Dreamflower
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
Oh, man! It just kills me when we see Merry and Pippin making plans, when we know that Frodo will be gone before they can come to pass. And while I know Frodo's rationale for not telling them, I never have and don't now, agree. Thank goodness for Gandalf.
As carefully as Frodo is planning all these things, he is still not taking into account how unfair he is being in his secrecy. But that is part and parcel of his malady, and while he has come to accept certain things, letting go of his secrets is not one of them.
Yet he has made a good deal of progress on one front:
I don’t know if I’ll survive to make it to Tol Eressëa.
That will be your choice. You are correct that once you go aboard the ship you will not see the others save for Sam while you remain within Arda. Is there any reason not to bid them farewell?
Save, he thought wryly, for the fact I’m desperately out of practice.
Be honest with yourself, child--whose heart is it you seek most to spare being torn in two at this point--theirs or your own?
*You aren’t worthy of their caring.*
This time Frodo found himself shaking his head. “We don’t love one another based on worthiness,” he said softly to himself. “Hearts aren’t ruled by reason.”
He felt as if a warm hand had just been placed on his shoulder.
This is something he could not have admitted, a few months earlier.
The part at the end, showing the talk about the food ordered, showed that it is going to not only be the hearts of his close kin and friends that will be torn, but those of others, who know and care about him.
*sigh*
Author's reply
Gandalf will have a task, getting Merry and Pippin there in time.
Yes, a good deal of the desire to keep things secret is due to the PTSD and its attendant depression; and I think a good deal of it is an attempt in part to spare himself further distress. It's not just those who remain who will feel torn by his leaving--he, having said goodbye in his heart, must now see the grief in the eyes of those remaining behind, must feel the grief resonating in himself. I think part of not telling Merry and Pippin was to spare himself that; yet in the end it is probably better just to be open about it, which Frodo is not yet able to do.
But you are right--it's not long since Frodo could not have responded as he did to the voice of the Ring, and marks one more step in his repudiation of Its former hold on him.
One counts how successful a person is not by the number of people he or she knew, but by the number whose lives were touched for the better. Frodo Baggins openly, secretly, and simply as a matter of being managed to touch the lives of so very many.
Anonymous
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
Dearest Larner.....Your stories are ALWAYS filled with such grace, tenderness and poignancy...you never fail to evoke for me, both the extreme measures of bitter irony and profound sadness, together with the joy and appreciation I have for someone such as yourself, who love the story Tolkien created so much, as to never let it die....*heavy sigh*...please, dearest Larner, let us down gently, for this parting to come, is a great, tremendous rend. It always leaves me weeping, no matter how many times I have seen it, or how many times I have read it. Thank you so much for your efforts, and your generosity to share it with us all, it is a marvelous work.............Q
Author's reply
Thank you so very much; and I hope all is going well for the moment at least in your life.
I will not let anyone down more strongly than did the Master himself, I think.
That I'm able to evoke such a strong and varied emotional response in you and others shows that I'm doing my job as a writer well.
Thank you for such a tender review.
Elf Friend
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: The King Comforts
“They’d take my underwear?” asked Sam, shocked. At the Man’s nod the two Hobbits shared a horrified look."
That part made me laugh out loud. :D
Also, did Aragorn really refer to Elrond as "Ardar"? That part just seemed a bit odd to me.
Great story, it just keeps getting better and better!
Author's reply
Did I write "Ardar"? I'll have to edit, obviously. I certainly meant "Adar"--Sindarin for Father.
And I do think groupies would have made themselves obnoxiously obvious then as now. Dreamflower has done a wonderful expansion on this idea in one of her later stories about the Hobbits in Minas Tirith meeting a minstrel Pippin once knew back in the Shire. Can't think of the title at the moment, unfortunately.
