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| Moments in Time by Larner | 21 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/6/2006 |
| That journey to Rivendell must have been a nightmare for all of them, and what a chilling task Sam has been entrusted with. Yet who else could do it but the one who loves Frodo best. And even in extremis, Frodo's thoughts are still with those he loves and with the Shire and the hobbits' relations with others. Such a selfless and thoughtful character. I loved the descriptions of what Frodo could see in the shadow-world, especially Bill. Author Reply: Indeed it must have been terrible almost past bearing; and there would have only been a limited choice for Frodo from which to select the one to give him this last mercy. And even then I think Frodo's name was well given. And am so glad you like what I describe of his vision then. Thanks so much, Baggins Babe. | |
| quendria | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/6/2006 |
| Another wonderful story Larner.............Q Author Reply: Oh, thank you, Quendria. I am honored. | |
| AspenJules | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/6/2006 |
| Oh my, Larner. Yes, it would have to be Sam, wouldn't it? I don't know if they knew about the shard making its way to his heart at this point, but if they did... I am simply speechless. The true mark of Sam's love for his Master. Beautifully written, even *if* it made me cry. Author Reply: It's a matter of elimination; and in the end it would be a choice, I think, between Sam and Strider. Strider would have known, I think, about the shards remaining in the wound and working toward the heart, and what to expect once it reached there. But Aragorn did indicate he knew Frodo would become a wraith like the others, IIRC. And indeed it would take a good deal of love to free Frodo before the shard finished its work. Thank you. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/6/2006 |
| O but that was chilling and beautifully done. You draw the reader in, focusing on the sensations of feeling and sound. The premise is totally believable, from the "will" of the Ring to Frodo's reasoning, to Aragorn's understanding, to Sam's reluctant preparation. BTW, I just loved your description of Bill in Frodo's shadow-sight. Any chance of a cup of tea sometime this visit? Author Reply: I like to focus on alternate perceptual modes at times, and this one was begging to be told primarily from these two. Yes, too utterly believable. It was inspired by a story I read a year or two ago in which Aragorn's patrol does deal with such a situation. If the victim in that one would desire such release, of course Frodo would foresee such a possibility, I think. And am so glad you felt I did the right thing with Bill as perceived by Frodo from within the Shadow. And I hope we'll be able to get together. Will be going out this afternoon, and on Thursday morning will take Dinah to the vet to have her teeth cleaned. But other than that I don't think we have anything definite planned. Snuffles and tail wags from the resident guide dog. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/6/2006 |
| Another experience to link these three brothers of the heart. I have actually imagined this conversation happening and you portray it wonderfully well. I think Frodo would definitely want to know what was happening and what the outcome might be. That he could think of the Shire and relationships between it and the outside world is a measure of the true strength of his nature, even now. The burden on both Sam and Strider is almost as heavy as the Ring. I love the ending and now Sam has yet another reason to stay by Frodo's side even when they reach Rivendell. Of course there is another scene begging to be written here....ending with Sam putting the knife away! *g* Author Reply: Yes, these three know what is at stake, and what is needed to keep Frodo from being damned in spite of himself. And Frodo was NOT idly named; I'm certain he's considering ramifications even when he's not completely accepting of Strider's true identity. And it's a terrible burden to have placed on Sam's shoulders; but whom else would Frodo choose for such a terrible but utterly necessary task? As for the sequel for this story--you keep giving me bunnies and nuzguls, you know! | |
| Elemmírë | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/6/2006 |
| Very heartbreaking, Larner. It's good to know Sam did not have to use his skinning knife in the end or keep the promise he made to Frodo, but he was so very close to having to do both and may have had to were it not for Glorfindel and the speed of Asfaloth. Frodo's rationalization of why he wanted Sam to be the one to perform the deed was very spot on. Sam was strong; he was used to seeing such done with animals; he was old enough to understand; and Frodo knew that Saradoc would understand why Sam did it, knowing the love and devotion the simple gardener showed his master. I also liked how you had the sound of Frodo's heartbeat be integral to the story, especially the irregularity of it at times which is consistent with your other tales. This is most definitely one of my favorite 'Moments in Time', if not my overall favorite of this "series" thus far. Author Reply: Not all the journey was pleasant, of course; and this would be one duty I think Frodo would consider seriously, once he was aware of the possible outcome of his injury. And in this one I felt the heartbeat would be integral. As full of angst as this one I'm pleased at how well it's being accepted. Thank you, Elemmire. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/5/2006 |
| Oh, this made me cry. I feel for Sam-I couldn't do it, I tculdn't, and love would only make it harder. I'm just glad he didn't have to. And poor Aragorn! He actually had to do it, for a beloved friends. This is so very real. I felt as if I was right with them, could almost feel the night air. This collection of "Moments in Time" is an ever-growing treasure trove and is becoming a place where I, at least, can find almost anything I'm in the mood for-humour, gentleness, angst, or a blend of the three and more. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Thank you, my Lady. That this so moves you is heartening. And you are certainly correct--love would indeed make it harder. And Aragorn has good reason to understand just why Sam is himself so stricken. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/5/2006 |
| You always amaze me with these short stories. I loved Sam here. Wonderful and very moving. Author Reply: Thank you so much, GW. And Sam is, as I've said before, one character I believe Tolkien himself tended to undervalue. Am so very gratified this moves folk so. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/5/2006 |
| The sound of branches being broken against Strider’s booted foot, then being fed to the coals to keep them going, to increase the height of the flame. The soft noise of Strider opening his pack and pulling out his healer’s kit, untying the knot, finding the right pouches by means of the patterned knots on their drawstrings, the feel of their contents, their relative weights and bulk. The snap of a twig as it burned. Sam wondered how Strider did it--kept going the way he did. "You don’t understand--the Ring--It wants him to do it for me. It wants him to be blamed. Ooooh, this is fascinating and so chilling, Larner. This journey *after* Weathertop is where the true Fellowship began. Frodo's logic is so reasonable. Poor Sam. Poor Strider. *hugs them all* Author Reply: Yes, a dark one after the last two far more cheerful ones. And all too, too logical. The Fellowship is indeed begun, and love is already growing among them. But Frodo has now an idea of what is in for him, and he doesn't want it. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 9/5/2006 |
| Ay ay ay ayyyy....how powerful and sad...and totally believable! So Aragorn had to do a mercy killing? No wonder he wouldn't tell it! Poor man! And poor Sam saddled with such a request...but I really think he'd have done it, but I'm afraid he'd have done himself in afterward. The things you think of! A dark and wonderful tale. ~~~{~@ Author Reply: This was partly inspired by a story I read a year or two past in which Aragorn and his patrol found themselves facing one who'd been so wounded, although I'll admit I can't for certain remember if it was Aragorn or another in the party who actually wielded the knife. Once Frodo knew what he was looking at, I do think he'd have wanted this mercy rather than to be drawn on totally under the Ringwraiths and their dread lord. You might be right about what Sam would have done; but we have no means to be certain, thank heavens and Tolkien. | |