harrowcat
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
And what a Grace to be given that not even Aragorn and Arwen have. I wondered how you were going to work in the decision to go at Midsummer. Are we going to get that chapter on the 21st? A lovely visit to this wonderful place. The letters are just great and I truly envy Frodo his gift with clay.
Author's reply
I wish I could have given that chapter on the twenty-first, but it didn't work out. I hate computers and those who mess with them!
Arwen had to come to accept her end, and I think she was needed to mourn the passing of the Elves and the Elven way of life in Arda before she returned to Aragorn's side.
And I, too, wish I were as talented with art as I depict Frodo.
Raksha The Demon
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
I love the notion of Frodo and Sam choosing to make their final journey together, just as they decided to ascend Mount Doom together so long ago. It's very fitting.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you approve, Raksha. I think this would be a part of the reason Sam would come as he did. Once they both felt ready, to relax into that rest and go on to the new life...
Thanks so much for the feedback.
Kitty
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
Nice to see Frodo and Sam as we know them best - working in the garden, surrounded by children and telling stories.
The question of age can be quite confusing with Tolkien's characters, can't it? All these different coming of age and different lifespans! It's odd to think Pippin was still not of age when they returned and his father thought him childish and irresponsible - but actually he was older than King Éomer. And the Ring didn't make it easier to understand even between the hobbits.
and tweens, those between twenty and thirty-three, are usually expected to behave in an irresponsible manner Well, maybe someone should have reminded Paladin of that, after he accussed Pippin of being irresponsible ... not that Pippin was it at that time *shakes head*
There are so many things I want to comment upon I don't know where to start ... Esmeralda's letter was rather touching. It can't have been easy for her only to understand all what the Travellers went through only after Frodo had sailed, I suspect. But I am not in the least surprised about Ted Sandyman's end. He was in for it, no doubt. And I can imagine what Frodo felt when he heard what Bedro had tried with Forsythia! Well, he couldn’t find any as was willin’ to hire him to serve as a bully, and wasn’t willin’ to do any more honorable job And that sounds so *very* like Beasty! Oh, and I was highly amused about Benlo. Who'd ever thought a Bracegirdle would talk the other hobbits into voting for the ennoblement of a Baggins? That must've been a new one! Benlo can't be a true Bracegirdle *grin*
So they are thinking of gonig on? *sigh* Probably I should have a lot of tissues ready for the next chapter ...
Author's reply
Yes, Tolkien certainly gave us an interesting puzzle trying to sort out who's considered mature and who isn't by giving the races so many different lifespans. But Paladin DID come around--in my version of events, at least.
For Saradoc and Esmeralda this new loss of Frodo must have been almost as traumatic as before; and I think that at times Esme would want to talk with her first "son" and wished she had him there to love and cherish. I've loved the different ends I've seen for Ted Sandyman; but this one just seemed appropriate for my version. And what a contrast between Bedro and Benlo Bracegirdle. That a tendency to be abrasively abrupt should be common to Bracegirdles, but that not all should be basically selfish seems just right. I find I rather like Benlo.
Don't know if you need the tissues yet, but you will soon enough.
Radbooks
· 16 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
Wow! This was a very powerful and moving chapter. All of the letters and pictures brought tears to my eyes. I loved the fact that Aragorn and his family were able to send letters and pictures to Elrond and Celebrian... that is a comforting thought and there is certainly no reason that they couldn't do something like that. There is so much here in this chapter that it's hard to comment on it all, but I will just say that I enjoyed it very, very much. :)
Author's reply
The desire to be remembered along the way to those who have been removed is a driving force in much of human nature, or we wouldn't love to consult mediums, spiritualists, channelers, and so on. The idea that someone will soon follow a departed loved one does tend to bring out the messages; and I can't imagine that Aragorn and Arwen would be much different from us more normal ones.
So glad you appreciated this chapter, Radbooks. Hope your summer vacation is pleasant.
Andrea
· 15 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
"Messages of Love", indeed! A wonderful chapter!
Not only Frodo received letters from his friends and kin, but also Elrond and all the members of his family.
I liked it that the children of Aragorn and Arwen do not only resemble their parents (and ancestors) but also Frodo and Sam. Of course, Sam has not yet recognized it ;-)
He gave Sam a piercing look. “And where has he had monuments made to me?”
LOL! Olorin just can't get completely rid of Gandalf. Gandalf is a part of him. And Gandalf will be known in Middle Earth for a long time, just look at all those monuments.
And he's right, who else would have been able to light all the candles on Frodo's birthday cake at once?
Author's reply
The recognition by Sam and Frodo is coming, and hope you enjoy it when you find it.
