Moments in Time by Larner
harrowcat · 10 October 2006 · Chapter 20: Fledged
Ooh, definitely on my favourites list this one Larner!. I love the slightly biased, fatherly pride Landroval shows and his greeting of Frodo... words fail, it was so beautiful! Thank you.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm honored, Harrowcat! And Landroval would keep that feeling of almost possessive pride and protection for the rest of his life, I think. Thank you so much!
Dreamflower · 9 October 2006 · Chapter 20: Fledged
Aww...that was lovely! I can easily believe that the Eagles who rescued him from the mountain found themselves as much in love with him as all others who came to truly know him. How beautiful!
Author's reply
Yes--that Fallohide charm does tend to work on others, doesn't it? So glad you liked it, Dreamflower.
cookiefleck · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
I liked this story a lot. Always enjoy watching the hobbits through others' eyes and this was interesting, and entirely plausible.
Author's reply
It must have been quite a transition on both sides when the four Hobbits found themselves traveling with the mysterious Strider. Aragorn knows more about them than they do about him, but is learning they're anything but superficial in nature. Meanwhile they're finally beginning to see that not all Men are big and scary or big and dumb; and maybe there's good reason why he carries two sheaths and a knife. And am so glad you find it plausible. Thanks!
Antane · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
I love that even Aragorn obeyed Frodo without question - cute! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, of course. Frodo always knows best, doesn't he? (Except, of course, when dealing with residuals of influence and damaged thinking engendered by evil Rings.) Thanks, Antane.
Antane · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 18: Light Thought Lost
This small one needs cherishing. But with the last of the blood and grime washed away, Aragorn could see Frodo’s own familiar features once more, as beautiful as only this one could ever be, the Light of Stars clearly shining about him. He was so fragile looking, so fragile and fair, and so close to abandoning his earthly prison. True beauty cannot be hidden. He was blessed with physical beauty as well as spiritual. Sam is lovely as well because it shines from his heart. So many did cherish Frodo and many more he did not know - us! Sorry it's taken so long to read this...busy! And many thanks for all your kind reviews of Via! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam are all beautiful beings--as beautiful as the Elves each in his way, and in ways moreso because, being mortal, their beauty is transient and will pass beyond reach of others as they finally leave the Bounds of Arda. And indeed many have been increased in stature through having known all these characters via the book. And so glad my comments are so welcome. Thanks.
Bodkin · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
I love this story - the hobbits and the ranger beginning to get to know each other and overcome their distrust. Hobbits surprising said ranger is good, too - I like it that they are clearly showing that they may not have his depth of experience, but they are competent and shrewd.
Author's reply
So far Aragorn's experience with Hobbits has been limited to Bilbo in Imladris and whatever Hobbits he's come to know in Bree; and I doubt the friendships he's developed there have been deep ones. As for whatever Hobbits Rangers might have guarded between the Brandywine Bridge and the Shire--that's a bit harder to predict, but I doubt that the relationships that activity might engender would be very deep. Aragorn knows Bilbo is shrewd; but learning that these four each have surprising depth must have been heartening to him, as he realized he wasn't traveling with total incompetents. And I think he'd probably find it all somewhat refreshing after so many years having to deal with dire circumstances, such quests as seeking out Gollum, his one journey through Moria, and the sheer boredom of those private patrols where nothing much is happening, much less dealing with the dismissal given him and his by the Breelanders.
Kitty · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
*giggle* Loved the misunderstanding with the watch, and Merry trying to stop Pippin from talking too much about cousins and the like :) And I am sure Strider had some silent fun with all this, too. And I remember the topic of ‚how to wake a ranger’ in the other fic. So this was how the hobbits were introduced to *never* creep silently at Aragorn before waking him. Well, they will not forget it again after witnessing this! This will be a journey full of new experiences for all of them, no doubt, even for Aragorn, who obviously never had the chance to observe how silently the hobbits are able to move.
Author's reply
The misunderstanding between keeping a watch and WEARING one was just waiting to be exploited, I found. English opens itself to so many such potential situations, of course, as mixed up as it is! And I do think that Strider found himself suppressing laughs at the expense of the four Hobbits, especially Pippin, so as not to insult them. And it only made sense that the lesson on how to safely waken a Ranger would come EARLY in their journey. Glad you enjoyed it.
