Following the Other Wizard: journey into healing by jodancingtree
Lossenchristal · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Fighting the Darkness
I like your story! It is very different, but I like the way Frodo is making friends with the orcs! Very well done! ~Lossenchristal:)
Author's reply
Thank you, Lossenchristal! I'm glad you're reading! jo
shirebound · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Fighting the Darkness
"I have fought that battle, and it is ill to fight alone. I would have been destroyed by it, alone." "So, you stand with me in the battle, Ninefingers? You had better hope I win it!" VERY interesting! I feel as if I'm standing right next to them, holding my breath to see what happens next.
Author's reply
Oh, good! Thank you - I hoped it would feel that way. jo
powerwriter · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 19: Around the Fire
Oooo...I read the Silmarillian but you explained the whole history much easier than the book did :D The story is still great as ever. Always hoping to see more :)
Author's reply
Thanks, Powerwriter! I just hope I got it right - Silmarillian is so complex!
FantasyFan · 15 February 2004 · Chapter 19: Around the Fire
Lash is the easiest orc to like, for he seems to retain more of himself as he was before Sauron. Canohando is ambivilent - there's still doubt which way he will choose to go. Yarga is the most difficult to imagine redeemed - he has been deepest in the darkness. Is Radagast trying to force something by telling them the story of the Ainulindale? Despite their differences, they are all equally enraged by the thought of kinship with the Elves. Frodo's probably got a good idea in letting the orcs win at kings.
Author's reply
I think Radagast is trying to break through their perception of themselves as being inherently evil, "of the Dark", more than trying to force something. Even so, I doubt he was surprised at their reaction - it's something they need to hear, but it's predictable that they won't like it!
FantasyFan · 15 February 2004 · Chapter 18: Storms
That last conversation is very disquieting. You cannot make Yarga into a tark, unless he wants to become one, and even then it may not be possible. And Canohando still has a bond with Yarga greater than any he would have with Radagast. I wonder how long they'll be cooped up together in the rain, and what will break lose first.
Author's reply
You're right, Canohando's bond with Yarga is very strong - and they're all a lot better off when they can keep moving outside...
Breon Briarwood · 14 February 2004 · Chapter 19: Around the Fire
umm, I take it the orcs don't like being related to the elves. This should be an interesting conversation/confrontation coming up. One question - should I brush up on my Silmarillion or is this it for the history lessons?
Author's reply
LOL! I think that's about it for the history lessons, Breon! The orcs have been at war with the elves for centuries, so of course it's no compliment to tell them they're nothing but ruined elves... they'd probably prefer to think that elves are effete, degenerate orcs! jo
chickloveslotr · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager
you story is inspiring and i shall love to read more of it when it becomes aviliable!please email me at lotrgirl1415@yahoo.com sincerly, katie f aka:chickloveslotr
Tathar · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager
Ohhhhh.... I just... LOVE Frodo. I love him more with every chapter of this story, and I wouldn't have thought that possible. And Radagast! He is now firmly ingranined in my mind in the way you've portrayed him. I'm almost as fond of him now as I am of Gandalf himself! And the orcs.... I feel sorry for them, too; Canohando and Lash, at least. I'm wary of Yarga, but I can pity him too -- especially considering that he is one of the very, very last orcs alive. That's kind of sad. *sigh* As usual, an amazing chapter, Jo... Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
It's funny, you know - when I was just reading (and watching) LOTR, I never could decide if I loved Sam or Frodo more, but now that I'm writing, Frodo just grows on my mind so much. I still love Sam dearly, but Frodo... I can't get enough of Frodo... I'm so glad you're enjoying this, Tathar! jo
FantasyFan · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager
It's not the first time Frodo has a bet against death, but this time he's got more of a choice about it than I ever felt he had about the Ring. He's taken ahold of his own life, and is choosing his own direction - choosing to continue healing and offering himself as hope for others. Not a surprising choice, considering who Frodo is, but still, a courageous one after everything he's been through. You've got it clearly set up for some kind of confrontation between Canohando and Yarga over Frodo, but I hope that when the inevitable happens that Frodo will be able to turn them away from death. He's certainly not going to beat an orc in a contest of physical strength, and he's not too strong emotionally yet, but he's the stubbornnest soul in Middle-earth, and that'll win him a few bets yet, I hope.
