shirebound
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 12: 12: Camp on the Pelennor
My goodness, how fascinating! Such a gathering of races as friends and allies is unprecedented to our noble Galador, but he's doing his best to comprehend it! How wonderful that Aragorn ensured that representatives of all the Free Peoples attended this very important meeting.
Author's reply
As he's been traveling with many of these for going on eight months and his brothers came with the Dunedain, they were fortuitously on hand and rather hard to ignore. But to go from thinking of Elves, Dwarves, and Hobbits as almost mythical creatures and finding they are right there on ones doorstep and totally familiar to the new King on the block must have been quite a shock indeed. Echoes Eomer's experience a good deal, doesn't it? But in many ways Galador symbolizes the status quo in Gondor, now being fully shaken up by the reality of the rest of the world as personified by the King and his companions and extended family.
I so appreciate your comments, Shirebound!
Bodkin
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
I do enjoy the cross-fertilization that goes on between Authors.
Too right, harrowcat! It's such a fun side of doing this that it completely puts me off the isolation of attempting to write for publication. I love the closeness of the relationship with the reader.
And to the chapter. I do like the device of the 'foreign thought'. It makes Frodo confront his demons - and provides a stimulus for further thought. I like Aragorn with his 'eyes full of a hope'. 88 years - nearly seventy of them spent striving with nothing but hope to keep him going. It's not surprising he has learnt an amazing amount of self-discipline. And he has won - and can hope that Arwen will arrive. As well as being king and all that rather less emotional stuff.
I like Legolas suggesting that he will stay - for now. And Gimli's response. And the teasing of Faralion - make him work for his knowledge!
But Denethor... I can't help but feel sorry for him. He tried so hard, but he lacked Faramir's generosity of spirit and could only see a rival as a threat. I wonder how Boromir would have coped with Aragorn had he lived. Better than his father, I suspect. But he would have been more competitive than Faramir.
Author's reply
I certainly agree with Boromir being more competetive than Faramir, and certainly in the book it's indicated this was true when it was commented that although Boromir had appeared to honor Aragorn so far they had not yet found themselves rivals within the bounds of Gondor itself and before her troops.
I would think Aragorn was finally beginning to allow the hope he'd carried so far to finally express itself freely. No longer does Mordor stand in the way; he WILL be King of Gondor in a day's time, and the Dunedain of the North aren't going to question him being named King over them. The rest of Arnor may be questionable, and I'm going to play a bit with Rhuadar in the future, I think. Been rereading the appendices again....
And glad that all appreciate how we tend to inspire one another as much as the Master has.
Periantari
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 9: 9: The Minstrel of Gondor
Most likely when I get home I’ll be badgered by my older cousins to find out what in Middle Earth possessed me to sell the family home and leave the Shire and allow Merry and Pippin to accompany me; and Sam’s father will probably give me an extensive lecture on the impropriety of saying I was taking him to serve as gardener and caretaker for the house at Crickhollow when in reality I was simply going off on an adventure.”
that'll be a great fanfic story to tell about every hobbits' thoughts on the "travelers" coming back on what motivated them in departing from the Shire. I would love to read a story about that. :)
“I may not look my age, but believe me, Master Faralion--I feel it. The Ring kept me looking much the age I was when I received It, but I suspect I shall begin aging swiftly enough now It is gone.
I always wonder about how fast aging would happen after the Ring is taken away from Frodo.
When he did it was as if a grey day had suddenly burned away to show a joyfully blue sky and shining sun, and often when he smiled quietly it reminded Faralion of the moon and stars illuminating a dark landscape.
Just a beautiful line--wonderful imagery and description.
Thanks for this fic, Larner--i really like it and will continue on for more when time allows. :)
I really like your Frodo and like your Aragorn--both are very much in character of how i imagined them to be like.
Author's reply
Part of the question of how they were greeted on their return home I covered in my story "The Choice of Healing", which is on this site also, in case you hadn't read it yet.
