AspenJules
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
Oh Larner, this was utterly delightful! I have never met these characters before (*hint, hint - where can I find more, as there obviously is?*) but I loved them. I am especially impressed with Valdarion, such an intelligent boy. It's obvious he's lived through and experienced a lot more than he should at his age, which I'm assuming isn't very old, even though he's described as tall. If I recall correctly, wasn't Bergil about 10 years old at the time of the war? And I got the impression that perhaps Bergil was about the same age or perhaps a little older than Valdarion was. Is that at all accurate? Anyway, you can see the maturity that experience has forced upon the young man, and he wears it well.
I think my favorite quote is “Stop it, Frodo. Stop it now. The Ring is destroyed, and you have no right to keep repeating its arguments to yourself.” We all so very often do that - repeat negative things to ourselves that we have heard, and believe them, while ignoring the many good things that people tell us about ourselves. We all of us, or many anyway, have a bit of Frodo in us in that way. I love when I get a bit of a needed lesson tucked into pleasure reading, and Tolkien's work so easily inspires such lessons.
Another quote I loved was The true measure of a prince is what he is willing to give of himself for those he cherishes, not how much temporal power he wields. Of course Gandalf is an absolute treasure trove of such wisdom.
Finally, the epilogue was absolutely lovely. I loved the image of the tears in Margil's eyes, and that silly Chubb's confusion over them. I guess I shouldn't be surprised that many who weren't that close to Frodo would not understand why he would want to leave again. Of course those with that sort of attitude would not be ones Frodo would be comfortable letting on to about his illness, especially as he barely let on to his closest friends and companions. Still, it's painful to hear such sentiments expressed, and a good thing Merry or Pippin didn't hear him express them! Margil's tribute to Frodo was absolutely beautiful. I would love to know who bought it and what was made from it.
All in all, Larner, beautiful compelling read, as usual. Thank you!
Author's reply
The predecessor to this story is "Iridescence" in this collection, so you have the chance to read it any time you please. I found I liked Elisien and her family, and it was interesting when a shiningly blue-green plotbunny went running through the bedroom chased by a couple cats and a yapping Pomeranian and I found I could revisit them.
I believe Tergil was about eight, Bergil ten or eleven, and Valdarion probably about thirteen and starting to shoot up the way such children often do, while Margil, who's almost the same age, is broadening out before he starts his own adolescent growth spurt.
I suspect Frodo repeated a good many of the Ring's arguments to himself--hear a specific thing often enough, no matter how much of a lie it is, and it's hard to accept it isn't true.
Destro was probably a distant cousin of Frodo's, as there were Chubbs family members in the family pavillion at the Party; that he'd feel personally affronted that Frodo left the Shire with no warning not once but twice over, and like Bilbo appeared to feel more at home with Elves than with his own folk, seemed likely.
And am so glad you like Margil's tribute to his memory of Frodo. Thank you so much for your response.
shirebound
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
And that image of Frodo’s face between the beauty of the peacock and that of the gardenia flower was one that would stay with him forever....
*sigh* How utterly lovely. This is a wonderful story, and the ending so poignant. Beautiful, Larner.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Shirebound--one of those longer ones that insists on passing itself off as a single chapter, of course. And I think that the image of Frodo would have inspired a number of folk who saw him during his time in Gondor. Thanks so much for letting me know how it moved you.
Kitty
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
This story was a lot of fun. First, it was so good to see Elisiel and her family again, and second, I could feel with Valdarion, having a younger brother myself who thinks in certain cases he knows *everything* and I *nothing*. How lucky he ran into Bergil and Tergil and then Pippin himself and told them about his quarrel with Margil! Of course Pippin’s sense of mischief was piqued by this. I was snickering a lot about his preparations.
Had a lot of fun, too, to watch how Valdarion tried to get Margil to the meeting and his mother backed him up, obviously guessing part of the conspiracy to teach him a lesson. And Aragorn and Gandalf played along, too :) I can see how satisfying this was for Valdarion!
That is another visit of the hobbits somewhere the hosts will not forget, and certainly Margil did not forget it. But you know, it is still raising my hackles when I see how dismissively certain hobbits talk about Frodo. What an idiot this Chubbs is ... that is something I will never get used to.
Author's reply
It's fun to think of how much Valdarion would want to see Margil having to face the fact that there are Hobbits in the world, and then everyone else working to see to it that when he does see them, he sees them at their most impressive, and Frodo himself looking like a miniature prince, there at the King's side.
