FantasyFan
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 21: Tying Up The Ends
I love getting Bilbo's perspective of all of this. We've seen how hard Frodo has fought, but watching Bilbo see how close Frodo came to dying brings back into sharp focus how serious it all was. And the love between Bilbo and Frodo feels just right for the relationship of the future. Also, I'm glad Dody has some resolution too. Even though he was the cause of it all, there were extenuating circumstances and he has redeemed himself both by his suffering but also by his choices.
Author's reply
Thank you! And thank you also for noting Dody's not completely redeemed yet. Though everyone seems to be living happily ever after now, there are unresolved issues that must be faced and answered for. You will adore the next chapter.
Periantari
· 23 August 2004
· Chapter 21: Tying Up The Ends
awww i love your little kid! Frodo..aww so cute!!! The dialogue with Bilbo is indeed very precioussss =)
and so glad that everything's resolved with Dody =)
glad to see Clearwater in jail too :D
wow it seems that the story is is coming to a close but i so don't want to see an end to this! so glad that there is a still a "TBC" at the bottom of the story ;) =)
Author's reply
*sniff*
Well, that's about the sweetest thing anyone could say! I will endeavor to make this last chapter as good as I can make it. It's hard to keep the momentum going when you come to the end of a fic. Part of the reason I take so long between updates is because I never want to have that 'oh, geez, do I HAVE to finish this fic?' feeling coming out in the text!
I hope my last chapter will be just as good as you hope and I want to thank you sincerely for all the sweet notes and encouragement you have given me for all my fics. They brighten up my day immeasurably.
Ariel
pipinheart
· 22 July 2004
· Chapter 20: Confrontations
This is amazinly good.... Please continue.....
Author's reply
*blush*
I will most definitely. Thank you so much for letting me know you liked it.
Ariel
Elanor1013
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 20: Confrontations
Ahhh! Cliffhangers like this should be ILLEGAL.
:) But seriously, this is such a great story. I hope Bilbo and the Brandybucks can bail out poor Dody!
Author's reply
*grin*
Working on it - and thank you so much for letting me know you are enjoying my story! That kind of thanks makes the whole thing worthwhile.
periantari
· 12 July 2004
· Chapter 20: Confrontations
Wow what a cliffhanger!
and what a clever development in the plot!! =) Clearwater is indeed a big jerk and sleeze ball... wow i can't believe he would leave his mom and rename himself... he indeed is THE worst hobbit in the Shire :p What a horrible character you created hehe
i can't wait for more... i hope Dody is ok! :(
Author's reply
Yeah, it's a bit of a stretch for a hobbit, I'll admit, but that is also why the rest of them were so shocked and disgusted - and why Clearwater knew his game was up. He had nothing left to lose, eh? Am working on the next chapter now - it is coming along quite swimmingly!
Ariel
Breon Briarwood
· 11 July 2004
· Chapter 20: Confrontations
Eee! No, not when his life is looking up!
Author's reply
I know! I am SUCH the angst maven! heheheheh
Don't worry too much. I have only two chapters to go and it does end happily for everyone (except the doc, of course). Thanks for reviewing!
Ariel
Elwenlj
· 11 July 2004
· Chapter 20: Confrontations
Wow! You have a gift! I was squirming in my chair, waiting for Drogo to appear. Then the revelations about the Doctor. And you've left us on a cliff hanger. Argggggg!!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
I learned my craft from Budgie....
I do have a chapter with more Frodo in it coming up next, and the last chapter will have you falling in love with that little hobbit boy more than you ever thought you could...
*sigh*
Best get writing...
:D
Elentari
· 30 April 2004
· Chapter 19: Epiphany
wow ..what a wonderful, beautiful chapter!!!
