Bodkin
· 21 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
Frodo performs a good wedding.
I think he needs to perform something slightly less pleasant on Paladin, though. Do Paladin and Eglantine want to drive Pippin away?
Sam seems to be doing a good job sorting out Bag End. Very practical hobbit!
Author's reply
Well, don't you think Frodo would perform a good wedding?
Paladin and Eglantine don't WANT to drive their son away, but still can't bring themselves to accept the truth, which can be immensely painful to both sides. But it's so difficult for us to admit that we didn't manage to protect our children when that's the one thing we've focussed on for years. Being Thain has probably been less trouble in Paladin's eyes than making certain his children want for nothing and have a safe upbringing. Then one runs off to have what one thinks of as an adventure, but it appears when he returns it was far more. Far easier to accept the mad adventure than the truth--that Pippin's attempt to protect his older cousin became such a dangerous situation where he almost died.
As for Sam, he's always been the practical one in the bunch!
Andrea
· 21 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
So, Merry and Estella played at wedding with Frodo as Mayor and Brendi made the contract? I love that! Apparently the relationship between those two started before the quest and Sam was not the only one looking forward to meet his sweetheart again.
Then he realized how his mind had phrased that--for whatever time was left to him. He realized then that his heart recognized that Frodo might not be able to linger long.
Such a moving moment! Between Thain and Master Saradoc is clearly the better observer. He believes what his son told him of his journey and he was like a father to Frodo when he lived in Buckland. So he knows him very well and he fears that it will be all too soon that they must part at last.
I don't recall exactly what Paladin did to Frodo when he visited the Great Smials, but it's obvious that he really upset him. Paladin is a stubborn one (like Frodo) and he believes only what he sees. He remains as protective of his only son as he was when Pippin was much younger.
Frodo made a wise decision when he gave Merry and especially Pippin the Crickhollow House.
Author's reply
Whether or not Merry and Estella were truly sweethearts when younger is hard to say, but there is no question that that changes soon after the return of the Travelers. However, considering how Merry and Frodo were much like brothers all Merry's life, I felt that both would be comforted by the idea that, when Merry and Estella DID finally marry that Merry could think back to that date and know that Frodo's marriage ceremony was in its way as valid as the one performed by his father.
Sara and Esme, in my interpretation, worried all through Frodo's teen and tween years over the possible consequences of his congenital heart murmur, accepting it was actually harmless only after Frodo survived the flu epidemic that ran through the Shire after he moved to Bag End. That Saradoc would be the first to recognize that this time the problem wasn't illusory seemed logical, and that he'd with to protect Frodo again how he could.
In "The Choice of Healing" I wrote that during the first formal visit of Frodo to discuss the King's dispatches Paladin and Eglantine kept badgering him with questions and then refused to let him answer if the answers looked to be either unbelievable in Paladin's ears or dangerous to Pippin in Eglantine's. In the end Frodo developed a terrible headache and retired to the room which had been granted him years before in the guest quarters, and Ferdi came in and spoke with him there, and listened to much of the story. At dinner the questioning resumed, and he retired early, with Paladin realizing that he wasn't as well as they'd like him to be. He still was recovering when he left early the next morning.
I agree--Frodo did make a wise decision giving Merry and Pippin the Crickhollow house.
Kitty
· 21 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
I wonder *who* has made this mess of Bag End? Did they that only out of hatred for Frodo?
Frodo has played at wedding for Merry and Estella back then? And Brendi had to write the contract? *grin* Love that! Merry knew obviously very early what he wanted!
At least Saradoc is much more understanding than Paladin. I am glad he didn’t make it even difficultier for Frodo and was so kind and supporting.
Author's reply
I doubt that Lotho would have so damaged Bag End--at least not consciously, as he and his mother had coveted it and the status they felt it symbolized all those years; I suspect that the Big Men and Sharkey saw to the worst of the damage.
Whether or not Merry and Estella truly knew as relatively young Hobbit teens that they would one day marry or not, I think that Merry, being a practical sort, would have wanted as authentic a "pretend" marriage as possible, and that years later knowing that he and Estella's "first" wedding officiated by Frodo might in the end have been a true one he would find comforting.
