Light from the West by Armariel
Antane · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 30: Making Beds
Love the image of all that flour falling from the umbrella. We all must have some fun. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
And we must fantasize a bit about putting nasty relatives in their place, yes, preciousss?;) That flour will make a truly icky mess in the rain!
Larner · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 31: Waiting for the Morning
"And we believe in the communion of the saints, and the Light Everlasing...." I've known consolation at times from those who'd left here, and have rejoiced in it; and Frodo will know the same consolation. Doesn't mean we won't know loneliness, but we can know peace and surety.
Author's reply
Yes. He'll have to grieve for a while, but he will have comfort in his mortality and the knowledge that he will be able to take his place among the company of the blessed one day. In the meantime he'll have plenty of living to do!
Bodkin · 2 September 2006 · Chapter 30: Making Beds
I can see Bilbo doing something partly for kindness and duty - and also to infuriate Lobelia. Bilbo is taking life on the Island quite easily - he is getting close to letting go, I think, so that the bothers of the flesh don't really bother him that much any more.
Author's reply
Kindness first and foremost...but the thought of it ticking Lobelia off was just icing on the cake! (since he likes to have it and eat it too, heheh;)) That's one of the perks of old age, or so they say, being able to enjoy life without being pestered with the urges of the flesh. It won't be long now...little by little he is leaving the world of the physical, the only thing holding him back being his anxiety for Frodo. But soon he'll have to leave that behind as well. And it will be even harder for the Immortals than for Frodo, who has the promise of seeing him again after a relatively short period of time. But, happen it must! ~~~{~@
Larner · 1 September 2006 · Chapter 30: Making Beds
A wonderful evening for the two, and so much wisdom to ponder. And I love imagining Lobelia with flour all over her from within her umbrella! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Heheh...I just refuse to make Frodo a goody two shoes, either as a youth or as an adult! I also rather like how he gently turns the tables on his uncle, reminding him of all the people Bilbo once deemed not worth the trouble. Of course Bilbo didn't quite "get it" and merely supposed his nephew had caught on! Yes, I've thought back on all the times I didn't do the "smart" thing, refrained from telling certain people where to get off when I had ample reason to do so, didn't turn my back on a group when one or two members offended me...and if I had done all these things, I might have missed out on meeting some great people and visiting some wonderful places. Strange how it all works out sometimes when we listen to that small voice that goes contrary to reason! Thanks for the lovely review once more.... ~~~{~@
Bodkin · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 29: Bonny Hill
Poor Bonny. Looks like some things never change - young gentlemen can sow their wild oats, but the girls with whom they sow them are condemned ... and sometimes find it necessary to take other ways out. I can see Galendur cultivating a reputation that is ... somewhat exaggerated. And it's well-known that those who do don't need to talk about it.
Author's reply
Oh yes. Well, I think he's only joking when he asks Frodo not to let it get about that his past is less checkered than commonly supposed. Still, from what I can gather, often excessively attractive young men are not so fond of being pursued as some people think, and are confident enough not to feel they have to thump every young woman into bed that crosses their path. Shouldn't wonder if Galendur did more running away than running to! Yeah, poor fatherless Bonny, the flower who flew from bee to bee. Not supposed to work that way, is it!
Larner · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 29: Bonny Hill
The grief of it, not knowing what is to come in such a relationship. Poor Bonnie Hill. The poem is, as always, moving.
Author's reply
Thanks Dearie! Yes, poor girl, wanting what Frodo could have given her and not getting it. Those pesky class systems! Not to mention double standards, and lack of understanding between the sexes, and all the rest. But such is life. How DO we get through it?? (Easy. With help from our friends, of course.)
