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Reunion by Larner	12 Review(s)
Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/24/2006
Wow, that is such a fascinating idea about the three of them being brothers reborn into hobbit bodies...not that I really believe in it, but I've played around with the idea of it myself in other fandoms (fantasy stories, all in fun, mind you!;)) But goodness, poor Gilraen.... And Galadriel wants to fix Livwen up with Haldir? Now there's an idea...but I think I'd rather see her with one of the twins! Then again, she'd have a long wait.... The scene with the Valar is interesting! ~~~{~@ Author Reply: It's fun to add our own twists to Tolkien's story, of course, which is why we write fan-fiction to begin with. I first suggested this in "The Ties of Family" and went into detail with it in "Fostering," which is quite short for me, running only seven chapters. It would be interesting to see Livwen with one of the twins, but didn't at this time aim quite so high with her. But the idea of Galadriel trying to matchmake just seemed to good to pass up!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/24/2006
Olórin found a wonderful way to explain death to the elflings. It was a explanation they could understand but that wasn't too frightening for them. Nice to see how much even the Valar care for the two mortals, and I loved Varda's permission for Olórin to use the stars for a last farewell to the hobbits. And it is somehow reassuring he will not be alone in his grief after their passing. And the chapter answered my question what Frodo and Sam knew about have been intended as brothers to Aragorn. I am glad they got it explained before they went on. You know already how much I love the whole idea, don't you? It was a wonderful last birthday for Sam. How nice Elwing and Eärendil came, too! I always loved the idea of them meeting each other. It seems so fitting Eärendil and Frodo did meet for a last time and were able to say farewell, so Eärendil could send his greetings to his mortal son through Frodo. Had to grin about the great Lady Galadriel thinking to play matchmaker for Livwen and Haldir. Now I wonder if she will try something similar with her grandsons after they finally arrived! Now she has no realm to rule any longer she seems to have too much time ;-)

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/24/2006
Thank you for the couple times you point out that life begins at conception. Love the idea of a conception day ceremony. I'm an aunt again - for the 9th time - and people automatically assume that means the child has been born, but no, I say since life begins at conception, so does aunthood. :) Love also that Frodo would always hear the Voice of Iluvatar in his heart for that was, of course, Who he said 'yes' to at the Council. I am almost done with The Philosophy of Tolkien by Peter Kreeft which deals with how similar Frodo's 'yes' and the 'yes' of the Virgin Mary was. How the salvation of the world depended on both of them saying 'yes', that Mary give life to Life and Frodo bought death to Death. Very interesting book. Harrowcat some time ago brought up the same idea of the 'yes''s being similar. Great minds must think alike! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/24/2006
So many beautiful parts in this chapter I don't know where to start. Gandalf's explanation of death was very touching and so right. The butterfly analogy is one I've always thought of, so it was nice to hear it from Olorin. Frodo's delight in everything is wonderful to see, and I'm glad he was able to give Sam a birthday celebration. Loved the story of Gilraen and the revelation that they were Aragorn's brothers, but then I've always loved that part of your universe. The bit about the spider bite was horrible and really made me shudder - what 'exactly' was in there? The spirit of Ungoliant? shiver Now that is grisly. Poor Frodo, no wonder it wouldn't heal. A lovely image to finish with - the two hobbits watching the stars. Incredible as ever, Larner!

