Reviews (156)

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Quantumphysica! It's always a treat to get new reviews to old stories. :) This is certainly my most unique story and a lot of fun to write, especially the world-building aspects, which was a combination of research and just making things up. I wasn't sure if or how I would pull it off. I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Author's reply

Thank you so much, Alei! It's always a delight to get new reviews of older stories, and even more so to know that it means so much to you. This was a fun story to write and one I'm quite fond of myself. I'm glad I was able to introduce you to the wonderful archives available here at SOA. Happy reading. :)

Author's reply

Frodo figured the light has been trapped in that starglass long enough. It deserved its own place in the heavens, very much as Frodo deserved his place in the Shire. The Gamgee children are as sweet as can be and Frodo's would be no less. Thanks for reading!!

Author's reply

The dream saved this from being a bittersweet ending. It allowed us to see them sail, or what their sailing might be like, but we still got to see Frodo happy amongst his family and friends. Little Samwise Baggins is such a darling, just as sweet and adoring as his name-father. As to why they still sailed, it was Tolkien's original intention that they go together and at old age, but that ending only ever made it to outline form. I wanted to give him that ending. As to why it was still necessary, it was necessary for the same reasons that Merry and Pippin depart the Shire before their deaths - as much as they love it and love those still living there, they could never truly reintergrate themselves back into it. Without their wives, their true loves, there was simply no reason for them to stay there any longer. Yes, they all had children, but they were going to leave their children one way or another. By leaving, they also got to see their old friends one last time before going on to their next adventure. Thanks for reading and for sticking with this rather oddball story! :D

Author's reply

Rick and Aliesacan have gone on to have many more adventures, but those stories will have to be left to your imagination. I might (and I say this very hesitantly) have a story in regards to the tattoo and Rick's hair being so darn short, but I don't know when or if I'll have time to write it. I'll put it on the back burner with all the other stories waiting to be written. :D Thank you for reading, Laurelin! I'm glad you enjoyed the story!

Author's reply

I'll always be a little miffed that Tolkien couldn't give Frodo a happier ending, the ending he originally intended for Frodo. So I consider this my gift to him, in a way, of giving Frodo that ending where he gets to remain in ME and sail only after he's lived a fulfilling life and sail with his best friend and soul-brother. I hope he likes it, and I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it. Sting! At least Rick won't be breaking out into renditions of "Roxanne" (I can't stand that song!) :D There's a reason his hair is that short though, it's not a normal look for him. He's actually growing it back. But all his time spent in Harad would have rubbed off on him in other ways, such as the earrings. Aliesacan has had more time to come to terms with his new self and image and to settle into it, as you might say. Rick would have been of great help to him in achieving that. Oh, I am quite proud that I was able to pull this off! I wasn't so certain much of the time. Thank you for reading and for all of your wonderful feedback! :D

Author's reply

Thank you Andrea, for your wonderful praise! :) The dream really saved me, as I couldn't decide when to set this ending, in 1436 SR at the Bridge, or 1482 SR when Sam (and now Frodo) sail over the Sea. One would be mega-happy, the other could only be bittersweet, and I didn't want bittersweet, but I knew they would have to sail. The dream allowed me to keep the tone happy while getting a glimpse of their sailing. :D As Tolkien had originally planned for them to go together and for Frodo to sail at old age, I thought this would be a nice nod to his original outlines. The second Conspiracy worked obviously, and with much success! Melilot really is perfect for Frodo, in much the same way that Rick's sunny disposition helps alleviate Aliesacan's more serious and broody tendencies. Melilot would be a constant reminder for Frodo of the promises he made to himself, and that alone, more than anything else, is what would make those 'dark days' seem to be not so dark. And Frodo will always assume their next child is a boy, while Melilot will always assume its a girl, though I think in this case, it's more than just an assumption for Frodo. ;) Rick and Aliesacan have indeed been busy, having many adventures and doing much good. Aliesacan did finally accept his name and the public image that came with it, which freed him of much of his inner conflict. Not that there wouldn't be a set back or two, of course, but Rick will always be there to remind him of his true self. Thank you for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed the ride!

Author's reply

Perfect? Oh my! Thank you, Dreamflower! I'm glad you liked the dream. For the longest time, I was torn between making the epilogue set during a reunion of our four heroes, or setting it at the sailing of Frodo and Sam, but I wasn't satisfied with either one. Then I remembered that wonderful quote from the book, that Frodo was often troubled by dreams of the Sea, and the answer presented itself. I could do both, and still have the mega-happy ending. :D I imagine mornings in Bag End are much more quiet than when he's sharing an apartment with a gaggle of Gamgees, but of course, he doesn't mind it one bit! They would be in and out of each others homes so much anyway, they might as well live together. I imagine the children have many sleepovers. :D Once I realized that Frodo would stay in ME, I wanted to have him and Sam sail together at old age, and given Tolkien his original ending, which unfortunately only made into outline form. They would both have the sea longing, but could easily wait while their wives were with them. I often wasn't sure if I could pull this off either! I'm just as surprised as everyone else that this managed to become a credible story in itself. Thank you for reading, and all your support along the way! :D

Author's reply

I hope Tolkien would be impressed and isn't rolling in his grave at the moment. ;) He did originally intend for Frodo to sail at old age and/or sailing with Sam, so I wrote that part in particular with his original outlines in mind. I've always wished Tolkien had given Frodo a happier ending. There was a slight temptation to make this epilogue on the bittersweet side, but I just had to the mega-happy ending. There was no other way to conclude it. :D Thank you for reading!

