Kitty
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
Well, it’s only to be expected that certain experiences stir nightmares, but I am sad for the Hobbits nonetheless. For this peaceful, innocent race it is much more straining than for others who had to fight Sauron's minions for centuries or even millennia to have to witness so much evil.
This chapter contains some nice reminders to your other fics. The spying childs, and most of all, the bench! I was grinning widely through this part of the chapter, as you can surely imagine.
*LOL* I’d loved to see Faralion’s face the first time he witnessed Aragorn in the kitchen of the guest house! And then Bard and Faramir as well! And poor Galadon must be so very confused about the Council meetings and gardening!
What a pity this vision interrupted Frodo's pleasant talk with Iorhael and Faralion! Another unpleasant experience for Frodo and a very disturbing one, too.
Eldamir can’t know how true his remark “It’s not that unusual a gift among the Dúnedain” really is – after all, one could say Frodo is a reborn Dúnedain. But then, Eldamir is a wise and insightful man.
Author's reply
Loss of innocence can lead to callousness or to greater compassion and wisdom, as well as to nightmares.
Glad you appreciated the references to "Gifts and the Benefits of Scholarship" and "The King's Commission." It's fun to give the hints that bring back smiles or chuckles.
Faralion has been realizing Aragorn refuses to be pushed into any specific mold; but for Galador to find himself helping the King garden while trying to discuss the correspondence of various lords of the realm and to realize that so many different sorts can freely come and go from the King's Council must indeed be a shock to his system.
Foresight has been a part of Frodo's life for a time, although it's only now becoming common enough, I think, for him to appreciate just what a gift--and possibly a burden as well--it might become. And it's hard to say whether a spirit whose former intended body died before it was intended to be brought to birth could be properly said to be "reborn"--and yet you are right--Frodo may have some carry over from the life formerly intended for him. And Eldamir is insightful. After all, his name means "Elven jewel."
Queen Galadriel
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
Wow!!! I'd like to list my favourite parts of this chapter, but there are too many! I just love it! I know I've said this before, but you make it all seem so real. I especially love your description of the hobbits' "normal" (normal, ha!) life in Gondor, even if it's not always normal. :-) And I like what Sam said about the bench. It shows his love and loyalty for his master and dearest friend so well, and I can't think about that bench without wanting to laugh myself! Excellently done! God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Glad you, too, appreciated the carry over from "Gifts and the Benefits of Scholarship." That was such a fun story to write, after all.
Yes, we are beginning to see the rhythms of life the Hobbits are enjoying here in Minas Tirith, and they are beginning to appreciate this is a city with its own advantages and where they can know friendship.
shirebound
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
And even if it is true--you can do nothing from here to change things. Those you left behind must see to their own difficulties, even as they could not assist you to cross the Dead Marshes or find your way through Gorgoroth. You are still not quite recovered enough to travel so far; and even if you were, it would still take over well over a month to make the journey for one on a steady horse with a clear road. You cannot seek to take responsibility for that which you cannot touch. Do you understand?”
How very wise. And how lovely that Gondor's long-awaited king is showing his people that no task (gardening, cooking, etc.) is too humble if done with love and an open heart.
Author's reply
Yes, Eldamir is a wise man, and gives good advice to Frodo. It's probable that the visions are simply intended to give Frodo a heads up that things aren't well at home and he will need to go there soon; but that he would start feeling personally responsible for what's happening and feel impelled to do something about it himself is just typical of him at this time.
And Aragorn doesn't necessarily see tasks as humble or noble, but more in terms of necessary and fulfilling, I think.
French Pony
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
Frodo does seem to have made progress here -- he's having decent stretches of good days. I'm glad he and the others are getting the chance to enjoy the pleasures of summer in Minas Tirith and the people are having the chance to get to know them a little.
Frodo is also having new side effects, which is at least different, if not better. Of course, he'll find out that his vision was true, which may explain why he didn't seem particularly surprised during the Scouring of the Shire chapters.
I like that you occasionally make mention of the effects of the Quest on the other Hobbits. It expands the focus from just Frodo and his problems, which occasionally threatens to make the story just a little claustrophobic. I'd love to get into the minds of the rest of the Company and main characters a little, beyond the Hobbits, and see how they're doing as well. It seems that they're all sticking together for mutual healing as well as to support Frodo.
