Periantari
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 1: 1: Seek Him Out
Been meaning to start reading this for a while~ and i must say, many things in here tugged at my heart.
like this bit:
Sam took a deep, sighing breath, and felt the catch in his chest that he knew well enough indicated he was indeed coming closer and closer by the day to the end. He looked out at the Shire below him under the slanting light of the afternoon Sun, and found himself almost overwhelmed by longing again, the longing to go the quays of the Grey Havens and step aboard that grey ship that would take him in search of his Master.
:*(
So beautifully written and...and... yeah... I just love how you wrote it. So so bittersweet.
And Rosie to have told Sam to "seek him out"--her heart is so big and so full of compassion and knowledge that indeed, Sam is destined to follow his Master.
And i love the recounting of the past by Sam's grandchildren. And the fact that there was Frodo III. :)
Thank you for this story--i'm sure i will love it (as i love most of your stories. :)
Author's reply
Sorry to be so delayed in responding, Periantri, but once again am without a computer at home capable of getting online. The desktop is still being rebuilt, and the laptop's version of Windows is too old to allow me to access the satellite link. Am VERY frustrated.
That the reunion with Frodo must cost the loss of his wife must have been tearing to Sam, or so I'd think; and Rosie herself would wish him to have that amount of healing before he came to her again. Yes, our Rosie Cotton is one with a wise and discerning heart, and one who knows what her beloved husband will need once she's gone.
And of course there will always be a Frodo and/or Bilbo now in Bag End! Maybe not a Baggins, although I love that as a FF writer I can allow that in peripherally through the eventual unions between Sam's progeny and those of Fosco and Forsythia.
And thanks so much for the feedback.
Antane
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
I just can't wait! I love this, Celebron holding Sam's hand and their excitement. Though you did give me a little scare there with Sam rethinking his decision for a moment.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I personally would have mixed feelings about going to Aman, myself. I suppose I project a fair amount of myself into the story here, for I see Sam wondering if he really wants to go at least once along the way.
And both Sam and Celeborn are leaving what has been their home, going to a new land where things are likely to be VERY different than they are in the Mortal Lands. I think they'd assist one another at this point to take that step aboard the ship.
Dreamflower
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
This is absolutely wonderful, that Sam finds something so much in common with the ageless Elf Lord Celeborn. That he and Sam sail together seems very appropriate. I am so glad Sam will have a friend on the voyage.
Author's reply
I, too, am glad Sam knows at least one individual on that ship, and that they are able to reassure one another.
Kitty
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
Quite a difficult decision, to leave behind everything one knows, isn't it? Particularly for one who was rooted in his home so much as Sam in the Shire. And parting from Aragorn is probably not easy, either. But I'm sure he will be very happy to be with Frodo again, to bring all the letters and pictures to him, what wouldn't be possible if he stayed in the Shire, and to have his beloved master for himself for a short time.
For Celeborn it can't be easy, either. He may be reunited with his family, but he was born in Arda and will live for so long as Arda remains sundered from the land of his birth, not to mention his granddaughter. And at the moment he may not know for sure how the twins will chose in the end. Maybe Sam and Celeborn can be a certain comfort to each other during the departure and the journey to Tol Eressea, as they obviously understand each other very well in this moment at the quay.
It's still a somewhat bittersweet tale, as I know Sam and Frodo will not live that much longer after they're reunited. As much as I look forward to the reunion I fear the end. (You know, you're right about buying stock in a tissue producing company *lol* - do it and tell me which one it is!) There are truly days I'd prefer the whole Fellowship and a few choice others (Arwen, Faramir, Éowyn, Éomer ...) could all sail West and live forever happy together in Valinor *sigh*
Kitty
· 2 June 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
You know, it is so very typical of Frodo to leave the White tree when he felt Sam's emptiness and loneliness out of fear to influence him. I am glad he hasn't to wait so much longer now until Sam arrives.
It is nice the elves celebrate Frodo's birthday in this way, even if Frodo himself obviously didn't remember it. I see it as a sign how much they honour him, and I am glad to know (not only from this story) he was so well cared for in Tol Eressea and not only by the ones who knew him best in Middle Earth - Elrond, Galadriel, Gandalf.
Do you plan to tell us more about the visit of Finarfin? You've got me curious!
