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A Deck of Heroes  by Larner 9 Review(s)
GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/28/2009
Our beloved Frodo--he chose his successor well.

Indeed he did! Brought up from humble beginnings, Sam proved himself to be anything but a halfwit. I love that Aragorn reflects on him in admiration, and compares the vast differences in their upbringings.

Author Reply: Oh, he did indeed, GF. Who better to serve as the Emperor. And I think Aragorn tended ever to see the strengths of those he came to love, and that he brought out the best in them!

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/15/2009
Ah yes, that's our Sam, and wonderful to see him through the eyes of the King.
Sam has certainly had a steep learning curve (or, as Ridcully says, 'bendy educational thing') but he is a wise cousellor and respected by all.

Perfect, Larner.

Author Reply: Pratchett has such a wonderful way of expressing Ridcully's personality! And our Sam is among the best of the best. Thanks so for the comments, Baggins Babe.

ellieReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/9/2009
wonderful description of Sam! He truely is a hero every bit as much as Frodo is. Hooray for Sam!

Author Reply: Oh, yes--the one Frodo himself felt was the true hero rather than himself. Indeed, Hooray for Sam! Thanks, Ellie.

Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/8/2009
"Was feeling most wicked, and particularly in response to Kaylee's response to "The Empress."

So it's my fault now? Hah! You managed to stun me with this one, Larner...sorry about being behind on reviews, school caught up with me!

Very well done, I love Sam! :) Especially Aragorn's recognition of Sam, Strider is so perfect here! (At least he appeared on the Emperor card...I can just see 'Strider' kneeling to Sam in the picture, handing him the Star of the Dunedain...he did get that from Strider didn't he? :)

Kaylee!

Author Reply: Well, of course we can blame it on you! Heh! As far as being behind goes--RL is keeping me scurrying to catch up as well. Don't worry!

And the card you describe would be perfect! Yes, according to the Appendices Aragorn gave Sam one of the two Elendilmirs when he came north when Elanor was fifteen.

Thanks so very much!

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/7/2009
So very good to think of Sam getting the respect that he deserves for all that he did. He truly was a remarkable hobbit, Mayor, loyal friend, father, husband and a thousand other things as well.

Author Reply: Ah, no one deserves the respect he got in the end more than Sam, save perhaps Frodo. Yes, the one who originally never thought much about being more than he was, who became so much in the end.

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/6/2009
I like how you've upturned expectations on their heads here - it's very convincing.

Author Reply: Oh, am so glad you appreciate it, Virtuella. Was feeling most wicked, and particularly in response to Kaylee's response to "The Empress." Had to find myself figuring out who else deserved that place in the deck! Heh!

Thank you so very much.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/6/2009
A wise and humble king knows when to bow before a wise and humble counselor. Lovely.

Author Reply: Indeed, and so it should be, Shirebound. Thank you so much!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/6/2009
Ah, yes - Aragorn's opinion about Sam is so true! He's a wise one, our dear Mayor Samwise Gamgee!

Author Reply: Yes, one who has learned so much in so short a time.

Thanks so very much for the feedback, Kitty.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 12/5/2009
I think what I like most about this is that the POV is that of Aragorn. He and Sam have a great respect for one another, over and above the friendship and love they share. The King thinks these things about Sam not merely because he's his friend and he's fond of him, but because he is also a judge of mens' (and hobbits')hearts, and he knows that Sam deserves all the respect he can give him.

I wonder-- is this merely an inner monologue, as he ponders his friend, or is he perhaps speaking to someone who has shown doubt of this "rustic hobbit"...

I can imagine him becoming rather impassioned if someone showed such a misunderstanding of Sam's nature.

Author Reply: You are so right, Dreamflower--it is the one who has learned to read the hearts of others who sees Sam in his glory here, and who seeks to present that view to others.

Am not certain whether this was to himself or to another, but I certainly agree about the likelihood that Aragorn would indeed wish to disabuse anyone else of dismissing Sam's intelligence and perceptive nature.

I so appreciate the comments!

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