harrowcat
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 57: 57: Farewell to the Southlands
*sniffs loudly and grabs for hankerchief* I have been waiting both avidly and reluctantly for this part of the tale as I always felt that the Prof rather short-changed us. But then, what would be left for other great word-masters to do? Avidly because I can't wait to read it but reluctantly too because there is no thrill as great as reading it for the first time. I'm like a hobbit with his first piece of seed cake! Greedy for it and yet wanting to savour it!
Author's reply
Oh, and thank you for this, Harrowcat. And I know how one realizes the pleasure of the first viewing or reading can't be purely repeated. Now, to go bake up some seed cakes! Heh!
Inkling
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: The King's Procession
A nice continuation of the previous chapter, as the procession moves through the city. The soldier’s family giving flowers to Frodo was a nice moment. And what happier sign that the war is truly over than the various discussions of romantic liaisons in the making?
Author's reply
So glad you approve. Yes, Frodo's contribution is appreciated by many, and it's now the time to begin considering that life will continue after all, and that there are loves for several waiting.
Glad you still had time to read.
Bodkin
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 57: 57: Farewell to the Southlands
This breaking up and going home / saying farewell is just such a protracted period - it must have been so hard for them all. In some ways I think Elrond and Arwen were wise to choose a cut off point and leave it there - after all, nothing was going to make it any easier. For all the difficulties Arwen will face, her troubles with this have an end - whereas Elrond will be left to fret as long as Arda lasts. Plus he has the stress of trying to get Celebrian to understand!
Most of them know that they can meet again - although chances may be few and far between. They have had a very intense few months together and the bond of that can never be recaptured - but, on the other hand, it can never be broken either.
Frodo's fate is the saddest, because he cannot see beyond the next few weeks or months, and they are all clearly worried sick about him. You'd think the Valar-messaging service would be a bit quicker!
I like Quickbeam. Nice to see a conversation with an Ent.
Sorry for the seasonal delays in reviewing - everything just gets a bit hectic this time of year.
Author's reply
Considering seasonal extra hours in my job, I certainly can't complain about what other people do, can I?
Yes, such a whittling down of the party bit by bit would be difficult on all those forced to follow through to the end, for it's one loss on top of the rest, and we begin to feel with Elrond who wants to end some things cleanly. The Fellowship as an active group is done, and now there are the shared memories, but it will always be on a reestablishment basis, although the love will never truly end.
Frodo's is the saddest at the moment, although in the end he does accept the healing offered; but for now no one truly knows what will become of him.
And glad that you appreciated Quickbeam's interaction. I think that after Treebeard himself Quickbeam would be the next most logical Ent to seek relationships with outsiders.
demeter d
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 57: 57: Farewell to the Southlands
Sweet, quiet, lovely. I have been reading a lot of Eomer-Lotherial stories lately, and most of them cast the youngest brother, Amrothos, as a silly prankster. Nice to see him given another dimension, as one Aragorn trusts to attend on the lady of his heart until he returns. Yet another of the "Speaking Races" of Middle Earth has now paid tribute to Frodo and Sam.
I especially liked the reminder that the quest was always under the Creator's guidance, and He was able to use even Gollum to fulfill his purposes.A story full of light and hope!
Author's reply
I haven't read many such stories myself, although I've read one, and poor Amrothos barely was mentioned. Here, too, he's barely mentioned, but a growing respect is implied and purposely so, I decided. Here is a young man who's grown up in the most trying period in the last age, and he'll have to have grown up expected to be a warrior as would all his class. I want to think his competence would already be obvious; and so I had Aragorn recognize it and offer him a recognition appropriate for his age and status.
And I also like to think all the "speaking races" were united on the recognition for Sam and Frodo and their dark journey. The peoples of Middle Earth were a deeply spiritual group in spite of their distance from the Valar and the lack of organized worship; and I appreciate that you feel I express this in my writing.
Thank you.