Author's reply
I think Frodo's strength is primarily spiritual - he will cling to the upward path in spite of any attempt to knock him off. On Mt. Doom, just before he reached the fire, he was begging Sam to hold his hands away from the Ring, because he could not control them himself anymore... Tolkien wrote somewhere that if Gollum had not taken the Ring, Frodo would have come to his senses when the Nazgul arrived, and would have thrown himself into the fire. So this will be a spiritual battle fought in the physical realm, just as the Quest ultimately was...
shirebound · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager
So fascinating. Everyone, at every step, has choices to make, don't they/we? I'm so glad to see that Frodo doesn't seek death anymore... and I'm as intrigued as ever as to where this story will take us next!
Author's reply
I think that's really true - even for orcs. Even Radagast had to decide to face his fears, instead of just hiding under the mantle of "wizard". jo
Breon Briarwood · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager
Excellent as usual. The orc turning on Frodo like that was a bit of a surprise. I'm anxious to see how this leg of the journey will work out. Keep it comin'! *gets a refill on the popcorn* :D
Author's reply
Thanks, Breon! I'm glad Canohando surprised you - he sure surprised Frodo! Get a candy bar, too - this is a long movie - jo
Cuthalion · 12 February 2004 · Chapter 17: Frodo's Wager
Ah - finally "Frodo's wager"! It's such a fine experience to see the story "growing" here, and I just discover it completely new... especially this chapter that took my breath away from the first time I saw it. You know, how much I love this. Thank you for going on!
Author's reply
Thank *you*, Cuthalion - without your great beta-ing, the story - and especially this chapter - would be missing a lot! jo
Yavanna · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 16: Friends and Enemies
Thanks, Jo, wonderful chapters! I think it´s a very moving idea to consider the experience of Frodo with the ring, his salvation, as a kind of focus for the redemption of the orcs.I have the notion that Frodo, after the quest, felt himself almost identified not only with Gollum, but with all the losers and condemned of the story. By the way, in your fic, Frodo has got Sting with him, and handle it if necessary. Canon Frodo said: "I´ll bear no weapon, fair or foul" and "I have not wish for any sword". Why did you decide to change this?, because I think it´s a significant statement in the moral evolution of the character.
Author's reply
Very perceptive question, Yavanna! You're right, and it is such a beautiful thing when he says that; it always thrilled me. But at the Battle of Bywater, it says that Frodo was in the battle but did not draw sword, so I take it he did have Sting with him (he tried to give it to Sam at Cormallen, and Sam wouldn't take it, you remember). Gandalf persuaded him to wear a sword at Cormallen, and it would seem that he kept it after that. In Another Way of Leaving, he is brought to such a pass of despair that he leaves home with the intention of falling on his sword, and is prevented. So in this story, he has the sword, and I think his instinct to reach for it when surprised by the orcs is a healthy symptom, a sign that he has recovered his desire to live, even to defend himself if necessary. I see Frodo as a real person, and subject to the inconsistencies that we all have - noble enough to desire to do no harm, and yet (when he's not in deep depression) having an instinct of self-preservation. Being Frodo, his nobility is apt to win out over self-protection, when he has time to think about it.
Grimnir · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 16: Friends and Enemies
Aaah, I was so happy when I found out you have written a sequel to "Another way of leaving" - one of my favorite storys. And such a long one! I just had to read all the parts you have written already non-stop - and yes, I should have done something else in the night than only reading... so being a bit tired today. It's really great. I like the way Frodo is healed by giving comfort to others and by the support from Radagast. And I always have wondered if there is a way to "heal" the orcs - you are doing well in this subject. And - I must admit - I would love it to see a healed Frodo meeting Gandalf again in your story :-) (but do not feel interfered!!) Most of all I liked this one: "Why does it remind you of me?" he asked. The wizard smiled. "Broken just enough to show what it's really made of, to reveal the beauty within. Worn and shaped by suffering, but not destroyed, only made more lovely. Keep it, Donkey. It is a precious thing -- and so are you." Thanks so much for sharing this story!
Author's reply
Thank you so much for reviewing, Grimnir. I'm delighted that you like this story - heavens, that's a lot of reading for one night! No wonder you're tired! That shell is real, by the way - it's sitting on my dresser this minute... reminding me of Frodo.
