The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner
shirebound · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
What a lovely chapter; but I especially enjoyed the end, where we learn that Legolas had a fear of being left alone by all he loved... and now has one more gift of the Valar to look forward to.
Author's reply
Yes, that had to be one of the greatest gifts offered to him, and a wonderful reward to both for their part in the Fellowship. And that this came jointly from Valar and Creator would mean even more, I think.
harrowcat · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
And there is so much healing offered to both in not being alone. Of course, Galadriel will be there to greet Gimli too - to his heart's delight and healing. The orphanage sounds as delightful a place as one could be and I like how people so soon become comfortable with all these notable people. How is Aragorn getting on with those Nobles of Gondor who are full of their own importance? I know that they are not integral to this story but we are seeing how the ones in the Shire fare with Frodo guiding the Shire as Deputy Mayor. Above all, te comparison of Frodo and Saruman was great, especially the lapse into quenya. It was a nice touch. Jet is at the vets today to have a small lump/cyst removed fom near his tail. The vet thinks that it is benign but after losing Bess to Cancer in August both my Dad and I are understandably anxious. So Jet sends a small yelp!
Author's reply
It must have been such a wonder to both to have been granted that grace, to go together to Tol Eressea for the remainder of Gimli's life. Neither was left in the Mortal Lands alone at the last. As this is focusing more on Frodo's acceptance of his own role, I felt that looking at Aragorn's interactions with the nobles of Gondor wouldn't necesarily be as apropos, although I, too, loved the glimpse of the two royals and their companions in a village in Lossarnach. I felt the lapse into Quenya most proper, for I don't think that Legolas would wish to discuss Saruman's origins within hearing and understanding of Men at arms he didn't even know. So glad you approve. Oh, dear, a cyst already? Very young, but not uncommon among labs in my experience. Don't know about Jet's genetic tendencies, however. Laddie had four removed and another which had formed just before he died of congestive heart failure. Praying for Jet.
Dreamflower · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
Another surprise change in POV--yet I like this very much, for Frodo and the other hobbits still had to be very much on the minds of their former companions. After so long in one another's company, the remaining members of the Fellowship were truly like family to one another. As Aragorn describes the troubles the hobbits had at home, I love the reactions you show of Legolas and Gimili. Gimli's fierce and lowering anger seems very much in character for him--you could well believe he would very much enjoy a chance to avenge the hurts to his hobbit friends. And I also love the astonishment shown by Legolas: Legolas shook his head in disbelief. “How is it that Frodo Baggins has in his heart more capacity for compassion and forgiveness than even the Valar?” he asked. “What, my friend Aragorn Elessar, has Iluvatar wrought in this Perian?” The Man sighed, his own face sad. “He yet blames himself, Legolas, for having claimed It at the end, and will not blame any other for how It affected them.” Legolas’s denial was intensely controlled. “Yet, once the Ring was destroyed Frodo did not go on to punish all who might have coveted it. He never sought to breed twisted souls to serve as his army. He never sought to coerce others to his will, or to lead others to corruption--or further into corruption. Saruman did all this and more, seeking to hide his own search for the thing for centuries and to convince all others that It was beyond finding. And he was created to stand before the face of Iluvatar Himself!” he added in Quenya, a language Aragorn had never heard him use before in conversation. “Yet,” he continued again in the Common Tongue, “here we have a simple Perian who is the soul of compassion. How is it that such a fragile-seeming mortal is yet better proof to Its corrupting influence than one of the Istari? Even Mithrandir feared to touch It.” And you can tell here that Legolas would love the chance to perhaps speak to Frodo, to embrace him and tell him this--to lessen his pain, or at least to try. And I like the way they react to Aragorn's news that Gimli would be allowed to go West with his friend. The notion that he will soon--for an Elf--be bereft of his closest friends must have been haunting the Elf ever sense things were over. Of course, we know that the three hobbits could not have lasted so long, to be able to greet Legolas and Gimli when they arrive, yet sometimes I wish that could have been possible, until I then realize how much harder it would have been on Legolas to lose them all over again...still, I sometimes would like to see an AU fic that would explore the idea.
