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All That Glisters by Lindelea	5 Review(s)
Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 1/18/2005
Hard. At least Pippin can feel that the ruffian deserves it, if anyone does. But it's not like killing someone in battle - or, indeed, like throwing a stone at a villain in the middle of a chase. And Aragorn has to keep doing it. It must be very difficult not to become hardened in self-preservation. A birth is an appropriate ending. (Although I'm left trying to remember the last stanza of Eliot's The Journey of the Magi.)

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 1/16/2005
I just love that Rose and Sam's Bilbo was born on Bilbo and Frodo's birthday. Such a lovely touch to this already wonderful story. So glad that this comes down on a happy note at the bridge. You can feel the bitter-sweetness of it all in Merry's responses and see how much he misses Frodo still.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 1/15/2005
Very well done! And this is one ruffian who did not deserve a reprieve, even though I'm sure hobbits would have given him one anyway. I'm glad Pippin knew better than to try. I like that you make note of the fact that the hanging was not a public spectacle, but a grim affair. Fireworks for The Birthday! And little Bilbo! You know, for some reason that's one of Sam's and Rose's young ones that I tend to forget. How lovely that he was born on The Birthday! Loose ends: well, aside from Jack and the boys, how about Denny's lass? And I'd like to see a bit more of Elladan and Elrohir before everyone breaks up--not necessarily a "loose end" as much as they played an important part, and deserve to be in the denouement. Uh, what are they going to do about the temptations the Thain's gold is posing to renegade men? I know the hanging is meant as a deterrent, but perhaps a little something more? Increased patrols or something... I hate to see this one come to an end. I always enjoy stories that let Aragorn interact with the hobbits Fourth Age. I could probably come up with some more stuff just to get you to keep going, LOL! And Denny is remaining in the North, hmm? Neat! Author Reply: Well, Denny is remaining in the North at least until the King comes back. He might be hoping to regain his strength and health enough to rejoin the elite bodyguard, and yet he might be hoping to stay in the North with that lass. Hmm. Ummm, I'd assume increased patrols, though it probably isn't necessary to say as much. If you look at "Where the Merlin Cries" there are regular patrols of King's Men on the borders of the Shire, that the kidnapping ruffians have to evade. If you do come up with more stuff, do let me know! I have some irons in the fire but am not sure what will come up after they've been dealt with. (And you write satisfying Fourth Age stuff yourself! Take a bow!) I wrote another draft today while someone else had the computer, a sort of sequel to "Runaway". My editor friend is going over "Thain" again to come up with a list of suggestions to get started on that story again. And there's young Rosemary and Ferdi's story still bubbling away on the back burner. And then there's Woodruff's story, which seems to be taking shape. And just so many hours in the day...

Mysterious Jedi	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 1/15/2005
I thought Tolman was the only one sharing Frodo's birthday (hate to be nitpicky, but At the End of his Rope was one of my favs). This is excellent! I think you're writing is starting to rub off on me, I've been reading it so much, though stuff I write is much shorter and not nearly so profoundly interesting. Author Reply: Yes, I'd thought of Tolman's birth and made a note that some revising might be needed in "Rope", but I certainly appreciate your reminder, for it would have been an easy detail to overlook! Thank you for the encouraging words. Hope to see you around in other stories! (And will be looking for yours, when the "reading urge" hits.)

Connie B.	Reviewed Chapter: 71 on 1/15/2005
That was hard to read; the hanging part at least. That was an interesting cover story Aragorn and Pippin had for their absence. The fireworks were a nice touch. So was little Bilbo being born on the same date and in the same room as his namesake. No loose ends other than Jack, and his possible reward, come to mind. Thanks for a great story. Connie B. Author Reply: You're welcome. I hesitated to write the hanging; it was labelled "background" and almost excised from the chapter (leaving a bare mention) but I thought it important to show Pippin's fortitude and his dedication to do his duty, no matter how painful or distressing or distasteful. Glad to hear you didn't notice any loose ends. Jack and his possible reward will be dealt with in the Epilogue, coming next if all goes well. Thanks for the faithful reviews. You have heartened me when the dark has descended, quite heavily in recent times, and I do appreciate your taking the time to write even in the midst of your own dark times. Hope your friend is doing much, much better. Will keep her in our prayers.

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