Antane
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Interview with Rangers
The most interesting part of this is receiving lembas "hallowed them" for their journey. Love that thought.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I thought the Dunedain might think along these lines, although the Hobbits are unlikely to appreciate the meaning of the phrase. That the Dunedain would see those taking part in this quest as needing to be under the protection of the Valar and Eru I felt to be in keeping with their higher-than-average (for Middle Earth, that is) awareness of the spiritual ramifications of the need to destroy the Ring.
Andrea
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
"Openness Returned" - that's a very good title for this chapter!
This conversation could only take place with Frodo being gone. Maybe the reservation the three travellers showed when asked about the quest had a lot to do with Frodo being there, to spare him the pain of hearing and re-living it again.
Now, that he left Middle Earth, they can speak more freely.
My right hand does the same, although not as strongly, and I usually recover faster than he did.”
Saradoc winced at the use of the word *did*.
More than his father, Merry has accepted that he will never see Frodo again - not in this life. And at last he finds the courage to speak of his journey, with Sam and Pippin putting in lots of details. I think, all three of them needed this conversation desperately, as did their parents and friends. With all said, what was of importance to them, they can now really say good-bye and start a new life. I wish them all the luck in the world!
This story is great, Larner!
Author's reply
Whether it was to spare Frodo reliving it through rehearing it or because Frodo refused to allow others to know what he'd been through or their own reticence in not being certain what they ought to tell themselves and what Frodo ought to tell on his own is difficult to say. But now that he's gone it's lightened their inhibitions, and they are finally feeling freer to share what all four have done.
Whether consciously or unconsciously, Merry realizes Frodo is gone; for Frodo's former foster father and beloved older cousin, this is a difficult matter, to be reminded so soon that this is so.
You are certainly correct that telling the story as they have is the first part of letting go and learning to live with Frodo gone from their lives.
And isn't it wonderful how these fictional characters have become so real to us we can wish them luck as you have here? I find I do the same! (How many times I've written in reviews of other folks' works, "Bless the Hobbit!")
Grey Wonderer
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
Oh, good for Merry! He has finally managed to tell his parents some of what happened to him. Now, more than ever, he is going to need them to help him get through all of this. And dear, sweet Sam! You write him so well!
Author's reply
Yes, at last Sara and Esme have an idea as to what has happened to their son and nephew and cousin and Sam; and they are beginning to appreciate just what the implications of what they'd seen mean.
And am so glad you like how I see and present Sam. He's a dear old soul.
Grey Wonderer
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Said it before and am saying it again. I love Brendi. This must have been so difficult for all of them simply because Frodo isn't exactly dead, just gone and perhaps healing but yet it is such a terrible loss. I think the most difficult part would have been not knowing how he was once he left.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Grey Wonderer. He's an individual that makes his way into your heart much as those shown in the Master's works have done. He wasn't considered a fellow with the younger Hobbits, so they never thought to include him in the Conspiracy save when Merry entrusted the letters to him to explain to their parents after the fact. Even then he had no idea what those letters might say--only the fact he was asked to send them at a particular time. Yet in ways he was part of Frodo's own conspiracy to try to slip away, for he knew he could seal Brendi's knowledge so it wouldn't be shared with others.
But the not being certain if Frodo survived the voyage must have been difficult for all of them.
Bodkin
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
At least no-one has to keep quiet now because Frodo wouldn't want to have his ills discussed. By removing himself, he has tacitly given them permission to reveal all the little things that his presence caused them to hide.
And I really like seeing them remember that Sam is Lord Samwise of All the Free Peoples. They might need to remind themselves of that every now and then until they get used to his new authority.
It's not going to be easy for Paladin and Eglantine to swallow the pill of the last few years and accept what has happened - but I'm sure Merry will keep his knife sharpened to scrape off any accumulation of veiling. And too much is still happening for them to bury their heads totally.
Author's reply
Without Frodo there to serve as inhibitor, all are feeling a good deal freer to share what they can; and certainly Merry needs to do this more than ever, for he needs to share Frodo's ordeal as well as his own to begin finding healing.
Yes, Sam is no longer able to hide his wonderful nature and intelligence by clinging to the guise of the common laborer or standing behind Frodo any more; now he's standing forth, presented as he is to the world of the Shire as the greatest of which he's capable, and by no less than Frodo himself.
