Runaway by Lily Dragonquill
Reviews (19)
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Periantari
· 7 December 2006
· Chapter 3: Confidant
Wow how poignant. I'm in tears.
Torn between rebellion and acceptance, Frodo squeezed his eyes shut and unwittingly gave in to his sorrow. Words he could not catch met his ear and brought back half-forgotten memories. All of the sudden, the new Saradoc faded and turned into the cousin Frodo once knew. Unable to silence the sad yearning any longer, the child sank willingly into the arms that held him. It seemed all too easy to trust his elder cousin now and Frodo clung to him not understanding what had kept him away so long.
awww Frodo! yes, Saradoc is there for you!
Your description is what i love most about your writing and it really shined in here and though angsty, (and you write angst well) i can so feel fro Frodo and i really can feel his inner torment, loss and grief. :(
These weren't his parents, but he would need someone to care for him for a while at least. His cousin stroked his brow and Frodo closed his eyes, remembering. For a fleeting moment, it was almost like being back at home, except that the smell was subtly different.
I'm glad to see that Esmie and Sara would be there for him. He certainly needs their support and love during this very tough time.
Awesome job, Lily!
::favorites story:: =)
Author's reply
Thanks a lot, dear. I love desciptions.
Andrea
· 21 November 2006
· Chapter 3: Confidant
Unable to silence the sad yearning any longer, the child sank willingly into the arms that held him. It seemed all too easy to trust his elder cousin now and Frodo clung to him not understanding what had kept him away so long.
"... not understanding what had kept him away for so long."
I think, that is true for both of them, Frodo and Saradoc. To both it must have seemed as if the other had changed noticeably after Drogo and Primula died. So they were uncertain how to react and were afraid to do something wrong.
It needed the right moment to bring them together, and the rest was easy!
If only it had been so easy for the two in "Schicksalsjahre"!
The more it made me happy to read this ending. Thank you very much, Lily!
Author's reply
Very true.
You know, this is kind of a "what could have been" in Schicksalsjahre - which is also the reason why I won't continue it. I'm glad you liked the ending and rest assured Frodo and Saradoc will have a happy ending even in Schicksalsjahre eines Hobbits.
Thank you!
Elemmírë
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 3: Confidant
What a vivid, horrible nightmare for one so young to have to suffer. I myself didn't want to be left in that room either ... too scary!!!
You present Frodo's anguish here as new orphan so very well, Lily. And the increasing awkwardness exsisting especially between Saradoc and Frodo couldn't be described any better. I'm just glad that in the end, Frodo comes to realize that even though his older cousin may be just as confused and struggling as he at their new situation, that Saradoc and Esmeralda still love him. It's a good thing Berlilac cried, thus forcing Frodo to turn to the ones he least wanted and confront some of his own fears.
I also liked how Frodo compared each of his relatives ... coming to understand that it was only Mac who treated him no differently after the accident. And Frodo's child viewpoint that "guardian" meant being guarded; I suppose he would feel that way after so many nights of having someone guarding his room at night so he couldn't escape.
Will you perhaps consider continuing this tale at all, Lily?
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Thanks a lot, Elemmire.
Sooner or later Frodo had to advance Saradoc in one way or another and it is better that he does the first step rather than Saradoc forcing his way in again. We already saw that that led nowhere.
I might post more stories that could have started with this one here but I'm afraid I will not continue this. Runaway was more or less a "what could have been if Frodo hadn't kept locking Saradoc and family out" in my German story. I would only feel as if repeating what I have already written earlier - even though it is another language and with some minor age changes (which led to some major ones). I hope though that one day I will translate the German story - if the fandom still exists then for there are still lots and lots of chapters to come.
Thanks again!
Larner
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 3: Confidant
Letting go the grief and allowing others in is necessary to healing, after all.
A wonderful expression of the love he is offered and finally accepts.
Author's reply
It's still a long way to go but Frodo has done the first step and hopefully he will remain on the way he has chosen.
I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for reading and commenting.
shirebound
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 3: Confidant
You're so sweet to offer that 'warning'! *hugs*
Relief filled him with a great tranquillity. Frodo even smiled a little as his cousin pulled the covers up. Perhaps he could give the Hall a chance after all.
What a lovely and hopeful ending.
Author's reply
You're so sweet to offer that 'warning'!
I'd rather be on the safe side ;)
The ending is quite satisfying, isn't it?
SlightlyTookish
· 20 November 2006
· Chapter 3: Confidant
A very sweet and hopeful ending! I was glad to see Frodo finally accept the love Saradoc and Esme are showing him, and hopefully they will learn how to express that love in a way that will reach Frodo. Nice work, my dear :)
Author's reply
It's a first step. We all know it won't work out perfectly - why else should Bilbo still "have to" adopt him years later - but they are moving towards the right direction.
Thanks for reading, dear.
lovethosehobbits
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
*sob* poor little hobbit...*sniff*
Author's reply
*hands you a tissue*
periantari
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
I do love angst. ;)
(but comfort Frodo too! ;)
((((Frodo))))
Periantari
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
"Because I keep looking for…" Frodo seemed unable to control the trembling in his words. "I keep thinking that maybe they'll be…" He looked away and clenched his fists before repeating in a small broken voice: "I still hope..."
You brought tears to my eyes. :*( It's never easy to lose your loved ones especially parents... :*(
oh gosh... i feel so horrible for Frodo.
