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Go Out in Joy by Larner	135 Review(s)
Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/19/2007
Shelob left a piece of Ungoliant in Frodo's wound - ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwww. I suppose it's possible. It's good that they finally got rid of it so the poor hobbit could die in peace. Frodo's death was beautifully written, though sad. Author Reply: Yes, a moment of gross horror indeed. I did have to deal with her, having put her there in my other story lines, of course. Thank you for the compliment. Yes, sad, but part of what might have been, of course.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/18/2007
Was grinning through your explanation how you came to write this AU. The persons one is writing about can be very demanding, can’t they? Well, you’re in the best company – remember what Tolkien himself wrote about Faramir? A new character has come on the scene (I am sure I did not invent him, I did not even want him, though I like him, but there he came walking into the woods of Ithilien) ... And it was probably rather similar for you grin The rest of your AN deals with at least some of my ponderings how parts of your other stories would change under these different circumstances, though of course I could think of more changes, if I try. But as you have told me not to encourage this particular Nuzgul I will resist the temptation ... ;-) Now I’ll wait with some amusement if the nuzgul is content or not! And of course I hope you will be able to post the other AU story one day. Thank you so much for another wonderful, moving story, one I’ll not forget easily and re-read from time to time (when I’m alone, of course, as I doubt I’d not cry the second time) Author Reply: Oh, I know indeed Tolkien's own dilemma, ever since Ruvemir crawled out from the empty space where the drawer is missing from the pedestal for my bed to introduce himself to me. And this has been such a very persistent little nuzgul--the most persistent since the one came to me from Lindelea's direction that got me started with "For Eyes to See as Can." It all started there, you know. And am so glad you find the story moving, as it certainly has moved me deeply as well. I'm very honored you find it worthy of a second reading. Thank you indeed, Kitty.

Laurelin	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/18/2007
Good story, very moving, as always. I'm looking forward to erm everything really, please write more soon g. L. Author Reply: Am trying to finish the next chapter to "Stirring Rings," and have at last convinced Gandalf to leave Minas Anor and head north once more. And there does seem to be cooperation going between Gandalf and Saruman, for the moment, at least. Both at least are seeing the same danger threatening, at least.... Heh! And am so very glad you appreciate this story so. Thanks so very much.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/18/2007
Interesting insights, of course. Oooo, a longer AU? This will be fascinating, I'm sure! shudders I don't think I even want to know what Ungoliant might have done in the Shire if she'd been left alone! Or if she'd been left in Frodo's body, what she might have done to it. I can't believe I'm even typing this, ugh! giggling at your description of the "darling little plotbunny" They can deceive, can't they? It's oh-so-tempting to nudge this one, but as I can appreciate the feeling of being overwhelmed, I guess I won't...yet...grins God bless, Galadriel :) Author Reply: Ah, yes, the other AU will be longer, but I MUST get the two I'm working on now going once more. As to what Ungoliant might have done had she been able to take a shape to herself once more and get free in the Shire--I shudder at the thought. And I don't doubt she'd have drained what little was left of Frodo in the escape. Yes, this was just a plot bunny--or rather it certainly had me convinced it was. And please don't nudge it too hard, not yet. This one has far too much life in it by itself, and without encouragement! Heh!

