Raksha The Demon
· 21 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Oh, this is so sad! Everyone is happy and celebrating, enjoying the fruits of peace, except for Frodo, who more than anyone made it all happen; he pays the price; and there is nothing that anyone who is celebrating, and happy in their Sauron-free lives can do about his pain at least this side of the Sea.
Well done, as always; wonderful exercise in contrasts.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Raksha. You are so right! Thanks for the feedback--and I am working on your birthday present!
harrowcat
· 15 October 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
I am sorry that it has taken me so long to review larner. I read this as soon as you posted and adored it. I love the idea of Pippin as Frodo's birthday present.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like it, Harrowcat! Sounds as if real life is rather hectic at the moment for you. Best wishes to your folks and Jet.
Andrea
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Wow! So sad, but beautifully written!
His questing fingers were at first disappointed, then relieved to find instead the white gem given him by the Queen. He held it almost desperately, and felt at least a slight lightening of the grief.
Frodo's longing for the Ring is almost physical and it's a good thing that instead of It he finds the gem there.
He still tries to hide his condition from his friends, but he must know already that he hasn't much time left.
Maybe it was that very moment that he finally decided to leave.
Author's reply
I'm certain that this in the end had a certain weight to add to the decision to leave. However, in his letters Tolkien indicates it was the illness that ran during the time when Elanor was born that convinced him he could not remain in Middle Earth. He also tells us in the letters that the desire for the Ring continued after Its destruction, which added to Frodo's distress.
Am so glad this moves you, Andrea. Thank you!
Socrates399
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Unfortunately, you won't find anything...I've become so un-melodramatic as to be stuffy, and confine myself to literary criticism...(besides, I've never been particularly creative!) :-)
Author's reply
Oh, don't be so certain you're not creative--and some very effective writing is done by straight-forward folk!
Anyway, thanks again for the feedback, and welcome to SoA.
Socrates399
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
That was beautiful (though sad).
Having finally left my melodramatic not-yet-grown-up stage (you may remember that I once wrote an EXCEEDINGLY melodramatic reunion of Frodo and Sam story a while back) I really appreciate the things that you have written, which have drama, but effective (and affecting) drama...not just teen angst...which I was plagued with for so long.
Anyway, I appreciate all your stuff, but I wanted to finally leave a review!
-Keb
Author's reply
Ah, but you never read what I wrote as a teenager! Teens tend to think in terms of angst, I think. Anyway, thanks so much for the comments, as I do love to write my share of pathos and angst. And I'm glad you remember my comments on your story. Now I'll probably go seek it out again. Let's see what you are doing now!
Author Reply: Ah, but you never read what I wrote as a teenager! Teens tend to think in terms of angst, I think. Anyway, thanks so much for the comments, as I do love to write my share of pathos and angst. And I'm glad you remember my comments on your story. Now I'll probably go seek it out again. Let's see what you are doing now!
Soledad
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Enjoyed? I feel greatly honoured. Your stories are a special treat for me, as you made me understand Frodo and his situation much better.
Author's reply
Thanks again, and I rejoice you like it!
Soledad
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Gah! That's so sad. :(
You know, not being much of a Hobbit writer (although I do love the little ones dealy), I never thought about what the Quest might have done to Frodo... before I started reading your stories. Now I will see him through your eyes for a very long time.
Author's reply
We know that on the thirteenth Frodo was ill, and that he stated that the world was empty now that It was lost and gone. We know he didn't keep the role of deputy Mayor for more than a few months, and that he appears to have become retiring. Sam especially appeared upset to see how little respect his Master received there within the Shire. We know he wore the Queen's gem constantly and that he was often seen fingering it. We know how he was seen rubbing at his shoulder in October and again when Elanor was born.
Many folk have seen the anniversary illnesses and subsequent retreat from general society and final leaving of the Shire as symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, and certainly that was what I first thought of when I read the books at age thirteen-fourteen, although they called it "shell-shock" then. His behavior matched that of characters in other books who'd barely survived the two world wars and that in Korea. I was equating him with John Kenton in Merritt's "The Ship of Ishtar" and some who'd survived Nazi concentration camps whose books Mom had bought or that she'd read to us out of magazine articles. The kind of trauma Frodo had experienced had to have left a mark on him, much as Tolkien saw in himself and in friends and colleagues in the years after both the first and second world wars. Something, after all, led to Tolkien starting to write obsessively once he found himself in the trenches and during his time in hospital when he was invalided out.
I suspect he did his best to appear normal when he must appear in a public place, that he went to fewer and fewer parties or celebrations or public functions, that increasingly he hid himself away trying to write out his demons, and finally left with as little fanfare as he could manage. But inside I suspect he was aching more and more as time went on. Some like Tolkien are able to accommodate to life again; others can't seem to do so.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed your birthday present.
