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As the Gentle Rain by Lindelea	7 Review(s)
	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 2/27/2025
Where are Eldarion and Elboron? Aragorn repeatedly mentions that Ulrich saves his son's life, so where is his son? And daughter? Author Reply: Perhaps they're off on a visit to Rivendell. Or maybe they stayed in Minas Tirith and are busy with their studies or training and so don't come into the scenes in this story. Or maybe they're spending time in Harad (by this time, Gondor has won some allies in the region, according to my version of the 4th Age) to learn about other cultures. That's not meant to be flippant but represents a few guesses at something plausible. In 2004, when I wrote this story, I didn't even know the name(s) of Aragorn's son(s). (Actually, even up until now, I've had the impression that Elboron was fanon rather than from Tolkien, but it seems I may be mistaken from what you've written here.) And while I included his tiny daughter in other early stories written in 2003 and 2004 that were set before his first son was born, since I didn't know the name and birthdate of his son(s) [again, are these available in writing anywhere nowadays? The information was impossible to find in 2003 or 2004; believe me, I searched hard for it] at the time I was writing those stories, the daughter was only a guess on my part because I actually didn't know if JRRT had mentioned any daughters. (Actually, I still don't know, or if I did know at one time, I've forgotten.) Over my first decade of writing fanfic, I had very little resource material besides LOTR itself to draw upon. And my copy of LOTR didn't even have the name of Merry Brandybuck's wife, Estella! (Another fanfic writer told me who he married, actually, because she had a copy that included Estella on the family trees as Merry's wife.) My first "love" in the fandom was Beregond, and yet I only found out years after writing several stories about him that Tolkien gave him two sons! I had to go back and do some rewriting to incorporate that knowledge, and I probably didn't succeed in updating every Beregond story/scene I'd posted. I still know woefully little about the Northern Rangers, the Men of Gondor, the Rohirrim, the Elves of Mirkwood and Lórien, the various groups of Dwarves, etc. I've slowly collected resources over the decades since 2003 (including, a couple years ago when I got a Christmas bonus, a complete set of HoME), but I still don't have an extensive knowledge of all aspects of Middle-earth. I'd love to feel as if I understand Dwarves, for example, for an upcoming story that includes a visit to the Lonely Mountain. I worry about making a serious error out of ignorance, or overlooking some important character... such as Eldarion. Or Elboron. On a brighter note, I just bought Unfinished Tales and am excited about reading it! In sum, I just did the best I could at the time. Hopefully that answers your question.

RogerGamgee	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 5/15/2004
Lindelea, This is a truly remarkable tale. There were points in this story - most notably the surgery scene with Pippin - where I was nearly in tears. You've written a moving, thoughtful tale here - one that I must say I am proud to have been able to review. You have a gift for writing that shows clearly throughout this story. Well done! Author Reply: Thank you for the encouraging words. I appreciate your taking the time to read and review a long story. I sometimes think that readers are put off by the effort required to get through one of these... but I'm writing towards a pre-defined goal, so the story will continue until it reaches the destination. Glad you came along on the ride.

Bluegrass Elf	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 4/7/2004
Great story! I can't wait for more!

Lyta Padfoot	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/5/2004
A nice overview of your characters and situations. Author Reply: Thanks! I tried to put together a sort of "family tree" but haven't figured out how to format it for ff.net. The summaries are the next best thing.

Bluegrass Elf	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/5/2004
Great story! Can't wait to find out what happens next! Author Reply: Thanks! I am still doing some research before plunging farther. I thought I could write the first few chapters while researching material for later chapters, but it turns out that I need to know more about the Rohirrim before tackling chapter 2. Am nearly there! Thanks for reviewing.

Lydia	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/5/2004
Well, very interesting. So which fics have Ferdi and Farry in Gondor and Rudi moving to Ithilien. I want to read them. Or haven't they been written yet? Author Reply: "Ferdi and Farry in Gondor" exists as a synopsis, not yet outlined. Freddy moving to Ithilien is mentioned at the end of "A Small and Passing Thing" though the story of his move, if any is in the making, does not even exist in synopsis form as of yet. If people keep commenting, which makes the Muse happy, they may yet be written... Thanks for reviewing!

Meldewen Ilce	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 3/5/2004
For those who have not read any of the other stories in the "Thain" cycle, a little background may be helpful. About Pimpernel Took (Pippin's sister) Thain Paladin formed a marriage agreement with Rudivacar Bolger, Odovacar's younger brother, despite the mutual feelings between Pimpernel and Ferdibrand Took. Rudi and Nell married and removed to Bridgefields, where they lived happily and had five children together. A sixth child was expected when Rudi died of a sudden illness (probably appendicitis, though the records are rather vague). Nell lost her wits from grief and was forceably returned to the Great Smials, with her five young children, to be cared for at least until the birth of the baby. It was here she found love again with her Ferdibrand, and though it is nearly unheard of for a hobbit to remarry, Pippin and Odovacar schemed together to bring their union about. You know I have kind of wonder about Pimpernel and Ferdi: Seeing as I have not read all of your stories, is there one story among them that tells how Pippin and Odovacar conspired to bring them together? For that matter have you written to do with Pimpernel's life before with Rudivacar? As I have said before I have grown quite fond of Ferdi and I'd love to see these little details fleshed out into stories by you if they're not already... Author Reply: Yes. Stories written thus far involving Nell and Ferdi: "A Pearl of Great Price" Though this story is more about Pearl Took (and Mistress Lalia), there is quite a bit about Ferdibrand and Nell's early relationship and how it got derailed by tragedy when Ferdi was 19. "Flames" In this story you see Nell's marriage to Rudi, Rudi's death, Nell's return to the Smials, and her growing relationship with Ferdibrand. "A Small and Passing Thing" This is mainly the story of Fatty Bolger's recovery after being released from the Lockholes. Paladin's scheming leading to Nell's marrying Rudivacar is detailed here. Thanks for reviewing! Hope this helps!

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