Armariel
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
Ay ay ay ayyyy....how powerful and sad...and totally believable! So Aragorn had to do a mercy killing? No wonder he wouldn't tell it! Poor man! And poor Sam saddled with such a request...but I really think he'd have done it, but I'm afraid he'd have done himself in afterward. The things you think of!
A dark and wonderful tale.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
This was partly inspired by a story I read a year or two past in which Aragorn and his patrol found themselves facing one who'd been so wounded, although I'll admit I can't for certain remember if it was Aragorn or another in the party who actually wielded the knife.
Once Frodo knew what he was looking at, I do think he'd have wanted this mercy rather than to be drawn on totally under the Ringwraiths and their dread lord.
You might be right about what Sam would have done; but we have no means to be certain, thank heavens and Tolkien.
Dreamflower
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
That was just heartbreaking, Larner! And yet, of course, if Frodo had realized what was coming to him, he *would* have made that request of *someone*. That it was Sam makes sense.
I love the way you concentrated on the sense of hearing, using sight and other senses in a more peripheral way--it really made the atmosphere dark and frightening.
These shorter stories are really wonderful! I am glad you are taking a break between epics to gift us with some of them!
Author's reply
Yes, it makes sense that Frodo would have asked Sam, and I feel at that point he'd have recognized the lies the Ring presented to him.
And not all stories should be told from a distance, I think. Sam wasn't sitting up to see all this; would have had to deduct what was going on from his position lying by Frodo. Am glad you appreciated how I wrote the descriptions.
And thanks indeed for the compliment. I'm finding myself distracted by too many nuzguls and plotbunnies at the moment. And the Nuzgul residing on the windowsill is tormenting me at the moment while I work at last on extracting the one from the jewelry box.
Antane
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
Sorry to be so late in reading and reviewing this. That poor woman, innocently giving out those recipes and completely scandalizing the three hobbits. But it did get Frodo laughing hard so it was worth it! Love the idea of his secret candle. This story also brings up something I've been wondering about. One author stated Frodo was naked when he entered the fire chamber or so I seem to remember. I know he shed much because he couldn't stand the weight and Sam looked on with pity when he shed even the Elven cloak, but I would think if he was completely naked it would have been remarked upon. That would make his humility and sacrifice even more heartbreaking and worthy of admiration and respect, that he was that determined and that worn down to shed everything to accomplish his task. You state that he still had the cloak and so does someone else, but I do wonder. And on another note, could I post that prayer of Aragorn's that you translated when I update my website next? It is so wonderful.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
No, Frodo was reportedly dressed in Sam's Elven cloak girdled with a piece of rope cut from Sam's roll of hithlain rope, when he entered the Sammath Naur; perhaps the one garment that could have survived such a place. But I doubt Dianthus would consider the cloak to be clothing. He might also have worn underthings of some kind, probably something gathered by Sam.
When they woke they were dressed first in what they wore through Mordor before they were taken before the company gathered in Cormallen, although I suspect that Frodo was dressed in the clothing recovered from the Mouth of Sauron, as reportedly the orc stuff went down the crack with Sam's pans and the orc blades. Gandalf restored the two Elven cloaks, Sam's cleansed of all the hurts it had taken while being worn by Frodo, so he didn't throw that away, at least.
Am so glad this story gave a chuckle, and love to imagine how it would have confused Mistress Loren. And I, too, love Dianthus calling Frodo's Light his secret candle. Am glad it strikes a chord in you.
And yes, you may indeed post The King's Prayer when you update your website. Thank you!
Linda Hoyland
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
How nice to see Frodo able to laugh !
Author's reply
Yes, to see Frodo able to laugh now and then, and a good hearty one at that, is a wonderful thing. He needs the children's love and perspective.
demeter d
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
So you invented the recipe sharing idea? it is indeed, Hobbity! And, "look, Da, his secret candle is lit, again." By the weak and foolish are great things accomplished, indeed!
Author's reply
This was just one of those ideas that struck me and had to be expressed. The things that we'll think of as we take baths!
And I doubt any truly considered Frodo Baggins foolish, not after meeting him. No, too much to admire in him, I think. But this night, at least, he knows peace of spirit through the laughter of children.
Kitty
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
The story about the meaning of sharing recipes was great! *rofl* No wonder the hobbits were so confused because Mistress Loren gave everyone her recipes and Gandalf and Aragorn, knowing more about the whole matter, laughed so hard when they finally understood what was wrong! Thank you for that, it was a lot of fun!
