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Go Out in Joy by Larner	11 Review(s)
Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 4/22/2007
“Please, Aragorn--please let Pippin and me do it. We’ll not be able to--to do anything for him again for so long.” Very nice - to think that they will still be taking care of him when they meet next. :) Love in the last chapter that they spent a night together, the three of them, how hard it was and how wonderful it was. Love the light from Frodo and Sam and Aragorn. He did go out in joy and we can all hope for such a peaceful, beautiful death, wrapped in love and sending our own love. Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane :) Author Reply: Oh, I do suspect strongly when they meet again that it will be Frodo, the oldest of the three cousins, who once again will be trying to offer them caring and concern, even as they seek to stand on guard for him. They've been so close, in spite of the gross differences in age, for so long; and now Merry and Pippin look at a potentially long remaining lifetime for them when they can't imagine Frodo on white shores beneath the stars and draw comfort from that, or from possible moments of mutual awareness as they pass the mallorn or the White Tree. There will be joy, though, when they meet again--of that I'm certain; and none will regret that Merry and Pippin spent that last night alongside with him, as much accepting his comfort as expressing theirs to him, I think. Thank you, Antane.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/17/2007
Frodo was very well organised. Author Reply: Frodo was Frodo, after all, which means whatever he set his hand to was done thoroughly if he could manage it at all. And he had promised Bartolo, after all....

Althea	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
Thanks for another wonderful chapter. Frodo's letter was like still having him in the Shire. His honor, humor, forgiveness, and love shone through. I do love how Sam and Aragorn are able to smile through their tears and how Bartolo has begun to find his own peace. This is beautifully written. Author Reply: Thank you so, Althea. Frodo indeed knew the folk with whom he dealt well. And so all could know some degree of joy in the midst of their grief, and Bartolo the loss of years of envy and resentment. Thank you so much for the final evaluation.

