Another Moment of your Time by Larner
Linda Hoyland · 12 March 2010 · Chapter 4: Regrets Thought at the Party
Poor Frodo, what a coming of age!I loved the twist in this drabble.
Author's reply
Yes, he's come of age and into his inheritance--with all the changes thrust upon him at once, including the willing absence of Bilbo from his life. It must have felt rather bitter to him, no matter how willing he might have been for Bilbo's own wanderlust to be slaked.
Linda Hoyland · 12 March 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
A lovely glimpse of true love which sometimes involves letting go.I also enjoyed the glimpse of the comfortable home that Rosie has created. A nice contrast to your AU story.
Author's reply
Yes, the honest love of two who have become brothers at the deepest levels can be wondrous. And there's no question this is QUITE different from "Angainor." I still cannot believe that story possessed me as deeply as it did. And Rosie must have made quite an impression on Bag End on her coming, for she must have been exceptional to have earned Sam's love so.
Armariel · 11 March 2010 · Chapter 4: Regrets Thought at the Party
Premonitions? mmmmmmmm..........
Author's reply
Perhaps premonitions, or perhaps just the realization that once again he's left on his own. No matter how capable and intelligent, losing Bilbo's company must have hurt.
Andrea · 11 March 2010 · Chapter 4: Regrets Thought at the Party
Great one, Larner! So much said with so few words. Who wouldn't like to stop the time or even go back to a happier time at some point? Especially Frodo must have known this feeling. But it was also Frodo who showed us that there is always hope, as long as we carry on! P.S.: Handy is a very interesting "American" hobbit. I'll go check on his progress now.
Author's reply
He carried on beyond the scope of his own hope, allowing others to know theirs. And to find his own hope again he had to leave Middle Earth completely. Thanks so. And glad you are finding Handy interesting--and I'm certain Celeritas thanks you, too. A happy Sunday to you!
harrowcat · 11 March 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
I do love it when you explore the pain of loss like this. At least Sam still has some hope that Frodo can be healed before death even if it isn't through his own care.
Author's reply
Yes, he has that hope--and I do trust that hope was not disappointed. Thanks so very much, Harrowcat!
harrowcat · 11 March 2010 · Chapter 4: Regrets Thought at the Party
We spend a lot of time growing up and wishing to be older than we are. But it takes a moment like this, when reality hits, for us to wish time would stand still or go backwards. If I only have time to comment once Larner where would you prefer I do it?
Author's reply
Yes, reality has hit--all the rights--and responsibilities--of adulthood thrust at him all at the same time, and the loss of the one he loves as a parent and friend. As for where you should comment--I can't say for certain, but I certainly understand how replying in a number of places can be at least time consuming. Wherever you wish!
Periantari · 10 March 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
This is so beautiful. I love the last line about his "Master's Light"-- loved the dialogue between Rosie and Sam regarding Frodo's possible departure. You've written the characters so well in sounding like them in their concern and their tone of voice. It's great that there is a gap-filler regarding those times before Frodo leaves-- interesting detail to him seeing his lawyers and going to the bankers. Wonderful job as usual, Larner!
Author's reply
Am so glad you find this so, Periantari. I have come to love all the Hobbits of the Shire so, including even Lobelia in the end. And I cannot imagine Frodo not making certain all his business was brought up to date as well as possible. He'd not wish for his leaving to prove an unnecessary burden upon Sam and Rosie. We know he made these two the heirs of Bag End, which would necessitate consultations with his bankers of discretion and his lawyer. I'm just glad he was able to find the proper heir to himself as Bilbo was able to find before he left the Shire. Thanks so!
cookiefleck · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
I know this story is Frodo-centric in intent, but what I like best about it is the loving interaction between Sam and Rosie. And, as I already mentioned elsewhere, I really love this phrase as I think it evocatively sums up some of the elements of Sam's personality that I admire: "He knuckled away his own tears..." Thank you again for writing this on the occasion of my birthday. Your thoughtfulness is VERY much appreciated!
