I re-read your older stories from time to time and have to admit that this one still makes me cry every time. What a wonderful tale!
Here is to hope that one day you'll find the inspiration to continue "The Tenant from Staddle" as well. That was the first of your stories I've come across and is still my personal favourite. As one with several decades-old WIPs myself, I understand what it's like when one's muses abandon a particular plot and how hard it is to get back into the right mindset after all those years, but I'm still hoping... :))
Szepilona10
· 22 November 2012
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
So, before I started reading this, I had totally thought that I had already read it...2 chapters in I realized that I hadn't. (I might have started it before though) Anyway, I enjoyed it thoroughly! I was amused at how Elladan and Elrohir were able to convince Aragorn to break his edict. I could imagine them rolling their eyes and being really exasperated with him. Bartolo's 'forgiveness' (not sure that that's the right word...) of Frodo was quite touching. If it can happen in your AU, could it happen in your canon? *hopeful smile* Thanks for writing!
God Bless & Happy Thanksgiving!
~Szepilona~
Author's reply
I'm so glad you finally read it in its entirety. I had planned only to write a single-chapter story, but it kept morphing and adding on! And I, too, can imagine the twins doing their best to remind Aragorn of his own responsibilities until he finally realized that this was one occasion where an exception must be made, and not only just for himself.
As for Bartolo--I think you will find even in the more "canon" version he will find himself coming at least more to terms with Frodo in the end. But first I have to finish "Stirring Rings," which I've avoided much of this past month with the health problems I've faced. Anxiety is a terrible deterrent to writing, I find.
Soledad
· 13 January 2008
· Chapter 1: Last Riding
Wow! That's an interesting idea... and it makes excellent sense from the POV you present it.
I must also say that Rosie is, aside from Éowyn, perhaps the most impressive female character of Middle-earth. What she was willing to accept out of love is greater than any Elven magic or divine intervention, IMO.
Author's reply
Am so glad you find it interesting, Soledad. As for Rosie--I've always loved the idea of someone Sam loved so it kept him grounded and willing to stay within Middle Earth. She must have indeed been exceptional.
This was the first AU story I wrote--basically took it through the storyline I've established before and changed only one aspect--and this is what came of it. Thanks so for the feedback.
Halrohir
· 6 December 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I have just reviewed this marvelous work - even in an AU storyline, you keep the flavor and taste of MIddle-Earth so well!
You have done so much honor to Frodo, and having the Shire-folk finally wake up to the facts of the Quest Of Mount Doom is a beautiful tale. And in your epilogue, you are right: you do pathos quite well!
I so look forward to walking through the garden of words that is your collection.
I Am,
HALROHIR
Author's reply
Thank you so, Halrohir. How I managed to miss this review, I'm not certain, although I admit I DO have the ISP from Mordor!
I'm so glad you feel I did manage to keep this believably Middle Earth. And I DO love writing pathos.
Thank you again!
Antane
· 27 April 2007
· Chapter 10: Epilogue
What a lovely surprise! I was wondering why Sam would have gone West - there in some way being no point without his treasure there waiting - and then all those reunions with beloveds and I ached some that he had to witness that and know there was no one there - not the one that should have there - for him to reunite with. Then there he was! Now, at his turn, Sam can go out in joy also - they can go together.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He knew Frodo wished him to know that blessing, and hoped that the journey and time on Tol Eressea would help heal the last damage left by the Ring as well as the renewal needed to accept the death of Frodo.
And now, as you have noted--the two of them can go out in joy together as was intended all along.
Antane
· 27 April 2007
· Chapter 9: Laid to Rest
For me--he has become the shining example of courage and endurance beyond hope
Me too - and for some many others. I was just fine until the drawing of the shroud over the head and then that made it so much more real and final and there was a cry sent up in my heart of No... But so must we all leave one day. Love that Sam would not be worried about a grave on the Hill - he is most correct that is the best place for his beloved brother's body, for Frodo's heart to remain with a large chunk of Sam's and Merry's and Pippin's and a bit of everyone's whose lives he touched - and Rosie to say he would not want a coffin. Though he would have been honored by many in the West, it seems more fitting for him to have accepted the Gift at home. That was a polite way in the previous chapter of referencing Bartolo's harsh words - I remember your request and wrote it into my will. I hope helping to carry the bier will help realize how noble Frodo was.
Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)
Author's reply
Whether Frodo stayed or went, either way it would be as death separating him from those he loved. And, either way, he would know the healing Love in the end to bring him to fulfillment indeed.
No, Sam wouldn't worry about a grave on the Hill, and would rejoice to know Frodo's body rested where he loved to be and where he was himself loved.
And I doubt Frodo would openly throw Bartolo's words back in his face--enough to give the gentle reminder and remonstrance, I think. This would help Barti to his own healing, particularly when he found much of Frodo mirrored in the Man now King who so openly loved Frodo and accepted him, finally getting through to him how much Frodo had treasured his honesty in a Shire where so much had gone bad during that year of absence.
Antane
· 22 April 2007
· Chapter 8: The Pall Bearer
“Please, Aragorn--please let Pippin and me do it. We’ll not be able to--to do anything for him again for so long.”
Very nice - to think that they will still be taking care of him when they meet next. :)
Love in the last chapter that they spent a night together, the three of them, how hard it was and how wonderful it was. Love the light from Frodo and Sam and Aragorn. He did go out in joy and we can all hope for such a peaceful, beautiful death, wrapped in love and sending our own love.
Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, I do suspect strongly when they meet again that it will be Frodo, the oldest of the three cousins, who once again will be trying to offer them caring and concern, even as they seek to stand on guard for him. They've been so close, in spite of the gross differences in age, for so long; and now Merry and Pippin look at a potentially long remaining lifetime for them when they can't imagine Frodo on white shores beneath the stars and draw comfort from that, or from possible moments of mutual awareness as they pass the mallorn or the White Tree.
There will be joy, though, when they meet again--of that I'm certain; and none will regret that Merry and Pippin spent that last night alongside with him, as much accepting his comfort as expressing theirs to him, I think.
Thank you, Antane.
Antane
· 22 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Accepting a Gift
I was hoping he would die in Sam's arms - the only place that makes sense really - and the place I hope he truly did die in. So glad Aragorn made it in time! That Frodo truly did have a spider in his neck and *that* one is terrible but he's free at last - he 'escaped' as Gandalf would say.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The ISP has been giving me fits since late Saturday, so haven't been able to respond until now. To find release either in Sam's arms or beside him seemed the only two choices for Frodo's death as I could see it, also, which is why I wrote the latter in my stories of his dying on Tol Eressea and the former in this one--and in "An Enemy Made." And for this Aragorn had to be there, I think.
As for Ungoliant--I'd already written her presence within the wound into "The Choice of Healing," so had to find a way of dealing with her presence on this side of the Sundering Sea, with no Maiar and Valar to see to her removal and disposal and the subsequent healing granted him. With that last pain and taint removed, Frodo is now free to die quietly and blessedly, able at last to rejoice he doesn't slip away alone and unnoted.
Escaped? Perhaps; but at least now he has indeed gone out in joy, which is the wish (or blessing) Gandalf/Olorin left him with.
So glad you are continuing to read and review.
Antane
· 20 April 2007
· Chapter 6: Heart Breaking
Oh, this is beginning to hurt - heart breaking indeed. But there are also memories being made that will be treasured with joy once the worst of the pain of loss is over - Elanor and Frodo snuggled together in sleep, seeing Frodo's Light so bright with the butterflies, the mental exchange between Frodo and his beloved Sam. Love that Sam said "It's all right, my dear." It's most definitely not all right but at the same time since he said it was, it was. This won't be easy for anyone but I think they are going to feel better being there. It's not going to be easy for me either. The queen did say I would have my heart torn out by this. Hurry up, Aragorn!!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Watching one you love die is difficult, but I fully believe, that respecting his decision thought would be taken to see to it there is beauty and pleasure to be shared at the last, peace and acceptance, and the comfort of Frodo realizing he'd rather NOT actually have Sam away from him at the moment.
And the others need to see the shining of the two brothers of the heart together as they come to full acceptance of the looming parting--a parting perhaps far less onerous than one might think.
Antane
· 19 April 2007
· Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
I was getting nervous there that Aragorn would come - a cry went up in my heart when he thought to keep himself back, though I understand why he would no matter how much his own heart ached and wanted to be there. Good he got that message from above. :) At least he's on his way - I hope he makes it in time.
Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
This time Aragorn needed reassurance from a higher authority than himself that he should break his own ban; and I'm glad, also, he had the chance to do so. Even if he were to arrive too late, it would still be of great benefit to those who must remain.
Antane
· 17 April 2007
· Chapter 3: Acceptance
So he learns that Saruman's death/refusal to accept redemption is not his responsibility/fault either. Good. Another burden lifted. It must be hard for him, hard for them all, to just be waiting around for the end, but it was good for him to admit that he was glad after all that they were there. I am ever more confident that he will indeed go out in joy and though there will be much grief in that passing for those left behind, there will hopefully be some joy and peace there too. He has some time left to continue to heal from hhis deep, infected, nonphysical wounds and everyone else has some time to spend to show him how dear he is to them. I think, I hope, he will in the end prefer that to be surrounded by those who love him and those he loves is a better way to go instead of trying to slip away from them all.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Frodo needed that knowledge before he goes, I think, and it was wonderful to be able to write his appreciation of the fact he isn't to blame for what happened to Saruman.
And at times like this the waiting can feel so stressful, as time seems to both drag and hurtle by at the same time. For Frodo, however, I think those who truly love him would wish him to appreciate just how much they wish him surrounded and buffered by that love, making it easier to get by the worst bits.
Glad you're continuing to read as you can.
Antane
· 15 April 2007
· Chapter 2: Dealing with Guilt
Now I think I begin to understand the title a bit more. Perhaps bit by bit the guilt will leave and healing take its place, if our beloved, stubborn Baggins will let it and he will truly be able to 'go out in joy'. He needs to be reminded of all the good he did and he made it to the Fire precisely at the moment God had planned all along for him to do it. The depression and the guilt will have smothered all sense of the great good he did. I love all this counseling that he's getting from Gandalf, sorely needed wisdom. My favorite scenes are that Elanor's first steps were toward him and his first word was for him. Even as a faunt she recognizes his great worth. He seems to be the only one who doesn't but depression would do that to someone. I love most Sam saying it was seeing Frodo's Light that had Smeagol on the verge of conversion.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, all hope that if Frodo must leave him he does it with peace. Although it's not always a simple process.
Had he gone, of course there would have been a good long time for Frodo to get proper counseling, of course; and I'm certain Gandalf is rather frustrated with the current rush of things.
And somewhere Frodo was made aware that there on the steps Gollum was beginning to soften, before the "sneak" exchange. Only other one there was Sam, so he must have reevaluated what he first saw, and realized perhaps he, himself, with that thoughtless comment perhaps might have foiled a good deal of good in the making.
And Elanor is a child filled with grace from the very beginning, I think.
So glad you appreciated it.
Antane
· 10 April 2007
· Chapter 1: Last Riding
This time is not going to be easy to either of them, is it? But I take some comfort in the title of the story. I love that Frodo cannot bear to part with Sam even if it will hasten his own death. I hate to think that he parted with Sam in reality because his torment was greater than Sam's love and what could be greater than that? This time he's decided he cannot live without that love being right in front of him until the very end, though I'm surprised it's coming so soon. Sam's anger at Iluvatar for giving Frodo a burden greater than he could bear is understandable. I've wondered that myself but no one could have borne the same burden any better and everyone else worse. The most powerful part of Elanor's recent story based on Enya's song was Elrond telling Frodo he was emptied for a purpose, so he could be filled with God. But still why, I ask, couldn't be filled in the Shire, without being emptied by his burden and then the loss of it? But God's ways are not our ways. I know Frodo had to do what he did and no one else could have, but still the pain is there that he suffered so grievously. I love the part also that Frodo's sleeping head naturally rested on Sam's shoulder. This is going to be an interesting tale. But again, sleep calls!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed, in this version Frodo has determined to remain a Hobbit of the Shire to the end, even if that must come shortly. Although he will learn that the typical response of Shirefolk to impending death by gathering to be with the dying one as much as possible before the end applies as much to him as to any other, a fact he'll find both stressful and reassuring.
God is big enough to handle our anger, and can help us weather it and get beyond it to the gifts that are there as well as the loss.
For those in whom PTSD is deepest, finding a true connection to the world again is difficult; and if Frodo's health issues followed real-world patterns for the extraordinarily deep physical injuries he suffered, it's likely he would indeed have suffered failing health as a result of his experiences.