Author's reply
I believe all the Elves who came from Middle Earth and who'd lived through the War of the Rings, and probably a good many who'd experienced Sauron's power from before, would greatly honor Frodo and wish to see him cared for, offered the honor he deserved, see him included in their celebrations and watched over. They have an idea of the temptation he successfully held off for so long before it took him at the very last; they know what sacrifices he offered; they have seen his suffering and now see his rejoicing and the peace he now knows. And I believe they will know great loss when he goes from them, but will know it is a blessed loss. And of course, once they appreciated how mortals celebrate birthdays rather than begetting days, they would wish to honor that for his sake.
Frodo would ever, I think, seek to put the least pressure possible on Samwise Gamgee; he would ever prefer that Sam make his own decisions, no matter what he might desire for his own comfort. He would have understood, I think, if Sam had remained and returned home to Hobbiton to lie in the end by Rosie; I am only glad Sam did seek to follow Frodo in the end.
As for the visit by Finarfin--I may try that one day, although I've not truly fleshed out the scene in my mind.
Wow, so powerful! I never thought about how hard that moment of decision might have been, but of course it would be for Sam, who was so much a part of the Shire. And I love this:
Celeborn looked down into the eyes of the Hobbit before him and saw Sam’s fear, the fear of losing all that had ever defined him and given him
identity and comfort, and the grim determination to make that first step, and then the next....
And as the Lord Samwise of all the Free Peoples of Middle Earth looked up into his eyes, Lord Celeborn of Eregion and Lothlorien saw something
he never expected to see in the eyes of such a one--compassion for all the losses he’d known and reassurance that all would be restored to him at the right
time.
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.
Together, hands clasped, tall Elf lord and small Hobbit gardener turned and walked across the gangplank, stepped onto that deck, commiting themselves
to a new life in a new land, one for the remainder of the life of Arda itself, one for the time he and his Master chose to remain there before they set
themselves to face the greatest adventure of all.
Oh, my, goodness. I have to agree with Shirebound: this is as beautiful as poetry. "The greatest adventure of all." *sigh* Yes.
Oh, we're so close now, so close!
The sculpture turned out well, thank you. It's for a very dear friend who is moving away. It's a decorative plate, or was supposed to be, oblong, and on each end are two little islands separated by a zigzag, criss-cross design in the middle, something like waves. On each island stands a small figure of a girl (done in the style that doesn't show the face or even much of the figure so that they can represent anyone), and both are leaning forward, their hands clasped in the middle. I don't say it's pretty, would almost say it is a little rough, but I think it will say what I can't say in words, and I'm satisfied.
I begin to think the rest of Acceptable Sacrifice is going to have to wait till I return from the CCFB. Everything is so hectic and I find I have become almost subconsciously nervous, which makes for a shortened attention span among other things. But I'll keep my place and read more as I can.
God bless,
Galadriel
Raksha The Demon
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
Love the image of Celeborn and Samwise, heading off into the unknown together, leaving Middle-earth forever. They both have wonderful reunions awaiting them; but it's got to be a wrench to leave...
Inglor
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
I really enjoyed how you portrayed Celeborn. So much said with not a single word of dialoge
shirebound
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 8: 8: Decision
But if he decided to stay, he’d be betraying Rosie’s last wish for him, and he’d be betraying himself. He wanted to stand one more time at least beside Frodo, wanted to bring him those memories he’d been given solely through Frodo’s own sacrifices, wanted to receive what Frodo could give him.... And he’d be denying a great grace offered to so very few....
Together, hands clasped, tall Elf lord and small Hobbit gardener turned and walked across the gangplank, stepped onto that deck, commiting themselves to a new life in a new land, one for the remainder of the life of Arda itself, one for the time he and his Master chose to remain there before they set themselves to face the greatest adventure of all.
*sigh* This is poetry, Larner.
Bodkin
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
Frodo's not really there now. He's barely clinging on until Sam arrives - and if Sam had chosen to remain in the Shire, I think he would already have let go of the tiny amount of life he is clinging to. But he will be there and waiting for Sam.
Author's reply
Yes, he lingers in awareness, but is remaining only by the thinnest of margins at the moment, and only for Sam's coming.
