Linda Hoyland
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Poor Gandalf,he must feel very frustrated !
I think FRodo shpuld have told Merry and Pippin that he was leaving.
Author's reply
I'd always wondered why Frodo didn't tell Merry and Pippin, and finally decided he must be one who had a aversion to taking leave and dealing with the pain he saw expressed on both sides. Letters of farewell must have seemed far easier to deal with for such as he.
As for Gandalf--he's just had a frustrating time and is only bent on seeing that all is properly ready for Frodo's leaving of Middle Earth. At least he managed to get all set right. And I'd always wondered why he arrived separately from the Elves anyway.
Oh Larner, how beautiful and poignant and heartbreaking and lovely, all at once. The letters... Aragorn's farewell at the Havens... that final scene...
What a stunning story.
Author's reply
I am honored, Shirebound--truly honored. Thank you.
harrowcat
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Lovely chapter Larner.
Sorry to hear about the row with the Tenents! Any conflict is Nasty business.
Things are very tough at home and I haven't had much sleep for three days so I'm off to bed. Spent most of yesterday at A&E as Mum's catheter was blocked and the district nurse couldn't replace it. Got up this A.M to another wet bed and no drainage! Hoping it might be solved but not holding my breath. Had to come back to work and left my Dad holding the fort but he is very tired too. So, sorry, if I skip a review please assume I am reading but can't fit in replying.
Author's reply
Oh, it's not just tenants now. I don't believe the last few days--I just don't. But the tenants are on their way out. They're turning the property into a junk yard and I won't have it.
Glad you appear to have enjoyed this chapter.
Praying for your mom. Frustrations of this sort are so difficult for those who'd far rather be able to just get up in the morning and see to breakfast for the family instead of having to be taken care of, I'm certain.
Andrea
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Frodo should be called master storyteller!
Never before did I read about Frodo telling someone about the death of his parents and his reactions. He found just the right words for Cyclamen to let her understand what he told her. Of course he left out a lot about the quest, but he told her all that really mattered to him.
Then all was done, and he realized one of his new companions was one of the most wonderful of people he’d ever known, but in the end he wanted to return to his own home and people. So he did.
And once again I think of Aragorn, riding like the wind to be there in time. But there seems to be no chance that they will meet again in Middle Earth!
“Oh, Frodo, why is it in trying to protect us you tend to inflict the deepest hurts?”
Poor Merry! He knows exactly why his cousin didn't say a word. Maybe that decision was selfish, yet it was made to spare Merry and Pippin the pain of saying good bye. But the pain when they had recognized he was gone, would have been far deeper.
Author's reply
So glad you like actually hearing one of Frodo's own tales, most of which are spoken of but not actually recounted, although I do have him telling one in "The Ties of Family" when he tells of Aragorn and a little of the destruction of the Ring to the children of Hobbiton.
And there are so many who love him who would say their goodbyes if only given the chance, I think; and Aragorn's desperate ride represents them all.
And Merry does know his cousin, and feels the pain of the lack of willingness to face that goodbye. I am just so glad Tolkien indicated Gandalf saw to it they came in spite of Frodo.
shirebound
· 11 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
“I bet it was proud to go so the rest of you didn’t have to, though,” she added
Oh my, Larner, what a lovely and amazing thing for a child (or anyone) to say. That's one of the most special lines I'll take away from this story.
Author's reply
Art Linkletter used to have the segment on his show, "Kids Say the Darnedest Things!" and the Bible speak of wisdom from the mouths of babes. That Frodo would come to think of his finger as glad to sacrifice itself for the rest of him as being in ways the reflection of his own willingness to sacrifice himself for the Shire as well as the rest of Middle Earth I felt was a lesson he needed to hear.
So glad you found it profound enough to take away with you.
Raksha The Demon
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Congratulations on reaching 100 chapters, or 99 + 1! This has certainly been a heart-rending but rewarding journey, and one can't help but feel relief mixed with sorrow that Frodo is finally on the way to healing at the end of it, though it takes him beyond the reach of almost all he knows and loves.
Author's reply
I'd intended to finish this story much sooner, but I had two separate Nuzguls who both insisted on being included, I found, the motherly one from the nursery and the pathetic one wrapped in bandages who was hanging out near the box where I keep the first aid stuff.