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
Oh, I so wish Bartolo had been able to resolve his issues (wgat were they again anyway?) with Frodo before Frodo left the world, but I'm glad he let them go in this way. But I must say I very much look forward to his learning a thing or two of Fosco! Really, now, he ought to at least give him a chance! sighs Sorry if I seem unforgiving of him; he really is good at heart, and if he allows himself to open up he could truly learn a lot. The discussion between Aragorn and the Hobbits was so beautifully written, and so "alive". Read your reply to Harrowcat's review and had to laugh. Yes, they would forbid me to read this if they knew that it was part of the reason I've been a bit absent-minded and a little more than usually on the emotionally capricious side lately--though certainly this isn't the only reason; there's tension buildup between myself and one of my teachers, my own worry over trying to get some kind of job this summer, and the fact I've had a whole lot of homework and several very important tests lately, which means I've been up till anywhere from 1-3 A.M. studying or working. In some ways this story has helped keep me sane by giving me something else to focus on and an "excuse" if you will, to release the tension. And as I've mentioned before, I've learned a lot. I certainly agree with what Dreamflower said in her review in regard to point of view. Masterful! God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: We'll fully understand Barti's issues only when I get further along in "The Tenant from Staddle." I hope they'll be well received, once they're revealed. Aha, tension with teachers, eh? And thinking about the future and how you'll begin to take part in the workforce. I warn you now, it's difficult for folk who are blind to find jobs commensurate with their skills, although dedication will bring you to it in the end. And if I can help you find a release for the tension, I am glad to do so. Thank you so for the evaluations given, and praying you'll find the strength you need for what needs to be accomplished as it comes to you.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
He looked into her eyes and noted she meant precisely what she’d said. Bagginses didn’t make such statements lightly, he knew. Well, how did Frodo call Bartolo in his letter? Markedly honest! And that honesty was it that brought him to Bag End at last. It was fascinating to see what happened through Bartolo's eyes. I liked the silver circlet and Persivo's observation that Frodo and Aragorn looked so very similar! Of course it would have been a great honor to be buried at the Barrow Downs, but the hobbits would not have understood and Frodo would not have wanted it. But where will his graveside be? He certainly put it in his will, didn't he? I would say he chose Buckland, right beside his parents. But on second thought, Bag End could also be possible. Suddenly Bartolo Bracegirdle felt it, the regard of the King, the honest respect offered him. And without realizing it he’d become the King’s man--or Hobbit, if you will. And the long-held anger he’d felt toward Frodo Baggins for over thirty-five years let go of him unnoticed. That last paragraph was simply perfect! I'm looking forward to reading more. Author Reply: Yes, honesty is Barti's strongest suit and his final salvation, I think. Am so glad all appreciate seeing this chapter through Barti's eyes, and that you felt that the recognition of the similarities between Aragorn and Frodo was best as perceived by Persivo. And to have been buried in the royal cemetery of Cardolan would have been the greatest of honor indeed, and I had the whole thing planned in my mind, even. But then I realized, no--not for Frodo. His gravesite was so very obvious, I further realized. So, now you know in today's chapter. And glad you, too, felt the final paragraph was just right. Thank you so!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
How typical of Frodo to write this letter to Bartolo! I only hope your long dislike of me is buried with everything else so that it does not continue to plague you for the rest of your life. Who else would say that after a decades-long antipathy? The whole matter was rather confusing for Bartolo, I suppose – the letters, Frodo’s death, all that. It was so unexpected for him, but I am glad he went to Hobbiton nonetheless. It seems half of the Shire has come, and somehow I am very pleased with it. After the ignorance surrounding Frodo in canon it is a relief to see how many came to pay their respects and probably learn a thing or two in the way. Couldn’t forget the last chapter and was thinking – if Aragorn hadn’t turned up and removed and destroyed Ungoliant, could she have left Frodo and turned to another victim or something like that? The Hobbits dealing with this monster doesn’t even bear thinking about, in this Merry is right. It seems a very real possibility to me, and so I think the Valar wanted Aragorn and the others there particularly for this purpose. The exchange about ‚Mister’ brightened the solemn mood a bit. Maybe Merry and Pippin should simply call Sam ‚Lord’ publicly until he remembers to leave the ‚Mister’ out. It was a great honour that Aragorn wanted to bury Frodo at the Barrow Downs as the last Prince of Eriador – it brought tears to my eyes again! – and shows the high esteem for his small brother. Though of course the Hobbits wouln’t understand it, and Frodo belongs to the Shire. And Aragorn's being there alone is certainly underlining that Frodo was so much more than only another 'Mad Baggins'. To know the King himself came all the way from Gondor only to see Frodo a last time will give the likes of Odo something to think about. The end was lovely. I’d not thought Barti would take to the King so fast and even be able to let go of his own resentment of Frodo, but I am very pleased with it. Oh, and of course you have to finish the other fics first, but if you'd truly consider to write a happy AU sometimes in the future, I'd be happy, no matter how long it takes! Author Reply: I do believe that had Ungoliant's growing form not been removed at that point, she would indeed have eventually managed to escape and begin preying on the neighborhood, and eventually the whole Shire. As she'd begun creating a form for herself, however, there was the chance now for Aragorn to remove her and for her form to be destroyed and her malevolence to follow that of Sauron and Saruman. It is indeed a good possibility that this was a secondary reason the Valar wanted Aragorn there, I think; with proper honor and relief for Frodo himself being the primary one. Here would come one of the first clashes about Sam's persistent formality, particularly here within the Shire; but I do suspect that Bodkin is right and now that he is Master Samwise of Bag End that will die naturally, and long before Goldilocks and young Faramir come of age. Although I do suspect he will always strike others as being unnecessarily formal much of the time as a hangover of his youthful training by the Gaffer. My other AU I started roughly a year ago, although I have only about five chapters done, and those in need of review and revision. But one day. And this was SUPPOSED to be the beginning of a collection of AU short stories, and see what it turned into! Serves me right for encouraging it, I suspect.