And I don't think Olorin would WANT to completely get rid of Gandalf--he WAS Gandalf for 1500 years of Men, after all. So glad you liked he lit the candles for Frodo.
Kitty
· 15 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
A very touching chapter, Larner! I was constantly in tears, althoug tears of joy this time. As I said before, it was so good Frodo had all these letters from his loved ones, and I am glad Sam thought to bring letters and pictures from Aragorn and his family as well. It must mean so very much for Elrond and Celebrían.
What a party for Frodo, having not only Elrond and his family there, but three Maiar and Finrod and Finarfin! It tells a lot about the honour given to the hobbits there, I think. And *of course* Sam had to argue a bit about Elven Lords doing the washing up *grin*
and he has the folk of Umbar terrified of him, although he has never openly spoken a word of threat against them Well, that had me laughing. That's not a bad thing, considering what I know so far of Umbar. If they don't have changed considerably over the years, it is good they fear Eldarion, as they are far less likely to attack Gondor then.
Frodo and Sam doesn't seem to be surprised or confused about what Aragorn wrote about the care for his lost brothers. Did anyone ever tell them about this, I wonder?
Ruvemir carved a statue of Gandalf for the throne rooms? Oh, that is truly fitting! Lovely idea!
Author's reply
So glad the tears this time are joyful ones. I AM one day going to buy stock in Barnes and Noble and in a tissue company, as I support both so much! Heh!
That the folk of the Shire would send messages via Sam and that Aragorn and his family would seek to do so via Celeborn just felt right to me. And I'm certain at least some of the great Elves tied to Galadriel and Elrond would seek to know Frodo during his stay.
And yes, of course Sam would feel it's wrong to have great Elves waiting on him in this way.
In the appendices Tolkien describes the history of Umbar as the initial center of Numenorean contact in Middle Earth, and how it broke from Gondor and housed the Black Numenoreans and those who followed Castimir the Usurper, and so became one of the centers of illegal and antisocial activities on the continent as well as being allied with Sauron. It's been fun trying to imagine what kind of government they might have and their reactions to the renewed line of Kings in Gondor and Arnor.
Linda Hoyland
· 15 June 2006
· Chapter 11: 11: Memories Shared
I love the Hobbit's obvious devotion to Aragorn.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam and Frodo are and have been devoted to Aragorn for quite some time, and that's not going to change now.
Linda Hoyland
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
I am so glad that Elrond and Celebrian have news of their family and Sam is experiencing the happiness that Frodo now enjoys.YOu make it all seem veryreal.
Author's reply
I'm certain Aragorn and Arwen would try to send messages of reassurance to their absent family and let Elrond and Celebrian know how things have settled out for them.
Sam needed the full reassurance Frodo was indeed healed; Frodo needed Sam's experience to fulfill his nature as a mortal. And am so glad you both like it and find it realistic. Thank you so much!
harrowcat
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
I was getting more and more tears in my eyes reading this tonight Larner and it is not just because I am so tired. I could go on and on about it if it wasn't midnight already and I have to be up at six to go home and take Mum to the docs for a medication review. I love the letters and the meeting under the tree and most of all the likenesses to 'family' members. I would love to see more of this story from Elrond's POV and, as I nagged Shirebound (I think it was anyway!) from Gandalf's side. Perhaps something about the Cormacolindor from the other Ringbearers, not forgetting Cirdan. I often think of he, Sam and Bilbo as kindred souls in that they all gave up rings of power.
Now what was I saying about keeping this short and going to bed?....at least it is a little cooler for sleeping.
Author's reply
Chapter fourteen is much from Gandalf's point of view, as is part of fifteen as well.
The idea of Cirdan, Sam and Bilbo are kindred spirits is a fascinating one, and would be a fun one to explore some time. Now you've let another nuzgul loose, and I still don't have all I'm dealing with now corraled!
Love to your folks.
AspenJules
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
I've finally settled on what is so beautiful about this story, and so many others of the fine stories originating from the wonderful original, and that is LOVE. These stories contain so much of love, compassion, appreciation, kindness, joy, gentleness (I could go on and on) that is lacking from the world we live in, and shouldn't be. *Sigh* Whether it be Minas Tirith under King Elessar, the Shire, or Valinor... don't you just wish you could live there too?
Author's reply
The Lord of the Rings has always caught at the imagination because it so firmly figures how HOPE is meant to be expressed and fulfilled; and am so glad you find all these positive aspects to my additions to it. Thank you so much!
And I'd love to spend time in the White City and the Shire!
Armariel
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
I like the hobbits being able to get in touch with Aragorn through the tree. And the letters and pictures are so nice!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
There's at least rudimentary awareness through the Trees, which is reassuring to all sides, I think.
