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The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner	14 Review(s)
PIppinfan1988	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 6/17/2006
Another wonderful chapter--the exchange between Faramir and Aragorn was delightful. After reading about the White Tree, now I have a thing or two to ponder... PF Author Reply: Again, thanks so much, Pippinfan. Aragorn would find Faramir one friend whose respect is well worth the cultivating, I think; and that the two of them would in time come to be very close as friends as well as King and Steward. And I love it when people indicate something I've written has set their own minds and imaginations working. Thanks again.

Inkling	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 1/2/2006
A nice continuation of the previous chapter, as the procession moves through the city. The soldier’s family giving flowers to Frodo was a nice moment. And what happier sign that the war is truly over than the various discussions of romantic liaisons in the making? Author Reply: So glad you approve. Yes, Frodo's contribution is appreciated by many, and it's now the time to begin considering that life will continue after all, and that there are loves for several waiting. Glad you still had time to read.

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/19/2005
I loved how Frodo was very nearly insulted by the notion that he might not be able to ride. It was a bit of the fire that the old Frodo had coming through and I do think that both he and Sam enjoyed riding. Looks like Gandalf is realizing what is in store for Frodo if he didn't already know. Author Reply: Yes, Frodo is indicating he was not but a lettered rustic before he left the Shire, and that he's competent on several levels. And this is one of the days he can display his natural annoyance about the assumptions others tend to make of him. As for Gandalf, how much he was allowed to consciously know Frodo's fate is uncertain, either here or in Tolkien's original. But I think the suspicions ought to have been making themselves known about now.

Raksha The Demon	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/11/2005
What a lovely chapter! I particularly enjoyed the Faramir/Aragorn interaction; especially that Faramir is quick enough to realize that Aragorn is the famous Thorongil, and the bit where a friendly gesture becomes a brotherly clasp was beautiful. And the image of the lords and the hobbits walking up the circles of the city, rained on by thrown flowers and petals was also marvelous. Being a Faramir-fan, I was pleased that the people of the White City didn't forget their love for him, in the excitement of the King's Return. A great day for Gondor! And I liked seeing Frodo's impressions of Minas Tirith. Author Reply: As one who also loves Faramir, I felt that here would begin the true relationship between the two of them, the King and the Steward, and that Faramir would begin to find in Aragorn the best of his father and brother. And I truly believe recognition of the fact the new King held respect and even beginning affection for Faramir would help add to Aragorn's acceptance. So glad you love the mixture of images here, the gladness the King has come again, the gladness the beloved Lord Faramir is accepted and confirmed in his place and will be a part of the new order. And glad also you liked Frodo's impressions. I think they'd be pretty strong.

Radbooks	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 11/1/2005
I am enjoying seeing how the relationship began with Aragorn and Faramir (his with Eomer and Imrahil is fairly new as well, but tested by fire already, but is still wonderful to see at this stage). Faramir could very easily have been offended by Aragorn and his comments - embarrassed enough to become so anyway since he didn't know him, but instead it became a moment of acceptance and trust between them. It was also interesting to note that as well as Aragorn knew the hobbits, he still didn't know everything about them. Like riding the ponies - I loved how that made both Frodo and Sam upset! :) He also didn't know anything about Rosie. You know they didn't have time to discover everything about one another on their trip! :) The part with Frodo and the White Tree was moving and to see the part where he saw Arwen's face that he drew in The King's Commission. As I read that, it made me wonder why none of the others realized that he would be marrying Arwen. Everyone had seen them together in Rivendell and they must have seen something between them. Though perhaps they had never known they were betrothed, they probably couldn't imagine him marrying an elf... or a half-elf, or his Adar's daughter. Nicely done. Author Reply: The relationship was begun there in the Houses of Healing, and I think Aragorn was banking most on that recognition of the King returned to keep Faramir from being offended, which proved to be true, thank heavens. And there's a good deal different folks didn't mention during the journey--whether there were loves which might not be come to I think would be one thing that several of them might be unwilling to mention. Yes, it's time for Aragorn to begin becoming more aware of the real lives these four gave up to come out of the Shire to the service of all of Middle Earth. As for Aragorn and Arwen--the little Tolkien put into the back story once he decided that Aragorn would marry Arwen and not Eowyn after all was so carefully and glancingly mentioned that how many of us had no idea what they meant at the end? I certainly was surprised when she rode into Minas Tirith and married MY Aragorn! (Ah, yes, little thirteen-year-old Bonnie already thought of Aragorn as her own!) But what the Hobbits might have thought of the few times they saw Aragorn beside Elrond's daughter we have no idea of knowing. But I did want to figure out why Frodo did that drawing, and I learned!

