Thank *you*. Your notes and explanations here were very instructive--far more so than any of the endless research I've done on ptsd-though "Too Deeply Hurt" helped a great deal as well. I still can't believe this is finished. I can look back over the past several months, and certain parts of the story come to mind-the night I first stumbled across it, desperate for something to read in September, I think; "getting used to" court life through this and finding that I liked it after all; the hobbits' life in Minas Tirith; the chapter about the soldier whom Frodo comforted-I still have to say that's my favourite part; Aragorn and Arwen's wedding; the delightful affair of the bath tub full of fruit :); Mina and her gentleness and protective love; and that little nursery rhyme that Frodo sings to the little girl in the Houses of Healing.
I'll say with Harrowcat that this story (and others of yours) has impacted even my moods, especially on those days that have been less than pleasant.
I try to stick to canon myself, most of the time, but I enjoy your view of things very much-and heartily agree that Frodo and Sam, after experiencing all they did, would *not* be able to go to a feast and eat like hobbits, whatever power to heal Aragorn may have. Not to undermine him, of course, but it just doesn't happen that way.
I'm torn between helping Dreamflower out and giving you my sympathy on turning to publishable work. (BTW, I have not forgotten your Frodo and Aragorn story, but an original has got me all rapt up in it lately, and it's hard to leave a young girl who is dying and her desperate family and friends, you know.) Anyway, I can certainly sympathise, but I can't wait to see more from you! :) Namarie, God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
It's so wonderful to see specifically which parts of the story meant the most to you. So many seemed to appreciate the expansion on the story of the soldier which was first mentioned in "The King's Commission" and the bathtub of fruit story told from Pippin's point of view in "The Ties of Family" and how the drawing of Arwen's image caught in the boughs of the dead White Tree first mentioned in "The King's Commission" came to be. I see that image myself in my mind, but haven't yet been able to reproduce it as yet in my drawings.
That apparently my stories have managed to help others find inspiration means a great deal to me. Certainly Tolkien's work has offered that to me.
Thank you. At the moment I'm so in need of good vibes and prayers.
I'll probably continue on with my fan fiction as well as working on my original story. Am going to have to get on that now, though. I need some workable income.
Dreamflower
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 9999: Author's Notes
Thank you for including your notes on the decisions you made regarding Frodo's story as you wrote it. I have frequently found myself in agreement with a great many (though not all) of the assumptions you have made as ones which I had thought of as well. And I think you have done a brilliant job!
As to PTSD, I had already been greatly inflenced in my own understanding of this from this online essay:
http://www.geocities.com/karynmilos/toodeeplyhurt.html
I don't know if you are familiar with it, but it made a huge impression on me, as I read it shortly before I began writing fic myself.
I find myself looking forward a good deal to more from you--I really would like to read the story of Pippin's "reconciliation" scene with his father, that you hinted at. And I would like to know more of Brendi and Narcissa's story as well. Not to throw bunnies at you or anything...
Author's reply
TooDeeplyHurt is one site I keep bookmarked, for it helped gel much of what I myself felt about Frodo Baggins.
At the time I first read LOTR two of my favorite books were The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas and The Ship of Ishtar by Abraham Merrit. Both Marcellus in the Robe and John Kenton in The Ship go through shell shock. I'd read a few other books set during or after WWI and WWII which also featured characters who were suffering from the condition; I certainly recognized it in Frodo as soon as I read ROTK. And how could he not know it, considering what he went through?
As for our mutual agreement on much of the characterization we do--what can I say? Great minds do tend to think alike, after all.
Now you offer me more plot bunnies and nuzguls? Oh, dear, you're going to keep me writing here when I do really need to work on Louie and John's story, you know!
harrowcat
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 9999: Author's Notes
PP.S 'Yeh' I finally get to be the first to review!!! Although, as it is nearly midnight, my 8.30am meeting people my not thank you so much when my brain is not in gear!
Author's reply
Well, they'll understand, probably! Heh!
harrowcat
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 9999: Author's Notes
Oh Larner, the thanks are very much ours to you for honouring us with your writing. And I, for one, got so much more than simple enjoyment out of the reading; pleasure and laughter, sorrow and tears; each have come in turn. I have never failed to be moved by each of the chapters as they have appeared and will certainly be re-reading but more to savour the whole than to look for errors or changes. I also get nearly as much from reading your responses to reviews and your detailed and thoughful notes as I do from the story.
