Ancestress by Dreamflower
shirebound · 11 February 2015 · Chapter 77: Returning Home
I like the pony's name very much, and the subdued yet compassionate celebration seems very appropriate.
Author's reply
Thank you! I felt that when it came right down to it, Frodo was too much of a hobbit to completely disregard the occasion, but keeping it quiet felt right.
KathyG · 9 February 2015 · Chapter 76: There is a Time
I'll bet Frodo's looking forward to that Shire glimpse! Too bad there's no sound in those seeing-stones, so he could hear what his friends and relatives were saying. Trying to watch them must be rather like watching a silent movie, but without the captions.
Author's reply
Yes, no sound, though Frodo's become pretty adept over the years at guessing what's being said. Still, it's not quite like actually hearing it.
Andrea · 8 February 2015 · Chapter 76: There is a Time
"A bit young. Back you go!" I think this is not only directed to the trout, but also to Frodo! In his momentary situation he would rather be with Bilbo than having to stay and wait. But he has made a promise to wait for Sam. Hopefully a glimpse of the Shire will lighten his heart. I am very sad that Fiondil is gone. I liked Elf Academy very much and actually it was your little story about Legolas that let me start reading the series. I will never forget it.
Author's reply
I'm glad you caught that bit. It's exactly my implication. It's also the reason that Bilbo got him to make the promise to wait for Sam. He knew Frodo would long to join him. Oh, I'm SO glad I inspired you to go and read the stories! Fiondil was so sweet about allowing me to play in his AU, however briefly, and it was an honor to me to be able to do so.
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 6 February 2015 · Chapter 76: There is a Time
Oh Dreamflower, I know I've gotten extremely lax in reviewing (though not reading) this story. I'm so glad you've resumed updating it and extra glad that you dedicated it to my atto indonyo. I'm sure Atto Fiondil is reading it too, and smiling. Probably with Frodo by his side :) And perhaps Dear Miss Dora too!! Frodo's been gone for 20 years - it's 1441, my goodness. That means that Sam and Rosie are in Gondor, and little Tolman will be born, completing Sam and Rosie's brood! (Excepting Lily, perhaps! lol :) ) I wonder if Frodo will see them, since they're in Gondor and all! Kaylee
Author's reply
Actually, it's the following year, 1442 that they go. But things are in the air as Frodo will see when he faces the palantir! (I hope Fiondil can see the story. That would be nice.)
Larner · 5 February 2015 · Chapter 76: There is a Time
Yes, it is probably the right time for that. A needed solace, I am certain. At least he is not alone. And thanks for dedicating this to Fiondil. A delightful man, one who undoubtedly is making Frodo's acquaintance right now! Heh!
Author's reply
*nods* He is not alone, although at the time he feels that way. It's an old thing with him, that goes back long before he had the Ring. After his parents died, he learned to feel alone even in a crowd. But he's older now, and wiser, and it won't take him nearly so long to learn he's still loved. Fiondil was a wonderful person; I do wish he'd still be around to read this story.
Antane · 5 February 2015 · Chapter 76: There is a Time
Too sad to think of Frodo believing he would be lonely, but hopefully, as he told Sam, he would discover that there would still be so many things for him to be and to do. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
You are quite right, and he has quite a lot of time ahead of him.
shirebound · 4 February 2015 · Chapter 76: There is a Time
This just breaks my heart, but I know Gandalf and Adamanta (and Frodo's other friends) will find ways to ease his grief.
Author's reply
Yes they will.
Andrea · 31 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
The wooden tee is interesting. Did Gandalf play golf as well? Bilbo was there to comfort Arwen in the dark times. I'm quite sure he did a very good job. Now Elrond and Celebrian are waiting for Frodo to give this comfort back to him. They just have to give him some more time.
Author's reply
No, but he was familiar with the game as hobbits played it. The tees are mentioned in my story "A Birthday on the Blessed Isle". The origin of the idea of the golf course (and other gifts) are in my collaboration with Pandemonium213, "The Prisoner and the Hobbit". I like the way you put that. Frodo's presence will be a comfort to his friends once again.
Lindelea · 28 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
Aw. Lovely remembrances. I am glad Frodo was not left alone. Good glimpse into one of Bilbo's roles in his retirement years, while dwelling in Rivendell: encourager to Elves, as he had once been encourager to one of the worst young rascals in the Shire, who grew up to save Middle-earth from worse than destruction.
Author's reply
Yes indeed. Bilbo lived under Elrond's roof for nearly 20 years, and while that may seem short to an Elf, it doesn't take long for a hobbit to find his way into a kind heart. And yes, Bilbo always was an encourager!
KathyG · 27 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
As long as Frodo is still alive when Sam arrives! There must be something about the Undying Lands that prolongs life; otherwise, Bilbo would have surely died not long after he and Frodo had arrived. That same something will surely prolong Frodo's own life so that he will be alive to greet Sam when he comes, and so that he and Sam can leave this life together when their time arrives to leave this life.
Author's reply
I don't think there's a problem there. There have been one or two fics in which Frodo is not there; Gamgeefest wrote a very lovely and touching, if sad one, as well as an essay explaining why she thought it was likely that Frodo did not survive until Sam's arrival. It was very good, and quite logical, although I disagreed with some of her conclusions. But I think there is indeed a possibility Frodo could live that long. Personally, I think the aging of both Bilbo and Frodo took up where it left off when they received the Rings. Plus they had their Took heritage as well. The Old Took reached 129 naturally. And Frodo would have only been 111 (a significant age!) when Sam arrived in SR 1482. Also, in Tolkien's Letters, it's indicated that mortals in the West would be able to "accept the Gift" as did the Numenoreans of old, at the right time. I don't think the time would have been right for Frodo until Sam got there.
