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An Alphabet Book for the King's Children  by Larner 5 Review(s)
PSWReviewed Chapter: 26 on 1/7/2017
What a melancholy note to end on. Then again, most of Tolkien's works end on a bittersweet note, so this fits right in. These do seem like the kinds of things Frodo might have been pondering on, there toward the end of his time in the Shire -- and probably making himself even more melancholy doing it. As someone given to too much introspection on occasion, I can definitely attest that sitting around thinking thinks like this only makes everything a little worse... :-P. That said, it's good that Frodo was headed for happier times. :-)

Thanks so much for writing these...I really enjoyed them!

Author Reply: In my imagination Frodo at times felt as if he was a failure simply because he survived the quest. That he survived as an honor rather than as a punishment, and that his pains would be at last vanquished was something he'd not yet accepted.

Thank you ever so much, PSW. Now--to finish Enter the Ranger and Stirring Rings! Then there are more stories awaiting completion.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 26 on 12/31/2016
Oh Frodo, the pain you had, mental far worse than physical. May you have found healing. I loved this last bit for its power and its uniqueness - Frodo addressing one long dead and yet tied to his own present pain in a way. May the works the Professor discovered indeed never run dry of inspiration.

Happy Yule!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: Yes, I do believe he would have some fellow feeling for Miriel-Zimraphel, and would hope to find some inspiration in understanding her motivations for what she did.

The year has turned, and we have a new year--may it not lead us into turmoil!

Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 26 on 12/27/2016
Ah, Zimraphel, or Miriel as I call her! I find it interesting indeed that Frodo referred to her by her Adunaic name, but Ar-Pharazon by his Quenya one - exactly the opposite of most references to them I see. I wonder why he did that...(well, I wonder in Pharazon's case, at least, since I can obviously see Z is for Zimraphel! lol :) )

Author Reply: Perhaps he felt that Pharazon was too much of an affectation? But I felt it was just right for this little consideration of Miriel's final motivations as looked at by Frodo. Thanks for the comments throughout!

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 26 on 12/27/2016
What an unexpected person for Frodo to ponder so deeply. You've given me a lot to think about.

Author Reply: I know, Shirebound. And thank you for reading and commenting so faithfully!

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 26 on 12/27/2016
I must find it within me to appreciate that my own offer of sacrifice was not accepted

Poor Frodo! There will come a time when he will understand that what he already did is sacrifice enough. And what awaits him is not a punishment, but a reward.

Author Reply: Indeed. Our usually perceptive Frodo Baggins has a blind spot in his thinking at the moment. But he will rejoice once more, he'll find.

Thank you so, Andrea!

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