It is so frustrating when your body won't allow you to do what you want to do or used to do. I can very much understand Frodo's anger and frustration.
Couldn't help but laugh at Frodo's peacock comment to Aragorn. Cute, very cute barb by our favourite hobbit. :oD
Loved the final scene between Sam and Aragorn. So touching and lovely.
Looking forward to the next chapter as always Larner. :o)
Author's reply
It is frustrating not knowing from moment to moment what to expect for the next one. And Frodo is suffering, yes; yet at the same time is knowing measures of pleasure and fulfilment, which tend to evaporate from memory as the next bout hits him.
Glad you liked the peacock comment.
And Aragorn and Sam are beginning to more fully forge the relationship they will have until Sam follows Frodo out of Middle Earth.
Man and Hobbit held each other closely. Sam murmured into Aragorn’s chest, “I can’t dream why at the first I didn’t trust you, my beloved Lord Strider. We’re blest to of been with you so long.”
Together they went back into Frodo’s room. He was asleep, his breathing eased, his face pale, his expression solemn. For a moment the two lingered over him, and the King invoked the Elessar’s power to protect him during the night.
As they left the room the breeze stirred the wind rods, and their gentle notes filled Frodo’s dreams with memories of the wind in the rigging of ships.
As much as it pains me to see Frodo so fragile, I'm ever so grateful that he's surrounded by such love.
Author's reply
At least Frodo always was that, surrounded by love, even when he felt himself most alone.
Thanks so much for the response.
It was nice for Frodo to have a little fun, if only briefly. I hope that draining the spider bite will advance his healing more quickly. Aragorn and his brothers make excellent, nuturing healers. Strangely, the thing I liked best in this chapter was the boiler in Frodo's bathing room. It's a little bit of technology that seems to fit into the story well. ~TF
Author's reply
I've had boilers in Minas Tirith for a time now--not much--just enough to heat water fairly quickly for a single bath. Glad you like that touch.
As for draining the spider bite helping--that remains to be seen.
What a sweet chapter! I'm so glad Frodo was able to have a pleasant time at the feast, and even dance, although he had a turn for the worse afterward.
Poor Aragorn must feel so frustrated not to be able to help Frodo more, and Frodo of course is frustrated at his lack of recovery. And the moment with Sam at the end was so dear!
I sometimes wonder if it might not have been better for Frodo to have remained in Minas Tirith--if he could possibly have recovered a bit more, and had the ministrations of the King. But he would not have done so, if only for the reason that his companions would have felt obligated to remain with him. *sigh*
And of course, he *did* want to return to the Shire as well.
Author's reply
He might have remained a bit longer, but the quality of his life would still have gone downhill, I suspect. Frodo is getting better slowly; but will never truly heal before the full loss starts happening.
grumpy
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
I always thought Aragorn's solution to the Beregond problem was inspirational, staying within the law, and rewarding him, with the person he saved.
Loved how you write Aragorn's court. And that part where Aragorn talks to Frodo and Sam about his love.
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate the additions and expansions to the familiar scenes. I hope that I do Aragorn's court full justice. And the Master did give us a King full worthy to rule, didn't he?
And so glad you liked Aragorn's talk of his love, although he never named it openly.
Armariel
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
A splendid scene. I could see it all in my mind. Another delightful fleshing out of a thumbnail sketch...is that a mixed metaphor? *g*
~~~{~@
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate how I filled out the scenes, for I've wanted to see more of the details myself for so long. It's always a joy to be able to find somewhere where I can stay so strictly within canon and yet let my own imagination fill in so many details. Thanks so much for the kind words.
Baggins Babe
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Yet another scene which I felt had been somehow cut from the book and finally reappeared here. This was a wonderful peep at the honours given to those most deserving - Faramir is not only a fine and worthy Prince of Gondor but also a worthy suitor for Eowyn. How perfect to have Frodo and Gandalf involved in the ceremony, as a sort of mirror image of the Coronation.
