In the end, I choosed an "overall review" (not a single review for every chapter).
I loved this story. You describe Esmeralda as a wondeful character - and her final letter to Frodo is so moving. No doubt she was a real second mum for him.
It was difficult to understand some aspects of "Second Mum", because English is not my native language - and there were connections with other stories. I had to read something of "The Choice of Healing" and "The Acceptable Sacrifice" for a better understanding. I also read a few chapters of "The Ties of Family".
I'm very impressed by your creativity: your fanfictions are much detailed and breathe all your love for the characters - not only Tolkien's characters, but yours. I like your Hobbits, such as Brendilac Brandybuck, Pando Proudfoot... but my favourite is the little Cyclamen. She is so sweet and tenderhearted!
In your stories Frodo's suffering is so vivid and he needs a lot of comfort; Cyclamen seems to lift him, because of her innocence. There are a lot of people who care for Frodo, of course; and he does deserve love and care, because his Burden was so terrible! And the poor Narcissa Boffin, who falls in love with Frodo and loses every possibility because of the Ring! Please, Larner, write another story about her and Frodo. They deserve to stay together… perhaps for a little time, but together! Her marriage is happy and Brendilac is a nice Hobbit… but I’d like the description of a relationship between Narcissa and Frodo. Please! Even Esmeralda hoped that her first lad fell in love with Narcissa… Pearl Took threw him over, after all!
Well, if you invent a new fanfiction about Frodo and Narcissa, I’ll gladly read it :-) :-) At the moment, I congratulate you on your writing, because "Second Mum" and other stories are very beautiful and touching.
Author's reply
I am so sorry that this has taken so long to be responded to. My email has been working in hiccups coming into my server, and I've not been able to write any emails myself for months unless I am away from home. I hope to purchase a new computer that I can set up with Windows seven or eight so that I can actually send email as well as intermittently receiving it.
As I've noted elsewhere, Frodo could not have lived in a vacuum--he had to have family and friends who cared for him and wanted the best for him (or, in the case of the Sackville-Bagginses, wanted the best for themselves at Frodo's expense). My daughter and stepson had their birth-families torn apart when they were very small, and as a teacher of special education I saw children who'd been robbed of their families at a young age. In almost every case, they wanted desperately to know the security of their own family as soon as they could, and I believe it would have been so for Frodo Baggins.
Once the Ring became part of Frodo's life, in one manner or another It would undoubtedly have disturbed his desire to build a family of his own. As Sauron had poured so much of his own nature into the Ring as he created It, the Ring would have demanded Frodo's attention and undoubtedly would have found ways to punish him for looking at those he might love unless he did so from Its own point of view. It's a terrible thing to contemplate, but I doubt It would have been happy unless he became abusive, mistaking abuse for "strength" and "power," two of the characteristics It was created to increase in Its wielder.
I am so glad that you like Cyclamen--I know that such children have always brought out my own best nature, and I suspect that she would have done much for Frodo, and particularly after his return to the Shire.
As for writing a story in which Frodo and Narcissa might know a happy relationship--maybe one day, but not now. I am trying to tie up loose ends in some of my older stories, and I have so many I've not added to in years! And the plotbunnies still hop around me, hoping to be written out from time to time--not that they don't too often prove to be nuzguls with ears on!
Thank you so very much for your feedback, and please forgive me. I'm also finding that as I approach my seventies it's harder to focus on writing like I used to do. Having to struggle through our current president's foolishness makes it even harder. Knowing that what he does hurts so many people throughout the world makes it even harder! I pray that the House of Representatives does its duty and impeaches him soon, and that the Senate follows through. How much longer the world can suffer his abuse I don't know.
Calien
· 2 March 2018
· Chapter 7: Gone to Be the Young Master
Our beloved Frodo is so honest! Somehow I'll miss the Rascal of Buckland, but I'm glad that he decided to make amends for his mistakes. And now he is doing well and his joy is catching.
