annmarwalk
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
I found Bob's characterization quite interesting here. I don't read a lot of hobbitcentric fic, in any case, but I don't know that I've encountered a character of his social class before. Frodo, Merry, and Pippin, of course, are young gentlehobbits, and while Sam was born in a lower social class, his early exposure and almost adoption by Bilbo polished off some of his rough edges.
Bob, though, is a purely rustic hobbit. He has little knowledge or interest in events and history outside his immediate community. His main concern (and rightly so) is the protection of his family, the building of his new home, and the beginnings of his farm. He seems quite genuinely stunned to learn of the history of the plot of land he now occupies, and the role of Shire history in the greater world. A very appealing trait, though, is the way he carefully stores away each fact to ponder later - he's becoming quite fascinated by events and people whose existence he had never imagined.
A side note: the descriptions of the clothing left in Bree, the color and texture and detailed embroidery, were exquisite. I want that wardrobe!
Author's reply
I suspect there would be many different classes of folk in Bree, and that they would use similar but still subtly different sentence structures and grammatical phrasing than Shire Hobbits. To imagine what a true Breelands farmer might speak like was fun.
We know that Saruman's ruffians attacked Bree itself; that they might also have done some collateral damage elsewhere in the Breelands also seemed likely; and that a few were so traumatized they'd choose to move elsewhere to start over, and to the idyllic area they used to visit as children, just seemed likely, much as the Oldbucks went eastward and crossed the Brandywine, settling Buckland and changing the family name. I'm still contemplating how I will write that period when I get to it in "Stirring Rings," although I'm still stalled in that one just before the Witch-king led his forces against Arvedui, with Gandalf just ready to pass through the Shire once more to meet with Cirdan. Oh, well.
As for the clothing Frodo left in Bree--am glad you, too, love them. I suspect that the gifts of clothing Frodo received while in Minas Tirith would have been especially beautiful and meaningful, but that contemplating how they might be received once they return to the Shire he'd wish to leave them behind.
And the trips through Bree of the Travellers did manage to affect the Breelanders as much as the folks of the Shire. Finding themselves having to scurry to enter the Fourth Age with the rest of Middle Earth must have been fascinating and somewhat frightening for them.
Thanks again for the detailed comments.
annmarwalk
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 1: Land Claimed
Some of us who are too disorganized (and lazy) to commit to writing fifty thousand words in a month (NaNoWriMo) have instead formed a LiveJournal community Nanoreme to encourage us to read and review longer works for the Middle-Earth Fanfiction Awards. The work I've been saving for Nanoreme is this story. Here are some selections from my introductory post to Nanoreme:I first met Larner back in my HASA days through her very first story, "For Eyes to See As Can". What I loved about that story, and continue to enjoy about Larner's writing, is the depth of her world-building: trade and economics; social structures; art and craft; rich details of everyday life in the post-war Shire with vivid, realistic characters and events.
The story consists entirely of original characters, and each of them are engagingly written. The manner is which the ranger, Faradir, briefly reviews the history of the unoccupied borderlands, and well as providing an eyewitness view of the final events of the Ring War, is thorough and clear without seeming like an infodump. I'm very much looking forward to seeing how all this will play out my instinct tells me it won't be as simple as it seems.
I'll continue to post reviews (and word count updates!) to Nanoreme, and will repost them here as chapter reviews. When I'm done, I'll consolidate them into my MEFA review. I'm very much looking forward to a nice cozy read!
Author's reply
I am honored, Ann--very honored.
As the story progresses you will see canon characters come and go; but we do mostly follow the OCs in this one.
And I'll have to check out the Nanoreme site as well. I only wonder how quickly I'll finish this story, as it is a work still in progress; I suspect it won't be until after new years, though.
I'm honored you find Boboli and his family well done; and I do love trying to figure out just how the different peoples of Middle Earth might have lived, worked, and handled their day-to-day business.
Thank you very much for the honor of choosing this story for your Nanoreme project.
Bodkin
· 10 November 2007
· Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
Yay! Denra and Alvric have seen what everyone else has known for a while!
That's quite an ominous-sounding last sentence. I hope it's not presaging disaster of some kind.
Author's reply
The net has been down all day, and I just have time to answer one comment before I have to go to work.
