Grey Wonderer · 12 January 2005 · Chapter 14: Love Lost
I am catching up tonight and I just love Ruvemir's description of Elise. You can hear the love behind it.
The King's Commission by Larner
Reviews (429)
grumpy · 12 January 2005 · Chapter 15: Letters to the King
Love the three letters to the king. espically how each person addressed the king. I bet Aragorn got a kick out of that alone. Plus he gets to know what is happening in the Shire.
Author's reply
Yes, each will have his own unique style in addressing the King. Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower · 12 January 2005 · Chapter 16: The Bathing Room
This was a truly interesting chapter. I love the way you have characterized the hobbity attitude towards baths, and how the Travellers are reluctant to let others see their scars, and how that gives them something in common with Ruvemir. Poor Frodo. He had it so hard when he came back; it is no wonder he was never able to recover in the Shire.
Author's reply
I agree about how Frodo would have had such a much harder time trying to recover. Thanks for the feedback.
FantasyFan · 12 January 2005 · Chapter 16: The Bathing Room
Poor Sam. This is harder on him than on anyone else, I think. I wonder if some of his initial reluctance to go forward with this project was due to the pain that bringing up all these memories would bring. Remembering Frodo must give him both pain and joy, but remembering the quest is I am sure all sorrow.
Author's reply
Much of the quest would be painful, but there is also good there to remember. Sometimes we need to clear away the dead wood of the bad memories to find the joy that's often hidden within, like a jewel.
Tigger · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 16: The Bathing Room
Oh my...That was so well written and realistic. I have been through many surgeries and procedures over the years and I am very nervous about showing my scars to those I don't know very well. I could so relate w/the nervousness Sam, Pip and Merry would have felt seeing Ruvemir enter the bathing room. And for him to feel the same way because of his physical characteristics. I just wanted to join that hug and help Sam get through what the memories had triggered. Wonderful chapter!! More...Please? :D
Author's reply
I've seen it in friends and clients and students. Yes, I, too, wish I could have been there to join in that hug of reassurance. More is coming.
TopazTook · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
I just wanted to say how much I am enjoying this story -- which, for some reason, I probably wouldn't have read if it hadn't been highlighted as one of Marigold's recommendations. This chapter is particularly wonderful. Your characterization of Sam is so...Sam, with his mixture of practicality and wisdom, poetry and prosaic-ness. That one very short bit of dialogue, too <<"Merry? I'm hungry. Do you have an apple?>> also serves just in itself to bring out Pippin's personality, highlighting just how young he still is -- and Merry and Sam's reactions are both in keeping with themselves as well. I like when your Sam talks, as I can hear him.
Author's reply
My voice for Sam isn't exactly Tolkien's, but I've tried to make him real. And I've married book and movie Pippin somewhat, I'll admit. Yes, he is young, and so endearing at the same time. I'm glad you appreciate the story, and that apparently so many have come to love it.
Anonymous · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
Wow. It is truely a treat to find a story that does such justice to Middle Earth and it's characters, especially in such a touching way. Your writing truely brings these people to life! On a side note, how do you imagine a soldier of Gondor would look standing at full attention? An artist myself, I was inspired by your description of Merry and Pippin standing around Sam, telling his story, but I can't seem to find the right pose for Pippin.
Author's reply
I've described being on guard as standing with sword at the ready, so I tend to see him that way. Good questions.
Dreamflower · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 15: Letters to the King
Very, very nice indeed! I love the use of letters as devices for moving the plot along, and these three are lovely. Ruvemir's gives a great summary of what he has so far discovered about Frodo, the contradictions and surprising depths of his subject's character. Paladin's letter is spot-on! It's Paladin as I have always imagined him, a loving father who had become exasperated over his son's difficult adolescence, and now discovering that he has now grown into a responsible maturity. He is re-discovering pride in his son, and is so grateful to the King for it. I also like that he has found a new appreciation for Frodo. Beautiful job! And Sam's letter captures his voice so well. I love the way he shows that he has had his mind changed about a memorial, and is now looking forward to it! Looking forward to more updates soon!
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoy it so.
Dreamflower · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 14: Love Lost
A shorter chapter, yet one that covers a lot. Although I am not one of those who go for the Frodo/Pearl relationship, I do think that the Ring was more than a little responsible for his solitary state (as well as Bilbo's). And the Pearl idea *does* make sense. I like the idea that Lobelia had a hand in keeping Frodo from finding happiness with a wife. I don't like Lobelia, and am willing to put almost anything bad at her door, LOL! I certainly did enjoy Ruvemir's waxing poetic over Elise's charms! That was cute! It would be nice if you could find someone for Miriel before the story ends.