And I love your description of Merry keeping his knife sharpened to scrape away the veiling. Now, as long as he does this for himself as well as for the rest.
harrowcat
· 2 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
That has given everyone a good deal to think over. Memories re-visited and individual view points collated giving a fuller picture. I just hope that the three 'lads' don't suffer for it. Great Larner.
Author's reply
Talking it out has been shown to be helpful in most cases, as long as we aren't just rehearsing old wrongs to work ourselves up to actions we shouldn't take or scapegoating others, at least. Thanks, Harrowcat.
Linda Hoyland
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
It was lovely to relive memories of Aragorn's coronation,which was such a wonderful day !Also good to see Sam come into his own.
Author's reply
Yes, they'll have those memories there forever, one of the defining days of their shared lives. And at last Sam is revealed as a worthy Hobbit in his own right, dressed for once as befits his nature as well as his improved station; and he's getting the recognition he deserves and that Frodo had long recognized is his due.
Dreamflower
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
Well, now they can talk about it, as you say in the chapter heading--"openness returned". There is no need to protect Frodo's feelings by keeping silent now, and now they can be assured that their parents are truly *listening*, and not just hearing what they want to hear.
I am glad that Merry did rebuke Paladin and Eglantine. Although I knew Pippin would forgive them easily, and not hold any grudge, Merry is another matter altogether, and it would have been OOC for him not to say *anything*. And they deserved it. But I'm glad, too, that he kept it brief, and let it go for Pippin's sake.
And I am looking forward to seeing Sam and Rose make their first real visit to Buckland. Sam will finally begin to learn of what life had been like for Frodo before he came to Bag End.
This is really a lovely story!
Author's reply
Yes, the openness is beginning to be seen again between parents and children, and it's definitely needed. Sara and Esme have wanted to know, and now they're finally learning, and not just from Merry but from all three.
And am so glad you agree it would have been out of character for Merry to have said nothing. At least they had the grace to blush, and he the grace to forgive them for Pippin's sake.
And they do need to have this visit.
Thanks so for the compliment!
SlightlyTookish
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Openness Returned
It's great to see the Tooks and Brandybucks learn more and more what happened while their sons and Frodo and Sam were away. I loved the bit where Merry forgave his aunt and uncle for Pippin's sake. Just as I would expect him to do.
Author's reply
I wrote a reply last night, but apparently hit "Back" instead of "Post." Please forgive me.
Yes, all are learning more openly what happened; and just the act of telling it forth is helping in the recovery for the three remaining Travellers as much as for the two sets of parents.
And am so glad you appreciated that for Merry he'd indeed forgive for the sake of his beloved younger cousin.
Thanks so much!
Kitty
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
*sniff*
Very touching chapter, Larner! I felt so sorry for all of them – for Mags who made something special for Frodo, not knowing he wouldn’t be there, for Brendi, Oridon and Ordo who had to try to remain businesslike in spite of their own grief – it’s so very obvious it wasn’t only Brendi who shared with Frodo a deep friendship, but the Goodbodys as well, not only their duty as lawyer and banker. And particularly for all the friends and relatives who will miss him so terribly.
The last part of the will, to the Conspirators, brought tears to my eyes, although I had to smile as well about the ‚rage of the wronged cousin’. But I suppose it was not easy for Frodo to write this at all. To explain why he slipped away without goodbye and knowing how much it would hurt them must’ve been hard.
You did a great job with the conversation between Pippin and his parents. His explanation how much he loved to work with his Da when he was younger and how he missed this made it quite clear how much he esteemed his Da. No wonder Pippin turned out so responsible during the Quest. What he said made it obvious why he couldn’t say anything before he left the Shire, too. And I was *so* glad he could finally talk about the Ring and all that and his parents simply *listened* and believed it for the first time. What a relief!
Author's reply
The portion of the will is slightly longer as it was first written for "For Eyes to See as Can." Am so glad you appreciated it here. I found I couldn't quite do this chapter without it.
For those who have developed a working relationship with Frodo, having to do their job and remain professional about it must have been difficult; and I imagine all who had known him halfway well found themselves shocked to learn he was leaving.
