harrowcat
· 29 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
Poor Marigold. I hope that she doesn't suffer too much for that journey. But what a wonderful farewell. To go knowing how much you are loved and love in return is a wonderful gift for all.
Author's reply
And they all needed it, and to see the love between sister and brother at this point. It's easy to remember the progeny but forget the age-mates and siblings; and I suspect there was a deep love between the two youngest of the Gaffer and Bell's own children.
Bodkin
· 29 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
I can see why Sam just couldn't cope with any more goodbyes. But I'm still glad Marigold caught up with him.
And now - I suspect it will be a relief to him that he is past the point of no return. (And possibly a relief to those who remain behind, too.)
Author's reply
Yes, I can see it also, Bodkin. He must have been increasingly stressed as again and again he must say goodbye, and with thirteen children and the number of grandchildren he must have had also, that made for a LOT of goodbyes. But there must have been a few he missed, and so I let Marigold stand for those, to remind him that he's had an impact on almost everyone in the Shire.
I sure agree on how everyone will feel some level of relief when he's gond completely, and particularly him, although it will also be a great wrench.
Oh, how does this do it to me every single time? I cried through this whole chapter--and not just over the farewells but the "little" things like this, that I know so well I could tell them to anyone who asked, just as if they'd always been part of the story.
"After the first night, when they fixed a bed for him always there was somethin’ behind him to help him sit up some, for it was gettin’ right hard for him to
breathe. Only thing as kept him from givin’ over, I think, was he didn’t wish for me to see him die--not then. We paused, there the last time, near where the monument is
now. We rested some, and Lord Elrond had me give him the last draught. Didn’t know as what he was lookin’ at, for his gaze was distant and his face quiet.
He come back alert for me, and did his best to remain so the last bit of the way, but you could see as it was an effort. But when he went aboard the
ship at the last, there with old Gandalf, you could see the easin’ coming to him right away--that last smile, the one what made you know he was one to
love with the whole of his heart, what made it worth it to see him go away, knowin’ as he’d finally be able to smile like that all the time and not just
at odd moments when aught could get past the pain."
Let's see--that must be in more stories than it isn't, and it still makes me cry. Every time.
“Once you go,” she said quietly, “there’ll be but me and our May left of the six of us. To lose Jolly two years past in that accident, and
now Rosie and you----” She gave a shuddering breath. “I know as it’s time and all, but I still feel as you ought to be by me forever as you’ve always
been.”
I guess this is a world of change--sometimes bitter change. And it always will be, in spite of our wishes and our feeble mortal efforts.
Sam’s eyes had filled with tears, and he reached out and put his arms about her, arms which remained strong and sheltering. “Oh, little sister,”
he murmured, “but I’ve treated you terrible. Can you forgive me? Please? It’s just I’ve had so many, many goodbyes to be said, so many to comfort, so
many to assure as I’ll still love them no matter as how far away I might go and what might happen to my body and all. You’ve been a rock to me, you know.
You’ve been the one whose love I’ve never had to question or reassure. Guess as I forgot your heart bruises just as easy as anyone else’s. I’ll never,
never stop lovin’ you any more’n I can ever stop lovin’ Rosie or any of the bairns or the Shire itself or Lord Strider or--or him. It’s been so long since
I saw him--so long. I need to find him afore I go the last bit of the way, and I’m afeared as that won’t be all that long.
“It was love of him as took me out of the Shire the first time and across the known world and all through Mordor. It was love of him as brought
me to where I could find the other brother of my heart sittin’ in the corner of the Prancin’ Pony in Bree, and showed me the bright shadows of where I’m
goin’ now as lingered here in the Mortal Lands. It was love of him as helped me understand as to why I’d always loved the stories of Elves and all, and
appreciate that I belong not just to the Shire but to the whole world. It was love of him as taught me to leave my fear behind me, and to just go on and
do what needed doin’ with no hope of seein’ after, just ’cause it needed doin’ or all would fail."
