Moments in Time by Larner
Neilia · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
HaHaHaHa! Delightfully Delightful! I love storms myself and often wished to dance in them. Love, Neilia
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel at one with Frodo in this! Yes, he can love storms once more! Thanks, Neilia.
Neilia · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Lovely, so very lovely. Home at last! *teary eyed* Makes me kinda homesick, too.
Author's reply
Yes, he is Home, and surrounded once more by those he loves and who love him. Am so glad it pleases you.
Neilia · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 53: The Lost Restored
This is the story I have longed to see written. Smeagol restored to himself. Real compassion for the lost. I could not have written it better. I am glad you did it. To condemn a lost one outright and to dismiss him/her, is to be less than truly human.
Author's reply
The parable of the shepherd leaving the ninety and nine to the care of his fellows so as to seek out the one strayed lamb has always been one of my favorites; and I suspect Iluvatar would wish to draw this lost one back to Himself. Thank you, Neilia.
Dreamflower · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 53: The Lost Restored
What a true Eucatastrophe this ending was, Larner--redemption for Smeagol! I'm afraid that I seldom give much thought to him, though he was as much a hero as the others in the end. I've never felt much pity for his Gollum self, though I could feel sorry for Smeagol. And how wonderful to tell much of this from Gandalf's POV. We just don't get enough of that--I loved his tender care for Pippin. Lovely, just lovely!
Author's reply
I hope that Tolkien would have liked it--perhaps we'll have the chance to ask him one day! In many ways Frodo and Smeagol appear to have had much in common, growing up in large communal smials along a great river, much under the supervision of much older relatives other than their parents, close to cousins with no hints of living siblings. And it was obvious Frodo wished to offer Smeagol a chance for redemption. That Smeagol did find it has been such a tempting idea! And we know that Gandalf has long had a great fondness for Tooks! Heh! Thanks so much.
Soledad · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 53: The Lost Restored
Oh, but this was so beautiful! Sméagol's redemption truly brought tears to my eyes. I like the extended family background you've created for him, and how Déagol was grateful to have escaped the same fate. And that you wrote Halabor into the story! I'm so honoured - you resurrected the old town that I'd destroyed ten years before the Ring War! :))
Author's reply
I'm so glad this moved you so, Soledad. And tributes to other folks' tales do manage to creep into my stories, after all. Am so glad you find it flattering! Thanks so much! We know that Grandmother was the ruler of the smial in which Smeagol and Deagol lived; but what then became of their immediate families? Why did no parents speak out for or against him when his behavior became too much for the peace of the place? Thank you so much for the feedback.
shirebound · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 53: The Lost Restored
What a beautiful, thoughtful piece, Larner. I especially love how everyone -- even to the humble giving of sheepskins, and Shadowfax's attentive steps -- joined to ease the burdens of the healers and hobbit heroes.
Author's reply
Again, all things work to the good for...well, in this case, for the healing of Frodo, Sam, and Pippin. And Pippin and Shadowfax do have associations now, after all. In the wake of the fall of Mordor healing CAN come! Tolkien commented that Frodo and Sam's survival was a grace granted to two whose lives were offered for all of Middle Earth; and true sacrifices are fulfilled, not lost or destroyed or consumed. And I do love to think that what I have Galadriel tell Frodo in "Filled with Light as with Water" is right, that in saving Frodo's Light Gollum found some of his own again. And he may have taken It, but Smeagol didn't put It on--he merely rejoiced to have It again. I hope that this kept him safe from truly being consumed himself. One of the lost ones come Home again in truth. As always, thanks so much for the feedback.
Lindelea · 28 March 2008 · Chapter 53: The Lost Restored
Awww. Your Smeagol story! I loved the wrapping in sheepskins and carrying the hobbits with such love and desperate care, and Pippin's wakening and words with Gandalf, and of course the joyous ending with its promise of healing and redemption. It was a lovely tea, indeed, and the wee hobbits were entranced by the hobbit-sized baskets full of good things to eat! (Especially as their mum was too ill this week to go to the after-holiday sales to pick up sweets for a song... getting better, but sore throat has turned to laryngitis and so now, after a brief time of reading and commenting, I'm for bed once more.) So glad to see this, and to have a little uninterrupted time for the reading!
