I am glad that Sam doesn't try to slip off as quietly as Frodo wanted to and that people get a chance to communicate their feelings to both of them. The exchange of promises between Merry, Pippin and Celeborn. I really hope that we are going to see more of Merry and Pippin's final move to Gondor some time.
Am currently crying my way through a re-read of Acceptable Sacrifice.
Well it is midnight here and I had better admit defeat and seek my bed. Off down the motorway again tomorrow to fight the care agency. Thanks for the on-going prayers. Oh! BTW have just got back in touch with a long-lost friend after about seven years and, guess what, she looks after a brood bitch for the Leamington Guide Dogs. A golden lab that I can't wait to meet. She has had three litters so far - I think that I will offer some to Shirebound! *g*
Author's reply
With such a family, I suspect that Sam would have been totally foiled had he tried to slip away. And do believe that Pippin and Merry would have wished to reassure Celeborn as they could.
So, you're rereading TAS, are you? I just reread it myself, as well as Lesser Ring.
Good enough on your ability to contact a friend again, and hope the fight with the care agency goes to your mom's benefit. Hooray for the Leamington Spa Guide Dog School--hope Maurice Hall is still teaching there--wonderful man and wonderful trainer.
shirebound
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 4: 4: Farewells
"...it’ll be a load off my mind knowin’ as Lord Strider has one of us by him, a bit of family..."
What a lovely thought. And how marvelous to 'meet' Sam's children and grandchildren in such a detailed way.
Author's reply
Oh, am so glad you enjoyed our glimpses into Sam's family. And I do think Sam would have been pleased to know there were some of his own watching over the King and his family. So glad you approve! Had to write the bridge to "Light on the Way" and "The Choice of Healing," after all.
Andrea
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
“It’s time, I think. She didn’t want for me to remain torn in two, you see. She wanted for me to know the healin’ of that wound afore I come after her. I’d best get a move on.”
Now, that's good old Sam again! Finally he found a way to please both, Frodo and Rosie, and did the first step to the healing of his torn heart.
I'm glad Glorfindel was there to help him decide!
Glorfindel has always been my "favourite elf" in LotR. Don't ask me why, I'm not so sure about that myself ;-)
Thank you for giving him the attention he deserves!
Author's reply
Yes, and in pleasing both those he loved more than himself he pleases himself as well. Yes, Glorfindel's presence aided him to step out of the inertia at the last.
So glad you appreciate his presence in this story. I, too, love Glorfindel, whom I find an exceptional representative of his race.
Bodkin
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
Glorfindel - he must be quite an unexpected visitor, but who better to understand Elanor's worries and Sam's suffering. A ship sitting in harbour is a jolly good thing, too. Unlike elves, Sam can't wait a century or two for the next one to be ready.
His arrival is likely to put an end to Sam's drifting, I would think - and remind him that Rosie wanted him to seek out Frodo. And that the world goes on, too. Even if it might seem otherwise.
Author's reply
So often it feels as if the world ought to have stopped when we suffer great loss and grief; but as you note it doesn't, for if it did for each of us it wouldn't have turned for millenia and our life would have burned away long ago.
Yes, it's time, and Glorfindel has helped draw Sam out of his inertia into beginning the next steps.
Kitty
· 24 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
Celeborn is right, his wife, daughter and law-son will need him more than the elves remaining in Arda. And it would be too hard for him to see his granddaughter fade and die. Though I don’t envy Glorfindel for this job; he knew Arwen so long and must love her nearly as much as a child of his own. I am glad he at least hadn’t to watch the twins die, too.
What Glorfindel told Elanor and Mayblossom about his living in both worlds, Aman and Arda, was interesting and, if I think about it, logical. It would not only explain the way Glorfindel seemed to Frodo but why only Frodo noticed it.
Glorfindel’s visit was a blessing for all of them, I’d say. Elanor and her daughter were a bit eased about Sam, I think, and for Sam it was the help he needed to decide to accept the grace at last and to sail West.
Author's reply
Celeborn would react more strongly, I think, to Arwen's impending death than would Glorfindel, for their blood relationship, the prior loss of Celebrian to the West as she went to seek the healing she needs, and as a backlash to remaining in Arda after his Galadriel left him. Glorfindel, having already gone through the Halls and having been restored and commissioned to return to Middle Earth as he did, is probably able to accept all better, more likely realizing that even with the life of Arda facing him this is still not long in the sight of Eru Himself before they will be reunited with Arwen and many others.
Glad you feel Glorfindel's explanation of the border region Sauron sought to corrupt is logical. Thank you. And I do think all concerned are better able to accept the next step in Sam's departure.
