Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Dreamflower · 28 October 2009 · Chapter 69: On Lordship and Lands
Ah, Faramir! He is much wiser and more long-sighted than his own father, for he is not wearing the blinders of personal ambition and pride. It is such a shame that Denethor never recognized that quality in his son! And the comparison of Boromir to Earnur is an interesting one.
Author's reply
I think Tolkein himself first noted the similarities between Boromir and Earnur; that Faramir should recognize it I felt was very likely.
Antane · 28 October 2009 · Chapter 68: A Problem with Names
That's cute with Pippin going overboard with Frodo-dog and Frodo-cat and all, but how lovely that he renamed the dingle and his memories of it with Frodo standing there, an Elven hobbit. :) Love that part the most and love the solution to the name problem too. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Of the three remaining, I'd think Pippin most likely to do this. And of course Frodo was an Elven Hobbit! And am glad you, too, feel the foal was properly named. Thanks so, Antane.
Lindelea · 27 October 2009 · Chapter 68: A Problem with Names
Delightful! “With you, my dear Took of a cousin, it’s not always so certain what you’ll do,” So true.
Author's reply
Oh, indeed it's true, Lindelea! Who else would think of it? Joy to you and the children and all as Halloween approaches!
harrowcat · 26 October 2009 · Chapter 68: A Problem with Names
Just what I needed to read after a very tough day Larner. Lovely, gentle scene, (except for the poor mare of course.) Loved the pup!
Author's reply
I'm so sorry it's been a hard day for you, Harrowcat, and pray tomorrow is much better. Am still recovering from the flu myself and wishing I could turn off the coughing--it's been over two weeks now! And am so glad you appreciated this, and that you like Frodo-dog! Heh! Joy to your family and Jet.
Kitty · 26 October 2009 · Chapter 68: A Problem with Names
Somehow I find it touching that Pippin is naming everything possible after Frodo, appropriate or not. Though too many Frodos in the same house could get a bit confusing ;) In the end, I think the little one got a very nice name; Esme always loved Frodo as her son, after all, so it was fitting, and Pippin still has his connection to his beloved older cousin.
Author's reply
I agree, and of the three remaining Travellers I am certain it would be Pippin who would think to do such a thing! Yes, I do believe he will call a halt fairly soon--you are right about too much of a good thing! And I do believe this was a good choice, too. Thank you so much, Kitty!
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
Ah yes, Aragorn has to feel sad that Frodo isn't recognised in the Shire as he deserves, too. As you know, that's something I have been complaining about for years, too. And obviously he knows from personal experience how it is. Oh, that was so funny when that boy offered Sam to play the role of Sam! :) Teragil learned a few new details in the process, I see. It must have made the children so proud to have the *real* Sam involved in their play! And you managed to put a bit of movie-verse in, too. Anyway, the play was lovely done, and I am sure the ones watching enjoyed it as much as the little actors themselves. How fitting that Sam's and Rosie's child is born on just this day! To me, it seems right that Sam would introduce his children after their birth via the mallorn to Frodo. Lovely story, Larner!
Author's reply
I know Sam was frustrated by the lack of recognition of Frodo, and I suspect so were Merry and Pippin. I'm certain that Aragorn had to be similarly disturbed, and for the same reason. Now I'm going to have to visit how Aragorn himself was greeted on his return. It's fun to fit in a bit of movie-verse, as I'm certain that some of the kids would have been certain that Frodo would have had to have fought back. And it was fun also to think of Sam being disconcerted by being accepted either as a child or sufficiently child-like to be included in the pantomime by the children. And how better to introduce his children to his Master so far away than through the Elven trees, right? And this thirteenth child--wouldn't it be only fitting to be born on THE Birthday? Thanks so very much, Kitty! Always it's so good to hear from you!
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 65: Birthday Plans
*lol* Ah yes, I can imagine how the kitchen looked like! Really hope Pippin is a good lad and cleans up even if the cake is yummy ;)
Author's reply
Oh, yes--small children and cakes do tend to do this to kitchens! Heh! Thanks so very much!
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 64: Cleansed
Really like the idea of Lady Nienna coming and easing Frodo and Sam! Even more so as I have become quite fond of the Valar, thanks to Fiondil. And it was great that Elrohir got to meet her. That's so very special for the ones still in Middle-earth.
Author's reply
Oh, I am so very glad you appreciated this. And Fiondil has given many of us more ease in dealing with the Valar in our stories, I think.
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 63: New Birth
So now we know how the Hobbits came to be :) Why am I not surprised that Olórin was the one to inspire Yavanna? It really fits, considering he was the one who in the end became friends with this new race.
Author's reply
Yes, now we know! And who better to inspire even Yavanna than Olorin, the Valar's Jack-of-all-trades? And of course he would in time come to be the one of the Istari who studied these creatures! Heh!
