FantasyFan
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
I don't often like to read stories with character death in them. They're too sad for me, and I think the real reason is that I'm never ready to let go of these dear friends that have twined themselves around my life. Here, I cried a few tears when Sam died, because it seemed he had a few regrets, and good as it was for him to have Frodo near at last, he never really got over feeling torn in two.
By the time we got near the end of this chapter, I had a suspicion of what was coming. Yet, I didn't feel sad for Frodo at the end. He'd done all he could do, and it was enough for any one person. I think that the sense of peace and healing he had crafted for himself over the long years in Mordor was enough for me, too. For those who have that peace, death really isn't an end to be feared. And of course, Sam was waiting for him. Any universe that could keep them apart, even after death, just wouldn't be right.
So congratulations on a lovely AU story that delivers a rare thing - happy ending for Frodo that is satisfying and has the same sense of 'rightness' about it as Tolkien's original.
Gentle Hobbit
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
Oh dear. The ending, in fact, the entire last chapter, left me in tears. You have such a power and clarity with words which I have both enjoyed and appreciated throughout this whole story.
I feel like I *learned* from this story, and that is always a lovely gift.
Thank you, Jodancingtree.
shirebound
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
I hope you're as proud of yourself for this story, as we are of you. You are truly a master storyteller, and I loved this from beginning to end.
Rose Sared
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
Thank you for this wonderful story in its entirety, just finished it this w/e and it has been a true pleasure.
Looking forward to reading more of your wonderful imagination.
Rose
Cuthalion
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
Ah Jo... when I started to copy the revised version into my computer, nobody had left a review yet and now, that I'm finished, there are already two of them! Well... what shall I say? Again... this chapter was the first in fan fiction ever that urged me to leave the computer and the room because I burst into tears and couldn't see properly any more (as I told you before, my husband was a little bit concerned...*gg*). Amazing work, and a peaceful end, sad and beautiful and oh so moving at the same time. I love every word of it. Lots of work this autumn, I daresay... Gracias, amiga de mi corazon!
Breon Briarwood
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
*sniff!* *grabs the hankie* oh... ;_; Seriously, I'm in tears. This was absolutely beautiful. Excellent work! I have enjoyed reading this tremendously.
You have such an incredible talent - I'm envious. Still, as they say, all good things must come to an end, and such an end it was! *bows on bended knee*
Lindelea
· 14 March 2004
· Chapter 35: Even the Dregs Are Sweet
O Jo. You don't know what you've done to me. Tears turning to laughter turning to wonder turning to a breathless feeling. What a lovely story this is, some of your best writing, I think.
I'm honoured that you liked the name "Daisy" for Fro's wife. It is so lovely to run across a bit of familiarity in a piece so beautifully written.
It is a bit eerie, though, as well. You'll see, when Marigold's challenge number three is posted, that you and I were thinking very much along the same lines recently. I had to shiver--I wrote and sent my story to her over a week ago, and just read this chapter of yours tonight, and yet we have used many of the same turns of phrase and ideas! How odd, as if we had both tuned into the same broadcast at the same time...
Ah, well. Such things make life interesting.
great
· 13 March 2004
· Chapter 34: Home is the Wanderer
I loved it
Author's reply
I'm glad! There's one... more... chapter...
Breon Briarwood
· 12 March 2004
· Chapter 33: A Detour On the Way
So glad to hear Frodo'd going home now. It hadn't occurred to me just how long they've been wandering. Radagast's comment of Frodo having grey hair was a bit shocking. I can't picture that. Will Canohando go to Minas Tirith? (I know, we'll have to read 'Orc's Quest' to find out right?) Update soon please?
Author's reply
My son has a program that can take a picture and make changes in it - make the person look older, etc. I really want to take a picture of Frodo and do that, to get an idea of what he'd look like in old age. Of course, he doesn't look his true age - grey-haired, crow's feet around his eyes, but tanned and vigorous from the strenuous outdoor life he's been leading! Just a couple more chapters of this story...
FantasyFan
· 11 March 2004
· Chapter 33: A Detour On the Way
It is odd to see the marble and soft fabric and sumptuous appointments of the palace, after becoming used to the stone house with a dirt floor and the rhythm of the seasons. No wonder Frodo is uncomfortable - although I expect he enjoyed the bath. Frodo's got to be about a hundred now, and yet he retains the childlike wonder and humility that are hallmarks of his spirit. In a previous review, I mentioned his living in the moment, and it was called 'escape', but I don't really think that is what it is, at least not anymore. It's a measure of his growth that he is ready to accept whatever comes, and does not feel the need to control his life any more, nor to worry and agonize over the lack of that control (IMHO, of course).