And these are the hard yet heartening things Paladin and Eglantine need to hear now, that their son went in part because of their early teaching of him. Yes, he learned from them and esteemed them for what they'd given him, and wanted that back again on a more mature level. And this time they ARE listening, which is the greatest gift they could have given him.
Periantari
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
What moves me so is his selfless acknowledgement of the fellow "Conspirators" job. It's so like Frodo to attribute others for what they did. And that is another thing that i extremely enjoyed about reading that.
I really cannot wait to hear more about how Sam deals with being "Master of Bag End" now. I have a Sam WIP post-Havens story written too and i've always been interested in how Sam deal with the loss of Frodo.
But yes, the will is still tearing at my heartstrings. :*( (as i know it would when i read the chapter title :P)
(I probably will be back to read the second half of the chapter with Pippin--i'm sure it's good too :)
Author's reply
Frodo had the tendency to honor the contributions of others more than his own, which was endearing but also frustrating, I'm certain.
I'll be getting to Sam as Master of Bag End, but it will be a few days yet. I truly look forward to seeing your story on the period.
The portion of the will I first wrote, slightly longer, for my first story, "For Eyes to See as Can." It belonged here, too, I found. And that it moves you is flattering.
Thank you so much for letting me know how this affected you.
harrowcat
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
What an emotionally fraught few days for our favourite travellers! I thinkthis reconciliation between father and son will result in an even better Thain.
Praying that life may be calming down just a little for you.
Author's reply
Yes, and so far they've not had the chance just to experience life without Frodo there for them to see when they can and wish. It's a difficult time for them, but they will pull through with marked grace.
Life calms down some, but just hiccuped again--need another car repair. GAACK!
Periantari
· 1 April 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
I was reduced to tears in the last letter and especially, especially Frodo's voice in the will. That was written so beautifully, i... remain speechless at the moment but must praise you that that alone, alone was so beautiful that it makes me want to read that part over and over because it is so true. Frodo was so selfless and he didn't want to put anyone in danger, anyone in pain... that is part of the reason for his leaving Middle-Earth.
For what did I in the paucity of my imagination know of what Terror is? You proved stronger than I, all of you, even you, Freddy, who feared to leave the safety of the Shire but who proved yourself, to your own amazement, as brave and as dedicated as any. Each of you went through trials I still cannot imagine, and all have earned every honor ever bestowed upon you. I bend my knee in respect to each and all of you, and beg you forgive me for this, my last betrayal, for not telling you I am leaving. I remain a coward, and weak. I am, I know, physically weak now, and I could not bear seeing your final grief. Please, please forgive me.
Oh gosh, reading that again, tears... so many tears. :*(
oh Frodo. <3
And i printed the last chapter out to read on teh subwawy--i've read it twice. :)
Larner, you're amazing~ =) ::have to read the Pippin part of this chapter too::
(The italized Frodo part just reduced me to tears already though... :*( wow.
Author's reply
Thank you again, although I realize you wrote this before the one above. Am so glad you appreciated it. Thank you so much for responding. If I can bring out the emotions for you, then I've done my job as a writer.
Radbooks
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Yes, I cried in this chapter too... especially at the end during the talk between Pippin and his father. I loved how you showed that Pippin had thought everything out ahead of time and that he was right not to have told his father anything about the danger of the Ring, etc. It also showed that Aragorn was right to appoint him a councilor... that it wasn't just an empty honor. Of course I know this is where the title of the story comes from and it is so important to have forgiveness and reconcillation between people, especially in families.
Wonderful job!
Author's reply
Then I'm doing my job as a writer if I can so move you, Radbooks! And am looking forward to the next chapter of your story as well, of course.
Pippin is able at last to talk freely, and his parents are at last listening, and hearing not the criticism they'd expected, but the reverence for the good they have done in preparing this son of theirs for his eventual role in the world. And I don't think Aragorn ever made serious errors in choosing his counselors.
Radbooks
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: The Road Home
You shouldn't write chapters that are going to make me cry on a Friday night... especially the one before Spring break! And this one and the next one both made me cry... and I don't cry easily! :)
I loved hearing the Invocation, it was beautiful and meaningful. And them singing on the way home was special... songs can be healing in a special way.
The fact that they had to sleep touching each other moved me as did the fact that the elf was there when they woke up... that they didn't have to be alone the rest of the way home.
