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The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner	12 Review(s)
Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/22/2006
Poor Pippin! And poor Frodo for having to try and play peacemaker for his young cousin. If Pal and his wife knew what it was doing to Frodo (let alone their son!!) maybe they would ease up. But maybe not. Some people can't let things go like that... they just can't see it. That's funny that Frodo and Brendi had already performed the wedding for Merry and Estella. It should count! :) I'm sure Frodo would do a very good job at marrying people and he would take it very seriously. Author Reply: My mother remembered my father flying a child on a mercy flight from San Jose, Costa Rica, to Panama City, Panama, to the hospital there. The child was suffering from one of the forms of polio, and there was no one for Dad to ask permission to make the flight, as his commanding officer was back in the States at the time. Officially the Air Force censured him for doing such a risky thing without authorization, and he was disciplined, for according to the manual it was unauthorized, after all. But the same officer who delivered the dressing down, privately congratulated my Dad for doing the right thing morally. Parents can behave so irrationally to their children, often so grateful the children have survived dangerous situations and at the same time becoming furious; and we can do such odd things to protect ourselves from uncomfortable truths. As for the wedding, I know it's perhaps selfish, but I like the idea that Frodo was the one who did the "first" wedding for Merry and his love, and that it was done properly. It would give both a great deal of comfort, don't you think, when Frodo and Merry were separated?

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/21/2006
I'm glad the wedding went well ! Author Reply: Well, of course it would, Linda, once Frodo got started. After all, it's not as though he hadn't "done" it before. And I'd have been thrilled to be married to my love by someone like Frodo--although the two priests who cooperated to marry us did a creditable job--27+ years worth.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/21/2006
Frodo performs a good wedding. I think he needs to perform something slightly less pleasant on Paladin, though. Do Paladin and Eglantine want to drive Pippin away? Sam seems to be doing a good job sorting out Bag End. Very practical hobbit! Author Reply: Well, don't you think Frodo would perform a good wedding? Paladin and Eglantine don't WANT to drive their son away, but still can't bring themselves to accept the truth, which can be immensely painful to both sides. But it's so difficult for us to admit that we didn't manage to protect our children when that's the one thing we've focussed on for years. Being Thain has probably been less trouble in Paladin's eyes than making certain his children want for nothing and have a safe upbringing. Then one runs off to have what one thinks of as an adventure, but it appears when he returns it was far more. Far easier to accept the mad adventure than the truth--that Pippin's attempt to protect his older cousin became such a dangerous situation where he almost died. As for Sam, he's always been the practical one in the bunch!

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/21/2006
So, Merry and Estella played at wedding with Frodo as Mayor and Brendi made the contract? I love that! Apparently the relationship between those two started before the quest and Sam was not the only one looking forward to meet his sweetheart again. Then he realized how his mind had phrased that--for whatever time was left to him. He realized then that his heart recognized that Frodo might not be able to linger long. Such a moving moment! Between Thain and Master Saradoc is clearly the better observer. He believes what his son told him of his journey and he was like a father to Frodo when he lived in Buckland. So he knows him very well and he fears that it will be all too soon that they must part at last. I don't recall exactly what Paladin did to Frodo when he visited the Great Smials, but it's obvious that he really upset him. Paladin is a stubborn one (like Frodo) and he believes only what he sees. He remains as protective of his only son as he was when Pippin was much younger. Frodo made a wise decision when he gave Merry and especially Pippin the Crickhollow House. Author Reply: Whether or not Merry and Estella were truly sweethearts when younger is hard to say, but there is no question that that changes soon after the return of the Travelers. However, considering how Merry and Frodo were much like brothers all Merry's life, I felt that both would be comforted by the idea that, when Merry and Estella DID finally marry that Merry could think back to that date and know that Frodo's marriage ceremony was in its way as valid as the one performed by his father. Sara and Esme, in my interpretation, worried all through Frodo's teen and tween years over the possible consequences of his congenital heart murmur, accepting it was actually harmless only after Frodo survived the flu epidemic that ran through the Shire after he moved to Bag End. That Saradoc would be the first to recognize that this time the problem wasn't illusory seemed logical, and that he'd with to protect Frodo again how he could. In "The Choice of Healing" I wrote that during the first formal visit of Frodo to discuss the King's dispatches Paladin and Eglantine kept badgering him with questions and then refused to let him answer if the answers looked to be either unbelievable in Paladin's ears or dangerous to Pippin in Eglantine's. In the end Frodo developed a terrible headache and retired to the room which had been granted him years before in the guest quarters, and Ferdi came in and spoke with him there, and listened to much of the story. At dinner the questioning resumed, and he retired early, with Paladin realizing that he wasn't as well as they'd like him to be. He still was recovering when he left early the next morning. I agree--Frodo did make a wise decision giving Merry and Pippin the Crickhollow house.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/21/2006
I wonder who has made this mess of Bag End? Did they that only out of hatred for Frodo? Frodo has played at wedding for Merry and Estella back then? And Brendi had to write the contract? grin Love that! Merry knew obviously very early what he wanted! At least Saradoc is much more understanding than Paladin. I am glad he didn’t make it even difficultier for Frodo and was so kind and supporting. Author Reply: I doubt that Lotho would have so damaged Bag End--at least not consciously, as he and his mother had coveted it and the status they felt it symbolized all those years; I suspect that the Big Men and Sharkey saw to the worst of the damage. Whether or not Merry and Estella truly knew as relatively young Hobbit teens that they would one day marry or not, I think that Merry, being a practical sort, would have wanted as authentic a "pretend" marriage as possible, and that years later knowing that he and Estella's "first" wedding officiated by Frodo might in the end have been a true one he would find comforting. And Sara, after all, had thought of Frodo as his own son for quite some time. He would recognized now that things were very fragile with this one he loved so deeply, I think.

