finafyr
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
well you have done it again.. tears are freely flowing down my face to see your words.. to feel the wonderful story down to the marrow of my being.. I am so very glad that you are such a writer to capture the pure and eternal essence of the world of middle earth. I am quite sure that the professor would have loved your stories as much as I do.. at least I would like to think so.. after all he said that if you cannot find the stories that you like you must write them.. the only sad thing is that you should have your wonderful stories published so all the world can read your words that so ably continue middle earth.. thank you .. I look foreword to reading more stories.. and thank you for the tears.. and for more of our sculptor and Frodo.. and the lads.. and Aragorn.. and oh just everyone.... (grin)
Author's reply
Yes, some tears are blessed.
Well, these have been published and are open to all in the world--right here, on FFN, Henneth Annun, and Tolkien Fan Fiction.
And am so glad you love our sculptor. I thank you, and Ruvemir gives a profound bow of acknowlegement.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure your love sustains them even now.
*hugs*
What a shame to see this end. The love you pour into your stories definitely makes itself known. I will eagerly await any further adventures you choose to take us on.
Author's reply
My Rosie was a rather large pomeranian, my sweet girl, the surprise pup I'd not thought to see. She died Monday of complications brought on by undiagnosed diabetes and kidney failure. I'm sure my mother and husband are both loving her devotedly.
The other is the mother of one of my best friends, who was as a second mother to me.
Both deaths were surprises, I must say. But thank you for the compassion expressed. It is greatly appreciated.
And am so glad you've enjoyed this so.
I'll swear he's dancing, too!
..the King returned his attention to the dancing, tears of joy and pride were gently running down his smiling face.
Oh gosh, crying again! You are amazing!
Author's reply
Thanks, Breon. I just wanted Aragorn to realize that the healing given Frodo had allowed him indeed to be able to dance once again.
Thanks so much for following this.
shirebound
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
My goodness, you could have ended the story right there. How lovely. And what a wonderful speech by the King.
Author's reply
It does end the story, and I'm glad you have enjoyed it. Am so glad that you love Aragorn's speech.
Thank you for following this so faithfully. Thanks indeed.
Dreamflower
· 30 June 2005
· Chapter 42: Grace Expressed
What a gorgeous ending! I love it, that they all went to the White City to honor Frodo, and that while they danced, Frodo danced too! This has been so wonderful!
You've not yet marked the story complete, so I guess that there may be an Epilogue coming along.
And I very much hope to see new stories, some of which may, perhap fill in the missing gap of years. I've enjoyed this immensely. It has been a wonderful follow-up to "The King's Commission".
Author's reply
Was just writing my author's notes, and need to mark it complete now.
The next one which I contemplate will go years previous. Got to get the nuzgul out of the cat sand--the cats are most suspicious of it!
That Frodo would be able to dance once again, and know the joy of that dancing seemed necessary. Am so glad you found the ending appropriate!
Thanks again for following this so faithfully and enjoying it as you've expressed.
Tigger
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 41: Spring in Angmar
A fitting end to that one. Aragorn's plans came to fruition perfectly and the only one killed was one where it truly was justice being given. An wonderful end to this part of the story.
Looking forward to more as always!!
Author's reply
It took planning and the willingness to fight if necessary, but it worked. And even Mertirio need not have died had he just been willing to be honest.
harrowcat
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 41: Spring in Angmar
Brilliant Larner. If only all wars could end as simply as this. The showdown might have been simple but the quiet planning that led up to it was complex. I liked the care that went into offering grain and allowing re-settlement.
And 20 hobbit *cooks* - I loved it! But deadly for all that with thrown missiles and this is some time after the Scouring of the Shire so I imagine that Merry and Pippin have been very busy.
I loved the image of Sam telling Mertirio off like a saucy hobbit.
Author's reply
Well, in The Choice of Healing I indicated that Aragorn had offered to accept Shire service in terms of cooks for his armies, and I thought it would be the perfect tme to indeed use such services. And ever since reading the description of Sam in Ithilien facing down Faramir, I've thought he'd do the same with about any other individual he felt was being just too stupid and dense for words, and that Aragorn would recognize it, too.
Dreamflower
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 41: Spring in Angmar
One word:
Brilliant!!
Author's reply
Two words: Thank you! (Smiling broadly!)
