Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Love Endures  by Antane 6 Review(s)
ElemmírëReviewed Chapter: 7 on 10/2/2006
I loved Sam's stubborn persistence in this chapter, along with Merry and Pippin's as well to get Frodo to smile.

And the scene with the Gaffer is just so utterly perfect! His cheerful reaction at seeing Frodo returned at first, only to have it destroyed minutes later by Frodo's confession is just so palpable. And, you wrote the Gaffer's character very well. I could just picture him and hear his voice from his all-too brief scene in FOTR.

And I absolutely LOVED how the Gaffer could "see" Sam and also that he realized his lad was special, just as Bell always said. I just hope all goes well with Rosie.

You had me reaching for one of Bilbo's pocket-handkercheifs again with this chapter, Antane.

~Elemmírë~

p.s. I second all of Queen Galadriel's awesome-sounding ideas for an epilogue/further chapters to explore. I really like the one about what happens to Rosie, but so far this story is exploring more of what happenes to Frodo in relation to Sam's physical absence. I especially liked the Queen's idea of an epilogue or where does Frodo live and go in his life from this point on? (prods the muse) :D

WestelReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/22/2006
I am amazed by how Iluvatar works in the hearts of those who walk in this life for a little while. Don't we all struggle with loss, with clinging to 'things' in the attempt to console ourselves, when in reality we are called on to take the Road again? I am humbled by your story, Antane, and blessed through it. In the book, *The Sacred Romance*, I read just last night: "With an awakened heart, we turn and face the road ahead, knowing that no one can take the trip for us, nor can anyone plan our way."

May we all respond to the Love Eru showers on us, even search for it in the myriad ways He has fashioned, and continue on the Road that, though narrow, is True.

I don't usually like AU stories, Antane, but I am intrigued and drawn by this one. I would even venture to say that I was lead here today to read what you have written. Please continue!

-W

Author Reply: Wow! If you are humbled by my story, I am certainly humbled by your review! Thank you so much! The quote is intriguing and well fit for the original Quest as well as this particular road Frodo is now on. I think I have another chapter in me, we'll see!

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/22/2006
Yes, time to go home indeed. And the sight of his son's spirit comforting Frodo is itself comforting for the old Hobbit.

Author Reply: I thought it would help the Gaffer to know that Sam didn't blame Frodo and still loves him to death.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Elanor SilmariënReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/21/2006
Omigosh! Poor Gaffer! Poor Frodo! I was wondering how you would handle that part, and you pulled it off perfectly! So terribly sad, yet still so full of Sam's love. But now, how is he going to tell Rosie? Please update soon!
God bless,
Ellie

Author Reply: How indeed? I haven't entirely figured that out yet. But it's got to be done. He's probably going to fall to pieces again, the poor dear.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/20/2006
Wow! What love! The nearness of Sam's presence really makes the grief more bearable, I think. I like the way you had Frodo tell the Gaffer, and his reaction was very in character. I'm so glad he got to see what he did! I would think that would definitely help to set his heart as at ease as it could be. You do his voice very well, too. :)

You asked for more ideas? Well, how about an epilogue to show where they all are some time later-Rosie, Gaffer, Frodo and the cousins. What *would* have become of Rose had Sam not returned, anyway. There would be no Elanor, no Frodo-lad or any of the others. And somehow I can't picture Frodo living alone in Bag End-well, you know what I mean. Not after all that. But neither could his cousins stay there, because they both have to prepare for their roles as Master and Thain. Or does Frodo still sail West? Or if none of that works, how about an epilogue showing the moment when Frodo can accept and learn to live out the rest of his days in peace? For surely some healing must come, or he wouldn't live. Just some thoughts to stimulate the muse. :)
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Hantanyel, ammelda! I'll have to see what the muse thinks of your ideas. :)

Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Antane

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 7 on 9/20/2006
This chapter had me crying Antane. I love the bit where the father in the Gaffer wins through. Shared grief can be a comfort to both.

Author Reply: Hantanyel, my dear harrowcat! You honor me once more with your tears.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Return to Chapter List