And Sara, after all, had thought of Frodo as his own son for quite some time. He would recognized now that things were very fragile with this one he loved so deeply, I think.
Kitty
· 21 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
It’s so sweet of Rosie to care so much for Frodo! She is a dear hobbit, and Sam deserves no less than someone like her. And I thought it good she marked that Frodo and Sam were given the titles of ‚Lord’, but not Merry and Pippin, who are heroes as much as the other two.
Oh yes, I can imagine Galador having a fit about Aragorn’s ‚unkingly’ behaviour! *giggles* Sometimes I wonder how long Galador was able to endure *that* and to remain in his office ;-)
Author's reply
A wise, perceptive lass, Rosie Cotton as I imagine her. She'd pick up on the fact that in spite of the fact both deny fighting the enemy that Frodo and Sam yet were given the title of Lords but not Merry and Pippin, whom all agree DID fight. Therefore, Frodo and Sam must have done something extraordinary, and she'll slowly but surely draw the story from the two still reluctant story tellers until she knows just what it was that was done.
Aragorn will keep Galador on as Master of Protocol, although they will, from time to time, drive one another to distraction. After all, Galador knows better than anyone else in the kingdom of Gondor just who should sit by whom and who must never be within yards of one another, and precisely what the pecking order is. Without him the feasts could go totally to pieces, and Aragorn knows it. Besides, it gives him someone to devil by being "unkingly" when a chuckle is needed.
songspinner
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
The imagery is lovely in this chapter...I just returned from a healing circle for someone tonight and oddly enough (or perhaps not), something like ten people in a row going round the circle talked about how that person *glowed*. In various ways, of course, but there you are. I think that there is that sort of close-to-the-surface thing for someone that close to the veil. You show that so well here, and the love it evokes in others as well.
Author's reply
Gandalf first foresaw the change happening in Frodo there in Elrond's house; and that he already had a Light of Being that was at times discernible I felt was likely. In "The King's Commission" I write of Rosie as one who has been particularly aware of such things, and that she'd noted Sam's when she was still a young child, and saw Frodo's when she was fifteen and after that could no longer ignore it.
I've seen a few who, the closer they came to the end, seemed to glow more, and folk would flock to be around them as they could before they left us. I think it would be much that way for Frodo, and that those who loved him would want to protect him to the edge of the veil that he not feel alone and they not feel as bereft.
I'm glad you, too, have had that experience.
Antane
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
A great, loving, sweet chapter! Sam singing - and wonders of wonders, Frodo actually saying he wanted to be sung to - instead of what I figured he would say, 'No you don't have to, Sam, I'm fine.' And performing the wedding and the light glowing inside him and Saradoc not wanting to let go. Bravo! More, more! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Am myself subject at times to migraines, and know how awful they can be. To have one brought on by that tension of having to deal with folks intent on reshaping reality to their liking must have been especially draining, particularly as these are folk he's known, loved, and respected for years; but now he's realizing they are more interested in rewriting history than accepting what happened and supporting Pippin in his recovery. Frodo would prefer the singing, I think, which can help ease stress.
I think a wedding in which Frodo or Aragorn was involved would be a particularly blessed event, particularly as they would wish those they saw married to truly appreciate their new roles. And once he realized he was helping bring such happiness, I do think Frodo would glow.
Saradoc is Frodo's cousin, was his foster dad, knows him as well as anyone could, knowing what Frodo went through as a lad and having seen his losses and his triumphs. He'd be very glad this day to compliment Frodo; and then to realize Frodo was not well and nearly ready to start slipping away would have to be very difficult for him. Yes, he'd want to hold him as he could.
harrowcat
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
Now that is a nice interlude of a chapter Larner. So Merry and Estella are already married eh? and with a valid contract!!!! *g* I love M & P seeing Frodo's light and the way that Saradoc hugs him at the end.
Oh, and thanks so much for the long and thoughtful response to my last review. I like reading your responses almost as much as the story because you give us such great insights into the whys and wherefores of your thought processes. And yes, I am up late as it is nearly midnight here. Been out visiting friends who have a flat near Tower Bridge. Been out admiring all the lights along the river.
