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A Deck of Heroes  by Larner 8 Review(s)
GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 17 on 3/15/2010
Frodo will find not joy, but yet more to fear on his path ahead. Sadly, he will not know joy again in Middle Earth. It would be interesting to see a meeting between these two after the Quest, and again in the West. I think Glorfindel will find he has underestimated Frodo greatly in his gratitude.

Author Reply: I so suspect you are right, GamgeeFest. Only in the West will Frodo find the peace of soul needed to rejoice in what the quest had gifted him with, rather than focusing on what it had scoured away.

And I thank you for these last comments on this series! It has been fascinating even for me to visit them again! Thank you so!

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/20/2009
Ah, yes, silly me, "newly made Queen of Gondor." I thought, because Glorfindel mentions struggles yet to come, this was Imladris after Glorfindel saved Frodo from the Ringwraiths. I need to read more carefully.

Author Reply: I suspect that Glorfindel had his own measure of foresight, and that he realized there were struggles yet to be faced by Frodo once he returned home. But I suspect that both of Arwen's grandfathers were keeping an eye on Frodo at that point.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/20/2009
Hm, that's an interesting comparison between Frodo and Glorfindel. You're right, both have faced terrors no one can really imagine; after struggling with the Ring for so long and after facing a balrog respectively, there can't be much left you can fear.

Author Reply: Am so glad you agree, Kitty. Thanks so!

VirtuellaReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/20/2009
You had me confused there for a moment, when I wondered why Celebron would be in Imladris. But then I worked out who her *other* grandfather is. Very clever! :)

Author Reply: Yes, the *two* Evenstars look on Frodo that evening, although Celeborn was there in Minas Tirith for their wedding, too. Remember, this was just after Arwen and Aragorn were married by Elrond.

HildigrimReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/18/2009
I like your deck generally, and this card very much indeed.

Arwen's key comment on Frodo (and Glorfindel) -- "He no longer fears" -- in your story is interesting in light of the following passage from The Return of the King:

“And Frodo when he saw her come glimmering in the evening, with stars on her brow and a sweet fragrance about her, was moved with great wonder, and he said to Gandalf: 'At last I understand why we have waited! This is the ending. Now not day only shall be beloved, but night too shall be beautiful and blessed and all its fear pass away!'”

Arwen sees the extinction of fear as a verb looking at Frodo, while he infers the end of it as a noun -- an attribute of the night -- while looking at her.

Author Reply: What a wonderful connection you have found there. I will admit that passage had been ringing in my heart; but the look at fear as verb or noun is one I'd not thought on. Thanks for adding to my own insight into meanings beyond what I'd intended, but are still there to be drawn. Thanks so very much, Hildigrim.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/18/2009
Beautiful! Arwen has so much insight and compassion-- as well as a debt of gratitude to the Ringbearer-- that makes her see truly.

Author Reply: Oh, I agree--she and Aragorn own Frodo their finally achieved bliss. Am so glad this moved you, Dreamflower.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/18/2009
A very apt comparison.

Author Reply: Am so glad you think so, Linda. Thank you.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 17 on 12/18/2009
I enjoy it so much when one or more of the hobbits are being observed and discussed with wisdom and respect. And I love writing stories where Frodo, in the West, has found joy. :)

Author Reply: We both enjoy seeing the contemplation of the accomplishments of our four Traveller heroes, as well as knowing that Frodo was granted that peace after he left Middle Earth. Thanks so very much, Shirebound.

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