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Moments in Time  by Larner 10 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 64 on 12/17/2008
It's been too long--I've forgotten how I used to *try* to hide it when I knew nothing I could say was enough to describe the touch of the power in stories like this one when it reaches through ears and heart and into the very soul, transcending everything in the moment, so that I don't hear the synthesized voice reading it anymore and become less conscious of this silent room and I'm there, in the room with the people brought to life again--hearing Elanor sing the sweet song and feeling the doll against my own cheek, listening to Sam and holding the limp hand...crying at the last, and laughing through my tears at the very end. Who would ever have thought that a simple misunderstanding due to inclarity of speech could last so long!


I really, really have to stop now--I meant to do some writing of my own and I'm so afraid to look at the time. I love coming back to read your stuff, especially when I so seriously need a perspective and/or outlook/attitude adjustment as I did after these past couple of days or so. Thank you so much.

Author Reply: It must be nearly five thirty in the morning where you are--it's two twenty two right now here on the west coast.

This review has moved me so. But I do love to show the humor as well as the tears, and the gentleness of saying goodbye, even when one accepts it's time. That you felt you were there is so wonderful! Thank you so very much! I am so honored!

RhyselleReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/17/2008
That was absolutely heart-rendingly beautiful.

I can't put into words how this made me feel... sad and happy at the same time gives a general idea of it, but are a pale shadow of the emotions this tale raised in my heart.

Thank you for writing this.

Author Reply: Thank you so very much, Rhyselle. I am honored. To learn I've managed to move my readers is always so gratifying and humbling.

PeriantariReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/16/2008
What a wonderful story. Full of grief, full of warming moments as the hobbits are there for one another. Poor Sam and family in losing the Gaffer! So touching and poignant.
Very great job in this one-- i don't imagine i've read a Gaffer passing fic yet and it's cool how you tie in Sam taking care of his father with taking care of Frodo.
And i like that last bit where Frodo seems to be there for Sam. How sweet! :*(
Awesome job!

Author Reply: I find I really like Hamfast Gamgee, and enjoy writing about him. To write his death and Sam's grief, and the other three Travellers able to comfort him--I couldn't resist, although it took me some days to get it right.

Yes, Frodo would be there for Sam then--of that I'm certain.

Thank you!

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/15/2008
This was so beautiful and moving.I'm glad I had some tissues with me. I love the way you show how much the Gaffer was loved and his reunion with his wife.I'm glad Frodo could comfort Sam via the tree.
Dow you mean "over" here? "That Elves would prove just under twice Frodo’s height was not something that Sam had been prepared to appreciate." I'm not quite sure what this sentence means. " Every day the Widow Rumble came up and spelled them all for a few hours. "

A beautiful story.

Author Reply: I'm glad it moved you so, Linda. Yes, the Gaffer was a fine old Hobbit, and raised quite the family! That they would love him dearly is a given, I think.

As I write Frodo as being about four feet in height as an adult, which Tolkien tells us was the upper range of their height usually, I suspect that most Elves were just under twice his height at age twenty-two, as I doubt they were over seven feet tall, although apparently Elendil was about eight feet tall.

I wasn't aware this usage of "to spell" was an Americanism. It means, in this context, to take a turn, relieving others in so doing. Should I change the wording?

Thanks so for the feedback.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/15/2008
That was beautiful and moving, though sad - it left me sniffling more than once. It was such a comfort that all of them arrived in time to say their farewells, and I am sure the Gaffer was glad to have all his children around.

The part at the Mallorn was particularly touching, with Frodo comforting Sam and later Merry and Pippin being there for him. Yes, that's how it should be - the four Travellers being there for each other!

And the end made me smile. They certainly took their time in finally understanding what the Gaffer had wanted to say!

Author Reply: Now and then I sniffle while I'm writing things, even, and I did when writing this one. Am so glad this managed to move you so. And I'm so glad that you loved the four of them together beneath the Mallorn. You are so right--they need to all be there for one another. And I'm so glad you liked the ending! Even at the end the Gaffer was given to observing proprieties! Heh!

Thanks so much, Kitty.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/15/2008
A wonderful scene Larner that had me in tears. And of course Sam would wish to tend his Gaffer. I would imagine that the Gaffer would probably prefer Sam to help rather than the lasses too but needs must..... as they say.

Author Reply: Yes, Sam would wish to help with his father. I suspect there was a good deal of mutual respect between the two of them, after all.

So glad it moved you so--that is ever an honor to learn!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/14/2008
Ah, lovely.

A tearjerker, as you said, perhaps... Though I found more smiles than tears. How lovely that there was time for a proper farewell. And comforting, to know that the Feast would follow, where all he ever lost would be restored to him, and misunderstandings made clear.

Nicely done.

Looking forward to raising a cup with you on the morrow.

Author Reply: Oh, I'm glad you found the smiles outnumbered the tears! And they needed that proper farewell, I think.

And I, too, look forward to tomorrow. See you then!

6336Reviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/14/2008
Oh, that was lovely, sweet and gentle, just how it should be.
You do write good stuff,
Lynda

Author Reply: Thank you, Lynda. I am honored!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/14/2008
Oh my! You do know, my dear, that you do write absolutely beautiful deathbed scenes, don't you?

You manage to manage the angst so that the reader is kept precariously balanced between tears and smiles. I think my favorite part was at the end, with Merry and Pippin keeping watch over Sam. I know that Frodo expected that not only would Sam look after them for him, but that they'd return the favor, and this showed it so beautifully. And I loved the oblique reference to "Merry Mine".

Lovely job! Just lovely.

Author Reply: I am so honored you find it this way! Beautiful deathbed scenes? I am indeed honored.

I agree--Frodo would expect Sam, Merry, and Pippin to all watch over one another. And the reference to "Merry Mine" was indeed deliberate, of course!

Thank you so, Dreamflower.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 64 on 9/14/2008
A sad story, but how wonderful that Sam could feel Frodo's loving presence and Pippin gave Sam such a loving gift too. :)

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: And I believe that Sam would feel Frodo at that moment, and of COURSE Pippin and Merry would be there for him.

So glad you live it, Antane. Thank you so!

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