I love the touching conversation Drogo and Primula had in the beginning..i loved how you characterize both with such intense and deep love for one another. Those lines describing their love was so wonderful ::squeee::
Dody-- perfect description of his change...it's so wonderful to see how this experience with Frodo has made him less bitter, less angry, less jealous... and he had an image of his mother which was a very creative thing to include. I love how you characterize Dody's change throughout the story.... very believable and very touching. (I like Dody a lot more! =)
the third part of the chapter is interesting indeed... makes me be on the edge of my seat thinking of what Drogo would do to prevent Dody from being an apprentice to Clearwater... i anticipate the next chapter very much :D
and lastly...awwwww~!!!!! the last scene with Frodo warm and comfortable with his parents is soooooo preciousssssss. i couldn't stop smiling envisioning that scene of such peace for him to have gone through so much and now finally "he had them both back". :*) :*)
Beautiful...i love what you did with this story!!! one of my favorites ever indeed =) :thumbsup:
Author's reply
Bad me! I didn't reply to this the moment I got it and so, naturally, RL interfered. My profuse apologies! I value all the folks who take the time to reply and want to make sure you are all thanked for doing so. I have to tell you, whenever I get tired of this story or think that it must not be as good as I want it to be, I just read through the wonderful comments people have written. Your lovely words are like sunshine and they pick me up immediately. Thank you so much for brightening MY day by sharing them.
cpsings4him
· 29 April 2004
· Chapter 19: Epiphany
Ariel,
I believe I left you a review of this on FF.net, but wanted to leave one here as well (because, sometimes as a READER of fanfiction, I will check to see how many [and what kind of] reviews a story has gotten when deciding if a story is worth my time to read)...and this one TOTALLY deserves many and wonderful reviews!
I have enjoyed this fic almost from it's beginning back at Frodo's Harem. To say I was hooked from the first chapter is a vast understatement! This story has it all! Exciting, intricate plot! Well voiced, believeable canonical characters as well as well drawn, interesting, likable ORIGINAL characters! And angst, angst, angst! What more could a reader want?
Amazing job! I'm only sorry the story is winding down and coming to an end. But...then we get to move on to the next wonderful tale from "The Angst Maven!".
Blessings!
cp
Author's reply
Well, thank you for upping my quota! ;) You were reading this back in the Harem? Way cool! This is the first (and only) story I ever wrote piecemeal - without having most of it done before the next chapter was written. The only one I did sort of like that before was 'Thicker than Blood' - though most of that was written (except the epilogue) before I even posted the first chapter. I am not sure I like the practice though. It makes it hard to change your mind about something you wanted to add later and I don't think the story comes out quite so contained as a fic written in its entirety and then posted. Still, if it has entertained you that long I must be doing something right! Thank you so very much for you review!
Niere
· 27 April 2004
· Chapter 19: Epiphany
Oh my gosh I don't even know what to say about this latest Chapter--"Epiphany." This entire story is simply a marvel, and I've enjoyed reading it so very much. Your word-smithing talents continue to delight, but one of my very favorite parts is "He would love her till the stars of Aman burned out and the song of the world faded into memory."
That's just gorgeous.
Author's reply
If I have pleased you then I have achieved my goal. When my muse is happy, all is right with the world.
((((((((Niere))))))))
The best muse a writer ever had.
Ariel
Elwen
· 27 April 2004
· Chapter 19: Epiphany
*sigh's contented sigh*
I think this story is the best of yours I've ever read. You have a wonderful depth to the characters. And this chapter was so gentle and loving and just . . . *sigh*
Author's reply
OH, thank you, Elwen! I am always afraid it isn't as tight as my shorter fics, mainly because it has been written piecemeal, over a longer time frame and has more 'stuff' in it, so to hear you say you like it best, is very encouraging. Thank you!
SilverMoonLady
· 26 April 2004
· Chapter 19: Epiphany
I can hardly be objective, but I do want to say, publicly and where it will(maybe) do some good, just how utterly brilliant I think this story is! A must read, as they say out there in the big world:)
Author's reply
And I thank you very much for all your help with it! Truly you are as much of a 'must read'.
shirebound
· 26 April 2004
· Chapter 19: Epiphany
What an amazing conversation between Primula and Drogo! She'd been holding all that in for nine years?? Wow. And you know that the end of this chapter just made me melt into a warm, squishy puddle.