For Pippin it serves double duty, seeing Frodo dressed up and fussed about it, but showing just what there is in him that makes him so special; Gandalf gets to do the same and has a chance to reinforce that Frodo has, in his way, behaved as much like a prince as Aragorn has, and Aragorn has the chance to see his friend displayed in the proper setting for the light of his being to show to its best advantage.
As for Destro and many who felt like him--they had no idea what Frodo did, and I doubt Frodo wanted the average Hobbit to know what was done out there, not that most would understand even if they were told. Frodo spent about eight months as deputy Mayor, but refused to accept proper election to the office when it was offered him (in my version of events, at least); he then just up and left the Shire the second time, obviously attempting to hide the fact he was doing so from everyone. I suspect that such actions would be confusing to everyone, and would have managed to insult more than one person. It's likely to have been read as rejection, in fact. I think many would have felt personally insulted about Frodo's habit of leaving as he did, and would have felt it indicated he didn't care about the Shire at all, particularly if it appeared he preferred the company of Elves to that of his own people.
Perhaps an idiot Destro might be, but one who himself doesn't understand.
Thanks for the feedback.
Lúmë
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
Every time! Every single time I finish one of your stories I'm blinking back tears. That makes it hard to read :-)
I love how you capture everyday ordinary people witnessing greatness from afar and being changed and enhanced by it. I'd like to think even your readers are changed and enhanced by the way you show us those courageous Hobbits and the tall King. Thank you.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you so much. That I'm able to move you so is a great compliment.
And I do think that those who knew Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn would have been profoundly changed for the better by the experience.
Again, thank you so much for letting me know how you enjoy this story.
Queen Galadriel
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
Oh, Larner, what a gem. And just what I wanted! Things are really rough right now, to the point where all I wanted was to just have done with angst for a while and lose myself in a gentle tale...and this is wonderful.
Delightful to see Elisien and the family (both humans and animals :)) again, and I love Marc and Narieth and the cousins, and Popea too, of course. I had to smile at Valariel. Most definitely the elder sister! :) I always enjoy how some of your original characters seem to remind me of people I know, but when I think about it I can't place them. That and just seeing ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances, and treating those circumstances as as part of life even while acknowledging them to be extraordinary, is part of what impresses me most about your stories--you make them more than just stories.
And only Frodo would pick a word like "obtuse," to make it sound as nice as he can! :)
As had been anticipated Frodo was openly rebellious. “Now, this just isn’t fair,” he grumbled as Pippin and Lasgon between them smoothed the
new surcoat over Frodo’s mithril shirt. This had arrived as a gift to Frodo from Eryn Lasgalen with the party sent to honor the new King among Men, a
garment of finest silk velvet of midnight blue, embroidered with the Two Trees, Sun, Moon, and seven stars.
Pippin sighed. “Frodo, this isn’t just traders from Gondor, but that deputation from the Dunlendings and some free-traders from Harad and Umbar
as well. Lord Halladan will be attending for the court of Annúminas, you know, and will have his mail under his surcoat; and you can believe Lord Elfhelm
will be dressed in court armor.”
“And we are just Hobbits of the Shire, Peregrin Took!”
“Frodo Baggins, you have never been just anything, and it’s past time you accepted that. You personally are the best individual the Shire has
ever produced, and as our primary representative you’d best look the part today. You never know what trade agreements might be forged as a result of this
conference.”
“The Powers help the Shire if that’s true,” Frodo muttered, but Pippin cut him off.
“Stop it, Frodo. Stop it now. The Ring is destroyed, and you have no right to keep repeating its arguments to yourself.”
Chastened, Frodo went quiet. It was extremely rare for Pippin to seek to correct him, and he knew well enough that Pippin’s opinion reflected
that of Gandalf and Aragorn. He only hoped the day would pass swiftly. Then, when Gandalf entered with the box in which lay his and Sam’s circlets he
groaned again, but held his tongue at first, recognizing he’d been outmaneuvered. Noting the glint of humor in the Wizard’s eyes, however, Frodo became
suspicious again. “Is this truly necessary, Gandalf?”
Gandalf lifted an eyebrow as he removed Frodo’s circlet from the box and settled it about the Hobbit’s brow. “Necessary, Frodo? Perhaps not--but
desirable for the day. Let your Light shine before all. Not all princes are born so, you know.”
