Might Have Beens by Larner
harrowcat · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Wow, now that really was unexpected. Brilliant. I'm with Linda! This is crying out for continuing! *g*
Author's reply
Glad to have sparked the interest. And MAYBE one day I'll follow through on it--maybe. But there's no telling now.
Andrea · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Wow! That was most unexpected, indeed! Not Frodo or Boromir, that would have been too obvious! For a second I thought Aragorn might have taken the Ring. But Celeborn? Oh my! And Galadriel would have had to fight against her own husband...
Author's reply
Yes--it totally changes the dynamics of the story, doesn't it? No, not one of the expected ones--not this time. And the thought of Galadriel having such a confrontation to face is a difficult one.
Kitty · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Had wondered until it was revealed who could be the traitor, but I didn’t guess it. Who would suspect the noble elven lord, after all? But he had certainly the opportunity to get to Frodo, who would not expect this from Celeborn. That is another image that left me shuddering – Celeborn with It, holding Frodo and Aragorn (and obviously the twins, too) hostage, orcs overrunning Lórien, its people on the run ... horrible. *SO* glad it didn’t happen! That said, I loved your use of the eagles here, rescuing not only Gandalf, as we already know, but the elves and the rest of the Fellowship as well. And even if I'm not sure I truly want to know, it's another interesting scenario to ponder how this little change might have changed everything. Btw, „including the four Hobbits“ is confusing me a bit. Shouldn’t it be „the other three Hobbits“? If Celeborn helds Aragorn hostage and Aragorn is restraining Frodo, he can’t have been rescued by the eagles. Or did I misunderstand something? Another great but disturbing ficlet!
Author's reply
In this case Aragorn is held hostage, and the twins are seeking to restrain Frodo within Imladris. Otherwise there would be no chance for those in Rivendell to offer him lembas to help him fight the Ring-born lust and the near-madness it's engendering in him. As I stated, this was a most unexpected betrayal; but in AUs it's always fun to explore the possibilities, no matter how unlikely. Glad it worked.
lwarren · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Oh. No. Most unexpected... linda ((what bribe would you take to continue this timeline??? :-) ))
Author's reply
Yes, intentionally unexpected for everyone. As for a bribe? You think I'd stoop to a bribe? (Actually, I might, of course....) Heh!
Telpethoron · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
Interesting - like Pearl, I thought Galadriel might be the 'betrayer', since she had been tempted by the Ring once before. To think that one small event can change so many things - what would have happened had Boromir or Faramir taken the Ring from Frodo? Or if Aragorn hadn't met the hobbits at the Prancing Pony? Great job, Larner, as always!
Author's reply
In this case Galadriel remained true; but what of the husband who had dwelt so long in her shadow, as it were? And it only takes one small change to set up a totally different set of dynamics. And this is the purpose of this set of AUs--to examine how small changes just might have made for a completely different story.
Dreamflower · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
I was thinking it was Galadriel herself, who had not resisted the offer Frodo made her! It was quite a shock when I realized who it actually was! A very shuddersome AU!
Author's reply
Yes, a most shuddersome of AUs. And who would have suspected such a move? Thanks for the feedback.
Pearl Took · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 3: Betrayal Most Unexpected
This is awesome, Larner!! That Celeborn would take and claim the ring . . . just plain awesome! Wow!
Author's reply
An unexpected turn of events indeed. Am most pleased this has evoked such reactions so early! Thanks for the feedback.
Elemmírë · 6 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
OH MY! Now there's a unique AU take for you! Shame on Lotho!!! I really enjoyed the Ring's "conversation" with Lotho. It was very fitting amd entirely believable for one such as he. That's also an interesting concept--that in Its' desire to return to Its' master, the One Ring, would go so far as to influence Lotho and his future behaviors as you suggested in another review. The Ring plays upon the desire for Power, a trait which Lotho no doubt already posessed, but perhaps this was expressed more fully in him after encountering Frodo (who carried it with him always). It certainly makes a great case for Lotho's own involvement in the Time of Troubles. ~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Yes, Lotho managed to bring much on himself, and what more he might have done had he managed to steal the Ring in such a manner as this is fascinating to contemplate. We know that both Lotho and Saruman entertained similar lust for power and apparently for vengeance against those they saw as having deprived them of what they wanted. The Sackville-Bagginses as a family appear to have rehearsed again and again how they, not Frodo, DESERVED Bag End; and now having it and the support of Sharkey's folks Lotho tries to take over the entire Shire. It only made sense to me that this combination of desire for power with a feeling of entitlement and a desire to get back at all slights, real and imagined, would draw the Ring's attention to both, and perhaps draw them together, particularly if the Ring's own personality tended to be vengeful. Gollum won't leave his cavern and pool? Abandon him! Frodo won't pay attention to the lasses and indulge himself in abusing them? Shut down his natural sexual urges--geld him emotionally! And attract the attention of those who might cause enough mayhem to draw attention once the Nazgul get here! So glad you appreciate the logic behind this story. Thanks for the feedback.
Linda Hoyland · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
What a fascinating idea for an AU !I fear had Lotho had the Ring, Sauron would be ruling in triumph !