Tigger
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
Oh...This was so sweet in a solemn way. I'm glad Glorfindel was able to talk to Sam and to help him in making his decision. It tears at my heart to see both conversations touch on what was to come for Arwen and I can't blame Celeborn not wanting to be there to see it happen. I also liked your take on Glorfindel being able to be present, in his way, in both realms. I've never seen anyone take that on before, but it is very believable here.
Looking forward to the next chapter.
BTW, and I hate to mention this as I know you've been having computer problems, but have you been able to look over my story? It's just the deadline is coming up, so I've got to send it in soon if it's going to be submitted at all. Sorry to bring it up, but...I need to know.
Author's reply
Am so glad you found this believable as written, Tigger. I know if I'd have been Celeborn I'd have decided to seek the comfort of my family before Arwen's end came; and I'm certain he'd help comfort them as well.
And I'm sorry about having forgotten the story, and hope you found the editing I suggested acceptable. Good luck with it!
Endaewen
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
This is a beautiful story.
Author's reply
Thank you, Endaewen.
harrowcat
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
Oh this is a wonderful chapter. The section about Glorfindel is so informative. I have always liked him but have never done the reading necessary to understand all about his background. Shame on me I know but maybe I will find some time this Summer. Elanor is coming alive as an adult character too. I sense another section of the story, more white space at the margin of the map waiting to burst into life. I am sure that I am not the only one who wants to hear more about her story from you!.
Author's reply
I'm expanding a bit on the Appendices and the Silmarillion. Glorfindel fought at Angbar against the forces of Morgoth, and died in the clutches of a Balrog--whom he slew. As with Gandalf later, he was granted renewed life and sent back to Middle Earth, where he became one of the residents of Imladris, aiding in the care offered that land and serving as Elrond's friend, counselor, and assistant in many ways. It's fun to consider what the shadow world was intended to be by Iluvatar, and how Morgoth and Sauron might have sought to skew it to their own purposes.
That you are thinking of the white spaces at the margin of the map is interesting, for I was thinking of Frodo using those very words when he is reunited with Sam, for Sam will be bringing with him more than just pictures and locks of hair, you know.
I think it was Baylor who wrote a lovely story of Elanor's first meetings with Fastred, an orphan lad who served in the Quick Post and from whom she received many letters for her beloved Sam-Dad.
Kitty
· 23 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
This chapter left me in tears once more, it was so sad and touching. Poor Sam. It was Rosie who helped Sam not only to get over the loss of Frodo as much as possible, but to endure his own sea-longing. Now the anchor that held him in the Shire is gone, and he feels lost, I think. And Rosie is probably right – he will need some help to find his way to Valinor. Somehow he seems so absent I am not sure he is able to make the decision alone.
I suppose Sam found it so difficult to write Aragorn because he knew he had not only to tell him of Rosie’s passing, but to say farewell to him because he himself would sail West? Well, luckily Frodo-lad saw to it, at least the part about Rosie, and I am sure Aragorn knew at once what that meant. And I remember what was in the box when Aragorn and the others opened it. No wonder Sam hesitated so long.
Fosco married Cyclamen? You know, that is a wonderful idea! Nice to know this little detail!
Author's reply
Yes, Sam has lost his anchor and is drifing a bit, and needs a bit of wind in his sails to find his way to accepting the grace offered him and to accept it is now all right to give in to the Sea Longing at last, and to find the brother of his soul once more.
I think you are entirely right regarding why it's so difficult for Sam to write Aragorn, which is perhaps why he left the short note in the stationery box and the rest of its contents to him instead. I think he also realizes his grief at the loss of Rosie is making his vision of Frodo's leaving even sadder that it perhaps was, but I can certainly understand what's motivating him now.
And I truly felt that having two such unique characters as Fosco and Cyclamen both equally loving their Cousin Frodo and having an interest in the outer world, the two of them in the end would find themselves coming together. I think their marriage would be particularly blessed. So glad you approve!
Linda Hoyland
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
I love the idea of Glorfindel and Celeborn sailing with Sam.THe conversation with Elanor was very moving.
Author's reply
Again a review I wrote disappeared. Too strange!
Tolkien intimated that Celeborn MAY have remained in Middle Earth to take the true Last Ship to Aman; I felt that he would prefer not to see his granddaughter fade, and so took liberties that are still allowed within canon; and so it was the Glorfindel chose to fulfil that office in my universe. To be consistent with canon I imply that the notes Frodo had taken indicating originally Celeborn intended to be the last Elf out were what were referred to in the Tale of Years indicating the disposition of various individuals after the sailing of Elrond and Frodo.
