Thank you for the couple times you point out that life begins at conception. Love the idea of a conception day ceremony. I'm an aunt again - for the 9th time - and people automatically assume that means the child has been born, but no, I say since life begins at conception, so does aunthood. :)
Love also that Frodo would always hear the Voice of Iluvatar in his heart for that was, of course, Who he said 'yes' to at the Council. I am almost done with The Philosophy of Tolkien by Peter Kreeft which deals with how similar Frodo's 'yes' and the 'yes' of the Virgin Mary was. How the salvation of the world depended on both of them saying 'yes', that Mary give life to Life and Frodo bought death to Death. Very interesting book. Harrowcat some time ago brought up the same idea of the 'yes''s being similar. Great minds must think alike! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Baggins Babe
· 24 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
So many beautiful parts in this chapter I don't know where to start. Gandalf's explanation of death was very touching and so right. The butterfly analogy is one I've always thought of, so it was nice to hear it from Olorin.
Frodo's delight in everything is wonderful to see, and I'm glad he was able to give Sam a birthday celebration. Loved the story of Gilraen and the revelation that they were Aragorn's brothers, but then I've always loved that part of your universe.
The bit about the spider bite was horrible and really made me shudder - what 'exactly' was in there? The spirit of Ungoliant? *shiver* Now that is grisly. Poor Frodo, no wonder it wouldn't heal.
A lovely image to finish with - the two hobbits watching the stars. Incredible as ever, Larner!
cookiefleck
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
I had been reading this on another site and you hadn't updated for awhile... imagine my delight to realize the story is here and my joy at being able to read the last few chapters in one sitting. Still enjoying it as much as before and awaiting the poignant ending which seems near at hand. The idea of the brothers was unique and interesting... a lovely thought.
Author's reply
Welcome, Cookiefleck, to SoA. This is the primary site where I post, and everybody else gets updated from here.
Have been having major computer problems and just got back online today. Hopefully I'll start updating at the other sites in the next few days. Am just downloading my email for the first time in three weeks, which is FAR too long a time to go without doing so.
I first suggested the idea that Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn were meant to be brothers in "The Ties of Family," and then wrote "Fostering" to examine it more closely. And there are hints of this relationship elsewhere in my stories, which are all present on this site.
So glad you found me here. It's so much easier to write responses here than on most other sites, I find.
harrowcat
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
Oh Larner there is so much in this chapter and all of is is so wonderful! I had to print it off and take it home - no time to read it otherwise. Have just reread it and still have no words or, indeed, time. Great reflection on the nature of mortality and lovely to hear it from Gandalf's POV as promised. The bit I loved the most, of course, was the revelations about the brothers, especially Frodo's reactions.
Great too to get all these responses to reviews at one sitting. They did make me feel better after a long drive and a difficult day/week. Sorry about the new Nuzgul begging to be fed! *grin* (Not really!) I've found it likes the space between your chair and table and likes to be fed salted popcorn!
Author's reply
Well, once again I am at least temporarily online. The computer is semi-borrowed, and we'll see if it stays in place. Computer problems are truly a pain in the patoot, and dealing with those around me lately has been worse.
I felt this chapter ought to all be from Gandalf's POV, as he is the one who has known Frodo and Sam longest and will undoubtedly feel their absence most strongly. He is one who has now passed through fire and death and who triumphed; who better to try to explain to Elven children who have never seen anyone die, and whose uncle's presence in the Halls of Mandos is probably not quite real to them.
That Frodo would not find the relationship particularly troubling I felt to be likely, and his final communication I hope you'll appreciate. At least these two finally know, and are at peace with it all. They approach their transition steadfastly now.
Author Reply: Well, once again I am at least temporarily online. The computer is semi-borrowed, and we'll see if it stays in place. Computer problems are truly a pain in the patoot, and dealing with those around me lately has been worse.
I felt this chapter ought to all be from Gandalf's POV, as he is the one who has known Frodo and Sam longest and will undoubtedly feel their absence most strongly. He is one who has now passed through fire and death and who triumphed; who better to try to explain to Elven children who have never seen anyone die, and whose uncle's presence in the Halls of Mandos is probably not quite real to them.
