Reviews (16)

Eef · 22 February 2013 · Chapter 1: The Nature of Grief

Tell me Antane, if my views serve me correctly. If you read this, a reply will be so much appreciated. It may seem irrelevant, but reading your earlier works now has sparked in me words I may have long ignored, for i am neither eloquent in verbal and written... but here it is... And it was not just out of penance he [Frodo] wished to rest. After all that was done, Frodo had nothing else in mind but to see Bilbo again, for the last time, and come back home in the Shire. He tried to accept what life in Middle-Earth awaited him, as copiously as he can; however, it was not enough; the ring had procured him to a bottomless understanding of any hurt possible in this world. He cannot stay and find rest here; the streak of the Dark Power's bale was revealed to him. He had become a wounded soul; the beauty did not mar the brand the dark had marked him with. The ring had completely destroyed his vision of the world he once knew. Like the earth, everything will pass out in time, but not out of memory. Frodo was maimed for life, and he could no longer be as one with the world he once loved. And for also the sake of his friends; for the sake of Sam, for dear Sam! The poor lad's fate was bounded to his service and love to Frodo. He could not entirely feel himself as how he ought should. He needed to be one again; complete, and Frodo of course, had realized this. It was time Sam became his own master. And it happened so.

Dee · 26 August 2007 · Chapter 1: The Nature of Grief

-tears- This was a truly sad but magnificent story :) It reminds me of how I felt after the loss of a loved one and how I came to deal with it. Amazing story! Hope you write more :) -Great big hug- ~*~Dee~*~

Periantari · 18 October 2006 · Chapter 1: The Nature of Grief

I've always been interested in reading a Sam post-Havens story--- nice beginning here. Such an angsty letter! but i do love the Rosie care for Sam in this bit: She did not speak, only held him. When the tears showed signs of stopping, she ventured to murmur, "I know, love, I know. We all feel it, even Ellie." :*( must've been soooo hard for Sam (as well as Pippin and Merry) when Frodo sailed to the West. I've always been interested in reading Sam's story in this and will try to come back in here for more when time allows. :) Thank you for writing this story.

harrowcat · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Epilogue

Oh, Antane. I was crying so hard I almost couldn't finish reading this. This is so beautiful. did I catch another quote? 'All will be well, all well and all manner of things will be well?' The bit with Sam on the boat wanting to swim ahead was so great! And still watching him sleep! I could quote the whole lot it was so perfect! What next asks this greedy reader?

Telpethoron · 31 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Epilogue

What a fitting end to a wonderful story. Frodo and Sam reunited in the Blessed Lands, with Frodo completely healed of all the horrors of the Ring. I couldn't help but laugh at Frodo's admonition: "He heard a laugh inside his head and nearly burst with joy. Of course I'm here, mell min. And don't you dare jump off and try to swim to get here faster. I know you want to do that. It's that hard to keep myself from swimming out to you." After what happened the first time Sam tried that, he should well know what would happen - but it wouldn't have surprised me to see him do it anyway. This has been a beautiful tale from the start - thanks so much for sharing it!

Larner · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Beginning to Heal

Yes, that is the healing we wish for our Frodo.

harrowcat · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Beginning to Heal

Oh this was simply beautiful Antane.

Telpethoron · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Beginning to Heal

The bond between Frodo and Sam seems almost to be a living thing in itself. No matter how much distance there is between them, it's just as strong as it ever was - if not more so. Sam is finally beginning to realize that hope (and Frodo) are not lost after all - there will come a day when he and Frodo are reunited. It is this realization, I think, that helps Sam more than anything else to not only endure, but to prosper - as Frodo would have wished. Beautifully written, as always, Antane!

Queen Galadriel · 27 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Beginning to Heal

Yeah, I know: I helped write this, so why am I reviewing? To tell you that I *love* these additions! Very, very sweet! The communication between these souls--or parts of one soul, perhaps--brought a smile to my face. Very well done! Namarie, God bless, Galadriel

harrowcat · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 3: Comfort

Oh poor Sam and wise, so wise Rosie.

Telpethoron · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 3: Comfort

This was absolutely beautiful...I read the first 2 chapters earlier today, and added your name to my 'authors watchlist' so I'd know when you posted a new one. Sam's love and devotion to Frodo comes through so strongly in this chapter. It's painful to watch him struggle with the question of what else he might have been able to do - watching Frodo slowly fade and being utterly powerless to stop it. After reading Frodo's letters in the box, I think he's come to a better understanding of just why Frodo had to leave. It was the only way he could be completely healed of all that had happened during the Quest. Rosie's tenderness and care are no doubt a much needed balm for Sam's troubled soul. I was glad to see her help Sam realize a very important lesson - that a burden shared is a burden halved. He knows that the only way to heal the wound in his heart and soul is to release it - to keep it bottled inside would surely destroy him in time. Such a wonderful tale you've told here - keep up the excellent work!

Larner · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 3: Comfort

Very nice, and that Frodo has the ability to comfort as he himself heals.

harrowcat · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 2: The Stationery Box

I had to leave this til last to read this morning Antane. I remember vividly reading through a bunch of letters that were written to and about me at one of the darkest times in my own life. The renewed pain was incredible but I couldn't stop reading. And those letters were all positive - intended to balance the hurt I was being put through. So this is brilliant writing Antane. BTW - I think that you may have some formatting problems with the chapter and is it intended to finish in this way? (I warn you it may be just that I am not seeing what you intended.)

finafyr · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Nature of Grief

It made me cry.. I like the continuity from bits of Larner's story to yours.. Larner is one of my many favorite writers.. and I knew about the writing and the box.. somehow there is a sense of it being more real.. like all the writers are filling in the best bits and pieces. I look forword to reading more. It is always a goof sign with me when it makes me teary eyed. The pain is real and hurts the heart.

harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Nature of Grief

This is truly beautiful writing Antane. I am looking forward to more of this. I also enjoy it when you Writers collaborate with ideas.

Larner · 21 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Nature of Grief

Again I am honored to see my own devices used and used so well. Saying goodbye was something Frodo so apparently tried to avoid doing, wanting always to slip away, embracing and kissing those he left when he couldn't avoid leaving them without their knowledge. This is most eloquent.