Little Sam overcomes Dirna, wow! A real gardner ;-)
I'm sorry for Bell Gamgee... She will dead soon, I fear :-( And poor Will Whitfoot, who loses his son. It's terrible!
I love the conversation among Maggot, Bombadil and Radagast... and Esme's picture upon the grass, while she admires the flowers.
Calien
· 18 January 2018
· Chapter 6: The Freeze and the Thaw
Wonderful chapter! Finally Frodo can go to Bag End. And I love Bilbo's words about his Light. I think that Frodo is very very beautiful in spiritual sense and the bright, brilliant beauty of his soul can illuminate everything.
Menegilda has really prophetic dreams about Frodo's future condition? Or these dreams are consequences of her fears?
Esme is a very good mother (and my english is bad, I suppose...)
Calien
· 26 September 2017
· Chapter 5: The Son of the Hall
I suspected that Menegilda's treatment and orders were... what can I say?... too much for Frodo. Now he seems quiet, too quiet, and I think that he isn't very happy. This time I completely agree with him – about the pranks, the other lads provoked him, after all.
Bilbo is welcome at every moment, in my opinion :-) I wonder what Frodo is doing that he's only told Bilbo about... Oh, I'm sure that our lad is not doing anything wrong, but I want to find out more!
Few words about Tumnus: I didn't mentioned him in my other reviews, but I like him, I like his wisdom (and obviously, I read "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" :-))
On the contrary, Dirna and Gomez's mother are quite unpleasant.
That's all, for now.
Calien
· 4 September 2017
· Chapter 4: The Rascal of Buckland
Another interesting chapter! I can see Frodo like a real teenager, with his rebellion an his desire of independence... and I'm almost shocked, some actions are very thoughtless!
It's a pity that he "wasted" his freedom, doing stupid things and pranks!
But I think that Menegilda won't allow him to continue like this! And she will expect too much, I bet...
Maggot is sensible, wow! He showed a lot of patience.
Little Merry is so sweet and I love his relationship with Frodo.
I'm sorry, but I need a lot of time for reading english stories :(
Calien
· 27 July 2017
· Chapter 3: Fifteenth Summer
I'm so glad for your answers, Larner!
Well, I continued the story... Interesting conversation at the beginning, the idea that Frodo is "born to help the folks, not to be served as if he was a prince in a storybook" is so... real!
Poor Esme, with her problems with the tomatoes :-D
Your Gomez is so spitful with Frodo! To name him "orphan"... I can see that Gomez say this word with very scorn. And certainly "mam's lad" isn't a compliment...
But Frodo has a strong personality, he is capable to face the situation, and Esme's understanding is precious for him.
"Dearling" is like "darling", is it?
Uhm, I like Frodo's picture like a great dancer! I can see all the gracefulness that Elijah Wood shows in the movie :-)
Ultimately, I'm sure that Esme and Saradoc are very good foster parents for Frodo, but Menegilda's behaviour prevents them to understand some things. Ah, Bilbo... again, good thing you're around!
And I hope that little Merry will be an important character in the other chapters :-)
Calien
· 27 June 2017
· Chapter 2: The Biddable Child
Well, I'm trying to leave an acceptable review!
I've already written something about chapter 1... yes, little Frodo is cute! And I add that his crying appears strange and particular! Esme notices it immediately; she is very sensitive and I am touched by her desire of motherhood.
Bilbo is fantastic. I like to imagine the loving uncle who changes Frodo's nappies. Lobelia is very malicious and her rumors are terrible.
I love your description of Frodo's interests and life... and his sensibility towards Esme and Saradoc is remarkable! I love also the idea that Frodo was born in Hobbiton: it's the sign that his real home cannot be Brandy Hall.
Poor Primula who lose all those children! But she is stubborn!
Menegilda has a great level of authority and I know she take care for Frodo; but Bilbo is right... "wrap him up in wool batting"...
