Antane, this lovely, gentle, hopeful chapter is the first I have read of your stories. I loved and appreciated the tone of it. I especially loved your ending paragraph:
"Thy Will be done.
He then looked down at the sleeping halflings, trying to send them the strength he knew both would need. You will be safe, my brothers, held in the strongest Arms of all. Rest there when the burden becomes too much."
How wonderful. To those who try to tell me that Frodo failed in his quest I always tell them that Frodo went as far and did as much as any could do and when he had done all he could, God did his part. This is as it is for all of us, after all we can do, God is there to help us to the finish. Just beautifully done Antane.
I like the spiritual brotherhood that exists between Frodo and Sam and you express it quite profoundly:
"Are they brothers?
Not by blood, but so they regard themselves for I have knit their hearts and souls together. But the second serves the first and the first will serve all."
It brought tears to my eyes.
A very reverent start to what promises to be a wonderful story.
Adrianne
Author's reply
Hannon le for such a kind review! Always wonderful to find a new fan! :) You honor me with your tears and appreciation. You are so right about Frodo as the professor himself said. Frodo was created by God to be the Ring-bearer and Sam was created to love Frodo enough to get him to the Fire, to be a visible sign of the invisible Love that had created them. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story and my other ones. You may enjoy Love Endures also.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Captured
"Oft evil will does evil mar." Very true in this case.
Author's reply
Indeed. Sorry I'm getting so behind in Second Mum again, so busy, but I shall catch up one of these days!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Captured
I am not sure why Antane but this chapter reminded me so much of one of my favourite hymns by John Henry Newman....
90. The Pillar of the Cloud
LEAD, Kindly Light, amid the encircling gloom Lead Thou me on!
The night is dark, and I am far from home— Lead Thou me on!
Keep Thou my feet; I do not ask to see
The distant scene—one step enough for me.
I was not ever thus, nor pray'd that Thou Shouldst lead me on.
I loved to choose and see my path, but now Lead Thou me on!
I loved the garish day, and, spite of fears,
Pride ruled my will: remember not past years.
So long Thy power hath blest me, sure it still will lead me on,
O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone;
And with the morn those angel faces smile
Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile.
At Sea.
June 16, 1833.
Author's reply
It does fit - Frodo and Sam didn't know Who was leading them on, but still they followed the One Who did. Hannon le for quoting that!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Elemmírë
· 4 June 2007
· Chapter 11: Captured
Awesome, Antane!
Another powerful chapter. And Elrond's really begininng to question himself, his faith, and Illuvatar now. I'm anxious and curious to see what you do with what's coming next.
Your "characterization" of Illuvatar is fantastic. You write him very wise, very patient, and very understanding. You write with him with deep insight and it shows the depth of your own spirituality as well.
Enter not the darkness, but the light beyond it.
Hmm, that would make for a great title for either a story or a chapter. I like it; it's a very striking sentence and thought. :)
I once read somewhere that part of the purpose of having Frodo and Sam being forced to march with the orcs was so that in a way it got them to Mt. Doom even faster than they would have if they had walked on their own and at their pace ... and it also cut down the time they would have been completely without food and water. I was thinking of that when Illuvatar reiterated to Elrond, I am with them, my child. All is happening as I will it to be.
I was thinking that it was His will that Frodo and Sam be forced to march faster so they would reach their goal, for Frodo's strength was greatly flagging by this time and he might not have made it otherwise. This way too, He ensured that there would be some lembas and water left for them, not very much, but enough to sustain them for the days when it did indeed run out. He may not have willed the sting of the whips upon his two belived children, but he did see that there would be a way out for them, that Evil defeats itself.
~Elemmírë~
p.s. going back now to reread and find those chapters I missed while I was AWI (absent without internet)
Author's reply
Hannon le, dear Elemirre for such a long, kind review! I love yours. :) I have read the same about the forced march - there is so much good that God pulls out of evil. I'm glad you like the way I am protraying Him. It's a challenge and easy at the same time. Sometimes I feel the same Hand that guided the Professor's pen is guiding my hand.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
This is so beautiful and deep. One of the best yet, since the very beginning! This whole story so beautifully illustrates the patience and love of God for His children.
