Andrea
· 20 May 2009
· Chapter 7: Last Will and Testament
Beautifully written, especially Frodo's letter!
But I think I have to watch "The Return of the King" again. When do they say that the ship is the last ship? I can't remember.
Author's reply
Well, so much of Frodo's letter is Tolkien's own writing adapted to the situation.
When Frodo rides in the wagon with Bilbo on the way to the Havens, Bilbo asks where he is going, and Frodo replies, "The Elves have granted you a special honor, a place on the last ship to leave Middle Earth." That has niggled at me for years now!
And thank you, Andrea!
Ainu-Yavanna
· 20 May 2009
· Chapter 1: An Enemy Made
I hope you will never allow any little Nazgûl on your shoulder to convince you to continue this powerful and wonderful story, because the thought of what would become of Sam in the end would be to dreadful. Gandalf said once to Frodo, that Bilbo starting the Ring-business with sympathy and mercy left him safe and sound in the end. Sam would start with hate and anger and grief – oh, the Ring would love that. I have a feeling that under this circumstances Sam would not resist the Ring as long as Frodo did.
Author's reply
Ah, have a friend who is working on continuations of this one. You are right that the Ring will have far more to work with in Sam should this have happened; but what awareness he could also have found to identify when the Ring was working on him so as to fight Its influence the better?
But this story so far is not working on me to continue it, particularly as I've been having difficulties finishing the four long stories I'm currently working on!
Ainu-Yavanna
· 20 May 2009
· Chapter 7: Last Will and Testament
Every time I read “Might Have Beens” I hold my breath, because I fear what my beloved Hobbits will have to suffer this time. But this time my fear was unnecessary, because you put things back where they belong. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
Where does one categorize those stories meant to put into movie-verse some of the gaps filled in book-verse? Am glad you agree these elemements needed to be put back in. Several of us worked on stories to put back portions of the books that PJ and co. left out, and I must say it's oddly satisfying.
Kitty
· 19 May 2009
· Chapter 7: Last Will and Testament
This was a very nice 'Might have been', particularly after the disturbing last one! You're right, that was a part that was missing from the movie, and it totally makes sense that it happened in this way in movie-verse.
It was good that the three friends were together when they found the letter and the other papers; I think having this last letter from Frodo gave them some sort of closure and a feeling that their lost cousin and friend still thought of them.
Author's reply
Am so glad you agree, Kitty. It would have been so hard to come so far only to realize at the last moment Frodo was leaving them. And PJ, Philippa, and Fran left us in the lurch as to the disposition of Bag End and so on. I had to find ways of working Frodo's last words to Sam in the book into Movie-verse!
Thanks so!
Lindelea
· 19 May 2009
· Chapter 7: Last Will and Testament
Very well done.
Nice reconciliation, and I'm so glad you cleared up that misunderstanding about it being the "last ship".
Author's reply
That line in the movie definitely disturbed me, as well as the indication Frodo had lived alone for four years in Bag End. Thank's so! And love to Zoe and the kids and the Hubby!
harrowcat
· 19 May 2009
· Chapter 7: Last Will and Testament
Perfect Larner. Loved it.
Author's reply
Thank you! This should have happened if the movie version had been true!
Queen Galadriel
· 26 March 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
I...I...
I don't know what to say.
*reads everyone else's intelligible responses*
I can't think...not objectively anyway. I want to cry and can't because it's too depressing for tears. The debate about suicide runs over me like water off a duck's back. Being evangelical it's not like that for me...but I will say that I believe he would be pitied and forgiven...if that didn't apply under those circumstances, we couldn't say "God is love." (I'm so sorry, by the way, that you've had such unpleasant experience with other evangelicals, and, being an evangelical, I'm going to tell you that I understand completely what you mean. Passing judgment can be a difficult fault to overcome - for me, it is at times - but it's almost *always* the wrong approach, and if more of our fellow Christians realized that, this world might have a little less discord in it.)
But back to the story. This isn't Sam, and that's not love...it's possessive obsession, and abuse. I find myself wondering what Rosie thought of all this - but I'm not asking for a sequel, mind, I wouldn't wish that task on anyone, especially not one of the authors I've so come to admire and love. I know, though, that sometimes the darkness has to be written out so that the light shines brighter...or else just to *get* it out because it won't leave you alone. This is nightmarish and numbing and heart-shattering, but the end is hopeful. Elanor couldn't completely forget in the end, and maybe she will take part in bringing her father back from the darkness he's fallen into.
