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The Tenth Walker  by Lindelea 6 Review(s)
MlleGigiReviewed Chapter: 62 on 4/25/2014
I'm very glad that you're continuing this story, especially considering the fact that you began it quite a while ago! If I only had a dollar for every good fan fic I've come across that has been abandoned unfinished, I'd never have to worry about money ever again.

I like the fact that Arwen has chosen to bestow a blessing on Bill on Aragorn's behalf -- Tolkien's magnum opus, for all its genius and brilliance, has its shortcomings and one of them is the fact that the woman who supposedly inspires and motivates much of Aragorn's efforts is reduced to the level of a passive and stereotypical fairytale princess whose only apparent contribution to the story is to reward the hero for his efforts (and who is practically treated as an object rather than as a person).

Author Reply: I'm glad to hear from you!

JRRT was very traditional in his approach. However, I can't really see Arwen just sitting on her thumbs... In my mind she was heavily involved in all the practical details of planning and preparation (in fact, I've written a ficlet in which she apologises to Sam for leaving out rope, but it's in very rough form and not published), and then after they left, of course, JRRT has her working on that banner that Halbarad brought to the Southlands -- it was really all she could physically do to support Aragorn's mission at that point. I guess.

Now Eowyn... she had a much more active role... so at least he wasn't totally without imagination in that area.

Thanks!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 62 on 4/24/2014
Oh, at last! (So frustrating to see an alert for this, and then find the site down for ages!)

I'm so glad that Bill has Arwen's blessing. It will be a great help to him in his journey to fearful places.

Author Reply: Have been having a little trouble with that myself, whether posting a chapter, reading a new chapter, or trying to leave a review. Thankfully everything seems to be working at the moment.

I think the blessing of Arwen probably has more power than mere words. I hope so, anyway.

Thanks!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 62 on 4/24/2014
Bless Arwen for blessing Bill! I rejoice for her caring and for his humility.

Author Reply: I can see Arwen as overseeing every detail of preparation, as her small part in the venture. It's tough to have to stay behind...

Thanks!

KathyGReviewed Chapter: 62 on 4/23/2014
Well, the journey is about to begin, and I can't wait!


Author Reply: Thanks!

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 62 on 4/23/2014
"...and the gathering shadows are somehow the less dark for the memory of her look, and her laughter." Add our Bill to the list of males, two or four legged, who are enraptured by the Evenstar!. I will be interested to see if Bill eventually works out just who "Estel" and "her beloved" really are. You continue to make dear Bill feel very humble and "hobbity", very much like his Sam. Like his Sam, Bill focuses most on the job at hand and the people he would help, not so much on dangers unnamed which have not presented themselves yet. A pony's way is one step at a time. I would imagine that the memory of Arwen became a light for several members of the Fellowship as their dark journey went on. As always, your language is lyrical. If I started quoting my favorite parts, I would re-write the whole thing. Well, and so it begins!

Author Reply: Lovely -- I'm glad that Bill comes off this way, as that is exactly how I'm aiming to portray him. You're right, the Evenstar inspires even a lowly pony, and though a pony's memory is not the sharpest, he will not forget her. Thank you for your encouragement.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 62 on 4/23/2014
I would do my part, little as it is

What a lovely scene. Bill will have so much to tell Arwen when he returns to Rivendell alone.

Author Reply: Thank you!

Sadly, I don't think Bill returns to Rivendell -- but he will see Arwen again at some point, anyhow.

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