Lovely to see Pip made a Captain of the Guard, and Merry receiving his new sword. The hobbits are all given respect from the people and the nobles.
A beautiful and moving glimpse of Tolkien's world, Larner.
Author's reply
Thank you, BagginsBabe. That this has obviously touched a joyful note with so many is flattering. We all love what Aragorn did for Faramir and Beregond; and to be able to add in the details has been a joy! Thanks again.
French Pony
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Aragorn certainly has a flair for the dramatic. All that time sending messengers to everyone to tell them what to wear to court that day probably heightened the suspense and made the granting of pardons and titles even more of an occasion. Must have been a lot of work, but I bet it was worth it to see the expressions on everyone's faces and how handsome they must have looked.
Author's reply
When Aragorn son of Arathorn grants honors, he does it right, and with the desire to put each into as good a light as possible, I think.
So glad you appreciate it, FP.
Kitty
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
That was sweet. It is good to know Aragorn, Frodo and Sam are together and able to help each other, at least to a certain extend.
And the rest is so lovely! I'd liked to be there, too! It was so nice to see how exactly Faramir became the Prince of Ithilien; Tolkien told us not much about it. A wonderful idea to have Frodo to give the circlet to Aragorn! And on top of it, Éomer's leave to court Éowyn!
Pippin's appointment as Captain of the Guard and Merry's distinction were equally wonderful. And I loved the part with Beregond. I was always quite happy with Aragorn's decision to make him Captain of Faramir's guard after all what Beregond risked to save Faramir's life. It is good Aragorn is able not only to judge what happened at Rath Dinen, but to weigh everything he did. (Denethor wouldn't have done that but would've had Beregond executed, of that I am sure!)
Author's reply
Yes, the three are there for one another through this evening, and Aragorn has someone with whom to confide at least some of what he would wish, although he's not naming names yet.
And I thought that having Frodo and Gandalf take part helped give a feeling of symmetry and blessing, reflecting Aragorn's own coronation. And this would be an ennoblement gift which Faramir would appreciate--formal permission to court the woman he loves!
I've always written Pippin as a Captain of the Guard, and wanted to explore when and how this happened; and I certainly wished to see when Merry got his new sword from Eomer and Eowyn.
But mostly I wished to look at the reactions to the judgment of Beregond. We know he was happy; but what about those who heard and learned of that judgment, and the realization this man his fellows loved is now the highest ranking officer in Ithilien. He may have had to follow the ancient law to leave the city where he has served to date; but both his sin and his sacrifice have now been rewarded, and I'm certain the honor he received would have been profound. So glad you approve!
Bodkin
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
And I'll bet Faramir was taken aback. Despite being the highest in the land after his father's death and until the coronation, he is not the kind of man to expect this treatment. But a good decision of Aragorn's - as is his solution to the problem of Beregond.
Aragorn is still waiting on word of whether Arwen will arrive, though - and I'm glad to see he is concerned for Elrond's loss in his own hope of gain. But the prospects are good and nature is looking towards the future.
Author's reply
I've wanted to see Tolkien's report on these happenings fleshed out somehow, and was grateful for the chance to write it.
And yes, Aragorn is waiting, and worrying perhaps a bit as well, and communicating a bit of his anxiety to two whose company has come to mean a great deal to him, I think. Elrond has made his sacrifice willing at the end, wishing to see two he loves more than many others happy and to assure the blessedness of the mortal lands after he is gone, although the pain of separation is there.
What is the cost of love? The probability of loss. Yet, even he in the end finds it worth it, I think.
harrowcat
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Not much time to review this morning as I am off down the motorway yet again. But this is Masterly, yet again.
Author's reply
Be careful on the roads--we were supposed to have snow last night, though nothing stuck in my immediate area. Still the dogs got the door to their yard open, and this room is FREEZING this morning, and the fire in the stove went out. MAN, it's cold!