Baggins Babe
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
The last few chapters have been wonderfully detailed but rather harrowing. Poor Frodo, and poor Pip, having his father speak to him like that. Palading needs a good shaking, and I see I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Dear Brendi is a marvellous character - he's supportive, perceptive, kind and intelligent, and I love that in your other stories he and Narcissa find each other. He deserves some happiness.
Author's reply
Am so glad you find them fulfilling in spite of the angst, Baggins Babe.
Paladin has caused his last wound--he now will come to terms with what he's done.
Am so glad you like Brendi, and that you see him so much as I do. And now Frodo himself realizes he is, in ways, giving Brendi and Narcissa and the twins to one another.
Elf Friend
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Who for Ringbearer?
"You must realize, Frodo--you took the Ring, and in so doing you saved the rest of us from doing so."
This is an interesting point. Frodo thinks that he's brought nothing but death and destruction to those near him, but he really does need to consider his initial action of taking the Ring in the first place. Especially by separating himself from the fellowship when he did, he saved all the others from the corruption that claimed him at the end.
“As for Boromir--It would have swallowed him whole once he actually touched It--swallowed him then spat him out as an owl regurgitates mouse pellets."
Nice imagery, there! A perfectly disgusting and horrifying way to describe how the Ring treats those it ensares.
This is a great story! I'm so glad I started to read this!
Author's reply
Yes--even the first step of taking the quest upon himself served to save others, even at the cost of himself, a fact Frodo can't quite embrace as yet.
And the idea of Boromir as owl pellets just insisted on being included. All too obvious Farley Mowat's "The Dog Who Wouldn't Be" and "Owls in the Family" have been working on me.
*jaw drops* Wow,this is absolutely riveting! What a shock for Frodo--to think that finally peace will come after all the torment and horror he went through and then...it doesn't. I can't wait to see where this goes! *eagerly turns to the next chapter*
Author's reply
Oh, my dear, unfortunately it goes EVERYWHERE! This one has taken on a life of its own and doesn't promise to end anywhere near as soon as I'd expected when I started with the thing! The gapfiller of all gapfillers, I fear! However, those who have stuck with it find it as interesting as it apparently nears its end as it began.
harrowcat
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
P.S I have just read Shirebound's wonderful observation. Now there is quite a thread to wind into the one about the sea-longing affecting Merry and Pippin too!
Author's reply
Do you think I should do another in the lines of the story of Pippin admitting the sea longing to his son?
harrowcat
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
Quite a lot to keep track of in this chapter Larner! I don''t know how you do it. All those loose threads lovingly woven into such a rich tapestry. The thing that breaks my heart the most is that he tries to do without saying goodbye to P & M. I am so glad that he doesn't manage it! And to finally admit his regret over Narcissa - my heart gave quite a squeeze at that too.
Mum seems to be liking being back and Jet is very taken with her. He actually obeys her more than Dad but I don't think either of them have noticed. He certainly isn't obeying me! But then I can be cajoled into playing tug 'o war or 'You put my toys away while I fetch them out'. *g* I have managed to re-negotiate my working week to allow me to get home every Friday to give my Dad some relief. Now all I've got to do is see how that works out, get him to admit that it will be helpful and that I don't mind cleaning house. Thank you for helping me to keep my sanity through all of this by having something else to focus on.
Author's reply
The Master himself gave such a rich tapestry to begin with, and it's a wonderful experience taking his story just that much further, seeing what we can make of it. I hope I'm not leaving too many loose threads, although such are always good for another story, as you know.
Yes, I think Frodo would in the end regret the chances he's passed by and admit it openly. But the refusal to let Pippin and Merry know must have been as much to protect himself as to protect them, don't you think?
So, Jet had identified the alpha in the family as your mother, has he? Wise dog, then. And he knows who the real softy is as well. Love the identification of the game "You put my toys away while I fetch them out!" Have seen children and dogs both who love that particular pasttime.
And so glad you get to be home on Fridays to help your dad. Good luck with it all. Chronic illness in the family can be difficult to deal with, but in the end can be remarkably rewarding.
