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The Time of Probing  by Larner 6 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 8/18/2013
It is good to know that Arwen's gem helped slowing down the shard's progress.

Even more interesting is the discussion about how to wear the Ring. Until now I thought that the only purpose of the chain was to keep the Ring in a safe position, so that It could not "escape".

But now I wonder what Boraënur will prepare. Maybe some extra protection?

Author Reply: I've loved imagining the purpose of Arwen's gem, and the idea that it was used to help counter the effects of the Morgul shard seemed logical. I've always imagined that the chain on which the Ring was worn from Rivendell on served several purposes beyond keeping the Ring from straying further. It also helped Frodo to avoid being caught by It slipping Itself onto his finger by "accident," and the idea that the chain helped to dampen Its power has always been one I've favored. By now hopefully you've seen what has been done to further strengthen the chain!

Agape4GondorReviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/22/2013
Sorry I haven't been able to comment on every chapter, but I do love this story. The Fellowship grows through their concern for Frodo. It's great.
I love the premise, too, that the shard would not easily be removed and that the Ring would cause such distress.

Author Reply: It's not easy to read and respond as readily as we'd like, and I treasure that you've been able to do both recently. Having a patient who'd been stabbed with a Morgul knife must have brought back painful memories of his wife's abduction and torture to Elrond, and undoubtedly increased his determination to see Frodo freed from the shard's spell. And we know from the Master that Elrond had to probe the wound twice before he could get the shard out, so obviously it wasn't easy to remove at least the first time. As for the Ring, I suspect that It wasn't totally asleep while there, with so much turmoil about the place, so much concern for Its bearer, and so many potential targets to It as possible future bearers. Thanks so again, Agape!

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/22/2013
I have thought that the reason Arwen (and Galadriel) saw Frodo's invisible wounds was because they had already seen similar in Celebrian and thus knew what cures were best. It's nice to see a recognized link between the two wounded beings here with the gem. I like to think Celebrian was a great help to Frodo in showing him that even though it would be difficult, healing was possible.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: When I first read the book so long ago when I was in my early teens I didn't know anything about Celebrian, and it took several readings of the Appendices and rereadings of the books to fully appreciate what allusions there were to her sufferings. In my-verse the Evenstar gem was a gift to Celebrian when she was a young elleth, and that it was designed to help balance Light, Song, and Breath for those who were in pain or disturbed. If that were true, then I'm certain that it was used on Celebrian in helping her heal from her poisoned wound.

And I do suspect you are right about Frodo being aided by Celebrian as he faced his own healing on Tol Eressea.

Thank you so!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/22/2013
I really like the idea of adding yet another layer of protection between his spirit and the intent of the shard within his shoulder. Very clever introduction of Arwen's gem and the Ring's chain, and what a joy to witness Bill's reunion with his hobbits.

Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad you do like that idea. It must have been hard having to wait between the first probing for the shard and the second one, and if as we suspect that the Evenstar gem was one of healing or at least comfort, then I'm certain that Arwen was called upon more than once to use it to the relief of those suffering from serious illnesses and wounds.

And I do love thinking that Bill looked forward to visits from his Hobbits when they could come out to him. Thanks so, Shirebound!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/22/2013
I love Bill. Thanks for the update on how he is doing.

Author Reply: I do, too. Now, I'm waiting for Lindelea to tell us how he's doing in HER tale! Heh!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 7/21/2013
This was nice. I love the role Pippin played in this chapter--nicely done to show his usefulness, as well as the fact that he's paid attention to things.

But I must confess my favorite part was the image of Bill the Pony eating a sticky bun! *grin*

Author Reply: I think we are all pretty much agreed that no matter how careless Pippin could be, still he was quite intelligent and observant, and would know in many cases that information he had could be quite relevant to the moment.

And what pony could resist a sticky bun if it was offered one by Pippin? Heh!

Thanks so, Dreamflower!

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