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The Farewell in Gondor  by Larner 58 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2008
Oh, no...He's going to die! Again! But you surprised me last time, and so far as I know you've never written anything with a completely sad ending, so I have faith in you. *tries to smile*

Interesting how things worked out with Frodo not there. I can't believe they argued him into staying though. In their place, I could not have done it. That coming close to begging would have completely undone me, I think, but they couldn't know that this would happen. The thought of Bag End, lonely and empty, is just so sad, though.

Oh, they have to make it in time, they just have to!

This is going to be a tearjerker and probably tough to me right now (angst and drama, the story of my life...*sighs*), but I know it's going to be beautiful and amazing too, and because of that I look forward to more, though it's just wrong to say one looks forward to a death and that's what it sounds like, I look forward to seeing how you write this and what way you find to make it shine as brightly as the other gems in your library turned treasure trove.
God bless,
Galadriel :)

Author Reply: Ah, don't be so certain, my Lady. The grey ship also speeds southward, as swiftly as Ulmo's currents and Osse's help and Manwe's winds can take it. Perhaps not as angsty as some stories I've written.

And angst does appear to fill your life!

A joyful Lent to you!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2008
Ah, good. I was worried Merry and Pippin were going to be left out. They have to come, too. Of course Gandalf had to be one of these who went to Crickhollow! And it is nice to have at least one of the twins in the story.

Now I think I can see where that's going and how it is changing the story that Frodo remained behind. Hm ... some things may have worked out better if he had returned to the Shire, but it is certainly understandable that the other hobbits hoped that he would heal in the presence of Aragorn and Arwen.

Elrond and Elros being fraternal twins instead of identical ones is an intriguing idea. It could be, and would probably explain their different choices better. In any case, it was an interesting talk about osanwë and the connection between twins.
That reminds me - some years ago here was the amazing case of twin sisters, of whom one was pregnant. When the baby was about to be born, the *not pregnant* sister got the labour pains, and the pregnant sister had to give birth without being in labour.

Author Reply: I've heard so much of similar things, although this is the first time I've heard of the labor pains going to the non-pregnant sister.

A friend in Las Vegas experienced sympathy pregnancy symptoms when his wife became pregnant, and his started before they knew they were expecting and were worse than hers were. Those who are truly close often seem to share such things.

But I do suspect Elros and Elrond were fraternal twins, much as my Aragorn and Gilorhael would have been. And Merry and Pippin would have been summoned, I think, just as was Sam. Frodo needs to say goodbye to all three, just as he did in canon, I think.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2008
Things worked out nearly the same as they would have if Frodo had returned to the Shire, that's true. But only nearly!

Saruman provoked Merry, not Frodo, to kill him. And Merry did not send him away like Frodo did. Saruman was shot, but he did not experience Frodo's mercy which was in his eyes the worst humiliation he could receive, or that's how I see the original scene.

With Frodo not acting as deputy Mayor it took more time to review all the documents. But Timono was arrested anyway.

Merry and Pippin ended up in Crickhollow with and without Frodo.

But I was surprised about Sam's remark to Gandalf:

Good thing as the Master’s brighter’n the Mayor and Thain both and set up a gaol of sorts to hold him.

He does not seem to have a high opinion of Paladin Took, does he? And he seems to have forgotten what is "proper" to say and what not. What leads him to say that, I wonder?

Anyway, they have little time to discuss such matters. They have to reach Frodo as soon as possible, before it's too late. I'm looking forward to reading more!

Author Reply: I suspect the very thought of the Thain not believing his son would lower his standing in Sam's eyes. The very important things I think the Creator would see working out as best could be done; but the Shire doesn't have Frodo's model of intelligence and compassion to follow this time, so many things end up more muddled. But I always suspected that Saradoc was in many ways steadier and more far-seeing than his brother-in-law; Paladin may or may not have inherited the "Took-sight" but he does tend to go a bit overboard when his emotions are riled.

Now, to the rest of the ride.

SurgicalSteelReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2008
Interesting that the hobbits were the one to talk Frodo into staying in Minas Tirith. I also like the notion that perhaps Elros and Elrond were fraternal, rather than identical, twins. The different choices they made make much more sense that way...

