Ah! This was absolutely perfect, larner. I felt as though I was there, watching all those wonderful reunions, and that one in particular was worth the long wait. The description of their Lights blending and flaring was exquisite.
Intended to review before this - the birthday celebrations (mine, not Sam's) look set to go on for a while yet!
Author's reply
A joyful birthday to you, BB. Hope it has gone well.
Sorry to be belated in my own responses, but again am without a computer, so have to get on when I can, which isn't as often as I'd like.
And am so glad you felt that the reunions were properly presented, and that that between Frodo and Sam was worth the wait. Thank you so much for the praise.
Antane
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
At last, at last! Yea! "Oh, my Frodo." "dear sweet silly" Love it!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, at last these two are together once more.
And both of the Hobbits have had their own bouts of anxiety as to how long the last little bit is taking! Yes, dear, sweet silly indeed! Thanks for the feedback.
shirebound
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
At last Sam set his bare right foot down on the white stone of the pier’s surface, felt its coolness under him, felt the joy it radiated, the reassurance of welcome.
What a glorious, joyous, love-filled 'homecoming'. Very beautiful, Larner. And I have to smile at the notion that Sam would recognize the Light in everyone -- except for himself.
Author's reply
So very glad you loved that particular image, Shirebound. Yes, wherever Frodo is, Sam feels at home, and Frodo feels fulfilled because Sam is there by him at long last.
And we so rarely appreciate out own true strong points, so of course Sam will see the Light in all but himself! So glad you felt that was appropriate.
Andrea
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
And he turned to her right, saw the slight figure that was now almost pure Light of Being that stood there, worried he might not be seen and recognized, saw and recognized the anxiety. “Oh, Frodo--do you truly think as I’d not recognize you no matter what you might of come to? Oh, my Frodo!”
Oh Larner, that was so beautiful!
I'm quite sure that the growing excitement was not only felt by those on the ship and those awaiting them, but also by all who read this chapter.
Well done, indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea, for such feedback. Yes, there must have been a great deal of anticipation in those arriving and those waiting for them; and Sam must have been in a true dither until that last moment, when he realized just what had been worrying Frodo and how insignificant the reason for it was. Thanks so much for letting me know it moved you.
harrowcat
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
Oh Yes! Just what we have all been waiting for and truly beautiful writing. How could I possibly choose a best bit? And you certainly got me hovering on the edge of my seat by describing all those other wonderful re-unions first!
I think I caught one typo: “When we were under weigh (way?)
Sorry to hear you are having dog troubles. Thoughts and prayers winging your way!
Author's reply
So glad that I was able to build up the tension properly with the other reunions first, making that between Frodo and Sam that more poignant, although I found the one between Celeborn and Celebrian to be the one I found I myself appreciated best.
You are right--had been reading a story about a sea voyage and weighing anchors and let the wrong "way" slip in there. Will correct that.
As for the problems with the dog--I'll have to write offline about that, once the computer is finally back home. A tragic story. Thanks for the prayers--I need them, believe me.
Elemmírë
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
This is absolutely one of the most beautiful descriptions of Frodo & Sam meeting again in the West that I've read. The way you described their lights was breathtaking ... just everything was described in such detail, I felt as if I were standing there at the pier too.
>>he’d been advised to bring only those things that served to lift his own
spirits--well, what would lift his own spirits was already there, on that island, waiting for him. And so what he’d brought had been intended mostly to lift the spirits there<<
Those lines are so sweet & thoughtful--just like Sam. I think he'll find Frodo's spirits much lifted since he saw him last, & now complete with the arrival of his best friend.
I also like how you point out that Celebrian is reunited with her parents, as many other fics tend to concentrate more on her reunion with Elrond.
Hope you post more soon!
Author's reply
It's been a few days since I posted, but my computer still isn't back yet. Hope it's not been too long a wait.
I'd never truly pictured Elrond's reunion with his wife; but with the beautiful descriptions I've read recently of Celebrian's wounding and the decision to send her to Tol Eressea I truly felt that for Celeborn this reunion must have been almost overwhelming in nature, seeing his daughter once again at the height of joy rather than as he saw her last, depleted and incapable of proper joy.
Linda Hoyland
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
What a lovely reunion!I truly felt for them all as if I were meeting old friends again.
Author's reply
So glad you felt it lovely, Linda. Yes, the feeling of coming home to those well beloved would be very strong at that point.
Hope to have my computer back soon so I can get caught up on Web.
