LOTR Fan · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
Wow I really enjoyed it, it was great! i must read more! :D ~*~Dee~*~
Ashes and The Flame by Ariel
Reviews (14)
Inkling · 24 September 2005 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
I’ve had this story bookmarked for ages and the MEFAs have finally given me that extra little nudge I needed to read it. And I’m so glad I did! I think this is possibly the most poetic and beautifully written of your stories that I’ve yet had the pleasure of reading. So many lovely lines, like this one: Moonlight picked gossamer highlights from her profile and glistened like whispered secrets in the folds of her dark hair. And I’m thrilled that you’ve given dear Frodo a son…he so deserves it! (Oh, do I have I fic that I think you’ll like…if I ever finish it!) Now I’m going to have to look up your first story… I will try to write something more intelligent in my MEFA review! :D
Author's reply
Oh, I DO think I'll like it, if that is what it is about! I'm definitely a canon fan, but have a soft spot for anyone who wants to give Frodo a lady love of his very own. I've loved your handling of the subject of his 'first love' and would be VERY interested in how you handle a more serious relationship for him. Oh, I do hope you finish it!
rs · 31 August 2005 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
I am so happy to have found this story..BEAUTIFUL!!! Aragorn's sorrow for Frodo and love for Arwen is so easily conveyed in this fic. JUST LOVELY!!!. There's is nothing left to say but WOW!!
Author's reply
*Blush* Just when I think folks aren't reading fanfic anymore, I get lovely, encouraging messages like this one! Thank you, RS! This is one of my favorite pieces too and I am delighted to be able to share it with you.
Larner · 29 April 2005 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
This is another I read on FFN. It is part of the inspiration for the story I'm writing now, although it will be a time before I post it, if I do. Still thinking on this nuzgul.
Author's reply
*Bows, blushing furiously* I can see my own work being most definitely influenced by yours as well. Thank you so much for them. I am enjoying the King's Commission greatly!
Lindelea · 20 January 2005 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
Ah, yes, another delicately crafted work. You and I are mortal after all. Does not the short span of our years make each of them more precious? Does not the knowledge that we have but a little time make our fires burn more intensely while they do? I know I return to this theme time and again. I meant to start re-reading "Fear" tonight but I'm weary and chose two one-chapter stories instead. Thanks for the good read.
Author's reply
Yes, that and the desire for children are two themes I return to time and again myself. Poor Nilmandra, who had to beta this for me, gave me quite a grilling for making the assumption that my readers would understand that point, but I hope this version of the story makes it clear to both those who have (or want) children and those who don't. Well, Fear is a big thing and all it has is OCs and Frodo (OH! And Bilbo, too!). I warn folks about that in case they are looking for other characters. I just didn't see the point of putting in a bunch of known characters as plants just for name recognition. Bilbo was plausible. Even Saradoc was wormed in there, I think believably, but other than that, it's just my creations. For a lot of the fanfic reading public it just isn't going to be an interesting story. Please don't feel yourself forced to read it. If it catches your interest, then great, but if it doesn't please don't feel obligated to read it. I do this for entertainment value and receive the same pay whether my fics get read or not. If you are looking for short, and known characters, I have a very nice Bilbo and Frodo piece called 'Passing Regrets' you might like. Budgie says she adored it, so perhaps it would be enjoyable for you as well. It also has the very decided benefit of being short. LOL!
Nilmandra · 6 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
I really like how this turned out, Ariel. I expected Aragorn to come across well, and his memories of his dear friend and you did not disappoint with either. What really struck me was the you portrayed Arwen. She is wise and full of knowledge that Aragorn can only begin to understand, ethereal and beautiful. And how dearly Aragorn loves her shines through. Thank you!
Author's reply
And without your help, it wouldn't have been anywhere near as good. I have always enjoyed working with you, Nilmandra. You take care and are thourough. You don't beat around the bush and you let me know in no uncertain terms where I have failed to communicate. That is an invaluable service and I appreciate you giving me the benefit of your services. The stories come out infinitely better for it. I also appreciate the fact that you spend the time to help someone whose focus is so myopically hobbits. *blush* I really do need to get out more. ((((HUGS))))
pipspebble · 6 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
This was absolutely gorgeous. I love the tenderness you've written into Aragorn's love for his lady, and angst for his absent friend, the guilt that plagued him for so long. I could very easily picture the whole scene in my head. Thank you for that lovely, lovely story!
Author's reply
And thank YOU for writing such lovely commentary! I have the benefit of having seen these scenes in my head for a very long time. They are quite established in my mind so were very easy to write. I am glad they came through clearly to you!
Lindorien · 4 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
This is amazing. You know, your writing is changing. I enjoyed this. Wonderful insights, real emotions. Excellent. Lindorien
Author's reply
LOL! Well, with people actually paying attention to it, I do feel the need to straighten the tablecloth and put out the good china. I am delighted you have seen improvement. I will endeavor to keep on that path.
