KathyG
· 16 September 2021
· Chapter 12: Friends in need are Friends indeed
I just love this story! I've long been a fan of Sam H/C, and yours fits the bill perfectly. It's wonderful how you took the very real possibility of the Ring also affecting Sam, and showed how his friends and family all rallied around him to bring him back.
Any chance you'll return to writing TLOTR stories? I'd so love it if you did! [hint, hint!] How's this for a plot bunny? A prose story about the help and healing that Sam receives in Valinor, as Frodo did before him. Perhaps he learns that Frodo and Gandalf were aware of his ordeal while it was happening, and rooted for him to come back to himself and escape the Ring's clutches! If you've ever read the late Fiondil's stories, you've seen how well he characterized the Valar, the Maiar, and the Elves who lived in the Blessed Land, and how well he dramatized the events in their lives. Too bad he's not still alive to write about the healing of Bilbo, Frodo, and then later, Sam, in the West! But at least you still have that option. =)
BTW, Dreamflower and I have been co-writing a novel-size LOTR story of our own, titled "An Unexpected Adventure."
KathyG
· 16 September 2021
· Chapter 12: Friends in need are Friends indeed
I just love this story! I've long been a fan of Sam H/C, and yours fits the bill perfectly. It's wonderful how you took the very real possibility of the Ring also affecting Sam, and showed how his friends and family all rallied around him to bring him back.
Any chance you'll return to writing TLOTR stories? I'd so love it if you did! [hint, hint!] How's this for an plot bunny? A prose story about the help and healing that Sam receives in Valinor, as Frodo did before him. Perhaps he learns that Frodo and Gandalf were aware of his ordeal while it was happening, and rooted for him to come back to himself and escape the Ring's clutches! If you've ever read the late Fiondil's stories, you've seen how well he characterized the Valar, the Maiar, and the Elves who lived in the Blessed Land, and how well he dramatized the events in their lives. Too bad he's not still alive to write about the healing of Bilbo, Frodo, and then later, Sam, in the West! But at least you still have that option. =)
BTW, Dreamflower and I have been co-writing a novel-size LOTR story of our own, titled "An Unexpected Adventure."
PSW
· 12 October 2016
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
Just stumbled across this today ... I have a special place for Sam, and I do love it when others acknowledge his worth. It was great to see so many do so in this story. I like the idea of his own special jewel, hopefully it will help to bring him comfort.
Thanks for writing!
eef
· 9 August 2013
· Chapter 5: A Trip to Mordor?
I may not be a critical fan of Sam's, but I brood over the logic of the story and this was just splendid!
walkerskye
· 12 March 2010
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
a very believeable tale. I'm a therapist and I've heard clients voice internal arguements of shame like those of the Ring remnant. and you're right - the only cure to such shame is loving acceptance. very nice work!
Author's reply
Hello walkerskye,
sorry it's taken so long to reply to your lovely review, but life has been a bit mad recently.
Anyway, m'dear, I'm really glad that Concerning Sam has a professional (therapist) seal of approval! I've always suspected that Sam couldn't have gotten off as easily as he appears to in the books after wielding the One Ring. Something so evil would (IMHO) have to have left some sort of mark on our intrepid hobbit gardener, regardless of how deep that mark was hidden. And Sam is just the type of person to dismiss any superficial signs of trouble as 'having an off-day'.
*shakes head at stubborn Gamgees everywhere*
Writing his internal arguements was fascinating, but rather draining. I had to dig through a whole pile of unresolved issues of my own to better understand what he may have went through (and you can imagine how much fun that was). Still, it was worth it if his struggles against the Ring, and his self-loathing (during his darkest moments) have even the slightest ring of authenticity ;)
And thank goodness he had such a tight-knit family - and equally tight circle of close friends -to help him through his trauma. Loved ones really do make all the difference in such circumstances.
Thank you very much for your encouraging words. I'm absolutely delighted you enjoyed Sam's fic so much. Thanks for R & R-ing,
Kara's Aunty :)
Robinscat
· 8 February 2010
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
I read you story in one setting. Out of all the Hobbits, Sam has always been my favorite. Frodo might have been the "Ringbearer" but he would have never accomplished his quest without Sam.
I liked the exploration of what the Ring could have done to Sam. I had not considered that Sam would have been tormented in much the same way as Frodo. You explored that possiblility very well.
I was a little irritated that Sam used Athelas. I had always felt it was only in the hands of the King that Athelas would work. I was worried that you would make Sam's dependence on Athelas like an additction. But you handled the concept well for your story.
