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Always  by Citrine 6 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/30/2005
I think Frodo said: write me long letters. But he'll find that this little letter describes Merry's feelings perfectly! No brandnew gossip from Buckland, no description of what Merry's days are like. Only the essentials!

And the last sentence is the most important:

"I'm not angry anymore."

You captured the feelings of both, Frodo and Merry, perfectly!

Thank you for this story, Citrine!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/30/2005
At least Merry was able to let go the anger and allow the grief to heal. And he was able to give Frodo the gift he needed--acceptance for the new home. Thanks for a light story that I needed right now.

Author Reply: I'm so glad it did something for you, and thank you, because you nailed what I was getting at in the story:o)

pebbles66Reviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/28/2005
Oh, how sweet! I love little Merry's letter to Frodo - straight-forward and to the point. You can almost feel his hurt and sadness. Great follow-up to the first chapter.

cherReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/28/2005
What a wonderful story! You have captured Frodo and Merry very well, and the little letter from Merry at the end brought tears to my eyes.
Well done.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/28/2005
*Ow!*

This hurts in such a beautiful way! You have captured so well the way a child will try to hide pain beneath frantic activity. I found myself tearing up with Esmeralda, as she tried to comfort her grieving lad.

And the little letter at the end--so poignant!

Perfect, to begin and end, with a letter!

Author Reply: Thanks so much, I'm so glad you were touched by this. I hope it's not a bad sign when an author wibbles over her own story, because I was a bit sniffly, too. I can't stand to see little (hobbit)kids cry, even when I'm the one bringing on the angst, lol.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 2 on 11/28/2005
"He's done a hero's work," Saradoc said, with mingled pride and sadness in his voice. "If he had cried or made any sort of fuss, Frodo might have been too torn to leave. Our boy has grown this day, Essie."

Ohhh, dear sweet, brave Merry!

He pressed it to his lips and smelled the scent of Buckland: Clean earth and fresh-cut hay, the cool freshness of the Brandywine, and under it all the warmer, sweeter smell of Merry, sunshine and green grass and dust.

What a lovely story.

Author Reply: Thanks, Shirebound! Yes, poor little Merry, I kind of hate myself for writing such hurt for him. But that's the definition of little Merry heroism for me: Merry quietly giving up his own happiness so Frodo could be happy. Now that I think about it, 'a hero's work' kind of sounds like the name of a story, doesn't it? Hint hint;o)

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