What a joy and comfort for Frodo to know Lobelia changed so much during her last months! And he has his coin back! :)
Hm ... what has Benlo said to upset Frodo so much, I wonder? And it is a bit sad Frodo is so angry at Merry for being concerned! His cousins know him and what had happened too well to hide everything from them, I'd think.
Oh, I am glad Merry and Mina got to talk with each other. I think it could help Merry to talk with someone who is willing and able to understand at least much of it, and maybe it helps him to open up to his family, too. And Mina and her family are obviously some of the few Hobbits able to accept all this to a great extent nearly from the beginning. (I suppose over the years there will be more - Narcissa, Fosco and Forsythia, Brendi, Isumbard ...)
Author's reply
To find out precisely how Benlo upset Frodo, you sort of need to have read "Stricken from the Book" in "Moments in Time." (I do weave them together, don't I?) It's not necessary to this story to know it, of course; but it wasn't something intended to upset Frodo, after all--just one of his less rational reactions to what Benlo told him. But when Frodo doesn't feel good, as happens with too many people, he overreacts, and may strike out at those who are closest to him, as he did at Aragorn on the way to Edoras and as he does now with Merry.
Merry does get to confide to Mina, which will help him eventually open up to his family. It gives Mina more information to help her further understand Frodo. Mina, Bucca, and Aster are among the first "everyday" Hobbits to appreciate what the four Travelers have done for Middle Earth.
And it is a relief to know that Lobelia has changed as she did; and it gives Frodo back his coin, which in the end becomes a symbol for his eventual healing.
French Pony
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 78: 78: Interpreting Pictures
Merry's finally discovered that Mina is trustworthy, yes? She deserves to know all they went through after she's been so good about taking care of Frodo.
Author's reply
Yes, Merry is realizing there is at least one person who already is beginning to understand, and is beginning to tell, which in the end will help him open up to his family. And Mina is coming to need to understand what's happened to the younger Hobbit she's come to feel towards as she does her lost son.
Linda Hoyland
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 78: 78: Interpreting Pictures
It is interesting that Sam can use the athelas.
it must be so hard for the Shire folk to comprehend things like the Nazgul
Author's reply
I've long felt that Sam could use the athelas, which would be necessary if Aragorn, Sam, and Frodo were the spiritual brothers I've imagined. I agree, Hobbits would have a hard time understanding the level of evil the Nazgul represent. They can't imagine that evil won't touch them, however, not after they've been through the Time of Troubles.
Oh dear. Either Merry went one step too far, or Frodo is just being stubborn, and now he (Frodo) is angry. *sigh* That's the last thing they need right now. I'm glad Merry and Mina got to have this conversation. Mina is as understanding as she possibly can be, and I think it does them all good to talk to her, even if they don't realise it at the time. And now I really can't wait for the next chapter. I think I might have to reread "Choice of Healing" very soon, much as I want to finish "Ties of Family. " :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I suspect it's most Frodo, still feeling sufficiently fragile to be offended by what when ill he sees as prying into his business. But he needs to confide, something that gets harder the more he puts off doing so.
I've had to reread much of many of my stories to keep this one consistent, or so I've found.
Inkling
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 19: 19: A Fresh Wind in the Citadel
A great chapter…I loved Faramir’s eloquence, both his profession of love: "...when I have held her in my arms I feel as if her love is all the armor I’ll ever need to wear from this day forward" and his stirring words at the end: "And I rejoice, my friends; I rejoice at finding the breeze in my hair, even here in the Hall of Kings."
And Gandalf’s comment about the danger of lingering too long in Middle-earth was fascinating…the idea that even though the temptation of the Ring is gone, there is the underlying temptation of power itself, disguised as the desire to do good, to "order things in accordance with my own understanding", that calls to him still.