Yes, at last they have realized they were made for one another, and Denra has become adventurous enough to begin looking at the outer world, at least a bit.
No, no disaster that I know of, but then you never know. Heh!
Good to hear from you.
Kitty
· 8 November 2007
· Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
Would you be surprised to know that I am a bit envious? Being a librarian, I would *so* love to see these archives myself; it would be great! *sighs dreamily*
So some of the Lords of Arnor married lesser princesses from the South? Interesting, and rather reasonable, I think, and should have strengthened Aragorn’s claim to the throne. Though I can imagine Denethor’s face ...
To watch Denra and Alvric discover their love for each other was so sweet, and Halladan trying to plan the wedding before they had even decided to marry was so much fun. Seems to run in the family, thinking how Aragorn tried to marry off Hardorn *grin*
Wonderful chapter with so many lovely little details, my dear!
Author's reply
I, too, would love to slip into these archives and see what was left from the beginning of the Third Age.
I see the lords from Arthedain being a lot more concerned about maintaining blood ties to all the Dunedain than the other lines, and suspect they would send emmissaries to examine possible brides from the Southlands from time to time. As for Denethor--I, too imagine he would have been most upset to realize how closely he might have been related to Aragorn.
Ah, yes, now the betrothal is there and open, and Yes, Halladan and Aragorn both have a soft spot in their hearts for romances, I think; although Aragorn was as much trying to get Hardorn to make a commitment as to try just to marry him off, I'd think. He, too, had waited a LONG time before taking his chosen bride.
Thanks so for the comments, Kitty.
Antane
· 8 November 2007
· Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
And aren't we lucky that Frodo was born to be a teller of tales? :) And Bilbo too.
It would indeed have been an honor to stand guard at that tent.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
For Frodo to have written the LOTR part of the Red Book, he had to be one also given to tales, just as had been Bilbo. As for the honor of guarding their enclosure, Oh, I so agree. How many must have envied this one having been chosen to do so, once he'd recovered enough to allow for it.
Thanks so, Antane.
harrowcat
· 8 November 2007
· Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
Holby having elected to sleep curled up beside her. A dog of taste, and sensibly choosing the warmest spot!
You do give us nice long chapters to savour Larner. Unfortunately I must rush off to work! Glad to see the romance is blooming beautifully.
Author's reply
Well, of course Holby knows the best and most needed place to sleep! Heh!
Am sorry you had to rush off after the anticipation the tardiness this chapter left in its wake.
And it's good to see them opening to one another fully at last.
Love to the folks and Jet.
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 7 November 2007
· Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
I'm happy you updated - I've been counting the days!
I love the level of detail you give to your stories and am thrilled that your two characters Denra and Alvric are engaged - I like the characters!
Thanks so much!
Author's reply
I'm sorry I took so long. The lesser plot bunnies are attacking in droves, and I'm finding that between changes at work and within the household I have less time to write, unfortunately.
I'm honored you love the detail, and I think most folk are glad to see Denra and Alvric finding they love one another.
And thank you as well.
Dreamflower
· 7 November 2007
· Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
Oh my! Now that chapter was an eye-opener, and no mistake! Especially for Denra and Alvaric! LOL! I loved the Steward jumping the gun, and trying to plan the wedding before the proposal had been made!
Author's reply
Yes, to quote Sam! And, yes, he's jumping the gun indeed. But I think the wedding will come off nicely, actually. Heh!
Soledad
· 17 October 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
Well, I've finally got through the entire story, and I enjoyed it a great deal - even though all the hobbit families can get a bit confusing for someone who doesn't usually read hobbitfic. ;))
Would you mind if I added your story to my recommendation page?
Author's reply
There is more to come, for this story isn't quite over yet. And the Hobbit families can be QUITE confusing, even for those of us who write it! Heh!
I'd be most honored to have this recommended by you, Soledad! Do feel free!
Now, if I could only get the next chapter finished--have it about halfway done so far--MEFAs are interfering, I fear.
cookiefleck
· 16 October 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
Meant to tell you earlier that I enjoyed this chapter, and the characterization of Sam. Very nice.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like Sam here. He would be protective of Frodo, but would find the conflict between that and his innate honesty to be problematic at times. Am just glad that this time there was no problem with giving into that honesty.
