Lovely piece.
In particular, I really enjoyed how you used a capitalised pronoun when referencing the Ring. I can honestly say that I've never seen it before (or thought to do it myself) but it really has a great impact on the piece, solidifies the Ring's individuality. Yeah, that was just awesome.
Gandalf's thoughts here, as well as the gapfilling elements, were wonderful. They were certainly realistic, and brought about things that I hadn't thought of before, and in a charming manner.
Overall, this was a wonderful piece.
Oh, and happy birthday!
Author's reply
I've tended to capitalize "it" when referring to the Ring, except during the earliest chapters in which It is mentioned within "For Eyes to See as Can." Makes it easier to identify when the Ring Itself is acting, for as PJ noted, It is a character in Its own right. And I'm not alone, you'll find.
I'd considered writing something along these lines for some time, but hadn't started doing so until Tallis specifically asked for this topic last week. It just seemed thoughts on Frodo's growing sensitivity and capabilities with osanwë was intended to be the topic for this tale.
Thank you so, Adonnen, and again, welcome to the community!
Antane
· 26 February 2011
· Chapter 26: Letting Go of Love
Finally got to this! Sorry it's taken so long, so busy. But here I am. I think this was the best choice for them all, even if made in fear of losing a future child, and it broke our dear's heart, for it would be good for the two to have something in common and it doesn't sound like there would be any. Frodo certainly deserves better. It's good that Pearl realizes the real reason she was taken with Frodo before it got much farther. But one must feel for our rejected one and right indeed that he would not give a gift to someone else that he had intended to give another.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I certainly understand taking time to get back to things. Between exhaustion and frustrating circular debates on a discussion board to which I belong, I've found myself rather distracted myself lately.
I am glad I finally wrote this one out--I've rather wanted to do so, but have been distracted by so much lately! And, no, Frodo would want his own promise gift to be unique to the one who is to receive it.
Thank you so very much, Antane!
Teresa
· 16 February 2011
· Chapter 26: Letting Go of Love
Poor Frodo! She should have told him the truth! Sighs. But if Frodo had married the Ring would have destroyed his happiness in the end...... it's just sad that Frodo never had the marriage and family that he wanted! But, as Sam and the others tell him later he did have children of the heart! I do think that Pearl could have handled it much better and not let Lobelia's nastiness influence her actions. Many thanks for the vignette! :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, she ought to have been honest with him at the time, but as Dreamflower has indicated elsewhere, they were both quite young at the time, Frodo not of age as yet and her barely more than twenty-five and thus (in my version of Shire custom), barely of age to marry with her parents' permission. It would probably have been difficult for Pearl to explain why she'd had this apparent change of heart.
Once Frodo had the Ring in his pocket, however, I'm certain It would have done all It could to destroy the relationship between them.
And in the end, because of Frodo's sacrifices so many were born who were in many ways as much his children as the children of their parents.
Thanks so, Teresa.
6336
· 15 February 2011
· Chapter 26: Letting Go of Love
I take it Lobelias insinuations were more of an excuse for Pearl to change her mind than the actual reason.
Lynda
Author's reply
No, I suspect that the real reason Pearl changed her mind was the fear that Frodo's alleged weak heart did run in his family, and that it might well lead to any children they might conceive between them tending to be born prematurely or dead, as happened with Frodo's own family in my-verse.
And, when she realized that this could lead her to decide to end the courtship, that led to Pearl realizing that it was merely fascination and not real love that she felt for Frodo. I suspect it was the first time she'd truly looked at herself in relationship to Frodo, and that she'd had the chance to realize that her marriage to Frodo was likely to be unsatisfactory in the end.
In some ways a blessing in the end, for had he suddenly indicated that he'd realized he must leave the Shire during a visit from Gandalf I'm certain that there would have been a lot of fireworks on her part, and that Gandalf would have been summarily ejected from the hole by Pearl.
Tari
· 10 February 2011
· Chapter 25: Concerns
If he knew what was in store for Frodo, Merry and Pippin, he' be "shaking in his shoes" even though he doesn't wear any.
