Reviews (114)

Queen Galadriel · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 8: A Tale Told

"He’s....he’s...buried in Gondor," Frodo said softly. "That’s....that’s...where I...killed him." He lowered his head and began to cry again as he heard shocked gasps and saw the grief-stricken faces of Rose and the Gamgee clan, heard the weeping. He only raised his head again when instead of weeping, he heard more sharp intakes of breath. This made my heart feel as if it had skipped a beat, really. Frodo turned and stared at his best friend who looked back at him and smiled. "I want to tell you what happened," Sam said to his family and the lass he had dreamed of marrying. "I want you to know about the finest hobbit there ever was. My master and friend." This made me gape, literally. Wow! Sam can still talk to them! Frodo opened his mouth to protest. Not a word, dear, came Sam’s voice in his head. But, Sam, you’re the... Not. A. Word. Frodo sighed. Stubborn Gamgee. Stubborn Baggins. Now sit down and be still. Oh, Antane, you're wonderful! In the midst of all this angst you can still provoke laughter! I love it! Frodo felt his battered soul held once more by Sam’s overwhelming love. "They don’t hate you because they see I don’t. They can forgive because they can see I have. I haven’t been taken away, dear. No Ring could do that to us. When I was dying, I saw Light and Love that I so wish to share with you. I begged to be able to stay with you." Frodo began to cry again. He felt Sam’s gentle touch on his back and wrapped in such love, he fell back asleep. "Thank you," he murmured. This made me cry. No, outright sob. That explains so much, says so much. Yet even with such a peaceful and somewhat reassuring ending, I'm still curious. What happenes now? And oh! what joy there will be when these two are reunited! God bless, Galadriel P.S. Sorry I haven't caught up on Via or e-mail, and I just hate to leave you hanging so with EBH (though you have to own you do deserve it after all those cliff-hangers :), but I care too much about you to be so cruel as to leave you hanging on purpose :)), but I've been angsted out what with fic and real life and am only starting to recover.

Elanor Silmariën · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 8: A Tale Told

Oh, I wondered how you were going to have him tell Rosie... *tear* I was just in the mood for angst tonight, and this was the perfect chapter to read! What is going to happen next? God bless, Ellie

Westel · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Love Endures

I am amazed by how Iluvatar works in the hearts of those who walk in this life for a little while. Don't we all struggle with loss, with clinging to 'things' in the attempt to console ourselves, when in reality we are called on to take the Road again? I am humbled by your story, Antane, and blessed through it. In the book, *The Sacred Romance*, I read just last night: "With an awakened heart, we turn and face the road ahead, knowing that no one can take the trip for us, nor can anyone plan our way." May we all respond to the Love Eru showers on us, even search for it in the myriad ways He has fashioned, and continue on the Road that, though narrow, is True. I don't usually like AU stories, Antane, but I am intrigued and drawn by this one. I would even venture to say that I was lead here today to read what you have written. Please continue! -W

Larner · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Love Endures

Yes, time to go home indeed. And the sight of his son's spirit comforting Frodo is itself comforting for the old Hobbit.

Elanor Silmariën · 21 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Love Endures

Omigosh! Poor Gaffer! Poor Frodo! I was wondering how you would handle that part, and you pulled it off perfectly! So terribly sad, yet still so full of Sam's love. But now, how is he going to tell Rosie? Please update soon! God bless, Ellie

Queen Galadriel · 20 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Love Endures

Wow! What love! The nearness of Sam's presence really makes the grief more bearable, I think. I like the way you had Frodo tell the Gaffer, and his reaction was very in character. I'm so glad he got to see what he did! I would think that would definitely help to set his heart as at ease as it could be. You do his voice very well, too. :) You asked for more ideas? Well, how about an epilogue to show where they all are some time later-Rosie, Gaffer, Frodo and the cousins. What *would* have become of Rose had Sam not returned, anyway. There would be no Elanor, no Frodo-lad or any of the others. And somehow I can't picture Frodo living alone in Bag End-well, you know what I mean. Not after all that. But neither could his cousins stay there, because they both have to prepare for their roles as Master and Thain. Or does Frodo still sail West? Or if none of that works, how about an epilogue showing the moment when Frodo can accept and learn to live out the rest of his days in peace? For surely some healing must come, or he wouldn't live. Just some thoughts to stimulate the muse. :) God bless, Galadriel

harrowcat · 20 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Love Endures

This chapter had me crying Antane. I love the bit where the father in the Gaffer wins through. Shared grief can be a comfort to both.

harrowcat · 18 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Lessons in Living

You remind me of the poem 'the Road not taken' by Robert Frost which has always been a bit a talisman in my life choices. But to take the less travelled or narrower path can be very daunting and one does, indeed, need friends to walk it before and with us!

