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The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner	10 Review(s)
grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/12/2006
So glad that Eomer came along and gave Aragorn, Olorin, when Roheryn came up lame, as Aragorn was trying to reach Frodo. I liked that part with the two of them dickering about the future foals. Also, that when Galadriel, asked Fordo about refilling the bowl he said it should be with mashed potatoes or mushrooms. Author Reply: The full conversation between Frodo and Galadriel is given in "The Choice of Healing." Frodo is, after all, a Hobbit, so fruit may not be needed to fill and empty, carefully cleansed, and magnificent bowl after all. I'm glad you chuckled along with Galadriel and Elrond. As for Aragorn and Eomer--well we have two who are from cultures that value good bloodlines in their horses--that they'd indulge in dickering in their horse trading seemed only right. Glad you enjoyed it!

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/5/2006
Oh my, there are not much chapters left, I fear! It is remarkable that Bilbo after all those years in Rivendell and apart from his cousin seemed to know that Frodo had not imformed Merry and Pippin about his leaving. So he makes sure, that they will be there to say good-bye. To see Aragorn doing everything possible to be at Frodo's side in time and knowing that he will be too late, is terrible! Considering that fact that Aragorn tried to see Frodo in the palantir, but only saw his hands, lets me wonder, if it was intended that they did not meet again in Middle Earth, maybe to spare Aragorn the sight of his dying little brother and to remember him in a much better condition. I loved it, that Frodo saw Brendi and Narcissa on their wedding day. To see Narcissa happy again surely made his heart a little bit lighter! Author Reply: It's hard to say why the Palantir might not show Frodo's face--perhaps because he himself didn't wish for Aragorn to see it as he lost weight and health. But we know that only Gandalf allowed Merry and Pippin to see Frodo at the Havens, so he was obviously drawing actively away from those he loved. And I think Frodo would rejoice to know that Brendi and Narcissa would find happiness with one another, a happiness much brought about by Frodo's own concerns for Forsythia and Fosco. Thanks for the review!

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/5/2006
Interesting thoughts on Frodo's spiritual lineage. It fits in well with your tradition of having Aragorn and Frodo address each other as "tall brother" and "small brother," and it does really set the three heroes of the War of the Ring apart from the riffraff. On the other hand, it does take away from the idea of Frodo as an ordinary Hobbit, born to no especial greatness, who sets out to undertake a monumental task because it's the Right Thing To Do. I can't quite decide whether I like this version better or not. I think Aragorn is just going to miss Frodo's leaving by a whisker, which seems too bad. But at least he got to have a nice visit with Eomer on the way. Both Eomer and the horse are now also "brothers," I see. Aragorn isn't going to lack for spiritual siblings, even after Frodo and Sam vamoose. Author Reply: In C.S. Lewis's "The Great Divorce" the great spirits who play at the game of life move the pieces that represent themselves about the board that represents the world and time; and I see Aragorn, Frodo, and Sam's own great spirits clustered together about that board. It didn't matter at first perhaps whether those who might be the saviors of Middle Earth would play as princes or peasants; in the end it would be more important they be the latter, for such would be more proof against the power of the Ring. But all who come into the Presence in the end are brothers and sisters, after all, or so for us who are Christians we have been assured by Jesus Himself. How much of life is predestination and how much due to free will? It's a debate as old at least as Christianity. Frodo and Sam could have refused to go and remained simple folk in the eyes of all, but instead went and made themselves manifest as great lords of the spirit; that such would confirm the perception that beyond Arda they are closely related to Aragorn just seemed logical. And Aragorn we know doesn't make it to the Havens in time, but it's not for lack of trying. But I see him as one who always finds the spiritual ties to his friends and colleagues and even those animals closest to him. No, such as Aragorn will never be alone, for they draw all they meet into their own identity. Hope this helps.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/5/2006
So Galadriel was the inner choice who reasoned so often with Frodo? I’m not surprised as we always knew she could do that. The Istari looked at Elrond and Galadriel. “He’d not dare seek to sneak away from them again.” Oh yes, Gandalf, he does! How very farsighted of Bilbo to mention Gandalf should warn them! Loved your reason why Hardorn didn’t accompany Aragorn. A wasp felled the great protector? How amusing (even if I’m sorry for him!) Although I strongly suspect Hardorn will fume when Aragorn returns and give him a dressing down as never before for riding through the wilderness without guard! It was so very typical of Aragorn to walk for the sake of Roheryn, even if it meant he would be too late to see Frodo one last time. Poor guy, to ride so far and then to hear he was too late ... But it was so nice to see how he came to ride Olórin. It seems the stallion knew Aragorn would need him. and hoped in his heart the animal didn’t take it into its head to move at the last moment and leave him lying face down on the ground. Horses, he’d learned over the years, often exhibited such a sense of humor.... You know, that is only too true! Years ago I sometimes rode my mare without saddle. Though she is a pony, she is quite a big one, and comes up to my shoulder, so I was not able to jump on her back without aid and had to use a bench if nobody was there to help. Every time I’d lead her