Raksha The Demon
· 12 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
Loved the conversation between Faramir and Frodo. A shame they don't have more time to talk. Faramir was perceptive to notice that Aragorn was pining for a lady...
Good chapter, as always.
Author's reply
Yes, fellow sufferers appreciate the symptoms in others. And Frodo's been able to open up in a more private situation about a situation which must have given him a great deal of pain over the years. I think that Faramir would have found himself drawn deeply to Frodo as they had much in common for interests and similar positive natures.
Thanks for the compliments.
Raksha The Demon
· 12 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
I'm jealous! MY doctor isn't a hunky Dunedain king. (more like an elderly sourpuss) And my doctor doesn't do house calls either!
I'm surprised that half of the population of unwed women haven't come down with ailments requiring th King's attention; since they don't he's awaiting his bride.
Author's reply
I certainly wouldn't mind having Aragorn as my own personal physician, either. But for Eldamir's wife--she has already a fine man who probably has a fair amount of Dunedain blood. Although there's no harm in just looking, I suppose. ;-)
As for the idea of half the population of unwed women in the city deciding they have ailments that must be treated at home by the King himself...You have me giggling out loud! Thanks for the laugh!
Queen Galadriel
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
*guffaws* Hahahaha! Bathing in strawberries and cream, eh? Oh, that is fabulous, Larner! I can just see the look on Frodo's face! LOL! Oh my goodness, now that is so Pippin! LOL! A wonderful chapter! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin still does practical jokes, but they now tend to have a point to them and tend to be productive at the end instead of having been done at the expense of someone.
So glad you enjoyed this. And Frodo needed the laugh.
Antane
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
Yea! He laughed! What a beautiful sound! Love the image of him arguing with Aragorn at the Gates and the other's reaction to were interesting.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo can laugh, and certainly needs to do so. And the argument at the Gates I describe in "The Colors of Passing" and in a later chapter in "The Ties of Family. I suspect he wasn't thrilled at the idea of returning to life, having already been through so much and being so close to release at the time.
So glad you appreciated the laughter--he hasn't lost that ability, thank the Powers.
Antane
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 44: 44: Glory out of Ashes
Nice to have Frodo see the beauty fire and a furnace can help achieve to help combat his other terrible memories. I think this was last chapter, but I'm sorry he feels he has to conceal his symptoms of illnesses now, it will only deepen and lengthen his pain. And sorry he already seems to know he will not heal. My poor Frodo...
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Sometimes the only way to fight an intense fear or phobia is to go through it and see the beauty or relief that can come out of it. And this is the experience Frodo now has. The moments over the glowing magma within the Sammath Naur would undoubtedly have sparked horrible associations, I'd think; to now tie glowing material no longer to those moments of being taken by the Ring but to seeing such loveliness emerge must have been very freeing.
Frodo was always a very private person, or at least that is how I've always imagined him and portrayed him in my own writings; and minimalization is very common to PTSD. Frodo is definitely minimizing his symptoms to others starting now in my story; undoubtedly throughout his time in the Shire in the books and movies. It's part of the disease, unfortunately. And I think he'd have begun to realize by now that he will never properly heal. That he will actively begin to degerate will come in time, though.
Antane
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 43: 43: The King's Hope
So here I am playing catch up again - nice to see Frodo happy surrounded by books and having joy drawing. I wonder if he feels the same way I do - so many books, so little time! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Oh, I know--I have a few books I've not read yet, although that is in the vast minority, of course. I read and write obsessively.
As for Frodo--I've always felt he was artistically inclined, and have ascribed to him the talent I wish I had more firmly in my own grasp. And having been raised by Bilbo, of course he'd revel in books. The library there in Minas Tirith must have felt like heaven to him.
