Lindelea
· 16 March 2014
· Chapter 11: Chapter Eleven
I read this far on my phone, while we were out of town and away from the computer, but it was difficult to review, so I found my place tonight, where I'd left off reading, and am happy to leave a note.
(And happy to contemplate my own pillow at the end of the day, not long now...)
Boromir is alive! It is a miracle, and seems as if it might be engineered by some Power for Frodo's healing, as well as Boromir's.
I'm glad Elrond, greatest healer I know of, is "on the spot" as it were. I love Bilbo's care and concern. It will be interesting to see if Boromir's physical healing (pain going from raging fire to dull roar, and hopefully improving), will parallel Frodo's psychic healing.
Author's reply
I am glad that you are enjoying this tale! Yes, that little miracle blew everyone away, didn't it? Actually that raging fire is from Frodo but it's interesting to think of it as from Boromir because he certainly could have felt that too as a physical pain, just as Frodo feels it mentally from his lingering Ring-lust and devastation from losing the Ring. I look forward to your further thoughts! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 16 March 2014
· Chapter 25: Chapter Twenty-Five
Wonderful to see the healing inspired by Nienna begin to take hold, and to see Frodo able now to continue the process on his own.
Author's reply
Isn't it? Though I didn't plan this, she knew it was necessary and came to him and I'm glad now she did for this is just want he needed.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 16 March 2014
· Chapter 25: Chapter Twenty-Five
Sam's love still shines so strongly in Frodo's heart. It's lovely when he talks about his Sam, and talks about all he did for him. I wrote once in a story that Frodo became the phial, filled with light --- and Sam, the hand which held it up so that it would not be lost. It's a part of the tale that Bilbo needs to hear, to really understand the type of help that Frodo needed in order to survive the Quest, and was blessed enough to received. And now the Lady has "shone a light into all the dark places of myself that I have feared to tread." That's truly the path to healing.
Author's reply
I love that thought about Frodo and the phial and Sam's hand - how beautiful is that! :) I read this marvelous description of them by Alison Milbank:
"The main problem for the reader is how to separate in his or her mind two characters who have been a pair all through the novel, and who belong together. Despite his marriage, parenthood and obvious delight in Shire life, Sam is incomplete without Frodo, and Frodo an attenuated presence without Sam’s earthliness. ... Sam, ... is not just a reassuring physical presence but an active agent in the rebuilding of his community, and in forming human relationships. ... Sam is not to be reduced to an allegory of the body, for he is much more than that, but the separation of the two at the Grey Havens is emblematic of the sorrow of the separation of the soul and body at death, while their solidarity gives a taste of the ecstatic reunion of soul and body at the Resurrection (Chesterton and Tolkien 111)" To me, this has the image in arises that Sam as the body that encases the soul, and the light that shines softly from Frodo is the light of the soul from within the body.
I think Nienna's arrival, which I hadn't planned for this story but she wanted to come, knowing how much she was needed, is what will get Frodo 'over the hump' as it were in his healing. Through her light and understanding, Frodo will come to understand himself fully and what truly happened.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 14 March 2014
· Chapter 24: Chapter Twenty-Four
Well, Gandalf had foreseen that Frodo would become filled with light as with water, one to be seen by those with eyes to see such wonders.
Author's reply
I think you will find that more and more true, thanks to Nienna, bless her. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 13 March 2014
· Chapter 24: Chapter Twenty-Four
I was there with her. I think I can go there myself now if I bring the memory of her light with me.
What a wonderful gift. I hope Frodo does learn to travel within the lady's light.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear! I hope so too. I think that would accelerate his healing.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 4 March 2014
· Chapter 23: Chapter Twenty-Three
At last he finds the peace he needs, through the intervention of those intended to keep this world in balance.
Author's reply
Well, he has a reprieve from pain for a little bit at least. I wasn't expecting such a blessing for him but I think it could prove a turning point for him to be able to move beyond his present torment. Let's hope so!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Linda Hoyland
· 4 March 2014
· Chapter 20: Chapter Twenty
Poor Boromir! Such a dreadful dream!
shirebound
· 2 March 2014
· Chapter 23: Chapter Twenty-Three
Nienna probed all his infected wounds with her tears and illuminated the dark depths of his brokenness. Rather than shame or fear to see such places, he felt strengthened that someone grieved with him, not just for him.
