Very smart of Sam to hide all the rope, except for the elvish rope. Must be frustrating for Aragorn to see all sorts of things in the Orthanc stone, but what he really wants to see.
So glad that Frodo is going to try and take the ship, Bilbo will want his company.
Author's reply
Sorry to be so delayed in responding, but the last few days have been the days from the nether regions.
At least Frodo at the last moment can find nothing BUT the hithlain rope, which helps him realize he'd best not follow through on what he'd been attempting.
As for Aragorn, I agree thoroughly. I'm just glad Bilbo didn't go alone to Tol Eressea.
Thanks so much for your comments and your patience.
Andrea
· 6 March 2006
· Chapter 97: 97: Illusions Shattered
How do you do that? So much emotion, so much sadness and suspense, but also relief and hope! Wow!
I am really relieved that finally Paladin accepted the truth.
“It will be all right, Pal,” she said. “Oh, big brother of mine, he’s Pippin, after all--once he’s certain you are truly willing to understand, he’ll forgive you.”
Paladin Took buried his eyes in his sister’s shoulder and wept--wept for what he’d done to his son.
I didn't thought that possible, but at this point I actually feel pity for Paladin and I hope Esme is right. It's certainly true that Pippin is one who can quickly forgive, as is Frodo.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you approve, Andrea. Paladin and Eglantine have been purposely hiding from the truth, but they aren't bad people, just ones who have been handed information beyond their ability to believe and who want so desperately for their beloved, exasperating son to have remained safe instead of having gone from danger to danger. And they are worthy of respect in the end. And I'm certain our Pippin will forgive his parents, as we already know is true of Frodo.
So, at long last Pal and Lanti have to accept the truth - their little lad is no coward, but a honoured hero. It is good to see the direct effect of what Frodo told them had on the four of them after we knew from the earlier fics only the repercussions.
“Have I ever told you, Sara, that I am one of the stupidest Hobbits ever born in the Shire?” he asked. Well, I have to agree with Saradoc's answer to *that*! And I am glad Paladin has reached this point - Pippin will need his parents when Frodo is gone, I suppose. (Btw, at the moment I suspect Brendi was the one who told them that Frodo planned to slip away, as he is the only one to knows the whole truth).
Good idea of them to go and meet Lord Halladan, I think. I'd love to witness that.
Author's reply
Yes, Paladin has been a decent Thain and excellent leader of his family and people; but now he's having to accept the full truth about his son, and here he's been quite pigheaded indeed. A relief to get that dealt with at last.
Ah, but the book says that Gandalf got Merry and Pippin headed for the Havens, so we're going to look at that soon, of course.
Yes, they'd do well to meet with Lord Halladan, but don't actually end up with quite enough time to do that, as they find Crickhollow empty when they go to make the suggestion to the two younger Hobbits.
Oh Larner it is so good to see the aftermath of the dinner from the pov of the parents! It has hit them hard indeed and is finally helping them to fit those pieces into place but barely in time and too late for Frodo. And I have this dreadful fear that Eglantine is going to do a flip and come down at the other extreme. One that finally acknowledges his deeds and how brave he was 'in spite of his youth'. I can almost feel the cotton wool being unwrapped for....
my little Pippin [who] was so badly hurt--and so brave and all!
I know I keep saying it but I am glad for two things: this isn't an AU version and that we DO know that P & M get there in time to say good bye. Otherwise I would be ranting at Frodo right down the computer cables!
(Things not so good at home. The carers have failed to urn up twice so far in less than a week. Mum has had a bout of an upset stomach and her pressure ulcer site has split open again. So she is back to being on her side and plastered up!)
Author's reply
Am not going to approach the relationship between Pippin and his mother in this fiction, but maybe sometime in the future. But the wool batting might indeed come into play for a time--unless she listens to Esmeralda, who has had considerable experience with how counterproductive it is in the end.