The only other thing that niggled at me was there was no mention of Legolas or Gimli being concerned about Sam. Aragorn and Merry made no attempt to contact them to let them know what was happening to Sam. There was only a glancing refernece to Legolas and Faramir. Now, granted, I am a Legolas and Gimli fan from long ago, but it was glarily apparent that they were not included in your story.
All in all, a good read.
Thank you for sharing your gifts.
Author's reply
Hello Robinscat,
wow, you read it through in one night? I was about to blush with gratitude when I read that, but then it dawned on me that you must have read this when I reposted the fic yesterday partway through a massive overhaul. Which I haven't finished yet. Which means you were subjected to at least nine chapters of horrific, grammatically-challenged gaucheness ...
*cringe*
My apologies, m'dear!
This was my first ever multi-chapter fic, written a mere month after I'd posted my first two attempts at a one-shot. Don't get me wrong, I loved writing this, but at the time I was still finding my 'author' feet, and now I realise that it does't perhaps 'flow' as well as it should ... So I decided to revamp it. Unfortunately, when I reposted the first chapter live onsite, Javascript moved half the paragraphs around, then italicised, bolded, and underlined massive parts of the rest. I couldn't leave such a mess onsite, so I had to hide each chapter in order to rework it. But that means that if anyone reads it now, it's half-polished, half-mince!
*chuckles ruefully*
Still, you liked it, and that's cheered me up!
Concerning Sam was a labour of love for me. I'd always wondered how the Ring might have affected Sam, and the fic was an attempt to explain that to myself, as much as anyone else. As it was my first LoTR fic, I was unsure about my ability to accurately characterise every member of the Fellowship, so I stuck with those few I was reasonably comfortable, plus a few guest stars. Legolas and Gimli, as much as I would've loved to include them, missed out because I wasn't sure how to tackle them. If it's any consolation, I did write a humorous fic later on, in which they are two of the main characters (A Pony's tale). Now, that isn't a shameless plug (not this time, anyway), it's just an assurance from one Legolas & Gimli fan to another that I would never abandon the lovable duo for long ...
As for Sam and athelas, I'm fairly sure that he was adept at using it, having grown it in Bag End's garden specifically for nursing Frodo after the Quest (when Frodo suffered his anniversary illnesses).
Well, I hope this mega-reply hasn't sent you off to sleep! I'm really, really glad that you, as a Sam fan, enjoyed the fic (warts and all!). Thanks VERY much for R & R-ing, m'dear!
M :)
Candice
· 2 July 2009
· Chapter 1: The Seeing Stone
Maureen, when I send emails to your ntlword.com address I get a bounce message with an msn.com address saying it's unavailable. Are you getting the emails that I send or, if not, is there another email we should use?
Thanks.
Candice
FoxRafer
· 28 June 2009
· Chapter 1: The Seeing Stone
I'm sorry to leave a non-review to your story; but I wanted to cover all the bases in getting in touch with you. My name is Candice (FoxRafer) and I've been assigned as your liaison for the MEFA Awards.
Three of your stories ("Concerning Sam," "Hope's Endurance," "Denial") have been nominated, and the deadline for accepting the nominations and completing the forms is close approaching.
I'm going to resend the nomination e-mail to your ntlworld address now, but please send me an e-mail (foxrafer@gmail.com) as soon as possible so we can begin the process. Even if you'd rather not compete, let me know so you're nominator, Antane, has time to use these three nominations for other stories.
Thanks so much, and congratulations on your nomination.
Author's reply
Hello Foxrafer,
Oh, my! I'm so honoured (Sends Antane a big kiss)! Sorry I didn't see this before today, but I've been taking a break from the fanfic arena for a month or two & for some reason decided this morning to log on & check my account! Just as well I did, though I hope it's not too late.
I won't be able to respond properly to this until I get home from work, but this is just a quick note to let you know I'll check my e-mails as soon as I get home ('cos I've not opened my e-mail account in a while either - disgraceful, eh?).
Will write soon...
Kara's Aunty :)
GamgeeFest
· 18 May 2009
· Chapter 8: An unpleasant interlude
Poor Sam. To be taunted so, and to be so worn down that he believes the Ring's lies! Help cannot get to him soon enough.