Author's reply
Yes, I think you are right that mutual healing is part of why they stayed together in the guest house while in Minas Tirith. I'll try to get more into the minds of the others, although the main focus of this one IS Frodo. Give it a few chapters, of course.
And there is healing going on for Frodo as well, slow and not always without incident, but at least enough to help him get home again, where his personal gifts will be needed in the healing of the Shire.
Dreamflower
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
This is a chapter that is just filled with food for thought, and most of it meat at that!
Your descriptions of the nightmares plaguing the four hobbits are very much along the lines of what I have imagined for them myself. The descriptions of what triggered them intriguing. I can see that being with the broken body of the youth would have reminded Merry of Theoden's broken body upon the Pelennor, and being exposed to such a case of horrific domestic abuse would have haunted Pippin--I would imagine that such a thing, while perhaps not *totally* unknown in the Shire, would be sufficiently rare as to make most hobbits think of it with revulsion, and while Pippin's grown up a good deal, he's still too young to have been exposed to such as that before, in a way more disturbing and shocking than a device or creature of the Enemy.
I loved the glimpses of the children spying on Frodo, and his delighted reaction to them. I am quite sure that is why there was no stop put to it by any of the higher authorities, when Aragorn realized it did Frodo good.
I also loved the description of the King and the hobbits cooking and gardening together.
Frodo's vision of home, and his forebodings of what Lotho might be up to was a very good bit of foreshadowing. I like that Eldamir did not dismiss it, and took it for what it was, a gift of prescience. But he also gave Frodo some very good advice about it as well: truly there was nothing else to be done.
And I also liked Farolian's reactions as he heard Frodo's descriptions of their early travels. Especially his reaction to the idea of a Balrog!
The end, of Frodo asleep with his head in Sam's lap, and Aragorn coming upon them, was very touching.
Author's reply
Men are more prone to violence than Hobbits, and so that Pippin would have seen such a trial seemed logical; and you are right--between his youth and the probable greater rarity of such violent expression of such abuse in the Shire this would have been a shock.
When I wrote about Merry helping to bring the body of the young boy up from the Fourth Circle, I hadn't thought about specifically WHY he'd have reacted as he did, I only knew that this was what would have triggered his nightmare. Thank you for bringing to my conscious mind WHY.
I don't think Aragorn would have stopped the spying of children unless Frodo indicated such activities bothered him, and am glad you appreciated that both allowed it to go on and that Frodo benefitted by it.
Aragorn wouldn't have given up on those activities he enjoyed, cooking or gardening, or about anything else that also gave him positive pleasure. To perdition with anyone who tries to indicate these are too "humble" of activities for a king to indulge in!
Faralion is realizing that the entire Fellowship has been tried by fire, and NOT just Frodo and Sam; as a bard and minstrel, as with Ruvemir later, he'd have been educated in the full history of Middle Earth and would appreciate just what such things were. The thought there was still the chance to encounter such things must have truly taken the man aback!
For so long the only way Frodo rested was while being physically comforted by Sam, up the stair, through Mordor--that he'd rest decently and be glad to waken to see not stone but Aragorn leaning over him only seemed logical after a night of fighting nightmares.
harrowcat
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
I suppose that the garden of the houses of healing are the nearest equivalant to the oak at the top of the hill. Is this a sign that Frodo is beginning to try and deal with this without resort to Aragorn? Sad but necessary. Amazing but logical application of the King's Gift. Good that Frodo is warned not to try and take responsibility for what is happening in the Shire.
Perhaps you could put a link to your bench story on this chapter. I still giggle too when I think of it. As one who speaks no language but her own I would love to know ALL that Aragorn is saying.
Author's reply
Yes, I think that the gardens would begin to represent the freedom Frodo misses from home, the freedom to see the stars he loves so. And, yes, Frodo is beginning to realize he needs to find ways other than depending on Aragorn to deal with his distresses. After all, as he noted, he can't take Aragorn home with him. And his own version of the King's Gift and natural prescience are working together to prepare him for the necessity to return home.
Okay, I'll put a reference to "Gifts and the Benefits of Scholarship" at the beginning of this story. I am glad so many recognized the hints given here, and that it still brings a giggle.
Raksha The Demon
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
The image of Aragorn planting an herb garden in the Citadel, with help from Faramir, Sam, Frodo and some of the Elves, is quite charming. Ditto Faramir helping Aragorn cook - they will make fine husbands for two lucky ladies. I expect the menfolk of various species find it a pleasant change from orc-killing. (manly men can garden, cook, take out the garbage and kill orcs too!)
