News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Acceptable Sacrifice by Larner | 14 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/8/2006 |
| Oh, poor Frodo! All these farewells he was hoping to avoid. *sigh* On the one hand, it's unfair of him not to give others the chance to say good-bye, and he knows, yet on the other hand, it is so very difficult for him to have to do so,and is a drain on his reamaining strength. He can't win for losing, at this point. I loved the part at the beginning, Cyclamen's encounter overhearing Sam and Erestor, and her conversation with the Elf. I am sure that it will live in her memory as something very wonderful and special. Author Reply: I agree about the Catch-22 situation Frodo finds himself in. It's a drain on him, but needed by both sides in many cases. And am so glad you liked Cyclamen's inclusion in the story. It will be a wonderful encounter, particularly as she's the last mortal in Middle Earth other than Sam most likely to have seen Lord Erestor at that time. So glad you appreciated this chapter. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/7/2006 |
| Oh Larner...You made me cry!! What a bittersweet chapter this is. Frodo making those final preparations. Making sure the Will and Sam's Adoption were legal. Making sure the Shire has a legacy of knowledge. Both w/stories and proper knowledge of the healing arts. I loved the final leavetaking w/Mina. She really did come to feel for Frodo as a son by love alone and Frodo needed to hear that no matter what, his Mother loved him and that love would never go away or leave him. I also adored that scene between wee Cyclamen and Erestor. Some write Erestor as a gruff Elf. I've never thought him that way. I mean, we're talking about someone who as a long time friend of Elrond's, as well as trusted councillor, lived w/the Twins and Arwen for how many hundreds of years? And then there were the Heirs of Isildur that were fostered at Rivendell, cumlminating w/Estel/Aragorn's raising...He had to have experience w/little ones and I always see him as being very gentle and kind w/children. So the way you've written this scene of him w/Cyclamen is not only lovely, but fits w/the way I've always seen Erestor as being. I hope that made sense. :o) Sigh...I need to go find some Kleenex now and make sure I have them here for the chapters to come. I am looking forward to the next chapters. As sad as they are to be. Author Reply: Trying to finish up the last of his business must have been wearing in spite of Elrond's additions to his draughts; he certainly did his best to make certain stories, histories, and healing were addressed in his legacies for the Shire, and managed to be waylaid into the leavetakings that were most necessary, for he'd not really seen Mina to talk to since he stopped working in Michel Delving. He needed reassurance that that love was still there and would remain there for him. Glad you like the characterization of Erestor. He's had the chance to see many Elflings grow up, probably, but I doubt there were many born in Middle Earth during the last half age. Speaking to Cyclamen must have been a pleasant reminder of more innocent days, I'd think. And I hope the last chapter was worth the wait. | |
| Linda Hoyland | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/7/2006 |
| Poor frodo,it must be very hard to say all the goodbyes, knowing they are final in this life.We are so used to e mails,letters and phone calls to keep in touch with those who move away.I like it that in your stories, there is sometimes some contact by the White Tree for Frodo and Aragorn. Author Reply: Instant communication wasn't possible until so recently; and for Frodo he'd not expect many of his letters to reach their recipients until long after he'd left Middle Earth. Certainly taking leave of so many must have been very difficult at times, particularly as he can't do it all at once, for to do so he'd need to do it at something like the Free Fair at election time, I'd think. As for the White Tree as facilitator for communication--well, it even appears briefly in this tale. So glad you appreciate it. | |
| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 98 on 3/7/2006 |
| Oh, this chapter is heartbreaking, watching Frodo say good-bye in his quiet way, knowing what's to come, seeing him so weak...One might think that its all being a gradual thing would soften it a little bit, at least, but I don't think it does. Dianthus seems such a sweet, innocent child at a first glance, but her asking if Frodo was lying to her because maybe he thought she was too young to understand shows that she's really very observing and thoughtful, and her vehemence and expressions of love to Frodo show that she has a great heart. It might be interesting to see her POV sometime...:) How blessed Frodo is to have such a "mother figure" as Mina to care for him and understand and, when he needs it, to stand in for Primula. I'm glad they got this last moment together, though it was so sad. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: When saying goodbyes, often trying to do it gradually is more than can be borne--speaking from experience. So often we underestimate children. One of my grandmothers and her daughters would discuss the most awful things around my sister and me when we were small, and never considered we might understand the gossip, which more and more often as time passed I certainly did. They'd even say things about my immediate family that ought not to be said in the hearing of any of us, and then couldn't understand why I over time became increasingly distantly polite with them. Dianthus stands for all the children who are assumed to be too young to understand that death happens, who resent having their intelligence insulted. Frodo needed to hear he was loved by many, and needed Mina's parting. And Mina was indeed speaking equally for Primula and herself, representing also many others throughout the Shire who would have wished to wish Frodo farewell had it been possible. So glad you appreciated it, my Lady. | |