Kitty · 11 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
Nassssty AU, my preciousss, very nasssty indeed! Poor Bilbo eaten and the Ring back in Gollum’s hands – it doesn’t bear thinking about!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree! Glad you read it! Thanks!
Might Have Beens by Larner
Reviews (147)
harrowcat · 10 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
Oooh! *shivers* You do the understated gruesome very well! Just left Mum in Respite for two weeks. Lovely place and very caring staff so why do I feel as though I have just left a wimpering puppy alone in a dark corner?
Author's reply
"Understated gruesome"--yes, just the reality of it! I saw a former client who has been forced to remain in a nursing home for two and a half years now, and she wants so to return to her own home. I wept as I had to leave her there. So, I can empathize. At least your mother will be coming home again, and soon. God bless all of you!
Antane · 9 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
Oh, ick, ick and more ick. So glad this might have been certainly wasn't! Also an embarrassingly belated but heartfelt hantanyel for nominating I Can't for a MEFA, my dear Larner! What an honor and from someone I admire so much already! *hug* Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I agree, Antane! Definitely one we're glad didn't happen!
Soledad · 9 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
Ouch! Interesting, but a little... what should I say... disturbing. I wonder, though, what the consequences would have been.
Author's reply
Yes, a most disturbing thought here! And the consequences perhaps don't bear considering! (Shivering!)
Calenlass · 9 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
*shudder* Disturbing and creepy all at the same time. Yet I like it, still, because of your ability to write of a "what if" in only a few words. "Might have beens" certainly is a good title. ~Cal
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Calenlass. At least this one of my "Might Have Beens" was short!
Dreamflower · 9 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
*brrr...*shudder* Very creepy! I explored the same thing myself a few years ago, in a "5 Things" drabble. It's a scenario that could, oh so easily, happen.
Author's reply
Yes, creepy indeed, Dreamflower. I'm going to have to look at that 5 things drabble, if I can find it. I think I read it, but I can't remember them all! Heh!
Linda Hoyland · 9 May 2008 · Chapter 5: A Treasure Retrieved
This was very chilling and unexpected!Thank Goodness it never happened, a great what if?
Author's reply
Oh, I do agree, Linda! Thank goodness indeed! And am glad you enjoyed it, as chilling as it might be! Thanks for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland · 5 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
Thank Goodness, Frodo was not weak like this!A very interesting what if?
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Linda! And this is one I've imagined too many possible repurcussions from.
Lindelea · 4 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
O my. I am certainly glad that Frodo was himself, in the real account. The Frodo in this story certainly doesn't live up to Bilbo's estimation of being one of the finest hobbits in the Shire! (poor fellow)
Author's reply
I agree, Lindelea. No, this isn't quite our Frodo at all; and what would have happened had it been this Frodo that refused to allow Bilbo to leave? Thanks so for the feedback.
Andrea · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
Indeed! The only one who could have made Bilbo stay in the Shire would have been Frodo! But I'm not so sure what would have happened after that. One thing is clear, Bilbo would have kept the Ring and it would not have been so easy to give it up, if not impossible. I can't remember when exactly Gandalf started his investigation concerning the Ring. Was it after his talk with Bilbo? If so, no one would have been prepared for the arriving of the Black Riders some years later. It would have been a catastrophe and the end of all that's good in Middle Earth! Horrible! I'm right glad that Tolkien's Frodo never asked Bilbo to stay.
Author's reply
I suspect that Gandalf had always been somewhat suspicious of the Ring, but it appears he indeed didn't start his true examination of Its history until after the Party. And you are certainly right that it would be unlikely anyone would have been ready for the Black Riders until they actually crossed the river and headed north and west to seek the Shire. What Gandalf might have done at that point is anyone's guess, although I doubt he would have ended up caught at Orthanc in this situation. However, I suspect he would have begun seeing scarier changes in Bilbo's behavior, and perhaps Frodo's as well. I, too, am glad the original Frodo didn't behave this way.
Kitty · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
At first look, this one was more nice than the others. My heart went out to Frodo, and I was glad Bilbo agreed to stay. Maybe if he’d stay only some years longer, it would not change the outcome for Middle-earth so much. Though if he remained in the Shire for good ... that wouldn’t have been for the best, indeed *shudders* Another change to the story to ponder!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree thoroughly, Kitty. Thanks so for the comments!
harrowcat · 3 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
Now that could be the start of an extremely plausible, if ultra-dark, AU. I don't think that I could stand to read it! Snippits like this always raise my level of awe in the Prof's story. So many freely taken decisions and events have to come together at precisely the right moment to destroy Sauron and the Ring.
Author's reply
So, you see it as ultra-dark, do you? I suspect you're right. And it is precisely because each decision changes the story that so many of us do consider such situations. Thanks so for the additionally thought-provoking response.
SurgicalSteel · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
OH, my gracious. That could've been horrible.
Author's reply
And I agree! Good to hear from you, and looking forward to more in your own stories!
Antane · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
You dangle all these marvelous little carrots in front of our eyes and then you don't finish them, dear Larner! All of these must be at some point, please! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I can't finish all of them, Antane--I'd be sitting here with tons of unfinished stories sitting on the computer instead of the five or six I'm looking at now! Gads, these plot bunnies and nuzguls are fighting for supremacy at the moment!
