6336
· 23 February 2012
· Chapter 28: Ode to a Hopeless Love
Well it seems Frodo knows himself well enough to poke fun at himself!
I was musing last night, I have a cold and could not sleep and was thinking that Pearl Took did Frodo a favor by throwing him over the way she did, can you imagine what the Ring would have done to that marriage if she had gone through with it? She, not really being in love with Frodo, just who and what he was, The Baggins of Bag End, let alone if he had recovered in time to look Narcissa's way, she loving him for himself. The Ring would have had a field day with that!
Now there's a nasty little plot bunny for you, you know the kind that look up at you, blinking,with big soulfull eyes and than go for your ankles and sink the fangs deep! Those you need to scruff and stuff in the isolation hutch with all the other nasty little furballs!
Hope this makes sense.
Huggs,Lynda
Tari
· 30 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
As if it wasn't enough for Frodo to continually suffer pain from his wound, he must also deal with the the Sea longing.
Falco will never know the horrors Frodo had to deal with. I'm sure his comforting presence is much appreciated. I find it interesting that Sam didn't feel the call of the sea. Perhaps his love of the Shire was too strong.
Author's reply
Sorry to be so long delayed in responding.
Yes, Frodo was most likely suffering from the Sea Longing as well as probable post-traumatic stress disorder and whatever physical discomfort his wounds from the quest left him with. And few who stayed within the Shire could begin to appreciate just what the four Travellers went through outside it, and particularly what Frodo underwent, bearing the weight of the Ring as well as undergoing multiple wounds from such horrible sources during his long journey.
Actually, at least by the time of Aragorn and Arwen's journey north when Elanor was fifteen Sam WAS experiencing bouts of Sea Longing, too, according to one of the two epilogues Tolkien had written and considered appending to LOTR. But he had a wife and children and responsibilities to the entire Shire and to the King as well to help him keep his bearings in the Mortal Lands--at least until Rosie finally died. How long he might have been suffering from such bouts we don't know, but I suspect he hid it as well as he could until he felt free to follow Frodo West.
Linda Hoyland
· 27 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
I like it that Folco tries to understand. The effects of the Lembas must have been hard to live with. I think Tolkien wrote from experience as most British people become melancholy if they can't visit the sea.
Author's reply
I'm certain that Folco would have tried to understand. And having lived near Puget Sound since I was five, I can appreciate how difficult many in Britain find it if they are forced to remain inland too much, although I find I miss the mountains of the Cascades even more than the sea when I have to spend much time toward our heartlands. Like Bilbo, I find myself aching to see real mountains again after being back east for more than a week or two.
Antane
· 26 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
I find that section of the Red Book in which Frodo realizes that the lembas would be good for Smeagol's soul to be the most fascinating in the tale. When there was a remark about that other hobbit being able to die in her own bed, I thought Frodo must be pained that he will not be able to do that, that he must leave and die so very far away. What a shame Sauron has warped even an innocent rhyme for Frodo. Love the mention of a smile from our dear being able to melt the heart. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I do hope that either Elrond or Galadriel told Frodo that he could well be experiencing the Sea Longing as a result of having eaten as much lembas as he did. We know from Tolkien's proposed epilogues that Sam recognized that he experienced it when he was older and a father, so I suspect this was discussed with both Hobbits at some point.
And I, too, was pleased to see Frodo recognizing that Smeagol might have truly benefitted had he accepted the lembas.
As for recognizing that things would not be for him as they were for "normal" Hobbits--well, I suspect Frodo realized that fairly early on, and must have known some grief that this was so. In his letters Tolkien noted that it was when Frodo became ill around the time Elanor was born that he accepted he would need to leave the Shire, and that he would never truly recover. As this is set just after Frodo gave over the office of deputy Mayor, he probably hadn't come to that realization yet, but must have ached at times with the Sea Longing anyway.
As for the smile--well, we know that even for a Hobbit he was special--special enough to draw the fealty even of the King-to-be! Thanks so, Antane!
Dreamflower
· 25 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
So very sad and sweet. I'm glad Frodo confided in Folco, who deserved to know the story.
Author's reply
I've always felt rather sorry for Folco, and feel he deserves to know something about Frodo the others don't as yet.
