Reviews (135)

Author's reply

I do believe that had Ungoliant's growing form not been removed at that point, she would indeed have eventually managed to escape and begin preying on the neighborhood, and eventually the whole Shire. As she'd begun creating a form for herself, however, there was the chance now for Aragorn to remove her and for her form to be destroyed and her malevolence to follow that of Sauron and Saruman. It is indeed a good possibility that this was a secondary reason the Valar wanted Aragorn there, I think; with proper honor and relief for Frodo himself being the primary one. Here would come one of the first clashes about Sam's persistent formality, particularly here within the Shire; but I do suspect that Bodkin is right and now that he is Master Samwise of Bag End that will die naturally, and long before Goldilocks and young Faramir come of age. Although I do suspect he will always strike others as being unnecessarily formal much of the time as a hangover of his youthful training by the Gaffer. My other AU I started roughly a year ago, although I have only about five chapters done, and those in need of review and revision. But one day. And this was SUPPOSED to be the beginning of a collection of AU short stories, and see what it turned into! Serves me right for encouraging it, I suspect.

Author's reply

What a lyrical consideration, Elanor. I am most honored. I love trying to bring some of those only briefly mentioned in the original texts alive, and feel Frodo would have had real neighbors and relative and all, requiring them to be fleshed out a bit as well. Thank you so much! And I, too, cried as I wrote this.

Author's reply

I wrote the response to your other post on the laptop, and then the blasted internet went down again, so I saved it to notepad, and will have to transfer it. Please forgive me, Dreamflower. But that you found yourself so overwhelmed as to botch the formatting is itself a great compliment! Thank you!

Author's reply

I am so glad you found the POV effective in the last two chapters. Thank you so very much. I think you're right about using Sam's POV here, but somehow I felt this use of Beligard's to be more appropriate; and the switching to Bartolo's just seemed right for the last two proper chapters. But where he couldn't quite accept respect from Frodo, he could from the King, which helped him open to Frodo's as well. I did feel that Barti and Persi would find the full realization of Frodo's sacrifice would be difficult, which is why I had them brought into the bathing room and allowed the glimpse of the scars, at which they recoiled, perhaps subconsciously allowing Barti to understand that Frodo felt much the same disgust toward them; but it was important they realize the love and honor the rest felt toward Frodo. Last evening and now is most likely the first time Esme and Lanti have seen them; and now they realize that they are part of why the King himself honors Frodo so. As for the questions about the internment--when you read today's postings you'll know, of course, and hope you find it most appropriate. As for beyond--this blasted nuzgul with ears on has kept gnawing at my leg until I agreed to do ONLY an epilogue, although he'd have me typing for months if I let him!

Author's reply

Ungoliant's ending was a deliberate mirroring of that of Sauron and Saruman--and greater than that of the latter while lesser than that of the former. Tolkien never told us what became of her after she accompanied Melkor/Morgoth in his flight from Aman; and of all the named Maiar-turned-demons I wanted her end to match that of her two brethren, that of the greater and that of the pathetically lesser. And as I've already put her there, in that bite wound, it allows Middle Earth to ever be rid of her from now on. And as she's been almost totally inactive save for what inspiration she's given her daughter-successor, the breeze can, in spite of her history of spite and malice, be languid about her dismissal/dispersal. I'd not thought of the sacramental aspects of Frodo's request to have the spider removed, although that of the acceptance of the lembas and miruvor is indeed intended to fulfill the sacraments of the Roman Catholic and other liturgical churches, particularly as Tolkien himself has indicated the correspondence, and as he indicated (and I'd repeated in Reconciliation) that such might be shared with mortals approaching their deaths to help ease the way. In the case of the great honor all held for Frodo and the presence of the Sons of Elrond--all three of them--at this moment, I think that they would have not have thought to do otherwise than this. Frodo's first "little brother" was Merry, whose birth brought him perhaps one of his first true interests in continuing to appreciate life since the deaths of his parents; Pippin served as little brother to both. As you note, this relationship between three always seen as equals by the rest of the Shire, three cousins as close as brothers, needed its own moment of acknowledgment, the last time the three still bachelor companions might know that level of comfort with one another, while Sam accepts and acknowledges it only to return to the new relationship and role he has chosen for himself and that was confirmed by Frodo as he returns to Rosie's embrace. And I do believe that the family's customary role in farewelling those who are dying would have played out had Frodo remained in the Shire. Tolkien indicated family ties were extensive for the Bagginses--there might not be many Bagginses left, but Frodo is yet related to half the Shire by blood and marital alliances. With this AU the Shire actually has the truth of what happened out there and Frodo's part in it far more clearly explained, for the Shire and his relatives can't remain in blissful ignorance of it when Frodo's death and those who come to stand by him during it are there to speak it aloud and abroad. As for Earendil's role--again, not a fully deliberate harking back to the Gospels, yet it is there as you point out. But as the stars danced for Sam and Frodo in my more canon end, and Earendil ferried him and Sam, who at death found his fear of water, heights, and boats had abandoned him completely, I believe Creator and Valar would again have allowed the Mariner to bring Frodo in a most blessed and for him delightful manner transport to the Beginning of the Way. And I really DO need to invest in Scott Paper Products! Thank you for the lengthy review, Dreamflower.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, SurgicalSteel. It's always flattering when someone admits they've been moved by what I've written. Thanks again.

