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| Reconciliation by Larner | 15 Review(s) |
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| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/2/2006 |
| I enjoyed re-reading that part of the will that was Frodo's loving tribute to his friends stubborn refusal to let him go into danger alone that was in the first story I read from you and so discovered even greater masterpieces. Thank you! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: This insisted it had to be repeated here, for some reason. I'm rather glad it did, myself. But all needed to see how Frodo himself had come to perceive his companions' actions and sacrifices in the end. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/2/2006 |
| Said it before and am saying it again. I love Brendi. This must have been so difficult for all of them simply because Frodo isn't exactly dead, just gone and perhaps healing but yet it is such a terrible loss. I think the most difficult part would have been not knowing how he was once he left. Author Reply: I'm so glad you do, Grey Wonderer. He's an individual that makes his way into your heart much as those shown in the Master's works have done. He wasn't considered a fellow with the younger Hobbits, so they never thought to include him in the Conspiracy save when Merry entrusted the letters to him to explain to their parents after the fact. Even then he had no idea what those letters might say--only the fact he was asked to send them at a particular time. Yet in ways he was part of Frodo's own conspiracy to try to slip away, for he knew he could seal Brendi's knowledge so it wouldn't be shared with others. But the not being certain if Frodo survived the voyage must have been difficult for all of them. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/1/2006 |
| *sniff* Very touching chapter, Larner! I felt so sorry for all of them – for Mags who made something special for Frodo, not knowing he wouldn’t be there, for Brendi, Oridon and Ordo who had to try to remain businesslike in spite of their own grief – it’s so very obvious it wasn’t only Brendi who shared with Frodo a deep friendship, but the Goodbodys as well, not only their duty as lawyer and banker. And particularly for all the friends and relatives who will miss him so terribly. The last part of the will, to the Conspirators, brought tears to my eyes, although I had to smile as well about the ‚rage of the wronged cousin’. But I suppose it was not easy for Frodo to write this at all. To explain why he slipped away without goodbye and knowing how much it would hurt them must’ve been hard. You did a great job with the conversation between Pippin and his parents. His explanation how much he loved to work with his Da when he was younger and how he missed this made it quite clear how much he esteemed his Da. No wonder Pippin turned out so responsible during the Quest. What he said made it obvious why he couldn’t say anything before he left the Shire, too. And I was *so* glad he could finally talk about the Ring and all that and his parents simply *listened* and believed it for the first time. What a relief! Author Reply: The portion of the will is slightly longer as it was first written for "For Eyes to See as Can." Am so glad you appreciated it here. I found I couldn't quite do this chapter without it. For those who have developed a working relationship with Frodo, having to do their job and remain professional about it must have been difficult; and I imagine all who had known him halfway well found themselves shocked to learn he was leaving. And these are the hard yet heartening things Paladin and Eglantine need to hear now, that their son went in part because of their early teaching of him. Yes, he learned from them and esteemed them for what they'd given him, and wanted that back again on a more mature level. And this time they ARE listening, which is the greatest gift they could have given him. | |
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/1/2006 |
| What moves me so is his selfless acknowledgement of the fellow "Conspirators" job. It's so like Frodo to attribute others for what they did. And that is another thing that i extremely enjoyed about reading that. I really cannot wait to hear more about how Sam deals with being "Master of Bag End" now. I have a Sam WIP post-Havens story written too and i've always been interested in how Sam deal with the loss of Frodo. But yes, the will is still tearing at my heartstrings. :*( (as i know it would when i read the chapter title :P) (I probably will be back to read the second half of the chapter with Pippin--i'm sure it's good too :) Author Reply: Frodo had the tendency to honor the contributions of others more than his own, which was endearing but also frustrating, I'm certain. I'll be getting to Sam as Master of Bag End, but it will be a few days yet. I truly look forward to seeing your story on the period. The portion of the will I first wrote, slightly longer, for my first story, "For Eyes to See as Can." It belonged here, too, I found. And that it moves you is flattering. Thank you so much for letting me know how this affected you. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/1/2006 |
| What an emotionally fraught few days for our favourite travellers! I thinkthis reconciliation between father and son will result in an even better Thain. Praying that life may be calming down just a little for you. Author Reply: Yes, and so far they've not had the chance just to experience life without Frodo there for them to see when they can and wish. It's a difficult time for them, but they will pull through with marked grace. Life calms down some, but just hiccuped again--need another car repair. GAACK! | |
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/1/2006 |