Glad you approve. I've always wanted to see the manner in which Faramir became Prince of Ithilien and the reaction of others to the judgment of Beregond, and now have had the chance to write them!
Linda Hoyland
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 37: 37: King's Gift
I feel very sorry for both Frodo and Aragorn her.If anything, I think the punishments were on the lenient side.
Feeling another's pain is a dubious gift,and I know of people who do have it.For a King it makes them think about what they do.The argument shows both Aragorn and Frodo as human.
Author's reply
Yes, both are human here, each realizing the other's gifts and trying to understand and beginning to share the deeper knowledge of one another's weaker points; and here Frodo is starting to realize that Aragorn's proposed punishments are not arbitrary but the result of a great deal of thought, experience, and consideration, which I don't think he expected to be true.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 November 2005
· Chapter 36: 36: Finding Harmony
What a beautiful scene for Aragorn and Frodo, you write those two together so well!I also enjoyed the other delightful glimpses of the King throughout the chapter.
Author's reply
I love writing my favorites, and these two are certainly among them. And Frodo needs Aragorn right now as he tries to recover. These first few days in Gondor are indeed a roller coaster for Frodo!
Tigger
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Oh Larner...You have done an amazing job at fleshing out just how Faramir was gifted the Princedom of Ithilien and then how Aragorn made Beregond The Captain of The White Company. You took what was a little mention in ROTK and have turned it into so much more. Lovely, lovely job and I think we all needed a happier chapter after the last few.
Now...Am I wrong in thinking I foresee Gandalf taking Aragorn on a little jaunt outside of the City soon? Hmmmm? :oD
Looking forward as always to the next chapter. :o)
Author's reply
Obviously folk think I did justice to the story as begun by the Master, and I am honored. But I've tried to imagine several times how these moments of honor were handled, and it's a joy to finally be able to put them into print and see them come to life so others can share my own imaginings.
Remember, though--we're only about a week into Aragorn's rule, and Arwen doesn't arrive for a month and a half yet! Heh!
Queen Galadriel
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Wow! I love the ending of this chapter! Also I love Frodo saying that that beautiful song of so much hope is inscribed on his heart, and Aragorn speaking of Arwne as his "treasure" and so much more highly. Ooooo! I can't wait for the wedding! :-) God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate this. I think that that song would stay with Frodo forever--forever and a day! And Aragorn is not yet naming his treasure, but at least is admitting the hope of it.
The wedding is coming, but still will take time to arrive.
TithenFeredir
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
For Beregond to be appointed to serve Faramir was a wonderful stroke and a heartwarming scene. Once again Aragorn shows himself to be a wise and just king. ~TF
Author's reply
Beregond's tale is only expanded from what is in the book, of course; in the film he's quite forgotten. But, yes, Aragorn has shown his true mettle, and shows himself as one who judges both on the love expressed and the misdeeds, and will thus render true justice in the end. Am so glad Tolkien gave us the outline and I was able to flesh out some of the details here.
Radbooks
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
I loved the conversation between Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam. How Aragorn talked about his hope and treasure without ever naming Arwen - you did a wonderful job of writing that section. Here is my favorite part:
“Oh, a mighty hope indeed, and one which has proven terribly costly, so much so I have sacrificed most of my independence at the last. But once I can hold it as my own, it will be full worthy of that cost. I only hope that it doesn’t leave those who entrust it to me totally bereft. For I’m not the only one who has paid and will continue to pay for ages yet.”
It's so deeply moving and just shows his heart very, very well.
Author's reply
Aragorn isn't the type to count his chickens before they hatch, or in this case his brides before they come to be wed to him. He will confide some, but still is keeping his hope close to him, for only those to share who truly understand both the joy and grief that coming means.
Am so glad you find this moving. The love between Aragorn and Arwen is bittersweet, after all.
