An Alphabet for Middle-earth by Dreamflower
Larner · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
Oh, a terrible thing to have to remember! Poor Frodo, and poor Elrond.
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure it was traumatic for them both. But hopefully, at least, Frodo might not have remembered very much of it--and the thought of what he *did* remember, perhaps blended into the original memories of his wounding. Poor Elrond, though, to know he'd inflicted such pain in order to heal.
harrowcat · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 1: A: Like an Antagonistic Arwen
Lovely Dreamflower.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! 8-)
harrowcat · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 2: B: Like a Bathing Boromir
'Famous last words....'
Author's reply
Indeed. ;-)
harrowcat · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 3: C: Like Certain Circumstances in the Citadel
A great expansion of an easily over-looked moment. Especially that the ordinary soldiers realise that there is much more to Pippin's story but that they are heartened by his coming.
Author's reply
I've always wondered how on earth they could have found livery and armor to fit Pippin basically overnight; I liked PJ's movie-verse explanation of the origin of those items, which for once did not contradict canon. And I love Pippin's interaction with Beregond. It seemed to me that most of the people left in the City would know there was something up, when this small person arrived accompanied by Mithrandir. That they bestowed the title Ernil i Pheriannath on him seemed very telling. And Pippin's bright spirit must have been very comforting, as well.
harrowcat · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 4: D: Like a Dirty Dragon
A very clever use of this letter and title Dreamflower. Loved how you turned the mood with the last sentence too.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! Since I'm so fond of hobbits, The Green Dragon sprang to my mind immediately.
harrowcat · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
such a tiny foe to be so fell and loathsome. Indeed, and so was the ring! Well done Dreamflower. A difficult one to do given the Prof's description of Elrond.
Author's reply
It does seem, somehow, that there may perhaps been a "sub-theme" about that in LotR; evil is, so very often, something tiny whose effect grows and grows... Yes, to try and picture, Elrond, who is described as "kind as summer", as being "evil" simply did not work for me. But in those circumstances, I *could* imagine Frodo *seeing* hm that way.
daw the minstrel · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
I like this, and I think you're right. The pain Elrond caused as he healed probably would have been hard for Frodo to distinguish from the original pain.
Author's reply
It just seemed sense to me under the circumstances. He was inflicting pain in the same place that the Nazgul did. I was quite gratified when SurgicalSteel told me in a LiveJournal review that it is actually quite common for patients at some point to perceive their surgeons as "evil".
Raksha The Demon · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 1: A: Like an Antagonistic Arwen
Oh, I think Arwen could be very intimidating when angry, and not just to young girls. Very credible and touching slice of life in the Fourth Age.
Author's reply
I am quite sure she was! I think that Gondorians in general probably tended to tread lightly around their queen; after all, she wasn't Galadriel's granddaughter for nothing! But I'm also sure she used her anger wisely. And thank you! I've always been touched by the thought of little Elanor, as one of the Queen's ladies!
Raksha The Demon · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: D: Like a Dirty Dragon
Aw, the Green Dragon a casualty of Saruman's coup and the subsequent Scouring. But think what fun the hobbits will have rebuilding the place!
Author's reply
Well, we're told that the inns were all closed down by the Chief's order; and I'm sure that the heroes' favorite one would have been one of the first casualties. I'm sure that it was even better than ever!
Raksha The Demon · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
I would think that Elrond has the capacity to be terrifying, in battle, or even wielding power. He just doesn't use it often. Unusual vignette, well-told.
Author's reply
I am quite sure he could be very terrifying, if need be. But I simply can't see him as "evil"--except perhaps perceived that way by someone in delirium or nightmare. And thank you very much!
Queen Galadriel · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
P.S. Love your use of the Elvish exclamation there. (Hmm, at least I always thought it was Elvish.)
Author's reply
Well, of course it is used by Elves. Specifically it is used first by Legolas in Moria, along with "alas"; but I don't think it's much of a stretch to think of Frodo coming out with it--and it sounds a bit more appropriate than "ow" under the circumstances!
Queen Galadriel · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
Oh, what a horrible vision, twisted into half truth by dark memories and delirium. It just blows my mind how you manage to use these titles! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
That's exactly it! Well, of course, that's part of the fun of a challenge to see if you can work through the prompts!
Lindelea · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond
only a drouble or less could tempt me this week, I'm up to my ears! You know, this was well done, and when I saw the prompt it's much the same tack that I would have taken. GMTA! The challenge sounds like such fun, but I've no time to write at present. *sigh* Nice work!
