Anonymous · 26 April 2019 · Chapter 5: V
Excellent! I'm so glad to have found your story! Really like finding some missing chapters to the original.
The Time of Probing by Larner
Reviews (109)
PSW · 4 September 2016 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I just really loved all the singing throughout as part of the healing process. It's something I tend to forget about Elves -- but when reminded, it's very much an 'oh, of course!' thing.... I also love Sam, so I'm always happy to read things that focus in some part on him. I also quite enjoyed your author's note at the end -- very interesting and informative! Thanks for writing!
Author's reply
Music is part of Elven power, or so I've always felt. After all, it was through what the Elves told that Men learned that Ea was created through the Song of the Ainur. Frodo and Sam and Pippin were first aware of the presence of Elves within the Shire as a result of hearing their hymn to Elbereth, and Bilbo and the Dwarves were welcomed to Rivendell by the singing of the Elves. I am certain that all would invoke song in harmony when such a serious situation as this had to be dealt with. Frodo, Sam, Gandalf, and Aragorn are of course my favorites, and Sam's POV has always drawn me. And I'm so glad you appreciate the author's notes. I find myself wanting to explain things so! Heh! Thank you so much.
PSW · 3 September 2016 · Chapter 2: II
I was going to read the whole story and then review...but I just had to pop in and say how fascinated I was by the image of so many different Elves singing the song over Frodo. I loved the idea that all could participate simply because of what they are --Elves -- not what they *do*. They didn't have to be healers. Bakers, blacksmiths, warriors -- and I loved the pins in Arwen's sleeve. What a wonderful scene!
Author's reply
These are Elves who have become true masters at what they do, and who share the gift of being able to use songs of power. As for the pins in Arwen's sleeve--when Mom had her machine open and was using it, it seemed that there were always pins lying about the house, and she would pick them up and pin them into her sleeve until she got back to a pincushion, a habit I found myself emulating when I began designing doll clothes. Then I had a roommate in college whose skill in sewing was well beyond par, and she did the same. So, it seemed only right for Arwen, too, to do the same. Thank you!
Bitsay · 4 October 2015 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Hello Larner, another fabulous story! But I am very curious as to where you have discovered that Elrond had to probe Frodo's wound twice before finally being able to remove the shard of the morgul blade. I have searched in the LOTR text and can only conclude, since your research is always second to none that you must have discovered another source! Thanks!
Author's reply
I got the idea that the wound was probed at least twice in Gandalf's revelation that the shard "could not be found until last night." If it couldn't be found previous to that time and both Strider and Gandalf indicated they were certain such a thing was there within the wound, then they had to have been trying to figure out where it had managed to move to, indicating Elrond probably had done at least one previous probing for the cursed thing. Hope this answers your question as Tolkien doesn't make a clear statement there was more than one operation attempted, of course. Thanks for letting me know that you enjoyed this story! It makes it worth the writing!
Diana · 3 May 2014 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Hi Larner I really loved this. I love how you managed to keep the language and style of Tolkien's writing without sounding forced or corny. A very good job indeed! You've done so well in filling in these gaps of Imladris that it puts me right there and it's all very believable. I also liked how Elrond spoke about Bilbo's poetry. I remember when I read what Lindir said in the book it just sounded too snotty for me and lent itself too much to the idea of overly arrogant aristocratic Elves and I pretty much wanted to kick him real hard. I like a kinder picture of them and that the insecurity was more on Bilbo's part. If Lindir was more the norm then I don't see the point in having anything to do with Elves and be glad to see the back of them (maybe even giving a little push! ;) I love when people give Arwen a voice in their stories. In Tolkien's story she seems little more than a prize for Aragorn and I never got the feeling she even loved him. Here, she's a real person with something to offer the world other than a Royal bloodline. I often wonder at what happened to Celebrian and her escort in the mountains. Many of the writers tackle that subject. I like your version a lot. Well, that's enough outta me. Thanks for a great read! Diana
Author's reply
Hello, Diana. I am so very sorry I apparently never responded to your comments to my story "The Time of Probing." This story is one I found I'd wanted to write for some time, and it appeared the time had come to actually write it at last. I agree that at least on the surface Lindir's comments about Bilbo's poem appeared quite arrogant, but considering the delight of its meter and rhyming scheme I believe that even most Elves would be pleased with it, and suspected that Lindir was actually teasing Bilbo more than anything. I like being able to give Arwen more of a definite personality that would attract someone like Aragorn even after he'd left the callowness of youth. I went into even more detail on the abduction and torture of Celebrian in my longer unfinished epic, "Stirring Rings." Now, if I could only get the next chapter of THAT written and posted! Thank you for your detailed comments--they mean a good deal, and again I apologize for not responding earlier. How it slipped my attention I cannot say.
