Reviews (58)

Author's reply

Hello Andrea, Merry and Sam, eh? One is as bad as the other for their misplaced guilt! In fact, Pippin probably felt guilty too, and we all know Frodo did. *shakes head* Hobbits! But you are right: Que sera, sera and all that. At least Frodo got out alive (against all odds) and lived long enough to know joy again in Valinor - even if it was without the others (until Sam came). I've always felt a little bit sad that Merry & Pippin couldn't have seen him truly happy one last time, too. And trust a Took indeed to understand the fine art of speed-talking. Heaven knows he's done a lot of fast talking in his life! Thanks for R & R-ing and for the lovely compliments, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Dreamflower, I'm glad you think so too! Poor Merry must have kicked himself at some point and blamed himself for not being there for his big cousin. Thankfully, Sam was able to show that both he and Pippin were with Frodo right the way to Mount Doom and back. Thanks for enjoying and R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Linda, yes, I think both Arathorn and Gilraen were probably looking on with pride as Faramir cried 'Behold the King' and Gandalf set the crown on his head. A little thing like death couldn't stop them from missing that! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. It was a bit of a change for me writing a solely non-hobbit (and with characters I'm not familiar with either), but I suppose we all need challenges to keep us fresh. Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Larner, I'm so glad you enjoyed Sam's moment of embarrassment at having to explain his 'errand'. When he first met Merry at the wall, I had no idea how to explain his presence there and just had him brushing it off rather ambiguously, but when I got to Pippin's arrival, I sort of panicked because I knew the pesky Took would demand a more detailed explanation (which meant I had to pull something 'out of the hat'). It all turned out well though if you enjoyed it so much. *phew* Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello shirebound, thank you very much for those lovely words! Those four hobbits really are like an individual hobbit family, with all other hobbits in the LOTR universe orbiting around them like satellites... Which would make them planets, I suppose. Ah - a new galaxy is born and I christen it Baggee Branook Baggee Branook - get it? Anyway, enough of my nonsense. I'm so glad you liked their serious and humorous meanderings. They can liven up any conversation, those hobbits. And (I probably shouldn't say this), but 'Legolas old gaffer' made me spit my tea out laughing too... Thanks for R & R-ing, M :o)