Elemmírë	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/18/2007
Larner, I must apologize for not leaving you a review of this tale before now, but I'm in the process of moving and I've had limited access to the Internet until I get my own established. So, I'm leaving you with one review to encompass all the chapters you worked so hard on. I can't say 'well done' enough, Larner, and to me those words are paltry for the depth of this story. That said, this was an absolutely amazing and incredible tale; definitely one of my favorites that you've written!! Every single chapter was excellent and I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and all of the rich details you incorporated into it, many from your other tales--the Yellowbook, Bartolo as pall-bearer, the excising of the spirit of Ungoliant, the reasoning of the Elven twins with Aragorn in order to enter the Shire, Frodo's personal thoughts and the astute descriptions of his failing, the Dwarves from afar laying their crystals and stones at the bier, and lastly the entire and most descriptive funeral. I truly felt as if I were there in the Shire and experiencing Frodo's passing as witnessed through my own eyes. You even had me crying at the end there. I have again based Frodo’s symptoms on real-life maladies--angina, congestive heart failure, and a fairly mild heart attack. I’ve had the chance to observe all three, after all. As have I in my line of work. It's never an easy process to watch, as you very well know. I've encountered many such patients as your loved one, who just seem to suffer one complication after another until the end finally and blessedly arrives. And I always wonder why? What did this person do or not do in order to be fated to endure such suffering? I really love how you captured both the emotion and the medical process of Frodo's physical and spiritual decline, yet maintained his dignity as well. You truly wrote this as one who's 'been there, done that' and it shows beautifully through the characters and the attention to detail. You had me really curious as to where Frodo was going to be buried--Hobbiton or Buckland? At first I thought it would be good to lay him to rest with his dear parents, but I liked your solution and explanation for it even better. It makes perfect and the most sense to have his final resting place atop the Hill at Bag End ... It was here he was happiest. This was his home.” And the realization of Saradoc and Esmeralda here was just so very poignant. You may not write AU often, but this tale was remarkable and well-executed, despite the sadness of it. This has been necessarily angsty, but as I said before I love writing pathos, so please forgive me. I don't forgive you for writing it because as much as I enjoy reading the fluffy, humorous tales, it's the dark, angst-ladden dramatic ones that tend to mean so much more. I find them to be more emotional and laced with more thought-provoking realism and plots. And I LOVED reading this one. So, I thank you for writing it, Larner :D ~Elemmírë~ Author Reply: Considering the iffy nature of my ISP over the past couple months preceded by the constant hassles the various computers I've had have given me in the past two years, I certainly can fully understand the need to sneak computer time elsewhere. I've had to spend time at the office for my job after my shifts are over, slipping onto the Internet just to check reviews and occasionally even to post far too often myself. I've tried to flesh out the Shire and the realms in my own stories, and indeed have added many details, but Yellowskin is Tolkien's own invention, the record book for the Tooks; I merely have added in the descriptions of the family Books for other lineages, to the Scroll for the Baggers and Weavers from "Stirring Rings" and "The Tenant from Staddle." I'm glad that such details add to the richness of the Shire for you, and rejoice you appreciate them so. Each people would have its own way of offering honor, I think; the offerings of the Dwarves were inspired by the placing of stones upon the grave of Oskar Schindler shown at the end of "Schindler's List," a process I've heard described in books on Jewish traditions but that I'd not seen enacted before; and what other things would Dwarves use as marks of great honor? I'd already indicated that greens and flowers were used as honor offerings about the memorial to the Hobbits in Minas Anor, and about the White Tree at Aragorn's own death in "Light on the Way." That image came from what I observed at Windsor Castle the last time I was in England, just after the death of the Queen Mum, where each individual allowed into the grounds added their own spray of flowers or greens to the growing pile left in tribute to her on the south side of the castle grounds. It made a deep impression on me, and seemed so right for a mode of offering honor by the folk of Gondor and Arnor. It's apparent you are of the one of the healing professions. I've known many nurses, now, and have great honor and respect for the vast majority of them, particularly the dialysis nurses and technicians who aided my husband in his last few years, all of whom were among the most compassionate, hopeful, and caring folk I've met anywhere. And thank you for indicating the attention to detail was consistent with your own experience. I did so try to strike a balance between dignity and simplicity for Frodo's burial, for this was important that it be such. And I also try to keep a balance between angst and Light in my stories, that they aren't so heavy they bludgeon us into insensibility. That you find the plots of the more angsty stories more realistic as well as more compelling is reassuring. And thank you so much for reviewing this one, Elemmire. Thank you so much.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
Finally a chapter I managed to read without crying! Oh Larner, after the sad story before this was the perfect happy-end! All these lovely reunions! I had already wondered if in this AU Sam would sail at all, as there is no Frodo waiting for him, or so he thinks. Don’t know why I had the idea at all, impossible as it seemed, but after Gandalf’s repeated mentioning of the ‚companion’ and the return of Beren and Luthien I had a vague suspicion who it could be. Gandalf was a bit too smug to not be suspicious, wasn’t he? grin And you even managed to enclose Ruvemir and his mantle in this story :-) Another wonderful story, Larner, and the unexpected reunion of Sam and Frodo left me beaming happily. Though I have to admit, now I'm starting to think how certain things would have been changed in this AU and how this or that would continue - so it's probably better that I shut up instead of demanding more of this ;-) Author Reply: So glad this chapter brought you joy rather than grief, and the reunions are always to be delighted in, I think. And we had to have at least the hint of Ruvemir, don't you agree? As for encouraging this most tenacious of nuzguls--don't you dare! He's not given me peace save when I've been working on this story for weeks!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 3/18/2007
The hill atop Bag End was the perfect place to bury Frodo, as he so often went there to find peace and quiet and watch the stars. Was glad Aragorn started the discussion about It, as it certainly helped the others to learn and understand a bit more about what happened, what I found rather satisfying. The same goes for what he said in the pavilion, particularly about what Frodo did to safeguard all of Middle-earth. You probably know already that I was never happy how much Frodo was ignored by most of the Shire-folk. Anyway, I thought Aragorn’s speech - as well as these of Paladin and Saradoc - was very touching, and I am glad the hobbits had the chance to get to know their King a little bit. And I was glad Paladin allowed the Rangers to enter the Shire, so they could pay their respects to Frodo, too – as much for Frodo’s sake as for their own. Author Reply: Oh, indeed, the Hill was the proper place. And I certainly agree about the Hobbits of the Shire needing to better appreciate what was done "out there" and how all four Travelers were such heroes in the eyes of so many. It's one reason Aragorn sent Ruvemir into the Shire and Frodo sent Bartolo out of it, I think. Nor do I think Thain, Master, and Mayor would think to exclude Men from the chance to pay their respects, considering what they now know about Frodo's standing outside the Shire. And am so glad you appreciated Aragorn's eulogy for Frodo. Thank you so much, Kitty.