And I DO try to stay as true to canon as I can, although at times I have been known to play with some facts, I know.
Sorry to hear about the problems with the carers. Here had a horrible row last night in the midst of dealing with the tenants, who ARE being evicted. And tell your mom I'm praying for her. More pressure ulcer problems--YECCH!
Well, *finally*! Paladin and Eglantine have *finally* come to their senses. To have had to have their faces rubbed into the truth before they'd believe it.
“Have I ever told you, Sara, that I am one of the stupidest Hobbits ever born in the Shire?” he asked.
Well. Duh!
I'm so glad that Sara and Esme had more sense than that!
I do know that Pippin will forgive his father, probably more easily than Merry will forgive his uncle for hurting Pippin. But I can't help but hope he rubs it in just a *tad* after all they put him through. Of course, I'm not nearly so forgiving as Pippin and Frodo. It is probably wise to try and get Lord Halladan there. It will help defuse the situation.
I'm looking at the dates on the ToY--with everything else they have going, it looks as though it will be cutting it very closely indeed for the two to make it to the Grey Havens. That of course, is canon. But I can't wait to see the kind of breathtaking suspense you will put into *your* version of *how* that came to be.
That is something about your stories--you can turn purely emotional events into something as suspenseful and heart-pounding as an adventure story or a thriller. The tension, the pain, the conflict--all are there to a greater degree than most give to the story of a physical fight to the death!
Author's reply
Yes, Mum and Dad have finally come around--and not a moment too soon for their son, although too late to make it up completely with Frodo before he is gone, although I'm certain he has faith they've made the turnaround. Am not going into the final shifts in relationship between Pippin and his parents in this story, though, as it is winding down. One more chapter after the one I posted today, and then author's notes.
It says Merry and Pippin arrive in a hurry at the Grey Havens, so I think they'd have been hurrying far more than Frodo and Sam have been traveling with the Elves. But they have a further distance to travel, after all.
And I'm honored for your evaluation of my writing. This story, although not finished, has been named runner up for a Golden Mushroom award, BTW--got my notification today. The category was for Best Candidate for Prozac. I had to laugh.
Radbooks
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 88: 88: Time Granted
I loved that Elladan came to be with Frodo... to help him really think through what he was feeling and what he wanted. Sometimes we need an 'outsider' to help up with things that are important... and that was important! :)
And, yes, Aragorn was right... life is not fair!
Author's reply
Somehow I appear to have missed the comments to this chapter. Please forgive me.
I, too, found myself glad when Elladan indicated to me he wished to be included in this chapter as one who came to be by Frodo. And we do need that outside help from time to time, just as you've noted.
Thanks for your patience.
Radbooks
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 87: 87: Too Long and Too Deep
That storms can bring on their nightmares seems totally real and very sad. A storm can be an enjoyable thing to watch... if it's not too terribly wild! :) I liked watching lightening storms anyway, not so much the wind storms I get now that I'm a homeowner! :) Anyway, I was glad that Sara got to see all of them having nightmares... he needed to see that. I only wish Pal had been there, though I know his own awakening won't come for awhile.
I loved Viola talking to Budgie about him thinking that complaints that a woman had might not be real. That is a universal problem! :)
This was a wonderful, if bittersweet chapter, knowing as I do what happens between Brendi and Narcissa. But it truly was a special and wonderful time between Frodo and Brendi. I am hoping that Brendi was able to actually make Frodo see how vain he was about the fact that he didn't destroy the ring on his own... but we'll see. I loved the descriptions of the garden as Brendi walked up the hill and the seat that Frodo sat in. All nicely done.
I enjoyed the fact that Mina thought that Frodo had a lass up in Westhall... as if he would hide someone away up there! :) Though he is a bit secretive at times so I suppose it would be possible for him to do something like that.