Author's reply

Hello Andrea, he is a wise wee soul, isn't he *hugs Sam ferociously*. I didn't realise people would be so tickled by the idea of a lay to one-eared Sam! Looks like I may have to write it at some point... Thanks (as always) for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Larner, Sam would probably pay not to hear it (which is just as well, 'cos I'm too busy to write it)! The statue is a smaller version of the no doubt laeger memorial to Frodo and the hobbits on the top level. I just imagined Aragorn would have another one in a more secluded area he and immediate friends could visit for personal reflection. It's also a nice spot for visiting hobbits to go and chat to 'Uncle' Frodo! I also liked the idea of Sam offering Arwen hope at seeing her parents again by it, because it always struck me as a pity that she thought she'd never see them again. I'm glad you enjoyed! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Antane, Sam the theologist does seem a bit odd doesn't it? But I like to think that, admirer of all things elvish that he is, even our dear Sam can still offer the learned immortals a nugget of wisdom. For him (I imagined) Eru Iluvatar would not bless the various races of M.E. with each others' presence if he did not intend to unite them after death, for to do so would be nothing less than cruelty. It seems like plain Hobbit sense to him and he's happy to share it with her, especially as it will offer his friend comfort. It's always sad to hear about the passing of a loved one and I hope your high school friend has come to terms with her father's death. I like to think that I'll see my grandmother again one day. The human spirit (IMHO) possesses too much energy to simply vanish out of existence when the body fails, and I know that God has bigger plans for us than mere death. Hopefully, we'll all be reunited (on the right side of the pearly gates). Gosh, that sounds flippant doesn't it? It's not meant to be, though. It seems I express myself better in the midst of a story than I am able to in real life. Oh, well... Thanks for R & R-ing m'dear, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello shirebound, what lovely words you left in your review! You're right about the lack of Sam and Arwen scenes, though. A shame somehow, isn't it? Which was what moved me to write this fic, as a sort of sequel to the Rosie/Aragorn one I did a while ago. All the Elves always seem to be comforting miserable mortals at some point in their lives, so it seemed only fair to let one of the Firstborn be comforted by them for a change. And Sam is so full of plain hobbit sense that he seemed the ideal choice to give the woeful elleth something new to think about - or a new perspective on an old belief. I love hobbit/elf stories. Come to that, I love hobbit/Men stories too. Actually, I love hobbit/anyone stories! You can't really go far wrong with a bit of hobbit sense, or a dash of cheeky hobbit humour! Thank you so very much for R & R-ing and saying such lovely things, you have made me a very happy lass! (That's Scots lass, not hobbit. Sam stole that word from me...) M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Dreamflower, wow, that was a fast review! I only posted half an hour ago *beams with delight*. I had thought about whether or not I should post this as an individual fic, as sort of sequel to the Rosie/Aragorn tale, but somehow decided against it. I couldn't resist the opportunity to make use of baby-Tolman-in-Gondor again though. A Hobbit infant in a city of Big Folk is such an irresistible idea! Arwen always comes across as such a strong, confident woman. Even after she parted from her father, there is no canon reference (that I've found) to her suffering at his loss between that time and Aragorn's death, But the time thereafter, when she wandered the decaying land of her grandmother before dying, must have been filled with thoughts of her parents too as she realised the true cost of her choice, and it seemed only fair to open her eyes to the possibility of reunion. I completely believe what Sam said about the Valar uniting all the Children of Iluvatar after death; how could they not? So this tale lets her believe in it too, and my dear Sam was the right one to give her that hope. Thanks for the lovely comments on the garden. Spring is in the air all over just now and it reminded of the resident magpies outside my place of work - they're always hopping between the bushes looking for sticks and grubs! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Celeritas, What a lovely thing to say. I thank you for the beautiful compliment (and a much needed boost it was too after the dreary afternoon at work I've had). Indeed the women were strong - as all spouses are whose husbands/wives/partners are caught in conflict while they wait patiently at home, dreading the worst. I should have dedicated the story to these admirable people. Bad me! Thanks for R & R-ing, and for the truly lovely compliments you left, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Andrea, Thanks very much for your lovely words! I think being married to Gilraen the Fair probably opened his eyes a bit as far as the roles of men and women go. Before his own marraige, he may certainly have realised that the wives of his rangers missed their husbands when they were away on scouting missions, etc - but he may not have understood the full scope of their suffering as they waited for them to return, never sure if it would be living or dead. Not until he witnessed the joy in Gilraen's face when he came home, or the fear she tried to hide whenever he told her he had to leave again, would he have comprehended this and it probably gave him a healthy respect for the strength of the fairer sex. It must have been hard for him too, though, leaving his young wife and never knowing if he'd live long enough to see her again. I'm so glad you enjoyed this glimpse into their world! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;) Author Reply: Oo-er...looks like I'll have to work on my 'mastery' of the HTML language thingy... Sorry about that half-italicised reply! M x

Author's reply

Hello blossom! How I love to hear from you, it always makes me smile! I hope all is well with you ;) It makes me very happy that you enjoyed this wee Arathorn/Gilraen ficlet. And you think the descriptions poetic? I'm blushing! Arathorn may have been a big tough ranger, and probably not very emotionally expressive for the majority of his life (given his huge responsibilities), but I bet he always let his guard down when he was with his dearest beloved. To see her ache with pain at his final parting from their mortal union must have been worse than anything he'd ever experienced. And to know she'd spend the rest of her life mourning him could only have been torture. Poor sod! Thanks for R & R-ing, Tookish bloom that you are, Cousin Mo ;)