GamgeeFest
· 18 May 2009
· Chapter 7: An unexpected visitor
I like the idea that Gandalf asked Radagast to keep an eye on the remaining Ringbearer. Radagast is in the best position to do so and to call for aid at need. Merry will be comforted to know that Gandalf didn't leave them completely without assistance. It's good that Radagast acted on the news he was receiving so quickly. The twins will be just in time to help Sam.
GamgeeFest
· 18 May 2009
· Chapter 6: The Trials of Meriadoc Brandybuck (begin)
I think even the most unobservant healer would notice after a time that forced feeding doesn't work, and Tubbit seems to be rather sharp. It isn't like bleeding a patient, when sometimes the patient would get better despite this rather dangerous practice, thus encouraging its continued use. Perhaps we can chalk this up to a momentary lapse of judgment due to exhaustion; we all have them.
Speaking of exhaustion, poor Merry really needs to some help in attending to Sam. He should at least try taping Sam's hands to keep him from getting at his bandages so Merry can catch a few winks.
But it seems help is coming....
Author's reply
Hi Gamgeefest,
Sorry about the delayed response, but I've not been having a break from fanfic for a couple of months (writing it anyway) and have only this morning logged back in.
Thanks for your continued reading of this story, I'm glad you enjoy it enough to return to it when you can.
Am a bit puzzled by the initial comments, though, as there is a warning note at the top of the chapter...
Am glad nonetheless for your feedback, m'dear!
Kara's Aunty ;)
GamgeeFest
· 16 February 2009
· Chapter 5: A Trip to Mordor?
Poor Sam! What a horrible dream! For the Ring to have such a hold on his mind so many years later - clearly Sam has had these doubts himself and they are just now beginning to surface. I hope Merry and his friends can help to reassure him!
Author's reply
Hello again GamgeeFest,
Nasty Ring indeed! Using our beloved Hobbit's memories and insecurities against him. Grr! When I get my hands on it, I'll...I'll...er, probably succumb to its evil sway like the child of Men that I am. Or not.
But fortunately for our hero, his equally heroic friend has swooped in to save the day. Or has he? Whatever happens, he will not allow his friend to go down without a fight.
You've got to love a good old Brandybuck!
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
GamgeeFest
· 16 February 2009
· Chapter 4: A Merry encounter
Back again. Oh, that Merry is wicked to tease the poor cook so. I can just imagine Farlibar's horror when he is told who Merry is. That might just give him an apoplexy! And good of Merry to figure out what is bothering Sam, without Sam's help. Sam can be just as stubborn as Frodo ever was, and he wouldn't admit an more easily about what is bother him.
Author's reply
Hello GamgeeFest,
how absolutely lovely to have you back!
I think this chapter was my first ever attempt at some (very slight) literary humour - much needed as the rest of the fic is a little angsty. And who better to provide a little comic relief than our very own Brandybuck!
This chapter was difficult for me at the time; novice writer that I was then, I struggled with pov's a bit and the chapter always seems a bit patchy to me because of that.
But, thankfully, it doesn't seem to have marred your enjoyment, so thank you for R & R-ing, m'dear. It's very much appreciated!
M ;)
GamgeeFest
· 17 January 2009
· Chapter 3: A Royal dilemma
One more chapter before I make breakfast. I adore Arwen's own "plain Hobbit sense" in this chapter. She may not be as close to Sam as Aragorn, but she has the wisdom of her years to guide her and she understands the essence of the hobbit enough to reassure her husband.
The Ring is very much an entity, not some mere object. The "It" and "Its" is perfectly understandable and appropriate. I use that myself, as do many others, so you're not alone in this. :D
Author's reply
Hello Gamgeefest,
so it's early enough for breakfast in your part of the world is it? I'm just debating whether or not to shift my rear and make dinner! I'm also flattered that you'd read two whole chapters of my tale before the most important meal of the day!
This was the first LOTR fic I ever wrote, so writing characters I was not as familiar with (non-hobbits) was challenging (still is, actually). But I'm happy that you liked my version of the gracious elven Queen!
The Its issue - thanks for the support there! You would not believe the problems I had with that. Writing the Ring as an entity had me torn between using 'Its' or 'It's' for the possessive form. For any other individual (e.g. Sam), we'd naturally write 'Sam's' in the possessive sense - but when I did that initially with the Ring, 'It's' was often confused by my readers with the contraction for 'It is'. So after writing and posting the entire story using 'It's', I finally gave up and changed them all to 'Its', so what you're seeing now is the polished version.
Anyway, I've just spouted a whole pile of superfluous nonsense in this reply, so I'll leave you to your cornflakes...
