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Go Out in Joy  by Larner 17 Review(s)
EndaewenReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
So beautiful and so sad at the same time.

Author Reply: Thank you so very much, Endaewen.

Elanor SilmariënReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
*cries* I was dreading that moment, and, even though it was peaceful, I still cried my eyes out! The part about Ungoliant made me shiver! I'm arachnaphobic, and the thought of a demonic spider inside Frodo just.... *freaks out* I want to say I really enjoyed this chapter, but that sounds sort of morbid, but it's true. Well done! *goes to grab tissues*
God bless,
Ellie

Author Reply: Yes, that moment came, although it wasn't quite as fully blessed as I write it as having been on Tol Eressea.

As for Ungoliant--I did have to deal with her, since I've let her into the rest of my story line, after all.

Thank you so for the comments and the praise.

As for the tissues, I still need to invest in Scott Paper or some similar company as well as Barnes and Noble, I see.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
Frodo smiled, and that smile seemed to reach right into Beli’s heart. “Thank you.” The words were whispered, but clear. Then, after a pause, he whispered, “Free now.”

My dear Larner, I'm speechless!

That was so sad, but also full of joy and hope in the end, perfectly described through the eyes of Beli the Bounder.

I'm glad that Aragorn, the elves and Gimli made it in time and that Aragorn finally had the courage to open the spider bite.
But what he found was frightening: a living spider! Really Ungoliant? Or Ungoliant reborn? Or one of her grandchildren with the same malice?

Whatever it was, it is no more. Frodo is free at last! And he can and will "go out in joy", as Gandalf advised him!

P.S.: The name of Beli's pony made me grin: "Pilsner", how appropriate for a hobbit's pony ;-)

Author Reply: I'd just seen a documentary on spider bites and their aftermath before I wrote The Choice of Healing, and so came up with many of the ideas that have become part of the storylines of my gapfillers--problems with Frodo's joints, circulation, and heart function as well as an added reason for the digestive problems I've written for him.

Now, many varieties of poisonous spiders are known to consume their mates (as is true also of mantises and walking stick insects). The idea that after giving Shelob to the world Ungoliant might have hidden from the Valar and others by allowing her daughter to eat her body and let her spirit lie dormant inside of her, then inject her into the wound she inflicted on Frodo just seemed a possibility for such an evil Maia as Ungoliant was.

But I did so want a true going out in joy for Frodo, which meant he needed her to be out of him; and as this takes place in the Mortal Lands it's more likely her body can be slain and she can follow Sauron and Saruman in being blown about on the winds.

And am SO glad you like Pilsner's name. We had a pickup briefly, and I named it Pilsner. And, like you, I found the name to be appropriate for a Hobbit's pony, although I don't know how much Hobbit ale would merit the designation, as it's usually applied to American beer.

Oh, well.

Thank you so much for the comments. Now to finish the last two chapters and author's notes....

elanor winterflowersReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
Superb. And profoundly moving.

I nearly died myself when Ungoliant came forth--even diminished, she was horrifying! But Earendil was wonderful and I loved that he came.

Thanks for a shimmering, exquisite, and very thoughtful read.

Author Reply: Am so very glad you found it so moving, Elanor. Ungoliant did need to be dealt with, of course.

There are two further chapters to wind it down, as well as the author's notes, of course.

Thank you so very much for the comments.

Reviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
Oh, Larner... I was absolutely bawling. I can't think of a more appropriate title also. This was wonderful. I noted it was not completed yet - I am looking forward to more. Again, this was beautiful.

-Nellie

Author Reply: Thank you so much, Nellie. Am so pleased you found it moving.

No, two more chapters and Author's Notes. Will try to post these one a day to finish the story, ISP willing.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
If Frodo had to die at all, then this was the best imaginable way, surrounded by all his relatives and friends, even Aragorn, the elves and Gimli. Was so glad Aragorn and the others were there just in time and he removed the spider, so Frodo was free of this poison and the dark shadow of it in the end and could go on in peace.

That was the most impressing and awe-inspiring description of a death I have ever read – the shining figures, the end of Ungoliant, and at last Frodo seeing all the former Chieftains and Kings of this line up to Eärendil himself. It certainly underlines the fact that he was meant to be Aragorn’s twin. Though I fear I can’t find the right words to express my feelings properly, so I can only say, it was wonderful told, though –of course! – I cried through half the chapter.

I’m sure not only Beli, but every hobbit around will never forget this evening and all that happened there. I’ll not forget it, either.

But now I wonder if you ever considered another AU, a happy one this time, in which the spider was removed much earlier and Frodo could recover enough to life happily again ...

Author Reply: Thank you for your comments and observations, Kitty. I'm flattered and humbled by your evaluation of the story. I, too, felt this would have been the best way for him to go, in spite of his desire NOT to be forced to say goodbye, of course. And so the Shire is far more knowledgeable this way than it was in the original as to what truly happened out there and its impact on in here, as well as Frodo's own role in cleansing the Shire.

I would think Aragorn would do anything to be with Frodo at the end, whether to ride to be at his side or bring him to Gondor as swiftly as possible. And I think that even in the Mortal Lands there would be some display of honor sent by the Valar and Creator. As for Ungoliant--in my story line she had to be dealt with, of course.

As for a HAPPY AU--that's a possibility, but I DO have two other Nuzguls to deal with now, you know. Now that this one is out from behind the dog food can....

MithLuinReviewed Chapter: 7 on 3/13/2007
So...so...sad! *bawls*

I am glad he died in peace, though, and not screaming. I have known spider bites to come back like that...I didn't expect it to be...living! Ugh... *shudder*

Very good indeed that Aragorn was there...I don't like to think what would have happened to the corpse, otherwise. And Ungoliant loose in the Shire doesn't bear thinking on.

Loved the appearance of Earendil, at the end!

Author Reply: Thank you, MithLuin. I, too, felt Frodo would need indeed to go out in peace and joy, and so Ungoliant had to be dealt with ahead of time. It made it doubly important for Aragorn to be there.

And as I have Earendil coming at the end for Sam and Frodo in Reunion, I felt it only right he should ferry Frodo now. So very glad you appreciated that.

Thank you so much for the review.

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