Antane
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
No, but your will was sufficiently great It must allow your desire for their escape to strengthen the one of them to their joint need. And It could not cause the orcs to notice the escape until there was the chance for them to come to a safe haven. Yes, It worked against them as It could, and It put it into the heads of the Orcs to barricade them there. But It couldn’t fully hide the memory from you, not when It used that memory in your torment. You helped save two good Men, child. And that will for good helped you remain stronger against It that much longer. Rejoice, Iorhael.
Wonderful victory for all three of them in the grip of such evil. How the Ring must have hated that.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, I love to think that along the way Frodo managed to do some good using the power of the Ring, even if only inadvertently. Indeed a victory. Thanks!
shirebound
· 19 November 2006
· Chapter 22: Evil Will Thwarted
I could hear someone urging me to take Garond and escape while the--while the orcs were busy. The urging grew more intense, and finally I took my courage into both my hands
Wow. This is really intense and fascinating. How wonderful for the rescued men, and for Frodo to realize that, while even in the grip of Evil, he could still bring about something Good.
Author's reply
And for the Ring once again to find itself being utilized to bring rescue when it would prefer to see destruction must have been galling to the thing!
Part of the reason the Ring did so little hurt to Bilbo was because he used it to do good or to avoid unpleasantness only, although that latter in the end might have strengthened its hold on the old Hobbit. Hopefully the same should be true for Frodo. The Ring must have been totally out of its depths finding such strength of will in so apparently weak an individual.
Grumpy
· 28 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
Ah the young hobbits and the rangers have a run in. Teach the rangers to stay off the road on marketday, take the detour arround the village. I am beginning to sound like I need some signs made up, or at least get this cat off my lap.
Author's reply
Yes, a definite encounter here. But then the Rangers aren't likely to be certain when the marketdays are likely to run, so you can't expect them to try to go around, particularly when the Bridge and the Road lead right into the market square, after all.
Yes, let's do some detour signs! As for the cat--well, I have my share of those, you know. Give yours a scratch behind the ears for me.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
This was a delightful account of Frodo and Aragorn's first meeting.
Author's reply
Oh, so glad you approve, Linda! This scene has been working at me for a while, after all, ever since I wrote "The King's Commission."
Andrea
· 26 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
Very nice, Larner!
I enjoyed Frodo and Pearl, and of course, the growing frustration and maybe a little fear of Merry and Pippin about this development. I don't have older siblings, but maybe my brother experienced the same when I was growing older.
Back in the village the eight young Hobbits looked after them, and Pippin found himself watching after the longest. Something had passed between the tall Man who rode at the head of the troupe of Men and Frodo--some unconscious look of recognition, or so it seemed to the small child.
It is fascinating to imagine the first meeting of Frodo and Aragorn and the brief moment of recognition, Pippin observed. He even saw their matching Lights of Being. Pippin is amazing! Dreamflower called it "Tookish Insight" - I think that fits it best.
At that point of time, however, Pippin is still a child. And so Sweetwater's stall becomes the most interesting object in Middle Earth within seconds. That's how it should be. Far too soon he will be forced to act like an adult.
Author's reply
Yes, the Tookish insight at work, while Merry notes the physical details. I certainly remember the moment of recognition that my friend and buddy of a brother was gone, and instead I had this thing what seemed to have no taste in girlfriends and who showed off for the other guys. It was pretty painful.
And, as you note, the moment they're gone his interest reverts to interest in the candy stall in the market. Yes, whatever he's noticed, he remains a child still. So glad you approve.
Bodkin
· 26 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
Men on horses would be very scary as they rushed headlong through the Shire. Bit like elephants stampeding down Main Street.
Frodo - despite his sickening (!) basking in Pearl's smile - behaved boldly and confidently - but the star of the show for me here is young Pippin. Showing, as he does, the clear sight of the very young.
Author's reply
Started to respond to this the other day, and got sidetracked by a phone call, and didn't have time yesterday to get online.
I agree with you about how the Rangers would appear to the Hobbits. They'd be more than a bit frightening, I'd think.
