Neath Anor, Ithil, and Gil by Larner
Antane · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 8: Uncertainty
It's so short! But he's so tall. That was cute - Sam's disbelief. A sweet reunion of siblings, my dear Larner. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, I DoO on occasion do short tales.... So glad you liked it.
Radbooks · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 8: Uncertainty
Very sweet. So wonderful for her to have her brother back safe and sound, and in spite of the differences on the outside, to discover that he is still her baby brother after all.
Author's reply
I'm glad folks are finding it sweet; and glad to hear from you!
shirebound · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 8: Uncertainty
No matter how tall he was or how strangely dressed, this was her baby brother, her Pippin, complete with blathering. Awwww. That's so sweet. :)
Author's reply
Yes, very sweet, and so wonderful to find her brother in spite of the obvious changes.
Dreamflower · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 8: Uncertainty
Oh yes, the "blathering" would be a dead give-away--this is most *certainly* Pippin Took, no matter how tall he grew, he'd still speak his "Pippish" to the delight of his loved ones!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin's still there in spite of the odd clothes and the odder growth and the more serious, thoughtful nature; he still talks too much when he gets flustered! So glad you appreciated it!
Kitty · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 8: Uncertainty
“Merry and Frodo keep telling me that when I grow nervous I do tend to blather.” Well, that is only to be expected in this particular case. What do you tell someone you’ve not seen for so long while you’ve been through so much? Where to start? And how will Vinca react? It’s always fun to have them still see Pippin as their ‚baby brother’, even if he’s so much taller. And it was good to know he was welcomed back so nice by Vinca, particularly as I know the welcome from Paladin can’t have been very pleasant. Pippin's tears in the end were rather touching - it has to be a great relief for him to be back home and don't have to feel estranged from his whole family due to the way he has changed during the Quest.
Author's reply
Yes, their baby brother in spite of having obviously grown in more than one way! And he finds the welcome he needs in spite of his parents' confusion, and he so needed it! So glad you approve!
Andrea · 31 July 2007 · Chapter 8: Uncertainty
No matter how tall he was or how strangely dressed, this was her baby brother, her Pippin, complete with blathering. How wonderful, Larner! What I loved most were Pippin's tears of relief at the end. He's truly home now! Of course he has changed during the quest like all his companions, but the essence of what makes him "Pippin" and what makes him so lovable is still there. And that's not only the blathering ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, he's really home, and his sister, after the first shock wears off, sees HIM, not some ideal, not some strange giant, but HIM! It would be a blessing for both of them. Thanks for the response.
Grumpy · 29 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Word of Resignation
Hmm, the captain from the north, seems to have gave everyone the slip, and road off with one of the twins. Leaving the question of is he or isn't he.
Author's reply
Oh, of course he left questions in his wake, our Thorongil did. And now Denethor appears to have the field open before him with little question as to what power he will be allowed to wield, for such time as he can hold it, of course.
Kitty · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Word of Resignation
Ah, another story exploring something Tolkien had mentioned only fleetingly. Well, Denethor can’t have been happy about the way Thorongil took his leave, I suppose, though he was rather glad to have the suspected heir to the throne out of the way. It is difficult to imagine he would have hoped for the return of the King, considering how I know him, but it is possible so many years earlier he deep down truly thought so, and he completely changed to the other way of thinking only over the following years. But still, I think the side that was glad for Thorongil’s departure was always the stronger. The elder brother should have confused Denethor a bit, if he didn't think of the twins as Aragorn's brothers, as Thorongil could not be the heir if he is the younger one. You did draw a nice picture of Finduilas here, trying to support her husband, but realising what he wanted was maybe not what Gondor needed. Thanks for the clarification on the other story. Somehow I had misinterpreted it - looking it over again, now it is clear how it was meant. Seems I need a bit more sleep to get my brain to work properly.