Author's reply

I do suspect you're right about Frodo finding that worthwhile, Bodkin. When such great good comes out of it, and more of the Shire becomes openly both aware of and respectful toward the King and the outer realm, I think it's a good thing indeed. And of course you're perfectly right about Sam, all aspects of the dear Hobbit, in fact. As for Frodo being glad not to have to be aware of his own funeral--I truly believe you're right there, too. Heh! Thanks for the response.

Author's reply

I, too, am glad that Bartolo is healed through this. He certainly has needed it. As for Ruvemir--well, do check out the epilogue when I post it tomorrow. And I'm always glad when I learn my writing has indeed moved my readers. Thank you. I bathed our mama dog last night, and now need to groom her and give her her pedicure--then I'll see about sending you a photo of her. As for digging the last three miles for those who should have laid the cable three years ago according to what we were promised--oh, I'm seriously tempted. Am writing this from the closest town with a true mall, sitting in the parking lot to an motel and cadging in on their wifi. It's always nice to find a place where I don't have to worry about the network going down intermittently.

Author's reply

A small bit left to tell now. Yes, it was sad, although I'm so glad you also found it beautiful. As for Ungoliant--as I've always felt her influence lingered with the spider bite, she had to be dealt with, didn't she? Glad you appreciated it.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Baggins Babe. To find I've moved so many is, as always, gratifying; but death does tend to be sad for those left behind. Back in The Choice of Healing I tied Ungoliant herself to that spider bite, leading to a personal encounter with the Valar to see her properly dealt with and Frodo recovered, and so have mentioned it elsewhere, particularly in Reunion. Spiders don't particularly bother me, either--I brought home a tarantula once, back when in my early childhood we lived in Tulsa; and my family shakes their heads about me capturing those who venture inside and putting them out, as they'd prefer to squash them. But Ungoliant, Shelob, their descendants and Aragog's kin are something else indeed. And as this is MY AU, I can have Aragorn arrive. As for Ungoliant's ending, taking place as it does in ME and not Aman, she can blow away on the wind just as did Sauron and Saruman. And good riddance to her! Heh! Thanks so much for the comments.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Harrowcat. This chapter would be particularly moving, of course, although I can understand your unwillingness to sniffle over it at work. QG's family already knows if she's sobbing while reading I'm probably to blame, I've learned--to think of the folk alongside whom you work feeling similarly would be rather ironic, I think All we can do with Anna's mother is to pray that God's will be done, as He knows better whether or not there's something she still could accomplish while here. I continue to pray for her and your family. Love the picture you sent. Jet is beautiful, and I so love your mother's expression. She does indeed look like quite the lady. Internet is remaining iffy. I'm going to start demanding the cable folk finish those last three miles. This depending on the satellite ISP is becoming worse than ridiculous.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, my Lady. When my grandfather died, he rallied the last day, and the doctors told us this was typical. Same with my mother, and several others I've seen go--a brief rally before the end to the point many have mistakenly thought they would possibly now recover. So this is what I wrote into the story. I'm not particularly afraid of spiders, and far prefer their presence to that of flies, for example. As I've written that part of the reason why that wound never properly healed was due to Ungoliant's influence and as there was no aid from Maiar or Valar to be had here if Frodo didn't sail to them, I had to find some way to deal with her; so if she'd just started putting a body for herself together using Frodo's own substance to form it, it made sense that such a body could be killed as had been true of Saruman's, leaving her to the same fate as that of Saruman and Sauron himself. If Frodo were to have died at home in the Shire, I'm certain the truth of what he and Sam did out there would have been far more likely to have come out and become generally known. In this way his death would have served far more strongly to bring about stronger involvement with the outer realms more quickly than did his almost secret removal out of the Shire. By going away privately it would be far easier for most of the Shire to ignore his impact both within and without the Shire; but with such prominent ties to Thain, Master, Mayor, and a good many of the various family heads, it's far more likely that his funeral would become indeed a ceremony that would draw the fascination of a good majority of the Hobbits who live throughout the Shire, and particularly in the region surrounding Hobbiton. "The good die young" goes the old saying. Those who are too sensitive do tend to do so, it seems; and it's hard to think of one better or more sensitive in his way than Frodo Baggins. It's just hard for me to see him lingering long years in the Shire, I'm afraid. As for a HAPPY AU--well, maybe someday. However, we've been letting Saruman and Gandalf sit too long, not to mention Alvric and Bartolo and Boboli and Denro Gorse!

