It was wonderful that Frodo unwittingly set in motion such a positive project even though he doesn't seem to allow himself to feel good about it yet. To help others is always therapeutic, and perhaps talking to the wounded soldiers allowed Frodo to realise he was not the only one whose life was so altered in the cause of saving Middle-earth.
I think it is very intereating as well that you address the unglamorous aftermath of that type of warfare, with the details of so many maimed and crippled and the prospect of mercy killing in the more harsh cultures. ~TF
Author's reply
Tolkien began most actively creating Arda during his time in the trenches in France in WWI, and continued writing during his rehabilitation in hospitals in France and England. It grew from that over the years to the rich environment we know through his writings.
He himself glossed over the aftermath of the battles, although you know it was there; you see only a chosen few of the injured; you hear that Aragorn, Elrohir, and Elladan labored among the wounded in the aftermath of the battle of the Pelennor; you know that Frodo, Sam, and Pippin have followed Faramir, Eowyn, and Merry under the healing hands of the King. That others wounded before the Black Gates must have also known the skill of the descendants of Earendil and Elwing seems most probable.
I'm trying to look at that aftermath that was so understated in Tolkien's own work, and how it affected Frodo and how he affected it; and so we see what the real effects the battles had, the probability that due to the presence of Aragorn and the sons of Elrond many were undoubtedly saved who otherwise would have been expected to die. It was this environment after WWI and WWII that led to the creation of the Veterans Administration rehabilitation programs, which are some of the most effective in the world, with so many talented and self-confident young men realizing that they didn't have to sit in a corner and vegetate--that they still had the ability to contribute to society, with just a few accommodations.
And what has been learned through the experiences with those disabled soldiers has trickled down today throughout society--one of the cases where there is indeed a true "trickle-down" effect.
Sorry--the disabilities advocate in me tends to come out in my stories, as you will find.
I love this story and can't wait to read more of it.
I love angst :)
well.... i have to go hide in the bathroom..i live in FL and the hurricane is upon us..
so if i dont review for a few chps..my electric will probably be out,and i wont be able to read em till it comes back on..
love ya!
xoxoxo
--Katie
Author's reply
Wilma appears to have been far less devastating than Katrina was, for which I'm certain we are all grateful. I'm just glad you are safe, although I know the cleanup is going to be pretty tremendous.
Angst is rife in this story, although it's not straight angst, I hope. So glad you are following it. Thanks for letting me know how much you appreciate it, as it keeps me writing.
Good to see Frodo feeling better. I love how they all came up with a wheelchair and improved it. Sam was great at the council, a very wise hobbit.
Author's reply
I love to see Frodo and Sam causing others to think more productively and with greater humanity--it is undoubtedly one of their greatest gifts. And I, too, found myself proud of Sam's contributions at the Council. Once I realized that once again he'd been right there by Frodo's side and couldn't keep from speaking out when he realized just how Sauron would have affected those he dominated, it seemed only natural he'd speak out. He's becoming more confident.
Thanks for continuing to follow the story.
This chapter was a real delight, Larner! You bring such a great perspective to the problems of the wounded soldiers, grounded in your own professional experience. I especially loved this line of Sam’s: you can’t just kill folks just ’cause they’re in the way... Loved this whole scene, in fact--hobbits once again the voices of reason at the Councils of the Great. Reminded me a bit of Sam lecturing Faramir at their first meeting...
And Frodo! He truly is the greatest kind of hero: one who leads without seeming to, or even realizing that he is doing so.
And now I’m all caught up again…we’ll see how long it lasts! :)
Ps—I saw your author’s note about Lalia Took, and whether her wheelchair accident was fanon or canon. It’s from Letters, though I couldn’t tell you which one without looking it up. “Accident” may have been a euphemism, however…there was some suspicion about the circumstances under which Pippin’s sister Pearl let the wheelchair fall down the steps. All in all, quite an interesting little incident…
Author's reply
I'm still aghast that Tolkien, who insisted that Hobbits don't have steps in their homes if they can avoid it, indicated that Lalia's chair fell down some of them. I really need to get his book of letters and read it all. I'd seen this mentioned in a fanfiction story or two a year and a half ago when I first started reading at HASA and FFN; that it was inpsired by the Master himself is what's surprising. And Pearl is implicated, eh? Interesting....
Anyway, much of this chapter was inspired by research in Nazi Germany's T4 project, which was the precursor to genocide. The first truly systematic mass killings were not of Jews, but of the disabled, those the Nazis considered "useless eaters." That Sauron would encourage similar sentiments just seemed natural.
