The Offer of Redemption - by Larner

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

B2MeM Challenge: 2009 Cue 12: Innocence -- open trust, anticipates the best, inexperienced with true evil."
Format: drabble
Genre: general
Rating: PG
Warnings: n/a
Characters: Sam Gamgee, OC
Pairings: n/a
Summary: Innocence, or hope?



The Offer of Redemption

“Why was he willing to let that Sharkey leave? The fool tried to kill him! Is Frodo really such an innocent as to think the brute would suddenly change and be good?” Ned Boffin’s face was troubled.

But Sam was shaking his head. “Innocent? Not after what that—thing—done to him. But I thought the same when I watched him bein’ gentle with that Gollum. Gollum and me was both thinkin’ him soft. The more fools we! Frodo saw right through him, but kept givin’ him the chance to go back to as him started, is all.”

Comments

[elwenlj.livejournal.com]

Oh that is so true. And I think one of the things that saddens me about the tale is that all the hobbits lose their innocence. But then, that is part of "growing up", isn't it?

And Frodo, soft? I don't think Frodo has been soft since his parent's died. He has a backbone of tempered steel and a heart like firelight on a winter's eve.

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

As I have Gandalf saying to Frodo in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," just as one must sacrifice one's virginity to be able to partake in continuing the race, so often innocence is sacrificed in order to gain true wisdom, which Frodo did gain in the end. No, not soft, Frodo Baggins--just refusing to be a blunt instrument!

[shirebound]

This is lovely.

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

In spite of the hints at frustration and sorrow? Thank you so, Shirebound!

[kayleelupin.livejournal.com]

Beautiful! I don't think Frodo could ever be described as 'soft', especially not after he lost his parents. :(

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

Certainly he wasn't soft during the quest! He's learned so very much about the dark corners in his own being--he knows he's been granted mercy and has accepted it to turn to the good instead, and he so intends to do similarly as he can with others. Thanks!

[periantari.livejournal.com]

Sam is so insightful... it's interesting how he compares the two instances and how you use the wrote the fic really fits the prompt!

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much! Yes, Samwise has his own wisdom, and he's definitely become wise as to his beloved Master.

[nialoke]

This is so very true. And all the more amazing - that even after everything, Frodo was still willing to give second (and third, and forth...) chances.

[blslarner.livejournal.com]

I always have believed that after the mercy he received Frodo was more willing to offer such mercy to others, hoping always to give those he forgave the chance to find themselves again as he was allowed to do.

[independence1776]

I like this!