UTfrog · 22 March 2014 · Chapter 67: Dealing with Dirna
Great job illustrating a particularly irritating relative. Frodo was right to throw her out!
Author's reply
I love jabbing at people like Dirna, I find. Thank you so, UTfrog!
Another Moment of your Time by Larner
Reviews (508)
shirebound · 22 March 2014 · Chapter 67: Dealing with Dirna
“Is it your usual habit to avoid your company by retreating to the study?” Dirna asked scathingly. He turned his head with a sigh. “No, it is not, save when they are being unutterably rude. Good for you, Frodo. There's only so much a gentlehobbit, especially this one, should be allowed to take. But this was my favorite line: He’s a Man of honor, and makes all he meets wish to be folk of honor as well. I can't think of a nicer compliment for anyone.
Author's reply
It was nice to see Frodo find someone so very rude that he had to give them the treatment deserved. As for Sam's description of Aragorn--I so agree! Thank you so, Shirebound!
Lindelea · 25 February 2014 · Chapter 66: In Readiness for Departure
Ah, and of course they'll meet the Elves (though Sam doesn't know that), and won't have to worry about lifting a sword. "In this, you follow Bilbo" could be taken several ways, including the fact that one day Sam, too, will sail west. Did he leave Sting behind as a family heirloom, I wonder?
Author's reply
Yes, in many ways Sam follows both Bilbo and Frodo, but in his own unique and worthy way, of course. And I suspect that Sting will serve as a focus of memories of all three of its first Hobbit bearers. How worthy they each proved of it, each in his own way! Thank you so! And do give Zoe a large hug for me. At the moment Pandora lies against my left shoulder, while Brendi sleeps on the stuffed dog who rests at the foot of the bed, a gift to me from a friend and a memorial to the pillow dog I had as a child. Lydia, the snowshoe Siamese, is avoiding the pups--they are much given at the moment to giving her inconvenient kisses until she runs away from them to keep her whiskers from being licked right off her face!
Antane · 25 February 2014 · Chapter 66: In Readiness for Departure
Le hannon, my dear, but how this kills me - "especially not then" but also makes me admire his humility and surrendering of control over his fate. Our dear, tormented Frodo - he has already surrendered himself completely and was ready to die and that has not changed - he is open to whatever happens and if death comes he will not resist but he also knows swords will be of no use where he is going. Love the connection between Sam and Bilbo though, not sure that completely hit me before. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
You are most welcome, Antane! Yes, he will not seek to defend himself, although perhaps he might seek to defend another, although he recognizes that Sam can and will now defend all who need it. The thought that Sam, like Bilbo, successfully defeated one of the great spiders struck me the other day, although in reality Frodo, too, successfully fought it off--for a time, although he used the light of the star glass as well as Sting to drive it away. Frodo never gave himself enough credit, I always suspected!
Andrea · 16 February 2014 · Chapter 65: Seeking Advantage
Oh my! There old Odo is going on and on about the things he would like to be replaced and seems to be absolutely oblivious to what Frodo is actually saying! And Frodo is far too kind (as always) ;-) The end is just great. At first Odo might have felt affronted by that "present". But it turns out to be perfectly fitting for his purposes.
Author's reply
Odo just isn't the type to listen. And at least he did get a pump originally crafted by his grandson, although a lot earlier in his career than he'd expected. Grin! And although he was frustrated, Frodo did keep his temper as well as he could. A fun one to write.
6336 · 31 January 2014 · Chapter 18: To Be Fruitful and Multiply
Having read this, yet again, I have come up with a possible answer for Frodo, he should explain to Pippin that what Orome meant was that the Elves should go off and have lots of little elves, there by multiplying their numbers, or would that make him even more confused? Lynda
Author's reply
Sorry to have missed this one, Lynda. Yes, it might indeed be the manner in which Frodo finally managed to answer Pippin's question. This was a fun story to write, I found.
Lindelea · 30 January 2014 · Chapter 65: Seeking Advantage
My word! Some people are entirely too thick and stuck on themselves! (And Frodo is entirely too kind... much kinder than some people deserve, at least. And did Odo get the dig, or was he happily oblivious? What a lovely birthday treat, thank you! Our "new" computer arrived and proceeded to flake out within a day of being installed, so we will have to limp along for a couple of weeks until its replacement arrives. *sigh* It's not worth it to put Word on it when we're just going to be reformatting the hard drive and packing it up to send it back upon the replacement's arrival. Still, perhaps I can borrow a laptop again to add a chapter here or there. Don't know. Anyhow, am still thinking of plot points. Looking forward to seeing you next week! Maybe we can bounce a few ideas off one another.