To be more positive, you show yet another facet of your amazing talent in this. I'm not going to try to describe it because I can't, but wow.
*Finally cries over it* Okay, now I need to go find something bright to read.
Author's reply
As I said in my author's notes--this nasty little plotbunny or nuzgul was so deeply attached to me I had to write it away, and I doubt I will entertain many of such stories--thank God.
My brother-in-law joined one of the evangelical congregations, and it has made him a far better person than he was before, so I know that most are not as I've found the likes of Josh or George, two of the most obnoxious self-proclaimed "righteous" evangelical Christians who are anything but that I've ever come across. But as I said, the absolute worst intolerant soul I've encountered so far personally is a minister of my own church. I used to feel tainted when I found myself reading his venom on our world-wide Anglican list.
Am sorry to give you tears such as this must have raised. And I'd have you know that this is a story I rarely reread--in fact I haven't reread it since a couple days after writing it. I just finished the story that will be posted on my birthday next month--I think you'll find it far more enjoyable!
Queen Galadriel
· 26 March 2009
· Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
“Here,”
he said as he picked up a now-visible object and examined it. “You’re a tricksy one, aren’t you, my Precious? But look--you have a finger now, all your
own for when I can’t wear you.”
He smiled as he dropped Ring and finger into the bag....
*shuddering and hiding my face* Eeeeewwwww!!! Okay, that is very disturbing and completely disgusting...oh my gosh how horrible. That would be the side of Gollum that I really can't stand...
So why do I pity him even so...even if he were to do that? I guess because this shows just the animal he has become, willing to eat anything that crosses his path without compassion...and yet, he's so lonely, his Precious, as he perceives it, his only friend. *shivers*
Not exactly what I wanted to read at night, haha! But that you can write this, and show the repulsive and the extremely sad both together in so few words, says a lot...a lot about your talent as an author. Wow.
Author's reply
I am truly honored, my Lady. Thank you so!
Ainu-Yavanna
· 19 March 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
I read this story in January and it kept going through my mind since then.
You are on of my favorite authors of LotR-fanfiction, I especially love "For Eyes To See as Can" and "The Acceptable Sacrifice". I adore your diligence and your thoroughly inside in all of Tolkien's works.
You say there was a Nazgûl driving you to write down this story. It must have been the Witch-King of Angmar, so dark is it.
When I read this story, my inside was screaming: What of Merry and Pippin? They threw the ruffians out of the Shire and cannot handle a mad Sam! What of Thain and Master of Brandy Hall, Frodo is kin, would they not intervene? What of Aragorn, would he not help earlier, he, who is king, warrior, healer and a wise diplomat. Would they all accept Sams selfish claim on Frodo. Would they all abandon the Ringbearer?
But what really still makes me shiver is the idea of Eru punishing our selfless, forgiving and loving Frodo for his suicide after all his suffering.
I don't believe in God, but being raised evangelic I internalized the idea of God as a loving and forgiving Father.
Tolkien was a Catholic, but he said in one of his letters that Frodo was up to throw himself into the fire together with the ring, had Gollum not been there to save him. What then, would he be guilty in this case too for ending his own life, for not being able to part with the ring and would he be denied the admittance to the world of the dead? No father who deserves this title would be so cruel.
Author's reply
As I said, this was a very dark AU, and there is a reason it is AU--Sam was NOT that kind of person, and the others were also not that kind of people. But if the influence of the Ring HAD lingered under the surface--could this have happened?
The Roman Catholic church and the Jewish faith both have historically seen suicide as the worst of sins, and those who committed suicide were not buried in hallowed ground. In Jewish communities suicides were buried by custom outside the fence of the proper cemeteries; in Christian Europe they were buried at crossroads where it was hoped their spirits would be so confused they couldn't find their way home to disturb their families. However, within the past century both the Roman Catholic Church and Union of Orthodox Rabbis have ruled that in most cases those who commit suicide had to have been suffering from some form of mental illness, usually a serious form of depression; therefore, as they were not in their right minds they are forgiven the sin of self-destruction and are buried anyway within the cemeteries.