Queen Galadriel · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
*gasps* Celeborn! And…but you can’t just leave it there, what a horrible cliff-hanger! Oh, I do hope you will continue this someday! I myself am not brave enough to attempt a story in which the Ring is taken by another (yet) but I love to read them when I know and trust the author to do well. I’ve read some that are just so depressing they’re not even good, but I think this would be very good, especially written by you. I at least hoped to see the reunion between Gandalf and poor Frodo. *nudges big-puppy-dog-eyed plot bunny* *grins* God bless, Galadriel
Dreamflower · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
No, it would not have turned out for the best at all... Very scary!
Author's reply
Oh, but I agree, Dreamflower. One of the odder ones that's occurred to me lately.... Thanks for the feedback.
Queen Galadriel · 2 November 2007 · Chapter 4: But, You Can't!
Oo, ouch, ouch, ouch, not good at all! Painful even to read. Yes, if Frodo’s character had been different in even such a small way as this (at least, seemingly small, though when I think about it that strength of will to hold out against any kind of assault that is not displayed in this AU tale is one of his most defining traits), things would have gone very badly indeed, perhaps. I’d be interested to see where this goes, though, all the same. Very, very good descriptions of the effects of grief and dread, very vivid and definitely realistic. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, my Lady. I certainly agree about Frodo's ability to hold out against most assaults on his mind and heart; but this must have been one of his worst trials after the loss of his parents. And am so honored you find the descriptions of grief and dread realistic. Have felt them a time or three myself, and haven't always acquitted myself well.
grumpy · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Well thing are certainly in a pickle. Celeborn took the ring, teaches one to be careful of the strong silent elves. Now how to get the ring back.
Author's reply
Yes, quiet Elves might well prove surprisingly ambitious, might they not? So glad you read and commented on this one. It's always a joy to hear from you.
Linda Hoyland · 12 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
A well thought out and compelling AU,which kept me guessing.I enjoyed this.I can see it as plausible too for someone in the background like Celeborn to suddendly do something like this.
Author's reply
It's good to realize I can do suspense as well--I tend to give too much away, usually, I find. As for the plausibility--oh, yes, perhaps far too plausible. Thanks!
Antane · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Dear me, you do think of interesting scenarios, don't you? :) Most unexpected indeed. I was afraid at first the betrayal would come from Gandalf not being rescued, but this is a great twist also. I'm torn between who to feel more sorry for - Frodo or Galadriel. You must continue this! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, I love to think of odd scenarios, and they've been hitting in the last few days. As to which to feel sorry for--as with you, I consider it a toss-up.
Periantari · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
WOw..what *would* happen to Lotho if he kept it for a long time...i don't think there would have been a happy ending, for the Black Riders will come into the Shire and take it and then it'll all end before we know it. Fascinating scenario you described, Larner! I love how the Ring talked with Lotho. What a creative story! :) I enjoyed reading it.
Author's reply
No, things wouldn't be easy for Lotho if he took the Ring, and I suspect whether he still had it when the Black Riders arrived he wouldn't have survived. And am so glad the Ring talking to him worked for you.
Periantari · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 1: An Enemy Made
omg how chilling. :( So sad but an interesting situation to read nevertheless. Gosh this one was very sad. Frodo Baggins may be dead, but in being forced to slay his Master this one has taken on a wrath and purpose the likes of which Arda has never seen. He would storm Barad-dûr itself now, and never count the cost. Sauron is doomed.” I can see Sam being determined to see this through but i can also see him being too traumatized to go on... And "Sam's still form"-- is he dead too then? :(
Author's reply
Yes, this is one that is filled with sheer angst! The trauma would be enough to nearly destroy his ability to know happiness from then on, I fear. And, no, Sam isn't dead, but for the moment almost catatonic in reaction.
Periantari · 11 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
That is fascinating! No one thought of perhaps Celeborn falling for the RIng and i'm so glad that you managed to explore this AU situation. I would love to hear more about what happens. Especially about Frodo and the hobbits. Very fascinating point of view, Larner!
Author's reply
Anyone could have fallen to the lure of the Ring; and I'd never seen a case where anyone suggested perhaps Celeborn might have been taken by It. But he is himself an Elven lord of great spirit and strength, renowned for his wisdom and the magnificence and appropriateness of his gifts; yet he almost plays second fiddle to his wife simply because she wears one of the Rings of Power. And many now have indicated they'd like to see this one taken even further. Thanks for the feedback, Periantari.
Edlyn · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Oh, this was absolutely scary to read. I was completely surprised at who the betrayer was! Which I'm sure was your intent! Wow! A very excellent read, meldonya! Edlyn
Author's reply
I am so glad you found it intrigued you, and that you were surprised at who had fallen to the Ring's blandishments. Thank you so very much for the review!
Armariel · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Oh my......where DO you get all these ideas?? This one was a doozy. Celeborn taking the ring! Yeah, I could see that....Long time ago I read a story, the title and author of which I can't recall now, wherein Galadriel takes the ring when Frodo offers it to her, and the results that followed--horrific, to say the least, but quite believable! ~~~~{~@
Author's reply
There's a series on here where different folk take the Ring at different points in the quest, all of which choices lead to disaster. But this was one idea I'd never seen before, and it was bugging my imagination. It would certainly change everything about strategy from that point on, wouldn't it? And what it might be doing to Frodo would be untenable, I'd think. I'll have to see if I can find the story you've noted and learn whether or not it's one I've read, too. It gets hard to keep them all straight after a time.