That Frodo would not find the relationship particularly troubling I felt to be likely, and his final communication I hope you'll appreciate. At least these two finally know, and are at peace with it all. They approach their transition steadfastly now.
Andrea
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
Olórin smiled as he caught the echo of that Voice. He looked at the two mortals shining still before him. “There was one more aspect of her most beloved lost child the Lady Gilraen listed--that he would ever hear in his heart the voice of Iluvatar,” he said gently.
Again Iorhael’s Light grew brighter.
Awww, the voice of Iluvatar, that's so fitting. Looks like my guess about where the Voice came from, was not so far away from the truth: not *a* parent, but *the* parent.
Finally Frodo is able to see the humor in what the Creator meant for him to be his life. I remember a point in your stories when he felt like a pawn in a game and hated that thought. So he reacted with the famous "Baggins stubbornness".
You have been a stubborn one, a trait which has been both your bane and your redemption.
Ah, I like the wisdom of the Lady Galadriel!
So now, both Frodo and Sam know that they were meant to be the brothers of Aragorn! It's interesting to speculate what might have been if they had been born to be men. They would have had to go to Mordor, of that I'm sure. But it would have been even more dangerous. It's likely that they would not have made it or even would have been killed before the journey even began. And what about the lure of the Ring? No, I think only hobbits would have been able to reach the fiery mountain. And only one special hobbit would have been able to resist the Ring for such a long time.
Author's reply
I've been speculating on what might have happened had the three of them truly been born sons of Arathorn and Gilraen myself. It is interesting to think how it might be for a human of such lineage to come into possession of such a thing. As Tolkien wrote it, the indications that only Hobbits or possibly Ents might have withstood the Ring.
Yes, THE parent speaks in Frodo's heart, as he does with all of us, although he doesn't often appear to get the proper listen from us.
Yes, at times Frodo has felt manipulated, and just how often do we all find ourselves digging in our heels in such situations. But now Frodo's been able to relax his guard and revert to much of the simple joy he knew growing up, first with his parents and then with Bilbo, and he's able to appreciate the irony of his situation. Amusement can be such a gift, as is a good sense of humor. At least Frodo has his back at last. And am so glad you appreciate Galadriel's evaluation of our Iorhael.
Two more chapters and the Author's Notes.
Bodkin
· 23 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
So Galadriel is thinking of a bit of Livwen/Haldir matchmaking! Could be interesting. And, of course, her grandsons will need brides - if (no, when) they sail.
I do like the chrysalis imagery. Frodo has nearly left his body behind and Sam is prepared to crack out of his.
And it's good to see Earendil visiting his family and coming to meet those who might have been his descendants.
The part about the spider bite was gruesome - and it makes sense that Sauron's horrors would wither away without him. Just as the Nazgul did.
Not much longer now...
Author's reply
Yes, to see the great ladies and lords sinking to matchmaking a la Emma is a delightful thought, I find.
So glad you like the imagery, although I've used it before, of course. But it is proper, I always felt, in examining Frodo's transition.
Yes, the thought of carrying about the spirit of Ungoliant inside such a wound is pretty awful; and it is nice to think that without creatures such as fallen Ainur and Maiar about the evil creatures they helped bring into being should fade away; but I have always grieved that the great also leave Middle Earth. The idea of Middle Earth without Elves seems so very stark.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
Just beautiful,I loved your musings on life and death and accepting the Gift with joy.I also found the thoughts on Aragorn and the Hobbits touching.I hope he senses them again by the Tree.
Author's reply
So glad you found the idea of Aragorn's possible relationship with Frodo and Sam so touching.
I've always felt that those in the Undying Lands who'd never been to Middle Earth and who were born after the Kinslaying must have found the idea of death a mystery, and have loved trying to think how Gandalf might try to explain it.
There will be one more sensing, and then a last communication. Hope you appreciate them.
