Another Moment of your Time by Larner
UTfrog · 22 September 2010 · Chapter 18: To Be Fruitful and Multiply
This is brilliant! Yes, poor Pippin and poor Frodo trying to explain it. Thank you for a lovely morning story.
Author's reply
Am so glad you enjoyed it, UTfrog. Always glad to brighten someone's day!
Tari · 20 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
What a beatiful and touching tribute to Lobelia. I'm sure her time in lock up was the biggest help in turning her life and attitude around. She finally saw the error in her thinking and that Frodo was truly a loving, kind person to everyone. Her last days would be the happiest of her life, thanks to one she had previously considered her enemy. Well done!
Author's reply
I am so certain that you are right, Tari. Lobelia's turnaround in character has always moved me, I find, and I'm certain even she was glad of it!
Antane · 19 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
A neat gapfiller and how wonderful to see how considerate Frodo was in his dealings with Lobelia with Otho's death and after he returned to the Shire. They found freedom together and both because of suffering. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, I do believe that to have been true, Antane. At least Lobelia didn't finish her life as the bitter thing she'd been before Frodo left the Shire.
Elena Tiriel · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
Oh, Larner, this is just so touching! I'm glad that Lobelia found the kind of freedom that she so needed at the end, but the part that I found the most heart-wrenching and revealing was this: Raised by the oh, so practical Bracegirdles of Hardbottle, Lobelia had never admitted—until now—that she had a deep and abiding hunger for sheer beauty for beauty’s own sake. I share that yearning, and cannot imagine how twisting it would be to be raised in a family that did not allow such "frivolousness"... vaguely similar to turning an Elf into an Orc. Very nicely done, Larner! Even though in the book she wills what's left of her money to the poor of the Shire, I have never before felt so much sympathy for Lobelia as this story has engendered. - Barbara
Author's reply
I always found Lobelia's redemption to be particularly meaningful, and wanted so to explore how it might have come to be. And the idea that in being taught to stifle her own love of beauty to the process of turning Elves to orcs--*SHUDDER!* I appreciate the similarities of the situation! And I do believe there was a sympathetic side to the old Hobbitess! Thanks so.
Soledad · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
See what you've done? You made me cry! It's so beautiful, how Lobelia finally found the freedom to let go of greed and hatred and... and loneliness. I hope she got the chance to wear the pretty dress for a couple of years yet.
Author's reply
It's too bad that Lobelia didn't live more than a few months after that, according to Tolkien, as he says she died in the next spring. But I, too, hope she wore her prettier dresses before she went into her final illness. And it's so heartening to hear I've been able to move people by what I've written! Thanks so, Soledad!
Andrea · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
But Lobelia Sackville-Baggins knew that the freedom she knew from envy was far more important a freedom than she’d ever known before Freedom from envy! I like that very much! What Lobelia really longed for all those years were not Frodo's title or Bag End or the view from his room, I think. It was *his* freedom. To do what you like and wear what you like without the constraints created by a family like the Bracegirdles or the S.B.s! Lobelia might be responsible for many things, but part of the blame can be rightfully placed on her family (including husband and son, of course).
Author's reply
Yes, you have it exactly, Andrea! Too bad she wasn't raised in a more positive environment, or that she didn't marry someone less selfish than Otho--although I suspect she was just as instrumental in encouraging his selfishness as he was for hers.
FantasyFan · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
This is a lovely story. Tolkien gave many of his 'bad' characters a chance for repentance and metamorphosis - Sharkey, Gollum, even Sauron himself - and so few took that chance. Lobelia's story is one of the few successes. I'm glad to see here that she almost immediately begins to reap the rewards in a lighter heart and a chance to appreciate the beauty she's always craved.
Author's reply
Every single character Tolkien wrote appears to have been tested in some manner or other--I'm just glad that in the end Lobelia did choose the light! Thanks so very much for your feedback!
harrowcat · 13 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
The freeing of Lobelia in so many ways.You are so good at showing people working their way towards the light. There is hope for us all. Thank you for such an uplifting moment in my day.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciated this story, Harrowcat. Yes, there is hope for all of us, particularly when the likes of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins can know redemption.
