Ancestress by Dreamflower
Larner · 7 January 2015 · Chapter 72: Mourning: Frodo
I rejoice that he is able to heal as he does. As for Gandalf's grief--he has had to learn to let go of so many, and now he will do as he has done before, greater in the end because he has known so many mortals so closely.
Author's reply
You are right--and, in fact, anticipating the next chapter. Have you been peeking over my shoulder?
KathyG · 3 May 2014 · Chapter 71: The Funeral
I'm looking forward to reading the chapter in which Sam joins them.
Author's reply
I am too.
KathyG · 3 May 2014 · Chapter 27: An Eye-opener and No Mistake
Hmm. Wonder if there's any chance that Sam shares any of that unique lineage! =) And I suspect that it's not only Frodo who could use some mothering. Sam lost his mother, too.
Author's reply
You will find out if you keep reading! I will be glad when I finish "Eleventy-one" so I can get back to this one!
Antane · 27 December 2013 · Chapter 71: The Funeral
Sorry it has taken so long to get here to read and review, been so busy. Gentle chapter about a sad event, but glad Frodo knows reunion is coming and he has Sam to look forward to seeing. Merry Christmas, Happy Yule/New Year! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! Yes, Frodo will now be focusing on Sam's eventual arrival.
Antane · 27 December 2013 · Chapter 71: The Funeral
Sorry it has taken so long to get here to read and review, been so busy. Gentle chapter about a sad event, but glad Frodo knows reunion is coming and he has Sam to look forward to seeing. Merry Christmas, Happy Yule/New Year! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thank you, dear!
shirebound · 3 December 2013 · Chapter 71: The Funeral
I'm very much enjoying these 300-word glimpses. Such gentle, loving gifts! Each one is so perfect.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I'm so glad you see them that way! Sometimes it's hard keeping the word count right.
Larner · 3 December 2013 · Chapter 71: The Funeral
At least the two of them had a full life beside one another, and these three have one another with whom they can know comfort.
Author's reply
They will find much comfort with one another as they learn to live without Bilbo's presence among them.
Andrea · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
A peaceful passing indeed and the best "famous last words" Bilbo could ever have chosen!
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I wanted it to be peaceful, and those words seemed just right.
walker- skye · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
What a perfect, gentle passing for Bilbo. Only you, who have spent so much time as a devoted friend of his could pen so fitting a tale. Thank you.
Author's reply
Thank you so much dear! I'm so glad to know you are still out there reading! I had so much trepidation about this chapter; it's been hard, but I knew that it had to happen, and that I wanted it to be as peaceful and gentle as possible.
walker- skye · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
What a perfect, gentle passing for Bilbo. Only you, who have spent so much time as a devoted friend of his could pen so fitting a tale. Thank you.
Antane · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
Love the title, a sweet, blessed death, though it will be painful at first for Frodo. Another adventure indeed. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The title was the first thing that came to me; it made me think of the old spiritual, "Steal Away", plus it seemed fitting for the Burglar of Ereborl! But yes, it will be painful for those left behind--that's the way of things.
Lindelea · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 69: Conversations About the Future, (part 2)
I truly love Adamanta here (not that I didn't, before). How long before Sam's arrival, I wonder? I hate to think of Frodo being alone for that time between Bilbo's departure and Sam's arrival, and yet you have contrived for him not to be alone. Is it 'canon' that Bilbo departed before Sam arrived, or is it possible in some realm of the imagination that there was some overlap? Just curious, as in all the gapfillers I recall reading, Bilbo departs before Sam arrives.
Lindelea · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
"Exactly one hundred years ago today..." a special date, indeed, and somehow fitting. We don't always have such peaceful days of preparation. I'm glad that Frodo had them, that Bilbo's going was not sudden and unexpected. Still, I seem to remember reading something about Bilbo and Frodo (and Sam) having the choice to live on, or lay down their lives at will in that blessed land beyond the Sea, to go onward into that final adventure. Even though he knows they'll meet again, this must be so difficult for Frodo. I love your descriptions of Merry, Pippin, Sam, Rose and Elanor here, brief but saying so much. It must be more difficult for the others -- for is not the sundering more final for them? Or do they have the chance of meeting once more? I'm foggy on my details this morning. Been away from Arda for too long, I'm afraid.