Author's reply
I've always thought that of Merry and Pippin, it must have been more difficult for Frodo to have left Merry still unmarried. And it would be pleasing for Merry especially afterwards to think of his "first" wedding to Estella having been performed by Frodo. I knew that the weddings Frodo must perform as deputy Mayor would be well done, but where would he get the practice? So, I remembered the weddings we used to perform on our front porch, and all the rose petals Mom's roses sacrificed....
As for the seeing of Frodo's Light and the embrace between Frodo and Saradoc--they were begging to be included, I found.
So glad you appreciated the thoughts on the last chapter and "The King's Commission." And if I could swing it I'd be in England tomorrow. Haven't been there for almost four years now, and I miss it. And the Thames by lamplight is spectacular--I must agree.
Queen Galadriel
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
“Shall I sit by you a time and sing to you?”
“If you would, Sam. It’s comforting."
Oh my, poor, dear Frodo must really have felt horrible. I know how he is, and that he can prove very stubborn in the matter of letting others help him, so this says a lot.
And I just LOVE this:
“When I was a little one--whenever someone wanted to play at weddings, they’d call for Frodo to play the Mayor or the Master, for he knew all the
words. He’d do it even when he was a tween and would come to visit with Bilbo.”
Frodo’s cheeks grew still redder. “It’s not the same!” he protested.
Merry laughed. “Dad said you knew it letter perfect the time you did it for Estella Bolger and me, you know.”
“That was the last time I ever did it--imagine, a great lad like me, almost an adult, still playing at weddings?”
“Well, we begged you for--for how long? Must have nagged at you for three days before you finally agreed. It wasn’t your fault Dad and Bilbo found
us at it.”
“And what was worse was when your dad didn’t even interrupt, but came up afterwards all solemn and congratulated bride and groom as if it were serious,
and asked where you two would be living, whether in Budge Hall or Brandy Hall. Acted as if the wedding were valid. He even examined the wedding contract
as if it were properly done.”
“It was properly done. I’d had Brendi write it for us, you know. I still have it somewhere about the Hall.”
“You had Brendilac Brandybuck write that contract? Merry! I had no idea.”
“Well, you weren’t the only one Estella and I nagged. He was needing to practice, after all.”
“So he practiced by writing a marriage contract between two teens? My stars--I’d never have imagined you’d hook him in, too!"
LOL! Oh, that's great! I wish I'd seen that wedding! Reminds me of a time when I was about six and wanted to play wedding so bad and nagged till my uncle gave in and played the groom. A fine one he was, too! :)
Altogether a wonderful chapter.
God bless,
Galadriel
Queen Galadriel
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
I love the way you write Rosie, clever and caring and quietly discerning. I wish Tolkien had shown us more of her character, but as it is, I've always imagined her that way.
My my, so many with bad memories-Frodo, Merry, Pippin, Sam, Freddie, and probably every other hobbit who spent time in the lockholes.
"He’d tried to get to them--maybe
he’d thought as he could eat ’em..."
Oh! Eat them? Oh, that is so...I'd think that would be beyond even Gollum. Ooo!
Off to read the next chapter! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Rosie has a way of drawing the truth out of others, and accepting it in a manner that helps them discuss it. At least, that's the way I've always seen Rosie Cotton.
Trauma brings nightmares with it, and I'm certain that most of those who were in the Lockups or otherwise personally threatened by Lotho and Sharkey and the Ruffians must have had their share of nightmares.
Tolkien certainly implied in Gollum's description of how he couldn't touch the images in the pools that Gollum had perhaps tried to get to them to help his hunger. He certainly indicated that Gollum stole babies from cradles as well as eggs from nests, and that these were among the clues Aragorn and Gandalf used to track him during their search for the wretched thing. You can blame that one directly on the Master, you know.
Anyway, glad you appreciated this chapter.
French Pony
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
It's so nice to see Frodo having some good come of his new status. For all that he went through, he ought to have the joy of performing weddings and doing so well at it. At the same time, one can see how he might not get full joy of the activity, knowing that he'll always be the preacher, never the groom.
