Baggins Babe
· 26 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
The last two chapters have contained some amazing and poignant insights, and I love the idea that Aragorn, Sam and Frodo are brothers of the spirit - what a beautiful thought.
Aragorn's interaction with all the hobbits shows his deep love for the Shire-folk and the view of the Hall of Fire was perfect, together with a glimpse of the King's future counsellors. Nice to see Merry and Pippin in deeply thoughtful mood too. Merry's pain at losing Frodo must have been particularly severe - he did not have the hope of seeing him again in life, as Sam did, and their long relationship as brothers must have made Frodo's absence very difficult to bear.
Thank you for this - and for giving Aragorn that beautiful gift of his mother's journal.
Author's reply
It does feel as if we are giving our favorite characters gifts indeed when we write of them, doesn't it? That Aragorn accepts the journal and recognizes the kinship he feels for Frodo and Sam is meant to be more than it was means so much to us. That Merry accepts Pippin as Frodo's gift is important. That Sam speaks aloud the kinship he feels with both Frodo and Aragorn is important. That the three of them have developed wisdom--it is all the beginning of how the relationships will continue to deepen.
Thank you for appreciating it all.
harrowcat
· 26 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
Aw Larner - I stand (well sit actually) in constant awe at the weaving of the tale. There I was wishing for a bit more between the twins and the King and what do we get? Thank you. I can see that becoming an important relationship for them all but, maybe a bit later as the twins grow up and Sam leaves etc. Sometimes I, like Faramir, do not envy his longer life. The reflection on the quality of the entertainment in the hall of fire was great and it was wonderful to see such a thoughtful and deep Pippin. The loss of innocence is a high price to pay for the gift of wisdom but I am glad to see that Pippin is still up to playing pranks on Strider. You put me in mind of Aragorn's words about Merry in the houses of healing but then, Merry and Pinnin are also brothers of the heart as well as cousins. As for your last bit with Ruvemir and then Sam - I'm svouring a re-read tonight as I am very late for work! Brilliant!
Author's reply
Yes, there's a prank in the works which will take a time to come to fruition, and Pippin is thinking of involving others in it as well--but as with the pony in the study this is a prank with good intent and joyful results.
When we suffer adversity it can lead either to deadening or increased wisdom and sensitivity. And I feel that Pippin, Merry, and Sam chose the latter.
Thank you for following this so closely and appreciating intent as well as words and images written and described.
Kitty
· 26 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
*sniff* Another quite touching chapter. Oh yes, I love the idea they should have been brothers. And it is so fitting after knowing how deeply they care for each other. Even before I thought Ruvemirs description of them as brothers of the spirit very apt, but now it is much more so. And I am glad for Ruvemirs gift to make the people tell him so much - somehow it is good he knows now, too.
Fosco is truly Frodo's heir - I loved it how he at once enquired about the difference in the dance and words between Beorns and Hobbits. He has the same thirst for knowledge as Frodo had.
Author's reply
The Baggins need to know that has been Bilbo's legacy is alive and well in Fosco and Forsythia as it was in Frodo as well. I think the Shire needs it, somehow. And Ruvemir is still gathering the threads of love expressed to weave into the mantle.
Thanks so much for following this so long.
Dreamflower
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
This is a sadly sweet and beautiful chapter, but I especially loved this part:
If only, he, Merry, could show the same patience, for at times the ache in his heart at the loss of Frodo was almost enough to stop his rising.
Merry closed his eyes, let the music take him, seemed to be flying over the waves of the sea as the sea birds do, seemed to see the shimmering as the Straight Path lifted away from the curving of the world today, saw finally in the distance the shining island with the even more brightly shining realm beyond it, the great White Tree Nimloth shining at the island’s heart, the shining One who sat there, listening to the echoes of this hymn, a hymn sung more fully there, he suspected, there on the boundaries of Ulmo’s own place. Oh, Frodo, Iorhael, Gilorhael, Gil-galadrion, brother, cousin, we miss you so.