Radbooks
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 37: 37: King's Gift
Oh, poor Frodo has to feel what Aragorn feels when someone is punished too. How awful for him! He doesn't need to have to deal with anything else, his own pain is enough. I was going to ask if this was an effect from the Ring, but it sounds like it started when he was quite young, so is it because he and Aragorn are truly 'brothers'? It must be that, I suppose. The ending of the chapter, where he could only feel the pain more strongly than the pleasure was heart-wrenching.
Nicely done... but so hard.
Author's reply
Frodo is feeling the pains and griefs that go on around him, or at least to those with whom he shares some bond, even if it is reluctant as with Angrapain. And it is probably indeed due to the spiritual relationship he shares with Aragorn.
Frodo isn't perhaps as aware of his response to the pleasures he experiences so vicariously, but then the response to the bad times is more dramatic and harder to overlook. He feels overwhelmed at times with his body's unwillingness to cooperate. In the end, however, I think he will realize it's not as one-sided as it feels when the depressions hit. But if you've ever experienced deep depression, you know how hard it can be to remember the pleasures that one knew just recently. But for now he is responding more to the pain than to the joys, which must seem so fleeting to him.
Thanks for the reviews.
Interesting how even guilt can make Frodo feel that he is alive, he is so eaten out on the inside that only really strong emotions can fill him now. So very tragic and yet going through really traumatic events does that to people. I liked how the garden was soothing to him (and to Aragorn), it would have been a touch of home I would think - a memory of happier times.
I can just see Galador hiding out in his office trying to figure out what to do about the feast and that was nice that Faralion came and helped him out and I'm sure they were totally shocked to have all 3 kings some and visit them! As Aragorn was explaining things to Galador about how he wanted things done and then apologizing to him, I was wondering to myself if Galador really heard all of that or if he would be back to his old ways in a few days! :) At least about how Aragorn greets and arranges the seating, etc. I just remember things from the other stories and little comments Aragorn made about upseting the Master of Protocol, but at least Aragorn tried to explain to him how things would be done.
Off to read the next chapter now!
Author's reply
Yes, it takes strong emotions to get through to Frodo now, and it's difficult for him to accept there are good times as well as the bad, as the response to the bad tends to be so dramatic any more. But, as you said, this all too often happens in real life.
Yes, Galador is a bit bemused, and will find his King will continue to challenge him and his expectations probably for the rest of his tenure. But I think in his heart of hearts even he is pleased with the new state of affairs.
Anonymous
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Glad to see that you held to the original author's vision of the place of
women in middle earth. That you depict Aragorn as viewing Arwen as a
treasure to be won or lost adds to the realism of the story. It also speaks
to his typical human frailty that the struggle for freedom is not in itself
a sufficient reward, but an additional prize is required to persevere.
We often ascribe the noblest of motives to our actions while scrutinizing
others with withering efficiency. This characterization of Aragorn displays
added dimension to one that is often displayed as flawless and totally altruistic. Sure it hurts the romantic fantasy somewhat but then it adds to the credibility
of the story.
Tedicus (Yes an actual male)
Author's reply
Have had a few reviews by actual males, and appreciate them when they come. Glad to see you reviewing!
Aragorn needed that carrot to see it all through; and in "Light on the Way" I characterized the situation as Aragorn felt the price of ruling two realms was worthwhile to hold her as his wife. I'm very glad you find this adds to the credibility of my version of events. It took the desire for one another for Luthien and Beren to cleave to one another and to fight Morgoth with all that was within them; why should Aragorn be spurred by altruism (and the desire to appease the King's Gift) alone?
Thanks so much for the review, and hope to hear more from you in the future.
grumpy
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 37: 37: King's Gift
This trip to the house of healing, came with some surprises. So Frodo has the King's gift too. Must be hard on Aragorn to order punishment and know that he will feel it to.
I bet Angrapain and Belladon have not done much work, or any work in their lives.
