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| Second Mum by Larner | 15 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Soledad | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 10/11/2008 |
| I've been saving this one as my special birthday treat for so long, and look, it has taken me three days to read! Real Life just doesn't want us to have some undisturbed joy, does it? In any case, it was a delightful and touching read. I always liked Esmeralda, and it was fun to find the stories hinted at in many of your other tales fully told here. Of course you made me cry again, but in a good way, so that's all right. :) Author Reply: I'm honored you'd do that, Soledad. Real life does have a way of getting in the way rather rudely, I've found. Heh! Thanks so for the comments and reaction. I, too, have found myself liking Esmeralda a good deal, and felt her relationship with Frodo must have been special. To look at him life from her point of view was an honor. Again, thanks so for the feedback. I was rather sorry this didn't get more feedback in last year's MEFAs, as I feel it is a worthy story in its own right, and Esme and Saradoc a wonderful couple. Author Reply: And Happy Birthday! I'll try to get a story written for you, but it will be a bit late, of course. Heh! | |
| Antane | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/24/2007 |
| How wonderful for Esme to get a look at her first lad healed and happy again and for him to be able to see her. Very nice. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: One of the advantages to having cast off the mortal coil is to be able to have glimpses of others as we reach for what comes next, or so those who have undergone near-death experiences tell us; and to be fully assured that her last gift to Frodo of her wish that he might live for himself that he then be able to live for others had been fruitful must have made what was to come even more joyful. | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/17/2007 |
| My dear Larner, Once again you made me speechless! Well, nearly :) What a beautiful ending! I especially liked Esme's last letter to Frodo. It was very touching. And then the signature - "Your second mum"! Wonderful! I loved it that Esme when she was finally united with her husband was able to see Frodo among the Elven children, and that he recognised them and greeted them, too. It was a pleasure to read this story! Thank you very much, Larner! Author Reply: Thank you so, Andrea. Esme must have perceived not all was well with her beloved first lad, and after receiving Arwen's letter and considering how Frodo was the last two times she saw him must have realized that for him to find healing meant he must away. I suspect things were less prosaic there in the Undying Lands, and some things possible there fairly easily that would be impossible or extremely rare here. Freed of his own pain, Frodo would, I think, treasure those glimpses he was given of those he loved, much as they would treasure this greeting in passing; now that they are passing out of Time, it will be soon enough they will be reunited once more to the joy of all. And thank you so for following the story and giving such wonderful feedback. Thank you so very much. | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/9/2007 |
| "Mother-in-love" sounds much nicer than "mother-in-law"! I like the box and the wreath of violets. A lovely and tender tale. ~~~{~@ Author Reply: I admit I borrowed the term from someone else, and am glad to perpetuate its use. And the box and wreath of violets were intended for this from the moment they entered my mind much earlier in the tale. Thank you indeed for the comments, Armariel. | |
| Lindelea | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/8/2007 |
| Heart touching. Wouldn't you know, I read last chapter first, a common failing of mine, but so lovely and hopeful amidst the sorrow. I loved the glimpse Merry had of her at the end, and hope he saw her joy, and I loved Frodo's seeing them pass over. And dancing with elven children, what fun! I've added the rest of the story to my summer reading list, and am looking forward to it. (I do love the idea of the Feast... best ending I can think of, for hobbits. D'you suppose the King and Queen were able to attend, before going on to their own fate?) Author Reply: I used to do that, but don't tend to do so any more--or at least only very rarely. So many who have reported near-death experiences remember no fear or memory of pain--just the surprise of seeing those they loved and wanting them to know they still love them, the surprise of realizing that poor creature on the bed, the ground, the chair, or wherever is what's left of their bodies, and often the disappointment of being sent back. Frodo is not what he was, and was always sensitive to otherness anyway; I do believe that especially there in the Undying Lands he would be aware from time to time of those passing beyond the West, outside the bounds of Arda, and would rejoice at these brief glimpses--having finally come to terms with his own mortality and no longer worrying about becoming less than he was or losing himself completely, he'd notice the joy and delight and rejoice in that. As for whether or not Aragorn and Arwen joined the Feast, read the epilogue of "Reunion." Heh! | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/7/2007 |
| *sniff* You truly should buy stock in a tissue company – the end left me rather teary again. Well, at least Esme had an easy death, simply slipping away after cuddling her grandchildren and reminiscing about Frodo one last time. It was so good she was able to talk about all these reminders of Frodo. And her reunion with Sara and the glimpse of Frodo surrounded by elfings was so sweet. Nonetheless a touching conclusion to this wonderful story! Author Reply: Yes, we've discussed this before. (Snicker.) Esme deserved an easy death and reassurance of the love she knows from her family surrounding her before she goes; and Merry needs the assurance she still considers Frodo his brother in all but blood as he and his fellow Travellers return to the life given them. And she and Sara would need to know her sacrifice of Frodo's presence within the Shire was fulfilled. So glad for your constant feedback throughout it all. Thank you so much! | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/7/2007 |
| Very moving,this chapter brought tears to my eyes. Author Reply: That it moved you is proof I did it right, I'd say. Thank you, Linda. | |
| elanor winterflowers | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/6/2007 |
| *sigh* I'm so glad they saw each other again; this is a fitting benediction to a lovely story! Author Reply: Esme and Sara needed that assurance that all their sacrifices for Frodo had been fruitful; and that she would find herself reuniting with her beloved Sara after a long and full life was only right, I felt. And for Frodo these small moments when he is aware of those he left behind help to keep him aware that at heart he remains a Hobbit of the Shire. | |
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/6/2007 |
| I am really sorry to see this one end. This has been lovely. I'm glad Merry found the letter from Arwen and that Saradoc was waiting for Esmeralda when she left this world. Lovely story and Merry's parents have always been two of my favorite hobbits. Author Reply: Thank you, Grey Wonderer, for it's been a joy to write this, as it's my tribute to all who opened up and accepted me and mine over the years. Yes, Sara was waiting to lead her to the feast and beyond when they're ready to go further; and they were able to see Frodo restored once more. Am so glad you appreciate that Merry saw the letter. I've been a second mother myself, and this is dedicated to so many who stood by me and mine over the years. It was meant to be finished by Mothers Day, but you know how these stories go. And congratulations on all the nominations you've received for MEFAs--I'm impressed! And don't kill me for mine. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: Epilogue 2 on 6/6/2007 |
| Oh Larner, you've made me cry!! That was a lovely, but bittersweet, ending to this lovely story. I'm so glad Esme and Sara got to see Frodo one last time. And the contents of the chest...Perfect. I can so see either Frodo or Esme keeping all of those keepsakes over the years. I especially loved that she kept Bilbo's waistcoat w/the little red handprint. Not sure why, but that just made me go Awwww!!! :o) I'm sorry to see this come to an end, but it is a perfect end. Looking forward to seeing what you come up w/next!! :o) Author Reply: I really ought to go into the facial tissues business! Heh! A quiet ending to a full life, and reassurance as she goes to her own renewal that the last sacrifice she made for Frodo did bear joyous fruit, as she sees him healed, happy, teaching, dancing, and full of joy. And I remember how my mother kept our handprints over the years. As for next--it's back to Stirring Rings and The Tenant for me. | |