Through the Eyes of Maia and Wizard by Larner
shirebound · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 18: Finding Warmth
he’d been wearing a source of warmth I never thought of that. What a marvelous gap filler.
Author's reply
I'd always pondered on how the renewed Gandalf should have come into possession of a new staff and Narya anew. And being the Ring of Fire, surely Narya would help him when he needed warmth, don't you think? I'm so glad that this pleased you so!
Lindelea · 1 April 2013 · Chapter 18: Finding Warmth
Oh! Marvellous expansion on the scene that I can see so clearly in my mind, remembered from the film. You have captured the essence of Gandalf so well, right down to the flashes of humor, an inner delight that was finally and more completely made free after the great battle was over ("He laughs more than he talks..."). Thanks for a lovely lunchtime read.
Author's reply
Gandalf's basic joy that must have been native to him as a Maia seems to have been more strongly expressed in and by him after his rebirth, so I can so imagine him enjoying images such as himself brooding on the Ring like an old hen. And Ian McKellan did such a marvelous job of bringing life to what Gandalf described in his brief explanation of how he was sent back from death! I found it so inspiring! But I had to restrain myself from a far too modern examination of the scientific principles of how the autonomic nervous system is organized--heh!
Andrea · 8 October 2012 · Chapter 17: Aching for Comfort
All he could do was place his hand upon Frodo’s shoulder Poor Frodo, so sad and hopeless! Even Gandalf, the powerful wizard, can not use any of his powers to help him. Instead, he does a very simple thing: he gives him comfort by placing a hand on his shoulder! And that is all what Frodo really needed. Wonderfully done!
Author's reply
Just knowing others empathise with him is a help, I suspect. Thank you so, Andrea.
Antane · 2 October 2012 · Chapter 17: Aching for Comfort
I ache for his ache. Dear me. But love the solace rec'd at the end. Sometimes just silent companionship and a tender touch is what it most needed and most powerful. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There you are right. And I suspect that this was merely one of Frodo's worse days. We know he recognized that home could not feel the same to him as HE was not the same. But at least we know he did not choose to blame anyone else for his plight--it was, unfortunately, the result of having been hurt too badly and too deep. And at least WE know he will most likely find his healing beyond all hope. Thanks so, Antane.
Kitty · 28 September 2012 · Chapter 17: Aching for Comfort
It's so sad that Frodo feels so weak and can't enjoy anything any more, but I am glad he at least was so open to Gandalf and for once didn't try to hide anything. But no matter how sad it is, I like the way he compared himself to the books. Well, at least he still has his books ... The end made me wonder if that was at least part of why Frodo in the end was offered to accompany the Elves to Tol Eressëa. It was the only place where he could be healed, after all. Thank you so much, Larner, this is a beautiful little oneshot!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Kitty. Yes, for once Frodo is speaking openly, not that he thinks he can successfully hide anything from Gandalf anyway. And he did not only need healing, but so deserved it! And glad you appreciated the literary aspect of the story--felt it was only right, considering your occupation! Hope your birthday was delightful!
Tari · 28 September 2012 · Chapter 17: Aching for Comfort
How heartbreaking. After all Frodo went through, he is the only one of the surving fellowship denied healing and peace.
Author's reply
Yes, it is heartbreaking that Frodo must find his own reward and healing away from all he has ever loved to date. At least I am certain that he did find it in the end!
Agape4Gondor · 27 September 2012 · Chapter 16: Self-blame
You've hidden a little tidbit in the midst of this tale. I would love to know how Legolas knew Dwarves were traveling behind him. Had they chanced to encounter each other. What a moment that would have been. I can just see Gimli.....
Author's reply
Are you doing your best to let them out of their hutches again? Now, stay there, little plotbunny--I am busy at the moment.... Heh! Thanks so, Agape!
Agape4Gondor · 27 September 2012 · Chapter 17: Aching for Comfort
*sobs*
Author's reply
(Larner offers Agape a tissue.) Thanks!
Kaylee Arafinwiel · 21 June 2012 · Chapter 16: Self-blame
I LOVE THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok, that needed to be said. I'm sorry it took that long to say it but I just found it thanks to your pointing it out lol! :) anyway YAY I love your Legolas, and how curious he was about the Hobbits, and everything!! I love his examination of Frodo, and what he thought about how odd it was that Aragorn had decided to swear himself to a Hobbit...well, what's he going to do next? The same thing! Hee! *hugs Larner* Thank you, thank you!! :) (Oh, and for *my* sister? *looks up at the note again at the top* Or yours? *slightly puzzled by that* My actual sister's birthday is November, my 'sister' Emma's is in August, lol!) Kaylee
Author's reply
Oh, good grief--I managed to fail to respond to this one! Don't mind me--I am easily confused, but am so glad you enjoyed this one. And it is odd, when you think about it, that Aragorn, born to be the King Returned, should have sworn himself to Frodo as he did, don't you think? So glad you enjoyed it!