Author's reply
To bow out leaving folks begging for more indicates a marked degree of success, and I suspect this was precisely the situation Aragorn left behind as he shed at last the identity of Thorongil. The people of Gondor recognized his abilities, as did Ecthelion and probably Denethor as well. In my line of thought, I suspect that at first Denethor was pleased to meet Thorongil, finding in most ways a kindred spirit in the stranger; but as he realized many questioned the relationship between Ecthelion and Thorongil, saw his father's growing favor toward this mere mercenary, saw the growing list of military successes and successful arguments made before the Steward's Council, and began to know defeats on the practice field at the hands of Thorongil envy began to grow along with suspicions as to the Captain's final motivations and aims. And knowing he would not follow his father as ruling Steward should the stranger prove to be the King Returned would be an added stress, I'd think. The realization that there did indeed remain an heir to Isildur in the north must have raised a good deal of fear once he was seated with the Rod of the Stewards in his lap, for Aragorn's coming would spell the end of his entire way of life. There's the old saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks"; after a half century as Ruling Steward the idea he'd have to take on a new role, different duties, must have been terrifying. But as a youngster he probably hoped for the return of the King as much as he later came to fear it. And the idea Thorongil had a professed older brother must have been a relief to him for the very reasons you cite here. And glad you saw Finduilas precisely as I tried to picture her.
elanor winterflowers · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Word of Resignation
Poor Denethor. I grew up with people like him, always with a gimlet eye out for enemies, and friends who might take advantage. Self-fulfilling prophecies, they are. Finduilas is lovely here, very gentle, and royal somehow. I enjoyed this little glimpse into their relationship.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed--self-fulfilling prophecies indeed. Am so glad you like how I picture Finduilas, hoping to reassure her husband, but recognizing his weaknesses along with his strengths.
Linda Hoyland · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Word of Resignation
I enjoyed this very much and like your version of how Thorongil left Gondor. I personally feel Denethor would have been furious if he had claimed the crown, but I do believe he suspected who Aragorn was.I also enjoyed your insight into Finduilas's thoughts on Thorongil.
Author's reply
The idea that Thorongil might be the Heir of Isildur and yet was greeted by his "elder brother" might have been a bit of a poser to those who don't appreciate that Isildur's heirs have always spent some time in Elrond's house. And I do believe that Denethor did suspect the Captain of being that elusive heir. And am glad you liked Finduilas's concern for Thorongil's welfare and who he might be in reality.
harrowcat · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Word of Resignation
A beautifully described scene Larner. I would love to know whether Boromir managed to stay clean! *g* I find it so sad that Denethor lost his wife so soon and then loses his hope of the return of the King even if he has been his rival. Your great picturing of days like this just put me even more in awe of the Master story crafting of the Prof. And I will get caught up on other reviews I promise! Two more week and life winds down a bit! Went to the hospital for a diabetic consult today and spent over an hour waiting for the doc to turn up. He then turned out to be a locum who knew nothing about me! What a waste of everybody's time.
Author's reply
Thank you, Harrowcat. Tolkien's ability to set the thoughts dancing in our head as to how specifically such scenes might be played out was indeed masterful--look at how he inspires our imaginations! I have sometimes wondered how Denethor might have been different had Finduilas survived. As for how clean Boromir might stay--well, small child and gardens don't tend to promote the child staying clean for long, do they? Heh! A wait for over an hour? My heavens--and to see a newcomer who has no idea as to your situation! Good grief!
Kitty · 19 June 2007 · Chapter 6: The Welcome
Certainly a nice surprise for the female part of the couple. I suppose it's Galadriel and Celeborn, though it could be Elrond and Celebrían, too. But to me, it sounds like the former. All these reunions in Tol Eressëa are something I love to read, I have to admit. This was much too short ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, Galadriel and Celeborn. This was written as a birthday mathom on HASA. And so glad you like it, Kitty.
cookiefleck · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
Just got around to reading this, and it made me teary. You know how much I like Sam. I like to think of his happiness after the quest, surrounded by his loving family. The Gaffer understanding and appreciating the full measure of his son's worth was satisfying to read. I also liked his observation that Sam was one who grew even closer to his family as a result of his wanderings and accomplishments. I saw your comment about imagining that Frodo adopted Sam as a brother. I've never seen it that way but it's an interesting idea. Perhaps back in M-e they didn't have to specify the "relationship" of the adoption. And I've always wondered why Gamgee gave way to Gardner.
Author's reply
Bilbo doesn't appear to have adopted Frodo as a son specifically--just as an heir. And so I figured that as Frodo appears to have done similarly with Sam, who was only twelve year younger, it made sense to me that if Frodo specified any relationship it would be as a brother, rather than as a son or anything else. Yes, I know how you love Sam, and I'm glad I could give you a story in which the Gaffer saw his son with the respect Sam deserved, while receiving the respect he himself deserved for giving the Shire such wonderful Hobbits for its enrichment. And, from what I've seen of Sam, he never forgot his roots, or tried to pretend he'd never been but a humble gardener. No, he may be the Master of Bag End and the Hill now, but he's also the Gaffer's son. And as Frodo told Sam he'd be the most famous gardener in the history of the Shire, I always thought that new last name came from there. So glad you enjoyed it, Cookiefleck, and hope you got a laugh out of the "Not Gonna Happen" as well. Thanks so much for the comments.
