Agape4Gondor
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 3: Gifts and the Benefits of Scholarship
I swore I left a review for this a long time ago - but seeing as I couldn't find one - and beginning to read this series over again for such missed stories...
This was extremely deightful - I loved the wager, and the appearance of Pippin, and Frodo's attempts... and the surprise revelation from Aragonr... and the whole thing was delightful - even without the ending - which proved absolutely hysterical.
Great tale - great moments of laughter and joy. Most appreciated!
Author's reply
I enjoyed writing this one. I'd read Baylor's stories in which it's revealed the Dwarves who taught the twins Dwarvish curse words had actually taught them phrases such as "I want to kneel naked to serve as a footstool for a Dwarvish matron" and such like, and she played with different characters who'd understand what they'd really said. And Grey Wonderer had done her story about Pippin's carpentry lessons, and there was a challenge on HASA, I think, about a betting pool n how long it might take Aragornt to break and flee the Citadel...and this is what came out! I had to write this one. Glad it gave you good laugh!
Andrea
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
Wow! That was simply perfect!
Once again I find that the amazing Dreamflower has already said nearly everything I wanted to say ;-) And she expressed it much better than I could have done!
It's the little details that make your stories so lively and interesting, some of them already known from other stories, some of them new.
I had nearly forgotten about that stone. But now I understand even better why Frodo left it there in Buckland. He wanted to leave a part of him there to show that *he* was still a part of Buckland and would always be, even if he now lived at Bag End.
He had to leave one small admirer in Buckland (Poor Merry!), but he found immidiately a new one ;-)
And as Frodo knelt to greet the gardener’s lad Bilbo saw the hero worship growing in the child’s eyes and his face brighten.
One last question:
Does Folco's story about "Celeborn and the Dragon" really exist? For I'm reading "Eragon" at the moment and it's also about a boy who finds a dragon's egg but doesn't know what it is...
Author's reply
Thank you so, Andrea. No, "Celeborn and the Dragon" hasn't been written yet, although Baggins Babe wrote "The Story of a Garden" for me as mentioned in "For Eyes to See as Can." I'll also have to write the story of Joco one day, I suppose!
The green fairy stone insisted it be remembered in this tale, so it was included. And I might just one day write the story of its provenance into one of my other stories. And it was wonderful to look at Sam's first look at Frodo through Bilbo's eyes this time, as well as to include Folco.
I've not read Eragon yet, although I found a copy at a book sale and have it waiting to be read, although I'm devouring Terry Pratchett's Making Money at the moment. I'll read it eventually!
Agape4Gondor
· 10 March 2009
· Chapter 2: Stricken from the Book
I am like poor dear Benlo - trying to keep the tears from falling.
This was EXQUISITE - one thing I must ask - has it been ever nominated for the MEFA - if not, I would be most honored if you would allow me to nominate it this year.
A blessing of a tale - one of the best I've ever read. Their were so many pieces/parts that touched me - I cried when I felt Benlo's esteem change and grow... and when I heard of what Frodo did - and then the signing of the book... all beautiful moments...
But mostly - I love the fact that Benlo thought Frodo had been scoured... hwo fitting... the Scouring of the Shire and of its noblest Hobbit....
*goes away to weep quietly*
Author's reply
Yes, this was nominated last year, I think, for a MEFA. I am so honored it moves you so, Agape. I find I rather like Benlo. The best of what Bracegirdles ought to be, I think. And, yes, Frodo was as scoured in the end as the Shire itself.
Thank you so, Agape.
6336
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
Such a nice welcoming, little tale, a little bitter sweet perhaps but vey good all the same.
Bilbo has his dear lad with him at last!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thank you so, Lynda. Yes, Frodo has come home at last!
Celeritas
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
I'm assuming this one wasn't done by the time it would have been due?
At any rate, I'm glad to see another extra prompt answered/extra-long fic. I especially liked the various points of view that we got--Folco was an especial treat, and getting to see that "Sam first looking at Frodo" moment through Bilbo's eyes was a treasure!
Author's reply
I found this one was rather getting away from me--I'd wished to write something short and rather intense, and this one proved rambling and--well, Bilboish, if you understand what I mean.
So, now it's finally written, betaed, and posted. About time! And am glad you like that moment seen through Bilbo's eyes. I do like Bilbo!