Queen Galadriel
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
I like the look at Merry and his parents before the dinner, and the conversation between Merry and Pippin.
What a bitter surprise everyone will have when they discover that Frodo is leaving or already gone. I especially feel sorry for Mags-of course any tender-hearted woman would want that, but she won't have her chance, and wouldn't even if Frodo wasn't going.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I have always imagined that those who fostered Frodo when he was young would have had a special relationship with their own son.
Frodo's need to leave leaves him in a terrible position, for he physically and emotionally can't bid farewell explicitly with everyone; he doesn't wish to raise in Merry and Pippin impossible desires; and he's getting to the point he can't bear dealing with the grief which he knows would surround his actual going.
As for Mags--she's but one among many who would desire to see Frodo properly plump and rosy and dancing again before the Shire--an impossible dream for him on this side of the Sundering Sea at this point, I think.
And we get glimpses of the smaller lives touched by Frodo, all the ones not named who were helped by his bequests, who were touched by his generosity, who were pulled up short in foolishness and encouraged in compassion and charity by him and his example. Such as Frodo touch many lives, openly and secretly, or so I've found.
Andrea
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 94: 94: Travelers' Honor
Oh my god! You have just convinced me that the legendary Baggins stubbornness does indeed come from the Took side!
But for what Paladin did, this is not the right word. It's far more than stubbornness. I would call it ignorance, or even pride?
It is very likely that he will regret his words as soon as he has calmed down a bit, but the damage is done. What will Pippin do next, I wonder?
Frodo is preparing to leave. That is obvious, though he does not know himself if he really can make it to the havens.
When he insists that Merry should tell the story of Faralion he gives up his position as storyteller - one more sign of leaving.
Be at peace, Lord Iorhael. You will one day be able to accept “eglerio” once more.
I wish for that day to come!
Author's reply
Stubbornness born of fear is a horrifying event. And Paladin has this time administered a wound that will likely leave a scar, but it is the last he offers, at least. It is willful ignorance more than anything else, and is indeed engendered by not yet being able to accept or understand what his son and the others have been through.
Yes, Frodo is preparing to leave, and I think that in ways Merry realizes just what you note--that Frodo prepares to give over his own offices to others, as he knows his time, one way or the other, is come at last.
And that day will come, although in the future he will laugh when the praises are offered instead of dreading them.
shirebound
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
“Merry and Pippin will know--after I leave the Shire.”
“That’s not fair, Frodo!”
“They can’t go with me, Brendi--they can’t look to follow me this time.”
What a fascinating concept, Larner -- that those who love Frodo might have been compelled to try to follow him.
Author's reply
I think that so deeply have Merry and Pippin come to love and honor Frodo they would at least think upon the probability; and if all have the capacity now, through the consumption of lembas, to develop the Sea Longing, in many ways this parting is possibly a particularly difficult one as they CANNOT follow him in this world. Nor does Frodo wish them to do so, and in doing so lose the capacity to live the life given them from the start as he has done. As with Sam, he wants them to know life to the fullest in the Shire and with the ability to touch on Aragorn's life, as he cannot do any more.
This look at the happenings was the most intense so far, I think. Although I knew a lot of it already, I couldn't stop reading until the end (at work, as usual ...)
Well, Merry did try, knowing what would happen. Paladin should be glad Pippin didn't give up much sooner, or he would've probably lost his son. It says a lot about Pippin that he didn't stop trying it again and again, no matter how much his father hurt him every time.
Now I can't stop thinking what I thought before - you should send Paladin to Bree for the trial for Timono (as far as I remember without looking in the older fics, he had to stand before Lord Halladan?) and there have him to witness the respect the Rangers show his own son and to have him see Pippin spar with the Rangers. It would be the last blow, I think - after that and what he heared from the Red Book Paladin wouldn't be able to deny the truth any longer. At least that is what *I* think. Whit Paladin one can never know.
