Moments in Time by Larner
6336 · 26 January 2009 · Chapter 73: Vengeance is Reggie's
Oh well, boys will be boys or, in this case, lads! Lalia did deserve it though, miserable woman! She made a lot of people's lives very uncomfotable. More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Lalia, Tolkien's gift to us through his letters, is now firmly seated in our imaginations, I think, as another delightful female villain of sorts. And now and then it is fun to think of her as getting her own back. Heh!
Andrea · 23 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
Wonderfully done, Larner! Griffo is a very polite gentlehobbit who is open for changes. Otherwise he would not have talked to Sam like to an equal. In the first conversation Sam is overjoyed about the birth of his little Elanor and bound to the promise he gave his master not to tell too much about Frodo's role in the quest. So, what he says seems cryptic to Griffo, while the readers know exactly what he's talking about. The second conversation is a thing Sam would have liked to keep as short as possible. He has other, graver things on his mind at the moment! And had Griffo not mentioned the birth of Angelica's twins, he would have excused himself immediately, I'd say. However, during that whole conversation you can *feel* Sam's restlessness! Once again his answers are cryptic, but Griffo remains polite, even excuses himself for the delay. He accepts Sam's new role as master of Bag End. And Sam does it, too. Last but not least, I love it that Angelica named her twins after Frodo's parents. It's a shame he didn't know that. But I believe there are certain means on Tol Eressea to let him know!
Author's reply
Am so glad you like it, Andrea. Griffo is at least able to realize that Frodo has developed a special relationship with Sam and his wife, and is able to accept Sam's new status, first as the one Frodo has adopted as his brother and then as his heir. It must have felt a bit strange. I'm glad Sam did stop to listen to Griffo the second time, although he was justifiably distracted by his own concerns and grief at that point. It helped, I think, understand to Griffo that Sam is doing his best to behave as the Master of Bag End ought to do. And am so glad I was able to communicate that restlessness! And am glad that Angelica did what she did. It would have meant far more to Frodo, I think, than if she'd named the lad for him. Thanks so, and thanks also for the patience. It's been a BUSY week at work this week.
Kitty · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
Oh, I can *so* see Sam beaming with pride and joy so shortly after Elanor’s birth! But his answer to Griffo about Frodo’s lost finger was rather cryptic. Somehow I doubt Griffo understood even one word. Great news about Angelica’s twins! A pity Frodo did miss that; he would have been so pleased that they were named after his parents! How poor Griffo must have felt, so badly wanting Frodo to tell that and then to learn that Frodo has left the Shire forever ...
Author's reply
Sam must have been over the moon at the birth of his first child. But he knows there are some topics Frodo doesn't wish discussed, the loss of his finger being one of them. No, Griffo doesn't understand at all, and how much he could be expected to understand, of course, is questionable. And it is a sad thing that Frodo didn't get the news directly about Angelica's twins and the names given them. It is one example undoubtedly among many of things he could not learn directly that would have pleased him; but his time to leave Middle Earth has come, after all. And Griffo finds himself uncertain how he must deal with Sam, I fear, for both have lost Frodo now.
Kitty · 21 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
You got Pippin into quite the trouble, didn’t you? But it was so brave of him to try and take all guilt on himself. I was glad the truth came out, though – it was not entirely his fault, after all. Loved the end, with all these soldiers sweeping the courtyard – oh yes, I can see how Pippin gained even more respect with that!
Author's reply
Actually, the one who wanted to see Pippin in such trouble was Golden, so blame her. I only put the details to it! Pippin has become brave now, and responsible, at least to a point. I, too, am glad the truth came out. Am so glad so many, as you did, found the ending so satisfactory. Pippin has come into his own amongst the guard! Thanks so for the comments--I so appreciate them.
cookiefleck · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
I enjoyed this story... as you know I really like seeing Sam through other eyes, and I liked your characterization plus the way Griffo came to realize that Sam possessed much wisdom despite an outwardly simple demeanor. And I like that you are able to convey that currents run deep without spelling it out. One thing, which I hope you don't mind me saying, is that Sam's use of the term "Creator" was jarring for me and pulled me out of Tolkien's world momentarily.