Larner · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Lessons in Living

Well, Aragorn was the Elessar and Envinyatar who had been the Telcontar and would be so still when it was called for. And he is a good guide at the moment. That the new path should lead to the gazebo is good.

Larner · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Questions That Need Answering

And he was comforted as he deserved and as they were created to comfort and strengthen him.

Larner · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

Yes, the love for the dearer-than-brother. Rightly offered.

Queen Galadriel · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 6: Lessons in Living

Wow! How profound. And so Sam's presence is felt not just by Frodo, but by others as well, now. God bless, Galadriel

Larner · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 3: Worth Fighting For

Sam and the Other both impel him to live, and so he reaches at last, chosing life.

Larner · 17 September 2006 · Chapter 2: Help From Above

I just reread this, and realized I didn't review it the first time. It is a powerful piece of literature, and a marked memorial to Frodo and Sam both. He feels ruined, but doesn't ball up in defeat, but uses the power of the death of Sam to impel him onward. And love is there to bolster him up as he needs it.

harrowcat · 12 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Questions That Need Answering

The hobbit sat slump-shouldered next to his friend, his trowel still in his hand as he rested a bit from his labors. His breeches were stained with grass and dirt, his hands and cheek he had rubbed against were also marked. What a great description, especially the first few words. Without a zest and purpose in life every task, however pleasant, is a tiring chore.

Elemmírë · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Questions That Need Answering

I'm sorry to quote half of this chapter back to you, Antane, but it's just that you had so many powerful and moving lines that I cannot but help it. You truly spread the message of God's Love for all of us throughout your stories and through Frodo, etc. I personnaly find them to be very uplifting. Thank you. "There is a part of you that is immortal also, my dear hobbit. You stand now in the midst of a battlefield, for war is being waged for that part. The Ring sought dominion over it and sometimes gained it, but there’s another Power that seeks it as well, that created it and wishes to draw it to Himself. It is your decisions, step by step, day by day that determine the outcome of this war. You have lost a few battles as all do, but you have not lost everything, not yet. The essential thing is that you keep fighting. You cannot lose this war or you truly will lose everything. Your parents or Sam cannot join you in the Abyss." Gandalf continued his soft stroking and gentle tone. "All soldiers in this war grow so, but though you cannot stop the struggle, you can rest and be refreshed. Only those under the dominion of the dark slayed themselves. No, Frodo, you were created in the Light, for the Light, to be with the Light." "All soldiers in this war grow so, but though you cannot stop the struggle, you can rest and be refreshed. "No, my dear hobbit, it shines now brighter than ever. All things work toward the greater glory of the One Who is above all things. The power of evil has no power over Him. He will always draw good out of it, in spite of it. Amen. :D You did an awesome job with this chapter, Antane!!! I really love how you portrayed the conversation between Frodo and Gandalf. It's very deep and full of meaning. I also liked the added detail of Faramir and Gimli's thoughtfulness in providing Frodo (and Merry and Pippin) with a hobbit-sized bench. I can so picture Frodo and Gandalf sitting there from the images provoked by your words, along with the imagery suggesting Primula, Drogo, and Sam wiping away poor Frodo's tears. And Gandalf's cuddling/soothing of Frodo was so endearing and full of love!!! (Just as it should be, of course) LOL! I can't wait to see where you decide to go next with this dark, yet spiritual tale. Namarie, ~Elemmírë~

Queen Galadriel · 11 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Questions That Need Answering

Oh, wow. You handled this very well, Antane. I wondered how you would, and this is so characteristic of both of them. But who was the one who wiped away Frodo's tears this time? Sam, or his mother, or someone else? With each new chapter I wonder more how this is going to end. God bless, Galadriel

Elanor Silmariën · 6 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

I read this yesterday and must've forgotten to review! It was so sad and angsty, but still so full of love. I know it sounds strange, but I really like this story! God bless, Ellie