Larner · 27 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
So many lives were touched properly by Bilbo Baggins! Gandalf taking on corporeal form so as to carefully whittle a golf tee is somehow so delightful to think on. And I love that Celebrian shares the familial affinity for prescience.
Author's reply
My fanon is that Gandalf kept his form when they arrived out of honor to Frodo and Bilbo, who know him best in that form. He maintains his persona as a wizard, even though his powers as a Maia have been restored. Well, she is Galadriel's daughter!
Antane · 27 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
And Sam will come. :) How cute to have a golf course. That's one of my favorite quotes in The Hobbit. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The idea of the golf course comes from my collaboration with Pandemonium213 in "The Prisoner and the Hobbit", and I show Elrond giving it to him in "A Birthday on the Blessed Isle" from my "Into the West" collection.
KathyG · 27 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
I wonder if Celebrian foresees that Sam is eventually going to join Frodo in the Undying Lands. That's one of the things that will make him happy before the end.
Author's reply
I think Sam's eventual arrival is fairly well known among the Wise in the West.
shirebound · 27 January 2015 · Chapter 75: Mourning: Elrond
Even in his own sorrow and fear for his kin during the Quest to destroy Sauron's Ring, he did what he could to keep up her hopes and mine. I like to believe that, too. Thank you for showing us how very loved and appreciated Bilbo was.
Author's reply
I do think that the two of them formed a firm friendship during those uncertain and worrying times. Bilbo truly was beloved by nearly all who knew him (S.-B.s and goblins excepted).
Andrea · 24 January 2015 · Chapter 74: Mourning: Adamanta
after all, grandmothers are for comforting. And this will be of great help for Frodo. Hopefully Frodo's presence will also be a comfort for Adamanta.
Author's reply
Yes, they will definitely be of comfort to one another.
Fiondil · 22 January 2015 · Chapter 74: Mourning: Adamanta
I've never gotten around to reading this. Been sitting here tonight going from chapter to chapter and have found it delightful and poignant and very clever in explaining the "fairy wife" reference. I've enjoyed this very much, Dreamflower, and look forward to reading more of this delightful story (and thank Eru the chapters are so short; it makes it easier to fit it into my already crowded schedule).
Author's reply
Welcome to the story! I'm so glad you are enjoying it. I am very much enjoying writing it, and exploring what life might have been like for the hobbits on the Blessed Isle. I chose the format as it was being posted at the "troubledtribble" on LJ, but also because it helps me to actually make progress, as I only hit the high points. Thanks for reading and reviewing!
Larner · 21 January 2015 · Chapter 74: Mourning: Adamanta
Certainly she has reason to mourn now, both for her Tuk and for Bilbo. I am glad she and Frodo have one another, at least for a time. Until, of course, he must leave her, too. Then will be a worse time, perhaps.
Author's reply
Yes, she and Frodo do have one another, a consolation that was meant to be.
shirebound · 21 January 2015 · Chapter 74: Mourning: Adamanta
Dear Adamanta! I just love her.
Author's reply
Thank you! Over the years, she truly has become family to Frodo and Bilbo, with all that implies.
KathyG · 21 January 2015 · Chapter 74: Mourning: Adamanta
I'm so glad you're writing again! I've missed seeing new stories from you. Poor Frodo and Adamanta--this is hard on them both, I know. Frodo must feel orphaned for the second time, seeing as Bilbo has been a father to him for so long.
Author's reply
Yes, I'm finally getting to do some writing. Exactly; but at least he now has his "grandmother".
Antane · 20 January 2015 · Chapter 73: Mourning: Gandalf
Great chapter - you really feel Gandalf's grief for 'his' hobbits - I love the way you said that. Namarie, God bless. Antane :)
Andrea · 17 January 2015 · Chapter 73: Mourning: Gandalf
Parting was painful, whether or not one was assured of eventual reunion, and joy postponed was...postponed. Very well said! The process of mourning will be very hard for Gandalf. And even more so because he knows that Bilbo was not the last hobbit he had to let go.
Author's reply
Exactly.
Larner · 14 January 2015 · Chapter 73: Mourning: Gandalf
That postponed reunion is indeed little comfort now, in the loss of one so beloved. But I rejoice that he can appreciate how precious Gerontius, Bilbo, and Frodo have been to him, and that he will one day know that reunion with that fullness of joy at the finding again!
Author's reply
Yes, he does know that they will be reunited; but it will take awhile before he can think with equanimity of the waiting.
Andrea · 9 January 2015 · Chapter 72: Mourning: Frodo
Somehow knowing how deeply Gandalf missed Bilbo as well seemed to help. That is exactly what I meant by "sharing their grief". Mourning takes time, but together with others it is much easier. And Adamanta does exactly the right thing by giving Frodo all the time he needs.
Author's reply
Yes, shared grief is always easier, and Frodo has good friends who will also miss Bilbo.
Andrea · 9 January 2015 · Chapter 71: The Funeral
How could I miss this chapter? Somehow, it must have escaped my eyes ;-) Frodo could see the pain in the wizard's eyes. In a few decades more or less, he'd be reunited with Bilbo. It would be a lot longer for Gandalf. Under certain circumstances it is indeed a comfort to know that lifetime is limited (for mortals). Not so for Gandalf! At least Gandalf and Frodo have each other to share their grief.
Author's reply
Yes, Gandalf knows how long it will be until they are reunited!
Antane · 8 January 2015 · Chapter 72: Mourning: Frodo
I am glad Frodo still has people around him who understand and who love him and Bilbo and let him grieve in his own way and also let him know they are there for him too. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, that's exactly what I want to show.