I love that Elladan and Elrohir show up and sing at the Free Fair and sing to the hobbits, even if they can't understand it. They need to understand how special Frodo and Sam are! I would think having beautiful elves showing up in your midst would be a clue! :)
French Pony
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 97: 97: Illusions Shattered
So Frodo has finally convinced the older cousins. That's one more thing to check off on his list of things to accomplish before he leaves. Good to see Paladin finally accepting that he's wrong.
Author's reply
I, too, am glad that at last Paladin Took has turned the corner and is headed back to a positive relationship with his son. And yes, Frodo has accomplished one more goal before he leaves.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 97: 97: Illusions Shattered
I see Pippin's parents have realised the truth at long last.I hope it will make things easier for him.
Author's reply
I'm certain having his parents accept the truth about what Pippin experienced while he was gone helps a good deal. It's difficult to accept that things could so seriously might have endangered our children. Accepting the truth is a major step forward for them.
Andrea
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
Oh my, there are not much chapters left, I fear!
It is remarkable that Bilbo after all those years in Rivendell and apart from his cousin seemed to *know* that Frodo had not imformed Merry and Pippin about his leaving. So he makes sure, that they will be there to say good-bye.
To see Aragorn doing everything possible to be at Frodo's side in time and knowing that he will be too late, is terrible!
Considering that fact that Aragorn tried to see Frodo in the palantir, but only saw his hands, lets me wonder, if it was intended that they did not meet again in Middle Earth, maybe to spare Aragorn the sight of his dying little brother and to remember him in a much better condition.
I loved it, that Frodo saw Brendi and Narcissa on their wedding day. To see Narcissa happy again surely made his heart a little bit lighter!
Author's reply
It's hard to say why the Palantir might not show Frodo's face--perhaps because he himself didn't wish for Aragorn to see it as he lost weight and health. But we know that only Gandalf allowed Merry and Pippin to see Frodo at the Havens, so he was obviously drawing actively away from those he loved.
And I think Frodo would rejoice to know that Brendi and Narcissa would find happiness with one another, a happiness much brought about by Frodo's own concerns for Forsythia and Fosco. Thanks for the review!
French Pony
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
Interesting thoughts on Frodo's spiritual lineage. It fits in well with your tradition of having Aragorn and Frodo address each other as "tall brother" and "small brother," and it does really set the three heroes of the War of the Ring apart from the riffraff. On the other hand, it does take away from the idea of Frodo as an ordinary Hobbit, born to no especial greatness, who sets out to undertake a monumental task because it's the Right Thing To Do. I can't quite decide whether I like this version better or not.
I think Aragorn is just going to miss Frodo's leaving by a whisker, which seems too bad. But at least he got to have a nice visit with Eomer on the way. Both Eomer and the horse are now also "brothers," I see. Aragorn isn't going to lack for spiritual siblings, even after Frodo and Sam vamoose.
Author's reply
In C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce" the great spirits who play at the game of life move the pieces that represent themselves about the board that represents the world and time; and I see Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam's own great spirits clustered together about that board. It didn't matter at first perhaps whether those who might be the saviors of Middle Earth would play as princes or peasants; in the end it would be more important they be the latter, for such would be more proof against the power of the Ring. But all who come into the Presence in the end are brothers and sisters, after all, or so for us who are Christians we have been assured by Jesus Himself.
How much of life is predestination and how much due to free will? It's a debate as old at least as Christianity. Frodo and Sam could have refused to go and remained simple folk in the eyes of all, but instead went and made themselves manifest as great lords of the spirit; that such would confirm the perception that beyond Arda they are closely related to Aragorn just seemed logical.
And Aragorn we know doesn't make it to the Havens in time, but it's not for lack of trying. But I see him as one who always finds the spiritual ties to his friends and colleagues and even those animals closest to him. No, such as Aragorn will never be alone, for they draw all they meet into their own identity.
Hope this helps.
Kitty
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
So Galadriel was the inner choice who reasoned so often with Frodo? I’m not surprised as we always knew she could do that.