Thanks so.
Dreamflower
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
*applauds!*
Marvelous! What a wonderful take on the move from Buckland to Hobbiton! I have read a great many versions of the change, and even written my own--and I have to say, this is a really good variation on the theme!
I like how subtly you bring in the bits of your own universe, events and OCs--they are there for those of us who are familiar with your Shire to appreciate, yet not so obtrusive as to be incomprehensible for a new reader.
I love Frodo's ambivalence about leaving Buckland when it came right down to it: he's pleased and excited to go live with Bilbo, but it has to be hard to leave all his other loved ones. Unlike many writers, you've given him a relatively happy childhood there (as happy as it could be for one orphaned in such a tragic manner). He's not neglected nor abused, and any "mistreatment" comes from an excess of care, not a lack of care--he's loved in Buckland, and he knows it, even if that love has sometimes been expressed in a stifling fashion. Yet at the same time, it's been hard for him to relate to having someone else trying to fill his parent's shoes. It's *time* for him to make the change.
I love Bilbo's eagerness to have him come--he's so cute as he prepared to go and fetch his lad, and he's given a lot of thought about what they will do together.
The leave-takings were appropriately painful. (Making it a bit less so was my reason for having the change the other way round, taking place at a time when Sara and Esme had taken Frodo to Bag End, on what he thought was just a regular visit. A bit of a cheat, I suppose, but I was not very experienced yet in writing angst at the time. It worked for me, anyway.)
I also love how you reveal Frodo's inheritances to him: that's another thing I've often disliked in some fics, where he is portrayed as penniless and living in Brandy Hall on charity. Ridiculous! His mother was the Master's sister, and his father was a Baggins, for goodness sake! Of course they had property to leave to him!
Wonderfully done, all round!
Author's reply
(Curtseys deeply.) Thank you!
It was fun to finally write this, which of course I've been meaning to write for a good long time, of course. And I found I had to write the growing excitment in Bilbo and the mixed anticipation and anxiety in Frodo.
I would think that Rory would have doted on his little sister; how could he see Primula's son mistreated or ignored? And leaving had to be at least somewhat painful, particularly if everyone was trying to say goodbye, and particularly if Frodo had difficulty with leavetakings as is indicated in the books.
Nor would Frodo have been penniless. I find myself shaking my head at the idea of it, too.
Anyway, thank you so for the feedback--you know how much it means!
Linda Hoyland
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
A nice glimpse into a rarely seen part of Frodo's life.I liked the bittersweet foreshadowing,but at least we know Frodo enjoyed many happy years at Bag End.
Author's reply
I've seen other folks' looks at this move, and thought I ought to do my own at last. Yes, some foreshadowing, and the lad already hates saying "goodbye." But he does have a new home where he has a good deal of positive memories.
Thank you so, Linda!
Linda Hoyland
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 78: Journey Divided
I loved this glimpse of Frodo's thoughts and you made me see the Hill in a new light as i'd not thought much about it before.
Author's reply
It's always reaffirming to know I've given someone something new to think about. Wonderful! Thank you, Linda.
Elflingimp
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
Aw! I just loved that, it went straight to my heart! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
I'm so glad it did, Imp. Thank you!
shirebound
· 9 March 2009
· Chapter 79: The Transition
“I don’t need a lucky piece any more, for I’ve found my luck, getting to go with Bilbo."
What a lovely story! The details of the leave-taking are really wonderful, as are all of Bilbo's thoughts and perceptions. I really enjoyed reading this.
Author's reply
I would think that Frodo would be very excited about being able to go with Bilbo. And it was fun to imagine at last just how that transition was made.
Thank you so, Shirebound.
Socrates399
· 1 March 2009
· Chapter 14: Requesting Mercy
I read this story a lot. It's so depressing, (the last line makes me want to cry) yet I love it! It is beautifully written. Do you write any fiction that is not fan-fiction?
Author's reply
I am so honored you like this one. It was deliberately angsty, and it was a challenge to keep it centered on auditory response to what was going on.
I've written other stories, but hadn't written for a good while before entering the fanfic world. Have tried to get my magnum opus started, but for some reason, even though I know precisely how the story goes getting it written down no longer is as easy as it appeared in high school and college.
