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Truth  by Lindelea 3 Review(s)
TariReviewed Chapter: 18 on 2/14/2013
Thanks to Ferdi, the real culprit has been caught. Wonder if he'll be placed under the ban? He certainly deserves it.

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 18 on 10/6/2003
I could swear I only missed one day of looking at stories, but I find I have three to review. I love it!

As it seems that bad news travels much faster than good, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole Shire knows about Frodo's shunning, before a full day has yet passed. So I think Pippin has the right of it when he wants the lifting of the Ban to be even more public than the shunning was. He seems to have quite a flair for ceremony and dramatics, even adding a gag to complete the picture of Frodo's disgrace. I'm a bit curious to hear what the precedent was that he remembers from the dusty records. It could be interesting if it involved familiar names (or at least their ancestors). Will Elanor and Fastred arrive in Bywater in time for the festivities? I have a feeling they will not be keeping silent, from the grim demeanor Fastred exhibits. He's gotten to know the measure of Frodo, and not found him wanting. Hopefully, they won't disturb the little extravaganza Pippin's planned. Sam's got a basic faith that Pippin knows what he's doing. I think he's still in a bit of shock anyway. But the silence is deafening from Rose and all the Gamgees piled into the wagon.

When to speak, and when to keep silent? At various times in this story, Farry, Goldi, Hilbert, Frodo, Sam, Ferdi, Pippin and now the rest of the Gamgees have been silenced: some by circumstance, and some against their will. Ned has both spoken when he shouldn't and keep quiet when he should have spoken up. Daisy has been brave and foolish, to speak when no one else would. The talk has been loud and quick in the lanes, but no one will talk to Elanor at the Smials. Words have the power to heal or hurt, to divide or unite. Pippin's words have the power to part a family forever, but then so do Sam's. Frodo will now get the chance to 'speak' at Yule, and create a family of his own. Perhaps everyone by the end of this story will be more careful of their words, knowing how it feels when they are taken away. In that vein I'd like to say, I think your stories are wonderful, and thank you for writing and sharing them with us.

Author Reply: You have taken the time for another lovely, long, thoughtfully written review! You spoil me (don’t stop! Being spoilt is such fun!). You are right, Pippin certainly has a flair for the dramatic. Wonder what he would have become, had he not become Thain? Your comments on speaking and silence were very insightful. One of the definitions I have for “meek” is “knowing when to be silent and when to speak”. Would you say hobbits, as a rule, fit this description?

MirielReviewed Chapter: 18 on 10/5/2003
Fastred is very sharp, catching things in people's tones and looks that might otherwise go unnoticed.

How sad for Elanor to hear that! (And it's sad for me, knowing that she doesn't know the whole story!)

I'm glad that things are straightened out with Frodo, although I hate seeing him bound. But, that is the hobbit way.

Thank you for another great read! Keep up the good work!

Author Reply: Fastred is very sharp; after all, I wrote him to be a hunter, like Ferdi. He’d have to be sharp anyhow, or how would he go from obscurity to Warden of Westmarch in a few short years? I had to keep reminding myself that he must prove himself in a relatively short time. You are welcome, and thanks for the encouragement!

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