The Minstrel's Quest by Gentle Hobbit
shirebound · 18 March 2012 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
I just wanted you to know that I still read these stories, I still love them, and I'm so happy you wrote them.
Author's reply
Thank you so much for saying that. I'm so, so glad they still give you pleasure. What a lovely thought that you are still reading them! *many hugs*
Holbytla · 30 November 2011 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Your writing is so beautiful and poetic, I felt like I could hear the song you were describing. I love the emphasis in this story on taking the time to know about someone, and about giving a voice rather than just basing the lay on rumor. There is a real sweetness and thoughtfulness in your stories, and you do a great job showing the many sides of a character where it might be easier to give a simple portrayal. You also do a good job honoring the role of music in The Lord of the Rings. I feel like the song you describe would have given Sam the exact response he has in the book.
Larner · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Gentle Hobbit, would you mind if I borrowed the wind playing the harp for Frodo for my current story? Please?
Author's reply
Please do! I would be intrigued to see how you use it. :) I have to admit that I've fallen behind in fic reading lately, but I see you have a "new" one taking place after the Quest finishes. I'm looking forward to reading it when I have a bit of time. :)
pebbles66 · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Oh, this was absolutely lovely! A beautiful ending to a beautiful story. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
You're very welcome. And thank you for your kind words!
lovethosehobbits · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Just wanted you to know how much I've enjoyed this story. You did a fantastic job with this other character and his developement and with our 'boys' as well. I really enjoyed it. tree
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked Farohan! OCs are often reviled or come across as rather bland or typical characters, so thank you for saying that you appreciated mine!
Andrea · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
"And so they listened, and Farohan felt the wind stream through the humming strings, and it flowed through the dark curls of the Ring-bearer's hair in a steady, never-ceasing motion." - What a beautiful image! I enjoyed reading this story very much and to connect it to "The trial of Frodo Baggins" by bringing Farohan and Fellen together with Legolas as their teacher, is a wonderful idea. Thank you very much :)
Author's reply
Ah, bless you. I'm so glad that some people remember Fellen and who think that he and Farohan have much to share. And you also picked up on one of my favourite images of the chapter. Frodo framed by the harp and with his hair moving in the wind...
Larner · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
What a gentle, beautiful gift for Frodo, to hear the music of the wind and stars played on the harp of one who realizes Frodo is one of the few who would appreciate it. And on a ship, which will in the end bring Frodo to healing, prepare him for the day when his death will not be only mourned, but will be truly blessed on all sides. Thank you.
Author's reply
You have touched on imagery and ideas that were central to what I was trying to express. Frodo is moving towards the time when he realizes he can go into the West, and it is exactly what you said--the ship, the wind and the stars were strongly in my mind... in connection with Frodo, as I wrote that scene. Thank *you*.
shirebound · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Frodo's face seemed younger, as if the light had smoothed away the fine lines that Farohan had seen earlier. But his eyes were of an aged soul, soft and thoughtful, but unhurried and at peace. A truly beautiful story, Gentle Hobbit. In honoring the Ringbearer and his own need to express himself, Farohan has gained more than he ever dreamed.... not least of which is the respect of the Great, and a confidence that his song will live on. *applause*
Author's reply
It is both in his determination to express himself, and through his desire to give Frodo (and thus also hobbits) a voice that he does his best work, I think. Identity is such a crucial issue here. Thank you so much, Shirebound--I have appreciated (and looked forward to, I must admit) your feedback throughout this story.
Bodkin · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
I love the way Farohan takes Frodo on board ship to hear the wind playing through the harp strings. It is a moment when the two of them touch - but such a brief encounter. Endings are sad things - and the tale of Frodo sounds triumphant, but is very melancholic. I hope Farohan goes on to have a terrifically successful career - and meets us with the hobbits again when the king goes north. Lovely story.
