That Fate Them Bore - story 6

[caraloup]

It’s been a while (a whole year, unfortunately...) since I’ve posted the last story in this series, but I’ve continued working on it meanwhile, and six additional ‘chapters’ are (mostly) finished and ready for posting. Since the gap between my last post and this one has grown so huge, I thought I should try and explain what this series is all about

Comments

[withywindle01]

This is beautiful! Your attention to detail makes me feel like I'm right there, seeing and feeling everything Frodo is. Beautiful!

[caraloup]

Thank you ever so much! I do have a weakness for detail, but I'm very glad if that brings the situation alive for you. Thank you. :)

[slender_sail]

I have to take the story in some more, but first something from the "intro".
Free will and all the individual decisions belong to historical linear time.
Well, I disagree. First of all, "free will" and "belonging" are in contradiction - on the surface. Perhaps you mean that they only become apparent when mirrored by historical linear time - but as for "belonging", they do so solely to themselves, and in the wider myth, to Eru Ilúvatar. The way these intertwine with "fate" as the Music is when it becomes *really* interesting (pun intended). And they do so in different ways for Elves and mortals, yet this is not set in stone for all.
To my mind, ‘fate’ refers to a different temporal level, which - like the Music of the Ainur - contains a pattern of potential and possibility that unfolds over time.The Ainur are "as fate to all else" (except the kids of Ilúvatar, and less so for mortals). They are Nature, one thing derived from the previous, and patterns naturally form. The Music would, then, be fate itself; whilst the word "fate" would

[slender_sail]

Likewise when we talk of larger schemes (Gandalf's in particular), one has to ask whether Gandalf would not be troubled by the many implications of what he tells or doesn't tell Frodo. If he says "you were meant to be" then he could sway Frodo's decision, and if he says "it's just an accident" then Frodo might not find the strength to endure. So how far can you take G's word on it

[slender_sail]

Oh and (lol) there's the early LotR drafts. That's where it's at times amusing and disturbing. First, Frodo thinks he can trick the Ring into offering him the same path (fate) as Bilbo's, so that they can meet up again. Then there is the question of how to allow Gollum's character to give up the Ring to Bilbo, and that's when it's stated that you reach a level in the involvement with the Ring, where you want someone else to experience the same pain; so 'goblins' wouldn't work for Gollum's desire, because they're already so corrupted...

Umm, yuck. All these things are so convoluted, but they offer valuable glimpses into the concept of destiny.

RE: your fascinating comments on Cara's stories

[eykar]

I turn to the comments in Cara's LJ mainly to see what you are going to say, although it will probably be months before I have enough time off from work to comment on your comments. I think I will print them all out to contemplate. You help make tax season much more tolerable.

[slender_sail]

I love this series for its ability to flesh out many parts of the journey that were simplified for the eventual telling of the story (I can't remember the word now, Tolkien used for describing how the story gets 'shortened'). This first leg was the most compelling for me, and I somehow sensed it would "last" much more than on the written page. I remember trying to explain to someone else what it was that I was reading - but instead of reciting the LotR plot summary, I found myself detailing every tree and branch and stone from the Shire. "But what is it about? Pray don't be so long winded!" - well, it was about just that: being long-winded and experiencing the small shifts of reality.

How could they not think of the Riders? They wouldn’t speak the thought though, as if an unflinching silence could take them back to the safety of the moments before.Very hobbit-like. Not sure if they credit themselves with it, but they have that ability of creating a safe space around them, with only the power of will

[caraloup]

Goodness, that's such an amazing compliment - I'm speechless. All I can really say is *thank you*!

[dreamflower02]

Oh, this is wonderfully done! I love this in-depth look at Frodo's thoughts during this time, while you give the hints of conspiracy between Sam and Pippin!

[caraloup]

Yes, the conspiracy will come out soon now... ;) (I've been working on a sequel about Pippin's - and Sam's - perceptions, but that story still needs work.)

Anyway, I'm very glad to know you enjoyed this part! Thanks for leaving a comment. :)

[dreamflower02]

Oh, I look forward to that! JRRT was so cagy, being ever so careful not to give us any glimpses of thought from Sam or Pippin that might have given away the Conspiracy before he was ready for the reveal. But when re-reading, it means one is constantly looking for any little hints--Pippin did a brilliant acting job on that trek, I do think!

Do you mind if I friend you? I really like your fic style!

[caraloup]

Oh, of course you may friend me - I'll friend you right back. :)

It's true that Tolkien leaves much to our imagination when it comes to the conspiracy, and I've always been intrigued by what must have transpired behind the scenes. For one thing, collaborating behind Frodo's back must have changed the relationships between Sam, Pippin and Merry, and it makes you wonder how difficult they all may have found it at various points in the events to keep their secrets. Pippin seems to be very good at it though. :)