That is the most beautiful passage in the chapter, and the most poignant. Dear Sam--some things don't change, and one of those seems to be his strong, solid, loving, protecting presence.
"And when you see him again, Sam-Dad, tell him I remember. I may only remember
how he looked from the statues and pictures Master Ruvemir made and the one by Master Iorhael, but I’ll never forget his love, and how he’d sing to me
and whisper to me in Quenya and Sindarin. Let him know I’ll never stop loving him back, please, Sam-Dad. And let him know the stories will always be
told, always and forever."
Oh, to have such memories...She's so blessed, for not many would remember. She was only six months old when he left, after all. But now you've fed the plot bunny that's been hanging around for a while, and if I can just find time to write it before I go...*sigh* So much to do and two weeks left to do it in...
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
So, I've fed a plot bunny, have I? Look forward to seeing it in the future.
No matter how careful Sam was, there must have been a few people he didn't get the chance to say goodbye to, and so Marigold stands for those.
He's 102, and he, May, and Marigold were the three youngest. It was possible those two would have survived him had he stayed and died naturally in Middle Earth; that they'd feel upset to have him go seemed right somehow. As in The King's Commission I've indicated that Sam used Marigold as his personal copyist and had her copy the Red Book for Ruvemir, she would definitely know the entire story and probably passed it on to her own family. He married Rosie and she married Tom; the Cottons and the Gamgees/Gardners are very closely tied, and she'd realize their generation is now dying off, and it would undoubtedly cause particularly Marigold a great deal of grief to not be able to bid this, her closest sibling, farewell.
As for Elanor--she's always been the special child, the one Frodo knew personally, the one he lavished his love on, knowing she'd be the only one he'd be able to do this for, once she'd come. The little Elven/Hobbit changeling with two father figures. That Frodo-lad got Bag End but Elanor got the Red Book is telling. Frodo may be expected to carry on the tradition as lord of the manor; but she is the executor of Frodo and Sam's literary estates, the historian for what happened.
And am so very glad this chapter moved you so deeply, for it was moving even to write it.
shirebound
· 28 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
Well, if that isn't the most loving and heartbreaking and wondrous leave-taking ever! I'm all weepy now.
This is such a lovely legacy for Frodo...
when he went aboard the ship at the last, there with old Gandalf, you could see the easin’ coming to him right away--that last smile, the one what made you know he was one to love with the whole of his heart, what made it worth it to see him go away, knowin’ as he’d finally be able to smile like that all the time
He had heart enough for the entire world he did, and I did my best to hold that part for him durin’ our journey so as it’d stay safe of what the Ring was doin’ to the rest of it.
I may only remember how he looked from the statues and pictures Master Ruvemir made and the one by Master Iorhael, but I’ll never forget his love, and how he’d sing to me and whisper to me in Quenya and Sindarin. Let him know I’ll never stop loving him back, please, Sam-Dad. And let him know the stories will always be told, always and forever
*sigh*
Author's reply
Thank you, Shirebound. Thank you so much.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
It must have been hard for Sam's children to say goodbye, but I feel Elanor has great understanding.I'm glad she was given a sign.
Author's reply
It must have indeed been hard on those left behind, but they knew it was now or never for their father. Am so glad you appreciated that Elanor and those with her knew when Sam left Middle Earth.
Armariel
· 28 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
A lovely leavetaking *sniff* Love that about the lightning and the gold spot. Can hardly wait till the meeting across the waves..........
~~~{~@
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciate it, Armariel, and the signs of leaving. As for the reunion itself--that comes, of course.