“And when a prince comes among Hobbits----”
“All with hearts to understand rejoice,” Gandalf interrupted. “The true measure of a prince is what he is willing to give of himself for those
he cherishes, not how much temporal power he wields. Now let us hear no more complaints.”
Realizing he’d not be allowed any grumbling, Frodo went silent as Lasgon fastened the glittering belt and hung Sting’s sheath from it, although
his heart lifted when he saw Sam dressed in a rich wine-colored velvet surcoat over his gilded mail, a golden sunburst on his chest, from the same source
as his own garb for the day. “Oh, yes,” he murmured. “Yes indeed--that is beautiful on you, Sam."
This scene is both amusing and touching. I can't help but be amused at stubborn Baggins being all ruffled up over nothing. But Pippin's correction was rightfully given, and Frodo did well to heed it, at least for the moment. And that his pride in Sam and his cousins would make it easier for him to accept having to do this is just so like him.
“Close your mouth before you swallow a fly, Margil,” he said, somewhat smugly.
I just love the image of Margil sitting there at the table, gaping in utter astonishment at seeing four legends come to life enter the room, one being seated at *his* table! LOL!
Valdarion is very mature and already shows much promise of the man he will become.
She then turned to her brother and his family. “A few things of which you should be advised. First, from what we’ve learned of them, the Hobbits,
as they call themselves, prefer to be informal, and are unlikely to appear as they did yesterday. It disturbs Master Frodo to be addressed as ‘Lord,’
you will find, for such designations are not used by them for one another. Even their Thain and his lady wife, whom I understand to be the leaders among
them, are addressed directly, we are told, as ‘Master’ and ‘Mistress,’ even by those who are very much social inferiors.
“Second, the other three are very protective of Master Frodo. His acceptance of the duty to bring the Ring to the Mountain nearly killed both
him and his friend Samwise, and the rest are rightfully concerned for his health and well-being.
“Third, do not allow their size and apparent light-heartedness fool you--they are all very competent individuals, and well respected by the
King and his people. Indeed, from what we can tell the King’s kinsmen have protected their realm’s borders for generations due to the service their folk
have given the throne of Arnor in the past."
This was very thoughtful of Elisien, and would be very much appreciated by all four Hobbits.
“I guess it’s almost all any of us have left of the
clothing we left the Shire with. The darker stripes are of a spinning of variegated fibers, what we call tweeds. It’s much the colors of the hills of
our sheep runs--the greens of the grass and bracken, the browns of the moss and earth, the greys of the twigs, the lavender of our heather blossoms, and
the yellows of the larch leaves; and the yellow stripes are the colors of the sun on buttercups and dandelions, and reflected from our streams and ponds
on still days."
Suddenly the peacock, which had been nestled down on the grass by Frodo’s chair, stood up and shook himself, displayed his beautiful tail, then
closed his eyes as he pushed against Frodo’s hand for a rub; and Sam, having found a perfect bloom that would soon begin to fade, brought it to press into
Frodo’s other hand. And that image of Frodo’s face between the beauty of the peacock and that of the gardenia flower was one that would stay with him
forever....
*sighs* Ah, I always love your descriptions of beauty. Vivid and gentle, painting lovely pictures in the mind that I often remember for a long time afterward.
And what a beautiful, touching end. Frodo unconsciously influenced yet another, helping Margil to find the desire to be and do all he could, bringing out the best in him as he did throughout his life. And the fabric is a perfect tribute.
God bless,
Galadriel
P.S. Thank you so much for the help with how to make Gondorian names! It has helped a great deal.
Author's reply
I am so honored, my Lady. And glad this was the right mood to help calm yours.
Pippin is scheming on Valdarion's part, and is also eager to help impress on Frodo that he is more than just a "simple" Hobbit. Nor will Gandalf let Frodo belittle himself, knowing better than all others present Frodo's true worth.
"No greater love has any man than this, that he be willing to lay down his life for his friends." And all Frodo met became his friends and neighbors, and he would see each helped as he could. Not all princes are born so, as Gandalf points out.
I see Elisien as a very thoughtful and compassionate woman, and in many ways she's the better half of my mother, who was extraordinary in her own right, and perhaps the most compassionate individual I have known personally. That she'd wish to see the Hobbits accepted on their own terms would be very likely.
And am so very glad the images of beauty expressed remain with you as they obviously do.