Linda Hoyland
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
A beautiful,touching chapter
Author's reply
Two responses to the same chapter! I'm honored, and am so glad you found it beautiful. Thanks so, Linda.
shirebound
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
“So often I’ve taken mortal creatures into my heart, and each time I must see them leave me it is an intensely painful joy. And for these two....”
Oh my, such a bittersweet yet inevitable event is coming! This will be a truly beautiful and Light-filled passing. And I particularly love *this* passage:
never mistake simplicity with unimportance
Author's reply
Am so very glad you like it, Shirebound. I should be posting tomorrow, and will have one more chapter and Author's notes after that.
And far too many of us mistake simplicity with unimportant, which is a grave error. We need not to underestimate ourselves, or overestimate ourselves, either. A hard balance to reach.
As for Gandalf realizing how much he will miss these friends--that's life.
Dreamflower
· 22 June 2006
· Chapter 14: 14: Spring
What a beautiful chapter! No, no one could understand the two of them there like Gandalf--Olorin--for he is probably the only one who really knows the mortal truths behind their lives.
I loved his explanation of Death to the Elven children; a beautiful way to look at it all--and an explanation as valid here in our world as in Arda.
Sam's birthday was lovely.
This whole chapter had a glow about it, much like those of whom you were writing...
Author's reply
Who better than the one Maia who has passed through fire and death himself as well as seeing so many Men, Elves, Hobbits, Dwarves, and who knows how many other creatures experience theirs in war and peace, in fear and in thanksgiving, to explain to the children? And two more he's loved are now ready to go on, and he will rejoice for them as he mourns for his own loss.
So glad you appreciated Sam's birthday. Poor Olorin, having to be the Hobbits' social calendar! Heh!
And am so glad you felt that about the chapter. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Antane
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
“That’s not what I mean--not at all, Frodo. I came here to be by you, and I’ll be by you all the way, you see. You leave, and I’ll leave with you this time. You have to member I was warned not to lose you, after all. I let you go once so as you could find yourself once more, and that you’ve done. But I won’t be left behind again."
That makes sense of course - they already had to leave behind half of their heart and soul once, they certainly wouldn't want to do that again.
I forgot to mention, that's it's wonderful that he's dancing again!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, these two have come back together, as is right and proper, and won't be parted again, and particularly not unnecessarily.
And I think that for one like Frodo the ability to dance again after not being able to do so must have been renewing.
Antane
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
"Thank you for trusting us with your treasure for so long, and for coming to seek it at the last.”
If you love someone, set them free. If you freely let go of your treasure, it will be returned to you.
Love this and Frodo acknowledging the best birthday present he could have ever rec'd. And laying down and offering ourselves up... They did that on the Quest, too, offering themselves up as living sacrifices.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, they offered to sacrifice themselves on the quest, but have learned in the intervening years what a living sacrfice truly is. Now the time is come to give back the gift, and they are ready, having lived fully and now looking at dying well.
And what is truly sacrificed is not consumed or destroyed, but fulfilled.
I love this discussion of their Lights and how Frodo's been changing since Weathertop. Cute that Sam worries/teases about not being able to sleep since Frodo's is so bright! Maybe you already covered this and I forgot, but how can Sam hear/understand Frodo's thoughts?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've not truly covered how Sam "hears" Frodo's communications, save with the hint that through exposure to the great Elves Frodo learned to communicate telepathically as Galadriel can sift thoughts and as the conference was held before Galadriel and Celeborn and their party headed across the pass at Caradhras on the return from Gondor. As his own ability to speak orally has become difficult he simply has begun doing this automatically.
And of course Sam's going to notice that his beloved friend is almost totally the Light of Being now. Glad you enjoyed the teasing.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
I am glad that many still remember and appreciate Frodo.How sad they should have so little time in the Blessed Realm left,but I'm glad they choose to go together.
Author's reply
I doubt either regrets the little time left to them--it's been long enough for each to do what healing is needed and to prepare for what comes next.
But I think they would seek to go together.
Andrea
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
Oh Larner, the letters of Esme and Merry were heartbreaking!