Queen Galadriel
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
Oh, that's so sweet of Lily and Dahlia to do that, and I'm so glad they got Sam laughing there. For all I hope and try to do it myself, it still amazes me when I feel just what the characters feel, when they feel it. "I know it's not funny, but..." :)
Gracious goodness!! A hundred and forty-four candles! And I thought *forty* was hazardous! (No, I don't know anyone who would really try that, but when my VI teacher in elementary school was turning forty, we--the students and braillists--decided to show her how much we loved her by making a huge tactile cake with forty glittering candles, and the word "FIRE!!!" in Braille and print above it and hang it on the resource room door for laughs.) It's a wonder they didn't set the whole Shire ablaze! I do hope we get to see the cake and the celebration on Tol Eressea. Leave it to dear Sam to bring a piece of the Shire to Frodo there in that world of immortals.
Now you have me very worried for Sam's health. Not the heart again. But I know he'll make it, and I love Meliangiloreth!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I loved the birthday cake in the movie, and when I heard in the commentary about how it caught fire I had to laugh; and so the idea of all 144 candles on the cake for the Party was born. And if Gandalf was there, I'm certain he'd have helped make certain all of them were properly lighted.
Am so glad that you feel with the characters here, for this is what I try to do.
Sam is not young--and he's been warned by Silman that he should take it easy and travel comfortably. And I try to be consistent with the previous stories I've written, and am leading up to that.
Am glad that the two lasses have so many laughing with Sam.
Antane
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
It's good to see Sam surrounded by his beloved Elves, on his way to someone even more beloved. I look forward to that scene with the birthday cake he'll make and share with his dear one. :) Love Gandalf's solution to lighting so many candles!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, it is indeed time, and time to be reunited. And I'm certain that cake in the summerhouse is going to be remembered throughout the island.
And of COURSE Gandalf would see the candles lit! We're talking of the one who bears the Ring of Fire, after all!
Dreamflower
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
What a wonderful picture of how it might have been! Somehow, I had not previously imagined him accompanied so far upon his journey by Elves--I'd always thought he had probably traveled on his own as far as Elanor's place at Undertowers. But now that you have brought up the possiblity, it seems a far more likely scenario.
I did enjoy very much the granddaughters' hampers! How sweet and funny--it was nice that the Elves showed the tribute respect rather than merely amusement. And I love the picture of Gandalf lighting the candles on The Birthday Cake for Bilbo! I can *so* see that!
It seems Sam has been tempted to fade all on his own, before he reaches his destination--I'm glad to see the Elves notice and forestall that problem, and I look forward to his last visit with his oldest daughter!
Author's reply
Sam, after all, is 102, and is NOT a young Hobbit any more. If Rosie was ready to leave him, the chances were that he, too, was ready to go on as well. And I'm being consistent with "Filled with Light as with Water." He needs the assistance he gets to make the journey. But for those who've carried the Ring AND who've survived only because of the lembas, I think their reaction to the mixed draught sent for Frodo and later administered to Sam would perhaps not be necessarily the best thing for them--if, as Tolkien's letters tell us the lembas wakens Elvish appetites and the Sea Longing, might it not also remove the necessity of passing the Gates (if such is true of those Elves who find themselves fading) as well?
Sam's granddaughters are young enough they don't take into account that their gaffer's going on a LONG trip and that large hampers aren't easy to carry over such distances.
I was remembering the cake in the movie (and it catching fire!), and felt that it must have taken a LONG time to get all the candles lit properly. And then the realization that Gandalf must have helped hit me. Of COURSE he must have done so, right? Glad so many others can see that, too.
As for the visit with Elanor and her family, that will be posted tomorrow, I hope.
Armariel
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
A wistful leavetaking, yet oddly heartwarming. Did sound for a spell there as if he weren't going to make it, but I knew he would! Sam takes the cake! (sorry, just couldn't resist!)
Heheh...Bill Berry is my dad's name......
Still impatiently anticipating......
~~~{~@
Author's reply
So, in combining the names of Sam's first two ponies of his own, I managed to get your dad's name, eh? Wonderful coincidence! Heh!
And of course Sam takes the cake--and all prizes as well! And I loved the pun, myself.