Author's reply
It took me a time to write it over again--a bit of Cormallen but with a good deal more. And I love to think that Smeagol was restored at the end and knew the joy of love once more. He'd lived with--misery--for most of five hundred years, and the coming of Bilbo woke a spark of the love of simple pleasures once more. Then he served Frodo, and was almost taken by the beauty of the Hobbit's spirit. And although he took the Ring from Frodo, he didn't put It on.... Sorry you've been sick again. Watched The Fellowship last night with one of my clients--her first viewing, and she was bawling a few times. And today another is dealing with changes in staffing as one staffmember we all cared for deeply retired yesterday--this is one type of change that always causes our folk a level of discomfort. Love to the girls and hubby and Zoe. Two of mine are curled up about me on the bed--little furry poms who barked at the cat who just went out to the other room.
Baggins Babe · 24 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Such a wonderful image of Frodo healed and home, and how fitting that he should dance in joy at last. Lovely that Bell Gamgee was there, and Arathorn, and poor dear Boromir, and that they could all share the joy of that moment. Happy Easter, Larner!
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoy the concept. And I think in this case Frodo would dance in joy! It's been so long since Frodo last saw Bell, and I think he'd be glad to see her as much for his own sake as for Sam's. And Arathorn has his place in my image of Frodo and Sam possibly having been intended to be Aragorn's brothers. As for Boromir--to know that Boromir was happy and healed would also help heal Frodo! And Alleluia to you, too!
Queen Galadriel · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Aaawww! :) Oh, Larner, this is sooo precious! (No pun intended, really! It's really too bad that in the Ringer community that word has such negative connotations.) I love how they all received their "true" forms here at last. Bell a queen, how marvelous, and Bilbo a teacher! :) Yes, perfect, absolutely perfect, since Bilbo was ever that after that first adventure of his. I just love this part: Gilorhael? Even that voice was familiar as he looked into eyes as filled with love and joy as were those of the one who’d once been Primula Brandybuck Baggins. And his mother easily loosed him to the embrace of the other who could as easily have been his mother.... Funny, this embrace felt no different from that of the one who had served as his mother. Mummy--and Nana! He laughed with growing pleasure, and found himself smiling up into the eyes of he who had been Fredegar Bolger. Freddy! he laughed. My brothers begin to gather! We tend to shake our heads and say, "Poor, poor dear Frodo!" at least a lot of us do. I mean, he lost his parents when he was just a little child by Hobbit reckoning; then he had to carry the burden of burdens to its destruction, nearly died getting it there, had it ripped from him, and then was so wounded by the bearing of it and all it took to do his task that he couldn't stay in the land he loved when he returned there. But this just goes to show how very blessed he was in spite of all that. He needed it, of course, but it does go to show that the Lord always knows exactly what He's doing, does it not? This was just perfect for an Easter evening read, Larner; thank you so very much. :) God bless, Galadriel :) And I hope you had a blessed Easter!
Author's reply
This has been intended as my Easter gift to all for a couple weeks. Am so glad you loved it. I've always felt that the woman who raised Samwise Gamgee was a queen amongst Hobbit wives, so it was delightful to think of her as a queenly figure in her True Shape! And since his parents died Frodo just seemed to collect surrogate brothers everywhere, most of them much younger than himself. After all, Freddy and Sam were twelve years younger than he, and Merry fourteen, and then Pippin was more than twenty-one years younger! We aren't how old Folco was, or even who his parents were--not for certain; but it's likely he was probably younger as well. And with my own imagining of Frodo and Sam originally having been intended to be Aragorn's true brothers, of course Gilraen and Arathorn would have to be here, along with Boromir to assure Frodo he was also truly healed of the Ring's influence! Easter was indeed a blessed one for me. Thank you so!
Kitty · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Larner, that was lovely - Frodo reunited with nearly all his loved ones! And just perfect for today! Happy Easter, my dear!
Author's reply
Yes, reunited at last, and merely waiting for the eyeblink of Eternity for the rest to come! Am so glad you, too, felt it was appropriate. And thank you for the wish. May your Easter Week be joyful as well!
shirebound · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Beautiful, Larner.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Shirebound.
White Gull · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Wonderful! Very uplifting, for Easter. Happy Easter. WG
Author's reply
Thank you so, White Gull. And it was deliberately timed for Easter indeed. And may your Easter week also be blessed. Joy to you!
Fiondil · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
A lovely piece, Larner, as usual. Happy Easter.
Author's reply
Thank you, sir! Was just inadvertently awakened by my friend, who appears to have been startled to find an Easter basket hanging from her bedroom door. She and her guide dog have retreated to their bedroom again, leaving me once again in company with the cat. Alleluia!
Rhyselle · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Just.... Perfect. *weeping with joy*
Author's reply
My Frodo Healed loves to dance again! A joyful Easter to you! Author Reply: My Frodo Healed loves to dance again! A joyful Easter to you!