Kitty
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 41: Spring in Angmar
Ah yes!! That was so satisfying! Aragorn's mercy against the would-be-assassins has paid off quite well! It was so good to see how they not only turned against Mertirio, but so many others with them as well and in the end prevented the war between Angmar and the Reunited Kingdom! I was glad there were no more victims than Mertirio himself; it would have been so sad if the people of Angmar had to die for this man who had betrayed them.
And I was *so* pleased Mertirio could see the eight are not at all maimed before he died and how badly he had underestimated them and others as well. The way he treated his folk was truly a shame. No wonder they were discontented and inclined to rebel. And I think he hadn't truly had any idea about to whom and to how many races he tried to foment war. He seems not to have understood until the last hour there are not only some soldiers of Gondor or Arnor, but Dol Amroth, Rohan, the Shire, Elves and Dwarves as well.
That was great, Larner, thank you! Now I have to go re-reading and enjoying it another time!
Author's reply
One more chapter, and this one is done. Then I have to haul the Nuzgul out of the bag of cat sand and see that one put right.
Author Reply: One more chapter, and this one is done. Then I have to haul the Nuzgul out of the bag of cat sand and see that one put right.
shirebound
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 41: Spring in Angmar
My goodness, why can't all wars end this simply? *sigh*
Author's reply
Aragorn did well planning for this, realizing the men taken were honorable and cared for the welfare of their people, tempering the judgment, and sending them back well primed to recognize the better ruler to deal with.
The two-year drought and greed of Mertirio's folks did the rest.
Thanks for the review!
Kitty
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 40: Signs of Love
Sweet little interlude! This quilt is a wonderful idea. So Aragorn has all his friends with him when he is away from home. I only missed something from his elven brothers. But to have patches even from Frodo, Bilbo, Elrond and Mithrandir is lovely.
I look forward to the next chapter about Angmar! Can't wait for tomorrow!
Author's reply
I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Elladan and Elrohir are represented as well, as well as others we have no names for now. After all, he's been around for close to a hundred years by now. But to have those from Gandalf, Bilbo, Elrond, and Frodo would be especially heartening. May even have a patch or two from Galadriel for all we know.
Glad you like the quilt.
Radbooks
· 29 June 2005
· Chapter 40: Signs of Love
I just caught up with your story and I must say that the last few chapters have, of course, been excellent. I was glad to see that Hardon finally got married - Aragorn finally got his way on that one! :) I think he usually gets his way on things. But it was wonderful to have the double wedding there in Rivendell for Narcissa and Brendi and for Aragorn to do the wedding. Very nice - oh and to include the twins as part of the whole ceremony there. Nice touch, because it will be such a meshing of those lives and will be much different than how most marriages (at least at that time!) start out.
It was interesting the whole concept of Aragorn having had brothers and then Frodo and Sam possibly being them and that whole connection there. It was all very well done and well written and I could just hear and feel Aragorn's loneliness as a child. I know that most fanfic writers show that Elladan and Elrohir were around a lot when he was growing up... and they may well have been... but still they were not children and he must have been so lonely. Well done!
I love what Aragorn did with the men from Angmar and how Sestor now has more respect for Aragorn then his own leaders... and I am sure that is true of most of those men. Even though I know that Beasty deserved his punishment, I still feel bad for him. Don't ask me why! Just being totally alone as a hobbit there I guess, not even in a hobbit 'prison' But, hopefully he will grow up and learn from this experience.
Finally, I love the quilt that Arwen made for Aragorn from all of the loved ones in his life. That was incredibly touching and that Pippin thought of it makes it even more so. And you just know that Aragorn is man enough to use it.
Sorry for such a long review... I need to keep up better on your chapters! :) Great job and I look forward to more and more of this wonderful story.
Radbooks
Author's reply
No matter how much Elladan and Elrohir were there during Aragorn's childhood, yet they were elves while he was of mankind; they had long been adults while he was a child; they were still out hunting orcs much of the time while he was studying under their father and Erestor and Glorfindel and others about Imladris. No matter how well loved he might have been, he was still the one youngling in a basically adult enclave. Even had they been in Rivendell 24/7, he would still have felt lonely, I'm certain. I know that even with one sister near my age, I still felt often isolated growing up miles from other children my age, and constantly had imaginary companions, including an imaginary twin sister who would understand me better than my younger one.
