Reviews (24)

Author's reply

He will indeed. It will take time for Frodo to be the carefree child he once was, but at least he is finally on the road to proper healing at last. Frodo sees that even though his parents are forever gone, he will always be loved. I'm so very glad you enjoyed, Antane! Thank you, as always, for taking the time to read and leave so many wonderful reviews. Merry Christmas and may God Bless you in the New Year! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Sorry to have made you cry, my dear. *hands you another of Bilbo's seemingly never-ending supply of pocket-handkerchiefs* Poor Esme, I can understand her frustration. There are just some things we can't understand until we faced them, and how are we to know how to deal with them beforehand? Frustration isn't necessarily the *right* reaction, but it's certainly natural. True. There are some things in life that you just cannot be prepared for ... or you can have all the preparation in the world and it still doesn't matter one bit. Frodo was at that age where was old enough to remember his parents afterwards and yet young enough to still require them in his daily life. Grief and loss are difficult at any age, but Frodo wasn't say a one-year old who never knew his parents, or an older child near to coming of age who perhaps could manage to survive without. No, Frodo was at a very vulnerable age when Drogo and Primula where taken from him in such a traumatic way, hence his deep grief and confusion. As I told Larner, one day I hope to write another tale that follows a growing Frodo through each of the 12 stages of grief. Yes, having Frodo finally talk and start to accept their love was exactly what Sara and Esme needed too, for they were begining to doubt themselves and their ability to raise such a lad. Frodo's acceptance of the quilt and his sudden willingness to talk were a very important step for all three. Wonderful, too, to see him tucked up at the end, wrapped in a blanket of love (literally) with Beorn and Beorn's new friend, sleeping the sleep of a child again, with a child's companions. I LOVE how you worded that ... sleeping the sleep of a child again with a child's companions. Frodo is still a young lad--a young lad who had now experienced much grief and sadness than any child should ever bear--but a young lad nonetheless. Orphans tend to be psychologically and emotionally more mature than their peers in many ways, and yet much more undeveloped in others where they lag behind. Although Frodo is changed in many ways now, he still needs to be the child that he is. Thank you, my Queen, for reading and reviewing. I appreciate it! Merry Christmas to you and your family--may your holidays and the New Year be blessed! ~Elemmírë~ p.s. I think Beorn's new friend needs a name. LOL! What do you think?

Author's reply

Once again, I'm very glad you enjoyed this tale so much, Larner! Thank you again for all of your lovely reviews and thank you also for your kind words here. I will always remember both my grandmother and grandfather with all the love in the world, for they were very dear to my heart always. I have never met two more kind or loving individuals ever ... they never had an unkind word for anyone and I learned much from them. They died when I was 22 and 25, and I wish I could have known them even longer. But I give thanks that I was able to know them both for as long as I did, that they lived nearby, and were an important part of my life. Thank you again, Larner. :) ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

That is very, very true, Larner. Even now, I still sometimes wish I had a quilt like the one I created for Frodo ... but I do have other reminders of my beloved grandparents, along with my own memories. The quilt is a first step for Frodo. He will continue to have his difficulties, as would any child who experienced what he did. At least now he realizes that he is still loved and cared for ... and most importantly, that his parents are not forgotten and there are those who continue to miss them alongside him as well. One day, I do hope to write another multi-chaptered tale exploring the 12 stages of grief and how Frodo experiences them throughout his life. Thank you so much for reading and reviewing, Larner! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Thank you very much, Shirebound! Those particular lines you quoted were paraphrased from the movie, 'Finding Neverland'. It's about how author J.M. Barrie came up with the inspiration to write his play, 'Peter Pan'. I must warn you though, it's a very heartfelt movie, but an extremly sad and angst-ladden one as well. I find those words, however, to be very true. The sadness may never go away completely ... but, the happiness will eventually outweigh the sadness. When I started writing LOTR fic, one of the first things I had written was a paragraph about Frodo laying amongst his dead parents' clothing, smelling them in remembrance. It came from my own experience of sniffing and remembering my grandmother in those days/months after she'd passed. The sense of smell is a very powerful one, especially when it comes to triggering memories. I pictured a newly orphaned Frodo with his mother's dress and the story just grew from there. Thank you so very much, as always, for both taking the time to read and review, Shirebound! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

It did help, even though my grandmother had passed on years before I ever began writing LOTR fic. I'm sad to say that hers was really the first funeral/loss of a loved one in my life, so it will always be a bit traumatic in some ways. Whenever I would go to visit with my grandfather afterward, her flannel nighgowns remained hanging just where she had left them ... I would always hold one close and smell it, for they still contained her scent. After my grandfather too passed on and I began to write more, this "ritual" made its way into Frodo's childhood (along with other memories/experiences of mine), as one of the areas I love to explore with him is his life around when his parents died. That's the one scene I started this story with when I began to write it--with Frodo curled up on his parents' bed amongst their laid out clothing, smelling them and remembering. Again, Harrowcat, I thank you very much for reading this sad tale. It's greatly appreciated. Hannon le ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Thank YOU, Harrowcat for reading and leaving such kind reviews. It really means a lot to me. :) ~Elemmírë~ p.s. Glad the hankie warning came in handy ... I know this was an emotional piece to read (as well as write). Thanks for sticking with it.

