Inkling
· 29 May 2007
· Chapter 38: 38: Honors and Judgement
“But the words are inscribed, it seems, on my heart.”
Lovely, Larner! And a very apt analogy to the question at hand regarding the nature of faithfulness and duty. Sam abandoned the Quest to turn back for his Master…but in so doing saved both his Master and, ultimately, the Quest.
I loved the scene on the garden bench, with the night singers and the stars…
Author's reply
Yes, indeed a proper analogy, for Sam epitomizes those qualities. And Frodo needed a few memories--a few good ones--from the time to hang onto.
And am so glad you appreciated that scene. I suspect that even in Minas Tirith there would be the night singers. Now and then a white owl flies across my front yard, and all who see it rejoice--except, of course, the rats and mice.
Inkling
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 37: 37: King's Gift
Very interesting, Larner! Though the term was not immediately familiar to me, the concept of the sacrificial king certainly was…for example, in Mary Renault’s superb book The King Must Die (one of JRRT’s own favorites). And the English king as healer rings a bell too…I remember reading that James I fancied himself as having the healing touch.
But the idea of the king feeling what his people feel and also the punishments he metes out…that was new to me! Very interesting, especially as you’ve used it in your story. That’s one of the things I love about fan fiction…I’ve learned so much in reading and writing it!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Renault managed to capture it as well. One of the images that comes to my mind's eye is Artos with Gwynhumara's father in "Sword at Sunset" with him coming out of the Celtic Lammas rite, still in the role of the Sacred King, demanding that Artos make the marriage the land needs; then both Artos's uncle and later himself making preparations for their deaths when it's plain they've come.
The King's Gift is really an accented form of psychic empathy. I've known folks who knew when their loved ones were hurting or extraordinarily happy, and as I said it just felt right for Frodo and Aragorn to share such a gift.
And we do learn so much reading one another's stories. Certainly I've loved seeing how Arthur Conan Doyle can be fitted into Hobbiton society! Heh! And I LOVE your Adelard!
Inkling
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 37: 37: King's Gift
A most unusual and disturbing gift! I read some of the reviews with your explanation of the Sacred King, which I’d not heard of before. Was this a historical role in medieval times, or a mythical figure?
Author's reply
The Sacred King is an archetype--the one who stands between his people and the Powers of Heaven. Apparently the King of Numenor fit this archetype, as only he might speak upon the Sacred Mountain, he was the one who offered the First Fruits at the time of Thanksgiving and who voiced the people's prayers in times of distress; and it was with the King that the Eagles sent by Manwe would converse. The Sacred King must serve the needs of his people and be willing to die to protect them. And in many lands it was believed that the well-being of the King reflected the well-being of the nation itself, to the point that a king who was ailing or fading with age would know he must soon die that the new King could take his place and the kingdom remain strong and healthy.
This ideal of the Sacred King is an ancient one, and is in part believed by many people on a superstitious level to this day. The anointing of the ruler of England on accepting the crown is believed to give the monarch some authority over disease, to the point that historically many who were ill would have themselves brought where he might touch them or have his shadow fall upon them; and to this day kings and queens are expected to go through hospital wards to hearten those who are ill or wounded. Compare this to the idea that the descendants of Earendil bear the gift of healing. And if you read the Coronation liturgy you will see the vows made for the protection of the lands and peoples. Also, perhaps a little-known fact, the true head of the churches of the Anglican Communion is NOT the Archbishop of Canterbury, but currently Queen Elizabeth herself, which is a good part of why there was so much contraversy when Charles and Diana chose to divorce, for having a royal pairing go down so spectacularly and publicly doesn't presage well for the health of the nation and the Church it supports and rules.
That the King would be more likely to act responsibly toward his land and people if he felt the joys and pains of his people isn't particularly a new one, but it is one I've played with in many of my own stories over the years; giving this faculty to Aragorn and Frodo just felt right.
For more looks at The Sacred King, read "The Golden Bough": Sutcliff's "Sword at Sunset," or perhaps her book "Sun Horse, Moon Horse"; Joy Chant's "Red Moon and Black Mountain"; or Katherine Kurtz's "Lammas Night" (I think that was the title). Even the role of the Lord Rand in Terry Goodkind's Sword of Truth stories is consistent with the role of the Sacred King.
A most interesting and eclectic chapter…
Yes, even negative emotions are better than feeling nothing…just as every child knows negative attention is better than none.
So Gondorians don’t drink tea, or is it just the concept of tea bags that’s a novelty? Are they Aragorn’s invention?