Author's reply

Merry and Pippin were quite devious with poor Sam - but Sam did sort of deserve it. Rosie has waited long enough to marry her lad - 4 years! - and she was not about to wait a moment longer, which was wise of her. Had she stayed in the Shire, she would have had to wait even longer still for all the arrangements to be made and to go through all the proper steps. ;) The first Conspiracy worked out rather well. This new one is promising. :D

Author's reply

After all the angst and self-reflection, it was nice to get back to hobbity fun. :) Frodo and Sam were certainly in for their share of surprises, even if Frodo did have a hunch that something was up. The bridal cloths come from Scottish tradition, so I didn't feel it would be too much of a stretch for a hobbit wedding ceremony. They wouldn't have exchanged rings, at least to my way of thinking. Merry and Pippin are the Shire version of Sherlock and Watson! Grey Wonderer even once wrote a spoof with Merry as the Sherlock character. It was hilarious. It's on her LJ somewhere I think, if you want to hunt it down. But yes, those inquisitive cousins weren't about to be left behind and once they had a destination in mind, nothing could have deterred them. They're rather stubborn in their own right! Only Pippin would think a good, swift kick in the shin is proper punishment for everything Sauron had put them through during the War! He's such a dear! ;) I've been having a good time writing it! I think that's why the epilogue is reluctant to take shape. I have one written, but I'm not satisfied with it and will have to keep tinkering with it. There's another version I'm considering, but I'm not entirely happy with that one either! I hope to have up by this weekend though. :D

Author's reply

Rosie wasn't about to be left behind yet again. She's had quite enough of that, and she's waited three years longer to get married than she originally planned. She put her foot down and no one was going to sway her. :D Married by the King - I don't think the Mayor, Master and Thain will need much convincing to decide that marriages performed by the King should be recognized as legal by Shire custom. ;) The Conspirators have Rose on their side now. Frodo's going to be hearing wedding bells before he knows it (assuming hobbits have wedding bells). ;)

Author's reply

The three Conspirators now have Rose to help, and you know there's no stopping her! They'll be getting Frodo to walk down that aisle one way or another, even if they have to comb the Shire to find a suitable bride for him.

Author's reply

I figured everyone would be suspecting Merry and Pippin to show up - they are rather inquistive hobbits after all. I was hoping to surprise everyone with Rosie, and it seems I did! I was sort of nervous about the hobbit wedding ceremony. There was more of it, but I left out the last little bit because I wasn't sure it would fit for hobbits. I'm glad you liked it as is, I think I'll be keeping this 'script' for future use. :D Ah, Pippin - only he would think a good swift kick in the shins is appropriate retribution for what Sauron did to him! Bless him. :) Frodo never stands a chance when those three put their heads together. And now they have Rose helping! If those four have anything to say about it, Frodo will be marrying *someone* before too long. ;)

Author's reply

Merry and Pippin (and probably Jolly too) felt that Sam deserved to squirm a little bit for taking off on Rosie like he did, but Rosie didn't let it go for very long. She couldn't have done that to her Sam! She completely understands that Sam's heart lays also with his master, and she accepts it and would expect no less of Sam. But she does have her limits! She wasn't going to wait another moment to get married! LOL! :D Pippin would want to make sure that no punishment would be coming his way for kicking Sauron. And of course, only he would think that kicking Sauron was appropriate punishment for him! Frodo's always had an amazing gift to forgive, and after everything they've been through together, yes even including the Ring, they know each other on a level that the others simply can't. Well, at least I'm spared the prequels. ;) I've never written anything other than LOTR though, but I did do a little LOTR as SW spoof once. Frodo was Luke, Aragorn was Han, and Gandalf was Obi Wan, meeting in the Prancing Pony instead of Mos Eisley. Bill the Pony was the Millenium Falcon! hehehe :D

Author's reply

Great heroes need great friends, and Sauron and Frodo have certainly found that they have great friends. Sauron does have much to atone for, but that doesn't mean he should beat himself up over it. He'll need reminding of that again as each task is completed. And Frodo has finally come to understand that his fears and guilt are what led to him being so ill for so long. Now that he has shed much of that, he will hopefully be able to return to the Shire and live there in peace.

