No Greater Love, Part Two: Repercussions by MJ
shirebound · 26 November 2015 · Chapter 22: XXII: Friends and Family
I think this my favorite chapter so far. What a dear, lovely reunion. So you're one of the servants of the Great Powers. Splendid! LOL, such a simple, delighted, hobbity response! Happy Thanksgiving to you.
UTfrog · 26 November 2015 · Chapter 22: XXII: Friends and Family
What a wonderful story for Thanksgiving! Friends and family are so very special. Thank you.
Sunny · 28 October 2015 · Chapter 21: XXI: Questions and Answers?
I see that Olórin is quite thoroughly busted! And I wonder how Pippin is going to react when he finds out just who "Munwy" is.
Larner · 28 October 2015 · Chapter 21: XXI: Questions and Answers?
A wonderful reunion, I must say, and one I had been hoping for. I am glad that there is such a friendship between the two of them, and that the love is there to help heal both hearts the more.
UTfrog · 27 October 2015 · Chapter 21: XXI: Questions and Answers?
What a lovely end to the chapter. I am greatly enjoying this story. Thank you for all your hard work.
curiouswombat · 26 October 2015 · Chapter 21: XXI: Questions and Answers?
How good to see another chapter awaiting me when I got home this evening. Thank you. I look forward to finding out what lessons are to be learnt; but in the meantime I am very much enjoying the conversations so far and look forward to the one between Pippin and Olorin.
shirebound · 26 October 2015 · Chapter 21: XXI: Questions and Answers?
Oh, what a lovely reunion this is going to be! I hope Olorin can tell Pippin all about the hobbits in the West, and in what esteem and affection they're held by the Powers.
demeter d · 24 September 2015 · Chapter 20: XX: Complications
It DOES sound as though Manwe is learning a lot more about what it is to be Mortal. This is at the heart of the Christian story, of course ... the God who becomes Mortal in order to better understand and help his children! I do not do so well trying to keep up with longer stories. (Out of a hopeless attempt to spend more time in Real Life, sigh!) At any rate, I did join this one when two not-quite-Hobbits took shelter in the ruin of an inn and fought a band of brigand Men. Your "Captain" took me totally by surprise. He joins the little group and starts giving orders right away, and everyone just naturally follows them. At first I thought he was a Chief Shirrif. Perhaps Lotho's use of the term during the war caused them to choose a different name for their leaders afterward? But then I remembered that Fatty Bolger had been the leader of a band of Hobbit guerilla fighters during the War, so maybe it was him? Then someone compared rotten thatch to being under a dead troll. When the Captain confidently replied that rotten thatch smelled better, I knew. And who better than Gandalf's beloved "Fool of a Took" to sense Olorin's true identity! Now I really must finish this story!
Author's reply
And I must finish it, too — though from the writing end! :) I had honestly thought that using the word "captain" would be a dead giveaway as to Pippin's identity (or at the very least would point directly to him or Merry), but I guess it wasn't! I used the term because of a line from the chapter "The Scouring of the Shire": "but at the top of the Roll in all accounts stand the names of Captains Meriadoc and Peregrin." Also, oddly enough, I've had an idea for another story concerning Manwë and the heart of the Christian message for several years, now, but I've been very hesitant to write it, since my gut tells me that it might not be very well received (not because it's negative or blasphemous, but because... well, I'm not exactly sure why, lol). Perhaps someday I'll write it — but must finish this first! Thanks ever so much for reading and commenting. I do know the trials and tribulations of Real Life, so I'm glad you took the time!
Larner · 18 September 2015 · Chapter 20: XX: Complications
Aha! Just what I'd hoped for, really. Pippin, after all, is no fool, after all, in spite of having been called that so many times by Gandalf! And they brought Bilbo's favorite walking stick with them? Heh! Delightful!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it! Although Gandalf may have started out meaning it when he called Pippin a fool of a Took, I always had the feeling that by the end of the war (especially after that long ride to Minas Tirith), it became more a private term of endearment between them.