Once Galador gets over the shock I suspect he will enjoy having a King who wants to discuss the minutiae of seating with him…after all, it confirms the importance of his work!
The singing was lovely, and I’m so glad that Frodo joined in.
Author's reply
I suspect that the folk of Gondor have their own herbal drinks and tisanes, but don't as yet fully appreciate tea as much as do Hobbits and Breelanders.
When doing medicinal teas, I suspect Aragorn has come to realize that making certain the proper balance of herbs is important, and so it is that he would very possibly have decided to make up packets he believes might be useful with Frodo at hand ahead of time, packets that can be steeped for one and won't leave bitter dregs in the bottom of the mug. I suspect many healers used cheesecloth to make up such packets, in fact.
I've had two students who practiced self-destructive behavior such as face slapping and scratching of their own arms. For one of them it was found that he had poor ability to process tactile information dealing with pressure on his face; of all things, covering his ears helped stem the self-stimulation of the slapping. Pain was preferable for him to not feeling anything near his ears, for some reason.
Researchers dealing with Holocaust survivors found a goodly number who had their adrenalin systems so stressed during their time in the camps that they reported that they found that in returning to normal life all seemed grey and dull. Whether their bodies no longer produced sufficient adrenalin to give them normal experiences of excitement or alarm, or the receptors in the brain that react to the presence of the hormone had diminished, or what, they couldn't say. Maybe the amygdala itself was heavily traumatized and left somewhat scarred. I strongly suspect that there were too many times when Frodo felt drained of the ability to feel, perhaps for similar reasons.
Galador is going to find himself reacting to unexpected changes to normal behavior throughout his tenure as Master of Protocol for Elessar's court, such as when the King throws a welcome feast for emissaries from Harad and Umbar and invites NOT the nobility but merchants and artisans. He will either adapt or give up, I susupect. Heh!
And Frodo does have moments when he can feel normally, at least. To join in that harmony was a gift to him, I'd think.
Thanks for the feedback.
A most creative and just sentence for Angrapain! I wonder if it will do him any good. Oh, I know the idea repulses him now, but it’s hard to resist the miracle of birth…
Oddly enough, I’m a bit sorry to see the Umbarians go. There’s nothing like a good villain or two to liven up a story! Not that they all seem completely villainous…perhaps Wasnior’s seed of honor will sprout. But deception seems to be a national pastime…even among themselves and their servants.
Author's reply
The Umbarians were allied with Sauron for so very long, and even when under Gondorian rule tended to resent it terribly, seeing themselves as the true heirs of Numenor, even when they chose the Dark instead of the Light to follow and serve.
Agree about a good villain livening a tale, but hope you can accept a peaceful time, for Frodo and Aragorn are fighting a different war now, one they cannot fully win, this side of the Sea.
Inkling
· 1 April 2007
· Chapter 33: 33: Embassies from Rhovanion
Loved Aragorn looking in on everyone in bed. What a good dad he'll make!
Poor Frodo...to be a helpless patient again, so soon after his impressive fisticuffs!
Author's reply
I based Frodo's rocky steps to healing on my husband's experiences in his last two years--a step or two forward, two or three back, and one sideways seemed to be typical for him. And I agree, Aragorn is a good paternal figure, for his family, his friends, and now his nation. I'm proud of him!
Inkling
· 30 March 2007
· Chapter 32: 32: Incarceration
A nice chapter! I especially liked this phrase: suddenly Madog went still with memory
Every prison should have a Warden like Madog. I suspect that Angrapain would not have fared as well if imprisoned in his own land.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree about there being a need for Madog in more prisons, one reason I truly like "The Green Mile," for the idea that both warden and guards in that prison were truly humane individuals. I suspect in his own land, had a sufficiently powerful individual find himself or a family member being importuned by Angrapain the fool would have died most inventively.
Inkling
· 29 March 2007
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Very astute of Frodo to see that Angrapain was more drunk than he appeared. Not that that excuses him...
Author's reply
I suspect that after fifty years of life Frodo has a far better understanding of how many folk can express drunkenness than many men half his age, and would recognize it, and I suspect that the effect of the Morgul blade enhanced the sense of smell as well as vision and hearing as described by Tolkien.
No, it doesn't excuse him; but it does perhaps mitigate the situation.
Inkling
· 25 March 2007
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Go Frodo! Loved his handling of Angrapain, both in the last chapter and this one. I’ve never liked portrayals of Frodo as helpless victim…and am so glad you don’t either!