I've seen the youngsters watching older siblings starting to get mushy, and have been one of them myself, so felt this was likely how both Merry and Pippin would feel about Frodo and Pearl just before she threw him over; but felt Frodo would be the protector in training even then.
But am so glad you feel that Pippin came off so well. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for Peregrin Took, after all. Thanks so for letting me know!
Kitty
· 25 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
It's not easy for Pip to realise his favourite cousin is nearly grown-up and will soon have other interests as well. Well, it's an experience nearly everyone has to make some day, though I suppose it is more apparent in this cause, as the age difference is so big and there is no way Pip will have the same other interests in the near future.
Loved the encounter between the Hobbits and the Rangers and the way Frodo acted to protect his younger cousins, even taking on seven men. So very like Frodo. And I think I remember this incident mentioned somewhere.
Interesting that Pippin realised that there had been passing something between Frodo and Aragorn. For his age surprisingly perceptive.
But you know now you will have to write something more about that, during oder after the Quest, how they realised they had meet each other already back then? *grin*
Author's reply
More plotbunnies being pushed at me, then!
When Big Bro forgot wanting to play Buck Rogers or Flash Gordon or Tarzan and Jane with our younger sister and me and decided older girls were far more interesting, and it was necessary to demonstrate his authority over us in front of his friends, I was heartbroken and furious. And those memories are still there, even though I've pushed them away and we've both grown up and have both raised children and all.... Guess it all got expressed here, or a lot of it.
And Frodo is already such a responsible soul, and, yes, ready to take on seven Men rather than to imagine his family getting ridden down. I felt it was perhaps time to write this little story that I'd briefly mentioned in "The King's Commission" and see just how it must have played out.
Antane
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
An interesting meeting between Aragorn and his future small brother, both protective of the Shire and the people within. Pippin and Merry's jealousy is cute.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, each protecting others as he can best do so, and without the recognition as yet that they will be important to one another and the entire world of Arda one day.
So glad you enjoyed it.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
I never tire of seeing how different authors devise ways for Frodo and Aragorn to meet before the quest without making the story AU, and this is one of the best. I love the image of Frodo just stepping right out in front of the horses, willing to be trampled himself rather than let his cousins be hurt. I wonder if Aragorn remembered that encounter afterward.
And I wonder, too, if Merry and Pippin remembered how jealous they were of Pearl when they finally learned the truth about the nature of the Ring, or what had made Pearl forsake Frodo. I almost hope they didn't; it would be heartbreaking for them, on top of the grief already there at that time.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'd already indicated in "The King's Commission" that Pippin remembered seeing Rangers riding through the Shire from a childhood visit to Brandy Hall and a trip to the Bridge Market; that Frodo might have been along and still being hung upon by Pearl Took seemed a good possibility; and I certainly remember (when I try, at least) how my older brother's courting disgusted me when he was first starting out and I was still definitely a child.
It's not just jealousy of the one being courted, but the beginning of the realization that the loved older playmate won't be that forever, that the time has come for him to leave childhood behind and that relationships will be different from now on. Plus, folk who are gaga about one another are often SOOOOO soppy about it.
I've been able to mostly put my feelings about Big Bro's first dating out of my mind, except now and then they creep back in, I find. I found it didn't take a great deal to bring them back and assign them to Pippin and Merry.
Frodo's protectiveness for others I would think would have become quite developed by this time, just slightly over a couple years before he came of age. That he'd put himself between these hurrying horsemen and his own folk, particularly these younger cousins, just seemed natural.
And it's not a long enough or important enough situation for either to recognize the other afterwards--just the reproof to watch your speed and where you're riding on one side, the hurried explanation on the other; and both are then off, one to shepherd his companions to the market and the other to beat possible enemies to the Sarn Ford.
So glad it's satisfying and feels realistic at the same time.
shirebound
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
"Wonder why that one, the one in front, doesn’t have a star on his cloak the way the rest do?" he asked.