Kitty · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 18: Light Thought Lost
Intriguing view of different people at Frodo. Sam’s was no surprise, of course, and the same goes for Aragorn and Legolas, but reading through the part with Gorbag I didn’t know if to laugh or to be angry. How *dare* this bag of filth to think Frodo ugly?? Well, I suppose it is the way orcs have to think, but still, I was rather annoyed with him.Idiot. Landroval, on the other hand, was touching. He clearly sensed that Frodo was somehow special, and it was nice that he wanted to care for him. Didn’t Sam somewhere wonder how they had cleaned and repaired his cloak? Now we know how it was done. You know, this spell could be useful. It would spare so much work. And would be so much better for the environment than all the chemical products nowadays used for washing ;) All in all, it is good to know that so many different people note Frodo's Light of Being, and each of them in his own way.
Author's reply
The challenge was to examine something that would be beautiful from one point of view but ugly from another; Gorbag seemed the best candidate to see Frodo as ugly. Then the other POVs insisted on being included. Certainly the POV of one of the Great Eagles would be a unique one; yet, being a bird, how would he see this weak creature he's just rescued from certain death? And I found Landroval was at first made repugnant and then equated Frodo with an eaglet, which rather surprised me at the time. Sam's cloak was returned to him before the feast at Cormallen cleaned and healed of its hurts--well, there wasn't time to send it to Lorien for repair, so I finally figured out that Gandalf, now his purpose has been met, no longer felt constrained from using his power fairly freely when it was the most efficient way to do something along this line. Too bad we don't have a spare Gandalf or Radagast around to work such magic, huh? (grinning) And each individual would react to Frodo somewhat differently, I think. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Armariel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
Delightful...yes, you CAN write humor too...and everybody is so everybody in it and it is so...............well.............CUTE (there, I just had to say it, couldn't help myself) I just feel like patting it on the head! A most pleasant change. ~~~{~@
Author's reply
So glad I can also write CUTE! Thank you for the compliment! Heh!
Armariel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 18: Light Thought Lost
*gasping* One of your best yet. The use of differing and non-human viewpoints is brilliant. I'm simply prostrated at the sheer poetry of this one! What a gift! ~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, Armariel! And considering the beauty of your poetry, that is a great compliment indeed. Thank you.
Queen Galadriel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
Oops! Sorry for the messed up quote. It was supposed to start here: Strider came over to check them out, and could see a line was visible between Frodo’s brows even in the dim light of the stars and the small fire.... God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Didn't bother me. And having had the mother board on the desktop, the power unit on the server, and the external power supply on the laptop all go at the same time, I certainly commisserate with you now.
Queen Galadriel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
Oh, this is just delightful! The characterizations are perfect, and the mood is very believeable. "We’ll be setting a watch..." began the Man. "Setting a what?" Pippin asked him. "A watch." "Do you have one in your pocket?" Pippin asked. "Frodo didn’t bring his, you see, but sometimes he’d have to set it." Oh man. Poor Aragorn! :) "But how does the one who stayed up first know it’s been about three hours if he doesn’t have a watch? Now, my Cousin Bard has a watch--well, he’s my third cousin, actually, for he’s----" "Pippin! He’s a Man--they don’t care what degree of cousin you are to a cousin he’s not even met! Honestly!" Merry’s voice was becoming very annoyed. "You’ll have to pardon him, Mr. Strider," he explained, apparently deciding the honorific was necessary to counter the bother Pippin must be becoming. "He’s overtired and nervous and hungry, for he’s not had more than one proper meal today and he’s not certain how to deal with it all. And then, to be traveling with a Man, and one who speaks as little as you do, and to have worried over whether or not those Black Riders are maybe coming after us--well, anyway, put all that together and he’ll start blathering." "I do not blather, Meriadoc Brandybuck!" "You most certainly do, Pippin, and you’re blathering right now." "I do not! Take it back!" *laughing* Oh dear, one overtired Hobbit, and Pippin at that, and another who is annoyed. Not good! "Pippin! Merry! That’s enough, do you hear? Be quiet and let Strider talk, and listen to what he says, for he knows what he’s talking about. And stop talking so much anyway--I have a headache." Frodo’s voice was pitched softly, but nevertheless carried sufficient authority that both his companions immediately complied. The Man felt his lip twitch, and he knew a moment’s admiration for his primary charge. Well, Bilbo had told him Frodo Baggins had a very natural authority to him--a couple times during the day’s stops he’d looked at Strider himself and said something along the lines of "Will you please get me five sausages from the roll Sam’s carrying?" and he’d automatically complied. Obviously he was as vulnerable to that natural authority as these three. Ah, yes, this is Frodo's way. And of course that authority would impress all, even Aragorn, who has just as much himself. "Tonight it’s going to be between you, Merry, or Samwise, for I’ve had no sleep for three nights already, and your Master had less than an hour last