And I do so love Sam! Heh!
Dreamflower
· 1 October 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
This is one of the things I printed out to read on the plane on the way to Scotland, and I enjoyed it immensely!
What a lovely little Interlude--very properly named, and I'm glad Frodo was able to confide in Delphie to a certain extent. It's so much easier for him to talk of others than it is of himself, and yet, in speaking of those others he reveals more of himself than he realizes. And Delphie is an excellent listener!
Author's reply
We're glad to have you back, Dreamflower, and I so wish I could have gone with you! It's so long since I was able to visit Scotland!
Yes, it's easier to speak of others than himself, and Delphie is most definitely a good listener, and an empathic one. Nor is she going to allow him to realize how much she does know and understand. Good for both of them, I think.
Anyway, again good to have you return. And am looking forward to YOUR next chapter or story.
Lindelea
· 25 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
Ah, at last I get to come back and finish this chapter! I started to read, twice, and got interrupted, and just now I am called away again, and no time to clip all the bits I liked best...
But I do like your Delphie, a wonderful hobbit. I hope Barti appreciates how blessed he is with her. (Thank you for whatever it was you did... *g*)
Author's reply
Yes, Barti is very blessed, and realizes it, too. So glad you appreciated that! Heh!
And love to the Hubby, Writing Companion, and Little Hobbits, too.
Kitty
· 23 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
Larner, this visit was a joy to read. I am so glad Delphie got to visit with Frodo and to talk to him at length, and that they had this wonderful afternoon together. I am not sure if they got another chance after that, knowing that Frodo didn’t stay very long after that, and it is a relief to know they had this pleasant time together.
So Frodo himself didn’t know why Barti despised him so? He guessed that it is connected with this party, but never knew the true reason? How sad. Now I wonder if you’ll allow him to know before he sails.
Author's reply
There is still just over a year before Frodo sails at this point, so there may be at least one more visit before he goes. But it's been years since these cousins were able just to talk, and I think they both needed to realize they weren't totally estranged by Delphie's marriage to Bartolo. And I felt they both needed this time to enjoy a visit with one another.
elanor winterflowers
· 22 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
What a lovely chapter! And an especially delicate and sweet-hearted portrait of Frodo; I loved every minute we got to spend with him and Delphi! And Sam! I was just so delighted at the way you suggested the subtle changes in him--really nicely done.
And Cyclamen: what a wonderful creation she is. I so enjoyed her!
Author's reply
Cyclamen first appeared in "The King's Commission," along with her cousin/foster brother Pando and Narcissa Boffin. She appears now in several of my stories. One of the children who helped Frodo remain grounded as long as he remained in the Shire, along with Dianthus Sandheaver, Will Whitfoot's granddaughter. And Sam no longer sees himself as merely a rustic gardener, so he's changed indeed, readying for the day when he must become Mayor of the Shire and master gardener for his whole little country.
And that one person would begin just to accept the changes in him and treat him with the simple acceptance she'd shown before must have meant a good deal to Frodo. Am so glad you enjoyed it.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
The children are adorable. I agree Strider is "A special one".
Author's reply
Am so glad you agree. And our Strider is ALWAYS a special one.
Thanks so for the feedback, Linda.
Tigger
· 21 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
I wonder if Delphie realizes this will be the last time she spends w/Frodo. I'm glad it was a visit full of joy and understanding. It is beyond sad however that she has to wait until Bartolo is away for her to visit her own sister and family. However, I've seen what can happen to a family over something incredably stupid and prejudicial w/my own eyes, so... :o(
Lovely to see another wonderful addition to this. :o)
Author's reply
Wonderful to hear from you again, Tigger!
Yes, am experiencing that right now myself. One relative has a most abrasive, paranoid personality, and none of the rest of the family will visit when he's around. And my own sister hasn't spoken to me for years as a result of our folks' divorce. Yes, stupid indeed. It may well be the last time Delphie is able to spend time with him, although it's still over a year before he leaves the Shire.
Thanks so much!
Antane
· 21 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
Pray God that he found his joy and hope in the West. Hantanyel for this lovely chapter, dear Larner!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm certain he found peace and his joy again there. And it was time for a peaceful chapter, I felt.