And we so want to be able to communicate with those we truly love who are far away--the idea someone is headed that way possibly would be an open invitation to try to slip on a note of love and reassurance, I'd think. So glad you approve!
shirebound
· 14 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
"We have been greatly honored that we were allowed to cherish him."
Indeed, so have we all. What a lovely chapter. I enjoyed the letters very much.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you appreciate it, Shirebound. And I think one such as Frodo deserves cherishing.
Thanks so much for the feedback.
How wonderful to see Frodo so merry and happy! Bless Sam for bringing all these pictures and stories from Arda! I can imagine the two hobbits sitting there and gossiping deep into the night, happy to be together again at last. And the joy it brought to Frodo to hear of all the friends and relatives he loved so much and their children and grandchildren! Even if Frodo is rather elvish himself, speaks Sindarin and Quenya, I think sometimes he had to be a bit lonely as the only mortal among the elves. So it must be a relief for him to have Sam at his side for the last time there.
And of course, I'm glad he accepted Ruvemir's memorial so well in the end ;)
Oh, and by the way, I've begun to make a list who's who and who's married to whom to sort out all these Dúnedain and Hobbits :)
Author's reply
I've always felt that Frodo must have, at times, felt terribly isolated even in the midst of the beauty and elves of Tol Eressea. Sam's coming must have been such a relief.
As for the list of relationships--it does get complicated, doesn't it? I often have to go back and sort it all out myself to try to keep my stories consistent with one another.
I'm not surprised that Frodo has lost track of time. It must be disconcerting to discover just how much has happened in the Shire. The delight of reunion has made him more there - at least for a while. And nothing seems to disconcert this Sam. He's grown into who he is.
Author's reply
In a realm where there isn't a great variation in years and ones companions don't appear to age or change keeping track of time must have been problematic. Frodo now has something concrete to focus on in Sam's news and the experiences they share; yes, I agree Frodo is more there.
And Sam has indeed become comfortable with who and what he is, and so is able to help Frodo connect now at the end.
This was a particularly lovely chapter - I felt as though I was there with them, hearing all the news and gossip. I'm so glad that Cyclamen married Fosco and it was wonderful to hear about Ruvemir again. Frodo is still hobbity and the arrival of Sam has brought this out - delightful to see him healed, if changed.
Author's reply
Yes, to know our favorite Hobbit healed is always wonderful; and you know I love to tie my stories together like this. And Frodo is coming to realize there are more out there to whom his friends are tied; and some he loves have discovered others he loves, and so are fulfilled indeed.
And Sam helps him do the necessary connection needed at the end before they both quit Arda.
Ahh, how heartwarming, love the mantel! And Aragorn naming the horse Elrond and all--heheh! Cute!
Eager to see what life will be like for them now.......
~~~{~@
Author's reply
So glad you like the mantle--I've always enjoyed the thought of it as well.
And I love the idea that Aragorn would memorialize his mentors and guides in this way.
Hope the last few chapters continue to please.
Andrea
· 12 June 2006
· Chapter 11: 11: Memories Shared
Frodo-third? Just how many have been saddled with my name?
LOL! Wonderful chapter, Larner! The more Sam tells him of the Shire and his family, the more Frodo feels like a hobbit again! And he likes it!
That will give the both of them enough time to prepare themselves for the last step and will give Sam the healing he so much desired.
Once again, I'm fascinated with Ruvemir. I still haven't read "The King's Commission", but I've not given up hope yet that someday in the near future I will have enough time to do so ;-)
Author's reply
So glad you enjoy it, Andrea. It is interesting to think what Frodo will think of someone like Ruvemir who has come to know him and love him as Ruvemir has, to the point he is able to bring the mantle to Frodo to begin with.
And indeed Sam and Frodo prepare for their leaving of Arda, and each helps the other to complete all the cycle and to ready for the next step.
And one day you'll read "The King's Commission." Hope you enjoy it.
Oh, marvelous chapter. The sharing of lives and the stories was wonderful. I loved how you were able to weave so many threads together here - like Frodo's mantle. :) So many things for Frodo to catch up on and I liked how at the end he felt like a hobbit again... at least for a time, I imagine. The laughter and the tears as they talked were precious and the fact that the elves came in to listen was also special. Oh, I liked that Aragorn named his other horse Elrond! :) Very nicely done.
Author's reply
Aragorn naming Olorin's son Elrond is mentioned in "Light on the Way." I always felt he'd want to name those of the Mearas that accepted him for those who'd prepared him for his life as King.
And I love to tie in the other stories I've written as I can.