Author's reply
I'm glad you mostly liked the story, Cookiefleck. Sam is one of my favorite characters (along, of course, with all of the others in the book, of course!), and I love to see things both from his own perspective and from that of those who encounter him. Griffo is just coming to terms with the idea that Sam is far more than he seems. Thanks for the comments. No, I don't mind the comment at all.
Antane · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
A nice tale! I love Sam's joy over Frodo being the "perfect besotted Uncle" and all the fussing he was doing over his niece. And now Sam'll have that news of the twins to bring when he sees his treasure next. That will be good news for Frodo, no matter how long delayed. Sam is right that if you asked Frodo what happened at the Fire it would be not be truly what happened. I remember in one of the professor's letters it said he may not have any memories of his own of the time, and hearing what what Sam heard - The Ring is mine and all that - no wonder Frodo would think he freely willed to claim the Ring and not realize he was the one claimed. Indeed only God at this point would know all that happened. I hope Frodo would learn the truth in the West. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Antane--Frodo as the besotted uncle is such a nice image! I'd not read that letter by Tolkien, but I have certainly imagined that Frodo might indeed have but fragmented memories of the Ring taking him. And I am certain that he would learn the truth before he ended his life, but had to learn it not only in his head but in his heart for it to have full meaning. Thanks so, Antane!
Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
I wonder whether Pippin or Aragorn found it more painful?I think the young Hobbit will be more careful in future.A unique story.
Author's reply
Actually, I suspect that the one who found it most painful was Frodo, far more so than either Pippin or Aragorn. They are more in tune with the world in which they live, I think, and appreciate that actions require appropriate consequences that are appreciated by those around them. And as you know, Golden can be thanked for this one, as she set the circumstances she wished to see. It was just that the one circumstance I covered she didn't list until after I'd already finished the story, and it took me by such surprise!
Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
It is good to see attitudes to Sam changing,though his deeds must be hard for others to comprehend.I loved the ending.
Author's reply
I agree about liking the changes in attitude toward Sam. How much others within the Shire appreciated his deeds, however, is much in question. I suspect few outside those close to the four Travelers truly appreciated it all, and probably few even of those. And the ending is, I hope, in tune with the book ending.
Kara's Aunty · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 30: She Watches
Hello Larner, wow, for such a short ficlet, that was powerful stuff! But then, you have a gift with your ability to subtly mold a deceptively simple scene into something very profound, which leaves a lingering impression. And this gift of Rose marvelling at her husband and hardly able to believe her great fortune at capturing his heart is another example of that. Pure, honest beauty. Excellent work! M ;)
Author's reply
Thank you, Maureen. This is one of my favorites in many ways, and appears to be one of the favorites of others as well. It was easily approved at HASA and won a first in the MEFAs when it competed. And as she came to appreciate just what Sam had accomplished with Frodo it must have amazed her the more that he returned to the Shire and to her.
harrowcat · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
So the lLeaving is balanced by birth and more renewal! Lovely Larner.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so, Harrowcat--was just answering reviews since this was posted last night, and up popped yours! Yes, the Shire is renewed, even if it never fully appreciated what Frodo's part in it all entailed. Thanks so!
Endaewen · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
Beautifully sad, yet happy at the same time.
Author's reply
Thank you, Endaewen. Yes, a bittersweet look at two births to the new age.
Endaewen · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
The ending to this story definitely made me smile.
Author's reply
I'm so glad! The thought of about twenty Guardsmen all out there with Pippin, all sweeping the pavement, is one to lift the heart, I think! And Aragorn would have been glad to show Frodo just how much Pippin was being accepted by his fellow Guardsmen. Thanks so for the comments.
Celeritas · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
I cringed when Griffo so casually brought up that missing finger. Whoops. I liked this look at things from another character's perspective--I have the feeling that Sam must have gone through portions of this a lot of times (especially the part where he's suddenly addressed as an equal by the gentry!).
Author's reply
I know, but folks must have wondered! And for Sam it's but a sample of the new respect being accorded him. Am so glad you appear to have enjoyedit, Celeritas!
shirebound · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
What a lovely, bittersweet, yet hopeful tale. What we love may pass beyond our reach, but spring always comes, and with it, a new hope and new things to love. Ohhhh, those golden children will bring such joy and beauty to the Shire, and their dear parents.
