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Fostering by Larner	4 Review(s)
Mirkwoodmaiden	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 11/9/2005
Larner! I just love this story! It is so creative and interesting in the turns it takes and in the whole idea of the story. I do feel sorry for Gilraen, after raising Aragorn and given all in doing it, she doesn't have much left in her life! I like that Bilbo sought tell her of the existence of the other two although, I think poor Gilraen is beyond true happiness at this point. Wonderful way to bring Gilraen back into the story in describing her nightmare to Aragorn. I love how you gently weave the story and how you describe the love growing between the three. Elrond calling upon Earendil to protect and guide at the end was also a lovely idea! I shall try and finish tomorrow night! MM Author Reply: Am so glad you find it so well done, MM. It was a joy to write, and definitely one of the shortest I've done. The idea of the one she still felt she would have loved best having to deal with the burden of the Ring that his brother might become King must have been terrifying, for all he was not even a Man now. And I do believe Elrond would at times have invoked Earendil; that Galadriel gave Frodo the star glass containing Earendil's Light and that Frodo invoked him in Shelob's Lair becomes even more poignant in some ways. Am still working on The Heir Apparent, as you can tell.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/15/2005
It was sweet how Bilbo visited Gilraen to reassure her a bit about her sons. And it was interesting to watch the slow realisation about the ring and the light of being in the two hobbits. Author Reply: Gandalf may long have had his suspicions regarding Bilbo's ring, but realizing it was definitely THAT Ring must still have been somewhat of a shock. I grieve for what he must have felt as he realized what this special Hobbit he had come to love must know, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. IF Bilbo knew the originally intended relationship between Aragorn, Frodo and Sam, I think he'd have wished to reassure Gilraen. It looks, referencing the Tale of Years, as if he might have had just time to reassure her before she died. And if this premise were true, then I think each who realized the truth would feel honor bound to keep the secret and let others know only as they could no longer remain in ignorance of the truth, much as Aragorn as Estel's presence in Rivendell must have remained hidden, learned of one at a time by those who must know until he was ready to take his place as Chieftain of the Dunedain and Captain of their Rangers.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/14/2005
Wow, this is such an amazing premise, and lends itself to giving whole new interpretations to events that will come. Bilbo stands out now, not simply as Frodo's fond and kindly "uncle", but as one who was knowingly a guardian to something incredibly important and secret, not only Frodo, but Sam as well. Wow. Author Reply: I'll admit this is slightly AU in order to allow us to investigate the relationships more deeply--it's an "if--then" sort of story: if Bilbo has conscious knowledge that Gilraen lost two children and it has been foretold that their spirits will be reborn elsewhere, then wouldn't he be rather predisposed to recognize Frodo and Sam both when they arrived? If this is so, then this is what is likely to have occurred. We aren't told by Tolkien that this happened, but neither are we told it didn't happen. It allows us to play with the idea, at least. And that's rather what we all like to do--to play with different ideas and premises in our own interpretations. Thanks, Dreamflower, for the feedback.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 5 on 7/14/2005
Oh, deep and very satisfied sigh. I love how you tackle Bilbo's move to Rivendell and what he does when he gets there. Poetry is Bilbo's preferred way of expression. Frodo writes it out, Sam has his flowers. What about Elrond and Aragorn: Healing? (or even the deadly dance of weapons practice!) And both Bilbo and Elrond having the need to be teachers and learners answers my earlier question perfectly - thank you my dear Larner. I find that you are throwing quite a different light on Gandalf for me. I know he is a Steward and the ring is his 'great task' (FOTR) but I am glad that Bilbo is quite capable of telling him to mind his own business!!!! You made me grin with the image of a confused Elrond. Your stories. and a few others on this site, have brought his character alive for me - I've always been drawn to him and you have made me, in true hobbit fashion, recognise the importance of his blood-line. I think my favourite bit of this chapter is Elrond's wisdom in not clouding Aragorn's judgement by revealing the connection between the three, especially as the love between them is already growing. But I wonder if Aragorn can be truely accepting of the fact that the revelation comes too late to celebrate it while all three are still together this side of the sundering sea. Author Reply: Elrond and Aragorn have so many different activities in common--healing, learning, weaponry and strategy, preparation for the rule to come in Aragorn's case and the giving up of rule in that of Elrond. Yes, Bilbo, if he has come to that point of awareness that Frodo and Sam are the lost ones finally born, would be most likely to be able to let Gandalf know that he's demonstrated his ability to do his best by the two of his wards and students and that he wishes to protect them further. As for Aragorn's realization of the spiritual ties--I've chosen to let stand what I wrote in The Ties of Family. Am glad you find my interpretation of Elrond adds to your own appreciation of his character. Thanks again for the Nuzgul and the feedback and the constant prompts to examine it more fully.

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