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To Do the Job by The Karenator	7 Review(s)
meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/9/2009
I suppose it won't surprise you to know that I was thinking about this story today. Although I was always impressed with how you got into Frodo's head (pretty good for a non-hobbit writer!) I don't think I fully appreciated it until now.

elliska	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 3/20/2005
I don't read a lot of hobbit fic because I don't know them very well but I really liked this one. There are a lot of ideas in here that I never thought of--especially the idea that this early on Frodo had already realized he'd have trouble destroying the Ring. But of course he would. And the last little paragraph was really powerful. Great job. Author Reply: I admit that I don't know much about hobbits either. But I was asking myself what Frodo's 'light bulb' moment would have been during the Quest, and I decided that it was when he realized that he wouldn't be able to part with the ring. Tolkien says that he thinks that Frodo intended to go with the ring into Mt. Doom, and I can see that that was probably the case. Though I do think that Frodo meant to do the right thing all the way up until the time came to cast the ring in the fire, even if it meant going with the ring. Thanks so much for these reviews. I've had a great time looking back on these stories. Karen

Nilmandra	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/23/2003
Karen, this is beautiful - you have caught Frodo's despair well. I love that he thinks so well of Sam, for we know that Sam thinks only the best of his Master. Frodo was the one to bear the ring, the only one who perhaps could (at least while he was alive). It had taken him, and there was perhaps no greater sacrifice made in the War of the Ring for I think even death was more merciful. I have thought so much about Frodo and in my own little Tolkien universe I believe he did find peace and healing in the West. And you have captured so well why he needs that. Author Reply: Thank you, Nilmandra. It was a terrible journey for Frodo. And I think you're right...death would have been more merciful. I imagine him suffering greatly. It seems to me that the best analogy for what he must have experienced was much like withdrawals from heavy duty drugs. It seems there was real physical aspect to his suffering...so that he was driven to try and quench some physical need. Then, as awful as the physical needs were, the mental anguish was as bad or worse. I have to agree with you that he found peace and healing in the West. I doubt anyone thought he would survive, but when he did, I can't imagine that those things were not freely given to him in Valinor....almost whether he wanted them or not! It was just done. Of course, I can't imagine he would NOT have wanted this peace and physical healing! Thanks again for your review. It means a lot to me that you took the time and then offered such wonderful words to me. I'll see you over in the Second Age......Karen

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/23/2003
Oh my! This is incredibly chilling, and beautifully thought-out and crafted. You give such a detailed insight into why Frodo was never the same after the Ring's destruction, and could never be fully healed from all he had endured. Author Reply: Thank you, Shirebound. Knowing how fond you are of the little guys, I am most pleased that you liked this. I think it was a chilling moment when Frodo realized he would perish with the ring...and the most chilling part of it was that it would be by his own hand, so to speak. The Ring was just insidious in its pull! Poor Frodo... I think the whole thing was a surprise. He knew it would be hard, but not like the way it turned out. I also, think he was the strongest of all the fellowship...no one else could have done what he did....but the cost was high. Thank you again for reading and reviewing. I appreciate your kind words more than you will know. Karen

meckinock	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2003
Karen, this is stunning and heart-rending. Once again, you've captured a single instant in a character's mind and colored it with an entire spectrum of emotions. You've suspended in time the one moment when Frodo stands on the cusp of destiny and sees with perfect clarity what was and what is to come. It was heart-breaking to see him come to believe he belonged in such a decayed and macabre place as the Dead Marshes, to see him scorn his own innocence at the Council of Elrond and wonder how Gandalf and Elrond could have allowed his sacrifice surely knowing better than he what it would entail (Of course they knew that the only person to send on an impossible mission is the one who doesn't know it's impossible). His realization that he is one in kind with dreadful Smeagol is horrible. His love for Sam is especially moving. Even as he realizes and accepts the ultimate cost to himself, he recognizes something so pure in Sam that he only thinks to spare him. He weeps not only for Sam but for his own lost innocence. And then he accepts his burden and gets on with the job. And I just blew my chance for payback. This was brilliant. Happy Birthday. k Author Reply: Thanks, meckinock. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you reviewing...knowing how you feel about book reports and all. You write darn good reviews! I loved this one. You said such nice things and I hope you aren't just feeling sorry for me 'cause I can't sustain a story over 3 pages! :>) Seriously, your review is most appreciated. Just the fact someone would read it thrills me, but for someone to take the time to review is such a wonderful treat. And your constant encouragement is special. You're a pretty darn good cheerleader and I am grateful for your sideline shouts. I think Frodo had a terrible time of it. I suppose his draw to the ring was even more potent than an addiction to drugs and he fought it ever step of the way....until he realized he would not win by resisting....but by embracing the ring and taking it and himself into the fiery pit. Victory would only come in the final act...he would not be parted from it, so it would have to be a duet. This whole adventure turned out to be a bigger mess than he ever realized. I felt bad for Frodo. He had the hardest job of all. Thanks again for your kind words and all your support! I'll see ya soon...Karen

Orophins Dottir	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2003
Aiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii! wails into her handkerchief This is beautiful! The finished product is just supurb, Balrog Babe! Take a bow. "My will fails and my body desires to be done with this. This necessary sustenance I will take, then I will go on to Mordor. This will end." I think is my favorite bit, at least on this reading. He is just going on despite everything. Also loved the description of the Dead Marshes themselves. I always found the idea of them quite hard to bear. Yes, this is a good day! In true hobbit fashion, the Karenator gives us a present on her birthday. And it is definitely NOT a mathom. Humble Scribe to his Majesty Thranduil (and currently "elfless in Gaza", but in a good cause!) Author Reply: Thank you, thank you! But you know what I just realized...I did not thank you and daw for your beta skills...I will remedy that immediately upon completing this note to you. I really do appreciate you taking the time to offer suggestions and little comma corrections, but THEN you actually came to the site and read it! Thank you for your above and beyond the call of duty support. I'm glad you like Frodo's little Ever Ready moment at the end. Poor little guy, he really had nothing left except to get the job done and over with as quickly as possible. Thanks again, my lady, for your words of encouragement, your help and your always humerous notes and stories. You make me smile....Karen

Tim the Enchanter	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 11/22/2003
Frodo has not even the comfort of denial left to him. All he has is Sam and his presence is not without guilt. You have captured these sentiments beautifully. Author Reply: Thank you, Tim. Frodo, like all the Hobbits, I suppose, seemed so innocent at the begining of this quest that I couldn't help but think he just didn't get it. I think he tried and probably did understand as well as anyone could have, but it came as a bit of shock, I think, when he truly grasped that this would be his end. And his Sam...he had much guilt,I think. Thank you again for reading this little snippet and thank you very much for taking the time to respond. Karen

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