The Long Burden by Ariel
Iorhael · 18 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
This is really heartwrenching. I'm in need of Frodo's angst and is quenched by this. Thank you.
Author's reply
*Bows humbly* Frodo angst has always been a passion of mine. I am known as the Angst Maven and I have (hopefully) earned that title. Thank you for your kind words.
Dreamflower · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
Oh my gosh! This is gorgeous! You have so eloquently captured the love and care of both Sam and Gandalf for Frodo. Sam's love for Frodo has been explored, over and over, in many fics, but you just capture the essence of it. And Gandalf's feelings towards the one who completed his task for him have not been explored as much. You have done so brilliantly! Thank you for sharing this lovely story!
Author's reply
I agree, I've seen their relationship explored many, many times, but rarely in a way that I can look at and say yes, this or that author 'got it'. I don't know if that is because so many feel unsatisfied with their relationship as it was described in the book, or that my reading was tempered by different experience, but I seldom see these characters presented as I saw them. I guess that's one of the reasons I write, eh? That's probably the reason most of us do. ;)
SilverMoonLady · 16 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
Oh, lovely lovely! I love the way Gandalf and Frodo relate to each other in this piece; you really feel for the wizard, knowing that to love the mortals he comes across means to feel the pain of their loss someday, sometimes too soon and sometimes too cruelly! I really like how you've shown the changes that have come to be in the relationship between Frodo and Sam as well, and it is a beautiful touch to have Sam's care translate into the perfect safety of a father's arms in Frodo's dream. Wonderful, as always!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you, sweetie! It is such a kick to write something that people enjoy! I worked hard on this and tried to show the characters as I always saw them. I am glad that my vision struck a cord in you and that the story was appreciated. You've given me the same pleasure many, many times!
Elanor1013 · 16 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
I always wish that little scene had continued. I loved this version of it.
Author's reply
((((HUGS)))) Thank you, so did I! I am delighted to have provided you with a filler you can buy.
harrowcat · 16 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
Thank you for this Ariel. Beautifully crafted and very moving. The idea of Gandalf suffering with the pain that others carry and feeling responsibility for it is very powerful.
Author's reply
Oh, he must have. To think of how he must have felt knowing what Frodo had sacrificed. It makes my heart ache, and I was only reading about it.
esamen · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
Oh, a new Ariel story! Yay! So, aware that Frodo would likely never let him humble himself this way again and that this might be his last chance to give such plain comfort as he could, Sam treasured the time. He held Frodo like a motherless child and stroked his dark hair as the strands of silver in it glittered in the firelight. Oh, oh, . . . fabulous. What an intense moment. And I love the ride on Shadowfax in Gandalf's arms. . . Thank you for writing! (h/c, naturally) Those that you have written are my favorites in all fandom. Thanks again! Esamen
Author's reply
Favorites?!! Wow! I have to admit your Boromir fic is one of my favorites too. I've recommended it many times - especially when people say that they've already read all the 'good' fic that's out there. I can usually count on them not having read yours, but hopefully my endorsement soon corrects that sad situation!
Grey Wonderer · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
Just read this on LJ and decided to go through it again. I didn't realize it was yours until I clicked on it. It is such a lovely story. Sam's efforts in this are so like him. He is willing to do whatever he can to give Frodo a little bit of peace. And, as I said in my other review, Gandalf is wonderful in this one.
Author's reply
Thank you for commenting here too! What a wealth of encouragement I am getting!
Inkling · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
How nice to see a new story from you! So this is the one you were doing research on tragic heroes for, right? Very touching, especially this: “Your lives are too short, Frodo. Or mine has been too long." Nice insight into the wounds of an immortal, caused by love for a mortal…
Author's reply
I've sort of been sitting on this one since December - long story - but I am glad you enjoyed it. It was a pleasure to write it.
Armariel · 15 May 2005 · Chapter 1: The Long Burden
Sweet and touching....I feel with Gandalf, I know what it is to watch someone you love hurting and not be able to do anything about it, I'm going through that right in the moment.........even have the beginnings of a poem about it in my head...nice work! cheers Armariel
Author's reply
Oh, it is the most painful thing to watch while you can't do anything. I know the feeling too. I am glad I was able to help, if I was, with what you are going through now. (((HUGS)))