Author's reply

Hello Larner. I know. Poor sod. I've always wondered how Gilraen coped without her husband. It must have been so difficult, especially given her youth, to have lost him and now that she must live the rest of her life without the love his presence afforded. A very difficult thing for anyone who has lost a partner, but moreso when the widow/widower is so young. Gosh, I'm coming over all maudlin now! Thank you for R & R-ing, m'dear, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Ainariel, Glad you enjoyed it! Your favourite of the series? *blushes* This was a fic I wrote last night on the spur of the moment (plot bunnies - what can you do?), but even then it was supposed to portray Arathorn's spirit watching over his son as he grew from boy to man. However, after opening it with Gilraen, I found I really couldn't do her the disservice of dumping her halfway through the story to concentre on Aragorn when she was in so much pain. So it became the grieving widow's tale instead. She doesn't get that much attention in the world of fanfic, so it was only fair. According to canon, Arathorn was supposed to be a bit of a stern man, so it seemed like a good idea to show his softer side as he gazed on his wife. But, not being the romantic type myself (too sceptical of all the mushy stuff), I had to put a twist on it and set it after his death, 'cos I can't write romance to save my life! And no, you're not reading too much into it! Being a 'ghost', I imagine, would have lent him an air of detachment because he'd have realised that his earthly journey was over, that no amount of wishful thinking on his part would have made it possible to intercede on his wife's behalf to spare her grief. I also thought floating in the afterlife may give Arathorn a better understanding of what Gilraen sacrificed to be with him, and it seemed only natural that he would be torn between regret at marrying her and realisation that he could not have done any different - because he loved her. He must have wished that their life together could have been different, that they had been able to spend more of it with each other. But then, that would have been impossible. As Chieftain of the Dunedain, he had responsibilities and lived with a figurative target painted on his back. Any woman he married may have been exposed to the same grief as Gilraen. I don't think that she would have chose any different anyway, if she knew what lay before her. Young or not, she strikes me as having been a woman who couldn't ignore the call of her heart. Anyway, I'm waffling a right pile of mince here, so let me just say 'thank you' for R & R-ing and I'm delighted that you enjoyed this rather angsty fic. M ;)

Author's reply

Hello cookiefleck! Thanks for your encouraging words. It seemed to me at the time that Sam must've had an inkling that all was not well with his friend, despite Frodo's attempts to prove otherwise. He may not have known for definite that Frodo was leaving, but his friend's sufferings couldn't have been a mystery to him, living in such close proximity, and he must have thought about how the loss of Frodo would impact upon him (whether it was through death or not). That's why I had him expend his grief on the roses - and you're the first person to say that you liked it! So you've made me a happy woman, m'dear! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Larner, thanks for R & R-ing, I'm glad you enjoyed the tale. It is a bit of a weepy, but I came over all funny yesterday and had to write it. Take care, m'dea, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Ainariel, I completely agree - if it wasn't for Boromir's Ring-induced pivotal attack, who knows what would've happened? The Quest could have been ruined. Little did the Ring know that picking on him would mean its downfall... He is a hero indeed! Thank you for the very kind words about the tale (blushes). I'm so very glad you enjoyed it. Thanks also for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Celeritas, I took your advice and dashed straight over to the front page (before I even replied to this!), and I'm thrilled to see it meant what I thought. Thanks for the heads up there, m'dear! Glad Boromir's last thoughts were up to scratch for you as well! It was strange to imagine myself as a dying man, but its not hard to imagine what was most important to him in those final seconds: his loved ones. I imagine it'll be the same for me too, when my time comes (hopefully not for fifty or sixty years yet though). Gosh! What a morbid thought. Still, it never hurts to plan ahead, I suppose (I'm joking). Though I'll have to see about getting myself some loved ones (other than immediate family) to miss when I depart to push up the daisies ;) But that means abandoning my writing and getting a social life... Forgive the wry Scots humour - we'll make a joke out of just about anything (except really grave stuff). Grave stuff - get it? More dark humour! Okay, i'll shut up now. Thanks for R & R-ing m'dear, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello my wee blossom! It's lovely to hear from you, too. I was thinking of you when I wrote this and wondering if Boromir's regret at his behaviour to Frodo (not that he could help it; that wicked Ring!) would strike a chord with you, Frodo-lover that you are. I'm delighted to see it has. It was a bit odd, putting myself into the head of a dying soldier, because I've never faced the dangers he has and had to find some common ground between us before it would work. Fortunately he was as human as I am, and regardless of the wide gap in our respective social hierarchies (i.e: him being a Lord of Men and me...well, er, not), we still have the ability to love, show compassion and regret our folly (me more than him, probably, on that last one!). His love for his kin and his people, and the disappointment he must have felt at what he saw as his betrayal of them, must have made his final breaths an agony beyond pain - and Aragorn's words of comfort would have been priceless to him at that crucial moment, I think. So glad you enjoyed, m'dear. As for more, I'll do my best, but I'm still taking an almost Chosen One through the Strange New World that is ME, so I can't promise I'll be able to post every week. Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear. I've missed your Tookish cheek (I mean charm), Cousin Mo :o)

