This is a lovely chapter, full of nuanced character dynamics and thoughtful pacing.

You've wandered far and wide from the original premise, but you've done it in a way that brings unique depth and resonance to the original premise. This story is about so much more than reincarnation in Middle-earth as an animal; it's about grief, families, love, and the negotiation of human life from one moment to the next. I look forward to you conclusion because I know that it will be handled with grace and skill.

You just keep getting better and better! Brava, darling. :-)

Author's Response: Thank you so much! *Grins* yes, I have somewhat strayed from my original intentions...this was supposed to be two or three chapters long, a quick distraction while I was blocked on other stuff!! Ah well, nothing ever turns out as you mean it to, and I like it better this way. There's still more twisting and turning to be done yet; even though I wrote out a complete draft over summer, I keep on thinking of things that need to be added in. As for handling the conclusion, I only hope that it meets your expectations - you've given me a lot to live up to! Thanks for reading and reviewing, as always. It's much appreciated.

"Ahhhh! My eyeballs have melted. And are bleeding. Do not ask me why I endeavored to write this." Ummmm...because it's funny? ;-)

Author's Response: Thank you for the review! But no, I wrote this to show how well-written Sues screw with character, though sometimes we as readers don't notice it because of the correct punctuation and flowery language. SiM

"Except for the fifteen bajillion tons of snow that we get all the time." Bwahahahahah it's so true. I'm laughing like this because the snow is finally all gone. And we have leaves and flowers and things. This is always a really exciting development for a Mainer. Love the humor. :)

Author's Response:

Whenever I would talk to my older sister about how college was in Maine, she would always talk about the "fifteen bajillion tons of snow" and how cold it was. We are Connecticut girls ourselves, so Maine is akin to the North Pole to us. Gotta love the warm winter wear of L.L. Bean, which we oh so wisely heaped up on my sister before she went to college there.

I'm sure Maine is absolutely beautiful in the spring. I've been there in the summer maybe once, and from what I saw it was absolutely gorgeous; I loved it.

Thanks for the compliment on the humor, though the real kudos should go to my older sister...I'm only writing from what I feel would be her point of view, so she's really the funny one here.

As one English major to another (wink), I must say that this is fantastically well written. Actually, it's fantastically well written: there's a solid intro and conclusion combined with a fluidity and readability that just doesn't happen enough in essays.

Author's Response: Oh, thank you *glows* actually that's a point - my bio still says I'm a Classics major, I must remember to change that! Thanks for the review.

So there are potatoes in Middle-earth. How interesting, since they are indigenous to South America. If there are tomatoes as well, I imagine there would be chocolate. I'm wondering just how contact with the Americas happened in Middle-earth...nonetheless, good story. 'Bitter beautiful blood' totally wins the Alliterative Awesomeness of Awesome Description Award. :)

Author's Response: Thanks, Pink! And yes, there are definitely potatoes in Middle-earth. I went and double-checked this scene in the books after our discussion about food - I'd never paid it any attention before, but there we have it, irrefutable proof :-) not sure about the tomatoes, I don't remember a reference to them in the books, although Merry is cooking tomatoes at Weathertop in the film of Fellowship. How contact with the Americas happened could be the subject of a very interesting story...anyway, thank you for the review! :-D

Awwwww. ::sends hugs:: Thanks! I don't need no stinkin temples. I'm just happy to have readers.

Author's Response: You need temples! Many readers like me are not very forthcoming with fb. It's not fair, is it?