Oh, this one had me laughing. Dundeloth's new dog, and the other forgetting and purring! Hilarious! Now, to see how they defend the family honor! Hehehehehehehehe!
Author's reply
See what comes of watching A Midsummer Night's Dream once too often! Puts wild ideas into your head! lol And I figured it was time for a bit of comedy, and the stepsons hadn't had a chance to really show their stuff yet. And cats and dogs being such a new concept to them, I thought it entirely possible they might get them confused at times! And I guess they didn't figure on Dundeloth wanting to adopt them...ah well!
So glad it amused! Now for the next part........
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 23 May 2007
· Chapter 66: Ada Towerstar
At least Frodo will be keeping some of his stepchildren! And I do like the name Squigglefoot. He could start a dynasty with that name - it's as good as Telcontar any day!
They are good at picking names - although I'm glad they avoided Dampbottom. That definitely wouldn't have gone down well.
Author's reply
I've a feeling they'll all come to visit often, that they now have "island fever" and won't be able to stay away for long at a time. The Squigglefoot clan--yeah, why not! It could catch on.
I've observed that first-time mothers are often rather sensitive where their babies are concerned, and don't take well to certain types of joking. The naughty twins are learning, however! And I think they're gonna stick around also, having no attachments back "home"....the BR will not be dull with the Squigglefoot-Bagginses around;)
Larner
· 20 May 2007
· Chapter 66: Ada Towerstar
Our beloved Ada Towerstar--learning to be a father, learning to give that love and nurture and let go as parents must do.
Author's reply
And he's been at it less than a year. Quite a tall order! But all things considered, I'd say he's not doing too badly, and he's having a lovely time. And yes, the letting go...that will be the hardest part. But some will stick around at least--for a very long time!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 20 May 2007
· Chapter 66: Ada Towerstar
I still like “Squigglefoot,” however.
And Sam, you are “Easthope Sunbrother.” You are quite the hero with my family!
I think I like that name too and Sam's is just beautiful. It's good he's included even though they've never met him. But our Iorhael's wife is right too about the great effect her/our beloved has on people. His joy at waking and thinking of his beloved was cute too. Glad he has joy.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Maybe that should be "SquiggleFEET"? lol I thought Sam should be a hero with Frodo's family just as Frodo is with Sam's, and should have the most beautiful name they could think of. And yes, our Iorhael should have all the joy he can hold and then some...so I just gotta keep piling it on! What else is a fairy godmother for?
Thanks bunches for commenting!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Only Rosie's great trust in Sam would allow her to credit the tales he tells! And even then - some of the flights of fancy must be hard to take.
Wonderful to the kids, though.
And even better for Sam, who knows with certainty just how happy Frodo is in the Blessed Realm.
Author's reply
Well, she must have heard some big ones before...but yes, she must surely feel a twinge of skepticism from time to time, and Sam must also be tempted to embroider a bit sometimes for the amusement of the kids.
And I've just always wanted to assure Sam that Frodo is indeed happy, as much as I've enjoyed playing fairy godmother to Frodo.....
~~~{~@
I'm glad they have such a close connection! It must be wonderful for Sam to be able to see his treasure, but as the last sentence shows, still an ache to be so near, yet so far. But at least they are still connected much closer than they would have thought when they said goodbye and realize now that those as attached heart and soul to each other as they are that they are never truly apart. What a joy and comfort to them both. Hantanyel!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo's upgraded glass brings them closer together, yet at the same time makes their separation more poignant, somehow; perhaps it's as if you were able to look into a loved one's window yet not allowed to go inside the house. It might be more difficult than not being able to see in at all, at first. But they will get used to it in time, and then their happiness will increase still more as they come to learn patience, faith, and acceptance, and to learn not to spend too much time looking into those windows!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Poor Frodo-lad, so left out as he sees it--left out and displaced.
Gandalf's wedding sounds marvelous! And the swans are such a wonderful touch, particularly, somehow, surrounding Gandalf the White.
Hooray for all, and for Sam's diplomatic (and conjugal) skills! Heh!
Author's reply
Yeah, Frodo-lad was the baby and NOW there's a NEW baby...dang it all! What's a poor middle child to do?
I normally associate Gandalf with eagles, and Galadriel with swans, but it's her palace after all, and seven giant eagles might be a bit much...swans would grace a wedding much better, I'm sure. At least SOMEbody got to have swans at their wedding!
