Go Out in Joy by Larner
Dreamflower · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Heart Breaking
*sniffle* Oh, please hurry, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli! *sigh* I'll try to do another review later, when I'm more coherent.
Author's reply
They are on their way, but they're still not close to Hobbiton.
elanor winterflowers · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Heart Breaking
My failure to review as you go along here is based solely on the fact that I have no words to express how incredibly FINE this is--anything I can think to say is already redundant. It is so enormously rich in background and so full of insight--I do want to say, though, that those butterflies were an absolute stroke of genius! What an image! Wonderfully, splendidly done!
Author's reply
As I've written of Frodo among the butterflies of Tol Eressea before in Lesser Ring and Reunion, I felt that if he hadn't sailed he'd have needed such a moment to share with Sam. And those butterflies just came flying out of the garden.... Thank you for your comments, and I'm truly honored.
Kitty · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Heart Breaking
The advantage of this timeline is that the Travellers are forced to talk about their experiences more and earlier and with more people. Even if it is not easy for them, I have no doubt it will help the others to understand. And I truly enjoy how many people are coming to say farewell, though Frodo was always the one of the four who was the least esteemed. How very thoughtful of Paladin to send food, so Sam and Rosie don’t have to use up all their food. Glad to see Fosco and Forsythia were called to Bad End, too. And I have to admit of being a bit smug that Lilac and Emro weren’t able to prevent it. The end wasn’t so good *sniff* Poor Frodo. I fear Aragorn and the others have to hurry :-(
Author's reply
It may be possible to hide failing health, particularly when most of those physically close to the one who is dying don't have a great deal of emotional ties to him. But it's much harder when the end actually comes close. And as I've written Paladin and the other older cousins realizing Frodo is indeed close to death, it was fairly easy to have them choose to follow through on the impulse to return to Bag End to see him through the rest. As Thain and the Took, Paladin ought to have been through dealing with funerals before; and it's very plain from Frodo's family trees he was related to a good number of the prominent families in the Shire. Even relatives who aren't close tend to congregate for funerals, and so Paladin has an idea there are likely to be many Frodo probably hadn't seen in years who would come to this funeral, and as much out of curiosity to see the other Travellers close up as for any other reason, and to learn more of what happened. And if Frodo was indeed hiding his condition, this would have been sufficient shock to suddenly have so much of the Shire realized old Mad Baggins's young ward and heir has unexpectedly died they'd have come just for the notoriety of it. And Fosco and Forsythia would need to be there, I think.
SurgicalSteel · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 6: Heart Breaking
Aptly chosen title - Frodo's heart is literally breaking, and the hearts of those he loves and who love him are doing so figuratively. Bittersweet yet again.
Author's reply
Yes, bittersweet, but part of the process of living is accepting out own endings. I hope you find this medically accurate, and you might be interested in what I wrote to Queen Galadriel in this same series of reviews. And am so glad you find the title apt. Thank you.
Kitty · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
Ah yes – that was what I had hoped for! As Aragorn has some days more than in the canon timeline, he has the change to arrive in time and to see Frodo again! *beams* And I agree completely with the twins. Frodo’s wellbeing is so much more important than the ban of Men! I am *so* glad they convinced him to ignore the ban! Even more happy I’m about the fact that Legolas and Gimli, Elladan and Elrohir are there, too. It is so reassuring to know they will be with Frodo! Ah, so Aragorn remembers this encounter many years ago? Of course it was Frodo – he should ask them soon. I’m sure Frodo would be delighted to know that he had meet Aragorn back then the very first time. And Beligard is following them? Well, maybe this time he is going to know a bit more about a certain Ranger before they are parting again ...
Author's reply
I never understood why in the original the full ban wasn't instituted until seven years afterwards; so, like Dreamflower I indicated there was a temporary ban first that was confirmed afterwards. But in this case he is needed for Frodo's sake, and all are conspiring to see to it he arrives just in time. There will be representatives of the various races and peoples there; with Frodo choosing to die a Hobbit of the Shire the entire Shire is having to realize he actually did something important out there, so much so that these folk, including their new King, are going out of their way to be there. Frodo and Aragorn will be a bit distracted when they do meet, I'm afraid, and not have a good deal to time to recall a trip to the Bridge Market so long ago. And Beligard will get much more of an appreciation of Aragorn than he'd ever dream of ahead of time.