As for Dianthus, she found the one point in the whole story which was funny, too. How nice to see Frodo laughing so hard, and in the end sleeping peacefully with the girl in his lap! Lovely story, Larner.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you enjoyed it, Kitty. Cultural differences can be so hard to fathom! And this one must have proven a puzzler indeed for the Hobbits until it was explained to them. Of course the others would laugh once they realized--even Mistress Loren herself probably laughed once she understood.
And through the eyes of babes we see the world anew, and can find joy in the worst of past experiences. Frodo needed the child's perspective, I think, and deserved both the laugh and the joyful dreams.
Kitty
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Ah, that was fun! *giggle*
I *love* the idea that Dora gave Bilbo and Frodo her legendary book to copy and bind! And Frodo’s answer to her question which part he liked best ... *grin*
So Dora approves of Bilbo raising Frodo? He should feel honoured, I suppose. Though I am sure after her second visit she was forced to reconsider it. But on the other hand, she didn’t mind her own manner advice in entering without even knocking, so it is her own fault.
But she was nice to Frodo after Bilbo disappeared. A pity Dora probably wasn’t around any longer when the Travellers returned. It would have been interesting to know what she would have said.
Author's reply
Well, as I've written that Bilbo taught Frodo and Sam how to copy and bind books, I thought, who better to prepare copies of Dora's own book than her cousin and nephew, right? And she WOULD ask, wouldn't she, and be answered with the one part of the book Frodo knew didn't get followed around Bag End!
And she really OUGHT to have knocked, of course.
But in the end, Dora has a great deal of compassion, which Frodo needed at the time.
So glad it gave you a chuckle.
vampfan30
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 7: Iridescence
Oh, the peacock... what a lovely bird.... to look at. I lived next door to two mated pairs; good gods, they are so loud! But, they are gorgeous. Lovely story.
Author's reply
You probably empathize with Frodo's distress when one of them screams, then.
One we met in York in England influenced the way the male acts here, for he chose my husband (who was blind) to display to. And I could so see Frodo being enthralled by their appearance and distressed by their cries....
So glad you found this one and enjoyed it.
Queen Galadriel
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
Oh, thank you, Larner! This is a perfect gem!
Frodo's description of the citadel even made *me* dizzy. Wow! No wonder they didn't want to live there-I don't think I could stand living in a place big enough to become lost in, especially as my reputation for getting lost *everywhere* grew considerably this summer in Colorado. LOL!
Dianthus’s mouth dropped open. "You mean that Mr. Peregrin is betrothed to her now?" she demanded, as that was the common meaning of an unmarried
lass sharing family recipes with an unmarried lad within the Shire.
Oh, I love it! The custom is so very Hobbit-like, and the story...Oh, that's hysterical!
"Sam had commented to me that since his return Gandalf had become like a fount of humor and joy, enough to set whole kingdoms laughing; and that
afternoon he did just that. All of a sudden Aragorn began to laugh, and when he truly laughs it is a rolling laugh! 'Oh,' Aragorn kept repeating, 'Bilbo
and Meliangiloreth! Bilbo and Meliangiloreth!' And then I began laughing as I realized I was right, and then Sam because he couldn’t help it, and then
Merry and Pippin because I was laughing so hard. Only Mistress Loren wasn’t laughing at that point, being even more bewildered than any of the rest."
Hahahahahahaha! Oh wow! Bilbo and Meliangiloreth?! That is too funny! LOL!
She started to drink some of her cider, found herself laughing again and snorted her drink out her nose. Frodo was laughing also as he sought to
help her clean herself up. At last she managed to gasp out, "He didn’t know that the one as he needed to watch out for was the Hobbit what didn’t have
no clothes on, did he?"
Frodo lost it completely, and laughed helplessly, drawing his knees up to his chest. Dianthus watched, feeling triumph.
LOL! The first time I listened to the BBC LOTR drama (that was my introduction to LOTR) I just bawled through that whole scene in the tower, and I still don't see how Frodo could look "ludicrous", but when you put it as Dianthus does, well...I laughed so hard I nearly dropped my laptop! "Frodo lost it completely..." Good! He needed that, and it's a treat to see it! :)
As her father gently disengaged his daughter so he could take her to her bed, she awoke. She looked back at the Hobbit who slept in the chair and
smiled. "Look, Da," she murmured, "his secret candle is lit again."
