Oh thank goodness! I am back in! (Since getting my new computer I've had trouble logging in here! The new one does not seem to remember to keep me logged in, and it doesn't seem to remember all my passwords!)
Anyway--excellent chapter here! I love the mention of Bilbo's poem, and the further explanation of why he wasn't at the feast. And I also like Gandalf's plan for the awakening of Frodo.
Poor Sam! It's such a shame that his plans were doomed--it would be nice to imagine an AU in which Frodo settled peacefully in at Crickhollow to a nice long life in Buckland.
Author's reply
I've always had difficulty with being kicked offline on this site within a few minutes of logging in, and particularly in high peak times.
It's always bothered me that Gandalf ends up admitting that Bilbo had also spent so much of his time by Frodo's bedside, but at the last minute seems to have eschewed attending the feast. I had to find a viable reason why he'd be in the Hall of Fire instead!
Perhaps in time I will work on such an AU, but NOT NOW! Gads, the plotbunnies and nuzguls with ears on have been persistent lately! Have two more almost ready for posting and the essay to finish........... Aargh!
Anyway, thank you so for the feedback, and hope you were also able to read ch. 14.
shirebound
· 19 August 2013
· Chapter 15: XV
What a logical and interesting interlude. It's nice to see Master Elrond take so much time to explain his reasoning and actions to the hobbits.
And this is especially thought provoking... It may also seek to lend Its power to his recovery now, for It undoubtedly wishes him stronger that It might lead him where It would go
Author's reply
It would be in the Ring's best interests to get Frodo back traveling as soon as possible, after all. And I think that the other Travellers would be up in arms to be kept from Frodo now that he was recovering, so Elrond would have to be up front about the reasons why.
Thanks so for the feedback throughout the story, and I still love your means of the shard's possible extraction!
Linda Hoyland
· 18 August 2013
· Chapter 13: XIII
Good to see Frodo getting better. I loved the scene with the horses.
Author's reply
I agree--long past time when he should be recovering, of course. And I loved working the horses and ponies into the tale one more time. Thank you so, Linda!
UTfrog
· 18 August 2013
· Chapter 15: XV
Love Bilbo's insistence that honeybuns be sent to Legolas! Sam is right to feel that their job is not quite over. Excellent chapter. Thank you.
Author's reply
And thank you so, UTfrog. I love thinking that Bilbo felt some regrets for what he might have done while caught inside Thranduil's keep, and have always imagined that he watched the Elven King's family with interest and may have shared a taste for honey buns with Legolas! Heh!
Antane
· 18 August 2013
· Chapter 14: XIV
Bless the stubborn love of hobbits!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed, Antane! If it hadn't been for the stubborn love, loyalty, and honor shown by Frodo's friends so much evil would not have been averted as it was! Thank you so.
Andrea
· 18 August 2013
· Chapter 7: VII
It is good to know that Arwen's gem helped slowing down the shard's progress.
Even more interesting is the discussion about how to wear the Ring. Until now I thought that the only purpose of the chain was to keep the Ring in a safe position, so that It could not "escape".
But now I wonder what Boraënur will prepare. Maybe some extra protection?
Author's reply
I've loved imagining the purpose of Arwen's gem, and the idea that it was used to help counter the effects of the Morgul shard seemed logical. I've always imagined that the chain on which the Ring was worn from Rivendell on served several purposes beyond keeping the Ring from straying further. It also helped Frodo to avoid being caught by It slipping Itself onto his finger by "accident," and the idea that the chain helped to dampen Its power has always been one I've favored. By now hopefully you've seen what has been done to further strengthen the chain!
Andrea
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 6: VI
It was very interesting to see how surgery is performed in Elrond's house.
And what an amazingly easy yet convincing explanation why the Elves' techniques are so advanced: Thousands of years of experience!
But poor Frodo! He is already unable to part with the Ring for a relatively short time. And yet he has not even been appointed to bring it to Mount Doom! It is already clear at that early point of time that Frodo himself cannot destroy the Ring.
Author's reply
Most of our greatest innovations in medical practice have been made in the last two hundred years, and have been successful primarily because of far better communication throughout the world. I would think that medical practitioners who had been at it for better than six thousand years and who had the memory capacity of Elves would have learned a lot, and they would do their best to share their knowledge and techniques with whoever among mortals were willing to learn from them.
Gandalf had noted that it was difficult to convince Bilbo to leave the Ring behind when he left the Shire, and that Frodo couldn't be brought to throw the Ring into his parlor fire even though he undoubtedly knew rationally that no harm could truly come to It in such a situation. Then, after Tom Bombadil handled It and It didn't disappear, Frodo put It on and tried to sneak out with It, jealous that someone else didn't react to It as he did. It's obvious that the Ring had quite a hold on both of them, as It had done with Gollum from the first glimpse he had of it. I would think that even unconscious he was feeling uncomfortable without It in his possession as he was accustomed to at that point.