Linda Hoyland
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
Saying goodbye must have been very hard in the days before swift travel,emails and phone calls.
Poor Frodo to be so ill on the journey,it does not seem that he accepts his condition.
I felt sorry for Faramir seeing the place of his father's madness.
I loved the interaction between Aragorn and the Hobbits on the journey.
I'm puzzled about Faramir and Eowyn's wedding as all the sources I have seen say they were married the next year and what happened at the funeral was just the formal engagement.
Author's reply
Well, I've not read all of HoME or the Letters, and here I had to rely on the appendices, which don't make anything completely clear. So, I decided to go with a full wedding--hope you don't mind. I know I'd always thought of it as a wedding when I was younger, I know.
A journey we make in a few hours by car could take days when all travel was on foot, by ship, or by wagon or horse; and it could take months and possibly years to make a trip we accomplish by jet in a few hours. And so many didn't live through the entire journey, due to disease, sudden loss of foodstuffs, natural disasters, attacks by brigands or hostile forces, and so on. A goodbye could easily be permanent in such times.
And Frodo's not yet seriously ill, but is aware he is not going to live long if he stays, and unsure as to what is going on in himself, and naturally enough sick and tired of being sick and tired, and fussing as a result. Natural response to chronic illnesses, unfortunately.
Anyway, hope you don't mind I actually had Faramir marry Eowyn in my version, and hope you liked the rites.
Lady Korana
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 57: 57: Farewell to the Southlands
This is lovely, and so very poignant. The chapter with the final splitting of the Fellowship has always made me very sad and depressed. I was especially moved by your portrayal of Aragorn's anguish that he is the cause of the final parting of Arwen and her father.
I also really enjoyed all the exchanging of tales of what happened at Helm's Deep, Isengard, etc.
My sole regret is that you never had Frodo bid farewell to Legolas and Gimli. As loyal members of the Fellowship, and as friends, they at least deserved a quick hug and 'goodbye'. I think it would have been nice to give Legolas and Frodo a moment to exchange some shared understanding of sea longing too. Otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this chapter.
Author's reply
So glad you appreciated what was there, and am sorry I didn't think to show the goodbye to our favorite Odd Couple friends. You are right--I managed to short change them. However, it's hard to keep every single thread straight in such a complicated story. But I will try to deal with some of your concerns by other means.
Aragorn is saying goodbye to his remaining parent, knowing that he has managed to cause him great hurt; and Elrond is having to deal with the mixed feelings as well, knowing that this is another link in the chains of his loves he will never see again. And they are all concerned for what will be Frodo's fate, knowing he is particularly vulnerable.
Thanks so much for the review.
Dreamflower
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 57: 57: Farewell to the Southlands
Poor Aragorn!
I loved the scene with Sam comforting the King. I find myself wondering what was said, and how the gentle gardener coaxed Aragorn into revealing his grief.
The part with the hobbits being uncomfortable in the tower at Helm's Deep was a very good detail.
Of course, the mood of melancholy and leavetaking continues; one by one, more farewells are said.
Poor Aragorn.
grumpy
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
I like it that Frodo named his pony Strider, a very fitting name. The spider bite sounds dreadful, and it keeps getting better and then worse. Very perplexing. Sound a bit like Elrond there.
Lovely chapter, so Eowyn and Faramir are married. nothing like a wedding, except maybe babies.
Author's reply
The name is from the book, for Frodo was said to name it Strider, and rode it to the Havens. I have him leaving Strider to Rosie, myself, for her own.
I've seen stories in which the trothplighting was merely an engagement ceremony, and in which it was a wedding. I chose to have it a wedding, and rejoice that these two didn't have to wait longer to become husband and wife. And the babies will come in time, thank the Valar! ;-)
Amy
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
Such a sweet and touching moment when "Strider" watches over the hobbits one night!
Author's reply
Yes, a resumption of older roles for the moment, and the comfort of it.