FantasyFan · 4 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
This is a lovely fic, and goes well with your other story. I love the poignancy of Aragorn's grief for his friend. I too have thought it a shame that Frodo and Bilbo leave no progeny. More than that, when Frodo leaves the Shire (and Angelica Baggins marries), there will be no Bagginses left at all, if you assume that the geneological tables in the Appendices are complete. Of course, there may be children who are not listed on them, but I think it may have been deliberate on Tolkien's part to let the entire line die out.
Author's reply
Unfortunately, I believe you are right. Have the teachings carried on by those not related by blood. Sounds familiar, doesn't it? It also echoes the sadness of the Eldar leaving too. The magic fading from the world, and Frodo and Bilbo also being only memories that those with faith believe in. *sigh* Good thing there's fanfic! *grin*
Nivina · 4 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
What a sweet, sad, and yet so wonderful story. It had me in tears, and I love the way you wrote Aragorn's pain and feelings of guilt; and the part where Aragorn meets Elan. I espeacially loved those fragments: Grown past the weary lives of men, you were only with us by the power of love. You looked well, though the transparency lingered and you seemed one illuminated from within by a sad and gentle light. That made me see Frodo so clearly before my own eyes. *sniffles, and thanks you for such a gem* :)
Author's reply
Awww! You are always welcome, my dear! At least I presume the tears are a good thing? *wink* I always meant to write this one but never seemed to find the time. I am pleased that when I did it pleased you too. (((HUGS))
Lily the Hobbit · 4 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
This was heartbreakingly beautiful. Aragorn’s grief and his joy when seeing Frodo had a son are perfectly woven together. I have often thought about the fact that Frodo had no children and had woven my own little tales in my mind, but this one was amazing.
Author's reply
Oh, that was definitely going to be the theme of one of my stories right from the start! I think it is part of his appeal that he is so tragically 'available' that he draws people to want to comfort and ease him, write stories where he finds love and is comforted. That's probably the strongest driving force in Frodo fic! Thank you so much for your kind words - I am very glad you liked this one! Ariel
lwarren · 4 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
I read "Promises" some months ago, and loved the idea that Frodo had at least known a romantic love before the Quest changed his future. I thought it was so sad that he came to know his son almost at the point of his sailing...but at least he knew he had a son! When I finished reading it, I sat there thinking I would love to see Aragorn's face when he laid eyes on this hobbit who so strikingly resembled his father. This story is wonderful...it tells of the day Aragorn met Elan...but the depth of feeling comes from the way you have Aragorn writing his thoughts and grief and guilt on paper...a letter of love and thanks to a dear friend he doubts he will ever see again. I love the way Aragorn loves Arwen, and how he hopes Frodo had a chance to experience that kind of joy and love. Just a great story, Ariel! *sniff* (I didn't review "Promises" - think I'll head back that way and do so!!) linda
Author's reply
You did!? Oh, that is astonishing! I always thought the same thing! I remember reading Rachel Stonebreaker's piece 'Illusions' and thinking 'aww, she already did it!' and being disappointed that my slowness had made it so that I missed a chance to write this very cool scene, which she did it with Merry and someone who looked like Frodo. (It is a heartbreaking scene and I heartily recommend it if you find it posted somewhere.) I am glad this worked for you as a sequel for Promises - and I am pleased you enjoyed reading it! Ariel
Dreamflower · 3 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
Oh my! This is absolutely beautiful, expressing what I too see, that Aragorn would deeply feel Frodo's suffering, feeling guilty for the sacrifices that had won him his throne. And it explores one of the themes that makes my own heart lurch with unspeakable sadness, that Frodo was the last of his line, and there were no more Bagginses in the Shire. I will have to seek out your other story.
Author's reply
Awww! Then, Dreamflower, you might like my stories. That's a theme I've put in quite a few of them. May I suggest another piece that Nilmandra beta'ed - Swallowing Sorrows (http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterview.asp?sid=392&cid=1584) if you like this kind of introspective melancholy. I am not too widely read, but those who enjoy my pieces are dear to me and I try to provide the best I can for them. Please do seek out 'Promises' also, but be gentle, it was my first fanfic. *grin*
lovethosehobbits · 3 September 2004 · Chapter 1: Ashes and The Flame
Ariel- I read your first fic Promises a long time ago and loved it. I read this and my heart broke, only because of the deep feelings you invoked in me and the bittersweet feeling this fic lays out for the reader to breath in. Such a beautiful thing to behold, I cannot say enough of how much I adore your writing. I never tire of it, my friend. Never. best to you, tree
Author's reply
*Sniff* Thank you, my friend. I have delighted in your works too and hope you keep getting better and better. They are a wellspring of delight (and angst!). Yep, this one has been sitting on my back burner for a while now and has only now found its way to the fore. I am pleased that it spoke to you and that you enjoyed it. Bittersweet is what I had hoped it would be. ((((((HUGS)))))))) Ariel