It is of course, terribly sad, that Frodo will ultimately be unable to make a life in Middle-earth that includes enjoyment of such simple pleasures, as well as the families that the other hobbits will create.
Author's reply
My manly man was a wonderful cook and even took out the garbage on occasion, although he had not the slightest interest in gardening....
But you are right--it is indeed too bad Frodo didn't find his joy among those who loved him in the mortal lands. It must have torn him up to leave Elanor behind him.
Linda Hoyland
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 42: 42: Visions of the Shire
A touching acount of the days passing in Gondor.I like the way you link your stories together.Frodo's vision is all too true. I like the idea of Aragorn popping in and out of the house.I'm quite surprised Faramir can cook(other than on a camp fire) given his upbringing.
I have ARagorn scouring pots and washing shirts in a draft I'm working on,though in a very different context to this !
Author's reply
You never know what a ranger on his own might get up to, particularly if someone in Osgiliath manages to find enough of a kitchen left to actually do some cooking of sorts. Maybe Faramir didn't know a lot about cooking, but I'm certain he'd be glad to learn, and particularly from Aragorn and the Hobbits.
As for Aragorn scouring pots and washing shirts--I'm certain he did both! Heh!
Radbooks
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
I enjoyed very much the talk between Aragorn and Gandalf as they washed dishes together. Gandalf's comment about Aragorn washing dishes and how certain people would have a fit about that was funny, but what about having a Maia drying the dishes?? :)
It would have been so difficult for Aragorn to lose all of those he loved and who had also been such guiding lights to him for all of his life in such a short span of time. Even though he was fully mature and as fully prepared as you ever could be to be a king, the grief and loss would be so difficult. And yet you choose to go on and live life - it is a good thing that he did have Arwen and that he did have others around him that he loved and loved him - at least in your story he does - his cousins, etc. Of course eventually he grew close to Faramir, Eowyn and others, but they weren't the ones he knew most of his life.
Hobbits waking up with swords in their hands... sigh. I'm sure they would, but it is sort of a sad image to see in my mind. There is no going back to the innocence they once had.
Well done chapter!
Author's reply
No, the Hobbits aren't innocent any more. The only one not to reach for a sword is Frodo himself, poor dear.
Glorfindel remained, as did Celeborn and the twins; probably a few who'd lived in Rivendell and more from Lorien. But so many others gone--Gildor, Erestor, how many others with Elrond and Galadriel? Those who'd given Aragorn his earliest identity, who knew him as a small child and prepared him for his day of glory--making clean the break lest it perhaps tear at the son and daughter left behind and at themselves as well; perhaps in ways fleeing ahead of the grief.
And you are right--we have King and Maia doing the dishes! Hadn't thought of Gandalf--but he's been doing such things now in this form for the last fifteen hundred years at least--I think he'd find no problem with it.
Thanks for the giggle!
grumpy
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Ah, the wizard and the king doing the washing up, can I barrow them for awhile, I keep asking my cats to do the dishes, but they won't because they don't want to get their paws wet.
Good thing I am not in Aragorn's boots, because I would be wailing; "You're not leaving too." Not very kingly.
Love it that Aragorn had imaginary brothers.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn had imaginary brothers, and you can see him playing with them in "Fostering." They are also mentioned in "The Ties of Family" and "Lesser Ring." Based on my own imaginary twin sister when I was a child, as well as my world of imaginary friends. Guess they helped me prepare for a life as a writer and for the acting I've done.
Andrea
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Oops! Did I say "so much questions"? I meant "so many". If you can count it, it's "many". That's what I learned at school! So, never mind :)
Author's reply
That's okay--I'm forcing myself to remember when to use "that" and when to use "which." We all have our weak points! Heh!
Andrea
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
"...and those I love now among mortals will also go before me, including Sam and Frodo. Which is another gap in what you said, leaving Frodo out of your count. Is his life indeed likely to be so short?"
"You are the healer trained by Elrond--tell me what you know in your heart."
A very insightful conversation between Aragorn and Gandalf! There is a close relationship between those two, so close that Aragorn actually talks to Gandalf about his imaginary brothers and his feeling that those two are Frodo and Sam.
