Armariel
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
Dang, I tried 3 times to review this yesterday, and the puter was being a royal pain and the review thingy wouldn't open for beans! Another fine chapter. Glad to see Frodo drawing again. And...heheh...I think I know who that girl is.....;<)
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, when computers grow balky we want to drop kick them somewhere, don't we?
And I suspect you are right about the identity of the young lady.
Glad you appreciated the chapter.
Baggins Babe
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
How lovely to see further aspects of Frodo's character, and to re-visit incidents mentioned in 'The King's Commission' which I've just been re-reading.
It must have been a relief to Frodo to find someone who accepted him for his artistic talents rather than fawning over him as 'the Ring-bearer,' a title which makes him uncomfortable.
I also think that finding himself able to create pictures again would have helped Frodo's self-esteem and made him feel more self-reliant and independent again.
Author's reply
I think both his artwork and his writing are very important for Frodo's sense of self; to begin reclaiming both would be important for him; and I agree he would appreciate Iorhael's appreciation of is artistic skill more than being known solely as the Ringbearer.
I've done a bit of rereading of The King's Commission as well, trying to keep this one consistent, and am glad I'm not the only one. Am so glad others find it worth a second reading.
Thanks so much for the comments--you know how important they are to us in keeping us writing.
I bet the cooks just love having the king in the kitchen helping them out! That will take some getting used to, but they'll adjust eventually. :) I was so glad that Frodo finally got to enjoy a feast for a change - food, dancing, singing, even wine and sweetmeats. And then he lost it all on the way home. sigh. And it would be so frustrating for him and he would take it out on those around him - like Elrohir. And the healer in Aragorn would be frustrated by Frodo's unwillingness to not allow him to do what he thinks is best for him. But he can't make Frodo take the draughts he is offering. The spider bite opening had to have shocked them all, as they would have assumed that was all healed and dealt with. If that doesn't go away, that poison is going to be affecting his system too. Poor Frodo. I think I keep saying that, but what else is there to say?
Author's reply
For Frodo from now, there is the slow realization that he isn't truly recovering, that he cannot hold onto the moments of pleasure and joy indefinitely as he could before, for they are so swiftly followed by continuing evidence that his hold on life is already beginning to waver. And he and Aragorn and all other who love the both of them know the grief as they watch him slowly begin to slip away, either to death or Elvenhome....
Andrea
· 3 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
Master Iorhael made a great impression on me. He has the same name as Frodo and his name is Elvish. There has to be a story behind the giving of this special name! I think I should really start reading "The King's Commission" :)
Iorhael found something to distract Frodo from his sorrows. That's a real good thing. Now, we can only hope that Frodo will practice with patience. He seemed to be unsatisfied with his first attempts.
Author's reply
Whether Frodo is dissatisfied with his first attempts or just unwilling to keep practice sheets is hard to say. That he is given the chance to reclaim his writing and his drawing is what's important right now, I think.
I think it is basically because Iorhael tends to accept Frodo as he is instead of gushing over him and does speak to his accustomed talents instead of seeing only the Ringbearer that he deserves his name. Certainly both Frodo and Ruvemir found themselves truly liking the old man.
Radbooks
· 3 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
This was a wonderful chapter to read! To see two of the incidents described in the King's Commission as they actually happened was a treat for me. To see what had happened to Ririon (sp?) that day and how he totally owned up to what he had done was marvelous, but also to see that Evamir was not quite the monster that I had thought. He was wrong, of course, but you showing that Ririon was not afraid of him made me feel better about him. Though now that I think back he couldn't have been too bad since they had saved his wages for him and things like that! :)
I absolutely love Iorhael. I liked him with Ruvemir, but I loved him interacting with Frodo and the hobbits here. His gentleness and kindness towards Frodo... and yet also his loneliness, since the only payment he wants is for Frodo to return to share his stories. Nicely done.