I have always imagined that of the three hobbits left behind, Merry's pain was the sharpest and hardest to deal with. Though I don't think he loved Frodo *more* than Sam or Pippin, his love was the oldest and had the deepest roots--he had known Frodo from his infancy, and lived with him as brother for seven years. And their blood kinship was close and deep in the bone. You show this so well.
Author's reply
Thank you for appreciating this, and for voicing it so well. I'd seen this scene unfolding and Merry's deep grief, and you have so clearly explained WHY it was so deep. This was Merry's second loss of Frodo, and this time it's not a matter of the next visit to or from Hobbiton--this time it is for the remainder of the two lives. The longest relationship indeed of those left in Middle Earth.
Tigger
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
Oh *my*...I didn't get a chance to review the chapter you posted last night, but both of these are so breathtakingly bittersweet. What a lovely, lovely idea...That Aragorn, Frodo and Sam really are brothers. It all fits. How the athelas works for Sam, how Aragorn could see both Frodo and Sam's lights, how Frodo has such Elvish characteristics...It works beautifully. And now Aragorn has the gift of his Mother's journal too. What a very precious gift something like that is. I have a feeling that will not be finding it's way to Minas Anor's libraries or archives, but will stay in Aragorn and Arwen's personal chambers. It's too personal a thing to go to the archives.
Lovely, lovely job as always. :o)
Author's reply
I, too, felt these last two have been bittersweet, and am glad you find them this way as well. And I, too, believe that the Lady Gilraen's journal will remain in the King's possession, and undoubtedly go into his son's keeping in time.
I am so pleased you find so much enjoyment in my writing. Thank you.
shirebound
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 37: Rejoicing and Speculation
Everything always comes back to Frodo. I love how he's woven throughout the story. And I have to highlight these passages, which are so very wonderful:
Pippin looked back at him. He still looked much as he’d looked when they first came here, save for the ability to evaluate, to find wisdom inside himself, which had been the gift offered him in exchange for the innocence he’d lost on the quest. Merry suddenly put an arm about Pippin’s shoulders and drew him in a close embrace, and Pippin strongly hugged him back. Pippin had been Frodo’s gift to Merry in so many ways....
Sam, too, had in part the legacy of healing to this day, had used it for Frodo’s sake, had offered it to Aragorn himself.
Merry closed his eyes, let the music take him, seemed to be flying over the waves of the sea as the sea birds do, seemed to see the shimmering as the Straight Path lifted away from the curving of the world today, saw finally in the distance the shining island with the even more brightly shining realm beyond it, the great White Tree Nimloth shining at the island’s heart, the shining One who sat there, listening to the echoes of this hymn, a hymn sung more fully there, he suspected, there on the boundaries of Ulmo’s own place.
“Perhaps,” he who was also known as Estel said, “that was part of why she let herself go untimely. Perhaps she could not bear to see the coming of those who might have been hers, knowing they would not know her as she felt she knew them.”
Amazing insights.
Author's reply
As the title and synopsis for this story says, this is intended to look at how Frodo's life and eventually his leaving impacted those who'd come to love him, so it, as so many of my tales, weaves him into the heart of all even when he isn't physically present. And after thinking of Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn being brothers of the spirit for so long, I suppose it was only natural I'd want to find a possible closer tie between them. And I am so glad you find the insights moving, and that they strike a chord in you as they do.
harrowcat
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 36: Bound in Love
I have just been re-reading this chapter. I can never appreciate the detail enough at one sitting! Do I get the right impression that Aragorn has his own version of Frodo's writing box? You are making me want to start one. I have kept a journal for uyears off and on but have never really been disciplined enough to keep it all in one book. Perhaps a box would suit me better.
Author's reply
Perhaps it was his writing box, or simply the box of mementos from his own childhood he now felt free to take with him to Minas Anor, to remind him of the child he'd been, the mother he'd lost, the father he didn't remember save for what little might have been told him of others. Either way, he slipped his mother's journal into it, his picture of the brothers he'd wished to have had.