What exactly do you mean by the last lines? Canohando would not be dangerous if he came to Minas Tirith of his own will (as opposed to being dragged there?) or he would not be dangerous of his own will, should he come to Minas Tirith (though he might be made so?). It's ambiguous to me...or am I reading too much into it? It seems you are setting us up for your next story about the adventures of the Orc, yes? I'm looking forward to it.
Author's reply
I think you're right about Frodo - he's reached a high degree of acceptance of himself and his life, not just resignation, but peace. As for Canohando - all I was thinking of was that he would not be intentionally dangerous if he came to Minas Tirith - the possibility of him being brought against his will was not in my mind: in that case, I would not vouch for his harmlessness! Canohando has turned from darkness to light, but he still has the fierceness and deadly quick reflexes of an orc... remember the bear hunt... yes, I think he might be made dangerous, if handled badly.
Arwen Baggins
· 11 March 2004
· Chapter 33: A Detour On the Way
I thought this was over...but it appears that it is just getting started!
Author's reply
LOL! Well maybe not just getting started, but not quite over yet.
shirebound
· 11 March 2004
· Chapter 33: A Detour On the Way
I just love it when Frodo meets old (and new) friends in this story! What a wonderful reunion.
I continue to be in awe of your way with words...
"You forged the bridge they traveled over, and only the Ring-bearer could have led them across."
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound! Praise from you warms my heart, you're such a fine writer yourself! And Frodo still has a few old friends to meet...
Katie aka.Chickloveslotr
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 32: A Time of Parting
just wanted to let you know i LOVE this story and you are an excellent writer!
lots of love,
Kat
Author's reply
Thank you, Kat! Love ya-
jo
Grimnir
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 32: A Time of Parting
Jo, what a wonderful story you are writing there! I still follow with suspense and look forward to each new chapter. I love the way you describe the deep friendship between Frodo and the orcs - who would have thought it possible at the starting point? And they will never meet again?!?
"You were my comrade in arms in the hardest battle I ever fought." Yesss! To cite something matching: "He who conquers himself is greater than the conquerors of worlds." (Tathagata)
By the way, I went to your website and found your excellent poems. Oh, some of them had me in tears, I could very much identify with what you have put in beautiful words. Sometime in our life we all walk through Mordor, don't we?
Author's reply
Oh Grimnir, you made my day! Thank you so much for reading my poems, and for telling me!
Oh, I want so much for Frodo and Canohando to meet again - and yet Canohando is right: there has to come a time of parting. Yet I think they will remain bound in heart to one another as long as they live.
jo
cpsings4him
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 32: A Time of Parting
Sigh. This just gets better and better. What else can I say? When Canahandro was first introduced, I couldn't wait for him to leave...now it breaks my heart that he and Frodo must part. Splendid job!
Blessings!
cp
Author's reply
Thanks, cp! Yeah, Canohando kind of grew on me, too...
jo
Breon Briarwood
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 32: A Time of Parting
wow...
FantasyFan
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 32: A Time of Parting
Canohando has his own wisdom, doesn't he? To take away happy memories of the other is a gift all by itself. Their parting made me cry. It was good to see Radagast confident that Frodo will some day be able to go home, and it seems Canohando is not surprised.
It came to me as I was reading this, that Gandalf's role in Eru's plan was to bring about the defeat of Sauron, the destruction of the ring. Radagast played little part in that work, and at one point seems ashamed of that. Perhaps his role never was to be part of Gandalf's task: instead, the part he was to play is in cleaning up the mess that was left once Gandalf's task was accomplished, including bringing peace and healing to one who willingly took on a task harder than his spirit could recover from. The sort of cosmic fair-play that we wish existed but don't often get to see. A conscious part of your planning?
Author's reply
Hi, FantasyFan -
You know, I didn't plan it that way. This story is an adventure for me: it sort of grew organically, one thing leading to another. Radagast seemed like the right person to show up at the hidden cave back in the Shire, to rescue Frodo from suicide - and everything else just developed from that. About the only thing I engineered deliberately was the meeting with Gimli: because I like the Dwarf and wanted to see him again, and because I had to get rid of Nano *somehow* - I couldn't imagine them taking him along to Mordor! >vbg<
You're right - it's a nice symmetry, but I can't take credit for it. Maybe it grows out of Tolkien's own way of arranging things : everyone has their part to play, great or small, but no one person does it all.
jo
shirebound
· 10 March 2004
· Chapter 32: A Time of Parting
I'm just running out of ways to say how much in awe I still am with this story, Jo. Who knew it would come to this point of tender, heartfelt farewell between hobbit and Orcs? And whither now? I can't wait to find out.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound. I have to admit, I hate to see Frodo leave the orcs - I love the friendship there -
jo
Breon Briarwood
· 8 March 2004
· Chapter 31: Winter of the Bear
Well, here we go again, three chap review for the price of one:
#29 - He did what?!
#30 - He did WHAT?!
#31 - Glad to see Frodo found his voice. I'm just wondering what Canohando heard in the music that changed his life.
