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| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 14 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/13/2006 |
| Good to see Erestor in the Shire, and through Cyclamen's eyes. Poor Sam he still does not know that Frodo is going on the ships. Author Reply: No, Tolkien himself indicated Sam didn't know where Frodo was going until the last minute, not understanding until they met with the Elves. I'm just glad that he didn't try to fool Sam as well. | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/12/2006 |
| You will be refilled, darling, you will be overflowing with joy and peace and light...just hold on... Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Yup! That he will! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/12/2006 |
| I知 glad Cyclamen got to meet Erestor, and I知 sure she will treasure this few minutes, the more so because she now knows that Frodo is with people who love him and will look after him. And I知 glad the Whitfoots got their chance to see Frodo one last time and to say farewell, too. They all cared so deeply for Frodo and will miss him terribly. One could feel some envy for Aramos. A whole hole only for his books! *sighs dreamily* Author Reply: I, too, am glad that Cyclamen got to meet Elrond's friend and confidant. To know her beloved older cousin will be cared for will be a comfor to her indeed. And I, too, am glad Frodo had these last few moments with Frodo. As for Aramos's library--I'm finally reaching the point I can get my library set up in the big room over the sun room, so I'm ALMOST in his position. I have bookcases everywhere, you see. | |
| rabidsamfan | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/10/2006 |
| Well, it took me several days, but I've just gone through and swallowed the whole story so far. Quite wonderful, and well in keeping with your other stories. Thank you for remembering that Sam and Merry and Pippin came back scarred as well! I admit to some curiosity about what kept Sam away that first March, but I forgave you completely with that scene where Saradoc sees Frodo going to deal with Sam's nightmares. And thank you too, for showing that Frodo is being willingly blind to the perceptions of others as he tries to hide his disability. I'm looking forward to see how you wind it up! Author Reply: The first March Tolkien himself indicated Sam was gone planting trees when the thirteenth came; the next year Sam and Rosie went to see her family on the farm before the baby came, and so were gone on the thirteenth, and I've hinted in other stories that Frodo himself instigated that remembering how he'd been ill the previous year. And so it was he tried to protect Sam from the worst of his own pain, particularly remembering how the memories hit him while at Freddy's house in October. Many of those with PTSD seem unable to perceive how aware others are of their pain as well as obviously willing them to ignore it. I've seen it infect some families completely. But Saradoc is alert and wants to know, in contrast to Paladin and Eglantine who want a far different reality. And, yes, I'm finishing it up. Last chapter posted today, and author's notes in a day or two. So glad you've forgiven my trespasses. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/9/2006 |
| Everything is full of 'lasts'. I'm not surprised Frodo wanted to escape as many formal farewells as possible - each one must have worn him thinner. He needs to realise that he has done all he can - not that he will. He seems to look on everything as a spur to try harder. I think Mina's last words must have offered him some comfort, though. Author Reply: Yes, this is again a time of "lasts" and final steps taken. And for one who finds partings so painful already he often prefers to slip away so as to avoid them, having to face each for the last time must indeed by painful. And I agree that Mina's farewell will in the end be more comforting than he'd ever expected to know. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/9/2006 |
| There were parts of this chapter that sounded extremely Hobbity, especially the bits about Frodo's visit with Button. I loved those bits. They were great. I also liked the scene at the end with Frodo and Mina and Aster and Dianthus. They're such wonderful, loving people, I'm sure that they've been a major force in helping Frodo stay even as healthy as he has, and not get worse. Author Reply: So very glad you appreciated meeting Button and find her Hobbity indeed. And I agree that the womenfolk in Will's family have helped Frodo keep grounded. So glad you appreciated it all. Thanks so much for following the story so faithfully. | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/8/2006 |
