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Reunion  by Larner 13 Review(s)
AntaneReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
“That’s not what I mean--not at all, Frodo. I came here to be by you, and I’ll be by you all the way, you see. You leave, and I’ll leave with you this time. You have to member I was warned not to lose you, after all. I let you go once so as you could find yourself once more, and that you’ve done. But I won’t be left behind again."

That makes sense of course - they already had to leave behind half of their heart and soul once, they certainly wouldn't want to do that again.

I forgot to mention, that's it's wonderful that he's dancing again!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Yes, these two have come back together, as is right and proper, and won't be parted again, and particularly not unnecessarily.

And I think that for one like Frodo the ability to dance again after not being able to do so must have been renewing.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
I am glad that many still remember and appreciate Frodo.How sad they should have so little time in the Blessed Realm left,but I'm glad they choose to go together.

Author Reply: I doubt either regrets the little time left to them--it's been long enough for each to do what healing is needed and to prepare for what comes next.

But I think they would seek to go together.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
Oh Larner, the letters of Esme and Merry were heartbreaking!

I wish you could come back. I wish I could go to you. I wish I had a Palantir to see you in.
I miss you, and love you. MB


This does not sound like the Master of Buckland! It sounds like little Merry, desperately trying to make his cousin Frodo come back, just after he left to live with Bilbo at Bag End.
With both his parents gone, Merry must have felt very lonely and much in need of Frodo to be his guide. But meanwhile, like the other three travellers he had a family of his own to look after and to be looked after. Without his wife and his children, it would have been a difficult time, I think.

Do Frodo and Sam really have to go so soon? Well, this time they will go together, like they intended to do on Mt. Doom. And both were able to live a full life, if on Middle Earth or Tol Eressea doesn't matter any more. They are both at peace and are looking forward to "the greatest adventure of all".
That's how it should be!
Thank you :)


Author Reply: Yes, having just lost his mother and feeling bereft once again in his life, I think we would be seeing young Merry just wanting his beloved Frodo by him, at least for the moment.

How long is "so soon" for those who are ready to go on.

So glad you find it properly presented.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
It must be hard to imagine a hero who is almost completely light as a naughty teen filching mushrooms. But that is part of what made him what he was - seeing as we are made up of all our experiences, good and bad.

Waiting until Midsummer ... an understandable length of time, I suppose - but it would be nice if Sam could have seen a whole year in the Island and enjoyed all the beauty that the turning of the year could bring, before moving on.

Author Reply: Yes, heroes are made up of both their good and bad experiences, their greatnesses and their pettiness.

I'd thought of a full year, but couldn't see Sam wanting to linger after Rosie much longer--and there's the pesky little fact I've written this elsewhere and have tried to remain at least somewhat consistent. Hope with the new computer come I'll be able to get back online soon--if I can figure out how to to remove the case to install the other hard drive....

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
oh my goodness, so they are already talking of leaving? But not this soon surely....Altogether a feeling of beauty and tranquillity pervades this chapter. It is like sitting beside a beautiful body of water and watching the reflections of trees and sky ripple on the surface, and hearing the flow of it over smooth stones.....

~~~{~@

Author Reply: Again, Armariel, how soon is "so soon" for those who are ready to go?

And am so glad you find it peaceful. Love the comparison.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
And, yes, I already commented here--but once more, this is just beautiful!

I've wondered, you know, if someone might ever attempt a serious fic in which Frodo and Sam do linger long enough to greet Legolas and Gimli on their arrival. With the timelessness built into the Elven land, it might be made plausible. It would have so much potential for angst for Legolas--to be reunited with them finally, only to lose them again. It's not something I think I could write myself, but I often think it would be interesting to read.

I like Sam's practicality in making an appointment with the Gift--to move on, one year after Rose left, seems very much in keeping with both practical hobbit-sense and with JRRT's emphasis on the significance of dates and anniversaries in Arda.

I look forward to more...

Author Reply: You'd let MORE nuzguls loose on me? What would you do to me??? But it's a fascinating idea.

Am so glad you like the idea of Sam's planning. Aragorn waited till the signs came, but Sam just decided, perhaps a bit arbitrarily, to wait a year; and this was able to be accommodated by Frodo as well, easing both at the end, I think.

So glad you liked it enough to comment twice!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
What a beautiful chapter!

Esme's letter, and Merry's on the back of it, well, just broke my heart.

In a good way.

Author Reply: Thanks so much for letting me know you enjoyed it. But I think that there must have been many times particularly Merry would so miss Frodo, whom he always thought of also as his brother.

AmiReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
Larner,

This story is so very gentle and absolutely stunning. I loved Esmeralda's letter reminding Frodo how much he was loved and how dearly he was missed. I look forward to reading the next chapters.

Author Reply: Am so very glad you find the story gentle, Ami. We do so want to keep reminding those who've gone on how much we love them.

The story is winding down, and hope you love the last few chapters.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
Thank you, Frodo, for what you did for the Shire and for all of Middle Earth. Thank you for not allowing our folk to learn hatred, fear, and vengeance. Thank you for encouraging us to seek justice without malice, for showing us the true meaning of honor.

"I came here to be by you, and I’ll be by you all the way, you see. You leave, and I’ll leave with you this time. You have to member I was warned not to lose you, after all. I let you go once so as you could find yourself once more, and that you’ve done. But I won’t be left behind again."


I can simply never get enough of Frodo being reminded how much he was -- and is -- loved.

Author Reply: Yes, those we truly love we wish to remind of that fact again and again.

Reviewed Chapter: 13 on 6/18/2006
Tedicus,


Cirrhosis and an early exit for Ted Sandyman. I was hoping
for something a little more inspirational and intriguing...

After an inebriated epiphany, Ted Sandyman founds and
proselytizes the new religion of "Lothoism".
Abandoning his attempts to find sympathy in taverns and inns,
Ted realizes the utopia that could be, if only he could
motivate an army of lawyers that would enshrine his status
as a persecuted victim with the imprimatur of legality!
Ted can't help that he was born a Sandyman. It's all in
the blood, and if his pedigree is lacking.. well that's not his
fault. How is he supposed to escape this familial "caste" system?
Just look at how everyone treats the Bracegirdles! Valar forbid
that one be numbered among those unfortunate progeny! In fact
is it not the "Powers" themselves that are ultimately responsible
for his placement in the cursed name of the Sandyman lineage?
From the day he was born Ted was held down by a boot on his
backside. The evil boot of repression and prejudice that never
let him live to his full potential, while others were born with
silver spoons in their mouths. The doctrine of egalitarianism
demands that reparations are due to the victims of the Valar's
whimsical child placement policies. If the Powers will not
provide restitution then it falls upon the people of the Shire
as a community to ameliorate this injustice!
Thus is Lothoism born; and the proud name of Lotho Baggins and
his most faithful prophet Ted Sandyman, immortalized forever with
truth, justice and equality!

On second thought, this sounds a little too close to contemporary,
victim culture. Maybe it's best that Ted goes quietly into the night,
but then won't he be waiting there to greet his pal Sammy?
Garn, now that's a thought for you.



Author Reply: You have me giggling as ever, Tedicus. Yes, am dealing with victim mentality right now with hopefully soon former tenants. and I hate it all.

Life is interesting, and so many as petty as Sandyman end up just whimpering away their lives.

But at least in my version not all Bracegirdles are lost causes--Bartolo has redeeming merits, and Benlo is pretty decent, after all.

And it might be interesting to see Sam and Ted on the other side. May consider that for Moments in Time some time.

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