As I say, I've only changed on aspect of the original story as reflected in my storyline for Frodo's physical decline; and that, of course, leads to other changes as well.
Rest well. I'll be heading for bed myself shortly.
Antane
· 8 April 2007
· Chapter 0: Prologue - Might Have Beens
“I still wish he hadn’t agone,” Hamfast repeated. “Then he could kiss my cut finger and make it better, like Daddy and Mummy do. I bet it would get better much faster if he kissed it, too.”
Oh, the affect on and the love Frodo inspired even on those who had never met him face to face, but still know him because one loved him so. This is so sweet.
Happy Easter, dear Larner. The queen told me this would be a wonderful story and I wish I could read it all now but I must get to sleep! Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He is Risen indeed! Alleluia!
Yes, I think you'll like this one. Sam would have raised his and Rosie's children in awareness of the love their absent Uncle Frodo held toward them, I'm certain; and as they became aware that their father's reverence for Frodo was mirrored in the hearts of the other Travellers and those of their families I think that the children would have come to see Frodo as one with special gifts, such as the ability to truly heal owies with a kiss.
Rest well and prepare for what life gives you.
Armariel
· 24 March 2007
· Chapter 10: Epilogue
Very very very lovely tale.......and what a joyous surprise ending!!!! Totally unexpected!!!!!!!!!! *happy dance* Throughout I was like "Silly Frodo, why doesn't he go? Of course he would want to live and be healed and happy and Sam and the rest would want him to also, and so on and so forth" and at the death scene I was like, "What a thing for Sam to have to witness!" At the end of the funeral I was like ***sniff*** Then the ending was just like a fairy's touch of transformation ***POOF!*** there's your silver lining....Bravissima!!!
Yes, I like to play fairy too;);)
Thanks for a wonderful read!!!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo needed that healing in spite of himself; and to dwell on Tol Eressea without Frodo would be no reward in Sam's eyes, I fear.
And considering your sea fairy, I know how you love that form of play.
Thanks for a wonderful summation.
Bodkin
· 22 March 2007
· Chapter 10: Epilogue
See, Frodo? You were supposed to stop off at Tol Eressea for healing - and your stubbornness isn't going to prevent it!
I'm sure Sam was ecstatic to be reunited with him so unexpectedly.
Author's reply
Yes, he was pretty foolish, wasn't he? So, he gets sent there anyway!
And I'm certain you're right about Sam and his joy.
Pearl Took
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
An excellently well done piece indeed! I liked the epilogue that Frodo would be able to be in the Undying Lands with Sam until such time as they would both move on.
The funeral was well conceived and written as well, a good blend of Hobbity and out-worldly.
Bravo! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!!
Author's reply
I am so pleased you found these the right ways to portray such an eventuality as this. If Aragorn was indeed involved and there were Elves and Dwarves there at hand, I think that this would indeed be a mixture of traditions proving unique and just right for Frodo himself.
And am glad I bowed to the little nuzgul on the addition of the epilogue, as it has rung true with so many.
Thank you so very much, Pearl Took.
Pearl Took
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 7: Accepting a Gift
“Shelob left her get in there?” the gardener said harshly.
The Man examined the form caught in his tongs with dispassionate interest. “No, not precisely her get--rather, her dam, who apparently has been trying to form a new shape for herself using Frodo’s own substance. No wonder the wound kept reopening and the seepage was so foul!”
“Ungoliant herself,” one of them murmured.
***********
A very interesting touch! A good explanation of why the site of the sting would continue to trouble Frodo so badly.
You handled Frodo's death beautifully!
MEWD, Larner!
Author's reply
This is an idea I've considered before in "The Choice of Healing" and "Reunion," so if Ungoliant was indeed hiding out in there, how would they deal with her in THIS story?
And am so very glad you felt Frodo's death was beautifully done, as no one deserves a blessed death more than he, I think.
Thank you.
Baggins Babe
· 20 March 2007
· Chapter 9: Laid to Rest
So sad but so perfectly right for Frodo to be buried there, above Bag End, guardian of the Shire he loves, and fitting that so many should come to pay their respects. The speeches from Aragorn, Saradoc and Paladin were very moving and I'm glad Bartolo has allowed himself to let go of his resentment - and that he has become the King's man.....er....hobbit. Even in death Frodo is having a positive effect on others.