Appreciated the little bit of humour Thrush brought in this chapter. Otherwise, the conversation between Pippin and Brendi was moving. Now Brendi knows even more of the horrible details, and somehow he deserves it. (I agree with your earlier reply - there are so many of your own characters I love now - Ruvemir was only the first of them, as 'The King's Commission' was the first of your stories I've read). It's amusing Benlo switched to him as a lawyer. Serves Bartolo right *eg*
The way Frodo forced Merry to tell the tale, but to hide just *who* the Cormacolindors were, and their constant glancing at each other ... *shakes head* I still want Frodo to accept the honour he deserves! But luckily there are some hobbits who were able to add the details and understand the whole truth. If Frodo would've been able to remain one year longer, I suppose he would have to accept it in the end, as he's on the right way now.
Author's reply
Paladin has at last realized he's gone too far indeed, and has hit the wall and will turn around soon enough. Acceptance comes when we stop fighting the truth, after all, and everything he's heard and that others have pieced together in his presence will fall into place. He's so lucky Pippin was as he was rather than giving up on him completely even then. But next time he sees Pippin will be one when Pippin will definitely need his da.
So glad someone appreciates Thrush's presence, long-suffering mare that she is. And Brendi does learn and accept readily, and now has almost all the pieces he needs to understand all of it. His love for Frodo is deeper than ever, so much so he will challenge his cousin.
And now more are beginning to appreciate just what Frodo's sacrifice means, just what he and Sam between them accomplished. And shortly Paladin Took will have the last latticework of his denial stripped away by Frodo himself.
As for what Frodo might have come to had he lingered a year longer--that's a matter for another, AU story.
Paladin should be almost at the point when he realises that just because he doesn't like something it won't go away - and not having seen something doesn't mean it didn't happen.
But at least those around him are getting a more complete idea of what happened - although I don't think Frodo's part will really be described fully while he is around to object. Merry did pretty well with mentioning-no-names - or at least no names that meant anything to the locals.
And Frodo's choice will probably be rather a relief to those in the know - at least compared to the alternative.
Author's reply
It's so hard for some to let go of a more pleasant (in their eyes, at least) imagination of what OUGHT to have happened in order to accept mere truth; but it's an important part of healing. For Paladin and Eglantine were deeply wounded when they thought they'd lost their son; now they cling to the illusion Pippin returned is no different than when he left, but it's just not true. But the last of their infection of denial is being expressed now, and Paladin is himself facing the facts he wants to deny, and will place them properly once the last painful cleansing is finished. Just hearing what Bard and Ferdi have learned and figured out, as well as the story Merry told those at Budge Hall, is working inside him. He's trying to suppress it, but can't yet.
Merry's trying to get the truth out, but with Frodo censoring what he says he's having to be circumspect. However, it's enough for Ferdi, who will spread it to Bard and Paladin.
And I think that Frodo's choice will in the end be a relief.
demeter d
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 92: 92: Challenging Thain and Lady
"did it have to do with losing your finger?" As Sam said about his conversation with Rosie when he came to tell her he'd come back, and she asked why did he leave Mr. Frodo, 'that took a week's answer or none'. They still just do not WANT to get it. The whole tale is like eomer's comment "legends rising out of the grass before me". And Paladin does not really believe in the Valar, yet Frodo has talked with one who has seen them face to face.
I also especially like your comparisons of men. We are indeed a varied race, are we not? A very well written chapter. this story has joined the list of my "drugs of choice"! It has become very addictive!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, the most valid comparison with the Master's own words I could imagine. A week's answer or none indeed!
Paladin and Eglantine still wish their son was the lad they knew before the quest, and are being forced to see that he is not; certainly Frodo isn't. The legends are rising out of the grass--but where Eomer adjusted fairly quickly, these are having to be dragged, kicking and screaming, into the Fourth Age. But it is NEARLY at an end.