Author's reply
Aragorn knows he may feel it, but to not order it would hurt worse in the end as those whom he ought to have punished just go on to hurt others, again and again.
And Frodo is realizing he's probably had this gift for quite some time, but is only now aware of its reality and the purpose for which it was gifted to mortals.
As for Angrapain and Belladon working--I'm sure they felt they were earning their keep, but now will learn what REAL work is indeed for the first time in their lives.
So glad you appreciate it.
I love it that Aragorn wants to garden, it is a good outlet for him. Nothing like getting your hands dirty, even better if you get vegetables at the end. I also liked Aragorn's visit to Galador. Galador trys hard, he just has to get his head wrapped arround to the new way of thinking.
Author's reply
Yes, definitely a new way of thinking about things for Galador, and he'll do well enough with it, I suspect, as time passes.
As for the garden--I've always thought Elrond would want his foster son to know how to nurture the herbs he'll need to use, and to use them in a variety of ways as well.
So glad you approve!
Raksha The Demon
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
The huge 'thud' you hear is the sound of me falling to the floor in a Fangurly swoon, overwhelmed by the parts of this chapter where Faramir gets Serious Respect, Appreciation, Cheering, a new silvery-white cloak, and a Moonstone Crown, blessed by Gandalf and carried by the Ringbearer. And oh yes, the Princedom of Ithilien. Sigh. Oh, for one week of great artistic talent so I could draw and paint that scene. Or just Aragorn and Faramir, those two Numenorean hunks. Great to see that Aragorn was happy to reward Faramir with that extra princedom - I'm sure that Eowyn appreciates the gesture as well.
The rest of the chapter was fine, too. Yes, I did read the rest of the chapter; though somewhat blinded by the light of a silver-white cloak and raven-haired moonstone-crowned Prince of Ithilien.
And of course, Beregond received justice. And a Captaincy of Faramir's own guard. Sad that he'll have to leave Minas Tirith forever, but a lesser King would have just executed or banished Beregond with no reward; and I don't see Beregond and his family complaining.
Author's reply
This is why we LOVE Aragorn so--because he tempered justice for misdeeds with justice for positive deeds as well. I, too, find myself wanting to do this picture. And if Frodo carried Aragorn's crown, certainly he ought to get to hand the moonstone circlet of Ithilien to Aragorn! It's only fair he ought to be part of this reward as much as the other.
Do make certain to ooze to the side when the vacuum is run, btw. Heh!
So glad you appreciate the fleshing out of this scene.
shirebound
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
Gah, I got two phone calls while trying to leave a review for this exquisite chapter! But I'm back, with great praise. What a glorious scene.
"A lord it will need, one who knows and loves it and will seek to see it restored, both its wild places maintained and its gardens replanted and its fields once again ripening in the fullness of its bounty. I therefore name you Faramir, Prince of Ithilien.” So saying, he lifted the circlet he held, set with moonstones about its circumfrence and with a great one in its central boss, and gently placed it on Faramir’s brow.
*sigh* And this is very lovely imagery:
the honest clouds of weather after years of unnatural glooms and fumes.
Author's reply
We've been waiting to see that moment fleshed out, haven't we? I've wanted to see what Tolkien left out there for SO long! And I got the chance to do some of the filling in at last! So glad you appreciate it!
And also so glad you love that phrase! Thanks so much for the words of appreciation, for you know how much they keep us all writing.
Dreamflower
· 28 November 2005
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
*huge happy grin*
I love all the additions you make to what happened--the extra honors, showing the way that Faramir was honored, and Pippin and Merry, and then to show Beregond's recieving of both justice and favor at the same time--just the way JRRT did it, but with just those lovely extra details which make all of us love your gap-fillers so very much.
*grinning some more*
Author's reply
I am so glad this has left your day the brighter--I think we needed it after some of the last few chapters....
And you know how much your appreciation means to me! Thank you so very much.