Author's reply
The story isn't over yet, of course.
Dreamflower · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
So glad I can get a chance to catch up again on my reviewing! This chapter is very impressive in the way you manage to cover so much material. I really like the way Ruvemir's presence is causing the Travellers to open up about things which it is obvious that they do not often speak of. Young Evro *is* pretty contrary for a young hobbit, isn't he? I love his practical skepticism--seems like a Brandybuck trait to me, LOL! It's lovely the way the conversation led into the leaving at the Grey Havens, and how you were able, once more to get in so much ancient history from the Silm and so forth without it sounding stale. When I spoke of the "saintliness" of your Frodo in the last review, I wasn't talking of him being some perfect being, but in that he had an obvious other-worldliness that was recognizable by others, yet he remained for the most part humble and self-effacing. This is a wonderful story!
Author's reply
Oh, I now understand. Yes, the combination of humility and pride, now underlined by the physical weakness, does make him appear very otherworldly. And I find Evro an interesting character as well. Wonder if he'll appear in future stories?
Eruviluieth · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 14: Love Lost
Ah, love stories. Good job telling them. I liked Frodo's story. I've heard variations on that theme before, but it makes good sense that just about everything wrong with Frodo's life can be traced back to Lobelia. Good chapter, want more!
Author's reply
Thanks.
Harrowcat · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 14: Love Lost
I am enjoying this Larner. A lovely, gentle chapter. I might have expected Ruvemir to get out his sketchpad and show the hobbits his Elise. After all, he has sketched everyone else!
Author's reply
He has been lax, hasn't he? Thanks.
Bodkin · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 14: Love Lost
Poor Pearl. Time for some 'what if' thoughts. If Frodo had married Pearl at his coming of age, Bilbo would still have left and passed the ring on to him. Would it have had a different effect? Was the ring putting ideas into Lobelia's head, so it could ensure that it would have Frodo to itself? Did the ring make Pearl doubt Frodo? The ring allowed Bilbo to adopt and love Frodo - what if it had let Frodo / Pearl happen and there had been hobbitlings? Would they have been more vulnerable to the evil of the ring from being exposed from birth? Or more resistant to it? Anyway, it's a shame Frodo had his life taken from him. But I suppose somebody who had seen the Somme would know all about people having their lives taken. Interesting insights.
Author's reply
I suspect you are right. Thanks.
Bodkin · 11 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
I like seeing Sam as the story teller. He has a different viewpoint on events - and the suggestion of Galadriel's glance and Sam's head shake are suggestive! He is such a gem, and so practical - he would have apples handy. Ruvemir will have his work cut out to put all these different pictures of Frodo into one.
Author's reply
Yes--maybe he could have gone with his Master after all, but didn't. He wouldn't have been so unfair to Rosie, I think.
Breon Briarwood · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
*crying now*
Author's reply
Maybe Sam will lend you one of the handkerchiefs. ;-) Glad it moves you.
Eruviluieth · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
This is some incredible storytelling. I've never seen such an excellent description of the ride to the Havens. Explaining men, Sharkey, orcs, half-orcs,... Good thing Sam's so good at stories and explaining, seeing how he hangs out with curious kids so much (especially Branybucks and Tooks). Spectacular chapter. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
He's learned about stories from the masters--Frodo and Bilbo. Thanks.
FantasyFan · 10 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
This is a very moving chapter. I am sitting here with tears running down my face, hearing Sam tell the story of Frodo's leaving in all its bittersweet pain. I can't think of a more emotional scene to try to portray, and from Sam's point of view especially: you've pulled it off spectacularly, and Frodo's pain and Frodo's courage come through so well. What a marvelous job you've done of letting all of us see him without him being present, see him through all the eyes of those who loved him. Then, I especially love this paragraph: Sam’s dignity, Sam’s sadness, Sam’s pride. Pippin stood at full attention, the soldier of Gondor giving honor; Merry stood with his hands resting on the pommel of his sword, its tip on the granite of the floor paving before him, doing the same for Rohan--for Rohan and the Shire. Do you think this is the pose that the final statue will have?
Author's reply
I know Ruvemir is sincerely considering it. Thanks for the response, and I'm glad it moved you so.
Grey Wonderer · 9 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
I believe that Sam's tale of the trip to the Grey Havens is the best version that I have read in a fiction to this point. I could see everyone hanging on his every word because I was doing the same thing as I read it. Another wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you!
Meldewen Ilce · 9 January 2005 · Chapter 13: Knights in Arms and a Tale of Leaving
Oh, I have really enjoyed this story and I am glad to see that you've updated it again! Ruvemir is a wonderful character and I have enjoyed coming to know him as much as I have enjoyed seeing how his study with the hobbits for his work is progressing... Please don't be long in updating this again!