So very glad you like the comparisons of men--certainly Frodo has seen more than his fair share of them in the past year; and I still think Aragorn himself would be sufficiently complicated for a roomful of Hobbits, don't you?
And that you find the story addictive is a great honor. Thank you indeed.
Oh my, you are really ramping up the emotion in these last few chapters! I know that several times you have written of these events from differing POVs, but truly, I think that *this* one--*this* one is the best story yet.
Merry's and Pippin's understanding of what possibly may be coming is so painful for them. And the fact that Frodo won't allow them to praise him, or to talk openly of all that he did is making it even harder. The part where Merry very defiantly, yet discreetly, tells of "Frodo of the Nine-Fingers..." while locked in a battle of stares with Frodo was almost as tense as an actual physical duel.
And, oh Paladin! Once again he's allowed his Tookish pride and temper to overwhelm him, and said things he should never have allowed to pass his lips. It is a miracle after all this that Pippin *did* find it in him to forgive his father eventually. I know that they had done so by the time of "The King's Commission". I hope that one day you will show us that reconciliation.
This story is just brilliant!
Author's reply
I do doubt that the remaining three Travellers could have remained totally unconscious of Frodo's continued withdrawal and decline. If indeed there was so much coming and going between Hobbiton and Crickhollow, Merry and Pippin must have seen signs. Tolkien told us plainly that without a word spoken on the subject Sam was aware Frodo was leaving, although he thought to Rivendell. This was something he apparently was okay with, even, for he didn't feel true sorrow until they met the party headed for the Havens and realized precisely that Frodo wasn't going to be able to return, and it was no matter of taking off for a couple months to see him from time to time. He must have realized Frodo was planning to be there for Bilbo's end, and that he NEEDED to be there. This is one reason I feel justified in postulating a physical as well as a spiritual decline for Frodo Baggins.
The others hurry to the Havens to come to Frodo in time to bid him goodbye, but they don't try to talk him out of it. Again, an indication they, too felt he had reason to cloister himself away, a need to go with Elrond and the rest.
I'm so glad you felt the quiet battle of wills waged with stares and not-looks was effective. Frodo and Merry must have felt like they'd fought rounds afterwards. But again, pieces are being fed to Isumbard and obliquely back to Paladin, and now Paladin is having to accept the fact that Frodo is indeed a hero out there--and if Frodo, then his son and nephew as well. I suspect Ferdi is feeling rather superior at the moment, forgetting he has more direct information from Frodo himself than the others do, and insisting they put the pieces together and accept the truth.
As for Paladin--this is the last time he lets himself think of Pippin as a child. Now he's seen Captain Peregrin--well, it's impossible to force the genie back into the bottle once it's out, after all.
I never dreamed when I started this story it would become the gapfiller of gapfillers as it has. But we do have a few more chapters to fit in before I'm completely through.
Well that was quite chapter Larner. And it covered so much ground. I liked the way that it filled in so much background and other people's reactions to the state Frodo was in by this point. I also loved the way that you are showing the parent/guardian/child relationships. The idea of Pippin meeting the elves all by himself and regreting their passing is great. And the nightmare scene was so sad. But what a mature Pippin.
BTW please pass my sympathies on to Tigger. Being there, doing that and definitely gettting a T-Shirt made saying 'I'm all growed up now, Dad but I am still your little girl too!'
Author's reply
I'm trying to sort of tie together the threads of tales I've left in other stories related to this one I've written. Brendi now knows the important parts of the story, as do Isumbard and Freddy and Ferdi. Paladin has had his last attempts to protect himself from the truth knocked out from under him, and at last is facing plainly that Pippin DID grow up out there, and that this Captain Peregrin Took of the Guard of the Citadel is real. Plus there is left to him only the final acceptance of the truth of what he's now been told.
Pippin is now an Elf-friend as well as Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, and Merry--the five current Elvellon from the Shire. And they would greet him when they see him on the road, particularly if the gifts requested through the Queen were sent to him via her father.
