Antane · 20 April 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
What a lovely ending! Hantanyel! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
The Farewell in Gondor by Larner
Reviews (58)
Antane · 20 April 2008 · Chapter 3: III
Oh, good, they made it and now they have the chance to say goodbye and also know their beloved treasure has a chance to heal and be happy again and indeed dance and sing with joy and not defiance. Love the idea of the four hobbits curled up with their dear and the strength and love that gave all of them and the confusion Sam had at first with the coin and being heir. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, they can say goodbye, and need to do so. And I think Sam and Rosie need Bag End--it needs a true family so much!
Antane · 20 April 2008 · Chapter 2: II
Ah, the agony of not knowing whether the choice was right for them to leave Frodo in Gondor while they returned home, the wondering if he was going to have a heart attack anyway, wouldn't it have been better if he had been by their sides these years? But how nice that perhaps Frodo was able to 'attend' the wedding. Your title seems to indicate that they will make it in time, but they don't know that. How real this tale is. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, they must wonder if they did the right things. I do suspect Frodo got to "see" the wedding, perhaps in the Palantir from Orthanc. Aragorn and he would have wished to share that as they could, I think! And you think it feels real? Thank you!
Antane · 20 April 2008 · Chapter 1: I
Finally getting to this. Of course Sam would know his heartbrother was in trouble. What a sad parting this will be and they have such a long way to go. Namarie, God bless, Antane
Author's reply
Yes, Sam would know, and prepare as well as he could. Thanks for the feedback!
Linda Hoyland · 13 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Author's Notes
This has been what a good AU ought to be,just changing one major detail and seeing where it leads,which are the type of AUs I read and enjoy.
Author's reply
I prefer to read such AUs myself. Thanks, Linda.
Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Author's Notes
Well, you got ahead of me in spite of my best efforts to keep up with this one, and I had to finish it in little bits. Tried to review a couple of times as I read, but my computer seemed to choose just those times to do something wacko (freeze up, shut down on it's own [one of its unique quirks it exhibits very occasionally], or something). There were so many little bits in Chapter III that went right to my heart, but what impressed me most was the atmosphere. You made me feel as though I was there--the quiet that always comes before such a departure, the sadness of it, the anxious waiting...and yet there was a touch of strange peace. I'm glad Frodo chose to go in the end, and just in time it seems, and that he left Bag End to Sam just the same anyway. It's fitting, I think, that Aragorn help Eglantine and Paladin to understand in Frodo's place, since he and Frodo were brothers in spirit and so alike in the ways that mattered here. I agree that things would have been better if Frodo had come home, both for him and for the Shire, but this was an interesting exploration all the same. And what a perfect way to end it with the moment of communion made possible by those three wonderful trees. Ironically, it was sickness that allowed me time to get on tonight. Some horrible little flulike thing that more or less physically incapacitated me for about three and a half days. I have schoolwork and homework that needs my attention soon, and I'll be even more dreadfully behind when I return on Thursday after a choral competition (for which I have no voice) tomorrow, but I guess you could say I'm not that good at resisting temptation right now. :) Oh well. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I had this all written before I started posting it, and was posting a chapter a couple times a week. As it wasn't particularly long it was up pretty quickly. Watching someone face death or a departure forever is never easy; that I was able to communicate the peace as well is heartening. The flu has hit here pretty heavily. I was never fully ill, but instead went through several weeks of just feeling crappy, but not enough to stop doing things. Good luck in the choral competition--sorry you have no voice, but I can certainly empathise. My voice is rough as well. So glad you had some excuse for reading tonight! And thanks for all the feedback. Am looking forward to more of your writing!
Agape4Gondor · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 4: IV
I absolutely rolled on the floor with laughter at Bard's concern about where Aragorn could stand (or sit) comfortably! And the fact that they found a chair big enough. These are great details!!!! It's a good thing Denethor's dead... I don't think he'd be too happy 'sharing' the Stewardship (bad enough he'd have to accept a king!) - even if the other kingdom is a gazillion miles away. I'm sure he'd think he could handle it! :-) Good chapter!
Author's reply
This was a joy to write. I'm certain Gerontius would have tried to have chairs apt to fit Gandalf during his visits; that someone would have unearthed one of them for Aragorn's use followed easily. As for Denethor--Oh, you're all to likely to be right! Heh! Thanks for the giggle!
Agape4Gondor · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Author's Notes
I was a little concerned (though this is an AU) with Aragorn disobeying his own law and entering the Shire. I think he stated that even he would not be allowed to step foot within the borders of the Shire??? I agree about the people of Gondor's compassion and love for Frodo! Really neat tale!