Author's reply
The news needed to be given to Gimli and Legolas of the special dispensation granted to a Dwarf, the first Elvellon among Dwarves in ages, and the only one I'm aware of to have been granted the right to consume lembas, much less to have become enamored no matter in how seemly a fashion with one of the greatest queens among Elves. The switch back to Gondor therefore seemed needed, if only briefly. Of the remaining companions, Gandalf, Legolas, and Aragorn would be the three to best appreciate just what the existence and then the destruction of the Ring would mean to all of Middle Earth; and after Gandalf Legolas would best appreciate just how corrupting it could be. Frodo's resistance to it must have been such a great wonder, particularly when he could contrast just how the THOUGHT of the thing affected Saruman. All Elves must have been totally amazed.
French Pony · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
The contrast in people's opinions of Frodo is a fascinating thing to see. Frodo still thinks he's guilty of a horrific crime against all people. Other Hobbits don't see him as anything special yet. And down in Gondor, he's the next thing to holy. My favorite part of this chapter was right at the end, when they hear about how Gimli gets to go over the Sea. It was so clear that Legolas had been worrying and hadn't wanted to tell anyone about it, and his relief that someone noticed his secret worry was very touching.
Author's reply
Yes, different folk have different feelings toward Frodo, with him holding the lowest (and in ways also the most unrealistic highest) opinion of all, which is not the way it ought to be. Yet that is how we do tend to be as individuals, having the least realistic images of ourselves at times. And am so glad you found the ending touching. That must have been difficult for Legolas, to have developed such a close relationship and admiration for the rest, and to know he'll outlive all of them save Gandalf, who would already be beyond the sea before he would build his small ship for is own voyage. It must have been a great weight off his heart, knowing he wouldn't be either staying for Gimli's death as well, or fleeing before it.
Queen Galadriel · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
Ah, a home for children left orphaned by war. An excellent idea and one which I would be interested to see shown in more depth. “What, my friend Aragorn Elessar, has Iluvatar wrought in this Perian?" What, indeed. I wonder how often those in the story, and those who enjoy it, have wondered that. And the ending of this chapter was beautiful! I find myself becoming more and more intrigued by the friendship between Gimli and Legolas, and it's so satisfying to read of Gimli being granted the gift of departing with his friend when the time comes. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Aragorn and Arwen would have been intensely interested in seeing the children orphaned by war taken care of. Don't know when I'd revisit the orphanage, but it may come. Frodo's greater ability to withstand the influence of the Ring than almost all others would be staggering to those who truly know Its power; and I felt one of those who generally kept quiet on the subject would have the most impact if he commented on it. I'm so very glad that Legolas and Gimli were given that gift, that when the time came Legolas was not forced to leave all behind. The two traditional enemies who became brothers in spite of all--their relationship is a wonder to all.
Linda Hoyland · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 70: 70: What Iluvatar has Wrought
I see your Aragorn doesn't like being alone in his room either ! I loved the image of the King and queen with the children. It is an interesting idea that Gimli knows in advance he is to sail with Legolas one day.
Author's reply
After waiting for so long to marry her, I doubt Aragorn would want to spend much time away from his wife, particularly in what is now their home. And am so glad you like Aragorn and Arwen with the children, as I think both would be warmly loved by them. And that Legolas and Gimli would know in advance seemed simply right. I do think this would be even more heartening for Legolas than it would even for the Dwarf.
Linda Hoyland · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
It is nice that Frodo still observes the standing silence. Poor Lobelia,I feel sorry for her now.