Dreamflower
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
This is just absolutely heart-wrenchingly beautiful! I love to have Frodo perform weddings, though he's only done so twice for me! The part where Pippin and Merry see him light up brought tears to my eyes, as did this:
Saradoc was the first to approach him. “Well, Frodo--that was as beautiful a wedding ceremony as I’ve ever seen. Even more moving than that of Merry’s and Estella’s when they were little ones, I think.” His smile was gentle. “You did fine, Frodo, truly fine.” He held out his arms and embraced his younger cousin, holding him tightly, aware of how thin he was compared to how he’d been before. “You did fine, Frodo. I think they are most well and truly married, and more aware of what that means than they’d have been had Pal or I performed the wedding. I’m proud of you. All that practice was worth it, I think.” He didn’t want to let Frodo go, not then. He wanted to keep him safe in his arms for as long as he could.
“I just never thought, back when we were young ones and playing at weddings, I’d ever be called upon to do it for real, you know,” Frodo murmured into his ear.
Saradoc just continued to hold Frodo in his arms, so glad he’d come back. From what Merry had been able to tell him, it appeared such a close thing, that Frodo had nearly died out there, very, very nearly. He found himself thanking the Powers that Frodo had been allowed to return to the Shire for whatever time was left to him.
Then he realized how his mind had phrased that--for whatever time was left to him. He realized then that his heart recognized that Frodo might not be able to linger long.
I always love to see Saradoc acknowledging the special bond between himself and Frodo, knowing that Frodo was his foster-son for so long, and how dearly he had loved him. That was beautiful, just achingly beautiful!
shirebound
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 72: 72: A Lord's More Joyful Duties
Pippin whispered to Merry, “Mer--do you see? Not as bright as at Strider’s wedding, but----”
“Yes, I see. Do you think he has any idea he just truly lights up like that?”
“I don’t think he does.”
I just can never get enough of that, you know! I do love it when Frodo's true essence is recognized.
Author's reply
Nor can I, Shirebound. So glad you appreciated it, too.
Antane
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
Now that's interesting - pointing out that Saruman was a fallen angel, his heart and will corrupted by the Ring though he never even touched it and our dear, mortal hobbit, who wore it against his heart for months, was not corrupted by it as this angel was. Very cool!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It is quite the contrast, isn't it, Antane? Yet Frodo felt he was corrupted by it, although his behavior afterwards shows this wasn't true.
So glad you appreciated that.
shirebound
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
I really love the scene with Frodo and Rose... Frodo takes every opportunity to let folks (especially Rosie) realize how special Sam is, and with what respect he's held in the Outside. Sam will feel honored to be wedded to Rose, but that feeling of respect will certainly be returned -- and magnified, because of Frodo and the King's regard for him.
Author's reply
Rosie is indeed a special lady, and deserves her Sam, as he does her. But you are right--the love for Sam by Master and King amplifies the respect all others feel for him, including she who will be his wife.
French Pony
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
Wow. Seventy-one chapters so far! This story just flies by, but you don't notice how long it is. But seventy-one chapters is really something.
Aragorn must be a very busy man, if he is performing his royal duties as well as cooking, cleaning, gardening, grooming his horse, and all that. But he seems like the type who wouldn't like to have idle moments.
Good to see that Rosie & Co. are beginning to appreciate what happened to Frodo on his trip. Rosie is such a sweet lass, and she's just what Sam needs. Together, they'll be just what Frodo needs, so that'll work out just fine.
Author's reply
Yes--this one bids to end up as long as the original and "The King's Commission"--which I certainly didn't expect at first!
Aragorn doesn't strike me as one who'd like to remain idle, and he'd want to try to keep up his relationship with his horse, I certain.
And indeed Rosie is coming to appreciate WHY her Sam feels so caring for his Master, and is realizing that Frodo not only needs but deserves that caring. She's indeed readying herself for the day she enters Bag End supposedly to "do" for Frodo but in fact to become mistress of the smial.
Dreamflower
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
This is such an affecting chapter, showing Frodo at the Cotton's farm, and how Rose is coming to appreciate him more, as well as the Cotton family.
I like the way you are showing that a good deal of the lack of appreciation for Frodo was actually his own perception--that a good many people cared a good deal more for him, and respected him more, than he cared or respected himself. True, there would always be some of those in the Shire who would disbelieve and scorn him--but it's obvious that those who knew him cared for him a great deal more than he cared for himself.