to stand along the bench, then stepped on the bench, and in the moment I extended my leg to slip it over her back, she circled away, so she now stood with the head to the bench, safely out of reach to mount. I usually ended between her and the bench on the ground (but at least on my own feet), had to turn her back along the bench, climb up – and the game started again. And again. And again. And the whole time, the little beast looked completely innocent, particularly when I scolded her – she did nothing wrong, after all, did she? So Frodo had visions of Aragorn’s desperate ride North to see him one last time? How sad they didn’t meet. But I was glad he had a glimpse of Aragorn with Melian and Ruvemir of Lebennin and of Brendi’s and Narcissa’s wedding, so he knew a bit of what was to come. And his last gifts to his young cousins are so touching! Author Reply: No, Galadriel's not the inner Voice; but she was describing the shared dream with Frodo described in "The Choice of Healing" in which he decides at last to accept the offer. Of course Bilbo would be aware of how difficult it was for Frodo to say goodbye and his prediliction to slip off unnoticed if he could. He'd so want for the others to say a proper goodbye, I think. I loved one story I read recently in which Aragorn's many wounds endured over the years were numbered and how he'd overcome each, only to find himself wishing he were dead of seasickness. That Hardorn's weakness might be an allergy to bee or wasp venom seemed to be a similar thing. So often we can get by the big things only to be felled by some piece of gravel that rolls under the sole of our shoe. And I suspect you are right about Hardorn's reaction to Aragorn's lonely ride. Glad you liked the fleshing out of the acceptance by Olorin. And I love your story about your pony and her enjoyment of keeping you off her back. Wily things animals can be. And although I grieve Aragorn arrived too late, yet I think that Frodo's own foresight would serve to reassure about the future and Aragorn's place in it. And Ruvemir and Melian did manage to slip into this story anyway, didn't they? Always a fun thing when characters slip sideways a bit. And to know that both Brendi and Narcissa would find such joy in the future, and that they would come to be close to Forsythia and Fosco would, I think, be very reassuring. And so glad you appreciate the gifts he prepares for them.

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/5/2006
"My newest brother with four legs..." What a wonderful phrase that is. Reminds me of St.Francis and his habit of referring to the animals and birds as 'brother' and 'sister.' Very fitting for someone brought up among Elves and with such an understanding of - and respect for - all the wonders of Nature. Olorin sounds superb, and it was lovely to finally learn how Aragorn came to acquire him. Now I see what you meant in your review of my story. We must have both been inspired by the memory of Shadowfax. I was overjoyed to read that Frodo has 'seen' Brendi's marriage to Narcissa - it will bring him joy and hope, i think. Another powerful and inspiring chapter, Larner. Author Reply: I, too, have long felt that the Elvish background Aragorn enjoyed would fit him closely to a feeling of fellowship with other creatures beyond the races of sentient beings with which he was acquainted; and love your reference to the resemblance with St. Francis. As for Aragorn receiving Olorin, as Olorin was of the Mearas I think it would have to be a mutual decision, and more on the horse's side than Aragorn's. And I find how we both loved the idea of our heroes receiving offspring of Shadowfax to be wonderful, and have found other parallels with you and other writers as well, of course. And yes, the vision of that wedding would be reassuring to Frodo, I think.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/4/2006
wipes eyes Oh...this is really, really sad. This one finally got me crying-I'd been resisting it for the last several posts, and I finally lost the battle. I feel almost like I'm losing Frodo myself, and the knowledge that I can reread LOTR any time I like (am doing so now) and can write about Frodo myself any time I like, for some reason doesn't make a difference to me now. Aragorn is going to be terribly heartbroken, as seen in one of your other stories. They all seem to blend into one, and I tend to get the titles mixed up. Galadriel's gentle amusement at Frodo's thinking of mashed potatoes or mushrooms was very much in character, I thought, and made me laugh, even while it-as well as anything concerning Frodo at this point-had a little bit of sadness in it. Perhaps because he's leaving Middle-earth, for ever, and soon he'll be the only hobbit among so many mighty ones...until Sam comes, anyway. So, Frodo saw ahead then. What a blessing to have, to be able to make preparations for joyous events for which he himself will not be present. Oh, but I did love the exchange between Aragorn and Eomer! Aragorn is ever the healer, even when it comes to his horse. :) And I had to laugh at Olorin's dislike of Brego. Very, very clever, Larner! LOL! I didn't like that they changed Aragorn's horse's name in the movie. But I thought that in the book he rode Hasufel (not sure of spelling-I'm so terrible with...exotic names). Or was it that Hasufel was lent and returned, and Aragorn was gifted with his other one? (I'm not even going to attempt it because Jaws absolutely mangles these names-it can be quite...um...entertaining at times, and I didn't stop to look.) The horses themselves were very charmingly portrayed, and very true to the characters one would expect of such horses. And I love the remark about horses having odd senses of humour! LOL! That's certainly true, as I know very well, to my sorrow. :) I rode for two years, and near the end of that time had the pleasure of dealing with a horse who seemed for a while to think that I was made of porcelain (I really have no idea why), but once he realised that I could and would exercise authority, he refused to listen at all, when before he would stop at the slightest movement of the reins. Well, I began this with tears in my eyes and end up laughing. Oh, and something you said about loose threads caught my attention. I hope you never run out of "loose threads," because that means more stories, right? :) :) And that very sweet and eloquent review of the previous chapter is very true indeed. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Am days behind--too many real life crises, I think. Pray for Bekah, please. Anyhoo, in the book Aragorn is loaned Hasufel (spelling was correct) to ride by Eomer, and he rode him until the Grey Company came from the north bringing his own horse Roheryn. In the movies he is loaned Hasufel, but Brego, who is turned loose after the death of his former master Prince Theodred, finds Aragorn after he's drifted down the river and after that Aragorn rides him. I liked the idea that perhaps "Brego" might have been considered for this animal but that he didn't care for it, and glad you enjoyed the reference. It's in "For Eyes to See as Can" that Aragorn misses Frodo's leaving and meets with Merry, Pippin, and Sam out on the road to Bree; he mentions his ride in "The King's Commission" in a conversation with Gimli. The exchange with Galadriel is from "The Choice of Healing," of course, and glad you enjoyed Galadriel's amusement. And I also felt that Frodo would want to see to it that the gifts of acknowledgment for the lesser coming of age for the twins were tied to himself as much as to Brendi and Narcissa. I think that at least some of the visions granted to him would be reassuring in nature for the wellbeing of those he loved most dearly. And so glad you liked the depiction of Roheryn and Olorin and their interactions. Once a Mearas breathed on him I think Roheryn would quickly get over his jealousy. I certainly am accustomed to the jealousy I see in my dogs. after all, and am certain horses must also be prone to such emotions. As for more loose threads--I keep finding them. Thanks ever for the responses to my writing.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/4/2006
Oh, I feel so horrible for Aragorn, knowing that he's not going to make it on time! Poor man, I wish there was some way to tell him, or to speed his journey! He will be truly heartbroken. I like the way Bilbo listens to the conversations between the bearers of the Three, and his rather firm hint--an order, almost--that Merry and Pippin be informed. In his heart, he's still the Baggins family head, and has the best interests of all his younger kin in his heart, however old and tired he has become. And I remember the bowl analogy--I always thought that was a wonderful comparison. I am almost dreading the next few chapters, you are so close to the end--and to the Grey Havens. sigh Author Reply: I can't bring myself to break canon enough to have Aragorn quite make it, but I certainly would love it had he done so. And of course Bilbo keeps an ear open to what Frodo might be up to, and wants for Merry and Pippin to have the chance to say goodbye. You're right--once Baggins family head, always Baggins family head. Yes, we are at last approaching the end. Last chapter was just written into the laptope today and will soon be posted. And the Grey Havens is a time of sadness, but a necessary one.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/4/2006
Oh my, all roads are now converging, aren't they? Frodo's relief and peace in his decision has definitely aided him. Author Reply: Yes, all is coming together at the last. And he is indeed helped by the fact he is finally coming to terms with himself.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/4/2006
Aw! deeply happy sigh nice Larner gives me another great chapter to read before I go to bed! Much more time to savour it this time of day rather than reading and dashing to work. I, too, am so glad that you are elaborating on Aragorn's ride to meet Frodo but I was crying when I read the outcome to this in your other tale and feel for Linda's impending disappointment. A fully worthy man our Aragorn; too full of integrity to abuse a horse even when on so important and errand as this! And, of course, I just love any mention of Gilrain's two lost sons. Sneaky Bilbo, sneaky. So, just who did Gandalf send to warn M & P if he didn't go himself. We wonders, yes we does Preciousssss! I have a list of likely suspects or I may have been reading that bit wrong - will go back and re-read it I promisessss! g Author Reply: Aragorn would be more careful in the manner in which he treats his horse, I think, than the manner in which he might treat himself. And so glad you liked how I elaborated on the bits given in "For Eyes to See as Can" and "The King's Commission." But I did want to explore just how Olorin the Mearas came to bear the King of Gondor instead of one of the royal house of Rohan, and this is what insisted be written. Yes, Bilbo is sneaky, but also practical. As he's said before, when he finds he momentarily has the choice of appearing fully asleep and hearing part of the conversation or taking full part and then slipping off fully asleep anyway, he'll choose the former. As for who warns Merry and Pippin--that is still coming. But it's actually the most likely suspect at all, although he'll have a time of it.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 96 on 3/4/2006
I enjoyed this chapter very much, especially the part about Aragorn and the horse.Were you thinking of Hidalgo by any chance?I love the mental bond you give Aragorn and Frodo.It will comfort the others if he is there when Frodo leaves.It was also good to see what Elrond and the others thought. Author Reply: No, actually I wasn't thinking of Hidalgo, although I love all mentions of the relationships Viggo manages to forge with his movie mounts. Yes, it would comfort the others if Aragorn manages to come in time, but he HAS been delayed on the road. And at the end I manage to tie in some details from the other stories I've written without sounding as if I'm just rewriting or copying the scenes completely.

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