And this is where I try to show the close relationship of personality between Frodo and Aragorn--except that Frodo remains perhaps purposely naive about his personal contributions to the healing and rehabilitation of others, while Aragorn has purposely raised to do the same, but with full awareness as he is intended to be the King.
Thanks for the feedback and the inspiration to obtain a copy of the letters when I can afford it. It's on my Christmas list, I think.
Inkling
· 24 October 2005
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
I wonder if Frodo would feel a certain amount of pressure in having everyone telling him that he deserves to know joy again…of course he knows it’s because they love him and want him to be happy, but it’s just one more thing to feel guilty about, or like a failure, if he can’t manage it.
That’s one of the things I like so much about your stories…they get me to wondering!
Author's reply
You can blame it on the Professor himself, of course, as it was his example which has set all of us seeking to further explore the ideas he started or inspired. Am so glad you find yourself further stimulated to continue on thinking by my stories.
Thanks so much for the compliment.
That sly cunning Ranger. That was a stroke of brilliance on Aragorn's part. Even he couldn't have known Sam would have spoken up the way our shy Gardener did though. Thank Goodness he did. Sam and his plain old hobbit sense certainly opened the eyes of the nobles of Gondor.
That's one of my favourite movie quotes you know. When Faramir tells Sam that Gardeners must be held in high esteem in the Shire as he's showing them the entry to the sewers. How very, very true. :oD
What an amazing chapter Larner. Looking forward as always to the next part.
Author's reply
Actually, I think that quote is in the books, too, but I'll have to go through TTT to find it, of course. And wisdom from those who look at a situation and cut to the heart of it is always to be esteemed. I agree--Aragorn has reason to be proud of his decision to have Frodo (and of course Sam as well) attend this meeting.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
I like how you show that through his concern for others, Frodo can for a time forget his own troubles. Indeed, hobbits would have been familiar with the use of wheelchairs, although they might have fallen out of favor after what happened to Lalia. But of course Frodo would not know *how* they worked or how they were made--it took Gimli and the other craftsmen to come up with those solutions.
I also like Sam speaking up at the council. Sam has so grown in confidence and in wisdom--a few months ago, he'd not have dared to say anything, but now he feels free to speak up.
Author's reply
As I wrote above, I'd about forgotten about Lalia and the wheelchair, and I'm going to have to invest in a copy of the letters with whatever I get for Christmas.
Just serving as a catalyst for positive thought is the first step to helping others and ultimately Frodo himself to accept that what they've been through, as devastating as it was, is not the end of the world for them; that all of them can and should still look to contribute to society. And of course Sam is seeing it in practical terms, beginning to fully appreciate the type of dismissive mind Sauron had.
Thanks so much for the feedback--you know how much I appreciate it!
Linda Hoyland
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 8: 8: Wakening Hope
I love the way that Frodo has come to help himself by helping others.How wise of Sam to say what he did at the council.
You can judge a society by how well it treats its sick and disabled members.
Author's reply
Yes, your own statement that we can judge a society by how well it treats its sick and disabled members is right on target! And I am so glad you appreciate how Sam and Frodo are expressed in this chapter.
French Pony
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 8: 8: Wakening Hope
I loved the thing with the wheelchairs. It's so fascinating to see how people might go about inventing them. From the first idea that, hey, maybe there's something better than crutches out there, to the concept of "chair on wheels" to the actual technical problems of designing and building it, you show it all. And then to describe in such detail who thinks of what bits and all the different craftsbeings involved and how they work together. And the best part is that it takes them some trial and error to get the chair right. That's the little touch of realism that crowns that scene off.
Now I'm picturing in a few years Minas Tirith being rebuilt with ramps and wider doors and curb cuts, and finally the passage of the Gondorians With Disabilites Act.
Looks like Frodo has found a good, if temporary, secondary career as a muse. He's easy to talk to, and he's proved inspiring. It'll also help take his mind off his troubles, and it's surely a healthier way to do so than by relying on the Elessar too much. I was a little worried that he might get addicted, and that wouldn't be good.
Author's reply
What can I say, French Pony--as a special ed teacher and activist for disabilities rights, this just comes out in my stories as well. The GWDA idea has me giggling now, of course.
And Frodo needs practical means to combat the depression as well as using the Elessar stone, you are right there. And the problem with the long exposure to the Ring is that it is indeed likely to promote other forms of dependency.
Thanks so much for the feedback, and I'll try to respond more later, but now I have to get off here and get to work! Gaack! Almost late!
