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All That Glisters by Lindelea	8 Review(s)
Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/8/2006
The different conversations in the last few chapters were profoundly moving - sad, and touching, and very thought-provoking. I think they embody well Merry's words to Aragorn in MT, "But it is the way of my people to use light words at such times and say less than they mean. We fear to say too much. It robs us of the right words when a jest is out of place." These conversations show very well what might happen if they do choose to speak of serious matters, and how swift the change between dark and back to light might happen. Author Reply: Belated thanks for stopping and taking the time to write out your thoughts. It was encouraging to run across this, today.

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 1/12/2005
Need to bathe and leave this, but I am so enjoying the story. It is well written and enchanting. Author Reply: Bathing is one of those necessities of life. And yet, a luxury as well. Every time I turn on the hot water I give thanks. What a wonder it is--the turn of a tap and water streams out, steaming. No fire to build, no buckets to haul... Glad to hear you're still with us. It's an awfully long story! g

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/31/2004
Realism or sentiment? How about "realistic sentiment"? But when push comes to shove for me, in fiction, it's sentiment. Not that it has to be sappy or fluffy or corny--but I want as happy an ending as suits the circumstances, and I want love and faith to triumph. I don't care for "darkfic" or for stories with truly dismal endings. I don't want my hurt without comfort, and angst is fine if it's prompted by love. Don't know how well that answers your question, but hope that helps! Author Reply: Thank you for taking the time to give your opinion. Have been thinking hard about this after reviewing the next draft chapter, ready to type in. I was hesitating because I really didn't want to post it; I wanted to revise it first, to lighten it up. Funny, but so much depends on whether I'm writing to feel good, or to tell a story. If I'm in "story-telling" mode, exploring some of the issues that puzzle or haunt us in real life, sometimes I have to do hard things. Posey, for instance. I would love to save her by some miracle. The only comfort I can find is that I know that Hilly goes to Sea someday, rather than following his beloved into the darkness. Somehow it can cheapen a story to make all the plot points tie up in happy, bright ribbon bows. For the most part, I strive for happy endings. Sometimes there are losses along the way. But the vision I try to write is ultimately a positive one. Thanks again.

Hai Took	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/31/2004
I think both of these worked well with the story. I liked Pippin speaking to Elladan and Posey about the position. The bit when Pippin asked Aragorn if he could leave his own rule like that really put things into perspective! I don't know how hard this is for Pippin to try and make a decision such as this! It would be difficult to be Merry as well. Wanting him to leave for his health but also understanding that he has responsiblities. Posey's conversation with Pippin was beautiful and had me near tears a couple of times. They are facing the same thing although Posey doesn't really have the choice to try and live a longer life! Looking forward to more! And I have started At the End of His Rope, again ;)

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/30/2004
Lovely moment between Pippin and Posey. I enjoyed it very much. I think it did them both good to talk to someone who knew what it felt like to be facing a short and merry life. I liked how hard Posey tried to keep from tears and how Pippin tried to dwell on the positive side while still being honest about his situation. Great chapter and I look forward to more. I do think that Hilly and Diamond showed up at just the right moment, before things could get too sad.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/30/2004
This is such a sweet conversation. So serious and loving. Once more we are reminded of just how much hobbits wear their hearts on their sleeves. I love this chapter, and I especially love how wise and vulnerable your Pippin is. But still,even so: you make me want to just jump in there and tell them what's going to happen! Of course that would spoil everything, but it makes me realize the appeal of Mary Sues--I want to just fix everything for them! LOL! I'm very glad that I have read "At the End of His Rope" or I might not be able to resist! shakes head and reminds self "it's fiction"

Connie B.	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/30/2004
Good chapter. I think this explains Pippin's reasoning so well. Part of me wanted him to agree to go to Gondor, but I knew he couldn't. To have him lay it out clearly, it makes so much sense. I liked that you had Pippin and Posey having this little heart-to-heart. It just seems right that the two people with a death sentence hanging over their heads would talk about these things. Thanks. Connie B.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 57 on 12/30/2004
Interesting - as the condemned, Posey and Pippin are natural confidantes. Neither knows how long they will last, but they are aware it will not be the expected span. They are both aware that acceptance is easier for yourself than it is for those around you. (Cure Posey! Give her some magic Ent-juice! Give her and Hilly a happy ever after!) Very touching.

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