And am so glad my suggestions on how to construct names now works for you. Thanks for letting me know.
Amy
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
Wow.
I really enjoyed this.
*wallows in the post-War details*
It is lovely to read about creative inspiration in this way.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, Amy--am so glad this story pleased you so. The city must have been a mess at first; so much so the Merchant Adventurer's Guild has to meet in the Potter's Guild Hall in the Third Circle instead. But the need to rebuild trade networks and to expand them and bring needed and desirable goods to all would be there, and now is the time to begin working these plans out.
And glad you like the creative inspiration! Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
Oh I loved this story! It was so fun seeing Valdarion and Pippin put one over on Margil, and you could have ended it there at the banquet. But instead you went on with the hobbits visiting the next day, and that lovely little epilogue!
One of my favorite parts was that with Gandalf, as he persuaded Frodo to wear his finery. You do a wonderful Gandalf, my dear!
I can never get enough stories about people being amazed and impressed by our hobbits--they deserve every little bit of it!
Author's reply
Yes, Margil lost the quarrel but won in the end, for he's now inspired to go out and seek beauty and bring it where he can; and now he wants to see what he can of the Hobbits' own land, not that this is so much, but more than most Men of Middle Earth would ever know.
And Gandalf is a favorite of mine, as you know. He so wants each to appreciate his own worth, I think; and will do what he can to bring them to that appreciation.
Am so very glad you appreciated this story. Thank you.
harrowcat
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
I am soooo late for work Larner and not even dressed yet but this was so good I just had to finish reading. Will come back to comment if I can.
Author's reply
Oh, dear--I'm inspiring tardiness again, am I? (/Larner smiles with wicked glee!)
Grey Wonderer
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 15: Unbelief
This was lovely. I always enjoy it when Pippin has a plan. LOL
Author's reply
Yes, our Pippin does get plans, and am so glad you appreciated this one! Thanks for the feedback!
Antane
· 9 September 2006
· Chapter 1: Thinning
I think I might have started this story once but never finished. Well, I finally did! I love the idea just as much as Frodo that he was going to be transplated and bloom elsewhere, since he could no longer bloom in the Shire.
Beautiful imagery - leave it to Sam, so much the nurturer. Nice to see that smile!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you finished it at last, then, Antane. Yes, Sam is ever the one who seeks to help Frodo make the most of each day given to him; and Frodo has found the proper appreciation of what it is he does for himself--not being discarded, but placed where once again he can bloom in health and beauty, until his dearer-than-brother comes and they can look at going on together.
Thanks so much, dear.
Bodkin
· 9 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Sam has such courage. And better from the hands of a friend - if it has to happen. Frodo's arguments against a man being the one to wield the knife have validity - but really, he would rather know that it was Sam who was prepared to protect him at the end.
Author's reply
To think of killing another as protecting him is all too often a horrible situation that occurs in times of extreme crises. The doctors throughout the Nazi lands who gave their patients who couldn't leave the hospitals poison rather than allow them to be taken by the SS and treated to unspeakable horrors; the parents of children they know will be brainwashed into soulless killers if they are allowed to be taken from them by repressive governments--and in this case the gentle Hobbit who is in terror of the idea he might have his soul ripped from him and then put to unspeakable uses.
Only knowing that in promising to do so Frodo will know peace of mind sufficient to focus on continuing to hold off the shard's advances would convince Sam, I think.
Thanks for the feedback, Bodkin.
Linda Hoyland
· 9 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
A great story, truly chilling and believable as I Can well imagine this conversation taking place.
Author's reply
Yes, considering the circumstances, all TOO believable, and yet one I'm certain had to have taken place. Knowing the potential for coming truly to an evil end, Frodo would have wanted to forestall the situation if at all possible.
Thanks for the feedback.
Antane
· 8 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
He knew Sam, at least, was as wounded tonight as was Frodo....
Indeed. If it would destory Merry or Pippin to do it, it would surely destory Sam. That was the Ring itself talking, asking Sam to do such a thing, but then again Frodo as a wraith would be a terrible thing also. Thank God for Elrond and for giving Frodo the strength to survive!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Had Sam had to follow through on that request, I suspect he'd have gone on bleeding from the soul, and would probably have taken the Ring in place of his Master; and I doubt he would have chosen to leave the Sammath Naur. It IS a chilling situation to contemplate.