The death of Frodo's parents makes me so sad :-(
Chapter 2
Well, I saw Jade Took and Narcissa Boffin and Fred Oldbuck. I have to read the list of your original characters, Larner!
Uhm, Esme and Menegilda are too protective: I'm sorry that my poor lad cannot live like the others!
I'm surprised that Frodo's dreams are about the Sea! So early?!
And the rest... well, I admire his courage and his intelligence.
Beautiful story, I will continue it!
Author's reply
Again, I've been most remiss by not responding earlier.
Tolkien made it plain that Frodo had true dreams of the future, so I suspect they were even more common when he was a child. I know that was true for me, and my mother said it was true of her, too.
Tolkien also made it plain that Bilbo had a special love for Frodo, the one of his relatives who showed real spirit--as well as sharing his birthday.
Thank you so very much for your lovely responses, and again please forgive me for not responding earlier.
Calien
· 16 June 2017
· Chapter 1: For the Love of a Child
Well, I'm here! Chapter 1 is very interesting... Little Frodo is so cute! And your female characters are fantastic. Menegilda and Primula are very stubborn, and Esme is sweet.
Frodo's heart has a problem? Oh, I'm worry! Poor child :-(
It's difficult for me to leave a review, because my english isn't very good... but I like the beginning of this story. I will read soon the second chapter!
Author's reply
I admit I borrowed the heart murmur from Lindelea's writing, as it was one of her stories that sparked me to write and post stories of my own.
I patterned my ladies on some of the women I've known in my own life. And I find Frodo is one of my favorite characters to write about.
Thank you ever so much!
Soledad
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I've been saving this one as my special birthday treat for so long, and look, it has taken me three days to read! Real Life just doesn't want us to have some undisturbed joy, does it?
In any case, it was a delightful and touching read. I always liked Esmeralda, and it was fun to find the stories hinted at in many of your other tales fully told here. Of course you made me cry again, but in a good way, so that's all right. :)
Author's reply
I'm honored you'd do that, Soledad. Real life does have a way of getting in the way rather rudely, I've found. Heh!
Thanks so for the comments and reaction. I, too, have found myself liking Esmeralda a good deal, and felt her relationship with Frodo must have been special. To look at him life from her point of view was an honor.
Again, thanks so for the feedback. I was rather sorry this didn't get more feedback in last year's MEFAs, as I feel it is a worthy story in its own right, and Esme and Saradoc a wonderful couple.
Author Reply: And Happy Birthday! I'll try to get a story written for you, but it will be a bit late, of course. Heh!
Antane
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
How wonderful for Esme to get a look at her first lad healed and happy again and for him to be able to see her. Very nice.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
One of the advantages to having cast off the mortal coil is to be able to have glimpses of others as we reach for what comes next, or so those who have undergone near-death experiences tell us; and to be fully assured that her last gift to Frodo of her wish that he might live for himself that he then be able to live for others had been fruitful must have made what was to come even more joyful.
Antane
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Renewal
I have loved this series showing the loving relationship between Frodo and his 'second mum' that continued throughout his life. She must have taken Arwen's advice to heart - loving him in the cherishing and in the letting go, just as Sam and Merry and Pippin had to learn to do. Merry words about Frodo needing Sam were very true.
I agree also that it must have grieved Frodo sorely to see Saruman die unrepentant, scorning the possibility even. He would have recognized another tormented soul, as his was and by the same person, and would have wanted healing for him.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There must have been such a relationship between Frodo and someone in Brandy Hall, and as he and Merry became so very close it was most likely that it was due to Saradoc and Esmeralda being his custodial guardians, so that he was there from the time Merry was born for that special bond to grow between them.
And what Arwen has told her is what she already has experienced is necessary when dealing with Frodo--to love with an open hand, for in holding too closely before they almost destroyed him. Esme received from the Queen only the knowledge she already possessed, and an affirmation that the same sacrifice would be needed a second time if Frodo was not to perish untimely.