Interesting, too, that this temptation seems not to affect Radagast, so far as we know…
Author's reply
I am so glad you appreciate Faramir's way with words. And Gandalf must have felt the temptation to take over for folks. As Radagast's specialty was animals and not people, I doubt he'd have felt the temptation as much as Gandalf or Saruman.
grumpy
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 73: 73: Yule Gift
Christmas oranges, what a nice gift. I always got a orange in my stocking when I was little. Nothing like a little citrus to make one feel better. I like how all that ash from the mountain, did some good, from oranges to glassware.
Author's reply
Our special gift was maple sugar candy, which goes into our stockings every year in honor of my dad's birth in Vermont.
And to think abundance and nurturance and beauty came out of Sauron's hatred is the greatest irony, and the great blessing in spite of his desire to destroy. Eru has quite other ideas than does Sauron.
Well done Mina! More healing and greater understanding happening all the time but not, unfortunately, for everyone. At our lowest we lash out at those who are closest and dearest. To those who are less dear it is often easier to keep a better face/mask for. That is also why many patients/clients behave better for paid 'carers' or nurses than they do for relatives.
I liked the little and often and then more but less often approach to the feeding. Rang a few bells at the moment! I was really touched by Demeter'd's prayers. Thanks for passing them on to us and please pass my thanks back.
Author's reply
I'm experienced with how those who are ill will take out their feelings on those they love most--have been there and done that, believe me. Frodo knows Merry understands about as much as any can, but still tries to deny it even to him. But Mina is helping Merry begin to relax some, helping prepare him for when he finally opens to his family.
I based the eating schedule on what has been described in descriptions of starvation victims, survivors of the Nazi concentration camps, and what we were told to do with a kitten who'd been caught in someone's garage for several days. And passed your appreciation to Demeter D.
I'm so glad that Lobelia's bequest was able to cheer Frodo up for a while.
And I'm glad that Merry unburdened himself to Mina--he was doing so for Frodo's sake, but I am quite sure that making himself talk about it would have helped him as well.
I think by the end, Mina is going to be one of the handful in the Shire who truly know the whole story.
Author's reply
Lobelia's repentance and wish to make things right would have been a great restorative to Frodo, I think. I agree about Merry helping himself as well as Frodo; and indeed Mina and Bucca and his family will be among the core of those who will know and appreciate all that the four did out there, particularly Frodo and Sam. There needs to be that core to aid in the final acceptance of the place the Shire will hold in the outer world, I think
So Lobelia died hearing one last time a letter from one of the very few Hobbits who didn’t scorn her? Frodo’s two letters seem to have been a huge comfort to her. And of course Bartolo wasn’t happy with her will, but Benlo was probably right in what he said about the ownership of Bag End. Nice to see some decent Bracegirdles for a change!
Author's reply
To hear words of respect from one on whom she'd poured lies and rumors and hatred for years must have been a shock to her, and in the end, as she repented for what she and Lotho had done she must have felt reassured by what he wrote her. Yes, I think they were a comfort to her.
And am glad to see others also like to see decent Bracegirdles.
Kitty
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 76: 76: A Dwarf's Touch, and Shadows
“Not as we can tell,” Sam answered. “I’m not certain as which had the room destroyed, that Sharkey or Lotho--both hated the Master, after all.” Hmmm ... it is difficult to be sure, but I’d think it was mostly Saruman. Lotho may have hated Frodo, but I had the impression he and his mother truly wanted to live in Bag End – why should he destroy their home to *this* extent?
Nice to see Pando again. And it is amusing that Gimli was so surprised about Pando’s assumption he didn’t like the ‚pestilential Elf’ *grin* Truly, what had he expected after *this* remark?
Anyway, it’s wonderful that Gimli helped a bit in the restoring of Bag End and particularly that he did the carvings. Oh, and it was very farsighted of Galadriel to send the carpets!
Somehow it’s a pity Gimli didn’t meet Eglantine. I’d like to know what he would tell her about the Quest and her attitude to deny there was any real danger. But I know, it wouldn’t fit in with the earlier fics.