Above all, your writing has/is sustaining me through some of my own life-experiences - Again, THANK YOU.
P.S So now what? *grin* Can't wait for more!!!!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Writing these stories has helped me a good deal in dealing with the feelings engendered by some of my own life issues, but not necessarily in solving them, though, or so I find. That I've managed to move you to so many moods and emotions shows I'm doing my job as a writer, of course, and I look forward one day to seeing some of your work.
And am glad my notes have also managed to instruct and move you, or just to evoke further thought on your side.
As for what's next? I'm not certain, particularly as Dreamflower just added more nuzguls and plotbunnies to the menage!
Let me know how your mom is doing.
grumpy
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Good to see Erestor in the Shire, and through Cyclamen's eyes. Poor Sam he still does not know that Frodo is going on the ships.
Author's reply
No, Tolkien himself indicated Sam didn't know where Frodo was going until the last minute, not understanding until they met with the Elves. I'm just glad that he didn't try to fool Sam as well.
Iorhael
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Who for Ringbearer?
What a marvelous job! You have it till 100 chaps already. One day I will day dedicate myself to read them all.
Author's reply
Yes, a hundred chapters and author's notes and introduction of sorts.
Thanks so much for indicating you intend to read them. Hope you enjoy them thoroughly.
*sniffle*
*sigh*
This has been a wonderful tale, filling in so many gaps with plausible explanations...
But more than that, you captured the spirit of the love that was Frodo Baggins, and the love everyone else who knew him came to feel for him as well.
Wonderfully, masterfully told.
Author's reply
I am very honored, Dreamflower--truly honored indeed.
And I'd tried to show both the love that Frodo embodied and that all who truly knew him gave him in return.
Thank you so much for following this so faithfully.
Oh, darling, you have joy at last! This has not been an easy journey to take, but I am glad I did take it, that I was with you. I love you.
Larner, hannon le for this! I am glad that Sundays are exempt in Lent so I could keep up with this. I suspected the Voice was Iluvatar's and I'm glad I was right. I'm sorry that Aragorn missed saying goodbye to his brother - I did so hope you would break with canon for it for the king's sake, but ah well. I'm glad they have some contact still though and now Frodo just needs to wait for his other brother to be complete again. I read one of Queen Galadriel's review that it was felt that she was personally losing Frodo and indeed it did feel that way as we followed him along on such a detailed telling of his decline. I've been dreading the 13th for weeks just as though it can still hurt him, but he's a shining being of light now and has been for thousands of years. I can so easily imagine him standing there in the Presence with his Sam, Rosie, his nieces and nephews and cousins and brother king - and right next to him, the Professor! I can hardly wait to see that myself and to see what masterpiece you write next!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Ah--my Lenten discipline involves chocolate and Dr. Pepper. Perhaps one day the internet might be added, but not yet!
I, too, am glad that Aragorn is able to find other ways to communicate with Frodo, although I hint the White Tree is involved in "The King's Commission" and show it plainly in "The Ties of Family."
I only push canon here and there, and TRY not to break it, although now and then I have to do edits when I realize I made a blooper now and then--once described Dora as Bilbo's sister instead of Drogo and Dudo's, you see, and in this one I went a bit wild with Lobelia's pedigree. Glad I checked the family trees again.
As for whether our favorite characters will be there to greet us--I'd certainly like that!
But I do think that what I wrote in the ends of "Light on the Way" and "Fostering" would be true for Frodo and Aragorn and Sam!
Antane
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Out of the mouths of babes, indeed! That child does have some insight, doesn't she? Wow. And wonderful to see the backstory of Gandalf getting Merry and Pippin to the Havens in time. I know Frodo's reasoning behind not telling them, but thank Gpd Gandalf realized that Frodo would have suffered more not to have said goodbye and more pain is the one that thing that dear one does not need! Loved the story Frodo told too.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, both Cyclamen and Dianthus are very perceptive, each in her own way.