Author's reply
Aragorn did not officially instate that law about Men not entering the Shire until seven years after the quest according to the Tale of Years; both Dreamflower and I have him putting a temporary ban on a trial basis soon after he realizes the devastation wrought by Saruman's folk, with him officially ratifying the ban later at the proper time; but in actuality there was no proper ban in place at this time according to canon. Once he imposed the ban he would NOT enter the Shire, of course, except perhaps under the greatest of needs and with the greatest of secrecy. So it is that in "Go Out in Joy," which is also AU I have him already having put the temporary ban in place, and it takes the signs that the Valar wish him to do more for him to break his own ban. And I'm glad you agree about the love the folk of Gondor would have felt toward Frodo. And I thank you, Agape!
Agape4Gondor · 11 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
EXCELLENT CHAPTER!
Author's reply
So glad you like it, Agape! Have to have at least a moment of joy on Tol Eressea, after all, although you can thank Dreamflower for this chapter having been written. Thanks for the feedback!
Anonymous · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Author's Notes
"...without the blessing of the presence of the Ringbearer himself, the question remains as to whether or not the full gift would have been granted of so many truly blond children." I agreed with everything you wrote in your notes except for this line. I don't see ANY connection between Frodo's presence and the birth of many fair children. I've always thought of it as a sort of "magic" in the air, generated in part by the rebirth of the Shire physical landscape. Or if I think of it as a "gift" given to the Shire by those on high, then it was a gift from them to the entire Shire.
Author's reply
Definitely this can be debated! The blessing laid upon the Shire by the dust from Galadriel's garden and what blessings she laid on it; Sam's own blessing as he gave the left-over dust to the winds of the air; the resumption of general Hobbitish peace; a reward from the Powers for the task accomplished by three Hobbits--the Ringbearer, the Supportive Friend, the more primal Stoor who managed to actually see the Ring into the Fire.... I hope you allow me my own image of Frodo's own physical presence offering its own additional blessing. Thanks for the feedback.
Kitty · 9 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Author's Notes
Have to agree with you, Larner - people quarreling about the ownership of Bag End is a story I don't want to read for once, even if I am one of these who always want more stories than you can write. It was an interesting 'what if'-story, and I think you are more or less correct in your assumptions how Frodo staying in Gondor would have changed the end of the story. Thank you so much for this story!
Author's reply
Thanks so much for reading it and giving feedback, Kitty. That you feel that things would have gone similarly is reassuring, I find. Now, to keep working on my OTHER stories!
Linda Hoyland · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
What a beautiful ending! I love the way you linked the trees.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Linda! Yes, I think that those trees would have served ever as a link of sorts between those who loved one another and were separated by such distances.
Linda Hoyland · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 4: IV
Just beautiful.A very moving account of Frodo's departure.How typical of Aragorn to come himself!
Author's reply
Am so glad you think so, Linda. And in this case I believe Aragorn would have wished to see to it himself that Frodo's wishes were carried out. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Claudia · 6 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
What a beautiful story this was! So healing and gentle!
Author's reply
Thank you, Claudia. And a joyous March to you!
Kitty · 6 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
Ah, Larner, that was just perfect - the friends sensing each other and communicating by way of these trees! That counts more or less as happy end ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, in this case definitely a happy ending! And it is an easing to both sides, I think, to be aware that there is healing for those from whom each is separated.
Andrea · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
Beautiful epilogue! Once again you used the trees as a connection between the Shire, Gondor and Tol Eressea. That was a very special moment that was granted all of them. And it made all of them happy, I'm quite sure, even little Elanor who never had the chance before to communicate with her uncle Frodo. Last but not least I loved it that Bilbo called Frodo his "star-kissed lad"!
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea; and I do think Frodo ought to be able to somehow aware of Sam and so "meet" little Elanor. And am so glad that you appreciate Bilbo thinking of Frodo in this way!
cookiefleck · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
Sweet ending and an interesting AU idea. Thanks!
Author's reply
Thank you, Cookiefleck. These AUs do seem to be more frequent lately!
Lindelea · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
Aww, gulped this one down in haste this morning, not the way I would have preferred to read it, but young hobbits are due up at any moment and there will be no reading once they've bounced into the kitchen and the day's pandemonium begins. Very nicely done, as always, and the connection with the trees unique but somehow believable in the magic that is JRRT's world. It was lovely to see sorrow and loss turned to joy. Looking forward to seeing you! Have found a lovely place to take tea, would you have time, do you think?
