Inkling
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 11: Writing in Earnest
No, I haven’t forgotten this story! But RL has been all-consuming lately…
Such a sad, painful chapter! Hearing Frodo describe his own suffering is especially wrenching. And yet, as usual, he is so restrained about it and tries to hide it from Sam. Even when “writing it out” in the book, he will leave out most of what he endured…
Author's reply
It was ever in Frodo's nature, I think, to try to spare others, to hide what was wrong with him inside himself, not even writing it out so others could see, most of the time.
Glad you are still following it, and definitely know about Real Life and its impact.
Inkling
· 8 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Seeking Answers
“Did you have to wear that to the table?” LOL!
I’m ready to smack Paladin upside the head for his refusal to understand or believe…for I do see it as a refusal rather than an inability…most people don’t want to hear that others had it worse than they did. It belittles what they went through themselves, and even, perhaps, sounds arrogant to their ears. Remember Barliman? “There were some folk killed, killed dead! If you’ll believe me.” That, to him, was far worse than anything Gandalf and the others could say about the War.
Author's reply
I certainly appreciate what you note. This could definitely be at play here, although it is more, in my eyes, a vain attempt to try to pretend the bad times didn't happen at all, that we are just the same happy family we were before that awful time we will seek to suppress memories of happened.
Yes, I, too, have found myself wanting to smack Paladin at times, but Eglantine's reactions are even, in my view, worse--wanting to twist reality to something else instead.
Radbooks
· 4 June 2005
· Chapter 10: Seeking Answers
You know, if you continue to write such wonderful stories, I am NEVER going to get any housework done! :) I've been sitting around here all day just soaking up this story like a sponge. Ah well, housework will always be there. I am enjoying seeing the interactions between Pippin and Merry and their parents and others in the Shire that were spoken of in King's Commission. How hard it is for people to accept others when they have changed from the picture they had of them in their minds. And the way you portray Fordo and his downhill slide is so heartbreaking. Well done!
Author's reply
Yes, it is heartbreaking watching someone you love lose their health. Been there, done that.
And the folk of the Shire would have found the thought that the world has changed due to the actions of their own very hard to understand.
Glad you like the references from the King's Commission as well.
Radbooks
· 4 June 2005
· Chapter 4: Deputy Mayor
Larner,
Another wonderful story! I loved King's Commission and have just now had time to start this story. I keep getting update notices for your newest story and I go, Argh! I have to read these, but summer is almost here for me and I should have more time. Anyway, the first 4 chapters have been done in your usual excellent well-written style and I love the richness of your well developed characters and your abilty to enhance Tolkien's world. Thank you for that. You recently sent me an email asking if I was Primsong, I am not. Though I went to her site and I noticed that she too is a Librarian. I am just Radbooks! :)
Author's reply
Durn--that we'd have two librarians from here in the Puget Sound area seems so much a coincidence! Ah, well. Do read her story "Nothing of Note" which I've only read on FanFiction Net--but do have your adaware and spybot software blockers going. It is masterfully written.
Glad you find this adds to Middle Earth for you.
Inkling
· 29 May 2005
· Chapter 9: A Tale of the King
One gets the sense that the children are “getting it” better than the adults. And that seems, perhaps, a hopeful sign for the future. But then, children are more open to strange and wonderful tales than their elders. As Tolkien often remarked, it’s a shame that fairy tales are relegated to the nursery.
The undercurrent of this story seems to be one of understanding, or lack thereof. Interesting to hear the account of the quest told over and over, in bits and pieces, to various people, who all react to it so very differently…
Author's reply
Yes, that is one of the major themes, the theme of understanding. Some accept what they are told; others, like Paladin and Eglantine, don't even want to hear the truth, fearing it is too hard to accept and that it shows they somehow failed Pippin, Merry, and Frodo--don't think they are thinking too hard about Sam, unfortunately.
And the children will accept it better than their parents at this point, for they don't have preconceptions to fight as well.
Am glad to see you following the story steadily.
Inkling
· 22 May 2005
· Chapter 8: Spring Ills and Joys
He was home, and yet, at the same time it was as if this had nothing to do with him at all.
This has the painful ring of truth to it…how awful it would be to have your home destroyed and then completely reconstructed…the same, and yet not. Especially if the old one held the memories of generations of family…
“…and somehow or other we are assured the four of them all had a part in it all.”
Oh Will! Other than that he did pretty well.
I’m glad Frodo got his coin back…
Author's reply
Yes, Bag End is the same and not the same at the same time; but then Frodo is not the same, either, and at a level probably feels somewhat disconnected from the whole thing, as if it were another Frodo Baggins for whom the hole was restored, as, in a distinct manner, is true.