Lindelea · 23 March 2008 · Chapter 52: Home Is where the Heart Is
Awww. You said this would be posted this day, and what a lovely thing indeed it would have been to wake up to! ...but the dog got me up, barking at car doors, and as I passed through the room I saw the computer was on, running a scan, and so I stopped to check email and found this. Sort of like getting an early peek at an Easter basket, all shiny and tied up with bright ribbon and peeking out from its hiding place... (and let's not forget Merry, and Pippin, unless somehow my tired eyes missed them in the reading...)
Author's reply
Oh, Merry and Pippin will be coming with Aragorn--didn't do a timeless thing this time. And I rejoice you've been able to read it already! Love to Zoe and the little Hobbits--and a wee basket will be returned as I head for home. It was such a lovely tea! Thanks again!
Linda Hoyland · 13 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
You capture the essence of these three perfectly in a few words.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you think so! Thanks so much.
Kitty · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
I'm not sure if Sam would have expected the invitation to move into Bag End, but Rosie certainly has not. And to give them the master bedroom is indeed proof in that high esteem Frodo helds Sam. (And should probably put any gossip about 'servant's to rest)
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Kitty! Thanks so for the feedback.
cookiefleck · 12 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
Love the last line in particular. Very nice! The way Tolkien introduces the idea of Sam and Rosie living in Bag End has always seemed so interesting to me. He covers the topic in so few words, yet it opens up so many opportunities for speculation.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Cookiefleck. And he makes Bag End their home from the beginning of their marriage, it seems, not just the place they live on the sufferance of Frodo. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Grey Wonderer · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
Beautiful. I love Rosie's surprise and you can just hear the wonder in her voice.
Author's reply
Now she truly learns that Frodo and Sam do see one another truly as brothers, no matter what title Sam calls Frodo by. I'm so glad you liked it, GW.
Theresa Greenfalcon · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
In just a few words you summed up what Frodo saw in Sam... you really did make one mental image speak a thousand words today. T
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel this way, Theresa. Thank you!
Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 48: In Defiance of the Dark
Oh, Larner, I love this one, for all it's so sad. I wish Lilith's time hadn't been so short, but I'm glad that the poor woman knew true love and gave--or received--that unique gift before she died. And again Frodo shows his remarkable and perhaps not altogether conscious ability to touch the lives of those who most need the light he shines, relieving her loneliness and at the last witnessing a beautiful wedding. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you were able to read this one. It's not how long one lives that makes for a successful life, but how many lives one touches for the better along the way, and how much joy you are able to know in yourself and in your relationships. And am so glad you see Frodo ever leaving his particular Light shining on the lives of others. I believe Lilith would have known a particular joy having him witness her wedding.
Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 50: A Storm of Glory
Wow, that was a nice surprise! I sort of half figured it was going to be something like that, but it didn't keep me from feeling Bilbo's relief when they found Frodo, or being surprised and delighted at their finding him dancing--in a storm, of all times and places! :) How wonderful to meet Livwen's family, too! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo is finding now reason to rejoice--peace and healing for himself, and joy and more to share. And I felt it would be appropriate to meet more of Livwen's family! Heh!
Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
Aww, this is sweet! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so, my Lady! Good to see you visiting, even if briefly. And check out "The Ring that Sauron Forged" in "Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil"--I think it will give you a chuckle.
harrowcat · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
I always did wonder what Rosie thought about this. You are getting very good at the drabbles. Oh and I really enjoyed the piece about the ring too.
Author's reply
I'm certain the idea of living in Bag End must have been daunting at first. And am so glad you like the poem about the Ring. That one started nagging at me the other day, and you see where it led. And the drabbles were done for birthday gifts--my first attempts at such things!
Andrea · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 51: New Quarters
So much said in so few words! I can imagine that Rosie's first reaction to Frodo's invitation was, well, suspicion. Not so for the reader of LOTR and, of course, Sam. They both know their Mr. Frodo :) Frodo loves his Sam like he would love his own brother, and so he gives the new couple not any room, but the master bedroom. Out of love. And Rosie finally understands, but still with wonder. Frodo is someone very special, but so is Rosie!
Author's reply
I've been experimenting with drabbles, as they were requested for birthday gifts. Am glad you feel this one was well done. And Rosie finally begins to realize just how much Frodo honors and truly loves Sam--that it's not just Sam honoring his Master. They are all three special ones--Sam, Rosie, and Frodo Baggins. Thanks so much, Andrea.