Radbooks
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
How terribly difficult it must have been for Faramir to go down the Silent Street and deal with the emotions of all of that. I'm sure he hadn't been back since he had almost died there and it would have been very tough emotionally on him, both because of what had happened to him and because of his father's death, of course. Tragic.
Ah, yes, love is blooming between Eomer and Lothiriel and Imrahil is going along to keep watch over her. Though of course he is going for Faramir's sake too. But I imagine he should be there more for his daughter's sake than for Faramir! :)
The ponies and the saddles for the hobbits sound wonderful, and I'm sure that they are small horses and not ponies. I doubt that the Rohirrim breed too many ponies, but small horses for their children would make sense. And I imagine that the saddles that they have in Rohan would be incredibly intricate and beautiful - probably much nicer than lots of other things they have. They do love their horses! :)
The idea of traveling in the company of elves, hobbits, and men sounds very appealing right now (especially as the weather sounds wonderful enough that you can sleep outside instead of this rainy icky stuff we are having on my side of the state! I'd rather have it cold and clear than cloudy and blah.) Anyway, I would love to wake in the middle of the night and have a pipe-smoking ranger sitting by me! HA! But, seriously, I was glad that Frodo could find some ease for a day or two.
Then the spider bite raises it's nasty head again. Is there a pattern to that? I haven't noticed one, but perhaps there is. Maybe it's stress related.
I felt sorry for both Frodo and Aragorn during their conversation about the draughts and if Frodo was going to get well, etc. I could feel both of their frustration. Frodo for being tired of being sick and not geting better and having to take draughts and being a burden, etc. And Aragorn for having to deal with a patient that was not willing to do what was best for him when Aragorn knew that he was getting somewhat better and for having to take the brunt of Frodo's anger and even when Aragorn knew that it was not really directed at him, he still had to deal with it. It was all very well done, but the highlight was when Aragorn reminded Frodo that it was his choice to return. He could have left, he could have gone on, and Frodo admitting that he had stayed because he had seen Aragorn's light and wanted to find his way by it. Very moving.
The trothplighting was almost as complicated as a wedding! :) Fascinating though.
Wonderful chapter, the only sad thing is that I know it's drawing to a close. sniff. Happy New Year and may you have a blessed 2006!
Author's reply
Yes, love is in bloom indeed. A trothplighting might be either a formal announcement of engagement or a wedding, so I've decided to make it the latter, as in our wedding we used the old wording "and I hereby plight with you my troth." I couldn't see making the two of them wait longer, although I certainly loved your engagement ceremonies in your story.
Stybba was described as a pony, and so I thought of these as being described as ponies, but of a more horse-like mould than our Shetlands and so on. And I'm certain the tack for Rohirric steeds would be gorgeously intricate.
On this side of the Sound we've been having windstorms, although at midnight it was clear as I went to oversee a client's donning of his C-Pap machine. Today it's been nasty, and we've had a series of power outages that didn't last long.
I'd written before that the spider bite seemed to fill and drain every couple months, and this was about time. It'll continue to trouble Frodo until after he goes to Tol Eressea, I fear. But those who are chronically ill DO get to resent it, even when they try to be fair. Have seen it in too many over the years not to appreciate how the resentment grows.
The story will continue through the taking of the ship, but more lightly, I think. And the motherly Nuzgul at last is happy to be dealt with. She's been getting nippy lately, I've found.
Elflingimp
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
This chapter is very moving and well written I know I have not reviewed before but I admire all these chapters you have written and have kept everyone of them written with the same quality and care and detail,you truely are a great writer Oh and Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Thanks so very much for the reviews you have given (this one and the other story you read). Am always glad when people report they feel that I've done a good job with detail and care, and hope I can always do so.
Thanks so much for the compliments, and hope your 2006 is a good one. I'm certainly trying to keep it so.
So Galador might have had something to do with matchmaking for Eomer, good for him.