Author's reply
What a wonderful summation, Shirebound! Yes, that's it in a nutshell! Thank you so much. The Shire has lost the best it produced to date and does not yet appreciate what is gone from it. But his legacy does live on, whether the folk of the Shire realize it or not.
Lindelea · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
Such a lovely story! All the hobbity bits... Griffo is polite, if uncomprehending, throughout both conversations. Sam speaks casually of things great and deep and Griffo apprehends perhaps the littlest scratching of the surface. Does he even know what Sam means by "Age"? Plenty of nappies needed, certainly! I find myself sharing Sam's grief, fresh as it is. And yes, Frodo would have been pleased. Having lost a little one and thinking we couldn't have more, and then being blessed with two more, I rejoice with Angelica! (I wonder if her quickening again after having no hope was a part of the blessing scattered over the Shire, that graced so many with golden hair that year.) Thanks!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like it, Lindelea! Yes, poor Griffo hasn't a clue, really, what Sam is speaking of, while Sam is far, far more than the simple gardener he began as. As for a New Age? I'm with you--poor Griffo doesn't begin to understand. The one pregnancy I might have known didn't last all that long--a matter of five to six weeks tops; and to see it end as it did, suddenly, with no warning, and with such pain! It was heartrending. Getting my children pre-growed cut down on nappie changing considerably, but also limited proper parent-child bonding. That you, also, knew the loss of a pregnancy! I'm so sorry! But at least you have the two younger ones! Look forward to seeing them next week if at all possible! And I do suspect that the double blessing of the soil from the Lady's garden as well as the presence of the Ringbearer for so long together helped Angelica to quicken once more.
Dreamflower · 18 January 2009 · Chapter 72: Born to the New Age
Oh how sweet! I love Griffo's confusion, both at the beginning and at the end. Sam's a both more forthcoming and less coherent than he otherwise might be--at the beginning he's bemused by Elanor's birth, and at the end too grieved by Frodo's leaving. I think Frodo would indeed have been pleased to hear of the naming of the little Bagginses. It reminds me of Pimpernel naming her twins that in "my" Shire. I think the tribute would please him even more than having one of them named for himself.
Author's reply
Griffo's not learning what he could have learned--that's certain; just what Sam will say, at least at the moment. And I agree about this pleasing Frodo more than naming the children after him, and for precisely the same reason as you indicate in your story. Thanks so much for your comments, Dreamflower!
Celeritas · 14 January 2009 · Chapter 42: A Summer Night's Peace
Nope, haven't looked at this one before! ^_^ There was much good in this fic: tactful but obvious discussion of elven biology (and poor bachelor Frodo's subsequent embarrassment!), the idea of a tweened Frodo deciding to find out about such things in books (what were they doing in Bilbo's library, anyway?), mentioning of The Fairy Wife, etc. And the King's Hollow!!! Of course there was still stuff that I disagree with--Frodo's continual guilt/unworthiness/whatnot, Frodo not having a hobbit soul (and I happen to like Harfoot!Sam; he's always struck me as someone who started out perfectly ordinary), overemphasis on brotherhood, etc. But you already know that. So thanks--it was a fun scene and dealt with a lot of interesting topics I hadn't seen you touch on before.
Author's reply
I personally think that Frodo's soul was perhaps more universal than anything else. It was his nearly unique ability as a Hobbit, after all, to be able to see beyond the here and now to the consequences of allowing the Ring to remain within Middle Earth, as well as knowing a love of the aetherial that is well above and beyond the normal Hobbit's abilities, that makes me think he in many ways could have been as easily born a Dunadan or an Elf. And it is this love of the aetherial as well as attendant fascination with things Elvish that from the start raises even Sam out of the ordinary. Yet, having been born Hobbits, their first loyalty brings both back to the Shire and sees to it that this land into which they were born is renewed as fully as possible, and in the end their hearts remain those of Hobbits of the Shire. I've touched on Frodo's sexuality a few times--and particularly in this collection in "Regrets" (#39,) and "In Defiance of the Dark" (#49). And I managed to offend one young reader with a chapter in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" when I have Frodo imagining what Narcissa Boffin might have looked like as she prepared for her bath. As for how Bilbo came to have books about puberty in his library--as an inveterate book collector I certainly have had them in MINE! Don't know necessarily how he'd end up with such a thing, but he might have found a Healer's text for Men somewhere--perhaps on a trip out to Bree? I know that although my mother gave me several long talks about growing up female and a few about males as well, I found myself looking into HER library as an adolescent, as did my kids when THEY became adolescents in spite of the talks we gave them.