Author's reply

Thank you so very much, Endaewen.

Author's reply

Yes, that moment came, although it wasn't quite as fully blessed as I write it as having been on Tol Eressea. As for Ungoliant--I did have to deal with her, since I've let her into the rest of my story line, after all. Thank you so for the comments and the praise. As for the tissues, I still need to invest in Scott Paper or some similar company as well as Barnes and Noble, I see.

Author's reply

I'd just seen a documentary on spider bites and their aftermath before I wrote The Choice of Healing, and so came up with many of the ideas that have become part of the storylines of my gapfillers--problems with Frodo's joints, circulation, and heart function as well as an added reason for the digestive problems I've written for him. Now, many varieties of poisonous spiders are known to consume their mates (as is true also of mantises and walking stick insects). The idea that after giving Shelob to the world Ungoliant might have hidden from the Valar and others by allowing her daughter to eat her body and let her spirit lie dormant inside of her, then inject her into the wound she inflicted on Frodo just seemed a possibility for such an evil Maia as Ungoliant was. But I did so want a true going out in joy for Frodo, which meant he needed her to be out of him; and as this takes place in the Mortal Lands it's more likely her body can be slain and she can follow Sauron and Saruman in being blown about on the winds. And am SO glad you like Pilsner's name. We had a pickup briefly, and I named it Pilsner. And, like you, I found the name to be appropriate for a Hobbit's pony, although I don't know how much Hobbit ale would merit the designation, as it's usually applied to American beer. Oh, well. Thank you so much for the comments. Now to finish the last two chapters and author's notes....

Author's reply

Am so very glad you found it so moving, Elanor. Ungoliant did need to be dealt with, of course. There are two further chapters to wind it down, as well as the author's notes, of course. Thank you so very much for the comments.

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Nellie. Am so pleased you found it moving. No, two more chapters and Author's Notes. Will try to post these one a day to finish the story, ISP willing.

Author's reply

Thank you for your comments and observations, Kitty. I'm flattered and humbled by your evaluation of the story. I, too, felt this would have been the best way for him to go, in spite of his desire NOT to be forced to say goodbye, of course. And so the Shire is far more knowledgeable this way than it was in the original as to what truly happened out there and its impact on in here, as well as Frodo's own role in cleansing the Shire. I would think Aragorn would do anything to be with Frodo at the end, whether to ride to be at his side or bring him to Gondor as swiftly as possible. And I think that even in the Mortal Lands there would be some display of honor sent by the Valar and Creator. As for Ungoliant--in my story line she had to be dealt with, of course. As for a HAPPY AU--that's a possibility, but I DO have two other Nuzguls to deal with now, you know. Now that this one is out from behind the dog food can....

Author's reply

Thank you, MithLuin. I, too, felt Frodo would need indeed to go out in peace and joy, and so Ungoliant had to be dealt with ahead of time. It made it doubly important for Aragorn to be there. And as I have Earendil coming at the end for Sam and Frodo in Reunion, I felt it only right he should ferry Frodo now. So very glad you appreciated that. Thank you so much for the review.

Author's reply

As I've seen Frodo, he's been one who cares for his community all his life, and now the community realizes he needs it himself and begin to repay him. And since he won't see the butterfly glade on Tol Eressea in this vision, I try to find a way for him to know them right there in the Shire. So glad you love it, too.

Author's reply

I, too, am glad Aragorn has been convinced to enter the Shire in spite of himself. But I felt that to be certain he was doing the right thing Aragorn would need a sign from the Valar themselves.

Author's reply

For my husband too much physical involvement there toward the end was so stressful as his energy level waned and the TIAs increased. You are certainly right about the exhaustion all tend to feel. This is more traumatic for all to endure, but at the same time it is more reassuring as all are more aware of what it is that happened. But I'm certain Frodo would have preferred just that--Sam, Rosie, Elanor, and not so much need to try to reassure everyone else.

Author's reply

Well, I'd written in many of my other stories that Frodo had begun to be able to communicate in this manner at least with the Elves as they traveled to the Havens, and in time became proficient in it and relied on it once he'd become fairly well advanced in the transformation process he realized in Elvenhome wasn't destructive but fulfilling to his nature. That he and Sam at least could share this awareness seemed likely. His acceptance helps the others now, and they will now better support him through the end of it. Thank you so for the comments, Althea.

Author's reply

Thanks so much for the comments, and I'm glad you appreciate the double meaning attached to it. No, Elanor hadn't noted anything dire--just probably heard the coughing and the opening of the front door; but coming into the parlor and not finding Frodo there must have been a bit upsetting for the rest, and hearing the cough correspondingly reassuring. And am glad you appreciate that Fosco and Forsythia are on their way. As a Christian who believes in the Communion of the Saints, I, too, believe my husband, parents, and many others I have loved are waiting in gladness for the day I'll rejoin them. Thank you.