Antane
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
Another nice Frodo and Sam moment with Frodo falling asleep in Sam's lap and I like the picture he did of Aragorn and Sam. Forgot to mention, I think, about liking in an earlier chapter about Aragorn considering these two his brothers and Frodo his twin.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, at times the now-familiar comort of sleeping pillowed on Sam would be the one way in which Frodo might find rest. And if you've read "Fostering" you know how I have always found the idea that Frodo, Aragorn, and Sam were spiritually related attractive.
Good to hear from you again.
Lotrgirl1415
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
Thanks hun I am feeling much better.
MmMmMm...Frodo bathing in strawberries/cherries/cream...*gUrGlE* *fAnGiRlMoMeNtOfStUpIdNeSs*...*DrOoL*
lol
Poor Frodo.... I wish he were married in the books or at least in love...: (
Oh well...if he was I'd probably have nothing to fantasize about...lol jp (or am I?)
I do hope things will get really bad for Frodo...or mostly better.lol
I love angst. :)
But i bet he'll be all better..ish...at the end.
I was discussing this Fanfic with my friend Jax and she thinks "Frodo will try and commit suicide!"
*dundundun*.... I replied "Possibly...but that’s all up to Larner"
Anyhoo I will spare you of anymore of my ramblings for now...but be warned for they shall return with vengeance. ;)
Off I go on my Merry (hahaLOTRplayonwords) way to get everything ready for school tomorrow!
Loved the update!
*hugs&kissies4Larner*
--Katie
Author's reply
We know basically what Frodo goes through; I'm just filling in the gaps some.
I, too, wish Frodo had been able to marry and so on; that he didn't was part of his tragedy. At least I've shown in my stories it wasn't for lack of interest in him--between the wealth he inherited and his good looks and personal sweetness the lasses were definitely interested in him, and he was looking back until the Ring came to him.
As for suicidal moments--I've covered such things in my other stories--"For Eyes to See as Can," "Filled with Light as with Water," "The Choice of Healing," and to a lesser extent in "The Ties of Family." Part of it will undoubtedly be discussed here in this story once they get back to the Shire. But realizing one has a degenerative condition which is taking one slowly is not an easy thing to adjust to, as my discussions on the subject with my late husband and others in similar situations have revealed.
But I agree the idea of Frodo bathing in the fruit and cream is--interesting. Heh!
Tigger
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
Awww...So sweet the image of the Mighty Elessar and his beloved cousin Hardorn elbow deep in Strawberries and Cherries!!! Wahahahahahaha!! :oD I was so hoping you'd pick that thread up from the one story you mentioned it in.
After spending the better part of the last few hours w/someone I can't stand and who ended up saying something she really shouldn't have, I needed this.
I also loved Aragorn and Sam's visit to the Healer's wife and small baby. I especially loved Sam's blessing on the little one in his own hobbity way. That's our Sam. :o)
Now...Am I right in guessing Gandalf is checking on a certain sapling? Hmmmmm?
And now...Hidalgo's playing on our Movie Network, so off I go to watch a certain cowboy. ;o)
As always, looking forward to the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect Gandalf will be taking Aragorn on a fieldtrip very soon. Glad you appreciated the expansion from "The Ties of Family"--it was fun to figure out just what happened with it.
And Hidalgo, you say? Am tempted to hit the local small theater where The History of Violence is playing with Chicken Little (what a combination!), but am going to see The Lion, Witch and Wardrobe on Wednesday with client and small niece and can't afford to see two. Wah!
French Pony
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
The fruit and cream is a splendid joke, entirely worth the expense just to make Frodo laugh. And then to have homemade preserves result -- what could be better? And what could be a better baby gift?
Author's reply
Glad you approve. I had Pippin describe the incident in "The Ties of Family" and had to explore it in further depth, just as the glassblower started in "The King's Commission" and his works have appeared in several of the stories I've written.
And I agree that the gift to Eldamir and Linduriel and their family was very appropriate.
