Reviews (249)

Tim the Enchanter · 12 November 2003 · Chapter 67: Errand of Mercy

I love Freddy's perspective on this. What a relief to him to go to attend a death and find that Frodo has found healing - even if it means they won't see each other again. At least he won't have to bury his cousin and knows he is safe.

Hai · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 66: Laying Down the Fight

Don't cut all the emotional stuff out! That's what makes it good! Was Freddy's dream a little prophesy? Good of Freddy to decide taht Sam should be there! When they all got the package I was very touched, Frodo is already saying his good bye's! Looking forward to more, thank you!

pebbles66 · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 66: Laying Down the Fight

Oh, you are a sneak! I thought this was really the end of Frodo, and it was all a dream!

FantasyFan · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 65: Of a Birthday Remembrance

This chapter, I like much better. Frodo’s conversation with his cousin is still grounded in the here and now. Frodo doesn’t say goodbye, not even just in case. He’s thinking about Sam and Merry and Pippin, and leaving notes for them all is a good idea. The way things turn out, he’s going to have to leave one for Freddy as well. I wonder about Frodo setting all things to right, before leaving. Not so much as a word to Freddy with his parcel. He's a conspiracy all by himself - thought it seems Gandalf is meddling in this one. What a hoot to have Gandalf send a letter through Butterbur. I'm really, really hoping that the fear of being melted came back to his mind, and that he didn't leave the letter behind the pot. I guess that you did this in part to set up the ambiguity in the next chapter, but it’s funny all by itself too. Frodo’s presents to his friends are perfect, especially the forget-me-nots. I don’t remember whether you gave Frodo blue eyes or not: is that why Viola says the color reminds her of him? Of all the things Elijah Wood has done well or poorly in his movie portrayal of Frodo, his eyes are what’s changed most everyone’s mental picture of the character. The lovely hobbit custom of giving friends and family personal gifts of thanksgiving on their birthdays lets Frodo say goodbye without words. I like the memory of Merry’s waggonload of apples, and the book reminding Freddy of Frodo’s care during his own time of darkness, and a symbol of the way the roles have reversed. (Have you read Letter 214 on hobbit customs, which mentions that hobbits do also receive birthday presents signifying kinship, from the head of the hobbit family and second cousins or nearer kin who live within 12 miles, usually on the eve of the birth day; and which is the source of Smeagol’s complaint that the ring should have been his birthday present?) I’ve also read your note at the end. My sympathies on the struggles writing this part of the story must be. You’ve really taken on the hardest task there is in Tolkien canon.

FantasyFan · 11 November 2003 · Chapter 66: Laying Down the Fight

I’m not sure I like this chapter. First of all, the device of a dream is a trick. Either the reader knows you are following canon and that this isn’t supposed to be happening, and they spend the chapter scratching their head: that really blunts the emotional impact of the supposed fight; it takes away the tension and leaves the whole scene flatter than I would otherwise expect. Or they don’t know that it’s not supposed to be happening, and they’re left feeling as if the author is messing with them when the joke is revealed (the Dallas syndrome). The second reason I don’t really like it, is that dreams have considerable significance in Tolkien’s world. Many people think Dreams are the way the Valar (or Gandalf) communicate with mortals. Frodo dreams of the rain curtain of glass in Bombadill’s house, a portent of his trip into the West. He dreams of Gandalf’s imprisonment, albeit late. His dreams as he approaches Mordor are gentle dreams of peace that strengthen and refresh him. Boromir and Faramir dream the prophecy that sends Boromir on the quest, and Faramir dreams of the wave overtaking Numenor. Even Merry and Pippin’s dreams in the house of Bombadil, though they aren’t dreamings of the truth, exist to offer them the comfort that they are safe. Even the fact that Sam doesn’t dream points up his essential groundedness. So any dream Freddy would have, especially at this important point, should have meaning. If Barliman hasn’t forgotten the letter, Frodo should be well on his way to the Undying Lands by now. A dream of Frodo’s struggle should be something that brings peace, or allows him to say farewell. It could leave Freddy confused, but it shouldn’t leave him terrified. If you want to keep this chapter, I would feel better if you changed the way Freddy thinks about it at the end. But then, I don’t really know what you have planned for the next part – I’m making the assumption that Freddy will find Frodo gone and Sam returning when he reaches Bag End the evening of the 6th. And, perhaps I’m missing the point entirely – if that’s true, it’s data for you. I would have expected a dream at a slightly later point, with a different emotional impact.

