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The End of All Things  by Ariel 8 Review(s)
TithenFeredirReviewed Chapter: 1 on 4/17/2005
You conveyed a great deal of information, emotion and mood in a few well-selected words. This was very sweet and beautifully written. ~TF

Author Reply:

*respectfully bows*

I was very pleased with it when I first wrote it (nearly a year ago). I don't usually bother posting vignettes, but thought this one could stand well enough on its own. Thank you for agreeing with me!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 1 on 1/20/2005
Ah, yes. Very sensitively written.

"feeling the air stir as he passes" - did I say sensitive? They say that even when we are too far gone to move or speak, we may well be aware of what is going on around us.

Angsty, perhaps, but comforting too.

Author Reply: Returning favors? LOL! Not necessary, but thank you for it. This little thing was one I just popped off one afternoon. I don't write many death fics, though this one wrote itself. It's one of those that I most particularly enjoyed re-reading myself. Do you ever get those?

ninielReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/3/2004
Ariel, you never stop to surprise me. This had me in tears, which indeed is surprising, since it usually takes a lot more to make me cry. But I guess this is just one of your greatest gifts: put emotions into written word and with this draw your readers into the story. Very well written as always (that didn't surprise me *G*). Thanks for sharing.



Author Reply:

And thank you, as always, for sharing your sweet words with me. I get a smile whenever I read your name on an email. :*

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/2/2004
This story, dear Ariel, does not make me weep - it makes me smile a little sad smile. As you said, all must pass eventually, and as they go there are no regrets, nothing left undone. Frodo is granted a final grace for the sake of Sam, and I am sure they will be together forever with no pain or fear. Not a bad way to go at all.

Author Reply:

For all my angst laden tendencies, I did not think this was too terribly angsty either. When the idea came to me, I had the first few lines and the story seemed just a bit of the same old same old until I realized what would happen when Sam sat down. 'A little sad smile' is about what I got too - and an incredible feeling of peace. Maybe I am morbid for thinking about the ends of things, but this one felt right. I am glad you enjoyed it enough to tell me so.

Ariel

LindorienReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/2/2004
I like seeing you try this spare style, Ariel. Let's talk about this one. It's good. Interesting the way this proceeded and much is packed into those few words. Like a little dance. That room is filled with characters. Terrific branching out. Good for you! hugs, Lindorien

Author Reply:
*Preens*

Look ma! I can do it with just a few words! Ain't you proud of me?


DuchessReviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/1/2004
Oh well done! Very moving, gave me chills and made me sniffle. Great job!

Author Reply:

As was intended. :) Thanks for letting me know you liked it.

CitrineReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/31/2004
I had some fun guessing who the narrator was here through the first four lines (my first guess was Gimli, speaking about Legolas,) but ow ow ow, I quickly saw I was mistaken.
"I hear him sit by my bedside. He is tired and heart sore and I know he has been weeping. He begins to tell me a story, a children’s tale I heard once in my dimly remembered youth, and I am eased by the slow and loving sound of his voice. Did I ever tell him how much comfort his words have given me? It is too late to now, but I hope that he knew, somehow.

He falters in the telling and I hear his surprised murmur. ‘Oh, dear,’ he says and the words are followed by a sigh. I can see him smiling in my mind’s eye and can hear him settle back in the old chair. His breathing deepens and slows with sleep, but as I listen, the sound continues to recede till it is but a whisper and then silence..."
Ow ow ow again. Oh my cracked and bleeding heart:(

Author Reply:

Ah ha! That was my intention. I figured even folks who knew my writing would think 'Rosie'. Muhahahahha... Thanks for reviewing.

NilmandraReviewed Chapter: 1 on 5/31/2004
I have read stories where Frodo passed on first, followed by Sam...and I really like this take instead. That he should be the one to lead the way and not have to grieve another passing. I have wondered how the elves of the undying lands saw the passing of the mortals who lived upon her shores - for those from Middle-earth, well, they had seen it before. But elves who had never left Aman, for them to witness aging and death must have been a surprise.

Author Reply:


I did have an impression of what it might be like for Gandalf or one of the elves to come upon this tableau - either at that moment or after it - but the tale seemed complete just as it was. Stories that are spare leave more room for people to see the tale as they did in their own mind's eye.

Maybe I can leave that plot bunny in your very capable hands? ;) (and yes, though the one you left me with has mutated a bit, I still plan on writing it. I may be slow but I eventually get there.)

Ariel

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