Elemmírë · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

WOW!!!! The support all are giving Frodo is just so wonderful--Merry and Pippin's hobbity love for their ailing cousin as they try to comfort him ... Gandalf and Aragorn's unending support, along with Faramir ... Gimli and Legolas' kindness with a carved gravestone and soothing Elvish prayers. What could he offer, since he had caused them? What could be offered to him, that he could accept for the inferno of grief that still burned so hot within him? Why hadn’t he just let go? Because there is goodness still left in you, my dear, and that is worth fighting for. Great selection for a quote ;) Seriously, I absolutely LOVE your use and adaptation of the film quote here. I don't have the words, but that is one of my favorite parts. Sam is so right that there is still some good residing in Frodo. I only hope that poor, dear Frodo can find it in himself again soon. You also did an awesome job with the garden--poor Frodo toiling over the slightest weed marring it, planting his friend's favorite flowers, receiving instruction from Sam himself. It is all so heartbreaking and yet endearing at the same time. Eargerly awaiting to see which direction you take this next, Antane. I'm flattered that you decided to play with so many of the ideas. It's an honor. :D Namarie, ~Elemmírë~

harrowcat · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

Now there was a chore Antane! *g* I had to go back down your growing list of stories to find the review where I referred to CS Lewis. (Chapter 9 of Going home BTW) I wasn't very clear about what part of his writings I had thought of was I? I read most of his work when I was doing my Theology degree and I am ashamed to admit that I have forgotten most of the detail. Perhaps that means I need to reread him. I think that I was thinking of 'The problem of Pain' But I imagine that 'a grief observed' also explores the issue. It certainly comes out well in the book and/or DVD of 'Shadowlands'. Lewis is worth tackling but not an easy read! I never did get on well with Narnia and only just made it through a whole viewing of the recent film version. Unlike PJ's film which is default viewing on my DVD player! Must be off to pack for a church conference about receiving people into the Catholic Church. Looking forward to it but means I will be away from my computer for three days. :(

Queen Galadriel · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

*sobs* Oh, it's too sad, Antane! It turns my heart all to tears. When you began this, I didn't think I could read it but tried anyway, and found I could and that I enjoyed it-if that's the right word-even though it did break my heart. And now I'm held, whether or not I think I can bear it. You say you can endure it yourself only because love endures, but I'm beginning to find it hard, even so. But you must, and Frodo must, and so will I. For painful as it is, it's still beautiful and full of love, and do fleeting moments of joy begin to return as well? I love the garden and the headstone. There's just one thing I ask-no, beg. Please, please give Frodo and us a happy ending. *goes to find a box of tissues* God bless, Melinyel, Galadriel

Calenlass Greenleaf · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

This is an AU that has earned my respect. It's one of the few precious gems that are found amongst the pile of semi-precious stones and other rocks. Lovely.

harrowcat · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Home

The best yet Antane. Too many good bits to tell them but the healing scene starts in a very powerful way. The improvements to the other chapters are good too but I think you were just out to make us re-read the whole thing! *g* Not that I am complaining mind you

Elemmírë · 29 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Worth Fighting For

I'm so glad you continued this!!!!! I really love what you did with the scene depicting the destruction of the Ring. It's wonderful, Antane! Your words and imagery are so very powerful and provoke the deepest of emotions. Frodo grabbed onto a ledge. He didn’t know why he had. He felt he had been almost pushed there, as though a firm hand at his back held him there. Let me go, he pleaded. No. I want you to live. Can’t I be with you? Live for the goodness that is now safe in the world because you came here and the Ring is gone. Live for Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin and Strider who’s going to be King! They are all right because the Ring is gone, because you found them all worth fighting for and you won. And Mr. Gandalf - he’s alive! Oh, my dear, don’t die now. Faramir came to the edge and looked straight into Frodo’s ravaged soul. He dropped to his stomach and reached down his hand. Reach! It was both a command and an impassioned plea. Frodo obeyed both. I observed that this is still listed as 'In Progress'; I can hardly wait to see what you decide to do with the rest! Well done! Namarie, Antane

Frodo Baggins · 29 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Worth Fighting For

Wow. What a wonderful ending! I am so glad that Sam really was there for Frodo, but your alternative was amazing and powerful. Frodo grabbed onto a ledge. He didn’t know why he had. He felt he had been almost pushed there, as though a firm hand at his back held him there. Let me go, he pleaded. No. I want you to live. Can’t I be with you? Live for the goodness that is now safe in the world because you came here and the Ring is gone. Live for Mr. Merry and Mr. Pippin and Strider who’s going to be King! They are all right because the Ring is gone, because you found them all worth fighting for and you won. And Mr. Gandalf - he’s alive! Oh, my dear, don’t die now. d powerful. That brought tears to my eyes! Oh my goodness. But hannon le. hanon le. Namarie! God Bless, IM mil le, Frodo Baggins