SurgicalSteel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
Well, this was just gorgeously done. Comforting to think that Frodo still was given the chance for healing despite his stubbornness. Author Reply: Oh, thank you so very much, SurgicalSteel. And that Frodo might possibly hae been granted the same dispensation as Beren and Luthien just seemed so possible....

Queen Galadriel...again	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
P.S. After reading the other reviews, I just must say that I certainly did not see this coming! I thought Gandalf and some of the others were hinting at something nice, but when the mention of the companion came up, my mind flew back to a question Harrowcat asked about our favourite sculptor, and I thought "Ruvimir? Has he somehow found his way to Tol Eressea?" And now I laugh at myself, of course. When Sam saw the mantle, I knew my guess was wrong, and the mention of the right hand aroused a little spark of "almost-hope", but of course it was impossible that it be Frodo--or not! :) One mark of a true writer is being able to draw the reader in as completely as possible without their actually being physically in the setting, and you have done that with me. Over the past weeks or so you've been posting this, I've found myself thinking about it at the oddest times; I'd be walking down the hall at school wondering if Aragorn would make it in time, or trying to concentrate on math while my mind was with the failing Frodo and his grieving loved ones. So maybe it's no wonder I felt somewhat drained by last night and now feel wildly relieved! :) Okay, I'll shut up now. :) Apologies; I tend to chatter when excited. :) Author Reply: Oh, what a wonderful thing to hear--that you've been so drawn into this story! Although I grieve it has disturbed you at school, even. And the almost-hope you spoke of--how wonderful a compliment that is. But remember, all things are possible when one acts in love. Thanks again, my Lady.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
OH! Now I am crying, and how wonderful to cry happy tears after so many sad ones! :) I used to say I hated sad AU's, and honestly, I read this partly because, well, it's your work and I couldn't help myself, and largely because I trusted you to end it beautifully, even if the ending was bittersweet. But of all things I never expected such a wonderful surprise! Oh, thank you, thank you for such a beautifully happy ending! :) "Joy" indeed! “Oh, my Sam!” more happy tears That is just the perfect last line, Larner! I'm so glad to be left with a smile, the best I've had reason for in a while. God bless, (most satisfied) Galadriel Author Reply: Yes, Joy indeed, for now Sam and Frodo might know the proper finishing and preparation right for both of them. And so glad that this one brought tears of joy instead of grief. And what better line to finish it on, after all? (Smiling hugely.)

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