Author's reply

I couldn't have said it any better, Antane! - some time away from everyone, no one trying to make him feel better, just being with him and loving him and helping him more that way than anything else could - and then distracting him something irresistable - a tale! After suffering such a traumatic event in his childhood, I like to think that Frodo found his escape in Bilbo's tales. I know this is from the film, but it just rings so very true: "I spent all my childhood pretending I was someplace else ... off with you, on one of your Adventures." It was through his uncle's tales of adventure and his own child's imagination that gave Frodo a place away from the harsh reality that his parents were dead and he was stranded at Brandy Hall, belonging to no one really. This concept will later become important in my Dora tale that I'm still working on. Bilbo knows just what to do for the little lad, doesn't he. He's a very wise hobbit, you know. :D *Frodo thanks you for his heartfelt hug and sends you one of his own* ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

I'm so very glad you're enjoying this story, Larner! Frodo's new quilt will go a very long way in helping to heal his broken heart in the days and years to come. It will also become a symbol of sorts to him, of his family's love for him and that he is not alone. This quilt and its making will be something special that Frodo will always remember and treasure. O! I recall reading your story about Pippin's quilt for Aragorn, but now I find that I must go back and reread it again! It's funny. I had written the part with the eagle tale and then about a month later, a commercial for some bank or something came out on tv where a man was writing out a check using a pen twice the size of himself. I laughed! Very true, the great Eagles will one day be a part of Frodo's own adventure. It's too bad he was unconscious though to even have a rememberance of them. As always, thank you for continuing to read and review! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Thank you, as always, Harrowcat! I'm glad that lump in your throat is starting to loosen up a bit. I should warn you--do not rid yourself of Bilbo's lended pocket-handkercheif, for there will be tears in the next chapter. However, the final ending will not be so very sad. ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

I'm glad you enjoyed Frodo's memories of a much happier time, when he didn't yet know what true sadness was. He will always remember that last Yule spent with his parents and be possibly haunted by it for not knowing it would be the last. Sara and Esme mean well with the poor lad and they are both trying so very hard to make Yule a bearable time, but they simply don't know what to do with Frodo anymore. They know and understand that this first Yule without his parents will not be a pleasant one for him and are expecting his tears and tantrums, but they no longer know what it is that will comfort such a grieving child. So, they keep loving him and do the best they can, hoping with all hope that one day the child will open up to them. Bilbo, on the other hand, just lets Frodo be. He's there as a silent, steadfast support for his nephew, knowing he cannot force himself past Frodo's stubborness and make the lad talk, for this could make things worse. Also, being a much elder hobbit, he may have a better grasp on how to deal with those in grief than the younger couple. Bilbo understands that it's simply too soon for Frodo to get past his sadness, that there is still much grieving ahead until the Sun will shine for the spirited child once more and he will once again find delight in Life. In regards to adult Frodo ... well, some people (or hobbits) just don't like to burden others like that(I know I certainly don't). There are those in this world that are more private and protective of their feelings and of others. Also, Frodo may even feel that if he were to let out all that emotion he just might never stop crying. He's quite a lost little fellow at this point. Don't worry, Antane, for I promise you a more happier ending ... in a couple more chapters. ~Elemmire~

Author's reply

*hands you a pocket-handkerchief courtesy of Bilbo's neverending supply* I do hope you will continue to read, Harrowcat, for there will be a happy ending very soon. :) ~Elemmire~

Author's reply

Thank you, Dreamflower! Frodo's quite a lost little fellow at this point, isn't he. ~Elemmire~

Author's reply

A very difficult day indeed for our young hobbit, wasn't it? Everything in Frodo's life has changed in some way, shape, or form now and he doesn't quite know what to make of things yet as hobbits are resistant to change, after all. At this point, Frodo's too deep in his grief and melancholy to want to take part in anything celebratory, most especially after what happened at his birthday gathering back in September. I think the next Yule holiday will be a mite easier for the little hobbit ... as will every day get easier for Frodo to bear eventually .... especially once Merry is born. Thanks for reading/reviewing, Larner! ~Elemmire~

Author's reply

I agree ... at this stage in his grief, I think Frodo would be a little too overwhelmed by a group hug from all his faithful supporters. It's such a lovely sentiment though. (we'd probably all end up squishing the little lad in our fervor) :D Don't worry, Antane--it will get better. 'For not all tears are an Evil' as Gandalf would say. ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

I know, can't you just picture those shy, sweet smiles coming forth when Bilbo's around? LOL! I think we would ALL have a few choice words to say to those rude tweens and tweens ... although the tweenagers did try to mediate on poor Frodo's behalf. They obviously didn't try hard enough or were outnumbered by the teens. I'd like to think that Frodo's picture was not truly lost ... that somehow Ulmo (lord of the waters) was able to see little Frodo's picture safe and to where it needed to go perhaps. :D Yes, Frodo will find his spirit again ... it will just take some time. Thanks, Antane! ~Elemmírë~ p.s. I hope your fasting is going well. I found that to be a very interesting practice when you had described it to me. It sounds a lot like Lent, but during Advent instead. God Bless!