Author's reply

My husband joked that he was dying of everything. A grim joke, but it certainly appeared to be true. He'd had uncontrollable high blood pressure for years, and they couldn't seem to get it under control, for his kidneys seemed too efficient at filtering out the medications that might help. Then we learned he suffered from sleep apnea, in which the fold of the soft palate at the back of the throat will fall down and block the trachea while the person is asleep, leading to heavy snoring and the person being jerked awake throughout the night by the need to move slightly to allow the body to breathe. Then he developed type two diabetes. He'd quit smoking years earlier, but thirty-five years of smoking on top of the blood pressure problems and now the diabetes took their toll of his blood vessels, and he had a heart attack and needed a triple bypass. A few months later he had his first trans-ischemic attack, or T.I.A., or mini-stroke. It affected the part of his brain that controls the right hand, and it went numb. It left scar tissue, and afterwards his thumb tingled. Then he developed a serious infection that settled in the kidneys, leading to serious loss of kidney function, and he had to start dialysis. He chose to undergo peritoneal rather than hemodyalisis, and he and I both had to be trained to perform the exchanges necessary to see this done, and so we would know what to do to deal with peritonitis should it strike, one of the potentialities with this form of dialysis. Then he began coughing, a particularly troubling cough that would come and go, and we learned he now was suffering from congestive heart failure--the body retains fluids due to poor circulation to the point the individual is now literally drowning in his own fluids. More diuretics to help relieve the body of the excess fluids. More T.I.A.s, with one occuring in the part of the brainstem where information from the soles of the feet and ankles are fed through to the brain to tell the body it is standing upright. That one happened while he was asleep--he awoke to find his sense of balance was almost gone, and he fell over trying to get out of bed to go to the bathroom. They checked thoroughly to make certain this wasn't due to inner ear problems, for if the eustachian tubes are impaired that, too, affects balance. He knew which side was up--he just couldn't stand properly, and finally scans found the new scar tissue there in the brainstem. Having been blinded by an accident when he was nineteen, he couldn't use his vision to help overcome the lack of information from his ankles and feet to help him stay upright, and he ended up being given a walker to use. Then another T.I.A. in the same region, this time affecting the autonomic center controlling breathing. It wasn't bad enough to put him on a respirator, but sufficiently bad it affected his breathing. On top of the apnea he had to be put on oxygen for months. The T.I.A.s continued. The congestive heart failure got worse. He had another heart attack while we were on a flight to Hawaii, and we spent half of our vacation in Trippler Army Hospital on Oahu while they did an angioplasty and tried to figure out where his blood was going to--a slight fissure in a blood vessel surrounding the colon turned out to be to blame. Then a second kidney infection destroyed what little natural kidney function he'd still had. He went through a couple bouts of peritonitis, the first time when he developed an inner fissure from the bowel into the peritoneum, or space in which the intestines and lower organs are contained. The last one was due to poor closure of valves when he finished an exchange for the dialysis. He woke one morning before I did, shortly after he'd had another T.I.A. that had left him confused. He disconnected himself and did it improperly, and apparently that allowed bacteria into the peritoneum. The next morning he had the severe pain, and we took him to the hospital, and I directed them how to do the treatments that are used with peritoneal dyalisis patients. I stayed in the hospital that night with him and conducted the exchanges. He was much better the following morning, but was having difficulties breathing. Suddenly he went into respiratory arrest, and finally let go. We spent much of those last two years with the internet medical advice sites before us and a physicians desk reference (a reference book on medications) in one hand, constantly trying to figure out which symptoms were due to his complicated medical condition and which were due to improper combinations or dosages of various medicines. For one who has loathed the idea of being a nurse all my life, I've had to learn far too much just dealing with life, I've found. Dying would be fairly easy if it weren't for the process of doing so, which all too often is extraordinarily uncomfortable and all too often prolonged. Tony wasn't afraid of being dead, but he certainly didn't appreciate the gradual, incessant loss of physical control and dignity that went with it. Unfortunately, what I've seen Frodo experiencing was just such a slow, long-term deterioration of health. It's not an easy process, and the individual is often extraordinarily frustrated--for weeks everything will seem to be going well, and then one little thing goes wrong, and they're back where they were a month or so again, or worse off then before. For such a private individual as I've seen Frodo as being considering his own personal miseries, this must have been extraordinarily frustrating; and HAD he stayed in Middle Earth instead of sailing to Elvenhome this is all to likely what all would have come to. But here his native dignity would have dictated he begin admitting the inevitable at last, and so all would get a crash course in death and dying. But he has one other special condition to deal with, for he was spider bit....