Reviews (20)

Soledad · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 2: II

So much sadness. Poor Primula. :(

Soledad · 18 May 2008 · Chapter 1: I

It's nice to se them all in their young years. What a terrible thing such a flood can be, though. (Sorry for the double post... dratted touchpad is too sensitive.)

Kitty · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

I’m not sure it was good for Primula to help to clean up the smial. She seemed to have some little problems before and should have stayed sitting somewhere, maybe then she wouldn’t have catched the cold and lost the baby ... *sigh* I’m so sorry for all of them. So Bard saw Bilbo and later Sam as they truly were? You know, it’s intriguing how this disc works! Useful thing. I wonder how it would’ve showed Saruman when nobody knew of his treachery. This was an interesting look back at the time when Frodo, Bard and Brendi were children.

Kitty · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Ah, I love the first ‚official despatch’ for Mayor Samwise! Aragorn knows what is truly important *grin* It’s fascinating what memories this little stone brought up. Sam is probably glad to know it belonged to Frodo. As for Frodo, it is sweet how much he anticipated the visit of Bilbo. I loved his exchange with Bilbo about startling the ponies – not popping up, but leaping down. Question box is a wonderful name – Frodo must have driven the adults to distraction, at least sometimes, with all his questions. Save his abilities as actor, I suspect it were his eyes why Peter Jackson chosed Elijah for the role of Frodo. If even Bard noted his eyelashes *grin* It’s sad to know Primula will loose this child, too. The excitement and anxiety about the flooding was probably not helping, either. I am so *very* sorry to hear you had viruses and all that on top of your other computer problems! Sadly I can do nothing more than to cross my fingers and hope it will be over soon!

Andrea · 7 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

“What’s a glamour?” Frodo immediately asked. “A sort of spell to make something appear to be somewhat different than it actually is,” Bilbo explained. I must say, Bilbo's explanation is far the best I've ever heard! As we all know, Primula's miscarriage and Frodo's fainting were the beginning of a very sad story. Sad for Frodo, because everyone wanted to protect him and to look after him and so his life was not as free as before. When Bilbo took him to Bag End as his heir, his life changed completely. So I think it's quite understandable that he wanted his "Brandybuck life" to come to an end. Therefore he put the stone where it belonged, into the mill. Maybe, when he really came to meet Lord Elrond, he regretted that decision! I liked your description of little Brendi, who looked much the same as Frodo and seemed to have the same interests. They must have been close friends in their childhood. Brendi looked through the hole in the stone disk first at Bilbo and then Frodo, then paused and pulled it away. He rather quickly handed it back to his younger Baggins cousin ... What did Brendi see, I wonder?

harrowcat · 6 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

At last - a minute to review! A very short tale from you Larner but I enjoyed it very much, especially as it opens up possibilities for more to come! If Frodo's mother blames herself for being the cause of this miscarrage, as seems likely, it is very sad and untrue but, at least, we get to see where Frodo gets the tendancy to blame himself for what can't be helped from. (Woah! Grammar police needed on that sentence!) I got quite a shiver when people started looking through the stone. I think images of the ring and the Eye came to mind. Having them see the truth of a person is great. I like the way that you have turned around the dictionary definition of ' a spell of the eyes that make things seem fairer than they really are,' (Chambers) My own offering of a plot bunny is that I want to know who Frodo looked at through the stone and what he saw! Great stuff Larner and I loved the notes too.

Armariel · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

Ohhh...so THAT's what a glamour is...I didn't even look it up in the dictionary because I wanted to find out through the story...and I don't even know where the heck my dictionary is anyway...tut tut! LOL I was hoping against hope she wouldn't lose that baby but of course I knew better...that's just so sad! The stone is a lovely idea though...sort of an anti-Ring, what? Showing the truth instead of lies? It's the One Ring that makes glamours. But the truth makes free. Thanks for a lovely little piece! ~~~{~@

Antane · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

“When I looked at Sam through it I seemed to see a great lord, his eyes keen and discerning.” Bard nodded. “I saw the same.” Interesting - bet they were surprised! Sorry to hear of the miscarriage. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Dreamflower · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

I have to tell you that your description of the flood-damaged hole was all too accurate. In fact, they were lucky to save as much as they were able to. And the getting sick afterward--well, black mold is just endemic to a flooded structure after the water has receded, and it definitely can cause people to have cold/flu-like symptoms. It's so horrible that it caused Primula to lose the baby. Poor Prim is going to blame herself--if she had not insisted on remaining, and then returning--she might not have become sick. It must have made things so horrid for her afterward. Bilbo was marvelous in this. The idea that he might appear as a mighty lord when seen through the hole...just wonderful, for Bilbo is so often underappreciated, yet his true nature was so much more noble than many would ever guess to look at him, or to listen to his often self-deprecating humor. I really enjoyed Bard in this, getting to know him as a lad. I'd love to see a few more stories perhaps with little Brendilac and Frodo--they clearly already had a firm friendship. I wonder how Brendi felt when little Merry showed up, and monopolized Frodo's attention?