If Pippin thinks on this meeting more deeply he can perhaps see where Frodo is now headed--but he's not made the commitment to it as yet; yet he's recognized, with Merry, that to go live with the Elves is perhaps Frodo's only option other than dying. That the Elves Pippin knows Frodo must go to are themselves going to accompany Frodo out of Middle Earth is still not something he's considered.
Thanks so much for the response here.
Have passed your note to Tigger, BTW. Good luck--overprotective parents can be a true pain in the patoot, too.
Oh...My...What did Paladin just do? To call Pippin a *coward* of all things. The fool doesn't deserve him.
This reminds me of my parents right now. Here I am 33 and they still treat me like I can't do anything right or act grown up. Just because I'm still at home doesn't mean I'm not a mature person. Gave my sister a real wake up call a month ago when we had a pow wow about my parents and the problems popping up now that they're older. Not sure she realized I actually do think about all of the things that I do. Anyway...
I'm glad Frodo has decided. Now if only the stubborn Baggins would let the others let the Shire know more about what he did during the Quest.
I can't wait to read the next chapter and I know Pal is in for it from *someone*. And to think I thought that reaming he got from the Healer might have sunk in. Nope!!
That must have been so hard for you to write and for me to be this ticked...Nicely done!! :oD
Author's reply
I see you are solid with Isumbard on this one. When I can raise such emotions on behalf of Pippin I know I'm doing my job as a writer.
This is Paladin's last insult--believe me. He's now SEEN Captain Peregrin of the King's Own Guard, and I think that that is it. And Frodo will take him nicely in hand as described in "For Eyes to See as Can" and finish him off.
To keep from rewriting a scene I think I did well the first time, I'll be looking at it in retrospect from the points of view at Frodo's dinner party. There IS hope for Paladin after all.
At Frodo's dinner party he does read to them from the Red Book; and he's leaving it in trust with Sam, after all, who in time will take Frodo's place on the ale barrel near the ale tent at the Free Fairs, and will tell stories on market days in Hobbiton and Bywater.
Frodo's going to make certain the stories don't languish for want of telling, after all.
Author Reply: btw--see the note Harrowcat has left for you in her review of this chapter. In my case it was one grandmother who wanted to live the whole family's lives for us.
Oh! Of all the stupid, foolish, insensible, unjust things to do! I must say Paladin Took displays a remarkable lack of understanding and delicacy (which, of course, I already knew), as well as zero sense! To be angry at his poor son because he was having a nightmare! Hello! You can't control your dreams or what sparks them! Now I'm quite inclined to agree with Antane that he ought to be shaken. Hard. *sigh* I'm sorry, I shouldn't upbraid so violently, and it might seem a bit silly to get so angry at a character out of a story. But honestly!
Oh, I feel so sorry for them all-and have writer's sympathy for you. This can't be easy; at least, it doesn't seem like it would. They now know that Frodo is dying. Frodo himself is trying to let go-I can see it. Paladin and Eglantine still don't listen, and meanwhile everyone else is still trying to understand. And they soon won't have Frodo physically there, which will only add to it all. Oh, I get tied in knots just thinking about it.
And the "aglerio!" (I was reading too fast and then got carried away and forgot to copy it so I could paste it here) was very sweet and moving.
As to something you said in reply to another review about scars, you're right. I never thought about it in that light before, but you're right. And as to where my fear (or rather dread) comes from, it depends on who bears the scar or wound or whatever. It can be that I know I can't do anything about it, or that I merely don't think I ought to be touching it, or simply that it is so horrible-looking that it's shocking.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
When I was quite small I apparently was having a bad dream and woke up everyone crying out loud. It woke my stepdad, who was himself only half awake, I think, and he came in and smacked me, which was what woke ME up. It was a horrible moment, and at the time he struck me he woke up fully and was instantly ashamed of what he'd done. He knew I couldn't help it; but the damage had been done. I sort of projected that experience into the relationship between Pippin and his father. But it is a moment when Paladin Took finally sees that there is a Captain Peregrin within his son, one who is self-disciplined, fully in control of himself, and full of a dignity he'd never imagined his son truly had. Frodo's told him of this--but now he sees it, and it helps strip away the last of his disbelief.