I'm sure a mayor needs good diplomatic skills, and to father 13 children one would surely need to learn to be a good lover...or, at least, it would certainly help;)
Thanks bunches Larner for reviewing!~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 1 May 2007
· Chapter 64: Temperament
Inzilbeth definitely needs some squashing! But Anemone's family seems to be taking over rather - I wonder what Fairwind will make of the part.
I can see why Frodo would find it hard to direct this part of the play - I doubt he has really overcome the memories it brings - but it might do him more good to live through it. Maybe. For all everyone wants to protect him.
Author's reply
What's an acting company without its very own prima donna?;) I'm rather hoping I didn't come up with that idea in my sleep after seeing "Phantom of the Opera" one too many times...but maybe nothing really terrible could happen after all, not in the BR at least.
Yes, I'm thinking it must be hard for him too...having to relive the worst parts of his quest and all. But everyone is on his side, and Guilin even cares enough about him now to be willing to relive his own horrid experiences in order to help Frodo through it--that's got to do him good. He'll stubborn it out, I haven't a doubt.
~~~{~@
Antane
· 22 April 2007
· Chapter 64: Temperament
This is my favorite scene also! But I had the same first reaction that Perion did - "You're holding a naked man and you're a man yourself! What do you mean that you think it's the greatest thing in the world to do?" (This was before knew there was a difference between men and hobbits.) Then I realized that how very beautiful it was, what a tender moment entirely free of anything sexual or erotic, just a loving reunion. That's why I get so melty and I would dare say why Frodo did too. It would be hard to go through all that came before over and over but he has the comfort that he will see the reunion over and over again too. I was just thinking today that you hadn't updated this in a while and I am glad to see such a nice addition! He does miss his Sam so, doesn't he, but at least he has this contact. You should write a separate story of Sam's reactions to these letters. hint, hint...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Funny how un-innocent we've gotten in the past 50-60 years....Before I first read the books in 2003 I was already seeing a bunch of all that "are they gay" stuff on the internet. And I asked myself after I read the books, Would all that have occurred to me if I had read the books, say, 20 or 30 years ago, or even shortly before hearing/reading all that. And the answer was, Probably not, but even if it had, I dare say my reaction would have been similar to when I read a book entitled How Green was my Valley. The young hero has a couple of much older male friends who are always together and are obviously greatly devoted to each other. When one of them risks his life to save his friend in a mining accident, I thought, "Are they supposed to be gay?" The next moment I thought, "Well, what if they are, we love 'em anyway!" (Note: at the time I read it, I was going through a particularly religious phase). I think that's exactly what my reaction would have been if such a question had occurred to me while reading LotR. Yet now my answer is, in the case of both books, "I very much doubt it!"
But yes, I thought it extremely likely that Perion, whom I conceived as being the equivalent of a boy of about 14, might feel some qualms about holding his male friend in his arms that way onstage! lol But yes, good point about getting to see the reunion. And the fact that Guilin cares enough about him to be willing to relive his own horrid memories in order to help him through it can only do him good.
Yes, maybe I could write Sam's reaction...well, I did put in a chapter which clearly indicates that he does indeed hear, but maybe something from his own pov could work...I'm afraid the story is drawing to a close soon and I do dread finishing it, I've grown sooo attached to it, what in the WORLD will I do when it's over? I was hoping maybe I wouldn't need to finish it, it could just ramble on and on and be my Never-ending Story, but I don't seriously think that's going to happen. Yes, I can always start another, but it won't be the same, I know....arrgh!
But thanks so much for reviewing!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Larner
· 21 April 2007
· Chapter 64: Temperament
Yes, if that scene moves us, book and movie, how much more would it bring back that entire, horrid, terrifying time in HIS mind, as he must help others see it in their own minds. And now the love is there more strongly, as well as the awareness of just how far it is to the brother of his soul.
I am so glad Guilin is there for him at this time.
Author's reply
He and Guilin will give each other strength to get through the reliving of horrid memories for them both, I imagine. I'm also thinking that Frodo would feel all the more keenly the distance between Sam and himself at this time. Yet their separation has enabled him to be all that he can be and impart his own light to his new chosen people...and in effect, truly live in the present. So eventually he will begin to feel their connection, when this final task is completed and he can get on with the business of living. And his people will be backing him up all the way, I'm sure...unlike in ME.