Linda Hoyland · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 6: The Welcome
A lovely reunion.
Author's reply
Thanks, Linda!
Linda Hoyland · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
Delightful images of Sam's beautiful garden. I'm glad his father comes to appreciate him fully.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so very glad you appreciated this one, too, Linda. Yes, the Gaffer has a good deal to be proud of in his children, especially in the person of his youngest son. Thanks so much for the comments.
harrowcat · 18 June 2007 · Chapter 6: The Welcome
And the onlooking Maia smiled in satisfaction. And so do all of us!!!
Author's reply
Yes, we do. Thanks.
Queen Galadriel · 17 June 2007 · Chapter 6: The Welcome
Do I guess rightly that this couple is Galadriel and Celeborn? Or are they Elrond and Celebrien? Or is it left up to the reader? Somehow this seems to fit Galadriel and Celeborn better, in my mind. I love the way this is written, so vivid and yet leaving us so much to fill in for ourselves. God bless, Galadriel P.S. Of your response to Second Mum: My independent story? Sorry...which would that be? (Ah! My brain must really have abandoned me if I can't keep track of my own stories!)
Author's reply
This was written as a birthday ficlet to someone who wanted Turin and Finduilas, or Galadriel and Celeborn, of Faramir and Eowyn. I chose the second pair as quite frankly I remember Turin and Nienor much better than I do Turin and Finduilas from the Sil, which I suppose deserves another read by this time. And am glad you find it vivid. You said you had one story at the FanFiction companion site, and I was going to try to go read that, but hadn't gotten there yet. Am off to Oregon tomorrow for a few days, and hope to see Lindelea and her new writing companion and the lasses tomorrow, so may get online using my friend's computer, but can guarantee nothing right now.
Armariel · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
Sweeeeettttt!!!! How lovely that the Gaffer finally acknowledged his son's greatness. A little pearl of a tale. ~~~{~@
Author's reply
As the father of Sam, I think that there must be some ability to see beyond the parochial to the Gaffer; and I think both needed that moment of recognition of what Sam has become from "mixing with his betters."
harrowcat · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
Ah pure and joyful satisfaction in reading this! Beautiful Larner.
Author's reply
So glad you approve, Harrowcat. Thank you!
Elemmírë · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
Aww! How very wonderful for the Gaffer to 'reap what he sowed.' Now this is the epitome of what Father's Day should be. A very warm tale full of love, Larner. I'm happy to see the Gaffer surrounded by all his family in the garden he helped to maintain, but I especially liked how he recognized Sam at long last. ~Elemmírë~ p.s. I've always liked too, how you write sisters-in love, etc. It just sounds so much more hobbity and loving than 'in-law' does.
Author's reply
Oh, what a wonderful metaphor and so appropriate to the Gaffer. And you're certainly right it's what Fathers Day ought to be. And the Gaffer must have realized just why Frodo so befriended him to making him his heir. The "-in-love" title is now part of fanon, I think, and I didn't originate it. Nor do I always use it consistently; but for this family I think it IS meant. As I've said before, I love to incorporate much that is from the best of what others have written as well. It does sound more Hobbity, doesn't it?
Antane · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
For Sam had never been seen as but a servant, either. No, he’d embraced the friendship offered him by the young Master, and in the end had been loved and honored as a brother. Yet that relationship had never drawn him away from those to whom he’d been born as happened too often it seemed--it had simply proven to open him the more fully to be the son and brother--and now husband and father--that had ever been there. I have felt at times that Frodo Baggins and not Elanor was Sam's first child or at least as you say helped him become a better father as he had had already some experience as it were in being a parent as Frodo's strength eroded toward the end of the Quest and afterwards. I'm glad you saw that aspect of their relationship also, not just brothers but at times parent and child. I love the way you said 'loved and honored as a brother.' The Gaffer drew Sam down further to whisper in his ear, “I’m glad now as you never paid me no heed, for I see now as where mixin’ with your betters took you--made you and all of us the better for havin’ knowed ’em, it has. You’re no ninnyhammer as I was, lad. And I’m the one as is honored to have ye as my son.” And he was pleased to see his son shine at that, warm and sun-lit--yes, proper to the gardener he was. How wonderful for Sam to hear that and for the Gaffer to see his son's light, to realize that Sam had it right along in 'mixin with your betters'. I think that father and son relationship wasn't always close and Sam didn't always get the love and support that should have been there. But better late than never. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've often felt that for Sam, Frodo would be a mixture of father, son, and brother all three, as well as mentor and ward. And in the end it was as his brother I believe Frodo adopted him. I think there was a good deal of love between the Gaffer and Sam, myself, but that there was a bit of a gulf because Sam was MORE than the Gaffer was. He'd been educated by Bilbo and perhaps Frodo as well, he had knowledge and thoughts and imagination his father couldn't share; and I suspect part of the reason he insisted Sam especially mind his place would be so he wouldn't lose him to a world the Gaffer couldn't share. But now that Sam's come back and become so great a one, I think that the Gaffer finally feels the freedom to tell him how proud he is, and how foolish he was for trying to hold him back in the Gaffer's world. I think that as Sam advanced he brought his whole family forward with him, including his dad.