*still happily melting*
Author's reply
Awww... well, I did want you to have a happy chapter, SB. You've had so much angst to put up with from me already. Hehehehe.
What Primula was holding onto, or rather, not allowing herself, was to feel something for her stillborn daughter. She bottled the sorrow up inside and it has been like a ticking bomb that was triggered by her almost losing Frodo. Because shutting down her emotions in response to grief was a familiar reaction, she tried to do the same thing to Frodo, but Frodo noticed and did something about it. Poor gal was afraid the grief would tear her apart, and it may well have if Drogo had not been there, though I fancy, she'd have found the strength inside herself if she'd been pressed to it.
Thank you for your unflagging support for this, SB. It has been wonderful to have.
Ariel
niniel
· 23 March 2004
· Chapter 18: Courage Without Guarantees
Sorry, today I'm not really good in doing anything, so don't expect this review to blow you off your chair. RL sucks lately and is doing its best to keep me down constantly. This chapter, however, made me forget part of RL for a while. It was very well written and here I'm especially referring to the Dody parts. One of my boys at work is showing similar behavior and has a similar past. I don't know whether you've ever witnessed something liks this in RL (hopefully not), but in case not, I can't see it. You did a wonderful job Ariel (as always as I might add). The end of the chap was pretty good too. In my job you have to surprise the kids a lot with reactions, they don't expect of you. And I guess that's just what Dody did. Surprised Drogo with these tiny four words. Should make him think.
Thanks again for sharing the story. It's wonderful, you let us read it. P.
Author's reply
Thank you, my dear! I got the impression things were getting a bit tough for you as you are usually one of the first people to write me. I am sorry to hear it and I hope you can get back on track soon - though if you need a place to vent or a shoulder to cry on in the meantime, you know my YIM... :*
Elentari
· 12 March 2004
· Chapter 18: Courage Without Guarantees
omg that was beyond awesome!!!!
I was so engaged in this story from the beginning on and this chapter was incredibly well written... all the emotions were there... you indeed gave me fear all the4 way through on what Dody might do and if Frodo would make it or not...
I love this line:
"Frodo could not do this thing, and yet he would, and all for the consolation of those he loved. Realization gripped Dody and a deep respect filled him. This was courage in its rawest, most pure form. To those who looked on it appeared as nothing but a simple act; a stroll across the terrace, they could have done it easily."
omg! WOW... i'm so glad that his courage in doing this for the people he loves "converted" Dody to not be jealous of him anymore... to make him respect him.
This courage and determination can be seen with Frodo in the future as he carries the evil Ring to Mordor as well ;) =)
wow.. and when Dody wanted to do something physical to Frodo..i was so scared!
wow... and i love the ending part... with Frodo walking to Drogo... wow.
amazing.. you had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through reading this beautiful chapter.
I can't wait for more :D :D is Frodo ok is the biggest question...
the second question is to have more of Drogo and Primula's reactions... to Dody saying "Because he loves you.."
wow... now that is powerful stuff!
i'm in awe.
Thanks so much!
~Elentari =)
Author's reply
So, you liked it, right?
HEHEHEH...
Thank you for your continued support, Elentari! I'll let you in on a secret - Frodo is going to be OK... I don't tend to write AU that conflicts with canon and he's got to be alright to go on the quest!
I'll try and get cracking on the next chapter as soon as I can.
Ariel
Merlynnod
· 12 March 2004
· Chapter 18: Courage Without Guarantees
Your story is so incredibly beautiful! :D
The characterization of Frodo is perfect...and Primula and Drogo are just as I had imagined them. :) Drogo very like Bilbo in so many ways, Primula delicate and ladylike, but determined and strong all the same...just the sort of stock Frodo would come from. :)
The comparison between Frodo's childhood and Dody's is perfectly wrought, and very, very believeable...In the beginning I was quite prepared to see Dody as the "villian" of the story, but you revealed him to be pitiful and in so much need as the story progressed. And now, by this chapter, his own strength of will and true good character are beginning to shine forth and as a reader I can't help but pull for him. :) He reminds me of Merry in some way...I can't really describe it, somehow or another though. :)
I can hardly wait for you to continue the story, and I'm bookmarking it for future readings. :)
Beautiful story, masterfully written. :)
Author's reply
Thank you, Merlynnod! I write it like I see it - and I hope I will continue to see it in a way that you will find entertaining. Everything I have put in this fic comes from 'what I know' - and I really think that makes the difference.