Thanks so much Larner for reviewing!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 60: Unlocked
“I think so,” I said. “In fact, I saw him. That must have been when I dozed off. He was standing before me, speaking to me. I could feel his hand touching my face. It was not like a dream; it felt real.”
That must have been a great consolation to our dear - to feel his brother's touch again.
Happy Easter! Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Good to see you back again gal! I've missed your comments!
It may have been Northlight who touched him in reality, but Sam in the dream/vision. A consolation indeed.
Hope your Easter season was a happy one!
hugs
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 3 April 2007
· Chapter 63: Puss
Poor Hathol! But Frodo was able to ease his passing and offer relief to the others. And Hathol was able to pass on the message to Raven - which will probably ease some of her sorrow.
Yes, the process of erasure takes away the good as well as the bad. And mostly it's probably better to remain the person you are and deal with the memories.
Author's reply
Yes...it will do her good to know of his fate and to be able to honor him in her own way. And she would not want to forget those who saved her life and eased her pain, risking their own lives to do so. I've a feeling already there will be more than one name on that little monument!
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Bodkin
· 3 April 2007
· Chapter 62: By Land and Sea
It must be quite disconcerting for Frodo to be surrounded by so many step-children and step-grandchildren! He has as many as Sam, one way or another. And quite a lot of them are rather interested in the whole concept of becoming landish!
I'm not surprised Raven is quite stressed - but time with her brother will do her good. And Findemaxa is growing - in maturity and talent!
Author's reply
I bet they'll grow on him pretty quickly, however...and he might not want to let them go when their visit is over! I dare say their observations of "landish" folk who are very close and loving and happy is making an impression on them. A longgggg time ago I saw a very old movie in which an angel came to earth and helped a young couple who were very much in love, and ended up envying mortals himself. Although, no, he didn't become one, just ended up going back to heaven sooner than scheduled.
Yes, I figured Raven might be suffering some aftershock after her revelations of the previous night, but yes, the time will do them both good and she will be immensely cheered and inspired knowing she helped her art teacher find her true calling. And that it's her own mother who'll be giving Findemaxa her makeover:D
~~~{~@
eiluj
· 1 April 2007
· Chapter 62: By Land and Sea
What a wonderful visit!
Your sea-folk are enchanting, and very credibly a *different* people from elves or hobbits or anyone else.
Author's reply
Why, thank you Dearie! *blushing* I'm glad my sea-folk work for you. I suppose they are partly my own invention and partly deriving from folklore, in which they are often drawn to land-folk, usually fatally. It was a challenge not to make them seem like little elves or small humans, but rather a bit faery-like, a little dangerous, magical and somehow unique.
Well, I guess Frodo has ended up with the most unusual family in hobbit history! lol
~~~{~@
Larner
· 1 April 2007
· Chapter 63: Puss
I am so glad Frodo learned the disposition of Hathol, and the soldier that helped Raven survive. And I'm grateful the Valar aided Frodo in this way, for it eases more hearts and minds than just his.
Author's reply
Thanks for putting the idea into my head;) Yes, I thought if all the Valar pitched in with the glass, he might be able to reach and comfort even those unknown to him, and bring Raven the healing she needs most, and become their emissary or priest in some small way.
~~~{~@
Larner
· 31 March 2007
· Chapter 62: By Land and Sea
I rejoice to see Frodo as father and grandfather, and to such a brood! The twins do sound delightful, and I, too, would have difficulty not picking up and cherishing little Onyx.
Author's reply
Onyx may come to like it soon...yes, who wouldn't want to pick up a child one foot tall?:D I'm betting Frodo will have a hard time letting the brood go back to the sea, as will I--might be a trifle dull around the place without them! I'm especially enjoying the twins also. Being a grandpa has got to suit Frodo to a T. Who'd have thought he would beat Sam to it?
Thanks for the FB!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 30 March 2007
· Chapter 61: Inventions
Oh my - Guilin has invented the patents office! Before long he is likely to be the Bill Gates of the Blessed Realm!
I love the way the sea has returned the star-glass - the willingness to sacrifice it perhaps being more important than the sacrifice itself.
Author's reply
Maybe, maybe....who knows?;) Well, being able in his own way to return the favors that have been done for him is bound to do him good, as we shall soon come to find. No passive recipient he!
Yes, that was the whole idea, the willingness...and it will soon pay off in unexpected ways, I believe. I dare say there were more Valar than just Ulmo in cahoots here......
Thanks for reviewing!
