Antane
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 23: Crossing Over
So passes the two great lights of Middle-earth and the West. Of course Frodo would be there to meet him at the top of the stairs. That's a lovely image - reaching Heaven that way. Nothing wrong with embracing chastity - it would be nice if more did, at least until they married and for love. But Sam has his head on straight as far as the other stuff goes, knowing the difference between having sex which he never did in his life and making love which he knew quite well. God bless them.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, I'll miss writing this universe! I'm feeling a little like when I watched RotK in the theater for the last time......or did I mention that already? Or like I imagine the cast and crew members must have felt like when it was all over and done with....NOW what??
Actually what Sam meant was that he thought people weren't meant to embrace chastity for life. I figured that to a down-to-earth hobbit that would be a totally foreign concept, unnatural and just a bit silly. And to one who has been married a long time and fathered 13 children it would be just slightly unthinkable. To a female maybe it's a whole different matter, especially in an era where birth control hadn't been invented yet. One might well be afraid of life, considering all that it entails and all the risks involved. There's no guarantee that everything is going to be all peachy. But the only alternative would be to stand on the sidelines and watch others, or to die young. Sam, being a "natural man" of sorts, opted for life.
Thanks so much for your support and feedback, Dearie--means a great deal to me!
blessings & cheer
Armariel
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Neilia
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 23: Crossing Over
*Sigh* This is the end chapter of a most beautiful story. It compliments and completes your others perfectly. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
And thank YOU for your lovely comments, Neilia. I've greatly enjoyed my time in this universe and will miss writing in it....I've a new story in the offing but it's completely different and unrelated!
Thanks again!
hugs
Armariel
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Neilia
· 15 November 2007
· Chapter 999999: Family, Friends, and Subsequent Generations
Thank you for this list. Sure makes it easier to track everyone.
Author's reply
You're welcome! It helped me in the beginning to keep straight which kid went to what family and so forth, so that I wasn't just having to throw out random names and then try to remember who belonged to whom later on. I read that every writer should do this, and found it to be sound advice.
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Larner
· 14 November 2007
· Chapter 23: Crossing Over
And so it is that peace has taken the three of them, singly, yet not alone, not any of them.
May the joy of having known them continue to bless all who did so until the second breaking of the world, as they realize no time at all has passed since they saw them last.
Thank you, Armariel, and may roses bloom ever for you.
Author's reply
Awwww what a sweet thing to say *blush*
Now it's all over and done with...I feel a little like when I saw RotK in the theater for the last time, I was like, NOW what??? I will soooo miss this universe! I've another story in the offing but it's entirely different. Oh well, life does go on....
Thanks so much Larner for R&R! Your comments mean a lot to me. May fragrant violets spring from your footsteps:):):):)
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Larner
· 12 November 2007
· Chapter 22: Treasures and Divine Gifts
Yes, tear-drops as gems, gems as tear-drops, and a life finally receives its last shaping stroke, last polishing; rings its last note, and is complete and whole and fully individual.
A pleasure of the most aching kind for them all. But it will not be long--it never is, no matter how long it takes.
Beautiful imagery.
Author's reply
Yes...his time is done, his work is finished, and he has left his mark on his world...now it remains for Sam and Anemone to follow....
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing!
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Antane
· 12 November 2007
· Chapter 22: Treasures and Divine Gifts
So he has become the glass filled with clear light that Gandalf foresaw at Rivendell. It's bittersweet, but much more sweet than bitter - I should have known you would give him a beautiful death since I can't really imagine him having anything other and he is in the middle with his two treasures - and surrounded at the picnic by all others so dear - how very generous that his beloved wife would even now be willing to allow Sam the last moments alone with their joint dearest one and how wonderful that he is spending it with both of them. This is another thing that entering Middle-earth has taught me - that death is not to be feared but embraced joyfully. Frodo's description of the world beyond sounds wonderful and I love his teasing of Sam being a slowpoke and his saying he'll be there waiting. I'm surprised that Sam's heart can take another parting but by now he'll know that Frodo's always going to be with him no matter what. I look forward - can you imagine me saying that after all my protest that our dear can't die - to next chapter because of how beautiful this one has been. Hantanyel!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Sam's heart can well take the parting since he knows it will not be so long until they will be reunited never to part again. His job is now to help the others who will not follow, at least not soon...and when his own time comes he'll be only too glad to go.