I like the fact that your Mac is trying to comfort and be there for Frodo though.
I can't wait for more! (the angst is so there and ...yeah, i'm really in tears.) :( Let there be some hope for Frodo... though grief does take a long time. Takes years and years.... ::sigh::
Author's reply
*hands over tissue*
You know, I'm actually happy to write angst again. It's been quite a long while.
Periantari
· 1 November 2006
· Chapter 1: Ward
What a powerful and heartbreaking first chapter-- your description of Frodo suffering from his parents death is so sad---
I really like the dialogue between Menegilda and Sara though.
Question: Isn't the age difference between Sara and Frodo only 28 years? I would think they're considered same generation right? ::studies family trees::
Author's reply
True, the age difference is 28 years and they probably are in the same generation but I figured that since Frodo is much closer in age to Merry or Berilac and since Saradoc is his guardian it's easier to shift.
Menegilda is a wonderful character. Through the beginning of this story she acts somehow as the one who keeps her sons and Frodo together, even though she probably is the only one to understand the child.
I'm happy to see you've found time to read again.
Andrea
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
Wow!
Mac is definitely on the right way to reach Frodo. And he made good progress in a very short time. Amazing!
"It pains me that you no longer see me as a friend but as your enemy."
That nearly did it! Frodo is not yet ready to accept the love of others, that's true. On the other hand he would never forgive himself if he hurt their feelings.
In fact, he exactly did that with his behaviour. But it needed Mac's outspoken words to let him realize it. And it hurt!
But let's wait and see, maybe this is the first step in the right direction.
Author's reply
That's exactly the line that brought Mac closer to Frodo than anyboddy else so far. Merimac just knows how to deal with Frodo- he always did.
And, did you realise Mac does exactly what Saradoc and Esmeralda missed to do in Schicksalsjahre? This story is kind of a "what could have been" if everything had worked out right from the beginning - and without any age changes.
I am dealing with the same matter in Schicksalsjahre now... that is, if I ever find the time to write again. University is so busy this semester!
Elemmírë
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
You capture Frodo's anguish and need here so very well, Lily, along with Mac's own need to help his little cousin feel loved again. And he almost succeeded, didn't he? Frodo sounds like he's just not ready to remember or accept all that love ... lest it be taken away from him in a heartbeat once more.
I can't wait to see where you go with the rest of this tale, Lily.
Author's reply
Frodo sounds like he's just not ready to remember or accept all that love ... lest it be taken away from him in a heartbeat once more.
That's exactly it. He cannot yet accept what had happened and thus, cannot accept the new situation and love that is offered.
Thank you for reading.
Claudia
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
Oh, this was so tender and poignant! I love how Frodo's family is trying so hard to make Frodo feel loved.
Author's reply
Thanks, Claudia. It was certainly no easy task for the Brandybucks to make Frodo feel at home.
Ariel
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
That did come out very nicely. I like how you have Frodo so utterly devastated by the death of his parents. I can only imagine what it must have been like too, but you present it very convincingly. Thank you for sharing this one with us!
Author's reply
I am only imagening what it would be like - without really bothering to sound convincing. That it does anyhow is, of course, wanted but as it is I just feel into a situation and that let the emotion pour out on paper. It's like with Dear Diary - never been pregnant and yet the story came out nicely.
Thank you so much for your support, dear!
SlightlyTookish
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
Nice work, my dear. Mac is a wonderful older cousin here and for a moment I thought he was going to make a bit more progress than he did. I'm looking forward to more of this story.
Author's reply
Frodo is too stubborn to accept what is offered. Were he not so convinced to manage on his own, I think, Merimac would have made some progress.
I'm so happy you're enjoying this, my dear.
Larner
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 2: Enemy
Yes, this most stubborn of stubborn Bagginses is having a great deal of trouble accommodating to the new situation. Poor lad. And Mac is doing his very best to try to help Frodo as he can, and to try to understand.
Author's reply
It isn't easy for Frodo - as I premsume it wouldn't be for anybody. But he is loved, he only needs to accept what is offered.
Larner
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Ward
This grief is so overwhelming for Frodo; and learning to let go and just express the love needed isn't always easy.
A beautiful look at our lad here.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner.
I think letting go is even more difficult when young.
Andrea
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Ward
Why Lily, that's really an interesting start!
It was no easy task to understand Frodo...
Very true! Sometimes, I think that myself ;-)
Grandmother Gilda has really impressed me. A wise hobbitess, indeed! She seems to be able to look directly into the hearts of Sara and Esme to find all the love and the doubts therein. But she does not reproach them, she gives them gentle advice how to deal with a devastated hobbit lad.
Let's hope they won't try in vain ... You know, what I mean!
"Runaway" - that title implies a lot! I'm looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Let me just tell you that this story is not Schicksalsjahre eines Hobbits and this Frodo is not the same Frodo as there either. Not exactly. This one has lived in Bywater the last couple of years... and here his guardians have very understanding support in form of Menegilda.
So true. Sometimes even I wonder whether I still understand him.... and I don't always do.
SlightlyTookish
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Ward
I'm glad to see this finally posted and I'm anxious to see what happens. I like your Menegilda, Saradoc and Esmeralda. Menegilda especially is so wonderfully reassuring.
Author's reply
I like Menegilda too. She is so wise and understanding - a big help to Saradoc and Esmeralda, no doubt.
Thanks for reading.