Radbooks
· 1 June 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
I love the fact that Frodo is always surrounded by the elf children just as he was back home. They see his kindness and takes time for them and just enjoys them I imagine. It was so special that the elves had a birthday party for him, even if he didn't realize what it was! :) I remember the butterfly glade from Lesser Ring, that was a good place for Frodo to be when he found out that Sam was coming. Oh, I liked the fact that Frodo realized that he couldn't try and persuade Sam to come, that it had to be his own free choice. He didn't want him to feel guilty if he chose to stay and be buried by Rosie and near his children.
Author's reply
Yes, in my thoughts Frodo is always one who loved children, no matter of what provenance. They will always find ways to help him realize that in spite of the fact he never himself married, yet he helped many children to grow and learn and be better folk, and from them he received the love he needed to receive in all the between times he knew.
So glad the glade is remembered and appreciated. I felt it was the right place also for the official word to come to him.
No, Frodo would never seek to push Sam to anything, and particularly not now. But both of them needed this; Rosie was a very wise wife.
Linda Hoyland
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
I'm glad Frodo found peace in the West.He will be so happy to see Sam again.
Author's reply
I, too, am glad that he accepted the grace, and that the waiting will be fulfilled before he leaves Middle Earth at last. Sam's coming is needed now by both.
Antane
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
All these years I have felt how strongly his heart has been bound to mine...
And now the long wait is almost over! Yea!! I'm glad they still celebrate his birthday, even if he's not aware of it.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Frodo's own sense of time in the Elven lands was pretty hopeless, as was made clear in the visit to Lothlorien; that he'd lose track of even his birthday seemed logical.
And indeed the wait is almost over; and two will find as much wholeness as they can before they take the last steps together.
Armariel
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
Oooo he's coming!! Reminds me of when I went to see my best friend in Germany, the anticipation...brrrr!!! Really brings back delightful memories...and a touch of sadness too, knowing I may never see her again.......
A lovely chapter, altogether.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, the anticipation is thrilling and somewhat fearful at the same time, or so I've found in my own life. Have visited Germany over twenty years ago, and have had more visits to England where I have friends. I hope one day to be able to go back again.
So glad you appreciated this one, Armariel.
Queen Galadriel
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
Oh, what a peaceful, joyful chapter! Perfect to come home to after a stressful and rather exhausting and trying day of endless shopping and preparation.
You capture so well Frodo's mortality, and the ethereal escence about him in spite of it. I mean, he seems mortal and yet...not so, somehow. I love seeing him helping and then watching the children, with the baby on his lap, and then in the glade with all the butterflies. Oh, please do write the actual reunion soon! I feel I'll burst if it's much longer! :)
That was very interesting about the sculpture of the bird! Wow! I almost wish I could do that. Which reminds me, I must go now and work on a sculpture of my own that must be finished and baked by the end of the week.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, we need the restful chapters, too, as well as the emotional ones. For Frodo this is a time of quiet excitement and anticipation now, waiting for the coming of Sam to the fulfillment of both lives.
And I do think he'd have gradually lost more and more of his mortality, and yet would never have lost the joy of being with children and the love of flowers and beauty wherever and however he could find it.
Let me know how the sculpture goes.
harrowcat
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
Ah this is both sad and beautiful Larner. Like any good hobbit you still have the capacity to surprise and delight your readers. A feast in honour of his birthday....and the butterfly grove again.... and your description of Frodo himself and... and... and...
Author's reply
I think Frodo would appreciate his age has caught up with him, and is filling his heart with the great beauty and the memories of peace and wonder this grove grants him.
Yes, it's his birthday, and although he doesn't realize it Sam has left Bag End and is even now on his way across the Shire. And we had to have the quiet visit to the grove, I felt.
So glad so much moves you in it.
Love to your folks and Jet.
Dreamflower
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
I really enjoy your interpretation of what comes of Frodo as he dwells on Tol Eressea--it seems to go so well with Gandalf's musings after Weathertop: "a glass filled with clear light for eyes to see as can".
And though you indicate that he is scarcely a hobbit any longer, I do see his essential "hobbitiness" yet lingering--that essential toughness of self that keeps him anchored for the sake of a friend he hopes once more to see; his joy in children and nature; his unselfconscious singing; most of all, his memories of the Shire and his loved ones there--as is shown by his praise of Pippin's singing, for example, and the way he does not realize how his own singing has changed--for even though he is evolving into something "other"--that love is still deep and true.