Author's reply
I chose that date on purpose; I wanted to make sure that no hobbit would ever be able to pass him. *grin* And it seemed to me that a round century past the beginning of the Adventure would be a good anniversary. No, but you are right, Bilbo and Frodo did have the choice of *when* to accept the Gift (though not of *whether*; JRRT made it plain in his Letters they would not gain immortality by living in the West). For the Elves, it's not known if they will ever see their mortal friends again; they live for as long as Arda endures, but when the world is made new--perhaps they will see their loved ones again. That is never answered for certain. We've missed you! Welcome back!
Larner · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
And he's found that adventure, of that I am certain! A blessed passing from this life, and a gentle death and parting from those he's come to love. And he's made certain that Frodo will not be left alone. Bless them both.
Author's reply
Yes, he has. Bilbo always had his lad in his thoughts first and foremost!
shirebound · 18 November 2013 · Chapter 70: The Burglar Steals Away
What a truly peaceful passing, although I'm as grieved as Frodo and the rest. I love your title for this chapter.
Author's reply
I wanted it to be as peaceful and full of love as I could make it. Frodo and his friends will sorely miss him and his presence among them, but they can be comforted in knowing that he went forth in love after a long life well-lived. The title has been with me for a while.
Antane · 17 November 2013 · Chapter 69: Conversations About the Future, (part 2)
Good that Frodo will not be alone. And he will also sense that Bilbo has not left him either Sam and the other brothers of his heart are nearby as well. Love the part with the starfish in the last chater too. :) Namsrie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
No, he will not be alone. Thank you!
Andrea · 16 November 2013 · Chapter 69: Conversations About the Future, (part 2)
Very good! I have no doubt that Frodo will take great comfort in Adamanta's presence. "Do not think he will be without one of his own kind even after Bilbo departs. After all, for what other reason was Adamanta sent among us?" This shows also of how much importance Frodo is to those who sent Adamanta there.
Author's reply
Exactly. He is very important to them, and his sacrifices are all much appreciated--he will always have what he needs for his comfort.
Larner · 15 November 2013 · Chapter 69: Conversations About the Future, (part 2)
Oh, how all can rejoice for that truth. Frodo still has one of his kindred at his side!
Author's reply
Yes, he does. I began this story not only to show my idea of the Took fairy wife, but to show one way in which comfort and consolation could have been arranged for Frodo during a period that would have been difficult for him.
shirebound · 15 November 2013 · Chapter 69: Conversations About the Future, (part 2)
"Do not think he will be without one of his own kind even after Bilbo departs. After all, for what other reason was Adamanta sent among us?" This shows such love for Frodo, from so many who care about him.
Author's reply
Indeed, it's what should be: someone to help him in a way that even Gandalf and Elrond can't, someone who truly understands being a hobbit! And all the others will be there with him as well. In my 'verse, Frodo is known as Frodo the Beloved, and I wanted to show that's still true.
Andrea · 11 November 2013 · Chapter 68: Conversations About the Future, (part 1)
Celebrian was right. They so much feared to say something wrong, but in the end it was so easy. Now Bilbo is free to go on his last adventure!
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes the things we think will be the hardest, in the end are so simple.
Larner · 11 November 2013 · Chapter 68: Conversations About the Future, (part 1)
The perfect mathom for the moment, marrying sky and sea, death and delight. May Bilbo go in peace.
Author's reply
Thank you! The "sky and sea" was just the imagery I was going with!
Larner · 11 November 2013 · Chapter 67: Conversations About the Present, (part 2)
Yes, that time grows very soon indeed. And he has the best of friends to stand by him when the time comes. I hope that he feels he has accomplished much, for indeed he has done so.
Author's reply
He does indeed have many very good friends who love him and will miss him very much. Bilbo, I think, has always been a fairly modest person; but I think he knows that he always did his best, and that his best was enough.
shirebound · 11 November 2013 · Chapter 68: Conversations About the Future, (part 1)
*sigh* If only all partings could be as gentle and accepted as this one.
Author's reply
I think that of all people, Frodo and Bilbo deserve a gentle and accepted parting.
Larner · 8 November 2013 · Chapter 66: Conversations About the Present, (part 1)
When it is time to go, both will know it well enough. She is correct--Frodo should not fear to speak up.
Author's reply
Yes. They will know. It is not fear of Bilbo, I think, but fear that he will not find the right words for this parting. Even as close as they are, he's not sure he will say the right thing.
Antane · 8 November 2013 · Chapter 66: Conversations About the Present, (part 1)
I'm glad Frodo knows he will see Bilbo again even after death. That will make this parting perhaps a little less bitter. I love this chapter. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
These two have known far more than the average hobbit in their lifetimes, and they have no doubts that something awaits them. Thank you!