I think one of the things the ring robbed from Frodo, was the thought to dance a shorter dance, if he could no longed dance the hard one's. I like it that everyone wants to ask the Valar, for Frodo to go in Arwin's place.
Author's reply
I think the petition in the end would have been pretty universal, and rather wish they'd discussed it with the Hobbits as well. But, that didn't happen in the original, and I won't go quite that AU.
It's fun to think that Galador managed to score a success with his intent to introduce Lothiriel and Eomer. I loved a story here in which Lothiriel had come to Minas Tirith with her father and agreed to work in the Houses of Healing in order to remain during the war; in that story she met Eomer as he came to check on his sister--a lovely, well done depiction, I thought; but as I didn't have time to develop that long a thread, I chose this way.
Perhaps Frodo could have danced a slower, shorter dance; I suspect that was specifically why Galadriel asked him to dance with her to demonstrate he hadn't lost all; but we are dealing with a stubborn Baggins, after all.
shirebound
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
He smiled unconsciously, glad to have had the chance to see the renewal of this land, the beginning to Aragorn’s reign, the joy of the Tree.
Lovely. What an incredibly detailed chapter of the leavetaking from Gondor and the journey to Edoras. It's as if you were part of the Company, taking notes and sharing your observations with us.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for sharing what you like best in this chapter, Shirebound. I like to try to imagine how the farewells might have happened, and how the various members would have reacted.
Haven't had time to read your story yet--catching up after a grueling week last week. Will try to get to it in the next few days.
Kitty
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
These farewells make me so sad! Especially as far as Frodo is concerned, because I know he is the one besides the Elves who will never return. It's touching to see how much even Lasgon and the others have come to love them.
And it is so frustrating to see Frodo having all the health problems. No wonder he wasn't in the best mood at times. Well, at least he was able to sing and enjoy himself again a bit, in spite of Shelob and all the other ordeals he has gone through. I'm glad Elrond and his three sons are there to help him during the way home.
The way all paid their respects to Théoden was nice, and the wedding of Éowyn and Faramir simply lovely. It is very fitting Aragorn and Éomer did it together. And I loved the idea of the newlywed couple bound together during the meal, so they have to work together to eat and drink. I hope their fine garments remained unsoiled ;)
A happy and healthy new year to you, my dear!
Author's reply
Author Reply: Okay--I managed to post an empty reply. Am getting loopy, I think.
Tolkien didn't indicate Frodo suffered from anything worse than shell shock, although PTSD sufferers will tell you it is miserable enough; and yet after what he'd been through, having been at the brink of death there on the side or Orodruin itself, that just has never seemed quite realistic. So, I tend to write him as physically failing, but doing so in such a way that few realize just how bad he is. Yet Sam did recognize Frodo was leaving permanently, but apparently expected him to retire to Rivendell rather than the Undying Lands.
But chronic illness is wearing and often evokes fussiness and immense frustration. But between bouts the same person who yesterday was biting off heads today is cheerful and singing. Been there, seen it in action.
I wish I could remember which culture it is that the husband and wife are literally bound together for the wedding feast so they must begin by practicing cooperation, but it is a feature in one culture I've read about. Thought it might be an interesting one to use for the Rohirrim.
And glad you appreciated that Theoden received respect and honor even in Gondor.
harrowcat
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
I think that you must be psychic Larner as I spent some of the holiday enduring a similar reaction from my dearly loved Mum. With as little resolution I might add!
And I am really a nosy parker! I wanted to know what, if anything Aragorn or Eomer was going to say to the happy couple.
My best wishes for a happy New Year all. And go get some sleep Larner!
Dreamflower
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
What a sad chapter of leavetaking. But there were some humorous touches as well--I loved the bit about the seedcakes, a sly reference to "The King's Commission".
I liked also the details of how the cortege was arranged, and the respect paid to Theoden's remains.
The bite from Shelob continues as a horribly distressing problem for Frodo. I am sure that Elrond and Aragorn are very perplexed about it.
