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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 11 Review(s) |
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| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/30/2005 |
| I always wondered how this request might have been made to Manwe and I had never considered one of the great eagles even though I knew they were his messengers. I know the people of Middle-earth don't *pray* to the Valar in any sort of way that we recognize and so this makes much more sense to me. :) It must have both pleased Aragorn and also caused him amusemunt to have Rustovrid come before him. Pleased to hear that Sohrabi was Farozi in Harad and was cleaning things up there as he could and amused because he had, of course, known Rustovrid as a little child when he had traveled in Harad. Having such a long life does have its amusing, interesting moments as well as the pains that Aragorn has to endure. ;) Author Reply: It appeared Gandalf and the Eagles were my options, so felt the Eagles would be more likely to be the means she and Aragorn would use. As for Aragorn and Rustovrid--yes, a longer life allows for some very amusing situations to develop. So glad you enjoyed it. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/28/2005 |
| I do like the introduction of Rustivrid, and his telling Aragorn, that some of the lords of Harad will seek out war. Brings in what happens in the King's commission. Loved the part about King's Hallow, the lord of the eagles, and Arwin wanting to give her spot to Frodo. Author Reply: Yes, two from other stories appear here--Rustovrid and Wasnior, and one sees the contrast between the two individuals and the peoples they represent. And I'm so glad you appreciate the details on how Arwen came to make her plea for Frodo via Gwaihir. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/27/2005 |
| "And we hope time to prepare for when he must indeed leave the bounds of Arda, that his full Light be restored before that day." That's exactly what Tolkien said in one of his letters. If a mortal is granted to live in Tol Eressea, he does not become immortal, but he will be given time to heal, to feel joy again. And when he is ready, he will lie down at last and die in peace of his own free will. In that respect, death can really be called "the Gift of Iluvatar", as the Elves do. Suicide would be the opposite of it, to leave the world out of desperation when all hope has gone. I'm glad that Gwaihir delivered Arwen's boon successfully! Author Reply: Much of this story was inspired by Tolkien's letters and comments on his own writing, and so I did rely specifically on that particular letter when describing the reasons why so many desired this boon for Frodo. As for his and Sam's deaths, I described them in the next to the last chapter of my story "The Choice of Healing," again relying on the Master's own description of what it would be like for them. I, too, rejoice that Frodo was granted Arwen's wish for him, and that he was offered such aid along the way. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/27/2005 |
| What a contrast between Wasnior and Rustovrid! Even if I’d not already knew it, I’d say Rustovrid is so much more honest. Aragorn will probably be glad to know Sohrabi is now the Farozi, if he not already knew it. And I wonder if he remembers Rustovrid as a little boy? So this was the beginning of Frodo’s journey to Tol Eressea ... I love the idea of Arwen calling the Eagles to ask this! Aragorn was right, that was quite bold – but a wonderful idea! Author Reply: It was wonderful to have the right to try to imagine how the gift was first requested, and then to share it with others. Am so glad so many appreciate seeing Rustovrid here after his introduction in "The King's Commission" and his strong presence in "Lesser Ring." And the idea that Sohrabi is now Farozi must be heartening to Aragorn indeed. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/27/2005 |
| This is wonderful Larner. I love the image of the eagle raising his wings over Arwen and Aragorn. Very Angelic and totally appropriate to the Season. It has just begun to snow here in Warwickshire so i am looking forward to some great pictures of black dog against white background! Might try and e.mail you one. Mum says thanks for the thoughts! Author Reply: So glad you appreciated that image, and it was indeed intended to be angelic in nature, a blessing from one of the messengers of Manwe to those in Middle Earth. No snow here in Washington--just rain and wind last night, and calm tonight. Get to work every night the rest of the week, so it's being INTERESTING.... Tried to send you a private email, but for some reason my computer is converting your email address to just your nick, then sitting on it. It's most distressing. Have fun with the photos. Need to get some new floppies to use in my new used Mavica, and see if I can get them sent off. Joy to all as we count the twelve days of Christmas. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/27/2005 |