Dreamflower · 12 September 2010 · Chapter 17: Finding Freedom
Oh Larner! I think you have probably caught just the thought processes that Lobelia must have gone through, awaiting her retreival from the Lockholes! That she'd begin to realize how petty she'd been all her life, and how unscrupulous Lotho truly was would also lead to a realization of Frodo's true generosity of heart and forgiving spirit. And the idea that the very Hobbits who’d oh, so politely expressed their dismay that they would not be able to accept her invitation to tea Mersday next would then have to bring their petitions to her for their share of enough flour to see them through the next week had pleased her greatly. That her son’s foresight would be generally referred to as theft and illegal appropriation by her neighbors had surprised her. Why, she’d insisted, it was merely a matter of shrewd business…. “Face it, Lobelia,” she admitted to herself, “it wasn’t a matter of business at all, but was instead satisfaction that they’d be forced to face you on a regular basis; be forced to grovel at your feet just to get by.” So very revealing. I really think that the best part was at the end, when she finally realized that her true freedom was in finding freedom from envy. Thank you very much, dear! This is a wonderful story.
Author's reply
I'm so sorry I had to wait so long to post it here, and am thrilled you appreciate it. Thank you so! Yes, freedom from envy was the greater freedom she knew in the end!
Antane · 2 September 2010 · Chapter 16: Shared Parenthood
Frodo was a proud and loving uncle to all - even if only seen with the eyes of his heart, but also held in that heart. It was his sacrifices that made those children possible, his and so many others, but if he hadn't made his and Sam hadn't made his, then the others would have been in vain, so definitely he could share in them - I love that idea. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Didn't realize I'd left these unanswered. Yes, he, Sam, and so many others all sacrificed so that these children could be born in a world freed of Sauron's nature, so he has the right to feel them partly his!
Andrea · 2 September 2010 · Chapter 16: Shared Parenthood
Dear Sam! That was beautifully said! But still, there remains a significant difference between being regarded as a parent and really *being* a parent.
Author's reply
I know precisely what you mean, Andrea. I helped raise so many born to other women, but still knew pain that I could not myself give birth to and nurture my own child.
Andrea · 20 August 2010 · Chapter 15: Proper Propriety
First of all, I found it very clever of Frodo to come up with so many counter-examples of hobbits who were among the gentry, but still working. Aunt Dora is not a second Lobelia. She only was afraid that something improper might happen at the party. But Frodo convinced her that she had to change her perspective. And by doing so she remembered the old stories. “The old Kings—they had Stewards, didn’t they?” she murmured to herself as she walked home again. “And they were even considered lords of the realm, if I recall correctly.” Lords of the realm! That should be proper enough, even for Aunt Dora! I just like her!
Author's reply
Oh, I agree. With so many relatives throughout the Shire, its inevitable many were working folk and some even worked as servants. And, yes, the idea of a Steward being a lord of the realm would appeal to the romantic side of about anyone! Heh! And I'm certain that Dora had a romantic side! Thanks so, Andrea!
Tari · 20 August 2010 · Chapter 15: Proper Propriety
Good for Frodo. Dora was beginning to sound a bit like Lobelia and we don't need another one like her. Fortunately, after thinking about what he said, she understood.
Author's reply
I suppose in a way Dora could sound much like Lobelia, except from Lobelia it's more a control issue and a bid to be and remain better than others. But Dora is so tied to decorum, she merely requires reminding that there is nothing dishonorable in serving as the steward for the feast--then it's all right, and she can be reminded that in the old stories the great lords did have stewards who had status but a bit less high than their overlords. This helped her accept that for the Party, at least, it was only right and proper that Sam remain by the Masters and even take part in the family supper. And it appealed to her hidden romantic side as well! Heh! So glad you appreciated Frodo's arguments. I doubt he cared quite as much for propriety as did his aunt, or at least not as much for possible distinctions between gentry and working Hobbits. Dreamflower and I both tend to lean to the idea that the folk in Brandy Hall tended to be far less rigid in their attitudes toward "the help" than did many in the more settled and older regions of the Shire.
Antane · 19 August 2010 · Chapter 14: Brothers Born and Chosen
Love the title, indeed a chosen brother. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And I rejoice that you do, Antane. Thanks!
harrowcat · 19 August 2010 · Chapter 15: Proper Propriety
I love Fiondil's review of this Larner but I think that, had Dora lived to see the days of the King she would have coped quite well with the court etiquette. After all, even Sam approved of the many words and bows that accompanied Faramir granting Frodo the freedom of the lands of Gondor. Wouldn't it have been great fun if she could have met your Master of Protocol for Gondor!
Author's reply
I think her basic Hobbit sense and her sense of decorum would have been in conflict again had she met Master Galador! Heh! I so love writing Dora from time to time!