cookiefleck	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/23/2006
I had been reading this on another site and you hadn't updated for awhile... imagine my delight to realize the story is here and my joy at being able to read the last few chapters in one sitting. Still enjoying it as much as before and awaiting the poignant ending which seems near at hand. The idea of the brothers was unique and interesting... a lovely thought. Author Reply: Welcome, Cookiefleck, to SoA. This is the primary site where I post, and everybody else gets updated from here. Have been having major computer problems and just got back online today. Hopefully I'll start updating at the other sites in the next few days. Am just downloading my email for the first time in three weeks, which is FAR too long a time to go without doing so. I first suggested the idea that Frodo, Sam, and Aragorn were meant to be brothers in "The Ties of Family," and then wrote "Fostering" to examine it more closely. And there are hints of this relationship elsewhere in my stories, which are all present on this site. So glad you found me here. It's so much easier to write responses here than on most other sites, I find.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/23/2006
Oh Larner there is so much in this chapter and all of is is so wonderful! I had to print it off and take it home - no time to read it otherwise. Have just reread it and still have no words or, indeed, time. Great reflection on the nature of mortality and lovely to hear it from Gandalf's POV as promised. The bit I loved the most, of course, was the revelations about the brothers, especially Frodo's reactions. Great too to get all these responses to reviews at one sitting. They did make me feel better after a long drive and a difficult day/week. Sorry about the new Nuzgul begging to be fed! grin (Not really!) I've found it likes the space between your chair and table and likes to be fed salted popcorn! Author Reply: Well, once again I am at least temporarily online. The computer is semi-borrowed, and we'll see if it stays in place. Computer problems are truly a pain in the patoot, and dealing with those around me lately has been worse. I felt this chapter ought to all be from Gandalf's POV, as he is the one who has known Frodo and Sam longest and will undoubtedly feel their absence most strongly. He is one who has now passed through fire and death and who triumphed; who better to try to explain to Elven children who have never seen anyone die, and whose uncle's presence in the Halls of Mandos is probably not quite real to them. That Frodo would not find the relationship particularly troubling I felt to be likely, and his final communication I hope you'll appreciate. At least these two finally know, and are at peace with it all. They approach their transition steadfastly now. Author Reply: Well, once again I am at least temporarily online. The computer is semi-borrowed, and we'll see if it stays in place. Computer problems are truly a pain in the patoot, and dealing with those around me lately has been worse. I felt this chapter ought to all be from Gandalf's POV, as he is the one who has known Frodo and Sam longest and will undoubtedly feel their absence most strongly. He is one who has now passed through fire and death and who triumphed; who better to try to explain to Elven children who have never seen anyone die, and whose uncle's presence in the Halls of Mandos is probably not quite real to them. That Frodo would not find the relationship particularly troubling I felt to be likely, and his final communication I hope you'll appreciate. At least these two finally know, and are at peace with it all. They approach their transition steadfastly now.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/23/2006
Olórin smiled as he caught the echo of that Voice. He looked at the two mortals shining still before him. “There was one more aspect of her most beloved lost child the Lady Gilraen listed--that he would ever hear in his heart the voice of Iluvatar,” he said gently. Again Iorhael’s Light grew brighter. Awww, the voice of Iluvatar, that's so fitting. Looks like my guess about where the Voice came from, was not so far away from the truth: not a parent, but the parent. Finally Frodo is able to see the humor in what the Creator meant for him to be his life. I remember a point in your stories when he felt like a pawn in a game and hated that thought. So he reacted with the famous "Baggins stubbornness". You have been a stubborn one, a trait which has been both your bane and your redemption. Ah, I like the wisdom of the Lady Galadriel! So now, both Frodo and Sam know that they were meant to be the brothers of Aragorn! It's interesting to speculate what might have been if they had been born to be men. They would have had to go to Mordor, of that I'm sure. But it would have been even more dangerous. It's likely that they would not have made it or even would have been killed before the journey even began. And what about the lure of the Ring? No, I think only hobbits would have been able to reach the fiery mountain. And only one special hobbit would have been able to resist the Ring for such a long time. Author Reply: I've been speculating on what might have happened had the three of them truly been born sons of Arathorn and Gilraen myself. It is interesting to think how it might be for a human of such lineage to come into possession of such a thing. As Tolkien wrote it, the indications that only Hobbits or possibly Ents might have withstood the Ring. Yes, THE parent speaks in Frodo's heart, as he does with all of us, although he doesn't often appear to get the proper listen from us. Yes, at times Frodo has felt manipulated, and just how often do we all find ourselves digging in our heels in such situations. But now Frodo's been able to relax his guard and revert to much of the simple joy he knew growing up, first with his parents and then with Bilbo, and he's able to appreciate the irony of his situation. Amusement can be such a gift, as is a good sense of humor. At least Frodo has his back at last. And am so glad you appreciate Galadriel's evaluation of our Iorhael. Two more chapters and the Author's Notes.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/23/2006
So Galadriel is thinking of a bit of Livwen/Haldir matchmaking! Could be interesting. And, of course, her grandsons will need brides - if (no, when) they sail. I do like the chrysalis imagery. Frodo has nearly left his body behind and Sam is prepared to crack out of his. And it's good to see Earendil visiting his family and coming to meet those who might have been his descendants. The part about the spider bite was gruesome - and it makes sense that Sauron's horrors would wither away without him. Just as the Nazgul did. Not much longer now... Author Reply: Yes, to see the great ladies and lords sinking to matchmaking a la Emma is a delightful thought, I find. So glad you like the imagery, although I've used it before, of course. But it is proper, I always felt, in examining Frodo's transition. Yes, the thought of carrying about the spirit of Ungoliant inside such a wound is pretty awful; and it is nice to think that without creatures such as fallen Ainur and Maiar about the evil creatures they helped bring into being should fade away; but I have always grieved that the great also leave Middle Earth. The idea of Middle Earth without Elves seems so very stark.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/22/2006
Just beautiful,I loved your musings on life and death and accepting the Gift with joy.I also found the thoughts on Aragorn and the Hobbits touching.I hope he senses them again by the Tree. Author Reply: So glad you found the idea of Aragorn's possible relationship with Frodo and Sam so touching. I've always felt that those in the Undying Lands who'd never been to Middle Earth and who were born after the Kinslaying must have found the idea of death a mystery, and have loved trying to think how Gandalf might try to explain it. There will be one more sensing, and then a last communication. Hope you appreciate them.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/22/2006
A beautiful,touching chapter Author Reply: Two responses to the same chapter! I'm honored, and am so glad you found it beautiful. Thanks so, Linda.

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