A wonderful story, and the ending with Sam and Frodo reunited was utterly wonderful. I sat here sniffling and grinning like a fool!
Author's reply
I'm so very glad you found these details right, BB. In this story, with more aware of what was done out there and the Shire's part in the entire conflict, I think Frodo's influence would have the chance to be felt more clearly afterwards.
And am so very glad you felt the reunion was wonderful. That little nuzgul was right about that being needed. Am so very glad it gladdened you so.
Tigger
· 19 March 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I wanted to wait until the end to post a review and...Oh *my*!! This was just so beautifully handled Larner. For someone who doesn't write AU stories often, this was amazing!!
Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful story w/us. :o)
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Tigger. I am much honored that you appear to have liked it so.
Hadn't heard from you for a time, and was hoping all was going well with you. Still following skating?
Raksha The Demon
· 19 March 2007
· Chapter 7: Accepting a Gift
Shelob left a piece of Ungoliant in Frodo's wound - ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I suppose it's possible. It's good that they finally got rid of it so the poor hobbit could die in peace.
Frodo's death was beautifully written, though sad.
Author's reply
Yes, a moment of gross horror indeed. I did have to deal with her, having put her there in my other story lines, of course.
Thank you for the compliment. Yes, sad, but part of what might have been, of course.
Kitty
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Was grinning through your explanation how you came to write this AU. The persons one is writing about can be very demanding, can’t they? Well, you’re in the best company – remember what Tolkien himself wrote about Faramir? A new character has come on the scene (I am sure I did not invent him, I did not even want him, though I like him, but there he came walking into the woods of Ithilien) ... And it was probably rather similar for you *grin*
The rest of your AN deals with at least some of my ponderings how parts of your other stories would change under these different circumstances, though of course I could think of more changes, if I try. But as you have told me *not* to encourage this particular Nuzgul I will resist the temptation ... ;-)
Now I’ll wait with some amusement if the nuzgul is content or not! And of course I hope you will be able to post the other AU story one day.
Thank you so much for another wonderful, moving story, one I’ll not forget easily and re-read from time to time (when I’m alone, of course, as I doubt I’d not cry the second time)
Author's reply
Oh, I know indeed Tolkien's own dilemma, ever since Ruvemir crawled out from the empty space where the drawer is missing from the pedestal for my bed to introduce himself to me. And this has been such a very persistent little nuzgul--the most persistent since the one came to me from Lindelea's direction that got me started with "For Eyes to See as Can." It all started there, you know.
And am so glad you find the story moving, as it certainly has moved me deeply as well. I'm very honored you find it worthy of a second reading. Thank you indeed, Kitty.
Laurelin
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Good story, very moving, as always. I'm looking forward to *erm* everything really, please write more soon *g*.
L.
Author's reply
Am trying to finish the next chapter to "Stirring Rings," and have at last convinced Gandalf to leave Minas Anor and head north once more. And there does seem to be cooperation going between Gandalf and Saruman, for the moment, at least. Both at least are seeing the same danger threatening, at least....
Heh!
And am so very glad you appreciate this story so. Thanks so very much.
Interesting insights, of course. Oooo, a longer AU? This will be fascinating, I'm sure!
*shudders* I don't think I even want to know what Ungoliant might have done in the Shire if she'd been left alone! Or if she'd been left in Frodo's body, what she might have done to it. I can't believe I'm even typing this, ugh!
*giggling at your description of the "darling little plotbunny"* They can deceive, can't they? It's oh-so-tempting to nudge this one, but as I can appreciate the feeling of being overwhelmed, I guess I won't...yet...*grins*
God bless,
Galadriel :)
Author's reply
Ah, yes, the other AU will be longer, but I MUST get the two I'm working on now going once more.
As to what Ungoliant might have done had she been able to take a shape to herself once more and get free in the Shire--I shudder at the thought. And I don't doubt she'd have drained what little was left of Frodo in the escape.
Yes, this was just a plot bunny--or rather it certainly had me convinced it was. And please don't nudge it too hard, not yet. This one has far too much life in it by itself, and without encouragement! Heh!
Elemmírë
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
Larner, I must apologize for not leaving you a review of this tale before now, but I'm in the process of moving and I've had limited access to the Internet until I get my own established. So, I'm leaving you with one review to encompass all the chapters you worked so hard on. I can't say 'well done' enough, Larner, and to me those words are paltry for the depth of this story.