But what am *I* going to do now? Oh, I do have another story in the offing but it's entirely unrelated to this one...I am soooo gonna miss this universe!!! *sniff*
Thanks so much for reading and reviewing--your comments mean a lot to me!
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Larner
· 11 November 2007
· Chapter 21: "It will come gently"
Yes, for Frodo it will come gently; and he will not go alone and unnoticed, but surrounded by the greatest of love and prayers, and will shine from his Father's arms as he looks back in thanksgiving and delight, prepared to welcome those who follow after.
And in that timelessness he will never feel parted from them.
Author's reply
And so the light will not go out as some feared. They will keep it going for his sake and for their own.....
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Larner
· 11 November 2007
· Chapter 20: What the Beacon Knew
He feels it coming and is ready, and wishes now to follow Bilbo, even in his footsteps, apparently. The time is right, and he is ready; now, for the rest to allow him to give over in joy, to know the grief at the loss and the delight at the time they were allowed to know him.
Author's reply
Yes, I was certain he would want to go out like Bilbo and have all his friends and loved ones gathered together one last time so that he might steep himself in their love and esteem before taking his final leave of them. And he'll want to see them making merry and having a good time...and maybe even take care of a few loose ends...
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Antane
· 10 November 2007
· Chapter 20: What the Beacon Knew
Love that extra stanza/addition to the song. I think as much as Sam loves having Frodo 'all to himself' that maybe Frodo should now start sleeping in the middle of his treasures because time is so short. How loving of his dear wife to still give Sam the gift of those nights alone, though. Oh, don't die! Or all of them die at once or something. Dear me, how hard it's going to be.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The bed might get rather crowded;) but at any rate they're taking turns and they're all together in the daytime. And will make the most of the time they have left. Yes, I did consider having them all three go at once, but thought better of it...it will be hard enough for the others losing one, let alone three of their loved ones all at once. There should be some to remain behind to comfort the others, as the second stanza expresses.
But yes, very hard! For those who will be left behind, recovery from grief is never an easy road, even when they know their beloved will be in good hands.
hugs
Armariel
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Antane
· 10 November 2007
· Chapter 21: "It will come gently"
I don't want it to come at all, but yes, please gently, as a mother would lift her child - or a Father his. Love the idea of him at his prayer-rock and connecting with his Father there. Oh, this isn't going to be easy for anyone, is it? But what a nice tribute to a beloved husband. Is Sam going to write his own I wonder or will he follow as he always has? No need to answer yet, but just with the next chapter.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
All I can say is...we'll see:) Glad you like the poem. Got a bit teary as it was dictated to me by the spirit of Anemone;)
hugs
Armariel
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Larner
· 9 November 2007
· Chapter 19: Mercy and Justice
I can certainly appreciate how Sam sees Saruman and Grima in these two. And I'm glad that Frodo is feeling better, and ready to go home for the moment.
Alas that Sam must feel this anxiety for his friend, knowing it is natural and to be expected, yet not knowing precisely when and how.
As for Amaryllis and her "rags"--the girl needs some PERSPECTIVE! Heh!
Author's reply
Frodo is a little better for the time being...but, yes, it won't be long now...his time draws nearer. And Amaryllis is indicative of the fact that life, indeed, does go on.....and she will prove a comfort to her parents when the big moment does come, hopefully........
Larner
· 2 November 2007
· Chapter 18: Monsters
Alas, that she would wish such a thing! It is horrible that she would wish to see them suffer that way--understandable, but horrible. I doubt Elrond would countenance that, but what is done with them will be what they need, I would hope.
A grief to learn they've been so horrible over such a time. Am glad Ionwe is free of their influence and grieves for what he's done in the past.
Author's reply
Alas, that she would wish such a thing! It is horrible that she would wish to see them suffer that way--understandable, but horrible. I doubt Elrond would countenance that, but what is done with them will be what they need, I would hope.
Actually I don't think she actually wants to SEE it...although she may think she does. Guess it's a little like the movie The Green Mile in which a murderer unexpectedly gets a punishment befitting his crime, and his victims' family is transfixed in horror (I won't give away too many details in case you haven't seen it, and if you haven't, I heartily recommend it) at the spectacle. I don't think there's any way Elrond will allow it...and perhaps she can be talked out of it...we'll just see. Although anyone who tries to talk her out of it will certainly have their work cut out for 'em!
A grief to learn they've been so horrible over such a time. Am glad Ionwe is free of their influence and grieves for what he's done in the past.