Author's reply
I think they'd all observe it, although perhaps quietly much of the time so others didn't notice--save for Pippin. I think he'd observe the Standing Silence openly all the time. After all, he is now a man of Gondor--or a Hobbit of Gondor. And Lobelia deserves pity and even compassion, particularly as she finally let go her avarice and tried to do right by those wronged by Lotho.
grumpy · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 65: 65: The King's Lineage
What a lovely chapter. I am a bit behind, these people at work seem to think I like to work overtime. It is too bad the nightmares came back to Frodo. I did like his trying to tell about Strider, Rivendell and Bilbo. I always thought it would have been great if Bilbo would have seen Estel when he was little. Well off to the next chapter.
Author's reply
I'd read a few descriptions of encounters between Hobbit and King-to-be, and finally did my own in "Fostering." I would have loved to have seen such an encounter also. And this would be one topic on which Frodo would have not had a great deal of problems in describing to others, I think. So glad you approve.
Baggins Babe · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
What an interesting look at the Troubles through the eyes of Lobelia. She really discovered the truth of the saying 'Be careful what you wish for...' All those years she thought her life would be perfect if she could only have Bag End, and then to find it all falling apart...... Lotho is one of those people with no self-awareness. He is disliked by all, yet it is everyone else's fault! I doubt he would have changed, but I certainly do feel sorry for Lobelia. Yes she was spiteful and grasping, but she was tough and brave when it came to it. I'm glad she gave Bag End back to Frodo, but I'm sorry she was still nasty enough to be glad she'd kept that coin.
Author's reply
This story does change point of view fairly often, as you've noted. But Lobelia is one of those characters who catches at the imagination. I was so touched myself in the story when she was amazed she was popular and then when she gave back Bag End and when she left her estate for reparations. It was nice to be able to explore how this all came to be. But, yes, she still found a core of amusement and satisfaction at having possession, no matter for how short a time, of that coin.
Andrea · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
A very insightful chapter. I feel sorry for poor old Lobelia. She had a dream of living a perfect life at Bag End. But from the beginning on that was only a dream and far from reality! When she finally decided it was time to talk sense into her son, it was far too late - and she found herself a prisoner in the lockholes instead. "Then a cool, clear light that soothed had come down the passages as Frodo Baggins led searchers down to free those who’d been imprisoned here; and for the third time in her adult life, once Frodo reached her cell, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins saw compassion directed at her in the eyes of those who found her and freed her from her prison." What a beautiful image! A light in dark places and like a reflection of that light Frodo's true compassion for Lobelia. "There was enough Bracegirdle in her to find satisfaction in the thought that Frodo just might be unhappy to have lost this coin." Well, she *is* a Bracegirdle after all, but this time I forgive her ;-)
Author's reply
So glad you like the image of Frodo, the Phial of Galadriel in his hand, descending into the tunnels to lead the release of the prisoners, that light healing instead of disquieting. And I have so long been glad that Lobelia did have such a major change of heart. Finding herself popular for the first time since she married must have been overwhelming when she hobbled out carrying her umbrella; and learning her own avarice led to her son's treachery to their land AND his death must have been heartrending. And I'm glad you do forgive her for her feelings about the coin.
French Pony · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
A wonderfully detailed look at the course of the Troubles. Lotho emerges here as a fascinating character in the way he grows from being merely unpleasant to being Sharkey's pawn. And yet he never seems to have been really evil -- just stupid and egotistical. I like watching Lobelia's change in station as well. You write her with a great deal of compassion.
Author's reply
I am so glad you appear to have liked how this was written. I've always been a bit in awe of the fact that Lobelia did have her change of heart before the end, and tried to do right by those Lotho had wronged. I think she'd realize at the end that a lot of his own shortcomings were due to her raising him to believe that rules and laws didn't pertain to him. I think of her with compassion because she showed herself capable of changing and of grief at the loss of her son. How much Lotho lost, not being able to turn from being one of the bullies of Hobbiton.