Teresa
· 25 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
What a glimpse of the feelings that pulled at Frodo before he made the choice to sail! I lked seeing how he could reach out at least a little to others before he left the Shire again. At least some were able to deal with the changes in him and the others and attempting to understand that they had changed and not condemming them for those differences. Did the Valar send Folco that bit of forsight showing Frodo's future passage; a hint of what might be? And did Folco remember that conversation with Frodo later and realise that someday Sam would also sail west? Your vignettes fill in so many things from the story! Thanks for posting this, it's a lovely thing to read as I look out the windows at the winter sunset! :)
Author's reply
I suspect that indeed, Lord Irmo tried to offer Folco that realization and reassurance for Frodo's future, and that warning for his own of Frodo's eventual leaving of the Shire. And I do hope that on occasion at lease Frodo did speak to those who loved him and let them know at least some of what he was experiencing. As for remembering that conversation later--well, I doubt it was one he would be likely to forget!
I do love writing gapfillers!
Andrea
· 25 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
Wow! You create beautiful images here!
But it is such a sad situation. Frodo is plagued by the Sea Longing and Folco would love to help him, but he can't. He has no means to do so.
The dream is very significant. The silver light on the grey ship! Maybe later he will understand its full meaning and realise that in fact it was a consolation.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Andrea. Yes, there is nothing Folco can do for his cousin and friend at this time except to listen, which may be all that is needed at this time. And I'm certain that when the others tell him about the leaving of the Ringbearers that Folco will realize the import of the dream, and that in holding aloft the phial of Galadriel Frodo was bidding him farewell as well.
shirebound
· 25 January 2012
· Chapter 36: The Sacrifice Accepted
for it was indeed good homely food, expertly prepared, filling and comforting at the same time, cooked and well seasoned as only a Hobbit could prepare it.
Ohhhh, I'm so hungry now! Lucky lucky Aragorn.
Author's reply
I so agree, Shirebound. Thanks!
harrowcat
· 25 January 2012
· Chapter 37: Echoes of Distant Waves
Oh, you make my heart ache so much for Frodo in this. And for all of us who long for things we cannot have. Brilliant Larner.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Harrowcat. And the pups send nibbles to Shadow and your dad.
Linda Hoyland
· 24 November 2011
· Chapter 36: The Sacrifice Accepted
What a delicious tale! Although I don't eat chicken you have made me hungry! I loved the image of Frodo making a delicious meal for Aragorn and the others. I cannot cook to save my life which is why I didn't enter this challenge.
Author's reply
I LOVE chicken, so this was fun to write, particularly as in my-verse Frodo once won an award for his baked chicken at the Free Fair. Heh! Thanks so, Linda.
Teresa
· 19 November 2011
· Chapter 36: The Sacrifice Accepted
Chuckle....how like Pippin to stir up mischief that way! It was nice seeing how Frodo and the others rallied around to make his boast good; and no doubt Chef Frodo made sure that Pippin had an up close and personal look at kitchen chores! (wink) Frodo's preparation of the squab for Aragorn is a perfect example of the care that all of the quest members took of each other; I smiled to see another glimpse of the love and affection they shared. It's a pity that Boromir couldn't have been there, but I'm sure he lifted a glass on the other side in memory of them all! Frodo's meal sounded delicious, and much better than what I've eaten today! Thanks again for another lovely vignette! :)
Author's reply
Well, to be fair I don't think that Pippin intended to put Frodo in the position of finding himself expected to provide such a meal on such short notice, but it was fun. And Pippin certainly got the job of potato peeler! Heh!
Yes, they have all come to love and care for one another, and it shows now.
And thank you for your feedback.
Antane
· 30 August 2011
· Chapter 35: Most Unsatisfactory
I believe it was on Trudi Shaw's site that I read that Bilbo and Frodo were both bachelors because they both had very unique vocations that made it better for them to remain unmarried, even if neither knew that was the reason such a life was theirs. I have empathy with Frodo's longing for the Road, I long for that too.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've suspected much the same myself, and have read many with similar suspicions. Much easier for pretty much everyone were they both to have been single.
I'd like to do some more traveling, but it won't be for a time yet, I fear.
shirebound
· 30 August 2011
· Chapter 35: Most Unsatisfactory
“The wanderlust is almost ready to take him,” Merry murmured to himself.
What wise and loving cousins and friends. No hobbit could have more precious treasures than that.
Author's reply
And that is so true, Shirebound! Frodo appears to have brought out this level of devotion in his friends.
eiluj
· 30 August 2011
· Chapter 35: Most Unsatisfactory
Oh, I like the idea that Fatty played such a role in the creation of the Conspiracy.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, eiluj. I'm certain the two of them started the Conspiracy between them!