Antane · 26 August 2006 · Chapter 29: Bonny Hill
I can see the joy in his face shining as though a piece of sunlight has escaped and taken refuge there, as if he has a sight of the Other Side before him, and is slowly making his way to it, mapless and peaceful, and unhurried. Lovely! Could describe Frodo too. As far as not going to Bonny, he should have listened! Yick! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Should have, but since when do young boys ever listen?? Silly creatures! However, I dare say he learned an important lesson or two from knowing her, so maybe it's not so bad. And if he learned to incorporate the good that was in her as part of his own being, and let the bad be swept away, all the better. We are all composed not only of ourselves but of everyone who has come into our lives, and inherit their good and their bad whether we want it or not. So it's just up to us to decide what to keep and what to throw away. OK, end of sermonette! Thanks once more for reviewing!:):) blessings & cheer ~~~{~@
Antane · 21 August 2006 · Chapter 28: Weddings
Nice to see another letter. You should continue this because how would Sam feel to have the joy of hearing his beloved master for the first year or so and then not again? And why deny Frodo the joy of communicating with his dearest friend? He's certainly not going to run out of things to tell his Sam! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Oh goodness...didn't mean to imply that they wouldn't communicate any more! Of course they'll continue to do that until they are re-united:) I was just thinking of concluding this particular volume of correspondence...and possibly beginning another. "More Light from the West"...haha...no, well, I'll come up with a better title than that, surely, if I do start up another volume. This particular one is edging up on Bilbo's farewell anyway, and I wouldn't like to end it on a sad note, even if it means that Frodo is getting that much closer to meeting his future bride! Well, we'll just see............ But thanks once more for reviewing! hugs Armariel~~~{~@
Larner · 20 August 2006 · Chapter 28: Weddings
And as he joins others in marriage, his own bliss comes closer. Lovely! Had a roommate who was enthralled by Regency Romances back in my college days.
Author's reply
And closer and closer...I doubt I could stand to have him witnessing the joy of others if his own were not going to come about, or if he didn't know it would. Never was keen on romance novels, except those of a humorous sort. I only have one sister who likes them, mostly of the very steamy kind (bodice rippers...ugh!) But I do like writing romantic stories myself! ~~~{~@
Larner · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 27: Awakened
Ah, wonderful! And your poetry, as always, is beautiful and stunning. Frodo as Bilbo.... Ian Holme must approve! Heh!
Author's reply
Ohhh thanks...well, I didn't think the verse of Bilbo's song was my best work, but thought it sounded like Frodo's own thoughts of longing for peace. So I guess it's not too far fetched that he should be portraying his own uncle. Yes, Ian Holme would surely approve, having played both of them! Now to get on to the next part.... ~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@~~~{~@
Larner · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 26: Marble Halls
SOMEONE wished the boy alive, and used Frodo to bring it to be. And the gift has been given and Frodo is released from the duty.
Author's reply
Oh yes, many people wished it, I'm sure--mother, sister, brother, nieces and nephews, and sweetheart, along with others. And I think this time Frodo won't mind at all being used as an instrument of good! ~~~{~@
Larner · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 25: Fallen
THE questions of mortality. Alas, the child died, but does get to spend time in the Halls of Mandos to his healing.
Author's reply
And I'm sure they'll admonish him to be more careful when they send him back!;) Good thing they didn't have motorcycles in the Blessed Realm! ~~~{~@
Larner · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 24: Drama
The Light of Truth indeed, as well as aiding at healing souls and bringing them to their potential from self-centeredness.
Larner · 18 August 2006 · Chapter 23: Beyond the Towers
So, it WILL be Alcandor for Aredhel after all! And there are a few gentle moments between the laughter that make it worthwhile. Frodo's own time for joy comes closer as well.
Author's reply
I suppose the central idea of the story was expressed in this chapter, about how the light of Truth must be kept shining if peace and freedom are to endure. Even a paradise could fall if the truth is forgotten or corrupted, surely. Eru isn't done with Frodo yet!
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 22: Glass Butterfly
Yes, Sam has the most beautiful soul, and Frodo should know. The butterfly, as you know, enchants me, and I'm glad Eru sent it--or perhaps a certain sea maiden thought of sending it for Eru....
Author's reply
Ah yes, we all love butterflies, I'm sure....I guess you know that butterflies are traditionally symbols of the human soul, and "psyche" means both "soul" and "butterfly" in Greek. A friend sent me some photos of a "glass" butterfly once with transparent wings, don't know what country they are native to. Wasn't sure why I put it into the story until I remembered that bit about the glass being filled with pure light for those with eyes to see, and so forth. Yeah--I knew it was in there for some good reason! Guess Frodo knows better than anyone else just how beautiful Sam's soul really is!
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 21: Secondhand Smoke
Ah, children! Poor Seragon, but he'll find it's worthwhile.
