Freyalyn
· 23 March 2011
· Chapter 12: The Job Interview
All of these are thoughtful, loving, and at times quite mind-boggling!
Author's reply
Thanks. It's fun to see how the characters of Tolkien's creation would interact with other worlds. Most are simply intended to be funny, but I do hope one or two do manage to stimulate thought and contemplation.
It was fun to work Merlin, the Wizard from "The Sorceror's Apprentice," Ptolemy, Red Cloud, Camber of Culdi, Arch-Chancellor Ridcully and Ponder Stibbons from Pratchett's Diskworld, and Dumbledore into Tol Eressea, and to have Frodo meet the Little Match Girl and Tiny Tim. But I found I really liked seeing Aragorn watching Henrik Hudson's men playing at nine pins. There is so much to work from from popular culture!
Andrea
· 22 March 2011
· Chapter 12: The Job Interview
Now—highest level of education?”
“Yes.”
LOL!!! Great one, Larner!
I very much enjoyed this job interview and I'm quite sure that Frodo will be perfect for the job.
Thank you for making me smile :-)
Author's reply
Why this one presented itself to me I don't know, but it did and I enjoyed writing it! And how else was Frodo to answer that one? Heh!
And am glad it provoked some pleasure.
Lindelea
· 22 March 2011
· Chapter 12: The Job Interview
LOL! Skilfully done. It sounded like a grand practical joke on Gandalf's part, until I reached the last few paragraphs. Then I began to chuckle, and nod. It just might work...
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad it gave you a chuckle. I can't quite believe some of the plotbunnies that sneak up on me from time to time....
Soledad
· 15 August 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
The "All-But-Forsaken-Inn" indeed! Giggles hysterically. You're too funny sometimes. Those poor astronauts. Clearly, their reading habits are way too on-sided, or else they'd know what's happening.
Author's reply
Elena Tiriel suggested I find some way to reference the Forsaken Inn as named in LOTR, and this was my compromise. Am so glad it made you laugh! Yes, they should read some good classic fantasy, should they? Heh! But I'd been thinking of this story for weeks before I sat down and wrote it. Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed it!
Kitty
· 6 August 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
Now that's unexpected to see Voldemort turn up here, and still denying love. And it was even more unexpected to see Voldemort as an reincarnation of Lotho. Interesting idea. Though it's a bit creepy to imagine that the newest one will be Harry's son, of all people.
Author's reply
I'd like to think that after a while the poor soul FINALLY got a clue and decided to accept and give love for a change! But doesn't Voldemort strike you as having been a Lotho-kind of person? Hopefully this time he'll do it right for a change! It's said, after all, that we don't get off the Wheel of Life until we've finally managed to learn all the lessons we're supposed to learn! Even Lotho would have to learn some time, don't you think?
Thanks so for the comments!
Baggins Babe
· 2 July 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
I think one of the most frightening thinngs about Voldemort (apart from what he was willing to do to others) is what he was prepared to do to himself! The ripping and diminishing of his own soul until it was almost non-existent was the most shocking thing about him.
I can see why you put it into the 'Not Gonna Happen' category - I feel he would have been to reduced to be recovered, even had he wished to feel true remorse. I admire Frodo for continuing to show all that love but I think most of us would have been running for the exit!
Great story, Larner. Now I've finally read the HP series I can appreciate them even more.
Author's reply
I certainly agree about Voldemort. The willingness to rend his very spirit was indeed the worst thing I can think of.
But Frodo has learned both patience and the fullness of Love as a result of his experiences; and I cannot help seeing him as one who would seek to nurture the spirits of others.
And congratulations on having read the HP series.
Antane
· 27 June 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
I am not familiar with Harry's story and those within it so some of this was lost on me, but I absolutely love all of Iorhael's words here and his love for Tom and how overjoyed he (Frodo) was to serve his Father and Tom at the end did embrace and accept Love. One day maybe I will do a story with Frodo and Feanor meeting and trying to do the same thing you did so successfully here. I think one of the reasons Frodo suffered so was so he could help others who had been violated by evil. Safe and happy in the Shire, unmarked in body or soul, he did not understand something that can only be taught by suffering and having learned those lessons, he could teach others, including us. A great triumph here for Iorhael is well-named for he is very wise indeed.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Perhaps you might try the HP books one day--very different in flavor from Tolkien, but very similar in intent. HP and Frodo would recognize one another immediately as fellow laborers against evil, I'm certain, and would honor one another's sacrifices to bring about the greatest evils of their respective times.