Andrea
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
And the Ranger found himself hating both the shard and the Ring, realizing how both had brought love of one by another to such a pass, remembering the love that had guided the knife that had freed Avramir before the Morgul shard he’d carried had taken him completely.
My god! What would I do, if a close friend asked me - no, commanded me - to kill him out of love? I simply have no answer, I'd rather not think about it.
And now we see that Strider was forced to do that very thing and Sam did promise to do it also! Wow!
Strider's silent prayer did reach the Creator and the Valar! But it was SO close!
Perfectly written, Larner! I'm just glad that Sam never had to do what he promised.
Author's reply
I can't imagine how hard it must have been to accept such a commission; but I can certainly appreciate just why Frodo asked it of him.
And Strider would know what this was like, I'm certain. Of course he would grieve for both of them, and would hate both shard and Ring the more for what is required at this point.
And I rejoice that Sam wasn't asked to follow through on that promise.
demeter d
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
"he knew Sam, at least, was as wounded tonight as Frodo." And he himself, no doubt, from a long lifetime already spent fighting Shadow. I like your glimpses as Frodo sees his companions's Lights of Being through the filter of the shadow world. A powerful little piece, with a ver Tolkien feel.
Author's reply
Again, to be compared to Tolkien himself is the greatest honor of all. Thank you so much!
Yes, Aragorn has had well over sixty years of fighting the Enemy in many forms, and this time must be one of those that lead him to make him hate Sauron even more than before.
And as normal vision fades, Frodo becomes more aware of others through other means.
Thank you again.
Kitty
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Larner, here you have picked up a question I had asked myself more than once: What would have been if they hadn’t made it in time to Rivendell? I could never imagine they would simply sit back and watch Frodo becoming a wraith, forever damned to live under the dominion of the Nine and being tormented by them. The death would have been much more kind, and I wondered if Frodo would have been able to commit suicide or if one of the others would have had to do it, and if, then who?
It was so very like Frodo, to argue why Aragorn shouldn’t do it and why Sam had to be the one, though it must’ve been absolutely horrible for poor Sam to even *think* about it, let alone to *do* it. Luckily he was spared this.
*sigh* As Avramir was mentioned, I already guessed it was Aragorn who had to do the grisly deed. It must be terribly hard to kill a friend, even if it is to protect him from a much more horrible fate.
In my opinion, you’ve once more written something which fitted perfectly well in the canon and gave me the feeling it was something Tolkien only left out because of space and time.
Author's reply
I can't see even under those circumstances Frodo committing suicide; nor can I see the Ring allowing him to do so. I do think Aragorn would have had to have faced the choice before, and would know the horrors going through Sam's soul at the time. But it was a terrible task to set before Sam under any questions.
And that you have expressed you feel that this fits right into the Master's own work is the greatest honor of all. Thank you!
That journey to Rivendell must have been a nightmare for all of them, and what a chilling task Sam has been entrusted with. Yet who else could do it but the one who loves Frodo best. And even in extremis, Frodo's thoughts are still with those he loves and with the Shire and the hobbits' relations with others. Such a selfless and thoughtful character.
I loved the descriptions of what Frodo could see in the shadow-world, especially Bill.
Author's reply
Indeed it must have been terrible almost past bearing; and there would have only been a limited choice for Frodo from which to select the one to give him this last mercy. And even then I think Frodo's name was well given.
And am so glad you like what I describe of his vision then.
Thanks so much, Baggins Babe.
quendria
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Another wonderful story Larner.............Q
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, Quendria. I am honored.
AspenJules
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Oh my, Larner. Yes, it would have to be Sam, wouldn't it?
I don't know if they knew about the shard making its way to his heart at this point, but if they did... I am simply speechless.
The true mark of Sam's love for his Master. Beautifully written, even *if* it made me cry.
Author's reply
It's a matter of elimination; and in the end it would be a choice, I think, between Sam and Strider.
Strider would have known, I think, about the shards remaining in the wound and working toward the heart, and what to expect once it reached there. But Aragorn did indicate he knew Frodo would become a wraith like the others, IIRC.
And indeed it would take a good deal of love to free Frodo before the shard finished its work.
Thank you.
Lindelea
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
O but that was chilling and beautifully done. You draw the reader in, focusing on the sensations of feeling and sound. The premise is totally believable, from the "will" of the Ring to Frodo's reasoning, to Aragorn's understanding, to Sam's reluctant preparation.
BTW, I just loved your description of Bill in Frodo's shadow-sight.