Oh, that is so sweet. A childlike and beautiful description, and of course Dianthus would see his light, as perceptive as she is.
Afar off in Rivendell Olórin was watching over the Ringbearer’s dreams. Frodo dreamed he was at a great picnic with his parents, and with the brothers
and sister who’d been lost to him around them. And if his brothers had been increased in number somewhat and resembled Aragorn, Sam, Merry, and Pippin
and the sister he swung about in circles looked like Dianthus Sandheaver, no one would fault him.
The Wizard smiled as he called blessings down on his friend.
I'm so glad he could have such peaceful dreams this night. What a beautiful way to end this sweet story! It's gentle and and funny, a little bit sad in places, but absolutely heartwarming-I love it. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Life isn't all one emotion, and for Frodo I'd think it was even more obviously a mix. He deserved a good laugh and to realize just how much humor is needed to remain sane and to face the day coming with some sense of equanamity.
Poor lad--he had such a time of it!
I'd think anyone would feel intimidated by such a place as the Citadel of Minas Tirith; and imagine what that of Osgiliath must have been like, particularly with the Dome of Stars in the midst of it, suspended over the river!
I always loved the perception that Gandalf was a fount of laughter, and felt that PJ was referencing that dramatically when Frodo wakes in the Houses of Healing to find Gandalf standing at the foot of his bed, ready to laugh with relief and joy and simple delight at how sweet life can be. Faced with a situation such as Frodo is describing, he must have been in his element!
In writing "Stirring Rings" I was researching in "Unfinished Tales" and the Silmarillion, and it states there that Olorin spent a good deal of time in Irmo's company and in Nienna's, and that he offered dream therapy to the Elves of Aman proper and the Lonely Isle; in FOTR it states that Gandalf had monitored Frodo's dreams somewhat while he was unconscious, a statement reinforced after the two awakened in Ithilien. I'd used this as a basis in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" for Gandalf to state he'd caught part of Frodo's dream when he was younger, back in the Shire. Again I felt that now Olorin would, at least from time to time, watch over Frodo's dreams and rejoice when they proved happy.
And Harrowcat forwards her birthday greetings as well.
Andrea
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
At last she managed to gasp out, "He didn’t know that the one as he needed to watch out for was the Hobbit what didn’t have no clothes on, did he?"
Dianthus is a fascinating character! How can such a young girl be so perceptive and wise! And she seemed to make Frodo happy so easily, where others were constantly trying without success. Wow!
Oh yes, the Creator's sense of humor! You are right to mention the absurdity of the whole quest. Yet, it was *this* absurdity that led to the final victory. "Only a fool's hope" in Sauron's opinion, but he was completely wrong.
The deeper meaning of the recipe exchange was really funny. I can very well imagine that as a hobbit tradition. Regarding the importance of meals, the giving of recipes to someone special must have been a serious matter.
Just as with dwarves and their knives, I bet ;-)
Author's reply
Children don't have all the associations we adults build, and so often they can perceive things the rest of us just ignore. And Frodo needed some perspective, for the strength to remain while he could, for the wisdom to do what he had to while he could, for the realization love wished him well, which in the end helped him accept the grace to go on to Tol Eressea.
Those who are cruel often have very poor senses of humor if any, and are usually able to only use them to inflict pain when they do have them. Only one with a great sense of humor would have created us, I think, and I remember in reading "Mr. God, This is Anna" how the Devil could be sent on his way by laughing at him and seeing how insecure he is.
Sauron had no clue that a good sense of humor is well grounded in practicality and sensitivity and love; and that his downfall would appear only a foolish joke in his own eyes yet would be so effective.
Now is the time for Frodo to regain his sense of perspective.
And I'm so glad so many have enjoyed the idea of sharing recipes being part of courtship--it DOES just feel right, doesn't it? Thanks!
shirebound
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
That's a sweet story, Larner. Such an unexpectedly relaxing evening for Frodo!
Frodo lost it completely, and laughed helplessly, drawing his knees up to his chest. Dianthus watched, feeling triumph.
At last Frodo drew her up into his lap, forgetting the troubling contract he’d been reviewing earlier, forgetting his solemnity. "Thank you, Dianthus," he whispered to her, "for a most entertaining evening."
She smiled as she snuggled closer to his chest, and smiled as he rested his cheek against the top of her head.