night." "He’s not our Master--he’s our cousin. He’s Merry’s first cousin once removed and my second cousin once removed----" "Pippin." Frodo’s tone was enough to restore quiet. *giggles* "I’ll go first," Pippin sighed. "I know how to tell now, and I’m already awake anyway." "But you’re tired." "And you aren’t? And I bet Sam’s even more so, for he’s been carrying the heaviest pack of all--probably has lots of things Frodo didn’t think he’d need that Sam knew he would anyway, just as he always does when we go for a tramp." Aww! That's our Pippin. :) tin plates and spoons and mugs washed, and at a look from Frodo the other three Hobbits slipped into their bedrolls. Strider came over to check them out, and could see a line was visible between Frodo’s brows even in the dim light of the stars and the small fire. "Your head still aches?" the Man asked softly. "Yes, really." "I’ll prepare a draught for it," Strider offered, and immediately returned to the fire. Merry had brought some more fuel earlier and set it to hand, so it took little enough to stir up the blaze a bit and set a pan of water over it. Merry, he realized, was sitting up on his elbow watching. "You know about draughts?" the Hobbit asked in a low voice. "Anyone who must spend as much time in the wild as I do had best know something about at least simple draughts," Strider replied. He found his satchel where Frodo and Sam had set it while unloading the pony, and opened it to remove a smaller red bag with an elaborate knot about its throat. In moments he’d found the willow bark, slippery elm, and chamomile and had measured out what he believed was needed into his palm and poured them into a clean bit of cheesecloth he’d also brought out of the red bag. Then he restored all else and set the red bag aside, bringing the twist of cheesecloth and a cup back to the fire to wait on the water to boil. Pippin was watching him curiously. "You carry healing herbs with you?" At the Man’s nod he continued in a whisper, "Merry will be interested for he’s always liked puttering about with herbs, and Sam will be interested because he’s a gardener and just loves plants, and Frodo will be interested just because he’s interested in about everything." "I see." After a moment’s silence Pippin asked, "Since getting supper took so long, shouldn’t I watch a bit longer than when Ancalimaë reaches the tree?" The Man felt himself smiling. "If you wish, but not far beyond it." He saw the small nod of understanding. Once the water was boiling and he’d poured it into the mug, he dipped the twist of fabric carrying the herbs into it until he felt it had steeped enough, then crossed quietly to where Frodo lay. The taller Hobbit sat up and accepted the warm mug, and made a face as he drank the draught. "We have no honey, apparently," he sighed. "I’m sorry, but I’d thought to save what I purchased in Bree in case it was needed for wounds, what we don’t use in our meals. I hope you can bring yourself to drink it all. You’ll sleep the better if you’re not in pain." Aha! Aragorn as the healer already. Lovely! And Pippin shows his caring, even while talking too much. :) Frodo had bested a barrow wight! Yes, no wonder he had a headache. "Mister Strider--it’s time as----" It was as well the gardener had spoken before he touched the Ranger’s shoulder, for the Man was instantly upright, half on his knees, knifeblade ready for instant defense. At last we see what happens when someone is unaware of that instant reaction and tries to wake Aragorn! Poor Sam--that would scare me to death! the Ranger made a startling realization--there was no real sound there other than the rub of one trouser leg on the other. He took a deep breath. "Oh, I see. It’s to be like traveling with Elves." This interests me, for some reason. Is there a story behind this--of an Elf almost being scewered? :) He smiled as he accepted a plate of the breakfast Sam had prepared before he’d awakened the others. It appeared he would be properly fed along the way, although he was certain the Hobbits would be complaining about no elevenses soon enough; and he was certain to learn a good deal more about Hobbits in general before they reached Rivendell. He set himself to enjoy the meal, anticipating the most diverting journey through the wild he’d had since he himself was young. Oh yes, it will be quite diverting. :) He has no idea. :) I love this! Just what I wanted to read right now, and very refreshing after a prolonged battle with one dead and one messed-up notetaker that's going to drive me out of my mind before it's over with! :( Thanks so much, Larner! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I know I have a tendency to talk too much when nervous and tired, and it's even more pronounced in the Kid; that Pippin would show this tendency just seemed natural--but it does allow Strider to learn a good deal of information he'd probably not otherwise know. Yet Pippin is still showing promise of the wise leader he'll be when he's Thain, as well as showing the reasoning for which Aragorn chose to make him one of his personal advisors. Each of the four Hobbits is showing his personal strengths at this time, and Aragorn is beginning to appreciate just what they are capable of. It's too bad the entire journey couldn't have been so pleasant, and that the diversions offered along the way should prove so potentially deadly. But the Hobbits are learning also, and are coming to fully appreciate that this ISN'T another Hobbit walking party. As for traveling with Elves, I was thinking more of the fact that when doing so, as opposed to traveling with other Men, Aragorn would again not have the vibration of footsteps to awaken him, and they'd probably have worked out a different system to let him know it was his turn to waken. I suspect any Elf finding Aragorn's knife aimed at him would probably have his own blade out to counter it before Aragorn was quite awake.