And it was fun trying to figure what kind of obstacles might hold up the White Wizard. But Merry and Pippin deserved to know, after all! They don't deserve being left behind as Frodo had intended.
I felt so sorry for Aragorn, arriving too late to bid farewell to Elrond and Gandalf as well as Frodo. The letters were perfect, and Gandalf's particularly moving.
So Frodo can finally accept that he is loved and that what he did was worthy of praise and admiration. His going to the Undying Lands was worth it for that alone.
I have loved this story - a phenomenal amount of effort and a huge achievement.
Little Cyclamen saying Frodo's finger should be honoured and proud was a beautiful moment, but there have been so many moments such as that. Thank you for this wonderful and absorbing tale.
Now I'm wondering what your next story will be!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the compliments, as it keeps me writing.
I agree that to have Frodo simply accept properly won praise and thanks is itself well worth the voyage; and I do believe he found again his ability to dance freely, as I hinted in "The Ties of Family" where he dances the Husbandmen's Dance beneath the White Tree.
Cyclamen insisted on having a place in this story, as I think she now feels she ought to be included in all of them if possible.
As for the next one--we'll have to see which nuzgul makes it first--or maybe the plotbunny will beat them both out.
Andrea
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 100: 100: Offering Accepted
Wow! That was beautiful!
And in his heart he felt a moment of recognition from Aragorn. Small brother--are you there? Do you rejoice once more? Are you learning once more how to live fully? At last! Eglerio, Frodo--eglerio!
Ah--yes, tall brother. I’m learning at last--the greatest Sacrifice of all is to live to the delight of Eru.
And once more Frodo felt as if a warm hand had been laid on his shoulder, and he felt compassed around with Light and Love. Yes, Frodo--this sacrifice indeed is acceptable.
"To live to the delight of Eru" or to live fully, as Aragorn says, is something that Frodo had not thought to be possible for him. He was hurt far too deeply, he thought, his body, his soul - and his pride. He wanted to die right there on Mt. Doom because of his failure, because of the emptiness he felt. It was the Baggins stubbornness that brought him back to the Shire. He accomplished a lot in the last years there, but soon he felt he was fading. He did not belong there anymore. And he only accepted Arwen's offer to spare his friends the pain to see him die, I think. But he made it to Tol Eressea and he felt the healing and finally when he was given the ability to communicate with Aragorn through the White Tree, he felt pure joy! And this joy made the sacrifice acceptable!
Once again "the voice" calls him "Frodo" - the voice of a parent, I'm quite sure!
This could very well be the end of your story, but the summary says "in progress". Will there be another chapter?
Author's reply
A wonderful summary, Andrea. Thank you.
And this time being called Frodo is indeed intended as a parent speaks to a beloved child.
The story is done, although I do have the author's notes to finish and post. Then I'll mark it done indeed.
Thanks so much for all the feedback--I appreciate it so much!
Antane
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
You will be refilled, darling, you will be overflowing with joy and peace and light...just hold on...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Tedicus
A prodigious effort Larner! Gandalf's letter is magnificent.
If only the small step of applying that logic to the divine
right of monarchies were taken to its inevitable conclusion;
middle earth politics might be infused with the fervor of a
revolution.
Your account of Frodo here has hinted at another possible
undiagnosed medical condition: "S.R.S" (Selective Recall Syndrome).
No patient with chronic pain that requires opiates to remain minimally
functional, could possibly endure the constant exposure to a bawling,
brat. If that could not cure him of his desire to procreate then
poor Frodo must be living in a state of delusion.
As a nonreligious individual, I have chosen to appreciate the
incredible depth of the characters you imbue with such life and detail
without the "spiritual" aspects that you yourself and many others seem to
enjoy. That the narrative holds up inspite of this is a
testament to your literary talents. We all choose to see the world
through differently tinted lenses I suppose.
So what's up next? Perhaps a fresh perspective on the much maligned
and under exposed Ted Sandyman? A sceptic and a freewheeling capitalist,
now that sounds like an interesting individual...Please don't make him gay-
not that there is anything wrong with that of course!!!!
