Larner
· 4 November 2006
· Chapter 40: The Meaning of the Dance
Oh, how very perfect!
Forget copies of statues from Budapest (WHAT a thing to have in the bath house!) and peacock gazebos and the rest--Tilwen and Galendur's small son is the proper, proper gift to receive just in time for the wedding! Yes!
And love Northlight's affection for his ada, so much more worthy than the sea spirit who actually sired him. Yes, with healing in his hands has Frodo come to Tol Eressea.
Author's reply
Budapest? I thought it was from Bruges...lol Actually I believe such statues were known in ancient Greece and/or the Roman Empire also! Maybe some explorer found one in the ruins of an Elven civilization and brought it back with him, and it caught on.....heheh...and it would be quite a conversation piece for any bathhouse, I should think;);)
But yes, Little Iorhael leaves all that other stuff in the dust! And Frodo will give as good as he receives always, and the bond between him and Northlight has been forged more through working together than through playing together, I'm sure.:)
hugs
Armariel
~~~{~@
Larner
· 30 October 2006
· Chapter 39: Darkness
How we need reassurance for the simplest things! Yes, she will come back, and he now has a friend in his stepson.
Author's reply
Yes, we do, don't we? And I'm sure he and Northlight will become close in her absence...and Galendur and Tilwen will have a chance to practice their parenting skills in the meantime!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 30 October 2006
· Chapter 39: Darkness
I hope Anemone doesn't stay away too long - it seems as if her absence is allowing all Frodo's insecurities to resurface.
Mind you, it's given Galendur and Tilwen a chance to shine!
Author's reply
Yeah, drat those pesky insecurities, why won't they ever stay put? Well, maybe he'll learn to stuff them back into the box!
And yes, already he's giving Galendur and Tilwen some opportunity to practice their parenting skills, I'm sure!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 28 October 2006
· Chapter 39: Darkness
That was neat he asked Sam to pray for him. We all need that! It would be true that he could not hide anything from his brother even if he wanted to and it would be worse to hear nothing and soon, I'm sure, he'll announce that all is well and all that worry was for nothing, though I do not blame him for fretting.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, even as he admitted, faith is much easier to talk about than it is to have! And that's what friends/brothers/sisters are for to confide in each other, pray for each other, help in whatever way we can. It took Frodo a while to catch on, but he finally did! And sooner or later....ummmm....yeah....well, we will see! Thanks for commenting!
hugs
Armariel
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 23 October 2006
· Chapter 38: Adjectives
Nice selection of adjectives ...
Outraged? Confused? Befuddled? Betrayed? Bewildered? Wounded? Disgusted? Kerflummoxed? Infuriated?
Annoyed?
Discombobulated?
Unsettled?
I hope Frodo spends some time with Northlight - he could probably do with getting to know his stepfather, who is a completely different kettle of fish to his own father! And he seems to be getting a good bit of practice in on advising Galendur!
Author's reply
I could have said "a tweetle beetle noodle poodle bottled paddled muddled duddled fuddled wuddled fox in sox, sir!" but decided not. Sometimes I'm just too darn stuffy!
"Kettle of fish"...nice choice of words!;) Yes, perhaps they should spend some...ahem...quality time together. I'm betting they will!
~~~{~@
Larner
· 19 October 2006
· Chapter 38: Adjectives
Poor Northlight--what a history for the poor thing. But at least he has been redeemed, and again Frodo has helped lead another to the Light in a secondhand manner this time, perhaps.
And Galendur has indeed grown up and become one worth knowing.
Author's reply
Oh yes...although like Frodo, I wouldn't want to see him mature TOO much to the point where he turns into some goody-goody elf without any more wild and wacky Man side to him. Eek, what a bore!;)
And isn't it nice that so often it takes so little to turn someone to the light? Something as simple as the offer of a sandwich can do it.
Thanks once more!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 14 October 2006
· Chapter 37: Curtain Call
This will really bring it home to Frodo - he is about to become a stepfather!!
I'm glad Northlight put on such a brilliant performance. It is a key - if not very glamorous - role in the whole story.
Author's reply
Fortunately all his future stepchildren are adults...or unfortunately, depending on how you look at it. But at least there won't be any of that "You'll never take my father's place, blah blah blah blah" stuff!