You are certainly right about Frodo recognizing in Saruman the need for the same forgiveness and spiritual healing he'd been offered and that he was given more fully in the Queen's gift. To die unrepentant, still caught in the fullness of his own conceit, kept Saruman from being able to return to the Source. What a terrible waste of the Maia's potential.
Antane
· 24 June 2007
· Chapter 10: Missing
Merry's letter was very nice, so responsible, and loving of his Frodo. I do hope it did happen this way - that he was able to warn his parents and the four of them didn't just disappear.
Love most though that Esme was aware of Frodo on the Quest and at the Fire and the sight and dialogue of the Western Shapes - Valar or Maia I assume? - was very interesting.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've always thought that some means of advising their parents that those accompanying Frodo out of the Shire would have been tried, and such delayed letters so no one was likely to ride out to Bree after them seemed the most likely means of notification; and Merry is the one of the three with the most forethought as far as thinking beyond the quest itself. So it appeared to me that his letter would try to tell the most without actually giving things away.
Baylor once wrote a story in which Merry speaks to Saradoc about the probability that he will be leaving with Frodo, impressing his father with the concern and forethought he displays, and so I added in the hint of the talk that the two of them had in the barn that morning, just before the four of them disappeared into the Old Forest.
Had one been able to See Frodo just after he and the Ring claimed one another, what would they have perceived? Frodo had a great deal of willpower, we know that; would the Ring perhaps have considered him as Its new Master? How would it have remade him? So I found this image of Frodo as the Lord of the Ring, with the Ring Itself seeking to crown him with power unmentionable, utterly corrupting him once It was done--only It was interrupted before It could complete the process.
Yes, the greater Western Shape is Manwe; I'm still undecided myself as to who the other Shape might have been, whether Eonwe or another of the Valar--perhaps even Este. But at that point the Ring needed to be removed from Frodo immediately--there was certainly no time for subtlety in its removal. A most terrible but necessary of amputations.
Antane
· 21 June 2007
· Chapter 9: Master of Bag End and the Hill
Now we see more up close and personal the grip the Ring was getting on him even then and how he fought it and was frightened and confused and thinking it was all coming from him. How terrible that must have been. But it's good that he's comfortable enough to speak of it to Esme at least in some fashion. The poor dear. But love that he went all out for Sam's coming of age and Esme's words to Lobebelia in the beginning of this chapter. Go, Esme, go! :) And that Frodo paid for the healer to go to Otho - Oh, darling, you think you are growing into a monster, but you're not! Sometime I think it's too bad Gandalf didn't find out about the Ring sooner and never had Frodo handle it but then we don't choose our crosses as much as we accept them from God's loving hand. It was all meant to be, I know.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I felt that to have changed as much as she did after her imprisonment and Lotho's death Lobelia probably started to appreciate that Frodo was a far more worthy individual than she'd dreamed probably before the purchase of Bag End; and I enjoyed sort of bookending this chapter with her at each end--being the most obnoxious Lobelia at the beginning, and starting to reevaluate at the end.
Most of the children I've dealt with who lost beloved parents young as Frodo did chose to start families as soon as they could; I suspect that the effects of the Ring stopped Frodo from following this typical path.
How he'd have reacted to the Ring's effects on him is, of course, questionable; but it must have had some effects; and now and then Frodo must have felt the need to speak to someone about it. But being the type of person he was as well as Baggins family head, I suspect that Frodo would have done his best even to see Otho's needs met as he approached death. And he would have done anything for Sam, I suspect.
As for Gandalf interfering earlier--perhaps it might have averted some problems, but it would have made the final story perhaps a good deal less interesting, and as you indicate, this was Frodo's burden, and one he did manage to bring where it needed to go.
