Agape's Attempts by Agape4Gondor
Larner · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 4: Amidst the Flowers - A Drabble (Arwen)
Yes, the choice when the end is come appears difficult. But she will find there are compensations,
Author's reply
She does not quite realize, because the Elves were not told, but Eru has a place for men and she will, I hope, find her love, her life, waiting for her!
Branwyn · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 5: Oliphants and String - A Tribble (Gollum/Smeagol)
It is a plausible idea that Deagol started with small evils--torturing animals and stealing--before graduating to murder. Certainly that is the documented pattern among serial killers in the real world. And thank you for remembering that Smeagol's people were ruled by a matriarch--one of the few dominant females that Tolkien tells us about.
Author's reply
I think you meant Smeagol in this - and I agree 100% - the book intimates that Smeagol did not 'suddenly' - as the movie made it - turn bad. He was already well on the way. Nasty character. I absolutely loved the thought of his grandmother, from the very first. One of the 'forgotten' women of Tolkien, strong and firm in the face of a horror that would have laid low a lesser woman! Thanks for the catch on Drabble #4 and for your comments! Most appreciated.
Branwyn · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 4: Amidst the Flowers - A Drabble (Arwen)
Poor Arwen! You capture her sorrow well. I like the phrase "incense wrapped around her heart"--very striking.
Author's reply
As a child, I was taught that incense was potent - and I used to 'catch' it in my hands and put it in my pocket - for a blessing to carry with me. *shivers for poor Arwen*
Branwyn · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Late - A Drabble (young Denethor)
Poor Denethor! And he will probably continue having that dream for the rest of his life (I know that I still have test anxiety dreams ten years after I finished grad school.) But this is an indication of how difficult (impossible?) it is to please his father. Well done!
Author's reply
Isn't that the truth, Branwyn! I hate when I have a report due or a meeting that I am not sure of, or the baby is sick, or whatever. Life seems to deprive us of sleep when most we need it!
Pearl Took · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 5: Oliphants and String - A Tribble (Gollum/Smeagol)
Again, hauntingly beautiful. "Forgotten forever was the sound of his sweet voice." Wonderful, considering how we all know his voice came to sound.
Author's reply
Isn't that the truth, Pearl!!! All we ever 'hear' is what has become of his voice. His grandmother heard him coo'ing as a babe, jabbering as a toddler, and speaking with grace as a child... and then -- -- she heard what that voice became. Hideous.
Pearl Took · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 4: Amidst the Flowers - A Drabble (Arwen)
Beautiful. Haunting.
Author's reply
Blessings!
Pearl Took · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Hide And Seek - A Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
Aw, that is sweet and sad. I love that I wasn't sure of who it was about until the last.
Author's reply
Childhood has a way of 'coming to mind' in the midst of our adult lives... hopefully, for the good. Thanks for commenting, dear heart!
Branwyn · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Dead - A Drabble (Pippin)
Hee! Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy, I am sure.
Author's reply
I had to giggle about this one myself - Score one for Pippin!
Pearl Took · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Dead - A Drabble (Pippin)
I love it!!! I've never read anything that had anything good coming of that bucket down the well. This is wonderful, Agape!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl - I could see the 'poor' creature. And how on earth did the other Orc explain to their leader???? *giggles*
Grey Wonderer · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 5: Oliphants and String - A Tribble (Gollum/Smeagol)
It really must have hurt his family to see what he was becoming and they had no reason at all to explain it. I can't imagine their frustration and fear as they watched him change. This is very moving and I haven't read much written about this.
Author's reply
Thanks, GW - I'm not sure Smeagol's people were around any longer. From what I can recall, all he had left was his grandmother. I wonder, as head of her clan, if she had time for him. Though NOTHING excuses what he did or became - it was his choice. But she did see, in the end.
Nesta · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Dead - A Drabble (Pippin)
Brilliant! How I laughed! More movie-derived than book, but none the worse for that. (Something I very seldom say!).
Author's reply
Thanks, Nesta - After I saw your comment, I put up a little disclaimer stating this was movie-based. I just couldn't help writing it though!
Nesta · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Late - A Drabble (young Denethor)
Poor Denethor. Even his most trivial dreams are bad ones! I can sympathise because I always have a similar dream the night before an important meeting. I just thought of what must have been the worst job in the 'free' part of Middle Earth: Denethor's jester!
Author's reply
A jester would have been welcome, I think. But I cannot see how any could look across the Pelennor and laugh...
Nesta · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Hide And Seek - A Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
That is funny and tragic and bittersweet all at one. A lovely drabble.
Author's reply
Thanks, Nesta. A slightly difficult drabble to write.
Nesta · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 4: Amidst the Flowers - A Drabble (Arwen)
A fine, very economical evocation of that tragic moment. Do you ever get the feeling that Arwen gave up too easily? Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't.