Soledad · 14 June 2012 · Chapter 16: Self-blame
Dear Thranduil, so he's still proud of the emerald necklace, isn't he? I wonder if he actually wears it on feasts? Ummm... yes... sorry, I couldn't resist. Loved Bilbo recognizing Legolas, though.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Thranduil should remain proud of that emerald necklace for a long time! And, yes, Bilbo would recognize Legolas, don't you think? And I bet he still felt a bit sorry for nicking Legolas's honeycakes after all those years, too!
Linda Hoyland · 13 June 2012 · Chapter 16: Self-blame
I'm not a Legolas fan, but I enjoyed this glimpse of his arrival at Rivendell and his first impressions of the hobbits.
Author's reply
I don't tend to see Legolas and Aragorn being the close companions some see them as, but I do believe that Legolas would already have begun to respect the Man who caught Gollum and brought him to Mirkwood and who undoubtedly had been presented to his father's court. But to see so many Hobbits at a time and to begin realizing just how vulnerable they appeared yet how strong they could be at the core of their beings must have been a surprise to him. And it was fun to add to this collection for a change.
shirebound · 13 June 2012 · Chapter 16: Self-blame
You’ve not seen Frodo awake and in his full dignity as yet. As noble a young lord as you’ll ever hope to encounter. Such respect and love! I enjoyed this tale very much, and wish you would continue it. Seeing the hobbits and these events through Legolas's POV are very interesting.
Author's reply
Oh, dear, Shirebound--you'd wish yet another longer tale on me? Do not tempt me! I have too may WIPs already! Heh! And I do believe Gandalf would have at first watched over Frodo for Bilbo's sake, but would have come under Frodo's apparent spell fairly quickly, just as Aragorn was to do. Thanks so!
Antane · 13 June 2012 · Chapter 16: Self-blame
I like most Gandalf's words and the ensuing amazement of Legolas that Aragorn had sworn to serve Frodo. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Who would expect for the incipient High King of the Men of the West to vow himself to a "mere" Hobbit, after all? Thanks so, Antane!
Antane · 7 May 2012 · Chapter 12: Murmurs of Encouragement
Love Pippin here and it is so neat that Rose knew somehow that Sam was all right and would be coming home. That is the most intriguing section of that part of the book. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I, too, loved that indication that Rosie knew that Sam was going to return to her. And we DO love our Pippin! He proved so necessary for the quest!
Antane · 7 May 2012 · Chapter 11: Born Again
Enjoyed most the interaction of Iluvatar and His beloved servant. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And I'm so glad you did! Thanks so!
Antane · 7 May 2012 · Chapter 8: Realizations of Vision
That's interesting that Frodo would continue to see the true light of the Elves, just as he had with Glorfindel and in the movie, Arwen. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And if the Morgul wound inadvertently aided his sight, isn't it ironic that in the end the Enemy's weapon strengthened such a gift as Frodo displayed?
Antane · 7 May 2012 · Chapter 5: The Final Reckoning Approaches
Alas for Frodo who had to endure a much more trial than a physical battle. But how true that he also had the strength to fight the battle. What we owe him... Namarie, God Bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo had that strength in spades--although it was his mercy that stood him in his best stead. Thanks so, Antane.
Antane · 7 May 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
An interesting, thought provoking ending. Love the idea of Faramir being cherished.
Author's reply
I'm so glad this one has indeed proved to promote thought. Thanks so, Antane!
Antane · 7 May 2012 · Chapter 2: Cursing--and Blessing--the Stubbornness of Young Tooks
Finally getting caught up (a little at least) on this series. Sorry it's been so long. Poor Pippin. Lovely chapter. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin is exhausted and worried sick, and finally able to let down his guard to a familiar individual! Thanks so!
Virtuella · 1 May 2012 · Chapter 11: Born Again
This is a powerful rendition of that elusive interlude!
Author's reply
I've been wanting to examine that moment for so long!
Virtuella · 1 May 2012 · Chapter 10: A Wordless Encounter
Oh, very neat!
Author's reply
Oh, I missed this one! So glad you like it, Virtuella!
Virtuella · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 5: The Final Reckoning Approaches
Nice foreshadowing!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think so, my friend!
Virtuella · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 4: And Just What is Death?
Indeed, very good point, why threaten Gandalf the White with death?
Author's reply
That threat made little sense to me, considering what Gandalf had been through. Heh! It appears that the Witch-king little appreciates what Gandalf had been through.
Virtuella · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 3: Denethor's Choice
Very powerful!
Author's reply
Thank you--apparently this was how many saw this piece.
Virtuella · 7 April 2012 · Chapter 2: Cursing--and Blessing--the Stubbornness of Young Tooks
Arwen goes to the ford to help fetch Frodo? That's a nice compromise between book and movie! I like this, the way Gandalf keeps to the background in the immediate bustle because he has wider concerns to consider.
Author's reply
Yes, in my-verse Arwen goes to the Ford as one who might best bolster both Frodo and Aragorn at this point, who had to be almost ready to collapse after two weeks of apparently aimless wandering with very little rest for himself. And Gandalf would sense, I think, that he'd do best to be there to greet those coming in Aragorn's company once they arrive at the door. It must have felt so chaotic at that moment!