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Turnabout  by Ariel 10 Review(s)
illyriaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 4/19/2005
Awwww... This is the sweetest, and yet most heartbreaking chapter in this tale. Merry's sensing Frodo's change, and Frodo hiding his vision, surrounded by Pip's unfailing cheerfulness and Gandalf's concern and Sam's resourcefulness, it's simply lovely. It's even more gut-wrenching because you threw in the Bilbo-factor, you wicked thing! And of course that last thought of Frodo before he slept simply undid me. *wipes eyes*

Author Reply:

Awww... well, you do know me. Can't have a fic without my signature angst...

(((HUGS)))

pipinheartReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/27/2005

Pippin is at Merry's bedside helping him recover. Merry is disturbed by a feeling that frodo is different now. Pippin convinces him it is nothing,but as Pippin sits with his pipe there is worry he hides.
Frodo, knows he has changed and even Gandalf knows things will never be the same. Visions come to light ones Bilbo had years ago,and one frodo had of Merry. He knows he won't be with them long, he accepts this .....

Please continue,this gets better and better...

Author Reply:

Thank you!

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2005
Even in a moment of crisis, Merry can see further into a brick wall than most. Although I don't think that this is the moment when Frodo would choose not to follow him to safety, he certainly would sacrifice himself to ensure the survival of these cousins. He feels bad enough about having dragged them into danger in the first place - as if he could have stopped them!



Author Reply:

LOL! Yes, perhaps recovering Merry is seeing more than is actually there - but Frodo is starting to fade even now, and perhaps that is what Merry sees. Poor poppet. One more chapter - thank you for hanging on for this tale!

Hai TookReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/26/2005
Oh, I loved Merry waking up to Pippin. The conversation they had and Merry feeling like Frodo wasn't all there anymore. Like he wasn't himself was very well done. How sad to feel like you have lost someone yet they are still there, just not the same.

I'm glad Frodo told Gandalf about his vision. And Bilbo told him as well, now Gandalf got to see this vision fulfilled of sorts. What Sam's Gaffer said was very nicely said, he his a wise old hobbit.

How sad for Frodo! He must think he is going to die, although that isn't the case it must be a rather disturbing idea. But I do love the idea that when you think of someone they can see you, very nice!

looking forward to more!

Author Reply:

One more chapter coming up this weekend! Stay tuned.

InklingReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/25/2005
Ah, the story takes a more mysterious and contemplative turn…Frodo’s dreams and visions are such an intriguing element of LOTR and nice to see you exploring them here, and suggesting Bilbo had a similar gift.

This was very poignant: “He had perhaps a score more of years, at best…It would be enough time for a good life. He could do much with it.” Poor Frodo, not knowing that the reality will be both better and worse than that…

The interaction between Merry and Pippin was lovely too: “He was very weak and as tired as if he had been on a forced march, but he would wake himself for Pippin.”

Also loved the effect of Sam’s humor on Frodo: “Like the grip of a well-known hand, it comforted him and he laughed out loud.”

My favorite chapter yet!


Author Reply:

*Bows*

I was kind of worried about this chapter (and the next) because they were not the straight action/adventure/hurt/comfort type thing that the first three were. I am definitely 'finding my footing' with less introspective writing and have really been astonished how enthusiastically people responded! I think the last chapter was slipping back into my old style and I am not sure that that is as well received by as many people as the style of the first three chapters was. This has been quite an educational analysis, let me tell you! But exceptionally useful just the same.

Lily the HobbitReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/25/2005
What a heart-rending chapter. I loved every bit of converstation and if Merry's words had not moved me to tears, Frodo's thoughts certainly did.

Merry had been thinking of him while standing in that golden field and his remembrance had been touched with loss. Irretrievable loss. The kind you would only feel for one who was gone beyond any hope of meeting again. The kind you felt for those who were dearly loved but who had long since died.

Author Reply:

*Sticks knife in, twists*

LOL! Well, you knew I couldn't manage even a simple little tale without a mountain of angst, did you?

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/25/2005
Again, very beautiful and gentle. Thank you.

Author Reply:

And thank YOU for telling me you liked it! It's an incredible gift and one of the best things about fanfic that we get feedback and appreciation. Your kind words are always appreciated.

CuthalionReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/25/2005
"The only part of him that's left is like a memory of what was, and yet I am so terrified of losing even that little bit that I couldn't duck into the hearth before him."  He looked up again.  "I didn't know if he’d have followed me." 

This gives me the shiver. Incredibly good. And this, of course:

Merry had been thinking of him while standing in that golden field and his remembrance had been touched with loss.  Irretrievable loss.  The kind you would only feel for one who was gone beyond any hope of meeting again.  The kind you felt for those who were dearly loved but who had long since died. 

Wonderful. Melancholic, true, and yet full of a strange peace. Great. Ariel. Simply great.

Author Reply:

Well, you knew I couldn't write a simple H/C without some serious angst, did you?!? LOL! Thank you, my dear. The praise of the praiseworthy is a gift indeed!

lovethosehobbitsReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/24/2005
Oh, so bittersweet and sad...cried, you know. I love your fics....can't wait for more, my dear. tree

Author Reply:

Awww! One more chapter, hon! I also am working my way through yours! Up to chapter 6 (I know, pathetic reading speed too - but it's mostly because of lack of sit down time!)

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 4 on 2/24/2005
Ah, Merry and Pippin together... how well they understand one another!

Beef liver sandwiches? And he goes along quietly? Goodness, he's braver than I thought!

I have expressed that same thought on previous occasions... that our loved ones are never completely gone as long as someone who loves them remembers.

One good thing about having no working word processor is that I can use writing time for reading instead. Or dusting and vacuuming. Decisions, decisions.

Author Reply:

LOL!!! Oh, those difficult decisions! *grin* I am glad you are reading instead - and so are those dustbunnies!

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