Author's reply
I think that Odo did get the dig, but he also got a new pump, so it wasn't a totally worthless adventure to try to beard the Baggins lion in his den, I suppose. Hope that the new computer is working well. You should have it by now!
Tari · 29 January 2014 · Chapter 65: Seeking Advantage
Well I guess every society has to have someone in it who is a self-absorbed, selfish, egotistical jerk and Odo fits the bill. He's unbelievable. Frodo did a good job of keeping his cool in this situation when he could have had Same throw the bum out. I would have.
Author's reply
Well, in this case Sam may not have physically picked the old coot up and dumped him outside the door, but he did the next best thing. And it was fun revisiting "Newfangled Gadgets" again after all this time. Thanks so!
Dreamflower · 29 January 2014 · Chapter 65: Seeking Advantage
Your tight-fisted old Odo is quite the character! I love the firm way both Frodo and Sam deal with him. And the end was too funny! Frodo's sense of humor in both gifting the old Proudfoot with something useful, while at the same time administering a subtle rebuke was delightful.
Author's reply
I found I needed to somehow revisit "Newfangled Gadgets," and this scenario allowed me to do so! Odo wanted a new pump, and he got one. Probably not the best pump around, but certainly unique! Heh! And I do like poking fun at the dear old Proudfoot from time to time. It was nice to have a reason why.
UTfrog · 28 January 2014 · Chapter 65: Seeking Advantage
This is a lovely tale, but sometimes I wish Frodo had just told some folks to "stick it." He was far too good to live in Middle Earth.
Author's reply
Which, I suspect, is a good part of the reason he was welcomed to Tol Eressea! Heh! Well, he all but told Odo to do so here. Thanks so!
Andrea · 30 November 2013 · Chapter 64: In Search of Peace
So much said with so few words! All three hobbits have taken the first steps to their healing and have gained the peace they deserve so much. It is very important for all of them and for the healing process that they well be reunited in the future. I don't think that Frodo would have accepted this gift if Sam had not been allowed to come.
Antane · 17 November 2013 · Chapter 63: The Ringbearer and the Door Warden
Oh, poor Frodo. I don't believe Saruman's words had any power but Frodo let them have power - "it will daunt you and deceive you if you let it." - too bad he didn't believe his own words and know they were deceptions. But definitely depression will do that, another symptom of his PTSD. I'm glad he embraced the trip West for an opportunity to heal.
Author's reply
In spite of his recognition that Saruman could in reality do nothing to him, still he internalized Saruman's malicious words and allowed them to wound him. Thanks so, Antane!
Antane · 17 November 2013 · Chapter 64: In Search of Peace
I am glad that Frodo has a little peace now and Sam too. Of course because they are with their beloveds, Even in Mordor, Sam noted Frodo looked content and unafraid. He already realizes on some level how blessed he is and he cooperates once more with the Power who will help him heal. His journey continues and he as te hope of seeing Sam again. This little piece says so much. Le hannon for it. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
For Frodo, to know he is with the two Hobbits he loves and has depended upon most, and that he is no longer torn in his mind and heart, must be so reassuring. He is surrounded by the tangible signs of the love that has sustained him always. And may such peace find us all!
Tari · 12 November 2013 · Chapter 63: The Ringbearer and the Door Warden
So beautiful and yet so very sad. You really touched my heart, which has always ached for dear Frodo.
Author's reply
Thank you so, Tari. I have myself developed a great love and admiration for Frodo, which I must suppose shows in my writing. (Smile.) But how stretched he must have felt in those last few months before he left Middle Earth with the other Ringbearers.
Andrea · 8 November 2013 · Chapter 63: The Ringbearer and the Door Warden
Unlike many other conversations between Frodo and hobbits of the Shire you have described, old Horto does not interrupt him so often. His knowledge of the outside world is very poor, but that does not result in blunt disbelief. On the other hand he still has the young Frodo Baggins in mind and might be taken aback by what he sees and hears now. A hobbit who does not come to visit his relatives but instead wants to have some privacy - at Brandy Hall - is indeed a strange thing! It tells a lot about the gravity of Frodo's illness, though. And Horto recognizes that, too. “The stars watch over thee, lad,” he whispered. If Frodo just could have heard that!
Author's reply
I find myself imagining the different relationships Frodo must have had with his extensive family and acquaintances, and how each individual might filter what he knew and learned of Frodo to appreciate how Frodo has changed since his travels outside the Shire and his subsequent return home. The realization that the four Travellers have responsibilities outside the Shire must have stretched the credulity and understanding of each Hobbit who came into contact with them! But I am certain that most who had loved the lad still love the gentlehobbit and wish him cared for.
Antane · 31 August 2013 · Chapter 62: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night ...