Author's reply

Rick does have a way with words and imagery - it must be all those years of story-telling. ;) There is a connection between Frodo and Sauron here than I didn't fully anticipate, though for Sauron, his guilt is warranted, if he fails it *will* bring about the end of things, which makes his responsibility that much more important. He has a huge cross to bear, and he's going to need his friend to help him bear it. Sam at last has been able to set the record straight - yes, he would have missed Frodo terribly, but he would have rather him go and be at peace, than remain and be miserable. As any true friend would. Frodo can finally accept this and realize that he doesn't necessarily have to go. He can try to stay here and live his life. hehehe Well, the Wizards *did* see Frodo's fears of losing Sam. Perhaps they also saw Frodo's secret desires too. ;)

Author's reply

Esme rallied hard for Frodo and Mellie to get together in my first story "A Tale". I thought this might actually be a chance to give her that wish, if such a thing can come true. ;) There is still one lingering shadow - the anniversary illnesses. Will they occur again, will they be worse, better? But other than that, Frodo's finally been able to purge much of what has been making him ill all these years. There is hope now, where they had been none before.

Author's reply

Rick has had just about enough of Sauron's moping. He's quite unlike Sam, who will stand back and wait patiently for Frodo to come to him with his worries, but then again, Rick almost *has* to be persistent. Sauron hasn't yet learned how to approach others with his problems, but he's getting there. ;) Once Rick got Sauron talking, he was able to help ease his friend's worries a little, and Sauron has realized just what having a friend truly means. I think we've got all the skeletons out of Frodo's closet now. He'll start feeling and doing better, but there is still the worry of the anniversary illnesses. Only time will tell how that will affect him.

Author's reply

Would writing such an AU require having to watch the prequels again? If so, I'll pass. ;) This is not Tolkien's Sauron, who I highly doubt could have been redeemed at all. But this AU Sauron is certainly headed down the right road for atoning for his sins and misdeeds, and he's got Rick there to help guide him should he stray or brood overly much. :D

Author's reply

Rick has come to know and understand Sauron far greater than even the Maia could have guessed. While Frodo might know Sauron better (in the sense that he has seen him both evil and good) it is Rick who truly understand his spirit now, and so it is Rick who must deliver this message to him. For it is Rick who will continue to be there, who will continue to support him and help him and keep him going down the right path. The Valar sent Sauron back - but they sent Melkor back too! You know this has to be at the back of Sauron's mind, a constant fear and yet also a great motivator to not follow in the footsteps of his former master any longer. The Muses have smiled upon Frodo in this story. He will get that ending that Tolkien orginally wanted for him: to live out his life in the Shire to old age, and then sail to Valinor only when he wished it. Melilot - Esme rallied so hard for those two to get together in "A Tale". Will she finally get her wish? ;D

Author's reply

There's none better than Sauron for explaining the Dark Side of the Force, and especially the motives of the wizards he helped to corrupt. ;) Frodo warns the hobbits not to heed Saruman's voice, for it is treacherous, and yet I do think that he can't help but listen to it himself, as it speaks to him of the doubts he has already begun to foster. Sauron at this point needs that guilt, to a certain extant, to keep him on this new, unfamiliar path. He's spent so much of his existence being despised by others that he now finds it to be a security blanket of sorts, a familiar coverlet to wrap himself in even while he begins to shed it. He might even fear that if he begins to gain admirers, that if he accepts this admiration, it will take him back down the path of his power-hungry ways. Now Rick is (wisely) trying to yank this secutiry blanket away from him completely and he just isn't ready to let go yet. Rick, dear boy, will have none of this, as you already know. :D

Author's reply

Sauron might not like his new name, but he's just going to have to get used to it. ;) The fear of losing the Shire and his friends has been with him from the start. It was the deepest rooted and so would be the last to rear it's ugly head. The Blue Wizards had seized upon it immediately. Thankfully, Sauron knows all about their devious ways, and now Frodo can hope for the future. The Valinor option is still there, and he may still have to take it in the end, but not before he tries to live a normal life. Frodo would be a remarkable father, and what remarkable children he would have too! The Great Shaman would have quite a lot to say if Sauron would ask, but the Maia will be getting his wisdom from a different source. ;)

Author's reply

Those wizards certainly did find the last hidden seed in Frodo's fears and used it to their full advantage. It's even easier now to see how close they came to overthrowing Frodo and winning that mental duel. Spending the better part of 10 millenia being evil has certainly given Sauron a clear perspective on the nature of evil. He more than anyone would know the tactics of Saruman and the Blue Wizards and so be able to guess with the most accuracy just what they had been trying to do to Frodo. Thankfully, it's given Frodo some hope that all might not be so dire as he's feared. LOL! Rick was likened to Pippin before, very early on in the story, and this was a nice reminder of the similarities between the two. Apparently, when excited, they both begin to ramble non-sensically and in run-on sentences. ;D

Author's reply

Sauron would never have predicted the day *he'd* be giving good advice to ease someone else's fears. On the other hand, no one understands the dark natures of Saruman and the Blue Wizards better than Sauron, which makes him the only one who could have answered Frodo's questions, as much as they could be answered anyway. Frodo now feels he can try to live a normal life, though he may be haunted by these warnings all the same. I have a feeling that a certain someone won't be allowing Sauron to sulk for very much longer. ;)