes alone in the middle of the night... at least until Frodo showed up! And the help Aragorn had getting dressed and how nervous he was - and the comment to Faramir about introducing him to the embroider later, who I assume is Arwen. All very, very nicely done.
The joining was beautiful and it must have been so hard for Elrond to do it... I can't imagine having to do that part of it.
I wish I could have been there! :)
Author's reply
It must have driven the two of them crazy to have no time to themselves and each other that day; but I don't think either would have been too disturbed by Frodo joining them. After all, he WAS getting ready to discretly withdraw to allow them a bit more privacy.
And, yes, Arwen is the embroiderer--if you'll remember, one of the twins brought a few outfits Arwen had prepared in his saddlebags for use in the coronation. And Faramir will, I think, be amused and humbled.
This must have been one of the most joyful and most grievous days in Elrond's life, but I think he did rather well with it.
And I, too, wish I could have been there.
Radbooks
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
Every dish made out of mushrooms... where does Pippin come up with these ideas? :) I do remember that story from King's Comm., and it's still funny, though I personally do not like mushrooms... I guess I wouldn't make a good Hobbit!
I enjoyed Frodo's interaction with the little boy, he always loved children so much and it just makes it more bittersweet that he cannot have any. But his sacrifice has made it possible for little boys and girls to grow up free of the shadow and have families of their own, but I doubt if he sees that.
I imagine it would take a lot of money to pay for all of the people of the city to have food and drink for Aragorn and Arwen's wedding! But I hardly think that Aragorn is very concerned about the cost at this point.
I have loved all of your descriptions of Aragorn's expressions of longing and love as he is waiting or now when he sees Arwen. It has been such a very long time for them, I do not know how they could do that.
Nicely done!
Author's reply
Well, Sam had just observed that it was hard for Frodo to turn down anything with mushrooms, so I guess it just sprang out of that, and that sparked the one-food meals contest detailed in "The Ties of Family." And it was fun to consider. As I'd said it was just before the arrival of the Elves, I had to work ONE of those meals into the story, after all.
I wish Frodo could have had children of his own; I think he'd have made a terrific dad, myself. But you are right, that because of him Fargillion will live a far freer life than he'd known so long.
At the moment Aragorn is intent on making certain that all the city will rejoice with him, and I don't think he cares how much it costs. He's not had the chance to spend much money frivolously, after all, and this is his first chance to use his money freely for his people.
Am so glad you appreciate how I write his desires expressed; and I don't see how they managed that long, either.
The king is getting things prepared for his bride at last... cleaning out the citadel and preparing her chambers and all of those things to try and please her. The joy and anticipation must be overwhelming for him and yet at least he has work to keep his mind occupied for a time. ;)
I liked the brief talk Aragorn had with Faramir over the statue of Denethor and keeping it in the Hall of Kings and how much Aragorn admired him. Faramir needed to hear that and of course Aragorn would be sensitive to his needs, besides the fact that he truly did like Denethor and he did do a good job for years and years. I think people forget that at times - he made some really big mistakes, but he did do some good things over the years too.
I imagine that Aragorn was upset with those healers that intruded on Frodo's privacy... though they truly were trying to help him. They just didn't know the whole situation.
It's nice to be back and catching up again! :)
Author's reply
Nice to have you back, too. Yes, now that the Tree's been found, Aragorn is quite busy, for he's assured the Valar are behind him now and that Arwen's on her way.
I suspect that Aragorn did try to keep to the good memories of Denethor as much as possible, and dedicated all in the memory of that one. And it would be easier for Faramir, knowing that the King honored the good his father had done.
Of course the healers were trying to assist, but didn't know the best way to deal with Frodo at the time.
And all is in readiness for when the party from the north arrives now.
French Pony
· 20 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Here comes the bride. . .
Hooray! Mazel tov! Now is the time for Elladan and Elrohir to make outrageous toasts, and then we must have the Chair Dance!