I do love the way his drawings are finding a way into other hands--the drawing of the Ringwraith, which led Sam to explain. And of course how he can be led to talk of his experiences when he's talking of Sam's.
I had never thought about Fredegar staying with the Cottons--a very interesting idea! And naturally, he'd have his own nightmares. Of the four Conspirators, he was the only one who'd had to deal with the fallout of remaining behind.
Author's reply
Rosie is now coming to know the one her Sam thinks of as his Master, and is becoming aware of how they are brothers to one another. And I do think that those who came to know Frodo deeply would appreciate him more than he did himself, while most of the Shire would remain unaware of the fact he deserved another image of himself than the one he himself held.
His drawings of his nightmares are his way of dealing with what he can't express otherwise, of facing his terrors; and they offer glimpses for those who manage to find them, of what truly bothered him, of how traumatized he truly was. And it offers a starting point for Sam and Rosie's sharing of what Frodo and Sam went through, preparing her for what more she will learn when she marries him.
My first story was heavily influenced by Lindelea's works, including "The Rebel" and "A Small and Passing Thing," and so Fredegar Bolger, his own family dispossessed by Lotho's folks, ends up coming to the Cottons rather than going back to Budgeford. And, yes, he had to deal with the fallout at home before they did; but all did their best to help bring things back to what they ought to have been.
Author Reply: PS--please check this chapter now and let me know if you think the modification you suggested was done properly. Thanks again for the heads up.
harrowcat
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
I am glad to see that Frodo is getting the honour he deserves for the major part he is playing in the restoration of the Shire. (and Sam too) I liked the way you compare/contrast that with Master Galador's reaction to Aragorn and Arwen domesticity. (And pleased to see him in the story again.) The discussion about Sam and Frodo's enoblement was perfect here. Perhaps if Frodo can acknowledge to Rosie how much Sam went through he might come just a little closer to accpting the praise due to himself too.
Sam in gondorian dress brings back to mind how Aragorn felt about Frodo with longer hair. Brothers, all three. Except that Frodo seems to be slipping back in time now he is in the Shire while Sam cotinues to move forward and not lose his links to Gondor.
Nibs' reaction to the picure of the king is interesting. Sometimes being told is not enough. It is too remote. We have to see. I think this is why Merry and Pippin's parents react the way they do too.
It is good to see the coin and Bag End incident from Sam's POV. I am sure, if he had had time to think about it, Frodo would consider giving away that precious first coin to re-gain Bag End for Sam and it wouldn't have been quite such a shock on top of everything else that day. Of course he suffers for it later. I am glad that you got the Gaffer's wisdom in there too.
And the bit with the letters and leaving Frodo to tell Sam about the blessing he is being offered caught my attention most of all. Beautifully done Larner.
Woops! Spotted a typo Larner “This will me my Yule present to Sam,” Frodo said. At least I think that it is a typo - perhaps it is shire dialect.
BTW I was browsing through The King's Commission last night when the idea of Pippin as a God-parent leapt out at me. For some reason it struck me as a little strange and, perhaps, as a little too overtly christian for M.E. Any thoughts on this?
Jet is as lively as ever but hating the big lampshade he is having to wear. Aparrently he is bumping it into anything and everyone!! He says that he will happily send it to you!
Author's reply
Frodo begins to get the honor he deserves, but can't quite begin to fully appreciate that he's due it as much as Sam. After all, Sam didn't claim It--Frodo did! And of all the Hobbits in the Shire, I think somehow Rosie Cotton would best appreciate that Aragorn and Arwen are, for all the love they draw to themselves, still a bit of a shock to the sensibilities of those in Gondor who have quite a different idea of how royalty and rulers OUGHT to behave. And how better to express that point of view than through poor Galador?
Frodo is trying to slip back wholly into Shire identity, and yet by doing so and denying his Gondorian experience he is, as you point out, failing to move forward fully. This may indeed be a part of why he in the end chooses Tol Eressea.
