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A New Reckoning by Dreamflower	5 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 9/27/2006
Yes, seven important witnesses for this most official of documents, and Frodo feels and suppresses the need to quibble over whether or not he's accomplished anything of note. Poor Frodo! Author Reply: It's almost a knee-jerk reaction for him, to deny that his contribution to the Quest was of any worth, since he sees himself as failing of what he saw as his job. But in these circumstances, he has to bite the bullet, and put up with the gratitude he does not want.

PIppinfan1988	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 7/5/2005
"Frodo turned away for a moment and drew a deep breath. Anger would not serve, and now was not the time to argue with that gratitude. And whether he thought he deserved it or not, his people did. He thought of Sam, Merry and Pippin, and all they had endured and sacrificed. They, at least, had not failed." Oh my gosh!! Bingo! "They at least, had not failed." I don't explore Frodo enough, but I do often ponder his guilt for not following through with his Task--how it must have played havoc with his conscience. At first read, I didn't understand why Frodo left his friends and family behind to go to the Undying Lands. I thought, how selfish! Then, in subsequent reads (and years!), I remembered the words Gandalf spoke, that if the Ring were taken from him (can't remember if he was referring to Bilbo, Gollum, or Frodo), but--it would tear his mind apart. In a way, the Ring was taken from Frodo, which was the catalyst to the Undying Lands. Now I weep for the poor hobbit when I think of it. And as you mentioned before--I noticed it, but never put much thought into it until of late--but none of the four/five Travellers died in the Shire. This is getting deep! I love it! Pippinfan Author Reply: Thank you. I am glad that you see what I am aiming at here. And this is not just my take on it, but is influenced by what JRRT said about Frodo in his Letters, as well as some wonderful articles I have read showing how Frodo really suffered Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome from his experiences with the Ring. And you nailed it when you quoted Gandalf about how taking the Ring would destroy the bearer's mind--that is exactly what happened to Frodo, and only his hobbity toughness made him able to endure as much as he did. I am loving all your reviews. It's nice to revisit the story through a fresh pair of eyes!! Thank you!! 8-D

GamgeeFest	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 5/8/2004
I'm glad you like my reviews. I'm always worried that I don't say enough. :) Anyway, the Thain and Master are going to have to get used to the fact that there are Men who don't lie and will respect their wishes. :) They've gotten to know the men in the delegation and no doubt like them, but I think trust is still an issue. Just like Paladin, I'm sure there are many hobbits worrying about hidden agendas and fear that these men may yet be wolves in sheep's clothing. A delegation of hobbits will help with that and Aragorn was right to ban the Travelers from it: they already trust the King. I wonder who will get chosen. Berilac would be a good candidate, not just for his open-mindedness but also given his position as the Master's nephew. Seven signatures in red ink! Don't you love hobbit customs? Author Reply: Trust is definitely an issue, still. But these Men were chosen personally by Aragorn, who knows his hobbits, and who knows his Men. It is difficult, though, for the Thain and the Master not to worry about hidden agendas--they've been around long enough to know politics. But they have never encountered anyone quite like their King--who is a leader and statesman, not a politician. Aragorn wants to protect the Shire, and having a number of hobbits there who have dwelt at least for a time among the Big People will be a protection, for they will understand the differing customs and ways of doing things. Oh, I do love everything hobbity, and you don't get much more so than that.

Pervinca	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 5/8/2004
I've been caught up again, and only just managed to catch up on all of your recent chapters! Now, you really have me curious as to which hobbits will be sent to Gondor. I can think of a few that may be chosen, but that would be who I'd choose, not who you'd choose (though I may be wrong :P). Poor Frodo. he really is uncomfortable about all the praise these Men shower him with! I can just picture him sitting there chewing his nails, like you said. Again, you've amazed me as to how much story you can fit into so small a time! I love it :D Author Reply: I haven't yet decided on all the hobbits who are going; only two of them so far, and there may be more than four. I had Aragorn choose that as a minimum, because he knows how hobbits need to be together, and I think he felt his four were just about the right number. Frodo has been told over and over, by the wise, that he did as much as anyone expected of him, and moreso. In his head, he sort of believes them, but in his heart he still feels like a failure for claiming the Ring. This of course makes him very uncomfortable with gratitude. Thank you so much for your kind reviews. I'm glad you are enjoying my story.

eiluj	Reviewed Chapter: 16 on 5/7/2004
Yes. Red ink and appropriate witnesses. It is such a joy to read stories of hobbits who are so hobbity. Author Reply: Thank you. 9-) I like my hobbits hobbity too!

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