"Dunno," Pippin said, shrugging. "But he shone like one, you know
A most interesting meeting!
Author's reply
So glad you appear to have enjoyed it, Shirebound.
We hear about the star brooches of most of the Rangers, yet Aragorn's is never mentioned. Well, if you read all of "Lesser Ring" you know what I have happen to his and why; but it might well be something a quick observer of a momentary encounter might well notice, particularly young Meriadoc Brandybuck. And the future Thain and Took would notice the Light of Being, I think.
Dreamflower
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
Oh what an encounter! I just love little Pippin's POV in this--he's so full of a combination of childish concerns and Tookish insight! And I loved the image of Frodo intervening himself between his younger cousins and a possible threat. Very nice!
I wonder if in later years, Frodo and Aragorn remember this encounter?
Author's reply
So glad you approve, Dreamflower. And I've always seen Frodo the Tween as a protector in training--that he'd object to what he sees as a possible threat to his cousins' safety just seemed logical. As for whether they remembered the encounter themselves as Pippin later did, I dunno. Time will tell, I guess!
harrowcat
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
I am so glad that you have descibed this scene - and done it so well as usual. And to see Pippin and Merry's reaction to Frodo with Pearl is great. Typical of Aragorn to be courteous in spite of his anxious hurry. And trust it to be Pippin that sees the look of recognition.
Author's reply
I remember all to well sometimes how my brother's early dates struck me, and I remember the mixed disgust at soppy behavior and regret he wasn't still willing to remain my playmate and story teller, and the partial envy I felt at the time.
Of course Aragorn will be courteous, and Pippin will note the momentary recognition, so swiftly buried by other concerns, that flared so briefly between them. But then Pippin's back being Pippin and wondering how he can get some of his favorite treats more readily available....
Glad it pleases.
Elemmírë
· 24 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
Brilliant, Larner ... the Men realizing a star hidden amongst the hobbits, as the hobbits realized likewise for Aragorn--the only Man without a star on his cloak but shining with his own inner light, just as Frodo.
Sweetwater. Very appropriate and hobbity name for a seller of sweets :D
I also loved the too-short glimpse (IMO) of Frodo courting Pearl's affections. It's not often we all get to read about Frodo surrounded by a group of lasses as such. Poor Merry and Pippin ... someday their eyes too will be caught by a lass and they will come to realize love of that nature.
Author's reply
Of those who might see Frodo's Light, I think Aragorn and Halladan would be the ones most likely to see, although as Frodo's most reflects Aragorn's own Aragorn might not notice it strongly at this time, or would be likely to keep his own counsel about it. And as Pippin will be the Took one day, I think he'd be the one to recognize Aragorn's.
Sweetwater just insisted on having that name, I found.
I've read a few stories in which Frodo found a love, including White Gull's current story here on this site and the stories of Lily Proudfoot you can find at West of the Moon. The idea he and Pearl would have been drawn together for a time isn't original with me; but I strongly suspect that Frodo would have been faced by more than his share of scheming mothers and maidens over the years before the Ring came to him, and a few after. Once he stopped responding to lasses, however, I think in times folks would have had concerns for him, and would have thought back to the fact Bilbo also remained a bachelor in spite of all.
And I think that there would have been times when Frodo was surrounded by simpering lasses, particularly before he came of age; and the younger cousins would have felt excluded. They must have felt some relief when Pearl threw him over; but a growing concern as he added years but seemed to have lost the awareness of girls as girls.
Anyway, I so appreciate the comments.
Armariel
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 21: Tall Men with Stars on their Cloaks
Ahh, sweet! So Frodo and Aragorn have met, and the potential young lady-killer stood his ground? Wonderful! (But did Frodo really say "prioritize"????)
But what does Pippin care, he's only interested in his candy....heheh! (But because of those pesky rangers, he gets to stay a kid longer!)
~~~{~@
Author's reply
This is a scene described briefly in "The King's Commission," and it's been nagging me for a time to be written.