Kitty · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
Now I feel sorry for Lobelia, and I'd never thought *that* possible! She was a very nasty hobbit, but even she must've been very shocked to see what her dear son had set in motion. And it was impressive that she, after realising what happened, wanted to go and talk to her son to put a stop on this. That she gave Bag End back to Frodo was something I was always impressed, although I never liked her. Lotho, on the other hand, is one for whom I can feel no pity. He may not have expected for things to go *this* far, but he started a lot of it himself and can't blame his ruffians for what he did in the beginning. He called them in, after all.
Author's reply
So you, as I've always been, were also moved by Lobelia's repentance and willingness to try to set things straight, starting with giving Bag End back to Frodo and then leaving her estate to them. In her hopeless assault against the ruffians who belittled her so, I always felt she was either totally brainless OR letting the true courage of Hobbits out in the end, recognizing it would most likely achieve nothing but still standing up for herself and her people and, in a way, for Lotho in the end. It's hard to feel too sorry for Lotho, but I find myself remembering an old saying: There's so much good in the worst of us and so much bad in the best of us that it ill behooves any of us to speak ought ill of the rest of us. (That I sort of modernized, as in the original language it is almost incomprehensible any more.)
harrowcat · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
Ooh that must have been a hard chapter to write Larner. You have squeezed in such emotional highs and lows. I was finding myself feeling very sorry and sad for Lobelia, cheering that she saw the light about Bag End and thwarted her own gasping relatives, and then you threw in that last line about the coin! Spitefulness, jelousy and vindictiveness are such hard habits to break. Jet sends back the tail waving and raises you a whine!
Author's reply
No, this one was actually fairly easy to write, but quite a long one to write--the longest in this story so far. And in spite of all the new understanding and healing Lobelia had known, she still remains--Lobelia. It's hard for a leopard to change ALL its spots, we find. Glad you appreciated it. And Pippin sends a Siamese meow.
Raksha The Demon · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
I always thought that Lobelia was one of the more interesting hobbits; so I enjoyed her point of view regarding the last several months and Frodo's compassion towards her for Lotho's death, and her decision to return Bag End to him.
Author's reply
Definitely Lobelia Sackville-Baggins is not your typical Hobbit. And I doubt that in the days Frodo wished that a dragon might swoop down on the Shire and shake things up he had any idea it would take the form of Lobelia and Lotho, aided by Saruman and his folk. But Lobelia has managed against all hope to turn herself around, and the Shire will be the better for it. So glad you liked seeing it from her point of view.
Queen Galadriel · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
*sigh* Poor Lobelia. I still can't bring myself to pity Lotho very much; he's too crafty-used his intelligence to get the whole Shire into trouble. Maybe he didn't know how bad it would be, but he certainly had a vague idea of what he was doing. But I do pity Lobelia, both for all she went through, and for having that tiny bit of mean spirit left that made her satisfied that Frodo might be unhappy to lose that coin. More unhappy than she knew, I think. :( This ever grows more interesting, and I watch for these updates. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
It IS hard to feel sorry for Lotho, isn't it? He just did too much damage to himself and everyone else, even, in the end, his beloved mother. As for Lobelia--you are right, both for what she's finally learned and has suffered, and for that small spark of selfishness that still likes to see upset in its wake. So glad I can still keep your interest piqued as long as this story has gone so far.
Dreamflower · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 69: 69: Lobelia Remembers
What a fascinating look at how things might have gone for Lobelia, and how she might have ended up giving Bag End back to Frodo. Her shock and consternation at the course of events reminds me so very much of the old saying "Be careful what you wish for--you might get it." For so long she had obsessed over Bag End, thinking that once it was hers, her life would finally be perfect and all her problems would be over. You have perfectly pictured her growing dismay at the realization that was not true, never would be, and probably never had been. You actually managed to make me feel sorry for her--something that is extremely difficult to do! Frodo, of course, is Frodo--gracious, compassionate and forgiving.