FantasyFan · 10 November 2003 · Chapter 64: Into the Darkness

Now that I have a semblance of composure (it's pretty shaky though), I'm going to try to write a review with a little coherence to it. So here Frodo explains why he feels he cannot ask Sam or Merry and Pippin to help him through the last pain. Hurray for Freddy vowing not to let him walk alone, even at cost to himself. We always knew Freddy had his own courage, and it's nice to see Frodo acknowledge it out loud. From Freddy and Frodo's talk, I guess Frodo doesn't have much of a plan after all. He's come to this slow realization and acceptance, but he's not sure if Bilbo and the Elves have left, and he wasn't sure last year if he would have gone with them or not. So this year, now that the alternative is death, he will set out to Rivendell with Sam. He can't tell Sam any more than that, because he has no real idea if Elrond and Bilbo are still at Rivendell or not. Sam will not be planning to go all the way with him. Either there will be no one left when he arrives, and he will die there; or there will be Elves left, and he will ask for healing if it is possible, or accept the alternative if it is not; or as it turns out, he will meet them on the way to the Havens and leave with them. How does he get Freddy to agree to let him go, with only Sam accompanying: Sam unknowing of the truth and not planning on staying with him? Or does Freddy talk him into this last chance plan, as Frodo now seems to think he will be buried in the Shire? Your writing is very beautiful here. I love the phrase "Each day was a golden coin in the treasure box of memory" which you've also used in other places. It perfectly describes the hobbits' love for the simple joys of life, grounded in what is truly important and thankful for the beauty and spirit surrounding them. You have written Frodo here with serenity and wisdom, which despite the sadness, is a wonderfully strong and tender portrait of a hero who has taken the ultimate life-lessons from his experiences. The description of the Shire from Frodo's rock is grand and beautiful yet homey and simple. Well, I made it through the review, although it took three kleenexes. I sure hope you can pull something happy out of these next few chapters, though given what you have to work with it's unlikely. I'll just consider it practice toughening up of the tearducts in preparation for the December high-budget fanfiction extravaganza.

Tim the Enchanter · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 64: Into the Darkness

How sad, but at least Frodo has Freddy to talk with about this even if he wants to spare the other three travellers.

Hai · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 64: Into the Darkness

Oh, dear, all this sad talk of dying! I hope Frodo ad Freddy are able to lean on each other until the end. Very admirable of Frodo to not want to involve anyone else in his fight with the shadow, but how lonely! Looking forward to more, thank you!

FantasyFan · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 64: Into the Darkness

I've got tears dripping into my morning coffee. You are destroying me. I don't think I can even write anything right now.

FantasyFan · 9 November 2003 · Chapter 63: Breaking the News

One thing I forgot to ask in the last review, because I got so upset about Frodo dying, is I wonder if Freddy will see the light shining from Frodo, like Gandalf did when Frodo was recovering in Rivendell, and Sam did in Mordor? It seems stronger in times of physical weakness and spiritual test, and I think that as Frodo still fights the darkness with his failing heart, it will shine all the more. Gandalf said, "he may become like a glass filled with a clear light for eyes to see that can," and Freddy, after his own experiences with the darkness and his intimate acquaintance with Frodo's story, may have developed that kind of sight. Just a thought at 3:00 in the morning when I can't sleep.

Bob of Langaria · 8 November 2003 · Chapter 40: Thoughts of Home

Um... in 'Down and Out" you have Melilot Brandybuck as a male hobbit, here Melilot is a lass. Thought I'd let you know.