The Istari looked at Elrond and Galadriel. “He’d not dare seek to sneak away from them again.” Oh yes, Gandalf, he does! How very farsighted of Bilbo to mention Gandalf should warn them!
Loved your reason why Hardorn didn’t accompany Aragorn. A wasp felled the great protector? How amusing (even if I’m sorry for him!) Although I strongly suspect Hardorn will *fume* when Aragorn returns and give him a dressing down as never before for riding through the wilderness without guard!
It was so very typical of Aragorn to walk for the sake of Roheryn, even if it meant he would be too late to see Frodo one last time. Poor guy, to ride so far and then to hear he was too late ... But it was so nice to see how he came to ride Olórin. It seems the stallion knew Aragorn would need him.
and hoped in his heart the animal didn’t take it into its head to move at the last moment and leave him lying face down on the ground. Horses, he’d learned over the years, often exhibited such a sense of humor.... You know, that is only too true! Years ago I sometimes rode my mare without saddle. Though she is a pony, she is quite a big one, and comes up to my shoulder, so I was not able to jump on her back without aid and had to use a bench if nobody was there to help. Every time I’d lead her to stand along the bench, then stepped on the bench, and in the moment I extended my leg to slip it over her back, she circled away, so she now stood with the head to the bench, safely out of reach to mount. I usually ended between her and the bench on the ground (but at least on my own feet), had to turn her back along the bench, climb up – and the game started again. And again. And again. And the whole time, the little beast looked completely innocent, particularly when I scolded her – she did nothing wrong, after all, did she?
So Frodo had visions of Aragorn’s desperate ride North to see him one last time? How sad they didn’t meet. But I was glad he had a glimpse of Aragorn with Melian and Ruvemir of Lebennin and of Brendi’s and Narcissa’s wedding, so he knew a bit of what was to come. And his last gifts to his young cousins are so touching!
Author's reply
No, Galadriel's not the inner Voice; but she was describing the shared dream with Frodo described in "The Choice of Healing" in which he decides at last to accept the offer.
Of course Bilbo would be aware of how difficult it was for Frodo to say goodbye and his prediliction to slip off unnoticed if he could. He'd so want for the others to say a proper goodbye, I think.
I loved one story I read recently in which Aragorn's many wounds endured over the years were numbered and how he'd overcome each, only to find himself wishing he were dead of seasickness. That Hardorn's weakness might be an allergy to bee or wasp venom seemed to be a similar thing. So often we can get by the big things only to be felled by some piece of gravel that rolls under the sole of our shoe. And I suspect you are right about Hardorn's reaction to Aragorn's lonely ride.
Glad you liked the fleshing out of the acceptance by Olorin. And I love your story about your pony and her enjoyment of keeping you off her back. Wily things animals can be.
And although I grieve Aragorn arrived too late, yet I think that Frodo's own foresight would serve to reassure about the future and Aragorn's place in it. And Ruvemir and Melian did manage to slip into this story anyway, didn't they? Always a fun thing when characters slip sideways a bit. And to know that both Brendi and Narcissa would find such joy in the future, and that they would come to be close to Forsythia and Fosco would, I think, be very reassuring. And so glad you appreciate the gifts he prepares for them.
Kitty
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
They should’ve send Pippin to talk to Merry’s parents, maybe that would solve at least part of the problem – he can talk, and they want to hear, unlike his own parents.
Poor Merry, if he knew just *why* Frodo doesn’t want to celebrate his birthday! But it is so sweet of them all that they want to be there in October to help Frodo through the anniversary of Weathertop.
“Very well, although if looks were daggers I’d have bled to death the first evening I spent in Hardbottle, going to the inn there with him. Bartolo’s nose is so firmly twisted by Benlo’s defection I suspect next time he goes out in the rain he’ll drown.” *giggle* Brendi is under no illusions, isn’t he? I love his humour.