Author's reply
Ah, to find *that* out, you'll have to read "The Orc's Quest" - now in the writing, in local fanfic collections soon... (more popcorn, anyone?) :-)
Canohando's right, isn't he - Frodo can always surprise you.
jo
FantasyFan
· 8 March 2004
· Chapter 31: Winter of the Bear
You've done something different at the end of this chapter. From the beginning, we know Frodo will eventually go back to the Shire, because of the way that you ended the other story; but in this story Frodo is very much living in the moment, taking each new day and each new situation as it comes. To avoid the pain he tries not to think of the past, though it keeps coming up, and he likeways avoids the future. Canohando and the orcs are very much the same, by nature or by choice. Here though, is the first hint that there is a future for Canohando, and that it is different from what he has up to this point. I'm very intrigued to see what you have planned for him.
Author's reply
Your reviews are so perceptive, FantasyFan. You're right about them living so much in the present moment, and I hadn't even thought about it. I think for the orcs it is their nature - or at least, their nature *as orcs*. Since these two have cast off the Shadow, it's a question whether they will develop more capacity to deal with memory and hope - past and future. Canohando is still a very hope-less person at this point... I think for Frodo it began as escape and has become habit, to live in the present moment.
Thank you for giving me more to think about!
jo
powerwriter
· 8 March 2004
· Chapter 30: The Gift
Jo, you know how much I love this story. I'm so glad Frodo and Radagast got to stay with the orcs for a while. With Frodo giving Canohando the Queen's jewel, I might have to write an epilogue for my first spin-off about that :D It was kind of odd having a flash back with Merry in it maybe because this story is so far from that, but it was a good part anyways. I thought I had more to say, but guess it was for later chapters! You are loved!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you love it, powerwriter - you warm my heart, and I love the new story you're writing about the orcs! I know the flashback is a little odd, but I kind of like to set the Shire next to Mordor once in a while, sort of to underline the strangeness of Frodo's life, to have such different places as the places where he has spent most of his years. And yet he himself is recognisably the same unselfish, compassionate personality, whatever his surroundings.
jo
shirebound
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 30: The Gift
What an incredible gift for Frodo to give Canohando! Wow! Every chapter brings new surprises.
Author's reply
It is, isn't it? When Frodo loves, there's nothing half-hearted about it.
jo
shirebound
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 29: Binding Hearts
I'm always so happy to see an update to this amazing story!
"Sam was my heart's brother, without any blood at all, of kinship or of mingling."
That's wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound. He really was, wasn't he?
jo
Arwen Baggins
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 30: The Gift
*Jaw drops* He gave away the Evenstar jewel...to an orc! Whatever will Aragorn and Arwen say? I CAN NOT believe he would do that! Everything else in your story sounds good...but Frodo would never part with that gift...especially not in Mordor!
Author's reply
Hi, Arwen -- I can understand how you find it hard to believe! I think several things feed into his decision: 1) he really cares about Canohando, & the orc is suffering even as he did himself - 9 years is a l-o-n-g time to still be in as deep a grief as Canohando is feeling. 2) Canohando is being driven toward the Dark again by his pain - he is tempted to "carry fire and death" to innocent lands, and is fighting that urge. But he is still an orc: even tho' he wants to resist the temptation, he needs help. 3) Frodo knows he is no longer young himself, but Canohando appears to be blessed with something like the long life of the Eldar: he is already a thousand years old. If Frodo carries the Evenstar away from the mountains, he will eventually die of old age anyway - by giving it to the orc, he ensures that the jewel will continue its healing influence in Middle-earth, & maybe prevent a great deal of new sorrow from coming to pass. He would not give it lightly - but I think he would give it.
jo
Author Reply: I've been thinking more about your review, Arwen, and I thought perhaps I should add something to that chapter. Here it is, and I would welcome your comments.
Radagast looked at him long, when he told the wizard what he had done, and Frodo flushed under his gaze.
"Did I do wrong, to give it to him?"
The wizard shook his head. "You are the only one who can answer that, Frodo. But this I will say: that jewel will work on Canohando long after you are gone, and not for evil. Arwen Undomiel did not give it to you idly; it has a strong virtue."
Frodo nodded, satisfied. "Neither did I give it idly, Radagast."
finafyr
· 7 March 2004
· Chapter 30: The Gift
what is it that you do.. how do you do it.. yours is one story that I so look foreword to reading.. there is something in your orcs that helps me see that you cannot judge a book by it's cover.. I want them to live and grow .. and find delight in thinking that somewhere there are decendents of the orcs that have lifted themselves out from the darkness.. please continue.. and please let them live..
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're looking forward to it, finafyr! I have to admit, I've gotten very fond of the orcs - so much so, that now I'm working on a sequel, of Canohando's later adventures. So he'll be around for awhile...
I'm glad you like them too!
jo