His last meeting with Frodo was so touching! I am glad Gimli told him what he did. Maybe it is another step in the right direction for Frodo! And a very sympathetic side of our gruff Dwarf, too.
Gimli’s report from the Shire is not a very nice surprise for poor Aragorn and Arwen, I fear. Probably another hint for them they will not see Frodo again in this life.
Author's reply
I, too, suspect that it was Saruman who ordered the destruction in Frodo's room. As for Gimli and Pando--I think that Gimli forgets that not all others appreciate Dwarvish humor, and that most have no idea he is actually close friends with Legolas.
Of course Galdadriel would have foreseen the need for the carpets; and Gimli would want to leave his touch as well as a visual blessing for Frodo and Sam to appreciate as they looked at the floors and the mantels in Frodo's and Bilbo's old rooms.
I'm sure that Gimli's indication he would most likely accompany Frodo when the time came for Legolas to leave helped Frodo accept his own invitation in the end. And I certainly agree how Aragorn and Arwen would have felt saddened. You are right--never again in Middle Earth would they meet face to face.
At least Lobelia got to die with some semblance of peace unlike a lot of people there in the Shire over the last year or so. It was very good of Frodo to write and to express his appreciation of her returning Bag End to him so that she could leave knowing that she did do something right in her life. And it was good that she left most of her things to help others and to try and restore some of the damage that was done by her son, though of course material things will never make up for the loss of life and of innocence that was suffered by the people of the Shire. But it was all she could do and at least she tried and she was not the one that caused the damage to the Shire herself in any case.
Author's reply
I agree about Lobelia, doing her best to make what her son had damaged right again. No, the material assistance doesn't make up for everything, but it does help ease the losses and bring back the feeling of normalcy once more.
Radbooks
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 76: 76: A Dwarf's Touch, and Shadows
It was nice to see Gimli in the Shire and for him to help in the restoration of Bag End. I liked the fact that he made stars in the floor and the trees that he carved in the posts on the sides of the fireplace. It was just good for him to be there and to help even if he didn't get to see everyone too much. Then it was good for him to report it all back to Aragorn even if it was hard for Aragorn to hear it and accept it all. It must have been frustrating for him to have to be in Gondor when he really wanted to be there in the Shire helping those he loved and cared for. Life is like that though - duty and responsibilities keeps us away from things we would rather be doing. (I know I would rather be writing fanfiction than going to work at lot of days! :)
Author's reply
I truly think that once he'd seen the condition of the smial Gimli would be right in there doing what he does best with whatever stonework needed doing.
And Aragorn would grieve he couldn't leave his responsibilities in the South to be with Frodo when Frodo needed it.
I, too, prefer reading and writing to working many days, although it is satisfying as well.
French Pony
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 77: 77: Lobelia's Redemption
What a lovely letter for Frodo to have sent. It is such an open, honest letter, that it must have touched Lobelia right to her heart. I'm glad it was a comfort to her and that it helped her to die with the dignity befitting the lady she always wanted to be.
Author's reply
To die with dignity after all the years of pettiness and rumormongering should have been beyond her expectations, but I, too, am glad it was granted to her. And, yes, she did manage to die more a lady than she spent most of her life.
Andrea
· 29 January 2006
· Chapter 77: 77: Lobelia's Redemption
Your Frodo is not only a talented storyteller, but also a skilful letter-writer, like Tolkien was.
Maybe, he doesn't even know what this last letter meant to old Lobelia.
It was not a letter of satisfaction that he finally got back what truly belonged to him. It was an honest letter of gratefulness and happiness about her deed and his confidence that the Shire would be a beautiful place once more.
With those images in mind, Lobelia's end was peaceful!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you agree that this was what Lobelia needed to die in peace.
Hyacinth is a nice hobbit. Kind-hearted and generous.