So glad that you appreciate the imagery and how I depict Frodo and Aragorn, both of whom are at the heart of the story to begin with.
That the Ringbearer had become so involved with their folk and their rehabilitation impressed all, and he won even more respect that day, although he didn’t recognize it.
He should win lots of respect for all that he did for Middle-Earth. Bronwe athan Harthad. He should be thought one of the best beings to ever walk Middle-Earth for being so self-less
I'm glad that Aragorn is keeping both Frodo and Sam preoccupied--that is the only way to keep the mind off dark thoughts and feelings of guilt...
And indeed, Frodo is properly named. :) Really liked the last part. I really like your Aragorn that you portray.
Author's reply
Am glad that the image I portray of Aragorn is so pleasing, for he's always been the one I've been in love with. I love Frodo and Sam and the rest, too, of course; but it is Aragorn who first caught at my heart. Yes, he's going to care for those he's come so to love and to whom he owes so much.
periantari
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
Not protecting his fellows? What have you done but protect others for much of the past year? Was that not why you left the Shire--to bring the danger of the Ring out of it, to draw the danger after yourself? Is that not why you proclaimed, “I shall take It!” at the Council, to protect the others from Its danger?
That is the reason why i love Frodo so much... so much sacrifice for him...
I love the bit about Frodo drawing comfort from Aragorn's jewel--very nice detail/concept.
Author's reply
It's the reason so many of us love Frodo so much, Periantri. And I think that after fighting off the Ring for so long touching on the power of the Elessar stone would be a piece of cake.
Glad to see you back following the story. Your comments are always insightful.
periantari
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
I love this story so very much. I love the tender comfort that you give to Frodo and the healing part is one of my favorites by Aragorn. This is one of my favorite parts of this chapter:
“Yet, the fact remains you are still here, Frodo, and still able to know laughter and pleasure. You deserve to know joy again before you go onwards. We hope to help you know that again.”
Unfortunately, Frodo cannot find joy in Middle-Earth which remains a very tragic ending... but expected, i thought. :*(
Author's reply
I seem to have missed this review. I am sorry!
Yes, Frodo cannot fully know joy in Middle Earth, although he can feel some. But the Ring destroyed to much of him and left him too scarred in body and spirit to be fully joyful any more.
Thanks so much for the review, and I hope I didn't miss any more!
Linda Hoyland
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
This chapter was full of lovely moments.I especially liked your version of the Thorongil/Denethor rivalry as I could just imagine it like that. I also had a cosy image of cups of tea in the night and loved the way Aragorn is coming into his own.
Thank you so much for your review of my story,my apologies for using a Hobbit name for a villain, I didn't realise it was a name at all but I must have subconciously remembered it.
Author's reply
Yes, the rivalry could so easily have started with just such a situation, and this is much as it's rung in my mind for the last forty years or so. And the spicy tea in the night seemed appropriate to the four of them--Gandalf, Aragorn, Sam, and Frodo.
As for Fosco being a Hobbit name, as you said, it does sound as if it could be Italian and perhaps Machiavelian. (sp?) Will read the next chapter tomorrow if I have time--have been up far too late reviewing one of my other stories when I ought to have fed the dogs, bird, cats, and gone to bed.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 10: 10: Guilt Assumed
Poor Frodo,he is obviously very depressed as being consumed with guilt is a symtom.I loved hearing his first impressions of Aragorn.The minstel is obviously a wise man.
Author's reply
Definitely guilt is very common to depression, and unfortunately physical illness-guilt-depression can become a very nasty vicious circle, with the depression further lowering resistance to further illness, and the illness adding to the feelings of guilt.
Faralion's advice to Frodo is definitely sound, and I hope it stays with him until the true healing can come.