I so look forward to Sam's arrival.
Author's reply
When Frodo first was aware he was changing he feared to lose himself. That it would lead to him finding himself as he was meant to be, fulfilled and joyful and ready to shine before all the denizens of the Presence, is something he couldn't fully appreciate when he anticipated leaving the Shire and Middle Earth.
The Hobbit who is far more than he was when he was "just" a Hobbit, who is learning the purpose of the space he'd thought of as the Shadow Realm, and rejoices ever to enjoy and share beauty, and who indeed looks to see his friend come.
I'm so glad this is communicating what I'd wanted it to say.
Dreamflower
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
Ah, I have to say, my heart just went out to poor Marigold--that her brother had planned to slip off without a farewell had to hurt so much. Their encounter was truly touching.
Author's reply
This time Marigold is going to say a proper goodbye, and my own heart has gone out to both of them, for I empathize with both.
Andrea
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
Wow! So beautiful!
So, Pippin was right when he assumed that Frodo might have changed!
And how he has changed! His light of being is stronger and purer than ever, while his body is steadily burning away. Like Tolkien told us in his letter: a purgatory, but in a good way.
Still, Iorhael is Frodo. More Frodo than Frodo Baggins ever was! You can feel it when he speaks about his Sam, and in this:
A few days ago he was working about the mallorn tree in the Party Field, and I could feel the emptiness in him. I had to leave the White Tree that I not call him to me.
And I have no doubt that Sam will recognize him at once!
The shaping of the little bird intrigued me! I would really like to know more about "that other region".
Author's reply
I've always felt there had to be a proper, holy purpose to the changes wrought by the Morgul knife and for the Shadow Realm where the spirits of the Nazgul remained. This lets me play with theories; and it of course goes back to Glorfindel's words to Mayblossom in the chapter where he meets with her and her mother, that he is able to enter a border realm where those who enter it may perceive the Song and enter into it, allowing them to bring back to Arda the knowledge of how to shape the marvelous works of their hands and minds. I know it's not in canon, but neither is it denied by canon; and it's fun to speculate.
And for Frodo this has indeed been his purgatory, and a most blessed one at that. Only a small shell holds him within Arda, until Sam makes his final decision.
shirebound
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 7: 7: Invitation to a Party
How beautiful, Larner. What a peaceful, lovely, Light-filled chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Shirebound.
Kitty
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
Even if I can understand he couldn’t endure more goodbyes, it was not truly fair of Sam not to say farewell to his sister, the more so as she has a husband who is of even worse health than she and they are not able to travel easily. It is sad Marigold had to come after him, and I am glad she caught up with him and was able to talk a last time to him.
Now I hope that was the last farewell – this story is increasing my consumption of tissues quite a bit *sniff*
Author's reply
No, it wasn't fair, but Sam is already under a great deal of stress. I'm just glad she caught up with him, myself.
I really ought to buy stock in a company that produces tissue! Am so glad this chapter moved you so.
Kitty
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 5: 5: Sam's Last Riding
Don’t know if to laugh or cry about the cake and candles and the wine for the birthday. That was so sweet of the children!
Here in the Shire itself perhaps few enough properly remember what your Master and you accomplished; but your own family knows and honors him fully. That is good. Couldn’t have said it better than Celeborn, as I felt the same.
It is good to know the elves were there and looked after Sam, determined to bring him to Tol Eressea alive and well. Oh, and I loved the anecdote with the lightning of the candles on the birthday cake! Good old Gandalf!
Author's reply
Yes, it is such sweetness that fulfills all. And there will be a few who will know what Frodo and Sam accomplished. I'm so glad you agree with Celeborn here.
All will do what they can to help Sam along his way; and I'd think that they'd have needed Gandalf to light all those candles for the Party, don't you? So glad it gave a chuckle. Wizards can come in handy at times.
Kitty
· 30 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
Lothario again? *shakes head* This one is absolutely hopeless. Obviously he thought to take advantage of a new and inexperienced Mayor, and I am glad to see he was wrong. But one should expect he had learned his lesson many years ago.