Fantasia · 16 September 2015 · Chapter 20: XX: Complications
Wonderful, Pippin in the picture!...he has matured for sure, but 7 years is not that much (I was expeting that more time has passed)...It is good for Manwë to live some mortal experiences...his realization about mortal faith is very good, because mortals don't really know, they have just faith... Of all the possible Gandalf's encounters, I alwasy wanted one with Faramir, I mean, Faramir book...but Pippin is my second choice.
Author's reply
Second choice is just fine! :) Since I've been working on this for much too long a time, I had to go back and check my timeline against the timeline of LotR and the years after.... But considering all that Pippin experienced during the war, and the fact that this is less than a year before he marries Diamond, I figure that perhaps he matured a little faster than many of the other hobbits might have by the same age. And yes, I think that Manwë has perhaps been a little too detached from the Mortal experience. Time for him to get off his high mountain and experience life as the Children do, and learn from it, Thanks for reviewing!
UTfrog · 14 September 2015 · Chapter 20: XX: Complications
Wonderful! I had not realized Pippin was the captain. He does have a great opportunity to have many questions answered. How great a reunion is ahead. Thank you.
Author's reply
You're quite welcome! And it delights me to know that at least one person didn't see it coming, about Pippin. I'd been afraid I was a mite too heavy-handed somewhere, and I did so want it to be at least a bit of a surprise reveal. So nice to know it worked! Thanks for reviewing. :)
shirebound · 13 September 2015 · Chapter 20: XX: Complications
Merry and Pippin!!! Oh my goodness, how wonderful! someone holding a lantern shifted it, so that for a moment, the light shone more brightly on the walking stick — and revealed the old, inexpert carving of his name in the well-worn wood. Ooooh, this is AWESOME. And I truly love this: This was a large part of what it meant to be a true Incarnate, and to be Mortal: not knowing what would come from one moment to the next, never certain of anything, yet carrying on in spite of it.
Author's reply
Well, just Pippin (at least for now, I still haven't quite decided if there will be others showing up ;D). But I'm so glad you enjoyed the surprise. My best friend's favorite is Pippin, and while I thought my Muse was a bit crazy for introducing this twist, I rather hoped she wouldn't be the only person to be pleased by it. Wonderful to see that she's not alone. I also think that the constant uncertainty of Mortal life is something many of the Ainur just wouldn't get until and unless they experienced it first-hand. To carry on without certainty and without proofs is in the end the ultimate expression of estel. Thanks for you kind words!
Larner · 26 August 2015 · Chapter 19: XIX: Expect the Unexpected
Obviously the Men are far from the brightest bulbs in the package or the string, and the poor boob deserved what he got, although Olorin does not. Now, to see what the Thain thinks of his two soon-to-be acquaintances. Although he may find the one rather reminiscent of distant friends....
Author's reply
Bullies seldom are terribly bright, aren't they? The Thain, alas, may not meet our disguised visitors (this being a mere five years or so since Frodo et al Sailed), but there may be other... interesting encounters in their future. Thanks for the review!
curiouswombat · 26 August 2015 · Chapter 19: XIX: Expect the Unexpected
Oh my goodness! Now that is quite a cliff-hanger :)
Author's reply
Thanks, I aim to please! ;) And if my muse cooperates, the hang hopefully won't be too long.
FantasyFan · 26 August 2015 · Chapter 19: XIX: Expect the Unexpected
Glad to see you are writing again! I hope it helps you feel better. I have enjoyed this story for quite a long time now, and it's very comforting to see it being updated. Life goes on, but some things remain. It's fun to see Manwe and Olorin as hobbits. A bit of role reversal, a bit of excitement, definitely an education, and a well-deserved break. I'm sure this won't be a big part of the story, but helping Manwe to see the larger picture will be good for him.