Kitty · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
He's but a Hobbit? *grin* Oh well, but he's a very exceptional one, isn't he? It was fun to watch Halbarad realise about whom his chieftain was talking! I can just imagine his face :) It makes sense that Aragorn made sure that Halbarad knew why they had to guard the Shire. Considering his life, he had to make sure someone knew the truth in case he was killed, and that someone made sure the guards took their duty seriously. He can't be everywhere himself, after all. And I like the idea to keep Frodo's true name a secret. It really makes sense, too. Thank you so very much! Really had not expected this present, particularly as I have been such a terrible reviewer lately! I enjoyed it very much! :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, there's no question that Bilbo Baggins proved a most exceptional individual of ANY race, and particularly as a Hobbit! And it must have been a wonder to Halbarad to think he would shortly be meeting such a famous individual. I, too, would have enjoyed seeing his face! And I'm certain that Aragorn did feel it necessary to see the Shire guarded in this manner. He had to have at least one individual who would, as you note, be aware as to WHY it was so important at this point that the Shire be properly guarded. I'm not certain myself precisely when this happened; if it took place just before he went off tracking Gollum the last time, it would be doubly important at that point no orcs or other servants of the dark forces be allowed in. And to use a code-name for Frodo would be very important, particularly if they believed that someone among their own could have been a traitor. And I'm so very glad you appreciated this gift. Hope your birthday proved joyous!
harrowcat · 29 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
And so another duneadan learns of the importance and reason for their long watch! And now I find myself unclear and about to show my ignorance! :) Just when did the Rangers start guarding the Shire and it's people?
Author's reply
It appears that the Dunedain had always guarded the settled lands of the Shire and the Breelands, and perhaps other settlements such as Tharbad and whatever community surrounded the Last Inn and such. But it is noted that when Gandalf first began to question the nature of the Ring held by Bilbo he asked that the watch on the Shire's borders be doubled, and again once he was certain that it WAS the One Ring. According to the Tale of Years, he approached Aragorn the first time in 3001 TA, at the same time as Bilbo's leaving of the Shire and a year before he returned to Rivendell to take up residence there. He apparently managed to get a message to Aragorn or spoke with him before he was approached by Radagast with the message that sent him off to Orthanc advising him of the original plan for Frodo to leave the Shire on his birthday accompanied by Sam; Aragorn appears to have not gotten the word that Gandalf had written a hasty letter to Frodo from Bree advising him to get out of the Shire earlier, as he turned up along the East Road just at the time Frodo and Gandalf had planned for, admitting he'd been off on his own affairs, which I suspect involved making certain his own people's borders were intact before he set off for points unknown with Frodo. I do think that it would be important for Aragorn to have at least one other Dunadan aware of the real reasons for making certain the borders of the Shire were well guarded for those times he must be off seeing to other portions of the realm or doing important work for the general good of all the Free Peoples. Hope this answers your questions! And thanks for the feedback, Harrowcat.
Linda Hoyland · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
I enjoyed this very much.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Linda. Thank you!
Dreamflower · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
What an interesting thought-- that Aragorn would have introduced Halbarad to Bilbo because of their suspicions about the Ring!
Author's reply
Once the suspicions began, there had to be a core of folk who knew what the guard was about to make certain it was kept as well as could be, or so I'd think. Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Cairistiona · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
I really enjoyed this fic; I can never really decide whether Aragorn shared with Halbarad that the Ring was what they were guarding, but I find myself enjoying either approach. I really like how Halbarad's eyes were opened (literally!) to the quality of hobbits. I would love to have been a fly on the wall to watch Halbarad listening to Bilbo's tale.
Author's reply
I've dithered back and forth myself. I am certain, however, that they would have begun using a code-name for Frodo fairly early on, for his own protection; and probably once Gandalf was certain Sam would come with Frodo Pantail would have been added to the names as well.
Celeritas · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
This is lovely. I particularly like Halbarad's skepticism turning into awe. ^_^
Author's reply
To come face to face with such a legend would be most surprising, I think! Thanks so, Celeritas!
Sunny · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
Aragorn shows a lot of common sense here. Considering the sorts of missions he probably assigned himself, giving his deputy sufficient background information would have been essential. Even if it was of the "burn-before-reading and slit-your-throat-after-reading variety. Have you ever encountered Murphy's Law, or in particular Murphy's Laws of War? http://www.murphys-laws.com/murphy/murphy-war.html Hopefully the Muse may find some interesting bits-and-pieces here. (and my apologies if this input has distracted her!!! If you want more of my thoughts about this sort of thing, mail me!!
Author's reply
Ah, more plotbunnies! Like I need them? I'll have to check out the war-oriented ones, as I've seen so MANY of the regular ones! Heh! And I do believe that Aragorn, knowing how he might end up having to dash off to the far side of Eriador or possibly even east of the mountains on a moment's notice, would want Halbarad suitably warned as to just what might be lurking within the Hobbit's Shire, not to mention who or what kind of enemies might now wish to find their way into it!
shirebound · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
Oh, wonderful. Aragorn's most trusted kinsman would need to know something of these matters, after all.