Antane
· 20 June 2007
· Chapter 8: Older Cousin
Back to this at last! Our lad is not just older cousin but brother in all the love he gives. Cute that he's not at first aware of all the appreciative, shall we say, gazes the lasses give him but Bilbo teases him about. Love little Pippin. Most interesting is Bilbo's talk with Esme before he leaves and that he doesn't want Frodo affected but heartbreakingly leaves the one thing to him that will affect him, but again, it was all meant to be. Poor Narcissa, who has this brief joy that is not to come again.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo's found his place in the family at last and is reveling in it, even if he's not yet aware of how the lasses are seeing him, save poor Pearl.
I really suspect that Bilbo wouldn't wish for Frodo to be affected by whatever has been affecting him; that it's the Ring Itself is something I suspect he's convinced himself couldn't be true.
Glad you like Pippin--I always have loved the lad.
As for Narcissa--she finds her own joy one day, at least.
Andrea
· 17 June 2007
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
My dear Larner,
Once again you made me speechless! Well, nearly :)
What a beautiful ending!
I especially liked Esme's last letter to Frodo. It was very touching. And then the signature - "Your second mum"! Wonderful!
I loved it that Esme when she was finally united with her husband was able to see Frodo among the Elven children, and that he recognised them and greeted them, too.
It was a pleasure to read this story! Thank you very much, Larner!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Andrea. Esme must have perceived not all was well with her beloved first lad, and after receiving Arwen's letter and considering how Frodo was the last two times she saw him must have realized that for him to find healing meant he must away.
I suspect things were less prosaic there in the Undying Lands, and some things possible there fairly easily that would be impossible or extremely rare here. Freed of his own pain, Frodo would, I think, treasure those glimpses he was given of those he loved, much as they would treasure this greeting in passing; now that they are passing out of Time, it will be soon enough they will be reunited once more to the joy of all.
And thank you so for following the story and giving such wonderful feedback. Thank you so very much.
Can't keep up, it seems. Ever. *sighs* But I'm trying, and I did finally read all the way through this one, in fits and starts. Sorry for not stopping to comment on everything, but I haven't always even been able to finish entire chapters, between a new member of the family introducing herself and requiring care (a stray beagle mix found by Dad and my brothers while on a mountain retreat--and a perfect darling), sickness, somewhat pressing things involving original work, and other matters that would mean very long stories. (I thought summer vacation was supposed to be *relaxed*! But then when is life ever not at least a little busy?)
Oh, wow, I have no words to truly describe this. Esme comes alive in this story; I doubt I'll ever see her in quite the same way again. Her letter in the last chapter gave me that wrenching feeling of wanting, almost needing to cry and being beyond tears. "Your second Mum" Yes, she was certainly that, and that she signed the letter that way made it all the more poignant, I think.
I am so glad Gomez did well in the end! Wonderful that not all bullies turn out to be sad cases. It makes me wonder about my own Gomez and how he is turning out...or if I really want to know.
I just love the way this is written, in these short but very rich vignettes. The detail is amazing. I find myself taking such things for granted sometimes, but when I really think about it, it's astounding. (When I make attempts, I always feel they turn out unnatural, and at times I've wondered if some of my writing isn't very empty of description indeed.) But the most impressive thing, as ever, is the characterization. Everyone is so wonderfully normal, even the main characters--just ordinary people living their lives--and yet each is extraordinary in a very subtle way. (Well, there are a few--four or five...or six or so--that do stand out markedly, but I mean in general...) That's the mark of a really good writer, in my opinion.
Thank you for yet another true jewel of a story. I'd say this is one of my favorites...but if I'm going to be really honest, I'd end up listing a whole lot more in your unvierse right up there with it. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I am honored, my lady. Haven't time for a full response, for my schedule's been changed and I must get to work.
To make a character real is important, and for you, if you focus on characterization and dialogue, giving just enough details others can fill the rest of the setting from their own imaginations, you will do superbly.