Thank you so, Andrea!
shirebound
· 16 August 2013
· Chapter 14: XIV
I just love phrases like "the collection of drowsing Hobbits" and "a deep, comfortable sleep gathered him into its arms." What a comforting chapter, in which you weave so much of the canon we know, and the small details we crave. :)
Author's reply
Thank you so, Shirebound. But as you know, I love to find the context in which to set the details we do know!
Andrea
· 15 August 2013
· Chapter 5: V
“It’s tricksy,” he whispered, and Sam felt a chill at the change in Frodo’s voice.
Tricksy indeed! But unlike Gollum Frodo was constantly fighting the Ring. He did this for his friends and for the Shire.
When Smeagol obtained the Ring by murdering Deagol he lost both, his friends and eventually his home. The rest was easy for the Ring!
Author's reply
True, Frodo was very unlike Smeagol both in the way by which he came into possession of the Ring and by the way he handled Its influence, and by his determination to get It to the Mountain so that It could be destroyed. Yet in the end Frodo found that he no longer fitted into his place either with those who had been his friends or at least his contemporaries, or within his home and homeland. But I suspect everything that the Ring robbed him of was granted back to him in the days of his healing. Again, thank you so!
Andrea
· 15 August 2013
· Chapter 4: IV
Oh dear, I'm 9 chapters behind - but at least I do not need to wait for an update :-)
Sam grinned. “Yes, you’re right about that. I’d of sooner believed as you was the heir to Arvedui Last-king!”
“Which is what I am!”
LOL!!! I would love to see Sam's face!
It is amazing how much information Sam gathers in such a short time. Maybe it has to do with his frankness towards them that both, Aragorn and Gandalf so readily answer all his questions - and of course with the special situation.
Author's reply
Well, if you have questions you really wish to see answered, what better place than in the House of Elrond to have them questioned? And I, too, would have loved to see Sam's face when he was hit by that revelation!
Dreamflower
· 13 August 2013
· Chapter 13: XIII
It's so great to see a chapter in which everyone can relax a little and feel better about things. They've still got a lot of trouble and pain ahead; but for the moment they can simply enjoy the knowledge that this particular crisis is over.
Author's reply
And you are so very right! How wonderful to think that the worst is over, although this is not the worst that Frodo shall face in the end. Thanks so very much, Dreamflower!
Antane
· 11 August 2013
· Chapter 13: XIII
Smiling even! Hooray!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I so agree, Antane!
UTfrog
· 11 August 2013
· Chapter 13: XIII
A pause before another storm moves in! Love the interaction with the animals. Thank you.
Author's reply
Yes, after all Frodo is only transitioning to the need to complete yet another, even more dangerous task after all. Not that the rest understand that as yet.
And loved being able to allow Bill, Shadowfax, Asfaloth, and Bilbo's pony (whom I'll always think of as Merrylegs a la Lindelea) a bit of exposure!
Thank you so!
shirebound
· 11 August 2013
· Chapter 13: XIII
It's lovely to imagine the hobbits bringing flowers to Frodo's room, and the air of ths sickroom filled with a gentle lullaby.
But this is my favorite line: "...it accepted its tribute with gentle dignity." Dear Asfaloth, what an important task he was assigned, and how bravely he carried it out.
Author's reply
The tension is over, and all are beginning to feel the effects of the stress they've now known for the last few weeks. Time to allow themselves to relax and to seek to bring beauty where there was fear. And don't we love all of the horses and ponies in LOTR? Bill and Asfaloth did such a wonderful job of seeing Frodo to safety!
Linda Hoyland
· 9 August 2013
· Chapter 12: XII
It is good to see Frodo improving. I love the way they strengthen the chain.
Author's reply
I agree--quite time for Frodo to begin gaining rather than losing strength. And I figured there had to be something about that chain that made them decide to provide him with that as the means for carrying and securing the Ring, so it stood to rights that it had been somehow been empowered to stand against the Ring's will in some manner. Thanks so very much, Linda!
Dreamflower
· 8 August 2013
· Chapter 12: XII
What a fascinating spell they all have woven! I love how everyone joins in and it is a group effort, to combat Sauron's solitary will.
Because for Sauron, it is the One, which will answer to no will but his own for it was made of only his will, his power, and his malice; but for these others who are crafting a protection for Frodo, it will be a blend of many wills, many wishes, hopes and dreams, all meant to a single purpose: to lend Frodo strength, not to dominate him, but to aid Frodo's own will to dominate over that which would try to subdue him.
Author's reply
What a wonderful expression of the situation, Dreamflower! Yes, all are seeking to work together to aid Frodo to bear with and continue defying the one. Thank you so very, very much!
Antane
· 8 August 2013
· Chapter 12: XII
I was going to say I am glad the danger has passed, but in a big way it is only beginning. But I am glad anyway because of the songs sung and who sang them and what they sang about, especially the hobbits. Not for naught are they with their beloved.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
There had to be something special about Frodo Baggins to draw such giving love from Sam and his cousins, after all. And each individual offers the strength each holds for the protection not just of Frodo himself but for all who might be influenced by the Ring.