Part of the reason why Hamfast and Iris want to move to Gondor is touching – watching over Strider! I can imagine it would be a certain comfort for Aragorn to have at least a grandson of Sam in the Citadel, the more so after Sam sailed. And I love it they still celebrate *the* birthday.
All these farewells are so sad, but I am glad Sam didn’t slip secretly away as Frodo did so long ago but gave everyone the chance to say goodbye. Particularly touching it was with Merry and Pippin, of course. It is so good to know Sam takes pictures from all of them with him and letters for Frodo. So he has some things to remember his family and friends, and Frodo can see them all.
Author's reply
Yes, I would expect Sam to wish Frodo to see pictures of them and know that his sacrifices and gifts were indeed fulfilled. And Sam is not completely like his Master, after all, nor seeking to spare others as Frodo was. One way or another his time comes, and he wishes only for that last bit to be spent with the brother of his heart.
Antane
· 29 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
“It was love of him as took me out of the Shire the first time and across the known world and all through Mordor. It was love of him as brought me to where I could find the other brother of my heart sittin’ in the corner of the Prancin’ Pony in Bree, and showed me the bright shadows of where I’m goin’ now as lingered here in the Mortal Lands. It was love of him as helped me understand as to why I’d always loved the stories of Elves and all, and appreciate that I belong not just to the Shire but to the whole world. It was love of him as taught me to leave my fear behind me, and to just go on and do what needed doin’ with no hope of seein’ after, just ’cause it needed doin’ or all would fail.
“I need that bit of my heart back, Goldy. You understand, don’t you? I could live for so long with half a heart; but with Rosie gone too now, I don’t even have that any more. To be ready--truly ready--to go on, I need what he holds. You know, I’d always thought as I give him that half of my heart ’cause I’d had it inside me from the start. It’s only recent I’ve realized as I only had it inside me ’cause he give it to me first to begin with.” He looked off toward the doorway. “He had heart enough for the entire world he did, and I did my best to hold that part for him durin’ our journey so as it’d stay safe of what the Ring was doin’ to the rest of it. But it wasn’t enough--not enough to sustain him--not as long as he stayed here.”
She nodded. “You know what the Gaffer always said, Sam--as those as is the best tend to die young--their hearts start gettin’ bruised so easy for they’re so large and exposed to begin with, and it takes it out of them when the bruisin’ starts happenin’. He was one of those, after all.”
Sam swallowed. “Yes, that he was. That he was.”
What beautiful tributes to Frodo! I hope at least in heaven he got to know how many lives he affected so profoundly, even those who weren't even born before he left, but who loved him because Sam loved him and told of him. This should be quite a reunion! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
I am so glad you appreciate it, Antane. And I suspect that when they reach the Presence they'll both realize how very deeply that love was honored everywhere.
Andrea
· 29 May 2006
· Chapter 6: 6: Undertowers
Oh Larner, that was beautiful!
How do you do that? You put so much into one chapter, it's really amazing. I would very much like to quote the whole chapter, but ... well, it's already there ;-)
Only this:
But when he went aboard the ship at the last, there with old Gandalf, you could see the easin’ coming to him right away--that last smile, the one what made you know he was one to love with the whole of his heart, what made it worth it to see him go away, knowin’ as he’d finally be able to smile like that all the time and not just at odd moments when aught could get past the pain.
"To smile like that all the time", that I do not wish only for Frodo, but also for Sam to come true, and for Marigold, when the last reunion takes place!
BTW, I really glad that hobbits all over Shire were named after Frodo, but who is Frodovacar? Somehow, that name sounds quite familiar.
Author's reply
Yes, the two of them both deserve to smile like that, both Frodo and Sam; and it will leave quite the legacy in Tol Eressea, the memory of two small, shining beings busily sharing all they can before they go and smiling their joy for all.
Odovacar was Freddy Bolger's dad; and I think it was Lindelea who indicated that Freddy had threatened to name his own child after Frodo, but he would make it a proper Bolger name; and I had to slip that into here. (It may have been Baylor, also, I guess, or someone else whose stories I was reading before I began writing. Wish I could remember for certain.) That in naming his son Fredegar would end up honoring one of his favorite cousins as well as Frodo seemed fitting.
It's only relatives now who are naming their children for Frodo; but who knows? Maybe one day, with few realizing why, Frodo will be as common a name as Tom or Daisy!
Thanks for the response, Andrea.