Via Dolorosa or The Way of Sorrows by Antane
Queen Galadriel · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Dreams
This chapter left me with a smile. I always have to chuckle at Frodo and his oh-so-fair speech to Goldberry. If it wouldn't melt every heart! *grins* Tom Bombadil used to irritate me, but the more I read the books, the better I like him. He gave the four what they most needed-safety, good food, and merriment, as well as help out of what was to come. I'm very interested to see the Barrow-downs! God bless, Galadriel
harrowcat · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Dreams
Yes, indeed, to have all the comforts of food, drink and every kind of luxury without love, both given and received, is a recipie for existing but not for living fully.
Larner · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 7: Dreams
The two of the always did tend to think alike, Frodo and Samwise. And here they remember Tom and his fair house, and the malice of Old Man Willow. A sad thing, the willow tree.
Larner · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 6: A Very Efficient Conspiracy
I'm glad you wrote that gift of joy and trust from these two points of view, Antane. Lovely indeed, and a knowledge of companionship for our Frodo.
Elanor Silmariën · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 6: A Very Efficient Conspiracy
The conspiracy! My favorite part of the Fellowship! I love the words between Sam and Frodo about Sam still wanting to come with him. Sam wouldn't leave his Frodo! God bless, Ellie
Author's reply
One of my favorite parts too, along with "Frodo didn't offer her any tea" and "I have to think!" "Good heavens! At breakfast?" :) Namarie, God bless, Antane
Queen Galadriel · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 6: A Very Efficient Conspiracy
Oh my, I just know this is going to really make me cry many times before the end. We've hardly started the Quest and already each chapter tugs a little harder at the heart. I have just realized, my Sam, that I never thanked you for saving breakfast for me that day after we met the Elves, one of many things I’m sure I forgot to. Aww...that's so sweet that he'd remember that then! One of the little things that is done so naturally that neither really thought about it. That conspiracy, for all its gravity, was indeed a joyful time, and I'm so glad Frodo still remembers and smiles with that joy. Sometimes when the tears and the grief are too much for me and all I can see is your sad eyes, I close my own eyes and remember your joy and astonishment that night Mr. Merry revealed our conspiracy to you. You were glowing that night. Oh, that is so poignant. *melts* God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying, ammelda! If that's the right word for it. :) Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane
harrowcat · 26 September 2006 · Chapter 6: A Very Efficient Conspiracy
I wonder if the elves knew how much comfort and encouragement they gave Frodo that night in the woods. The road song of Bilbo's keeps echoing in my mind. Your image of Frodo still being on that road is powerful. All four hobbits are still on it. Frodo just hasn't paused for as long a while in the Shire. The road doesn't end in the Shire for any of them. Sam goes to follow Frodo. Merry and Pippin end up in Gondor. The quest has changed each of them a lot, each in their own way. Frodo is the one that needs the most healing most quickly.
Author's reply
And we are on it, too. Glad you are enjoying this tale, my dear! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Althea · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 6: A Very Efficient Conspiracy
Frodo's and Sam's love and respect for one another are beautifully captured in this tale.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! Glad you are enjoying! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Armariel · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 6: A Very Efficient Conspiracy
"You can trust us to stick to you through thick and thin - to the bitter end. And you can trust us to keep any secret of yours - closer than you keep it yourself. But you cannot trust us to let you face trouble alone and go off without a word. We are your friends, Frodo. We are horribly afraid - but we are coming with you." One of my favorite passages, and the one that made me want to read all the books. ~~~{~@
Author's reply
This is absolutely one of my favorite scenes and quotes too because of all the love that's wrapped in those words. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Elanor Silmariën · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Dark and Light
Sam was so excited about meeting the Elves, wasn't he? Indeed it was a good thing they did not know exactly what was following them, or they may have been too scared. God bless, Ellie
Larner · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Dark and Light
They left home and found their adventure, having only a taste of the bitterness and blessedness to come.
harrowcat · 25 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Dark and Light
Yes, meeting the elves in the Shire was so special for Sam, (and me!). Their light ovcame most of the darkness for both of them even only for a little while.