grumpy · 11 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
Poor Pippin, he did have a time of if. Trying to say no, and toasting the new guard. Just a very big misunderstanding on all's part. Plus he has to prove he is a guard and not just the king's friend.
Author's reply
Yes, our Pippin is trying to prove himself worthy to be considered part of the Guard of the Citadel, and does not always find it easy. And to find a group that did accept him and wanted him to be part of their celebration must have been flattering. Am so glad you appreciated this one. Golden had given a detailed description of several elements she wanted included, and it was so interesting getting them all worked in without making it seem corny. Thanks so for the comments.
Antane · 8 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
I love Faramir's reaction to how could Pippin possibly refuse all those toasts? But the poor lad. Love the ending - all the help he was given. Very nice. I'm glad Aragorn didn't take Frodo up on his offer to take those strokes though it was brave of him to say so. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad someone appears to appreciate the observation by Faramir! I think Faramir has a good feel for the folk of the Guard of the Citadel! And I think that Aragorn would have taken the strokes himself to keep Frodo from doing so! Frodo needs to learn to let go and let others learn from their own mistakes, and both Aragorn and Merry recognize that fact. And now that some of the Guard have shown their respect toward Pippin, the others are beginning to follow suit! Heh! Thanks so very much, Antane.
Soledad · 8 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
That was lovely from the beginning to the end: Frodo standing up for Pippin, Pippin not accepting to be treated differently, the Guardsmen accepting their responsibility for what happened. Although, I must add, that the mental image of all those tall, strong Men cleaning the courtyard with brooms had me in hysterics.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you appreciated it, Soledad. And here Aragorn assigned Pippin the kind of punishment he'd had it made clean would be common within the Shire, and here are indeed all these Men assisting! Glad it made your day! Thanks so much!
Andrea · 7 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
Wonderful story! Pippin is such a brave young hobbit! At times he behaves like the "Fool of a Took", but he always takes on the responsibility for his actions. Merry and Sam are right when they say that he wants to be treated like any other guardsman. He wants to be one of them and he wants to be respected by them. Frodo, however, did not stop at his side, but advanced to stand on the other side of Pippin from where Sam now stood. And from that moment on I knew exactly what Frodo would say. Good old Frodo! He could not bear to see Pippin hurt. Even one whip lash was too much for him. But if he hadn't said so we would not have seen how Pippin's fellow guards offered to take their share of the punishment, which Aragorn accepted. I liked that very much! And the last image! Twenty other guardsmen helping Pippin complete his task! Just great!
Author's reply
Yes, a good deal of maturity to him already, in spite of being that "fool of a Took!" And he's willing to accept the consequences due to his actions and misdeeds. We do know our Frodo, don't we? But this time it wasn't his place to intervene, for Pippin and the other Guards needed to deal with it, and Aragorn realized that, as Sam and Merry did. But Frodo was a bit TOO given to assuming responsibility that wasn't his to assume at this point. And there are those who KNOW just how close Pippin came to dying for Beregond and the others with him! They know and honor him as he deserves, and knowing he'd give himself for others, they're willing to do the same for him. Thanks so, Andrea.
6336 · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
Poor Pippen, it is very hard to make people listen to you sometimes. He did own up to his mistake,there were extenuating circumstances but he would not make excuses for himself. I do think Bertision and his friends were partly to blame for his condition,They did share his punishment though, which was only fair! More please, Lynda Kitts are doing well, though I may be reaching for the duct tape soon if Mayhem dosen't keep her 'E' collar on!