I am trying to keep this story consistent with "Filled with Light as with Water," and so the attack of angina. He is 102, after all.
puppypersonLOTR
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
I'm enjoying this story so much...it's so sweet, and everyone seems like they ought to be. Tolkien did leave you writers a bit of a pickle though in trying to keep all the different Hobbits with the same names, hey? You've done it well, but it does keep one's brain working, doesn't it?
waiting, as always, for the next chapter... :)
Author's reply
Actually, I've created my own pickle, for in "For Eyes to See as Can" I indicated Sam promised there would always be a Frodo in Bag End, if no Bagginses; and in "Light on the Way" I indicated that the current Frodo Gardner and Frodo Took, now Thain of the Shire, came south to Minas Tirith for the Lord King Elessar's funeral; and in "The Ties of Family" Narcissa and Brendi have named THEIR first child Frodo as well. And I had to borrow from I think Lindelea's story in which Sam tells Frodo that Freddy and his wife named their first child Frodovacar. Most folk in the Shire must feel this sudden mania among Frodo's closest friends and relatives to name their children after him to be ridiculous; but for those who do so, they seek to keep alive Frodo's memory as they can.
The next chapter will hopefully be posted tomorrow.
Bodkin
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
Good thing Sam stopped off to see Elanor - otherwise he might not have made it! As it is, between the care of the elves and the sight of his firstborn, he will probably revive enough to make the jump from looking back to looking forward - and the prospect of seeing Frodo again will stir him.
Interesting insights the elves are having into the nature of this particular hobbit.
Author's reply
He's NOT a young Hobbit any more, our Samwise; and that he might have difficulty along the way seemed likely.
I agree, being able to see his beloved Elanor again must be heartening to him, and the Elves would do their best to make certain this precious guest makes the voyage to his friend's side.
And I think the Elves are learning a good deal of the effects of that dratted Ring and lembas on those mortals who had to deal most strongly with them.
Thanks for the feedback.
Andrea
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
“At Mr. Bilbo’s last birthday in the Shire there was a hundred and forty-four candles, a hundred and eleven for him and thirty-three for Frodo. Gandalf watched as they started lightin’ them one by one, shook his head mutterin’ ‘Get out of my way, or we’ll never get them all lit!’ and waved his hand, and all of them lit at once. Havin’ a wizard what’s good with fire around can be useful, we found.”
Oh, that's wonderful! I can imagine Gandalf doing exactly that!
All those partings must have been very hard on Sam. I can understand why Frodo didn't feel up to it. It might indeed have killed him, before he would have been able to reach the Havens.
Sam is still stronger than Frodo was, but that was a heart attack, wasn't it? I think he reached Elanor and her family just in time. They will hopefully keep him grounded in the Shire until he takes ship.
However, I can't help but feel concerned for Sam's health! Please update soon!
Author's reply
Obviously several of us can see Gandalf lighting the candles with his own power and perhaps a bit of help from his Ring.
Yes, you can truly understand why Frodo found himself doing his best to slip away, and I strongly suspect that before he was through Sam was wishing he'd done the same. However, it was far harder for him, living as he did with Frodo-lad and his own family.
Not yet a heart attack, but Sam is undergoing angina, for he isn't a young Hobbit, and Silman Chubbs noted both he and Rosie were coming quite close to their ends as he told them. To spend one more night with his beloved firstborn must have been a joy for him.
Next chapter should be up tomorrow, God willing and the computer doesn't crash again.
Radbooks
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
The cake and the candles and the wine that Sam had to carry made me laugh! It was so moving that they would want to do that to bless him and yet so impractical to try and carry on a pony. I like the picture of Sam riding with the elves through the woods even though as I said before it makes me sad, I still like that image... I just wish they weren't leaving! And, that Sam felt well enough to enjoy himself!
Author's reply
We are dealing with fairly young, rather inexperienced Hobbits here. Let them go with their families to Annuminas next summer, however, and they'll have a far better idea of what is and isn't easy to pack. But I think they'd be most upset at the idea of no proper celebration for Mr. Frodo's birthday, and would want to make certain Sam and those he might travel with would be properly prepared.
