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The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner	11 Review(s)
demeter d	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/9/2006
Wow! And, did I say WOW! A last bittersweet visit with Gildor,and some of the Shire folk being introduced to the lay "Frodo of the Nine fingers. And Pip and his father's uneasy relationship coming to a literally stormy climax.Indeed, what will happen next?I am rather behind witth your chapters. Real Life, you know. I will anxiously try to find time to catch up. Author Reply: Oh, dear--managed not to respond to the reviews to this chapter, I see. Good grief! Yes, it was a great grief to Pippin to face such apparent rejection by his father, and it must have torn him greatly. But, Pippin being Pippin, I think he'll come around in the end and forgive Paladin, once he's certain the Thain is indeed contrite over his words and behavior.

grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/7/2006
Poor Pippin just can not get his family to understand what happenned. That he not is a child. Loved all of brand's question about elves and the song. Author Reply: They will understand, though, in the end.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/4/2006
I enjoyed reading about Frodo and Sam after the Ring was destroyed,I always wish Tolkien had told us more about that. Author Reply: I, too, found myself at times wishing to see more of the last two years than just the hints Tolkien left us. So glad you appear to enjoy my version of the events.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/3/2006
Oh my god! You have just convinced me that the legendary Baggins stubbornness does indeed come from the Took side! But for what Paladin did, this is not the right word. It's far more than stubbornness. I would call it ignorance, or even pride? It is very likely that he will regret his words as soon as he has calmed down a bit, but the damage is done. What will Pippin do next, I wonder? Frodo is preparing to leave. That is obvious, though he does not know himself if he really can make it to the havens. When he insists that Merry should tell the story of Faralion he gives up his position as storyteller - one more sign of leaving. Be at peace, Lord Iorhael. You will one day be able to accept “eglerio” once more. I wish for that day to come! Author Reply: Stubbornness born of fear is a horrifying event. And Paladin has this time administered a wound that will likely leave a scar, but it is the last he offers, at least. It is willful ignorance more than anything else, and is indeed engendered by not yet being able to accept or understand what his son and the others have been through. Yes, Frodo is preparing to leave, and I think that in ways Merry realizes just what you note--that Frodo prepares to give over his own offices to others, as he knows his time, one way or the other, is come at last. And that day will come, although in the future he will laugh when the praises are offered instead of dreading them.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/3/2006
This look at the happenings was the most intense so far, I think. Although I knew a lot of it already, I couldn't stop reading until the end (at work, as usual ...) Well, Merry did try, knowing what would happen. Paladin should be glad Pippin didn't give up much sooner, or he would've probably lost his son. It says a lot about Pippin that he didn't stop trying it again and again, no matter how much his father hurt him every time. Now I can't stop thinking what I thought before - you should send Paladin to Bree for the trial for Timono (as far as I remember without looking in the older fics, he had to stand before Lord Halladan?) and there have him to witness the respect the Rangers show his own son and to have him see Pippin spar with the Rangers. It would be the last blow, I think - after that and what he heared from the Red Book Paladin wouldn't be able to deny the truth any longer. At least that is what I think. Whit Paladin one can never know. Appreciated the little bit of humour Thrush brought in this chapter. Otherwise, the conversation between Pippin and Brendi was moving. Now Brendi knows even more of the horrible details, and somehow he deserves it. (I agree with your earlier reply - there are so many of your own characters I love now - Ruvemir was only the first of them, as 'The King's Commission' was the first of your stories I've read). It's amusing Benlo switched to him as a lawyer. Serves Bartolo right eg The way Frodo forced Merry to tell the tale, but to hide just who the Cormacolindors were, and their constant glancing at each other ... shakes head I still want Frodo to accept the honour he deserves! But luckily there are some hobbits who were able to add the details and understand the whole truth. If Frodo would've been able to remain one year longer, I suppose he would have to accept it in the end, as he's on the right way now. Author Reply: Paladin has at last realized he's gone too far indeed, and has hit the wall and will turn around soon enough. Acceptance comes when we stop fighting the truth, after all, and everything he's heard and that others have pieced together in his presence will fall into place. He's so lucky Pippin was as he was rather than giving up on him completely even then. But next time he sees Pippin will be one when Pippin will definitely need his da. So glad someone appreciates Thrush's presence, long-suffering mare that she is. And Brendi does learn and accept readily, and now has almost all the pieces he needs to understand all of it. His love for Frodo is deeper than ever, so much so he will challenge his cousin. And now more are beginning to appreciate just what Frodo's sacrifice means, just what he and Sam between them accomplished. And shortly Paladin Took will have the last latticework of his denial stripped away by Frodo himself. As for what Frodo might have come to had he lingered a year longer--that's a matter for another, AU story.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/3/2006
