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Reunion by Larner	12 Review(s)
Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/30/2006
Lothario again? shakes head This one is absolutely hopeless. Obviously he thought to take advantage of a new and inexperienced Mayor, and I am glad to see he was wrong. But one should expect he had learned his lesson many years ago. Part of the reason why Hamfast and Iris want to move to Gondor is touching – watching over Strider! I can imagine it would be a certain comfort for Aragorn to have at least a grandson of Sam in the Citadel, the more so after Sam sailed. And I love it they still celebrate the birthday. All these farewells are so sad, but I am glad Sam didn’t slip secretly away as Frodo did so long ago but gave everyone the chance to say goodbye. Particularly touching it was with Merry and Pippin, of course. It is so good to know Sam takes pictures from all of them with him and letters for Frodo. So he has some things to remember his family and friends, and Frodo can see them all. Author Reply: Yes, I would expect Sam to wish Frodo to see pictures of them and know that his sacrifices and gifts were indeed fulfilled. And Sam is not completely like his Master, after all, nor seeking to spare others as Frodo was. One way or another his time comes, and he wishes only for that last bit to be spent with the brother of his heart.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/27/2006
Ah, lovely chapter. I enjoyed, even as I was saddened, the good-byes that Sam had with those that he loved. The thought of his grandson going to be with Aragorn made me smile and I'm sure that Aragorn would gladly accept his service as he would love to have one of Sam's kin with him. Loved the part with Merry and Pippin and the elves, though I always hate the thought of the elves sailing away. :( Author Reply: I'm so glad you feel this was right, Radbooks, for his grandson to go to Minas Tirith. After all, I wrote that into "Light on the Way" and "The Choice of Healing." And I so wish we did have these Elves living among us. I, too, grieve at the mortal lands having lost so much of their legacy of beauty save for the lineage of the King of Gondor and Arnor.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/26/2006
I'm pleased that Hamfast is going to Gondor,so that Aragorn will know exactly what happened and the close links will continue. Sorry for the delay in reviewing,it was my turn to have computer problems. They will delay my update for a few days . Author Reply: Am so glad you appreciate this, Linda. Your turn with the computer problems, is it? I wish you luck with yours, and I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Reconciliation between the two of them must be coming close, after all!

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/25/2006
This was so touching - I hate farewells and I can see why Frodo avoids them, but Merry and Pippin's farewell to Sam was beautiful and bittersweet. And I'm glad they met with Celeborn once more. Sam is a wise hobbit and has brought his children up to be the same. Frodo will be so proud. Author Reply: Yes, Frodo kept trying to slip away, while Sam will not do so, although sometimes I'm certain he, too, wish he could just slip away. Awfully hard with thirteen grown kids and umpteen grandchildren, all watching the patriarch of the clan to see to his welfare. Celeborn I think would be glad to bid farewell to these; and certainly seeing them as they are now, approaching their own ends with remarkable grace, would hopefully aid him to realize that his granddaughter's leaving will not be anywhere as bad as he imagines. And, yes, I'm certain Frodo will be proud to hear the details of the lives of Sam's progeny, and see for himself that pride shining in Sam's own face.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/25/2006
I don't blame Frodo for not being keen on farewells. Sam'll be exhausted by the time he gets away - but he has given everyone his/her due and passed on the torch. I like the thought that he didn't want to leave anyone with the task of clearing up behind him. Very Sam-like. Wouldn't want to be a trouble. And the cogs in the minds of Merry and Pippin have just clicked to point them towards Gondor. Just as well, really, to make an end rather than linger - they would have found it very difficult to be the last left standing. Sharing their last years with Strider, Legolas and Gimli will give them heart. Nice promise to Celeborn, too. (I hope they also hold themselves ready to welcome the elven kin at the end of days and reunite them with those who went before.) Author Reply: Even Sam will find that the few he tried to bypass will see to it he is made to say goodbye. Yes, I suspect he'll be feeling rather worn out by the time he's done with family. And, of course, he'll leave things neat and tidy for the next occupants of the master suite for the hole. He's Sam, after all! Merry and Pippin are indeed looking forward to going south to spend their last years, once they have no ties save their grown children in the Shire. But now they know their heirs are ready, and they don't want for Perry and Farry to have to perform from their shadows, I think. And, of course they look forward to the reunions to come, some with those they never met themselves, I think. A great number, I think, will stand to welcome Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel at the end of days, and to climb happily over Olorin, who may well find he is again taking the seeming of an elderly man, and these great spirits of Joy those of Hobbits of the Shire.