When he speaks to Frodo, Aragorn calls him "little brother"! Surely, Frodo has noticed that. Will Aragorn tell him more? Or will Frodo ask him?
Do Gandalf or Aragorn have any idea about the gift, that Arwen will give to Frodo?
So much questions! But they are only indicated to show you, how much I'm intrigued by this story :)
Author's reply
We'll see what Aragorn and Frodo tell one another of what they feel toward one another. However, as he and Eomer also refer to one another as brothers and I suspect he and Faramir will do so also, whether or not Frodo will see anything special in Aragorn's address of him in such terms is a matter of question.
Tolkien indicated that Aragorn became close friends with Gandalf after he left Rivendell; and I would suspect that the two had become quite close, close enough definitely that when Aragorn foresaw the danger to the Wizard if they went into Moria he did all he could to talk Gandalf out of entering there.
Anyway, I appreciate the questions, even if I don't answer them all.
Kitty
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
“If Master Galador could see you now, Aragorn, he would have apoplexy; and Denethor would assume you’d lost your mind. The High King of Men, washing dishes like a common husband!”
How true! It is amusing to imagine their faces! *LOL*
But it is one of the reasons we all love Aragorn so much, I suppose – he is so humble and nice in spite of his rank and everything.
Though I second Aragorn – it is so sad for him and Arwen that Elrond and the other bearers of the Three departed so soon from Middle-earth! He lost so many friends then, so many people he had grown up with. It is good at least Celeborn, Glorfindel and the twins stayed as long as he lived, and of course Legolas and Gimli.
Your own example is already setting into motion reforms in Rhun and Harad you will not appreciate yet for some years, and even in Umbar there are those who are beginning to think far differently than their people are accustomed to think, again largely sparked by you.
Very true, but I wonder how Gandalf can know this? Foresight?
Aragorn’s thoughts about the feeling Frodo and Sam could be his brothers leave me thinking it is a pity nobody remained who could talk with him more about the events in „Fostering“ – Elladan and Elrohir didn’t know about Gilraen’s lost other children, didn’t they? And I haven’t the impression Gandalf is going to talk about this all.
*sigh* Another nightmare. Poor Frodo. And I think it says a lot that even Sam, who is certainly no warrior, is sleeping with a weapon at hand.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn has never lost touch with the fact that, King or not, he's first a person who CAN wash dishes when they need it, and he's not too good to do so. No King Alfred letting the cakes burn in Aragorn son of Arathorn.
As for Gandalf's foresight--he is Gandalf Returned, and is allowed more authority than he knew before; he has decided his time to go is soon; I suspect he is allowed some glimpses of the future as a Maia soon to return to his proper identity and form. He also has probably been allowed some intelligence from whatever entities might be keeping eyes on the other realms named. But I don't know if he'll discuss his own knowledge regarding Frodo's and Sam's possible first intended identities with Aragorn at this point. Not that Aragorn remains ignorant of them for all that long.
And I suspect all three of the Hobbits named would have to have a good deal of time before they start sleeping without a weapon at hand when they feel unsettled, either by the weather or by situations.
harrowcat
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Perhaps this chapter needed an angst warning Larner. I, especially, enjoyed the conversation between Aragorn and Gandalf over the washing up. Great to see that relationship expanded at this point in time. Most other Authors seem to concentrate on early Gandalf-Strider/Estel. Also love what you have been doing between Aragorn and Sam in the last few chapters.
BTW - Was watching a food programme on the TV yesterday and, guess what they were using! Morrels. Strange-looking fungi indeed but the recipie sounded fit for a hobbit indeed. Chicken mousse and morrel terrine, Yum!
P.s. I also always notice when you mention the dog! Our black monster Jet did very well at his first puppy training class and is now house-trained. (Well barring accidents that is!)
Author's reply
Aragorn and Gandalf's friendship is almost seventy years old, and I suspect that once he realized Gandalf intended to leave Middle Earth Aragorn would have regretted it deeply, and would have sought what time and counsel he could get from him. As Aragorn didn't appear to spend time with Gandalf before he left Rivendell according to the Appendices, I've just written the little I did in "Fostering" where suddenly Gandalf becomes aware of the boy but stays aloof, awaiting developments, while Estel is yet a child.