Any chance of a cup of tea sometime this visit?
Author's reply
I like to focus on alternate perceptual modes at times, and this one was begging to be told primarily from these two.
Yes, too utterly believable. It was inspired by a story I read a year or two ago in which Aragorn's patrol does deal with such a situation. If the victim in that one would desire such release, of course Frodo would foresee such a possibility, I think.
And am so glad you felt I did the right thing with Bill as perceived by Frodo from within the Shadow.
And I hope we'll be able to get together. Will be going out this afternoon, and on Thursday morning will take Dinah to the vet to have her teeth cleaned. But other than that I don't think we have anything definite planned.
Snuffles and tail wags from the resident guide dog.
harrowcat
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Another experience to link these three brothers of the heart. I have actually imagined this conversation happening and you portray it wonderfully well. I think Frodo would definitely want to know what was happening and what the outcome might be. That he could think of the Shire and relationships between it and the outside world is a measure of the true strength of his nature, even now. The burden on both Sam and Strider is almost as heavy as the Ring.
I love the ending and now Sam has yet another reason to stay by Frodo's side even when they reach Rivendell. Of course there is another scene begging to be written here....ending with Sam putting the knife away! *g*
Author's reply
Yes, these three know what is at stake, and what is needed to keep Frodo from being damned in spite of himself. And Frodo was NOT idly named; I'm certain he's considering ramifications even when he's not completely accepting of Strider's true identity. And it's a terrible burden to have placed on Sam's shoulders; but whom else would Frodo choose for such a terrible but utterly necessary task?
As for the sequel for this story--you keep giving me bunnies and nuzguls, you know!
Elemmírë
· 6 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Very heartbreaking, Larner.
It's good to know Sam did not have to use his skinning knife in the end or keep the promise he made to Frodo, but he was so very close to having to do both and may have had to were it not for Glorfindel and the speed of Asfaloth.
Frodo's rationalization of why he wanted Sam to be the one to perform the deed was very spot on. Sam was strong; he was used to seeing such done with animals; he was old enough to understand; and Frodo knew that Saradoc would understand why Sam did it, knowing the love and devotion the simple gardener showed his master.
I also liked how you had the sound of Frodo's heartbeat be integral to the story, especially the irregularity of it at times which is consistent with your other tales.
This is most definitely one of my favorite 'Moments in Time', if not my overall favorite of this "series" thus far.
Author's reply
Not all the journey was pleasant, of course; and this would be one duty I think Frodo would consider seriously, once he was aware of the possible outcome of his injury.
And in this one I felt the heartbeat would be integral.
As full of angst as this one I'm pleased at how well it's being accepted. Thank you, Elemmire.
Oh, this made me cry. I feel for Sam-I couldn't do it, I tculdn't, and love would only make it harder. I'm just glad he didn't have to. And poor Aragorn! He actually had to do it, for a beloved friends.
This is so very real. I felt as if I was right with them, could almost feel the night air. This collection of "Moments in Time" is an ever-growing treasure trove and is becoming a place where I, at least, can find almost anything I'm in the mood for-humour, gentleness, angst, or a blend of the three and more.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you, my Lady. That this so moves you is heartening. And you are certainly correct--love would indeed make it harder. And Aragorn has good reason to understand just why Sam is himself so stricken.
You always amaze me with these short stories. I loved Sam here. Wonderful and very moving.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW. And Sam is, as I've said before, one character I believe Tolkien himself tended to undervalue. Am so very gratified this moves folk so.
shirebound
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
The sound of branches being broken against Strider’s booted foot, then being fed to the coals to keep them going, to increase the height of the flame. The soft noise of Strider opening his pack and pulling out his healer’s kit, untying the knot, finding the right pouches by means of the patterned knots on their drawstrings, the feel of their contents, their relative weights and bulk. The snap of a twig as it burned.
Sam wondered how Strider did it--kept going the way he did.
"You don’t understand--the Ring--It wants him to do it for me. It wants him to be blamed.
Ooooh, this is fascinating and so chilling, Larner. This journey *after* Weathertop is where the true Fellowship began. Frodo's logic is so reasonable. Poor Sam. Poor Strider. *hugs them all*
Author's reply
Yes, a dark one after the last two far more cheerful ones. And all too, too logical. The Fellowship is indeed begun, and love is already growing among them.
But Frodo has now an idea of what is in for him, and he doesn't want it.