Antane
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Indeed that would be a heavy cross to bear, depression, perhaps even heavier than the burden that caused it. And any bit of relief would be most welcome.
Our poor dear...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Tolkien's own indication that Merry and Pippin moved together into Crickhollow away from their families indicates they, too, probably had their own recoveries to make; and Sam doesn't appear to have demurred any when Frodo asked him to move in with Rosie. But there's no question Frodo was the one most deeply and indelibly injured. But I doubt he would ever wish others to have to appreciate how badly he felt, and especially on the anniversaries.
Thanks so, Antane.
lwarren
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
I had forgotten just how eloquently you write of Frodo's dispair and illness following the loss of the Ring. It makes me so sad that others would benefit from his courage and effort, while he would only suffer still. I think your use of the phrase "his very heart had been scoured out..." is one of the most descriptive and rending I have ever read that tell of Frodo's state after the end of the War. Very sad, very well done, Larner.
linda (who has every intention of eventually catching up on all of your writings...tho' it may take an Age!)
Author's reply
Thank you so, Linda. PTSD is an insidious condition, and in some seems to grow worse over the years.
Anyway, I am honored.
Kitty
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
That is such a contrast - the joy and celebrations in Gondor on the one hand and Frodo's despair on the other. How sad that he couldn't rejoice with the others, but kept feeling guilty and empty *sigh*
Anyway, lovely description of Gondor on this anniversary, of Aragorn and Arwen glowing with love for each other and Faramir so much more beloved than his father.
Author's reply
Thanks so very much, Kitty. Indeed--quite a contrast.
Elflingimp
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
I could say that was really good cos' it was, but it is to me the first real glimpse of what Frodo really went thru and it kinda made me feel bad for Frodo, he gave so much not to be able to enjoy The Shire, I am glad Arwen gave him that jewel to help him and let him take her place on the ship into The West Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
I am honored, Elflingimp. Knowing I've moved others is always nice to learn. And I, too, am glad she gave him the gem.
Thanks so.
Celeritas
· 13 October 2008
· Chapter 66: A Day to Celebrate
Sheer poetry, Larner. It's been a while since I've looked at your writing in depth but I do believe this is one of the best shorts you've written.
~Celeritas
Author's reply
Thank you, Celeritas. So many of my ficlets are humorous--but this time it came out sheer angst!
Antane
· 23 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
What a sweet story! Yes, Pippin would be that wonderful gift to his cousin. And I have certainly had food burn because I was lost in my favorite part of the world instead of where I 'should' have been. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've burned more than my own shares of potatoes and vegetables over the years, Antane! And am glad you appreciated this "gift." Thanks so.
Andrea
· 23 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
But what you can do for him will be to see to it he never forgets how to laugh and enjoy life. Can you do that, as my special, secret birthday present to him?
That was sweet of Bilbo! It was the perfect thing to say at that moment, and it proved to be a very good decision.
I'm just thinking that Bilbo would have made a wonderful grandfather :)
Author's reply
Am so very glad you liked it, Andrea. And indeed Bilbo would have made the best of grandfathers! Thanks so!
Linda Hoyland
· 23 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
What a lovely scene for Bilbo and Pippin.Thank Goodness, Frodo did keep the Took streak for adventures.
Author's reply
Frodo indeed kept the Took streak, but in a most Bagginish manner, I fear. And it was fun to have something so focused on Frodo without him even being physcially present!
Thanks so, Linda!
Grey Wonderer
· 22 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
I enjoyed the fact that Gandalf was watching all of the time. No wonder he knew so much about hobbits. He was very observant.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked that fact. These are three Hobbits he's coming more and more to love--Bilbo, Frodo, and Pippin. Yes, very observant indeed! Thank you so! And it's good to see you've time and energy to read and write again more frequently.
shirebound
· 22 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
what you can do for him will be to see to it he never forgets how to laugh and enjoy life. Can you do that, as my special, secret birthday present to him?
Ohhh, that's such a loving present. This is a wonderful scene between Pippin and Bilbo... there aren't enough of them!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you also feel this is a perfect present for Bilbo to leave for Frodo. Am so glad you like it! Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 22 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
Pippin *knew* Bilbo was leaving? Did I miss a story of yours somewhere?
If that was so, I can just see Bilbo getting Pippin to make such a promise. And of course Pippin would keep the secret!