| I was reduced to tears in the last letter and especially, especially Frodo's voice in the will. That was written so beautifully, i... remain speechless at the moment but must praise you that that alone, alone was so beautiful that it makes me want to read that part over and over because it is so true. Frodo was so selfless and he didn't want to put anyone in danger, anyone in pain... that is part of the reason for his leaving Middle-Earth. For what did I in the paucity of my imagination know of what Terror is? You proved stronger than I, all of you, even you, Freddy, who feared to leave the safety of the Shire but who proved yourself, to your own amazement, as brave and as dedicated as any. Each of you went through trials I still cannot imagine, and all have earned every honor ever bestowed upon you. I bend my knee in respect to each and all of you, and beg you forgive me for this, my last betrayal, for not telling you I am leaving. I remain a coward, and weak. I am, I know, physically weak now, and I could not bear seeing your final grief. Please, please forgive me. Oh gosh, reading that again, tears... so many tears. :*( oh Frodo. <3 And i printed the last chapter out to read on teh subwawy--i've read it twice. :) Larner, you're amazing~ =) ::have to read the Pippin part of this chapter too:: (The italized Frodo part just reduced me to tears already though... :*( wow. Author Reply: Thank you again, although I realize you wrote this before the one above. Am so glad you appreciated it. Thank you so much for responding. If I can bring out the emotions for you, then I've done my job as a writer. | |
| Radbooks | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/31/2006 |
| Yes, I cried in this chapter too... especially at the end during the talk between Pippin and his father. I loved how you showed that Pippin had thought everything out ahead of time and that he was right not to have told his father anything about the danger of the Ring, etc. It also showed that Aragorn was right to appoint him a councilor... that it wasn't just an empty honor. Of course I know this is where the title of the story comes from and it is so important to have forgiveness and reconcillation between people, especially in families. Wonderful job! Author Reply: Then I'm doing my job as a writer if I can so move you, Radbooks! And am looking forward to the next chapter of your story as well, of course. Pippin is able at last to talk freely, and his parents are at last listening, and hearing not the criticism they'd expected, but the reverence for the good they have done in preparing this son of theirs for his eventual role in the world. And I don't think Aragorn ever made serious errors in choosing his counselors. | |
| Baggins Babe | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/31/2006 |
| Oh I did feel for poor Mags here - she's watched Frodo for years and was obviously keen for the chance to serve him a proper meal, and he's gone! The scene between Pip and his parents was perfect - moving and uplifting. There is love and forgiveness at last. Beautiful. Author Reply: Yes, I feel for Mags as well, and every other common person Frodo's life touched who now realizes he's up and disappeared again. And am so very glad you appreciate the discussion between Pippin and his parents. Both sides need it desperately. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/31/2006 |
| Eglantine had sat, spellbound, as Pippin spoke. "Spellbound" - that's exactly how I felt when Pippin finally came to tell his parents about the quest. That was brilliant, Larner! I loved it how Paladin the farmer encouraged his son to try things out, even when he knew they would be failures. That's what is meant with "learning by doing", I think. Some things simply can not be learned by reading a book, some things can not be understood by being forbidden to do them. You have to try them on your own. I'm quite sure Pippin experienced lots of situations on the quest where he was forced to try it out. And not always was there an older cousin to "supervise" his actions. But he managed it on his own and his wisdom has indeed grown. I humbly beg your forgiveness for the unspoken curses I formulated as I foresaw every disaster you would face that you refused to allow me to bear for you. Oh Frodo! I can very well imagine that. But Pippin is right, on his own he would not have made it to Mordor. And Frodo has come to accept this, too - accept, not approve. He would have done anything to get his cousins and Sam out of danger. Author Reply: I'm glad you agree with the description here. It's difficult to hear someone you love tell them of the part of his/her life not dreamed of. It's difficult for many parents to let go the parenting role when their children are old enough to stand on their own. I think that basically Paladin Took was a good father who found his new role as Thain to be frustrating to deal with, distracting him at a time when it negatively affected his relationship with his son. But the foundation of realizing not all things work and that there is a need to think things through and that it's okay to try things even if one does "fail" has stuck with Pippin. Some of the things he did on the quest were dangerous, but as time passed more and more were more than useful--were outright perfect, in fact. The portion of the will read appeared first in "For Eyes to See as Can." I felt it was necessary to carry over the mood here from that source. Oh, I DO wind my stories together.... And Pippin is certainly right. Frodo would have tried anything to protect the rest, but needed them to bolster him along the way. | |
| SlightlyTookish | Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 3/31/2006 |
| Well, I'll make no secret of it (and is it really that unexpected, coming from me?) but I LOVED and ADORED the conversation at the end between Pippin and his parents. Right from when you started it in the "uncomfortable and stiff" sitting room - just perfect for the uncomfortable conversation they were about to have. I loved the entire conversation, and the theme of "thinking it through" and how Paladin realizes Pippn did that (and that he taught him well). Wonderful! I love it when Pippin has a good relationship with his parents. Disagreements happen of course, but a nice, loving relationship between parent and child makes me SO happy! :) Author Reply: Yes, it's past time to put this fight to rest, and at last Paladin and Eglantine are actually listening. Frodo hid out here in the last story; it's the one area in the smial noone wants to visit voluntarily, after all. And you're right that this is the most appropriate place in Bag End for this uncomfortable conversation to take place. And having a proper relationship is necessary for them all. Hobbits are meant for loving one another, not for harboring resentments. Glad this pleased you so. | |