I need to get to your independent story, but haven't had the time on an untroubled I S P as yet. Hughes continues in fits and starts--at least, contrary to what it was two months back, I seem to be able to spend at least half my time properly online.
And I am grateful you appreciated Esme's letter and her character. I feel she's grown over the length of the story, which is every individual ought to do--and Gomez--his brush with death helped his potential to begin to shine. Some do give over meanness, you know.
Good luck with the dog! Sounds wonderful.
Lily
· 11 June 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
This is a wonderful story, Larner, and I'm honoured to be among those who influenced you a little :)
Author's reply
And I'm honored to know you accept the tribute and that you liked this one. We do inspire one another as much as we're inspired by the Master's own works and our own life experiences, as I'm certain you're aware.
Thanks so much for all the feedback.
Kitty
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
As always, it was interesting to know more about what your motivation for this story was. And your explanations prove very well how much our own experiences are influencing us in what we do or write. I found it rather obvious that you know how it is to raise foster children. And I always thought of all the parents and other family the four left behind, it had to be hardest for Esmeralda when they vanished from the Shire, for she probably saw Frodo as much as her son as Merry. Not to mention that Pippin was her nephew ... so I thought this story a nice tribute not only to the mothers in our days, but to the one who raised not only one, but at least partly a second of the Travellers as well.
Now I feel tempted to say I’m curious which Nuzgul will be next to get you sidetracked from the two other unfinished fics ;-)
Author's reply
You have the right of it with Esme worrying the more because she helped in the raising of three of the Travelers, I think; plus she must have realized how close Frodo and Sam had become by that time. And our own lives to tend to affect what we write.
And the Nuzguls are circling me again, I must say. Which will decide to affect a disguise this time I couldn't begin to be certain at this point. Heh!
Armariel
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
"Mother-in-love" sounds much nicer than "mother-in-law"! I like the box and the wreath of violets. A lovely and tender tale.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
I admit I borrowed the term from someone else, and am glad to perpetuate its use. And the box and wreath of violets were intended for this from the moment they entered my mind much earlier in the tale. Thank you indeed for the comments, Armariel.
Armariel
· 9 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Renewal
A lovely letter from Esme, very touching. I bet he kept it to read all his life. Always good to have a spare Mum or two, isn't it!
And THANKS for the nomination!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, such would indeed help to support his hopes, and I suspect it was in his pocket as he found himself rising up to dance with the stars.
And I'll always find some poem of yours to nominate, I think. Thank YOU, Armariel, for all the reviews. I so appreciate them!
Splendid notes. Thank you for posting them.
One of my favorite non-fiction books is a slim little volume published sometime in the 60s called "The Journal of a Novel: The East of Eden Letters," in which a selection of John's Steinbeck's collected correspondence details the personal experiences and psychological themes that together with his writer's sensibilities nurtured and begat that stunning novel that explored, together with a complexity of profound human issues, the perfect simplicity of 'timshel--thou mayest.' It begat in me a profound respect for Author's Intent. So it is that your Author's Notes are every bit as interesting as your story!
I think Tolkien would be astonished at the explosion of creative endeavor that has sprung from his Myth. But then, he said 'thou mayest,' didn't he? It is our joy to bring life to the details he left to our imaginations, each of us for our own reasons and in our own ways. I admire your scholarship and your botanical research (I do that, too) and the charming idea of leaving small tributes to favorite authors and, of course, the knowledge and sensitivity that come of your own experiece brought forth to so beautifully illustrate the many aspects of 'motherhood' and the many blessings and--sometimes-the exquisite pain that comes with it. It has been important to me to know whereof the author speaks!
Great story, great notes!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elanor. I usually add author's notes of some kind to my longer stories, you'll find, and I do try to weave in real life themes.
I'd not heard of Steinbeck's collected letters concerning "East of Eden," and I think I'll now read the book now that this has been brought to mind. I always loved his "Travels with Charlie" and a few of his shorter works.