Queen Galadriel · 11 February 2014 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
What a heart-warming story in spite of the grimness and fear! It must have been agony for Frodo's friends to see him longing for such an evil thing and finally crying out for it. I couldn't have stood that. Not to mention a lot of fuss, running back and forth to bring the ring, take it away, bring it again...and always have someone guarding it and needing one of the hobbits to carry it because Aragorn and the elves dared not. Ah, the way hobbits care for each other. I love it. It's so cozy even to read about. The descriptions of the songs of power, particularly of the blessing of the chain, are beautiful. I found it touching that Bilbo's song of letters and words outlasted all the rest. And as usual, your author's notes are wonderfully detailed. I would love to see an AU story about Frodo and Narcissa finding happiness with one another. Thank you for another lovely story!
Queen Galadriel · 11 February 2014 · Chapter 1: I
Ooo! A story that fills one of my favorite gaps that I didn't even realize was here! ...Hmmm...so much for going to bed! *grin* Yes, soothing a loved one, even a four-legged one, can be soothing in turn. And I love the respect the elves give to Sam and Bill both.
Andrea · 31 August 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
My vision of Frodo Baggins is still that of a normal mortal, one who is not and cannot be as perfect as he wishes to be perceived. Yes, that is my vision, too. A normal mortal and yet a very special one who was chosen because of his special qualities. He does his best to accomplish his task, he would give his life for that. But still he is often frustrated and sometimes even angry with whoever it was that appointed him for that task. It takes his whole life, in Middle-Earth and beyond, to fully understand and accept his role in the quest! Thank you for this story! I enjoyed reading it a great deal!
Author's reply
And thank you so very much for all of the feedback all through the tale. I have found such pleasure in exploring the nature of Tolkien's characters, and rejoice that he left such latitude for our explorations.
Linda Hoyland · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 15: XV
I've enjoyed this story very much, especially aragorn and Arwen's part in it and hope you will include them in future stories. I love to see Arwen as the strong ,wise woman I am certain she is.
Author's reply
You know that whenever I can I work Aragorn and Arwen into my stories. And I so agree that Arwen must have been both strong and wise to not only stir Aragorn's heart to begin with, but to keep it for so many, many years. Thank you so very much!
Andrea · 30 August 2013 · Chapter 15: XV
After us waiting by his bedside most of the night, for him to wake up and speak for a time with Gandalf and then right back off to sleep again? Now, that is just too bad—too bad indeed! Old Bilbo voices what the other hobbits only have thought! They must have been really disappointed and maybe a little jealous of Gandalf. I like Gandalf's idea how to speed up Frodo's recovery - a real recovery, not the unnatural one induced by the Ring! Which is also some kind of evil "twisting"! Last but not least: I wished Sam's vision could have been true! Rosie and Narcissa sitting in the dooryard of the Crickhollow house, surrounded by many children! That would have been wonderful. But Sam has already an inkling that it won't be so easy...
Author's reply
Yes, Bilbo doesn't hold back now that he's finally getting on in years. And I'm sure that even in promoting the health of its bearers the Ring was following Its own agenda rather than seeking their benefit in the end. Aromas and sounds can so bring back memories, and Gandalf would wish to bring back those that would work to Frodo's feelings of happiness and well-being, I'm certain. And I, too, wish that in the end Sam's vision had come true. But, as you note, he already has an inkling that it won't be anywhere as easy as they'd wish. So glad this has pleased you so much. Thanks so!
Andrea · 28 August 2013 · Chapter 14: XIV
“He’s a Baggins,” Bilbo stated, as if that were all the explanation required. “He’s a most persistent and proper Baggins, and fully aware of his responsibilities.” Great statement! But good old Sam proved to be even more persistent than a certain (older) Baggins, at least until he was led out of Frodo's room - for the second time.
Author's reply
I so agree, Andrea! Dear Bilbo, and dearer Sam! He will do his best to see his Master looked after, even when he'd do best to look after himself! Thanks so!
Andrea · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 13: XIII
Dear Pippin, always trying to make the others smile - and it worked brilliantly! It is good to see them all relax a little bit. Frodo is out of danger now, but time is moving on! The attendants of the Council have started to arrive already. I wished we could give Frodo more time!
Author's reply
Pippin has perfect comedic timing, which can be such a blessed gift when there is such need to ease tension and anxiety. Yes, the attendants are there. I imagine that Bard's great grandson is there to represent his father as King of Dale, and we know that Legolas and Gimli were already there. And Boromir will arrive sometime in the night.... Unfortunately, Frodo isn't granted much time to recuperate now that at last he is out of immediate danger. Thank you so very much, Andrea!