Armariel
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
Mercy on us...I could eat Aragorn up alive...love that bit about him sparring with Denethor. He's so complex and brooding and yet somebody I'd like to bring home to meet my mother, a bundle of joy.....*g*
Author's reply
Ah, but I've had claims on him from the early sixties.... Shall we consider flipping a coin for it? (Searches for the doubleheaded nickel) And you take Tails, don't you?
Glad that scene is found enjoyable.
So that explains what Strider was doing, going arround with a broken sword. I do hope that he had brought a back out one to Bree, one that was a bit longer.
Faralion is most likely going to have dreams about hobbit family trees.
Author's reply
Well, why he would have carried Narsil in its then condition to Bree has long been a question those who love the books have tried to answer; and so this is one of the reasons that appeared to have earned the most credence in one discussion I followed. Whether or not he carried a backup sword we aren't told, and I'd like to know. One author on this site indicates he wore TWO sheaths, on probably with a good blade and one with Narsil's shards in it.
Good question, though.
French Pony
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
A nice look at Aragorn in this scene. I like the sense of humor he exhibits in allowing Faralion and the rest to discover his earlier nomme de guerre -- that kind of wry humor seems very much in character. And the explanation for why he fell out with Denethor is nicely plausible. It fits well with what we know of both of them, Aragorn's skill and Denethor's pride. They could have been good friends, but things just didn't work out that way.
Author's reply
I definitely agree, French Pony. I've always seen Denethor, since the outburst of not bowing to this Ranger from the north, last of a ragged house, as hating being seen as second-best. Rather insecure, I always thought him.
Now Aragorn finally has the chance to let his own humor be seen and recognized.
harrowcat
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
What a lovely picture of Aragorn the Mariner and, as I have said before, I do enjoy the cross-fertilization that goes on between Authors. A fantastic thing for our minstral friend to do for Frodo. I find that I am also treasuring every second of seeing Aragorn and Frodo together post Ring.
Author's reply
Gentle Hobbit started it, and my mind had to add to it. And these two are learning just how close they are with one another.
Glad you, too, find the image of Aragorn before the wind to be a pleasant one.
SlightlyTookish
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
I really enjoyed Aragorn's recollections of Denethor and his time spent in Gondor, and most especially how he likes to wait and see how long it takes the people he knew then to recognize him now. I also liked the bits about the other characters, Gimli's worry that Legolas will leave, and Merry and Pippin not wanting to separate again.
Author's reply
I try to weave in enough of the others to keep them alive and part of the story, even when they are but on the peripheries of it. But it would ever be frightening for both Merry and Pippin now, I'd think, when they were separated even briefly, knowing how one or the other had fallen when separated previously. And Gimli must have worried that the sea longing would perhaps separate himself and Legolas, now that they had accepted each other as most unlikely of brothers.
As for Denethor and Thorongil--I may one day investigate that story. Am still considering it, although much of Anglachel's "The Hands of the King" was SO well done it's hard to feel I could improve on it.
Anonymous
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
"He was aware of the Light Gandalf kept veiled, and saw the Light of Stars surrounding his friend. He remained unaware that the others were aware their own Lights were beginning to shine in response to Frodo’s own, and that they saw that Sam’s own Light glowed visibly as he watched from where he still sat on his own bed, clutching his own mug."
So, when Frodo tapped into the stone again he could see the light in himself and others? You created some lovely images in this chapter, like this one below:
“'Rest now, Frodo. Rest and be at peace.' Aragorn’s hand had brushed his eyelids and brow, and he’d slipped into another dream, one of distant white shores and the wind’s song played through ship’s rigging and on the strings of a great harp vibrating in the glow of Elbereth’s stars."
This chapter had a magical feel to it. ~TF
Author's reply
Ah, TithenFendir, am so glad you appreciate the magical feel to those images. It makes the writing worthwhile when people love the details just as I'd imagined them. Thank you so much.
Dreamflower
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
You paint such an intriguing picture of the relationship of Aragorn to Denethor. Dare I hope that we might someday see a story of Aragorn's time as Thorongil?