As for Will, I don't think he or the average adult Hobbit ever truly wrapped their minds around what they were told happened "out there."
Glad you are still keeping up.
Inkling
· 13 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Restoration
I liked the scene of Frodo and Ferdi sitting in the dark, talking. What a relief for Frodo to finally have a listener who understands! Was he being intentionally ironic when he said it was too bad Bilbo didn’t adopt Ferdi?
Very sad moment, when Paladin accuses Frodo of self-importance…
Author's reply
I, too, think that the discussion in the dark aided Frodo a great deal, not having to see the shock on the face of the one hearing this, for the moment equal to Ferdi, or at least as he sees it, both of them seeing nothing at the moment. The fact Ferdi isn't fighting the information or overreacting to it is helping.
And Paladin is clinging to any means of avoiding the truth he doesn't wish to face, that his son had to face dangers he as Pippin's Da couldn't save him from. Understanding all this is very difficult when you are hiding from unpleasant realities.
Glad you are keeping with the story.
Inkling
· 8 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Renewing
How enjoyable to see Frodo’s skill at governing and law. The best hobbit in the Shire indeed! But how sad that he can’t eat. “I was made to eat and to eat well, not pick at food like a petulant child of Men.” What a cruel fate for a hobbit!
Now, who is Narcissa? And Bartolo? Seems to be some back story there…
Once again, nice attention to detail in the King’s coins.
Author's reply
If you remember in the King's Commission, Narcissa was first described to Ruvemir as Folco's cousin who had been one of those who had fallen in love with Frodo at a young age. She came to the capitol for the unveiling of the monument and found her own face hidden in the painting Frodo had done of Bag End and given to Master Iorhael and which Master Iorhael's son gave to Ruvemir after his father's death. Ruvemir and Elise hung it in their room. Bartolo Bracegirdle hasn't been actually seen before, but was mentioned by name; a cousin of Frodo's, Folco's, and Pippin's named Delphie (I'm certain short for Delphinium). Folco's mother came over to get the presents for Delphie and Bortolo's wedding during the Great Waistcoat War. He's a Bracegirdle and Lobelia's cousin, which indicates he isn't going to get along with most others easily.
Glad you like the details on the coins, and the complaint Frodo makes.
Inkling
· 4 May 2005
· Chapter 5: Questions that Need Answering
Loved the King’s dispatches…very well thought out, and I got a kick out of “an official declaration that the King has come again”…playing, as it does, off the old Shire saying.
Paladin’s cluelessness is so frustrating, yet so understandable…and this is an educated hobbit, too! No wonder the average hobbit will never really get it...
Author's reply
Yes, I can see it, too.
The world has been turned upside down, and so far, those within the Shire have no idea what they've just been through is NOTHING compared to what these four have experienced. Even repetition isn't going to convince folk easily.
Inkling
· 28 April 2005
· Chapter 4: Deputy Mayor
Oops! It must be bed-time…I just sent you a blank review and I’m not even sure how it happened! Sorry…
Nice attention to detail in this chapter…I never thought about all the legal documents that would have stacked up while the mayor was incarcerated…and in the Shire, that would be a crisis indeed! Poor, dutiful Frodo to the rescue once again…
Sam’s tenderness and concern, and also his exasperation, were very well done.
Author's reply
I thought about it and found myself wondering how on earth the last year went as far as Hobbit love of documents went, and this is what came out.
Yes, there must have been many times when Frodo exasperated Sam, as he became increasingly focused internally, as he tried to hide what was going on in his mind and his life.
But I think Frodo must have made an excellent deputy mayor.
Thank you for the kind words!
Inkling
· 27 April 2005
· Chapter 3: Degradation
Hurrah—Frodo POV! (What can I say…I’m hopelessly biased!) This is so heartbreaking already, I can only imagine what the end will be like. Especially moving was Frodo’s need to never be without water…poor, dear boy!
I’m glad that old Whitfoot, at least, can see his worth.
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect Will has wanted to see Frodo as Mayor for quite some time, and hopes he will follow Will.
I would think that water would truly be seen by Frodo (and probably by Sam as well) as a need for some time. I've read of Holocaust survivors who had to have a full loaf of bread on the table at each meal, whether they intended to eat from it or not, for that reassured them their ordeal in the camps was over; so the presence of a drink would likely serve the same function for Frodo after the rescue from Orodruin.
Baggins Babe
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
This has been a truly beautiful (if sad in places) and poignant story, and how wonderful that the White Trees in Gondor and Valinor should both bear fruit after the passing of the Ring-bearers.
Poor Frodo's suffering in some of the other chapters was painful to read, but all too plausible. Even small spiders can cause severe problems with their venom so I shudder to think what symptoms Shelob's poison caused.