Dreamflower
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
*snerk*
Just like Pippin! I wonder what he'd have done if Frodo'd called his bluff and actually *had* bathed in them!! LOL! (Not that such a thing would have been likely, as hobbits have too much respect for food--but it would have been funny to see Pippin's reaction!)
I love to make jellies and jams, so I know just how much work they made for themselves, especially having to use apples and apple peel, with no commercial pectin available.
And of course, now they will be gifting all and sundry with the fruits of their labors--literally. It was so appropriate that the first gift basket went to the new mother and her baby.
On the serious side, I love the way you show Aragorn consulting Frodo over how to deal with the Shire. This is also something I have always thought was so--that he would be seeking Frodo's opinion on how to deal with that portion of Arnor, and that Frodo would have helped to draft any missives that the King sent to the Shire.
What a sweet chapter!
Author's reply
I was partly inspired with the idea Aragorn would consult heavily with Frodo by Anglachel and Baylor, not to mention our Lindelea. That Aragorn would consult Frodo and probably Merry and Pippin as well seems logical, once he realized just what roles they will play in the Shire's future.
And so glad you love the idea of the tub filled with cherries and strawberries. As for Frodo actually getting into the tub--would be very difficult, I suspect, although it might have started an unusual wine. Heh!
And I indicated in "The Ties of Family" that a lot of the preserves ended up in the Citadel's stores. This wouldn't be something they could easily take home with them.
Am not certain I'll do more than a passing mention of the days of the Great Food Competition, though.
harrowcat
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 46: 46: Bathing in Strawberries and Cream
Sensible Gimli! Sensible but not so much fun! At least something takes Aragorn's mind off the waiting at least!
We have too few one - to - one conversations between Faramir and Frodo. This one is great and winds up the speculation about Aragorn's lady-love another few notches. Frodo is so mature and self-aware and Faramir's questions are helping Frodo to articulate more of the positives. Then we hit the wall again! I wish that Aragorn hadn't come back just at that moment but, then again, perhaps it was for the best.
Great stuff yet again Larner.
Author's reply
Gimli wouldn't see much fun in stirring cauldrons of boiling fruit, I suspect.
And yes, Faramir and Frodo don't get quite enough time together, I suspect. Frodo is still unconscious of what he's observed and foreseen; that he'd assume the relationship between Aragorn and Arwen was no more than that between the man and the twins seemed logical.
Ah, Frodo--he's still hitting walls. But at least he has family and friends about him.
Linda Hoyland
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
Thank Goodness Aragorn was there to save the mother and baby! I hope he soon finds the White Tree as he deserves some happiness after all he does for others.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn was nearby; and there is joy rather than grief in the house of Eldamir the Healer.
As for the White Tree, that IS coming, but Aragorn is beginning to wonder WHEN!
lotrgirl1415
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
hey! been sick..just read where i left off.....loved it update soon!*teehee*
Author's reply
Sorry you've been ill. I'll update this one tomorrow--had to post one of my single-chapter stories today. Glad to see you're still around and about. Fell well soon.
puppypersonLOTR
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
I love the way you're building up suspense for the event we know is coming - in remembering the story line, I tend to think, well, they all come back to Minas Tirith, then Aragorn finds the tree, then Arwen comes. It's fun (in that evil, let's-torture-the-characters way) to see how it would really affect them to be waiting for a while with, seemingly, nothing happening.
:)
Author's reply
We are ALL impatiently awaiting the sign that Aragorn's hope will be fulfilled. Poor guy--gotta put up with so much waiting! But you start looking at the timeline, it was some weeks before Gandalf took him up the mountainside.
Bodkin
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
Poor Aragorn. Saving the mother and child probably helped - temporarily - but I'm sure he needs a Sign. Possibly arboreal. Before he chews his nails down to the quick. After all, Arwen'll never marry him if he bites his nails.
Author's reply
You really think Arwen is so concerned by bitten nails? Hehehehe! At least my husband didn't care, or he'd not have married me. But I agree--Aragorn NEEDS a sign, and SOON!