And am so glad you find Elanor's conversation moving. That is one of the indications I'm writing right, that I manage to bring such an emotional response.
Armariel
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
Yay, he's going...well, of course I knew he would, but I'm glad to see he's not going to drag out his decision over several chapters and is just going to hop to it!
Fascinating discussion about the spirit realm; I knew very little about it before, so it was a new thing to me. Always did like Elanor, and thought maybe she'd become someone of importance, maybe a poet or something.
Anxiously waiting to read of the reunion....
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Tolkien indicated she and Fastred were granted leadership in the newly opened Westmarches, and dug their smial under the first of the Elven towers, so I've tried to stay true to that. The leadership of Elanor and Fastred Fairbairn must have been great, I'd think; and I'm certain their smial would have had a lovely garden about it.
The decision is made; but the preparation will go on a bit.
This will likely be rushed, as I'm not even supposed to be reading right now.
Love the way you've characterized Elanor--I can just see her as a little girl, "When you go, Dad, I'm going with you." :) And Mayblossom seems to have that hunger for knowledge present in her grandfather, honorary uncle, and I imagine in her mother.
So glad Sam has finally made the decision! Though I know you stay in canon as much as possible, I was afraid he'd be too late.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
We know that Sam left the Shire, but not for certain what happened after he left Undertowers, for Tolkien left it deliberately vague in the Appendices. I myself prefer to think he did make it and found himself by Frodo's side again, and so that's how I write it, although Vistula the Dunedain wrote a fascinating short story in which he finds Frodo, but NOT on Tol Eressea. Unfortunately, this is in keeping with a genre not accepted on this site; I read it at the Henneth Annun archive site.
shirebound
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 3: 3: Summons
What a beautiful chapter. I feel I know Glorfindel better, after reading this one chapter, than ever before. And for some reason, this sentence struck me as particularly insightful:
Estel, when he goes, will carry with him her heart and her Light, which she after all gifted to him long ago.
Author's reply
I wanted to explore a bit on how it was that those who are of the Noldor and came from Aman might have come to straddle the two realms as described by Tolkien, and this is what came out. If it helps you feel you know Glorfindel better, so much the better, of course.
What I wrote here was my own feeling for why, when Aragorn died, Arwen behaved as she did. I explored it more deeply in "Light on the Way," in which Faramir Took appears, as well as Hamfast Gardner.
Baggins Babe
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 1: 1: Seek Him Out
Sad but beautiful. A gentle passing for our beloved Rose, and how perfect that she tells Sam to go to Frodo. She was the ideal wife for Sam, unselfish and understanding.
I loved the details of the families with all the children and grandchildren. Thank goodness Sam has them to watch over him. I always think the loss of a spouse, particularly when the couple have been together for such a long time, must be the most difficult thing to deal with.
Author's reply
Yes, a gentle death, and one expected in the end. She loved him as he was, knowing that she shared his devotion ever with Frodo. I think in part Frodo saw his leaving as a gift to her, that she not have to share that constantly.
Now she's come to a different fulfillment, and is willing to allow Sam to find it.
And am so glad you like the families, and at least Frodo-lad's children and grandchildren. If only all families were as cohesive and giving.
I can tell you from experience there is always difficulty in losing a beloved spouse, even when it is anticipated. Losing mine was easier in some ways than I'd foreseen, but harder in others. And the turning to call out to the spouse elsewhere about the house is something I still start to do from time to time. Rather weird, but part of life.
Andrea
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
“Do you wish to see him waste away here, or follow his beloved Master at last and have that part of his heart restored to him before he goes?”
That's really fascinating! Linnet uses nearly the same words with Frodo as Rosie did with Sam. There is something about the women of the Gamgee/Gardener family that makes them very special :)
I can understand Frodo, though. He must feel just like Sam did when he saw his master go away. In his thoughts Frodo-lad is sometimes a little bit stubborn, even selfish, but he would never ever speak it out loud. In that respect he behaves just like his namesake did.
So, Cyclamen married Fosco Baggins? I like that very much!
Author's reply
After years of living in the same house as her mother-in-love, I think that Linnet would begin to understand that there was indeed a special relationship between Sam and Frodo Baggins that needs now to be restored and fulfilled before he himself accepts the gift, and that she'd do her best to help her husband accept this is so. And Frodo-lad would be certain to look for a very special lass to wed, one who, like his mother, would help him to see his way through such tangled emotions as he's feeling now.