Frodo did need healing, and I always grieved it must be elsewhere; but even when I first read this at thirteen I recognized the damage left by Sauron's Ring would need special healing that could probably only come with going wherever it was the Elves went.
But I think all he knew would find relief in the thought he was going to find the healing he needed and so well deserved. But to do so at the cost of his family ties must have been wrenching for him, which is why I've always felt the actual decision probably was made late in the game.
French Pony
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Frodo has a nice storytelling voice, particularly the bit where "the lad" is asking around the house if anyone has seen his parents. There's a lovely rhythm to that bit that just makes the ultimate outcome all the sadder.
And now Frodo's actually gearing up to leave. But of course, the final flurry of activity has to go off as, well, not-planned. Of course Gandalf had to run into every possible obstacle on the way to Crickhollow.
This chapter was a very nice blend of humor and sadness.
Author's reply
So glad you approve of the storytelling voice I've ascribed to Frodo here, for I think by that time he would have understood the rhythms and images that would keep children listening. But as he said, his story wasn't the pleasantest to tell or hear, but was one Cyclamen needed to hear at the moment.
I remember reading LOTR for the first time and being surprised that Merry and Pippin had to be told by Gandalf so they'd be able to arrive in time. That this might be common to him in seeking to avoid having to deal with partings seemed logical, and so it's built its way into my stories that Frodo simply isn't able to handle partings easily. And of course there'd be problems Gandalf would face making certain Merry and Pippin got there in time.
Thanks so for the compliment!
Dreamflower
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Oh, the talk with little Cyclamen was so sweet and beautiful and painful. *sniff* What a dear wise child she is, and I'm so glad she was there to comfort Frodo.
And Yay! for Gandalf--now Merry and Pippin are on a desperate race to arrive in time! And, really, I feel sorry for the poor hobbit on Bridge duty. How is he to know? Gandalf could, I suppose have saved some time by turning him into "something unnatural", but I guess he wouldn't give in to that temptation, LOL!
But I feel so for Merry and Pippin--how painful this race against time must be, and what they must feel of sorrow, grief, anger and exasperation over Frodo's attempt to avoid saying good-bye...
Author's reply
Am so glad Cyclamen insisted she be allowed to say that goodbye, and that you appreciated it. And I think Frodo needed the lessons she gave him before he left.
I think indeed Gandalf was probably tempted to turn Beldin into something unnatural, too, and glad you appreciated it. But bet he was even more frustrated with the oxen, actually.
I never felt Frodo did right by Merry and Pippin, trying to get away without them knowing; and if he did it to them, I figured he probably needed to do it to others as well. But I'm certain that the feelings of the two of them did feel all those emotions and more, exasperated by Frodo's desire to slip off without their knowledge once more.
And I've always been glad Tolkien wrote that Gandalf got them there in spite of Frodo.
Queen Galadriel
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 99: 99: Life's Story and Summoning
Wow, what an intense chapter!
“I bet it was proud to go so the rest of you didn’t have to, though,” she added.
He straightened and looked at her, barely realizing that the last of the haze was dissipating. Her eyes were clear and bright and very earnest.
“Why would it be proud?” he asked her.
“Because it knew that you’re a wonderful person an’ everybody loves you, and it wanted the rest of you to have the chance to remember that."
Wisdom from the lips of children, indeed. I think Syclamen and Dianthus are my favourites of your original children. Frodo proves himself a very good story-teller here-aside from the fact that he left a very large and important portion of the story out, but I expected that from the start-and it seems as if he has had a lot of experience telling stories to children. The wording and everything is perfect there. And of course I like Syclamen's insistence on hearing the whole story. The last little farewell between them was very sweet and touching.
Poor Merry and Pippin! It really was wrong in Frodo not to tell them, though I can understand his not telling Sam. It didn't make it any kinder in the end, and maybe even made the hurt deeper; but Frodo will be Frodo, dying or no.
Well, I think maybe you've set the record here, being just one short of a hundred chapters. Wow! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
With the last chapter today it makes exactly a hundred chapters, although there is the foreword of sorts that's on this site and there will be author's notes to follow.