Author's reply
It is such an honor to know hos much you enjoyed this. I know how much Sam means to you, and I wanted a time for him and Rosie to shine, accepting what must come all too soon at this point. And I enjoy writing birthday gifts! Thanks so!
Andrea · 18 February 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
I'm glad that not only Sam but also his wife understand now why Frodo has to leave and accept it. They are not so far away from the truth. Right now, however, his brow wasn’t furrowed as he slept—no, it was smooth, and there was such a peaceful look to him as he lay there on his side, and there was no question he was glowing somewhat as he dozed. What a beautiful image!
Author's reply
I believe they both must have realized the parting loomed, Andrea. And they needed reason to feel at peace with the idea, I think. So glad you feel that image is beautiful. Thank you!
harrowcat · 17 February 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
Letting go of someone is one of the most pain-filled things ever - even with the hope of seeing them again. You show this so beautifully.
Author's reply
I know, Liz. Thank you so!
Armariel · 16 February 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
A nice moment. Ah, if he only knew.......... ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
He will know, one day.... Thanks, Armariel.
Antane · 16 February 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
I love that Sam saw his beloved's light so well. I was afraid when he said Come see, that it would bad news but it was beautiful and peaceful instead. He's got it figured out that Frodo will be with Bilbo and Elves, but he doesn't where. But bless his heart for knowing he's got to let go. What a memory though for him to treasure. See you after Easter! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It will give him comfort after Frodo goes, I think. Thanks so, Antane, and may your Lent be blessed.
shirebound · 16 February 2010 · Chapter 3: Realization
What a loving home. Frodo was so well looked after, for as long as he lived there.
Author's reply
Yes, he knew such love there! Thanks so, Shirebound.
Linda Hoyland · 11 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
It is easy to forget that Frodo grew up in Merry's home. I love the way you convey how deep his affection for Frodo was.
Author's reply
I believe most of the Brandybucks found themselves as surprised and grieved at Frodo's decision to leave Middle Earth altogether as Merimac found himself. This, too, had been his home, after all.
Antane · 4 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
It was so hard on both sides, for Frodo to leave, and for the others to be left behind and to have no warning or very little, to have that sword plunged into their hearts that Frodo's own was already bleeding from so heavily. No words could ever say what that time would have been like. I think that's what makes it so powerful and watching it in the films confirms that. What in the world could be said? Only such loving looks and kisses could even start to speak about the agony, the grief, the love that was there between them. I am glad that Gandalf arranged that the three would be there to see their brother off and also knowing the pain would the worst for Sam and they were there to comfort him as well to say goodbye themselves. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And it was a time of profound transition--Frodo might not be actively dying, but he was in a sense dying to this world, preparing to leave it behind. He was withdrawing. There is no indication in ROTK that he spoke at all after bidding Sam ride with him to the Havens. This is not uncommon in those who are facing profound changes--they are so strongly preparing for what is coming they cannot seem to speak to this reality. And for one who appears to have made a habit of avoiding farewells and slipping away unnoticed (how he'd intended leaving the Shire in the beginning, how he left the rest of the Fellowship, and how he failed to give any save Sam and Rosie notice before leaving the Shire this time) there must have been some great trauma surrounding his farewells in the past. And I, too, am grateful to Gandalf for seeing to it that Frodo was foiled this time. Gandalf knew Frodo well enough to anticipate this--or was advised by Bilbo to see to it the others were there on time, and was wise enough to heed the old Hobbit, which is what I've postulated. I, too, am glad that Sam did not face that ride alone. Thanks so!
Sir_Merry · 31 January 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
Wow. This is a very touching piece. Very beautiful. I love it.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Sir Merry! I believe that the relationship between Frodo and Merry was quite close, almost as close as one finds in brothers, and Merimac must have felt as much an uncle to Frodo as to Merry. The loss of him must have caused both a fair amount of grief.
