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The Ties of Family  by Larner 8 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/14/2005
Again, I have a lot more chapters to read, but I can't leave this without a review!
What a wonderful idea to create a communication link between Frodo and those left on Middle Earth through the White Tree!
It was good for all of the Hobbits to come to the unveiling of the monument and last but not least to experience this particular moment at the White Tree.
Frodo is happy now, everyone feels it, and I'm glad, that Narcissa has found joy in life again, too :)

Author Reply: "All things work to the Good for those who love the Lord" goes one of my favorite quotes from the Bible, and I see that working in the world of Arda for those who have grieved for Frodo Baggins. The need to love is ever there, even when we believe we've left the griefs behind us at the last.

Thanks for the feedback!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/13/2005
It can't have been an easy life for Aragorn, to grow up among Elves as a man, although Elrond and his family loved him dearly. And then to come to the rangers and discover they are so different from him as he was from the Elves ... poor fellow.
You've done a great work with this. I think this is the reason I love fanfiction so much: Tolkien left so many details unsaid or at least uncertain and the fanficauthors are picking up these details and turning them in wonderful stories. This world has so many gaps to fill out.

Author Reply: Oh, I agree, and love to see what others have done with the same questions I've played with.

It must have been a mixed bag for Aragorn, going from being Elrond's son to Arathorn's, and finally taking Arathorn's place among the Dunedain.

Glad you like my take on it all.

NiennaTruReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/12/2005
Oh, I liked that so well, the honoring of the Tree, and the communication with Frodo. Once again, it painted such a vivid picture for me--especially when Narcissa stepped forward. Lovely chapter.

Author Reply: I'm trying to look mostly from her point of view, so it made sense to realize what others might be experiencing by describing Narcissa's own encounter. That the Tree itself might feel enjoyment in being the middleman I thought would be wonderful. Am so glad the images are so welcome.

radbooksReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/12/2005
More wonderful chapters, Larner! I have really enjoyed Aragorn's interactions with Narcissa and I liked the story he told in this chapter about what it was like being a new ranger - how strange it was for him. How set apart he was from the others even before they knew who he was. You write Aragorn so well, that I would love to read a story set in his growing up years or around his young ranger years. *hint* *hint* :)

I think it was an earlier chapter, but I loved when Ferdi had Arwen describe what she saw and how she went on and on because of course she could see so far. But it wasn't just things in the distance, she just saw things that non-elves wouldn't have noticed. And Ferdi's comments about how we all see things so differently is so true. Everyone is so unique. Very well done!

Radbooks

Author Reply: Have found a nuzgul about Aragorn as a younger man hiding out in the catbox--seems to have a passion for sand, it seems. Will see how it grows up, I guess.

Yes, each person who looked out from there would see different things, or see the same things differently. And it must have felt odd to grow up among Elves and then switch to living among Men. Elrond and the twins and Lord Glorfindel must have worked hard at teaching him the skills he would need, if he were to lead the Dunedain effectively and perhaps face becoming King again.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/12/2005
I love this: what an interesting take on Aragorn's early days as a Ranger!

And the idea that there could be some communication between Frodo and those left behind through the Trees was just lovely!

I often think that one of the most amazing things of our time is communication. We are enabled to almost instantly communicate with anyone, anywhere, and to become friends with those whom we shall never meet face-to-face. More importantly, we can keep in touch with our loved ones far away.

But it has not been much more than a hundred years that any journey of more than a few days distance carried with it the frightening possiblity that you would never see or hear from that loved one again. Even for those who could read and for whom letters were a possiblity, there was no counting on them, for letters could so easily go astray. We take so much for granted.

The hobbits of Frodo's family would never have expected to be able to communicate with him, ever again in this life. To have been able to do so must have been an incredible and overwhelming experience.

Author Reply: I have always thought of Frodo and Bilbo spending some time beneath the White Tree, wanting to feel in some way closer to those they left behind, at least from time to time, which is why, I suppose, I've had so many encounters take place there in my stories. There is a special life in these trees in particular, and they help tie the descendants of Elros to the Undying Lands and the Valar; that they might, from time to time, give comfort in a psychic manner, would seem to flow logically.

Yes, we today have little idea how much moving forty miles away at one time cut the ties between families. Now we can travel over twice that far in an hour and a half, and complain when traffic makes it take longer. We forget just how lucky we are.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/11/2005
Oh my. What a marvelous insight into the path Aragorn followed to become Chieftain of the Rangers... indeed, to feel out his place among mortalkind.

Everyone giving reverence to the Tree (and its connection to the West) was so very lovely. Light just shines through that whole scene.

Author Reply: I rejoice you love it, Shirebound. Thanks for the compliments!

Amy EarlsReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/11/2005
Outstanding chapter!

Loved the Aragorn joins the Dunedain section, and the Trees!

Author Reply: I'm so very glad you love that, Amy. I always wondered what it would be like once he joined the Rangers, and have read a few stories I myself loved, so decided to play with it a bit myself.

As for the Trees, I always felt there would be a spiritual connection between the two of them!

Breon BriarwoodReviewed Chapter: 23 on 6/11/2005
*grabs the tissues*

That was beautiful! *sniffle* Being able to commune with Frodo and send their thoughts through the tree. Just beautiful! *dabs at eyes*

Author Reply: I ought to buy stock in Scott Paper and Kleenex, I suppose! ;-) I am so glad it moves you.

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