Bodkin · 5 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

Poor Primula. Far enough along to hope this pregnancy would go well - and to know that she has lost a daughter. I love the use of the fairy stone to see Sam and Bilbo as they really are. Very different from the Ring - which made things be what they were not. I seems a very appropriate thing for Sam to carry in his pocket.

Queen Galadriel · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

Oh my! So that was the purpose of the mysterious green stone. Of course that is what Brendi and Bard would see when they looked at Sam through it, and of course Sam didn't suspect a thing. :) I've heard of such things before, and the less practical part of me is tempted to wonder if it works. We've found things similar to that stone on occasion, and it used to be my brother's favourite amusement to look at things through them. But when I asked why it was so fascinating, he'd merely say, "It makes everything look weird." And I can remember once or twice laughing, half amused and half exasperated at his narrow vocabulary, and replying, "Well, that's nice! It says nothing about what you're seeing!" But that's like him--he hates describing or explaining, and that's why we two hardly ever watch movies together--because Mom urges him to describe, and we usually end up answering at the same moment with cries of, "No! I don't know how!" and from me, "No! It's perfectly fine--please don't make him!" I think it baffles my poor mother. :) Oh, I knew Primula was going to lose that baby. But that doesn't make it any less sad. Poor Frodo--I'd faint too, if I saw my mother in such a state and it dawned on me. Oh...I hope he didn't see what the healer was carrying! Oh, poor Frodo, to have to contain his excitement for such a reason! I don't think I would have survived as long as he did under such scrutiny. Bard and Frodo have an interesting story just between themselves. It is so sad that rivalry had to interfere, but it adds more meaning to their later friendship. I'm glad we've had this look at how they met and what circumstances drew them together. This universe just gets deeper and deeper, and sometimes I wonder how deep something can go, but I love it and look forward to more. You asked where I'm going this summer. To the Colorado Center for the Blind's summer program for high schoolers and from there to Texas for the NFB conference, and then back again. I have *very* mixed feelings--excitement at the change and the prospect of such experiences as I'm sure to have, reluctance to have to pretty much abandon my passion (writing) for five days short of two months, dread of going where I know absolutely no one and very little of the place, and of being without a church for eight solid weeks, excitement at the opportunity to actually have a paying job for three and a half weeks--but even if it isn't everything it promises, and I believe it will be, this summer will most certainly be interesting. I have a friend who went last year, and you should hear the stories he tells! Freezing in the middle of a street and almost being demolished by a trollie (uh huh, *sooo* bright), getting stuck in a large trash can (LOL! still don't know how he managed that) and something about a diner that's embarrassing even for me...and I wasn't there (not that it bothered him). I look forward to the author's notes! God bless, Galadriel

Linda Hoyland · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 2: II

A nice glimpse of frodo's childhood,though it was so sad his baby sister died.

Linda Hoyland · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

How nice to see Sam as mayor and settled into the role so well. I loved the idea of Melian sending drawings and both she and her father knowing what was happening !

Dreamflower · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Oh wow! I somehow missed the notice on this! A new Larner story! And it's been up for a couple of days, apparently! *shakes head* I love the way this starts out--with Sam taking up his new Mayoral duties; and then moving on to Isembard recounting his adventures among the Brandybucks. *shudder* The description of the flooding was all too real!! I really look forward to seeing more of this! And how lovely to see a childhood story of Frodo when his parents were still alive!

Andrea · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Wonderful, Larner! I thought there might be a story behind that particular stone - and there it is, a nuzgul, I believe. And what's more, you put in a character, I like more and more - Isumbard Took. This is going to be very, very interesting. And of course, your little Frodo is fantastic!

Bodkin · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Good to see Sam taking up his proper place! And to see that the King of Gondor has his priorities right when it comes to sending messages to the Mayor. I look forward to learning more about Bard and his scary exile among Brandybucks! And it's good to see a younger Bilbo riding his pony like a true Took. Knowing traveller stuff like using your pony to keep you warm too! Sweet little Frodo! Waiting out there up a tree to welcome Bilbo - very cute. That smial doesn't sound a good place to be in the rainy season. And, if ever there was a potential flood where Primula should have been safely tucked up in Brandy Hall, I think it was this one. Bard might settle back to sleep easily enough, but I don't think Primula and Drogo will!

Antane · 3 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

I love beautiful little Frodo! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

harrowcat · 3 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Ooh, yet another great start to a tale Larner. So much going on in such a short space of time. We get attached to so many people so quickly too. But, yet again you have caused a late night! I just knew that I shouldn't have given into temptation and turned on that little lap-top but it was teasing me from its corner; 'Go on! Just five minutes! You know you want to!' Now an hour later......