And I rejoice indeed that Tolkien did tell us "Thou mayest." It offers a good deal to the world of Arda that we may indeed partake of it and add to it.
As for the botanical research--two moments that bothered me much in watching "HP and the Prisoner of Azkaban" had to do with a spray of foxglove being frozen--in September, and the executioner cleaving ripe pumpkins in June. Growing up in the Pacific Northwest and having visited England several times betweem late February and late August I shudder at those images and feel they can only come from the director being from Mexico and having no idea when such things come to pass. Similarly, one story I read had the children of the Hill playing at scavenger hunt and bringing back fresh edible berries and daffodils and some other flower that isn't native to England at all in what are described as the snows of December. All I could do was give a small shudder and say, "Okay...". I learned the author lives in southern California and has never seen a snowfall save in movies and from a great distance. She has a good deal to learn.
And, as I said, I empathise with what Esmeraldo must have felt.
cookiefleck
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Thank you for another memorable story and for sharing your notes with us. I have two grown children, and I always relate to and appreciate stories that touch on motherhood.
By the way, perhaps you'd like to try the modern version of a "stuffing": http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turducken . Have never had one, myself! :o)
Author's reply
So glad you appreciated it, Cookiefleck. This one meant a good deal to me, obviously. So glad you appreciate it.
As for trying a modern version of "stuffing," I may try it one day, but always found the idea of it rather silly. However, it would be an interesting thing to try, I must suppose. Thanks so for the website and the comments.
Linda Hoyland
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Thank you for sharing your experiences.I can tell you write your stories with a great deal of feeling.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. And I'm grateful for your faithful following of my work and your comments.
Lindelea
· 8 June 2007
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Heart touching.
Wouldn't you know, I read last chapter first, a common failing of mine, but so lovely and hopeful amidst the sorrow.
I loved the glimpse Merry had of her at the end, and hope he saw her joy, and I loved Frodo's seeing them pass over. And dancing with elven children, what fun!
I've added the rest of the story to my summer reading list, and am looking forward to it.
(I do love the idea of the Feast... best ending I can think of, for hobbits. D'you suppose the King and Queen were able to attend, before going on to their own fate?)
Author's reply
I used to do that, but don't tend to do so any more--or at least only very rarely.
So many who have reported near-death experiences remember no fear or memory of pain--just the surprise of seeing those they loved and wanting them to know they still love them, the surprise of realizing that poor creature on the bed, the ground, the chair, or wherever is what's left of their bodies, and often the disappointment of being sent back.
Frodo is not what he was, and was always sensitive to otherness anyway; I do believe that especially there in the Undying Lands he would be aware from time to time of those passing beyond the West, outside the bounds of Arda, and would rejoice at these brief glimpses--having finally come to terms with his own mortality and no longer worrying about becoming less than he was or losing himself completely, he'd notice the joy and delight and rejoice in that.
As for whether or not Aragorn and Arwen joined the Feast, read the epilogue of "Reunion." Heh!
Kitty
· 7 June 2007
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
*sniff* You truly should buy stock in a tissue company – the end left me rather teary again. Well, at least Esme had an easy death, simply slipping away after cuddling her grandchildren and reminiscing about Frodo one last time. It was so good she was able to talk about all these reminders of Frodo. And her reunion with Sara and the glimpse of Frodo surrounded by elfings was so sweet.
Nonetheless a touching conclusion to this wonderful story!
Author's reply
Yes, we've discussed this before. (Snicker.) Esme deserved an easy death and reassurance of the love she knows from her family surrounding her before she goes; and Merry needs the assurance she still considers Frodo his brother in all but blood as he and his fellow Travellers return to the life given them. And she and Sara would need to know her sacrifice of Frodo's presence within the Shire was fulfilled.
So glad for your constant feedback throughout it all. Thank you so much!