M ;)
GamgeeFest
· 17 January 2009
· Chapter 2: Long lie-ins and Big Breakfasts
*giggles* I love Farlibar as the overeager new cook panting for a compliment. Poor Sam, though. I can just imagine what his dreams must entail, and the sleeping in certainly isn't doing him any good on that account. You get into Sam's head so well here, with his self-recrimination and imagings of being scolded by the Master in the common room of the inn, and his firm belief that nothing comes from lingering over the past.
I thought it was an interesting note in your reply to my last review re: Sam's wearing of the Ring. While he was wearing it on his finger the majority of the day, I never stopped to calculate that this was indeed longer than Frodo has ever worn. I would argue against Bilbo though, as he too was knocked unconscious while wearing the Ring during the Battle of Five Armies, and he wore it for the majority of the time while hiding in Thranduil's caverns. Of course, the Ring was not yet fully awake at that time, so it would not be so damaging to Bilbo as it was to Sam, on the brink of Mordor during the height of the War. I don't know if the Ring is able to work on someone if they're not awake, though you could certainly make a case for it, as whether sleeping or awake, the psyche is still there, constantly going. It's intriguing and I will have to mull it over and see where the idea takes me. :D
GF
Author's reply
Hello Gamgeefest,
wow, it's a real treat to get a review for this story so many months after its completion, so thank you!
Thanks for your lovely words on getting inside Sam's head. I was trying to aim for just that; imagining his sensible hobbit arguements with his own mind and trying to put them on paper.
And I see your point about Bilbo. I hadn't really thought of that - I was thinking more along the lines of wearing it during its time of 'awakening' - something you've already mentioned yourself.
Tolkien was a bit ambiguous about the extent of the Ring's abilities and we know that Frodo's sleep was also disturbed throughout much of the quest, his burden being such a toil for him. I've just interpreted that in my own small way and used it as the basis for this story, so it may very well be that you read it and think 'hmm, not quite sure about that'. Don't worry, that's okay ;) We each interpret things slightly differently and that's what gives us such a breadth of topics to explore through fanfic!
I'm delighted to have you as a reader and hope that you enjoy the story.
M ;)
GamgeeFest
· 3 January 2009
· Chapter 1: The Seeing Stone
I am must finding this story and beginning to make my way through it. It's off to an excellent start. Aragorn's use of the Palantir to see his friends is belivable, especially as he limits his use of it, even going to such lengths as making the room as uncomfortable and uninviting as possible. This is wise. Sam seems to be in a bad way here. Everyone puts such emphasis on Frodo's spiritual wounds from the Quest, they often forget the impact it would have had on the other hobbits. Sam might not have carried the Ring for long, but he was with it to the very end, and it was definitely working on his mind, even if he wasn't aware of it.
I hope I have time to read more of this story soon! Welcome to SOA!
Author's reply
Hello Gamgeefest,
Thanks for the lovely welcome to SoA. Everyone has made me feel welcome! It's an honour to call such an esteemed LOTR fanfic site home.
I was surprised, but delighted, to get a review for 'Concerning Sam', having finished it so many months ago, so you have really made my day! This was my first foray into LOTR fanfiction as well as my first multi-chapter story, so it feels like my 'baby', so to speak. (Do bear that in mind if you come across any wee errors - also the Its/It's issue, you may frown in puzzlement now, but you'll undertand from chapter 5 onwards).
Aragorn is a wise soul indeed and never one to tempt fate unnecessarily. As for Sam - oh dear, my poor wee soul is in for the fright of his life!
I originally wrote this story because I'd always wanted to know what the effects of his time as Ringbearer were and nobody else had put forth such a tale. Which I've always found odd. After all, he may have carried it for a day, but he actually wore it on his finger for a good portion of that time trying to rescue Frodo from the Towere of Cirith Ungol - longer than either Bilbo or Frodo combined: and all this on the very edge of Mordor!
So I picked up my pen and basically wrote down all the questions I'd ever asked myself and then I theorised possible answers to each one and so my story was born. I hope you enjoy it (when you get a chance to read it) and I'm glad to have you on board.
Happy New Year!
M ;)
Hello Mysterious Jedi,
And thank you! I hadn't expected to get any more reviews for this (I assumed it was doomed to wander in the ether after finishing it a month or two ago) so yours was very much appreciated.