Anticipating the next work of art. Thanks
Author's reply
You have me giggling again, Tedicus. Am not certain whether or not Middle Earth is up to communism, socialism, anarchy, or even a democracy, although they do have a form of the latter in the Shire for the Mayor's office, at least.
Not all babies are bawling brats, I'll have you know, although I'll admit even the best can drive you nuts at times.
Tolkien in his letters described much of the spiritual aspect of his story he so carefully excised from it before publication; I just tend to carry it on a bit further. I am religious, not that I find many of those I must deal with follow suit; so I do tend to put a spin on it I hope you don't find too offensive. That you find the characters well drawn is satisfying, as I try to do this.
No, Ted isn't likely to show up in my next story, although he does make appearances in my story "The Ties of Family." And I DON'T tend to write canon characters as gay in my Tolkien FanFiction stories, as doing so would be definitely counter to what I know of Tolkien's nature and intent. I'm afraid Angrapain is the closest to a gay character I've written so far.
As for what's next--there are a couple nuzguls hanging round, one playing in the jewel box, and a plot bunny digging holes in the driveway. You might look for my next offering to show up in "Moments in Time" where I put my one-chapter stories.
Kitty
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
This chapter left me crying! But I loved what Frodo told Cyclamen, and her question if the finger would wait for Frodo. Children sometimes come up with interesting questions and insights. And this “I bet it was proud to go so the rest of you didn’t have to, though,” was absolutely sweet! Dear Cyclamen!
Amusing idea to have the bounders bar Gandalf’s entry in the Shire. Of course young Beldin couldn’t understand that Gandalf isn’t a man! What does he know about Istari or Maia and all that, after all. He’s obviously not one of these who are close to the Travellers and probably know Gandalf is more than he seems.
What a relief that Gandalf rode to Crickhollow and told Merry and Pippin! Merry was so right: “Oh, Frodo, why is it in trying to protect us you tend to inflict the deepest hurts?” It would’ve been horrible for the two if Sam had returned from the Havens to tell them Frodo was gone forever without saying goodbye.
Oh, and even if they didn’t get to meet Lord Halladan this time, I’d still love to see Pippin’s and Merry’s parents meet him. Not to mention the trial for Timono. (I know, I'm a plague ...)
Author's reply
Yes, children tend to see things from a unique perspective, and will ask questions at times that stymie us with the astuteness displayed in their forming. And Frodo needs to realize he has a unique worth.
Tolkien himself says that Gandalf tipped off Merry and Pippin as to Frodo's intentions to leave the Shire and Middle Earth, so I just wanted to see precisely what he had to go through to do this in this story. And what do most Hobbits know of the distinction between wizards and men? Beldin has a bit of education to go through, I think. Just glad the ferryhobbit recognized him and didn't give him any flack, myself.
And those who try to slip away do cause pain. But think of the greater pain which all would have felt when Frodo considered killing himself.
The trials for Timono and his cohorts are told in my story "The Ties of Family," followed later in the story by another hearing and trial for Bedro Bracegirdle and Ted Sandyman and a few accomplices. Bedro gets his final trial before Aragorn himself in Bree, btw.
Kitty
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
I’m glad Cyclamen got to meet Erestor, and I’m sure she will treasure this few minutes, the more so because she now knows that Frodo is with people who love him and will look after him. And I’m glad the Whitfoots got their chance to see Frodo one last time and to say farewell, too. They all cared so deeply for Frodo and will miss him terribly.
One could feel some envy for Aramos. A whole hole only for his books! *sighs dreamily*
Author's reply
I, too, am glad that Cyclamen got to meet Elrond's friend and confidant. To know her beloved older cousin will be cared for will be a comfor to her indeed. And I, too, am glad Frodo had these last few moments with Frodo.
As for Aramos's library--I'm finally reaching the point I can get my library set up in the big room over the sun room, so I'm ALMOST in his position. I have bookcases everywhere, you see.
grumpy
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
So glad that Eomer came along and gave Aragorn, Olorin, when Roheryn came up lame, as Aragorn was trying to reach Frodo. I liked that part with the two of them dickering about the future foals.
Also, that when Galadriel, asked Fordo about refilling the bowl he said it should be with mashed potatoes or mushrooms.