One of the moments I truly missed in the movie from the book was that moment of full recognition called out in all the tongues of Middle Earth, as all on the Field of Cormallen bent the knee to the Ringbearers and called out "Eglerio!" and "A laita te!" I so wanted those calls in the movie.
What we did get was beautiful, but not what I'd dreamed for so long, a lovely moment in the books.
I can bear scars, but have a difficult time with wounds, particularly anything that has to do with having been stuck, stabbed, or impaled. We all have our weak points, believe me.
French Pony
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 94: 94: Travelers' Honor
This was a very leisurely paced chapter, but there were some nice bright sparks, particularly in the bits that showed Pippin's problems with his family. I can well understand why Paladin and Eglantine might be having problems with him. He went off as their own familiar boy, and he has returned a grown soldier who's adopted so many strange customs of foreign lands they've never heard of. The Standing Silence probably looks very weird in a Hobbit hole, but I can sort of see why Pippin might keep on doing it.
Author's reply
I tried to keep it a bit lower key than the last two, which have been quite emotional, after all.
The four Travellers are now part of the outer world, and in all my stories have brought this practice back to the Shire with them, and slowly that practice spreads to others as more in the Shire become aware of what the four of them did.
Paladin is trying at last to understand, but isn't as rational as he ought to be after this visit.
So glad you found the bright sparks in this chapter worth while.
Andrea
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 93: 93: "Real Elvish Rope"
Wow! What else can I say as to totally agree to the lovely reviews of Dreamflower, for this chapter and the previous one! Those reviews were simply brilliant.
It is really true, whenever I think that chapter cannot be topped, you do it again! Amazing!
I'm relieved that the only rope available at Bag End was the hithlain rope - and it simply refused to do the job. I can understand that Frodo saw no other way. The constant pain and the recurring dreams must have been horrible!
But then there is the voice again:
Tol Eressëa. Reach to Tol Eressëa.
But I’m a Hobbit!
And Tuor was a Man.
And finally even Frodo Baggins has to agree with the voice! There *is* a second way out of all the pain. And the following dream shows him that it is really possible. To know that the ship will be waiting for him, whether he takes it or not, will be a great relief.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo is finally realizing he CAN reach actively for the healing, and puts the thoughts of self-destruction behind him. Dealing with the death of one who is beloved is difficult enought--the scars I've seen in survivors of relatives' suicides have been horrid past bearing. All of them tend to feel so guilty.
And I, too, am glad that when he went looking for rope it was the hithlain alone he found available to him.
Raksha The Demon
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 93: 93: "Real Elvish Rope"
Shivery comparison between suicidal Frodo and Denethor - and it would scar Sam for life if he came upon dead Frodo hanging at the end of a rope.
Thankfully, Frodo finally seems to see another option.
Sad chapter, with a ray of hope at the end.
Author's reply
This would have been a thought in Frodo's mind, I think, remembering what he's been told of Denethor's end, knowing how close the man came to killing his son and how his actions led to the tremendous load of shock and guilt which led Hilargil to have a stroke which left him totally paralyzed on one side. There are right and wrong ways to accept death, and Frodo's just been powerfully reminded of that fact.
Glad so many see the hope.
It is fascinating how people can learn to use hearing and feeling when they're blinded, isn't it? For me it is the other way around, my eyes have replaced the hearing.
Loved the bit with the oliphaunt. It seems "when the King comes back" is not the only saying that is now a bit problamatic! And I'd have loved to see Sam returning to the Shire with an around twenty-five feet tall pet oliphaunt *grin*
why women among Men might wish to wear shoes that raised them taller than they really were. *giggle* That's something I often ask myself. It's so terribly uncomfortable!