Thanks, Antane.
harrowcat
· 21 September 2007
· Chapter 29: Interlude
A wonderful and perceptive lass is Delphie. She managed to turn what could have been a difficult interview into a plesent afternoon of refreshment for all.
And what a pity that Aragorn couldn't encourage Frodo to visit the Hallow. Would have loved to have read about that.
Jet and the folks send their regards. Mum is now back at her physio group after 9months waiting for a referral! And we have agreed to settle out of court for the claim of negligence over the loss of her legs. Not that that ends it. Now we have to decide how to look after this amount of money, how best to spend it to her comfort and advantage and argue over the costs of the case! *sighs*
Author's reply
Yes, Delphie understands her husband, but is herself a Baggins and appreciates her Baggins cousin.
Perhaps had Aragorn been able to talk Frodo into going up to the Hallows himself he might have found more of a measure of spiritual healing before leaving Gondor.
Glad your mother is enjoying activities now; the more activity she can know the better for her overall health, of course.
You got a wheelchair van, didn't you? If not, that would be a worthwhile purchase, I'd think. A friend had to have modifications made to allow him to enter and leave his house easily once he lost the use of his legs through a spinal injury. He found it money well spent.
Love to all.
Antane
· 7 September 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgments Made
Sorry it's taken so long to get this latest chapter. :( But glad, of course, to see someone else sticking up for Frodo. I know I would feel the same way as he did, the same guilt and shame, but it's not your fault, darling! Conquered indeed. :(
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Hobbits in general seem to spark protective feelings on those of good will of other races, and Frodo particularly inspired deep and abiding loyalties--how else would Legolas and Gimli have managed to make it to Caradhras without killing one another if it weren't for the tempering influence of Frodo and Aragorn, I wonder?
Yes, conquered by a force beyond any mortal's strength, there at the end; but saved by Eru's use of Gollum. And Aragorn's kinsmen would appreciate that, I'm certain.
Thanks, Antane.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 September 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgments Made
Dauraman's evil knows no bounds, interesting to see justice in Arnor as the Northern Kingdom is often neglected.
Author's reply
Saruman's actions must have haunted several lands for years and years.
Now that Aragorn is King, the laws of Arnor must take precedence over those of the Breelands, at least from time to time. And these three need to be dealt with, for certain!
Linda Hoyland
· 4 September 2007
· Chapter 27: Contract Signed
I liked your thoughts on the Elessar stone.
Author's reply
Mostly they are restatements of what was written in Unfinished Tales (or at least I think it was UT where I read about it). But to try to understand why Aragorn took such an odd name must have been somewhat difficult for many individuals.
Kitty
· 3 September 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgments Made
Interesting explanations about the laws in the Breelands in this chapter.
The breeding of these half-orcs, on the other hand, makes me shudder. To be honest, I’d prefer to hope the Traveller’s talk about half-orcs on their return to the Shire was only speculation, because it is such a nightmare to imagine. But Tolkien left not much room for this, I fear. And to think these women drowned during the flooding of Isengard ... it’s enough to feel sick, isn’t it?
The sentence against the two Southerners was just, I’d say. Halladan proved a worthy Steward and judge, taking all their circumstances and behaviour into account.
What surprised me most in this chapter was that Halladan purchased Bender’s farm. That was completely unexpected, and I think Bender got away very well – maybe even a bit too easy, considering that Halladan is willing to pay even more than the farm is worth. One can only hope he learned his lesson nonetheless. And I think other would-be suitors will think twice now before bothering Denra ever again.
Halladan and Berevrion talked about a lot of details concerning the Ring rather publicly. And surely you can guess how satisfied I was that Halladan decided to ignore Frodo’s wishes for once and tell Barti and Mac so much!? Seems I’m not the only one who can’t have Barti think of Frodo so badly :-) Now Barti only has to put two and two together – I wonder how long it will take him. He's not proven to be overly bright in this regard, after all.
Author's reply
As fanfiction authors we get to fill in the blanks as to social structure, legal systems, and so on. And unfortunately, the Uruk-hai had to have come from somewhere, so that gets speculated on, too.