Author's reply
Indeed, Shirebound! Thank you so!
Szepilona10 · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 67: Preparatory to an Introduction
I love Halbarad! I wish he didn't die.
Author's reply
I agree. But when next you surf on FF.n, do look at Radbook's "In Aragorn's Safekeeping" and its sequel. I am certain you will like them both!
Baggins Babe · 24 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
How adorable to think of Sam helping the children to get those details just right - and the perfect ending to the story with little Tolman safely born and Sam introducing his latest to his Master. Another beautiful look at events in Middle-earth, Larner.
Author's reply
Yes, I think that Sam would insist that Gollum be there in spite of the children's own prejudices, and what better end to the day than Tolman's birth and presentation to Frodo through the medium of the White Tree? Thank you so, BB.
Antane · 24 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
“When you cannot walk yourself, then I will lift you; upon my own back I shall carry you up. Your burden is heavy, enough to defeat you. I will bear you until at last with the Valar we sup.” I love this! And the whole idea of the respectful play and the love these children have for those they didn't even know themselves. That was cute for the boy to unknowingly ask Sam whether he wanted to be Sam! :) And I love the addition from the movie about Galadriel reaching out her hand to Frodo, very Marian and the only time I think she matches the Virgin in love, beauty, light and help. Though I know she is partly patterned after her in the book, I never got that impression as strongly as from that scene. And I love the idea of Tolman being Frodo's birthday gift to his brother and the idea that all his nieces and nephews have been introduced to him. A grand celebration of the The Day - both of them, the birthdays and the destruction of the Ring! That was neat to have "Bilbo" appear too. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Am so very glad you like the song--now I shall have to write the rest of it! The ideas of how Ring-day might have been celebrated have been running through my head, and I was glad to have this prompt to write to for the Birthday. And who better to appear in such a fete than Bilbo himself, right? Thanks you so very much for all the feedback, Antane!
Armariel · 24 September 2009 · Chapter 57: Star Daughter
Picked this one at random from the list. Thoroughly lovely!:):):):) ~~~~{~@
Andrea · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
I really enjoyed the children's pantomine. And how creative they were! Not only Galadriel came out of the movie, but also the wrestling scene between Frodo and Gollum AFTER Gollum got the Ring (if I remember right). And how appropriate for the smallest inhabitant of Bag End to be born on *The Birthday*. Last but not least, I liked Sam's tradition of introducing all his children to Frodo (and Bilbo) through the mallorn tree. And don't forget Teragil who did a splendid job as Frodo Baggins!
Author's reply
Yes, I admit to lifting the wrestling from the movie as well as the aid from Galadriel--and I felt that Bilbo himself should appear here somehow as well, as one who felt guilty for his part in Frodo's suffering and travails. And it just felt right that Tolman should be born then, at the culmination of the day. Thank you so very much, Andrea, for your feedback. God bless and keep you ever.
Armariel · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
A sweet and delightful tale. Having a girl play Gollum was quite a surprise! Yes, we know there must be a Gollum, don't we, precioussss?;) ~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, there MUST be a Gollum--we cant leave HIM out, can we, preciousss? No, not we couldn't! And I'd think Eowyn and Faramir's daughter would be delighted to play Gollum and have an excuse to bite someone! Heh! Thank so, Armariel!
FantasyFan · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
This is a lovely story. Sam is determined that Bilbo will be remembered too, as Frodo always did. So he includes his song, and makes him a part of the Quest story as well. But, and more importantly, he made sure the story is told 'properly.' Sam's such an honest soul, he needs to have the whole thing understood by the next generation, including the part Gollum plays, even if it means also telling of the Ring taking Frodo at the end. I bet that this set of children makes sure that the details as related by Sam are forever part of the story told on Ring day, even the small ones like the cloak and rope costume for Frodo.
Author's reply
I'm so glad I was able to convey what I wanted said so well. Thank you so very much! Yes, these will know precisely how Frodo was garbed when found, I think. And a joyful day-after-Ring-day to you!
shirebound · 23 September 2009 · Chapter 66: The Ring-day Fete
Oh, this is beautiful! Every bit of the pantomime was so clever. The children, audience, and our dear Sam will never forget it, and neither will I. "Quite a Ring-day gift to the world of Arda has been granted us, and both speak of this son as a last birthday gift to them from the Ringbearer himself.” What a marvelous ending to a marvelous day! Presenting each child to Frodo, through the grace of a special tree, is a lovely touch.
Author's reply
Am so glad you like the pantomime and how the children staged it, somewhat with Sam's help. No, no one will forget this one. And I cannot imagine Sam not wanting Frodo to know when each child was born. Thank you so, Shirebound.