Now, Roman Catholic tradition has allowed for one form of suicide--if a person purposely allows himself or herself to starve to death for a specific purpose. The Jewish traditions honor those who will commit suicide rather than to allow themselves to be dragged from Judaism through a conversion to a different faith supported by physical force and coersion. And both honor those who have chosen death over being forced to betray their faith, others, or their principles--martyrdom. So things are not all cut and dried.
In the case of Frodo in this story, I truly believe that the thrusting of Frodo through the Doors of Night was merely a diversion so as to keep Morgoth so distracted Sam or Elanor might be influenced to slay Ungoliant's physical form as it came forth, saving the world from the evil she represented and the return of Morgoth within the Circles of the Arda to the torment of all the Children of Iluvatar. You will note that Frodo's fear and torment cease immediately once she is no more!
Had Frodo thrown himself into the volcano, I strongly suspect that he would have been accepted as a martyr as well as one who was clearly so under the influence of the Ring he recognized he was suffering from Ring-induced madness and that he would have gone totally insane had he thrown the Ring away so. Both are "acceptable" reasons for suicide, the former blessed, and the latter recognized as due to mental illness, not purposeful, spiteful self-destruction.
As for God Himself--I do not believe that He ever sees us as blackly as we see ourselves and one another. We human beings are so quick to judgment and mutual condemnation! I am not Roman Catholic but from a related denomination, and our church long, LONG ago became much less dogmatic about what God will and won't accept than the RCs, and more willing to allow God Himself to make that plain rather than US making judgments in His Name!
As for Evangelical Christians I have known--too many of the most judgmental and intolerant folk I have known personally have been from that tradition or were raised strict Southern Baptists. Their intolerance and disdain and dismissal and condemnation of others who do not believe precisely as they do is often so complete that they give ALL Evangelicals and other fundamentalist Christians a bad name they don't necessarily deserve. Although the one person so intolerant I put a permanent filter on his email was a minister from my own denomination who I would swear would have done well as a member of the Spanish Inquisition, for he would have happily lit the fires to burn all he personally disapproves of at the stake! I feel somehow tainted knowing he is in such a high position within my denomination and leading as prominent a congregation as he does!
I DO believe in God, and doubt sincerely He will willingly allow us to suffer eternally. If we do suffer eternally, I see it as due to our own choices, NOT His. He is ever there, calling us back to Him. It is OUR privilege to respond to that call, and if we refuse He will allow us merely to suffer the misery of such separation until we are willing to turn to Him of our own will.
Independence1776
· 3 February 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Oh, my word. This was a wonderful story, and I am so glad I waited until I had the time to read it properly.
I don't really know what to say except well done! How Sam acted, that Morgoth was that cunning (and I can frankly believe him to be so), and that Elanor was the one to balance everything. Stupendous.
I find the part about Morgoth being part of the Ring easily believable, especially since Tolkien said that Morgoth put a part of himself into the very planet and therefore his taint touches everything. And since the Ring was made of gold...
~ Indy
Author's reply
Thank you so, Indy. Sam was no longer the Sam we know and love, as Morgoth had been able to enter into him and change him; and it was his daughter who indeed must balance things once more.
And if the world is Morgoth's Ring, then it is more imperative we seek to deny him access to our inner selves, while it is more likely he can sneak in access in spite of us.
And you're right about the gold....
Thanks so for the comments!
Linda Hoyland
· 2 February 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
A truly chilling story that sent shivers down my spine.How fine a line between good and evil we tread!Very thought provoking and well written.
Author's reply
And it was intended to spark thought. Am so glad it has managed to do as intended.
Thanks so, Linda.
cookiefleck
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
It was a very dramatic story, but the characterization of Sam was so counter to the "real" character that I found myself waiting for a "twist" that would explain the new, horrific personality. I was a little unclear about the ending... was Sam "possessed" so to speak and therefore acting OOC or was it your intention just to play with the idea of a different ending to the (LOTR) story?
Author's reply
Yes, in this version of the story, Sam was possessed in part by Melkor at least at the point he kidnapped Frodo and to a lesser extent perhaps afterward; and if this had happened, then what might have happened from there? I found it a disturbing idea, and as I said in my author's notes, it's been working at me, and largely as the result of having to put up with the behavior of one individual not on this board.
Melkor/Morgoth, after all, was Sauron's mentor and was the true author of discord and ambition within Arda.