Ahh, and one more perceptive person who can see Frodo's "secret candle". Lovely.
Author's reply
Actually, there is a level of absurdity to the story of LOTR. We have the almost ultimate in evil who, one learns from reading the Silmarillion is perhaps a pale copy of his former master, but one with far more staying power to date, and he is brought down not be a great Elf warrior or the King returned, but by a nearly naked Hobbit armed at the last only by a stubborn will to see the duty he's taken done, but protected by love unimaginable. And Frodo needs that moment of recognition that in the end it was absurdity that took out Sauron. Certainly the Creator has a sense of humor or he wouldn't have created us!
And I think those who would not only see but appreciate Frodo's "secret candle" would be a blessed company.
Bodkin
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
Somehow the idea that exchanging recipes is tantamount to a declaration of love is exceedingly hobbity! As is the total incomprehension of a daughter of Men.
Dianthus is very good for Frodo. As is Elanor. He needs the uncomplicated affection of children to hearten him!
Author's reply
The idea of exchanging family recipes being seen among Hobbits as a sign of serious intent just hit me some days ago and wouldn't leave me alone until I'd written this.
And I agree that the love of children is something almost all of us need, but that Frodo needed in especial--that and the unique perspective children can bring to the consideration of deeds done.
And at times Frodo just needed a very good laugh! Between Dianthus, Cyclamen, and Elanor, not to mention spying Pando, Frodo's well protected for the moment.
harrowcat
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
"He didn’t know that the one as he needed to watch out for was the Hobbit what didn’t have no clothes on, did he?"
Frodo lost it completely, and laughed helplessly, drawing his knees up to his chest. Dianthus watched, feeling triumph.
A moment of unbridled joy and a fundermental truth go hand in hand. Clever Dianthus!
Lovely Larner. I almost didn't get to read this as my internet connection seemed to be playing up last night and this morning. Woe is me.
May I add my birthday greetings too?
Author's reply
Oh, you KNOW I know about computer problems! Hope yours resolve soon!
And Frodo needs a unique perspective capable of showing him just how much of a sense of humor the Creator has, and just how potentially funny his predicamate was, in order to accept the final healing.
After all, healing comes not by dwelling on the griefs and pains of the past but by embracing the future; and realizing that there were hilarious aspects to such moments of torture help to allow Frodo to let them go.
Grey Wonderer
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
I adored the Hobbit mating custom of sharing recipes with the one you fancy. Pippin must have been utterly crushed! Finally at the end, I loved this line, ( "his secret candle is lit again.") Frodo truly was a very special Hobbit! I just love these little short stories of yours.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Pippin, although he must have wondered just how such a pairing would ever have worked out.
And poor Mistress Loren--having no idea that cultural differences would preclude her from offering recipes to an unattached male--she must have been totally out of her depth!
And am so very glad you like my short stories. I am honored.
Dreamflower
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
Oh my! That was a lovely and adorable interlude! Frodo's an excellent baby-sitter, and watching over children is just what he needs!
And I *love*love*love* your idea about the recipe thing--that's just wonderful! It's so hobbity, that sharing a recipe would be a sign of courtship!
Author's reply
So glad you like the idea of Frodo caring for Dianthus for the evening.
As for the idea of exchanging recipes between sexes being a sign of courtship--I'm not certain what put that into my head, but once it was there, it stuck. I mean, it FITS so well with a food-oriented race and culture, doesn't it? Am so glad you like the idea and that you agree it is fitting for Hobbits.
grumpy
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
I love this story, from the ent's point of view of the planting of trees, by the hobbits, men and elves.That the ent's remained behind to reassure the young ones that they are loved.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Grumpy. And of course the Ents would care for these new saplings! Of course! Little ones need reassurance, after all.
Armariel
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
Hehehe...poor Pippin--silly hobbit! All those recipes sound very tasty though--dangit, now I'm hungry!!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
They're all real recipes, and I'll admit from all over the world, from crepes or blintzes to bulgoki to krumcaken to shortcakes to gingersnaps.... Let's see--I've referenced French, Korean, Scandinavian, and American cuisine here, haven't I?
It was fun to try to figure out what kinds of new foods they might have been introduced to in Gondor that they'd not have seen at home. I decided that as marmalade is primarily made from oranges this would not be a common one in the Shire until oranges might be freely traded from Gondor, so decided that might be one of them. And we had in our antique store a Victorian era marmalade slicer intended to slice uniform slices of peel for the marmalade.
Lindelea
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 13: Of Courtship Rituals and Wizards
Oh, but this was a lovely read!
I wish I had time to recite all my favourite bits, but I must be out the door. I'll try to get back later... But all in all, such a wonderful story!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed this. Felt Frodo needed a moment to look at his quest from a more positive and humorous light, and who better than a child to show him how funny the story is in spite of the pain at the time.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
A very sweet story, I loved the mention of the meaning of "Estel"
Author's reply
I find the depth of meaning in the word is wonderful, and thought it might be a debating point between Frodo and Bilbo, and the perfect word to distract Frodo from the unexpected arrival of possible Criticism.
Am so glad you like the story.
Iorhael
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
She felt him melt against her in relief, and he hugged her fiercely for a moment. Then, as she pulled away, he looked into her eyes and she could see the tears he was keeping most carefully under control and not allowing to fall. "I love you, too, Auntie Dora," he said very quietly as their eyes met. "I love you so very much. Thank you." And he gave her his brilliant smile, causing her heart to lift.
My heart melts over this. T_T
So lovely, Larner.
Author's reply
So very glad you found it so moving, Iorhael. Thank you.
Antane
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
This is adorable! I love Frodo quoting his 'favorite' sections and then he and Bilbo doing the exact opposite, which, I'm sure, they were doing all along. Love the ending too - Frodo hugging her and telling her he loves her and you know he means it.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, quoting that part was intended, I think, more to devil Bilbo than to actually be honest with his aunt, I think, so he deserved to get caught out as he did, don't you agree? Be careful what you say, for it may come back to bite you!
And, yes, I'm certain Frodo did love his aunt. Wish he'd had more of his close family by him at the last.
Thanks so much, Antane.
Baggins Babe
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
I really enjoyed this story of Miss Dora - she has always seemed a real character and this came across in your tale. I've always wondered how she might have dealt with the ruffians had she lived a little longer.
The banter between her and Bilbo was delightful and I was giggling when she turned up again and caught the boys lounging in tatty old nightgowns and robes!
Liked your reference to Sandyman being in his cups in the middle of the afternoon - I can certainly see that!
The ending was perfect, with Dora revealing her gentle hobbit heart and her love for her nephew.
Author's reply
I agree about wondering how she'd have dealt with the ruffians, as obviously does Harrowcat as well.
Poor Frodo--trying to twit Bilbo along and getting caught in his own words as he did. But most of the guys I know hate to throw out their oldest and rattiest garments, so had to describe those.
And so very glad so many appear to appreciate how her basic Hobbit love is expressed at the last.
harrowcat
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Ah, you make Dora such a loveable Maiden Aunt. I especially loved her conversation with Bilbo about finding the right person. For such different personalities they really are kindred spirits. It makes me wonder how she made out in the time of troubles - very well I am sure. She could so easily have turned out like Lobelia but, unlike her, she has a soft centre if one takes the care to find/see it. And the final bit just goes to prove it. Great Larner.
Just back from nearly a week at home. Lots of fun playing with Jet. Not so much fun cleaning carpets.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you like my version of Dora. She could indeed have become another Lobelia, but I truly doubt the one who instructed others they must be guided by "kindness" would do so in the end. And so I have Bilbo in "The Choice of Healing" describe her puffing like a dragon but with the heart of a mallow. She and Bilbo would indeed have done well had they married, I think, but as neither did according to Tolkien I've imagined this conversation instead.
Unfortunately in my version of Middle Earth Dora doesn't long survived the leaving of Bilbo, for she was much shaken by his leaving and died about a year afterwards, leaving her smial to Dudo's daughter Daisy and her husband Griffo Boffin. She was pretty elderly by then, after all. (From "The Ties of Family.")
Life goes on here with the daughter and her family now residing with me. Love them dearly, I find, and it's been a tremendous relief having the tenants gone at last. And the dogs are loving the extra attention, although the cats Lydia and Zubran are not happy with THEIR dogs being here, as July chases them.
Queen Galadriel
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
"Which part did you appreciate most?" she asked.
