Dreamflower
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 12: Friends in need are Friends indeed
I think attempting to "usurp his confidence" is exactly what you did show, here--Sam's love for the others was never in doubt, but It could try to make him doubt the love of the others. And It could twist Sam's natural sense of humility into feelings of worthlessness.
As to feelings of guilt, I think that all of those who went on that journey probably suffered them to a certain extent. It is very easy for anyone who feels protective of others to take that too far, and extending it into a feeling of failure if he cannot protect the others from every bad thing. Normally, Sam would brush aside those feelings with his innate hobbit-sense, but under assault and exhausted, he needed help to do that this time.
I have really enjoyed this--it is unusual to get a chance to see Sam be the recipient of some h/c, and it was very nice to read about for a change.
Dreamflower
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 11: The Fellowship of the Ring-bearer
As I have always suspected, the Ring cannot fight love, friendship or hope. It is formed from Sauron's mind and will, and since he did not understand those things, neither did the Ring. When push comes to shove, the Ring has much less power than It gives Itself credit for.
It's good to see Sam get his hope and determination back. I think that if he had not already been physically exhausted, it could never have overcome his innate hobbit-sense to begin with.
And I have to say how much I love seeing Elladan and Elrohir give It fits as well!
Celeritas
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 13: Harthad Uluithiad
Since this is the last one I thought I'd just go through as I read and make the review really really long again...
the heady scent of woodland trees and rain dampened earth
Ahh. Lovely bit of description there.
He’d been left to do it alone last night when they refused to go to sleep without hearing the tale of how he’d first met the Hobbits at Bree - again.
Ah, small children. Bane of their parents' sleep, but adorable nonetheless.
He’d seen the multitude of Hobbits who’d accompanied Merry, Pippin and himself to the Bridge staring at him in awe after that. Life was going to be a bit awkward for a while when he got back home.
Understatement of the day! Poor Sam, although I imagine his bumbling attempts to avoid such fame will make many a nice fireside tale for Frodo when they're reunited. XD
The reappearance of Farlibar was a very pleasant surprise. I love hobbit OCs.
And Merry and Pippin are at it again? *tsks* Some folk never learn... I'd like to think, though, in later years Farlibar will realize exactly what's going on and give as good as he gets!
...Scratch that, he just did. *grins*
Given the parallels you've been drawing between Frodo's post-Ring afflictions and Sam's, I'm glad you gave him a comfort jewel, too. It fits with the rest of the story very well, and has some nice tie-ins with the old gem-craft of the Silm.
“But I don’t want to wound Rosie any more when I look West. I don’t want her to feel like I’m just whiling away the time here ’til I leave, it‘s not fair on her!”
*sniffle*
Aragorn's response to that is a really good comfort to Sam--the idea that Rosie knows she won't be leaving Sam alone when she passes! Never quite thought of that before.
“Sorry ‘bout that sir, it’s just...well, you know...”
“That you are self-effacing to the point of frustration and blush at the mere thought of gratitude? Yes, I know.”
Hee hee hee!
Yay for Sam's brown eyes! *hearts canonical eyecolor*
The coda at the end was simply inspiring--nothing like Sam's native tenacity to leave a smile on your face.
Thanks so much for citing me at the end--I didn't realize that my commentary was so appreciated.
I enjoyed getting to read this entire story. A number of parts weren't easy for me to enjoy because they went against my expectations/interpretations and they made me think. Which is good, because if I were to click the back button every time I disagreed with someone's interpretation I'd only read my own writing, which is very stifling! And added to that your interpretations were fresh and (I believe) never set forth on SoA before. That's what I look for in an author--one who expands and challenges the reader's thoughts on canon and fanon alike, but always making sure that she stays true and cleaves ever closer to the original.
I hope you have a number of stories left in you (especially looking forward to the oneshot!) and that your style and confidence improve and flourish over time--I love looking at authors' early works and comparing their progress with later ones. And if this is just your first fic, as long as you always strive to better yourself and your original interpretations I can guarantee that I'll read and review whatever you put on this site in the days to come.
Welcome again to SoA and I wish you many happy returns to the site!
~Celeritas
Author's reply
Hello Celeritas,
I'm really glad you enjoyed CS because it was a work of passion for me. It was the story I have always wanted to read, but that no one wrote. For what seems like ages I've had so many questions about the One Ring's possible effects on Sam - but they weren't being answered, the scenario remained unexplored by fanfiction authors; so I realised if I was ever to see such a story, I'd have to write it.
But that meant I'd have to forgo the pleasure of finally discovering it by a much more experienced author; that there was a likelihood I'd probably ruin the entire thing with my gauche attempts at storytelling. Plus I wouldn't be able to read and truly enjoy it myself as I'd written it - can you imagine: finally there's a fanfic with the questions I'd wanted answered, the scenarios I'd envisaged - and there's no rush of happiness or satisfaction at the discovery because I wrote the bloomin' thing myself. Grrr!
Still, I've enjoyed writing Concerning Sam. I had absolutely NO IDEA how much hard work even a couple of thousand words could be when the subject matter was LOTR (I'd written 2 HP oneshots before but they were easier to write because the HP world isn't anywhere near as complex). All the bloomin' research I'd have to do for even the smallest of things (e.g. where Lake Evendim lay in relation to Annúminas; the layout of the Citadel in Minas Anor; which towns/cities/regions the Great East Road crossed)! Then I had to be so smart and include just about every race in ME - and as a result was stuck with trying to imagine their individual (as a race)- then combined - interactions and manner of speech! Aagh! This was why I'd rather have read someone else's, because I wouldn't be doing all the hard wor myself (I know, I'm a lazy so-and-so).