Author Reply: I mean, to bring about the ENDS to the greatest evils of their respective times. Sorry bout that!
Anonymous
· 27 June 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
Interesting. I wasn't aware crossovers were allowed on this site, but I guess this one's not bad.
Author's reply
Technically, crossovers as such aren't desired here, although Nilmandra has been accepting of these as they are mostly humorous and in good part recognizable as part of popular culture. Nor is it necessary to know another work well to appreciate them, or so I hope. Thank you for commenting,
shirebound
· 27 June 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
This is one your best, Larner. What a lovely blending of these two worlds. (I even felt a bit of "Stranger in a Strange Land" woven in, although perhaps not deliberately.) This just "shimmers with joy", as you would say. I'll be reading this piece many times.
Author's reply
"Stranger in a Strange Land," eh? Perhaps, like Michael Valentine, Frodo needed perhaps a bit more salt? But now you mention it, I do see the likeness, although it most certainly is NOT deliberate.
Thank you so for the feedback--I am truly grateful!
Fiondil
· 27 June 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
Very interesting blending of LOTR with Harry Potter, Larner, as we see what might have been the ultimate fate of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
One minor quibble: 'Atta' should be 'Atto'. 'Atta' is the cardinal number 'two' in Quenya, but, of course, we all know that Eru is 'The One'. *grin*
Author's reply
And I thank you for the catch!
He-who-must-not-be-named needs to accept a Life this time! Heh!
Ellynn
· 27 June 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
Aww, so lovely! :) I love it! :)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Ellynn. It was fun to remember the Master on the birthday he shares with others! Heh!
harrowcat
· 27 June 2010
· Chapter 11: Prepared to Live Indeed
I love this Larner, especially the conclusion. You are so clever with these.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Harrowcat. Thank you so!
And I hope that THIS time this particular fea is ready to give it a good go for a change!
Kitty
· 24 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
How did I overlook this one? Sorry, just now noticed :-(
Oh, they were seeing Eärendil! Wish I could, too. And the rest of these vessels and a different earth. It was fun to imagine the faces of these guys. No wonder the Russian insisted on the vodka as a little comfort *grin*
Perfect way to celebrate the Professor's birthday!
Author's reply
Not to worry, Kitty--was just glad you appreciated it once it was found! To find oneself seeing Arda as Tolkien envisioned it must have been quite a shock! Heh! And I do hope that the Master would have enjoyed this one!
Thanks so.
Raksha The Demon
· 8 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
What a lovely birthday gift to the Professor! Those must have been very confused astronauts. Loved Tilion's appearance; and the fact that all the spirits were visible every January 3rd.
Author's reply
"There is an inn, a merry old inn... was running through my head as I wrote this, so how else could we have Tilion pictured other than with a mug of foaming ale so brown that he'd be tempted by it? Heh!
And I do hope he wouldn't have taken this amiss!
Thanks so, Raksha!
ellie
· 6 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
ahahahahahahaha!
Author's reply
Glad to evoke a heart-felt laugh, Ellie. Thanks so!
Antane
· 6 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
“What I saw! I wasn’t seeing Venus--I was seeing a boat--a great crystal boat, with great sails. And it was being captained by a great, shining Man, one with a crown of some sort, and Venus was as a great stone centered on the crown, right in the center of his forehead!”
That would be neat to actually see - lucky them!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, it would be wonderful to see the stars, planets, sun and moon so--as well as the earth itself as originally imagined by its earliest inhabitants!
Thanks so much, Antane!
Baggins Babe
· 6 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
This was terrific, Larner! A transformation indeed, and I loved the idea of Tillion with a foaming mug! Those astronauts will never look at space in quite the same way again.
and I'm also wondering if Great A'Tuin's cousin was carrying the disk?
Author's reply
Oh, yes, the Man in the Moon would have to have carried at least one mug away from that inn, I'd think. And there are at least three who must now wonder at just what is behind the cosmos as they know it!
As for a cousin of Great A'tuin--hehehehehehehehe! Pratchett is such a delight!
Elena Tiriel
· 4 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
Oh, this is such a delightful vignette, Larner! I squeee every time I read it... it was such a (pleasant) shock to find one of my favorites of Tolkien's gems tucked away in a modern-day story. Well done!
This could almost be a cross-over with "2001: A Space Odyssey"... if there were fanfic for that movie (actually... who knows? maybe there is). (Hmmm, wonder if anyone here actually remembers my favorite movie from the 1960's?)