I loved Aragorn as the nervous groom. Brides have so many attendants that they are well cared for, but grooms only have their buddies to laugh at them. And extremely inconvenient flashes of precognition as well.
Author's reply
Well, in this case Aragorn and Arwen both had seven attendants, so they were equally matched. But most guys I've known don't seem to handle the tension of weddings as well as the ladies.
And forget the Chair Dance--I want the Bottle Dance! Heh! Did they have klezmer bands in Middle Earth, do you think?
And the precognition must have been terribly painful, particularly in light of the rest of the day.
Raksha The Demon
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
What, no bachelor party for Aragorn? I was so looking forward to seeing a Gondorian stripper jump out of a cake, and sweetly drunken Legolas and Gimli dancing about with lampshades on their heads or whatever....NOT!
I liked the bit about Aragorn's sudden shakiness when the bridegroom's wreath is put on his head, realizing that he's finally going to have Arwen as his wife.
Author's reply
A Gondorian stripper? You have me giggling, you know. And the idea of Legolas and Gimli with lampshades on their heads has me absolutely guffawing, particularly as we now know the tips of fingers tingle to indicate intoxication with Elves (unless they smoke pipeweed, when they go rather mad and say outrageous things to Elrond!), while the eyes of Dwarves cross and they fall straight back off their benches. Right? Heh!
So glad you appreciated Aragorn's mixture of feelings that day. Yes, quite the overwhelmed bridegroom after almost seventy years of longing.
Thanks for the words of appreciation.
Tigger
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
I...I...I...*Wow*!! I mean...*Wow*!! So beautiful, but bittersweet as well for the sacrfice Arwen's cleaving to Aragorn means for their family. Loved the description of the look Galadriel gave Aragorn as Arwen approached. "You had *better* take care of her or else!!". Considering this is the Lady of the Golden Wood, I don't think Aragorn would take that look at face value either. :oD
Oh and...
“If you faint, Lord Cousin,” Hardorn admonished him, “I swear I shall pick you up and dump your form in the Fountain of the Tree.”
LOL!!! Now that I would have liked to have seen. It would have finished Galador off, but still would have made quite the sight. :oD
Of all the times for Aragorn to have a vision of Frodo marrying Sam and Rosie and seeing he was fading...My heart went out to him right there and then. Thank Goodness Gandalf was there to help him cope w/what he had seen.
A lovely chapter and a beautiful wedding. Now bring on that feast!!
Author's reply
The nerves of such an event can come out is absolutely silly banter, or such I heard of with my husband when we got married. The reports of the conversations on the way to the church where we were married were hilarious, particularly when they got lost and had to hire a taxi to lead them to the church.
And I do think Galadriel would let Aragorn know that he'd best do right by her granddaughter, considering what she's giving up to become his bride.
Now Aragorn can see the contrast between his own happy future and what Frodo faces, and it would be most sobering and saddening, I think. But he's been around long enough to know that life isn't particularly fair and to accept the pain as part of the price of living. And I think that Gandalf might have been purposely sent there just to help with that realization. This will assist Arwen to initiate the plea for Frodo to go West in her place, I think.
And am so glad you loved the wedding. Thanks for your sweet words.
Queen Galadriel
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Oh! *beams through tears* What a perfectly beautiful wedding! And this whole chapter was just so wonderful! I love how you show the brotherhood of Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam, and I can't help being rather gratified by the inclusion of poor Smeagol and the little exchange between Aragorn and Arwen. These are things I've tried to explore, so I was glad to see them here. The joy in this marriage was conveyed so beautifully that it could be felt, as was Aragorn's grief at the vision he had. And oh, to see the great king Elessar so nervous that he was on the verge of fainting! *giggles* I can't wait for the next one! How far is this story going to go? God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I am so glad you are pleased, my Lady. Yes, I think even Aragorn would find pre-wedding jitters. I know I broke out into a most unbecoming fit of giggles before mine--one of the ways my body deals with nerves, I've learned over the years.