That the Elves would find themselves fascinated by such gossip as the two Hobbits would want to share I felt probable. After all, Hobbits are quite different from Elves, and their social orders must appear unique. And the desire to understand such mortals in a land of immortals must also have been quite a draw.
As usual your beautiful writing brings me to tears.. but they are good tears.. I am glad that they are together again. I always find myself rushing to read all that you write..
I do so wonder though how Aragorn is taking it .. Sams leaving and all.. Sam and Frodo are such a part of him..
Keep writing my dear..
Author's reply
I am so glad you find the writing so positive; and am glad you find the tears good ones.
As for how Aragorn reacts--there is a little regarding that to come.
And thanks for the encouragement.
Is it really childish of me to be so pleased to get in the first review for a chapter? *g*
Lovely chapter as usual Larner. And, of course, my favourite memorial maker and his cloak. All those memories and mutual appreciation. I am surprised they stopped in time for Sam to sleep at all that night! I am glad that Elrond was there to hear some of it.
Waiting for that e.mail....
Author's reply
Am glad you got it in. Hopefully that email will come soon, if I can get the hard drive attached to the new computer.
And so glad you liked the references to Ruvemir and the mantle. That the Elves would find all this fascinating I think would be inevitable, for now we're looking at mortals from the point of view of those who are anything but. And Elrond probably feels as he did with Bilbo in his household, as if there is something to keep his interests engaged. The busyness of mortals must be enervating for those who may in time feel bored by their relative immortality.
AspenJules
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
Sigh... more tears... how beautiful and touching it all is. How very very wonderful that they are together again. *Sighs again*
Author's reply
Yes, there are tears, but not of sorrow. The fulfillment of both as they came together again must have been beyond their expectations.
AspenJules
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
Wow... what a beautiful chapter. Poor Sam, so excited and terrified in equal measure that his heart almost gave out. Especially as he looked at Bilberry and realized that she was the very last bit of the Shire left to him, and he was leaving her behind. Good thing he'd been taking the athelas drink!
When Celeborn commented on his singing I felt the lump in my throat again... I don't know what it is about this story that just keeps moving me so much, but it does. And Sam's description of what the Ring did to Frodo, likening it to a rape... very very powerful. Can't wait for the two of them to be together again! I'm glad he seems to be getting stronger. Anyway, so very well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, AspenJules. For one such as Sam who was brought up to distrust boats and whose last experiences with boats were all bound to the journey to Mordor, the sailing upon the sea must have been very terrifying indeed, no matter whether they led him to Frodo or not. And in his pony--watching as he pulled away from her must have been a deep grief, as much as he loved ponies to begin with. And certainly aspirin has aided many who experienced heart attacks and strokes.
And I'm glad you appear to find the imagery used appropriate. Thanks so much for the feedback.
AspenJules
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
My goodness, Larner... I think I went through about half a box of tissues reading up to this point! Every time another person came to say goodbye I'd start to weep again... I can only imagine what it was like for poor Sam. No wonder he felt he just couldn't do it anymore, though I can understand how hurt Marigold would be by his leaving without saying goodbye. If it wasn't for Rosie's strongly expressed wishes, I don't think he could have done it, even for his beloved Master.
This is really beautifully done.
Bodkin
· 9 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
Lovely reunions.
I love Frodo's fear that Sam might not be able to see him as he is now - but he needn't have worried. Sam might have remained behind, but he is also pared down to the bone and his sight remains as clear as ever.
It won't be long before they leave the Isle, though.
Author's reply
So glad you, too, appreciated the reunions. And I suspect that when she agreed to bring the phial Galadriel had a gentle smile on her face, humoring Frodo for his anxiety, and knowing it wasn't truly needed after all.
And, no, the two of them won't linger especially long.
Thanks for the feedback. Hope to get the computer back again so once more I can begin catching up. Having to borrow computer time elsewhere all the time is frustrating.
Oh, that was so beautiful it made me cry! Oh, so many joyful reunions, and all so very sweet...Sam's and Celeborn's eagerness was very characteristically portrayed, and Galadriel's greeting as well. Oh, I just don't know what to say, except this was worth all the anticipation that led up to it and more, and it really has brightened my day. These last few weeks have been pretty rough, and for the past several days I feel as if I've done nothing but wipe my eyes and be silly and sentimental, and it feels so wonderful to shed happy tears! :) Hannon le!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I must suspect you are in Colorado as I respond to you, and hopefully you'll find some time there to get onto the internet. Hope you are having a marvelous time.
That you find the eagerness properly portrayed is reassuring; and Galadriel must have found her reunion with her husband marvelous, and particularly satisfying as she watched that between Celeborn and Celebrian. It has been quite a long time since those two saw one another, after all.
And am glad that this time the tears are happy ones.