Author's reply
I feel that Farohan will be successful in his own way--and what a thought! Perhaps he does go north... Frodo's tale does include quite a bit of melancholy, doesn't it. I think that Farohan is subconsciously reacting to that in part (among other things) when he "plays" the harp for Frodo.
utfrog98 · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
An absolutely beautiful story. Wonderful beginning to my work week and I thank you for great pleasure.
Author's reply
I'm glad I was able to get your work week off to a good start! Thank you for your review.
Dreamflower · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Such a beautiful sweet and tender ending. This story has been a real delight to me. As Frodo thanked Farohan, I thank you, for sharing it.
Author's reply
You are more than welcome. And I must thank you for letting me know what you have been thinking as you make your way through the story.
Grey Wonderer · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Wonderful to the last. I was sorry to see it end. I think that the part where Frodo and Farohan listen the the wind play the harp was inspired. I will mark this story to read again and again.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind words! I shall miss writing the story. And... that bit with the wind and the harp comes directly from my own experiences of hearing the wind through the strings of my own harp. It is a beautiful and ethereal sound, well suited to minstrels, elves, and elf-friends.
Grey Wonderer · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
I loved the conversatin between Merry and Pippin and Farohan about not offering up the entire truth unless Frodo asked for it. I like the way the Merry and Pippin talked, finishing each other's thoughts. I also loved the fact that the hobbits now consider Farohan their friend.
Author's reply
I enjoyed writing that part. The camraderie between the hobbits and Farohan (and Beregond, Legolas and Gimli) has been a warm and enjoyable thing for me to explore. And I'm glad you liked the Merry and Pippin tag-team effect!
Grey Wonderer · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 11: The Voice of the Shire
Merry is almost as nervous during the performance as if he were singing the song himself. I loved how Merry presented his case to Aragorn and the respect that Aragorn showed Merry. I also loved your discription of both songs and the fact that Menelor's song was extremely moving as well. It doesn't make an easy choice for Aragorn. Loved Pippin talk of Farohan surely returning in time for his meal too.
Grey Wonderer · 8 August 2005 · Chapter 10: Of Sacrifice and Song
I was so glad to have the time to read more of this. I simply love Merry in this. His strength of will and his determination are simply wonderful. I am also enjoying Legolas. If I haven't said so before then I say so now, this is a lovely story.
GamgeeFest · 7 August 2005 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Bravo! That was marvellously told. I loved the appearance of Fellen at the end and that he and Farohan were able to ease each other's pain over missing Frodo. This has been a delightful story. Thank you for sharing it.
Author's reply
Thank *you* for following the tale and giving me such lovely feedback. I am very glad you liked Fellen's being included. I felt very strongly that those two would understand each other.
Bodkin · 6 August 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
Score! Although I'm glad that Menelor's work will be aired too. Somehow I'm not surprised that Merry and Pippin don't want their part in the education of the minstrel to be known. Although, of course, no direct lies. 'Any Elf would be satisfied with his pronunciation.' I love pedantic Legolas. And, ironically, I can just imagine him being unexpectedly serious about things that would cause hobbits to stare at him blankly before exchanging glances and shaking their heads! And Frodo and Sam are brave enough to stand there while a minstrel sings to them - I suppose. ". . minstrels often do not meet the subjects of their lays." He shrugged and smiled wistfully. "We are only seen by them when we sing." Sad. On the edge of great events, but not part of them. Listened to, but not heard. There, but not seen. Although, of course, that can be a good thing.
Author's reply
"On the edge of great events, but not part of them. Listened to, but not heard. There, but not seen. Although, of course, that can be a good thing." I have been walking a fine line between what I would *like* to see happen (e.g. Farohan and Frodo having a rich and close friendship during Frodo's stay in Minas Tirith and Ithilien), and what is more likely to happen (no guarantee of a meeting, much less a friendship). It is very much as you say, I think. Minstrels fill a function, a purpose as communicators, and so while they may be privy to all sorts of news, gossip, reports, Kings' words, etc., they are not the movers and shakers of things either. A peculiar position, absolutely. Useful, absolutely. But perhaps a little lonely too... On another note, however, I think Frodo and Sam were seated on the throne by Aragorn before the minstrel started to sing. I didn't mention it in this chapter, but they are sitting (a lot more comfortable than standing!) during the lay.