Do you see, my child? He knows not Who is watching over him, but he trusts enough to let Someone else look after his master for this little while, as Frodo
is trusting also. Their faith is strong even in their ignorance.
As mine is weak in my knowledge. You are teaching me much, Ada. I am ashamed that You have to.
It is enough that you are humble enough to learn.
Wow!
God bless,
Galadriel
Very, very sweet. I've never looked at LOTR this way.
I don't what it is, but somehow, this fic is so very poignant. :)
Eru be with you.
~Calenlass
Author's reply
Hannon le, Calenlass! It is rather interesting to write God in as a character. He's also in my Love Endures story if you are interested.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 17 May 2007
· Chapter 10: Prayers Answered
Absolutely lovely as usual Antane. I think this is my favourite thing of what you are currently posting. And that final bit.....
Do you see, my child? He knows not Who is watching over him, but he trusts enough to let Someone else look after his master for this little while, as Frodo is trusting also. Their faith is strong even in their ignorance.
As mine is weak in my knowledge. You are teaching me much, Ada. I am ashamed that You have to.
It is enough that you are humble enough to learn.
It just blew me away. And it is so often true too of both children and adults.
I just pray that I can be as humble as Elrond. (Although that sounds proud in itself!)
Author's reply
Hannon le, dear harrowcat! Glad you are enjoying. It's a fun challenge to write this. Elrond is so much like us - believing but entirely trusting as much as he should. I've thought recently that Frodo and Sam have no knowledge of their Creator but their faith, if it can called that, (I suppose it can since Iluvatar Himself is calling it that!) is perhaps stronger than ours at times. You were the first one to bring up to me the similarities between Frodo's yes and Mary's - I've since seen it at least in one other place - but difference is that Mary knew Who she was saying yes and Frodo had no clue but said yes anyway. Both were willing to be servants of the One Who made them. And that must have been some peace that came to Sam to let Someone else watch over his Frodo for a bit and he didn't even know Who that was! Their souls knew though.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 16 May 2007
· Chapter 10: Prayers Answered
The gifts of starlight and water were among the greatest given them, and there is no question such gifts were needed then.
And that Elrond is aware from such a distance remains a joy.
Author's reply
God ever watches over His own.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 9: In The Tower
Yes, he continues on.
harrowcat
· 23 April 2007
· Chapter 9: In The Tower
Sometimes it is in the crushing of a flower that the beauty of its scent is released.
Lovely image Antane. My heart is almost bleeding more for Elrond than Frodo at this point.
Author's reply
Hannon le, dear harrowcat! I thought so too when it came to me. I thought later that Frodo is like athelas in that way. I do think that Elrond is suffering more at this point or just as much since it is always more difficult to watch someone you love suffer than suffer yourself.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Queen Galadriel
· 22 April 2007
· Chapter 9: In The Tower
Oh, this is truly unique in that Elrond can feel Frodo's physical pain as well as his spiritual toil. And as always, I love the silent dialogue between Elrond and Iluvatar. So cool to have Arwen there this time.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Glad you liked Arwen there, ammelda. I wasn't sure about that myself but I think maybe it will help her in her decision/prayer that Frodo be given her place on the ship going West.
Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 20 February 2007
· Chapter 8: The Choices of Master Elrond and Master Samwise
The light of Faith can sometimes seem very dim. But it only needs to be bright enough to see the ground at one's feet. Any more and it is not Faith.
Author's reply
That is a very interesting comment, my dear harrowcat - hannon le! Hope you had a great Easter. Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Althea
· 17 February 2007
· Chapter 8: The Choices of Master Elrond and Master Samwise
"I am greater than the darkness." Doesn't that just say it all? This is such a beautiful story.
Author's reply
Hannon le! I love that sentence myself! :) Elrond is just like all of us, getting stressed out about things and not trusting God enough and God is there, patiently trying to explain to His child that things are going to be all right. I may or may not have another chapter up tonight, if not it'll be after Easter since I'm not posting during Lent.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Elanor Silmariën
· 17 February 2007
· Chapter 8: The Choices of Master Elrond and Master Samwise
Oh, that last sentance sent shivers up my spine! So perfect! I loved that chapter, it pictured the struggle so wonderfully. It is so comforting to know that God is always in control, even when it doesn't seem like it.