Paladin should be almost at the point when he realises that just because he doesn't like something it won't go away - and not having seen something doesn't mean it didn't happen. But at least those around him are getting a more complete idea of what happened - although I don't think Frodo's part will really be described fully while he is around to object. Merry did pretty well with mentioning-no-names - or at least no names that meant anything to the locals. And Frodo's choice will probably be rather a relief to those in the know - at least compared to the alternative. Author Reply: It's so hard for some to let go of a more pleasant (in their eyes, at least) imagination of what OUGHT to have happened in order to accept mere truth; but it's an important part of healing. For Paladin and Eglantine were deeply wounded when they thought they'd lost their son; now they cling to the illusion Pippin returned is no different than when he left, but it's just not true. But the last of their infection of denial is being expressed now, and Paladin is himself facing the facts he wants to deny, and will place them properly once the last painful cleansing is finished. Just hearing what Bard and Ferdi have learned and figured out, as well as the story Merry told those at Budge Hall, is working inside him. He's trying to suppress it, but can't yet. Merry's trying to get the truth out, but with Frodo censoring what he says he's having to be circumspect. However, it's enough for Ferdi, who will spread it to Bard and Paladin. And I think that Frodo's choice will in the end be a relief.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/2/2006
Oh my, you are really ramping up the emotion in these last few chapters! I know that several times you have written of these events from differing POVs, but truly, I think that this one--this one is the best story yet. Merry's and Pippin's understanding of what possibly may be coming is so painful for them. And the fact that Frodo won't allow them to praise him, or to talk openly of all that he did is making it even harder. The part where Merry very defiantly, yet discreetly, tells of "Frodo of the Nine-Fingers..." while locked in a battle of stares with Frodo was almost as tense as an actual physical duel. And, oh Paladin! Once again he's allowed his Tookish pride and temper to overwhelm him, and said things he should never have allowed to pass his lips. It is a miracle after all this that Pippin did find it in him to forgive his father eventually. I know that they had done so by the time of "The King's Commission". I hope that one day you will show us that reconciliation. This story is just brilliant! Author Reply: I do doubt that the remaining three Travellers could have remained totally unconscious of Frodo's continued withdrawal and decline. If indeed there was so much coming and going between Hobbiton and Crickhollow, Merry and Pippin must have seen signs. Tolkien told us plainly that without a word spoken on the subject Sam was aware Frodo was leaving, although he thought to Rivendell. This was something he apparently was okay with, even, for he didn't feel true sorrow until they met the party headed for the Havens and realized precisely that Frodo wasn't going to be able to return, and it was no matter of taking off for a couple months to see him from time to time. He must have realized Frodo was planning to be there for Bilbo's end, and that he NEEDED to be there. This is one reason I feel justified in postulating a physical as well as a spiritual decline for Frodo Baggins. The others hurry to the Havens to come to Frodo in time to bid him goodbye, but they don't try to talk him out of it. Again, an indication they, too felt he had reason to cloister himself away, a need to go with Elrond and the rest. I'm so glad you felt the quiet battle of wills waged with stares and not-looks was effective. Frodo and Merry must have felt like they'd fought rounds afterwards. But again, pieces are being fed to Isumbard and obliquely back to Paladin, and now Paladin is having to accept the fact that Frodo is indeed a hero out there--and if Frodo, then his son and nephew as well. I suspect Ferdi is feeling rather superior at the moment, forgetting he has more direct information from Frodo himself than the others do, and insisting they put the pieces together and accept the truth. As for Paladin--this is the last time he lets himself think of Pippin as a child. Now he's seen Captain Peregrin--well, it's impossible to force the genie back into the bottle once it's out, after all. I never dreamed when I started this story it would become the gapfiller of gapfillers as it has. But we do have a few more chapters to fit in before I'm completely through.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/2/2006
Well that was quite chapter Larner. And it covered so much ground. I liked the way that it filled in so much background and other people's reactions to the state Frodo was in by this point. I also loved the way that you are showing the parent/guardian/child relationships. The idea of Pippin meeting the elves all by himself and regreting their passing is great. And the nightmare scene was so sad. But what a mature Pippin. BTW please pass my sympathies on to Tigger. Being there, doing that and definitely gettting a T-Shirt made saying 'I'm all growed up now, Dad but I am still your little girl too!' Author Reply: I'm trying to sort of tie together the threads of tales I've left in other stories related to this one I've written. Brendi now knows the important parts of the story, as do Isumbard and Freddy and Ferdi. Paladin has had his last attempts to protect himself from the truth knocked out from under him, and at last is facing plainly that Pippin DID grow up out there, and that this Captain Peregrin Took of the Guard of the Citadel is real. Plus there is left to him only the final acceptance of the truth of what he's now been told. Pippin is now an Elf-friend as well as Frodo, Sam, Bilbo, and Merry--the five current Elvellon from the Shire. And they would greet him when they see him on the road, particularly if the gifts requested through the Queen were sent to him via her father. If Pippin thinks on this meeting more deeply he can perhaps see where Frodo is now headed--but he's not made the commitment to it as yet; yet he's recognized, with Merry, that to go live with the Elves is perhaps Frodo's only option other than dying. That the Elves Pippin knows Frodo must go to are themselves going to accompany Frodo out of Middle Earth is still not something he's considered. Thanks so much for the response here. Have passed your note to Tigger, BTW. Good luck--overprotective parents can be a true pain in the patoot, too.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/2/2006