FantasyFan · 8 November 2003 · Chapter 63: Breaking the News

If Frodo's suspected since October and felt sure since March, I guess there's been plenty of time for him to get used to the idea, and to make all the arrangements. I must say, once again he's cutting things close by waiting to leave until the magic date of September 22. By the appendices, they sail on the 29th, and Sam returns to Bag End on October 6. Now I don't know how long it takes for an Elven ship to sail the straight road, but you'd think Frodo would want to give himself the greatest chance to arrive in a place of healing before the next crisis comes. Unless, of course, he doesn't expect to be healed even there, and he simply hopes to die in peace without Sam knowing and grieving. Somehow, I don't believe this is the case, or he wouldn't have reminded Sam that he could sail one day as well, leaving him with the hope that eventually they would be reunited. On the other hand, he could believe that there would be no crisis even on October 6, once he left Middle Earth. I don't believe that either, as Frodo knew well that even the Valar couldn't undo all the harm of the world marred by Melkor. Perhaps he just felt he would stay with his friends until the last possible moment, and then take his chances, having come to a place of acceptance of the Gift of Eru to Men. When I first read the Lord of the Rings I was 13, and it wasn't until many years later that I read Tolkien's assertion that even in Valinor, Frodo and Sam are still mortal and will still die. I took the phrase "Undying Lands" at face value, and amidst the bitterness of the ending of the book, I took comfort in the thought that Frodo and Sam were still alive, somewhere, walking in the woods and enjoying a second breakfast. Even when disabused of the notion by the Professor himself, I stubbornly still believe it. It's my own private utterly unsupported theory that Eru, being fond of creating exceptions to his own rules when the situation warrants, gave Frodo and Sam another gift: a gift of healing and of the time to enjoy it, to live without pain in peace and contentment as long as they wished, and to give up that life only when they at last were tired of it. Frodo got 17 years after Bilbo left him the ring to enjoy being The Baggins of Bag End and Master of his own life, but fifty years were taken away from him, plus his health and the chance for family and children, and that never seemed fair. I want to think he got more than his health back in Valinor, that he also got a chance to live and be happy with Bilbo, whom he loved dearly, and later with Sam. Sometimes I still need to think they are there, just over the horizon. (Sorry, that whole last paragraph had nothing to do with your story, except indirectly as my take on the subject of Frodo accepting death. Sorry again - it's kind of silly to get so passionately emotional about fictional characters, isn't it, but in this case I can't help it.)

Tim the Enchanter · 8 November 2003 · Chapter 63: Breaking the News

I've always wondered what Freddy thought about Frodo going with the elves. I imagine we're about to find out.

FantasyFan · 8 November 2003 · Chapter 62: Heart-to-Heart Talk

Being away for a while lets Freddy and Budgie see the deterioration in Frodo’s condition. You almost have to have a healer in this story, to note the early signs that wouldn’t show to an ordinary hobbit, and to predict further troubles for Freddy’s cousin. A racing heart isn’t outwardly notable, and trouble sleeping is nothing new. Shortness of breath can be disguised – but if Budgie’s suspicions are correct, when next October comes Frodo’s heart will pound in the midst of a nightmare, he will gasp for breath as his lungs fill with fluid, then with crushing pain in his chest and ice down the length of his arm, the darkness will pull him down forever and he’ll be gone; with Sam frantic at his bedside and Merry and Pippin racing across the Shire to say goodbye before it’s too late. Dying during dreams of the Witch King is not how I’d want to go. Budgie is a typical healer, not wanting to predict how long (or how soon, in this case). But now Freddy knows, and next will have to come the difficult conversation with Frodo. From the beginning he’s realized that to fight the darkness, he needs to remain physically strong as well as mentally on guard and surrounded by friends. Surely he’s realized that his health has been getting worse, not better, and no matter what he’s been able to hide from Sam, it’s time to face the truth. How hard of a decision can it be, to try for healing in the West, when the alternative is certain death and worse? Now, it’s a matter of timing. Frodo looked for Bilbo and the Elves in the woods last year, but there’s no guarantee they will be there this year either. Is there time for a message to be sent to Rivendell? (Although I’m not sure who would take it.) Now would be a really good time for Gandalf to show up.

????? · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 62: Heart-to-Heart Talk

Hmm, have you given Frodo congestive heart failure? I didn't have any guesses until the last couple chapters, but that's what makes most sense, given the swollen feet and "slushy" heartbeat. You are doing a good job with this fic so far. I would like to see a little of the adult hobbits with baby Elanor though. If would be nice to have a few more sweet moments before Frodo sails (I assume you're going that far?).

Lyta Padfoot · 7 November 2003 · Chapter 62: Heart-to-Heart Talk

Its always hard to hear difficult news. Poor Freddy and Frodo!

Lyta Padfoot · 6 November 2003 · Chapter 61: Of a Hot Summer's Day

Freddy seems to be improving even as Frodo falters.

pebbles · 6 November 2003 · Chapter 61: Of a Hot Summer's Day

I think I may know what's wrong with Frodo. Does he have congestive heart failure? The symptoms sound very similar. Anyway, I'm enjoying the story very much. I guess I wish there was more about Frodo in it, but he's my favorite. Keep up the good work.

FantasyFan · 6 November 2003 · Chapter 61: Of a Hot Summer's Day

I'm pleased you found some time to post today, after all. Freddy's reputation for knowing and seeing all just got enhanced, or it would have had he not let Budgie and Viola know what he was really thinking. And he naturally assumes that the lack of Paper from Bag End is due to the demands of a small baby. But I wonder if it isn't also because Frodo's not up to writing? I enjoyed seeing Freddy and Merry argue the opposing viewpoints of how the tale should be recorded. Merry has stubbornly stuck to his principles, the the details should be sparing. Freddy takes Frodo's side, that the horror of what happened is an important part of appreciating what has been spared. They might just agree to disagree, but Merry can say nothing to Freddy's rejoinder that Frodo cannot take worse ill from hearing what he and Pip went through, and all can hope that the completion of the book might mark a milestone in Frodo's recovery. Merry is not sure though, and he is troubled enough by even discussing the subject that he's off on another of his midnight rides. Budgie keeps Frodo in bed, after his little spell, but sends Sam on. Looks to me like a little private treatment and plain talk is in order. There's no anniversaries on the horizon, but Freddy might try to keep Frodo for a while - at least until the swelling in his feet goes down - that's not a particularly good sign. I wonder how fast he'll recover from this?

FantasyFan · 6 November 2003 · Chapter 60: The Very Next Morning

Well this is pretty interesting. Freddy wants Sam to be Mayor, and he is grooming him for the position 6 years in advance. What put the idea into his head? I doubt the advice about playing to your audience came from Freddy, though - he's never tried to live in two worlds. It does answer my earlier observation though, that Freddy would be better accepted as Mayor than Sam. The real best candidate would be someone who could relate to and be trusted by both the common and the high-born hobbits. As the Hero Gardener of Bag End, Sam does actually fit that bill. It sounds like Frodo has a heart murmur. A lot of heart murmurs are something inherited; others can be caused by the same type of deposits that clog arteries. Damage can also be caused by rheumatic fever or a bacterial infection. The last is a distinct possiblity for Frodo, as I am sure spider bites and whip weals weren't treated with a lot of sterile technique in Mordor during the last weeks of the quest. He's relatively asymptomatic, though he did complain of a breathless feeling after walking, and his heart races under stress. No sign of chest pains or fainting, which is good, but weight loss, fatigue or exhaustion, rapid breathing, cough: he's had all of those at times. If his heart is still racing or beating irregularly without the stress of an anniversary-illness, then that's worse. Wish they had antibiotics in the Shire, or somebody understood low-fat low-salt cooking (The worst treatment I could imagine for a hobbit. Have you ever had mushrooms and bacon, Mrs. Maggot's specialty? Heavenly dish, but a normal human should only eat something like that once a year.) Freddy and Budgie think they are protecting Frodo, or perhaps they are protecting Sam and Rosie, by hiding Frodo's illness. It's a sympathetic thing to do, but isn't dishonesty of this kind un- hobbitlike? Do they think it's only temporary (ie., Sam will be in a better position to care for his master next year)? Frodo for some reason doesn't want help. I guess he's afraid of being a burden. But to me it seems that hobbits generally don't find caring for each other to be a burden, but rather an act of love to be celebrated and accepted. Why doesn't Frodo feel that way, and why doesn't Freddy want to include as many of Frodo's friends as possible? It's a little odd.