Antane · 26 August 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
One of the great reasons to love Frodo is that he is a ordinary (but at the same time extraordinary) hobbit - he is not perfect, none of us are, but he is more relatable and more lovable because of that. And he still knew great love, the greatest that could be known, even if he never knew romantic love. Three cheers for Sam too! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I so agree, Antane. Thank you so for all of the feedback--you know how heartening it can be!
Andrea · 25 August 2013 · Chapter 12: XII
Beautiful! It is like the smith told Sam. Each song is individual, but together they create a powerful harmony that strengthens the protective power of the chain.
Author's reply
Yes, they strengthen the power of the chain, and probably help to turn the intent of the shard to the blessed change that was twisted to turn victims to wraiths. From each as he can imagine strength, and Frodo and the others in the Fellowship are all protected that much the more from the Ring's malice.
Andrea · 25 August 2013 · Chapter 11: XI
only the shard twisted free from the tongs, trying its best to fall again onto Frodo’s chest! Oh my! The shard is "alive" like the Ring is! Which means that it chose its way to its target independently. I don't know exactly how Arwen could find out its position, but without her help the chances for Frodo to survive would have been very small.
Author's reply
I doubt that the shard is quite as "alive" as is the Ring--I imagine it to be much like a heat-seeking missile, one that seeks to follow through on the target that it has been tuned to until it can go no further, and then going inert as its programming can no longer be followed. By seeing the shard and perhaps the position of whatever tool was in her father's hand at the same time through the use of scrying and so advising her father as to the one instant when the shard would be in the clear, I'd think it would be much like surgeons today using microfiber cameras to locate obstructions so that they can pinpoint the cutting and do as little ancillary damage as possible. I agree--with this kind of help, Frodo's chances for survival were so much stronger! Thanks so!
walker-skye · 24 August 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Having experience with PTSD patients as a therapist, your descriptions of Frodo's suffering fits very well. The pieces of the story, both medically and in character depiction, are believable and harmonize with how the Professor portrays them. I appreciate writers who can fill gaps w/o trying to put their own twist on beloved characters, you've done a sterling job here, putting together an enjoyable story. I've looked forward to each posting, as with other stories, so I'll look for future posts now. Thank you!
Author's reply
And thank you, Walker-skye. I've seen PTSD in a number of friends and associates, and it's not an easy condition to be forced to deal with. I know that my own childhood experiences with doctors and nurses doing things to me "for my own good" that time proved to be unnecessary and even counterproductive left me with white-coat syndrome and almost unbearable needlephobia. How much worse for those who have lived through nightmares for days and days on end! And I am so glad that you feel I have managed to remain true to the Master's own characterizations. I am so honored! Thank you again.
Teresa · 24 August 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Many thanks for such an excellent addition to Middle Earth! Your work, and the work of so many others have given me much pleasure! This story in particular has added greatly to my view of Frodo's situation after Weathertop, and how he and the other characters dealt with his wounding there and later in the quest. It is a pity that Frodo didn't take the advice he gave to Brendi about sharing the time he had with his love no matter how short. He and Narcissa would have been good together. I wish Sam's thought had taken place, that the four of them would have shared a home and raised their families there. Of course, I would have wanted them to still have everyone else in the fellowship stopping by! After all, they were family too! :)
Author's reply
How terrified the others must have been for Frodo's future once they fully appreciated just what lay in store for Frodo should the shard complete its work. I do agree--Frodo should have given Narcissa the attention they both deserved. But sometimes we are wise for others and foolish for ourselves. And I can imagine Strider slipping in through the Hay Gate with Tom Bombadil and Merry's collusion to visit Frodo and Sam and their families in the Crickhollow house, bringing his bride with them, all of them enjoying tea, wine, or a light ale together in friendship and love always.
Dreamflower · 23 August 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
This was a really fun and interesting tale! I do so love stories set in this time period, and this was a good one! I'm very glad that you did not resist the nuzgul, and accommodated the bunny! I also enjoy your Author's Notes--it's always fascinating to get a glimpse into someone else's creative process.
Author's reply
I know you love this time period, and that's partly why this was dedicated to you! And I am so glad that you do appreciate the notes--sometimes I just have to explore just how my stories all work together. I knew I didn't want to just rework the ideas Shirebound had in her story, so it was interesting to find other reasons for why things worked out as they did. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower.
shirebound · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I enjoyed this story very much, as well as your Author Notes. How I love the 'probing' we're able to do with the Professor's gaps and hints, and what a joy to be able to flesh them out as we imagine they could be. (And I do believe that's my story "By Chance or Purpose" in which Elrond waited to remove the shard until Frodo had just begun to fade, and the shard became visible 'for eyes to see that can'.) Thank you for another wonderful, thoughtful tale.