Tigger
· 27 August 2011
· Chapter 34: On Proper Address
Well, now you *know* you have to tell us what happens when Aragorn recieves his gift from Frodo, right? Right? *Right*?
*looks w/puppy dog eyes*
Please?
:oD
Love, love, love this and love how Sam set Frodo straight about the title of Master. Well done Sam!!
I hope Ev does eventually find out exactly what Frodo and the others went through "our there". As Pippin's Brother in Love (right?), I can't see it not happening eventually. I'd think. He might not understand entirely, but I also can't see him not finding out the entire story someday.
Excellent addition to this series. Speaking of new additions to series...
I printed off the one about Kitling and her "gift" to Arwen for my Dad to read. I did stop and wonder if that was a good idea or not, as he's as terrified of rats and mice as I am of hissing, slithering things, but I printed it out anyway. He got a really good chuckle out of it and said that you had Arwen reacting far more calmly that he ever would have.
Considering he smacked to smithereens a poor wittle mouse once upon a time w/a shovel when it came out his end of the culvert at the house I was raised in (Mom thought she'd seen a rat, but it was instead this poor wee thing), I can more than believe THAT!! LOL!!! :oD Of course he said it reared up and attacked him, but...Yeah. ;o)
I got nailed by a plot bunny a couple of weeks ago after reading one of your stories and tried to send it to you, but AFAIK, it never went through. I'll give it another try if you indeed didn't get it through E-mail, as I've sent stuff before when I've been told it never went through, but actually did. The little ficlet should give you a good laugh and also smile.
And on that note...I've put off my nightly bike ride long enough. Say "Hi!!" to everyone on LJ and no, still haven't been able to get into my Account. I can access the Front Page and log in, but once that's done..."Website Not Found" keeps appearing. More than annoying that is. :o/
Anyway, please pass that along and ((((HUGS))))
Author's reply
No, in "my-verse" Isumbard and Ferdi are married to Pippin's sisters; but Everard is a cousin to the Thain, after all, and one of the lawyers for the family, so I envision him reading the Red Book when at last Sam entrusts it to Paladin to read. He will eventually appreciate just what Sam and Frodo and the others did, I do expect. And I do hope eventually to write Aragorn receiving and appreciating that scarf. It's not as likely to drag the ground with him, I suspect, as it does with Frodo.
Your poor father! I'm not afraid of much besides hypodermic needles, although God knows I'm terrified of them. But lately my cats have been bringing me so much tribute, and with Lydia, the snowshoe Siamese, it's mostly been voles. The biggest one she's caught she decided to present to me in just this way, which was the inspiration to the story. Bookie, the tortoiseshell cat, last brought me a young garter snake. This time she didn't kill it, and it escaped her and I found it curled up in a box in the kitchen, startling us both, believe me. I had to carry it out and let it go amongst the poppies by the door, and I do believe it was happy to be out in the wild again. I'm glad he enjoyed the story, though.
Oh, no, the story didn't come through. Do try again! blslarner@olypen.com
I wonder what's up with LJ? I've not had any difficulty getting through, thank God. Although I have to admit I've not been on it the last few days.
I'll send on your greetings, and possibly drop a line on your behalf to the board owners.
Life is--interesting. Have been working in a different job site for the past two months, although I was supposed to be there for just a month. Want to go "home" to my own clients again at this point.
Take care and God bless. And thanks so!
Rhyselle
· 25 August 2011
· Chapter 34: On Proper Address
This was just charming! I could just see Frodo all wrapped up in a "Dr. Who" scarf, and I can imagine the smile it will eventually bring to Strider's face when he receives it. I wouldn't mind seeing that, you know, Frodo's bequests to his friends in Minas Tirith. (Hint, hint!)
I really enjoy these wonderful scenes in this series. Thank you so very, very much for writing them, and even more, for sharing them!
Author's reply
One day I'll probably write the story of Frodo's bequests, but right now I have so much to catch up on. Intend to finish "Or Perchance" now that the Big Bang story is done. That and its aftermath have been rather overwhelming, I must say!
And thanks so very much, Rhyselle, for the feedback! Now, to catch up on my reading here and elsewhere.
Fiondil
· 24 August 2011
· Chapter 34: On Proper Address
Frodo really needs to lighten up and get off his high horse. Glad Sam was there to tell him off. That's what friends are for, after all, to keep you honest. Nice little vignette, Larner. Thanks for sharing.
Author's reply
Oh, that he does. And Sam is the perfect person to tell him off in the best means possible. The two of them so need one another!