If you're interested to know what happened in the cooks' tent, that story's here too (justposted chapter 4 actually - so much for the idea of it being a oneshot). It's called 'Much Ado about Mushrooms', so if you like, you can give it a try (or not).
Thanks again for the review, I'm glad you enjoyed 'Concerning Sam'!
M :)
Linda Hoyland
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
A lovely ending.I'm so glad Sam is well again.I hope you will write more about Aragorn,Arwen,Faramir and the Hobbits
Author's reply
Hello again Linda :)
I would like to do more Shire/Gondor stories in the future - I think that Hobbits work even better with Men or Elves around. I don't imagine I'll ever do a story solely about Hobbits (unless a oneshot) because it's more fun to work with two or more races!
Thank you so much for your reviews, they are much appreciated!
M :)
Linda Hoyland
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 10: Of Kings and Gardeners
A lovely scene for Aragorn and Faramir.
Author's reply
Hello Linda,
Yes - I enjoyed creating that little scene. It's how I imagine their relationship would have evolved after several years as Steward/King and friends.
Thanks for the review!
M :)
Andrea
· 14 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
I've been following your story from the beginning on. In fact, you posted faster than I could read ;-)
I enjoyed it a great deal, particularly the fact that you came up with a new idea that had never occured to me before. And while reading on I found it very possible that the memory of the Ring lingered in Sam's mind and waited until the time was right to strike - and strike it did! Especially the parts where Sam "fought" with the Ring while It twisted all his thoughts were written very powerfully! Great work.
I also liked Radagast's part in the story.
And I'm looking forward to finding out what happened in the tent :)
Thank you!
P.S.: English is fascinating. Just place an additional apostrophe and a possesive pronoun becomes an s-Genitive (I looked the terms up, LOL!). It was very fitting to emphasise that the Ring is a real character.
In German which is my native language this is impossible!
Author's reply
Andrea,
Thank you for your lovely review!! You reviewed in my language - let me try to reply in yours (Get ready for a laugh..my German is a bit rusty!)
Es freut mich das du meine kleine Geschichte genossen hast. Es hat mir viel spaß gemacht beim schreiben. Ich hab´ Sam immer geliebt aber doch keinen Sam/Ring Geschichte gefunden (und dafur Ich hab´ ein ewigkeit gesuch!). Also, mußte Ich es selbst schreiben. Etwas frustierend, um erlich zu sein - aber was kann man dafur?
Ich hab´ mich oft selbst gefragt was für leiden Sam bekam wegen seiner Tag als Ringbearer. Besonderes weil er den Ring auf der grenzen Mordor trug - wann es so machtvoll war! Aber es ist nirgendwo beschrieben und Ich nußte meine eigene antworten finden.
Wenn Frodo so sehr unter den Ring gelitten hat daß er nach Valinor segeln müßte (er trug es zwar viel länger als Sam, aber es war auch nicht immer so kräftig wie im letzten Jahr) - dann mit sicherheit had Sam auch teilweise leiden mußen, sonst hätte er keinen platz in Valinor nötig, oder? Hoffentlich hat mein Story diese Themen etwas zur Licht gebracht damit andere leute auch darüber nachdenkt. Wenn Ich gluck hab` schreiben auch andere Autoren/innen darüber - auf diese weise kann Ich die ideen von anderen genießen,
Ich habe Concerning Sam schon fertig geschrieben bevor Ich es auf SoA gepostet hab´. Also brauchte Ich nur jeder Chapter etwas zu verschönern bevor es hier landet - deswegen war Ich so schnell fertig!
Es war immer mein plan einer der Sauberer (wie heißt Wizard auf Deutsch?) zu benutzen - aber nur Radagast blieb übrig nachdem Gandalf Mittlere Erde verließ (wie heißt Middle Earth auf Deutsch?). Weil er doch keine größere teil in den Büchern hat, fand Ich es nur fair das er ein kleiner Auftritt in mein Story bekam! Gut gedacht, nicht war?
Anyway, I won’t hurt your eyesight any further with my German efforts! Which reminds me, your written command of English is superb: punctuation, capitalisation, grammar - the whole lot! Unlike my German, but it’s been a while since I used it so I don’t mind that too much just now - though I hope one day to translate the entire story. But I wish my written English was as good as yours (I’ve completely forgotten what the ’genitive’ form you spoke of is, so I’ll need to look that up!).
Thank you so much for your kind words and I’m delighted you enjoyed Concerning Sam! I will write a oneshot about Farlibar in the cooks’ tent, but you’ll have to wait a week or so for it…..