Author's reply
It was only a year, Nesta. So it would 'seem' that her choice was 'hasty.' Her children, though, were well raised by this time - long before this time due to Aragorn's long life. I understand what you are saying, but as a widow myself - if my children had been grown and I knew what my life would be like without 'him' - I don't wonder. If I had the opportunity to lie down....
Nesta · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 5: Oliphants and String - A Tribble (Gollum/Smeagol)
At long last that famous grandmother gets a voice! She certainly got a very poor return for her bringing up of Smeagol. It must be truly awful to be a conscientious (grand)parent of a child that goes inexorably to the bad.
Author's reply
She has always held a soft place in my heart. It seems she did her best by him, but this Stoor was bad to the bone. That one moment, in the cave during the Riddle contest, when he remembers her - it is so bittersweet! “But suddenly Gollum remembered thieving from nests long ago, and sitting under the river bank teaching his grandmother, teaching his grandmother to suck-“The Hobbit, Chapter 4 - Over Hill and Under Hill
Nesta · 8 July 2007 · Chapter 6: Not Forgotten - A Double Drabble (Imrahil)
That creates a terrific atmosphere with just a few words. And I like the balance of loss and gain. Would Faramir ever have thought for an instant that surrender might have been a better option, though? It's not as if he's fighting against a chivalrous enemy who would give the other side a reasonably fair deal.
Author's reply
In the deepest recesses of his mind, Nesta, perhaps a fleeting thought might come - surrender possible? But only fleeting, if at all.
Grey Wonderer · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Hide And Seek - A Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
I liked the way this blended past memories with current happenings. I also like the fact that Faramir was the better at hide and seek when they were children.
Author's reply
The way I think Tolkien describes Boromir - I think hide and seek would not be one of his stronger points! LOL - but he had other strengths, bless him! Give him a sword and a battle and lots of noise and confusion and such and no one could best him. Unless outnumbered 100 - 1. Thanks for reading and for commenting. Bless you!
Grey Wonderer · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Late - A Drabble (young Denethor)
I've had those sorts of dreams and for a few seconds they seem so very real.
Author's reply
I hate those kind. I try to lie back in bed and remake the dream so that it comes out with a better ending. Poor Denethor! Thanks for reading and most especially for responding!
Grey Wonderer · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Dead - A Drabble (Pippin)
LOL I always wondered what Pippin hit with that stuff in the film. That was great!
Author's reply
PJ really lost a great opportunity for another 'fun' scene with Orcs! I think this one would have even topped the 'meats back on the menu' scene. LOL Thanks for commenting. Most appreciated.
Larner · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Dead - A Drabble (Pippin)
Chicken Little meets the orcs of Moria! Oh, how delightful! I had to giggle and laugh out loud. Thanks for this movie moment!
Author's reply
*snorts* - I know - I just wanted to yell - the sky is falling - but this worked out better! At least for the Fellowship - one less Orc against them!
Larner · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Late - A Drabble (young Denethor)
Oh, how well anxiety can play such tricks on us! Nicely realistic, even the cold, cold stone floor.
Author's reply
I could just feel my toes cramping as I wrote it. LOL Thanks, Larner, for your kind comments and for reading these!
Larner · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Hide And Seek - A Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
Yes, Faramir's skill at hiding would have been VERY useful at that moment!
Author's reply
I didn't mean to disparage the Hobbits hiding abilities - especially since Tolkien makes a point of saying they are not easily heard nor found. BUT - Faramir, as the Ranger he grew up to be, had to have had some pretty good 'hiding' skills... and Boromir's wish for the Hobbits is understandable for they all (M&P&B) were found by the Orcs. Thank you for reading and for your comment.
Rugi · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Hide And Seek - A Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
Again, great work linking two times (and in so few words!). Here the juxtaposition od Boromir and Faramir's safe childhood games and the present life and death battle is so sad.
Author's reply
Odd thoughts come at the strangest of times, Rugi. Boromir's wish for safety for Merry & Pippin is also represented by his wish for safety for his brother. Everything intertwined. Thank you. I most appreciate these comments. They are precious to me.
Rugi · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Late - A Drabble (young Denethor)
This is a great drabble. You do a wonderful job of linking past and present by showing how Denethor's present personality is still affected by past worry and pain. I really like it.
Author's reply
With the war, no king, and a father as the last bastion of hope for the free world and no family, except said father, that we ever hear of - all I can presume is that Denethor had it rough as a kid. Glad the scene worked for you. And thank you so much for your comments!
Dreamflower · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Hide And Seek - A Drabble (Boromir/Faramir)
Aww...poor Boromir! *sigh*
Author's reply
*heavy sigh* I agree completely, Dreamflower. *sobs* Thank you for reading and for responding!