Aragorn and Sam do develop a relationship, and that relationship needs building as well; I truly think that once he was able to see Sam a bit freer to do what he pleased in Minas Tirith the respect begun during the quest would grow into a deep frienship coming close to what both felt toward Frodo. There had to be a reason why Aragorn gave Sam one of the Elessar stones, and not to Pippin. There was a much different level of love and respect there, I think.
Glad you notice the dog; and glad Jet is doing well in his classes. Hope no more peeing! Heh!
Queen Galadriel
· 5 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Ooo! You know this is something I'd love! I just love Frodo-Sam-Aragorn h/c. These three really are brothers of the spirit. This was very well done! I especially liked the song put in. Music is truly one of the greatest comforts, I think. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
The song helped Frodo realize in the tower that help was coming and that he wasn't alone; I think Sam would realize that and seek to use it again when he felt it needed and appropriate. Singing, after all, isn't something orcs are likely to do. So glad you appreciated it, and the fact that the three brothers of the spirit are each helping the other.
French Pony
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Frodo continues in his holding pattern, and I still think that the spider bite is operating on "better out than in" mode at the moment.
I liked the discussion between Aragorn and Gandalf. It's a nice look at Aragorn really growing into the prime of his life, getting ready to accept full responsibility for the weight of the world, and how he deals with other people getting ready to hand it off to him. His imaginary brothers were a nice touch -- it's fun to imagine what Aragorn might have been like as a child, and this makes him seem like he really was a fairly normal little kid.
Author's reply
Well, Aragorn would be as normal as any child of men brought up in the midst of immortal elves would be, at least. You can actually see a couple of scenes of Aragorn playing with his imaginary mortal brothers in my story "Fostering" (it's actually quite short for my stuff--only seven chapters). I patterned it on my own imaginary twin sister when I was a small child.
And, yes, Aragorn is receiving the torch passed to him by Gandalf, his adar, and his foster grandparents.
As for the spider bite--that's better dealt with in "The Choice of Healing."
I so appreciate all your comments--they make me think about what I've written and why.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
It is very touching to see how readily Aragorn accepts the most humble of tasks,I too could just imagine the looks of the faces of certain people !It must be very sad for Aragorn when Gandalf and Elrond sail,but it is now the age of men.
Poor frodo to be so tormented by nightmares.
Author's reply
I am not certain Aragorn would see washing dishes as humble as much as something that needs doing he can and will do, and to heck with those who try to make it a humble task. Aragorn doesn't define his royalty in terms of what jobs he does or doesn't do--he just does what he sees is needed and that he has been granted authority to do.
Aragorn and Gandalf have a long history by this time; that they would want to share what time they can seems logical. And knowing that so many he loves are choosing already to leave the shores of Middle Earth must be painful to him.
As for Frodo--nightmares will be a part of his experience for as long as he remains in Middle Earth, I think.
Dreamflower
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Such a very sad chapter, as Aragorn truly begins to realize all that he will be losing, in only a few short years (really only a couple--he doesn't know *how* short). To know that Gandalf too, will be leaving...even though he knows that it is necessary for the immortals to leave, so that the Secondborn may finally attain their destiny, it must be very hard to lose them all--his foster father, his mentor, his future wife's grandmother, and now as he begins to understand, his best friend, the one who is as a brother to him.
I do like some of the details that are so symbolic: Pippin's approval of Frodo's haircut, as it makes him look once more like a hobbit, the details and care with which Sam *gave* the haircut, all the little bits of information as to how everyone will be keeping themselves busy during the following day--showing that they have made themselves a part of Aragorn's rule, and are not just visitors waiting to go home--and also the part showing how all three of the other hobbits have grown used to needing a weapon nearby when they sleep.
A very insightful chapter, and full of food for thought...
Author's reply
Yes to all your observations, and particularly to the grief that all have known such fear three of them now must arm themselves. Too much they've seen of war and enemies; too much loss and threat.
They are now each a part of the realm, and looking forward to what will come next, looking forward to going home in the end; but for Aragorn--always for him it is watching others go ahead and keeping himself in patience until it is his turn at the last to follow. And there is the quiet reacceptance of the role of visiting hobbit being accepted once more....
Antane
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
Ok, now I'm all caught up for the moment. Of course, my favorites parts were Sam comforting his dear one - more, more! :) I forgot to mention that it was nice to see Frodo noticing a beautiful lass earlier, I hope he continues to heal there.