Poor old Lobelia. I wonder what went into making her so obnoxious. She clearly had some better feelings and nicer characteristics. Deep down. I wonder what made her bury them to become so defensive and snobbish. And desperate for position and respect. She ended up doing the best possible thing with her money and property, though, for whatever reasons.
Bartolo should be counting his blessings at the moment rather than looking to see what he has lost.
Author's reply
Well, here is a plotbunny, isn't it, to figure out how Lobelia became--Lobelia! Anyone have an empty hutch, folks?
Glad you like Hyacinth Bracegirdle, for I find I rather like her, too. And Bartolo may eventually find he is better off than he thinks.
Linda Hoyland
· 28 January 2006
· Chapter 77: 77: Lobelia's Redemption
Lobelia'sdeath was touching, I felt sorry for her,a character I'd always disliked.
Author's reply
Isn't it odd when we find ourselves feeling compassion for folks for whom we've always felt antipathy? I hope one day I might feel that way toward two real individuals who've done their best to make others miserable.
demeter d
· 28 January 2006
· Chapter 77: 77: Lobelia's Redemption
The Professor told us that Lobelia recieved honor after her release from the Lockholes. And, she gave Bag End back to Frodo, and all of her money to help others. You have filled in the details of a gracious peace between Frodo and Lobelia before she died. So sweet.
Author's reply
Thank you, Demeter. And the Harrowcat returns thanks for the prayers offered.
demeter d
· 28 January 2006
· Chapter 76: 76: A Dwarf's Touch, and Shadows
My thoughts and prayers to Baggins Babe and Harrowcat for their family troubles.A Loving, sweet chapter, Larner. of course Gimli would be welcome in the Shire. Probably everyone knew about Bilbo's many visitors. I am sure that even those who did not quite approve of so much foreign delings would have known them.What a lovely thought, to have Gimli help restore Bag End. And besides the soil, giving a little bit of what Lothlorien had once been to become part of the Shire, Galadriel has sent carpet to bless Bag End.There were a great many people of many races and lands who loved those four Hobbits.
Even though Frodo could not find final healing in the Shire, I am sure that Bag End was as full of love and comfort as any home could be for the short time he was there.Lovely chapter.
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate it, and am forwarding your note of prayers to Harrowcat and Baggins Babe.
Frodo made Sam his heir, for all he had been and had and for what he might have been and had, and indeed the new stonework and the carvings and the new carpets from Lorien all served to help bless Bag End for the family Frodo had so long desired to see fill Bag End, even if it was Sam's and not his own engendering.
Yes, for what time Frodo had in it, it was as close to being home for him as any place might be.
Finally...All caught up from the last few weeks. Poor Frodo and the rest of them as well. I know all too well having no one to talk to or being talked down to in response to trying to talk something out or to get something out by your family. And then people start wondering why you hold things in. What's the point in trying to explain things when you get called silly or stupid for thinking that way. You would be silly and stupid if you kept trying, didn't you? Merry and Pippin were so very lucky to be given Crickhollow by Frodo. At least they had a place to go.
As always, you are doing an amazing job of this story. I loved the scene when Gimli discovered he had also been given permission to sail and why. That was so beautifully done. Also Aragorn's frustration over how his friends are being treated by their own families. Sometimes friends can see more clearly than family, but at the same time, their own hands are tied because the family just can't or won't listen to what is needed to take place for their loved one to truly heal. A vicious circle all the way around.
Looking forward to the next chapter. Especially now that I've caught up. :o)
Author's reply
So glad life is allowing you to return to the story--know it's been rather difficult at times.
Frodo, unfortunately, is trying to hide his true condition even from those who DO appreciate it and who would do anything to help him; but I agree about poor Pippin--dealing with those who WON'T listen is so difficult.
And glad you like how Gimli responded to his permission to sail, although I still feel that this was more for Legolas's sake than Gimli's.
That is a wonderful letter. There isn't much more nasty than relatives at odds with each other. And it is often over the dividing up of property. My Grandmother had the right idea. She labelled all her furniture etc with people's names. (And I still don't know whether she or the Prof thought of it first!!) But it still led to anger and disputes.