And then when Merry and Pippin get to Crickhollow and their fathers were there and took such wonderful care of them... so very well done and moving. *sniff*
Author's reply
Well, I hope that spring break is a pleasant one to make up for the tears.
I based the invocation on psalm form, and in my mind hear it sung rather antiphonally as psalms are often sung in sung Eucharist services in the liturgical churches.
Pippin sings in self-healing, and Merry finds himself joining him and hopefully finds similar relief, although Sam isn't ready for that yet. However, he still could accept this in them and find a bit of relief just in listening.
I think they'd need a bit of reassurance by being close enough to touch that night, although I don't tend to write "Hobbit pile" stories as much as many doe. And I felt that one of those who wouldn't be going with Gildor might well be asked or choose to watch out for these on their journey home.
And am so glad you like seeing them cared for by their parents. Thank you for your appreciation expressed.
Baggins Babe
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Oh I did feel for poor Mags here - she's watched Frodo for years and was obviously keen for the chance to serve him a proper meal, and he's gone!
The scene between Pip and his parents was perfect - moving and uplifting. There is love and forgiveness at last. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Yes, I feel for Mags as well, and every other common person Frodo's life touched who now realizes he's up and disappeared again.
And am so very glad you appreciate the discussion between Pippin and his parents. Both sides need it desperately.
Andrea
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Eglantine had sat, spellbound, as Pippin spoke.
"Spellbound" - that's exactly how I felt when Pippin finally came to tell his parents about the quest. That was brilliant, Larner!
I loved it how Paladin the farmer encouraged his son to try things out, even when he knew they would be failures. That's what is meant with "learning by doing", I think. Some things simply can not be learned by reading a book, some things can not be understood by being forbidden to do them. You have to try them on your own. I'm quite sure Pippin experienced lots of situations on the quest where he was forced to try it out. And not always was there an older cousin to "supervise" his actions. But he managed it on his own and his wisdom has indeed grown.
I humbly beg your forgiveness for the unspoken curses I formulated as I foresaw every disaster you would face that you refused to allow me to bear for you.
Oh Frodo! I can very well imagine that. But Pippin is right, on his own he would not have made it to Mordor. And Frodo has come to accept this, too - accept, not approve. He would have done anything to get his cousins and Sam out of danger.
Author's reply
I'm glad you agree with the description here. It's difficult to hear someone you love tell them of the part of his/her life not dreamed of. It's difficult for many parents to let go the parenting role when their children are old enough to stand on their own.
I think that basically Paladin Took was a good father who found his new role as Thain to be frustrating to deal with, distracting him at a time when it negatively affected his relationship with his son. But the foundation of realizing not all things work and that there is a need to think things through and that it's okay to try things even if one does "fail" has stuck with Pippin. Some of the things he did on the quest were dangerous, but as time passed more and more were more than useful--were outright perfect, in fact.
The portion of the will read appeared first in "For Eyes to See as Can." I felt it was necessary to carry over the mood here from that source. Oh, I DO wind my stories together....
And Pippin is certainly right. Frodo would have tried anything to protect the rest, but needed them to bolster him along the way.
SlightlyTookish
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Well, I'll make no secret of it (and is it really that unexpected, coming from me?) but I LOVED and ADORED the conversation at the end between Pippin and his parents. Right from when you started it in the "uncomfortable and stiff" sitting room - just perfect for the uncomfortable conversation they were about to have. I loved the entire conversation, and the theme of "thinking it through" and how Paladin realizes Pippn did that (and that he taught him well). Wonderful! I love it when Pippin has a good relationship with his parents. Disagreements happen of course, but a nice, loving relationship between parent and child makes me SO happy! :)
Author's reply
Yes, it's past time to put this fight to rest, and at last Paladin and Eglantine are actually listening.
Frodo hid out here in the last story; it's the one area in the smial noone wants to visit voluntarily, after all. And you're right that this is the most appropriate place in Bag End for this uncomfortable conversation to take place.
And having a proper relationship is necessary for them all. Hobbits are meant for loving one another, not for harboring resentments.
Glad this pleased you so.
Anonymous
· 31 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Tedicus,
How many times did "The Gaffer" show up for the reading
of the will?
Did he perhaps leave and come back?