It's always been so similar for those returning from horrible experiences, feeling cut off from those they left behind who cannot fully imagine what the others went through, or are afraid to do so. The rest of the Shire simply doesn't have the experiential base on which to base an understanding of what the Travellers have been through. And so it is that until he sees the picture, Nibs, whose experience with Men has been limited to Lotho's folks, can't quite believe Aragorn is one of them, and at first seeks to deny his identity. How long it would take this young Hobbit to appreciate that there are good and bad Men as there are good and bad Hobbits is a question at the moment; but he's coming to realize that the four who know Aragorn do love and respect them. He'll come around.
Paladin and Eglantine want a safe world, and it's been shown recently not to be safe at all. They've done the best they could to safeguard their own, setting out archers to mark the perimeter of Tookland, defying Lotho and later Sharkey; but they couldn't protect their own son, who just up and walked out of the Shire into dangers they can't even imagine. They can't understand why, and don't want to appreciate he did it out of love for his people as much as for love of Frodo and a desire for adventure. They will appreciate his sacrifice, though.
So glad you liked seeing the coin incident via Sam this time; and I agree--had he some warning Frodo would have been so very glad to use that coin to regain Bag End for Sam. It was, after all, one of his griefs, that he couldn't give Sam Bag End's gardens as his own again.
It was Frodo who gave the first hint to Sam that he, too, might one day come to Tol Eressea to join him. I wondered, why? So it must have been somehow communicated to Frodo that it was up to him to tell Sam, somehow. So glad you approve.
Thanks for the heads up on the spelling error--managed to miss that one. I did catch "ond" for "one." Will correct that.
Sponsors and appointed guardians in case of emergency for children have been common in almost all civilizations, and so I used the term in "The King's Commission" for the concept which I thought Tolkien would have probably used, never thinking of it in a religious context. You are right--it might have been a term he'd have excised, although he did leave in "devil." I think I'll let that one stand.
And I'm certain that Jet would LOVE to send that lampshade ANYWHERE at the moment. Laddie hated it each time he had to wear one. Give him a hug for me.
I enjoyed the battle of wills between the two stubborn friends (and fully agree with your observation in a review reply that it was this stubbornness that got Frodo through Mordor), and also the moment of tenderness when Aragorn embraces Frodo. I do like so much your portrayal of the relationship between these two.
Author's reply
Yes, there is a stubbornness that both bore, and certainly that stubbornness was needed by Frodo to accomplish his quest. But it is a stubbornness that at times works against Frodo save when someone else manages to outstubborn him, as happens here.
And I'm so glad you appreciate the relationship between Frodo and Aragorn, for I've long felt it ought to have been close and warm, particularly after the quest was finished.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
Rosie is a gem !
I'm sure Sam will be thrilled with Frodo's gift.
I loved Nib's reaction ! It is good to know that in fuure Aragorn
's law will protect the Shire from evil men.
Author's reply
Yes, Rosie is indeed a gem, and one Sam will rejoice in forever. Am so glad they found their way to one another. Yes, I, too, am certain Sam will love all three pictures. And Nibs is having a shock, but he's starting to learn not all Men are from the same mold. And they will all come to honor the King in the end, I think.
Raksha The Demon
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 71: 71: Bag End Returned
I particularly enjoyed your characterisation of Rosie, as she tries to understand the incomprehensible perils and horrors endured by Sam and Frodo, for love of them both. You write her as a strong-minded, warm Hobbit-lass, fully worthy of Sam's love.
Author's reply
I think only such a one could have won and kept the heart of one such as Sam Gamgee, and he needed such a one through what he had to look forward to, particularly when he lost Frodo at last. He'd need her caring and her gentleness and her discernment and practicality. So glad you like her as I picture her, Raksha.
Radbooks
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
I'll bet Aragorn missed Arwen for an overnight - they haven't been married that long! :) I enjoyed having Legolas and Gimli with Aragorn and them all riding together and talking about various things that were happening. Then the images in the children's home were wonderful... especially the boy wanting to show the woodpile to Gimli! That made me grin.
I loved both Gimli's and Legolas's response to the news that the eagle brought. Stunned and disbelieving on the part of Gimli and joyous and disbelieving on the part of Legolas... maybe hopeful on his part too. Very nice!
Author's reply
It would be difficult for Aragorn when he must be apart from Arwen, particularly when it's HIS turn to stay home.
