The Minstrel's Quest by Gentle Hobbit
Budgielover · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 5: From Sunrise to Moonlight
What I enjoyed most about this chapter was obviously Merry (surely you are surprised?) and Merry's description to Farohan of his much-loved cousin. From a technical aspect, the shift in voice from the formal to Merry's informal 'hobbit voice' was a delight. Merry was perfect, teasing and loving and proud of his cousin, yet wishing the minstrel to understand that the Ring-bearer is as human (or hobbit) as anyone else.
Budgielover · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Of Hobbits and Oliphaunts
What a fantastic device, introducing the archer's cage that Frodo and Sam saw on the back of an oliphaunt! I loved the quiet line of "They are expected to live," mindful of a sleeping Pippin. And Merry racing to see Frodo first, and the explanation of it. I see you are setting up the tension between master and journeyman, always a good source of conflict. My only discontent ... not enough hobbits. (More hobbits! More hobbits!)
Budgielover · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Of Names and Hobbits
Oh, sweet Pippin! I could so here him joining the conversation, just as you described it, and then being put out so the journey would be bearable. Good for Pippin, terribly frustrating for the reader who wants hobbits! I also enjoyed the minstrel's musings on Frodo's name. I've often thought it was an odd name and wondered at Professor Tolkien's choice. It seems out of place among names like Merry and Pippin and Sam, and it was interesting to know that someone else muses over that, too.
Budgielover · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 2: To Write the Perian's Lay
How delightful that the minstrel talks to the hobbits' friends first! I enjoyed seeing the members of the Fellowship's attitude towards the hobbits; the affection and the admiration that have grown in Legolas and Gimli. Already though I am eager for hobbits, to have Pippin and the other hobbits in the story. Hobbits, hobbits, hobbits!
Budgielover · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 1: The Task is Given
I was so pleased to see what period of time you are covering here - it is one of my favorites. Like the time of Frodo's recovery in Rivendell, this is passed over much too quickly in the books. I love your use of Tolkien voice, the formal phrasing, and look forward to the development of this story. I DO wish you had given us more of the Ring-bearers' arrival by Eagle - that was too short. Of course, 500 pages wouldn't have been long enough...
Bodkin · 9 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
Glad to see he has eyes that can see - and recognise what is before them. Needs to learn about Elvish now, though? I hope he gets time to finish this lay. Although I suppose there is no longer a desperate need to get it done so quickly as he's been relieved of the task of producing the lay for the feast. Not, mind you, that I mind his needing to go and spend some time with the elf. And the dwarf?
Author's reply
Luckily, Farohan has Legolas to deal with Elvish translations! Sadly, there is no need for him to spend time with Gimli in particular now, as he does not plan to sing in Dwarvish! Yet Gimli is very much an active member of the group, and Farohan has valued what he has to say.
GamgeeFest · 8 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
An update! How wonderful! Farohan's respect and humility for Frodo is touching in this scene, as is his understanding of Sam's part. It is unfortunate that we won't be able to read the song itself. Your Farohan would have written a beautiful and haunting one, I think. I do hope we get to hear the tales Merry and Pippin and the others will have to tell about Sam, and the Elvish lessons should be interesting.
Author's reply
And would you believe it? Another update within a week! And with a little more of Sam in it. I too wish we could read the words of the lay, but I have no skill in writing one, and it would end up a travesty! Better that I should leave it to the imagination.
Dreamflower · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
I'm so glad to see an update of this. It's just beautiful! I love Farohan's insight into what Frodo and Sam would want, but I think my favorite part was Merry, first putting Farohan to the test, and then your description of how his face changed as he looked upon his cousin. Just made me tear up. Beautiful!
Author's reply
I wrote that bit with Merry looking lovingly at Frodo while I was sitting on the grass by Tolkien's grave. It was an emotional experience for me, and it came through, I think, in the writing. Bless you for pointing that bit out.
Andrea · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
"Over time, Frodo's face had altered, yet the change occurred not in the distant past. It spoke of two beings: the hobbit he once had been--dreaming, wandering, yet tied to his homeland--was in counterpoint to what he had now become: old and beautiful and knowing." Wonderful! Farohan is indeed a thoughtful observer and he passed Merry's "test" brilliantly! I appreciate it, that he's decided to sing in Elvish. He has only a little time left to learn how to do so. But he will manage it, I'm sure :)
Author's reply
Yes--he passed the test with flying colours, didn't he! And luckily, he also has an elf to guide him through the next stage. Thank you for your review!
shirebound · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
Both natures were Frodo's heritage. No longer was he the light-hearted but intense hobbit that tramped through his green homeland, although those memories were dear to him. Instead, the peace and gravity now etched upon his face were of a beauty that had grown through care, toil and wisdom; they were of one who had fought great evil and who had known evil within himself but after all, and through it all, loved that which he had sought to protect. There would be no return for him to the simple life of the hobbits, Farohan realized, not now--not for one whose face spoke of such knowledge and such sorrow. How lovely. Farohan is such a thoughtful and clear-seeing man. It's fascinating to see Sam and Frodo through his eyes and perceptions.