Oh my, how truly loving and wonderful.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear! I was trying to put into words how profound this moment was for Frodo. It is not complete justice to it but I liked it too. :) I think this could be a turning point for him.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 23 February 2014
· Chapter 22: Chapter Twenty-Two
True words of wisdom there that Boromir speaks.
Author's reply
He's learning a lot. I'm glad that his memories of Faramir continue to inspire him. And hopefully Frodo will learn that he is right. He really does want to heal but he's stuck in a deep dark cave right now from his PTSD. I've read some books about this and at least one refer to a vet having 'cave days'. But at least he has company and that will make all the difference.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Lindelea
· 22 February 2014
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Ah. Frodo finds healing in... perhaps in the act of bringing healing of some sort?
Looking forward to more, when next I have some time to read.
Author's reply
That's definitely part of it. Ulmo brought Boromir here for a specific purpose and as you read more and they wonder about it themselves, it slowly reveals itself. Hope you continue to enjoy!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Lindelea
· 22 February 2014
· Chapter 0: Prologue
Beautiful beginning, all on its own. How well you describe Frodo's anguish, and how plausible a scene this is, to explain how Arwen came to offer him her place on the ship.
This chapter could stand very well on its own, without being a "set up" for following chapters.
(BTW, I love the Miracle Max part of that movie. We often quote the last part, "Buh-bye, boys! Have fun stormin' the castle!")
Author's reply
Thank you, Lindelea! Glad you enjoyed it. Princess Bride is one of my favorite movies. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 22 February 2014
· Chapter 22: Chapter Twenty-Two
That Frodo continues to 'burn', as he puts it, must break the hearts of all who love him, as it breaks mine. I hope he finds the peace and healing he so richly deserves.
Author's reply
He will, never fear, my dear, just don't know how long it will take, which is true with any journey. Thanks for sticking by his side. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 10 February 2014
· Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty-One
Here he and Frodo fight together for themselves and one another. I rejoice that he accepts the commission he has been granted.
Author's reply
This will be the hardest battle of his life but certainly worth it in the end, despite all the exhaustion and toil it will involve. I am glad he has found and accepted his place also. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 9 February 2014
· Chapter 21: Chapter Twenty-One
You know well there is more than one battlefield a warrior fights on, no matter where he fights. Inside the heart is where the fiercest struggles take place, rather than against an enemy you could see and on land you could firmly stand on. You were brought here to enter that field, the one that can be seen behind Frodo’s eyes, and within his heart, and within your own, where there are no sure footholds
Your story contains such wisdom. I'm greatly enjoying this slow unfoldment of understanding and healing.
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear - I enjoyed writing such angelic wisdom myself. So glad you are enjoying it despite all the angst. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :) *hugs*
Larner
· 1 February 2014
· Chapter 20: Chapter Twenty
Both knew acceptance and forgiveness, and both deserved it in the end, and in great part because of what they endured to see things done rightly.
Author's reply
I am glad Frodo was able to help Boromir here. Yes, both definitely deserved it, but I don't think Frodo is ready to accept forgiveness yet, either to forgive himself or accept it from anyone else but that time will come.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 1 February 2014
· Chapter 20: Chapter Twenty
Poor Boromir, what a horrid nightmare. But this was such a perfect, compassionate thing for Frodo to say to him:
"I know from what Aragorn told me you were lamented as a beloved companion, not as a hated traitor."
That final passage is just lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you, my dear - so glad you continue to enjoy this. :) Horrid indeed and I think not the last of them either.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Linaewen
· 29 January 2014
· Chapter 0: Prologue
I have been very remiss in telling you how much I love your awesome tale of Boromir alive. You sent word to me of this prologue some time ago to let me know you had taken it up again to add to the wonderful one-shot you originally wrote. I saved it in a document, and then somehow it got lost on my computer and I have just found it again today -- and when I came here to thank you for adding to your story, what do I find? Nineteen more chapters, one of which was just recently updated! I'm so happy!!! I can't wait to start again at the beginning to see where you are taking this! I can't promise to comment on each chapter, but I will definitely keep you posted as I read along. Thanks again, so very much!