Author's reply
(((hugs))) I hope things ease up for you very soon! Well, you know, really, I don't believe in Evil!Elrond. But I could see how a delirious Frodo might *see* him that way, especially if he had to cut into him where the Nazgul had stabbed him. It *is* a lot of fun so far--I just hope the prompts don't get too strange!
Bodkin · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: D: Like a Dirty Dragon
Poor old Green Dragon. Still. If it stopped them dancing on tables, it's not all bad!! And it really is very over-simplistic of Frodo to hug all responsibility to himself. As he would know if only he were thinking straight.
Author's reply
As he would know if only he were thinking straight. Aye, there's the rub. The Ring had worn his conscience raw with Its nattering, and I am sure he saw every little bad thing as a sign of what he thought of as his "failure". *sigh*
Bodkin · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 3: C: Like Certain Circumstances in the Citadel
Pippin must have been a breath of fresh air in that gloomy place. Open, curious, affectionate - and well-acquainted with Boromir. No wonder they welcomed him.
Author's reply
Exactly. I am certain that he lifted a lot of people's spirits in the few days he was there.
Bodkin · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 2: B: Like a Bathing Boromir
Swimming in the bathing pool - and drying off on towels like blankets. It must seem like heaven after the Midgewater Marshes. And I wonder if, in a few years, wide-eyed youngsters will be looking at their scars...
Author's reply
Well, for my Merry and Pippin, the answer is "yes". Although I am not sure they will ever be quite so unselfconscious of them as Boromir, for whom they are simply part of his identity as a soldier.
Bodkin · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 1: A: Like an Antagonistic Arwen
Haleth has learned more than one lesson there, I think! Not just think before you speak, but something about the nature of hobbits. And the character of the queen!
Author's reply
Yes, I think she has learned several lessons, and I expect she will be much chastened in the future. And I have a feeling that this experience will have been very good for her in the long run.
Baggins Babe · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 1: A: Like an Antagonistic Arwen
This was so sweet - Elanor is definitely her parents' daughter, and her Uncle Frodo would be very proud of her. I certainly wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of Arwen! Hope you've managed to read the latest chapter of the new story - or were you put off by the warning? Hope it wasn't too much for you!
Author's reply
I am sure he would have been. Nope--I don't think that would be a good idea at all, actually. She was, after all *Galadriel's* granddaughter! Confession: when I saw the warning, I decided to wait for the next chapter to be posted, so I'd have a bit of fluff to wash down the angst. You don't often do angst, but when you do, it's pretty intense. Rest assured though, I won't miss a bit of that tale!
Queen Galadriel · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 4: D: Like a Dirty Dragon
Wow, that would have stumped me. And wow! this says so very much in so few words! I wish I could do that! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
It was a difficult prompt. You might be surprised. I didn't think I could, either, until the first time I tried it!
Larner · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 1: A: Like an Antagonistic Arwen
Poor young Haleth has a good deal to learn, apparently, about the nobility of Hobbits. However, she has a shining example before her of just how wonderful they can be!
Author's reply
She does still have a lot to learn. But I think that she will now begin to learn what it would be like to have one as a friend...
Larner · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 2: B: Like a Bathing Boromir
Aha! So somebody elde gets to utter the famous last words this time instead of leaving them to poor Theoden!
Author's reply
Well, of course we have the advantage of hindsight. But I was imagnining this as only one or two days after the Council, when they really do not quite understand just what is going to be expected of them yet.
Larner · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 3: C: Like Certain Circumstances in the Citadel
Yes, darkness comes, but it won't douse the Light of Hobbits. The tide has indeed turned.
Author's reply
No, just as when Merry and Pippin's arrival in Fangorn triggered major events, Pippin's arrival at Minas Tirith did the same.
Larner · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 4: D: Like a Dirty Dragon
Alas, but I can see this happening all too easily. No, Sam's words wouldn't help much, I fear.
Author's reply
No, I am quite sure that over the course of those first few weeks home, he found himself saying them all too often, and knowing all the same that they were fruitless.
Pearl Took · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 4: D: Like a Dirty Dragon
Aw . . . Frodo did have an awful shock when they got home, and one knows he would feel it was his fault, even though it wasn't. Wonderful to say so much in so few words! Beautiful!!
Author's reply
Yes, unfortunately after the job the Ring did on Frodo, his poor conscience was totally oversensitive--he tended to think *everything* was his fault.
Pearl Took · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 3: C: Like Certain Circumstances in the Citadel
A wonderful gap filler, Dreamflower! Indeed, Boromir would be most proud!
Author's reply
I've always wondered just how Pippin came by armor and livery only a day after Denethor gives the order. I did like the movie-verse explanation, so I kind of adapted it to here. I am sure that if Boromir could have seen Pippin, he'd have just been bursting with pride.