Queen Galadriel · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
Awww! How absolutely perfect, Larner! Making certain small Rosie was held steadily in his left arm, the Gaffer reached up with his right, clasped his hand about Sam’s upper arm and drew him down where he could look into those hazel eyes that were like brown pebbles under water with the golden sunlight flickering off the ripples. They were as steady as ever, if they saw more than the Gaffer hisself had ever been able to perceive. There was a memory of glory, a memory of loss, a memory of pain, and an awareness of delight there. Oh, his beloved youngest lad bore scars on his heart as well as on his forehead and temple and those hidden ones on his legs and back, not to mention those particularly troubling ones on his shoulders; but as Rosie’d put it, they were scars of honor, proving how worthy he was. “I want to say,” he said, “as just how proud I am of you--of all of you, and how glad I am now as I’ve lived to see this day, and to sit in this garden again.” He looked about, smiling as all smiled back at him. “It’s my day, you say--well, it’d be nothin’ special without each and every one of you, I’m thinkin’. And how proud the Masters must be seein’ all of you and what you’ve come to.” And he saw Sam smile at that, for all his eyes glistened the least bit, and he was glad. For Sam had never been seen as but a servant, either. No, he’d embraced the friendship offered him by the young Master, and in the end had been loved and honored as a brother. Yet that relationship had never drawn him away from those to whom he’d been born as happened too often it seemed--it had simply proven to open him the more fully to be the son and brother--and now husband and father--that had ever been there. The Gaffer drew Sam down further to whisper in his ear, “I’m glad now as you never paid me no heed, for I see now as where mixin’ with your betters took you--made you and all of us the better for havin’ knowed ’em, it has. You’re no ninnyhammer as I was, lad. And I’m the one as is honored to have ye as my son.” Beautifully put. This had me teary-eyed--and smiling, of course. :) I've read fics in the past that have made me want to hear Hamfast make just that admition, but you write it in a more touching way than I ever imagined. This is a jewel. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
So very glad you like it, and good to see you back. After years of admonitions to mind his place, the Gaffer realizes Sam was doing just that and as a result he's found his true place in the love and honor of all, not just his family. Second Mum is finished, and I'm back to The Tenant for the moment, although I've managed to do a couple short stories this time.
elanor winterflowers · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
This is just enchanting!
Author's reply
Am so glad you like it, Elanor. Thank you so much.
Kitty · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
So the Gaffer has finally accepted that mixing with their betters was a good thing in the end – good. His world has been turned upside down, I fear – he’s being celebrated at *Bag End* and his youngest son the Master there. Not to mention he’s friends with the Kings and all these Lords and Princes. Not so easy to accept. Hm ... according to the Appendices Sam was elected Mayor two years after Rosie-lass’ birth. Did the Gaffer in your universe live to see this day? Can't for the life of me remember if you've mentioned this before. In spite of all this nonsense about ‚getting above yourself’, I think he would have been so proud of his son.
Author's reply
Yes, a good thing indeed. But as he'd say, all's well as ends better! And in spite of the grief his son knows, he knows more accomplishment and joy, and he knows the love of those whose opinion truly means something. The Gaffer must find that heartening. I've never gotten so far as whether or not the Gaffer made it to see his son elected Mayor. We shall have to explore that one some day.
Dreamflower · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 5: The Gaffer's Day
This is just lovely! So nice to see the Gaffer get his due, as he so often does not! And what a nice day for him!
Author's reply
Yes, the Gaffer deserves his moments of praise for raising such a worthy son, not to mention the rest of the family's worth! Thanks so much, Dreamflower!