Author's reply
I never thought Evamir was a monster--just overreacting at the moment. Glad you also appreciate the fact he had reason to be angry, but not to strike out as he did. And Ririon was truthful, which I'm certain earned him points in Frodo's eyes, as it would with Aragorn as well.
As for Master Iorhael, I, too felt he just enjoyed having people he felt he could respect around him, and love that he wanted Frodo's companionship more than anything else. Am so glad you find yourself loving him even more than you did in The King's Commission.
Kitty
· 3 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
Oh, I had totally forgotten that was the time they had meet Ririon and Iorhael and was very pleased to see them again, for „The Kings Commission“ is still one of my favourite fics. So I enjoyed this chapter very much – it is so good to see these events happen after only knowing about it from what Ruvemir was told years later.
Faramir and Éowny holding hands so openly was sweet! I was always so glad they found love with each other after all they had lost and suffered.
Author's reply
Yes, we get the moment of meeting for these, for Frodo and Ririon and Evamir, then the meeting with Master Iorhael. I felt that Iorhael would appreciate Frodo wanting to reclaim his ability to write, and would have another artist's appreciation of the Hobbit's artistic skills and would warm to him even more on the basis of the shared gift.
As for Faramir and Eowyn--yes, they deserved the happiness they found with one another.
Thanks so much for the comments.
Linda Hoyland
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
I enjoyed reading about the visit to the artist's shop.
Author's reply
Yes, we are getting to as scene told about in The King's Commission, and I wished to explore the relationship between Frodo and Master Iorhael a bit from Frodo's perspective. Glad you enjoyed it.
Queen Galadriel
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
I enjoyed this very much. Master Iorhael sounds like an interesting fellow, and I must say he's as talkative as Butterbur. But even that is an enjoyable quality in him. It's so nice to see the hobbits just having a fairly ordinary day once in a while; I think they needed it. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
It's the first real chance to explore a bit of the White City on their own, and so they are meeting some interesting folk now. Am glad you enjoy Master Iorhael, who cultivates relationships with other artists. Frodo deserves to begin developing a few friendships here, don't you agree? And am glad you appreciate Master Iorhael. I've found him a very nice man in both the stories (including this one) in which he appears.
Tigger
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
I was wondering if we'd meet more friends from "The King's Commission" and here they are. I love how you've gone back to the Stationer's store and how Frodo and him started their friendship. Looking forward to seeing this develop and for the gifting of a certain picture of a Tree. ;o)
Oh and Pippin *would* take the scones to carry. You can put the Took in the uniform of the Guard of the Citadel, but...You know how that goes. :oD
Looking forward to the next chapter!! :o)
Author's reply
Yes, here are a few of them--Master Iorhael and Linneth, at least. Glad you appreciate seeing them.
But of COURSE Pippin would carry the scones--who else?
As for the drawing--it and the painting of Bag End are yet to come.
Dreamflower
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
This is a really nice chapter: I love the farewell to those going north. Very nicely done indeed!
But I was especially pleased by the hobbits' walk back up to the guesthouse--we got to see the incident with the cook in it's proper context. I also liked the way Frodo was able make the trip without getting sick--true, he had to stop and rest, but he made it, and I hope that will give him a feeling of accomplishment.
I really liked the interaction between the cousins and Sam in this chapter. Just the four of them, mostly, and that has to be a bit of a welcome change for them. They really haven't had a lot of time to themselves since they have been re-united.
Great chapter.
Author's reply
You are right--for once it is just the four of them, able to just be alone together for a time. And I think it was about time Frodo should feel a bit better, at least. And this was when the meeting with Evamir and Ririon happened, so felt we ought to see it happen. We know that wherever he went Frodo managed to make an impression, and I'm just glad it was a good one.
shirebound
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
What a wonderfully hobbity chapter. I love seeing the hobbits so honored and respected, and Frodo's artistic gifts (dancing, singing, writing, now sketching) acknowledged. And his encounter with the cook was very well done.