Author's reply
Thanks! Sometimes, I think Manwë has a bit more trouble seeing certain details that are naturally beyond his experience — he sees the forest just fine, and the trees, but the leaves on the trees? Well, everyone has blind spots. But he'll learn, he'll learn. Glad you're enjoying the ride! :)
shirebound · 25 August 2015 · Chapter 19: XIX: Expect the Unexpected
I'm sorry to hear that this has been a rough month for you. Your dedication to the story is truly appreciated. Oh my, what an unexpected cliffhanger! I very much enjoy reading about these two powerful beings experiencing life as hobbits.
Author's reply
Thank you kindly, not only for taking the time to review, but for your gracious forebearance. I'm not sure if it's dedication or stubbornness on my part, or maybe just the understanding that if I didn't finish this chapter, the story would wind up stalling again! I'm enjoying this little side trip into the Shire, too, so I'm glad it didn't get stuck. :)
Tiinaj1 · 30 July 2015 · Chapter 18: XVIII: Where Many Paths and Errands Meet
And you're back! Thanks - Im looking forward to the next 5 chapters! Im glad you arebfeeling better too!!!!
Larner · 30 July 2015 · Chapter 18: XVIII: Where Many Paths and Errands Meet
An interesting experiment, and an unfortunate interruption. And it appears that these undoubtedly unwanted visitors to the Shire are no better than Lotho and Saruman's louts! Time to defend themselves, obviously!
UTfrog · 29 July 2015 · Chapter 18: XVIII: Where Many Paths and Errands Meet
Excellent chapter. I am so glad you are feeling better. Happy Birthday!
shirebound · 29 July 2015 · Chapter 18: XVIII: Where Many Paths and Errands Meet
I love the idea of these two traveling through the Shire, experiencing life as hobbits. But oh my, what a cliffhanger! It was the only choice I could make, and yet remain true to myself, and to all who had placed their trust in me. What a sweet and simple summary of the choice of this noble soul.
curiouswombat · 29 July 2015 · Chapter 18: XVIII: Where Many Paths and Errands Meet
Oh - what a good end to the chapter. I was enjoying this gentle look at life as a hobbit for Manwe and that end was a real shock - well done :)
Tiinaj1 · 14 July 2015 · Chapter 17: XVII: Unraveling Threads
This is a great story - i was a bit surprised when it just stopped & Im enjoying it. I hope your feeling better.... ~ Tina
Author's reply
Thank you, Tina, for your review and your good wishes. I was surprised myself when my Muse up and died about two years ago, and I sincerely hope she doesn't do that again. I am feeling better now, though there's still a lot of work ahead, and the encouragement I received from those like you helps immensely. Thanks again. :)
Fantasia · 26 June 2015 · Chapter 17: XVII: Unraveling Threads
Happy that you update and happy that you are recovering. Hopefully, doing what you love, like writing, will give you comfort and strength to be healthy again. I have enjoyed all your stories.
Author's reply
Thanks ever so much (especially for your patience). I am recovering, if slowly, and I do hope that things will soon be sufficiently back to normal so that I can continue writing. :)
My blue rose · 25 June 2015 · Chapter 17: XVII: Unraveling Threads
I absolutely love thus story! I must have read it a dozen or so time since you last updated. Your scenery is beautiful but it is your characterization that make this story truly great. I think you have the best portal of the Valar that I have read and your Gandalf and Frodo are spot on. I also love your OCs with Ványalos being my favorite. Looking forward to the next update!
Author's reply
So sorry that I've taken forever to respond, but I'm sure we all know the vagaries of RL! Thank you so much for your comments, which I blush to receive. I'm very glad to know that you've enjoyed it so much that you kept coming back to read it again, even when my Muse had gone dead. Hopefully, she's waking up for real, this time. Thanks again!
curiouswombat · 24 June 2015 · Chapter 17: XVII: Unraveling Threads
How good to see this chapter, especially as it is a sign that you are recovering. I am so sorry you became so unwell - but glad to hear you are improving.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. It's still a struggle (just to get out of bed in the morning!) but that I'm seeing any improvement so soon after starting is very hopeful.