Pearl Took · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
A wonderful tale, Larner!! I like how you have Strider learning special things about each of the four hobbits - they were a very special group. Very Well Done :-)
Author's reply
Yes, the entire group learning from one another at this point; and getting at least a bit of a laugh from most of it. Thanks so for the compliment!
Grey Wonderer · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
That was great. I loved the discussion with Pippin about the watch/watch and Sam managing to sneak up on Strider. I also enjoyed Frodo's ability to command. Bravo, as always!
Author's reply
Homonyms and disparate meanings for the same word make our language such a joy to work with sometimes, and allows for such scenes. Glad you enjoyed it. Finding that they needed to be careful around sleeping Rangers must have been awkward at first. But Frodo would, I think, be accustomed to just exercising his authority over the three Hobbits in the party without thinking about it; that he'd do the same with Aragorn just seeme likely somehow; and it's a situation I think Aragorn would find very interesting. Thanks so much!
Lúmë · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
Motormouth Pippin! Priceless :-) You can write a hundred more stories of Strider travelling with the Hobbits, please! I love it :-)
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Lume. When I'm tired and nervous I act like that, and the Kid even moreso. Pippin is a familiar character to me in this matter, at least! I'll consider how many more I might write, of course. Thanks!
Linda Hoyland · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 18: Light Thought Lost
This was very moving. Any change of a companion piece about Aragorn tending Pippin as this left me hungry for more?
Author's reply
It's always satisfying when I hear something I've written moves the reader. Yes, there's the chance, but am not certain as to how long it will take to see it come to be--you know how some nuzguls insist on prompt actions, and I have three major ones gnawing at me at the moment, two of which are in the process of being posted. The other's a bit less pushy, apparently assured it will get its proper due when the right time comes. It's been into the tinfoil, making crowns and circlets for itself and trying to press them on the plotbunnies that haven't escaped as yet.
Linda Hoyland · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
Just delightful I love your Aragorn and Hobbits stories.I like the way they constantly surprise each other here.
Author's reply
This is the time, of course, to begin to appreciate one another, I think. Aragorn must have been alternately impressed, exasperated, and amused all along the way at first. Thanks so much!
Lindelea · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
I loved this. Great getting-acquainted story. High points: apparently deciding the honorific was necessary to counter the bother Pippin must be becoming LOL! Older cousin on the alert. And then, to be traveling with a Man, and one who speaks as little as you do Great summation! Sort of like travelling with Clint Eastwood, perhaps? You most certainly do, Pippin, and you’re blathering right now Blathering! At the Man’s nod he continued in a whisper, "Merry will be interested for he’s always liked puttering about with herbs, and Sam will be interested because he’s a gardener and just loves plants, and Frodo will be interested just because he’s interested in about everything." Yes, definitely blathering. One who listened closely could learn a great deal in one breath. And what a wonderful summation and distinction of the people described! How the Hobbit got that all out in one breath Strider couldn’t say, but he was even more amazed by what he’d just been told Strider and barrow wights! Is that in one of your stories? And yes, these hobbits are amazing fellows, indeed. *nods wisely* Thanks!
Author's reply
Yes, getting acquainted among these five must have been VERY interesting for all. They have to get to know a Man who isn't stupid, and he has to deal with such an assorted group, from the blathering tween to the surprisingly competent Master of Bag End who is both very like Bilbo and yet very, very different, far more reserved with those he doesn't know and love dearly, and already dealing quietly with Black Riders, malevolent Rings, malicious Willows, and murderous Wights, not to mention sinister Men he meets in inns. The blathering is dedicated to the Kid, who on our one trip to Europe with him managed for the first two weeks to drive us crazy with his anxiety-driven non-stop talking. We must have said "Stop blathering!" all over Germany, throughout Amsterdam, across Belgium, and all across France to St. Malo, then throughout much of England as well. Our first trip abroad, featuring continuous commentary. I haven't yet written the full story of Aragorn and the Barrow wights, but have commented on it in "The Ties of Family." Need to write it now.
SlightlyTookish · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 17: A Lúthien Within the Shire
What a poignant and magical scene! Healing through music.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed--healing through music, and an unexpected moment of beauty.