Queen Galadriel · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Dark and Light
I know I will never ever be able to thank you for all you’ve done, for all the love you have shone me all these many years. All I can do is break your heart again. What kind of reward is that? But one day, one day, I will see you again and I will reward all your tender care and love by presenting to you your Frodo healed. I promise you. *tear* Oh, beautiful! Poor Frodo, if only he realised that Sam didn't see it like that and wanted no thanks except to see him whole again. God bless, Galadriel
Armariel · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 5: Dark and Light
Tender and lovely chapter. I think there are two jewels, wouldn't you say? Maybe more! ~~~{~@
Author's reply
Around four or five I would say! :) Thanks for enjoying! Namarie, God bless, Antane
Elanor Silmariën · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Leavetaking
Another wonderful chapter! I laughed at your description of the Sacville Bagginses, it's so true! And the lights shining on their path... *sigh* God bless, Ellie
harrowcat · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Leavetaking
Every now and again Authors write something that has me diving for my copy of the Book to check a fact. I could have sworn that Frodo left for Buckland on the evening of the day of The Birthday. I was wrong and you, of course, right but it is nice to go back and read again. The trouble is, once I start readinga section it is hard to put down. Absolutely heart-rending for Frodo to sell Bag nd to the SB's!
Author's reply
I had to double-check it myself because I thought they left that same night myself. Isn't it fun to re-read it again (now my fourth time) and this time call it 'for research purposes'! :) Hantanyel for all your kind comments! I am glad I am among those authors you esp. like! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Althea · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Leavetaking
I like how both sections end with the image of Sam and Frodo lighting the way for one another. Thanks for another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank *you* for all your kind reviews! I'm glad to find a new kindred spirit! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Althea · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 2: The Party
Oh, that Merry is a sly one all right, getting Pippin on a sugar high to distract Frodo. I'm glad it worked, but I'd hate to be the one to try to get little Pippin to sleep that night.
Author's reply
Me too, I hadn't thought of that! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane
Althea · 24 September 2006 · Chapter 1: Farewell
You have captured such a vivid atmosphere of love and loneliness and loss. The scenes between Frodo and Bilbo are so warm and loving and yet so sad. Sam's section is wonderful as well. I especially like the fact that Bilbo realizes how much Sam loves Frodo.
Author's reply
Hannon le! I am so sorry for not responding to your kind review earlier - it was with some horror that I realized I had not. Hope you are still enjoying the story. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Armariel · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Leavetaking
The love-light was always gleaming, wasn't it?
Author's reply
Always! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Queen Galadriel · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Leavetaking
Oh, how wonderful that each lit the way for the other with love! And their words were almost exactly the same at the end, and neither knew what the other had written. God bless, Galadriel
Larner · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 4: Leavetaking
And so the two of them lit the way, each for the other. Lovely!
Author's reply
Hantanyel, my dear Larner! For this and your other reviews. I will have to keep to your tale of wizards one of these days, esp. now that hobbits are involved! :) So much fic, so little time. :( Namarie, God bless, Antane
Elanor Silmariën · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: Master of Bag End
Two more wonderful chapters. I especially liked the part about Merry giving Pippin so much sugar and sending him off to cheer Frodo up! (reminds me of me with caffene, I get SO hyper!) Yet it's so sad at the same time. Please continue soon! God bless, Ellie
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying, my dear! Have fun with Beowulf. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 3: Master of Bag End
It is interesting to consider the two views of the same situations, and how they are the same and the bits that differ. But Frodo wouldn't have others suffer for him....
Larner · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 2: The Party
Pippin was even then the one to guard laughter and humor, and a useful tool to keep a Baggins laughing in spite of himself. And Frodo's laughter and dancing was even then prized. And Frodo still sees himself as hurting when he is actually continuing the healing for all.