Author's reply
Oh, I so suspect you have the right of it, Tari. None of them realizes what's coming in the coming year, much less what their beloved young ones are headed out to face.
Antane
· 4 February 2011
· Chapter 25: Concerns
Well, at least they have an inkling that something is up so perhaps it won't be so much of a shock when they really do leave.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm certain that Merry would have made certain that if at all possible there was some kind of explanation offered--at least once the four Travellers were out of the Shire. And I suspect that there were sufficient hints to Sara that morning that he was not totally taken by surprise.
Andrea
· 3 February 2011
· Chapter 25: Concerns
So, Merry's preparations did not remain as unnoticed as he would have liked!
Mac is a good observer and his brother Sara, too. But still there were so many harmless explanations possible that they did not find out what was going on that day.
Author's reply
I doubt he could have hidden all that was done in preparation for the journey, and particularly not once the ponies were in place. It's very difficult to hide ponies, after all. But knowing that Black Riders had entered the Shire and that the lads were apparently preparing for a journey must have been difficult.
Linda Hoyland
· 3 February 2011
· Chapter 25: Concerns
I love the way the Hobbits care about each other and how your portray that.
Author's reply
I enjoy examining the ties within the families. The Brandybucks particularly had to have been aware something was up. You don't see a younger member of the family purchase ponies and move them about the place, and that food beyond what one would ordinarily need to fill a larder is being prepared, without getting the idea that something special is going on here. And I'm certain all here did care deeply what Merry, Frodo, and Pippin might be up to.
Periantari
· 25 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
Very nice-- loved the comparison--interesting choice of character to compare with Frodo's first time learning to dance. :)
Author's reply
I suspect that Frodo has been dancing for quite some time by now, but certainly he was learning a new dance, even as was Aragorn. Different purposes for their dancing, perhaps, but the same need to do well and effectively. Am so glad you like the comparison! Thanks!
Periantari
· 25 January 2011
· Chapter 22: Spirits Lifted
Lovely moment described. I like how you described each Fellowship's member reaction to Pippin's parodies. :)
Author's reply
Each would have a unique reaction, after all, and I think it would have served to lighten the mood for all of them. Bless Elrond for agreeing to include the young Took in the Fellowship!
Antane
· 22 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
Interesting to have these happening at the same time. You know which one I prefer. :) Anything to bring him and us joy. *hugs him, Bilbo and you*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Both were necessary, I am certain--for Frodo to know how to express his inner joy, and for Aragorn to become adept with all weapons.
Thank you so!
Linda Hoyland
· 22 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
A very enjoyable drabble. I liked the mirror images.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Linda. Thank you so!
Lindelea
· 22 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
Excellent. Two scenes, nicely juxtaposed. And in so few words! Masterfully done.
Author's reply
Oh, and I'm so very glad you enjoyed this, Lin! Thank you so!
harrowcat
· 21 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
I just don't know how you keep coming up with such brilliant moments Larner. What a comparison.
Author's reply
I am so honored, Harrowcat. Thank you so!
Teresa
· 21 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
I loved reading about how Frodo and Aragorn were learning at the same moment that day! And was their younger brother studying the dance of nature right then? You paint such clear pictures of them! Many thanks for this tidbit! :)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that Sam was indeed learning much about the way in which trees and flowers add to the dance of life! Thank you so very much!
shirebound
· 20 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
Very nice. I love it when we see similarities of any kind between Frodo and Aragorn... the bearer and the guardian.
Author's reply
And I rejoice to show these similarities, Shirebound. Thank you so!
Armariel
· 20 January 2011
· Chapter 24: New Moves
A good bit told in a few words. Nice indeed!
~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Thank you so, Armariel! My pleasure.
Antane
· 16 January 2011
· Chapter 22: Spirits Lifted
Sweet gifts, love especially Gandalf's gift. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciate that, Antane. Thank you!
Andrea
· 10 January 2011
· Chapter 23: Griefs Faced and Hearts Lightened
“Indeed—the special hero to us all.”
These words, spoken by the King of Gondor, tell a lot about his personality! Aragorn proves once more that he is the best man for the job!
