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The Ties of Family by Larner	6 Review(s)
Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 2/25/2006
They’ll have some idea of what true courage and dedication is... Thank you, Sam! Though you deserve great credit too for the same. Interesting in last chapter about Frodo leaving the note to Narcissa and her reaction to it. Loved to see Fosco dance! He had a good teacher. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: In many ways Frodo untouched by the Ring, I think Fosco is. He is worthy to be the Baggins now. And Sam would want folks to begin appreciating. He's the keeper of the Red Book, charged with letting folks know what the world was like; and I think he'd want to let the Shire know that not only has Middle Earth lost some of the great Elves and the magic of their Rings, but the brightest soul he's aware of that the Shire ever produced.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/5/2005
I loved Sam as story teller and his reason for telling the tale made it all the sweeter. I also like that moment when he told the story about Pippin throwing the stone and Merry snickering. I am enjoying this very much and am also glad I was so far behind. Gives me so much more to read and enjoy at one sitting. Nothing better on a day off than a long, enjoyable story to read. Thank you. Author Reply: At least you get a day off! I sneak in between jobs, it seems. And, yes, showing up Ted Sandyman would be a wonderful reason for telling this story. And Merry would still be laughing at Pippin's immaturity in many ways, I think--but loving him the more for it.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/3/2005
I love the idea of Narcissa as a guardian for the twins. Maybe it will hurt a bit in the beginning, because Fosco looks so alike the young Frodo, but I think it could help her in the long run. Narcissa has waited so long for Frodo, and now he's gone and she needs something to distract herself from her loss. And the twins probably enjoy the time with someone who loves Frodo as much as they. They will surely go along quite well. Sam's account of their journey through Moria was touching. I am glad they begin finally to talk about it more, even if it needs some brainless remarks from Sandyman to do it. I had always thought the other Hobbits should know more about the Quest and what the four travellers had done and sacrified. It is not fair they are honored all over Middle-earth but not in their own homeland, and it is so sad the adults refuse to acknowledge their courage. At last the next generation will hopefully be better! I look forward to more, especially the meetings with Aragorn you mentioned in other responses to reviews, even if it will need some more time. It is going to be interesting to see the twins developing into adulthood! Author Reply: The Shire will finally enter the Fourth Age, but it will not always be gracefully, I suspect. They are the ones who, due to their isolation, have the least news from far away. So far the Travelers have not found it easy to tell their stories--it will take time for all to begin to know what happened, for the three remaining to tell the stories and for the rest of the Shire to begin to understand the stories are not exaggerated. And there will be two visits with Aragorn--am writing the second one now.

NiennaTru	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/3/2005
My goodness, I'm away from the computer for a day, and I come back to find two new chapters! I enjoyed them both, and I very much like the idea of Narcissa as independent guardian to Fosco and Forsythia. I think all three will benefit from the relationship. Sam's telling of the trip through Moria was wonderful to read as were the reactions it garnered from those who listened. Author Reply: New stories to hear, and stories that are now including their own, beginning to show the Shire the reality of the new order and the Traveler's parts in it all. And Narcissa is beginning to find the healing she needs, I think.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/2/2005
As wonderful as this continues to be, I loved this the most: “Orimbras is the first besides Iorhael to tell us much about the Sea Kings, though. He has one of the books he says the Old Took put into the library that he received from Lord Elrond that tells about the founding of Númenor. Iorhael had told us about how Lord Elrond’s brother was the Lord Elros and how he chose to become a mortal while his brother chose to live the life of the Elves, and the book tells how he led the chosen of the Edain to Atalantë and became their first king, Elros Tar-Minyatar. The new King Aragorn Elessar is descended from him through Elendil the Tall and Isildur. Iorhael loves the King Aragorn Elessar.” I've never read a better summary of that long history! :D Author Reply: No better summary, I suppose, than cutting out all the ones who came in between. ;-> No mention of the king and queen who disagreed with his recurrent trips to Middle Earth, much less Ar-Pharazon. Also cut out the foundering of the isle, the return of Elendil and his sons to Middle Earth, and the founding of Gondor and Arnor. Ah, well--at least I hit the two highlights of the line. Thanks for the feedback.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/2/2005
I was so moved by Sam's account of the trek through Moria. If anyone could goad Sam out of his usual reticence it would be that loudmouth Sandyman. Now Narcissa realizes: Frodo was the Ringbearer. I am so impressed with the twins--I can't wait to see what happens next! Author Reply: Yes, Sandyman has proven a catalyst in ways he never intended. And Narcissa is finally coming to realize just how much Frodo gave for all. Glad you continue to enjoy it.

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