FantasyFan · 10 February 2004 · Chapter 16: Friends and Enemies
Well, this story is certainly going in an unexpected direction! I am fascinated by the idea that the orcs are drawn to Frodo because he gives them hope. The sentence about looking at a star in a cup, then seeing the sky was both beautiful and so insightful! That Radagast would heal an orc doesn't surprise me at all - he has never been one to judge by superficial appearances. But to see Frodo struggle with the whole idea keeps the story real. His past experiences with orcs were not good, but he's stretching his perceptions in all ways. And it's always been a little disturbing that even Tolkien couldn't find anything redeemable about orcs, even when every other evil creature was given an explicit chance to repent and reform. Orcs are treated as fodder for a game of killing - their deaths and pain don't count. Brava to you for taking on the daunting task of redeeming the forsaken orc (there's only one other story that I know of that even tries).
Author's reply
You're right, Frodo is being stretched by his meeting with these orcs. Being healed isn't the end, it's the beginning. It was a very lovely story (forget the title) of a lost orc capturing Frodo in the Shire, that got me thinking about the possibility of an orc turning away from evil. (If you wish, I can go search out the title and author of that one for you.) Meantime, I'm glad you like my efforts on this theme...
Tathar · 10 February 2004 · Chapter 16: Friends and Enemies
Gosh, I'm running out of things to say about this incredible story of yours... I'm completely in awe. The addition of the orcs to their "fellowship" is just amazing -- I hope they will stick around for a while. **"I think they follow you, Donkey. You carried the Ring, and something of its aura still lingers on you. The imprint of the dark power you wrestled with and overcame – I think it draws them, and Canohando especially, because he is the most aware of the three."** Ohhhh!! *shivers* That idea, that the orcs are drawn to Frodo, is incredible in itself. I love it. And I thoroughly enjoyed Frodo stepping forward and taking command when they encountered the Men, and his conversation with Canohando later. Frodo *has* won his battle, after all! I'm so happy. :) *sigh* As I've already said -- many times, probably -- I'm completely hooked on this story. Hope to read more soon!
Author's reply
Thank you, Tathar! I'm really enjoying writing the orcs - very complex characters. These are the shorter, grey-skinned "Mordor" orcs - Yarga has a narrow, pointy face and squinty eyes, and Lash is heavy-browed with very bad teeth - but I picture Canohando as, for an orc, not too bad looking - regular features and a lot of intelligence in his black eyes... of course, now I watch the movies with an eye on the orcs, looking for these guys!
powerwriter · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Gorgoroth Plain
This is so awesome! Who woulda thunk that you could be friends with orcs...only Radagast! He really is this wonderful character, makes you wish you could follow him too. I think I like him way better than Gandalf! The part where Frodo has to show them his scars and how he got them...whoa, very powerful. I am terribly enjoying this story way too much :D Please keep going and going and going! It's amazing how fast you're churning out the chapters too. You must be extremely inspired to go that fast! Thank you for letting me expand your story. It's probably one of the best LotR fics I've written so far...I guess some of your inspiration fell my way :D I'm so glad you enjoyed it too! Thank again :)
Author's reply
LOL! I'm glad you enjoyed expanding on it, powerwriter! But I'm not really writing this fast - these Mordor chapters were among the first to be written, and then I had to write everything that came before, in order to post the story! So all I'm doing now is the final polishing (it takes me about 5 days to write a chapter, and a couple of months to get it in final form - I'm s-l-o-w!) I still have two more chapters to actually write from scratch, but lots more to post... jo
liptonrm · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Gorgoroth Plain
So often in a story it is the events at the end of the tale that have the most impact on the outcome, so much so that we tend to forget that it is the journey that determines what will happen in the end and not the ending itself. That is one of the reasons why Tolkien's work is so unique and able to touch so many different types of readers, he understood that it is the journey that matters, that it was Frodo's mercy during the Quest that dictated the eventual destruction of the Ring, and not necessarily his choices at the Sammath Naur, where he wasn't truly capable of choice at all. I'm so glad that that theme has been so central to this work and its predecessor, it's truly not possible to understand Frodo without understanding that fact. I adore all of this. It's almost as if Frodo's dark memories and fears are now more akin to night-terrors that don't seem so bad upon awaking. Mordor is not now so terrible as he remembered it being and, strangely enough, neither are the orcs;-). These have been wonderful chapters with some great insight.