And Gollum's part in the whole thing needs to be recognized, even by Aragorn, whose previous thoughts of the poor thing were anything but charitable.
That this moved you so deeply is gratifying.
shirebound
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
“It is almost more than I can believe, that the day has indeed come at last. I have waited almost seventy years since the day when my heart first understood what it desired, and forty since she told me first she would bind herself to me.”
Amazing, isn't it? Such patience and strength of will.
I take you as my husband, the keeper of my heart, the teacher of my spirit from this day forward, the father of the children I will bear of my body for the memory of that which leaves Middle Earth and the hope for the future of what remains.
Beautiful. You've crafted them a perfectly wonderful wedding, in anticipation of a joyous life together. And Gandalf's words to Aragorn about Frodo were very soothing (as much as they could be) to Aragorn's spirit.
Author's reply
And your review and few, well-chosen words are as well crafted. Thank you so very much in return.
Dreamflower
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 51: 51: The King's Wedding
Oh. My. Word.
What a beautiful wedding! I could just see it--see each of the ones you mentioned, watching in pride and joy and a little bit of sorrow, at this final joining of Men and Elves! My dear, you outdid yourself!
And, oh, it was so sad that Aragorn had to see for himself what a short time Frodo has before him. *sigh*
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. I read each chapter out loud before I copy it to the desktop for publication, looking for errors, misspellings, and repeated phrases within a sentence. (You'd be shocked how often I do these! I'm constantly having to edit extras out, and at least once I had "at the last" in there THREE times in a single sentence!)
Anyway, as I was reading this I was constantly having to wipe my own eyes. The wedding is one of those that predominantly wrote itself, I found.
As for Frodo--he's looking at what he will do within the Shire in a few months' time, though he doesn't know it as yet. But Aragorn is realizing that this is likely to be the last he will see his spiritual brother, and it would be heartbreaking.
shirebound
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
A shining and joyous event, Larner! And I particularly enjoyed this meeting:
“My beloved Lord Frodo,” the Elf said, returning the bow to the Hobbit. The spots of color could be seen on Frodo’s cheeks, but this was one even he would not seek to correct. Gildor came before Frodo and knelt to look into his face. “You won through, enduring beyond all hope,” he said softly. “I greet you and offer you and Lord Samwise and your kinsmen ever the honor of my people.” He gently took Frodo’s hands, and the embarrassment the Hobbit felt faded as a fierce and unexpected joy filled him.
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound. Thank you very much.
French Pony
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
Oh, boy. Is Aragorn going to make his wedding a gigantic potluck? That would be so cool. I love all the preparations for it. It's a good buildup to the main event itself.
Frodo remains a source of wisdom, especially for young people. I guess they find it easier to connect with him, since he's more their height. Pippin's mushroom feast was brilliant. Imagine if Elrond hadn't sent him along, where would Frodo be now without that mushroom-themed meal?
I'm guessing that the wedding song was part of the classical repertoire of Gondor and learned but not played as a matter of education? Because, without recording technology, that would be the only way anyone would recognize a song that hadn't been performed in a thousand years.
Author's reply
Yes, this would be in the educational repertoire of the peoples of Gondor. (And of course you had to catch me out in that one, you sly thing!)
The meal and three others that followed it are described in "The Ties of Family," so of course I had to work at least one of them into this story. That's been a challenge--keeping the various stories consistent with one another.
And Frodo as I've depicted him has always had a particular connection with children.
Dreamflower
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
I remember the anecdote about Pippin and the mushrooms in one of your other stories! It was very cute to see the full story. 8-)
But of course, best of all was seeing Aragorn shocking everyone with sudden news of a wedding, and his nervousness--"long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs" is a familiar old saying that has the ring of Gafferishness. I could easily see Sam saying that, LOL!
You had Thranduil coming to the wedding--I think that is a first for me to see!
And of course, the moment Aragorn greets his bride--beautiful!