I am glad the S-B feud was settled before Frodo had to leave. To do good things and make sacrifices for our friends is all well and good. To do them to benefit our enemies too is even greater.
Jet returns the wriggle, adds a very wet lick and promises to be as well-trained as a guide dog; well one day anyway!!!
Author's reply
I know about nasty relatives. Have a very petty family feud going in my own family which is so slowly healing, and it drives me crazy.
I, too, am glad Frodo was able to find his peace with Lobelia before the end, and that she gave over the selfishness.
And met Lindelea's daughter's chinchilla today. Jasmine wriggles her nose for Jet.
grumpy
· 28 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
What a greatidea Rosie has for a present for Sam for Yule. I like it that Frodo is still using the dragonfly, and he is making a picture of Strider for Sam too.
Well the first of the king's new coins has been put to good use. Frodo has Bag End back!
Author's reply
Yes, Rosie understands how to let Sam know she's still waiting and who to have do the pictures; and Frodo's own gift is so welcome as well. He'd still use his dragonfly, particularly if years later a bottle from Tol Eressea brings back pictures with it as the signature sign.
And indeed that first coin has blessed Frodo--and in time will return to him.
Yes, I think that Frodo would seek to address the best in the other, helping to bring it out in that individual, particularly in his letters.
Baggins Babe
· 28 January 2006
· Chapter 76: 76: A Dwarf's Touch, and Shadows
What a perfect notion, that Gimli should work on restoring Bag End, and so fitting that he puts stars in the stonework.
The conversation between Frodo and Gimli was so touching - he's such a dear gruff soppy old Dwarf really. I'm glad he was able to give Frodo some comfort.
You capture the feelings and emotions wonderfully.
Sorry I haven't reviewed much this week. Had to have my older dog put to sleep three days ago and we're all rattling around because the house suddenly seems too big. He had a huge personality.
Author's reply
Thanks for the appreciation for Gimli's hand in the restoration, and for the stars. A Dwarf with heart and caring for all his friends is a treasure indeed, and I am certain he helped Frodo.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost two of ours a few months back and it was indeed a shock. Laddie was an elderly retired guide dog, and Rosie died of kidney failure secondary to diabetes. I had no idea at all she was diabetic until her kidneys failed. It was a shock to lose them both. So my prayers are with you and your family in your loss.
Author Reply: And, from demeter d: My thoughts and prayers to Baggins Babe and Harrowcat for their family troubles.
You make Lobelia's end so sweet and touching.
I am afraid I have always felt that she came off better than she deserved--after all, Lotho was such a despicable person primarily due to her own selfish obsessions as she brought him up--and while her repentance and giving Frodo back Bag End made up for some things, I didn't feel that it made up for years and years squandered on petty meanness. However, Frodo is clearly a much better and finer person than I am--and *his* attitude and forgiveness is perfectly in character for him--and I can see that if *anything* could have touched her shriveled old heart, it would have been to see the graciousness and unconditional love that her erstwhile relation was capable of. That he extended that love to her so beautifully must have truly shocked her.
And, no, I certainly don't envy any of them the untangling of the mess Lotho left.
Author's reply
Even Lobelia, at least, was able to mature at the end, for which I've always been glad as I have the hope even the worst can grow and change, given the right conditions. And I always felt that Frodo would bring out the best in others, particularly after his return.
And NO ONE in his right mind would envy those intent on untangling Lotho's affairs.
Know that I give thanks for the loss of the great barriers that once divided us. The great journey I had to make outside the walls of this place was well worth it, to know the end of that.
What a gracious thing to say. At last Frodo and Lobelia were able to recognize the the 'Quality' in the other.
Author's reply
I think that what he wrote would be gracious, don't you? And at last Lobelia began to realize that there was indeed something in Frodo to appreciate.