Speedy Hobbit · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
Awww, this fic is making me so sad! It is quite intriguing though, please update soon!
Author's reply
I love writing pathos, and this AU idea seemed the perfect vehicle for it. And hope you like today's addition to the story. Am so glad you find it intriguing.
Queen Galadriel' · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
Man, I have to wonder if I'm going to find myself crying at some point during every chapter! :) But I must say that just now it's nice to have that release of tension at the end of the day. Oh, I'm so glad the twins came along when they did! I have to admire Aragorn's strength of will, but at the same time, I'm appalled at him. I could not do it! I couldn't know one of my dearest friends was dying and not go to him, whatever had been said or done. I'm just glad his foster brothers argued some sense into him and he *is* going. But I do wonder how that whole situation of his entering the Shire will play out... And as always, I just love Olorin! Such a dear and wise animal! :) Ah, another cliff-hanger, but not such an unbearable one this time, though I'm still on the edge of my seat! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, somewhat of a cliffhanger, but I hope the ones I get aren't too unbearable. Aragorn has had to develop great strength of will to stay the course over so long, waiting patiently for those last pieces to fall into place so that he could achieve his destiny and win the one prize he'd wanted. So, to break his own edict without the sign from Manwe he'd best do so would be difficult for him, I think. And his brothers would know after about ninety years how they need to handle him carefully and how to appeal to his logic, I'd think. Am so very glad you like Olorin. He seems quite a sensible and sensitive horse, and having chosen to serve Aragorn he adds another tie between Gondor and Rohan, as it were. And this one, due to its very subject matter, is definitely full of pathos. To find I do manage to move people emotionally is very fulfilling. Thank you.
Andrea · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
Wow! What shall I say after Dreamflower's wonderful review? Gimli’s response was loud and long. Hah! That I can imagine! I had nearly forgotten about that ban, but Elladan was definitely right: Aragorn equals Frodo in stubbornness! So I was very pleased that the sons of Elrond could convince Aragorn to come to Frodo's side. Their line of reasoning was indeed logic. And the appearance of the Great Eagle was perfect! “I’d just passed a party of Elves and a Dwarf into the Shire,” he told the other Hobbit, “and I think as I’d best follow after them and perhaps get ahead of them to speak to the Thain.” I wonder if this is possible. The party will ride at slow pace, and if Beli knows a shortcut. Well, we'll see... And I'm still wondering about Elanor, you know. But I can bear it a while longer ;-)
Author's reply
I suspect Gimli would find Aragorn's respect for the force of law in the face of emotional need to be unnecessarily complicated in most situations, and especially disturbing in this one, and that the twins, knowing Aragorn's strict dedication to integrity, would anticipate the problems they face. That Manwe would also have to indicate in this case emotional need takes precedent I would think would be the final stroke convincing Aragorn that in this case getting to Frodo's side was necessary. And today you find out what Elanor might have heard (fortunately nothing dire, as you've probably found).
SurgicalSteel · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
A bit of bittersweet laughter at the manner in which the brothers convinced Aragorn to go to Frodo's bedside - nicely done.
Author's reply
Glad you like it, SurgicalSteel. Between them and Manwe's Eagle, it appears Aragorn has accepted his responsibility to see to Frodo's comfort at the last.
Dreamflower · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
As I hoped! Aragorn will get to be there! And I hadn't dared to hope Legolas and Gimli would, so that's a wonderful bonus--not only will they be of immense comfort to Frodo, but also to Sam, Merry and Pippin. And I look forward to their parents getting to meet these companions of the Fellowship. You know, I often think JRRT made a mistake in having the ban on Men entering the Shire, and even holding the King to it, but it is quite a challenge to those of us who try to write canon-friendly fic to work around it sometimes. Some of us (and I am one also) kind of compound that problem by having the ban actually go into effect too early. (In my case, I call it a "trial period"--not to be cast into *permanent* effect until the canon date of 1427.) However, it does lend a lot of drama to a situation, and makes us have to be ingenious in thinking up ways to circumvent it. I like the way you had Elladan and Elrohir use the catechism to convince Aragorn of where his duty lay, and to free him from his self-imposed edict. And the Eagle was a masterful touch, with Manwe himself overriding Elessar's decree. I look forward to the arrival of this party at Bag End, and to the astonishment they will bring in their wake. And most especially to the joy that Frodo will have at the presence of his brother in spirit.