Author's reply
I didn't mean to go this long, believe me. Computer problems doubled. Glad that Ruvemir is becoming so popular a character. I will try to update every day or so now that the computers are fixed again and back online. Thanks for the feedback.
grumpy · 31 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Finding Frodo Baggins
great chapters. Love seeing the hobbits and the Shire from Ririon's eye, plus all the things the hobbits have to say about Frodo. Loved the gifts Stider sent, thebooks wrapped in handkerchiefs.
Author's reply
Ririon and Ruvemir and Miriel are getting a unique look at life in the Shire. And the thought of the two children's books wrapped in handkerchiefs was, I thought, something Aragorn would do, knowing Sam.
Tigger · 29 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Finding Frodo Baggins
This is such a wonderful story and I'm loving each new chapter. I'm finding when I come on to SoA lately looking at the updates, I find myself hoping there's a new chapter posted. You're doing an amazing job w/the characters. So true to the book and their respective voices. Can't wait to read the next chapter.
Author's reply
Sorry you've had to wait for the update. It has been a pain being in computer withdrawal for the last two weeks.
Radbooks · 28 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Finding Frodo Baggins
I am really enjoying this story. It is so different than anything else that I have read in the world of fan fiction. You have made believable characters and the pursuit of their goal is very interesting and the fact that they interview all of these people who knew Frodo is fascinating. It brings out so many different sides of his character. This is the first of your stories that I have read and I am looking forward to reading more of them. Radbooks
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying it, and that you find it unique. Have been offline for a couple weeks--first a spike took out the C: drive on my personal computer, and then the house server suffered a meltdown of a cable. Am trying to get the story updated.
babzee · 23 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Finding Frodo Baggins
I very seldom like, or even read OC fics. I'm not sure why I started reading this one. But I'm very very much enjoying it. Your original characters are lovely, fully-realized, and give a wonderfully fresh view of the familiar LOTR characters. I'm hoping this will become a nice, LONG series.
Author's reply
Thank you for your feedback. Am trying to get the main computer back online--a power outage and spike corrupted the C: drive, so am doing my best to get the network back online. It's been fun!
Bodkin · 20 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Finding Frodo Baggins
Ruvemir is a good listener - probably an essential, given what he does, but he is pulling out some really interesting stories. It is interesting to see a tougher side to Frodo, even though it is part of his caring personality, and the hobbit viewpoint is good - more real hobbit and less hero, which is just what Ruvemir needs.
Author's reply
Yes, Ruvemir would have to be a good listener--there we agree. And I like to think Frodo was more capable of taking care of himself than the book and movies tend to indicate. Of course, just carrying the Ring would have been likely to distract from his ability to protect himself, so perhaps his lack of ability with a sword was due to interference from It, or from the physical drain of carrying It, particularly as they drew nearer Mordor. Thanks for the feedback. Author Reply: Yes, Ruvemir would have to be a good listener--there we agree. And I like to think Frodo was more capable of taking care of himself than the book and movies tend to indicate. Of course, just carrying the Ring would have been likely to distract from his ability to protect himself, so perhaps his lack of ability with a sword was due to interference from It, or from the physical drain of carrying It, particularly as they drew nearer Mordor. Thanks for the feedback.
Dreamflower · 19 December 2004 · Chapter 12: Finding Frodo Baggins
This chapter is marvelous, and so long! What a lovely read! I love the way you have carefully blended both canon details, and many of the more prevalent fanon notions into a believable background for Frodo. I recognize many details from stories by others that you have incorporated to make very much your own take on things. It gives it a realistic feel and depth, as the reader can "recognize" the history. (I'm not sure I'm explaining this well, but I hope I get the idea across that I think it's a Good Thing(TM)to have.) Your Frodo has almost a "saintliness" about him, that I find wholely appropriate to the character. I am glad that Ruvemir is getting the chance to see how loved Frodo truly was among his dearest family and friends. And I am anxious to see more of his reaction to the Shire. And I think your description of the grief of the three who were left behind is marvelous.
Author's reply
As I admitted im the preface to "For Eyes to See as Can," I did borrow a bit from other authors, especially Lindelea, Anglachel, Tom Fairbairn, Baylor, Jodancingtree and a few others, although I've taken their elements and tried to blend them into my own unique story. Frodo "saintly"? Not sure about that--more angsty and guilt-ridden. I was a terrible one for loading myself with guilt as a child, and I fear I have projected a good deal of that on poor Frodo Baggins as well. Except his temper as I've imagined it is strictly his own. It may take a few days to get more uploaded--am using the "spare" computer, as it appears today's power outage corrupted my Windows XP. GRRRRRR!