There were so many parallels between Aragorn and Frodo--it was the concept that kept sneaking into my thoughts that perhaps there was a deeper connection between the two of them, so it came out in the story.
Glad you like the wedding, and in a blended family such as this I simply see Aragorn wanting to make certain all become aware that they are taking on a new commitment that needs to be respected and actively worked at.
Once Aragorn realized this group of infiltrators was made up of basically decent men who would be better allies than those in control in Angmar, it seemed reasonable he'd rethink the decision to have their sword hands cut off, but still want to make certain they wouldn't be seen as targets for similar actions from the warlords intent on getting possible decent competition disposed of. The former governor of my state was seen by one former President as a viable rival who made him feel uncomfortable, as our governor was both basically honest and competent, which the President was not. As a result, our state kept getting targeted for reviews on how federal tax-sharing monies were handled, hoping each time to find our governor had missed a trick; each time everything in our state was beyond federal regulations and he could never catch Governor Dan out of compliance. Then the President got caught one too many times, and finally left office, while our governor kept on for a few more years. Wish he had tried for President anyway, but he never showed the ruthlessness an effective President needs to survive. Most truly decent men avoid public office if they can avoid it, I find. Anyway, I envisioned a similar relationship between Mertirio and most of those sent on this mission, with Mertirio in Nixon's role.
As for the quilt, I suspect it was a group effort, although Arwen would have had to complete it. I suspect Diamond, Esmeralda, Eglantine, Estella, Rosie, and Arwen and possibly Miriel also had it in their hands at one time or another. This is the kind of prank I see Pippin carrying out now, pranks more to delight folks while still catching them off guard. And I bet he purposely asked for pink patches for that quilt! Sort of like the mantle of threads of Light Ruvemir eventually gifts to Frodo, but more down to earth; and Harrowcat would love to see another made for Sam. Maybe down the road, but I hadn't actually envisioned it in this story. But--I don't have tomorrow's chapter fully revised yet--hmmmmmmmmmmm.
Tigger
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 40: Signs of Love
What a lovely fluffy break from all the seriousness of the previous chapter. I've contrbuted patches from special pieces of clothing over the years to quilts/blankets like this for family members over the years and they are beyond treasured gifts. Thank you for doing this for Aragorn. I do pity the first Ranger to snicker at the pink patches though. Aragorn's a good shot w/his bow after all. ;o) That sneaky, precious Pippin. I wish I could hug him. :o)
Even though you told us there aren't many more chapters left, I'll take what are coming. :o)
Author's reply
Who knows--Pippin might also have taught him some of the Hobbit's tricks with thrown stones as well?
Yes, we needed just a bit of fluff right now, fluff grounded deeply in love. Although I didn't particularly speak of the source of the silver fabric, I think we can figure that one out.
Dreamflower
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 40: Signs of Love
AAaaaawwww...
Pippin strikes again, and with a prank that he will never get in trouble for, because the motive behind it takes all the wind out Aragorn's sails. LOL! I do love our clever Took!
And what a lovely gesture. I wonder who actually *made* the quilt? Perhaps a little quilting circle made up of Arwen and Rose and Narcissa and Esmeralda and Eglantine?
And woe betide the unwary Ranger recruit who dares to snicker at the pink aquares...
*grinning ear to ear*
Author's reply
Yes, I've tried to imagine what response would come to any unwise enough to even raise and eyebrow at it. Does sound wonderful, doesn't it?
And, yes, I suspect a number of individuals worked on this one before it was carefully added to Aragorn's pack.
harrowcat
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 40: Signs of Love
Ah Larner - matching mantles. What a fabulous idea. Now what form is Sam's going to take? Or perhaps as Sam is the one to ground the other two he will simply take everyone's love with him just by his very presence.
This is no prank - just pure love expressed the best way Pippin knows. I guess he had a bit of help from a certain Master Embroiderer (or even 2!)
And thank you for your kind words. I might try my hand but it would be very much at apprentice level. However there are more than a few Masters of the written word on this website to learn from.
Author's reply
Actually, quilts, but that's neither here nor there.
Do try. Love to see how your plot bunny takes off.