And I loved the end, the sight of the four hobbits, sleeping together as they had on the Quest.
demeter d
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
So many farewells! It was touching to read about Lasgon and Madame Loren's goodbyes. They have been with the Hobbits, the whole fellowship, for months of good times and ill now. i wopuld like to read tales of Lasgon and Bergil as they grow and become members of the King's guard. It might also be fun to see them become friends with the children of the three Hobbits who return to Gondor for visits over the years. One thing I have particularly liked in your last couple of chapters. I have been reading several Eomer-Lotherial stories lately. Almost all of them have Imrahil a widower, and Lotherial dealing with changes in her life after the war without her mother beside her. it is nice for once to see a mother who is still there. It does seem to be a sad, constant thread in many of Tolkien's tales that mothers die too early. I have also seem many variations on the theme of Eowyn-Faramir's wedding. Some say that "troth-plighted" is like a very formal, witnessed engagement pledge, and they later married in a formal Gondorian ceremony. I have seen many good stories running both ways. But I particularly like yours. The best of both lands, before the kings of both, who also have a personal interest in the two of them. Lovely! And what an opportunity that was for the people of Rohan to see the last of the living legends, as if "risen out of the grass," before they leave middle earth for ever. An eventful chapter.
Antane
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 56: 56: To Edoras
My poor Frodo, though I understand his frustrations about not getting better. I am very glad he was up to singing later.
Author's reply
He is getting better, but is still resentful he will not be what he was before he went on the quest. But once the current distress is dealt with, with the distraction of the journey, yes, he does begin to sing once more, a gift he at least never lost.
And I add my petition as well...
But to have him never dance again, oh no!
Author's reply
He does eventually dance again, but not until he's been in the Undying Lands for some time. He dances in "The Ties of Family."
I'm glad they granted it, too.
Antane
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 54: 54: Preparing to Return Home
I just love the thoughtfulness of Sam taking some of the stuff Frodo is leaving behind so his brother will have them later, especially all the art supplies. So like Sam to think of these things. And I liked when Arwen gave him her gem. Now if that helps show you your particular place in the Song, I wish I had one! :) Happy Yule and New Year!
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Sam hasn't changed that much from before the quest, has he? He still is looking out for Frodo however he can, and will make certain Frodo has the little things he didn't think he'd want.
And so glad you like the gift of the Evenstar gem to Frodo. Wish I had one, too! And a joyful new year to you as well.
Inkling
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 13: 13: Party of Princes, and a King Made
With the holidays now over, I can finally return to this story…I see that I have quite a ways to go to catch up!
You have really outdone yourself with this chapter, Larner! This is such a beautifully imagined, carefully thought-out coronation scene…the procession, in particular, was described in such detail that I could picture it perfectly.
So many lovely moments, such as Aragorn’s touch of nerves, the tender gesture of Sam and Frodo fastening each other’s cloaks, Gandalf’s trademark words of wisdom, and finally Frodo’s vision of the future king, his life now fulfilled.
The theme of your story is becoming clearer to me in this chapter as well…I felt Haldorn’s remark to Aragorn to be significant, but did not quite understand it until Gandalf’s later words: ”For today rejoice in the rewards for the sacrifices already given; but be prepared for those yet be offered.”
Frodo had thought, perhaps, to redeem himself by dying at Mt. Doom, and does not yet realize that living can be a sacrifice too…
Best wishes for the new year!
Author's reply
Glad you could find time to read, and am so glad you appreciated this chapter, which is so swiftly written by the Master. And thank you for appreciating the heart of the story, that Frodo has had to learn to indeed offer his life continuously, a sacrifice he is not aware much of the time he is making.
Hope your holy days were joyful, and that the new year is good for all of us.
It was so beautiful to see so many beg for Frodo's easing, and I loved the fact that Gimli was there and added his request. If only Frodo could realise how so many love and care for him.
Another wonderful chapter, as usual.