Is there another individual to which the moniker "The Gaffer" refers?
How about the possibility that he has a doppleganger?
Could Bag End be an intersecting point for multiple universes
where replicate Gaffers congregate to create mystery and mayhem?
The riddle of the cloned Gaffers must have a resolution!
Maybe Sharkey was making some magical means to mold men in multiplicity.
Please elucidate.
Author's reply
I suspect that the Library at Unseen University was intersecting with Middle Earth at this point, Tedicus. You know how it can get when the orangutan librarian there doesn't get his bananas regularly.
However, I offered him an orange and he ordered the unwarranted incursion of that magical space to withdraw from this story at least.
Thanks for the heads up--although one of these days I may try a crossover between Pratchett's and Tolkien's worlds.
Queen Galadriel
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Oh dear, I'm hopelessly tender-hearted when it comes to grief like this, and have just cried my eyes out through this chapter. Again, you've managed to capture perfectly something that comes after the departure of a loved one--the to-do and bustle, in this case not having to do with a funeral but with the reading of the will. What memories it brings back. Well, at least they haven't had time to experience that dreadful stage of not knowing quite what to do with oneself and feeling like they've done nothing but grieve for an immeasurable time. Sam is likely to feel that the most, I expect.
Poor Mags! It's so sad to see how her good, tender heart was wrung by Frodo's leaving. Really I feel sorry for all of them; for no matter how neatly things are left, there are always things that have to be settled, and I observed my parents, grandmother, and other relatives enough to know that it can look like a mountain when everyone is already worn down just by the grief itself. *sigh*
So wonderful to see Pippin finally having the chance to explain everything to his parents, and what seems to be the last step to reconciliation for them.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Part of this, of course, is based on real-life experience.
I am glad someone at least finds Mags's plight understandable and empathizes with her. She and Timmins have watched Frodo for years, have served him for years, have a feeling for his favorite dishes and ales and diversions in their establishment. He's been eating less and less, he has finally given up visiting at all; yet he orders this elaborate meal for what they think of as a house party and they find it's nothing of the sort, and he's gone.
I truly think that far more than Frodo dreamed would care are realizing he's left the Shire for good, and with no proper warning. It's not just his near and dear who will mourn his leaving, but the quick post messenger who's always thrilled to his smile, the children he's told stories to, the widow whose cat and flowers he's always admired, the ones who sold him his favorite blends of tea, and those who served him in the inns. Mags and Timmins represent all those.
The realization that there are more details that need to be dealt with in settling the new regime into place is a very valid one, and I'm glad you brought it up. Dealing with deaths and permanant leavings is never completely easy.
But at last Pippin's been able to have his say, and this time his parents are listening. Now, as FrenchPony points out, it's time to communicate on both sides to see the process firmly accomplished.
French Pony
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
I loved the reading of the will. All right and proper, especially compared to the way Bilbo ran off without a word. But that's Frodo's way. He prefers everything done correctly, pre-arranged down to the last detail. And all is done to spare those left behind as much stress as possible. That's Frodo all over.
I'm glad that Pippin and Paladin finally got to sit and say their pieces to each other. Their next step is that they must learn to converse instead of speechifying. Then they will truly be reconciled to each other.
Author's reply
Frodo is simply NOT Bilbo at all, and would indeed see to it as many details as possible would be arranged so as to make it easier on everyone. Bilbo never fully got over his awakened tendency to set everyone just a bit askew, even in his personal bequests; Frodo is far more dignified.
And you are certainly right about the need to move from speechifying to communicating. But at least the reconciliation is unfolding between Pippin and his parents.
Elanor Silmariën
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: The Road Home
Oh, it's so nice to see Paladin finally starting to understand what his son needs! I love this story!
God bless,
Ellie
Author's reply
Yes, Paladin Took is seeing the error of his ways and is doing his best to be father first now, being there when his son needs his da.
Thank you for the review.
Dreamflower
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
Larner, this is so beautiful! I can tell that in a number of ways you see Pippin's upbringing much as I do--that he and his father were close until adolescence and the worries of the Thainship drove a wedge between them. But that early foundation of love and trust and pride could not have been completely undermined, and now it can once more be built upon.
And the Conspiracy--yes, the older ones *would* have tried to keep Pippin safe, and Pippin would have used just such a tactic as he did.
