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All's Fair  by Inkling 4 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 4/23/2005
Ah, this is my Frodo. Do love the poor boy. And want to take Coronel over my knee and swat the bejesus out of the lad. OOOOOOHHHHHH! Don't do that to my Frodo!

Author Reply: LOL! This chapter has certainly raised a few hackles! Coronel had better not find himself alone in a dark alley with you and Ariel…
I’m glad that Frodo’s character seems “right” to you.

ArielReviewed Chapter: 7 on 4/15/2005
Oooooo! I just want to POUND that Coronel! What a bastard! Grrrrr! Oh, I am going to be SO glad to see him get his comeupance! OOo!

Author Reply: LOL!! Oh Ariel, your reactions to this story are so fun to read! I'm glad Frodo has such a fierce defender in you! And, well, I don't want to give away too much but I think you won't be disappointed...
Thanks for reviewing, my dear!

EstelnalissiReviewed Chapter: 7 on 4/15/2005
Dear Inkling,
Damp, clinging nightshirt, indeed! How refreshing that you allow Frodo a full range of emotions and experiences with spring fever and first love. I see him acting like other hobbit lads, but since he's Frodo, everything he does is more heartfelt and altogether on a higher plain, sigh.
Given LOTR is a fantasy is it appropriate for me to praise your creation of a very realistic Frodo? You've managed to make him thoroughly sympathetic without subjecting him to excruciating pain, hopeless isolation or the limitation of only being understood by little Merry and baby Pippin. Not that I don't avidly love those stories, as well.
I always mark poetry as I read including whether it is in the spirit of the Shire so I particularly applaud your choice of verse throughout this story. Sentamental or jolly, all of your choices are apt.
Frodo discovering he's pining beneath the wrong window is my favorite scene in this chapter. Clutsy Coronel, thinking he's so clever but almost spilling the beans again and again makes me laugh and want to dunk him in pond scum. And poor Frodo taking such a severe licking for his love and will she ever even know what he's endured for her? Finally, my heart swelling with pride, you revealed Frodo, the future ring bearer, beaten but bravely defusing the argument between the Farmer and his uncle with his promise not to steal mushrooms again. Even farmer Maggot with whom Frodo has a disreputable history, can't doubt Frodo's sincerity.
I've Loved, "All's Fair," from the start. Thank you!

Author Reply: Hi Estelnalissi,
Well, fantasy or not I do try for emotional realism in my stories, so your comments are not only appropriate but much appreciated! And you’re quite right: just because he’s the future Ring-bearer and savior of Middle Earth doesn’t mean that Frodo can’t have normal teen/tween experiences…

I’m very happy that you’re enjoying the poems; I read a LOT of love poems looking for ones that seemed right for the story, and even wrote certain sections to fit the poems…as I did in this chapter, for example.

“…makes me laugh and want to dunk him in pond scum.” LOL!
Thank you for such a thoughtful—and amusing—review!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 4/15/2005
"That’s as may be…but if and when Frodo needs a thrashing ‘twill be me that sees to it, not some muddy-footed mushroom farmer from the wrong side o’ the River!"
LOL! I like old Rory's style! And knowing that he, as Frodo, was "the worst young rascal" in the Shire in his times makes the old Master of Buckland much more friendly!

And Coronel...well I've not quite figured out, what his next move will be. Udo unmasked? I'm really curious about that.

*Patiently awaiting the next update*

Author Reply: I’m glad you like Rory…I’m rather fond of him myself! As you’ve noticed, he and Frodo have more in common than either of them realize…

Sometimes I think even Coronel isn’t sure what his next move will be! But next week much will become clear and I hope you’ll feel that your patience was rewarded!

I’m so glad that you’re still enjoying this story, Andrea…thanks for letting me know!

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