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The Ties of Family  by Larner 6 Review(s)
EndaewenReviewed Chapter: 21 on 2/18/2006
That was beautiful, the leaving of the gifts of remembrance.

Author Reply: There's always the desire to bridge the gap somehow--through flowers, stones, teddy bears, flickering candles, and in this case with birds for the one who flew away.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 21 on 6/11/2005
The idea with the birds as gifts is touching. It is a nice little piece of the story.
The Memorial Hall is another part I am fond of. I had wondered how the clothes would be preserved and where - now I know! It is good the mementos from the War of the Ring aren't the only ones there but a part of the long history of Gondor together with all the other.
Oh, and I love Elanor playing with Angara regardless of her short arms. Another nice detail.

Author Reply: Yes, the War of the Ring has indeed gone on for a very long time, and the final battles were only part of the defense of the realm. I'd wondered myself what had become of the clothing, and this is what I found as I began rummaging about the Citadel. Am so glad you found it appropriate, and that you love Angara and Elanor playing together. It only felt right to me.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 21 on 6/10/2005
Wow! I'm speechless. That was just wonderful!
There are so much thoughts and emotions in this chapter, that are not directly said, but are noticed while reading.

And I loved the birds. Frodo will never be forgotten!

Author Reply: Thank you for appreciating it.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 21 on 6/10/2005
Oh my dear, dear Larner - just beautiful. You have woven (excuse the pun) the story of the clothes into the tale so wonderfully, especially how Ruvemir knew how to dress Sam and Frodo. I like the idea that Sam and Frodo's attire found a place in a room of memorials already honoured. A fitting addition to a room that commemorates the long history of Middle Earth.
And the part with the tribute of birds, well just *aw*! (Spot Elizabeth just melting into a pool under her desk)

Author Reply: We do so wish to bridge the gap between those here and there, and it seemed the right thing to do. And I'd always wished to explore how Gandalf's promise the clothing would be preserved might be accomplished. Once that was done, then those coming to the unveiling would have wished to see it, and this tangible sign would have brought out the desire to honor Frodo in some small, more permanent way.

NiennaTruReviewed Chapter: 21 on 6/10/2005
I was very touched by this chapter. Well done. ;)

Author Reply: I find I love writing pathos in a positive manner, and am glad this chapter has indeed moved you. Thank you.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 21 on 6/10/2005
*sniffle*blinks*sigh*
Beautiful.
Just. Beautiful.

Author Reply: The memorial itself would bring certain memories to the fore; but the clothing itself--these were items which were well known, well recognized. The memories stirred here would be more visceral, more personal, particularly as they showed the physical cost of the journey to Mordor more than did the statue. Every rip, missing button, lost shirt stud indicated Frodo had fallen, been disturbed while fastening his studs, had been grabbed at or had slipped. And the desire to bridge that gap would have been more visceral as well, I think.

And for the guards to see this desire to leave memorials and to bring it to the attention of the King himself just seemed in keeping with the nature of the place, and the additions he and the brothers left just flowed out of that.

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