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The Ties of Family by Larner	7 Review(s)
Soledad	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 1/18/2008
Oh, you've brought back Radagast! How delightful! He's such a misunderstood and unused character. I always thought he'd get along with Hobbits beautifully. Author Reply: I agree--somehow Radagast and Hobbits seem to go together; and they would indeed get along famously. First the brief meeting in the Shire between him and Frodo, and now with the rest on the edges of Fangorn. Now that the Enemy's gone, he'd be active I'm certain in helping heal the lands.

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/8/2005
I wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying this story. The characters are so fully realised and rounded and the twins have such definite personalities. I also love the way all your stories are inter-connected, and was delighted to read of some of the events in 'The King's Commissions' in this one. Loved meeting the Ents again and how nice to see Radagast. I had the feeling he would stay around a bit longer. Oooh, do I detect a hint of feeling creeping into the relationship between Brendilac and Narcissa? That would be lovely. Author Reply: Yes, I try to intertwine my own stories--Lindelea has been instrumental in teaching me how this is done, I've found. And that others see my characters as well rounded is wonderful. And as with Jodancingtree, I always felt that a good part of Radagast's role in the affair would be in the reconstruction after Sauron was finally dealt with. And, yes, I think something is beginning to spark between Brendi and Narcissa.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/8/2005
I am so glad that Radagast came back into the story. Putting him with the Ents is so appropriate. His injunction to Sam was great. I love the way that Marry and Pippin automatically resume their share of 'duty' when travelling. Once seasoned I would imagine that they could never go back to being typical hobbits. And I am pleased that the other races recognise it. Honour is earned and a sense of duty is seldom lost. I can imagine Pippin paying special regard to the Lord Haladan as the King's representitive. Sam's recognition of the Ring's temptations is wonderful proof of his inate common sense. Author Reply: Yes, Sam would recognize the Ring's lure, I am certain. And glad you like seeing Merry and Pippin automatically taking their turns at guard and being accepted by Lord Halladan's own folk as peers. And Radagast needs to get some more recognition, I've always felt. Thanks for the feedback.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/8/2005
I do believe that there may yet be romance for Narcissa with a certain Brandybuck? Loved the visit with Treebeard! Author Reply: Yes, it does look as if Brendilac and Narcissa are becoming aware of one another, doesn't it? :-)

NiennaTru	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/7/2005
My goodness! Another two-chapter day!! I'm not sure what I've done to deserve such a treat. ;) Loved the appearance by Radagast. I don't come across him too often in the stories I read which I find a bit strange. It seems to me he should have more recognition somehow... Author Reply: Twice he's appeared in one story, Radagast has. Glad you appreciate his presence. So, you are seeing both chapters in one day? Interesting!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/7/2005
Another POV of the visit to Gondor--I love all the little details. Brendilac seems to be showing a very pointed interest in Narcissa's well-being. I wonder if it's all out of duty? And he suspects Emro is up to something? What could he do that would be harmful to the twins' interests? I was fascinated by the gathering in the Pony, and loved Butterburr's observations. The bit about the Underhill hobbit was sweet and a little sad. I see they came across that Bracegirdle doing his time. I wouldn't mind a bit from his POV--from being a respectable lawyer in the Shire to having to do hard labor among a lot of Men who were criminals of a rougher sort--it must have been a real jolt to his system. And I also liked the way Narcissa and the others were able to see Merry and Pippin treated as equals among the soldiers of their escort. This story just continues to delight me, as do all of yours. Author Reply: I am so glad the details are so pleasing. I thought the Bree Hobbits deserved some recognition in their own light, particularly as Sam had spoken of their interest in Frodo's alleged book. And that they'd feel a family feeling for an alleged Underhill over there in the Shire seemed logical. I find I rather like Ned, myself. Those who attend this journey will be among the first to see Merry and Pippin as they are seen by the outer world, as menfolk among menfolk, taking their rightful turn at watching for difficulties along the way. And, yes, there does appear to be a growing interest in one another going on between Brendi and Narcissa, doesn't there? So glad you like this chapter.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 18 on 6/7/2005
Uh ... I wonder to what Emro is up to? Probably it is good Brendilac is going to have an eye on him. It sounds a bit suspicious. And am I mistaken if I suppose there is something blooming between Brendilac and Narcissa? It was funny how he examined her about what to take with her! I always thought it would be the female examining the male about this, not the other way around! It is certainly more than his duty asks of him grins Somehot I wouldn't be much surprised if they end up being married and fostering Fosco and Forsythia ... I am glad Narcissa decided to go to Gondor and to take care of Cyclamen on the way so Cyclamen could go, too. They will both benefit from this journey. And then in this chapter I loved the bits about Bree, Eregiel and his dogs, and the Ents and Radagast. It is so nice to see all of them again! I second what others said before - I love it how your stories are connected together. It becomes a universe of his own over the time which is familiar to me and in which I am very comfortable. I look forward to more! Author Reply: Yes, I, too, find myself seeing something beginning to grow between the one who thinks of himself as a widower and the one who has been a spinster for so long. Interesting to see them beginning to appreciate one another, I think. Glad my world of Middle Earth is welcoming to you. As for Emro, something will come there, too--but after the journey.

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