Author's reply
No, I doubt Frodo was totally helpless; his courage in trying to take a sword to the Witch-king and in stabbing the troll's foot and cutting off the wight's hand all show he had far more courage and will than most give him credit for.
So glad you're continuing to read this.
Inkling
· 25 March 2007
· Chapter 30: 30: Mushrooms and Vengeance
Ah, mushrooms…the love that dare not speak its name!
Author's reply
Glad you appreciate that, although Angrapain doesn't fully understand, of course!
Inkling
· 5 March 2007
· Chapter 28: 28: On Lordship and Lands
Hmm, and here is the flip side of letting go…Aragorn not being willing to let Frodo go yet.
This was a very nice line: “…for others have remained whole only because I have been willing to be hurt for their sakes. That is the whole point--the only point I have ever seen, to being a warrior.”
The discussion of Aragorn’s investments was fascinating…and your interpretation of the practical side of Frodo and Sam’s ennoblement. In LOTR I had the sense that their titles were little more than an empty gesture. And the claims for pain and suffering caused by the Army of the Dead…what a hoot!
Author's reply
Yep, a flip side indeed.
The granting of lands for purposes of maintenance for those granted honor for services rendered to the realm was very common throughout Europe; and I suspect such would be done in the Dunedain lands as well. I was never certain what the circlets of honor fully entailed, and I suspect Tolkien never thought of it as more than physical indications of the honor given Frodo and Sam, either; but the idea that if these were real lands such would follow such a public display of honor seemed logical, and so there it came.
And so glad you like the injection of real human behavior here.
Glad you're continuing to read it, and I always appreciate your comments. Somehow these comments didn't get forwarded to my home computer, but then Hughes.net has been giving me fits for months. I'm getting increasingly upset with them. I wish I had an option for cable or some other broadband system out in the wilds where I now live.
Inkling
· 5 March 2007
· Chapter 27: 27: Halargil of the Guard of the Citadel
A very sensitive and insightful look at letting go, with its subtle parallel to Frodo’s feelings of guilt and foreshadowing of his later choices. Your characters are always so well drawn, even the minor ones.
Author's reply
Thank you so very uch, Inkling. I had wondered what those who had come to aid Denethor and brought him the torch, and the grief and guilt they might feel afterward; that seeing the ending of one of these coming with peace I felt might indeed aid Frodo as he faces his own future and the choices before him.
So glad you're able to continue reading.
Inkling
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 26: 26: Searching for Answers
Wasnior is very good at asking questions while revealing absolutely no information about himself whatsoever…the mark of a master spy. Though I suppose he’s more of an employer of spies?
Author's reply
Wasnior is in part a spy and an employer of spies, but mostly he's intended to be a diplomat, although proves not to be as good a one as had been hoped for. However, the quality of Men within Umbar isn't particularly good, and hasn't been so for quite some time, I fear.
So glad you're catching up.
Inkling
· 4 March 2007
· Chapter 25: 25: Honoring Service
Awww…what a nice reunion of Belveramir and his lord captain! It’s fun to see the unmasking of Thorongil. And it’s a wise king who wants to know all of his servants.
Author's reply
I love seeing different people realizing they know this new king of theirs after all. And indeed a wise man who seeks to know those who work for him, particularly a king who must know whom to trust. Glad you approve.
I wonder if Aragorn errs in making the Umbarians wait…the longer they hang around, the more trouble they can get into, methinks…
Author's reply
They CAN be a troubling lot--on that we are agreed. But they are about to learn not to underestimate Hobbits in a manner they couldn't have anticipated.
Inkling
· 28 February 2007
· Chapter 23: 23: Circle of Light
Am finally returning to this story after a long interruption…I’d hoped to finish it in time for the MEFAs, but it was not to be, unfortunately. It may take me a while, but I never leave a good story unfinished!
Having just read this chapter and re-read the preceding one, I’m struck by the contrasting story threads you’ve woven together--the intrigue of the embassy from Umbar, the pageantry of the court, and the intimacy of Frodo’s struggles and frustrations. It was nice seeing him here in the role of Sam's protector and comforter.
It was surprisingly easy to pick up the threads again, and I’m hoping for no more interruptions! Let’s see, just 77 more chapters to go…
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're back to it at last, Inkling, before we start on the next round of MEFAs.
I think all the Hobbits would have taken turns comforting one another during this time as they began actively pulling together all that had happened to them and trying to tie it together into one final bundle.