Thanks for checking on my when the computer crashed again. Am SO tired of it crashing!
shirebound
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 36: Bound in Love
What a lovely wedding ceremony. I especially love, "Do you do this full willing, in joy and delight in him and in your choosing?"
And ohh, Gilraen's journal! How fascinating to see what might have been... and what very well may have been accomplished in other ways (Frodo and Sam). Will Aragorn ever tell Sam about this?
Author's reply
Am not certain if Aragorn will tell Sam--after all, Sam waited to let Aragorn know about Frodo's dark side until he left Middle Earth himself. I've speculated on the similarities between Frodo and Aragorn often enough; when this idea hit me, I wondered how Aragorn might have seen the same similarities and how he might have learned of the truth of the loss of those who'd been lost to miscarriage; and this was what came out.
harrowcat
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 36: Bound in Love
Aw - you had me in tears again Larner. Brothers of the heart indeed. And I do love your wedding ceremony. We all need ritual. It speaks beyond words but the wisdom of Aragorn is powerful and tempered by his and Arwen's experiences.
Author's reply
Most marriage ceremonies I've seen described and referenced are basically similar, and so I tried to think of the words and symbols that might be used among the Dunedain, and perhaps among the Elves as well, to whom the Dunedain were related and among whom the northern Dunedain still moved and lived. It's basically the same ceremony I wrote for the wedding of Ruvemir and Elise, with perhaps a bit of Hobbit tradition thrown in there for Narcissa and Brendilac; but it's one which I think most traditions would recognize. It's certainly similar enough to the one in which my husband and I were married, and also the two my best friend and her husband went through, both the civil wedding and the religious one--and their religious traditions are far older than mine.
Kitty
· 25 June 2005
· Chapter 36: Bound in Love
Thank you, this was exactly what I had dreamed of - Narcissa and Brendilac married, and by the King himself! It was wonderful done. And Hardorn too ... obviously Aragorn has succeeded there - Hardorn got the hint ;-)
The idea of Aragorn having had brothers and they later being born as Frodo and Sam was so sweet and touching. But I fear my English is not good enough to express my feelings about this, so I only say it was wonderful.
Author's reply
I'm glad it apparently feels right to you that this might be true--that there are several levels of relationship between Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn.
And I'm glad that the Master and the Thain were there, too, to assist in the wedding of Narcissa and Brendilac, so that they got the touch of Hobbit traditions that might make them feel even more properly married in the ways of their own people.
Dreamflower
· 24 June 2005
· Chapter 36: Bound in Love
Oh my goodness! The idea that Frodo and Sam might have been Aragorn's "brothers" is a very interesting concept! I wouldn't have thought of that in a million years!
And the double wedding was just beautiful! It's going to be so interesting when the two of them return to the Shire as husband and wife!
Looking forward to Aragorn's sneaky plan for Angmar...
Author's reply
I've always felt there was a special relationship among the three of them, and so I just let it go to see where it would lead, and this is what I came up with.
I've been waiting to get the wedding in there, and decided that somehow Hardorn coming to love one of Lothiriel's maids might not be enough, then found his long-time love had been waiting for him for quite some time back in Eriador.
As for the Angmarians--they are going to be a bit surprised by what they find on their borders soon, I fear.
Tigger
· 22 June 2005
· Chapter 35: Extraction
Never had a doubt Eregiel would get them out and a nice job it he did too. Now...The plot thickens. Will the Angmarian Warlords take the hint those broken swords and coffin are or will they continue on in their fanatical way. I have a good idea the answer to that. Looking forward to seeing what Aragorn has up his sleeve.
Excellent chapter!!
Author's reply
When speaking of those who would manipulate their people, one can expect about anything. Am waiting to see exactly how Aragorn handles this myself! Heh!
Dreamflower
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 35: Extraction
Ooh, clever clever Ranger! Very well done! And now Angmar can be put on notice about the discovery of the plot without any innocents suffering!
