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Balm  by Armariel 6 Review(s)
Eruanneth_LuinReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/26/2020
Such a powerful tale, Amariel. Humble thanks for the tears and wonder of what might have been.

Clearly it portrays the damage and heart-brokenness in the residue of Frodo's life. A torn and shredded life cannot be entirely healed, but perhaps soothed for a time. Amidst the fluff and common perils suffering of this magnitude ultimately cannot be fathomed; it must be revealed in a harsher light.

Friendship and trust are marvelous gifts that few fully comprehend.

Author Reply: Wow, I never saw this until just now. Don't know why I wasn't notified of it. My apologies. Thank you for your lovely words. They mean a lot. Yes, some things are incomprehensible to those who have not experienced them, yet there can be balm and comfort in the love and care of friends, lovers, relatives. It is a touch of the Divine, perhaps.

Thanks once more.
Armariel---{-@

H.G.Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 10/2/2015
Oh, I love this so much....

Author Reply: Somehow I missed this comment! Thank you H.G.!

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cookiefleckReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/7/2007
I like stories that explore the bond between Frodo and Sam and this one was a treat. And I liked your little twist at the end; perhaps there was no balm, yet having Sam was the most important thing. Very imaginative. Thanks.

Author Reply: Thank YOU! I like them too, if they are well written and not too mushy or trite and obvious or too verging on slash, and a really good one that avoids these pitfalls is hard to find and challenging to write. I suppose in this one I'm guilty of h/c, another genre I'm a little suspicious of, but what the heck. Gotta indulge in a little guilty pleasure once in a while, what?;)

Thanks for the comments once more Cookiefleck!

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Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/5/2007
Yes, and in a way Sam was the balm that helped to hold Frodo's wounded soul together. A beautiful story, Armariel, and a very moving depiction of this most perfect friendship.

Author Reply: Thanks Dearie! I am glad the story works out of context. Yes, the perfect friendship, I've always thought so too. No nonsense about it, no qualms and misgivings, just crystal pure. Hard to find, but it can be done...fortunately!

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AntaneReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/4/2007
You already know how much I love this! What a beautiful memory of his Sam's love - in the midst of such darkness, there was that tender light.

Happy 4th! God bless America!

Namarie, Antane :)

Author Reply: Yes, surely the only thing that kept him going, the closest thing to the divine he is likely to know on earth. A rare thing to find...but I think it can be done!

Thanks for commenting once more! Yes, God bless America indeed!

hugs
Armariel
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LarnerReviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/4/2007
It's been a time since I read this, perhaps on FFN or TFF. But I still love it, and am glad you posted it here. It is a powerful testament to the wonder that is love of one being for another. The balm, if it was there, would merely have been the physical sign of the spiritual gift of healing that simple, loving touch can offer.

Author Reply: Exactly! I think our physical beings long for symbols, uncomfortable with abstract concepts, and so the balm is conceived as a symbol of love and devotion. So it has its own special reality even if it wasn't there.

Thanks for reading once more and commenting! I always treasure your remarks.

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