Yes...it was a bit of a challenge in differentiating bad guys: Ionwe was a moderately bad boy who came to see the error of his ways and turned from them. Istuion was an ordinary, basically decent boy who fell in with bad companions, and couldn't manage to escape the past. Raegbund is a very bad boy who sometimes, deep down, wishes he weren't quite so bad, but lacks the strength of will to turn away. Beleg is a very, very bad boy who thoroughly relishes his badness and has no wish whatsoever to turn away, and could be very dangerous indeed if he were a little more intelligent. Not sure how they all dropped into the story, but there they are.
And thanks for commenting Larner!
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Antane
· 31 October 2007
· Chapter 17: An End and a Beginning
Oh dear, don't die yet! Sam will be right as always in that our treasure will linger but it's going to be hard no matter what.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I won't let him go off TOO soon...what the heck would *I* do then? I don't want it to end either.......
hugs
Armariel
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Larner
· 30 October 2007
· Chapter 17: An End and a Beginning
Yes, our Frodo will linger as he can, and then let go gracefully. Glad Sam is there for the family.
Author's reply
I hope Sam will be helpful in smoothing the way for the inevitable...in the meantime Frodo will continue to be Frodo....as best as he can!
hugs
Armariel
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Larner
· 28 October 2007
· Chapter 16: What Amaryllis Smelled
Ah! Cliffhanger! So glad Frodo's benign influence is so readily accepted by animals and people!
Author's reply
Yesssss...as long as the baddies remain unaware that they are being influenced...ahem..............
Anonymous
· 26 October 2007
· Chapter 15: Needle in a Haystack
And Sam was happy to have Mister Frodo to hisself at night, though at the same time feeling a trifle guilty to be doing Anemone out of a husband. But she pointed out that Tilwen was being done out of a husband also, and would have to sleep alone for a while, if Anemone didn’t keep her company. She couldn’t very well do such a thing to her best friend, now could she? she said with twinkling eyes. Sometimes such accommodations had to be made. Sam smiled so gratefully at her
And I add my own smile. :)
Like the chapter ending of the last one too. Love Sam's suggestion that turning the stopper on the phial would be like turning up the volume and Frodo's response. Sounded possible to me though even if Frodo laughed fondly. :)
Thanks also for that link re: Golden Compass, I already knew it was bad news but am glad that others now of it also, hopefully the news will get out far and wide.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
More than glad to give you as many smiles as possible! Just couldn't resist the bit with the phial stopper....
I'd never heard of the Golden Compass until my sis sent the email to me. I don't usually pass those thing along if I'm not familiar with the movie/book/whatever, especially if it comes with a self-righteous and threatening message attached ("If you don't boycott this/pass this along, then you don't love Jesus etc. etc."), but this time, since no one appeared to be trying to guilt us into it, and seemed to be giving us credit for having enough brains to decide for ourselves what to do about it, I felt a need to send out the word. Certainly doesn't sound like anything I'd take kids to see, at least not without checking it out for myself first! I seriously doubt it will be a success; anti-religious movies rarely if ever are. You'd think they would catch on to that sooner or later......
hugs
Armariel
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Larner
· 26 October 2007
· Chapter 15: Needle in a Haystack
It's becoming quite the situation. Love that we're seeing a good deal of Sam's thoughts here, and that Frodo's using Starglas GPS to find the creeps. Now, to find out what Anemone's idea is....
Author's reply
Sam has clearly started taking over the story, as he did in RotK, but that's all right, I'm more than pleased to let him have his way! Starglas GPS, LOL...I'm such a tech dork, didn't know what that was till I looked it up. Saw one in a taxicab in NYC recently but didn't know what it was called, I just thought of it as a "map viewing thingy" or something like that (MVT? heheh)...well yes, nice that Frodo owns one! Should come in handy.
OK then! We'll see....soon I hope!
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Larner
· 24 October 2007
· Chapter 14: Flights of Stairs
He's felt the touch of Peace in his soul, the Light of Beauty and warmth of Love.
I so hope they are able to bring Beleg and his friend to justice without hurting them or any others, and so give them the hope of redemption as well.
Author's reply
He's felt the touch of Peace in his soul, the Light of Beauty and warmth of Love.
Oh yes...by way of the Eternal Feminine, just as Frodo was....This scene was somewhat inspired by a song on a Celtic CD I have; the words are in Gaelic and I've only a vague idea what they mean, but it's so beautiful and peaceful and mystical...something about a girl by a fountain. Odd the things that will provide ideas sometimes.
I so hope they are able to bring Beleg and his friend to justice without hurting them or any others, and so give them the hope of redemption as well.
Perhaps so....I'd thought probably there would be a bit of bloodshed but maybe I have a better idea after all...........and thanks once more for commenting!
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Larner
· 21 October 2007
· Chapter 13: Northlight's Dog
Another totally brought to the light as a result of Frodo's presence. Lovely!
And love the stone dog guarding the terrace. Heh!
Author's reply
Another totally brought to the light as a result of Frodo's presence. Lovely!
Couldn't very well let the story go by without that, now could we?;)
And love the stone dog guarding the terrace. Heh!
That doggie may well become one of my favorite OC's...lolol
Antane
· 20 October 2007
· Chapter 13: Northlight's Dog
I didn’t expect you to give him your glass…even though it’s just like you to do it.
I didn't expect it either, but yep, that's *is* just like our and Sam's treasure. Indeed worth crossing the Seas for and very true about Sam's words about being brave and Anemone saying Sam is not afraid of anything - how he is loved by Frodo's family because Frodo loves him so - and Frodo's proud smile. And Sam gets Frodo 'all to himself' again. Just had to say that. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And thank you for saying it--along with all the rest!
xoxox
Armariel
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Antane
· 19 October 2007
· Chapter 12: What the Darkness Revealed
Cute that when Sam can't sleep with one half of his heart, he can with the other - or at least a doll verison of it, just as Frodo slept with Sam-doll. I think they will go together still.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Was it the doll-maker's elf-magic, or the healing power of love? Oh yes. Well, maybe they'll go together, maybe separately--haven't really made up my mind yet. I like this sort of writing because you don't necessarily have to know exactly what's going to happen, you can change things and fix things along the way, and readers give you ideas. So we'll just have to see how it turns out....
Good to see you back again. Hope the book is going well.
hugs & cheers
Armariel
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Larner
· 19 October 2007
· Chapter 12: What the Darkness Revealed
That wish of Frodo's would indeed be startling to Sam, who never wanted anyone but Rosie, I think.
And now Ionwe has come? Excellent. And I think he will find now the redemption he needs.
Poor Amaryllis, starting to appreciate the intricacies of mortality! She will miss her grandfather, but will find him there with her everywhere she goes, every time she opens herself to him and Eru.
Author's reply
That wish of Frodo's would indeed be startling to Sam, who never wanted anyone but Rosie, I think.
Yes...although, who knows what COULD happen.....
And now Ionwe has come? Excellent. And I think he will find now the redemption he needs.
Perhaps so, perhaps so......we shall soon see, precioussss.....
Poor Amaryllis, starting to appreciate the intricacies of mortality! She will miss her grandfather, but will find him there with her everywhere she goes, every time she opens herself to him and Eru.
It will be traumatic to lose him, and a growth experience...but yes, he will live on in her heart and mind. And within all those around her whose lives he touched and changed.:)
Larner
· 7 October 2007
· Chapter 11: Portraits in Eternity
Silly Elves! Chasing fads or clinging to the past--either way is foolish, but endearing.
And I love Sam's response to the mosaics.
Author's reply
I figured the Fourth Age would surely bring about new stuff, even among Elves. But there would always be a class of them who would protest, and fear the forgetting of the past, once the dangers of war and invasion etc. were gone, people would be so busy embracing new things that they might forget their origins and scorn their elders as being dull and hidebound. Well, it happens! That's the trouble with having a little too much peace and safety....Well, such is life!
And of course Sam would be touched at the esteem in which people held him even before they met him in the flesh, and at the way Frodo devoted himself to acquainting his adopted people with his friend, to ease his arrival into the new world.
Thanks for reviewing!
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Larner
· 30 September 2007
· Chapter 10: Sundry Items of Gossip
Oh, so wonderful! No time to comment further.
Author's reply
Thanks for commenting at all! I wanted to do more, but my muse was thwarted by cold germs this weekend...oh well, maybe more soon!
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Antane
· 23 September 2007
· Chapter 9: A Fair and Wondrous Structure
Fair and wondrous indeed. Love that thought and that it was rebuilt, after being destroyed twice now. That is also a testament to Frodo's own strength. Pity Smeagol's house never was.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There had to be healing in the knowledge that the lessons and examples he taught to his own stepchildren did not go for naught, and the application of such would prove his own salvation. As for Smeagol...well, we'll see, precioussssss....:D
hugs
Armariel
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