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The Ties of Family  by Larner 5 Review(s)
AntaneReviewed Chapter: 12 on 2/24/2006
I find that--that being in the physical process of dying is rather distracting.

Oh, darling...

Author Reply: Certainly my husband expressed similar sentiments. At least we know Frodo was--somewhat premature?

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/5/2005
I guess that Narcissa was as close to a bride as anyone Frodo ever knew save for Pearl who broke his heart. It seems that he managed to provide for everyone. I love the fact that the elves and Bilbo signed his last documents. It seems fitting that folks in the Shire would know of Bilbo's signature and know that he had survived all those years that most had thought him dead.

Author Reply: Yes, in his way Frodo managed to see to it Narcissa realized she might indeed have been his wife. And it was only fitting Bilbo's presence should have sealed the end of Frodo's time as family head as it sealed the beginning.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/1/2005
So sad, but also beautiful!
I think, without the aid of the Elves, Frodo would not have made it to the ship in time! I liked the idea of Galdriel bringing the "proper" ink and the way, Frodo could communicate with them mentally!

Poor Narcissa, she has spent her whole life so far, waiting for Frodo! I'm curious what his last letter to her will reveal. I think, it has something to do with Fosco and Forsythia. Well, we'll see :)

Author Reply: Galadriel probably consulted the Mirror before she left Lothlorien; also, she was undoubtedly foresighted in her own right. That Frodo might have last minute additions to his preparations for leaving Middle Earth was always a possibility, and she would have tried, I think, to cover all bases in any case.

That the interaction within Lorien and later reminder from afar to use the Phial in Shelob's Lair would help awaken Frodo's ability to communicate mentally with the Elves as they could do was one of the concepts from movie-verse that rang true with me; and as his body deteriorated but his spirit strengthened it made sense that he would find himself dispensing with open speech when it required too much energy and he was with those able to touch his thoughts anyway.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/1/2005
*sigh* so sad.

Elrond's and the Elves' care for Frodo was so touching, I found myself tearing up...

I look forward to finding out Frodo's last instructions...

Author Reply: Yes, they delighted to honor them, and, I think, to aid them as was needed along the way. Certainly Frodo would need that support.

Thanks so much for the faithful feedback.

NiennaTruReviewed Chapter: 12 on 6/1/2005
I woke up this morning with one of the worst headaches I've had in quite some time. Three Excedrin, two Sudafed, two pieces of toast and a large cup of coffee later, I plopped down in front of my computer, and found your story had been updated! I was so happy. Few things are as miserable as starting one's day in pain. I'm feeling a bit better now, and I believe it was the story, and not the medicine, food, and caffeine that helped me. =) Another lovely chapter, btw. I'm very curious to learn what Frodo's request could be, and whether or not Narcissa will agree... The thought of Forsythia and Aragorn singing together painted a charming picture for me. I liked that thought a lot.

Author Reply: It will be a while before the two of them sing together, but I am certain it will happen.

That pleasure helps us deal with pain has been documented, so am glad this story ranked up there before Excedrin and caffiene. Thanks for the feedback.

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