Socrates399
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Wow...that was creepy!...and depressing...
I must say that it wasn't my favorite. I thought Sam's first action--brandishing Sting against the Elves, and actually injuring Frodo--was too out of character, too suddenly. His gradual self-delusion and increasing cruelty made sense, but the first act was so extrememly cruel that I just couldn't buy it. I don't mind AU--I enjoyed the one (can't remember the title) where Sam has to kill Frodo before they get to Rivendell) but I thought that was a tragic possibility given the story.
That being said, I probably don't fully appreciate the story because I'm not a Silmarillion/Unfinished Tales/etc. aficionado, and I am probably more than a bit biased since Sam has been my favorite character in any book for twelve years, now.
Thank you, though, for all your stories. I really enjoy (most of) them. (See, I'm sure that you want both the good and bad reactions to their stories, but now I'm having a guilt trip for leaving a negative review :-( )
Author's reply
I am imagining, Socrates, that in this instance Sam has been possessed by the will of Melkor, who was far more powerful than had been Sauron, being a full Vala. Having started the process by taking advantage of Sam's grief and selfish desire to keep Frodo by him, Melkor then withdraws sufficiently to allow Sam's further deterioration to proceed on its own.
As I said, this was one that started working on me, and I do not desire to write any more than this in this particular possible world.
And I am glad you like most of the rest of what I write. I'll probably not write another dark AU for some months--I'm rather glad I don't get such bunnies attacking me very often. I have no desire to become another Stephen King!
Antane
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
How terribly disturbing! I see that Fiondil has already set you straight on the Church's teaching on suicides so I will just say bravo to him and not add anything else. I am very glad this didn't happen! Such a total twisting of Sam's love from total selflessness to total selfishness. I am not a reader of Stephen King but didn't he write a story of an obsessed fan holding her 'beloved' hostage? How terrible for them all including the king. Love the ending though - when Ungoliant is defeated at last. I would not wish Frodo to be damned and perhaps her demise is the good God took from Frodo's death. Too sad for them all.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
As I said in my comment to Fiondil, my decidedly Anglican mother and her strongly Roman Catholic friend would go round and round about the fate of those who committed suicide, and the friend was certain they'd damned themselves from the moment they even considered the idea killing themselves. That both the Vatican and the Union of Orthodox Rabbis have embraced my mom's opinion on the situation is a relief. And in this case, the idea that Frodo's presence might have been intended as a ruse to mislead Melkor in order to destroy still another of his attempts to reenter Ennor is always a possibility.
Ah, yes, I remember when my late husband was reading Misery. As he didn't have good enough tactile discrimination to be an efficient braille reader, he did all his reading via talking book, so when he read a book, I usually heard more of whatever was his current book than I perhaps wanted to hear. Shuddering at the memory of what that nurse did to her captive writer!
Obsession of that sort is so destructive!
As for Frodo's ultimate fate HAD this version happened--well, as Fiondil pointed out, the Star of Hope returned once Ungoliant was destroyed. In this case, redemption is now again a possibility for both Frodo and Sam.
Fiondil
· 30 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
A very dark tale indeed, Larner, and a most interesting re-interpretation of Againor. While the Catholic church officially frowns on suicide, its stance these days is more forgiving than it once was, recognizing that the person is most likely not compose mentis and that God is more forgiving than we humans are of our frailities. That is why suicides are no longer buried on unhallow ground at the cross-roads. The Church has wisely decided to leave any judgments to God and hopes for the best (as must we all who are inheritors of the Marring and its consequences).
At any rate, I like to think that Frodo being sent to the Void was indeed a ruse on the part of the Valar and that once Ungoliant was slain, he was released to Mandos for healing before being sent beyond the Circles of Arda. The very fact that Eärendil rises at that precise moment is the clue for me (plus I'm an optimist anyway *grin*).
I'm almost sorry to have been one of your inspirations, but I'm glad my Wars of the Valar have provided you with food for thought. Thanks for the dedication.
Author's reply
I'm glad that the RC church is more forgiving than it once was, as I remember hearing some spirited debates between an RC friend and my CE mother when I was younger on suicide and mental illness and whether or not the act of suicide could ever be justified.
Yes, the rising of Earendil is an important clue! There I agree with you.