I love Frodo's inner debate with the voice of Reason. If only he could bring himself to believe with his heart as well as his head...
Author's reply
I've considered that, looking a bit at Aragorn in the White City as Thorongil. Right now it's been fun working bits and pieces into the longer stories I've written, but I may do a stand-alone one day.
Understanding intellectually is often the precursor to understanding emotionally. And it will probably take time for Frodo to do the latter.
shirebound
· 27 October 2005
· Chapter 11: 11: Before the Wind
His face had gone sad. “I wasn’t given time to truly grieve, you know--certainly not that night.
I never thought about that before. Poor Aragorn, but at least he can talk about it, now.
Author's reply
Here he's come from such a battle where so many were lost--then immediately drawn into healings. He must have been fighting to keep his emotions under control, and particularly after Faramir opened his eyes to recognize him as King. Aragorn must have been in turmoil that night, particularly as he was on the edge of exhaustion. I bet he was VERY glad he had his foster brothers to take over for him when he fell onto a cot and basically passed out.
A wonderful chapter! I love how you have the hobbits tell their memories and fears about Frodo. Very much in character. Of course Pippin would get lost on the family trees, being a hobbit and all.
This story has so much insight and I'm awed by your knowledge of Middle-earth.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lily. Part of it is having read and discussed the stories so often over the years, then the movies, and finally reading so many wonderful fanfiction stories over the years; and part of it is, of course, my own invention or extrapolation on the stories of others. And am glad you find the stories in character.
“I may know this in my mind; yet my heart blames me.” That is exactly the problem with Frodo, isn't it? It is so sad he could never overcome that completely, at least not in Middle-earth! *sigh*
Am I wrong if I begin to suspect Frodo has an idea about the person of the famous Lord Captain Thorongil? I look forward to Faralion coming to know the truth, be it in this fic or in another! *g*
You does a great job with this fic and the way Faralion discovers more and more the nature of the hobbits and particularly Frodo (including his fair share of hobbit family trees *grin*). They are so open and honest with him! It is truly a pity he couldn't overcome his reservations and be a friend to Aragorn. Faralion seems to feel more and more the same for Frodo as do the others who know him well, even if he will never be a friend to Frodo.
I look forward to Faralion's plan for the evening! *curious is*
Author's reply
Well, in chapter eleven you will find out. Faralion may not become a close friend to Frodo, but he does the best he can in the time he is allowed for knowing him. And, as I've written before, Frodo has an uncanny knack for drawing the caring and loyalty of those he meets--a knack he does not abuse. As for Frodo realizing who Captain Thorongil is, I suspect you are right, of course. And the time may yet come for Aragorn and Faralion to develop a closer relationship--once he's been inducted into the Guild of Bards and Minstrels and Musicians to the Realm, of course. Faralion just takes time letting down his personal reserves with the nobility, I suspect.
The pieces are in place. It shouldn't take much for Faralion to make the connection. Thorongil/Aragorn, Aragorn/Thorongil. The minstrel seems to be a good person for Frodo to have around. He's a good listener. And he wants to understand, which is good.
Author's reply
Yes, I agree--Faralion is a decent guy, and one who helps Frodo to begin to accept his position in the eyes of the Free Peoples of Middle Earth on at least an intellectual level. It may take time to accept that emotionally, but it will come.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Faralion is learning so much about hobbits and his King. His concern for Frodo is touching. That all of the hobbits are willing to be so open with him tells you how kind and gentle he is. I suppose it also shows that Aragorn trusts Faralion and the hobbits know that and so are willing to speak with him, but I suspect it is more about his character that the hobbits are sensing.
It is good for Frodo to hear that he is not guilty and not responsible for other peoples actions, etc. from someone like Faralion. Even if he does not appear to be listening right now, it might ring true to him later. Sometimes you accept things easier from a stranger than from a family member or a close friend who you suspect might just be saying something to make you feel better.
I liked the part about the loss of innocence leading to a greater compassion for others. It is so very, very true.