Author's reply
Yes, Aragorn will be there now, although the sixth is approaching at an alarming rate and they can't travel as quickly on the country lanes they're forced to use as they could on the Road, I fear. It was interesting both you and I thought the Ban ought to have gone into effect almost immediately, with Aragorn making a temporary one first, then making it officially permanent seven years later. But for Aragorn to break a restriction he's set for others would be, for the type of person he was, difficult, I think. I can see young Aragorn being sat down and taught his Numenorean catechism, can't you? That they'd use such a means to convince him to go to Frodo seemed only natural, and I'd think the Valar would also send a sign this need to go to Frodo was required of him. As for when and how they arrive--I fear you will find that perhaps more dramatic than you might wish.
harrowcat · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Comfort Approaches from the South
I am reading Larner - just speechless with delight and no time at all. Will be back with proper reviews as soon as I can.
Author's reply
I hope you manage to read both the last chapters. Am interested in seeing your reaction to this chapter, of course.
Pearl Took · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
Tender and dear. You make up well for my often forgetting to have Frodo in my stories. So well done!
Author's reply
So glad you found it tender, which is exactly what I think they would be, his Took and Brandybuck relations, as they gathered to farewell him. But I LOVE your stories, even if Frodo appears infrequently. Your looks at Merry and Pippin and a certain fairy are among my favorites!
Kitty · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
You’re absolutely right about investing in Kleenex tissues or the like – you could make a fortune on it *sniff* This time it was the farewell to Gandalf. Well, at least they had enough time to do it properly, other than in canon. Though it is comforting to see how they all come to say farewell and to be with Frodo on the sixth. Loved the cousins and Sam all snuggled together in Frodo's bed! And after this exchange between Gandalf and Sam I hope fervently Aragorn will arrive this time and have the chance to say farewell, too. Maybe Sam can send word to the bounders to leave him through?
Author's reply
That farewell must have been as difficult for Gandalf as it was for the Hobbits, but the added time with him would indeed help. You are right there. One last time for the Travellers to comfort one another as one more journey is addressed by Frodo. As for whether or not Aragorn gets there in time--that you'll learn in a few chapters. I can't believe how big this nuzgul has turned out to be, though!
Kitty · 7 March 2007 · Chapter 3: Acceptance
Am glad Gandalf managed to break the mood, at least for a time. Well, Frodo and Sam know so much about the earlier ages of ME and about the elves, so it is not too surprising that they not only saw the Three but guessed just what they saw, too. It must be rather disconcerting for most of the hobbits to learn that Gandalf had been there even around the awakening of their race, as I suppose few save the Travellers know his true identity. They may have wondered why he was around so long and changed so little, but I doubt they ever even suspected he’s a Maia. Saruman’s ring I had completely forgotten, and this is only the second story I know in which it’s mentioned. Ah, so the engravings were wrong? And Saruman was too busy feeling important and much too arrogant to note it. You know, that’s so very like him! What I love particularly here is that most of the other hobbits seem to know a bit more than in the canon stories. Somehow I am glad they are able to understand more of what happened to the Travellers and particularly Frodo – it feels reassuring.
Author's reply
All Sam had read of the Great Rings had been consigned to the idea of "story details," I think, until he heard Frodo and Galadriel discussing it over the Mirror. And I suspect once he'd awakened in Ithilien, having worn the One Ring, he'd also be able to see the hidden Rings of Power, and in the end guess their nature. Frodo also had to make the leap between "story details" and "Hey--this is a lot more real than I'd ever dreamed"; but having lived with Bilbo I believe he'd have a good deal easier time of making that gap. Once this nuzgul is taken care of (and then the rotten thing had presented itself as merely a helpless, harmless little plot bunny--how was I to realize just how tenacious the thing was, and how it was hunkering down and wearing fuzzy ears to tempt me away from the other two Nuzgul I've been dealing with?) I'll get back to "Stirring Rings" and "The Tenant from Staddle," and in the former, of course, we WILL look at that ring of Saruman's. Frodo and Sam's discussion of how the children would wish their dad to read more of the story or have the book put away because it's too horrible indicated to me that probably the wealthier, more educated families probably did read of Beren One-hand and Turin and so on; therefore I think that for the families of the Thain and Master, particularly with Bilbo and Frodo retelling these tales and more, in the end would have a greater chance of putting things together, once all the pieces were given them; and I doubt truly Merry's and Pippin's families would have agreed to remain totally in ignorance of what happened "out there." Nor would those who dealt with the Travellers on a regular basis be able to do so. And in this AU where Frodo is actually dying, I believe that there is NO way things could remain hidden, not once Frodo accepts this is it. Am glad you find it reassuring.