And I prefer the portion of inspiration that came from your story to the one offered by TR, believe me! That one's often twisted logic and controlling personality led to the characterization of Sam here, and it's not one I can deal with easily, I find. And I'm glad to have been able to dedicate this to you at least in part.
Kitty
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Disturbing, Larner, very disturbing. I *know* that this sort of misguided possessiveness and love exists, but to find it in Sam, and in this way ... *shudder* He was obviously not himself, influenced by his time with the Ring and probably the spider itself. But still, how horrible to keep Frodo imprisoned and force him to suffer for so many years in that demeaning way!
I was so glad when Aragorn and the twins turned up, hoping they would save him, and really upset when I realised Frodo was chained to the bed. Oh Sam, what have you done? I think they did the only one thing they could do without taking Frodo away by force, though it must have broken Aragorn's heart do to that. But I am sure Frodo was very glad for it; no matter how one thinks about suicide, he had no other way.
Well, at least Sam allowed him outside this last time. And you can imagine how glad I was that Elanor followed with Sting - who knows what would have happened otherwise? And the symbolism that Eärendil wasn't been seen for so long and rose just after Frodo died and the spiderling was killed - great story, Larner, though for once I don't want a sequel ...
Author's reply
Oh, I agree--the Ring--or Melkor by way of the Ring--definitely diminished our beloved Sam in this AU--and I'm finding myself most glad it IS an AU!
They could perhaps have taken Frodo away anyway, but not, I fear, without causing a total breakdown of relations between the Shire and the outer kingdom; as it is it's likely that Aragorn will need a good deal to forgive Sam, if such a thing ever comes.
And neither do I wish to do a sequel to this one, as I noted. I hope also that the rising of Earendil again signals Frodo is now allowed the healing he so needs.
Thanks so, Kitty.
Le Rouret
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Yikes!!!
What a grim bundle of AUs! I have to say I am very impressed; I never went down those particular paths of might-have-beens. Of particular interest to me were "Stolen" and "A Treasure Retreived." Very well done - very grim, very heart-stopping! Bravo!
Author's reply
I have read some heart-stopping AUs, and now and then such ideas present themselves to me, too. Am glad those two particularly recommended themselves to you. The first one has caught at the imagination of a friend, and she's written some interesting stuff using that premise.
Thank you very much.
6336
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Well this was a rather dark and nasty little tale! Sam must not have loved Frodo enough to let him go, or else the Ring had much more influance on him than was realised. Poor Sam and Poor Frodo.
I know Tolkien was Catholic and also that his mother was persecuted by her family for converting, but isn't retuning your life to Iluvitar a form of suicide in that you choose the time of your death?
This little tale raises a lot of questions!
Can't say I want more, at least not in this vein!
Lynda
Author's reply
And this is precisely why I found I didn't wish to do this as a multi-chapter tale, Lynda.
I know what you mean with your question--to know the proper time has come and to offer back one's life is as deliberate an act as is killing oneself to escape a situation seen as hopeless. A lot of questions.
I'm glad this type of story doesn't put itself in my way all that often, too! At least it has led to thought and possibly debate.
Andrea
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
And it seemed to Elanor that somewhere cries of terror were stopped.
WOW! That was a *very* dark story!
If Elanor had not been there to kill that spider, ... well, I just don't want to think about it!
Sam was obviously not himself, he was possessed by an evil will. Maybe it was what was left of the Ring, or Sauron or Morgoth, I don't know. And after they came back to the Shire no one was there to stop him. Merry and Pippin tried, but with no success. The only thing that happened was that the Shire inhabitants believed Sam that men and dwarves and elves were dangerous. Everything went terribly wrong!
I do not blame Aragorn for giving Frodo the means to commit suicide, and I do not blame Frodo for doing exactly that. He had no hope and no choice. He was forced to suffer continuously - and he had to end it.
I'm a Roman Catholic, too. And I have no proof for it, but I *believe* that God or Iluvatar would have reacted to Frodo's actions with the same act as Frodo himself did to Gollum - with pity! After all the suffering he deserved some peace.
What happened to Sam after this story, I wonder?
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea. This one sort of possessed ME and had me writing straight for a couple days. It's good to have it written, and I believe that for now, at least, I'm going to allow it to stand on its own merits.
Personally, I agree that probably the Creator would have mercy on Frodo; but I'm still going to allow the readers to decide for themselves what was his final disposition.