I wish you could come back. I wish I could go to you. I wish I had a Palantir to see you in.
I miss you, and love you. MB
This does not sound like the Master of Buckland! It sounds like little Merry, desperately trying to make his cousin Frodo come back, just after he left to live with Bilbo at Bag End.
With both his parents gone, Merry must have felt very lonely and much in need of Frodo to be his guide. But meanwhile, like the other three travellers he had a family of his own to look after and to be looked after. Without his wife and his children, it would have been a difficult time, I think.
Do Frodo and Sam really have to go so soon? Well, this time they will go together, like they intended to do on Mt. Doom. And both were able to live a full life, if on Middle Earth or Tol Eressea doesn't matter any more. They are both at peace and are looking forward to "the greatest adventure of all".
That's how it should be!
Thank you :)
Author's reply
Yes, having just lost his mother and feeling bereft once again in his life, I think we would be seeing young Merry just wanting his beloved Frodo by him, at least for the moment.
How long is "so soon" for those who are ready to go on.
So glad you find it properly presented.
Bodkin
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
It must be hard to imagine a hero who is almost completely light as a naughty teen filching mushrooms. But that is part of what made him what he was - seeing as we are made up of all our experiences, good and bad.
Waiting until Midsummer ... an understandable length of time, I suppose - but it would be nice if Sam could have seen a whole year in the Island and enjoyed all the beauty that the turning of the year could bring, before moving on.
Author's reply
Yes, heroes are made up of both their good and bad experiences, their greatnesses and their pettiness.
I'd thought of a full year, but couldn't see Sam wanting to linger after Rosie much longer--and there's the pesky little fact I've written this elsewhere and have tried to remain at least somewhat consistent. Hope with the new computer come I'll be able to get back online soon--if I can figure out how to to remove the case to install the other hard drive....
Armariel
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
oh my goodness, so they are already talking of leaving? But not this soon surely....Altogether a feeling of beauty and tranquillity pervades this chapter. It is like sitting beside a beautiful body of water and watching the reflections of trees and sky ripple on the surface, and hearing the flow of it over smooth stones.....
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Again, Armariel, how soon is "so soon" for those who are ready to go?
And am so glad you find it peaceful. Love the comparison.
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
And, yes, I already commented here--but once more, this is just beautiful!
I've wondered, you know, if someone might ever attempt a serious fic in which Frodo and Sam do linger long enough to greet Legolas and Gimli on their arrival. With the timelessness built into the Elven land, it might be made plausible. It would have so much potential for angst for Legolas--to be reunited with them finally, only to lose them again. It's not something I think I could write myself, but I often think it would be interesting to read.
I like Sam's practicality in making an appointment with the Gift--to move on, one year after Rose left, seems very much in keeping with both practical hobbit-sense and with JRRT's emphasis on the significance of dates and anniversaries in Arda.
I look forward to more...
Author's reply
You'd let MORE nuzguls loose on me? What would you do to me??? But it's a fascinating idea.
Am so glad you like the idea of Sam's planning. Aragorn waited till the signs came, but Sam just decided, perhaps a bit arbitrarily, to wait a year; and this was able to be accommodated by Frodo as well, easing both at the end, I think.
So glad you liked it enough to comment twice!
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 12: 12: Messages of Love
All the letters and messages! How lovely that the communication could be sent! Narcissa and Brendi's letters were lovely, and I was so touched by the letter to Elrond.
It's just a shame that the letters have to be one-way only...
Author's reply
I agree about the difficulties of the communication being so largely one-way. I think you'll appreciate the final chapter.
But once folks realized Sam was leaving to follow Frodo, they must have wanted to send what they could. And Frodo would have loved knowing things went so well for Brendi and Narcissa, I think.
Now the two old friends get to play catch-up.
However much Frodo has evolved, still, he is a hobbit, with a hobbit's love of family, and (good)gossip and minutiae--and Sam is just the person to indulge him with the information that he's probably craved without ever knowing about it.