Yes, just a few chapters left to consider! Heh!
storyfish
· 8 September 2006
· Chapter 31: 31: Aftermath
Yaaaay Frodo! This was an exciting chapter--I went from biting my nails anxiously as Angrapain plotted his revenge to cheers as Frodo (yet again!) showed hidden talents. (Fisticuffs! Who knew? And why am I somehow not surprised??) I especially loved his reaction--so very Frodo--apologizing for hitting the man twice! Of course, I suspect he was mildly in shock at that point.....but still.
This story is definitely picking up speed, I think--the last few chapters were filled with moments I'll remember for a long time--from Frodo's examination of Pippin's back, to the discussion of his and Sam's titles that will bring a pestilence of hobbits back to Gondor for generations... ;-) Great job!
Author's reply
So glad you approve!
I'd written the idea that Frodo had learned while still a tween to use his fists, but had been sworn not to use them more than he needed to to stop someone from beating up on others in my very first story, "For Eyes to See as Can," and it has continued in my other stories, most especially in "The Ties of Family" where he passes on his skill to his much younger cousin Fosco, who uses it to great effect when a Bracegirdle tries to force an unwanted marriage. So far in my stories I've not indicated how Aragorn ever became aware of this hidden talent in Frodo, who probably wouldn't have seen it as particularly useful against Black Riders and orcs; and here I found a perfect means of doing so.
Angrapain is a true pain in the patoot, of course, and deserved this and more. But to have received his initial comeuppance from a creature only have his height whom he'd assumed to be very vulnerable--that must have been quite a shock. And you're right about Frodo's reaction--very Frodo, and a Frodo in shock. Thanks so much for the response!
storyfish
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 22: 22: Guests at the Feast
Oh, this was one of my favorite chapters yet! I loved the dancing, from Aragorn's embarrassment at asking Eowyn to dance (I'm sure they both had her former infatuation with him on their minds) to Frodo's dance and then his cousins' concern for him after--absolutely terrific characterizations and fun to read too.
I'm definitely intrigued that we're getting all this from Wasnior's (an outsider's!) perspective, though I'm a little worried and suspicious of him still, since his motives are mysterious. But now, time to read on--!
Author's reply
Yes, we're getting this one from the point of view of one from a nation historically antagonistic to Elendil's heirs and for too long aligned with Mordor. But it's fun to imagine just how a complete newcomer to the game with only the mildest appreciation for the players and affiliations is going to react to Hobbits seated at the King's side.
And the fact that Aragorn's never (in my view of him) been particularly keen on dancing is another reason for his embarrassment, although you're right that the mutual awareness of lingering concerns for Eowyn's former infatuation plays a part. But it would be almost required of the King to first partner the woman with the greatest rank present for the first dance, particularly those associated with visiting royalty, so there wouldn't be much choice for either of them. Protocol can be so very restricting on those who find themselves in its meshes!
storyfish
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 21: 21: Robing
Hello, Larner!
Just thought I'd drop another review in here to say that I'm still enjoying your story! It's taking me a while since I'm busy, but I do manage to sneak in a chapter here and there between my other stuff. ;-)
Your knowledge of all things Middle Earth is impressive, to say the least. There's just so much wealth of detail here, concerning history and families and customs. I especially appreciate the original characters--like Galador. He's wonderful! (and FUNNY!) The description of the different colored chairs, court politics, and even the clothing everyone's wearing is very vividly drawn.
I'm excited that this story is so long...I'm enjoying just soaking in all these details and of course, I'm avidly watching Frodo as he takes small steps forward in his healing process.
*applause for the author!*
Author's reply
/Larner ducks her head somewhat diffidently to the applause.
Much of what I describe is simply my own version of what I think folk would wear and do, based on my knowledge of medieval societies, technology, and so on. You'll find others who write the same time period very differently, of course.
And that you appreciate my original characters is heartening. Galador has only been peripherally touched on in other stories, particularly in "Lesser Ring," and here I felt we should actually meet him. The different color tiles used to indicate where families or affiliations should sit is based on a color scheme I once used in making a seating chart for a classroom I had control of for a few memorable months. I was trying to visualize how to separate certain elements and yet keep them alongside students whose presence might serve to steady them somewhat. It didn't do the full trick for me, but I try to make it work for Gondor, at least. (Grinning.)
Yes, this is a long one. It has more chapters than "The King's Commission," but in actuality I think they're about even in length, although I'll have to check them both again to see.
So glad you're continuing to follow the story. And thanks for the feedback along the way.
AspenJules
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Who for Ringbearer?