Odd, random thought. It's known that fraternal twins can result from different - hm. I'll use my characters usual phrase and say 'marital acts.' Wonder what it would have felt like for a young elf-woman who knows she's conceived to realize that she's conceived again? /random

Author Reply: Yes--sometimes it's possible for fraternal twins to be conceived separately, I'm told. That would be a question--how might Elwing have experienced the situation, had that happened?

SoledadReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2008
So, Gandalf was against Frodo staying in Minas Tirith, while all three of the hobbits were for it? Interesting. And I like what you did with Elladan and Elrohir.

Elrond & Elros were not identical twins, eh? Makes sense, I think, or else they might not have been able to make such different choices.

Looking forward where all this will lead. Knowing your work, it will surely be exciting and surprising.

Author Reply: I'd always thought of those two as fraternal, while Elladan and Elrohir appear to have been identical. Certainly Feanor's twins appear to have been identical, and almost interchangeable. As for Dior's sons--I don't remember hearing one way or another. I know twins run in the family, and wanted a pair myself. However, instead I got the almost twins of stepson and adopted daughter who were only two and a half months apart in age. Not quite what I'd envisioned.

I rather think that Gandalf would have recognized that Frodo was needed by the Shire.

Qne we'll see where it leads.

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 2 on 2/24/2008
It's interesting to see how things worked out nearly the same but not simply because Frodo ends up not returning to the Shire with the other Hobbits.

An interesting discussion about twins and ósanwë.

BTW, it's "My brother and I". Sorry... English teacher. *grin* Looking forward to seeing how this works out.

Author Reply: Have you never noticed that sometimes we start writing and spelling like our students? My worst year for spelling was the year I taught third grade! Heh!

But some things would certainly have been different, don't you think? Frodo's steadiness and compassion would have given a definite model for others, I'd think.

Had a friend who always seemed to know what her sister was up to, and was almost always right, although they weren't twins. Reports on twins do indicate this is often very common, particularly in identicals.

SoledadReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/22/2008
I must say that Rosie Cotton is certainly the most understanding and generous women in Middle-earth. Few others would understand - and accept that their hubby would leave them alone for a friend, and that with a small babe, no less.

I'm properly intrigued about the path this AU is going to take.

Author Reply: I agree, Soledad. I so love Rosie, and am glad that the Master gave her to us along with Sam. But she's going to try to insure her Sam comes back to her--and so she gives him THAT kiss....

RadbooksReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/22/2008
Oh, what an intriguing start. Never really considered that Frodo might just stay in Minas Tirith because the Shire seemed such a part of him, but this is a neat idea. Of course Sam is sensitive enough and would feel Frodo's need even from that distance. What a wonderful elf you sent to carry him to Gondor!!! Glorfindel is a good choice. :) I'm looking forward to reading the next part of this tale.

Author Reply: It was a distinct possibility, so I decided to play with it. How it was he was convinced to do so will be revealed in the next chapter. And Glorfindel was the proper one to send for Sam, I felt.

My prayers are still going up for your parents, particularly your mom. Love to Jet.

Baggins BabeReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/22/2008
A very intriguing idea and one I have sometimes thought about. Poor Frodo - hopefully Aragorn and Sam can join forces to help him.

I love the bond between Frodo and Sam which means Sam knows when he is needed, plus your understanding Rosie and the Gaffer.

And Glorfindel has arrived! Wonderful!

Author Reply: It's interesting to see so many agree that this is a possibility they've considered as well as me. As for the Gaffer--he understands Sam's desire to offer service and fealty where it's well received, while Rosie understands Sam's love--although she does make certain he goes off with a good reminder of HER love for him, to insure he'll wish to return to him.

And I felt Glorfindel was the proper one to fetch Sam.

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 1 on 2/21/2008
What an interesting idea that Frodo might stay in Gondor and something i've thought about.A Nice dramatic opening leaves me eagerly awaiting more.

Author Reply: I'd wondered about it, too, Linda--obviously! Am glad you appreciate the opening.

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