I'll also take this time to express my gladness about Beregond's 'punishment' - very fitting for both him and the captain-lord he loves.
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo, for the first time in years, is seeing feminine beauty as beauty, and isn't completely certain how he ought to respond to it, I suspect.
And Beregond's "punishment" is, of course, straight from the book--I only wished to expand on it somewhat that all of us might feel a bit more as if we had been there. I have always loved Beregond, myself.
As for Frodo and Sam being together, I think that goes without saying, really.
So glad you appreciate it all. As for just catching up--don't worry about that--have some of that to do myself in a few stories. Want to finish with this one so I can do a few of them justice.
Antane
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
Larner, should I apologize for overwhelming you with so many reviews at once? :) I am playing catch-up here. But it is very good to have a chapter where Frodo could be Frodo as he knew he himself once to be - writer and artist. And to meet another one named as himself, even in Elvish. I wonder if that means anything, hmmm?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Am not certain how symbolic Master Iorhael is; but he appears in The King's Commission, and had to look at the introduction between the two of them here in this story. But Frodo needs to rediscover himself as writer and artist once more, two activities which in the past were so important to him, and the latter of which will be how he is primarily remembered in the Free World.
So nice to see him dancing again! I'm glad Aragorn can ease all his small brother's varied pains, physical and spiritual/mental/emotional.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn can help, at first, at least; but the gentle decline is beginning.
Galadriel commented on the long defeat known by the Elves, when even victory brings loss and the final need to return to their roots in Elvenhome, for now is Middle Earth lost to them as a world they can shape. And so it is proving also for Frodo Baggins.
Antane
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 37: 37: King's Gift
Frodo as empath...and Aragorn too. Very interesting touch. Please, please have our dear hobbit feel some joy too!
Author's reply
Yes, both are empathic. They know joy, but the realization that he feels the griefs and pains is the bigger shock at the moment, I fear.
The role of the Sacred King was to be at one with the land and its people, so I just added that to Aragorn's roles, and to Frodo's as well.
"Why do I still want it?" Ah, the wondering of any addict who can't let go of what he knows is bad. I ache that this pure, wonderful, beautiful, good creature has been so hurt.
I love having things in common with him - being a reader, writer and having my head in the world of dreams just as his was from all of Bilbo's tales - but I am sorry to have being sick when upset as something we share too. I don't know if I've ever actually thrown up from being too upset about things, but I've certainly come very close. The last time was when I discovered slash. Refering to your response to my last review, I too, wish people would understand that simply because two beings are very close, that doesn't automatically mean they are romantically or sexually involved with each other.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Finding some slash stuff has been a pretty heavy blow to me, I must admit, although some of it is even beautiful while some is quite humorous. But I doubt the Master would have approved in any case, and I don't find it part of my depictions of this world.
Many of us who have been drawn so to Middle Earth feel just as you do, with the feeling of identity to Frodo, and/or with others we meet here. Tolkien has given us so much with which to identify!
Grumpy
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 40: 40: Traversing the Circles
I loved this chapter, on when Frodo found the stationary shop that he got his supplies for his drawings.The shopkeeper sounds wonderful. Also liked the part about the meeting of Frodo and young Rinion. looking forward to this next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, here we see the initial meetings between Frodo and Ririon and then Master Iorhael. And we see Frodo beginning to reclaim his skills as writer and artist. So very glad you loved it, Grumpy.
shirebound
· 4 December 2005
· Chapter 41: 41: Night Summons
“Samwise Gamgee? I sincerely doubt he sees himself as the equivalent of a prince among the Dúnedain.”
“Of course not, Gandalf. But his awareness is so great. Certainly he doesn’t appreciate just how intelligent he is, thinking as he does that Frodo is the wisest of all Hobbits, with the possible exception of Bilbo. Yet Frodo depends heavily on his intelligence and observations, not to speak of his faithfulness and common sense. And lately I’ve also come to do the same
How painful for Aragorn to envision what's ahead for Frodo, and yet he's finally been able to connect with his "imaginary" brothers after so many years. They've all lost so much, but also gained more than they imagined.
Author's reply
Yes, the relationships are being made plain; and they are beginning to realize that they are indeed more than they were before they left the Shire; and Aragorn has come to develop a feeling of brotherhood he'd perhaps not thought to find with others outside his own kind and the sons of Elrond.
Love can cost a good deal at times.