Fascinating concept that one of the reasons Frodo could resist it was because it wasn't *tuned* to dominate Hobbits like it was Men, Elves or Dwarves.
I'm glad Frodo has so many people there to help counteract the negative thoughts he's having. I especially love the glint of anger in Legolas at his suggestion that it would have been better if he hadn't been 'brought back.' WTG Elfboy! hehehe
Author's reply
Nice to see you reading!
In the case of the Ring, it was indeed intended to dominate Men, Elves, and Dwarves, as it was for these that Celebrimbor and his folk created the other nineteen. It did give one additional reason for the Creator and the Valar to set the Ring in Frodo's way at the end.
AspenJules
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Feast Not Enjoyed
Ok, that was a good chapter! I loved the conversation between Frodo and Gandalf about the effect the Ring had on him with respect to the lasses. I'd never read an explanation for why he remained celibate, even in the "frodo's healed" fics other than that he was consumed by guilt or was too ill or ... I guess that's about it.
Poor Frodo - the more I read about the (possible) effects the Ring had on him while in his possession... *sighs*
Author's reply
I try to remain logical as to what could have led to many of the truths about Frodo. He's unlike Bilbo in so many ways, and my own experience is that those who had good families and lost them as he did wish to recreate that joy by developing families of their own. If he didn't remarry, there must have been an overwhelming reason he didn't, I'd think.
AspenJules
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Honored
Ok.. I'm liking this. I especially like the Voice - its refusal to allow Frodo his warped reasoning but always attempting to straighten it/him back out.
Not sure if I'll like this - these fics are always depressing to me with such a depressed Frodo (guess maybe I identify too closely) but I've been meaning to read it for ages now.
You are doing a great job so far.
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo is getting some gentle correction, which of course he needs.
I hope you don't find it too difficult to read. There are beautiful moments and bad ones, I fear--but, then, that's life. At least you get to see the ups and downs, and the good done by Frodo along the way.
storyfish
· 22 August 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Who for Ringbearer?
Wow, I've been reading these past few chapters going, "a-ha!" I really like your take on the events in LOTR, this gap-filler is doing wonders for answering questions I'd thought about--and doing so in a way that just makes sense! (The part about virginity and innocence was just heart-breaking, as was Frodo's admission of what the Ring had done to his mind even before the quest...)
I loved Legolas in this last chapter, especially here: Legolas stood most still, his eyes glinting in the light entering from over the fabric walls. When at last he spoke, his voice was as sharp as the tips of his own arrows, as sharp as the edge of his white knife. “Do not say that to me again, Frodo--ever. It would be poor recompense to me to know you died, and still enslaved in part to that. No, let you examine those times and then let them go so that you may be able to be filled once more with joy and peace as is right and proper before you leave the bounds of Arda. It was for that the King called you back from the Gates.” Frodo really has no chance--he won't be able to continue in his depression with such good friends.
Author's reply
Oh, that you feel this story does fill in the gaps both properly and logically means a great deal to me.
Yes, Frodo would be one to wonder just why his sexuality was repressed for so long, and why he never followed through on marrying anyone. To learn just how much of an influence the Ring had on him, and how he learned to suppress some things to protect others from his basest desires must have been in some ways reassuring, I'd think.
And am glad you appreciate Legolas's advice so.
He needs the others so much.
storyfish
· 21 August 2006
· Chapter 1: 1: Unconsummated
I remember coming across this fic a long time ago, but because of its length I didn't get much farther than a chapter or two until the craziness of life-stuff forced me to stop reading for a while...and then I forgot to return! Well, this time I'm going to read it all, and to help me remember to do so, I'm being a much better reviewer this time. ;-)
This first chapter has me hooked, especially at this line: Oh, Iorhael, even you were not immune to Its power. You do not understand yet, do you? Iluvatar does not rejoice in burnt offerings, but in living sacrifices. I am intrigued, and I hope that in the course of this story, Frodo does indeed learn the difference between a burnt offering and a living sacrifice, and is healed. His current attitude is alarming--especially since, as Gandalf observed, you intended to destroy yourself to destroy It, and Frodo is disappointed he's not dead! Poor hobbit.... *hugs him*
Author's reply
Glad you've come back to it. Am trying to get back to those I'd not responded to before.
They were doing a series of quotes from Tolkien's letters on Frodo's reasons for being so calm on Mount Doom, his reasons for chosing to go to Tol Eressea, and so on, and those sparked this story.
And as for hugging Frodo--I agree--I too want to hug him.
Thanks for giving it another try, and hope you make it through all the chapters.