Mariole · 2 August 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
Oh, you have wounded _me_ with sweet words! You closed with my very favorite quote out of Tolkien ever. I just adored this, and am very glad to see we'll get a little more. I like how gracious Menelor was in returning the task to Farohan. This, however, brought the tears: "But then, to his lasting surprise and delight, both Merry and Pippin bowed to him deeply, in the strange manner of hobbits." How fitting, and how wonderful! This is a gorgeous story, GentleHobbit. Thank you for posting it!
Author's reply
I don't know if it is my most favourite quotation or not, for there are so many passages from Tolkien that are very meaningful and that can wound just as sweetly, but I do love it very much, and, after all, it is what started me exploring and writing this story. I am thrilled to hear that it *is* your favourite quotation, and that you adore this chapter. That means a lot to me.
GamgeeFest · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
Oh, that was lovely! You redeemed Menelor here, with his "speech" to Farohan. Reminded me more of a father/son relationship than mentor/pupil. I imagine it was quite stressing for him to have to go to Aragorn when he did and tell him that Farohan hadn't written anything; and he had the grace to admit that Farohan's was the better lay. I'm so glad to see there's a little more coming. :)
Author's reply
I have respected and liked Menelor from the beginning, but I also tried to write him in such a way that, as can happen in real life when we don't know the motives or "the whole story", he doesn't always seem to be a sympathetic character, or even likeable. I'm glad that this approach seemed right to you.
pebbles66 · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
Absolutely beautiful chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you!
Anonymous · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
This is wonderful. You made me feel all of the joy and sorrow and Farohan's trepidation, and that you brought it all back to canon was just lovely. I've always loved that passage from the book. It makes my heart beat a bit faster, and I can almost hear the voices shouting acclaim for those two small, bewildered hobbits, then the minstrel's voice rising above them all, clear as a trumpet. Oh, my, it brings tears to my eyes. It's truly beautiful and I look forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
I love that passage too--obviously, I suppose, since that one passage is what started me on this whole process of "discovering" the minstrel's own tale. To hear that it holds a similar emotional resonance for you too is warming for me to hear. Thank you so much for your review!
Andrea · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
That's the best thing that could happen! Aragorn has not to decide about the lays. Menelor himself lets Farohan sing his lay! Wonderful. As Merry said, he didn't recognize the words, he felt them. And that's exactly what is expressed in the last lines of your Tolkien quote: "...and they passed in thought out to regions where pain and delight flow together and tears are the very wine of blessedness." Thank you!
Author's reply
It truly is the best possible way, isn't it. It would be horrid for Farohan to have to have a falling out with Menelor over his first big lay.
shirebound · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
The passage from ROTK with which you end this chapter now means so much more to me! You've filled in its history and emotions for us, and brought out the personality, heart, and spirit of a minstrel we never knew in a way I'll never forget.
Author's reply
What lovely words, Shirebound! That has been my aim, and to hear that the story has done that for you in such a way is a joy for me to hear. Bless you!
utfrog98 · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
I have been enjoying this story since the beginning. This chapter and the one before are simply wonderful. Thanks
Author's reply
Thank you! I am glad that you have been enjoying it.
Larner · 29 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Silver and Gold
That words can wound and heal at the same time has always been true; it was a sweet wounding, I think. And I understand the Master's concern. Am so glad that Sam gets both lays. Yet even then Frodo is seen as the highest honored, yet the most grateful recipient likely to be Sam.
Author's reply
I agree with you. I have always seen Sam as being the most appreciative. After all, he was the one who thought and talked about it during the Quest, and the one who reacted with such lovely joy and exultation when the minstrel begged leave to sing. Frodo, perhaps, can appreciate it, but doesn't have the same exuberance and glee as Sam...