White Gull · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
Eeek. I'm covering my eyes now. Your writing is amazing and wonderful, but I can't bear Frodo with a failing heart. (I'll peek between my fingers at the last chapter, when you've posted it.) WG the faint-hearted *meep*
Author's reply
I'm sorry. I hope you don't find it all too distressing. I doubt he will find it all great and terrible, though.
Linda Hoyland · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
This was very moving,the bonds the hbbbits share with each other and Gandalf
Author's reply
Yes, they do love Gandalf deeply now, and all of honor and goodness in Middle Earth will know him only through memory and perhaps inspiration from now on. And they do their best to take what comfort of one another as they can. Thank you, Linda.
Elanor Silmariën · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
Oh, dear, that chapter made me cry! And that last sentence made my stomach sink, literally! I'm with the Queen, pleeeeeese update soon!!! God bless, Ellie
Author's reply
Oh, I'm sorry to cause your stomach to sink! How sad! But the time is not yet, you'll find. I'll update in a couple days--am still making certain the dialogue in the next chapter is okay before I post it.
Queen Galadriel · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
Okay. My computer is officially weird and annoying and must hate me. I didn't *do* anything, and it still posted a half-finished review! Sometimes I think this particular touch pad thingy likes to control itself, because I don't mess with it and it still does weird things. Oh well, resuming what my piece of technology so rudely interrupted... The Wizard inclined his white head over that of the Hobbit, and gently, almost reverently kissed his brow. “Rest well, mellon nín,” he murmured. “And when you do go, go out in joy.” Frodo smiled up at him, and for a moment both seemed to shine in the dim light of the bedroom. “May your voyage go well.” This farewell is so beautiful, as are Gandalf's parting words to the others. You used that quote from ROTK very well, and it added still more poignancy to this scene. Do I think Aragorn should be allowed to come, you ask? Well, of course! I think this is enough of an emergency for a bending of the rules; his brother of the heart and spirit is dying, for goodness' sake! And your hints in other review replies make me almost sure that he *will* come in time :), but one thing makes me worry for that: Elanor put down the apple slice she’d been gumming. “Fo,” she said, turning to look at the door to the passage outside the dining room. Estella turned, but noted the doorway remained empty. Oh, please let him still be sleeping, not...But I suppose if it's come, then he won't have to go on the sixth. Then again, Elanor could have been just putting her two pennies in, but somehow I doubt it...Oh, pleeeeease update again ASAP!!! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
So glad I could find the proper place to put that line into this story, for it needed to be said. And it was a proper parting, I hope, for Frodo. As for Aragorn--you'll get a better idea in the next chapter, you'll find. As to what caused Elanor to utter her "Fo"--well, I'll let you stew on that for a chapter. Heh! And I certainly understand about the touch pad taking your cursor for a ride around the screen when you don't touch it--the one on the Dell laptop was a horror, and the one on this one, particularly when the computer's been running for a time, gets antsy. Two days till I update again, kids.
Queen Galadriel · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
Well, now I've had the cry that has been threatening (for no reason--at least no good one--until now) all day. In moments the shawl and Sam’s cloak from Lorien were draped over the arms of the chair, and all four of them squeezed onto Frodo’s bed, Merry on the side toward the window, Frodo next, Sam on his other side, and Pippin on the end toward the doorway. “Why all the pillows and cushions, Frodo?” Pippin asked. “It’s easier to breathe if I don’t lie flat, or so I’ve found. And Elrond said that it was best I do so, also.” “They had cushions to ease him the last two nights. Don’t know as where they all come from, but they had ’em when they was needed,” Sam said softly, sliding his arm between the pillows to have it around Frodo’s shoulder. “Best not do that,” Frodo cautioned, “or you’ll awake with your arm still asleep. Believe me--after years of having younger cousins slip into bed with me after bad dreams, I know.” “Nonsense,” Sam yawned. “As light as you are now, Mr. Frodo, you’re no burden at all.” Oh, so sweet. And I just love the connection you made with the arm falling asleep! Oh yeah, but hey, that's way better than a foot burrowing in the neck or an unconscious little hand slapping you in the face. :) Anyway. The imagery here is especially beautiful, I think.