Kitty
· 8 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
That was a wonderful chapter, Larner! What a beautiful reunion, not only for Sam and Frodo, but for Celeborn and his family and all the others as well. What an image, all these elves (and two hobbits) with their bright Light of Being!
It's so typical of our all too modest Sam not to recognize his own Light of Being, isn't it? And I suspect he wasn't truly himself when he called the elven healer 'lass', because normally he would've been mortified about having been disrespectful or something like this, or at least I think he would. Well, it's about time he feels a bit more equal. Can you imagine what the Sam from the Quest would've said about the great Lord Celeborn carrying his pack? ;)
Author's reply
I suspect that at the moment Sam's advanced age for his race is leaving him looking at most Elves he meets as being children by comparison, even those he knows on a rational basis are far, far older than he is. And had Celeborn offered to carry his pack before he'd have been totally torn, not knowing precisely how to react, for after all, in those days he felt himself to be a nobody from the rustic Shire; at least now he realizes that he must allow the Elves to offer their courtesy as they will, and accepts it with a degree of grace.
So very glad you found the reunions beautiful. And of COURSE Sam is barely aware of his own Light of Being! However, Frodo will set him straight on that!
Armariel
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 10: 10: Arrival
*swoon* Such lovely anticipation!! I felt like I was inside of Sam's body all the while, feeling everything he was...but also a bit of impatience, thinking WHERE IS HE??? *grin* And now they are together at last, what joy!
Lovely...and now what's going to happen? Ooooo..................
~~~{~@
Author's reply
That you express you felt you were feeling Sam's own anxiety and anticipation is praise enough! Thanks so very much!
As for what else will happen--that is now posted.
Radbooks
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
Loved the description of the ship and the water and Sam not wanting to look outside at the water. He never has liked the water and I can't imagine he would enjoy being on the ocean. (I however love the ocean and love to take cruises - but that's a different thing altogether!) It was touching how Sam told the story to the elves... I'm sure that most elves never would have heard the story. They would have only known that Sauron had been defeated.
I can't wait for the reunion! :)
Author's reply
Am once again without a computer. Hopefully that won't last long; however, in the meantime I have to borrow someone else's when I can. Please forgive me.
This was the chance to learn the full story from one who lived it, and I think that they will serve as a core of those in the Undying Lands who will keep alive the story and see it disseminated throughout Aman in time. So glad you appreciate it.
Kitty
· 7 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
Oh. I had already feared Sam would have heart problems, as his master before him. Thank godness he was with elven healers. Frodo would’ve been so very disappointed if Sam had died on his way to Tol Eressea!
Our dear Sam still doesn’t love sailing or boats at all, doesn’t he? It’s amazing he chose to sail at all for the sake of Frodo.
Loved the idea of Sam singing hobbit songs for the elves! And it is so good they were told about the destruction of It through at least one of the eyewitnesses. The elves should know the whole truth, and I think Glorfindel and the others who came last should bring a copy of the Red Book to Aman, to have a full account of it all from the point of view of the hobbits.
Author's reply
Somehow the response I wrote the other night didn't take--must have hit BACK instead of POST again.
Yes, it's as well Sam sailed with a couple Elven healers, and so he could get appropriate aid as he needed it. And I agree that had Sam died en route it would undoubtedly have caused Frodo grief, but at least he'd have known that Sam cared enough to try.
It's always interesting to look at Sam's life-long fear of boats; and to have sailed to rejoin Frodo must have taken a good deal of courage.
I love the idea that Glorfindel and the twins might bring with them a copy of the Red Book--I'll have to explore that some day.
And am so glad you loved the chapter. Thanks for the review.
Antane
· 6 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
I just love this! I can't wait for the actual reunion. Yes, Frodo was indeed a victim of a brutal, repeated rape. It's good that he will healed now that he can accept that he is also a hero.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, the Ring was a violator of the worst sort, and carrying it must have cost Frodo more than he'd imagined he could bear. And now he is indeed healed, which was necessary.
Bodkin
· 6 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
H'mm. Sam's use of athelas is an indication, is it? I wonder if Frodo could apply it as well as benefit from it...
Sam is full of surprises, I think. He's so modest that even those who know him don't realise quite what he can do. I'm glad he's kept up his Sindarin - and even knows some Quenya. Not that I think he'll need words for long.
Story telling - something to which he is very accustomed. And however much you know, eye witness evidence is something else. It is taking it out of him rather, but I think he would definitely feel it is worth it to have this story told.
There soon now.
Author's reply
You know, I've never considered having Frodo try HIS hand at using the athelas, although I've indicated that not all healers in the Shire have the same level of success with it.