Dreamflower · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
What a wonderful getting acquainted fic! I am very sure that they had a lot to learn about one another, and I really enjoyed Pippin in this--his earnestness was absolutely spot-on! Of course, in the Shire they did not set watches when they camped! The night they spent on their own in "Three's Company" they didn't even wake up when the fox came sniffing. It just goes to show what a good job the Rangers had been doing protecting the Shire! And I loved the hobbits' startlement when Strider woke up so instantly! Great job, and a lot of fun to read!
Author's reply
Yes, definitely getting acquainted here. After all, this one was asked for while I was writing "The Acceptable Sacrifice" by both Harrowcat and Baggins Babe, so thought perhaps it was time to do it. Pippin is still very young in this one, and very much blathering. I kept thinking of my son's reaction when we went to Europe, how we after a time would all turn on him and command, "Stop blathering!" and I'm sure Pippin got the same reaction from time to time. And now they are learning about setting watches. And know this was in part sparked by an early chapter in "A New Reckoning" in which the Hobbits set a watch as they head together back toward Buckland, one of the changes they've made since they left the Shire. And they must have been startled at Aragorn's reaction, and the realization that they were facing a more pervasive danger here than just Black Riders.
SlightlyTookish · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
I love getting to see the hobbits through the eyes of another, and it's great to see Aragorn learning about the hobbits here, and very interesting to see how they all learn how to travel together (and make adjustments, as Frodo said). :)
Author's reply
Someone started a series of tales of the five of them in the first part of their journey together, called, IIRC, "Getting to Know You." I was very impressed with them, and hope to see them added to eventually. Don't know what made me decide to do my own addition of sorts here, but I did. Glad you like it! Yes, all are making adjustments.
eiluj · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
What fun! Yes, it would bother Pippin that the Man was so silent. I enjoyed Strider being impressed that they'd survived the wight. That's a detail I've not seen often in fanfic. ... You'd like to do *more* of these, wouldn't you? How about the whole journey to Rivendell?
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin's having to learn to deal with someone who doesn't yet talk much--I suspect this journey got him talking more than he'd done in the wild in years. There's a MARVELOUS fanfic here on this board from the barrow wight's point of view as it targets Frodo, preparing to sacrifice the other three to call the Witch King to him. Very chilling. And as soon as this was after the time in the Barrowdowns I think it would still be on Pippin's mind. As in "The Ties of Family" I'd indicated Aragorn was the only Ranger to brave the Barrowdowns and come out unscathed, I felt it would serve well here, too, to indicate such a journey had taken place. As for more about the journey to Rivendell--keep an eye out here, although I've not done a good many stories on that time as yet.
harrowcat · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
That was naughty Larner. *g* I'm already sleep-deprived and brain dead but after your commment I just had to go back and trawl the reviews to check who had said what about waking the king! Not that I am complaining about reading reviews of course. Finally found it in chapter 25! I think BB and I take about equal honours unless you have someone else in mind! So thank you for coming back to it as the whole chapter was great. Now I must go to bed!!!!
Author's reply
See? You KEEP setting the plotbunnies loose to overwhelm my home! You and Baggins Babe this time, it was. So glad you enjoyed seeing one of your brood finally placed. Sleep, and wakened refreshed!
shirebound · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
This is so true to all the personalities involved. I like how Pippin is so young yet so mature, all at once, and Strider's quick, practical lesson in using a knife, and how he realizes that maybe he doesn't know everything about hobbits, after all -- and that what he doesn't know may be very positive and interesting.
Author's reply
I tend to see Pippin that way, being the one who chatters but who nevertheless consistently sees beyond appearances to the heart of the matter. He'll play the foolish younger cousin for Frodo, but once he sees something needs doing he will do it and do it well, and heaven help any troll or such that gets in his way. Aragorn's being cagy, and he's certainly not letting them know he knows Bilbo. Frodo's still fighting the realization he's facing the Heir of Isildur, after all--no need rushing things. And he's finding maybe this isn't going to be quite the disaster he'd feared it might prove.
harrowcat · 29 September 2006 · Chapter 19: First Lessons in the Wild
'How to wake a Ranger without getting gutted!' Lesson one - do it at a distance with a cough. Lesson Two - pass on your knowledge so that others can know 'How to wake a King without getting gutted! This was a delight from start to finish and educational to boot! One of the games that I play with myself when I am camping is 'guess the time by the stars' when I wake up in the night.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it, Harrowcat. And someone back when I was writing "The Acceptable Sacrifice" DID ask for this, you know. I'm not much good myself at that game, although I can do a lot when Orion is in the sky. I've always loved Orion especially.