Author's reply
The full conversation between Frodo and Galadriel is given in "The Choice of Healing." Frodo is, after all, a Hobbit, so fruit may not be needed to fill and empty, carefully cleansed, and magnificent bowl after all. I'm glad you chuckled along with Galadriel and Elrond.
As for Aragorn and Eomer--well we have two who are from cultures that value good bloodlines in their horses--that they'd indulge in dickering in their horse trading seemed only right. Glad you enjoyed it!
Raksha The Demon
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 100: 100: Offering Accepted
Is the story ended, or is there one more chapter, with Sam and others?
Very sensitive and moving story, as I've probably said before.
Nice symmettry (?spelling) between the White Tree of Valinor and its distant scion in Minas Tirith.
Author's reply
There will be the author's notes, but that's it.
I am honored you found it thus, Raksha. Thanks so very much for the praise, as it keeps us all writing.
And am so glad you like the symmetry between the two White Trees. They to allow some awareness in my stories and thus some comfort to my characters from time to time.
Poor Aragorn. It's such a shame he wasn't able to get there in time to bid them farewell. It would have been a comfort to him. But at least he can sense Frodo beneath the White Tree and know that he is healing.
Author's reply
I have so wished that Aragorn did make it to see Frodo go; but I won't break canon on this, at least. But if he's able to sense Frodo from time to time I think it would be comforting to both of them.
Thanks so much for following this so closely, Bodkin.
*sniff, sniff, sniff* Oh this is just so perfect Larner. Every word and every phrase is special and you bring us back to the title so wonderfully well.
“He loved the Shire, he did,” Sam said. “He loved every inch in it, and every soul as it contains. He considered it an acceptable sacrifice, I suppose.”
Are you learning once more how to live fully? At last! Eglerio, Frodo--eglerio!
Ah--yes, tall brother. I’m learning at last--the greatest Sacrifice of all is to live to the delight of Eru.
And once more Frodo felt as if a warm hand had been laid on his shoulder, and he felt compassed around with Light and Love. Yes, Frodo--this sacrifice indeed is acceptable.
Can't wait for the notes to accompany this.
Author's reply
Sometimes it seems easier to die, I think, than to push on and live as well as we can under the circumstances. Watching oneself die by inches, my late husband could have told you, is an extremely painful process as you find the integrity of the body waning and you find you can't do what you did just yesterday, even. To have the relief sufficient to allow one to live and find enjoyment again would be a tremendous gift for Frodo, I think.
In one of his letters Tolkien indicated that the rescue of Frodo and Sam was a grace, a reward for doing what they had to to save Middle Earth and for their willingness to sacrifice themselves to see it done. However, it must have seemed a remarkably mixed blessing to Frodo particularly. He has a shoulder wound he knows can't be healed in Middle Earth; he's now sick and in delicate health, and each time he has a setback it takes longer and longer to recover, until he finally realizes he is now dying. He's doing all he can, out of pride, compassion, an extremely over-developed sense of duty and responsibility, and guilt, to see things set right as he can, first within the Shire and then within his own family; he's feeling increasingly drained emotionally as time passes; he's no longer able to do much creatively save to write, draw, and tell his stories; and he must have wondered more than once "Why do I have to suffer like this?"
He'd done his best and paid his dues, but he's not able to appreciate even being alive properly so much of the time. And so he finds himself looking forward to dying. To find himself recovering in the Blessed Lands must have been such a welcome surprise.
Author's notes tomorrow, I hope.
I had meant to add that I was looking forward to the ANs as well; from "For Eyes..." (especially) and "Ties of Family" and your others I can say that they're as well worth reading and considering as the stories themselves. And it so happens that I'm dealing with a character who is dying in an original fantasy, and other things that run vaguely along the lines of Frodo's situation-and not exactly finding it easy-so of course I cling to whatever information I can get, as I've never seen such things.
This is probably a really stupid question, but it's been in the back of my mind for months and won't be ignored any longer. Where do you get "nuzgul?" I should probably know, but I don't, and you give them such very interesting descriptions :) that I really must know.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I suspect the author's notes will be published tomorrow--got them well on the way and stopped and started over, for they were too bogged down with details that have little to do with the story and more that have to do with real life at the moment.