Cyclamen is indeed giving Frodo one more lesson he needs to prepare for his own healing, and I did try to write it so it's both a story for children and it's a catharsis of sorts for Frodo as well. I've always thought of Frodo as the story teller of the Shire after Bilbo, but more likely to be more fully honest in his stories than Bilbo was. That he was good with children seemed a given, considering how close he came to be with Merry and Pippin, Freddy and Folco.
He ought not to have treated Merry, Pippin, and Sam as he did, I always felt. However, as this is the way Tolkien himself wrote it, that's the way I did, too. The only reason I could figure for not telling Sam had to be to keep him from seeking to accompany him, and so I've written it this way throughout my stories.
Anyway, am glad you have followed this so faithfully, Galadriel.
rabidsamfan
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Well, it took me several days, but I've just gone through and swallowed the whole story so far. Quite wonderful, and well in keeping with your other stories.
Thank you for remembering that Sam and Merry and Pippin came back scarred as well! I admit to some curiosity about what kept Sam away that first March, but I forgave you completely with that scene where Saradoc sees Frodo going to deal with Sam's nightmares. And thank you too, for showing that Frodo is being willingly blind to the perceptions of others as he tries to hide his disability.
I'm looking forward to see how you wind it up!
Author's reply
The first March Tolkien himself indicated Sam was gone planting trees when the thirteenth came; the next year Sam and Rosie went to see her family on the farm before the baby came, and so were gone on the thirteenth, and I've hinted in other stories that Frodo himself instigated that remembering how he'd been ill the previous year. And so it was he tried to protect Sam from the worst of his own pain, particularly remembering how the memories hit him while at Freddy's house in October.
Many of those with PTSD seem unable to perceive how aware others are of their pain as well as obviously willing them to ignore it. I've seen it infect some families completely. But Saradoc is alert and wants to know, in contrast to Paladin and Eglantine who want a far different reality.
And, yes, I'm finishing it up. Last chapter posted today, and author's notes in a day or two.
So glad you've forgiven my trespasses.
Bodkin
· 9 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Everything is full of 'lasts'. I'm not surprised Frodo wanted to escape as many formal farewells as possible - each one must have worn him thinner. He needs to realise that he has done all he can - not that he will. He seems to look on everything as a spur to try harder. I think Mina's last words must have offered him some comfort, though.
Author's reply
Yes, this is again a time of "lasts" and final steps taken. And for one who finds partings so painful already he often prefers to slip away so as to avoid them, having to face each for the last time must indeed by painful.
And I agree that Mina's farewell will in the end be more comforting than he'd ever expected to know.
French Pony
· 9 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
There were parts of this chapter that sounded extremely Hobbity, especially the bits about Frodo's visit with Button. I loved those bits. They were great. I also liked the scene at the end with Frodo and Mina and Aster and Dianthus. They're such wonderful, loving people, I'm sure that they've been a major force in helping Frodo stay even as healthy as he has, and not get worse.
Author's reply
So very glad you appreciated meeting Button and find her Hobbity indeed. And I agree that the womenfolk in Will's family have helped Frodo keep grounded. So glad you appreciated it all. Thanks so much for following the story so faithfully.
demeter d
· 9 March 2006
· Chapter 94: 94: Travelers' Honor
Wow! And, did I say WOW! A last bittersweet visit with Gildor,and some of the Shire folk being introduced to the lay "Frodo of the Nine fingers. And Pip and his father's uneasy relationship coming to a literally stormy climax.Indeed, what will happen next?I am rather behind witth your chapters. Real Life, you know. I will anxiously try to find time to catch up.
Author's reply
Oh, dear--managed not to respond to the reviews to this chapter, I see. Good grief!
Yes, it was a great grief to Pippin to face such apparent rejection by his father, and it must have torn him greatly. But, Pippin being Pippin, I think he'll come around in the end and forgive Paladin, once he's certain the Thain is indeed contrite over his words and behavior.
Now we watch Etharei play catch-up!
So sorry for not commenting sooner, sweets. I followed this for a time, then got distracted with some other things both in Real Life and the LOTR fandom, and then decided to re-read the whole thing to make sure I don't miss anything ^_^
First of all, I see now what you mean by a less 'saint-like' Frodo. You showed him as the tortured soul he was immediately after the destruction of the Ring, and my heart goes out to him. I also love the two halves in his head, mirroring Slinker/Stinker in Gollum. It was perhaps the only way his mind could retain 'Frodo', by separating a part of itself.
