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Go Out in Joy  by Larner 16 Review(s)
SoledadReviewed Chapter: 10 on 1/15/2017
I re-read your older stories from time to time and have to admit that this one still makes me cry every time. What a wonderful tale!

Here is to hope that one day you'll find the inspiration to continue "The Tenant from Staddle" as well. That was the first of your stories I've come across and is still my personal favourite. As one with several decades-old WIPs myself, I understand what it's like when one's muses abandon a particular plot and how hard it is to get back into the right mindset after all those years, but I'm still hoping... :))

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 10 on 4/27/2007
What a lovely surprise! I was wondering why Sam would have gone West - there in some way being no point without his treasure there waiting - and then all those reunions with beloveds and I ached some that he had to witness that and know there was no one there - not the one that should have there - for him to reunite with. Then there he was! Now, at his turn, Sam can go out in joy also - they can go together.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: He knew Frodo wished him to know that blessing, and hoped that the journey and time on Tol Eressea would help heal the last damage left by the Ring as well as the renewal needed to accept the death of Frodo.

And now, as you have noted--the two of them can go out in joy together as was intended all along.

ArmarielReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/24/2007
Very very very lovely tale.......and what a joyous surprise ending!!!! Totally unexpected!!!!!!!!!! *happy dance* Throughout I was like "Silly Frodo, why doesn't he go? Of course he would want to live and be healed and happy and Sam and the rest would want him to also, and so on and so forth" and at the death scene I was like, "What a thing for Sam to have to witness!" At the end of the funeral I was like ***sniff*** Then the ending was just like a fairy's touch of transformation ***POOF!*** there's your silver lining....Bravissima!!!

Yes, I like to play fairy too;);)

Thanks for a wonderful read!!!

~~~{~@



Author Reply: Yes, Frodo needed that healing in spite of himself; and to dwell on Tol Eressea without Frodo would be no reward in Sam's eyes, I fear.

And considering your sea fairy, I know how you love that form of play.

Thanks for a wonderful summation.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/22/2007
See, Frodo? You were supposed to stop off at Tol Eressea for healing - and your stubbornness isn't going to prevent it!

I'm sure Sam was ecstatic to be reunited with him so unexpectedly.

Author Reply: Yes, he was pretty foolish, wasn't he? So, he gets sent there anyway!

And I'm certain you're right about Sam and his joy.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
*Finally* a chapter I managed to read without crying! Oh Larner, after the sad story before this was the *perfect* happy-end! All these lovely reunions! I had already wondered if in this AU Sam would sail at all, as there is no Frodo waiting for him, or so he thinks. Don’t know why I had the idea at all, impossible as it seemed, but after Gandalf’s repeated mentioning of the ‚companion’ and the return of Beren and Luthien I had a vague suspicion who it could be. Gandalf was a bit too smug to not be suspicious, wasn’t he? *grin*

And you even managed to enclose Ruvemir and his mantle in this story :-)

Another wonderful story, Larner, and the unexpected reunion of Sam and Frodo left me beaming happily. Though I have to admit, now I'm starting to think how certain things would have been changed in this AU and how this or that would continue - so it's probably better that I shut up instead of demanding more of this ;-)

Author Reply: So glad this chapter brought you joy rather than grief, and the reunions are always to be delighted in, I think. And we had to have at least the hint of Ruvemir, don't you agree?

As for encouraging this most tenacious of nuzguls--don't you dare! He's not given me peace save when I've been working on this story for weeks!

SurgicalSteelReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
Well, this was just gorgeously done. Comforting to think that Frodo still was given the chance for healing despite his stubbornness.

Author Reply: Oh, thank you so very much, SurgicalSteel. And that Frodo might possibly hae been granted the same dispensation as Beren and Luthien just seemed so possible....

Queen Galadriel...againReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
P.S. After reading the other reviews, I just must say that I certainly did *not* see this coming! I thought Gandalf and some of the others were hinting at something nice, but when the mention of the companion came up, my mind flew back to a question Harrowcat asked about our favourite sculptor, and I thought "Ruvimir? Has he somehow found his way to Tol Eressea?" And now I laugh at myself, of course. When Sam saw the mantle, I knew my guess was wrong, and the mention of the right hand aroused a little spark of "almost-hope", but of course it was *impossible* that it be Frodo--or not! :)

One mark of a true writer is being able to draw the reader in as completely as possible without their actually being physically in the setting, and you have done that with me. Over the past weeks or so you've been posting this, I've found myself thinking about it at the oddest times; I'd be walking down the hall at school wondering if Aragorn would make it in time, or trying to concentrate on math while my mind was with the failing Frodo and his grieving loved ones. So maybe it's no wonder I felt somewhat drained by last night and now feel wildly relieved! :)

Okay, I'll shut up now. :) Apologies; I tend to chatter when excited. :)

Author Reply: Oh, what a wonderful thing to hear--that you've been so drawn into this story! Although I grieve it has disturbed you at school, even.

And the almost-hope you spoke of--how wonderful a compliment that is. But remember, all things are possible when one acts in love.

Thanks again, my Lady.

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/18/2007
OH!

Now I *am* crying, and how wonderful to cry happy tears after so many sad ones! :) I used to say I hated sad AU's, and honestly, I read this partly because, well, it's your work and I couldn't help myself, and largely because I trusted you to end it beautifully, even if the ending was bittersweet. But of all things I never expected such a wonderful surprise! Oh, thank you, thank you for such a beautifully happy ending! :) "Joy" indeed!

“Oh, my Sam!”
*more happy tears* That is just the perfect last line, Larner! I'm so glad to be left with a smile, the best I've had reason for in a while.
God bless,
(most satisfied) Galadriel

Author Reply: Yes, Joy indeed, for now Sam and Frodo might know the proper finishing and preparation right for both of them. And so glad that this one brought tears of joy instead of grief.

And what better line to finish it on, after all? (Smiling hugely.)

AltheaReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/17/2007
This was a most satisfying ending. Gandalf was so wonderful in this chapter. I love both solemnity and his mirth as he greets and guides Sam. I am so glad that Frodo and Sam are together again. I have enjoyed this story so much. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Author Reply: Oh, I'm so glad you liked the ending, for that blasted little nuzgul masquerading as a plot bunny wouldn't leave me alone till I'd written it! Heh!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 10 on 3/17/2007
Just a briliant and perfect ending Larner!

Especially loved the moment of recognition. Reminded me of meeting Bilbo in the hall of fire. And I am so glad that the mantle got in.

Author Reply: I must say the nuzgul fastened on some of your previous remarks, giving him still another tooth with which to gnaw at my leg until I went back and wrote this epilogue. He is most gratified, and sits by my bed with a most satisfied grin on his face. Yogi and Kerry are sniffing at him suspiciously.

And so very glad you were glad Ruvemir's mantle was included.

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