I wonder though--do Frodo and Sam ever speak of Pippin's bottle?
Author's reply
Yes, catching up indeed. And Frodo has not stopped being a Hobbit, after all; and he must at times have felt starved for plain Hobbit conversation and news. Yes, he's craved it as you've noted.
As for the bottle--I'll let the last chapter speak for itself.
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
I'm going back now to comment where I've finally managed to catch up--computer woes, as you know yourself, can really get a person behind on things!
I loved the way Sam seemed to vibrate with anticipation as the end of the journey drew near, repeating "Oh my Frodo!" over and over--just beautiful! And the greetings were all that I could have hoped for.
Dear old Sam, finally he has reached his goal!
Dreamflower
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
What a beautiful chapter!
Esme's letter, and Merry's on the back of it, well, just broke my heart.
In a good way.
Author's reply
Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed it. But I think that there must have been many times particularly Merry would so miss Frodo, whom he always thought of also as his brother.
Ami
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
Larner,
This story is so very gentle and absolutely stunning. I loved Esmeralda's letter reminding Frodo how much he was loved and how dearly he was missed. I look forward to reading the next chapters.
Author's reply
Am so very glad you find the story gentle, Ami. We do so want to keep reminding those who've gone on how much we love them.
The story is winding down, and hope you love the last few chapters.
shirebound
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
Thank you, Frodo, for what you did for the Shire and for all of Middle Earth. Thank you for not allowing our folk to learn hatred, fear, and vengeance. Thank you for encouraging us to seek justice without malice, for showing us the true meaning of honor.
"I came here to be by you, and I’ll be by you all the way, you see. You leave, and I’ll leave with you this time. You have to member I was warned not to lose you, after all. I let you go once so as you could find yourself once more, and that you’ve done. But I won’t be left behind again."
I can simply never get enough of Frodo being reminded how much he was -- and is -- loved.
Author's reply
Yes, those we truly love we wish to remind of that fact again and again.
Anonymous
· 18 June 2006
· Chapter 13: 13: Thoughts of Leaving
Tedicus,
Cirrhosis and an early exit for Ted Sandyman. I was hoping
for something a little more inspirational and intriguing...
After an inebriated epiphany, Ted Sandyman founds and
proselytizes the new religion of "Lothoism".
Abandoning his attempts to find sympathy in taverns and inns,
Ted realizes the utopia that could be, if only he could
motivate an army of lawyers that would enshrine his status
as a persecuted victim with the imprimatur of legality!
Ted can't help that he was born a Sandyman. It's all in
the blood, and if his pedigree is lacking.. well that's not his
fault. How is he supposed to escape this familial "caste" system?
Just look at how everyone treats the Bracegirdles! Valar forbid
that one be numbered among those unfortunate progeny! In fact
is it not the "Powers" themselves that are ultimately responsible
for his placement in the cursed name of the Sandyman lineage?
From the day he was born Ted was held down by a boot on his
backside. The evil boot of repression and prejudice that never
let him live to his full potential, while others were born with
silver spoons in their mouths. The doctrine of egalitarianism
demands that reparations are due to the victims of the Valar's
whimsical child placement policies. If the Powers will not
provide restitution then it falls upon the people of the Shire
as a community to ameliorate this injustice!
Thus is Lothoism born; and the proud name of Lotho Baggins and
his most faithful prophet Ted Sandyman, immortalized forever with
truth, justice and equality!
On second thought, this sounds a little too close to contemporary,
victim culture. Maybe it's best that Ted goes quietly into the night,
but then won't he be waiting there to greet his pal Sammy?
Garn, now that's a thought for you.
Author's reply
You have me giggling as ever, Tedicus. Yes, am dealing with victim mentality right now with hopefully soon former tenants. and I hate it all.
Life is interesting, and so many as petty as Sandyman end up just whimpering away their lives.
But at least in my version not all Bracegirdles are lost causes--Bartolo has redeeming merits, and Benlo is pretty decent, after all.
And it might be interesting to see Sam and Ted on the other side. May consider that for Moments in Time some time.