Periantari · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
Very gentle dialogue and i feel Merry's grief very much in this. So poignant yet it's a good glimpse of how different hobbits in Frodo's family is reacting to him leaving. I'm sure Lily will love you for including "her" Merimac. :)
Author's reply
Each one will share the grief and loss, but accepts and expresses them differently. And I suspect Merimac misses Frodo as intensely as does his nephew--he watched him grow up from his earliest days, after all! And I do hope both Nancy and Lily like the story!
Armariel · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
Very nice. Good to meet Merimac here. Hope to see more of him soon.:) ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
Mac has found his way into many of my stories, so hope he agrees to come calling again soon! Thank you so!
Dreamflower · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
Oh, poor Merry! It's always seemed to me that in many ways the Grey Havens were harder on him than on the others. He's always seemed to me to be one who holds so tightly to the ones he loves, and can't bear any of them to be out of his sight or away from his protection. And yet he has had to do it so many times! Pippin and Sam love Frodo as dearly, but I think Pippin has that touch of Tookish optimism, that allows him to believe Frodo will be healed; and Sam is every bit as protective, but has the wisdom to know he can't take care of it himself. He's going to grieve so hard!
Author's reply
To have to allow others to see to Frodo's final relief must have been so very difficult for him--I so agree with you. All of them grieve for Frodo's going, no matter how much they realize it is for the best. But, being Merry he will, to an extent, seek to hide much of it, until it bursts out with someone equally loved and trusted. Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Armariel · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 1: A Time for Truth
What a nice little tale...glad they told those silly hobbits what's what.....and the recipe sounds very tasty! *g* ~~~~~{~@
Author's reply
How wonderful to hear from you, and looking forward to seeing your tale go forward as well! Thanks so!
Andrea · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
Wonderfully done, Larner! Torn in two, that's how I felt when I had finished the books for the very first time. And I feel it again now. But this time it's different, because now I believe that Frodo found healing, which is due to some lovely stories posted here (yours included). Thank you very much!
Author's reply
Sam wasn't the only one feeling torn in two, I fear. His Brandybuck relatives who'd known him well all his life must have grieved for his absence as much as Merry, Pippin, and Sam. Thanks so very much for the comments and compliments. I so agree that if anyone deserved healing, it was Frodo Baggins!
harrowcat · 30 January 2010 · Chapter 2: Grief Comforted
I think that you would find a lot in the queue to swim that space and not just the residents of M-E.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain you are right, my friend! We'd all be there! Heh! Thank you so!
Kitty · 24 January 2010 · Chapter 1: A Time for Truth
Well, you know already how I think about the way most of the Hobbits treated Frodo, so I really felt like cheering Pippin, Merry, Frodo and Will on! Most of them may still not really believe anything, but I hope some do, and it may shut up the others a little bit. Sometimes I wonder if they would believe it when the King himself or the Elves came and told the story, too?
Author's reply
Well, in my-verse Elladan and Elrohir had sung the Lay of Frodo of the Nine Fingers for the Shire his first Midsummer back, and Aragorn told his own story of Frodo's victory when he visited the worthies of the Shire at the Brandywine Bridge just after the unveiling of the memorial to the Hobbits in front of the Citadel. Most still don't undertand or believe, but a few do, and those are the ones who matter. Thanks so!
Theresa Greenfalcon · 22 January 2010 · Chapter 1: A Time for Truth
Hey Larner - I had to comment on the story and the recipe... I always enjoy the stories [I never fail to tell you either, especially on LJ! :)] but i especially enjoy the recipes! I usually get something new to enjoy out of them... I confess I never considered beer batter pancakes, although I do enjoy beer battered fries and fish... thanks for broadening my horizons!
Author's reply
So glad you did! Friends love beer-batter pancakes, although I don't particularly care for them, so did this partly in their honor. And it's so great to hear from you whenever! Take care, and God bless you and your family.
Antane · 21 January 2010 · Chapter 1: A Time for Truth
A time for truth indeed - that's telling that Trosco who had absolutely no clue but certainly does now! I love that snatch of Sam's song - now please you have to post all of it, dear Larner, not just tease us with a little! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, now you've seen the whole thing. Glad you liked the defiance shown! Thanks so, Antane!