Author's reply

Hello Andrea, how lovely to hear from you, m'dear! Thank you for your kind words. I usually try to avoid the emotional depths of death scenes, but I took a sudden fancy to this one and had to write it or I was going to burst. Poor Boromir. If only he could have lived to see his City victorious, his people flourish under the rule of their long-awaited King. But at least he had the comfort of dying in a friend's arms, one whom he knew would not stop until he had fulfilled his dying wish. And little did he know that Frodo had forgiven him not long after his foolish (but necessary) act. Still, he died as he lived - a noble, honourable Son of Gondor and he will always be remembered for his strengths, not one moment of Ring-induced weakness. Thanks very much for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Bond Girl! It is indeed a topic to ponder: Boromir's final thoughts. Such a noble Man, such strength of character - he must have loathed himself for his moment of weakness. But then, great Lord or not, he (like the rest of us) is/was only human and as such was prone to the same fallibilities we all are. I think he must have been under great duress for the siren call of the Ring to have enticed him so, and no wonder. Years spent on the front line of the battlefield that was his land, fighting to prevent the resurgence of Sauron and to preserve his own City. The Ring must have seemed like a gift to him, before he fully understood the evil of it. Poor sod. I will always admire him, though, for although he succumbed to it briefly, he realised the error of his ways soon afterwards (and before he died, I like to think). That was his salvation, IMHO - his deep regret, his sincere penitence. I'm very glad you enjoyed this, m'dear. Thank you so much for R & R-ing, M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Larner! Lovely to hear from you, as always. Thank you for your lovely review :) You are too kind! I knew the rose-ripping incident would raise a few eyebrows - I actually debated pulling that before posting, but decided not to, because grief can affect us in strange ways and make us do the most irrational things. Poor Sam is not immune to that - but he did tend the remnant blooms with much more care afterwards and won't be doing such a thing again :) I think he missed the first illness because he was away planting in the Shire after the Scouring, but having lived in close quarters with him for the remainder of Frodo's stay (and knowing his friend so well), I think he would have known of some of the other incidences - certainly seen their effect on his friend. My interpretation is that he was always in denial of the severity of Frodo's post-quest condition: so eager was he to see his master well and back home again. But, deep down, I think he would have realised that all was not well in Bag End, no matter how desperately he wished otherwise. Poor sod. I did take a bit of (ahem) artistic licence with his guess about the 'far green land' though. Couldn't remember if he knew the option was open to Frodo (although he probably didn't: if he knew Frodo could leave him for Elven Lands at the drop of a hat, he would never have been as content as he was for that first 18 months or so after the quest...ooh, a plot bunny! You are my inspiration). Thanks (always) for R & R-ing, m'dear. M ;)

Author's reply

Hello Tookish bloom, Yep, I read your quote of St Terese and had it in mind. I also knew you might like the gardening similarities to his care of Frodo and though I didn't deliver it in a poam as you requested a while ago, I thought it was nigh on time that I gave you at least a ficlet about it. Glad you enjoyed ;) I knew the destruction of his cherished blossoms might raise a few eyebrows - it is very uncharacteristic of him, after all. But grief makes puppets of us all sometimes, and leaves us no room to ponder our actions carefully before we take them. Still, at least he didn't rip the head off a fellow hobbit! ;o) It's great to know that I'm not the only one who pondered The Great Italics Mystery! What a thrill to have it solved - and I mean that. It's been frustrating me for several months now, so my gratitude to Shirebound and Celeritas is boundless!! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear. I'm doing an HP/LOTR crossover on ff.net just now and have subsequently put 'An Evar-Present Danger' on hold until I can do it proper justice, so these little out-takes give me the chance to stay updated with my one true love of Middle Earth when I need a break from the marathon task that 'Not Quite A Maia' is turning out to be ( Two complex worlds and their histories - crikey! Cousin Mo ;)

Author's reply

Bonjour Andrea! A votre service et votre famille! Ahem, okay, so my French is rubbish. But it would ne a laugh eh? Or a German Hobbit: Ich stehe zur Ihren Dienst und das von Ihrer Familie. Okay, my German's a bit rusty too... But I'm loving this HTML business and will use it at every opportunity when replying to reviewers, or posting my own. This is even better than instant messaging! But your BTW made me laugh, so I had to try it. I was going to compare Frodo with an orchid, but was unsure if they would grew in the climate of the Shire. Perhaps further south, but not in Bag End. Very unfortunate for me! Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)