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2006
So bittersweet, but lovely. Sam saying good bye to his family and friends. Then for Pippin and Merry to meet Lord Celeborn's party in Buckland. That was a very in canon gapfiller you wrote there. We know that Eomer sends word to the Shire he wishes to see Merry one last time, but this shows that the two cousins planned on going on to Minas Tirith before that. That they would be there for Aragorn and Arwen at the end, that would have given much comfort to Celeborn and in turn to Elrond. This really is a lovely, but bittersweet story. Looking forward to the next chapter. Author Reply: In ways I was preparing a bridge here for "Light on the Way," in which it is by Merry and Pippin Aragorn is met when he accepts the Gift himself. But there had to have been a moment, I'd think, when Thain and Master realized they wished to do this and a reason for them being there at the beginning of the Way on his arrival. That they'd also wish to remove themselves that their sons might begin serving as Master and Thain themselves without everyone looking to see that Merry and Pippin approved of their sons' decisions before getting on with it seemed logical as well. Plus I DID write "Longing," and feel that Pippin at least would be strongly feeling restless, particularly with Sam leaving as he was. So glad you appreciate it, Tigger.

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2006
So we are getting closer all the time to leaving Middle-earth. I love the idea of Sam being grateful that a hobbit will be around Aragorn and that the children are okay with him leaving because they know why and who he gave up being with all these years ago. Love that casual mention of seeing someone he hasn't seen in years. Indeed! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: I doubt Sam would tell those outside the family where he was going or why, for I doubt most Hobbits would appreciate his choice and its rationale. And he'd be very glad for young Hamfast's decision to go to Gondor, and of course this stands as a bridge for "Light on the Way," "The Choice of Healing," and "Fostering" in many ways. Frodo had also used the excuse that he was going to spend his birthday with a relative he'd not seen for some time, with none save Sam and Rosie realizing he meant Bilbo. I think Sam here would follow his Master's lead.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2006
What poignant farewells; this time very different. Sam has never been so secretive as his master was, and I think he found a good deal of comfort in knowing that he left "proper" farewells behind him. The leave-taking with Merry and Pippin just made me tear up. So hard now, for them. It's so sad the two of them could not go to see their beloved cousin as well, one last time, yet it was fated not to be. I loved the way you wrote in comfort for Aragorn--not only Sam's grandson, to go and serve him, but also soon he will have the presence of Merry and Pippin themselves. This is just beautiful. Author Reply: Yes, a different leave-taking from Frodo's, and yet not so open the entire Shire knows. At least we know that Merry and Pippin will indeed go to Aragorn's side after they've seen Eomer off; now it's time indeed for them all. Frodo's gone; their wives are gone or going; their sons are ready to take up their duties to their people; once Sam is gone, there is little enough to keep them tied, and they've always given of themselves so strongly. It's time to deal with their own restlessness.

