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| Distractions by GamgeeFest | 7 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Grey Wonderer | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/24/2009 |
| I enjoyed seeing Frodo help someone else with their loss and grief. I like the way you show his own pain and still keep his strengths. His words for Ioveta were very wise and her response was exactly what I would expect of someone in her situation. Still, I do wonder if Frodo has managed to get her thinking about it all. Author Reply: Frodo is ever wise and compassionate, and quick to think in such a situation. He gave Ioveta much to think about, and that she is willing to listen to their stories of the Haradrim is a good first step. She has a lot of anger to work through but so long as she is willing, she will be able to overcome it with time. | |
| cookiefleck | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/22/2009 |
| Took me awhile to get here, but well worth my wait to be able to read it all in one sitting. A lovely chapter, one of my favorites. Love the image of Sam "conked out in the tater bed" and how dear of you to let us see them sharing an old memory. Then, Sam's nightmares, oh my. I'm glad you touched on that... too often stories are too focused on Frodo's struggles and we are only left to imagine what hurts selfless Sam (and the others) must be masking. And, finally, the luncheon... again, oh my. Couldn't have started out on a more awkward note but I liked how you turned it around. Wise Frodo, able to hold his ground and show sympathy at the same time. I envy that talent. And poor Merry, hah! Author Reply: This is one of the chapters that underwent a massive rewrite. That old memory of the tater bed was a late addition, and one of my favorites as well. Isn't that so typical to keep yourself up all night with anticipation - and then be unable to stay awake for the very thing you were so eager for? All the hobbits would have had their share of nightmares. Sam's would be horrible indeed, if not as bad as Frodo's. Certainly bad enough to keep him awake and staring out windows some nights. The luncheon was another massive change, though I ended up taking a huge chunk out of it instead of adding. Frodo had this big melodramatic speech, and really, it wasn't necessary at all! lol! I envy his ability to keep cool in such an awkward and emotionally charged situation as well. I would have been feigning interest in a book, hoping for it to be over soon - or opening my big mouth and making it worse. :) Poor Merry! It's not going to get any easier for him. :) | |
| Althea | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/19/2009 |
| Those healing stones are a marvel. I'd like a set myself. Sam's dream sounds terrible. He needs some healing too. I loved Frodo's gentle manner in dealing with Ioveta's outburst. I rather like the idea of Merry stewing over what prank Frodo is planning. Thanks for another wonderful chapter. Author Reply: I could use some too, actually! I have one, but always forget about it, lol! All the hobbits no doubt had terrible dreams after the Quest. Such peaceful creatures were not meant for the vagaries of warfare. Frodo is a gentlehobbit and well-versed in dealing with any situation diplomatically. I'm afraid in that situation, I would be more like one of her daughters, just holding on for dear life until the storm passed! Merry is going to stew a bit longer. When he comes to a boil, he'll be ready. ;) lol! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/17/2009 |
| I so hope her healing is now begun. Alas for the poor thing! Now, to see Frodo's prank bloom beneath his capable hands! Author Reply: Crying is a cleansing water, and it rid her of a lot of anger and turmoil she has been carrying around for years. It will take time, but I do believe the healing has begun. Ah, Frodo is a devious one! Merry always seems to forget that. ;) | |
| Andrea | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/17/2009 |
| Those Healing Stones are wonderful! Do you happen to know if Gimli has one that helps with toothache? I would love to have one right now! Anyway, this chapter worked for me as a distraction, too! And I was very pleased with Merry's concept of "pretended prank planning" for Frodo ;-) That was what I thought Merry was doing! But we all know that Merry is wrong. So, I'm eagerly awaiting Frodo's prank! Author Reply: They truly are. Of course, I have no idea if healing stones work that quickly, but as these are hobbits, who heal faster anyway, I've allowed myself some leeway on that point. Frodo, and now Sam, are going to be forever grateful to Gimli for this gift. Hm, I did see on one site that toothaches is helped by aquamarine, lapis lazuli, amber, jet and malachite. :D Frodo isn't above the pretend-prank concept. I'm sure he's used that one before to brilliant results. But he couldn't resist a little mind game or two before unleashing his prank. ;) | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/17/2009 |
| Such dreadful nightmares. I really love the whole concept of Gimli's healing stones. “Then what’s taking him so long?” Merry asked. “Tell me that at least. Is it a matter of logistics? Supplies? Opportunity? LOL, poor Merry! Author Reply: The nightmares would have been difficult for all of them, not only Frodo. Gimli's healing stones are going to do the hobbits a lot of good while in Minas Tirith. Poor Merry! If he hadn't played such a mind trip on Frodo, he would have gotten away much more easily! Frodo always has to prove who is the master prankster. ;) | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 8/17/2009 |
| How delightful to find a new chapter this morning! Poor Frodo-- he really does need his rest. I love Sam making use of those stones from Gimli, and am glad that they work so well. So-- Merry thinks Frodo's prank is to NOT prank him, so now he plans not to worry about it anymore...much. Of course, on the other hand, the devious Brandybuck might have passed that on to Sam to pass on to Frodo, so Frodo would think Merry's off his guard and put his timetable up so Merry can stop waiting for it. But then, Frodo knows Merry pretty well, so if that was his motive, Frodo might figure that out and just drag it on a while longer-- but then Merry might think Frodo would know this...er, sorry, I think I was just channeling The Princess Bride for a minute... I hope that Ioveta will take Frodo's advice about putting aside her anger. It really is the only way she will move on with her life. Author Reply: I think, much like the Ring actually, the stones only work as well as you are willing to let them. Their effectiveness may well fade once they've reached the Shire, and Saruman feeds that seed of doubt in Frodo's mind. But for now, they do provide much needed relief for him - and soon for Sam. :) Frodo's prank is very simple actually, and he could have had it over and done with long ago - except then the story would have to end. :) He also figures after Merry's head-trip of a prank, Frodo owes him a little payback for that. Merry could be using Sam as a patsy, but both Sam and Frodo will be anticipating that. I think Merry will agree the end result to be "Inconceivable!" :D Ioveta has a lot of anger to work through, but she's strong enough to do it. She now realizes she has not only a reason to do so (her daughters and her life) but the motivation as well. | |