TithenFeredir	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 10/31/2005
Oh, I think I know the sacrifice you are foreshadowing. Ow. Will wait for the next chapter to see. ~TF Author Reply: And in that sacrifice the question is who is it who offers the most? The peoples of Middle Earth? Aragorn? Samwise? Meriadoc or Peregrin? Or Frodo himself? That a difficulty with living sacrifices--all too often they draw from so many.

grumpy	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 10/31/2005
So this is when Frodo got his vision of the white tree and Arwin. And Sam means to get Bag End back for Frodo. I am glad that Aragorn and Faramir are getting along so well. Poor Eomer does not have a clue about Faramir and Eowyn, well there is the mantle. Author Reply: I think Eomer is beginning to understand, and that there was more reason for Eowyn to refuse to cross the River than just disappointment that Aragorn himself did not call for her. However, I think he will accept it in good grace once he thinks of it. Yes, this is the source of the drawing Frodo did for Master Iorhael of the shop for artists' supplies. I thought that question could be well answered now. And now that it appears the Hobbit will be able to return home, Sam, Merry and Pippin will be starting their new conspiracy, hoping to help add to Frodo's healing.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 10/31/2005
It’s so thoughtful of Aragorn to ask for the ponies! He certainly thinks a lot about necessities and does what he can to aid others. It’s truly sweet of Sam to want to buy Bag End back for Frodo! Luckily he didn’t need to spend any coin for this. Ah, so Sam and the others were aware of Lotho’s cheating with the contracts even before they left the Shire? It could’ve been interesting to know how the Thain and Master and Mayor would’ve had acted about this as soon as the Travellers came back and the ruffians were thrown out and not longer able to back up Lotho. I wonder if it would’ve been made any difference if Lotho was still alive, and I have to admit I would’ve enjoyed to see them deal with Lotho under these circumstances eg I loved the conversation between Aragorn and Faramir. They’re both quite skilled in changing the topic, aren’t they? grins No wonder they are later able to manipulate their Council so well! And the little gesture at the end of their conversation was touching. I am glad they get along so well with each other. And now we know why Frodo was able to draw the picture with Arwen’s face in the White Tree even before he knew about the wedding officially. Quite useful vision ;-) Wonderful chapter, as always! Author Reply: Knowing that Frodo's recovery is taking longer than their own, I suspect that Sam, Merry, and Pippin wish to do anything to help him feel more comfortable and happier, although whether anyone more than the Master and Merry were aware of the questionable contracts being put forth by Lotho is yet questionable. However, he's probably already told the other two this might be the type of leverage they'll need to use to get Lotho out of Bag End. It would be interesting indeed to have seen what kind of justice the Shire would have wrung from Lotho Sackville-Baggins. And foresight is indeed a wonderful gift at times, particularly when it brings such images as this.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 10/31/2005
That ride up through the city must have been hard - so much attention. But they dealt with it well. Nice tie-in with Lotho's debatable legal dealings - and more background on the hobbits. And good to see the bond between Faramir and Aragorn beginning to develop. And the symbolism with the tree, too. Author Reply: Yes, we are already building a good working relationship and budding friendship between Aragorn and Faramir. It must be odd for Aragorn, as long-lived as he proved, to go through so many friendships over the years, and to now have so many close ones building with so many diverse individuals. But the one with Faramir must have been particularly satisfying for him, to see the promise he'd seen in Faramir's father, but untouched by envy, doubt, and hubris. And it's time Aragorn begins to see the Hobbits in terms of their roles among their own folk, and the relationships there. So glad you like it, Bodkin.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 14 on 10/31/2005
Another perfect chapter Larner! But then you are dealing with a part of the tale that I really enjoyed. The meeting between Faramir and Frodo and Sam was lovely. Can we look forward to a longer conversation? And I am dying to hear Eomer's opinion of Faramir's wedding plans! Every time you mention foresight and fore-shadow things like the picture with the face of Arwen in it's branches I get a shiver of delight down my spine. I don't know how you keep track of all these plot-threads and weave them so skillfully but the patterns they make are truly beautiful. Now, just who is it that initiates the plea to the Valar to let Frodo go to the undying lands for healing? Gandalf perhaps? Author Reply: Sometimes it's difficult to remember everyone who ought to be involved in a particular scene, but I do try to keep it all straight. Now and then I do find myself having to go back and edit some, though, which can be embarrassing. I wanted to explore how Frodo got the idea for the picture that he gave to Master Iorhael and that that worthy left to Ruvemir. I would think this would be a lovely reason for its images to be in Frodo's mind. As for who initiates the plea to the Valar, I think tradition has set that in the lap of the Lady Arwen, although I am certain that Elrond, Galadriel, Glorfindel, Elrohir and Elladan, and Legolas were there backing it up from the beginning, with the agreement of a particular Maia, and probably the prayerful desires of a King as well.

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