“An orphan, then, as I was.” The Hobbit’s eyes showed his own grief. “Do not let him be bereft again as he must have been when his parents died. And don’t let him come to hate or fear you.”
:D
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate seeing Frodo's own personal skills being brought out. He's not had the chance to draw since he was in Lothlorien, and even then it was only a small bit.
And I wanted for the meeting with Evamir and Ririon to be shown with Frodo's natural authority obvious to all. I'm just glad Frodo didn't feel called upon to have to sock the poor cook! Thanks so much for the comments.
French Pony
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
I liked that the boy Frodo rescued was actually guilty of intentional wrongdoing. Otherwise, that scene would have ended up making Frodo far too sanctimonious for his own good, but having the boy actually deserve punishment is a nice balance.
The Hobbits are dealing fairly well with their status as gift-receivers, but I think the guy in the art supply shop really did them the best favor of all. His gift is something that actually means something to Frodo -- not just food he can't eat, but help adjusting to the disability he incurred in saving the world, and a chance to reclaim a skill that clearly means a great deal to him.
Author's reply
Ririon, the boy from the Dragon's Claw, has appeared in The King's Commission, and there he admitted he allowed the soup to burn on purpose. No, Frodo wasn't sanctimonious; but he never could bear to see anyone physically hurting anyone else.
As for Master Iorhael--you are so right--his gift means the most in the end--materials for Frodo to reclaim his skill as a writer and artist, and the friendship of someone else with similar talents and interests, someone who accepts him as he is, and doesn't automatically idolize him because he is the Ringbearer. I'm certain he'd far rather be remembered as an artist, writer, and copyist than for losing a finger, myself.
harrowcat
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
Oh it is just great to see you filling in the gaps of your own writing with such loving detail Larner. Sort of a gap-filler within a gap-filler if you like. Except that people should be reading this first before your other pieces I suppose so it is scene-setting not gap-filling really! :) Now I am confusing myself. Anyway it is late here and I had better go to bed. Thanks for a nice end to rather a tough week!
Author's reply
Okay--sounds as if traveling through the wilds (or should I say the "tames") of England is getting to be rather much.
Yes, filling in gaps for my gapfillers indeed. And glad you liked Frodo's introduction to Ririon, Evamir Cook, the girl Linneth, and Master Iorhael. I thought I'd like to explore more of Iorhael's personality, for I found I really enjoyed what he revealed of himself in The King's Commission.
Love to the Black Monster, and best wishes to your mom.
Poor Frodo, to want to eat, and not be able to keep it down. He should listen to his healer, and drink all his medicine. He is having more good days now. Liked the dream Frodo had, of Aragorn and his children.
Author's reply
What we ought to do and what we WILL do, as you know, are often two different things completely.
Glad you like the dream of foresight. Frodo's been experiencing dreams of foresight since he was in Bombadil's house at least; and they continue now.
Thanks for the comments.
Linda Hoyland
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 39: 39: Spider Bite
I would much prefer the fish and vegetables !Poor frodo,unable to eat what he enjoys thought.I love the way that Aragorn is so considerate of him and respectful.I also enjoyedthe scene with Sam.
Author's reply
I'd prefer the lamb WITHOUT the curry, myself, although the veggies sound good to me, even.
And Aragorn would be considerate to Frodo, and would be coming to realize just how much Sam is coming to mean to him, I think.
At least Frodo could enjoy the feast and even dance a bit. But it is so sad he had another setback afterwards. I am only glad Elrohir and Aragorn were there for him. And the end with Aragorn and Sam was sweet. I think they both suffer because they aren't able to help Frodo permanently and need the comfort they can give each other.
Author's reply
There will be setbacks for the rest of Frodo's live in Middle Earth, a truth he is coming to accept. And Aragorn and Sam are both coming to realize how much they mean to one another, beyond their shared love for Frodo. And not being able to permanently help another is very painful--believe me.
Andrea
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 39: 39: Spider Bite
Oh Larner, I'm sorry to hear that you know some of Frodo's problems from your own experience. I used to have no problems with food at all - until some months ago. So I can feel with you and with Frodo! Although, for a hobbit it's much worse.