Oh...My...What did Paladin just do? To call Pippin a coward of all things. The fool doesn't deserve him. This reminds me of my parents right now. Here I am 33 and they still treat me like I can't do anything right or act grown up. Just because I'm still at home doesn't mean I'm not a mature person. Gave my sister a real wake up call a month ago when we had a pow wow about my parents and the problems popping up now that they're older. Not sure she realized I actually do think about all of the things that I do. Anyway... I'm glad Frodo has decided. Now if only the stubborn Baggins would let the others let the Shire know more about what he did during the Quest. I can't wait to read the next chapter and I know Pal is in for it from someone. And to think I thought that reaming he got from the Healer might have sunk in. Nope!! That must have been so hard for you to write and for me to be this ticked...Nicely done!! :oD Author Reply: I see you are solid with Isumbard on this one. When I can raise such emotions on behalf of Pippin I know I'm doing my job as a writer. This is Paladin's last insult--believe me. He's now SEEN Captain Peregrin of the King's Own Guard, and I think that that is it. And Frodo will take him nicely in hand as described in "For Eyes to See as Can" and finish him off. To keep from rewriting a scene I think I did well the first time, I'll be looking at it in retrospect from the points of view at Frodo's dinner party. There IS hope for Paladin after all. At Frodo's dinner party he does read to them from the Red Book; and he's leaving it in trust with Sam, after all, who in time will take Frodo's place on the ale barrel near the ale tent at the Free Fairs, and will tell stories on market days in Hobbiton and Bywater. Frodo's going to make certain the stories don't languish for want of telling, after all. Author Reply: btw--see the note Harrowcat has left for you in her review of this chapter. In my case it was one grandmother who wanted to live the whole family's lives for us.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 94 on 3/2/2006
Oh! Of all the stupid, foolish, insensible, unjust things to do! I must say Paladin Took displays a remarkable lack of understanding and delicacy (which, of course, I already knew), as well as zero sense! To be angry at his poor son because he was having a nightmare! Hello! You can't control your dreams or what sparks them! Now I'm quite inclined to agree with Antane that he ought to be shaken. Hard. sigh I'm sorry, I shouldn't upbraid so violently, and it might seem a bit silly to get so angry at a character out of a story. But honestly! Oh, I feel so sorry for them all-and have writer's sympathy for you. This can't be easy; at least, it doesn't seem like it would. They now know that Frodo is dying. Frodo himself is trying to let go-I can see it. Paladin and Eglantine still don't listen, and meanwhile everyone else is still trying to understand. And they soon won't have Frodo physically there, which will only add to it all. Oh, I get tied in knots just thinking about it. And the "aglerio!" (I was reading too fast and then got carried away and forgot to copy it so I could paste it here) was very sweet and moving. As to something you said in reply to another review about scars, you're right. I never thought about it in that light before, but you're right. And as to where my fear (or rather dread) comes from, it depends on who bears the scar or wound or whatever. It can be that I know I can't do anything about it, or that I merely don't think I ought to be touching it, or simply that it is so horrible-looking that it's shocking. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: When I was quite small I apparently was having a bad dream and woke up everyone crying out loud. It woke my stepdad, who was himself only half awake, I think, and he came in and smacked me, which was what woke ME up. It was a horrible moment, and at the time he struck me he woke up fully and was instantly ashamed of what he'd done. He knew I couldn't help it; but the damage had been done. I sort of projected that experience into the relationship between Pippin and his father. But it is a moment when Paladin Took finally sees that there is a Captain Peregrin within his son, one who is self-disciplined, fully in control of himself, and full of a dignity he'd never imagined his son truly had. Frodo's told him of this--but now he sees it, and it helps strip away the last of his disbelief. One of the moments I truly missed in the movie from the book was that moment of full recognition called out in all the tongues of Middle Earth, as all on the Field of Cormallen bent the knee to the Ringbearers and called out "Eglerio!" and "A laita te!" I so wanted those calls in the movie. What we did get was beautiful, but not what I'd dreamed for so long, a lovely moment in the books. I can bear scars, but have a difficult time with wounds, particularly anything that has to do with having been stuck, stabbed, or impaled. We all have our weak points, believe me.

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