elanor winterflowers	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
More! I'm so glad! In addition to the lovely emotional insight of this story, what really knocks me out is the wonderfully detailed and beautifully rendered background of Shire-folk--friends and relatives and inquisitive neighbors, all of whom are, in their brief moments, wholly real. One gets the feeling that you have wallked many a Shire lane in your day and made a lot of friends. :) I cried along with Sam and Aragorn over Frodo's battered body. Author Reply: What a lyrical consideration, Elanor. I am most honored. I love trying to bring some of those only briefly mentioned in the original texts alive, and feel Frodo would have had real neighbors and relative and all, requiring them to be fleshed out a bit as well. Thank you so much! And I, too, cried as I wrote this.

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
In no other story of yours has your device of showing things through the untutored eyes of an OC been better used. In the last chapter, Frodo's final passing was made--just barely--less intense, by being seen through Barti's eyes. I think if you had, for example used Sam's or Merry's POV, for example, it would have been too much to take. Here, you use it slightly differently. We have come to know Bartolo a little bit from your other fics. We know he has more emotional investment in Frodo's passing than even he himself realizes. But even so, he's still an outsider of sorts among those who have known and loved Frodo for so long. This makes for a fascinating POV. His realization at the end was priceless. Other things I liked were the beautiful respect being shown to Frodo's shell, by his King and his dear ones. I am glad you allowed us to see that. And Aragorn's realization that the honor he would show Frodo in having him buried among the Princes of Eriador would not be what Frodo would want, and his respect for the wishes of those who care. I do find myself wondering if he will be interred at Bag End, or if Saradoc will take him back to Buckland to rest alongside his beloved parents. I suspect Frodo has covered that in his will. Are you going to continue through the funeral? Or even beyond? Author Reply: I am so glad you found the POV effective in the last two chapters. Thank you so very much. I think you're right about using Sam's POV here, but somehow I felt this use of Beligard's to be more appropriate; and the switching to Bartolo's just seemed right for the last two proper chapters. But where he couldn't quite accept respect from Frodo, he could from the King, which helped him open to Frodo's as well. I did feel that Barti and Persi would find the full realization of Frodo's sacrifice would be difficult, which is why I had them brought into the bathing room and allowed the glimpse of the scars, at which they recoiled, perhaps subconsciously allowing Barti to understand that Frodo felt much the same disgust toward them; but it was important they realize the love and honor the rest felt toward Frodo. Last evening and now is most likely the first time Esme and Lanti have seen them; and now they realize that they are part of why the King himself honors Frodo so. As for the questions about the internment--when you read today's postings you'll know, of course, and hope you find it most appropriate. As for beyond--this blasted nuzgul with ears on has kept gnawing at my leg until I agreed to do ONLY an epilogue, although he'd have me typing for months if I let him!

SurgicalSteel	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
These last two chapters have been heart-wrenching, but beautifully done. Author Reply: Thank you so much, SurgicalSteel. It's always flattering when someone admits they've been moved by what I've written. Thanks again.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 3/15/2007
I wonder if Frodo might even think that meeting his end in the Shire would have been worthwhile - if only because Bartolo abandoned his long-held resentment of Frodo and became a King's hobbit. Probably. I love it when Sam manages to overlook the habits of propriety and reveals that he is intelligent and widely-read - and that he knows a whole lot more than many would believe. I expect he gets over the Mr. business before his daughter marries Pippin's son. As he accustoms himself to being a land-owner and a gentlehobbit. The ceremonies will all take over now - for a while. Something Frodo will be glad to miss. Author Reply: I do suspect you're right about Frodo finding that worthwhile, Bodkin. When such great good comes out of it, and more of the Shire becomes openly both aware of and respectful toward the King and the outer realm, I think it's a good thing indeed. And of course you're perfectly right about Sam, all aspects of the dear Hobbit, in fact. As for Frodo being glad not to have to be aware of his own funeral--I truly believe you're right there, too. Heh! Thanks for the response.

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