Author's reply
Oh yes...well, he already knows it, I'm sure. As I told someone else, Frodo speaks a few of my own thoughts here, since I have no children and am not likely to, and like him I can reach no conclusions. But he does get an inkling, at least, and it should help him to grow in spirit, even though he feels keenly his being forever consigned to the periphery of humanity, able only to observe and participate very little, and tries to find compensation as best as he can.
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 20: Joy and Delight
The mender of hearts and spirits, and in doing so Frodo is laying out his own salvation, of course. In the vignette of taking Salme near the waterfall and playing the harp for her, and then her reciprocating, you have left a second great pearl in this story. Again, thank you.
Author's reply
You are most welcome! Yes, I hardly think he can achieve his salvation just by sitting on the beach all day or chasing butterflies or watching sunsets or even by making poetry, although of course that's part of it...it comes first from listening and then from doing, and passing on what he has learned himself, and both allowing and assisting the other person to grow in his or her own way and pace. Then the two souls are able to lead each other to the light.
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 17: Dangerous Ground
The painful truth told, and unwanted. But Aredhel is no better than she should be, after all. Salme is far better, better by far.
Author's reply
Perhaps someday the lovelorn suitor will see that...;);)
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 16: The Dream-fish
Aha--the first glimpses of his future bride! At last! Dream fish indeed! Heh!
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 15: Peacemaker
Yes, our Frodo is indeed a peace-maker. And his peace-making brings its rewards. And his heart's desire comes closer. Love the horn for the child. May it give him centuries of joy.
Author's reply
To make peace is to find it. (Or did Frodo himself say something like that?) And to find it will lead him to his heart's desire. And I think Dínlad even takes the horn to bed with him at night!
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 14: Parts of Speech
And now Mad-Libs! Ah, how you are putting modern culture into Aman! Hehehehe!
Author's reply
To think Frodo himself was the inventer! *teehee* Wasn't it King Solomon who said, "There's nothing new under the sun"?
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 13: Bilbo's Delight
Just when I call it Regency, you add in PIZZA? As I don't particularly like pizza, I wouldn't find it fit for a queen, myself, but then I realize I am atypical in that way. But then my acid reflux disease tends to act up over the stupidest things.
Author's reply
LOL...well, maybe we can blame it on Shirebound! I thought of it myself, at first, then thought, Naahhh, that's just a bit extreme, what? Then I was messing around her site and saw this bunny: "What if pizza or spaghetti were introduced in Middle-earth?" or something like that, and I was like, OOOOOOKKKKK then!!! I was stuck for an idea that week anyway, so I decided to just go for it!
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 12: A Remembrance
The rest of the story is very much Regency humor in feel; but the short story Balm is true poetry, and very beautiful--well worthy for inclusion with the Master's works, I think. And even if there was no balm, Frodo is right--there WAS Sam, and the pure love of one for another that Sam represented. This is the pearl hidden within this story.
Author's reply
Oh gracious *blushing* thank YOU! A pearl, well! I think I mentioned to someone else about the concept of including elements in a story that were true in spirit even if they were not literally true, a technique I borrowed from Tim O'Brien. So the balm may not be literally true, but it symbolized the pure love that sustained him, so it was true in spirit. And I thought, well, maybe Frodo invented the prose-poem, as well as metafiction! Why not? Regency humor?? Hmmmmm...! Not even sure what that is, exactly;) I rather thought of the hobbits as being a trifle Victorian, maybe more than a trifle--complete with plum-puddings, flowing-bowls, umbrellas, pocket-watches, and the rest of it. At least, in the Shire and Bree. Then things begin to happen, and they are propelled into a long-vanished past! ~~~{~@
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 11: Complaints
Jealousy, recovery, and a promise gift from one he isn't certain is quite real yet. Interesting!
Author's reply
Ooooo!!!! Nice to see you back again:):):):):)
Larner · 17 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Disclosures
A worthy scare thrown into the infant, and well deserved at that. Maybe she'll begin learning a bit of empathy and compassion.
Author's reply
And as someone else (Bodkin) noted, an Elf has all the ages to learn to become the Elf he/she can be. And yes, thanks to Frodo, perhaps the infant will grow up after all. The Peacemaker certainly has his work cut out for him, what? Thanks again for reviewing! ~~~{~@