Socrates399
· 1 March 2009
· Chapter 29: Awakenings
Beautiful (though sad)! I just like the title, too...that's my FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME!
Author's reply
Oh, I love both the book by Oliver Sacks and the Robin Williams movie made from it. I'd not thought of either, however, when titling this one--it just seemed the proper title for this story, which, after all, focused on awakenings.
Thank you so!
Antane
· 24 February 2009
· Chapter 78: Journey Divided
Very good gapfiller here. I hadn't thought of the Hill of Hearing being avoided but can certainly understand why Frodo would want to! Our poor dear...indeed he has more than enough already of that voice, whispering, taunting, tempting, seducing, screaming, tearing, never silent. But still he went on and they went on. *hugs them both* Love Sam wrapping his treasure in both blankets and making sure he had plenty to eat. Such love and grace filled gifts would be sorely in need.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'd think that Frodo could have found himself at least facing the internal debate as to whether or not he wished to go to the top of this hill, too, but suspect that on reflecting on it he'd decided otherwise.
And Sam knows Frodo fully well by this time, of course. He's seen how difficult it's been for Frodo that day, and how much the argument with Boromir and finally making the decision has cost him!
And now both need one another!
Andrea
· 24 February 2009
· Chapter 78: Journey Divided
But Sam had seen the one tear that rolled down his Master’s cheek, and knew that Frodo felt grief at having left the others behind.
Poor Frodo! On the one hand he fears to lead his companions to their deaths had they accompanied him to Mordor. On the other hand he feels guilty to have left them like a thief in the night, for all of them were there because of him!
I'm glad that Sam is there with a hope strong enough for both of them!
P.S. What would have happened if Merry and Pippin had not been captured and Aragorn and Legolas had indeed tried to find Frodo and Sam again? Do you think they would have been successful?
Author's reply
Oh, indeed he would feel torn at this moment, Andrea. He can hope that Boromir will lead the others to this city of his, to the safety he hopes for them and Aragorn to join in the final battle. And indeed he would feel guilty as well--had he done this before perhaps they could have been well on their way by now!
Would Aragorn and Legolas possibly have found them had Merry and Pippin not gotten captured? It is a distinct probability but at the same time Aragorn, realizing Frodo had chosen his own path, could have still chosen to take the westward path. But I suspect that Aragorn and Legolas could have found them much as they saw the signs of Pippin's momentary escape when pursuing them westward.
Kitty
· 24 February 2009
· Chapter 78: Journey Divided
Nice gapfiller, to know what happened between Sam and Frodo after they left the others and how much Frodo told Sam about his encounter with Boromir at Amon Hen.
Frodo was certainly under no illusions and knew this was a suicide mission. Good to see Sam's resolve to have to hope for both of them. He doesn't know yet, but that was what saved both of them in the end - and probably the whole of Middle-earth.
You know, it was good that Frodo didn't know back then that the Uruk-hai had caught Merry and Pippin - it would have been another terrible burden for him.
Author's reply
It was interesting trying to imagine this period when I got the prompt from Dreamflower. We know that Sam could read Frodo pretty easily by this time, and I think he'd easily figure out that Boromir had tried to take the Ring. And I think that Frodo realized from very early on, but particularly after Boromir tried to take the Ring, that he would have to throw himself into the volcano in order to see It destroyed; that once he did that those with him would likely die as well was but a small step once that realization was made.
Sam's hope did indeed save them both and, in the end, all of Middle Earth, right alongside Frodo's endurance.
And I'm so glad they didn't know that Boromir was dead as yet and Merry and Pippin taken. I suspect you are all too accurate in Frodo's probable reaction had he known--just look at how grief-stricken he is in Henneth Annun when he fears this might be true!
Thanks for the feedback, Kitty!
Andrea
· 23 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
Oh, that was beautifully written, Larner!
Could he bear to wait a full two years more to claim her as his bride?
It's good that Frodo does not know what will happen in the next two years. That way he can just enjoy the moment :)
Little Pippin can really be a nuisance when he sets his mind to it. I wonder where Merry is ;-)
Author's reply
I suspect you are right about it perhaps being best not to know too much about the future. At least he does know this pleasure at least once in his life!
Pippin's determined not to be left out, and who knows where our intrepid Brandybuck is? Heh!