Kitty
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 39: Warning Given
Great chapter, Larner! There are so many things I loved in this chapter! First, the way how Mertirio was "welcomed" by Merry and Pippin, reading as if he wasn't there and how they then dealt with him. It would have been funny to watch Mertirio's face *grins*
Second, our good Bedro. Truly, he is more than slow! To need so much time to comprehend who Hildigor is! His remark about him knowing so much about Aragorn ... *snickers* ... and, worse, his reaction to the memorial and especially what he said about Frodo. If it ever occurs to him how much of *himself* he has told with this? I enjoyed Imrahils words to him!
And then Aragorns ruse to send the prisoners back, seemingly maimed to protect them from their own leaders, but in truth whole and healthy, and with so much more insight in the ways of their war leaders in comparison to Aragorn. That was so canny! Even although they don't have broken their swords, they have much honour and I can see where this probably will lead. That was ingenious! It will certainly be interesting how this continues *grinning widely*
I can't wait to know more and look forward to the next chapters!
Author's reply
Bedro Bracegirdle is among the densest of the dense, no doubt! And the final showdown between Angmar and Arnor will be posted tomorrow. Hope you continue to enjoy it.
shirebound
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 39: Warning Given
What a compassionate and wise judgment, Larner. I suspect that Angmar will never be quite the same again. But this is my favorite passage:
“We are the forces of the Periannath. Rarely have we left our own lands, but we will no longer remain safe when others are threatened. And you will find that when we speak of war, we do not boast idly.”
Elrond spoke truly at the Council, when he said that "this is the hour of the Shire-folk."
Author's reply
Indeed, the Shirefolk have come into their own. Thanks for reviewing.
Dreamflower
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 39: Warning Given
Sneaky, sneaky Aragorn! I have a feeling things in Angmar are about to get *very* interesting.
Some of the bits I loved:
Sitting in a comfortable folding chair reading a book was a small figure in black and silver, the surcoat he wore over his shining mail embroidered in silver thread with a flowering tree below and a seven stars in a circle above, with a winged crown between. He wore a belt of linked leaves, from which hung a black sheath wrought with silver. His feet were bare. He was quite the strangest sight Mertirio had ever seen. Opposite him sat another, also dressed in mail beneath a leather hauberk died in rich browns and greens. He wore an identical belt, from which also depended a sword. He had a book also in his lap, and a mug in his hand, from which he was drinking. A small table between their chairs held a plate with rolls and another mug. If Mertirio had been imagining all night what this parley would be like, he’d never in his wildest thoughts have thought of this.
I just adore this image. Nothing calculated better to both insult the Angmarian and to confuse him than the sight of those two hobbits being hobbity.
And I also love that it was Pippin who got to deliver the King's ultimatum, and in such an impressive manner.
I'm glad we got to see nasty Beasty on his journey South. The idiot still didn't get it. Until perhaps this moment:
Here they were marched toward the Citadel itself, although all found their attention captured by the monument that stood there, white Elven lilies, golden elanor, pale niphredil, and the soft blossoms of kingsfoil blooming about the feet of four Periannath. Bedro stopped in shock as he looked at it. He looked up at the Guardsman next to him. “But that’s the Travelers!” he exclaimed.
“Travelers?” asked the Man.
“Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, and the Hobbiton gardener,” he explained. “Those are Hobbits, and I know them!”
“You know Captain Peregrin and Sir Meriadoc and Lord Samwise?” asked the Man. “Yet you do not know the Lord Frodo as well?”
Beasty examined the one in the front, then flushed. “He hit me once, years ago,” he said.
“The Lord Frodo struck you? And what were you doing to upset him? He was most gentle in his nature.”
Of *course* they knew it was Beasty's own fault if Frodo punched him. What a delicious moment! I hope we get to see more of his discomfiture as he serves out his sentence in Gondor! *snicker* *I do love to see the Bad Guys get theirs!*
This story is just wonderful.
Author's reply
Actually, the last of Beasty we see is him sitting in his cell, still wondering if he'll ever leave Minas Anor in spite of being assured the arrangements for him to go on to Casistir are in the works. He is definitely not capable of learning from his experiences, is he? And the others know more about Frodo's nature than he does, even if they know of him only from report.