Author's reply
That is a distinct possibility, although how Iluvatar might have picked up the pieces might have been even more wonderful than what we got in the book! But I swear I'm not getting caught up on writing still ANOTHER longer story right now. (Larner holds off the plot bunnies and nuzguls with ears on with her trusty Bic lighter--no, wait, that's--that's a pen! Oh, no--they see it not as a threat but as an invitation! Help!!!!)
Antane · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Good description of Lotho - ick - can't believe I actually read a story about him. But this is intriguing as to what happens next when Frodo discovers his ring (not yet knowing it's *the* Ring) is missing - I wonder if its evil helped turn Lotho into who he was. Hmm... Happy 4th! God bless America!! Namarie, Antane :)
Author's reply
I suspect that the Ring did have something to do with Lotho turning out as he did. It was able to touch Saruman by that time, at least, and he was forty days southward walking, remember. As for Frodo and his knowledge of the Ring's nature--by this time he KNOWS it's Sauron's Ring--that was why he sold Bag End, having decided the best thing to do would be to get as close to the eastern borders of the Shire as possible in order to make a quick getaway once it was time to do so. So, once he realized the Ring was gone, what do you think he would have done? I think he'd realize it was important to get the Ring back as quickly as possible, and he'd have a good idea the perp had to be Lotho, Lobelia, or Ted Sandyman. How do you think he'd try to regain possession of it. Also, the Ring-lust was already on him, we know. How would it have manifested itself? Yes, food for thought, and may your fireworks be delightful!
Agape4Gondor · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 1: An Enemy Made
Oh Larner - I truly think Sam would have made it - like pulling a stubborn, rose bush suffocating, weed from a garden. He was made of incredibly strong stuff. As for Namo - I was privileged to have Fiondil write a Namo story about 'My Sword Sings' that was just chilling! Namo does not like 'bad' people, cruel people... Called Retribution.... http://www.storiesofarda.com/chapterlistview.asp?SID=5438
Author's reply
Oh, I read Fiondil's story based on My Sword Sings and loved it. But how Sam might have recovered would be the interesting part to examine, I think. And I doubt he would have disliked Sam Gamgee. So glad you see him as indeed made of strong stuff--I agree.
Kitty · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Larner, that was rather chilling. Lotho stealing the Ring ... I started thinking about the consequences and very fast decided I truly don't want to look into this scenario too deep. It simply doesn't bear thinking *shudder* Nonetheless, it's an interesting ficlet. Loved the different voices talking to him - only a pity he listened to the wrong one. An orc in all but body, indeed! Very apt description. And it was so typical of Lotho to be offended because he didn't get the holes in the Row, too (if he had wanted it, he'd have paid more attention to the contract!), and for only the money he paid for Bag End alone. Plus, to sneak in and steal ... one can see this all happen only too well - save I'd prefer him to steal something different, for obvious reasons.
Author's reply
Yes, it doesn't bear contemplating well, does it? Just think what it would have been like once the Black Riders got into the Shire--they would have found him in a heartbeat and he wouldn't have had the willpower to resist them, I don't think! And he DID listen to the wrong Voice. I suspect that Lotho had written his own sales agreement giving himself ownership of the holes on the Row as well as Bag End as well as making himself family head for the Bagginses, and was surprised to find Frodo (and Brendi) did things differently. The problem with those who would be villains is that usually they can't imagine any other manner of doing things or understanding things other than from their own point of view, and responding to their own motivations and urges. It's the sign of the small person to be that self-centered.
Agape4Gondor · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Nice job!
Author's reply
Thanks, Agape. Glad this Might Have Been didn't happen! Heh!
Agape4Gondor · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 1: An Enemy Made
Chilling - but well-written. Not such a stretch of the imagination, unfortunately. And I like what Elrond said about Sam. *shudders in grief*
Author's reply
Yes, indeed chilling, and just one small detail going different somewhat early on. And I do believe Sam would have become remarkably formidable. The questions to answer would be: would he survive the Sammath Naur? I personally have my doubts. how would anyone--Aragorn, Namo, or whomever, deal with the aftermath? One person has written some drabbles dealing with this scenario that are VERY angsty. Poor Sam!
Queen Galadriel · 3 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
An orc in all but body. I really must congratulate you on that one; what an apt description! Yet it's sad, too, in a way, to think of one of the Shirefolk fitting such a description...though Lotho unquestionably does. The miserable wretch! But this, too, is sad: It is dangerous, child--very dangerous. He understands It--you do not. Let him take back the burden before It takes you. He won’t blame you--but once you take It away from his influence you will lose whatever personal will you have ever had. There was no real contest in the end--Lotho slipped out of the door, closing it as quietly as he could, and ran to the side gate and through it, fled down the steps and toward Hobbiton, one hand jammed into his jacket pocket where he held in it the Ring he’d just stolen--not realizing he himself had just been commandeered. That makes twice I've ever felt pity for Lotho Sackville-Baggins (the other time being after reading Gamgee Fest's marvelous "A Tale That Grew in the Telling.") But I am *very* glad this didn't happen! (Though it does arouse a kind of morbid curiosity to see where it would lead if it had. No, please don't pay any attention to it!) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Ooh, yes--that was quite the story as well! Pity for Lotho is hard to accept in oneself, but I've found I felt it learning he'd been murdered by Wormtongue on Sharkey's orders. But you can't say Lotho didn't have the chance and warning not to continue on as he did. Yes, a lovely morbid curiosity we tend to have, you know!