God bless,
Ellie
Author's reply
Hannon le, dear! We just have to trust more. We don't see the whole picture like God does. Elrond is learning that painfully.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 16 February 2007
· Chapter 8: The Choices of Master Elrond and Master Samwise
Indeed a time to try faith. At least Elrond can clearly hear the Voice in his heart, and is able somehow to reassure Sam and even, a little, Frodo.
Author's reply
And it's going to keep being tested too. Hannon le for following this journey, dear Larner, though I think there will be a pause in it until after Easter now that Lent is upon us and I won't even be reading.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Queen Galadriel
· 16 February 2007
· Chapter 8: The Choices of Master Elrond and Master Samwise
Oh, that's a bit of a cliff-hanger, even though I do know it came out all right in the end. Poor Elrond, to feel so keenly what Frodo and Sam felt. But as always, I love the dialogue between him and Eluvatar, and here it provides a soothing undercurrent to the angst, if that makes any sense.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Poor Elrond indeed. He represents all of us who know God is in charge and things will work the way they should but we don't see far enough down the Road ourselves to completely trust Him in that. And God remains patient with our untrust, trying to show us it really will be all right.
Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)
harrowcat
· 13 February 2007
· Chapter 7: The Morgul Vale
The power of prayer is mighty. I do love how you are writing this.
Author's reply
It's certainly different, isn't it? It's stretching me and I like that! I do love that they were so actively watched over their Creator. I'd be in agony if I was Elrond though, the poor Elf and it's not going to get any better.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Armariel
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 7: The Morgul Vale
A nice piece, I am keeping up. I like the pure and clear simplicity and emotional impact of it. And the peaceful vision of hope at the end of this chapter.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Hannon le, dear! It's an interesting piece to write. I can't quite believe I have the audacity to write partially from God's POV, but I must be doing something right with all these kind reviews! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Queen Galadriel
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 7: The Morgul Vale
Oh, wow. That struggle is so palpable, in the books, in the radio drama, and here. I can sympathize with Elrond: "How much more?" But the picture at the end is so beautiful.
Ooo, I've learned some more Elvish! Hannon le!
God bless,
Galadriel
harrowcat
· 11 February 2007
· Chapter 5: Pinned
I am glad that you have addressed this moment in this piece Antane. It has always struck me as one of the places where Tolkien shows us the hand of the Creator most clearly. Well done.
Author's reply
Hannon le, dear harrowcat! God does indeed look after His own. :) I love this scene. How terrible it must have been for Frodo then but this is the same spiritual battlefield we are all in, so vividly protrayed. I imagine it like a butterfly pinned to a corkboard, pierced through, but this lovely butterfly is alive.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Althea
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 6: At the Black Gate
"I wish I could help you, my brother, but since I cannot, may you feel the Arms you are wrapped in, stronger than mine could ever be." This is beautiful.
Althea
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 5: Pinned
I love this, "Your brother is Becoming all the more who I have created him to be. His heartbrother has been from the beginning and is growing still as well."
Author's reply
Thank you for all your kind reviews! I am glad you are enjoying! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Althea
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 4: Leavetaking
You've blended the words from the book nicely into your story. I love the silent conversations between Elrond and Eru.
Queen Galadriel
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 5: Pinned
Yes, it will be enough, in time. And the strengthening may not be obvious yet, but it is being done. Very poignant. Love it, Antane.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Hannon le, dearest!
Namarie, God bless, Im mil le, Antane :)
Larner
· 10 February 2007
· Chapter 6: At the Black Gate
Yes, forgive us, Father, for our hearts tend to be clouded often by fears.
Author's reply
I wonder at the patience of God, explaining to this child of His that all will be well and Elrond wondering and fearing still, not able to see all his Father can, just like no one us can see the end of our Road or even very far upon it. It's an interesting story to write.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)