Larner · 2 May 2010 · Chapter 1: The Last Adventure
I am glad that Bilbo realizes his time has come. It is more the loss of Bilbo's company than the thought of his death, I'd think, that causes Frodo's concern--he's come through the worst he can face already. I'm a bit surprised at Gandalf, though! Silly Maia! A wonderful look at Bilbo's preparation to go on!
Author's reply
Haha. Hey, but you must remember that Gandalf had never had the privelege to know someone who died peacefully - at least in this story - as he said himself. For the hobbits - and indeed, us - he must look and sound quite silly. But Bilbo and Frodo and we have always known that they (and we) will die someday, and have in a way prepared for that eventuality. An Ainu, though, like the Firstborn, do not know death as intimately as the Secondborn do, and thus confusion has a big chance to arise regarding the matter... Yes, Frodo was dismayed because he would miss Bilbo's company, I suppose. Perhaps he had thought that the two of them would go together... Well, actually, it was what I was thinking when I was invisioning his character in the scene. After everything that had come in his life, I would bet he would welcome death instead of fearing for it. It would be something like an escape from the horrors he suffered in the one year of the Ring War... Poor hobbit. Thanks for reading, Larner, and the review. :) I appreciate it. - Rey