Reminds you of Merry? Awww! I kind of see Dody acting as a friend and confidant when Frodo himself loses his parents, because Frodo ends up such a well balanced character, it's hard to believe he didn't have some good support after the traumatic experience of losing his parents. His support could have come from Merry's parents, I suppose, but I think I've made a rather convincing argument for Dody too. ;)
Ariel
cpsings4him
· 11 March 2004
· Chapter 18: Courage Without Guarantees
Ariel,
This review is long, long, long overdue! I have enjoyed this story almost since the beginning. I think there were maybe 4 chapters when I first started reading it on FH and I have loved it all the way! This chapter was perfection! But then, I'm not surprised - because everything I've ever read by you has been beyond wonderful! What does surprise me is that you are not a published author - are you? You have an extraordinary talent which you wield with utmost skill!
I love the characterization you have given to Frodo's parents. Many fanfics paint them as these two perfect individuals - too perfect to seem real and solid - for who among us could ever relate or connect with someone who's perfect! You, on the other hand, have done an excellent job of making them 'real' (with real faults and failings) and yet keeping them lovable and likable at the same time. I can't tell you how many times throughout my reading of this fic I have wanted to SMACK Primula (or at least give her a good shake to make her see what she is doing to her son!)...but a the same time (that is in that same instance) I feel such compassion for her as a mother, struggling to balance her need to protect her child with HIS need to be allowed to take a chance, that I can't be angry with her for more than a moment. Ariel, you truely do have a gift for writing. Thank you for sharing that gift with us and for giving me so many moments of pleasure as I watch your stories unfold.
Blessings!
cp
P.S. I also wanted to complement you on the EXCELLENT work you have been doing on Emma's fantastic fic RATM. Your Estella is great reading!
Author's reply
Hey! CP! Well, I am only published in technical journals - and that would be far drier reading than my fic, let me assure you! I am really glad to see you hanging in for so long on this story. I write what I enjoy writing, which includes, unfortunately, genres that people often roll their eyes over - angst, hurt/comfort and het. Top it off with lots of OCs and that's usually a death knell for a fic - so the fact that you have stayed with me through so many chapters means a LOT to me! I am glad you found it entertaining and I hope you will enjoy the rest of the fic.
PS - Oh, my work on RATM was ENTIRELY self-serving. There's an addictive fic that makes me want to slap characters! LOL! I told Emma that I would write Estella for her IF she gave Pippin some 'cajones' - which, if she continues on the present proposed route, he will have, in spades! HEHEHEHEH.
Ariel
FantasyFan
· 11 March 2004
· Chapter 18: Courage Without Guarantees
This is a marvelous chapter, full of emotion. I especialy liked how Dody recognized Frodo's unique courage, and knew that nothing in the Shire would be equal to his spirit. He was wrong when he thought no one else would see it, but then how could a simple hobbit anticipate what was to come?
It surprised me that Drogo's response was anger. I wasn't surprised he was protective when the walk was clearly too much for Frodo, but I though he might see the love without being told. And I do feel very sorry for Dody, who has to turn away from something he'll never have.
By the way, there seems to be a small problem with the chapter as posted. The first paragraph ends abruptly, and there is a section of text at the very end which is out of place (after TBC) and looks like it might be part of the missing end of the first paragraph. You might want to take a look at it.
Author's reply
Yes! There was! Thanks for catching that. I'll have to check the other places I posted this too...