This time Paladin and Eglantine made an effort to behave, at least. Good. And Frodo got to talk about Aragorn - it makes him always happy, doesn't it? He needed it, poor guy, considering how his way home went.
The hithlain rope is an amazing thing. It was intriguing how it - can I say behaved? - in the Emyn Muil, and it is fitting to use this interesting trait here. Well, this episode is so dark and sad, but it seems in the end it helped Frodo to accept that he was allowed to sail West. So it had something good in hindsight.
Author's reply
As one who has lived and worked with blind individuals for the past thirty-eight years or more, it is natural for me to think in terms of what one must learn to rely on in order to function successfully as one who cannot see or at least not do so clearly. It would be easier for me at this point to go deaf than blind--or at least I think so, as I can partly do speech reading, although I'm not proficient at it. But losing my vision wouldn't be that great a challenge, as I KNOW it can be done properly. But you are right that one needs to learn to use other sensory input for that which has been lost.
I really doubt Sam was alone in his fascination about Oliphaunts--and learning they are real and so immense must have caused a stir among many hobbits, particularly young ones, much like dinosaurs do with our children.
Shoes would be another novelty, as well as a "safe" subject for them to indulge in with Frodo, able to explore his experiences outside the Shire without as much danger of touching directly on those subjects the Thain and Eglantine fear. And I agree about high heels in shoes--haven't worn them or wanted to for years.
And Aragorn is a reassuring subject for Frodo to discuss, this Man with whom he has forged such an unusual relationship.
As for the hithlain rope--that it would unknot itself in the Emyn Muil has led several of us, including Lindelea and me, to consider it to have very high moral precepts. Heh! And that it would help Frodo realize suicide is not an acceptable option, but that going West by one of the proper means would be such seemed proper to me. He's been offered the grace, and now at last he's actively accepting it and knows the offer won't be withdrawn on a whim.
French Pony
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 93: 93: "Real Elvish Rope"
Here I am, a day late and a dollar short. Sorry.
Anyway, this chapter really goes to show that the important Hobbits are far more with it and know more about the ways of the world than they let on. They pick up real quick on the identity of the Rangers, and they don't seem particularly surprised. And I love the idea that they're discussing shoes, those funny things.
And Sam is, as always, quite the perceptive Hobbit. Of course there's no rope at Bag End. Sam wouldn't be that stupid. But that one bit of hithlain really did the trick, forcing Frodo to confront his real choice.
Author's reply
Some of the Hobbits of the Shire have perhaps been aware of the Rangers, but not their true nature and purpose, but I agree--these do seem to accept the truth abput them with a good deal of grace.
Shoes would be of interest to Hobbits, I think, for their very novelty; and with Frodo present they can at least satisfy their curiosity about the subject a bit--and it's a fairly *safe* subject at least.
But to consider the hithlain rope would prove balky in this proposed endeavor has always felt right to me. Sam knows his Frodo and knows that if Frodo were to try such a thing he'd not wish it to be "messy"--but whether or not he hid the rest of the rope or line about the place or possibly Frodo was blinded to the rest is, of course, hard to say. And confronting the real choice is indeed what's beginning now, at long last.
Linda Hoyland
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 92: 92: Challenging Thain and Lady
How frustrating that even the Thain doesn't believe what happened !Ferdi seems to "see" more than the sighted.
Author's reply
None is as blind as he who will not see, goes the old adage. And it's a true one, after all. Paladin will change, but not before inflicting one more serious hurt....
Linda Hoyland
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 93: 93: "Real Elvish Rope"
I always enjoy reading Frodo's thoughts about Aragorn.If only the King were there now to help the poor Hobbit !
Author's reply
Oh, our beloved Lord King Aragorn Elessar would wish that as much as we do, I think! And I still believe that there had to be a great deal of affection as well as mutual respect between the two of them.