In my personal stories I've followed a goodly number of my characters through their lives to their deaths, many of which have been frightfully melodramatic, I fear; experience with the real thing actually showed that for the most part I wasn't too far off the mark, although no real person dying is as saintly as a fictional character, I fear.
"Nuzgul" is a Henneth-Annun convention to indicate the mythical creature that sparks our imagination to get a major story going, as a plot-bunny is one that tends to spark lighter stuff and short stories and so on. On the Henneth Annun site you can "adopt" nuzguls and oliphaunts as story ideas, oliphaunts apparently being challenge ideas that are just too good to let die after the challenge period is over.
So glad you appreciate my Author's Notes, my lady.
I'm speechless. What a beautiful end to this amazing story, Larner! I like how you show more of the spiritual side throughout, and I'm so glad that both Frodo and Sam could know and recognise that the sacrifice was acceptable in the end. The letters were beautiful, and the last two scenes had me in tears.
It seems so long ago that I first found this story, just ten chapters at the time, and now it's ten times that length! Hearty congratulations on following it through and making it into such a beautiful, meaningful story, well worth the reading and rereading. Sometime I'll go back and read it over from the start. I was just thinking the other day how much I've learned from your stories, and not just of writing itself; more than anything else I've learned to look more deeply at character and nature before making a judgment of the person, and that has helped me in forming my own characters. Thank you for this, and for a wonderful read.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Like "The King's Commission" this story took on a life of its own and insisted on going on and on until I'd combined two nuzguls and managed to follow Frodo all the way past the Havens. Am so glad the letters and the final two scenes were so moving for you.
And I'm honored you find this story and my writing both inspirational and instructive. I am indeed honored.
The author's notes should be posted in the next few days. Hope you find them of interest also.
French Pony
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 100: 100: Offering Accepted
A whole hundred chapters! Congratulations! This is a great milestone you've achieved, and the more so since the story has just completely held my interest right from the very beginning.
The letters really are your tour de force here -- each one is written in a very different voice -- Frodo, Sam, and Elrond's letters in particular seem to capture their characters very well.
This has been fabulous work. Mazel tov.
Author's reply
I'd certainly never envisioned when I started this story would go on like this. Thanks for the congratulations. And that it has held your interest so from the beginning on is very gratifying. Thank you so much for the compliments.
Am so glad you feel I managed to make the letters fit the individuals, and particularly that of Elrond. It took some work to feel I was capturing him.
Just the Author's Notes left to post. A lot of stuff on PTSD and recovering from the conditions of each, I fear.
Thank you so much for following it so faithfully and all of your feedback.
Ami
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 100: 100: Offering Accepted
A beautiful and poignant ending for a stunning story.
“He loved the Shire, he did,” Sam said. “He loved every inch in it, and every soul as it contains. He considered it an acceptable sacrifice, I suppose.”
Thank-you for this story. I look forward to your future works.
Author's reply
So very glad you appreciated this story, Ami. For Frodo, to do what he did for the Shire must have been seen as the least he could do for his native land.
Have a couple nuzguls working at me at the moment, and one plotbunny running around, digging holes in the driveway. Need to get them corraled soon, I guess.
Linda Hoyland
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 100: 100: Offering Accepted
I'm glad Frodo is safely on his way now.
The letters wetre very moving,I wish Aragorn could have seen them one last time and hope he will see the remaining hobbits. Tolkien in his unpublisged epilogoe,tells Elanor that Aragorn saw her when she was too young to remember,so I hope that is now.
Author's reply
Well, you know that in "The Ties of Family" I have Aragorn coming north to a conference in Rivendell and meeting the people of the Shire at the Bridge, as well as the family having gone to Minas Anor for the unveiling of the memorial, although at five or six it's questionable how much Elanor might have remembered of the King or the visits. I have coherent memories back to age three, and some fragmented ones when I was smaller; my husband's tended to be very fragmented before age eight. Then in "For Eyes to See as Can" Aragorn does meet with Sam, Merry, and Pippin a few days after the reading of the will on the road to Bree, with him sending an Elf to Brandy Hall to call them out to tell him of Frodo's leaving.
Am glad the letters moved you, too.