I was surprised that Frodo said anything about leaving. I am glad he was able to sleep but sorrowful his cares followed him even there. Namarie, God bess, Antane :)
Author's reply
A drowsy Frodo who was thinking on the fate of the Queen's mother, his eyes covered, now soothed from the headache brought on by the storm that has finally given way to a far more soothing rain, might find himself saying far, far more than he'd ever thought to say about what he had to think on, I believe. (Smiling wryly.) Certainly he has reason to be tired and filled with care--he'd left to protect his native land, but returned to find it occupied and ruled in a corrupt manner by his own cousin and a failed wizard who ought not to have even known where the Shire lay, much less have helped in bringing down much of the beauty and innocence of the place. And he's certain that somehow he is to blame for it all. At least those who loved him before continue to do so. Thank you so, Antane.
shirebound · 27 August 2013 · Chapter 61: Rededication
I just love this piece, especially the final line.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you do, Shirebound! Thank you so much!
shirebound · 27 August 2013 · Chapter 62: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night ...
Adamantha is so gentle and loving with Frodo. I enjoyed reading this very much.
Author's reply
I suspect that Frodo had always been pretty much a favorite with Old Rory's family, and that Adamanta had never quite given over worrying for his comfort.
UTfrog · 27 August 2013 · Chapter 62: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night ...
A lovely summary that Frodo may not have totally realized he was giving. Adamant will certainly understand better than others why Frodo sailed. Thank you.
Author's reply
I agree that Frodo may not have realized he was saying as much as he did. Soothing "Aunt" doing calming rituals, headache going away, drifting off into a sleep that will undoubtedly be better now that the wind has died down and he's just hearing the rain, calm voice offering no judgments--a good inducement to say more than he usually does. Thanks so!
Teresa · 15 June 2013 · Chapter 60: High on the Hill
Yes indeed, Sam and Aragorn both lived in places that were both the highest point in the area, and the hearts of their lands! But then, so did Frodo, and since all three constantly looked after their people they'd need a high point to watch over their lands. I love seeing Frodo and the Gaffer bonding with each other! Many thanks for posting this! :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, and I found myself wanting to explore the correlation! And I do like to think that Frodo and the Gaffer developed a mutual respect. Thank you so!
Antane · 7 June 2013 · Chapter 60: High on the Hill
A sweet tribute to his Sam. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed, Antane! Thank you!
Lindelea · 5 June 2013 · Chapter 60: High on the Hill
I can just see Frodo's smile as you describe it, and his too-wise look. Joyful and heartbreaking at the same time... Thanks!
Author's reply
I know, Lindelea. At least he knows that Sam will be a wonderful Mayor when his time comes.
Lindelea · 5 June 2013 · Chapter 59: In the Inn
Awww. How did I miss this? Oh, wait, it was posted, I think, when we were out of town and I didn't have an internet connection. I love your Bobbin. He sounds like hospitality runs through his veins, the perfect host, well-suited to innkeeping. (and it always makes me happy to catch a glimpse of Freddy or Budgie, even in passing) I'm glad that Frodo receives this reassurance that some, at least, besides his friends and relations, will remembering him kindly.
Author's reply
I felt I had to visit Bobbin again--it's been a time since I found him appearing in any of my stories. Yes, the perfect innkeeper indeed, and one who would embrace Butterbur as a brother, I'm certain. I was glad to find a reason to include both Freddy and Budgie, even if it was perhaps obliquely. But I'm certain that Budgie would have advised Frodo about not lying flat if he found himself breathing with difficulty. Congestive heart failure is not a particularly comfortable condition to entertain, I learned from watching my husband and others get through it. Thanks so much, and hope to see you Sunday or so.
Andrea · 4 May 2013 · Chapter 59: In the Inn
I’m just worrited for you, is all. You’re among the finest folk as I’ve ever known, and at least I’d miss you somethin’ terrible if’n you was to leave us. Very well said, Bobbin! Of course I can understand that Frodo no longer wants to explain about his health and what he did on his journey. But he should also see that many hobbits are only worried for him and that they like him and acknowledge what he has done for them.
Author's reply
I think Frodo probably had many admirers about whom he knew little or nothing. He gave so much of himself to try to protect his own land and people, and I'm certain that as deputy Mayor he did much to further the return to proper Shire law and customs as well as furthering the reconstruction as he could. Most might see the active, open work done by Sam, Merry, and Pippin, but a few must have appreciated what Frodo did from behind the scenes! Thanks so very much, Andrea!
UTfrog · 2 May 2013 · Chapter 59: In the Inn
Lovely. I am sure many hobbits thought well of Frodo. His depression just did not let him see it.
Author's reply
I strongly suspect you are right, although Tolkien tells us that Frodo himself faded from social interaction during that last year in the Shire, so in part he was responsible for his own fading from public awareness. Thanks so, UTfrog.