I also love seeing the familiar faces featured in your later stories, particularly Lasgon. And the description of the houses surrounding the guest house in the sixth Circle! It's like visiting your other stories again :-) And it's really nice to see Aragorn right as he becomes King.
I can't believe the rate at which you are updating this, but I shall endavour to catch up quickly. I'm a fast reader once I'm hooked. In short: I love this story! *hugs*
Author's reply
Good grief--one of the reviews I missed when the systems were crashing regularly. I now apparently have a trojan on the new desktop I need to identify and remove, but have no idea where to look for it.
I see Frodo as a person who is finding the aftermath of the Ring's destruction nowhere as pleasant as he would like it to have been.
In the end the one who argues becomes more identifiable.
Am so very glad you appreciated seeing characters familiar from the other stories. I find I rather like Lasgon myself, as well as Healer Eldamir.
I am finding the current rate of Trojan and virus production to be very distressing, as many such programs appear to cause conflicts with my satellite modem program. Between viruses and other hardware, software, and problems with former tenants I've been offline it feels like more than online since April.
Anyway, it's always pleasant to reply to comments, even if they are delayed by technical problems.
demeter d
· 8 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Oh, my dear, you made me cry! Beautiful filling in the gaps as Frodo says goodbye. And no, he really can not just slip away without the people who love him being able to say goodbye. Such a nice touch to have Lord Erestor himself deliver the mediicine. Another reminder that the outside world considers our favorite Hobbits the equals of anyone.
Frodo's last words to Narcissa reminded me of Aragorn's benediction to Eowyn at her wedding. I have always wished thee joy, I makes me glad now to see you in bliss. So nice that Frodo is able to see Brendilac and Narcissa happy together. Aragorn will marry them, eh? Almost as good as Frodo being there. And no, he definitely would not have been allowed to slip away without seeing Mina. Well done.
Author's reply
The last farewells must have often been painful for him, but necessary both for him and those he couldn't avoid.
The bringing of the medicine I first wrote into "For Eyes to See as Can" and is described partly in "The Choice of Healing" as well as in this story. The Elves are described as delighting to honor Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam as they ride to the Havens--obviously they respect the small race which has so much in common with their own, I'd think.
Narcissa's and Brendi's relationships with Frodo and eventually with Fosco and Forsythia Baggins and one another is described in far more detail in "The Ties of Family," culminating with their wedding. And I'd not realized here Frodo was mirroring Aragorn's blessing for Eowyn--I unconsciously echoed the Master, as you've pointed out. But it is, I think, a fitting echo, as Frodo, too, is turning away a love offered him freely, although for a far different reason.
And he should never be allowed to slip away without seeing Mina, not after what she's been through with him. Thank you for the compliment.
shirebound
· 8 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Ohh, such poignant goodbyes, and such heartfelt love.
“I’m not sorry I accepted the duty, but it emptied me, Dianthus. It emptied me, and I need refilling."
What a perfect summation of all that he's feeling, and the decision he's made.
Author's reply
Yes, it's a good one, and I'm so glad you found it fitting.
Andrea
· 8 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
So sad! So much farewells Frodo wanted to avoid, but the voice is right:
At least when you go aboard that ship you will be able to take the memories of those who look on you with love.
And there are lots of those who look on him with love. He never was alone and he never will be. Mina expressed this in a wonderful way and Frodo understood.
Then he turned and looked at her, and suddenly smiled, that sweet smile that was his alone, that smile that lit the room and caused her heart to lift.
I will never forget that beautiful smile at the end of the third movie. Now, *this* smile shows the love of a son for his mother and a deep gratitude for all that Mina did and said.
Author's reply
In seeking ever to slip away Frodo denied himself and others much closure and reassurance, and I think that he would need to have that truth driven home to him at that moment.
And am so glad that sweet smile communicated exactly what I'd intended. So very glad you appreciated it.
harrowcat
· 8 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Oh this is so tough on everyone Larner. All these farewells in spite of him are so draining for Frodo but, I thought it was a bit like the draining of an abcess leaving him even more empty but cleaner somehow; with no regrets that he didn't take his leave of those who love him most. One less guilt issue to deal with in his healing. (I'm not sure this makes any sense except to me.)