Have you seen the Treasure Hunt challenge at HASA? There is a link on the home page.... Anyway, it made me think of this story immediately. I have it on good authority (I checked out all the links.... ;-) ) that "Mánir" is one of the treasures... and am of the considered opinion that "Forsaken Inn" would be an absolutely perfect nickname for a space station among those who stay there....
*Lobs bloodthirsty bunny, then ducks*
- Barbara
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoy it so, Elena Tiriel! This story had been working on me for a week and a half, and then it almost didn't get written in time!
Yes, I remember 2001 and HAL and the obelisk and all--I was young then, too, you know!
No, hadn't seen that challenge, but will give it a look. Not, of course, that I need any more plotbunnies or nuzguls. (Shakes off two or three plotbunnies, and finding one grumpy nuzgul sitting still on the true crime bookshelf, glaring at me for ignoring it so long!)
Linda Hoyland
· 4 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
I just loved this.It was both moving and yet made me smile at the same time. I'll be thinking of a boat when I look at Venus now!
Author's reply
Am so glad you do, Linda. And it makes us all appreciate what we see a bit better, I hope! Thanks so!
harrowcat
· 4 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
This one was fun. And I think the Prof would have enjoyed it too. I think he would have been writing the chapter about Caradras if he were alive in England at the moment.
Author's reply
I do so hope he would enjoy it.
So, you have the cold snap now that we were enjoying in the Pacific Northwest a few weeks ago, then? Yes, I was imagining Caradhras as I went out each day to scrape off the ice that accumulated overnight on the car, and as I watched the snow not melt but freeze-dry away due to the dry cold. Our temps are now in the forties, and it's been much more normal for us.
Fiondil
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
Oh Eru, Larner! That was hysterical. "Always this way, the third of January!" *LOL* Three cheers for the Professor and a happy birthday to him as well. Thanks for this. Just what I needed.
Author's reply
Am so glad you feel that way, Fiondil. This story has been working at me for a week and a half, and I almost forgot it until a friend on a discussion list posted yesterday's Writer's Almanac entry to our list. That, of course, got me writing quickly....
Thanks! And may the Master rejoice to see how many are still inspired by his creations!
Author Reply: Am so glad you feel that way, Fiondil. This story has been working at me for a week and a half, and I almost forgot it until a friend on a discussion list posted yesterday's Writer's Almanac entry to our list. That, of course, got me writing quickly....
Thanks! And may the Master rejoice to see how many are still inspired by his creations!
eiluj
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
And no one will ever believe them....
Pass the vodka!
Author's reply
Right--no one on earth is likely to believe, except for a few thought of as Tolkien freaks! Heh!
Make mine a Dr. Pepper or a creme de menthe.
Sunny
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
How fun!! *Raises a virtual glass of something alcoholic to the fictional astronauts*
(And does a cousin of great A'Tuin majestically convey the disc of the Earth through space?)
Author's reply
Hehehehehe! Yes, it does appear that somehow Pratchett manages to find his way into Middle Earth when I'm involved--at least at times!
I'm not certain--Fiondil is the expert on the construction of Ea, after all. Shall we ask him!
Thanks! Thanks so very much!
shirebound
· 3 January 2010
· Chapter 10: Transformation
Wheee, I love this! *huge grin*
Author's reply
Am so very glad you do. And may the good Professor know how much we love his creation!
“I think you might like these,” Gandalf said one day as he set seven books down on the bench beside Frodo. “One of my friends brought them--he
thought you would like reading of the exploits of his protegee.”
Frodo reads Harry Potter? Hmmm, this could be interesting.
“Well, first, he decided to construct his own magic wand. As there are no unicorns or phoenixes on the island, he decided the most likely material
to use would be a hair from the greatest individuals he knew. Galadriel Artanis was most upset to be awakened from a nap when he plucked a hair from her
head. Some of the Elves from the mallorn grove have complained about the branches he cut from one of their trees, yesterday he managed to get away with
a whisker from my beard, and now his friend Livwen’s mother is demanding the return of her broom!”
ROTFL! Oh, hilarious! Yes, two very different worlds collide and interesting things happen! Hahaha! Wonder what Bilbo's reaction to all this would have been? I love it!
Author's reply
I so enjoyed playing with this idea, which I indulged in one day after I reread "The Sorceror's Stone" in Spanish! Heh!
Thanks so, my Lady. Am so glad it gave you some laughs!