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The King's Commission  by Larner 5 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 15 on 3/20/2006
Very interesting letters. I like Ruvemir's descriptions of the multi-facited Frodo Baggins, and Paliden's thanks to Aragorn and the recognition of just what Pippin has grown to become is very satisfying indeed, especially after The Acceptable Sacrifice. But this was my favourite:

I see now why Gimli stated one cannot picture Frodo without Sam--as different
as they are to outward seeming, they appear to have been two halves of the same whole,
and although he is very happy with his wife and children and home, there is a great
empty place in the soul of Samwise Gamgee that will not be filled until he can be
reunited with his other half and share the delight he has known through all of these with
him. And I suspect that as fulfilled as he may be by the beauty of Elvenhome that Frodo
may be experiencing, he, too, holds an empty spot which will remain until Samwise
brings his experiences to fill it. Sam will live his life as fully as possible only to offer it,
once it is complete, to the Master who cannot, through the offices of the Ring, experience
such fulfillment for himself.



Author Reply: So glad you appreciate it, my Lady. Frodo must have waited for Sam's coming with growing anticipation over the years, much as Sam must have felt a good deal of anticipation on his own part.

Frodo could introduce Sam to the glories of the Lonely Island, while Sam could share all that Frodo sacrificed and had stolen from him by the Ring.

But the most wonderful people are marvelously complicated, and I'm certain Frodo was such an individual.

IorhaelReviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/14/2005
I'm amazed at how you seem to understand what these people have in mind. That was totally brilliant. And I'm amused at all Frodo's characters you elaborated. :)

Author Reply: Yes, Frodo was a complicated individual. To be able to do him justice in a sculpture, Ruvemir would need to realize he was often a bundle of paradoxical qualities and even personalities. Thanks for the feedback.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/12/2005
Lovely letters and you captured the voice of each writer so well. I think Sam's was my favorite.

Author Reply: Sam is the one crucial to getting the grouping right, I think; only reality in portraying the subjects and honesty in approaching the Hobbits is going to win him over.

Thanks for the feedback.

grumpyReviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/12/2005
Love the three letters to the king. espically how each person addressed the king. I bet Aragorn got a kick out of that alone. Plus he gets to know what is happening in the Shire.

Author Reply: Yes, each will have his own unique style in addressing the King. Thanks for the feedback.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/11/2005
Very, very nice indeed! I love the use of letters as devices for moving the plot along, and these three are lovely.

Ruvemir's gives a great summary of what he has so far discovered about Frodo, the contradictions and surprising depths of his subject's character.

Paladin's letter is spot-on! It's Paladin as I have always imagined him, a loving father who had become exasperated over his son's difficult adolescence, and now discovering that he has now grown into a responsible maturity. He is re-discovering pride in his son, and is so grateful to the King for it. I also like that he has found a new appreciation for Frodo. Beautiful job!

And Sam's letter captures his voice so well. I love the way he shows that he has had his mind changed about a memorial, and is now looking forward to it!

Looking forward to more updates soon!

Author Reply: Am so glad you enjoy it so.

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