Author's reply
Yes, she got what she wished for, and then indeed learned she'd wished for the wrong thing for the wrong reasons. Folks didn't respect Frodo because he lived in Bag End and had the chance to be gracious--they respected him because he was worthy of that respect, and because he meted it out to those he dealt with, and did so honestly. Lotho, on the other hand, began his habitation on the Hill with lies and cheating, and cannot be surprised people resented that. And to know that I've brought you to feel sorry for the old girl--well, at the end she found her own honor, like her typical Hobbit courage, was there within her, waiting for her to let it out for a good rampage against the injustice Lotho had let loose--with her example before him, unfortunately. In the end she began doing the right thing and for the right reason, and for that she deserves compassion, don't you agree?
French Pony · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
(the image of Daisy in Woody Allen's "Everything you Wanted to Know about Sex" sort of pushed itself into my awareness, and I had to find a way of accommodating it into this story) Oh, good. I'm glad that I wasn't the only one who thought of that. It seems we share similar taste in movies.
Author's reply
First saw that WAYYY long ago at the Paramount in Seattle. Big Bro came up for my birthday and took me to see it, IIRC. We laughed so hard we stayed and saw it again. A hilarious evening it made.
Kitty · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
One of the ruffians stole small clothes for lasses? That is certainly quite odd! I know there are men who are fascinated with it, but it is still odd, and I suppose for the hobbits it's even more odd. Frodo examined Marco as if he were a highly interesting-looking insect he intended to order Samwise Gamgee to poison because it was eating the rose leaves. Oh, I love that! What a wonderful way to put it! *eg* This Marco should be ashamed to complain in this way! It was wonderful and very satisfying how Frodo dealt with him! It is so true - Marco has really nothing to complain about in comparison to Frodo's own time in prison in the Tower of Cirith Ungol. Marco is not even mistreated as Frodo was. You know, I'd love to know what Marco would say after even fifteen minutes of prison in the hands of orcs! It would give him an entirely other perspective. From what Frodo told Brendi, I loved particularly the part about Gimli and Legolas. They're quite an odd pair, but is is so good to see they were able to overcome the long emnity of their people.
Author's reply
We are speaking of Men here, and the kind of Men who would be drawn to follow Saruman doesn't strike me as being the most honorable sort. That we'd have some with odd fetishes seemed likely, and I'll admit I had for some reasons scenes from an old Woody Allen film (see above) running through my head. Gene Allen as the doctor who fell for a patient's sheep and ended up in the gutter drinking Woolite just had to find a way of slipping into this one. And glad you appreciated the matter of describing Frodo's examination of Marco. As for the description of how Legolas and Gimli went from bickering, reluctant allies to friendship and mutual respect--that would, I think, be one of the most deeply appreciated positive effects of the quest in Frodo's mind, I think. Glad you were happy I highlighted how it came to be.
demeter d · 17 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
This chapter and the previous one: tales out of legend coming alive to an astonished ordinary hobbit listener. Again, wonderful.
Author's reply
The stories are beginning to be told--and believed, if not yet fully understood. Thanks for the vote of appreciation.
Linda Hoyland · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
I loved hearing Frodo's account of his healing after Moria,I often wondered how he felt about the Mithril shirt being discovered.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, although I didn't exactly indicate how he felt about Aragorn realizing how he'd survived the spear thrust.
Queen Galadriel · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
That Marco Smallburrow is nothing less than appalling! "Frodo Baggins gets a warm bath whenever he pleases..." Oh! I can't believe him! But even while I would like to take him aside and shout at him, I pity him. He doesn't really know all, and though he'd be hard to get through to even if Frodo wanted to try, he might wish to give Frodo far more than the simple pleasure of a warm bath if he really understood the vollume of what Frodo went through, what he did. On a lighter note, I really enjoyed the conversation between Frodo and Brendi. It's nice to see Frodo trying to concentrate on the good memories. Maybe if he could just do that more, it might make the bad a tiny bit easier to bear. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Marco is a dense, self-centered Hobbit--no question of that! The chances he'll ever fully appreciate what Frodo's been through, though, are pretty slight, I suspect. So glad you like how Frodo opened more to Brendi, although he glossed over the harder, more frightening bits as much as he could. But just speaking of it is, in part, healing, as you note.