Author's reply
So glad you appreciated it. I think all would wish for Frodo to have this grace offered him. Thank you for your comments.
The Master of Protocol finally got something right - even if Aragorn was annoyed for a moment there! :) At first I was amazed that Eomer would feel free enough to make those kind of comments about Arwen to Aragorn even though they are close friends. But then in that society and in that time (unlike ours unfortunately) not everything is about base desires - at least that's what I'm assuming here. :)
As I was reading the part where they were all agreeing to petition the Valar to allow Frodo into Valinor, I started wondering about something. Was there no one to watch out for men? Were the Valar truly ONLY interested in elves? I know that mortals could not usually go to Valinor, but did Tolkien never set up any kind of help for men? I guess the Valar didn't really help the elves much either except at the end of the first age when they came and threw down Morgoth. I don't know it just struck me as strange for some reason.
Author's reply
Am behind with responses--last week's work schedule was a MESS.
I like to think that Galador was allowed to have at least one success, and that in the end even Aragorn approved, even if he found the means questionable.
Gimli's fascination was the epitome of Courtly Love, and was the more poignant that the one who bore it was not the graceful elf or the noble man, but the supposedly uncouth dwarf. That Eomer became similarly fascinated but felt no desire in spite of his fascination seemed to follow--we now have two examples of the medieval ideal of worshiping the perfection of beauty from afar, one devoted to the Morning and one to the Evening, in actuality, in many ways, the opposite presentations of the same ideal. And that Eomer would freely admit this to Aragorn seemed also logical--after all, he expresses clearly he has no desire to act on that fascination.
Tolkien indicated in one of his letters that the Valar are there, but really didn't have much to do with anyone. They weren't regularly invoked by Men, had no regular rites in their honor. They were respected but were seen as distant observers more than present helps. Quite different from our idea of angels who are in many cases activists and guardians. The Elves, being able to approach them physically, did invoke them and placed petitions before them at times; but it appears only Manwe had much authority to actually intervene or warn or offer guidance.
Radbooks
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 54: 54: Preparing to Return Home
Ah, the memorial idea rears it's ugly head at last. Men and their silly ideas of what is heroic and what is proper for a statue. Of course, you only have to look around some of our cities to see some of the statues and those we have chosen to honor.
I was sad when Aragorn did not get even a picture of Frodo, though he was right to give it to Sam - he should have asked if Frodo would have been willing to have another one made. Though I know he wouldn't have wanted to impose on him at the time. It just made me feel bad for him.
I like how you write Arwen and so I enjoyed the scene with her and Aragorn and Frodo under the tree when she gave him her pendant.
Author's reply
Am so glad you appreciate all that. Of course, in the end Aragorn gets all he wanted and more, including his private statues of Frodo, Sam, and the others, the sketches given him by Ruvemir, and, most importantly, the memorial itself done in such a manner even Frodo wouldn't have objected, probably. I suspect that in the end the sacrifice of the picture to Sam was well fulfilled for both of them.
And considering some of the statues I've seen in Europe, I'm amazed at how some sculptors think men ought to be posed.
Radbooks
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 53: 53: The Grace Requested
I always wondered how this request might have been made to Manwe and I had never considered one of the great eagles even though I knew they were his messengers. I know the people of Middle-earth don't *pray* to the Valar in any sort of way that we recognize and so this makes much more sense to me. :)
It must have both pleased Aragorn and also caused him amusemunt to have Rustovrid come before him. Pleased to hear that Sohrabi was Farozi in Harad and was cleaning things up there as he could and amused because he had, of course, known Rustovrid as a little child when he had traveled in Harad. Having such a long life does have its amusing, interesting moments as well as the pains that Aragorn has to endure. ;)
Author's reply
It appeared Gandalf and the Eagles were my options, so felt the Eagles would be more likely to be the means she and Aragorn would use.
As for Aragorn and Rustovrid--yes, a longer life allows for some very amusing situations to develop.
So glad you enjoyed it.