Tim the Enchanter · 5 November 2003 · Chapter 60: The Very Next Morning

I can't help but wonder how well Budgie would do trying to treat Pippin! A very perceptive hobbit and good advice that he gives to Sam.

Anonymous · 4 November 2003 · Chapter 59: A Visit to Bag End

There was some fantastic stuff (Huh...stuff. Aren't I descriptive today?) between Freddy and Frodo in these later chapters. I love watching the simple mechanics of an everyday friendship. For a time Frodo had truly taken Fredegar under his wing, but the tables have turned; Freddy is now the self-appointed guardian of the former Ringbearer. And a good thing, too! I think dear Frodo would let himself go to wreck and ruin before "burdening" somebody else with his troubles. Hurrah for Freddy the Editor! I can't imagine The Story without Merry and Pippin's part of the tale. The single line in the trilogy that made me cry the longest is in Merry's half of Cormallen ("Are you going to bury me?" *sniff* Oh dear...there I go). '"Sam-full-wise" for I refuse to call you Samwise.' Well, jolly decent of old Fred if you ask me! I think I remember reading that Sam's name in its original meaning was something like "half-wise" or "half-wit". Indeed! (Tsk, tsk on the Gaffer, says I). Made me happy that Freddy picked up on that and was so sensitive to it. *grins* Sammy! Malva Brandybuck

FantasyFan · 4 November 2003 · Chapter 59: A Visit to Bag End

Frodo's somehow gotten the attitude that he doesn't want to worry his friends and relations, so he's avoiding asking for help. He's deliberately sent Sam and Rosie away so as not to grieve them and make more work during what should be a time of happy anticipation. Merry's got his own troubles at this time, and Pippin's probably helping him, so Frodo thinks he needs to go it alone - how very sad. He'd send Freddy away too, if he could get away with it. Fortunately, Freddy is perceptive, caring and just as stubborn, so Frodo gets the help he really does need. He says he's stronger and can fight it better, and given the experience of the last year, perhaps they have a better technique for the fight, but he doesn't seem stronger or better. I don't think he's really hiding everything from Sam - Sam shows up because he does have that vague anxiety about his master, but between his preoccupation with his new family and duties, or because Frodo's becoming better at hiding his disquiet, Sam doesn't see the full extent of the trouble. Or as you say maybe he doesn't want to see it. While Frodo was named 'endurance without hope,' Sam was named 'hope unquenchable,' and perhaps those appelations do define their attitudes as the story gets closer to the end. If I had to guess, I'd postulate that Sam does see Frodo's deterioration, but it is gradual enough that he isn't fully concious of the extent and thus not too alarmed. This is mixed with a fundamentally optimistic attitude, so that anything he does perceive he thinks that he and Rosie and Merry and Pip and Freddy can fix, given enough time and love (and Rosie's good cooking). Frodo I would guess thinks time his enemy, having little hope and becoming tired of endurance, and thus he leaves while he still thinks he can. If there's an event that triggers his final decision, it's not recorded, so you could feel free to make anything up! Perhaps it's an illness that surprises him by coming without an anniversary. Or something he used to do that he realizes he now can't. A letter from afar, a reminder of the past, or even an overheard conversation could do it. Heck, I was once tempted to take the boat to Elvenhome over a few grey hairs (I settled for a bottle of Loreal instead). I'm interested to see what you come up with.

Hai · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 59: A Visit to Bag End

How good of Freddy to come and make sure Frodo is going to make it through his bad days! I like how Freddy calls Sam, Sammy, a different little name for Sam from someone else. Freddy is sure learnign a lot about the Travellers! I wonder how the story would have turned out if he had gone with them? Looking forward to more, thank you!

Tim the Enchanter · 3 November 2003 · Chapter 59: A Visit to Bag End

Another loving conspiracy.