| Oh, my dear, you made me cry! Beautiful filling in the gaps as Frodo says goodbye. And no, he really can not just slip away without the people who love him being able to say goodbye. Such a nice touch to have Lord Erestor himself deliver the mediicine. Another reminder that the outside world considers our favorite Hobbits the equals of anyone. Frodo's last words to Narcissa reminded me of Aragorn's benediction to Eowyn at her wedding. I have always wished thee joy, I makes me glad now to see you in bliss. So nice that Frodo is able to see Brendilac and Narcissa happy together. Aragorn will marry them, eh? Almost as good as Frodo being there. And no, he definitely would not have been allowed to slip away without seeing Mina. Well done. Author Reply: The last farewells must have often been painful for him, but necessary both for him and those he couldn't avoid. The bringing of the medicine I first wrote into "For Eyes to See as Can" and is described partly in "The Choice of Healing" as well as in this story. The Elves are described as delighting to honor Bilbo, Frodo, and Sam as they ride to the Havens--obviously they respect the small race which has so much in common with their own, I'd think. Narcissa's and Brendi's relationships with Frodo and eventually with Fosco and Forsythia Baggins and one another is described in far more detail in "The Ties of Family," culminating with their wedding. And I'd not realized here Frodo was mirroring Aragorn's blessing for Eowyn--I unconsciously echoed the Master, as you've pointed out. But it is, I think, a fitting echo, as Frodo, too, is turning away a love offered him freely, although for a far different reason. And he should never be allowed to slip away without seeing Mina, not after what she's been through with him. Thank you for the compliment. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/8/2006 |
| Ohh, such poignant goodbyes, and such heartfelt love. 的知 not sorry I accepted the duty, but it emptied me, Dianthus. It emptied me, and I need refilling." What a perfect summation of all that he's feeling, and the decision he's made. Author Reply: Yes, it's a good one, and I'm so glad you found it fitting. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/8/2006 |
| So sad! So much farewells Frodo wanted to avoid, but the voice is right: At least when you go aboard that ship you will be able to take the memories of those who look on you with love. And there are lots of those who look on him with love. He never was alone and he never will be. Mina expressed this in a wonderful way and Frodo understood. Then he turned and looked at her, and suddenly smiled, that sweet smile that was his alone, that smile that lit the room and caused her heart to lift. I will never forget that beautiful smile at the end of the third movie. Now, *this* smile shows the love of a son for his mother and a deep gratitude for all that Mina did and said. Author Reply: In seeking ever to slip away Frodo denied himself and others much closure and reassurance, and I think that he would need to have that truth driven home to him at that moment. And am so glad that sweet smile communicated exactly what I'd intended. So very glad you appreciated it. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/8/2006 |
| Oh this is so tough on everyone Larner. All these farewells in spite of him are so draining for Frodo but, I thought it was a bit like the draining of an abcess leaving him even more empty but cleaner somehow; with no regrets that he didn't take his leave of those who love him most. One less guilt issue to deal with in his healing. (I'm not sure this makes any sense except to me.) I loved the meetings with Erestor as seen from Cyclamen's pov. Is she/you going to write a tale about it later? And I want access to that library!! *g* I am glad that Frodo is able to complete his 'business'. That will ease his heart in itself. The way you continue the fostering theme so that Frodo can bequeath Narcissa his children is lovely. And thank goodness for Mina - she speaks for all of the Shire, and all of us! Going out now to re-stock the kleenex!!! Author Reply: Yes, the bowl is indeed being cleansed one last time here in Middle Earth, preparing it for the day when it is again readied to be refilled at the King's table. Aha, so you'd like to see more from the point of view of Cyclamen Proudfoot, would you? Maybe one day, although the nuzgul in the jewelry box is becoming increasingly difficult. And I, too, would love to see that library. I'd written before that he had arranged to receive books from Rivendell, Lothlorien, and Gondor as well as from Bilbo's own library; but where and how would he house the collection he was preparing? So Aramos and Button came slipping out from behind the set of shelves on the right within my own bedroom and indicated they insisted it came from them.... And the fostering theme is indeed continued. It was interesting to take the scene from "The Choice of Healing" and add in Frodo's own thoughts, now he's foreseen Narcissa and Brendi will come together in the future, in doing so insuring that vision is realized. And am glad you find Mina speaks for many of us as well as the Shire, even if most of the Shire never really understands what the four Travelers did. And you'll need the kleenex for today's chapter, if you've not read it yet. | |