I loved the meetings with Erestor as seen from Cyclamen's pov. Is she/you going to write a tale about it later? And I want access to that library!! *g* I am glad that Frodo is able to complete his 'business'. That will ease his heart in itself. The way you continue the fostering theme so that Frodo can bequeath Narcissa his children is lovely.
And thank goodness for Mina - she speaks for all of the Shire, and all of us!
Going out now to re-stock the kleenex!!!
Author's reply
Yes, the bowl is indeed being cleansed one last time here in Middle Earth, preparing it for the day when it is again readied to be refilled at the King's table.
Aha, so you'd like to see more from the point of view of Cyclamen Proudfoot, would you? Maybe one day, although the nuzgul in the jewelry box is becoming increasingly difficult. And I, too, would love to see that library. I'd written before that he had arranged to receive books from Rivendell, Lothlorien, and Gondor as well as from Bilbo's own library; but where and how would he house the collection he was preparing? So Aramos and Button came slipping out from behind the set of shelves on the right within my own bedroom and indicated they insisted it came from them....
And the fostering theme is indeed continued. It was interesting to take the scene from "The Choice of Healing" and add in Frodo's own thoughts, now he's foreseen Narcissa and Brendi will come together in the future, in doing so insuring that vision is realized.
And am glad you find Mina speaks for many of us as well as the Shire, even if most of the Shire never really understands what the four Travelers did.
And you'll need the kleenex for today's chapter, if you've not read it yet.
Dreamflower
· 8 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Oh, poor Frodo! All these farewells he was hoping to avoid. *sigh* On the one hand, it's unfair of him not to give others the chance to say good-bye, and he knows, yet on the other hand, it is so very difficult for him to have to do so,and is a drain on his reamaining strength. He can't win for losing, at this point.
I loved the part at the beginning, Cyclamen's encounter overhearing Sam and Erestor, and her conversation with the Elf. I am sure that it will live in her memory as something very wonderful and special.
Author's reply
I agree about the Catch-22 situation Frodo finds himself in. It's a drain on him, but needed by both sides in many cases.
And am so glad you liked Cyclamen's inclusion in the story. It will be a wonderful encounter, particularly as she's the last mortal in Middle Earth other than Sam most likely to have seen Lord Erestor at that time.
So glad you appreciated this chapter.
Tigger
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Oh Larner...You made me cry!! What a bittersweet chapter this is. Frodo making those final preparations. Making sure the Will and Sam's Adoption were legal. Making sure the Shire has a legacy of knowledge. Both w/stories and proper knowledge of the healing arts. I loved the final leavetaking w/Mina. She really did come to feel for Frodo as a son by love alone and Frodo needed to hear that no matter what, his Mother loved him and that love would never go away or leave him.
I also adored that scene between wee Cyclamen and Erestor. Some write Erestor as a gruff Elf. I've never thought him that way. I mean, we're talking about someone who as a long time friend of Elrond's, as well as trusted councillor, lived w/the Twins and Arwen for how many hundreds of years? And then there were the Heirs of Isildur that were fostered at Rivendell, cumlminating w/Estel/Aragorn's raising...He had to have experience w/little ones and I always see him as being very gentle and kind w/children. So the way you've written this scene of him w/Cyclamen is not only lovely, but fits w/the way I've always seen Erestor as being.
I hope that made sense. :o)
Sigh...I need to go find some Kleenex now and make sure I have them here for the chapters to come. I am looking forward to the next chapters. As sad as they are to be.
Author's reply
Trying to finish up the last of his business must have been wearing in spite of Elrond's additions to his draughts; he certainly did his best to make certain stories, histories, and healing were addressed in his legacies for the Shire, and managed to be waylaid into the leavetakings that were most necessary, for he'd not really seen Mina to talk to since he stopped working in Michel Delving. He needed reassurance that that love was still there and would remain there for him.
Glad you like the characterization of Erestor. He's had the chance to see many Elflings grow up, probably, but I doubt there were many born in Middle Earth during the last half age. Speaking to Cyclamen must have been a pleasant reminder of more innocent days, I'd think.
And I hope the last chapter was worth the wait.