And in many ways Frodo-lad would reflect the best of his dad and his dad's best friend, I think, reflecting the natural selfishness of the feelings he's experiencing and forcing himself to rise above them.
And, yes, I felt that Fosco and Cyclamen would in time come to appreciate one another sufficiently they'd marry, uniting a couple of the family relationships Frodo knew and strengthening the family ties. So glad you approve as well.
Bodkin
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
Poor Sam. Such a difficult thing to deal with. He seems lost - in that sort of in-between things stage and affected by inertia. Mind you, a difficult letter to write to Strider. I'm glad Frodo-lad stepped in.
They might have to push Sam into going. He might be too inclined just to drift at the moment.
Good to see a glimpse of what became of so many characters ... Cyclamen married Fosco, then ...
Author's reply
I think both Frodo and his sister Elanor would have written the King, really. But I know what you mean about the inertia, for I do think that is what Sam is indeed feeling now. How much pushing Sam needs is indicated today.
And, yes, I felt that Fosco and Cyclamen would indeed find one another, as each is a special individual; and two such special folk deserve to find joy with one another.
Radbooks
· 22 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
Oh, to have Rosie leave him on mid-summer day. So very difficult to lose someone even when it is expected, at least it was a peaceful passing for her. I can understand Sam's dilemma in writing to Aragorn, I assume it is both to tell of her passing, but mostly to say good-bye and to say how much he loves and cares for him. Those feelings are not easily put into words...
Sam is fortunate to have his family around him, and yet there is still a certain amount of feeling alone in his grief as no one really knows what a spouse feels... at least I don't imagine that they do as they don't have that special bond that Sam and Rosie did.
Sorry I haven't read and reviewed much lately, real life has been... difficult the last few weeks. Things are settling down somewhat and I'll just say that I'm glad that I have my writing to keep me occupied. :)
Author's reply
When I first wrote of the death of Rosie I wrote it in the spring, only to find that the Tale of Years put it on Midsummer Day that year. Had to go fix that up on several different sites. But if it was on Midsummer Day and the family traditionally went to the Free Fair, wouldn't such an experience as this been likely to happen?
You are certainly right about experiencing difficulty expressing the grief of her death and the grief at knowing he won't see Aragorn himself again, whether he lingers to die in Middle Earth or follows Frodo to the Lonely Isle.
I know how difficult it was for my aunt when my uncle died, and spoke with my mother-in-law about what it was like to lose her husband not long before I met Tony. Then when Tony died it was an extremely difficult thing for me in ways I'd not anticipated, but easier than I'd expected in others. And I think in many ways Sam and Rosie would be closer than Tony and I were.
I certainly understand about Real Life getting in the way--have had more than my share of the same, after all. But I know also that the end of the school year is approaching more rapidly than ever, and hope all goes more smoothly for you now. And we all need something to keep us sane. Certainly fanfiction has helped me through the stress of the last few years.
Oh, poor, dear Sam! I feel like I keep repeating myself, but again, this is very real. The closest relative I've lost is my grandfather, and I remember doing or witnessing others doing and reacting just this way. The funeral, the "how are you"s and "I'm so sorry, sweetie"s not being very welcome at the time, as all I wanted to do was take it in...and *all* the food and *all* the company all the time for the solid, difficult week we were with Grandmother, and afterward too. You capture everything so perfectly--the shock subsiding and giving way to true grief, the support the very presence of dear friends and relatives brings, the meaning to set things in order and reluctance to do so, seeking out solitude amidst all the well-meaning bustle to just try to think. But I wasn't so very close to Grandfather, though of course I loved him, and I can't even imagine the magnitude of an experience like Sam's. Thirteen children...so many years...such love between them. *wipes eyes*
Beautiful and poignant.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, I've been through it myself, and have been to more and more funerals and memorial services over the last few decades. This, unfortunately, is the way life goes.
Even when you anticipate it, it still feels somewhat unreal; and for Sam it must have been totally overwhelming.
Glad you find it so realistic.
Oh, poor Sam! But he will be happy again when he finally is reunited with his Frodo. I hope his children will understand soon.
God bless,
Ellie
Author's reply
His children understand, but are going through their own grief, of course. To know that Dad is going to follow Mom all too soon must have been extremely difficult for them.
And, yes, once he's found Frodo again Sam will indeed know joy once more, and accept that it's all right to do so.
perelleth
· 21 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
he didn’t appear to be working on that letter to King Elessar or doing anything about preparing for whatever he would do next. Wow. Waiting for autumn and the birthday, are we?