Author's reply

Unfortunately, the whole experience of his parents' deaths, his suffering and grief, and being and orphan will always be a part of Frodo, but in time he will learn to handle it better. Everything he's going through now will help him to be stronger in the long run. He will eventually realize that he is not alone and is still loved. I'm glad you like reading from Esme's POV, as I really enjoy writing her a lot (especially when Frodo's involved). As for what will they do now? ..... Keep reading! LOL! Thank you, Queen Galadriel! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Ah, you've caught me out, Dreamflower. Yes, Frodo has entered another of the 12 stages of grief. I'm in the midst of planning/writing another tale that focuses specifically on each stage of grief involving Frodo and his extended family. It's no where near to being done anytime soon, however. The 'expectable' Baggins fooled them again, didn't he. I somehow think BIlbo would take pride in his sewing skills. I picture his mother as a very formidable seamstress and I think Bilbo would appreciate being able to sew his own button on, even though he can certainly afford a tailor anytime he wishes. Thank you, Dreamflower! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

LOL! Everyone seems to like the concept of Bilbo attending quilting bees! Yes, he would be very taken aback ... but then maybe entertain the suggestion more seriously. He will do anything for Frodo, after all. Couldn't you just picture Bilbo anonymously entering a piece of work at the Free Fair? And then taking the Grand Prize! LOL! Now that would send all the hobbitesses gossiping for sure! Don't worry, Frodo will eventually come to realize that he is not truly alone ... that there are those who still love him and only wish the best for him. Thank you, Larner! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

That's ok, Harrowcat. I often don't have the time to leave as many reviews as much as I would like to. So, 'tis better to receive a quick review than none at all. I'm glad you enjoyed, however. :) ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Hi Harrowcat! I've missed hearing from you, but I'm glad to see you're still here and reading! I cannot help but love our favorite hobbit(s) ... so I guess it shows in my writing. LOL! The idea for this story came from my own experience, which I will explain in my Author's Note, but yes those quilts with such sentimental value are those that are the most loved. I hope you continue to enjoy! ~Elemmírë~

Author's reply

Yes, those quilts with such sentimental value are the ones that are best loved ... by both maker and receiver. Hmm, I don't think Frodo will be remembering that particular birthday with any fondness. He's quite confused both with his own reactions/emotions along with those of his "friends." What is yet to be fully revealed he will most certainly treasure and remember for the rest of his days. Thanks for reading and reviewing, Larner! ~Elemmírë~ p.s. I'm also looking forward to more of your story about the hobbit family of Bree who's renting Frodo's newly acquired land outside the Shire. :)

Author's reply

Thank you, Queen Galadriel! Frodo's cousins were quite rude in their behavior, weren't they. Just as Frodo no longer knows how to be a child himself, those youngsters just don't yet realize the extent of Frodo's grief. They don't understand that Frodo doesn't feel like celebrating anything right now ... that all he wants is mother and father returned to him. I'm glad you like the idea of the quilt. It's based upon another real life experience of my own ... in many ways, this story was my own way of dealing with a certain grief. I'll be putting the 'Behind the scenes' in my Author's Note at the end. ~Elemmírë~ p.s. Frodo thanks you for such a warm hug and sends you one of his own

Author's reply

Hi Dreamflower!!!! It's so nice to hear from you again! Yes, this is the story I hinted about a while back. Since most of it takes place on/around Yule, I thought it more appropriate to post it during the holiday season. I'm happy you're enjoying it so far. Yes, the adults in Frodo's life are being very thoughtful and caring of him ... Frodo just doesn't realize it quite yet, however, as you will see in the upcoming chapters--he's really in his own little world. And I always enjoy writing Esmeralda; yes, she very much adores young Frodo, but she and Saradoc worry about him tremendously and hope they will be able to raise him as Drogo and Primula wanted to. Uh oh! *backs away very slowly from the plot bunny blinking its adorable huge eyes at me* I suppose it's only fair that for all the wonderings of my own that I've thrown out there in reviews that some have so graciously elaborated upon, that it's now my turn. LOL! I can't promise that you'll see anything soon, but you have me seriously thinking about those questions myself now and I would definitely like to answer them. *adds plot bunny to the growing hutch and feeds it a juicy carrot* I hope you continue to enjoy the rest of the tale, Dreamflower, and thank you always for reading/reviewing! :D ~Elemmírë~