Baggins Babe · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
Mixed reponses to this chapter - I was almost rolling at the description of the laundry-raids, and the sheep, not to mention Frodo's bafflement and disbelief. Not the usual sort of incident in the Shire! Marco should be ashamed, especially after hearing what had happened to Frodo himself and the suffering of other hobbits, but he appears to lack a conscience altogether. The contrast between his prison and Frodo's was appalling. I just love Brendilac! He is so sensitive and encouraging when he listens to Frodo, just drawing out some of the tale. And I'm glad that Frodo was able to laugh over some of the stories and enjoy an evening with a friend he trusts.
Author's reply
It was fun trying to think of what truly odd things some Men do that would totally baffle Hobbits, and so glad you find the two incidents hilarious. You are right--Marco has no conscience, and fails to accept anyone could have been worse off than he was. To realize he is in the height of luxury as far as prisons go in the world of Middle Earth was needed. It does make an appalling contrast to the Tower of Cirith Ungol, doesn't it? And Brendi is wanting to understand and willing to listen. That he can trust Brendi is important, and I, too, love seeing him laugh at least a little, as he tells some of his story.
harrowcat · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
Where indeed? A certain conversation between Merry and Pippin comes to mind in the houses of healing. And, of course a lovely hobbit lass with a name beginning with N! Too late, too late we all sigh apart from the writers of AU stories that I rarely read. This account is great. It made me feel that I was there all over again. Jet says 'WOOF' (Imagine large teenage dog with voice breaking!)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo has lost a good deal, and is not likely to open up to a woman of his people after what he's been through and what he's seen, both the evil and the fair. And Narcissa Boffin won't have a chance to know love with the one she's been obsessed with since she was a young lass, although one day she'll appreciate the one with whom Frodo converses tonight, at least. So glad you enjoyed it. And we return the "Woof" and add in a selection of waving tails.
Andrea · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 68: 68: Where Among Women...?
Well, Marco certainly deserved every bit of the treatment he got from Frodo! The comparison of Frodo's prison in the tower of Cirith Ungol to the "luxurious hobbit version" was really an eye-opener! Again, I'm impressed with Frodo's storytelling abilities and Brendi's way to make him speak of his journey, gentler than the first time, more listening than asking and never demanding! That bit about Gimli falling in love with the Lady Galadriel and Frodo's love for Queen Arwen was very interesting. "Where among the women of his own people would he find her like?" Yes, where indeed? I'm looking forward to reading about Frodo's first meeting with Narcissa after the quest - from his point of view, maybe?
Author's reply
The comparison between a Hobbit prison cell as planned by Frodo and accommodating Hobbit sensibilities better than the Tower of Cirith Ungol or what the Big Men inflicted on Will and Lobelia indeeds makes quite a contrast. Marco simply doesn't want to accept that he's actually pretty well off. Yes, Frodo is his uncle's cousin indeed when it comes to telling stories, and Brendi is a far less anxious listener this time. As for the first meeting with Narcissa from Frodo's point of view--that will very likely show up in future chapters.
French Pony · 16 January 2006 · Chapter 67: 67: Family Heads
Oops -- I seem to have missed this chapter somehow. But now I have read it, so that's all good. I'm glad I did, for I was kind of wondering how Sam got to be head of his family. Your explanation does make sense, and it was humorously executed. I loved the scene of Sam's circlet suddenly falling out of his pack and him having to fess up to having become a VIP.
Author's reply
Have done that, too--managed to skip a chapter and have to go back and read it. So glad you appreciated how Sam got the first recognition which in the end led to him becoming Mayor down the road. And it must have been quite the time explaining how he was now a Lord of the Free Peoples.