Thank you for this story, Larner.
Author's reply
I am so glad that you have enjoyed this story, Babe, and that is was so satisfying. My stepdad was bitten by a spider under the house, and ended up in the hospital from complications they never looked for; and recent research into problems caused by bites from our local brown recluse spiders has been alarming.
I suspect Frodo's decision to accept the offer to go to Elvenhome would have been quite considered, and would have come only after he fully accepted both physically and emotionally he was failing, but that he would have done his best to hide from everyone just how badly off he was.
The ties between Frodo and Aragorn I've always felt would be strong and devoted, and so I've always tended to see the two White Trees as a physical sign of the spiritual link between the two of them. And this would be, I thought, the right moment for the White Tree to fruit. Glad you agree.
Inkling
· 19 April 2005
· Chapter 2: Trip Home
Another interesting chapter…Bilbo continues to charm, and I like the way you explain some of the cryptic moments in LOTR, such as Elrond’s words to Frodo as he was leaving Rivendell. Frodo’s symptoms at the Fords put me in mind of an excellent essay available on the Internet, “Too Deeply Hurt” by Karyn Milos. In it she describes Frodo as suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. I highly recommend it, if you haven’t already read it.
Author's reply
Yes, I've read "Too Deeply Hurt" and have urged others to read it, also.
I'd read several books set at the end of both world wars which had characters who were suffering from shell shock, so I recognized this in Frodo from the first time I read LOTR at age thirteen-fourteen.
As both Arwen and Elrond had indicated there could be peace found for Frodo, I decided to handle the decision allowing Frodo, Bilbo, and Sam this grace in this manner. Certainly I have always felt that this would be a grace desired by most of the great Elves remaining in Middle Earth for Frodo after all he had endured.
The focus goes back to Bilbo in a chapter near the end. He is a dear old Hobbit, isn't he?
Ariel
· 18 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
A breathtaking and satisfying read! I am sorry I have not reviewed all of the chapters, but it really was delightful to have all the chapters together and not have to wait for one.
I think Tolkien would have been delighted with your interpretation and I think he would have very much approved. I have usually taken a less 'ethereal' approach to Frodo's days in Tol Eressëa, but that is simply because I am, by nature, a more visceral person. However, this was splendid and just 'right', despite the ache it still leaves in the reader. I thank you most humbly for very well produced effort.
I am afraid I wasn't able to nominate this fic for a MEFA because it was finished after the end of March, but I will definitely keep it on my list for next year.
Author's reply
I am greatly honored, Ariel, by your review. That you feel Tolkien himself would have approved means a good deal to me, as this is one of the things I do try for; that others feel this also is heartening.
Thank you so very much for reading this and responding to it.
Inkling
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 1: Waking
A very nice beginning, Larner…wonderful insights into the characters. Frodo’s “stiff upper lip” reserve (so central to his character, and so very British!) is not always portrayed in fanfics, so was nice to see it here: “Call it pride or the display of an extraordinarily private nature or unwillingness to burden others with his problems…”
And this is a very appealing Bilbo. In the books, he always seemed a bit selfish to me, and your explanation of why he asks Frodo to write the book makes him seem less so.
Author's reply
I always have liked Bilbo, and felt his own love of Frodo would have led him to try to spare him as much as possible. Glad you like him as portrayed here, and that you appreciate Frodo's unwillingness to let others know just how badly off he is.
Hope you continue to like the story, Inkling.
Wow! Amazing as usual! The passing of Frodo and Samwise was just beautiful. So serene, and then absolutely joyful. And as sad as parts of this story have been, and sad it was to see them pass, it has been a pure delight to read this. Do you have any other stories in the works?
Author's reply
Am so glad you liked it. But I would expect that the release of their souls from Arda, coming as it did on Elvenhome, would have been joyful and full of gladness, while in Middle Earth it would have been more a matter for grief and pain for all.
Yes, a small white nuzgul with a yellow ring attacked me recently, so along with working on my own book, I have another tale being written now. I only have two chapters, though, so until I am certain it is working well it will remain on the laptop for a time.
Armariel
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
*moment of silence* Ok.............
Totally in awe here. That with the bowl and the fruit, I was just so not expecting that, didn't know what in the world to expect next and was just on the edge of my seat, figuratively speaking, trying to imagine what could come next, yet at the same time I just knew you wouldn't let me down. Well, that conclusion was, what can I say....perfect. I don't know of a better word for it.
Your stories are a feast. Thanks for inviting us.
best wishes
Armariel~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, am SO glad that it felt right to you, too. Thank you for coming to the feast, then!