Thanks so, Fiondil!
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 24 August 2011
· Chapter 34: On Proper Address
*suspicious look at that scarf* Are you sure Pearl Took didn't knit it? (I'm pretty sure she did :) )
I loved the story, Larner! I wonder if Ev will ever find out the whole story?
Kaylee
Author's reply
I have seen some fascinating scarves in the past year--apparently the Doctor Who shows have inspired some knitters around the world.
And Everard will be learning a good deal when Paladin stops being a hardheaded idiot, and they all get a chance to read the Red Book. The Tooks will all learn then.
Antane
· 24 August 2011
· Chapter 34: On Proper Address
Love it! Oh, dear Sam... And you, dear Larner, thank you for bringing this tale to us. Yes, Frodo, thank you for being you. And Sam, thank *you* for being you. :)
*hugs you all*
Will make it over to Murder Most Foul one of these days...
Have you read Toward the Gleam? I think you would find it interesting and enjoyable. I certainly did.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
They need one another, Sam and Frodo do, to keep each other grounded--or at least they do at the moment. I hope to get to Toward the Gleam soon--I'm just getting caught up after finishing Murder Most Foul, which took more to finish than I'd anticipated. And to have the end of the writing followed so unexpectedly by the events of last Friday--we are all still in a pleasant shock, and more determined than ever to see the actual killer(s) arrested and prosecuted. Reality is often more unbelievable than fiction, I've found, for fiction has to be somewhat credible while reality takes twists and turns we don't anticipate. But on Friday we saw His power at work, and it was awe inspiring.
harrowcat
· 24 August 2011
· Chapter 34: On Proper Address
Oh Larner this one is a wonderful snippet and perfect as I am in the middle of rereading Acceptable Sacrifice for the umpteenth time! I am also trying to put together a coherent response to your other story which I have just finished.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you're enjoying it, Harrowcat! Thank you so!
Tari
· 2 August 2011
· Chapter 32: A Secret Shared
Aren't we all here and also in Atto's embrace. That thought comforts me greatly.
harrowcat
· 19 July 2011
· Chapter 33: The Lover's Kiss
This was so beautifully and delicately written Larner. It brought tears to my eyes. I think that it is even better if one is familiar with the body of your work which is a testament to the consistency of your storyline.
Author's reply
I am honored that it moved you, Harrowcat. And I do try to keep my storyline as consistent as possible, although sometimes that proves problematic. Thanks so!
Armariel
· 18 July 2011
· Chapter 33: The Lover's Kiss
Just beautiful!! What more can I say?
Except.......the glassblower's daughter??
Author's reply
I suppose you must read "The Ties of Family" and "The Acceptable Sacrifice" to appreciate the references to the glassblower's daughter, as she appears in those two stories. She's quite young and very beautiful, and I think that Frodo was as attracted to the odd manner in which the youth who was courting her did so as he was to her. She and Livwen are two of my recurring original characters. Lavender Brandybuck is mentioned in "Unnatural Appetites."
And thank you so very much! I enjoyed writing this.
Antane
· 16 July 2011
· Chapter 32: A Secret Shared
What a delightful little tale and a real treat for Frodo. On some level he was aware of that even on the Quest in the touching faith and trust he had in the One he wasn't even fully conscious of. If I didn't mention it before (and I easily have) I think the most fascinating thing in the Red Book is Frodo's realization that the lembas would be good for Smeagol's soul if he could but partake of the blessed beard. Frodo's soul was in deep union of his Creator. He couldn't have survived the ravages of the Ring without such. No wonder he longs for even deeper communion now.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It is a blessing to know that we have never truly left that eternal now, and a reassurance to those of us who seek to return fully to it.
And in saving Frodo I do suspect that Gollum managed to find a good portion of the self that the Ring had sought to strip from him.
Thanks so, Antane!
Tari
· 27 June 2011
· Chapter 30: Leave-taking
How beautiful and touching. I'm sure your dad would have loved it.
I'm sure there were more Hobbits like Pease in the Shire. We just never hear about them.
Author's reply
Yes, I suspect he would have done so, Tari. And I suspect you are so right about other Hobbits with wanderlust and curiosity about the outside in them; but it wasn't exactly done to let such odd longings show, after all.
Thank you so!
Author Reply: Yes, I suspect he would have done so, Tari. And I suspect you are so right about other Hobbits with wanderlust and curiosity about the outside in them; but it wasn't exactly done to let such odd longings show, after all.
Thank you so!