Author's reply
Oh, in the very first story, "For Eyes to See as Can," Pippin and Merry, who are staying at Bag End in order to help prepare for THE Birthday Party, realize that Bilbo is leaving, and Sam, who listens at the windows of Bag End, has learned it already. Bilbo has Pippin helping tie on the tags for his special bequests, and Drolin is doing his best to help the lad buck up through it. He makes them all swear not to tell, but the two cousins and Sam end up running interference for Frodo as much as they can.
Am so glad you can see Bilbo eliciting this promise from Pippin. Yes, even at about eleven Pippin can keep this kind of secret.
Thanks for the feedback.
Kitty
· 22 September 2008
· Chapter 65: Promises Made
What a lovely idea, to have Bilbo telling Pippin to take care of Frodo in this way! And he fulfilled this promise, no doubt about that, cheering Frodo up even during the Quest.
Bilbo's argument he doesn't want to become a burden to Frodo sounds all too familiar. My mother is the same, always worrying she would be a burden to my brother and me. Needless to say, I don't agree with her, and I am sure Frodo would think the same.
Author's reply
Am glad you approve, Kitty. And there is NO question Pippin did all he could to fulfill it, and more so.
As for Bilbo's argument--I find myself using it on the kids.
Rhyselle
· 17 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
That was absolutely heart-rendingly beautiful.
I can't put into words how this made me feel... sad and happy at the same time gives a general idea of it, but are a pale shadow of the emotions this tale raised in my heart.
Thank you for writing this.
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Rhyselle. I am honored. To learn I've managed to move my readers is always so gratifying and humbling.
Periantari
· 16 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
What a wonderful story. Full of grief, full of warming moments as the hobbits are there for one another. Poor Sam and family in losing the Gaffer! So touching and poignant.
Very great job in this one-- i don't imagine i've read a Gaffer passing fic yet and it's cool how you tie in Sam taking care of his father with taking care of Frodo.
And i like that last bit where Frodo seems to be there for Sam. How sweet! :*(
Awesome job!
Author's reply
I find I really like Hamfast Gamgee, and enjoy writing about him. To write his death and Sam's grief, and the other three Travellers able to comfort him--I couldn't resist, although it took me some days to get it right.
Yes, Frodo would be there for Sam then--of that I'm certain.
Thank you!
Linda Hoyland
· 15 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
This was so beautiful and moving.I'm glad I had some tissues with me. I love the way you show how much the Gaffer was loved and his reunion with his wife.I'm glad Frodo could comfort Sam via the tree.
Dow you mean "over" here? "That Elves would prove just under twice Frodo’s height was not something that Sam had been prepared to appreciate." I'm not quite sure what this sentence means. " Every day the Widow Rumble came up and spelled them all for a few hours. "
A beautiful story.
Author's reply
I'm glad it moved you so, Linda. Yes, the Gaffer was a fine old Hobbit, and raised quite the family! That they would love him dearly is a given, I think.
As I write Frodo as being about four feet in height as an adult, which Tolkien tells us was the upper range of their height usually, I suspect that most Elves were just under twice his height at age twenty-two, as I doubt they were over seven feet tall, although apparently Elendil was about eight feet tall.
I wasn't aware this usage of "to spell" was an Americanism. It means, in this context, to take a turn, relieving others in so doing. Should I change the wording?
Thanks so for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland
· 15 September 2008
· Chapter 63: Rebellion
I can just imagine young Frodo saying this unlike his older self.
Author's reply
Yes, right for young Frodo, but not for adult Frodo. Thanks.
Kitty
· 15 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
That was beautiful and moving, though sad - it left me sniffling more than once. It was such a comfort that all of them arrived in time to say their farewells, and I am sure the Gaffer was glad to have all his children around.
The part at the Mallorn was particularly touching, with Frodo comforting Sam and later Merry and Pippin being there for him. Yes, that's how it should be - the four Travellers being there for each other!
And the end made me smile. They certainly took their time in finally understanding what the Gaffer had wanted to say!
Author's reply
Now and then I sniffle while I'm writing things, even, and I did when writing this one. Am so glad this managed to move you so. And I'm so glad that you loved the four of them together beneath the Mallorn. You are so right--they need to all be there for one another. And I'm so glad you liked the ending! Even at the end the Gaffer was given to observing proprieties! Heh!
Thanks so much, Kitty.
harrowcat
· 15 September 2008
· Chapter 64: The Gaffer's Farewell
A wonderful scene Larner that had me in tears. And of course Sam would wish to tend his Gaffer. I would imagine that the Gaffer would probably prefer Sam to help rather than the lasses too but needs must..... as they say.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam would wish to help with his father. I suspect there was a good deal of mutual respect between the two of them, after all.
So glad it moved you so--that is ever an honor to learn!