Maureen :)
Elflingimp
· 12 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
I know I didn't review every chapter and I don't usually read Hobbit stories, but I loved this one and yes what did happen in that tent??? LOL! Hugs The Imp
Agape4Gondor
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
Bravo! Very nice job. I do so hope you continue writing things like this. I don't go to ff.net and so this is my first 'encounter' with your writing. I've enjoyed myself thoroughly. I do so love reading of 'new' ideas, and having poor Sam attacked by the Ring was truly a 'new' idea for me.
This chapter with ARagorn continues the same vein of great writing that began at the beginning and never flagged. You did good! Thanks for sharing.
Oh! And a belated welcome to SoA - one of the nicest sites on the web.
Author's reply
Hello again Agape4Gondor,
I am SO glad you enjoyed Concerning Sam, for the subject matter was dear to my heart and (in my opinion) needed to be shared.
It has afforded me much pleasure to hear from reviewers and know that they are not only reading, but appreciating this very under-tackled subject. I hope that others may be inspired to write their own stories of Sam and the Ring, for there truly aren't enough of them and it's a subject begging to be explored in depth. Not only his encounter with the Ring, but how he lived with the Sea longing and if it affected his family adversely, how the effects of his time as Ringbearer may impact those who love him and of course, the parallels of suffering he may have shared with Frodo. So many issues that authors could really sink their teeth into....
Thank you for the compliment on my writing (blushes). That means so very much to me because I was nervous about misrepresenting the very thing I wanted so much to write.
It's always nice to hear from you and thanks for the welcome onsite! SoA is indeed a great place to be!
All the best to you :)
Maureen.
Agape4Gondor
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 12: Friends in need are Friends indeed
A great chapter. I loved the interaction between Sam and the Elves... and especially Merry's tirade about 'sharing' needs!
Author's reply
Hello Agape4Gondor,
Hobbits and Elves - don't think anyone can go far wrong there, it's such a great mixture!
Penning Merry's tirade was very cathartic. There's nothing worse than someone you love not unburdening themselves when they're in trouble, it makes us feel powerless to ease their pain and angry when they get into serious bother that could have been avoided. Sam needed to realise this and Merry was the perfect person to show him the error of his ways!
See you soon :)
Maureen
Antane
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
You are thanking me for all those reviews, and I do thank you for that, but it's really me and all of us who should be thanking you for such a wonderful tale! More, more!! Harthad Uluithiad indeed - the Ring doesn't have a chance! The Enemy and his demons "prowl the world seeking the ruin of souls", always seeking a way in, but it will be harder next time. How wonderful that Sam knows the truth know about everything and that he will see his treasure again and love how Aragorn explained that Rose would be fine with that because she wouldn't trust anyone else to take care of Sam but Frodo. You say you wrote this for your own enjoyment, but not so, my dear, not so. Many have enjoyed it! Looking forward to anything else you write! *hobbity hug*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Hello Aunty Anne!
Wow, what a fabulous review. Many, many thanks!
Concerning Sam was a real labour of love for me. I had many questions regarding Sam and his time with the Ring (and had had to supply the answers to them myself because there was no fic out there to do it for me), so this gave me the chance to air my views and test them out - see what reception they got. And the reception has been quite overwhelming!
It seemed sensible to me that Aragorn and the others would react in the way they did to any threat It may pose to Sam and I'm delighted that so many others have not only agreed, but enjoyed the tale I spun.
Your reviews have been a delight from start to finish and such things make all the hard effort of writing, plotting, scripting and losing several hours of sleep more than worthwhile. I hope that this story has made people stop and think - and I hope even more that others will take up the idea and write their own version because then I get the chance to read them without having to do all the hard work, ha, ha!
I will do a wee oneshot of Farlibar, Merry and Pippin at some point, but when exactly - I'm not sure. As for other stories: that will take further thought. I'm not sure I trust myself yet to undertake something as intensive as this quite yet, but the possibility that I will do more is as certain as the Sun rising!
Thank you for reading, reviewing and enjoying this. That means a great deal!
All the very best to you and yours.
Maureen :)
Dreamflower
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
What a delightful ending for this! I had been looking forward to this encounter greatly! And I'm so pleased that Faramir and Eowyn were able to be there!
And I appreciate your acknowledgement of my comments. Reviewing stories is something I enjoy very nearly as much as reading or writing them. It is seldom that we see new hobbit-writers among us, and I am so very glad to see you in our midst!