Fiondil · 18 August 2010 · Chapter 15: Proper Propriety
I really have to hand it to you, Larner. I don't think anyone else has such an amazing handle on Hobbit families and genealogies. You must have memorized all of Appendix C. *LOL* Poor Aunt Dora. Such a stickler for propriety and with no real understanding of the true meaning of service and loyalty. I think had she lived to see the Ring War and its aftermath she would have been appalled to learn that there really was a Gondor and that the King used to be a scruffy-looking Ranger who darned his own socks. *LOL* She would never have been able to get her mind around that one.
Author's reply
It must have been quite a struggle for a decent Hobbit to learn all the relevant family trees, but I suspect that Frodo learned a good deal from years in Buckland and then with Bilbo. And it does appear that he was related to half the Shire, doesn't he? As for Dora's possible reactions to the news that there WAS a King Returned after all, and his former role as a protector of the Shire and other lands of the north--I don't know how she'd have taken it all in! Heh! And, indeed the realization that he'd had to learn to darn his own socks would have been an affront to her sense of propriety, but also have impressed her on the practical side of his education, don't you think? Thanks so much, Fiondil!
Armariel · 18 August 2010 · Chapter 13: A State of Dress for a Meeting of State
Heheh! Sam has to dress up too! I bet Frodo looked smokin' though. ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain he did! Quite the small Prince of the West he was named on Cormallen--and I'm sure that Sam met the same criteria once he, too, was properly garbed! Heh!
Armariel · 18 August 2010 · Chapter 14: Brothers Born and Chosen
Short and sweet! ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
I so rejoice that you find it so, Armariel. Thanks so!
Andrea · 17 August 2010 · Chapter 14: Brothers Born and Chosen
Wonderful! Sam has chosen Frodo as his brother, which is (in your stories) truer than he thinks :-) But from Frodo's words I'd say that he regards not only Sam but also Hamson and Halfred as his brothers.
Author's reply
I suspect that Hamfast's two older sons were among Frodo's first playmates, so I suspect he'd always remember them with a measure of nostalgia. But for Sam, with his own brothers away on their apprenticeships I think he'd find Frodo one he'd hold close to his heart as a substitute for them at first, coming to love him more deeply for his own sake over the years. Thank so much, Andrea!
Kitty · 6 August 2010 · Chapter 13: A State of Dress for a Meeting of State
While I'm not too fond of dressing up myself (I know, odd for a female!), that dress Frodo got to wear sounds so lovely. I'd like to have something like that, too. I'd even dress up for it ;-)
Author's reply
I love dressing up when I have good reason to do so, but don't get such a reason all that often. But I am certain that Frodo Baggins was able to appear quite the Prince of the West they declared him to be! Thanks so, Kitty!
Kitty · 6 August 2010 · Chapter 12: In the Light of Familiar Stars
Oh yes, the star-strewn sky is such a beautiful sight, and I can see how Frodo does enjoy it even more after the Fair. I'm not overly fond of large crowds myself, after all. Well, Frodo didn't get to see the stars from Tirion, but at least from Tol Eressëa, which is pretty close, after all. And Bilbo was so right about the reason why Frodo in the end would leave the Shire.
Author's reply
I don't mind crowds much usually, but still feel relief when I'm on my own again. I'm sorry Frodo had to have such a reason to leave the Shire, but rejoice he was granted what he obviously needed so desperately! Thank you so, Kitty!
Kitty · 6 August 2010 · Chapter 11: A Light Luncheon
Well, he still lives, but how? It's rather depressing, isn't it?
Author's reply
It was depressing at the time, but more hopeful soon after, in spite of the enforced separation. Thank you so--so glad you are able to read again. It has been some weeks since we heard from you last. Hope the coming school terms are pleasant.
Lindelea · 19 July 2010 · Chapter 13: A State of Dress for a Meeting of State
LOL, alas, poor Sam! Would this be a case of "hoist on his own petard"?
Author's reply
Oh, but I suspect that this is true, Lindelea! Heh! Hope to be down weekend after next. See you then!
Andrea · 19 July 2010 · Chapter 13: A State of Dress for a Meeting of State
Our Lord Strider insists that if he must dress up to meet these new envoys, so must you. *grins* That was VERY clever of Lord Strider! That way Frodo can't back out easily.
Author's reply
Oh, I know. Heh! Thanks, Andrea!
Linda Hoyland · 7 July 2010 · Chapter 12: In the Light of Familiar Stars
What a lovely image of the two Hobbits watching the stars! At least we know their dream will come true one day!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you appreciated it, Linda. Frodo would never in his life see the stars from Tirion, but that the two of them should see them from Elvenhome must have seemed merely a daydream at the time, never to be taken seriously. Thanks so!