News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 16 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/13/2005 |
| This was such a sad and moving chapter.I was near tears.I never gave much thought to Denethor's servants and guards before and will look at them in a new light now.I'm glad Aragorn didn't force his treatments on the man but instead let him make his peace with those he needed to,that is the mark of a great and compassionate healer. Many thanks for your much appreciated review,you were my first reviewer of this chapter. Author Reply: I'd often wondered what had become of the men who came with the torches once they realized Denethor was bent on self-destruction as well as the murder of his son. I wondered what they'd feel after it was all over, the spell of Sauron's despair was dispelled by a south wind and the arrival of one wearing the Elessar stone, carrying the Sword Reforged, and displaying the tokens of Elendil. And this is what came out. And I, too, am glad Aragorn let this one go with dignity and awareness of forgiveness and the love and respect of those who were with him. So, I was the first this time, eh? As soon as PMMail downloaded the alert I was on it. | |
| grumpy | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/13/2005 |
| Ok I was crying by the end, and I don't even know Halargil. Very well written. Somebody pass me some klennexs. Good way of showing the healers, not only heal, with life but with death too. Glad that Faramir was sent for, to show that he was alive and well, and that it was dispair that took Denathor. Great chapter, now off to bed I go, back to work tommorrow. Author Reply: Thank you, Grumpy. Death is a part of life, and a necessary part at that. For Halargil to be fully ready to embrace what comes next, he needed to be at peace with what he is leaving, which means also realizing that he is no more to blame for what happened than Denethor himself, and that the influence of Sauron was breeding despair all too efficiently under the gloom of Mordor. When something I've written evokes such a definite emotional response, I know I must have done something right. Thanks! | |
| Armariel | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/13/2005 |
| Love it that Faramir came in time to help the old guard resolve his guilt. A beautifully written chapter. Author Reply: Yes, sent for by the King to aid Halargil to make the decision not out of guilt, but out of recognition that it was now simply his time. So glad you appreciated it, Armariel. Thanks so for the response. | |
| French Pony | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/13/2005 |
| I liked seeing how Pippin has matured and carries himself like a true guardsman. That's a lovely little moment. And what a death for the old soldier. To be eased by the hand of the King returned, and to have the opportunity to bid his family farewell and come to terms with the guilt in his heart -- that is truly a Kingly gift. It says a lot about Aragorn that he is ready, willing, and able to take care of his people so kindly like that. He'll be a good King. And it was probably good for Frodo to see it, as well, to see the effects of his deed on the people of Middle Earth. Author Reply: Yes, Frodo needed to see this, and to realize how much good his deeds have brought to all. And Aragorn is indeed the Elessar, the one who brings new growth and renewal to the world, whose healing hands not only can aid folk to renewed life, but to an easier passage to the new life as well. Yes, a good king indeed, restoring the spiritual soundness of the realm. Thank you so much for your comments, French Pony. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/13/2005 |
| Oh, what a sweet sad chapter. I think this was something Frodo needed to see, not only the guilt, but the absolving of it, and the peace the man had afterwards. You do so well in describing these events, so clearly that I see them, Pippin on guard outside the house, Frodo at the bedside, the startled maidservant, the grieving wife--all so beautifully and lovingly fleshed out. Author Reply: Yes, Frodo needed to see this, and in time will accept it holds true for himself. And I am so glad that you feel this was well fleshed out--it's easy, I found in the rewrites of this chapter, either to give too much detail or to skim through it too much. Thanks so very much for the lovely feedback. | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 11/13/2005 |
| What a tender, intimate scene. May we all pass on with such peace, and surrounded by such love. Author Reply: I wanted to examine how the return of the King would effect the folk of Gondor as they looked at receiving death, the Gift of Iluvatar to mortals, and how it would again become a blessed event and no longer a reason to know fear, terror, and alienation. And here also we see that the reassurance that the living will be cared for aids the one dying to do so with grace. So glad you appreciated this. | |