Sam is the one everyone tends to underestimate; but he's the one who was educated alongside Frodo and undoubtedly in part by him as well; he's loved the stories of Elves and I've indicated he's taught at least part times in the Shire schools Frodo endowed; and I think he'd secretly be excellent at reading Sindarin and would understand it fairly well, and that mostly he'd be perhaps shy about speaking it in front of others. Ruvemir in The King's Commission learned his secret, of course, for Mistress Loren had realized Sam was reading and understanding Sindarin; and in the intervening years I think he'd quietly study some Quenya in preparation for one day joining his Master.
And you are right about the eye-witness evidence. But these Elves will serve as part of the core to enlighten all of Aman regarding the victory in the War of the Rings, helping lead up to your New Years Celebration, which as you know is one of my very favorite of your stories.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
Poor Sam, i feared he'd never make it with his heart condition but at least he seems to have revived now.I'm glad the Elves enjoy his stories.
Author's reply
Yes, Sam would make it, supported as he is first by the Elves and then by the Valar themselves.
And it's always good to have another group who've heard the story from one of the ones who lived it.
Aragorn said Frodo was made of "stern stuff," but I think they all were. I'm so glad Sam was safely on the ship when the seizure finally came, as I was afraid it would.
*chuckles* Poor Hobbit, still doesn't like the water.
He rose and turned away from his audience, took one of his rare looks out the windows at the stern of the ship, looking up at the beauty of
the stars that were visible that night. Finally he spoke. “I understand that rape, the takin’ of a lass or lady by force, isn’t uncommon in the lands
of most Men, and that it often leaves the one as was raped feelin’ destroyed. That’s what the Ring did to my Master--at the end It raped his spirit, took
him by force, tried to make him into Sauron’s image. My gentle, carin’ Master--It took him. And he felt destroyed. He felt destroyed. He felt tainted.
I’m just glad as he was give this grace, and that I’m allowed to come to him again afore we leave Arda.”
Very touching indeed, and the end of this chapter is so uplifting.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I, too, found myself glad Sam was aboard the ship when the heart attack came; and that he was with not just one but two healers who'd worked with Elrond.
And am so glad you found Sam's evaluation of what Frodo went through touching.
Hope you are enjoying yourself in Colorado.
harrowcat
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
Hm... Sam and boats - never a good mix that! I love the bits about Sam singing and the reaction of the elves to him being able to use Kingsfoil.
Sorry about the short review but must hit the sack!
Author's reply
Yes, Sam is an unusual one, and almost all tend to underestimate him. And now he's at last on his way to the one reunion he'd wished above all others.
Armariel
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
You don’t lose what you give up willin’, you understand. Hadn't really thought of it that way, but there's much truth to it. Sounds very Sam, too!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, I agree--this sounds to be VERY Sam. And that which is properly sacrificed is never lost, but instead is fulfilled, as is the one who makes the sacrifice.
Dreamflower
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
Ah, Sam! I love the gentle respect and wonder of the Elves at Sam's own personal dignity and power and Light, and the way they listen so raptly as he recounts once more the story of that awful journey.
The idea of what influence the Ring held over others when it lay almost--but not quite--asleep at Bag End in Frodo's possession is interesting. I had not thought of that--how It must have made Itself felt to others besides Its bearer, even though It was not actively seeking Its Master yet...
Something I have pondered, and briefly hinted at--though subtly, for it's a heresy in some ways--is the good It did in spite of Itself. Eru must have smiled to think it--for without It's being in Bilbo's possession, Bilbo would have been far too old to have adopted Frodo when he did, and it is highly unlikely he would have survived to the age of 111. And Frodo himself would have aged naturally, and so his friendship with Sam and his cousins would have played out differently. The lengthening of life, the preservation of youth, for mortals--these were not necessarily a side-effect the Ring's Master would have chosen to give It. As with Gollum one can see how Eru could bring good out of evil...It rather conspired in Its own destruction, in a manner of speaking. I wonder if that ever occured to Frodo, or to Sam or the others...
Author's reply
I have often felt the irony of how the Ring in the end brought about its own destruction. "If you touch me again you yourself shall fall into the fire...."
Gollum touches Frodo yet once more, bites the Ring and finger off him, holds the Ring and falls in. He fell, but held the Ring in his hand as he did. Wonder if the Ring had the chance to think, "Oops!"? It saw to it the grim foretelling came true, after all.