I, too, wish the Elves hadn't been leaving Middle Earth, and as with Sam and you find it makes me sad, too.
Sam isn't young any more--this trip must have cost him dearly in some ways. But he'll find easing during the voyage, as his Master did.
Radbooks
· 27 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
Ah, lovely chapter. I enjoyed, even as I was saddened, the good-byes that Sam had with those that he loved. The thought of his grandson going to be with Aragorn made me smile and I'm sure that Aragorn would gladly accept his service as he would love to have one of Sam's kin with him. Loved the part with Merry and Pippin and the elves, though I always hate the thought of the elves sailing away. :(
Author's reply
I'm so glad you feel this was right, Radbooks, for his grandson to go to Minas Tirith. After all, I wrote that into "Light on the Way" and "The Choice of Healing."
And I so wish we did have these Elves living among us. I, too, grieve at the mortal lands having lost so much of their legacy of beauty save for the lineage of the King of Gondor and Arnor.
Linda Hoyland
· 26 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
It sounds as if Sam might have angina.I'm glad his family are understanding.I do hope he finds Frodo again before he dies.
Author's reply
You hit the nail right on the head, Linda. Angina it is, for after all Sam is 102, and even for a Hobbit is elderly. Plus he's known far more stress than most of his kind have ever known, I think. Now he's on his way. But I will be consistent with "Filled with Light as with Water" and "The Choice of Healing."
Linda Hoyland
· 26 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
I'm pleased that Hamfast is going to Gondor,so that Aragorn will know exactly what happened and the close links will continue. Sorry for the delay in reviewing,it was my turn to have computer problems. They will delay my update for a few days .
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate this, Linda. Your turn with the computer problems, is it? I wish you luck with yours, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Reconciliation between the two of them must be coming close, after all!
shirebound
· 26 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
What a sweet journey, during which the Elves are so gentle, respectful, and attentive to Sam.
Author's reply
If they delighted to give honor to Frodo, Bilbo, and Sam before, I'd think they'd feel even more inclined to do so this time, don't you? Glad you appreciate it, Shirebound.
This was so touching - I hate farewells and I can see why Frodo avoids them, but Merry and Pippin's farewell to Sam was beautiful and bittersweet. And I'm glad they met with Celeborn once more.
Sam is a wise hobbit and has brought his children up to be the same. Frodo will be so proud.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo kept trying to slip away, while Sam will not do so, although sometimes I'm certain he, too, wish he could just slip away. Awfully hard with thirteen grown kids and umpteen grandchildren, all watching the patriarch of the clan to see to his welfare.
Celeborn I think would be glad to bid farewell to these; and certainly seeing them as they are now, approaching their own ends with remarkable grace, would hopefully aid him to realize that his granddaughter's leaving will not be anywhere as bad as he imagines.
And, yes, I'm certain Frodo will be proud to hear the details of the lives of Sam's progeny, and see for himself that pride shining in Sam's own face.
Bodkin
· 25 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
I don't blame Frodo for not being keen on farewells. Sam'll be exhausted by the time he gets away - but he has given everyone his/her due and passed on the torch. I like the thought that he didn't want to leave anyone with the task of clearing up behind him. Very Sam-like. Wouldn't want to be a trouble.
And the cogs in the minds of Merry and Pippin have just clicked to point them towards Gondor. Just as well, really, to make an end rather than linger - they would have found it very difficult to be the last left standing. Sharing their last years with Strider, Legolas and Gimli will give them heart. Nice promise to Celeborn, too. (I hope they also hold themselves ready to welcome the elven kin at the end of days and reunite them with those who went before.)
Author's reply
Even Sam will find that the few he tried to bypass will see to it he is made to say goodbye. Yes, I suspect he'll be feeling rather worn out by the time he's done with family. And, of course, he'll leave things neat and tidy for the next occupants of the master suite for the hole. He's Sam, after all!