Author's reply
So, you've had your cry? I've about had mine, as the well pump decided to die last night and I don't have the money to get it fixed properly. GAACK! Never can get everything working properly all at the same time any more, it seems. I've read so many Hobbit-sleeping-together stories this one had to be, perhaps mostly to make up for Merry, Pippin, and Sam not sleeping side by side on the way back from the Havens in Reconciliation. And this would be one time when I think they'd want to reassure one another in such a manner. No hands slapping or feet kicking--just an arm asleep.
Andrea · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
Oh, I agree with the others. Gandalf's original parting words fit well indeed! But these were even better: “Rest well, mellon nín,” he murmured. “And when you do go, go out in joy.” "Go out in joy!" That's how it should be, nothing to be afraid of. And maybe when the time comes we really won't be afraid. But watching someone die and feeling that you can do nothing against it is a different matter, or was for me. I loved the scene with all four hobbits together in that large bed. Maybe it was the last time. Elanor put down the apple slice she’d been gumming. “Fo,” she said, turning to look at the door to the passage outside the dining room. Estella turned, but noted the doorway remained empty. Well, I'm not quite sure what this means. Maybe she just heard the others mention his name. But little Elanor is an extraordinarily perceptive girl... Please update soon!
Author's reply
Am so glad so many like those words there, as well as Gandalf's farewell to Frodo. Death shouldn't be frightening, but all too often it is, and often moreso for us who remain than for those who go on. And the image of the four of them with Frodo in the center had to be expressed. As for Elanor--you get to stew on that for a chapter, too. Heh!
Dreamflower · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
What a sad gathering--you've captured so well that palpable feeling of combined acceptance and fear when a loved one is known to be passing. However much agreement is that "it's all for the best", the pain and grief at having to part remain. I was touched by the way the four of them gathered in Frodo's bed to give and receive comfort from one another. I love the way you used some of Gandalf's original parting words here. And I'm glad that Estella is here to help ease Merry's pain.
Author's reply
Yes, that's what we felt when my husband's mother left us, and certainly how I felt (as well as the shock of, "My--this time he couldn't fight it off like he's done before!) when he died a couple years later. And that night I think they'd need that reassurance, and certainly the image of the four shapes together, all comfort and guarding, has been shining in my head. And once again I'm so pleased the transposition of those words to this scene worked so very well. And perhaps the asking will come a bit earlier than I have it happen elsewhere? We'll ssseee, won't we, Precioussss?
Endaewen · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Looking Toward Rest
This is beautifully sad. I love the way you slipped Gandalf's line into the chapter. It fits as well here as it does in the book.
Author's reply
Thank you, Endaewen. So glad you like how the line was brought into this story, and that it moves you as it obviously does.
Bodkin · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 3: Acceptance
Ick. Getting rid of Saruman's ring definitely seems a good idea! Somehow it seems easier to understand Frodo's suffering in Frodo's presence - less likely to be swept under some carpet in favour of a more romanticised version of the events. And there's nothing like trade for ensuring that people work towards an understanding of each other!
Author's reply
I certainly agree with all you say, Bodkin. Just as Sauron's own abominations are best dealt with by destroying them as quickly as possible, so it is with Saruman's ring, which was inspired by Sauron, I'm certain. And yes, those last couple weeks of Frodo's life in Middle Earth would be one revelation after another, I'll bet.
Linda Hoyland · 6 March 2007 · Chapter 3: Acceptance
It is so sad for those who love Frodo to see him decline.I love the way yu link your stories.
Author's reply
Yes, it would be very difficult for them. And you know how I always like to do that. Thank you, Linda.
Pearl Took · 5 March 2007 · Chapter 3: Acceptance
This gets increasingly intriguing and beautiful, Larner. I see you call Eglantine "Lanti" as I do :-) Cool!
Author's reply
I'm not certain whose story originally I saw Lanti in, but I felt it far nicer than Aggy or Eggy, and I personally prefer it to Tina, and so adopted it. I suppose I might have seen it first in one of your stories, but I couldn't say for certain. After all, we do all tend to inspire one another. And I am so glad you find it beautiful. Thank you.