Queen Galadriel · 3 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Wow, Larner! Only one chapter and I can already say that this is a priceless story! I haven't seen a whole lot of young Frodo and his parents from you, so this is great! :) And I can so see young Bard growing into the kindhearted, responsible Hobbit we've come to love so well. I love that you show Sam stepping into the Mayor's office at the beginning. I think he'll have to grow accustomed to his new position, but of course he'll be the best the Shire has ever had. Love also Merry's wanting to be the one to give the dispatch, as "senior cousin. And Melian's pictures are great! :) Poor Primmie! And it's hard knowing she's going to lose this one too, and though I hate to say it, by the looks of things, soon. Sounds like we're going to have a nice plot here. But in this first chapter it's such little scenes as these that lend so much sweetness and charm: Looking up at the trees under which they were preparing to ride, Bard just had time to mark a figure on one of the wider limbs of the willow before it leapt out of the tree to light just before them. “Uncle Bilbo! Uncle Bilbo!” a small Hobbit lad clad in a warm brown cloak shouted as Bilbo and Isumbard found themselves working to master their startled ponies. “Uncle Bilbo, you’re here at last! You’re late! Where have you been?” “Hold, hold, Frodo Baggins!” Bilbo laughed as he brought his steed under control. “Hasn’t your father taught you not to startle ponies by popping up under their noses like that?” The child laughed. “My dad doesn’t know from ponies, Uncle Bilbo. You know that! And I didn’t pop up--I leapt down!" *grinning* Ah yes, that's our Frodo! He is such a darling child; Primula and Drogo were very lucky. He looked down at Frodo, his expression indulgent. “Willow’s planning griddlecakes with brambleberry syrup, young Hobbit.” “Ooh,” the child said, then looked at his mother. “Please, Mummy--can we go up for second breakfast, then? Please?” Primula was already pulling her small son under her cloak as the rain became heavier. “We’ll see, Frodo,” she said, refusing to promise. “We’ll see what the morning brings first. Now we’d best get our guests back to the hole.” This seems so natural, something that could happen to any child. "We'll see..." Ah, the infamous phrase! And particular to parents, I used to think...before I learned how handy it could be with little ones who are intent on asking a million questions and promises. :) “My mum would kill to have his eyelashes,” Bard commented as he pulled himself closer to the fire. I don't really know why, but I had to chuckle at that. I guess because Bard reminds me a bit of my own next brother, and just the thought of my brother making such an observation struck me as funny, since he wouldn't notice eyelashes if he was staring at them. Moments later Bard was with Bilbo in the kitchen assisting in fixing the meal and setting the table when Drogo and Frodo emerged from the bathing room, both laughing, Frodo clinging to a wooden duck that had been painted yellow. Frodo was sent to join his mother in the parlor while his father turned to assist in the preparation of the meal. Bard could hear the sound of the child’s conversation with his mother, more laughter, and then the sound of singing, at first from the mother but swiftly joined by the small lad, who had a clear, sweetly high voice. Bilbo paused in his work to listen, a gentle smile on his face. “It’s always such a pleasure to hear those two sing, Drogo,” he commented. “And after what Lobelia had been saying I was beginning to wonder if Primmie would ever sing freely again.” Father and child coming out from a bathing room with the child still clutching a toy--very familiar at my house...except both are usually soaked. :) I, too, like to think that Frodo and Primula sang well together, and I wonder if I even want to know what Lobelia said that would make Prim not want to sing. I've guessed most of what drove the little Baggins family away from Hobbiton, but my guesses have nothing to do with singing. He turned to lift small Frodo onto his shoulder. “And what have we here? Isn’t it the question box? Tell me, Frodo Baggins, why is the sky darker at night than it is in the daytime?” “Because the moon doesn’t give as much light as his sister the sun,” Frodo explained. “Ah, very good--you remembered,” the older Hobbit laughed. “Why are the stars so small?” Frodo asked. “That is a question to ask your Uncle Bilbo, Frodo. He’s certain to know the Elves’ story for it." Awww! The question box, is it? :) Oh, I do wonder why. *grin* Bilbo had Frodo in his arms while Drogo was carrying a protesting Primula, who’d been wrapped in a blanket and a thick cloak. Even in the circumstances, I love that image. Can't wait to see more of this! As to Lesser Ring, I haven't forgotten it and it's at the top of my "to read" list, but I just realised the other day that after that I'll only have one more, and I guess I don't want to get to the bottom. :) Then there's "To Remember By, " the fifth chapter of which is in current need of repair, since I just *had* to spell Rhun without the "H." *sigh* I'm leaving for the entire summer in about a month, so I'm trying to tie up loose ends as much as I possibly can and I desperately want to finish that and it's...interesting companion. The companion has only a couple more little chapters to go, so I'm not worried; it's the other that concerns me--we're only about halfway, and it's getting more complicated and out of hand all the time. I can't believe it was ever supposed to be a ficlet! :) God bless, Galadriel

Armariel · 3 May 2006 · Chapter 1: I

Oh my, a flood? this is pretty scary, and I know she's going to lose that baby:(...but am curious to see what's meant by "glamours". Lalia sounds like a real pill! Would like to see more of her, heheh.....