Merry and Pippin are indeed looking forward to going south to spend their last years, once they have no ties save their grown children in the Shire. But now they know their heirs are ready, and they don't want for Perry and Farry to have to perform from their shadows, I think. And, of course they look forward to the reunions to come, some with those they never met themselves, I think. A great number, I think, will stand to welcome Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel at the end of days, and to climb happily over Olorin, who may well find he is again taking the seeming of an elderly man, and these great spirits of Joy those of Hobbits of the Shire.
Tigger
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
So bittersweet, but lovely. Sam saying good bye to his family and friends. Then for Pippin and Merry to meet Lord Celeborn's party in Buckland. That was a very in canon gapfiller you wrote there. We know that Eomer sends word to the Shire he wishes to see Merry one last time, but this shows that the two cousins planned on going on to Minas Tirith before that. That they would be there for Aragorn and Arwen at the end, that would have given much comfort to Celeborn and in turn to Elrond.
This really is a lovely, but bittersweet story. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
In ways I was preparing a bridge here for "Light on the Way," in which it is by Merry and Pippin Aragorn is met when he accepts the Gift himself. But there had to have been a moment, I'd think, when Thain and Master realized they wished to do this and a reason for them being there at the beginning of the Way on his arrival. That they'd also wish to remove themselves that their sons might begin serving as Master and Thain themselves without everyone looking to see that Merry and Pippin approved of their sons' decisions before getting on with it seemed logical as well. Plus I DID write "Longing," and feel that Pippin at least would be strongly feeling restless, particularly with Sam leaving as he was.
So glad you appreciate it, Tigger.
Antane
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
So we are getting closer all the time to leaving Middle-earth. I love the idea of Sam being grateful that a hobbit will be around Aragorn and that the children
are okay with him leaving because they know why and who he gave up being with all these years ago. Love that casual mention of seeing someone he hasn't seen in years. Indeed!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I doubt Sam would tell those outside the family where he was going or why, for I doubt most Hobbits would appreciate his choice and its rationale. And he'd be very glad for young Hamfast's decision to go to Gondor, and of course this stands as a bridge for "Light on the Way," "The Choice of Healing," and "Fostering" in many ways.
Frodo had also used the excuse that he was going to spend his birthday with a relative he'd not seen for some time, with none save Sam and Rosie realizing he meant Bilbo. I think Sam here would follow his Master's lead.
Dreamflower
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
What poignant farewells; this time very different. Sam has never been so secretive as his master was, and I think he found a good deal of comfort in knowing that he left "proper" farewells behind him.
The leave-taking with Merry and Pippin just made me tear up. So hard now, for them. It's so sad the two of them could not go to see their beloved cousin as well, one last time, yet it was fated not to be.
I loved the way you wrote in comfort for Aragorn--not only Sam's grandson, to go and serve him, but also soon he will have the presence of Merry and Pippin themselves. This is just beautiful.
Author's reply
Yes, a different leave-taking from Frodo's, and yet not so open the entire Shire knows.
At least we know that Merry and Pippin will indeed go to Aragorn's side after they've seen Eomer off; now it's time indeed for them all. Frodo's gone; their wives are gone or going; their sons are ready to take up their duties to their people; once Sam is gone, there is little enough to keep them tied, and they've always given of themselves so strongly. It's time to deal with their own restlessness.
demeter d
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
Oh, Larner! By the time I reached "the stars light your path," I had a catch in my throat. Then after "the Creator make it so", I lost it entirely!" Warm, sweet, and full of light! The notion of when Celeborn left has been a popular
topic for fan-fiction writers. i read a lovely one where he stayed to comfort Arwen's children when she left. But this way fits, too. I can imagine Elrond and Celebrian's grief when they become aware of her passing. They would need him then. I always have imagined that Glorfindel would probably be the last Elf to leave. he has seen lige from both sides, and is able to be a quide. I very much enjoy your portrayal of him. I am looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Tolkien himself left the sailing of Samwise and the time when Celeborn left Middle Earth up in the air; tradition tells that Samwise last saw his daughter Elanor and that he then rode to the Havens, and that it was SAID he'd sailed in search of his Master, much as Frodo had at one time intended to travel in search of Bilbo. Tradition also says Celeborn was on the last ship to leave Middle Earth. But tradition isn't always accurate. That Celeborn might have intended originally to take the Last Ship but had changed his mind when he realized Arwen's end came more closely is always possible. We have the Master's own ambiguity to allow us to make our own determination of when Celeborn might have sailed, after all.