It's good to see how much Aragorn can help Frodo, but they will part far too soon. I wonder if Frodo ever thought of settling down in Minas Tirith.
Author's reply
It's nothing much, most of the time, until I miss a night of good sleep or have some crisis hit, and the stomach lets me know it's on the job, expressing my frustrations.
Perhaps we will explore the temptation Frodo has to remain in Minas Tirith. Had he remained, however, I suspect he would have still declined, but probably not as quickly or seriously.
Poor Frodo. Three steps forward, two steps back.
I'm glad to see Sam being 'umble. I wonder if he's entirely convinced of his 'I'm only a gardener' role now - sure the acclaim he has received must be making him doubt that he will ever be 'only a gardener' again. As Gimli says - he's a Lord of the Free Peoples - and even if that means nothing to the Gaffer, it means he has changed in ways that the Shire will never know.
It's a shame these two and Aragorn don't have that much longer to be together.
Author's reply
I started writing a response the other day, but a snowfall hit and suddenly I couldn't access the satellite connection, and then I found either the tenants were again playing with the server or a hacker managed to get by the firewall on it. Hate hackers sometimes. Had to remove a suite of software I certainly didn't download onto it!
Anyway, Sam is indeed beginning to realize he is more than just a gardener, and hopefully he won't again convince himself he's nothing more. And he and Aragorn are building their own relationship independent of Frodo, although their strongest tie at the moment continues to remain the current family head for the Bagginses.
And it is indeed a shame that their time together draws to a close. I think Aragorn is cherishing every minute of it.
French Pony
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 39: 39: Spider Bite
Poor Frodo, he gets one day where everything is working right, and he gets to eat and drink and dance, and then he just goes to pieces. That must be especially frustrating for him. But at least he did get to dance, and I think that was good for him. At the very least, dancing, even if it was a slower dance, raised his spirits a little for a short time.
So that spider bite is draining. . . that's probably good, all things considered. Whatever is draining out of the wound, it's probably better to have that on the outside than on the inside.
One small nitpick: I don't think Aragorn would have mentioned that the cooks have a store of a spice the Rhunim call curry. Curry is a mixture of spices, not a spice in and of itself. The cooks could have store of the spices needed to create Aragorn's favorite curry, though.
Author's reply
Yes, this is life for many in situations similar to Frodo's, and he knows pleasure, laughter, the ability to express joy--and then illness. Yes, the spider bite is draining, but so far they don't know why.
As for curry being a mixture of specific spices--you will have to accept my plea of not knowing, for I myself can't eat curry, peppers, chilis, onions, or similar foods--I have several of the digestive disorders ascribed to Frodo as a result of his near-starvation, exposure to ash, and his spider bite, although I've had mine for many years and mine are mostly responses to stress. That in the past the Citadel purchased an amount of the mixed spices used to curry lamb still seems logical to me.
Aha--the promised snow nos is falling. Oh, wonderful!
The frustration, sadness, anger, depression and many other emotions that come with realising and living with long-term illness and disability can be overwhelming. Total acceptance of the state or situation can be dangerous too as it may lead to despair and/or self-neglect. But to have the courage and strength of will to fight (what seems like) a losing battle with one step forward for every two or three steps back and to do it with humbleness and grace takes a true nobleness of Spirit.
Thank you for portraying this so well Larner.
Author's reply
Unfortunately for many this is what they do face, and to do so with a measure of grace isn't easy.
Thank you for your appreciation of my attempt to be true to life.
Grey Wonderer
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
As this chapter ended with laughter, I think I will stop here so that I will be slightly awake tomorrow for work. You certainly mixed this one up. I was near tears when Frodo saw Pippin's injuries and then again when Aragorn told Pippin how proud he was of him and then I wind up laughing at Aragorn's land dealings and Frodo's teasing. Lovely way to end the evening. I will be back!
