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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 16 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 4/3/2006 |
| "... butt I leave no children of my body"... Perhaps not, but the children of your spirit will be without number among the Children of Iluvatar..." I think all who love the Light and these stories feel like they are the children of that spirit. A beautiful thought. Author Reply: That, I will admit, Demeter, is deliberate. We are all, in an important way, children of Frodo's spirit. While in Prague working on "Everything's Illuminated" Elijah Wood commented that Frodo Baggins is now very much a part of himself, having played the role in the Jackson movies. For all of us who have read and loved the books I think this is true as well. Thanks for the feedback. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 3/5/2006 |
| I loved that Elladan came to be with Frodo... to help him really think through what he was feeling and what he wanted. Sometimes we need an 'outsider' to help up with things that are important... and that was important! :) And, yes, Aragorn was right... life is not fair! Author Reply: Somehow I appear to have missed the comments to this chapter. Please forgive me. I, too, found myself glad when Elladan indicated to me he wished to be included in this chapter as one who came to be by Frodo. And we do need that outside help from time to time, just as you've noted. Thanks for your patience. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 3/1/2006 |
| I am glad that Elladan came to Frodo, and gave him some hope. Also liked it that one of the twins stayed home to keep a eye of their father. Author Reply: At that point in time I think Elladan and Elrohir were glad to be twins so as to be able to be in two places at once. Elrond's power has been significantly decreased by the loss of his ring's abilities once the Ring was destroyed. No matter how prepared one might be for such an event it still must have been stressful seeking to adjust to that loss. And to give over all he has done and go into the West must also have been stressful as he begins making plans. However, I've also noted that our children seek to become our protectors as they see us aging and facing crises, certain we can't handle them on our own. My own daughter's concern for me is heartening and at times borders on interfering. At least I know I did right by her, having elicited such caring from her. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/26/2006 |
| I can't stop thinking about what would have happened, if Elladan hadn't come! Would Frodo have accepted the Gift of Iluvatar right there, under the stars with Sam by his side? I think that is very well possible. But it's so sad! In Bilbo’s spidery scrawl was written, I love you so, my boy. I am so proud of you. Frodo smiled and held it to his lips. Good old Bilbo! That little message came just in time for Frodo. Author Reply: It's hard to be certain what Frodo might have done, but I do think it strongly possible he might have given over that night. It must have been tempting. And Bilbo is needed by Frodo right now, even in just tiny communications such as this. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/25/2006 |
| Having been convinced by Budgie that Sam’s tea wasn’t particularly efficacious, Frodo had stopped drinking it. *rolls eyes* Oh Budgie, you have no idea! I remember he was in Gondor with Narcissa and the others, but I couldn’t remember if he was taught something about healing. Well, he will have learned at least that Athelas has its merits ... although it will probably not work for him. *sigh* It is quite depressing to see that Frodo does eat nearly nothing and suffers so much at the anniversaries. Poor guy, he certainly didn’t deserve it. But it was absolutely sweet of Elladan to come to his aid! With his healing abilities he was at least able to help Frodo a bit. And the little letter from Bilbo was another nice touch. Author Reply: At least Budgie is able in the end to admit his own shortcomings in experience, training, and so on and so learn from it. He may not be able to get much out of athelas, but if he hasn't ever used the herb much he has yet to find out what it might do for him. And I, too, and glad Elladan convinced me as well as his father to allow him to ride to the Shire at that time. As for Bilbo--Frodo needs to know that love is still there for him. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/24/2006 |
| I love you so, my boy. I am so proud of you. So do I and so am I, and many more besides me! Thank you. And thank you Larner for another great chapter! I never considered that the carrying of the shard for so long would bring its own illness. Heartaching but glad Sam was there to help. Thanks so much also for all your reviews of my own epic. It is so much appreciated! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: How much was true illness and how much the effects of Frodo's own sometimes overactive imagination--and how much the dregs of the Ring's own influence, of course is hard to say. Thanks so for following this one, which OUGHT to be winding down. It's got a blessed life of its own, I find! | |
| FantasyFan | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/24/2006 |
| Perhaps not; but the children of your spirit will be beyond the count of the Children of Iluvatar. That is a beautiful sentiment. Dare we all count ourselves among this number? Author Reply: Yes, I was purposely counting everyone who's read the Master's epic as part of that number. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/24/2006 |
| Oh that was so painful but also beautifully told Larner. I feel most for Sam and Rosie - To stay by one who is suffering so much is difficult for their own relationship too. Be firm with those tenants! Off home now to try and get the house ready for mum to come home on Monday! Author Reply: Hooray! Your Mum is coming home? At long, long last! As for Rosie and Sam--they are dealing with it and doing a good job of not losing sight of one another while trying to help the Master. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/24/2006 |
| This was a very touching chapter.I love the way they are all connected.It was lovely to have a glimpse of Aragorn and Arwen and to know how Elladan and Sam cared for Frodo. Author Reply: Yes, they are all connected, and each doing his best to help the others and keep all grounded. Watching someone well beloved suffer, and knowing part of it is due to stubbornness, isn't easy at all. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 88 on 2/23/2006 |
| Oh wow! I'd not thought about Frodo's anniversary that year lingering through the entire time period he bore the shard; even though I have long been convinced that Frodo downplayed his illness in his account in the Red Book, I'd not thought of that. It's a shame Budgie convinced him to leave off the athelas tea Sam made. *sigh* And the hiding of the food is a classic sign of certain types of eating disorders... And I love the idea that Elladan went to see him, and watch over him through the crisis--and bringing him that lovely note from Bilbo was the perfect touch. If nothing else, it might convince him to linger a bit longer for Bilbo's own sake. Author Reply: Again, how much of the prolonged times were due to actual illness and how much is due to an overwrought imagination is difficult to be certain, as stress and fear can aggravate so many of the physical conditions and symptoms. Budgie's only knowledge of athelas is through legend, which he's convinced are just stories, and therefore not reliable. And we already know that for athelas to be very effective it should be handled by someone capable of releasing its power--like someone of the lineage of Earendil, or a markedly gifted gardener, perhaps. And the hiding of the food is also classic symptoms of someone who's desirous of not being nagged to eat when he feels he can't bear it. So glad you liked it that Elladan insisted to his father--and to me--that he be allowed to be there at need. Thanks so for the note. | |