As for the rest, it was quite sad. It tore at my own heart what Frodo said about courting Narcissa. The only comfort was to know at least Brendi got to say a proper farewell to Frodo, knowing he would never see him again. To be honest, I thought it always so unfair that Frodo slipped out of the Shire without telling even his beloved cousins and they’d not been able to say farewell if not for Gandalf. In my opinion, that would’ve been much harder for them than to see him in his bad state. And they have known him long before the quest and how he was then, so they don't have only the image of him fading to remember.
Author's reply
It's hard for some to appear less than what they see as their best, or so I've found. And for as private a person as Frodo, he'd be very unwilling to share his final state with others, I think.
So glad you appreciate Brendi's humor, and I, too, am glad Gandalf robbed Frodo of his final disappearance. You are certainly right that the others had far more wonderful memories than bad ones, and he ought not to have been so foolish.
Baggins Babe
· 5 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
"My newest brother with four legs..." What a wonderful phrase that is. Reminds me of St.Francis and his habit of referring to the animals and birds as 'brother' and 'sister.' Very fitting for someone brought up among Elves and with such an understanding of - and respect for - all the wonders of Nature. Olorin sounds superb, and it was lovely to finally learn how Aragorn came to acquire him. Now I see what you meant in your review of my story. We must have both been inspired by the memory of Shadowfax.
I was overjoyed to read that Frodo has 'seen' Brendi's marriage to Narcissa - it will bring him joy and hope, i think. Another powerful and inspiring chapter, Larner.
Author's reply
I, too, have long felt that the Elvish background Aragorn enjoyed would fit him closely to a feeling of fellowship with other creatures beyond the races of sentient beings with which he was acquainted; and love your reference to the resemblance with St. Francis. As for Aragorn receiving Olorin, as Olorin was of the Mearas I think it would have to be a mutual decision, and more on the horse's side than Aragorn's. And I find how we both loved the idea of our heroes receiving offspring of Shadowfax to be wonderful, and have found other parallels with you and other writers as well, of course.
And yes, the vision of that wedding would be reassuring to Frodo, I think.
Queen Galadriel
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
*wipes eyes* Oh...this is really, really sad. This one finally got me crying-I'd been resisting it for the last several posts, and I finally lost the battle. I feel almost like *I'm* losing Frodo myself, and the knowledge that I can reread LOTR any time I like (am doing so now) and can write about Frodo myself any time I like, for some reason doesn't make a difference to me now. Aragorn is going to be terribly heartbroken, as seen in one of your other stories. They all seem to blend into one, and I tend to get the titles mixed up. Galadriel's gentle amusement at Frodo's thinking of mashed potatoes or mushrooms was very much in character, I thought, and made me laugh, even while it-as well as anything concerning Frodo at this point-had a little bit of sadness in it. Perhaps because he's leaving Middle-earth, for ever, and soon he'll be the only hobbit among so many mighty ones...until Sam comes, anyway.
So, Frodo saw ahead then. What a blessing to have, to be able to make preparations for joyous events for which he himself will not be present.
Oh, but I did love the exchange between Aragorn and Eomer! Aragorn is ever the healer, even when it comes to his horse. :) And I had to laugh at Olorin's dislike of Brego. Very, very clever, Larner! LOL! I didn't like that they changed Aragorn's horse's name in the movie. But I thought that in the book he rode Hasufel (not sure of spelling-I'm so terrible with...exotic names). Or was it that Hasufel was lent and returned, and Aragorn was gifted with his other one? (I'm not even going to attempt it because Jaws absolutely mangles these names-it can be quite...um...entertaining at times, and I didn't stop to look.) The horses themselves were very charmingly portrayed, and very true to the characters one would expect of such horses. And I love the remark about horses having odd senses of humour! LOL! That's certainly true, as I know very well, to my sorrow. :) I rode for two years, and near the end of that time had the pleasure of dealing with a horse who seemed for a while to think that I was made of porcelain (I really have no idea why), but once he realised that I could and would exercise authority, he refused to listen at all, when before he would stop at the slightest movement of the reins.