~~~{~@
Anonymous
· 27 March 2007
I'm playing a game I can't even see
Can't see the forest for all the trees
And the joke is always on me
If you're crying you can't really sleep
You're supposed to know people you can't even meet
Yeah, the joke's always on me
They tell you to sit on an invisible seat
But your trust is all gone so you stand til you're weak
And you think, "The joke's always on me"
They say you can't really stand on your feet
But you know they're just trying to bring you to your knees
So you tell them, "The joke's always on me"
You hope beyond hope that it's all just a dream
But when you never wake up, your mind silently screams
"The joke's always on me!"
You bargain forever and can't make a deal
'Cause what do you have that they can't always steal?
So you shrug and say, "The joke's always on me"
You try to stop them, but the tears always leak
Keeping them back is just too hard a feat
So you let them fall and whisper, "The joke's always on me"
They tell you everything you're supposed to feel
But by now you can't tell what their words really mean
All you know is - the joke's always on me
I'm playing an endless game I never will see
Walking through a forest filled with no trees
Because the joke is always on me.
Author's reply
A neat poem---but it came with no name, who is this? Anybody I know? yoooohooooo........is it who I think it might be?;););)
~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@
eiluj
· 26 March 2007
· Chapter 61: Inventions
Oh my! It came back (or was sent back).
And what will happen now?
Author's reply
I dare say it has gotten a major upgrade...so there's no telling what it can do now! We'll just see!:D
~~~{~@
Larner
· 26 March 2007
· Chapter 61: Inventions
Ah, yes--those things properly sacrificed in love and faith will be renewed and fulfilled, and often returned thus.
Bless Ulmo, and our sweet lovers.
Author's reply
Perhaps Ulmo has given the glass a major upgrade.......the bread, or rather light, cast upon the waters has come back, and it remains to be seen what it will bring about now!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 24 March 2007
· Chapter 60: Unlocked
Well, Guilin, I think the answer to that is 'quite a lot'!
I suspect it can only do Raven good to be able to speak of what she has endured - and it says a lot for how much safer she feels that she can tell Frodo.
(Hathol sounds a good man in a bad situation and I hope he escaped. One way or another.)
Author's reply
Hathol got out but whether or not he survived...well, even I'm not sure. We'll just see what the Muse says;)
Yes, Raven needed to get it all out...and probably there's more that needs to get out before she's fully recovered, but she's a gutsy girl and will make it although of course these things aren't cured overnight. The nature of her special bond with Frodo is pretty obvious, and she surely feels safe telling him anything. As for Guilin, maybe his burden of guilt can be eased by the knowledge that but for him Hathol and the other prisoners would not have escaped, at least not as soon as they did.
~~~{~@
Larner
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 60: Unlocked
I feel as if I missed something. Northlight was the one who touched him, or Sam, or whom?
Poor child, for Raven to have been through all of that. And it would be a blessing to know what happened to Hathol after all.
Author's reply
Well, I thought it was Sam, but come to think of it, I suppose it could have been Northlight in reality, and Sam in the dream/vision. Hathol's fate may have to remain a mystery....unless maybe someone with extraordinary vision could find a way to see, after all. Who knows? Just keep putting ideas into my head;D
Bodkin
· 21 February 2007
· Chapter 59: Sacrifice
It is a good thing that Frodo is willing to live in the present. Although willingly surrendering his link to Sam took a lot of courage. Courage that will, hopefully, be rewarded.
And Raven is speaking! For herself? Or in another's voice? Only time will tell!
Author's reply
Ulp...I thought I had answered this one! Yes, I think it will be amply rewarded...and yes, he has a family now and must live in the present and keep moving forward, although there's no harm in glancing back over his shoulder from time to time.
Raven is going to have a good deal to say very shortly! It will take courage for her also, but she has plenty of that. Yes, time and the Muse will tell!
~~~{~@
eiluj
· 19 February 2007
· Chapter 59: Sacrifice
Aw! I love your happy resolutions.
Author's reply
Thanks! Don't we all love 'em?
hugs
Armariel
~~~{~@
Larner
· 18 February 2007
· Chapter 59: Sacrifice
Ah, yes, a sacrifice truly given is often returned, fulfilled and far more than it was when it left the hands of the giver.
Author's reply
"Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days." (Ecclesiastes 11:1) Could also apply to light, maybe? Especially since light travels much faster than bread;)
~~~{~@