As Aragorn's cousin, I'd think that Halladan would have many of the same perceptions, particularly if he had helped his brother Halbarad administer the needs of the northern Dunedain, and that with the extra experience offered by their prolonged life would help give both Aragorn and Halladan more insight into human nature and a better idea as to who might be rehabilitated and who isn't likely to ever changd.
Perhaps Halladan ought not to have paid Cotman so much; but it will at least get him out of town and probably far enough from other communities to keep him from doing things to other folks. And the folk of the Breelands will also need to learn that things have changed, and they owe a great deal to those four Hobbits who passed through last year.
Barti still has one major concern to face in order to accept Frodo and Sam's place in saving Middle Earth. And I'd think Halladan would wish Barti to realize Frodo was NOT any kind of coward, and for someone in Frodo's extended family to have some idea as to what he accomplished.
Thanks so for the comments.
Lindelea
· 3 September 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgments Made
Finally had some time to catch up on this one... it's been intriguing me for a long time!
I love all the little details you throw into your stories, like the one in this chapter, where Safflower sits in subtle isolation, and the weaving together of clues--the socks drying on the hedge, the actions of the dog, the attitudes and speech patterns.
And of course, the descriptions of Frodo are heartbreaking. This bit was particularly eloquent, I thought, But courage is not about remaining without fear--it is about going on in spite of the fear and doing what must be done.
I do like your Mac!
And now I'm interrupted, but better now than earlier, when I was immersed in reading!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that the details work for you. Sometimes I'm afraid put in too much--but that's the way I tend to see the story unfolding. I tend to see the action unfolding, and write what I see; and I try to make the speech fit the various characters.
Am so glad you like my version of Mac. He's been inspired by yours and by Lily's, of course.
And of course Frodo was frightened, but also devoted to doing what had to be done no matter what.
Am so glad you got caught up at last. I'll see you leter this week.
harrowcat
· 3 September 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgments Made
Halladan is a brilliant Steward!
Felt physically sick at the thought of those poor women.
But, most of all loved this....
He does not wish you to become fearful of the world and ever suspicious of the intentions of others. He wishes for your people to grow into the outer world and bring to it your own lightheartedness, not to take its insecurities into your lives.”
It fits very nicely with a homily from our new Pastor. He was sayinging that we Christians hold a light and a hope for the world that we need to share rather than be disheartened by the materialism and corruption found inthe world.
Got to go, back to work properly today!
Author's reply
I'd think that Aragorn's cousins would be pretty intelligent, and would use much the same reasoning in their judgments as Aragorn himself.
As for Saruman's Uruk-hai breeding program--he had to have started somewhere. Of course, I'll be exploring this idea more when I get into that period in "Stirring Rings." But there had to be some way that Saruman got hold of his "breeding stock," so I tried to imagine how it might have happened. As the orcs we see all appear to be male, apparently female orcs were kept sequestered in their own colonies. I suspect that Saruman, therefore, would have started with captured warrior orcs, which would indicate he would need someone to breed them to. So, perhaps using women tricked or stolen and forced to accept orcs would be the starting point.
Why did Frodo insist that those taking part in the Battle of Bywater not slay those who would lay down their weapons, and why also insisted they not take vengeance on those Hobbits who went over to the enemy. That it was a conscious choice to try to keep his people from taking in the evil of the outer world seems the most likely reason, at least to me. And that he hoped that as the Hobbits of the Shire grew into more interaction with the outer world its people would serve as examples also seemed likely. And this also seemed likely to be a thought behind Tolkien's writing, considering his religious bent.
And hope all goes well now that you are back to work once more.
Tracey Claybon
· 2 September 2007
· Chapter 28: Judgments Made
I started reading this story, just intending to read a chapter to see what I thought of it. 6 hours later, I got to the end of the tale so far - wonderful characterization, all in canon, and a totally engrossing read... Thanks so much for writing it.
Tracey
Author's reply
Thank you so very much! I am honored and greatly flattered.
Bartolo Bracegirdle has managed to appear on several of my stories, and I found I had to flesh him out a bit more and perhaps see him as his family sees him.
I will continue on with it, of course--it and "Stirring Rings." With fortune I might just finish them, if more smaller nuzguls and plotbunnies don't take me over first, of course. Heh!
Again, thanks for the read and the comments. I am honored.