Well, I began this with tears in my eyes and end up laughing. Oh, and something you said about loose threads caught my attention. I hope you never run out of "loose threads," because that means more stories, right? :) :) And that very sweet and eloquent review of the previous chapter is very true indeed.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Am days behind--too many real life crises, I think. Pray for Bekah, please.
Anyhoo, in the book Aragorn is loaned Hasufel (spelling was correct) to ride by Eomer, and he rode him until the Grey Company came from the north bringing his own horse Roheryn. In the movies he is loaned Hasufel, but Brego, who is turned loose after the death of his former master Prince Theodred, finds Aragorn after he's drifted down the river and after that Aragorn rides him. I liked the idea that perhaps "Brego" might have been considered for this animal but that he didn't care for it, and glad you enjoyed the reference.
It's in "For Eyes to See as Can" that Aragorn misses Frodo's leaving and meets with Merry, Pippin, and Sam out on the road to Bree; he mentions his ride in "The King's Commission" in a conversation with Gimli. The exchange with Galadriel is from "The Choice of Healing," of course, and glad you enjoyed Galadriel's amusement. And I also felt that Frodo would want to see to it that the gifts of acknowledgment for the lesser coming of age for the twins were tied to himself as much as to Brendi and Narcissa. I think that at least some of the visions granted to him would be reassuring in nature for the wellbeing of those he loved most dearly.
And so glad you liked the depiction of Roheryn and Olorin and their interactions. Once a Mearas breathed on him I think Roheryn would quickly get over his jealousy. I certainly am accustomed to the jealousy I see in my dogs. after all, and am certain horses must also be prone to such emotions.
As for more loose threads--I keep finding them.
Thanks ever for the responses to my writing.
Dreamflower
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
Oh, I feel so horrible for Aragorn, knowing that he's not going to make it on time! Poor man, I wish there was some way to tell him, or to speed his journey! He will be truly heartbroken.
I like the way Bilbo listens to the conversations between the bearers of the Three, and his rather firm hint--an order, almost--that Merry and Pippin be informed. In his heart, he's still the Baggins family head, and has the best interests of all his younger kin in his heart, however old and tired he has become.
And I remember the bowl analogy--I always thought that was a wonderful comparison.
I am almost dreading the next few chapters, you are so close to the end--and to the Grey Havens. *sigh*
Author's reply
I can't bring myself to break canon enough to have Aragorn quite make it, but I certainly would love it had he done so. And of course Bilbo keeps an ear open to what Frodo might be up to, and wants for Merry and Pippin to have the chance to say goodbye. You're right--once Baggins family head, always Baggins family head.
Yes, we are at last approaching the end. Last chapter was just written into the laptope today and will soon be posted.
And the Grey Havens is a time of sadness, but a necessary one.
shirebound
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
Oh my, all roads are now converging, aren't they? Frodo's relief and peace in his decision has definitely aided him.
Author's reply
Yes, all is coming together at the last.
And he is indeed helped by the fact he is finally coming to terms with himself.
harrowcat
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
Aw! *deeply happy sigh* nice Larner gives me another great chapter to read before I go to bed! Much more time to savour it this time of day rather than reading and dashing to work. I, too, am so glad that you are elaborating on Aragorn's ride to meet Frodo but I was crying when I read the outcome to this in your other tale and feel for Linda's impending disappointment. A fully worthy man our Aragorn; too full of integrity to abuse a horse even when on so important and errand as this!
And, of course, I just love any mention of Gilrain's two lost sons. Sneaky Bilbo, sneaky. So, just who did Gandalf send to warn M & P if he didn't go himself. We wonders, yes we does Preciousssss! I have a list of likely suspects or I may have been reading that bit wrong - will go back and re-read it I promisessss! *g*
Author's reply
Aragorn would be more careful in the manner in which he treats his horse, I think, than the manner in which he might treat himself. And so glad you liked how I elaborated on the bits given in "For Eyes to See as Can" and "The King's Commission." But I did want to explore just how Olorin the Mearas came to bear the King of Gondor instead of one of the royal house of Rohan, and this is what insisted be written.