Holyyyy mackerel!!! I had the idea of inventing a wheelchair (for Bilbo) in my last story--I planned to have it be either Frodo's or Gandalf's idea, but I ended up not even writing the chapter so I never decided! How about that! I seem to remember you picking up another idea I scrapped in another story!
The part about Sam pointing out that the Haradrim (sp?) were under Sauron's control was spot on in keeping with his thoughts in the book when he sees the dead soldier. Beautiful touch, and I was proud of him too.
A lovely chapter.
Author's reply
Haradrim was properly spelled, from what I can tell, and is consistent with my spelling of it, at least, so don't worry about that.
So, it is said great minds often think alike, you know. Now, am I channeling you or are you channeling me, or is it spontaneous genius from both sides.
But as someone else has pointed out, Thain Ferumbras's mother Lalia is supposed to have died in a wheelchair accident (but I am not certain if that is true canon or one of the accepted Fanfiction conventions after someone brilliantly wrote a story on it), so a wheelchair wouldn't necessarily be a new idea to Hobbits.
However, what I chose to do was to show the kind of think-tank inspiration for rehabilitation techniques and prosthetic items that has happened often in the wake of wars, particularly in the US after WWI and WWII as more folks lived with massive disabilities who demanded not to be set off in the corner and forgotten. Figured the presence of Aragorn and the Twins would have a similar effect after the victory against Mordor.
What a hopeful, encouraging chapter!
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. That some of those whose cases he’d just related had been sinking themselves into deep depression, feeling themselves useless, until his interest in them caused them to consider alternatives
I love that. This is the exact theme I tried to write about in my story "Quarantined" -- that if someone you think is special gives *you* special attention, it causes you to flourish, and think more of yourself than you did before.
Wonderful story!
Author's reply
Unconsciously Frodo is doing exactly the best thing for his own bouts of depression and malaise--helping others, taking an interest, and serving as the catalyst for thought that there is something that can be done to help make things better. That doesn't mean it will heal him, but helps him as well as those he speaks with to find the hope all need once more.
I haven't yet read Quarantined, although now I'm going to have to seek it out, of course.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Shirebound.
demeter d
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 8: 8: Wakening Hope
a wonderous, lovely chapter. So full of light. But my very favorite part was where you had Sam speak. He sounded just exactly like Tolkien's Sam! Do go on.
Author's reply
I really love Sam, which was why I wrote my first story from his point of view. So glad you love the way I write him, for I try to stay true to his character. And am so glad you appreciate how the light is beginning to manifest itself better now.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Demeter.
Oh devious and wonderful Aragorn! And clever Frodo! I love the way you are foreshadowing his quiet encouragement of good ideas in the Shire later.
I am glad you got the leather worker involved in the chairs - much too uncomfortable otherwise. Now, how about some suspension? That is field, not the smooth paths of Minas Tirith they are rolling over! *g*
But loved the rest of the chapter too - as usual, especially the Elessar stone.
Author's reply
I agree, suspension is necessary; but that will take trial and error, of course. Have loved collections of historical wheelchairs and basketchairs I've seen, and felt this would be a good place to show how such MIGHT have begun their evolution. And Frodo is proving the catalyst, while both he and Sam are showing the good folk of Gondor that there are ways of getting around apparent dead ends.
And so glad you appreciate the rest of the chapter as well. Thanks so much for the feedback!
TithenFeredir
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
How interesting that Frodo could draw power from the stone. Is that because of his exposure to the ring?
I really like it that he has an internal voice countering some of his negative thoughts. ~TF
Author's reply
I suspect that the long exposure to the Ring has allowed Frodo to access the Elessar stone when he senses it near him. Right now he uses it if Aragorn is present and he sees it; that may change as his own spirit strengthens.
And Frodo needs feedback to counter his negative thoughts, not that he always listens to it, at least not now; but how that will continue in the future is never certain.
TithenFeredir
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
Poor Frodo has so much to overcome. It must be terrible for him to be unable to tolerate even a light meal. I would think being able to eat would be very important to a hobbit's sense of well-being. I'm glad you give attention to his spider-bite. Such a wound would need to be carefully watched. But at the same time to have to expose the marks of his beating in Cirith Ungol must have been mortiying. It's a good thing he could laugh at the idea of people stealing his undergarments. (I love it that you call them small clothes.) ~TF
Author's reply
Spider bites have been found to all too often have very serious long-term effects on human health, and have been implicated in creeping necrosis of skin tissue, joint disorders, digestive disorders, cardiac disorders, and so on. I had just watched a documentary on the Discovery Channel on research on tick and spider bites before I wrote "The Choice of Healing," and so I ended up focusing a good deal on how the bite from Shelob, who was indicated to be Ungoliant's child, might have led to the physical decline of Frodo after he returned to the Shire; I'm trying to stay true to that vision in this story as well, although it is set earlier than "The Choice of Healing." Also, there would have been serious problems with his stomach following his near starvation while going through Mordor. Both together would most likely have seriously impaired his digestive processes, I think.