Frodo, however, feels guilty because he lives while Smeagol is dead! Some day he will understand that Aragorn is right:
Your hope was noble, but I doubt that poor Gollum could be healed this side of the Halls of Mandos.
Author's reply
One can know a thing intellectually but be incapable of accepting it emotionally, and I fear that Frodo indeed is at that point. And there is no question that Elessar is the best one for his new position indeed! Thanks so, Andrea.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 January 2011
· Chapter 23: Griefs Faced and Hearts Lightened
I just loved this. These three are all so great ,have endured much and have much in common.Typical of Frodo to care about Gollum.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you enjoyed seeing them together. And all realize that without Gollum there would have been little chance of success for the quest. Thanks so, Linda.
harrowcat
· 6 January 2011
· Chapter 23: Griefs Faced and Hearts Lightened
This fits so well as I am about half-way through 'an Acceptable Sacrifice' for the umpteenth time! The compassion of Frodo for Smeagol saved both Sam and Faramir from deeds and behaviour they would later regret. I am so glad that there is hope of healing beyond the bounds of this world.
Author's reply
Thank you so for the comments, Harrowcat. Yes, they would truly have regretted having killed Gollum, had either Faramir or Sam have followed through on the deed. And I am certain that we can find healing in the next life for the ills of the spirit we knew in this one.
I've finished what I hope are my last revisions for The Acceptable Sacrifice, and they are with RiverOtter now to see if she can see things I've managed to overlook. Once she is finished, I'll begin replacing the current chapters, probably a few at a time. It is one work I rejoice that I wrote.
Teresa
· 5 January 2011
· Chapter 23: Griefs Faced and Hearts Lightened
An most excellent vignette! I enjoyed seeing Faramir, Frodo and Aragorn bonding like this! I hope that they had many such occasions before Frodo and the others left Mina Tirith; and after their reunion on the other side. Their strong connection to each other showed so clearly; as did the one between Eowyn and Merry. It was also nice to see their reactions to Gollum. It was a blend of sympathy and understanding not only of what the Ring had done to him, but what it did to Boromir and the others. I think that talks like that helped Faramir very much as he dealt with his grief for his father and brother. Many thanks for another lovely chapter from Middle Earth! :)
Author's reply
I'm certain that Faramir needed to deal with his loss of Boromir and their father, and hope that situations such as this helped him with his grief as well as accepting the changes for the good that had also come. And am so glad you appreciated this tale. Thank you so very much for the comments, Teresa.
shirebound
· 5 January 2011
· Chapter 23: Griefs Faced and Hearts Lightened
“So many died,” he sighed at last, and took a small bite of his apple.
“And so many lived as well,” Faramir returned. “So many lived who otherwise would have died had you not arrived in time at the Sammath Naur."
I enjoyed this conversation very much, as well the lovely details such as Eowyn remembering to send food to dear Merry.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you did, Shirebound. Yes, many died, but more lived that would have died or suffered terribly had Frodo, Sam, and Gollum not have arrived at the Mountain when they did. And I'm certain that Eowyn would have taken thought for her shield brother's needs!
Thanks so!
Antane
· 5 January 2011
· Chapter 23: Griefs Faced and Hearts Lightened
This is a good story, especially talking about the terrible temptation and power of the Ring and what it could have done to Frodo and what he could have done had anyone truly taken it from him. Love also the thoughts of Gollum and the hope he rests in peace at last and the thanks given to him, for indeed he was a most unlikely source of salvation for Frodo and all Middle-earth, as was planned from the very beginning.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
As I've noted before, oftentimes the Father appears to use our own worst traits to the good of all in the end; and I believe He found a means to offer Smeagol an unexpected salvation that worked for all of Middle Earth.
Andrea
· 21 December 2010
· Chapter 22: Spirits Lifted
Beautiful!
Pippin broke the ice, but I also very much liked Gandalf's addition to the Yule celebration!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin's song helped them put away the concerns of the night's journey, and each of the rest could respond more properly to the holiday as a result. And I can so imagine Gandalf letting his own playful side show at such a moment!