Yes, Bilbo is sneaky, but also practical. As he's said before, when he finds he momentarily has the choice of appearing fully asleep and hearing part of the conversation or taking full part and then slipping off fully asleep anyway, he'll choose the former.
As for who warns Merry and Pippin--that is still coming. But it's actually the most likely suspect at all, although he'll have a time of it.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 96: 96: Riding of Elves and King
I enjoyed this chapter very much, especially the part about Aragorn and the horse.Were you thinking of Hidalgo by any chance?I love the mental bond you give Aragorn and Frodo.It will comfort the others if he is there when Frodo leaves.It was also good to see what Elrond and the others thought.
Author's reply
No, actually I wasn't thinking of Hidalgo, although I love all mentions of the relationships Viggo manages to forge with his movie mounts.
Yes, it would comfort the others if Aragorn manages to come in time, but he HAS been delayed on the road.
And at the end I manage to tie in some details from the other stories I've written without sounding as if I'm just rewriting or copying the scenes completely.
Andrea
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
Wow! After that marvellous conversation between Frodo and Brendi I recognized that I was actually holding my breath! Every single word of Frodo in this conversation is a treasure, not only for Brendi but also for the reader.
“I now wish--wish I’d done what you suggested--took my own advice--perhaps courted Narcissa. Now--” he turned to meet Brendi’s eyes, “--now it is indeed too late. I was so foolish.”
Too late indeed. They would have made the perfect couple. Of that I'm sure!
Although Frodo has a detailed plan and even a list to tick off what has been accomplished, he is unsure about Merry and Pippin.
“When will you tell them--Merry, Pippin, and Sam?”
“Merry and Pippin will know--after I leave the Shire.”
“That’s not fair, Frodo!”
Now, this time it's me who is torn in two. What Brendi says is true, but I can also understand Frodo. It's really a tragedy! Thank god that Gandalf was there in the end, for if Merry and Pippin had not been there to say farewell to Frodo, that would have been yet another reason to make him feel guilty.
Author's reply
Actually holding your breath? Now, that is a compliment! Brendi is seeing just how depleted Frodo himself has become, to the point he cannot bear the farewells.
Frodo himself accepts he has been foolish, that he might have known more than he did--but now he realizes he's cheated himself, which again is in part a step forward. And I think they might have known more joy than Frodo realizes even now.
Frodo's choice has always left us torn in two--and we see how it affects almost all there as well. And I, too, rejoice that Gandalf was there at the end to see things set right before Frodo bears that regret away with him as well.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
So Frodo has finally decided that he needs to sail to the West. I hope the poor Hobbit finds peace there.
Author's reply
I've always believed Frodo did find his peace there. So glad you agree.
Linda Hoyland
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 94: 94: Travelers' Honor
I enjoyed reading about Frodo and Sam after the Ring was destroyed,I always wish Tolkien had told us more about that.
Author's reply
I, too, found myself at times wishing to see more of the last two years than just the hints Tolkien left us. So glad you appear to enjoy my version of the events.
French Pony
· 3 March 2006
· Chapter 95: 95: Plans Set in Motion
All this plotting and counter-plotting! It's so wonderful to see the Hobbits all trying to do the best they can by each other, even if it is such an awful situation. But Frodo seems to have made his peace with his fate, and he has chosen the possibility of healing over the certainty of death. Looks like things will be coming to a head real soon.
Author's reply
Yes, the story is indeed looking toward its ending. Frodo has at last chosen as you've noted, and while others seek to come to his comfort he seeks to slide out between the various approaching fronts. But at least he has indeed chosen the possibility of healing.