Hardly glamorous, but very important indeed--and fiendishly difficult to get right, I should think!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 13 October 2006
· Chapter 37: Curtain Call
"Iorhael,” Anemone said softly, taking his hand once more and presenting him to me face to face, “this is my son, Northlight.”
Now that's a surprise! Hope you don't keep us waiting too long for our dear's reaction! Glad the performance went well.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Heheh, it was a surprise to me too...silly Muse, throwing me a curve ball! I'll probably update this weekend if I get time. And I'm sure our dear is vastly relieved the performance went well. Now he can relax for another year...maybe!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
eiluj
· 12 October 2006
· Chapter 37: Curtain Call
Tricksy author!
I love your mental pictures, like Frodo's pony cart or Anemone's cloak.
I'm not sure when I started using "eiluj" -- probably junior high. But we played with names a lot in college, and several of us had backwards names which were generally used as nicknames. I also used it a few times at work, when feeling whimsical or boggled -- usually totally to the total confusion of whomever I was emailing.
Author's reply
Tricksy Muse! I wasn't expecting that turn...it snuck up on me! Happens that way a lot, which is part of the fun of writing. I love creating mental images also, glad you like them. (Those sneak up on me too.)
I have a sword named AtiZor, which is backwards for RoZita, a nickname by which I'm known to my online friends. I just thought it sounded, well, kind of um...sharp...haha!
~~~{~@
Larner
· 12 October 2006
· Chapter 37: Curtain Call
Oh, wonderful! How very wonderful, that this should become a family affair. And so it is that Ninniach's mother was indeed our Anemone! Lovely!
Sounds quite the play--wish I could have been there to see it acted out.
Author's reply
Naughty muse to throw us a curve ball! I so wasn't expecting it! Still, it's part of the fun of writing, is it not? And something tells me that Frodo's married life will definitely not be dull!
I'm sure the play was sensational...and that our hero is vastly relieved it went down well...and that Ninniach turned out to be who he turned out to be!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 36: Unsettled
Well - it is important to have a good Gollum. If you want the elves to have a good understanding of what really happened.
The idea of Anemone - with her powers and her children and her background - giving that all up to marry Frodo - well, I'm not surprised it rattles him. Or that he has his doubts that she really understands what she is giving up for him.
Author's reply
Good Gollum-Moses, yesss it isss!!! It hadn't occurred to me before that so much of the play's success and the elves' full understanding hinged on having the right Gollum, and how ever would they get one?? Well, but the Valar are backing the play after all, they know what they're doing surely....
And yes, certainly Frodo must be worrying big time about how he'll measure up and compensate Anemone for what she is giving up...but he also knows that she cannnot know true bliss until she acquires a human soul. And since the Powers are backing him up as well, they'll be sure to help out after he's done his part!
~~~{~@
Larner
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 35: Ninniach
I'd first thought Niniach Anemone, then wondered if we might have Vaire or even Irmo involved. And it does seem that those two are as much sponsors for Frodo's love as is Ulmo....
Author's reply
Well, we'll just see, precioussss...heheh! There may be yet more surprises in store....ahem..........!
Yes, I did want Anemone to be more than just a cute little faery-princess playing cute tricks, I wanted her to do something of monumental importance also....
~~~{~@
Larner
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 36: Unsettled
Ah, Anemone, how wondrous you are in your delighttful and unsettling way! Her story is itself unsettling, as is her impression on the cast. But she's going to make certain this performance is well worth seeing, that I can tell. Beautiful description of her dance, btw. Truly lovely.
Author's reply
She would have enjoyed bungee-jumping, I'm sure;) or made a stunning aerialist. Yes, I thought she needed more of a backstory too...and she'll see to it that the play comes off...whether she really is Ninniach or not!;);)
Thanks for the FB (heheh) Larner, we totally appreciates it!:):):):)
~~~{~@
Antane
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 35: Ninniach
"I think perhaps,” Anemone said, “that this Ninniach is completely throwing himself into the part, in order to awaken the others into the Truth. They must be made to understand that this is not simply a play; it is the Truth."
Very true! I've been reading a lot of books on the spiritual themes and truths contained in the Red Book. The professor was definitely inspired to write the Truth (not to mention the original authors!).