And it this tale gets folks thinking, so much the better! Thank you so for the response.
Celeritas
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
When this page loaded, I could see as far down as "your turn may come too one day." Then I remembered what Angainor was and flipped as I realized exactly who brought this about. (Reaction: AAAAAAAAAAHHH!!!)
And as I continue reading, it keeps getting better. Sam lying, actual chains, lack of Earendil (beautiful symbolism there), the Void (loved the suicidal ambiguity), and the physical spider crawling out of the wound (I did see that you've done that before, but that for me is so much of the Genuinely Creepy that I think it works best in this sort of context).
And Elanor pwns! (Despite the creepiness that is inherent in evil!Sam I am genuinely glad to see a bit of a happy ending.)
Thank you for so wondrously illustrating the difference between love and obsession. I'm going to spend some happy time with the canon now and remind myself (several times, probably) that this DIDN'T actually happen.
Author's reply
As I said, I had plenty of inspiration for this one! We have to remember that Melkor is the original Dark Lord, and his influence is throughout Arda.
When I wrote about Ungoliant dying before after being attacked by Earendil, I felt that was about the most I could creep myself out--then I wrote this one, and it got me worse!
Obsession is a terrible thing when it seeks to hold to itself what should be given over and offered freely.
As for Elanor--I felt it was time for her to come into her own.
Am so glad this brought up so many emotions.
harrowcat
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Wow Larner....just, well, WOW!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad people find it so powerful. Thank you!
Sunny
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
*shudders* Now _this_ one was grim. I am sure Frodo would have preferred a clean death, rather than this hopeless dying-by-inches stretched out over years.
Kahlil Gibran says in _The Prophet_ (if you have not read that book, run and buy it! It is a lovely and poetic piece of literature.) _Love possesses not nor would it be possessed_. And in this fic Sam wants to _own_ Frodo, which is what poisons what once had been the love between them.
And in the end Elanor kills Shelob’s new incarnation, so I suppose the ending was hopeful in its own way.
Author's reply
Oh, have a couple copies of The Prophet, so recognize the quote. You can't OWN another person, and Sam needed to realize this, for all he did was destroy the very qualities he'd hoped to keep hoarded away.
To rid Arda of the threat of Ungoliant--it was necessary. And in so doing, Earendil can return.
Am so glad you found it a compelling read.
FantasyFan
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Chilling and dark indeed. To see Frodo reduced to such circumstances breaks my heart. And yet he is not helpless, at least not until confronted by Melkor. Yet, in the end he is the victor but not by his own actions - in a sense, it is like what happened with Gollum in Orodruin, in that the memory of light and goodness from long before saves him in the nature and form of Elanor.
I don't blame Aragorn for what he did. His options were limited, and he chose what seemed to be the least of evils. But now that the darkness has finally been banished, I wonder what will happen to Sam. He has been living with the taint so long, but is he irredeemable? I doubt that.
Author's reply
I'd not thought of the comparison between the situation in the Sammath Naur and that within the void, but it's a good one. And the next generation proves itself against the threatening dark as well!
Nor do I blame Aragorn--when he cannot ease the suffering in any other way, what other option can he see?
As for Sam--I'll allow others to fill in that gap! But I'd think that Frodo and Elanor between them have managed to call the REAL Sam back--or at least I'd hope so. But I think he and Aragorn are going to have a LONG confrontation.
No! No! No! I WON'T be tempted by that! Keep that nuzgul away from me!
Rayma3
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
Oh my goodness! You are an amazing writer and I really enjoy reading your stories. This particular story made me gasp and think. Great job and please keep writing!
Liz
Author's reply
Thank you so for the feedback, Rayma. I am honored! And if we think, that is good.
I hope to keep writing for a time yet, at least.
Dreamflower
· 29 January 2009
· Chapter 6: Angainor
You are right, a very Dark AU, indeed, though it ended better than most Dark AUs do.
I think too, that it was good you kept this to a one-shot. It's much more powerful that way. If you had made it into a larger story, it would have lost much of its power, and would have been simply wallowing in Frodo's angst over the years, as well as the painful showing of the details of Sam's deterioration.
I am very glad you chose to use Elanor as you did.
Author's reply
In her way Elanor is as much Frodo's child as Sam's, I think. And that she might have been as instrumental in saving him as in saving her father seems likely.
Thanks so, Dreamflower.