Author's reply
Yes--they helped bring about the situation and feel responsible, too, and so insist on sharing the punishment. And Pippin is growing up at last, dear lad that he is. Have to laugh about the cats. Lydia has been sleeping under the Christmas Tree, as she's done under each since she came to me as a Christmas gift a few years ago. She loves to get red ribbon wrapped about her, I've learned. Hug your kitts for me.
Dreamflower · 6 January 2009 · Chapter 71: Failure of Duty
One of the things I forgot to mention in my comments elsewhere: I loved Frodo's and Merry's differing reactions to Pippin's punishments. It was absolutely in character for Frodo to attempt to spare Pippin any sort of corporal punishment. I am sure that even that one blow to his young cousin cut Frodo to the quick. And it was also in character for Merry to uphold Pippin's dignity. It must have been agony for him to ask that Pippin's blow not be lighter than the others, but he knew that a blow to Pippin's pride might never heal, while a blow to his back, however painful, would. Again, I am amazed at what a wonderful job you did with a very difficult request!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Dreamflower. And obviously you and I agree perfectly on how Frodo and Merry would react to this situation. Frodo, who had seen too much pain gloried in by the Ring; Merry, who knew Pippin's personality perhaps better even than his father. And Pippin did recover, and was stronger for it, no matter what Frodo might have thought! Merry was right here. I know I've rather overwhelmed the board the last few days, but now that finally these three stories were freed for general posting I wanted to see it done properly! Thank you so very much for all the feedback on this, and I'm glad Golden asked for so detailed a story!
Queen Galadriel · 21 December 2008 · Chapter 58: A New Life
Oh, I really love this! In just a few short drabbles you've created a character that I want to know more about. And Frodo proves himself perceptive and worthy of his name here once again.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, our beloved Frodo proves himself as perceptive as his friend Aragorn. Both are deserving of their names! (At one time Tolkien thought of "Aragorn" meaning "valourous lord.") Thanks so, my Lady!
ArianneG · 17 December 2008 · Chapter 70: Loss of the Light
I've read all your stories posted here so far, and have always felt more than a touch of canon around. You have a knack for writing fics that closely echo the Professor's, so much so that one could imagine that the stories are canon. Heaven knows I've caught myself doing that many times now. Oh poor Maglor! Heartbreak for him all around--his foster son going where he is banned from returning, the last of his kin in Galadriel departing, and the Ringbearer's phial gone with the last Light of the Silmarils; and him no closer to pardon. My heart broke when I read the end of the Quenta Silmarilli and he was left to wander the shores lamenting. He didn't deserve it--he wasn't all bad--none of Feanor's children were in the beginning, especially not Maglor or Maedhros, I feel. Drat that blasted Oath. Feanor really can't have been that tightly wrapped to begin with, in your own words--he struck me as the highly obsessive type. Melkor must have been overjoyed in being able to so thoroughly influence Feanor when the Valar naively let him have his freedom. And it's worse that what was surely one of the greatest of Iluvatar's Children could become so twisted. One can imagine the theme of the music growing horribly distorted at that point in the Ainulindale. Morgoth surely derived as much pleasure from twisting Feanor as he did in making the first Orcs. I'm glad that Frodo knew in some fashion the power of the greatest musician of the Noldor and that it comforted him, that Elrond knew that his foster-father was there. And Galadriel wishing her kinsman well was just perfect. The chapter has a sweet melancholy, then hits you all at once with Maglor's very real despair. I'm holding you to your promise of a happy ending for Maglor: the poor elf has been through too much already. :D
Author's reply
I'm honored, ArianneG. I have found that Maglor seems to be growing on me, and his situation is definitely one of the most tragic. None began badly, not even Melkor himself. But when one turns from others to oneself, then the individual tends to fall into error, and the errors have a habit of compounding over time. The idea that Melkor enjoyed twisting Feanor as he lager did when making the first orcs is a profound one, I find. Thanks for that thought. Will have to consider on that one. And I, too, like to think that Frodo heard one of the true masters of music from among the Elves, and that Elrond was able to bid Maglor farewell. As for the happy ending--it's been written for some time--now to finish the rest of Stirring Rings so I can get that part posted! Heh!