Love Frodo's delight at feeling the unborn child of his sister-in-heart and the memory of feeling his own sister.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Have you seen this website: MythicTruth: LotR--The Man? It covers quite a lot of ground concerning spiritual themes in LotR. Although I am a Protestant, a good deal of it resonates with me also. I've had a feeling Frodo's mission didn't end with the destruction of the Ring, but continued with his journey and settling in the West, and that if the BR was to stay blessed, he must make the Truth known there, and that is the underlying theme of my story, as you've probably figured out by now.
Feeling life begin, either in your own body or in that of a close friend or relation, surely is always a beautiful and holy thing.
blessings & cheer
Armariel~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 35: Ninniach
I think I know who Ninniach is too!
Galendur's brothers are a pain. I'm glad Tilwen doesn't let them get away with their obnoxiousness. After all, she's the one that's friends with Frodo and knows all the people who matter! You'd think her sisters-in-law would be seeking introductions!
Author's reply
Maybe they will, eventually--Maldor seems to be starting to see the light, after all. Maybe he's getting tired of the people who don't matter and wants to find out more about those who do. And Galendur did say he liked girls with spunk, didn't he? Tilwen is definitely not one to let others walk all over her or her friends either. Probably Frodo would have had her playing Eowyn but since she's pregnant that wouldn't do, I guess!
Yeah.....Ninniach is......uh...yeah! heheh
eiluj
· 30 September 2006
· Chapter 35: Ninniach
Oh. Of course!
I'm generally not too fond of AU's, but you are one of the authors I make an exception for.
Author's reply
Oh my goodness, thank you! I am thrilled. Well, I didn't think of this series as AU exactly, but I suppose it could be taken that way. Tolkien told us so little of the West, it's up to fanfic writers who wish to depict it to invent it themselves.
I have a sister named Julie and we used to spell our names backwards sometimes when we were kids;);)
Thanks so much for commenting!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 34: Trolls and Rainbows
Those brothers sound a decided pain in the ... neck.
The dress-changing sounds definitely disconcerting - and those two need to be disconcerted regularly.
Author's reply
And elsewhere! Somehow I doubt they'll be coming around anymore. Being freaked-out by a changing dress wouldn't agree with their constitutions. And I rather doubt they'll be missed. Who was it said you could choose your friends but not your relatives? I've a feeling Ortherion will be nursing a doozy of a hangover and it's tempting to let Tilwen go over and give him merry hell while he's suffering, but probably she wouldn't be allowed through his door. Pity!
Larner
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 34: Trolls and Rainbows
Yes, the one to help lead others to the Light he himself has embraced.
Lovely trick by our Anemone.
Author's reply
One can't do it all, it's true, but one CAN be a friend. And Frodo has learned by now that one does what one can and leaves the rest to the Divine.
The future Princess doesn't need a sword or axe to put trolls in their place! Soon she'll have no power left but her own personal charm, but surely that will be enough.
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 18 September 2006
· Chapter 33: At Long Last
I'm glad Bilbo managed to reassure Frodo that all was well. And that he has met his little sea lady! And the thought of Galendur being shocked is rather entertaining - I suspect he's rather old-fashioned in many ways, but likes to hide it under a cheeky exterior.
Author's reply
Not that Frodo really NEEDED Bilbo's consent or anything, but a little encouragement always helps. Galendur is still a big kid in many ways, and so yes, still shockable and basically old-fashioned. I imagine Anemone enjoyed getting the chance to catch him off his guard!
~~~{~@
Larner
· 16 September 2006
· Chapter 33: At Long Last
AT LAST! Love has come to Frodo, and Anemone has already taken the measure of these folk and knows precisely how to top them all! And WEDDINGS have been discussed and explained--and one is obviously being considered! Heh!
And the poem is, as always, lovely.
Author's reply
Oh thank you, thank you, thank you....YES, finally! Ah yes, Anemone is no shrinking violet;) and life with her will surely not be dull for Our Hero. Haven't decided yet if I'm going to end the series with the wedding or just let it ramble on and on, at this point. Depends on how the Muse behaves, I guess. We'll see!
~~~{~@
Antane
· 16 September 2006
· Chapter 33: At Long Last
How wonderful that FrodoandSam got to see each other! Is there more to this in Bear me away that I still haven't read yet?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Good gracious, gal, well, you'll just have to read it and find out...what on earth is holding you back?? It doesn't bite, I promise;);)
~~~{~@
Antane
· 9 September 2006
· Chapter 32: Elegies
Wow - what a poet! Pain, but also love, beautiful!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Why, we thanks ya Dearie:):) Yes, Pain + Love, surefire formula for poetry. Not that it can't be composed of other things!
hugs
Armariel~~~{~@
Larner
· 7 September 2006
· Chapter 32: Elegies
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.