songspinner	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/20/2006
The imagery is lovely in this chapter...I just returned from a healing circle for someone tonight and oddly enough (or perhaps not), something like ten people in a row going round the circle talked about how that person glowed. In various ways, of course, but there you are. I think that there is that sort of close-to-the-surface thing for someone that close to the veil. You show that so well here, and the love it evokes in others as well. Author Reply: Gandalf first foresaw the change happening in Frodo there in Elrond's house; and that he already had a Light of Being that was at times discernible I felt was likely. In "The King's Commission" I write of Rosie as one who has been particularly aware of such things, and that she'd noted Sam's when she was still a young child, and saw Frodo's when she was fifteen and after that could no longer ignore it. I've seen a few who, the closer they came to the end, seemed to glow more, and folk would flock to be around them as they could before they left us. I think it would be much that way for Frodo, and that those who loved him would want to protect him to the edge of the veil that he not feel alone and they not feel as bereft. I'm glad you, too, have had that experience.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/20/2006
A great, loving, sweet chapter! Sam singing - and wonders of wonders, Frodo actually saying he wanted to be sung to - instead of what I figured he would say, 'No you don't have to, Sam, I'm fine.' And performing the wedding and the light glowing inside him and Saradoc not wanting to let go. Bravo! More, more! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Am myself subject at times to migraines, and know how awful they can be. To have one brought on by that tension of having to deal with folks intent on reshaping reality to their liking must have been especially draining, particularly as these are folk he's known, loved, and respected for years; but now he's realizing they are more interested in rewriting history than accepting what happened and supporting Pippin in his recovery. Frodo would prefer the singing, I think, which can help ease stress. I think a wedding in which Frodo or Aragorn was involved would be a particularly blessed event, particularly as they would wish those they saw married to truly appreciate their new roles. And once he realized he was helping bring such happiness, I do think Frodo would glow. Saradoc is Frodo's cousin, was his foster dad, knows him as well as anyone could, knowing what Frodo went through as a lad and having seen his losses and his triumphs. He'd be very glad this day to compliment Frodo; and then to realize Frodo was not well and nearly ready to start slipping away would have to be very difficult for him. Yes, he'd want to hold him as he could.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/20/2006
Now that is a nice interlude of a chapter Larner. So Merry and Estella are already married eh? and with a valid contract!!!! g I love M & P seeing Frodo's light and the way that Saradoc hugs him at the end. Oh, and thanks so much for the long and thoughtful response to my last review. I like reading your responses almost as much as the story because you give us such great insights into the whys and wherefores of your thought processes. And yes, I am up late as it is nearly midnight here. Been out visiting friends who have a flat near Tower Bridge. Been out admiring all the lights along the river. Author Reply: I've always thought that of Merry and Pippin, it must have been more difficult for Frodo to have left Merry still unmarried. And it would be pleasing for Merry especially afterwards to think of his "first" wedding to Estella having been performed by Frodo. I knew that the weddings Frodo must perform as deputy Mayor would be well done, but where would he get the practice? So, I remembered the weddings we used to perform on our front porch, and all the rose petals Mom's roses sacrificed.... As for the seeing of Frodo's Light and the embrace between Frodo and Saradoc--they were begging to be included, I found. So glad you appreciated the thoughts on the last chapter and "The King's Commission." And if I could swing it I'd be in England tomorrow. Haven't been there for almost four years now, and I miss it. And the Thames by lamplight is spectacular--I must agree.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/20/2006
“Shall I sit by you a time and sing to you?” “If you would, Sam. It’s comforting." Oh my, poor, dear Frodo must really have felt horrible. I know how he is, and that he can prove very stubborn in the matter of letting others help him, so this says a lot. And I just LOVE this: “When I was a little one--whenever someone wanted to play at weddings, they’d call for Frodo to play the Mayor or the Master, for he knew all the words. He’d do it even when he was a tween and would come to visit with Bilbo.” Frodo’s cheeks grew still redder. “It’s not the same!” he protested. Merry laughed. “Dad said you knew it letter perfect the time you did it for Estella Bolger and me, you know.” “That was the last time I ever did it--imagine, a great lad like me, almost an adult, still playing at weddings?” “Well, we begged you for--for how long? Must have nagged at you for three days before you finally agreed. It wasn’t your fault Dad and Bilbo found us at it.” “And what was worse was when your dad didn’t even interrupt, but came up afterwards all solemn and congratulated bride and groom as if it were serious, and asked where you two would be living, whether in Budge Hall or Brandy Hall. Acted as if the wedding were valid. He even examined the wedding contract as if it were properly done.” “It was properly done. I’d had Brendi write it for us, you know. I still have it somewhere about the Hall.” “You had Brendilac Brandybuck write that contract? Merry! I had no idea.” “Well, you weren’t the only one Estella and I nagged. He was needing to practice, after all.” “So he practiced by writing a marriage contract between two teens? My stars--I’d never have imagined you’d hook him in, too!" LOL! Oh, that's great! I wish I'd seen that wedding! Reminds me of a time when I was about six and wanted to play wedding so bad and nagged till my uncle gave in and played the groom. A fine one he was, too! :) Altogether a wonderful chapter. God bless, Galadriel

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 72 on 1/20/2006
It's so nice to see Frodo having some good come of his new status. For all that he went through, he ought to have the joy of performing weddings and doing so well at it. At the same time, one can see how he might not get full joy of the activity, knowing that he'll always be the preacher, never the groom.

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