As for Frodo--at almost thirty-one he undoubtedly had quite a vocabulary, I'm certain. And it's fun to look at our own fascination with making fads out of particular words. Why not have him advise others to "prioritize"? A very late-adolescent thing to do, I realize....
And, yes, Pippin's after his mints. And Aragorn doesn't even realize he's just met some who in the future will be important to himself and all of Arda, or their connection with his childhood acquaintance Bilbo Baggins.
pebbles66
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
I'm not sure how I missed this, but now that I've read it, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the story. I love how Aragorn is slowly coming to respect the hobbits, and is enjoying learning about them. Very nice!
Author's reply
Our beloved King in the making is indeed coming to be aware that this particular group of Hobbits has its own unique skills it can offer the world of Middle Earth; and I think he'd enjoy watching them learn and prove themselves.
So very glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks!
Baggins Babe
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
Well, that image of Frodo being enfolded by the wing of an Eagle will stay with me for a long time. I'm so glad that Landroval was granted the chance to meet Frodo and to reassure himself that the Ringbearer was fledged in his way. I loved the face that he didn't think Frodo had any proper plumage! :-))
A wonderful story - and I'm glad the sheep was allowed to sacrifice herself. This also tied in perfectly with Frodo being a willing sacrifice who offered himself for all Middle-earth.
Author's reply
Trying to think as a bird would has been an interesting experience, I've found. Frodo as he was found on the mountainside, so very, very close to death, must have been a horrific sight even for the Eagles; and Landroval deserved the chance to see what Frodo at last was able to come to, I think. People must appear odd to Eagles, whether they're Elves, Men, Dwarves, or Hobbits.
And I do think that in the Undying Lands those animals who were killed for food would be given the chance to offer themselves. Am glad you saw the connection with Frodo's own experience.
But sometimes living takes more courage than dying, as Frodo has learned.
Thanks so for the review.
Bodkin
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
I love Landroval's paternal reaction to the scrawny featherless hobbit - and his recognition that Frodo is now healed. Great eagle characterisation!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like it, Bodkin! Trying to put oneself into the mind of an eagle is definitely a new experience, I find. But how would Frodo have appeared as he was rescued, and now that he's found healing at last? Thanks so much for the response.
pebbles66
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Oh, I love this so much! I read this a few weeks ago, but didn't leave a review. I wanted you to know how perfect this is. I absolutely adore hurt or sick Frodo being taken care of by others, and with both Sam and Aragorn so worried...! Love it!
Author's reply
And somehow I missed your review as well. Am so very glad you so appreciated it. A sad story, but one that all too well might have happened at that point.
Thank you so much for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
I love the idea that the eagles might come and visit.Maybe they could take news to Aragorn too?
Author's reply
The Eagles, as Manwe's servants in Middle Earth, must have some leeway to come and go, I'd think; and a brief visit with the Ringbearer would be a true reward for those who came to the rescue of Frodo and Sam, I'd think. As for carrying messages back again--there I'm not certain, although it is definitely an idea worth considering.
Antane
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
A sweet, loving story - you are reminded once more what an impact Frodo had on those around him, what love and protectiveness he inspired with everyone who served the Light. (And interesting that he became a vegetarian because of the Ring).
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I truly feel that as time passed such considerations would be his, in the end choosing such a lifestyle in part as a response to the love he continued to receive when he hadn't believed he deserved it, and in a form of respect fot those he'd not been able to save.
And when I make my own fasts, if I must break them due to low blood sugar or something similar, I will not eat even fish or seafood; perhaps again a bit of projection of myself on one of the characters I'm dealing with.
Elemmírë
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
Just beautifully written, Larner! A very fine continuation of the first you'd posted.
And Landroval recognized that when the day came he at last sloughed off the form he currently held, he would follow this one as it, too, flew free, upheld by great wings of Light as they together with the one who held the Light of Anor within him sought out the greater Light of the Presence.
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Thank you, Elemmire. I am honored.
Queen Galadriel
· 10 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
Oh, Larner...wow!