I have to say, I am surprised that Frodo had not guesssed, as insightful as he usually is. But altogether a really lovely chapter!
Author's reply
I've read only one other story in which Thranduil attended the wedding, one in which Legolas is described as Thranduil's adopted son from among Elven folk who lived in the East and were under Sauron's command, but whom Thranduil found and saved when the rest of his tribe had been destroyed for not following Sauron's orders, and adopted by the Lord of Mirkwood at the dying request of his queen.
I think Pasha wrote it.
I know he wasn't on the guest list, but felt it right he should be there as a supporter of Arwen's plea to the Valar.
I think, as I said to one other person, that Arwen as Aragorn's bride was one of the open secrets which almost everyone seemed to overlook save those who'd been around long enough to know of it--Arwen's family, of course, most of the Elven Lords would come to know, and Gandalf, and then Aragorns' own closest kinsmen. Other than that, the fewer who knew, the harder it would be for the Enemy to learn of it and perhaps focus his attention on Rivendell to rob the possible heir to Isildur of his hope and therefore his heart to fight for the rest of Middle Earth.
Glad you liked the way the chapter played out.
Baggins Babe
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
What a fantastic chapter! You filled in so many of the gaps - I think we were a bit short-changed in the book, with that brief line about the wedding. You have put so much thought into the preparation which muct have preceded such an event. Even down to Aragorn withdrawing the money to pay for all the celebrations - not just the feasts in the Citadel but the food and drink for the people. I feel as though I was there!
How marvellous too, to finally read about the meal with mushrooms in every course! You have mentioned it in other stories but I was hoping it would appear in detail. Hopefully we will hear about the other meals which were prepared with a specific ingredient in every dish?
Author's reply
It's fun to imagine how Aragorn might have planned for his own wedding. He'd managed to keep it a secret from all but Gandalf and possibly Legolas, so how would he have kept the mystery for his friends and yet have prepared for a proper celebration throughout at least Minas Tirith? Well, he DOES have a substantial bank balance, I've already established; so....
As for the other three meals, you'll have to imagine them, I fear. It was fun to fit in the one I described in "The Choice of Healing," but would have slowed the story WAYYYY too much to do all four, I felt.
Amy
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
*jumps up and down in party hat, arms flailing*
At last!
Looking forward to crying at this wedding!
*loosens belt for feast*
Author's reply
My lass, even I cry when I read this wedding. Heh!
Kitty
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
“Can you tell my big brother to stop tousling my hair?” That was cute! Nice little boy, and I think he was good for Frodo, although Frodo surely didn't approve of his fascination of swords. Well, he is a boy ...
Ah yes, the cooking contest! insists he has produced the meal of meals *snickers* And it made Frodo laugh - wonderful!
What a enjoyable task for Aragorn to prepare his wedding! He's quite generous. But Galador ... “It is important?” ... *LOL* That wasn't his intelligentest question, wasn't it? Why would Aragorn see to the seat arrangements himself and with so noble help, if it weren't *very* important? I'm impressed Galador didn't faint after seeing the names on the slate, though.
Author's reply
No, not the most intelligent of questions at all, I MUST agree.
And it was fun to place that meal into the context of this story, and then to find still another child to distract Frodo for the moment.
So glad you appreciate it.
harrowcat
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
Aww! *heaves deep and very satisfied sigh!*
No words at all for the Arrival as no words would do it justice but - I am glad that Frodo balanced out his sorrow with the talk with the boy (and mushrooms!). And 'nervous as a cat in a roomful of rocking chairs'. *silly grin appears on face which will stay all day!*
Now for the wedding! Glad to see it is paid for. So how did our custom of the Bride's Father coughing up start? But then I suppose that the money Aragorn is drawing on started being accumulated so long ago that Elrond's side of the family may have had a hand in it somewhere!
Author's reply
So very glad you approve of the arrival, for it's been a while in working its way into the tale.
Yes, between Pippin and the child Frodo's depression and grief lighten.