For someone who'd become a fairly private individual as had Frodo, letting his physical scars would undoubtedly have been mortifying. Hobbits had no history of warfare or bravery on battlefields. To bear scars from FIGHTING would not have been likely to be seen as particularly admirable; and for Frodo, with his artistic nature (as I see him) such things would be even more offensive and embarrassing.
And I just love the idea of a young soldier trying to sneak under the sides of the Ringbearers' enclosure, wanting to see their heroes and maybe run off with a souvenir.
Thanks so much for the review.
Andrea
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
Gandalf ran his hand over Frodo’s exposed forehead, then looked with surprise at King and Elf. “He’s responding to the power of the Elessar stone, Aragorn. He himself is keeping the memories, dreams, and pain at bay--for the moment.
Frodo is stronger than he thinks! Even Gandalf is surprised. Maybe Frodo is beginning to accept, what the voice in his mind tells him. I really hope so.
Author's reply
He's starting to accept it; I only hope he continues to do so. He's a stubborn Baggins, after all! Thanks so much for the feedback.
Lily
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
A very intersting thought that Aragorn's stone would bring healing with it. Perhaps that was also one of the reasons why Queen Arwen gave her gem to Frodo?
It's amazing how you capture these dark moments and give the time at Cormallen so much more depth.
I also like the idea that Frodo would not accept healing, especially when drawn to the tower of Cirth Ungol. He never talked about his experiences there, not even to Sam. I'm very curious where you will lead it from here. Will Aragorn find out? Or Gandalf perhaps?
Author's reply
The Elessar stone, according to Tolkien's Unfinished Tales, was a stone of power in its own right, also Elven wrought; and apparently the star gem is something similar, as it allows the wearer at least partial control over symptoms of depression and possibly pain and worry. The Elessar was created to allow the one wielding its power to heal and renew; and Galadriel wore it until she received the Ring Nenya, at which time she gave the stone to her daughter Celebrian. Celebrian gave it to her daughter Arwen Undomiel, who, as she left Lothlorien on her last visit there to stay with her grandparents, left it with her grandmother to be given to Aragorn in token that Galadriel at least accepted the betrothal between the two of them.
And so it was that Aragorn was given the stone's own name in Gondor; apparently its story was already a part of the nation's legendarium. It's been a while since I read Unfinished Tales, and I think that this was a remake of an even more powerful Elessar stone wrought in Aman itself, but don't quote me on that. Ah, dear, another reason for a reread!
Because Arwen had been gifted with both the Elessar stone and the star gem pendant, I decided she also must have inherited the healing skills that ran through the lines of the children of Earendil and Elwing; and her own gifts of healing must in some way be unique that she would be gifted with two such gems, gems which in turn she gave to mortals to enhance their own gifts and, in Frodo's case, to aid in the easing of the pain he experienced.
Kitty
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
Poor Frodo, to be plagued by so horrible dreams! You know, sometimes I want a way to punish or even torture the ring for all he did to Frodo, to Boromir and all the others!
Anyway, wonderful chapter, and interesting how Frodo argues with his own reason, knowing obviously the truth, but not able to accept it yet. And I am glad Aragorn is not alone but has his brothers there to look after him and to lighten the sorrow and pressure who burden him a bit.
Author's reply
Yes, the Ring was terribly destructive, which, of course, is the reason it needed to be destroyed. To do what it did to Frodo, and earlier to Smeagol, was unconscionable, but was precisely what Sauron intended to do with it. He put into it the means to twist good to evil, joy to pain, delight to horror; and its will in the end was Sauron's own.
And glad you appreciate how Frodo has his internal debates. We are our own worst enemies far too much of the time.
And, yes, Aragorn needs his brothers with him right now, for one who is so responsible would be wearing himself out trying to heal everyone if left by himself. At least he knows now that if someone does die it isn't because he didn't give enough care.
Thanks so much for the feedback,
Another interesting, insightful chapter. It’s nice to see everyone continuing to tell their tales…for, of course, they couldn’t possibly have covered everything the night before!
I’m glad, too, to see you suggest the unspoken in Sam’s glance at Aragorn…that the Ring had detected his greatest weakness, too…and it wasn’t the temptation to become the Gardener of Mordor!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Sam's greatest temptation, as with Aragorn, would have been to try to spare Frodo.