"Oh, but it was all so good…." Frodo sought rescue by his uncle, but Bilbo was wisely keeping his own attention on the biscuit he was methodically
eating by taking small bites all about the center. Left on his own, Frodo quickly thought about all the sections. What she’d written about raising children
had been interesting only inasmuch as it confirmed much he’d noted of how his relatives in Brandy Hall generally kept control of their own offspring; Dora’s
assertion that Hobbits needed to be guided by courtesy and kindness appeared self-evident in Frodo’s eyes, while her blunt statement that Hobbits needed
to be predictable he felt to be appalling. He took a deep breath, then remembered that her own advice was that proper conversation for a meal should be
focused on the meal itself, and his lip twitched. He realized Bilbo was now watching him surreptitiously from the corner of his eye, and decided to take
a jibe at his guardian as punishment for leaving him to his own devices in answering the question.
"I think the section on meals was best, Aunt Dora, and particularly on proper attire and behavior for them. I’d not truly thought on it, you know,
just how slovenly it is to appear at first or second breakfast in one’s dressing gown; nor how rude it is to read at a meal, or to speak with one’s mouth
full." He opened his blue eyes to their most innocent extent, patently ignoring the spluttered laugh Bilbo was seeking to suppress.
Dora was most gratified. Ah, yes, she thought, Frodo had indeed taken it all to heart, particularly if he realized the bachelor lifestyle affected
by his Uncle Bilbo wasn’t always particularly decorous. "That is wonderful, dearling," she told him. "How very responsible of you to focus on that section."
.....
There at the table sat Frodo and Bilbo, the former’s dressing gown not even tied neatly, revealing the most disreputable nightshirt it had ever been
her misfortune to see, worn and with a seam between yolk and front that gaped open for a good two and a half inches, the fabric rubbed shiny and thin;
the latter seated sideways on his side of the table, one foot up on the bench beside him and a book resting against his knee, braces dangling, wearing
an old dressing gown that must have been given him at least forty years previous of a most unsuitable rose color, now faded and dirty looking. Neither
had brushed hair on head or feet—indeed as he spoke and read from the book laid by his plate, pages held down by the butter dish, Frodo was running his
left hand repeatedly through his hair and making it stand right up, while in his right hand he held a piece of toast dripping in currant jam, jam that
at the moment was splattering the table cloth.
*giggling* Oh my goodness! Poor, proper Miss Dora! Responsible indeed! LOL! Oh, that is priceless, absolutely priceless!
The wariness she’d not seen in the lad’s eyes in years could be detected in them now as he watched her approach. But instead of berating him, she
reached out her arms and hugged him in comfort, murmuring into his ear, "Sweetling, I want you to know that throughout the night you have behaved yourself
with only the utmost of decorum."
She felt him melt against her in relief, and he hugged her fiercely for a moment. Then, as she pulled away, he looked into her eyes and she could
see the tears he was keeping most carefully under control and not allowing to fall. "I love you, too, Auntie Dora," he said very quietly as their eyes
met. "I love you so very much. Thank you." And he gave her his brilliant smile, causing her heart to lift.
Ah yes. Prim and proper she might be, but she has a loving heart, and I'm glad Frodo recognised that compliment as her way of expressing love. This is a delightful story and a wonderful companion to Dreamflower's Book of Manners.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, bachelors WILL be bachelors, and the men of my acquaintance have always had a few garments they loved so much that to throw them away, no matter how ragged, tore holes in their souls. I can imagine Frodo with his old nightshirt he can and will still wear in spite of given seams and worn cloth, and Bilbo it his ratty old robe, half dressed, having a debate on the true meaning of "estel" and being caught at their most uncouth, a situation Frodo had been slyly twitting his "uncle" about the previous day, and realizing the two of them have just been CAUGHT. Poor, poor Frodo!
But I think that the kindness of which Dora writes is indeed her native compassion; and seeing the distress of Frodo as he tries to deal with the uproar of Bilbo's disappearance would bring that out.
Frodo needed that compassion right then, and the love behind it.
So glad you appreciated it.
Lily
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
What a wonderful story! I especially liked the "elevenses"-part :) Good manners thrown aside for a comfortable meal. Your Dora (or dreamflowers for that matter) is quite different from how I picture her, but it's still a delight to read her book and this story.
Author's reply
That's the joy of fanfiction, that we can each imagine characters mentioned but not pictured in Tolkien's work as we wish. And in reading Dreamflower's Book of Manners I found myself just imagining what Dora would think of seeing Bilbo and Frodo after a late night, both in their dressing gowns at elevenses--and this is what came out. So glad it gave a laugh.