The expression "As nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs" is a folk expression here in the States, and I just felt it fit here, and sounded very much what the Gaffer might say.
As for the Bride's Father paying for the wedding--my stepdad did nothing of the kind for either of us girls--we had to finance our own.
But as Elrond wasn't there to pay or plan, I felt Aragorn would do his best to plan things as well as he could. And you're very possibly right--Elrond and his sons and their people might have found ways to bolster Aragorn's bank account against this day! Thanks for the chuckle!
demeter d
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
You and LindaHoyland fascinate me. A day or two ago when I reviewed your chapter 48, it was pretty close to midnight here, Mountain Standard Time, U.S.A. Yet, just a very few minutes later, here came the replies to your review and hers. i am guessing that unless you are writing from Britain, and it is already the next day, you are up as late at this addicting pasttime as I am! And now tonight, just as I was about to log off and actually go to sleep,(imagine that!) here came a new update.
Chapter 50 is wonderful. It starts out quietly enough as we follow Frodo on his visits to the Houses of Healing, grieving with him over the death of the burned soldier. But it slowly builds in anticipation as those around Aragorn become more aware that something is going to happen. So many lovely touches. Frodo's little "spy". Perhaps after things have settled down in a few days, and before he leaves for home, Frodo can introduce the lad to his hero the Lord Steward. He could see for himself that there are many kinds of strength. Your people are beautifully true to character. There is gimli, watching every ones growing excitement. There is pippin and his "mushroom dinner," complete with mushroom whipped cream. Only Pippin! There is Sam and his " cat in a room full of rocking chairs". I thought it was so lovely that the first elven messenger to arrive was Gildor Inglorion. When he and Frodo last met, Frodo was fleeing the Ringwraiths, and Gildor could do very little to aid him. Now, for Gildor to see that Frodo had indeed come through his trials, and for Frodo to recieve Gildor's much deserved praise. I suspect praise from him could go far to help Frodo overcome his feelings of not deserving honor. I also liked the touch of Aragorn paying for his own wedding not from the royal treasury, but with his own earnings from his holdings and investments. Having mostly just lain and drawn interest for probably forty years, there must have been a generous account. In the book, Tolkien has Aragorn tell Frodo that something is about to happen which he has waited for all of his adult life, and when it does he would like to have his friends with him. with bright brush strokes you have painted in the corners of the outline which Tolkien created. As he wrote about the same party returning north to take Theoden home, such a riding of fair folk had surely never been seen before, and, sadly, would not be seen again in Middle Earth.
Well, once again I was about to log out when a late night up-date arrived. Thank you for filling my evenings with wonder. Good night!
Author's reply
I am a night owl living on the Pacific coast, so am on much of a par with you, while LindaHoyland is British. I follow her stories, of course, much during the evenings our time. This may explain it!
The story of the mushroom meal and of three others that followed were told in "The Ties of Family," so had to work the first one into this story.
I, too, felt Gildor would be one who would very much wish to be at this wedding and would delight to be the first of the true Elven Lords to offer his thanks and respects to the Ringbearer. And certainly his respect would carry a great deal of weight for Frodo, I would think.
Part of the joy of LOTR has been that in many cases we are free to exercise our own imaginations in filling in the details; and doing so is a work of sheer joy, particularly when so many appear to appreciate it so much. Thanks so much for the compliments!
Queen Galadriel
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
Oh, Larner! This just gets better. Let's see, I'd better start from the beginning. The cute little nursery rhyme is very hobbity, and I can just imagine Frodo standing by that little girl's bed and singing it softly to her, teaching it to her line by line. And Pippin has proven himself brilliant, as always! Oh, that *was* so funny! But the best was when the fair folk at last arrived! I got a very vivid image of Aragorn assisting Arwen from her steed at the last, and in my mind she was more beautiful than she is shone to be in the movies. And now the wedding is just around the corner and I'm fit to burst, as Sam so eloquently puts it! Oooooo, I can't wait! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I try to fit humor in with joy and the pathos, and am so glad it moves so many. Trying to figure out a Hobbit nursery rhyme was interesting, trying to make it both familiar and yet truly from the Shire. But counting rhymes are pretty universal, so this one just worked itself out.