And I've indicated in "The Acceptable Sacrifice" that Eru is able to use the weaknesses of his creatures to bring good out of intended evil; that he'd be able to use the Ring's own short-sightedness and will to pettiness to bring about its destruction is entirely possible. Free will meets divine manipulation, and divine manipulation wins.
I love the other side effects you've pointed out; after all Bilbo was not exactly a spring chicken when he adopted Frodo, and wouldn't have been able to do so properly if it hadn't been for the Ring. I'm so glad you brought these thoughts to mind.
Andrea
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
“No, I’m not hungry. I miss him a lot tonight, I do, and feel as we’re gettin’ right close at last.” He finally looked up into the healer’s eyes. “I can hear the stars singin’ of him, hear that in my heart.”
I don't find any other words: simply beautiful! Thank you, Larner!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you like this, Andrea. Thank you for letting me know.
shirebound
· 5 June 2006
· Chapter 9: 9: Voyage
“I can hear the stars singin’ of him, hear that in my heart.” He smiled and looked far younger than he’d appeared since he’d dropped from his pony at the quays weeks ago. Eldorin was reminded of how he’d looked so many years past when he’d come to Mithlond to accompany the Lord Frodo Baggins to take his own ship, and saw now the joy he’d not seen then. “At last I’ll see him again, be able to thank him and have him able to accept it. Couldn’t afore, you see. He never thought as he was worthy of it, you know.”
Dear Sam. Dear, wonderful Sam.
Author's reply
Yes, this is indeed our Sam, and we love him for it. So glad you agree.
Andrea
· 4 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
Their hands touched, their fingers entwined; the Elf Lord whose hands had known the bow and the harp; the Hobbit who’d been granted an unwanted Lordship and whose hands had known trowel and pen. And in that moment they realized that, under the skin, they were brethren.
Larner, this is so beautiful!
"The greatest adventure of all", you're right: it will be an adventure, for all of us! And today is Whitsunday, "Pfingsten" in German, how appropriate!
Author's reply
I found myself here remembering a moment in "Peter Pan" in which Peter, having saved Tiger Lily and sent her off in the small boat with Wendy, thinks of death as a great adventure as he watches the tide rise to cover the rock where he stands, but then is distracted and flies away to deal with something else, forgetting his previous thoughts altogether.
In another story I have Elros commenting to Aragorn as he greets him to the Hall of the Dunedain in the Halls of Mandos that he wonders if his brother ever wonders about what's beyond the turn of the road as he himself did, a curiosity that at least in part led him to make the choice he did in accepting mortality for himself and his descendants.
And at the moment that Celeborn and Sam stepped aboard the ship together, I think that they would feel how similar they were and how similar their motivations in leaving Middle Earth at that time.
Yes, Whitsunday--I agree, a fitting day on which to post this chapter.
harrowcat
· 3 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
Wow what a momentous moment Larner. Loved all of it from the letter link to the similarity between elf and hobbit. But the bit I loved most was....
Elrond had stood to accept Bilbo’s decision to cross that plank; Gandalf had stood to accept Frodo’s; the Lady had stood to accept his own, had he decided then to accompany his Master, and she’d smiled in pride when he’d shaken his head and remained at the sides of Merry and Pippin, feeling bereft as he’d seen the others step onto the deck.
Now it was Celeborn who stood there in his wife’s place, ready to accept his decision, whether it was to stay or to go....
This is a brilliant use of a bit of movie-verse that I don't suppose most of us took much notice of but I will now!
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers. Jet is in trouble! He has learnt to jump the front fence and came to greet me when I arrived yesterday! The road isn't busy but when cars, tractors or horses come down it they do so at speed!
Author's reply
Now and then I like to add a bit of movie-verse, as long as it doesn't interfere with book-canon; and I loved the iconography here.
Sorry to hear about Jet's growing awareness of his ability to escape. I have some griefs about dogs, but will share it later when I actually have time to do so at length. I am pretty upset at the moment.
Linda Hoyland
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
I wish that Sam had written to Aragorn.I wonder what became of the jewel that ARagorn gave him? I loved the way you depicted Sam's mixed emotions here.I could imagine him feeling just like that.
Author's reply
Hmmm--the Star of Elendil that was given to Sam by Aragorn--that does need some thinking, I suppose. We will find out, when the time is right....
And I agree that Sam should have written Aragorn. However, grief can be a pretty difficult thing to overcome.
Armariel
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
Both poignant and delightful, such a build-up of suspense. Both will be very, very, very happy soon.....................
Author's reply
Yes, their fulfillment approaches for both of them. And so glad you find it both poignant and delightful.