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea. Yes, the pain is eased by the reassurance the others are able to be happy. And as these are the descendants of Laurelin and Telperion, wouldn't there be some awareness between them? It is so fitting with their beginnings. Do they have hot chocolate? Maybe on Maundy Thursday, then, if that's all right with you. Of course, I've not had my leave confirmed by my boss as yet....
Idril Celebrindal · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
Oh this chapter is wonderful, great idea to connect the trees! Idril
Author's reply
These are Elven trees, after all, and perhaps more sentient than their more common cousins. Am so glad that you appreciate it. Thank you, Idril.
Dreamflower · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
Ah! Larner this is just the perfect epilogue! I'm so glad you decided to use the White Tree in this way again--and how wonderful for the others to know and see that Frodo is truly healed! I really love the fact that all of your AUs seem to come together in the end, no matter how it is that Frodo leaves Middle-earth, they are all able to know that communion through the trees!
Author's reply
I do believe fully that "All things work to the good" as much as possible no matter what the initial choices, as long as we "let go and let God." And I do believe that there would be the need for reassurance on both sides of the Sea that the others prosper. Am so glad that you approve of the epilogue--and certainly it was due to you it was written. Thank you!
harrowcat · 5 March 2008 · Chapter 5: Epilogue
And I get to be first to review! Crying at work - again Larner! But happy tears though. It is great how things will work themselves out for the good. (Mum - Back home and only a little worse for the experience but with a pressure sore that is going to take another time healing! Dad - Had broncosopy and CT scan. now awaiting results. Jet - bouncy as usual and sends you a depp and loud WOOOOOOF!)
Author's reply
Crying at work once more? Oh, dear! And am glad this brought joyful tears this time. Another pressure sore! Poor thing! And am praying for the reports. And Yogi sends a bark Jet's way.
Claudia · 4 March 2008 · Chapter 4: IV
oh, I'm so relieved he sailed! (Frodo). Lovely chapter!
Author's reply
So glad you approve! Thanks, Claudia!
Andrea · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 4: IV
Larner, you are amazing! There I had thought, you would continue the story in Minas Tirith with Frodo struggling to make it to the ship. But you decided to continue in the Shire when the three travellers came home again - accompanied by the King himself! Wow! Beeing confronted with Aragorn, the elves and even Gloin Paladin and his wife could no longer deny the truth! At least this turn of events is an improvement to what would have happened, had Frodo returned to the Shire in the first place. I'm glad that Frodo made it to the ship and I believe he'll make it to Tol Eressea! Elrond's draughts are powerful indeed :) But the best part was at the very end of this chapter: “Can you forgive us, Pippin?” The first, rather watery, smile they’d seen on Pippin’s face that day lit his expression. “Oh, Da!” was his answer as, forgetting his dignity as one of the King’s own Guard, he hurried to throw his arms about the two of them. Lovely! Thank you very much!
Author's reply
I felt that this would best not be long and drawn out--only one more chapter, and then the author's notes, such as they might be by the time I post them. But who better than the King himself to counter the denial of Eglantine and Paladin Took? Am so glad you approve! And thank YOU.
cookiefleck · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 4: IV
Oh, I am happy for Pippin. :o) Your description of Frodo losing his privacy reminded me of nursing homes. They can't undo what's been done (Frodo not returning to the Shire earlier), but in hindsight I think it would have made Frodo's remaining time on M-e the more pleasant to know that he was *needed*, back in the Shire. We all need that, I think.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree--knowing that I'm not only needed but that my work is appreciated is all that keeps me in it! Frodo's being able to contribute to the life and recovery of the Shire was necessary to him, I'd think, in the time after the return; this way he was helpful to Aragorn, but must have felt helpless not being able to see his own land and people restored.
Kitty · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 4: IV
Today is my day of reviews, then – this is the twelfth, if I have counted correctly ... ;-) This week was too busy to get much reviewing done; never managed more than skimming the updates, if at all. Ah, good – you spared me another heart-rendering farewell, keeping it short enough that it was bearable with only a few tears and I did *not* end up crying my eyes out as usual. Though I am glad Aragorn got to say Goodbye properly this time, and not only he, but all the others as well. Ha, I got my wish another time – Aragorn visited the Shire! Yay! It’s great that he decided not to only send Lord Halladan into the Shire to convince Paladin and Eglantine, but to go himself. Frodo would have been so glad, had he known it! And these two truly could not deny anything any longer, after been told by the High King himself, with his foster brothers and Lord Glorfindel as further witnesses ... I absolutely love that!
Author's reply
Am so glad I didn't get everyone all soaking wet this time. Hee! And I, too, am glad that this time Aragorn did get to say his goodbyes properly, as well as the other, more relevant folk. And you're right--it's rather hard to disbelieve this kind of witness!