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| Jewels by Lindelea | 6 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Mirkwoodmaiden | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/14/2025 |
| Lindelea! Hello! "He met Merry's quizzical gaze serenely. 'It goes, Merry,' he said again. 'All we can do... is our best.' He smiled. 'You just keep walking in the light, no matter what happens. Is it a promise?'" Good advice. I just wish that Frodo had been able to follow his own advice, but some wounds the hurt just runs too deep. "The Master and Mistress of Buckland soberly returned to the Hall." They suspect something is not right with Frodo, don't they? Thanks again for the chapters! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: It's so bittersweet that Frodo can help others but not himself. I seem to remember in my story about Freddy (Fatty) Bolger that Freddy pleads with him not to believe Saruman's prophecy after Frodo helps Freddy win free of the wizard's malevolent curse, but I could be remembering wrong. You're right. Sam apparently (since Tolkien didn't write about Sam noticing Frodo's decline but indicated Sam was surprised when Frodo sailed) did not notice the changes, but that's often the case in real life – when you see someone every day, a change in their health might be so gradual that you don't see it, yet someone who has not seen them for a whole year will notice immediately. That's what I was thinking when I wrote this chapter. Esmeralda and Saradoc had not seen Frodo in a year, and so they immediately saw the difference in him when he walked in the door. And they continued to see the changes throughout the visit, and food and rest made no difference. So I think they quickly reached the conclusion that he had a wasting illness, and that he was making a farewell visit to them, and they'd never see him again in this life, at least. In my early fanfic days, I was still reeling from the cancer deaths of a couple of close relatives, and I know it influenced my writing. One of my earliest stories is dedicated to my brother for that reason; his courage in walking through his final months and then weeks was both inspiring and shattering to witness. Anyhow, I'm starting to ramble, so I'd better wander off and do some housework or something now. (((hugs))) Lin | |
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 3/30/2025 |
| It's so interesting that you mentioned the foreshadowing of Frodo not being as involved with activities as times before. And the Merry and Frodo conversation was so on point- "keep up the fight" and keep seeing the light. Such great advice. It'll be interesting to read how you handle Frodo's eventual departure of Middle-earth and how the cousins react. Author Reply: I was trying to be as true to the original as possible. If I'm remembering right, this chapter reflected JRRT's description of Frodo as quietly dropping out of all the doings of the Shire. And yet, I'm equally sure his love of his cousins and of Sam never dimmed. Thanks for reading. I also really appreciate your taking the time to leave a good word. If I'm remembering right, Frodo's departure takes place in the next chapter. | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 2/25/2025 |
| I’m sure it is more of a shock to those who don’t know to expect it … but still a struggle even for those who do. I’m glad they had a nice visit all the same… Author Reply: I think Sam didn't see Frodo's deterioration because it happened gradually, over time. But it was obvious to his aunt and uncle, who hadn't seen him in a year. One of the reasons I'm drawn to writing about hobbits is the obvious love that shines from the pages of the original work. Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts! It took me a while to see your notes on these chapters, so apologies for the belated replies. | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/20/2006 |
| The darkness creeps in, but still, this is more the feel of things that I have always had. Frodo is fading, but still not overcome. Well done, Lin! Author Reply: Thank you! Yes, Frodo didn't strike me as so very miserable and depressed that he had to leave, although I wrote this before reading JRRT's letters and gaining additional insight. I think that his gallant spirit would have fought on to the last gasp, if he had not had the avenue of escape that the Elves offered. And I think he took that offer reluctantly, and perhaps more for Bilbo's sake (that the old hobbit not be all alone, without any other hobbits, in that fair land) than his own. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/19/2006 |
| So--Saradoc and Esmeralda are recognizing the signs, while the other Travellers are in denial. Although I suspect Pippin is merely keeping his own counsel. But in the depths of his heart Merry is recognizing what will come.... Author Reply: No, actually, I have Pippin and Sam in denial and Merry keeping his own counsel. But it might easily have gone the other way, with Merry being so close to Frodo from his early years. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 11/19/2006 |
| 'I could give you the same answer. It goes.' He took a deep breath of the sweet summer air. 'Life is good, Merry. I might not have chosen the path that was set before me, but I cannot complain of the outcome.' He gestured vaguely to the laughing children, sunshine sparkling on the water, the bright sky, the myriad greens of grass and tree. 'Just look around, Merry. There is no Shadow here. And we helped to make the difference.' Oh Frodo. Seeing with his head and so totally committed to seeing his friends and the Shire heal but he can't share it. And Merry coping and turning his experiences to the good of the Shire with an able assistant in Pippin. Great to see this Lindelea. Author Reply: Thank you! Tuesdays are a busy day for us, so it makes Tuesday a good day to give an already-written chapter a buff and a rub and post it. Therefore, unless the bronchitis attacks again, this ought to be updated on Tuesday! It's a plan, anyhow. This part always grabs me in the throat. These chapters were a result of my trying to work out just why Frodo had to leave the Shire, for I simply could not see him leaving all those he loved unless it was a matter of life and death. But no time for a long drawn-out discourse on the matter--aren't you relieved? *g* | |