Andrea
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 44: 44: Glory out of Ashes
What a beautiful chapter!
The rising of the sun and the clear view over lands, where in former times there was only shadow. Like in that wonderful song (one of my favourites, in fact), "Above all Shadows rides the Sun ...".
And the glassblower! When I first read about him, I was fascinated. I can see the same fascination in Frodo, when he first watches the process of glassblowing. He is a lot stronger now, otherwise he would not have been able to stand it. But it was worth it, it helped him to realize, that Sauron is gone and the world is renewing. And even the ashes can be used to create beauty!
Author's reply
So glad you appreciate it, Andrea. Sam's song has always been one of my favorites as well, and I think it is one of the most touching he wrote.
And this would be a healing moment for Frodo, I think, to see beyond the devouring fire to the creative one, and to see beauty literally rising out of ash! Thanks so much for your comments of appreciation!
Baggins Babe
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 44: 44: Glory out of Ashes
Beautiful imagery here, Larner! The ultimate irony is that Sauron could create nothing within Orodruin and yet all that ash can help to produce beautiful and exquisite works of art, and best of all, Frodo was able to fight the memories of Mount Doom and watch such beauty come about.
How sweet that he took something home to Gandalf - perhaps the healing process begins here?
Author's reply
The healing process has been ongoing, but there is a definite turn for the better emotionally, for the moment at the least. And to stay with it and see that this fire is creative and not destructive would be most reassuring to him, I think.
He'd wish to share that moment somehow, I think, particularly with Gandalf--perhaps he doesn't quite appreciate just why; except both of them have been reborn from fire.
grumpy
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 43: 43: The King's Hope
I am a little behind on my reviewing, I was laid low with a bladder infection. Could have used the healer Aragorn.
Anyways Aragorn seems to be lead low too, waiting for Arwin to come to him. Love the part about the tree and Frodo, that the tree is waitng for it's child to come. A visit to the library was a good idea of Faramir's, even if it took them two tries to get there.
Author's reply
Ah--bladder infections--NASTY things. I, too, wish you could have been attended by Aragorn--it would have helped, I'm certain.
Glad you like Frodo's perceptions about the Trees, and the visit to the archives. I think Frodo needed that.
Radbooks
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
I think Gandalf is about to take Aragorn on a little trip into the mountains!
I'm so glad that Aragorn was right there to help with Eldamir and Linduriel's child and that he was able to save them both. My first thought was why didn't Eldamir call for the king to help him? But then I realized that when you are caught up in the middle of delivering your own child you often don't think of things like that - especially if it's a tough time.
Loved this at the end:
...Only you, stubborn Baggins as you were, felt you had to argue about it, though.”
Frodo found himself laughing at the image, and he saw his friend also smiling broadly as they reentered the guest house.
Nice to see Frodo laughing AND to see Aragorn smiling.
Author's reply
It's indeed hard to think of calling on the King for reinforcement when you are right in the midst of crisis. However, as the King was nearby, in the end all came out well.
Yes, Aragorn's getting close to the trip up the mountain, and none too soon, if you ask me.
And glad you appreciated the moment when both Aragorn and Frodo could share a moment of humor over that debate at the Gates of Death....
Radbooks
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 44: 44: Glory out of Ashes
Poor Aragorn! He needs to go and do some sparring and work off some of his frustrations. Of course that will only give him relief for a couple of hours. :)
More King's Commission stuff here! I've read it several times (I print stories out to re-read when I can.) and so I remember when Ruvemir talked to the neighbor lady and she explained what Frodo had said about Mordor,etc. And the man cleaning up the ash. That was fascinating to see that process, but then to see Frodo's reaction was hard. I'm amazed he could make himself sit there. The beauty that comes from ashes is always amazing.
I do not like these other dreams Frodo is having... the ones from his times in Mordor and carrying the Ring are bad enough, but these other ones are horrible too.