And we think of love lost and love remaining....
Author's reply
Love, a contradictory thing, making us vulnerable even while it makes us strong. Making us foolish and making us wise. A tightrope between heaven and hell. A necessary danger. Hmmm, I'll be writing another song if this keeps up:D Yes, love, love changes everything: live or perish, in its flame.
Love will never ever let you be the same.... (Don Black & Andrew Lloyd Webber)
Thank you thank you THANK YOU!!
~~~{~@
Bodkin
· 5 September 2006
· Chapter 31: Waiting for the Morning
Oh dear. Bilbo can't stay for ever - and he's clearly getting ready to go - but Frodo will miss him, even if it does mean that his little sea-girl will turn up. Good to have this peaceful time to reminisce and acknowledge what they have always meant for each other. I liked the farewell picnic. The fragility of Bilbo's hold on life must be distressingly clear to his friends. I like the thought of Frodo being able to talk to him as he does to Sam.
Author's reply
Yes...I think the Elves knew his time was at hand. And I don't think he really wants to go, but he knows his time has come, and maybe there's a part of him that does want to swap his creaky old body for a new model, and so forth. Frodo will need to grieve a good while--I think Tolkien said he loved Bilbo best of all--but he knows he can't keep Bilbo with him forever and he will be comforted eventually. And this interval will help him through the loss, along with his surety of meeting Bilbo again...and he has many loving friends to buoy him up. And of course, the sea-girl will help immensely, as I'm sure Rosie and Elanor helped Sam!
Antane
· 4 September 2006
· Chapter 31: Waiting for the Morning
“You’re the fairest thing I ever saw, you are. Like a white gem full of the star-light. Like that thing that hangs around your neck, only bigger and brighter and fairer.”
“Do you remember when you first came to live at Bag End?” Bilbo sits up a little straighter. “That was the happiest day of my life. Don’t know if I ever told you that before, Frodo-lad. But it’s the day I most fondly remember. You lit all the lamps in Bag End, just as you lit that one.”
“I do remember lighting the lamps now. I asked you if I could do it, and you said yes.”
Bilbo takes my hand and holds it to his cheek. “You do remember. You looked so happy. And you made up the fire and fixed tea and everything. You fairly took over the place that night. Do you know, little Samwise once asked me if you were a prince. The first time he ever saw you, after you’d gone, he asked me that.”
“And you told him I was, didn’t you, Uncle?” I feel tears starting in my eyes, even as I chuckle.
“I told him you were my prince, and that was plenty good enough. He fell in love with you at first sight, you know. You were his prince too.”
I snuggle closer. “I wish I could see him now.”
“So do I, my dear boy. So do I.”
“I wish it every day,” I say. “But most especially now.”
“You’ll see him someday,” Bilbo says very softly. “It will be a long time…but he will come. I wish it could be sooner, but wishing won’t make it so. I’ll content myself with knowing he will come when it’s his time.”
What a lovely, fascinating chapter! I could quote more but I'd end up quoting the whole thing so I'll just stop here. These are some very interesting insights on what death and what heaven will be like and how hard it would be to come back if one saw the glory to come. Poor Frodo. I think it was St. Catherine of Siena who had the same experience of being sent back and she cried her eyes out. But then she too had a mission to perform. May we all have the courage to say goodbye and have that opportunity to be with them as long as possible so they don't die alone, even though they must take those final steps themselves. More like this, please!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks, so glad you like it! Yes, this is the part I've dreaded writing, where I'd have to let Bilbo go--for the third time, yet! Well, the fourth, if you count "Chiseled in Stone" but his passing is far different in that one, it being AU. But sooner or later, it had to come. I've heard many accounts of "crossing over" and being sent back, and there are striking similarities to all. I might have taken them with a grain of salt if I hadn't heard some from people I actually knew. And all were in agreement that they did not want to come back, even though they had families who would have been devastated by their loss. And I suppose that would be hard, if not impossible to understand if one hadn't had the same experience. But I think I do understand at least in part. And I suspect that those who are sent back do have some sort of unfinished business to take care of.
Frodo will grieve, of course, but he will be comforted. Iluvatar isn't done with him yet!
blessings
Armariel~~~{~@