Grey Wonderer · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
They deserved one another and in some ways it is just too bad that they didn't get one another. You always make me think and that is only a small part of what I love about your writing! : )
Author's reply
I make people think? Well, another sign I must be doing SOMETHING right! So, you think that Lotho and the Ring deserve each other? Personally I can't see ANYONE deserving that Ring! (I shudder!)
Baggins Babe · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Ugh! Now I have the shudders! That would have been a disaster for all of Middle-earth. Thank goodness that it didn't happen. "An orc in all but body....2 Yes, that describes Lotho's nature. He would have been an all-too-perfect tool for Sauron I fear.
Author's reply
I'm shuddering, too, and I wrote it! Heh! Yes, the presence of the Ring within the Shire and Hobbiton probably affected Lotho; but had It gotten him--it would have been sheer disaster!
Armariel · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Ooooooooo baaad naughty Lotho! I can just see you hunched over the ring and stroking it and murmuring "My Preciousssss".......oh but what unthinkable catastrophe would have come about! Now there's a "might have been" that thankfully never was! Brilliant! *applauds* ~~~~{~@*~*^*~*@~}~~~~
Author's reply
Ooh, unfortunately I suspect you are all too right. Lotho is definitely a match for Smeagol for corruptibility to begin with; and he undoubtedly would have made the transformation far more quickly had he actually gotten his hands on the thing. *Bowing*
harrowcat · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Ooh, Woah! *shivers* All too plausible!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Harrowcat--WAY too plausible. As I said above, I'm shuddering, too, and I WROTE it!
SurgicalSteel · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
An all too-accurate description of Lotho: an Orc in all but body. I've a feeling that the Ring would've found Its way back to Its Master's hand all too quickly. *shudders*
Author's reply
It's interesting to see how all the players in this story would have scrambled into new positions had this happened. Glad you agree with the description. Thanks for the feedback.
Telpethoron · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
This is one of those things I love about AU stories - change one small detail, and it's like watching a ripple expand in a pond. How different things could have been had Lotho taken possession of the Ring - the Scouring of the Shire might have happened much sooner than it did.
Author's reply
Yes, things would have been VERY different; it would have been a contest to see whether Frodo or the Black Riders got to Lotho first; and who knows what would have happened once the Nazgul got into the Shire, much less Saruman's bully boys. The Scouring of the Shire at the beginning instead of the end? Indeed a scary thought!
Andrea · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
WOW!!! (Note the Capital Letters!) I can very well imagine that it might have been like that, had Lotho had a chance to steal the Ring. And like Queen Galadriel I very much appreciated the Voice of Iluvatar here. Lotho did not heed it, though! He's that self-centered that he even did not notice what the Ring called *him*: an orc in all but body. And as I said before: Lotho did not take the Ring, It took him! If this really had happened the future of Middle Earth would have been darker than dark! And Lotho's life would have been over, in one way or another.
Author's reply
Whether or not Lotho knew what orcs are is a question to be answered--he'd know the term goblin, I'd think; but "orc" is from the Elvish and might be foreign to his experience. But he must have realized it wasn't a flattering comparison. So glad you also appreciated seeing the Voice of Iluvatar here--I think that Lotho would have received some kind of warning--or at least I'd feel it only fair that he do so. But--he's Lotho, and he's not likely to listen to Iluvatar any more than to his conscience, which he learned to ignore years ago. It certainly would have drastically changed the story, though!
Dreamflower · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
Oh, scary! This is truly scary!
Author's reply
I agree--VERY scary thought, Lotho with the Ring and the Black Riders already on their way! (Shuddering mightily!)
Daynawayna · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 2: Stolen
again with the Wow factor! I just LOVE this line: What? Oh--yes--oh, I see you. I’ve felt you. Yes, an orc in all but body. Yes, you will do--you will do nicely. W O W. That spoke volumes right there! I'm SO GLAD Lotho didn't get it! Wonderful Might have Been, Larner! More more more! :) (and maybe a happier one please? LOL) Dayna
Author's reply
Obviously that line struck chords in a number of folks. And I'm also glad this is but a "Might Have Been" and not what really happened. As for more--let's see which plot bunny attacks next!
Frodo Baggins · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 1: An Enemy Made
wow! This was so sad! I'm glad this is just a might of been, too. But then again, Sauron may have been defeated quicker had Sam been like that. Of course, the Ring could have taken hold of him easier because of that anger and fury. Well, hantanyel, my friend. Great story, albeit sad. Namarie, God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
One day I just MIGHT try writing out this scenario, but NOT right now. Glad it caught your attention, and good to hear from you! Thanks for the feedback.