As for what the children would wish to share--was writing from my own experience with those children who've been drawn to me over the years. And surely someone who carries an axe must feel an affinity for woodpiles, don't you think?
As for the reactions to Gwaihir's news--I have long felt that this might indeed be intended more for the comfort of Legolas than for Gimli himself, although the fact he's the first Elf-friend among Dwarves in ages of the world also must have played a part in it. So glad you approve!
Oh, this was a good chapter to see what had happened to Lobelia. I fell sad for her... maybe pity would be a better word. The bitterness that she allowed in her life that consumed her and her family and look where it led them all and the Shire. Tragic. Yet there was some hope there at the end for her as she felt appalled by the treatment of the neighbors once she realized what was going on outside of Bad End.
Frodo's letter and his compassion brought tears to my eyes. He was so right and yet how many of us would do the same? Not many, I don't think and yet it softened her heart.
Nicely done!
Sorry I missed a few days here, but I was finishing up the first chapter of my new story and I just got it posted yesterday! :)
Author's reply
Yes, we don't see a lot of Lobelia from her point of view. I admit to having been inspired by another story I read in which Lobelia's heart began to be turned by her first look at the actual houses to which the inhabitants of Bagshot Row had been banished. I thought, however, it might have started earlier as she realized she and Lotho were now virtual prisoners, and that seeing the inside of these "houses" was just the icing on the cake, as it were.
I agree about Frodo--he's managed to find an honorable way of mourning Lotho's death, which Lobelia has to agree is honest while it doesn't begin to show just what a fool she'd been.
Our bitterness consumes not just ourselves, but our families as well; while our blessings do so even moreso.
Haven't read your new story yet--am feeling sort of odd, and am having a time kick-starting myself into anything requiring action at the moment.
Bodkin
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
Gimli seems rather staggered. It must be hard to understand - and, at this point, I wonder if he really thinks he will want to take up the offer. He might still have some illusion that life will be back to normal again one day. They all seem very happy to get their letters.
Author's reply
Well, I'd be staggered to learn I was being allowed exclusive admittance to the retirement community of my people's longstanding enemies or rivals, wouldn't you? But life will never be the same for any of them.
And I do think all of them, and particularly Lasgon, would be pleased with the letters, even if Aragorn finds his disconcerting.
Poor Lobelia. Not a very pleasant hobbit - but she never intended the outcomes she faced. She just wanted everyone to admire her and look up to her - and didn't think that the way to get that is by being a better person. I'm glad she gave Bag End back, even if she did seem to take some pleasure in frustrating the greed of her kin. And in taking the coin.
Author's reply
You can perhaps introduce compassion into the heart of a Bracegirdle, but taking all the Bracegirdle out of one may be nigh impossible. Couldn't see the old girl giving over all her nature, after all.
And she did want recognition and respect, not realizing that true respect is earned, not bought.
Glad you approve.
Kitty
· 19 January 2006
· Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
Legolas and Gimli feel very alike to me about the happenings in the Shire. The difference between Frodo and Saruman is really astonishing, isn't it?
Legolas' reaction to the news Gimli was admitted to Tol Eressea, too, was so touching! The poor elf will have a difficult future, I fear. He has made so many mortal friends and will have to watch them age and die, one after the other - certainly a very trying time for him. For him, there is no hope to see them again after he himself dies, as he is the one immortal among them. And when all of them, save Gimli, are dead, he has to leave the land of his birth and his beloved woods in Eryn Lasgalen and Ithilien forever. Surely it is a bit easier for him to be able to take Gimli with him. I am truly glad they are so very good friends!
Author's reply
Yes, the contrast between Frodo and Saruman, who was created to be a being of highest good, couldn't be greater. Certainly Gimli would feel most protective of the Hobbits, while Legolas would see the irony and strange contrast of the situation.
And you are right on how touching it is that Legolas and Gimli have been granted this gift of being allowed to go together, once Aragorn is himself gone. Once Gimli too has left the bounds of Arda, Legolas and Gandalf are all who are left, until the end of the world, at which time they all find themselves able to be together once more. I, too, am glad that Elf and Dwarf have become most strange of brothers of the heart.