Author's reply
Life is mixed, joy and sorrow, pleasure and pain, jokes and laughter and tears often all together in one bunch. And this brings it altogether in a single chapter, with Frodo even able to laugh, which he still could do.
Grey Wonderer
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 27: 27: Halargil of the Guard of the Citadel
(Elf and King looked at one another, then exchanged looks with Eldamir. Aragorn closed his eyes and shook his head. “Feelings of guilt can destroy so much of one’s spirit,” he said quietly. Knowing from personal experience just how true this statement was, Frodo simply nodded.)
I like the way you've hooked this poor man's grief with Frodo's feelings. When the man choses to die it makes Frodo's situation seem all the more bleak and yet speaks to Frodo's strength that he tried for as long as he did.
I loved Sam's surprise when Pippin stayed as guard outside. Pippin is doing a wonderful job and I like his pride in his duty.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo is learning to live, and that there is a right time and a wrong time to let go.
And, yes, Pippin knows his duty.
Grey Wonderer
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 26: 26: Searching for Answers
“We Hobbits simply enjoy.” That tends to say it all right there. I loved how Frodo answered questions but managed to avoid certain topics. Very skillful.
Author's reply
Frodo, after all, wasn't named vainly. Glad you appreciated his description of his people.
Grey Wonderer
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 25: 25: Honoring Service
Lord Captain Thorongil is on everyone's minds but they still have no clue. LOL
Loved "the waking of the King" but wouldn't want the job myself. Dangerous work. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Glad you appreciate it, GW. And I wouldn't mind waking the King, once I had an idea of what to expect. I'd probably stand behind the door and cough--REALLY loud. Heh! But, then, I've always had a distinct crush on Aragorn anyway.
“A burden, small brother? No, never that. Never, never that. Stubborn? Yes! But never a burden.”
Love it, love it! That is absolutely beautiful! Indeed, how could Frodo be a burden to anyone? It was so good to see him enjoying himself at the feast, but I knew he shouldn't have eaten those sweets and had that wine. Poor dear, I can't blame him, but I knew he'd lose it. *sad sigh* Poor fellow, I know it's frustrating, oh I know it, and I feel ashamed of ever complaining a few years ago when I couldn't tolerate anything more than soup and very light sandwiches. That's bearable, anyway. I can see how you linked this story to "Fostering," which I thoroughly enjoyed, with the counting song, and I have a growing curiosity as to how the song goes. :-) I think this is the best chapter yet. Namarie, and God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I don't know if you have ever heard "Green Grow the Rushes-O," but the song I imagine as being close to that.
"I'll sing you one-O.
Green Grow the Rushes-O. What is your one-O?
One is one and all alone and ever more shall be-O.
I'll sing you two-O.
Green grow the rushes-O. What is your two-O?
Two, two the lily-white boys, clothed all in green-O;
and One is one and all alone and ever more shall be-O."
Frodo would see himself as a burden; no one else would see him that way, or see helping him however possible as more than a gift. Yes, he's fragile and frustrated; but he will receive his reward in the end, even if it costs him greatly and others just as greatly for him to know it.
Author Reply: For those who wish to know the full song:
I'll sing you one-O.
Green grow the rushes-O. What is your one-O?
One is one and all alone and ever more shall be so.
Twelve for the twelve apostles,
and eleven for the eleven went up to heaven.
Ten for the ten commandments,
and nine for the nine bright shiners.
Eight for the April rainers,
and seven for the seven stars in the sky.
Six for the six proud walkers,
and five for the symbols at your door.
Four for the gospel writers.
Three, three, the strangers,
Two, two the lily-white boys, clothèd all in green-O,
and One is One and all alone and ever more shall be so.
I first learned this song at age ten attending our diocese's church camp; I later found it in a 4-H song book in the last sixties.
The 3 line is sung at a much slower tempo, similar to the 5 line in The Twelve Days of Christmas. Both the 3 line and the one line have two melody lines which are often sung in harmony.