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The Time of Probing  by Larner 6 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/25/2013
Beautiful! It is like the smith told Sam. Each song is individual, but together they create a powerful harmony that strengthens the protective power of the chain.

Author Reply: Yes, they strengthen the power of the chain, and probably help to turn the intent of the shard to the blessed change that was twisted to turn victims to wraiths. From each as he can imagine strength, and Frodo and the others in the Fellowship are all protected that much the more from the Ring's malice.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/9/2013
It is good to see Frodo improving. I love the way they strengthen the chain.

Author Reply: I agree--quite time for Frodo to begin gaining rather than losing strength. And I figured there had to be something about that chain that made them decide to provide him with that as the means for carrying and securing the Ring, so it stood to rights that it had been somehow been empowered to stand against the Ring's will in some manner. Thanks so very much, Linda!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/8/2013
What a fascinating spell they all have woven! I love how everyone joins in and it is a group effort, to combat Sauron's solitary will.

Because for Sauron, it is the One, which will answer to no will but his own for it was made of only his will, his power, and his malice; but for these others who are crafting a protection for Frodo, it will be a blend of many wills, many wishes, hopes and dreams, all meant to a single purpose: to lend Frodo strength, not to dominate him, but to aid Frodo's own will to dominate over that which would try to subdue him.

Author Reply: What a wonderful expression of the situation, Dreamflower! Yes, all are seeking to work together to aid Frodo to bear with and continue defying the one. Thank you so very, very much!

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/8/2013
I was going to say I am glad the danger has passed, but in a big way it is only beginning. But I am glad anyway because of the songs sung and who sang them and what they sang about, especially the hobbits. Not for naught are they with their beloved.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: There had to be something special about Frodo Baggins to draw such giving love from Sam and his cousins, after all. And each individual offers the strength each holds for the protection not just of Frodo himself but for all who might be influenced by the Ring.

Thanks so, Antane.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/8/2013
A most powerful chain indeed! What an amazing way to send the Ringbearer forth on this dark journey accompanied by the strength and goodwill of everyone.

Author Reply: The others aren't yet aware that they are going forth on a dark journey, save, perhaps Sam, who already has an inkling--"By the long road, or not at all," as he described what he realized must be done before he could return home. And even before the War of the Ring properly begins all are working together as they can, doing their best to remind Frodo of the love, beauty, and wholesomeness he will labor to protect via his endurance.

Thank you so very much, Shirebound!

UTfrogReviewed Chapter: 12 on 8/8/2013
Very powerful protections were wrapped around the ring, indeed. Great and very moving descriptions of each person's contribution to that protection. Great chapter.

Author Reply: They needed powerful protections, I believe. Each offered what he or she knew best, and did so in defiance of the dark and in cooperation with the others. Only by all working together, after all, could the Shadow be properly opposed.

Again, thank you so very much!

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