Poor Pippin, Merry and Sam. They *know* Frodo had to leave, and why, they are happy to hope for his healing--but, oh the grief of not seeing him any more! Even Sam--though he has the promise of going to join Frodo, it won't happen for years and years--not until he has lived an entire lifetime without his dearest brother-friend; and for Merry and Pippin, well, not within the circles of the world will they see him again. So, in terms of missing Frodo, of grieving for him, in those ways, Frodo might as well be dead. Yet they were unselfish enough to give him up anyway, knowing that he might stand a chance of a bit of happiness once more, even for a while.
This scene with Pippin and his parents is everything I could have hoped for--Paladin and Eglantine showing their guilt and remorse and belated pride in their son, and Pippin being his generous and forgiving self. *sigh*
*goes back to top of chapter to read again*
Author's reply
It's always lovely to find others who have the same or similar feelings to particular relationships that aren't described in the books save for the biological ones. And now the foundation relationship is ready to be restored at last.
It must have been somewhat comforting to think of their son as still being their "little Pippin" at heart, having something unchangeable in a stressful world which was heavily impacted by the presence of Lotho and Sharkey's army within the Shire; but children do grow up, and with Pippin leaving the Shire as he did they didn't get to see it. By not accepting his story they were seeking to keep a bit of innocence in their lives; now they must accept Pippin as he is, which is as an adult whose nature has been tempered in fire. He's far more than they ever thought to see in the son of their loins, of course; and coming to terms with that is not easy.
Am so glad this scene is what you felt was needed.
As for the sacrifice Pippin, Merry, and Sam have made--it is that, and for his chance to also become all he can be as much as for his restoration. For Frodo doesn't just belong to the Shire--he was set aside for a fate beyond expectation; now is his turn for fulfillment come, which cannot come to him if he remains where he was.
Thanks you for the honor of this review.
Linda Hoyland
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: The Reading of the Will
What a lovely gesture of Frodo's to have had those beautiful clothes made for Sam.
If you were wondering, I'll continue my own story when I've revised HDOH, which is a bigger task than I thought,hopefully by next week it will be complete.
Author's reply
Just as Aragorn saw to it in Minas Tirith that the Hobbits looked the part of heroes and princes through the wardrobe he gave them (in my stories, anyway), so here Frodo seeks to do the same for Sam. Sam is now the Master of Bag End and will be the Mayor seven times running. He's not just a paid gardener any more. Frodo realizes Sam needs to look the part to play the role he's now destined to know. Frodo is making certain no one will underestimate Samwise Gamgee from this point forward.
Am looking forward to seeing "Web of Treason" continued, but certainly understand the influence of revising an existing piece of work. Good fortune to you!
Andrea
· 30 March 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: The Road Home
Oh Larner! Again a beautiful chapter!
All three had found themselves giving Frodo tremulous smiles as he turned back to look at them as he stepped onto the deck of the ship, for they saw the relief just that act gave him.
Well, I think I've told you before how much I love that scene in the movie. Thank you for putting it here.
The songs you chose were perfect, especially the invocation of healing. It is very Pippin to express his feelings in a song. And for Merry it must have been relieving to sing along.
And when they come back to Crickhollow, their fathers are waiting for them to give them comfort.
The Thain of Tookland turns into Paladin the farmer again. At first Pippin can't believe the sudden change, but he's glad to have his dad back.
And I'm glad they made peace again.
Very touching was the scene where Saradoc retrieved the younger hobbits' belongings from their trouser pockets. In particular I liked the marble that was a gift from Frodo to Merry when he was just a little lad. A precious keepsake!
I think all three hobbits, Merry, Pippin and Sam have come to the same conclusion on their journey home: Frodo did the right thing. And it was the only possible way to find healing. And they will gladly satisfy his wish: to live fully - for him.
Author's reply
And your review is just as moving. Thank you, Andrea. To live fully was the greatest gift they could give him now to take with him, knowing they would be the best individuals they could be while they could.
And that marble has been in Merry's pocket probably from the time so long ago when Frodo left the Shire, a world in a sphere of glass or crystal, to hold the memory of him there across the Brandywine and the Shire. And now it will continue to act so, that Merry not forget Frodo loves him.