Author's reply
It's a pleasure to find some folk reread some of my works, and certainly I have loved The King's Commission--particularly as long as I spent writing the thing. Yes, some mentions of what happened there from a different point of view, as Frodo finds reassurance that it is over. And glad you appreciate the glassblower and the fact that Frodo fights his fears to find this encounter with such fire to be far different than the last one.
I would think the temptation to remain in Gondor near Aragorn would have been strong; yet Frodo realized he needed to go home. That his prescience would be warning him of problems back in the Shire would, I think, be a logical thing for him to experience. And, yes, these would be particularly trying for him.
Radbooks
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 43: 43: The King's Hope
A just sentence for the man that abused his wife, although the damage is already done and even if he changes the children's lives have been so hurt and they will mostly be grown by the time he returns that any change on his part will not effect them. Though I suppose that some sort of reconcilation between them would still be possible.
I certainly would hate to have to come before Aragorn having committed a crime, though I do know he would be just! :) But dang, he's scary, intense here. Although as we discussed when this man was in the story a few chapters ago, the fact that he was abusing the very things that Aragorn longed for made him even more stern.
I loved the talk between Aragorn and Frodo under the tree and the analogies they were making - it was well done. I've always wondered why Tolkien didn't have Aragorn tell his friends about Arwen. They had been seen together in Rivendell and at this point I wonder why he kept it a secret. Perhaps it is for the very reasons you are writing here.
Then nice to see Frodo drawing the picture of the Citadel, White Tree, and Arwen and yet he doesn't really know what they all meant and why she is even in them.
Author's reply
Yes, I think being tried before Aragorn as King would be highly intimidating. And you are right--by the time this man comes home his children will have little if any memory of him, will have grown up without him.
We can only wonder why the relationship between Aragorn and Arwen was kept secret; we know that as Tolkien originally thought out the story Aragorn was to have fallen in love with Eowyn; but he left off writing for a time, and when he came back to it it was with the knowledge that Aragorn wouldn't return Eowyn's regard, but would be promised already to an Elven alliance. And so this became one of the best kept secret romances in literary history. All we can do is speculate, unless we want to try breaking out the Ouija boards--a process I'm certain the Master wouldn't appreciate at all.
And glad you love the drawing process. I WANT that drawing now, and have considered trying to do it.
Kitty
· 10 December 2005
· Chapter 45: 45: A New Birth
It's about time Gandalf takes Aragorn up to the Mindolluin to find the seedling, and I hope that is what Gandalf thought now! It is good he has his friends with him to distract himself - I suppose he would have much more difficulties to wait if he were alone.
And now Aragorn saved Eldamir's wife and child :) Poor Eldamir had obviously not dared to send for the King. It was provably good Aragorn was so near - I'm not sure he would've noted what was wrong otherwise. And I am glad Frodo was with him and witnessed the birth of a new live and could in the end even laugh about Aragorn's remark about "arguing, stubborn Baggins".
Author's reply
Yes, the moment when Nimloth's descendant will be renewed approaches, and the trip up the mountain is becoming imminent.
Am not so certain Eldamir didn't dare call for the King so much as being caught up in the moment and not being able to separate himself enough from the distress of the mother and child to think of it. And at least Aragorn was close at hand. And Frodo has seen a new life enter the world and been able to share a moment of humor over what at the time must have been a difficult choice.
Pearl Took
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 9: 9: The Minstrel of Gondor
A good review sort of chapter. I liked the Captain Thorongil part, LOL Very well done!!
Author's reply
A good way of working known material into the story without being too boring; and so glad you liked the reference to a certain Ranger's former identity! Thanks and glad it afforded you a giggle or two.
Pearl Took
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 8: 8: Wakening Hope
At last a bit of a respite for Frodo and those watching over him :) I'm glad he found a way to get out of himself for a while.
Author's reply
Yes, the ability to help others can help to turn attention away from ones own ills for a change. Glad you appreciated it!