Thans so very much, Andrea!
Linda Hoyland
· 23 February 2009
· Chapter 76: Full Circle
Just lovely!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you think so, Linda! Thank you!
Linda Hoyland
· 23 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
It is so sad that this was never to be.A very romantic interlude.
Author's reply
I agree, but at least Frodo was able to sip at romance, experience its most innocent forms for himself.
Kitty
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
Very sweet, to see Frodo escaping with Pearl for kissing. Very useful grove, that ;) Though his thought about waiting for two more years made me a bit sad, knowing how that will end. But I enjoyed to watch him having fun :)
Author's reply
He wants so to start that family appropriate to him, wanting to recreate for his spouse and the children that might be granted them that feeling of love and fulfillment he lost when his parents died.
Butas we know, it did not happen. But the thought of it does help sustain him now, of course.
Thanks so much Kitty! It is nice to see him being a normal individual in late adolescence, doing what they do, seeking the love he deserves.
Periantari
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
You describe innocent love so well... Kissing is quite a big deal and of course one should not undermine its importance as being very sweet.
Sweet read! =)
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, Periantari. Yes, this ought to have been a sweet love, at least on Frodo's side. Like many others I'd love to have seen Frodo find a romantic relationship that came to full fruition; however, this was not to be for Frodo--not at least in Middle Earth, and probably not at all. But he ought to have felt the first stirrings of romantic love in his youth, at least.
Dreamflower
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
Oh, that was sweet! I wonder *why* Pippin was trying to keep them apart? Have you told that somewhere else yet?
Although I don't see Frodo and Pearl as a romantic item, I have to confess, your version of their unfulfilled romance makes much more sense than most of the same pairing I've seen. And this is a delightful moment in time.
Author's reply
In my-verse, Merry and Pippin feel uncomfortable with Frodo's romance with Pearl, feeling excluded from him. It's not that Pippin wants to keep them apart as much as he wants to feel he's part of their relationship somehow, to feel included. Pearl especially, however, sees it as him spying on her or at the least pushing in.
Am so glad you feel my presentation makes sense. Thank you so!
Sunny
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
Well, we know this isn't going to go much further, don't we? :-(
In just a couple of years Bilbo will leave, and Frodo comes into his inheritance...
Author's reply
Yes, sad--and Pearl is soon to have an encounter with Lobelia Sackville-Baggins that convinces her that any children Frodo might father are likely to suffer from congenital heart problems and perhaps a marked tendency toward being cracked as well.
Celeritas
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
*grin* I wondered if you were going to let Frodo have a quick snog for this challenge...
Quite lovely, especially how young-and-in-love both Frodo and Pearl are. I was particularly amused by Frodo thinking ahead a couple of years--he seems to have temporarily forgotten that there's more to marriage than those nightly pleasures!
Drat, it was a lot easier to object to these before my hormones fully lined up with my psyche! XD
Author's reply
Oh, why not? Doesn't he deserve a kiss or two at some time in his life? And he has to have learned at some point in his life how to give that kiss he later presents to the Khandri woman he meets in the Houses of Healing. Heh!
And I remember when my own hormones finally caught up with me--as I entered my twenties. Was a late bloomer, I know; but was rather glad they didn't hit when I was still young and dumb!
6336
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
Oh, yes!!!!
Ah, if only the Ring had not come to Frodo, think of the possibilities!
Alas, it did and this love witherd on the vine, like blossoms in a late frost!
Gag, sorry could not resist!
More please,
Lynda
Off to see the Orclings and their Naneth tomrrow, early, be back in a week!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Lynda. He could have done much with the right relationship, had the Ring not come to him. This love was never truly meant to be; had he come to love someone like Narcissa Boffin, Lily Proudfoot, White Gull's Maggot or Whitfoot lasses, or Melanna of the Colter Elves, it could have given him the full life we'd wish for any man of honor.
Have fun with the Orclings and their Naneth! Enjoy! And may your own animals know peace.
shirebound
· 22 February 2009
· Chapter 77: Love's First Kiss
What a happy, tender moment. Such an awakening for both of them.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you enjoyed it, Shirebound! An awakening, but unfortunately a love that didn't last much longer. But I think Frodo must have loved-and kissed-with the thoroughness he brought to all his other endeavors! Heh!