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Grace and Memory  by Larner 4 Review(s)
Kaylee ArafinwielReviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/5/2010
Larner,

I can probably sympathize with Elendil's saying it more than anyone else. (probably because he's an established good guy who almost lost his son over this) Still, I'm glad Isildur's all right of course! Where would the story be if it weren't so? This was very brave and daring of Isildur, and as other reviewers have noted, all many of us seem to recall of Isildur is his mistake with the Ring! But if it weren't for him, there would be no Tree for the Faithful to look on to remember their fallen home...indeed if not for him, the Faithful probably wouldn't have escaped.

Kaylee

Author Reply: I find myself agreeing about empathizing most strongly with Elendil when hearing this said. And even the "mistake" with the Ring in the end comes down to the influence of Sauron as the portion of his will within the Ring exerts itself to make certain that both Its creator and the artifact are preserved--self-preservation is, after all, one of the strongest instincts hardwired into almost all creatures.

And the White Tree is, in the end, the sign of the Covenant between Elros's people and the Valar and Eldar--a covenant of faithfulness and alliance against the forces of darkness. If ever there is a need for such signs, it is when Sauron rises anew to assault not just Gondor but all of the Free Peoples of the West!

EllynnReviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/28/2010
I suppose that the only ocasion in which a faithful Numenorean would call Nimloth "only a tree" is when his/her child's life is in danger. Therefore, I guess that we can understand Elendil's reaction, which is different than Isildur's words. Well done. :)

Author Reply: The thought of how close they came to losing Isildur must have been very painful for Elendil and his father; I do suspect ONLY that could cause him to speak as he did. But to have lost the chance to see a new White Tree take the place of the old one must have been terrible to all of the Faithful.

Thank you so, Ellynn.

EdlynReviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/28/2010
Thre words: Gorgeous, powerful, heartrending.

Author Reply: Thank you so very much. I am honored.

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 6/28/2010
Ah, brave Isildur! His passion for the Tree comes through perfectly, dimmed not a bit by his wounds. I found myself wishing this were a much longer story!

Author Reply: There are two more vignettes, so it's not over yet. But I love the thought that both brothers helped to see the fruit rescued and then prepared to take with them when the Faithful fled the island. Thanks so, Cairistiona.

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