I'm so glad you appreciate how I describe Glorfindel in my stories, but I do feel he is a special case in all senses of the word when considering the nature of Elves.
This chapter stands as a bridge in part to previous stories of mine such as "Light on the Way," "The Choice of Healing," "The Ties of Family," and "Fostering."
Wow, there's so much to love in this chapter!
Sam looked at his son critically. “You’ve been among Uncle Andy’s folks too long, lad. You’re beginning to sound like me, you know. I’d hoped
as your education in the law would stand you in good stead to fight the Northfarthin’ influence.”
Ham laughed louder. “Oh, it stands me in fine stead, Da. The folk of Bree and from the steadings south of the Shire have been taken in by
my accent and think as they can fool me easy enough--until I bring out my travel desk and begin writin’ out the contracts. When they know as I can write
not only a contract binding in the Shire but one to match the King’s own lawyers they begin thinking twice.”
*chuckles* You know, I kind of *like* the "Northfarthing accent." :)
Oh! So Rose-lass married Ferdi's eldest, did she? I'm glad those families now have that tie.
Poor Dorno--trying to learn to be Mayor. I have to confess I don't envy him one bit.
Sam looked down at his hands on the tabletop, then back into the Thain’s eyes. “I suspect as he can still read, Pippin. Would one go blind
there in the Elven lands, do you think?”
No, not blind, but he'll have changed all right. I find it rather fascinating, the "becoming," but also very sad.
Pippin laughed. “I was in the bathing room and would swear I heard him singing from the alcove where Da hung the curtain for me when I was
younger.”
Merry looked at his younger cousin sideways. “If you heard singing and then the splash of water I’ll warn you it wasn’t Frodo--it’s the ghost
of when you were younger. Frodo was never the menace in the bath you were.”
LOL! Oh, how descriptive! Menace, eh? LOL! Yes, true enough. :) I wonder why that sticks with us? I used to think I was the only one that laughed at that more than any other part of the whole trilogy, but I'm not so sure any more...:)
He closed his eyes and added, the pain in his voice obvious, “Oh, Sam, how I wish we could go with you.
All of a sudden--I miss him so! I miss him so very much!”
Sam reached out to take Merry into his arms. “I know, Mr. Merry,” he whispered into Merry’s ear.
This got me teary-eyed. I always did think it was hard for Merry and Pippin to remain behind, but it was for the better in the end, because they could be by Aragorn's side.
I love the way you mingle the angst with little touches of humour, just as life often does. Strange to me how even after a loved one passes or when one is near his/her time, there are still little moments of laughter that make the grief more bearable.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Life isn't pure tragedy or comedy--they go hand in hand. And these are Hobbits, who laugh as well as weep; eat and fast both easily enough; and live in tune to the rhythms of the earth itself.
Dorno's been Mayor a few years by now, but is having his fill of it, now finding they're trying to slip things by him. Being an administrator isn't an easy thing, after all.
And they know Frodo was having a time of it before he left, and after reading the Red Book and Gandalf's own speculations as to what Frodo might come to they have to have realized Frodo is not likely as he was before. That they might wonder how he turned out is always the question.
Oh, I've always loved the bit about Pippin splashing with his feet as he sang of the fountain splashing on high. No, you're not the only one who laughs at that.
As for the jokes interspersed with the anxiety of loss and impending grief, I certainly know how that goes. Even Tony had his little jokes at the end.