Linda Hoyland
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Poor frodo,it must be very hard to say all the goodbyes, knowing they are final in this life.We are so used to e mails,letters and phone calls to keep in touch with those who move away.I like it that in your stories, there is sometimes some contact by the White Tree for Frodo and Aragorn.
Author's reply
Instant communication wasn't possible until so recently; and for Frodo he'd not expect many of his letters to reach their recipients until long after he'd left Middle Earth.
Certainly taking leave of so many must have been very difficult at times, particularly as he can't do it all at once, for to do so he'd need to do it at something like the Free Fair at election time, I'd think.
As for the White Tree as facilitator for communication--well, it even appears briefly in this tale. So glad you appreciate it.
Queen Galadriel
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 98: 98: Heart Torn
Oh, this chapter is heartbreaking, watching Frodo say good-bye in his quiet way, knowing what's to come, seeing him so weak...One might think that its all being a gradual thing would soften it a little bit, at least, but I don't think it does.
Dianthus seems such a sweet, innocent child at a first glance, but her asking if Frodo was lying to her because maybe he thought she was too young to understand shows that she's really very observing and thoughtful, and her vehemence and expressions of love to Frodo show that she has a great heart. It might be interesting to see her POV sometime...:)
How blessed Frodo is to have such a "mother figure" as Mina to care for him and understand and, when he needs it, to stand in for Primula. I'm glad they got this last moment together, though it was so sad.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
When saying goodbyes, often trying to do it gradually is more than can be borne--speaking from experience.
So often we underestimate children. One of my grandmothers and her daughters would discuss the most awful things around my sister and me when we were small, and never considered we might understand the gossip, which more and more often as time passed I certainly did. They'd even say things about my immediate family that ought not to be said in the hearing of any of us, and then couldn't understand why I over time became increasingly distantly polite with them. Dianthus stands for all the children who are assumed to be too young to understand that death happens, who resent having their intelligence insulted.
Frodo needed to hear he was loved by many, and needed Mina's parting. And Mina was indeed speaking equally for Primula and herself, representing also many others throughout the Shire who would have wished to wish Frodo farewell had it been possible. So glad you appreciated it, my Lady.
Poor Pippin just can not get his family to understand what happenned. That he not is a child. Loved all of brand's question about elves and the song.
Author's reply
They will understand, though, in the end.
Inkling
· 7 March 2006
· Chapter 22: 22: Guests at the Feast
Don’t know if I’m intended to, but I find myself rather liking Wasnior…he certainly provides an interesting POV. I’m impressed with how well informed he is about the Dúnedain…far more than, say, Galador, who seemed clueless about Aragorn’s longevity. He obviously subscribes to the theory of “know thine enemy.” And love how you captured the character of each member of the embassy through how they ate.
Author's reply
Interesting you find you actually like Wasnior, as many find him slimy. He does know his job, and being perhaps descended from the Black Numenorians would have more direct knowledge of the nature of the Dunedain, and probably was part of the intelligence network for Sauron, undoubtedly giving him a better idea of what was known about the Northern Dunedain and the line of the chieftains than perhaps the average Gondorian.
And am so glad you appreciated the different members of the group and how each showed himself at the coronation feast.
Ah, I was hoping they'd talk after that dinner. They all needed it; it helped them-and me, for that matter-understand. I actually pity Palidin and Eglantine now. They *were* silly to think that the Gondorians were only humouring Pippin and that the swords and things were just for show and all the rest, but I can see where they've been coming from now. Of course it would be hard for them to accept that their " dear, exasperating little Pippin" is grown up, and more mature than some hobbits I could name.
And as to titles, what do you suppose that song was like? I was daring enough to try and make a rough version which I'll post on the twenty-fifth-it's twenty-six verses long and basically tells the story, but it seems it ought to be more...if anyone can bear more. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
So glad that at last Paladin and Eglantine are redeeming themselves somewhat. It's not easy to accept that your son went into terrible danger without asking permission, then returned an adult in all but chronological age. This so often happens to veterans, after all. So they convinced themselves nothing was as serious as indicated by the stories they've heard but refused to believe, including the honors given. It's hard to accept the honors if you don't accept the reason why they were granted.
Am looking forward to reading your version of the Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers.