How wonderful that Frodo would know of all this and that he *was* there to see it! I don't blame him at all for being disappointed not to have the sense of Sam and Aragorn's presence but then he had that dream. The chapter beings so nicely, with memories being drawn out and that they are together. I had forgotten that Sam can hear Frodo's thoughts, but being the knitted souls that they are, no surprise and a nice touch here. Hantanyel for this story!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I think that before he passed from this life Frodo needed to learn what it all meant.
I'm not certain why Frodo as I see him loses so much of his ability to speak orally, and why he ends up turning so strongly to osanwe or telepathy; but it is something that just happened as I was writing "Filled with Light as with Water." That Sam would have no difficulty ever recognizing or understanding Frodo just fits, however!
Thanks so much!
shirebound
· 20 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
There’s light and water now
What a beautiful story. Getting Frodo's perspective on this special pilgrimage really is wonderful. (And I love the detail of Sam only bringing out the things he'd brought with him one by one, drawing out the storytelling and the sharing.)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like Frodo's ideas on the subject. He needs to appreciate just where this lake has formed, after all, and that the others would wish to do their best to follow him as they can, even so long after the original event.
And don't you think these two would particularly wish to sustain the memories, particularly as the days pass, not glutting themselves too much after the first few heady days of reunion? Thank you so much, Shirebound!
Celeritas
· 19 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Oh, wow, I only just got the "Passover" reference... *facepalm*
Thank you for your rather spirited defense to my snappish remark in last chapter's review! You're quite justified in how you're approaching this.
And Eressea epilogues are always lovely. I think I was most touched by the idea of Frodo becoming rather irritable as he watched for signs of his former life and wasn't getting any, lol! It seems very in character.
Thank you for this wonderful fic!
Author's reply
Okay--now you understand, and perhaps the last little piece will click in once I put up the author's notes, probably on Monday or Tuesday, depending on when I resurface after this weekend with a little bit of energy--this working a fourteen-hour shift on Saturdays is starting to get to me!
I do believe Frodo needed to feel he wasn't totally alone from time to time, and I do think he would become anxious not to share with folks at a time when he usually does so! And thank YOU for taking the time to read this and letting me know how you experience it! I am honored!
Agape4Gondor
· 19 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Lovely. A perfect epilogue to a perfect story.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Agape--I am truly honored!
Dreamflower
· 19 June 2009
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Aww...it's over. I'd have loved to see the rest of their journey.
But this was a lovely Epilogue. I especially liked Frodo's shudder at the thought of Pippin being Thain! It *is* so hard to think of those we knew as children all grown up and undertaking mighty responsibilities.
I also liked the way he described his petulance when he couldn't find his friends under the White Tree! And his amazement when he discovered where the pictured lake was!
Perhaps at some future time, you can tell us a little more about the journey, though!
Author's reply
Maybe I'll look at the return journey at some future time, but I wanted to focus primarily on the lake and the meanings it had already garnered and then went on to garner further.
And it is so difficult to accept that those we've known as children do grow up. I remember the first time I heard the name of a most gifted child I once taught in second grade announced as one of the new announcers on our news talk station for the region. There can't be two such people with that particular name! I wonder if he remembers the teacher he once had while he was in second grade? For Frodo, it must have continued to be a bit of a shock each time he heard or saw the name of a child and heard the experiences of a wife and mother, husband and father, and even at times a grandparent! For him there's been this timelessness, but out there the children have grown to adulthood without him!
And I do think so he'd have often felt anxious and perhaps a bit ignored when he felt he'd gone too long without some reassurance that the others cared. And to realize he'd seen the remains of Orodruin, only now it's seen as a sacred place--that would have to create some special cognitive dissonance!
Thanks so very much, Dreamflower!
Celeritas
· 17 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
This was lovely, to read of the transformation in the landscape.
I am of course curious as to how much the characters (especially hobbits) would actually know of the Powers, or discuss them, given how little we hear about them in canon. But that visitation at the end of the chapter was golden!
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Celeritas.
Okay--who were those who owned copies of the Red Book, including Bilbo and Frodo's translations from the Elvish? And who is said in the Appendices to have gone to Rivendell when it was under the control of the twins to study in its library?
Although I'm reasonably certain what little Merry and Pippin knew of Elvish cosmology was reasonably superficial at the time of the quest, I cannot imagine either of them agreeing to living in ignorance of what little was known of the Undying Lands and who was known to live there once Frodo left with the other Ringbearers. It would be important for all of them to understand Frodo's choice and the reasons and hoped-for benefits he should know as a result of going to Tol Eressea. And, having access of sorts to Elrond's sons, probably Glorfindel and Celeborn, as well as Aragorn and Arwen and Legolas, I'd expect them all to develop excellent appreciation of the Powers over time.
Their experiences outside the Shire I would expect managed to take what they'd thought of as the equivalent of fairy stories and make it plain they were histories. Nothing like a dose of reality to help one appreciate the true nature of those stories.
lizstephen@btinternet.com
· 16 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
What a truly wonderful scene, Larner, and so very fitting that this place should now be filled with water and light. The white tree, even if it isn't a proper white tree is a lovely touch.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Liz. Perhaps not a proper White Tree--or maybe it is! It's fun to speculate on!
Again, thank you!
harrowcat
· 15 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
And so, another white tree grows for the renewing of the land. And Frodo is there with those he loves.
You made me think of Lourdes with the new stream of water.
And Faralion is determined to make hiomself better known as well as my favourite Sculpter is he?
Wonderful so far larner. Am so looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yes, a tree with white blossoms, at least, grows there on the small island. And Frodo is remembered by many with thanksgiving rather than merely the pain of loss.
I'd not thought of Bernadette and the small spring she helped make manifest, there in Lourdes, but I see the comparison now you've brought it up.
And, yes, Ruvemir and Faralion both are part of the company this time.
Thank you so!
Andrea
· 15 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
And there in the midst of the greater forms there appeared to be one smaller one, like a small column of silver light.
So beautiful! I can't find the right words to describe it!
The Valar not only erased all the signs of Sauron and his slaves. No, they created beauty there, in the Land of Mordor, to such an extent that it even surpassed the extent of its former ugliness!
I'm quite sure that this was not what Merry expected to see, and to feel. But it already helped him! For Merry was the first one of all the Fellowship to jump into the pool and enjoy the water. I loved that scene :)
And Frodo would have loved it, too!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that had Frodo been spiritually well enough to come there again with the rest of the remaining Fellowship he'd have loved the site as well. Am so glad you appreciated this, Andrea. And I believe Merry undoubtedly needed such reassurance to help with his own healing! Am so glad you appreciate he was the first in he pool!
Thank you so!
Lindelea
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
Ah, heart's ease.
So lovely to see the healing of the land.
I am reminded of our trip to Crater Lake, some years ago. To look down upon the sparkling waters with the knowledge of the violence that formed that crater...
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoyed seeing Mordor come to life once more.
And of course this is itself inspired in part by my own visits to Crater Lake, which I saw the first time in 1973, in a trip with my brother and a friend. It is such a lovely place!
It's also remeniscent of visits to Punchbowl Cemetery and Diamond Head on Oahu, both of which are also calderas of now-extict volcanoes.
Thank you so. Am heading your way I believe on the eleventh of July. See you then.
FantasyFan
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
This is a very striking story. As easy as it would be to focus on the tragedy of Mordor, and of Frodo's pain and loss, it's just not possible in this story. Everyone who could be grieving, is over and over given reason to rejoice instead. The time for grief is past, and even Merry, who might have the hardest tome letting go, is the first to jump into the pool in memory, no, in honor of Frodo.
Learning to live beyond grief is a hard thing. But the world does not stop; indeed it continues to grow and flourish. The powers truly are there to console, once eyes (and hearts) are open to receive that consolation. Death has truly passed over this land, with all that implies, including that the passage of death is over and done. What a heartening message!
Author's reply
You have it exactly, FantasyFan. Even so!
Thank you so very much! Death has passed over and from this land; it is a living land itself once more.
Szepilona10
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
Oh! That was amazing! From a beran(sp) waistland to a land of beauty! It reminds me of pictures from my science book of volcanos and calderas (I think that that's what they are called), espesialy the pictures of Mount St. Helen's (Which I love because my name is Helen!) after it erupted. That's not the end, is it? If it isn't update soon, and if it is, please work on the Tenent!
God Bless!
~Szepilona10~
P.S. It is called a caldera!
P.P.S. My computer's working!!!!!:D
Author's reply
Yes, from barren wasteland to a land with its own life, much as our deserts have their own beauty and forms of wildlife.
Yes, caldera, and that was the working title for this story as I wrote it. I grew up within sight of Mount Rainier, and have regular sight now of Mt. Baker, now that I live on the Olympic Peninsula. And each time I head south down I-5 I travel past Mount St Helens as well, and I usually get a good view of Mt. Hood as well. I live in the land of shield volcanoes, you see!
To fly south on clear days along the coastal ranges is beautiful, as one can see snow-topped peaks from Mt. Bachelor in Canada all the way to Mt. Lassen in California. And because we are lower, they seem somehow more majestic than the Rockies, even, although in reality the Rockies are higher. But each mountain range has its own particular beauty.
There's not much more to this, I fear, but a small amount more.
Antane
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
How wonderful that Sam could come here and see all the good that came from his and Frodo's sacrifices. The others could not know even as they stand there in a land renewed how terrible it had been, but Sam does. And is that small figure who I think it is? It would be wonderful if Frodo could be aware of this transformation also. A tribute indeed to the Ringbearers.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Sam knows what this was like as opposed to how it is now. And what Frodo knows--that may be made clear. Yes, a proper tribute to the Ringbearers as the land of Mordor begins to revive! Thank you!
Armariel
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
What a lovely story....is there more? I forgot to look *g*
~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Not much more, I fear. Thank you so, Armariel! I am honored.
Dreamflower
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
Oh my! How amazing for them to see how the land is cleanses of every element of Sauron's power! If anything should prove to Merry that Frodo's sacrifice had true meaning, this should.
The scene of all of them swimming in Mordor of all places was priceless.
I wonder how they are going back? Will they retrace the steps from Cirith Ungol? Ah well, I suppose I will just have to wait to find out!
Author's reply
I think that this above all would help to reinforce that the Eldar Days are indeed over, and now it will be the evil Men carry in their own hearts that will define the conflicts of the future. A final proving that Sauron has no further authority within Middle Earth.
And am so glad you like the scene of them swimming in the pool! Mordor needs its oases, don't you agree?
As for how they went back.... Well, we will see, I suppose.
Thanks so, Dreamflower.
shirebound
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
" There are a few small streams, and even more springs throughout the area. Lord Ulmo seeks to reestablish his ways through that land, with the aid of Lord Aulë. Once they are finished that will allow the Lady Yavanna full access once more."
That's beautiful. And what a lovely idea of Sam's, to be able to tell Frodo someday of the healing of Mordor.
A lake with fruit trees, and joyous song! What a spectacular sight. And then ...there in the midst of the greater forms there appeared to be one smaller one, like a small column of silver light...
You help us to see it all so clearly. A most wonderful "Passover", dear Larner.
Author's reply
Yes, I believe that once Sauron was gone life would begin returning to Mordor, slowly but inexorably, and this would be one of the things Sam would wish so to share with Frodo, how the site of his greatest horror is now filled with beauty and is even fruitful!
Thank you so, Shirebound. Am so glad people appear to like this so!
Agape4Gondor
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
WOW - that was truly beautiful!!!!! I'm speechless...
Well, almost...
I love this iine, “We had all meant to accompany Frodo to the end then,” he said, his gruff voice particularly solemn. “We will go the distance this time, to keep faith with him now.”
And bringing Boromir to Aragorn's memory was a stroke that brought tears to my eyes.
I had written a little tale of Faramir making a pilgrimage to Amon Hen... this is so far beyond that, I am humbled.
But of course, the Ringbearer's path is worth many pilgrimages. I do so hope the rest of Sam's family can make this pilgrimage.....
And what a joy for them to find such beauty.... Ah! *heavy sigh*
Incredibly well writeen, inspired, and beautiful. Bless you for sharing this!
Author's reply
To do honor to those whose memory should ever be respected is always a good thing, I believe. I believe Aragorn would remember Boromir especially now, when almost all the Fellowship has been gathered once more, and that he would find Faramir's company the more treasured for the memory of that he'd known with Faramir's brother.
I suspect that most of Sam and Rosie's children will one day make this journey themselves, but felt that he would rejoice to have shared it with Elanor. Certainly the three lads particularly want to see where Pippin killed his troll!
Thank you so, Agape! I am honored!
Sunny
· 14 June 2009
· Chapter 2: Following the Steps
The pilgrimage thing in the story is a thing that doesn’t really resonate with me. To begin with, Norway is staunchly Protestant, and that sort of thing is something that “doesn’t belong” – at least when I went to school and had to attend those mandatory attempts at indoctronation. And then, I am just as staunchly agnostic, so the whole religion thing is just bound to fail.
What did _not_ fail, though was the ecological lesson: After Sauron’s fall, Mordor went back to what it was “supposed” to be: A desert, which though it is not covered in grass and trees, still has its own stern beauty. Mother Nature always wins – and when it _seems_ that Man wins – for a time – that “victory” comes at a price. Granted, Sauron was a Maia, and he poisoned the land rather than forcing the desert to bloom. The lesson is still there, though.
The story is charming in its own way. And if this is what is going to coax your muse out of her higing place, I am all for it.
Author's reply
Not all pilgrimages are religious in nature. I know that the visit I made to Bosworth Field or the airfield where my father died were not religious, but attempts to honor Richard Plantagenet and my father and his co-pilot, not to mention coming to appreciate where I was born, a place I had no memory of at all.
Yes, now that Sauron is no more the land begins to fall into its own.
Unfortunately the muse continues to be recalcitrant, I'm sorry to say; but I have added a few more paragraphs to "Or Perchance." Now--to get some others updated!
Antane
· 13 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
I didn't know you were a Ricardian! I have not walked Bosworth Field myself - lucky you! - but I was a member of the RIII Society for years before I left the Middle Ages for Middle-earth. So nice to meet you in a whole new way! I wrote a paper on the fate of the princes if you would be interested in reading it. I looked at that Holocaust sculpture again and saw that I didn't remember it right and it is in fact even more moving - a younger man is trying to protect his family, a frightened boy has his arms around his grandfather seeking protection, the eyes of grieving mother of the dead child are screaming Why?! Why?! How could this be? For a 'silent' sculpture, it speaks more eloquently and forcefully than words could.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I have been a Ricardian for many years--for at least forty-five years, since Mom first read "Daughter of Time" to us, right around the same time as I first read LOTR. I have seen the church where his body was taken after the battle, and from which Henry's men dragged it, hacking it further before throwing it into the nearby river and using his stone sarcophagus as a trough for horses. I've seen the towers his brother George and he built at Warwick Castle. I've seen the place where the two children's bodies were found under stairs in the Tower of London.
Richard has always held a place in my heart, and always will, I suspect.
As for the memorial you describe--yes, I can see how it would speak so to you. Visiting Dachau did much the same for my whole family, and coming to terms with the fact that the Nazis killed as many of their own as they did Jews. It was a most sobering pilgrimage to make, believe me.
Agape4Gondor
· 12 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
I love the concept of this! And can't wait to follow Merry's obvious decision to 'do something.' Bless his little heart.
I loved the eagles too - very nicely done!
Author's reply
Am so glad you've been able to appreciate this, and Merry's desire to fully appreciate what Frodo went through, with the unexpected consequence of seeing the land renewing itself as a result.
Thank you so! I, too, love the Great Eagles.
Antane
· 12 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
That's neat about the eagles appearing. And Aragorn is right about memorials to be only to a few people to have more impact. On the lands of the library that I live behind there is a Holocaust memorial of a old man trying to protect his family and a grieving woman holding a dead child. That is pretty powerful! So Frodo and Sam memorials would be for the War of the Ring. Love Sam here. Also read recently that some people used to wear small heavy objects under their clothes to try to get a feel of what it felt like to Frodo to carry the Ring so understand why Merry would want to know what it felt like for Frodo - something he could truly never know just as those carrying objects could only feel the physical weight of the burden but not the spiritual torment. Very true that Frodo would not want anyone to feel that and that was the very reason he took the poison within himself so others would be spared. I look forward to continuing with everyone on this pilgrimage.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I have spent much of the last week standing by one who has heard voices of torment in her heart, so begin to appreciate the more just what Frodo must have experienced both during the time he carried the Ring and afterward when Its echoes sounded in his heart.