That said, this was an absolutely amazing and incredible tale; definitely one of my favorites that you've written!! Every single chapter was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and all of the rich details you incorporated into it, many from your other tales--the Yellowbook, Bartolo as pall-bearer, the excising of the spirit of Ungoliant, the reasoning of the Elven twins with Aragorn in order to enter the Shire, Frodo's personal thoughts and the astute descriptions of his failing, the Dwarves from afar laying their crystals and stones at the bier, and lastly the entire and most descriptive funeral. I truly felt as if I were there in the Shire and experiencing Frodo's passing as witnessed through my own eyes. You even had me crying at the end there.
I have again based Frodo’s symptoms on real-life maladies--angina, congestive heart failure, and a fairly mild heart attack. I’ve had the chance to observe all three, after all.
As have I in my line of work. It's never an easy process to watch, as you very well know. I've encountered many such patients as your loved one, who just seem to suffer one complication after another until the end finally and blessedly arrives. And I always wonder why? What did this person do or not do in order to be fated to endure such suffering? I really love how you captured both the emotion and the medical process of Frodo's physical and spiritual decline, yet maintained his dignity as well. You truly wrote this as one who's 'been there, done that' and it shows beautifully through the characters and the attention to detail.
You had me really curious as to where Frodo was going to be buried--Hobbiton or Buckland? At first I thought it would be good to lay him to rest with his dear parents, but I liked your solution and explanation for it even better. It makes perfect and the most sense to have his final resting place atop the Hill at Bag End ... It was here he was happiest. This was his home.” And the realization of Saradoc and Esmeralda here was just so very poignant.
You may not write AU often, but this tale was remarkable and well-executed, despite the sadness of it. This has been necessarily angsty, but as I said before I love writing pathos, so please forgive me.
I don't forgive you for writing it because as much as I enjoy reading the fluffy, humorous tales, it's the dark, angst-ladden dramatic ones that tend to mean so much more. I find them to be more emotional and laced with more thought-provoking realism and plots. And I LOVED reading this one. So, I thank you for writing it, Larner :D
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Considering the iffy nature of my ISP over the past couple months preceded by the constant hassles the various computers I've had have given me in the past two years, I certainly can fully understand the need to sneak computer time elsewhere. I've had to spend time at the office for my job after my shifts are over, slipping onto the Internet just to check reviews and occasionally even to post far too often myself.
I've tried to flesh out the Shire and the realms in my own stories, and indeed have added many details, but Yellowskin is Tolkien's own invention, the record book for the Tooks; I merely have added in the descriptions of the family Books for other lineages, to the Scroll for the Baggers and Weavers from "Stirring Rings" and "The Tenant from Staddle." I'm glad that such details add to the richness of the Shire for you, and rejoice you appreciate them so.
Each people would have its own way of offering honor, I think; the offerings of the Dwarves were inspired by the placing of stones upon the grave of Oskar Schindler shown at the end of "Schindler's List," a process I've heard described in books on Jewish traditions but that I'd not seen enacted before; and what other things would Dwarves use as marks of great honor? I'd already indicated that greens and flowers were used as honor offerings about the memorial to the Hobbits in Minas Anor, and about the White Tree at Aragorn's own death in "Light on the Way." That image came from what I observed at Windsor Castle the last time I was in England, just after the death of the Queen Mum, where each individual allowed into the grounds added their own spray of flowers or greens to the growing pile left in tribute to her on the south side of the castle grounds. It made a deep impression on me, and seemed so right for a mode of offering honor by the folk of Gondor and Arnor.
It's apparent you are of the one of the healing professions. I've known many nurses, now, and have great honor and respect for the vast majority of them, particularly the dialysis nurses and technicians who aided my husband in his last few years, all of whom were among the most compassionate, hopeful, and caring folk I've met anywhere. And thank you for indicating the attention to detail was consistent with your own experience.
I did so try to strike a balance between dignity and simplicity for Frodo's burial, for this was important that it be such.
And I also try to keep a balance between angst and Light in my stories, that they aren't so heavy they bludgeon us into insensibility. That you find the plots of the more angsty stories more realistic as well as more compelling is reassuring.
And thank you so much for reviewing this one, Elemmire. Thank you so much.