And I think little would be better calculated to get through Mertirio's tendency to think of others in terms of himself than the sight of two Hobbits in the usual Hobbit occupations of resting, satisfying their curiosity, and eating. Glad you enjoy it.
harrowcat
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 39: Warning Given
Oh, bad timing. I had just uploaded my review to you when I suddenly realised that the DVD had reached the bit in the second film where Faramir, in Ithilien, is looking at the dead soldier at his feet and asking Frodo and Sam if they think that he was any less honourable for fighting so hard for his own side. War kills the innocent on both sides. How apt to this chapter. Good information can only serve the truth and affect your viewpoint and behaviur/choices. Yes I know it is sad being so cocooned in LOTR that I am reading fiction AND have the film on the DVD but, I promise, I do emerge into RL for most of the day.
Author's reply
Oh, I live in LOTR world a great deal myself.
And the thought of the dead Southron at Sam's feet helped me create the characters of those sent to foment war and hopefully not return again.
Thanks so much for following this so well.
harrowcat
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 39: Warning Given
Devious Aragorn, devious and clever and oh, what a King and Statesman! To allow these honourable men to keep their honour and to send them home in such a way that saves their lives is brilliant. To stand back and trust in their honour to change the path of Angmar not only saves many innocent lives but allows that country to develop in its own true path.
I am both honoured and gratified to know that I have started (or should that be startled?) a new nuzgul running around your house. I hereby entrust you with its care and feeding and look forward to meeting it again when it is all grown up and ready to see more of the world.
I have one of Shirebound's plot bunnies grubbing in the dust under my bed. However, I haven't written any fiction since I left primary school, (well not seriously anyway,) and she does seem to be answering her own question in her current, and also brilliant, story. My computer does give the occasional whimper from time to time so who knows!
And I do enjoy giving you even more work by reviewing regularly. I am still quite new to fanfiction (well reviewing anyway)and your, regular, replies are helping me to become a better reviewer, or at least I hope so. At least I have grown in confidence about expressing my opinion over this strange thing cxalled the internet. So thanks indeed Larner and if I ever get to be a pain in your neck please let me know and I will back off a bit!!?!
Author's reply
Thank you for this review, also. Now, get in there and start writing yourself. You never know what might pop out.
Love to think of Aragorn thinking of ways to make things better for all in both Gondor and Arnor as well as Angmar. Yes, devious he is, and as noted by Kitty, canny as well.
When the Nuzgul is well and truly ready for release back on the reading public, I'll remember to devote him to you.
Tigger
· 28 June 2005
· Chapter 39: Warning Given
Due to a visit by my niece who has been in Korea for a year teaching English, and will be heading back in a month, I didn't get a chance to review the last chapter. I'm so sorry about that, but I did have my priorities in the right place. Loved the image of the Strawberry bath and of Aragorn and Hardorn making Strawberry Jam. I grew up on Wild Strawberry Jam and have helped Mom a time or two making batches, so that brought back some lovely memories. Oh and not sure if it was intentional or not...But couldn't help but snicker at a *Strawberry Bath* being put in this lovely story. I too have read the VSD's and it seems the Strawberry Soap joke that spawned has taken on a life of it's own. ;o)
Now...For this chapter....
Cunning Aragorn...Most cunning. And what an amazing gift he gave to all of those Men. Not just letting them keep their sword hands, but also to let them see how things were done in Gondor compared to how things are done in Angmar. In showing Mercy, Aragorn has also laid the ground work for a Resistance Cell and right in the heart of Angmar too. Very, very cunning. Knew our Ranger King wouldn't let us down. Both w/his mercy *and* deviousness.
Looking forward to the next installments of the story. :o)
Author's reply
Not much left now. Hope you enjoy it all. And, yes, the resistance is now in place.
Kitty
· 27 June 2005
· Chapter 38: Return Road
The incident with the trolls was funny! Even if it leads to memories of the Morannon, these three at least are trolls we can enjoy :-D
I see, Sestor is now in the best hands if Ruvemir has taken it upon himself to tell him so much. He probably is soon loyal to Aragorn because he knows this king is worth the faith, much more than the leaders in Angmar.
Another nice piece was the finding of the shirt stud. I love these little reminders of Frodo, so I have a bit the feeling he is always there, even if not bodily.
And of course, the strawberry bath and the image of Aragorn and Hardorn pressed into helping to make jam ... *lol* ... not exactly the duty one expects from a King! The cooking competition is a lovely image!