Frodo paused, surprised, as the great Eagle who’d landed closest to him bowed its great head before him, the beak and crest of feathers atop its
majesty brushing lightly against his chest. And without thinking he reached forward to caress the great bird’s shoulder, feeling the smoothness of the
feathers, the softness and integrity of the fibrils, the strength of the underlying muscles. Then he heard a crooning he half remembered, a soft tone he
knew he’d heard murmured over him before as he’d been held safely wrapped in protection, and realized the Eagle was murmuring to him as it must have done
with its own eaglets. Tentatively the Eagle stretched forward and very gently ran its beak through the curls atop Frodo’s head. Then it stretched out its
great wing and gently, lovingly enfolded it about him, drawing the Hobbit into the sheltering warmth of the Eagle’s body feathers.
Yet there was no sense of being overpowered or crushed to the great form--only that of love and caring expressed. And he began to understand the
soft sounds the Eagle made.
"Ah, small one, little fledgling that you were, now you are indeed well and almost ready to fly. I will wait for you, wait to follow you the day
you at last fly free, honored to accompany you as you return to the Presence. How glad I am you have at last found your own proper nest."
This is so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. Dear Landroval. I'm glad he got to meet Frodo again and that he now understands fully.
I really like the way you tied the sheep's sacrifice to Frodo's. And I love that moment of peace in the beginning as Frodo weeds the garden. I'm so glad you decided to do this! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
As an Anglican I do believe in the Communion of the Saints, and believe that at such moments Frodo found himself enjoying Bilbo's presence, murmuring as he'd promised from his place at Frodo's shoulder.
Most cultures that live by hunting have traditions of honoring the animals that present themselves to the spear or arrow; feeling that those taken are offering themselves. And in Jewish tradition the Kosher butcher offers prayers for the animal being slaughtered, and is expected to kill it as swiftly and painlessly as possible that it not suffer in its sacrifice. I like to think that in Aman when an animal is chosen for slaughter it offers itself.
shirebound
· 10 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
the knowledge of self only the greatest of trials could bestow
Then he heard a crooning he half remembered, a soft tone he knew he’d heard murmured over him before as he’d been held safely wrapped in protection, and realized the Eagle was murmuring to him as it must have done with its own eaglets. Tentatively the Eagle stretched forward and very gently ran its beak through the curls atop Frodo’s head. Then it stretched out its great wing and gently, lovingly enfolded it about him, drawing the Hobbit into the sheltering warmth of the Eagle’s body feathers.
How lovely, Larner.
Author's reply
My parakeet loves to try to preen my hair and earlobe, and tries to court me by bobbing at me and on occasion offering me food I find, so part of that got written into this story, you see; and am so glad that the expression of nestling Frodo and making parenting murmurs has brought about the feelings I'd wished to express.
And it is in facing and surviving the worst life can throw at us that we are able to gain that knowledge. Certainly few individuals have had more experience with themselves than has Frodo Baggins.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Shirebound.
Kitty
· 10 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
Larner, that was lovely! The image of the giant eagle, hugging Frodo with one wing, was so beautiful. Gandalf is right, I think - Landroval needed the sure knowledge the one he wanted to take and feed up is healed and happy there.
Author's reply
I suspect that between Olorin and Gwaihir they made certain Landroval had that reassurance and the chance to express how the brief experience of rescuing and protecting Frodo had managed to affect him ever after.
So very glad it moved you so, Kitty. Thank you.
Armariel
· 10 October 2006
· Chapter 20: Fledged
I don't have time to leave a proper review just now, so I'll do it later...just wanna say, BEAUTIFUL!!!!!
I love eagles:D
Gotta run..........
~~~{~@
Author's reply
We have a mated pair of Bald Eagles that live not far from here, and now and they they circle over my property. There was also a pair who nested in a tall fir tree in the park a half mile from our home in the last town I lived in, and it was often wonderful to see them leading their nestlings out on their initial flights, although now and then the gulls and other birds would gang up on them during nesting season. Yes, magnificent birds indeed!
Am so very glad you also found this story moving.