Author's reply
Thank *you*, Linaewen! What a nice surprise to find your review. :) Glad you are enjoying it so much!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :) *hugs*
Linda Hoyland
· 21 January 2014
· Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen
I'm so glad Boromir and frodo can help each other and that Faramir would know his brother lived.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it! It is great for Faramir to have that knowledge and I like the way he is most definitely still a presence and guide to his brother during this difficult time in Frodo's life.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 19 January 2014
· Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen
I rejoice that such communication was allowed, and that Faramir could know that his brother, although in similar exile to that which Frodo had imposed upon himself, still lived, drew breath, and cared to know that he was well, happy, and continuing to know the great responsibility and wisdom that was his by nature!
Author's reply
I am glad too that Faramir knows his brother lives still. :) Yea!! And that Boromir is able to help Frodo through his brother's wisdom. The three of them will be good for each other.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 18 January 2014
· Chapter 19: Chapter Nineteen
He took Frodo’s hand and felt those small fingers wrap around his. Perhaps that was the greatest gift he could give right now.
You write the gentlest, loveliest lines. And that final paragraph filled me with such joy. Why shouldn't such a thing be possible?
Author's reply
Le hannon, my dear! I think Boromir is learning much as he continues to feel his way along to using a gentler side of himself in helping Frodo. And it is wonderful indeed that Faramir knows that his brother lives. Talk about a long-distance call - thank God for Elven telepathy! :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Larner
· 14 January 2014
· Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen
Even now, he finds relief in the love and wisdom shown by his brother.
Author's reply
Don't you love it? :) Glad you liked it - thanks!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shirebound
· 11 January 2014
· Chapter 18: Chapter Eighteen
Even if you were not there beside him bodily, he still carried you with him inside his heart
There were reasons to rejoice, as in the love and courage and strength that was in Frodo to have accepted the burden and the light that shone even in brokenness.
Such lovely, loving lines. Frodo is indeed wrapped in love.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it, my dear! Nice to be back writing this again. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Agape4Gondor
· 25 January 2013
· Chapter 99999: Note
Never mad about writing. Well, I am mad about writing, but not other folks' decisions. I am happy to have the gift you gave.
I fully understand about writing. The reason it took me so long to respond is that I am writing two books myself at the moment. One is a YA fantasy and the other is an adult sci-fi. I'm going mad with it all.
I hope to purchase your book soon! So very happy to see a friend published. Good luck, Eru speed, and may Frodo inspire you daily.
Author's reply
How delightful to hear once more from you and best that you want a copy of my book! Bless you! Frodo is an inspiration - yes, indeed! :) *hugs the both of you*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Agape4Gondor
· 25 January 2013
· Chapter 99999: Note
You can't be serious!!! You mean you don't think I might not want MORE???
Well, I have enjoyed this thoroughly. Though I have wept on occasion. You did good, Antane, you really did.
If you must take a break and spend time with the real world, then go, but I doubt you will be happy there. No seedcakes or Longbottom Leaf. No Frodo. No Boromir (sobs).
I thank you for the 'extra' time you gave us with these two. You rock!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, my dear Agape! After I didn't hear from you, I was afraid you would be mad that I am again leaving you in the lurch but I shall be back! It will just be a long while. I'm already looking forward to it! You honor me with your tears. *bows in appreciation and gratitude* I am at least with Frodo in the real world because my next book is about him and Bilbo so there is that consolation. I could not bear it otherwise! :) I once had a friend ask me how things were in the real world and he meant Middle-earth, though I don't think he was familiar with the place himself, though he may have been. :) You rock right back! *hugs*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Agape4Gondor
· 25 January 2013
· Chapter 17: Chapter Seventeen
Though this ends on a warm note with Faramir, my heart still cries out for Boromir and Frodo and the loss they endure. Their courage and friendship not withstanding, I would have liked for them to be with those they love... Sad.
Author's reply
Well, at least they have each other, and in some real way, Faramir and Boromir *are* together, even if they are physically apart and Sam is with his Frodo. This isn't the end either. :)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)