Impressive how you manage to catch the mood with so few words. I really like this Sam, himself, but also grown up. Loved the detail that he would turn to call to Rosie before remembering that she was no longer there. Their family is a great achievement, but no comfort for he who's not seeking it. He's loosening his ties with the Shire, it would seem, and that is something better done in silence and witout fanfare. Poignant, very well done.
Author's reply
Even today, so long after my mother's death, I still find myself wanting to share certain news with her; four and a half years after my husband's death I find the same with him. Of COURSE Sam will start to automatically turn to call back to the kitchens or the nursery--and then be caught up short as he realizes that she's NOT there after all. Poor Sam!
Am so glad you feel I caught the mood with an economy of words--so often I find myself waxing wordy and getting frustrated with myself.
Sam is loosening his ties indeed, but it's hard to do when surrounded by family.
Hope you'll appreciate the next chapter when it's posted.
Thanks so for the feedback.
demeter d
· 21 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
Beautiful! Rose's farewell letter was so tender. She understood very well what both Sam and their children would be going through. It is nice to see children and grandchildren of old friends here. As always, LindaHoyland's comments made me think. Sam and Arwen indeed did have much in common. A lovely, gentle tieing up of the long story you have told.
Author's reply
Yes, each ending his/her life in a place not intended for the kind of each; each driven by love to do so much, then to seek one last journey not anticipated before they gave their hearts.
And I think Rosie would have written a tender goodbye to her children, and would have done all she could to assure Sam he wasn't betraying her by accepting the grace to go onwards. And their children would have been all there to see her burial and do her the honor due her, and to receive that last message.
harrowcat
· 21 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
Oh poor Sam - and to find it so hard to speak of it to Aragorn - shame that a certain ball doesn't work both ways.
You are portraying this idea of mourning even before the actual loss so well. Grief is easy to anticipate. I like the way that you echo Frodo's leaving - by ship or by grave and Sam's journey helping the younger generation understand more about Frodo's decision. Lovely Larner.
Author's reply
Two-way communication was SO difficult in those days--send a letter from the Shire to Minas Tirith, and you could be gone before it reached its intended recipient.
And when we know we will lose something so precious as a beloved parent, we do mourn ahead of time. I know that as my mother was dying I felt that loss coming so quickly; and similarly when my husband's mother died. And, yes, this does indeed help Frodo-lad appreciate just why Uncle Frodo chose to leave when and as he did.
Thanks so much for the comments, Harrowcat. Love to all there.
Armariel
· 20 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
Poor old Sam!
Amazing that all the 13 kids grew to adulthood and they never lost a single one in childhood. But it's sad that Sam should feel so isolated even when surrounded by so many.
Love Rosie's letter, very very sweet.:'(
~~~{~@
Author's reply
When there is a major loss of this sort, we do feel isolated. And the more there are around us, the harder it can be to feel as if we connect. We tend to feel lost in the crowd--too many contacts which COULD be made that aren't being made, and so we pull even further away. And it is in quietness that we find we can hear the still voice that assures us we AREN'T alone after all.
I've seen one story in which Rosie-lass turned out to be deaf; and one in which Daisy had to marry. As we aren't given any death dates for any of these, however, I like to think that Sam wouldn't have had any more premature losses to those he loved so dearly. Hal and Ham and Daisy may well have gone on by now, for he is after all 102 and they were much older. But now mortality is beginning to catch up with Samwise Gamgee, and he'd best get a move on if he wants to see Frodo on this side of death.
Linda Hoyland
· 20 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
For the first time, I have seen a link between Sam and Arwen, both unable to linger with their families.A strange irony that the Hobbit is the one to go to Valinor for a while,but I believe both eventually find bliss beyond this world and are reunited.
Author's reply
A wonderful parallel to see, Linda. Thank you for that. Yes, ironic indeed; but fitting. And he does it as much for her, I think, as he did for himself and Frodo and Rosie.
But the full bliss does come once they leave this life and find the true Reunion.
Antane
· 20 May 2006
· Chapter 2: 2: Mourning
So as we walked side by side with Frodo during his last months in the Shire, so shall we walk by Sam. The poor dear, but he is surrounded by those who love him, visible and invisible. :) I'm glad Rose spoke so supportively of his choice to seek out his long lost treasure. I do feel for the children who are going to be orphaned, but then it is true that he is very old and he wouldn't have lasted long. It is going to be an act of true love for them to let him go to seek that missing part of his heart.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, indeed we see Sam returning to thought, dealing with his grief, and at last turning to accept the grace offered himself, in many ways following Frodo's own experience more closely than he perhaps realizes. But Rosie knows it is indeed time for Sam to follow Frodo now, before he follows her.