| I get to review two chapters! I love Pippin's remark about standing still, and Merry's reply-that is just like them! LOL! And it is so wonderful to see Frodo happy, and I'm glad he could get through the entire dance this time. Dear Sam always knows just when he's needed, and I'm glad of that, even while I ache for Frodo. I'm so sorry that his joy must end so soon. Just when he was beginning to know happiness, too. And I was hoping you'd show how Arwen's request was made. Can't wait for more! God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Yes, Pippin's growing up, and Merry's amazed as well as pleased to see it, I think. But it's not always easy for either. Frodo is able to be more lighthearted, but is also brought up short once again by the realization he has not returned to normal, and he's still lost a good deal of what he once was. And I'm glad you appear to appreciate how Arwen chose to have her plea delivered. Thanks for the review! Hope your Christmas was a good one! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/26/2005 |
| I thought this was very imaginative,to have the eagle request that Frodo be allowed to sail,so that Arwen knew her offer to Frodo was acceptable. Author Reply: Glad you approve, Linda. Hope your Christmas was a wonderful one! | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/26/2005 |
| This was a lovely missing scene, to see Arwen asking her great boon of the Valar, and to see her clear-headed, compassionate reasoning behind it. She will truly be a great Queen of Gondor. Author Reply: So glad you appreciate seeing that scene being brought to life. And, yes, she'll be a great Queen for both realms. And as someone noted last week the Great Eagles were begging to be included more in this story, particularly as they've been circling overhead at the proper times! | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/26/2005 |
| That was so heartachingly beautiful Larner. I've always wondered how the petition to the Valar on behalf of Frodo was made, but this is one that never crossed my mind. It's perfect though and fits beautifully w/canon. I think the Professor would be pleased. I also very much enjoyed poor nervous Rustrovid's first audience w/the King Elessar. The beginning of normalized relations between former enemies is never an easy thing. Very nicely done. Poor Hardorn must have been going nuts having to wait in Rath Dinen of all places. I can understand Aragorn and Arwen's reasonings though. That Hallow is a place of the Royal Family/Kings and a sacred place at that. As much as Hardorn is a member of Aragorn's family, it is no place for a guard. Once again, nicely done...Although you could have had Hardorn wait for them in a nicer place. ;o) Oh and I hope you had a very Merry Christmas w/your family. We certainaly did here. :o) Author Reply: I'm glad you appreciate the decision to make the great eagles the original emissary for the petition, although undoubtedly Olorin, also, was used for the purpose of supporting it. But for the new Queen of Gondor and Arnor, it appeared the proper manner for her to initiate the plea, particularly as the King probably had told the Hobbits together about the finding of the White Tree that that particular story might have made it into the Red Book. And that you think the Master would appreciate it as well fulfills my joy. I wrote in "The King's Commission" that there was an early skirmish with the Haradri, but that the Farozi hadn't supported those who led it, so wanted to explore that a bit better; and Rustovrid's audience indicates a proper appreciation of the protocol to be expected to be followed in great contrast to that shown by the Umbarians who had arrived on the day of Aragorn's coronation. And you are right--the King's Hallow is no place for a guard. As for Christmas--did a 24-hour shift with my disabled clients in the residence Friday-night through Saturday night, had another shift from 8:00am Christmas morning to 9:00 Christmas night, and have today off. Had brother, niece, and nephew and the baby to greet me last night when I got home. Received the set of the Kings from Middle Earth, including Isildur (who makes me laugh--the rendition is awful!), Elendil, Theoden (excellent!), Aragorn (looks a bit worried), the King of the Dead, and the Witch King. Quite the set for one as Tolkien-obsessed as myself! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 53 on 12/26/2005 |
| I had never thought much of *how* Arwen came to make her request, or if I did, simply assumed that it was done through Gandalf, who as Olorin was an emissary of the Valar. But this is a very lovely scenario, to have her asking through one of the Eagles, who are in their own way also emissaries. It's good to see Rustrovid, and anticipate the later events in Harad as well. Have you thought of putting a chronology on your User Info, so the stories could be read in order? Author Reply: I'm considering it, but haven't had the time to do so up till now. May do so once I'm off my hectic work schedule for this week. | |