Author's reply
Yes, Will and his fellows are a nice reminder of the more humorous yet still dangerous encounter in The Hobbit, as well as a chance for Aragorn and the three Travelers to relive one moment when the darkness was lifted, no matter how briefly, between Amon Sul and Imladris. Aragorn enjoying Merry and Pippin's needless fright, Sam's poem of the troll and the boned he boned from its donor, Frodo briefly able to laugh even then when he was fighting the effects of the Morgul shard--I like to imagine this brief stop assisted Frodo in the fight, in fact.
Sestor and his fellows are going to be needed by their own people in the days to come, and they are all going to be surprised, now Sestor least of all, I suspect. And Ruvemir is going to leave memorials that aren't necessarily carved in stone along the way as he learns more and more about those who took part in the quest.
Yes, Frodo remains at the heart of the story even now.
And I can see both Sam and Frodo commandeering the aid of their friend and his attendant in the making of jam, both to the aid of the Hobbits and to the relief of the formality so recently forced on Aragorn after years of being able to be a somewhat free spirit. Aragorn undoubtedly reveled in the change of pace and the removal of the newly acquired burden of rule for a few hours, and the completely new activity. As for Hardorn--don't know for certain what he would have thought of it all, but at least briefly he didn't have to be the bodyguard any more.
harrowcat
· 27 June 2005
· Chapter 38: Return Road
A lovely and gentle interlude. Will we discover if Aragorn told/tells Sam about the brothers? I'm not sure whether I want him to know or not except that he does know by instinct if not by telling. I do like the way that you select your audiences for certain episodes or stories. I have one burning question - did Gilraen ever meet Bilbo? I might imagine that she would be comforted a little to greet the future guardian of her Son's twin.
Author's reply
Ooh--a question I'd not even thought of! Yes, Gilraen was there in Rivendell, she and young Estel--have seen the speculation on Aragorn having met Bilbo, but none on Gilraen. Will have to think on that one. Could be very interesting, and it is so wonderful to think she might have spoken to him, might have appreciated the warmth of this one, and perhaps the realization he might love and eventually foster the lost Gilorhael's new incarnation.
You'd best realize you just let loose a very demanding Nuzgul into my house, although I must deal with the one who's taken up residence in the bag of cat sand first.
Dreamflower
· 26 June 2005
· Chapter 38: Return Road
What a fun and enlightening chapter! I love the visit to the Stone Trolls, and I adore the stories Pippin tells of Minas Tirith--especially the "strawberry bath", LOL! As one who likes to make jellies and jams I can just imagine the work involved in putting them all up, and I love the image of Aragorn and Hardorn being pressed into service! *grin*
And yet, of course, there are the sad parts too. I found myself particularly affected by Saradoc's and Esmeralda's reaction to the finding of Frodo's shirt stud.
Sestor is certainly getting an earful. This must be an *extremely* informative journey for him...
Author's reply
Well, the King had promised to take Brendi there along the way, but they were distracted by an arrow or two.... Had to make certain Brendi and some of the others saw them, and got a bit of a laugh at Merry and Pippin's expense. And the strawberry bath just sort of slid into a dream the night before I wrote this. Am not certain what brought the image to mind, save the description of the Hobbit children leaving pyramids of fruit stones and almost bathing in strawberries and cream in the summer of 1420 had ben running through my mind, along with the memories of how well the orchards of eastern Washington and Oregon did in the wake of the Mount Saint Helens eruption. Just seemed to flow right into the story once the image hit my dream.
And Sestor is hearing a lot, and will be at the heart of the resistance in Angmar in the coming times.
Andrea
· 26 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
Wow, the last two chapters were really amazing!
Aragorn, Frodo and Sam as brothers in spirit - that is a wonderful thought, and absolutely fitting!
I think Aragorn told Sam about his mother's journal that night. I wonder, if Frodo knows also?
Your description of Merry's thoughts was just perfect! And I agree, of all the three hobbits left on Middle Earth, losing Frodo must have hit him the hardest! But like Narcissa has finally found peace with Ferdi as her husband, Merry has his Estella to do so!
Thank you, Larner!
Author's reply
Am not certain of Aragorn told Sam that night or not--but agree that Merry would indeed have been deeply wounded by Frodo's leaving. It is the second time he's lost Frodo, after all, and the two had always been like brothers for forty years. The entire situation must have been overwhelming at times for him. And I'm glad Tolkien had these three find wives and develop families, that they not be drawn away too soon.