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Twice Blessed  by MJ 2 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/22/2010
I'm glad he teaches them that song. And Aranayel doesn't appear to have earned much respect in Nienna's house from her peers, does she?

FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 7 on 12/20/2010
"I cannot imagine there is anything Aránayel could do during a seven day journey that would seem even mildly intolerable."

In other words, "What could possibly go wrong?" Made me laugh, for I also could envision many things that could happen. I'll be looking forward to the ones that you come up with.

Although the children may be off track about the exact depth of the relationship between Olorin and Nienna, they have recognized that there is a special regard. In this, they see truly, and it is only the more obvious when contrasted with that between Nienna and her more recent pupil. A loveable person is loved, and an unloveable person is not, unless there is someone ready to make an exceptional effort. Aránayel’s habit of bundling herself against a coldness she does not need to feel is an apt metaphor for her emotionally guarding behaviour against slights she also does not need to feel. It will be hard for anyone to get past those defences, yet for her sake I hope she will someday be able to drop them, at least a little.

Finally, it is lovely to see Bilbo's walking song. May it be sung forever.

Author Reply: It's nice to hear that you noticed the metaphors (sometimes, I wonder if I'm being too obvious or too obscure ). How much it will take for Aránayel to finally see the true error of her ways... that remains to be seen. But at least they're on the road with an appropriate song!

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