Very nice chapter and I'm anxious to see what Faralion has planned!
Author's reply
I remember telling my daughter something over and over and over again when she was a teen, but until another person told her exactly the same thing with whom she knew I'd had no contact before she would not believe it. So, indeed, your observation is so accurate!
I, too, see the Hobbits reacting primarily to Faralion's honesty and willingness to accept them as they are, and his obviously honest desire to understand Frodo and to help him accept what might come to him in his life.
Again, I was partially inspired for the recognition that loss of innocence can and should lead to better things by Joy Chant's book "Red Moon, Black Mountain" where Oliver, the main protagonist, learns much the same lesson. Just as the trade-off for virginity is the ability to beget children, so the trade-off for innocence is greater understanding of others.
Larner, again, I'm speechless! I'm in awe of your talent, your ability to capture these beloved characters and give them new depth. And it's amazing how your stories all seem to be woven together-For Eyes to See as Can as a background for all, this story, The Choice of Healing (loved that one too)...what else? What is the "plan for the evening?" I haven't read all your work yet, but I'm working towards that, and I shall be honoured if my work is ever anywhere near what you have accomplished. Keep it up! God bless,
Galadriel
P.S. Have you ever thought of duing something that occurs during the quest, a gap-filler, maybe?
Author's reply
A gapfiller during the Quest? So many folks have done such wonderful jobs on this--Baylor has done some superb things, including "The Care and Feeding of Hobbits"; Budgielover's "Caught between Light and Dark" and "A Lesson on Hobbits"; Indigo Bunting's "The River" and so on. Closest I've done so far was parts of "For Eyes to See as Can" although I admit they are fleeting. I'll consider it, but can promise nothing at this point.
Once more you show a fresh take on the old material, as Pippin and Merry fill Farolian in on Frodo. Always someone with a new and different perspective--I find I am liking Farolian a good deal.
And there were some things in there I hadn't heard before, like Pippin sneaking off to Bag End all winter, rather than being stuck in the Great Smials.
I also like that Pippin was asked to serve as one of the Guards for the Coronation.
I'm wondering what Farolian has in mind.
Author's reply
I'd mentioned this in both For Eyes to See as Can and in The King's Commission, so decided to explore HOW Pippin was sneaking away the way he'd done. And I think that Aragorn would definitely wish his smallest Guardsman active in his coronation procession, don't you agree?
As for Faralion's plans, those will be made clear tomorrow. And bless Gentle Hobbit for allowing me to expand on her concept, and Vistula the Dunedain for getting Sam back where he belongs.
Oh Oh just dying to hear his plans for the evening. But it is gone midnight, again, and I must go to bed so short review tonight.
I wanted to cry when Frodo said 'I know this in my head but my heart blames me.' That is just too close to home for me as I often feel that way!
Hope you are feeling much better. And thanks for the response to my last review.
Author's reply
Am getting better, but still break out into coughing jags at times.
And, yes, I, too, know how Frodo feels there. Have been there and done that.
Faralion is learning a lot about hobbits, isn't he? But he seems a very inquisitive fellow, very open-minded. I suspect he will help Frodo a lot in the future. That was a lovely picture you painted of life in the Shire. So hobitty! ~TF
Author's reply
Well, as it's hobbits it's about, I'm glad it came out appropriately hobbity.
And Faralion is an artist and must be inquisitive to do what he does. And I hope he manages to aid Frodo to gather more of the knowledge he needs to heal properly.
Thanks for the review.
I really enjoyed this chapter. Faralion is a great character, very wise and curious. I loved his conversation with Pippin and Merry. It was great to hear their thoughts about Frodo and how they explain his behavior. Very enlightening.
Author's reply
However, as a non-hobbit, the descriptions of relationships and counter-relationships must at times have made his poor head swim. But he is learning and hopefully what he is learning will stand Frodo in good stead in the future.
Thanks for the feedback.