Author's reply
Yes, I think that Eregiel has some wonderful hint of Elvish deviousness in him.
harrowcat
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 35: Extraction
I apologise for calling your universe AU Larner. You quite right. You really are well inside Middle Earth - just elbowing the edges of the pages in order to give us more and more detail. And it is wonderful!
Author's reply
Oh, I LOVE that image of elbowing the pages a bit. Now, THAT I definitely agree I do. Thanks for following so long!
Kitty
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 35: Extraction
Well done, Eregiel! He is a Ranger and Aragorn's cousin, that's obvious *thinks back to Landrion*. I am glad the wives and children are save now.
I hope the broken swords give the warlords something to think over and make them uncomfortable. They don't know what exactly has happened and may hopefully be a bit worried.
Author's reply
Yes, Eregiel ought to know the benefit of a good disguise, even if it is that of a captive or slave. And this cart will cause some confusion, I'm certain.
Kitty
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
Sestor is beginning to see how he and his group have been used for the benefit of the few who gains from war. His opinion of his companions is interesting. They have chosen the ones they think expendable, eh? Mostly because they are too honourable? Interesting, indeed. Only I think they have Aragorn badly underestimated. He will thwart them, no doubt. I start to suspect something and wouldn't like to be in the shoes of the warlords back there in Angmar *eg*
How good to see Narcissa and Brendi starts to recognise their feelings for each other! I wonder if they are long enough in Imladris to be married by Aragorn himself. It would be so fitting.
Author's reply
A good question. Although I think the Thain and Master would want to be included as well--but wait--they are along! Might be interesting, you know.
shirebound
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
These chapters are coming so fast, it's hard to keep up! I really appreciate how Sestor explained why he changed his mind about his captors:
"All who have dealt with me and the wound I bear treated me with equal respect, which again ought not to be if your people were as we have been told."
“I have seen trust and love shown for your king, and not fear. I have seen concern felt for his welfare, not due to the fear of chaos which would follow if he were slain, but due to the regard with which all hold for him. This is all opposite of what we were told."
And calling Sam 'Sam-Dad' is a very sweet touch.
Author's reply
Well, it was how he heard Sam addressed by Elanor, who in the deleted epilogue called him that, so I've adopted it for her from early on.
Honorable folk respond to honor shown, and I think Sestor would do so if anyone would.
Andrea
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
You continue to amaze me! You come up with lots of OC's, each one with a well-developed personality and each one is able to stand out among the other characters. And throughout this story, you have all threads under control - and there are many! Well done, indeed!
One of these threads is the beginning of a romance between Narcissa and Brendilac, which I like very much :) Everyone around them has noticed it now, including me ;-) Now, one of them has to take the first step.
Author's reply
Steps are being taken as we speak, I suspect. Am so glad you like the way I handle the threads, but am not completely certain how I'll tie off one of them. It has been one I've definitely begun, but am still partly stumped as to how I'll answer it.
Baggins Babe
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
I love seeing the different sides of Aragorn's character in your stories - the healer and the judge. The fact that he is willing to execute someone rather than lay the task on another is indicative of his honourable nature, and of course he feels the death whether he strikes the blow or not.
I love his normality with the hobbits - like Gandalf he obviously feels that spending time with them is good for those in power. Looking forward to seeing more of him with the twins.
Author's reply
I think you will be impressed by a consideration I'm bringing up in a coming chapter.
But, yes, one needs to spend time with Hobbits to keep ones perspective, and perhaps that, along with the idea that Sauron never thought of having one forged for the Hobbits, is why Frodo and Sam were born to that race rather than to the races of Men or Elves.
harrowcat
· 21 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
Ooh *gives an excited wriggle,* Aragorn the tactician! Watch out Agmar!!! I do like your OC's. You and Shirebound have completely converted me to the value of AUs - but they do have to be well done and in character even if not in canon. I am looking forward to the dance and are we, at last, begininng to hear more wedding bells in the distance?