demeter d	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2006
Oh, Larner! By the time I reached "the stars light your path," I had a catch in my throat. Then after "the Creator make it so", I lost it entirely!" Warm, sweet, and full of light! The notion of when Celeborn left has been a popular topic for fan-fiction writers. i read a lovely one where he stayed to comfort Arwen's children when she left. But this way fits, too. I can imagine Elrond and Celebrian's grief when they become aware of her passing. They would need him then. I always have imagined that Glorfindel would probably be the last Elf to leave. he has seen lige from both sides, and is able to be a quide. I very much enjoy your portrayal of him. I am looking forward to more! Author Reply: Tolkien himself left the sailing of Samwise and the time when Celeborn left Middle Earth up in the air; tradition tells that Samwise last saw his daughter Elanor and that he then rode to the Havens, and that it was SAID he'd sailed in search of his Master, much as Frodo had at one time intended to travel in search of Bilbo. Tradition also says Celeborn was on the last ship to leave Middle Earth. But tradition isn't always accurate. That Celeborn might have intended originally to take the Last Ship but had changed his mind when he realized Arwen's end came more closely is always possible. We have the Master's own ambiguity to allow us to make our own determination of when Celeborn might have sailed, after all. I'm so glad you appreciate how I describe Glorfindel in my stories, but I do feel he is a special case in all senses of the word when considering the nature of Elves. This chapter stands as a bridge in part to previous stories of mine such as "Light on the Way," "The Choice of Healing," "The Ties of Family," and "Fostering."

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 4 on 5/24/2006
Wow, there's so much to love in this chapter! Sam looked at his son critically. “You’ve been among Uncle Andy’s folks too long, lad. You’re beginning to sound like me, you know. I’d hoped as your education in the law would stand you in good stead to fight the Northfarthin’ influence.” Ham laughed louder. “Oh, it stands me in fine stead, Da. The folk of Bree and from the steadings south of the Shire have been taken in by my accent and think as they can fool me easy enough--until I bring out my travel desk and begin writin’ out the contracts. When they know as I can write not only a contract binding in the Shire but one to match the King’s own lawyers they begin thinking twice.” chuckles You know, I kind of like the "Northfarthing accent." :) Oh! So Rose-lass married Ferdi's eldest, did she? I'm glad those families now have that tie. Poor Dorno--trying to learn to be Mayor. I have to confess I don't envy him one bit. Sam looked down at his hands on the tabletop, then back into the Thain’s eyes. “I suspect as he can still read, Pippin. Would one go blind there in the Elven lands, do you think?” No, not blind, but he'll have changed all right. I find it rather fascinating, the "becoming," but also very sad. Pippin laughed. “I was in the bathing room and would swear I heard him singing from the alcove where Da hung the curtain for me when I was younger.” Merry looked at his younger cousin sideways. “If you heard singing and then the splash of water I’ll warn you it wasn’t Frodo--it’s the ghost of when you were younger. Frodo was never the menace in the bath you were.” LOL! Oh, how descriptive! Menace, eh? LOL! Yes, true enough. :) I wonder why that sticks with us? I used to think I was the only one that laughed at that more than any other part of the whole trilogy, but I'm not so sure any more...:) He closed his eyes and added, the pain in his voice obvious, “Oh, Sam, how I wish we could go with you. All of a sudden--I miss him so! I miss him so very much!” Sam reached out to take Merry into his arms. “I know, Mr. Merry,” he whispered into Merry’s ear. This got me teary-eyed. I always did think it was hard for Merry and Pippin to remain behind, but it was for the better in the end, because they could be by Aragorn's side. I love the way you mingle the angst with little touches of humour, just as life often does. Strange to me how even after a loved one passes or when one is near his/her time, there are still little moments of laughter that make the grief more bearable. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Life isn't pure tragedy or comedy--they go hand in hand. And these are Hobbits, who laugh as well as weep; eat and fast both easily enough; and live in tune to the rhythms of the earth itself. Dorno's been Mayor a few years by now, but is having his fill of it, now finding they're trying to slip things by him. Being an administrator isn't an easy thing, after all. And they know Frodo was having a time of it before he left, and after reading the Red Book and Gandalf's own speculations as to what Frodo might come to they have to have realized Frodo is not likely as he was before. That they might wonder how he turned out is always the question. Oh, I've always loved the bit about Pippin splashing with his feet as he sang of the fountain splashing on high. No, you're not the only one who laughs at that. As for the jokes interspersed with the anxiety of loss and impending grief, I certainly know how that goes. Even Tony had his little jokes at the end.

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