As for the image in your mind surpassing the scene from the movie--I am honored you found it so!
The wedding has JUST been posted. Enjoy!
Tigger
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
"He's getting married in the morning..."
Wouldn't you know it. I managed to catch the last half of My Fair Lady today and I couldn't resist the temptation to put the above bit from the one song here, as it's such a perfect fit. :oD
It's a good thing Aragorn's such an accomplished healer, because it looks like Galador's going to need him before all of this is over. :oD I've read of Masters of Protocol being such sticklers, but goodness!! Then again, considering he was also Denethor's Master of Protocol and Denethor took such things to such an extreme...
I love seeing how you sneak in things from your other stories into this one. Like Frodo's gift to Aragorn and Arwen. That bowl sounds positively stunning BTW.
Pippin's Plan (You just know when it comes to Pippin, the word *P*lan is a capitol. ;o) ) worked to perfection. You do have to wonder if what Frodo was trying to get across to that little boy did sink in. That there's more to being a soldier than just getting to kill evil things and have a shiny sword. Then again, little boys think of nothing else too when it comes to that subject.
I always say I look forward to the next chapter, and I also mean it, but I am *really* looking forward to the next chapter. :oD
Just don't take too long in posting it otherwise I think you might have to defend yourself from a mob here. :oD ;oD
Author's reply
"Ding Dong, the bells are gonna chime!" Yes, I know, and now you have ME singing it, too! Very apropos!
Yes, I tie my stories together, and am glad you approve. The not eating sparking the mushroom meal, the volcano glass bowl, the preparation for a wedding, and spying children.
As for the next chapter--well, it's posted already. Enjoy!
Linda Hoyland
· 19 December 2005
· Chapter 50: 50: The Bride Cometh
I just loved the way you ddescribed how the wedding feast was arranged,as it must have happened something like this !I loved the scene with the banker and also Frodo's conversation with the boy.
Author's reply
Yes, and am so glad someone appreciated the interchange with the Banker. I love doing King recognition scenes and Thorongil recognition scenes, as you know. And for someone who's been playing his marriage so close to the chest, I think that this would be precisely how Aragorn would do it, as surreptitiously but as thoroughly as possible! So glad you like it!
Antane
· 18 December 2005
· Chapter 48: 48: "I Have Found It!"
I rejoice at any little amount of joy Frodo has - this time seeing the White Tree growing again. And I ache at his suffering, but so glad Sam is ever there. Truly the lap of a friend and brother is a good place to be...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
At last in the end the suffering is eased. He never gets all he ever desired, but gets what he needs, which are often two completely different things. And he has so many who love him, after all.
But you are right, having one by him who cares so for him is a blessing. Just don't forget Sam isn't the only one who seeks to bless him.
Author Reply: ps--It's also something Frodo tends when he feels bad to overlook--that he has these continuing moments of joy and delight in between the bouts. I truly believe he was meant to be able to know joy unbridled again before he finally died, and that this was why he was allowed to go to Tol Eressea.
Oh, my poor, beloved Frodo, I wish you could be well too. You gave so much. Why is more suffering your lot instead of the reward and health and joy you so need?
Author's reply
Frodo has his share of suffering, but so do all who are in decline. It's part of life, unfortunately. But he has his share of pleasures as well.
Health wasn't a reward, although to appreciate the life he found it was necessary.
I am intrigued by that voice that is giving Frodo some desperately needed spiritual direction, though I know of course I'll have to wait until it is ready to reveal itself. My guess would be Iluvatar Himself, but don't tell me! :) I love what it said this time.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
So glad you're willing to guess, Antane. You may be right, of course; or it might be a part of Frodo himself....
But the advice has always been good.