Author's reply
Thank you, Liptonrm! Yes, it's the journey that matters - and Frodo still has some journeying to do in Mordor. Stay tuned - >g< jo
shirebound · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Gorgoroth Plain
Wow, that was great! You introduce new surprises (and old "friends") at every turn. Radagast is definitely an equal-opportunity healer! It's wonderful that Radagast feels there are still seeds underground, ready to sprout in Mordor, if they're just given an opportunity to do so. (I was a bit confused by the story summary on the homepage -- does it belong with this chapter?)
Author's reply
Hi Shirebound! The story summary is actually from the Prologue, which I wrote after several chapters were posted, because one reader was confused how Frodo happened to be traveling with Radagast - she hadn't read Another Way of Leaving, and she wrote me asking when does this take place, and when is Frodo going to go over the Sea? So I thought I'd better explain - and then it seemed like a better teaser than what I had originally written. Radagast is always open to the possibility of healing, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual. A good friend for Frodo, who wanted to give Saruman time to come around! Whether even he should trust an orc out of his sight is another matter... jo
Breon Briarwood · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Gorgoroth Plain
Well, that was unexpected!
Author's reply
Oh, good! I hate to be predictable! >vbg< jo
Gentle Hobbit · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 12: Rhosgobel
I have been reading solidly through the chapters, growing more and more enamored of this story, and of your vision of Frodo and Radagast. I still have many chapters to go, but I just had to stop here to say how much I thrill to your descriptions of Rhosgobel. How I wish that I, just like Frodo, could wander about, rest, and grow roots into the very floors of this place. Utterly enchanting - and the story of the Elf in Mordor sobering and heartbreaking.
Author's reply
Thank you, Gentle Hobbit. Rhosgobel just wrote itself, when I tried to imagine what sort of house Radagast would make for himself - I want to go there too! And the tragic poet is a sort of foreshadowing... jo
Tathar · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 15: Gorgoroth Plain
Gosh, at every new chapter I think, 'Oh, this is my favorite of all!', and this one is no exception. It seems that every chapter is even better than the last. Ohhh, the orcs! I was hoping they'd encounter some. I never expected this particular meeting, though, and it was a pleasant surprise. Canohando... I was laughing throughout Radagast's calm greeting. What a character he is! And Frodo is just.... Frodo. It's wonderful to see. I wondered what his reaction would be to hearing his story told to the orcs, and showing them his scars, and I was again so glad that he'd healed. He bore the retelling wonderfully. Every time I think I know what will happen, you add a new, unexpected twist, and I'm eager to see what you have in store for this new fellowship of wizard, hobbit and orcs. I'm not sure I liked the way Yarga was looking at Frodo at the end there.... *shiver* Ohh, I can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Thank you, Tathar! You are such an encouraging reviewer - bless you! And Yarga will bear watching, he will indeed. jo
FantasyFan · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths
By the way, chapter 13 seems to be missing - it goes from 12 right to 14, and the text that is in the teaser doesn't appear anywhere. Perhaps you could check that out?
Author's reply
Thank you for pointing that out! I'm so bad at chapter numbering; it's not the first time I've muddled it up. There wasn't a chapter missing, just a mis=numbering - the text that's in the teaser is from the Prologue (which I added after I had a lot of chapters posted, because one reader hadn't read Another Way of Leaving and was confused about what Frodo was doing, wandering around with Radagast). jo
Fantasy Fan · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 14: City of the Wraiths
Frodo says twice here that he is healed: he even sends it to Sam in a letter. I still don't trust it. But it is a very good sign that he is thinking of others, of Sam, and eager to meet with Faramir. He is truly a noble friend, and it's good to see him healing Ithilien in his own way. Somebody's got to tell them, though, that a marvellous green country is not best viewed from narrow windows behind a stockade. Perhaps when Legolas and his band of Elves arrive, the men will be eased. I can't imagine Elves living behind fences.
Author's reply
Perceptive, aren't you? >g< There's still healing that Frodo needs to do, of course, but at least he's got his will to live back, and some measure of acceptance of who he is. And you're right, Elves wouldn't live behind fences! But it's the sad aftermath of war, to still be suspicious and afraid. jo
FantasyFan · 8 February 2004 · Chapter 13: Catching Up with Death
Even now, when Frodo feels it is good to love someone and to be loved, even now when he can say he no longer wants to die, he still needs to be reassured that his life has worth to someone else. It's really very sad. I'm not so sure he's really ready for either Minas Morgul or for Mordor.