Author's reply
Again, am not certain how AU this is--Elanor saw the King when perhaps too young to remember according to the deleted epilogues, after all; and we do have wars in far countries where Eomer led his Riders in the wake of Aragorn's banner. So, here we have a viable alternative, I think.
As for OCs, I like to think of them as Tolkien's own characters we just hadn't had the chance to meet as yet.
Dreamflower
· 20 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
Uh-huh. Sneaky!Aragorn. So, I get the impression that Angmar is about to have a change in its government--and maybe by a few men who are now thought of as good as dead, hmmm?
The few. The proud. The expendable.
Interesting.
And I look forward to seeing more of the hobbits!
Author's reply
Yes, the few, proud, and expendable are forces to be considered in their own rights, I think.
Tigger
· 20 June 2005
· Chapter 34: Inquiry
This was so powerful on many levels. Glad to see Sestor understand his actions were not what they thought they were. That he had been used for others benefit. Aragorn sees that as well and...Judging by the look on his face, Aragorn is plotting. If I was the Lords of Angmar, I'd be quacking in my boots.
Glad to see Brendilac will be fine. Also that Narcissa and he seem to be aware of the blossoming of their feelings towards one another. Might Aragorn be asked to officiate at another wedding in the near future?
Excellent chapter all around. Looking forward to seeing where this tale is headed next.
Author's reply
The war leaders of Angmar might well be quaking in their boots, if they truly understood what they have set loose on themselves.
And there is, I believe, a wedding coming up.
Amy Earls
· 20 June 2005
· Chapter 33: The Archer
*phew* I have to admit that I was nervous about that previously unaccounted-for archer!
This was a lovely Father's Day chapter featuring Sam-Dad and Aragorn! I think of Aragorn as a meta father figure for Middle Earth, and Sam and Rosie keep producing those cute hobbit children.
You can imagine me sitting at my comp. with my mouth open like a half-witted human (Larner's updated again!?). I truly appreciate it, but admit to being completely insatiable: there's never enough of this story to read, no matter how quickly you update, but your efforts are received with great delight.
Many thanks!
Author's reply
I usually update once a day, although once in a while it will be a day or two between updates, and a couple times I did more than one chapter.
The King is supposed to serve as father to all under his rule, and hopefully it will be a benevolent father he serves as, so your picture of Aragorn as meta-father for Middle Earth is apt. Sam is the father Frodo had hoped to be, and a surrogate father for the entire Shire in time as well. So, you are right, this was an excellent chapter for Fathers Day.
Thanks so much for the appreciation you've shown--it makes it worth while.
Kitty
· 20 June 2005
· Chapter 33: The Archer
First Beasty, now Sestor. What has poor Brendilac done to deserve this?
Well, at least now Narcissa has in Imladris someone to care for, I suppose, and they can become a bit closer.
As for Sestor, he certainly receives some education about his enemies, and I hope he does as his companions did and switches sites. He seems no bad fellow in spite of his attack, if he now regrets it and is glad he hasn't killed Aragorn.
Will you give us another glimpse of Aragorn with Forsythia and Fosco soon?
Author's reply
Yes, we are in for a revelation or two about this group to which Sestor belonged. And Narcissa and Brendi are finally going to face one another and their feelings for one another.
Dreamflower
· 19 June 2005
· Chapter 33: The Archer
I certainly hope Brendilac is thriving in Rivendell, and that Narcissa will be able to greet him enthusiastically when they arrive.
Sestor, eh? Another one of your wonderful OCs--is he going to see the error of his ways or keep a stubborn and misguided loyalty? It seems there is hope for him. Sam has befriended him at any rate, and he is observant enough to see that Aragorn certainly does not fit the propaganda he's been fed...
It's a shame you had Beasty dealt with in Bree. I would have loved to have seen his reaction to all this.
Author's reply
See this from Beasty's point of view? Now, that could be interesting.
Sestor is quite a different sort from his troop leader. He's going to come to a realization about his troop he will not find comfortable, I suspect.