Author's reply
I have edited the notes to acknowledge that the mentioned tale indeed is yours! Knew it was by one of you, but couldn't remember which. A good deal of the satisfaction of being a fanfic writer is indeed finding gaps to fill and thinking of ways to fill them in keeping with the Master's own writing. Thanks so much for following this one as it's been posted!
Andrea · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 10: X
How terrible! Like a nightmare that becomes reality! And the worst part of it was when Celebrian had to kill her best friend to save her from becoming a wraith. It is no wonder that after that horror "she lost herself"! I'm looking forward to reading more about the making of the chain and the protection it will hold.
Author's reply
I've now finished posting the final chapters and the author's notes, so I do hope that you are able to finish this as you can and to see how the chain is adapted to counter the Ring's influence. I am approaching the chapters in "Stirring Rings" that deal with Celebrian's abduction, so much of this will be expanded upon there. But you are so right--no wonder she had to find her healing elsewhere! Again, thank you so for all of the feedback.
Antane · 22 August 2013 · Chapter 15: XV
Poor Merry and Pippin with their frustration that Frodo did wake and they didn't know it. Love the ending the most with Sam's determination to stick by his beloved treasure and know his other treasure would be waiting. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) "Remember before God, Richard III, King of England and of those who fell on Bosworth Field, having kept faith, 22 August, 1485." - http://www.r3.org
Author's reply
It took both faith and hope to stick by his Master through to the end as he did, but as we know, Sam had both! And it's been over five hundred years since perhaps England's noblest and most enlightened King fell to treachery there on Bosworth Field. It was an honor to look on his personal library and to drop a flower to his memory there where he died. And I so rejoice that his body has indeed remained in peace in what was Greyfriar's Abbey. And to think I may once have stood over the place where his grave was hidden all these years since Henry VIII's people destroyed the place!
Linda Hoyland · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 14: XIV
Loved seeing Aragorn and Arwen in this chapter. sam's room was just perfect for him with the image of Yavanna.
Author's reply
I loved being able to look at how those two acted "in company," and how honorable the two of them proved. And I loved imagining the perfect headboard for the bed granted to Samwise! Again thanks so, Linda!
Praveen · 21 August 2013 · Chapter 13: XIII
I have been reading this story avidly. Just wanted to point something out - According to the book, Shadowfax never came to Rivendel. "I could not ride among the rocks in the troll-fells, and shadowfax departed. I sent him back to his master" - these are the words of Gandalf at the council of Elrond. Later on, he reclaimed Shadowfax after his visit to Edoras with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. Not sure if you have overlooked this detail or this is slightly AU, which is perfectly fine.
Author's reply
I'd forgotten that Gandalf bade farewell to Shadowfax before they reached the valley, but have decided to let this stand as written. The noble beast might well have followed his chosen rider into the valley for a few days' rest, after all! Heh! I know that although they didn't attend the Council, Merry and Pippin still knew that Gandalf's horse had come from Rohan, so imagined that they'd seen him before he returned south without a rider. So glad this story has found acceptance in spite of my small error. Thank you so for letting me know, Praveen.
Andrea · 20 August 2013 · Chapter 9: IX
The famous standard, used to create a nice and comforting image! If we regard Frodo as the standard bearer, then he has many friends that night who do all to protect him: the other hobbits, Gandalf, Aragorn and all the Elves of Elrond's household!
Author's reply
Oh, what a wonderful comparison between Frodo and Halbarad here! Thank you so very much, Andrea!
Andrea · 20 August 2013 · Chapter 8: VIII
I doubt I have seen such strength of purpose in many in the over two Ages of the Sun I have lived. Well, some people call it "strength of purpose", others call it "stubbornness" which is more negative, I think. But it definitely is a good quality and it obviously saved Frodo's life here! I very much liked Gandalf's words to Sam: I sometimes suspect it is only your presence that reminds him who he is in the world of Arda, and that reminds him that he is yet a Hobbit of the Shire.
Author's reply
Strength of purpose, stubbornness, perseverance, endurance--Frodo was the epitome of all of these! You are right--this quality saved his life, coupled as it was with Sam's equally stubborn hope and faithfulness. Without the perseverance of both of these as well as the more selfish stubbornness of Gollum, all of Middle Earth would have suffered so! And of course Gandalf would recognize how Sam's presence served Frodo's need. Thanks so for all your feedback.