Author's reply
You know--I have thought of Frodo's character for many years and mulled over his decisions, sacrifices and fate. Yet Farohan is "discovering" him for the first time. It's been challenging to try to imagine what it would be like for him. I'm very glad you like the result!
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
Yes, I can see this indeed. Lovely picture of the two lying, sleeping near one another. Thank you.
Author's reply
Ah--I love it when my words are able to paint, or perhaps "sculpt" pictures! Thank you for following the story!
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 8: A Small Measure of Defiance
Nothing like confusing the poor minstrel with so many physical facts when he needs something more, to know the soul.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 7: Truth and Rumour
Methinks I, too, would be weeping at this point.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 6: The Crucible
Yes, the quest and all that happened to Frodo during it as a crucible, leaving a Hobbit stripped to the bare essential of purpose, I suppose.
harrowcat · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
I was so glad to see that a new chapter had been posted. And it was just as good as it promised to be. I like the idea that the essential 'us' will shine through whatever 'experience' does to us.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked the chapter. I'm also glad that Frodo's true nature does seem to shine through.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 5: From Sunrise to Moonlight
Greedy yet generous, naive yet wise and learned--yes, the Hobbit of contradictions.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 4: Of Hobbits and Oliphaunts
Yes, a little privacy, please, for our beloved cousins.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 3: Of Names and Hobbits
It is little by little, I see, that he begins to learn.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 2: To Write the Perian's Lay
What Olorin must know will be given to him, I think. And good to see him questioning others as well.
Larner · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 1: The Task is Given
So it indeed must be, whether one crafts this lay or sculpts a memorial. Obviously the theme strikes a chord with me.
Grey Wonderer · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
Beautiful. I loved how it took a while for Farohan to decide which one was Frodo thanks to all of the different descriptions. This story certainly proves that not everyone sees their friends in the same way which I have found very interesting. The part of the chapter that I enjoyed the most was when Merry was looking at Frodo and the change that came over Merry while he did so. Again, I look forward to more and am enjoying it all very much.
Author's reply
Yes. One theme of this story is that we create our own perceptions or "take," if you will, on a person's character. Part of Farohan's job is to make sure that his own "take" doesn't unduly colour how he presents Frodo (or Sam) in the lay.
Grey Wonderer · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 8: A Small Measure of Defiance
I love Merry's determination about all of this and the way that he has taken charge of it with the help of the others. I am glad that Farohan will get to write his lay even if it is not the main one written. I simply love this story and was happy to find more of it posted.
theoriginalvicki · 7 July 2005 · Chapter 9: For Eyes to See That Can
Just finished reading all nine chapters. I must say that I'm all aquiver, waiting for the next installment. You are writing more aren't you? *please* A really ejoyable read!
Bodkin · 27 March 2005 · Chapter 8: A Small Measure of Defiance
"Ah! Yes... of course." Merry faced Farohan then. "A stout little fellow..." "...with red cheeks," said Pippin. "Stout...?" Farohan said. "Taller than some..." said Pippin. "And f... no... no, he has a cleft in his chin," Merry said. Interesting. Very interesting. And wizards never lie? I wonder what Merry and Pippin's game is here. At first I just thought that they had bonded with Farohan and didn't want a stranger coming in to write Frodo's lay - but now I'm not sure that it's that simple! But Farohan has been commissioned by the Ringbearer's cousin to produce the lay - so whatever his master might think, he can carry on writing his lay. Hurray!
Author's reply
Merry & Pippin aren't necessarily ready to make it *too* easy for Farohan, are they! Perhaps there is still a little bit of a desire to test him, even as they are growing in their trust of him. Or perhaps there's a ribbing playfulness that comes out as teasing. Or perhaps even... no. No. That would be saying too much. But... as you said, Farohan now has his own independent commission. He is now free to continue as he sees fit. On with the lay!
illyria · 22 March 2005 · Chapter 8: A Small Measure of Defiance
There's the spirit, Farohan! I'm glad Farohan didn't just give up and forget the idea of writing the lay. And I love your in command!Merry and the conversation at the stage-building site. And the two cousins descibing Frodo made me giggle! :) Thank you for this chapter. I can't wait for Farohan to meet Frodo.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the recounting of Gandalf's letter! And I'm very fond of in-command!Merry too. As he said to Pippin in the Houses of Healing, the world of Men (and especially Aragorn) is "deeper and higher" than that of the Shire. Yet Farohan is now the one (figuratively) entering Merry's world where "the soil of the Shire is deep," and well does Merry know it! I'm sorry that it has taken so long to get the next chapter out, but I hope it's worth the wait.