And I've stood in Dachau, looking at the three memorial chapels--Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Jewish--to the thousands who died there. Six million Jews died, and at least that many who were not Jewish as well. Let us remember them all!
And I think that the Great Eagles would find this project most interesting!
Thank you so!
Andrea
· 11 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
Great beginning!
Sam found himself looking at Merry’s hands, noting how Frodo’s cousin tended to hold things much as Frodo himself had done.
I always thought that Merry and Frodo were much more alike than for example Frodo and Sam.
Frodo was always there for Merry throughout his life. So, naturally Merry wanted to help Frodo on the quest. But in the end he was not there .
He cannot be blamed for that. He was far too weak after his encounter with the Black Breath to go to war.
But he blames himself! And that's the problem. Besides, it is another characteristic he shares with Frodo.
Let's hope this pilgrimage will give him some peace. He really deserves it!
Author's reply
It's all too likely that Merry would indeed have felt a level of guilt, much as Frodo himself probably did. And I suspect that Merry learned to write and to use his knife from Frodo, so his grip should remind others of his older cousin.
I'll be adding onto this story in a few days, so we will see what will be seen then!
Celeritas
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
I got really excited about this story as soon as I'd seen the summary, and I'm glad to see my expectations fulfilled now that I've gotten around to reading this first bit.
I like the idea of the pilgrimage sites--they're a lovely transition for Gondor in the Fourth Age since they evoke the high Middle Ages and the many, many people who would travel uncounted distances and face untold dangers (the road was not a safe place!) just to feel closer to a saint.
And there's lots of Merry, and lots of Merry missing Frodo and coming to peace with that, which is a refreshing change of pace.
I'm looking forward to see how this broadens the rest of your oeuvre and my appreciation of LotR. I really think you're on to something with this one.
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, I would look for much the same setting you describe! And Merry, too, must have deeply missed his cousin!
Thanks so--hope the remainder does indeed add to your appreciation!
Inzilbeth
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
This is quite wonderful, Larner. I've not read anything covering this visit to Gondor before and this seem very appropriate. It's good to know what Radagast has been up to as well. I look forward to more.
Author's reply
I suspect that it was here in the aftermath of the Ring-war that Radagast truly came into his own. This isn't particularly long, so you will be seeing more soon enough.
Thank you so, Inzilbeth.
Kitty
· 10 June 2009
· Chapter 1: Memorials Reversed
Faramir’s description of Denethor visiting the wounded rings quite true – can *so* see Denethor feeling uncomfortable under the circumstances!
Really like Aragorn’s explanation why this way for a pilgrimage was created. Yes, I can see people thinking like that. And at the same time, it’s a nice way to remember what happened and to honour all the people who went to sacrifice themselves.
Sam’s litany of why he could not bring the other children as well left me giggling, though he has a point. Reminded me somehow of that ‚Not gonna happen’ crossover with Nanny McPhee ;)
I have the feeling Merry needed this journey to finally come to terms with the loss of his older cousin and his memories. Glad he’s with people who know and understand.
Oooh, that memorial is fascinating! What a great idea to depict the great Eagles together with Gandalf bringing Frodo and Sam out of Mordor! And that the Eagles themselves came by to greet the party and to have a look at their monument was just perfect.
Wonderful, Larner!
Author's reply
I've rather based Denethor here on my grandmother, who would be tense for a time until she found someone she could talk to.
People do find themselves wanting to understand those who went through the worst--and the best; I've walked Bosworth Field and the route about the walls of the house where Elizabeth I was held in Hertford by her sister's orders, and later within the Tower of London where she followed so many others, and was followed by still more, some of whom died ignominously and some of whom were released, as well as visiting the site of the concentration camp at Dachau; we need such reminders of what others have been through! And it is usually easier to focus on a particular individual or two than to try to imagine so many who suffered!
Indeed, I did have "Why Mums and Dads Leave Home" in mind as I had Sam explaining what his children are like. I see them as very much strong-minded individuals, each with his or her own quirks. And it was fun to revisit that little crossover at least a bit!
Yes, Merry is needing this more openly than the others, but I suspect all are finding it both disturbing to a point, but also healing.
Am so glad you like this memorial! Thank you! And it was wonderful to find a way to work the Great Eagles into this tale.
Thank you so, Kitty. Hope the rest continues to please.