It takes time to let all the details out, and probably some were never told, for they are simply too painful to recall.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Inkling.
harrowcat
· 23 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
Frodo being able to draw on the power of the Elessar stone independently is wonderful and shows how strong he really has become. Now was it channelling his own power, it's own power or drawing from Aragorn?
And, wow, what a response to my last review! I make a comment and get an essay. Thank you so much for taking the time and caring. Unfortunately the double amputation resulted from pressure sores acquired in hospital due to poor nursing care after a fall and a broken leg! I honestly do not understand how she survived the trauma but she is an amazing lady and so cheerful 90% of the time. She is currently in hospital again with another ulcer acquired from sitting too long. She has now been on bed rest for five months and the end is not in sight but the ulcer is very much better and it is heading in the right direction. At least we got to take the new black fluff ball in to see her on her birthday! Any good thoughts or prayers that you have to spare please! I would have e.mailed this to you separately Larner but I seem to have mislaid the address. Please feel free to edit or delete this review if it is inappropriate.
Author's reply
I'll send a separate note tomorrow evening to let you have my email again, as I have to leave for my night job shortly.
Poor nursing, is it? How appalling.
Have had several friends who were diabetic with one or more amputations, which is the basis of my assumption. Accidents are the second cause of such things in noncombatants, of course; but your mother's case is one of those that leads to attempts to clean up the medical profession.
Glad the fluffball got to go see her. Hug both for me, and my prayers are going her way.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
Poor Frodo,nightmares are just horrible and his more horrible than most !I like the way that Aragorn is there and how the power of the Elessar combats the baleful influence of the Ring.
Author's reply
Even after its destruction the echoes of its evil still torment Frodo; but between Aragorn and the Elessar stone he has some recourse for relief.
Glad you like the way this is working together. Am looking forward to seeing how Faramir sneaks Aragorn out of there, you know.
shirebound
· 22 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
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?
I fervently hope Frodo comes to accept the truth of *that* voice, and not the other.
Author's reply
Accepting positive truths about oneself isn't easy for those of us prone to self-criticism.
In time we know Frodo did come to rely totally on that voice, of course; but we already know it wasn't easy for him.
Thanks so much for the response, Shirebound--and waiting for your next chapter, of course.
Raksha The Demon
· 22 October 2005
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
I had to chuckle at the notion of people sneaking into Frodo's tent to gawk at the sleeping Ringbearer and maybe make off with some relics. Nowadays, they'd sell his underwear on E-bay! Good that Frodo was able to laugh at the situation.
Author's reply
Sometimes you need to laugh, or you'd simply go crazy! And I found it enjoyable imagining how the common soldiers among the wounded and those remaining in the camp would have reacted to the Ringbearers being just over there in that grove....
People will do so many odd things when we become interested in fame or notoriety.
Thanks so much for the feedback, Raksha.
French Pony
· 22 October 2005
· Chapter 7: 7: Rainy Night in Ithilien
So Frodo is finally realizing how badly he was hurt, and he's beginning to accept his own role in the outcome of the War -- or, at least, part of him is. It'll still be a long way for him, but he seems to have found the right direction for the moment.
Author's reply
Yes, in his heart Frodo is beginning to accept the truth, but it's still hard to accept a mere Hobbit could be so important.
Thanks so much for the comments, French Pony, for I appreciate them mightily.
Aragorn
· 22 October 2005
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
“I suddenly lost what little I’d eaten the last time I ate,” the Hobbit answered reluctantly.
It must be horrible for a hobbit to admit this! I can understand, how Frodo feels. I love coffee, but my stomach is not of the same opinion anymore ;-)
“I don’t understand why I can’t be just as I was.”
Aragorn would do everything to make this possible, I'm sure. But it is, as Gandalf said somewhere in LOTR: "Some wounds will never heal".
But, let's not lose what little hope is left. Again, Aragorn succeeded in making Frodo laugh! That's the right way, Aragorn! Go on!
Author's reply
I entertain IBS, a sliding hernia, and acid reflux disease, so in describing Frodo's symptoms am writing from personal experience as well as what I've learned reading Holocaust survivor literature, on which I based much of Frodo's experiences, both emotional and physiological. If you've become intolerant of the acids in coffee or of the caffeine, I can certainly sympathize!
And, yes, there is no way Aragorn can heal everything with Frodo; but just getting him to laugh again is a good part of the way.
Thanks so much for the comments--they keep me writing!