I’ll have to assure you that Drogo will see – but he’s coming into the situation without the understanding the readers have come to have because he’s been away. He’s going to have a sit down with Primula and Frodo, and he’ll see some things more clearly than even Primula. He’s a protective daddy and consider he’s only talked to Dody the one time. He’s going to defend his son first, foremost and always.
:D
Ariel
niniel
· 9 January 2004
· Chapter 17: Angst
Oh well done! Brought me to tears again. *shakes head* How do you do that? What's your secret? *g* Good story. Hope to read more soon. Never thought much about Primula and Drogo. How old was Frodo when they died? 12? *walks off to go and check*
Author's reply
He was, actually, 11. I always assumed that since Drogo and Primula were boating, it was, most likely, summer when the accident happened, and so Frodo would not have been 12 till that September. I am glad you are enjoying this story and yes, there will be more soon. I find this one calls to me more consistently than my other (thousand or so) plot bunnies do. Must be the angst. HEHEHEH... Thank you so much for your review! It is difficult, sometimes, to get people to read a story with so many OCs in it, but to read sweet reviews like this one lets me know it is worth the effort of writing it. Thank you ever so much for your kindness.
Elwen
· 11 December 2003
· Chapter 17: Angst
Wwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!!!!
*buries face in hanky*
Author's reply
Hmph... serves you right! After all the hankies I've gone through reading your pieces... ;)
Ariel
Author Reply: Hmph... serves you right! After all the hankies I've gone through reading your pieces... ;)
Ariel
Elentari
· 23 November 2003
· Chapter 16: Fell Voices
wow... great chapter, Ariel! i really really enjoyed reading this chapter and the chapter before... You have great descriptions of emotion and surroundings. Your detailed writing makes for it be a great piece! I love that last scene with Dody and Frodo but i dont' understand why Primula is having these nightmares of what seems to be the future...
But I can't wait for more.
hanned le,
~Elentari
Author's reply
I will hopefully make it clear in the next chapter (or the one after). I'd explain, but I think Primula herself would do a better job of it. Thank you so much for your kind review and I will try to get working on the next bit as soon as I can!
Oh this chapter was so good! I loved Frodo and Dody's conversation and Frodo's notice of Primula's attitude change after her dream-visions. But will Frood be walking when Drogo returns, and will Dody cause him to get hurt while they're practicing Frodo's balance and walking. And what will Drogo find and say when he returns. And how much will Frodo eventually remember. And are you going to do a segment when Frodo's parents die? *Begs on knees, once again* PLEASE!!!!!!!!! That would be a PERFECT sequel!
Author's reply
LOL! You'll have to let me finish THIS story first! I will have to see how the muses hit me but I will definitely keep your request in mind! Thank you for your lovely words and enthusiasm.
Ariel
elentari
· 13 September 2003
· Chapter 13: Awakenings
Wow...what a story... i read all 13 chapters in one sitting... i was so intent on learning what happened to poor young Frodo...
It was so great that you kept me at the edge of my seat like that!!! Thanks a lot for the story...
I felt like chapter 13 was like the ending, but not really because the other storylines, like Clearwater saying that Frodo might have probably brain damage wasn't expanded on... but Frodo woke and is conscious (and NOT brain damaged), so i guess that's all that matters =)
Very cool fanfic.. i'm glad you wrote about his parents like that.... and Dody is an interesting character as well... i thought that he would be more "evil" but then again it is not hobbit nature to be too revengeful...
Great piece! Looking forward to reading more, (if there is more) =)
Author's reply
Thank you, Elentari!
Rest assured, there is definitely more. This was the first story I ever attempted to post while I was writing it - and that method has its drawbacks - like long periods between updates! :( Sorry! But the tale is all plotted out and there are approximately 8 more chapters to go... there will definitely be more with Dody and with Frodo - there are some very unresolved issues between them, between Drogo and Clearwater, and you will see, between Primula and Frodo. The story is called 'Fear' for a reason - it is all about overcoming fears... and so far we have only just gotten the 'set up' finished!
Ariel