Thanks so, Antane.
shirebound
· 8 August 2013
· Chapter 12: XII
A most powerful chain indeed! What an amazing way to send the Ringbearer forth on this dark journey accompanied by the strength and goodwill of everyone.
Author's reply
The others aren't yet aware that they are going forth on a dark journey, save, perhaps Sam, who already has an inkling--"By the long road, or not at all," as he described what he realized must be done before he could return home. And even before the War of the Ring properly begins all are working together as they can, doing their best to remind Frodo of the love, beauty, and wholesomeness he will labor to protect via his endurance.
Thank you so very much, Shirebound!
UTfrog
· 8 August 2013
· Chapter 12: XII
Very powerful protections were wrapped around the ring, indeed. Great and very moving descriptions of each person's contribution to that protection. Great chapter.
Author's reply
They needed powerful protections, I believe. Each offered what he or she knew best, and did so in defiance of the dark and in cooperation with the others. Only by all working together, after all, could the Shadow be properly opposed.
Again, thank you so very much!
Linda Hoyland
· 6 August 2013
· Chapter 11: XI
A very realistic and dramatic vision of what Tolkien only hinted at. The evil shard truly has a will of its own.
Author's reply
I suspect that the shard, as was true of the Ring, had its orders and sought however it could to see it done. And it was good to join others in looking at this seminal moment in Frodo's life. Thanks so much, Linda.
Linda Hoyland
· 6 August 2013
· Chapter 9: IX
This is very poignant as we know what happens to Halbarad.I like the way Arwen plays an active part.
Author's reply
I cannot imagine that Aragorn would fall in love with a woman who was merely an ideal. She had to have her own personality and greatnesses or he would not have remained as constant as he did.
Dreamflower
· 4 August 2013
· Chapter 11: XI
Elrond suddenly gave the Wizard a piercing look. “Do you know,” he asked, his voice barely muffled by the cloth over his lower face, “what has been twisted in order for the Morgul knives to do their work?”
Gandalf looked surprised and puzzled by the question. “No, I must say that I do not. Why?”
Elrond shrugged. “We know that the Enemy cannot create anything new, but can only twist what was there already as part of the original Song of Creation. There must be some other process that was twisted to cause the victim to become a wraith. Also, from what realm was the wraith world wrested?”
A fascinating exchange, and one I hope you intend to expand upon, whether in this story or another!
Author's reply
Actually, I have expanded upon this, in "Filled with Light as with Water" and "Reunion." Although there will be some comments on it in the Author's Notes. Gandalf saw a bit of transparency about Frodo on his first awakening, and foresaw that Frodo would not come to harm but might in time become as a vessel of glass filled with light for eyes to see that can. This indicates that the intention of the spell of the Morgul shard was turned from evil to whatever proper process had been twisted to empower the Nazgul's cursed blades, and that in the blessed transformation the individual subjected to the process apparently became increasingly a creature of Light. It has always been my fancy that Earendil underwent this process as a result of wearing the Silmaril in the Nauglamir to find his way to Valinor, and that Frodo thus followed the example of the Mariner.
And in my-verse the Wraith-world was created by seeking to usurp a portion of the Realm of Possibilities, and that the Rings of Power allowed their wearers to enter this realm in order to find the portions of the Song that allowed the works of their imagination to be made manifest. With Frodo freed from the curse of the Morgul blade he could enter the proper Realm of Possibilities as would an Elf Lord, once he realized this was possible to him, and in my-verse he used it to color and make more life-like the clay figures he took to constructing in his later years on Tol Eressea.
Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Antane
· 4 August 2013
· Chapter 11: XI
I am glad that Frodo's kin go to be there beforehand. All that suspense and dread and then it was over. Thank God! Wasn't expecting the shard to have a life of its own and try to get back in. Dear me. I wonder indeed where it came from, what part of the Song had to be warped...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
How the shard came to have that much autonomy I'm not certain--it's one of the parts of the story that wrote itself, I found. It is interesting to explore the Master's world and to figure such questions out, isn't it? Thanks so, Antane!
shirebound
· 4 August 2013
· Chapter 11: XI
Whew! It took the skill and dedication of many to see the shard rendered purposeless, in the same way it took many to see the Ring to its destruction.
I love this line:
the thought that they might not be able to assure him of their love had been driving him to distraction.
Author's reply
I suspect that at this point Merry could more easily imagine Frodo dying than could Pippin, and I'm certain he would be in a terror at the thought of Frodo not being reassured at the last moment of the love they all had for him. And, yes, I think it took the work of many to see the shard conquered. And I'd not realized that what you say is true--it took the work of many to save Frodo, to re-empower Narsil, to see the Ring to Its destruction, and to best Sauron and Mordor. Thanks for that perception!
UTfrog
· 4 August 2013
· Chapter 11: XI
You do such a good job describing the tension. We know the shard was successfully removed, yet you made the surgery so real that we wondered if it would be. Great story.
Author's reply
Thank you so, UTfrog. I'm so glad to know that I was able to convey just the atmosphere I'd hoped to describe!