Andrea
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 19: Dancing among the Stars
I can't read the last chapter without giving you first a review on this one!
But I must admit, that I do not find words to describe what I feel. It's sad and beautiful altogether.
Particularly, I would like to thank you for the little hint to the most beautiful song (in my opinion) in "The Lord of the Rings": Sam's Song in the Orc Tower:
[...]
And swaying beeches bear
The Elven stars as jewels white
Amid their branching hair.
Thank you!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree about that being the most beautiful song in LOTR. I wrote my own tune to it, and sing it often. But the stars meant so much to both Frodo and Sam, I always felt.
Thanks for enjoying this story so much.
Lindelea
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
Ah, yes, wonderful ending. I love the fruit and the bowl, echoes of what the Lady told Frodo on the Ship, if I'm not mistaken.
Author's reply
Yes, what they discussed during the joint vision that led to Frodo finally choosing. And I'm so glad you like it, Lindelea. Thanks so much for following the story.
shirebound
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
A lovely ending. I especially appreciated Hamfast coming to Court, and the King and Steward living long enough to see a fruit from the White Tree.
Author's reply
I'd written in "Light on the Way" that Hamfast did this, so had to put it in; and felt this was the perfect time for the Trees to fruit; and for Hamfast to be among the first to see the Fruit was perfect, particularly considering the events that immediately preceded the ripening.
Thanks for enjoying this so.
Amy Earls
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
I'm a complete sap (!) for 3rd-4th Age White Tree fic.
This is a perfect ending. Thank you!
Amy
Author's reply
Am so glad you liked the ending, Amy. Thanks so much for reading this story.
Kitty
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
That was a very beautiful end to this story! Thank you very much for another fic I have enjoyed so much! And I look forward to whatever you're writing next.
Author's reply
Thank you, Kitty. We'll see what comes out next, although it is working its way around my own story I'm working on.
harrowcat
· 14 April 2005
· Chapter 20: Promise
Oh Larner, perfect - just perfect. I couldn't review for the last chapter. I just couldn't find the right words and then when I tried to review for it this morning the computer wouldn't cooperate.
The image of Samwise as light and breath but still wrapped in substantial hobbit made me join Frodo in delighted laughter. Somehow I yearn for someone to describe me like that. But at the moment there is just too much of the substantial and not enough light!
I have always wondered about that line of Gandalf's in the ROTK about planting a fruit if one ever ripened. The way you have woven in this gap-filler with Fordo's bowl is lovely.
Oh, and thank you for getting in the cloak of love and light. You make me wonder what happens to its pattern and weave as Frodo meets up again with the people who helped to form it.
So what is next? Is the gradual incapacity of Faramir a hint? More please!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you appreciated the description of Sam, for I find I love that Hobbit very much.
The fruit of the White Tree was another hint Tolkien threw us that just begged to be expanded upon, and I could not imagine a better time for it to fruit than this one, and what better bowl to carry it to its planting than Frodo's.
And Ruvemir's mantle did need to be dealt with, once Frodo would no longer wear it in Arda. Don't know what will become of its pattern--at least not yet.
Am not sure which of the tiny Nuzguls I've found hiding in the linen closet (they are breeding in there now!) will attack first, but suspect it will deal with Narcissa and Dora and Drogo's brother Dudo. What ever happened to him, I wonder?
Eruanna
· 13 April 2005
· Chapter 19: Dancing among the Stars
*sigh* I love this chapter. It's so gentle and peaceful, and at the end my own longing to dance is almost irresistable. :) It reminds me a bit of C. S. Lewis' 'Perelandra' (which is a very high compliment), especially the description of the beautiful patterns of the dancing stars. I've never heard the carol before, but the words are simply lovely.
>>You know, Sam, I’ve always wanted to dance among them.<<
What a very beautiful way to express the inexpressible. Thank you for such a profound story.
Blessings,
Eruanna
Author's reply
"Love me my brothers, for I am infinitely necessary for you, and for your delight was I made!" My favorite quote from The Great Dance in Perelandra. Hadn't even thought of that when writing this, but certainly see it now that you named it. Thank you! Lewis has been one of my inspirations for decades!
Still one more chapter to go, btw.
Armariel
· 13 April 2005
· Chapter 19: Dancing among the Stars
Holy mackerel...I was just thinking about that song the other day! Don't quite remember what put me in mind of it. Used to sing it in college choir and always loved it. Sure beats the heck out of "Jingle Bells", what?;)
There's going to be more? whooooaaaaaaaa......
~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@
Author's reply
Just one more chapter. Hope you appreciate it.
I heard it first in college, but learned it a few years afterward when I was active in my church in Seattle. Glad you found it appropriate.