However, it also meant I had complete control over each and every detail of the story - that I could finally voice what's been running through my mind (unanswered) for a few years now. It just never sat right with me that Sam had worn and USED the Ring on the edge of Mordor - at the height of Its power - yet lived a long life apparently free of consequence until his wife died. if he had to leave for the Undying Lands at all, the Ring must have presented a danger to him in ME throughout his life. Did the remaining Fellowship members never think about what peril Sam may face because of his Ringbearer status, given what they knew of It's affect on Frodo - or did they not believe him to be under any sort of similar threat? Also, how did the Sea longing affect Sam and his family?
Now the story's over, I'm glad I had the opportunity to explore the many questions that have annoyed me forever! That I have made people think about new interpretations or challenged them with my ideas is a boon I could never have hoped for! And to be able to post here on SoA where the quality of work is ever high and the reception recieved ever warm and friendly!
I am so very glad that you enjoyed Concerning Sam, even when it made you stop and think about what you yourself thought/believed. I am grateful for each and every review sent and appreciate the time you took to do so. It's always nice to get feedback and feel appreciated. Reviews give authors a feeling of justification/vindication in their work that money can't buy, so each one is precious no matter its length.
On that note, I bid you adieu (for the moment) and remind you that tomorrow's Monday - your posting day. I'm looking forward to reading more about a certain Hobbit lass...
Maureen :)
Celeritas
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 12: Friends in need are Friends indeed
Hurrah, Sam's back to his normal self!
I loved the homemade Gaffer aphorism, and Merry and Pippin's typical banter with its (probably intended) side effect of cheering Sam up.
The whole chapter was quite lovely and a nice release to all of the tension of the last chapters. About the only thing missing was Rosie, but since the poor dear must have been exhausted, especially in her condition, I'll forgive her her absence.
I'm anxious to see how you tie all of this up!
Celeritas
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 11: The Fellowship of the Ring-bearer
The Ring may be powerful, but It is one and we are many. It cannot sustain It's assault indefinitely against such a united front.
Yes! Finally Ring!pwnage! What I quoted above pretty much sums up for me this entire fic, and the theme ties back into LotR so very nicely that I must commend you!
I'm glad, though that there's the last mention from the Ring that this isn't over. Too often with any sort of hurt/comfort fic (which this is to an extent) once the fic is over it's assumed that the problem is gone, which when it's something this psychologically damaging is quite naive! But hopefully the next attack will be easily rebuffed because Sam will no longer be alone.
Celeritas
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 10: Of Kings and Gardeners
Aragorn trying to goad Faramir into surprise--and especially the remark that he must have learnt his calm from Legolas--was quite funny and a nice counterpoint to the heavy angst that has been sweeping through this fic. I do remember seeing in UT that the Steward wasn't supposed to leave Gondor, but 1). anything published after Tolkien's death isn't authoritative and 2). Aragorn can do whatever he wants.
Rose and Elanor's reactions to Sam's condition were heartbreaking, but at the same time I could see the family strength shining through. No wonder Sam was able to stave off the Sea-longing so long!
A nice chapter.
Antane
· 11 October 2008
· Chapter 12: Friends in need are Friends indeed
Nice to see Sam to well on the mend! How wonderful and back to being surrounded by reality. Certainly understandable that he would have fought the Elven twins at first, not knowing which way was up anymore and just wanting to hide from anyone and everyone. Hopefully next time he won't "fear to say too much" and won't get into such a fix again. Is it too late to beg a favor that he will receive some sort of reassurance that he will see his Frodo again, from Frodo himself maybe?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Agape4Gondor
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 11: The Fellowship of the Ring-bearer
Very nice chapter indeed. I am still enjoying the 'twist' that you have put into this - with a non-existent Ring still 'holding onto' Sam. You have written it well enough to make it quite plausible.
Agape4Gondor
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 10: Of Kings and Gardeners
I loved both 'parts' of this chapter.... the part with Aragorn and Faramir was well done - though I wanted to kick the king (are we allowed to do such things?) for not having 'run' to Sam's aid as soon as he discerned the problem...
As for Rosie - bless her heart - she did well as did Elanor. Hope the twins can help dear Sam.
Antane
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 11: The Fellowship of the Ring-bearer
Yes!! Yes!! Yes!! Victory at last! Yea, Ring, you may think you are going to be around forever, but so will love, and you just saw what that could do! Go back to the Abyss prepared for you! And let Sam sink into the abyss of love that you never know.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Antane
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 10: Of Kings and Gardeners
Oh, good, you're back! I've been waiting all day and wondering, what if she doesn't post again soon - I can't wait! But here we are. :)
Love Faramir and Aragorn and the idea of holding Sam in their hearts. Soon I hope they will be holding him in their arms. Love Elanor's teasing words to her da. Indeed acts of love overwhelm all evil as Frodo is well aware of and Sam will learn anew. Watch out Ring - your days are numbered. You are going to yet again face love, the strongest force in the universe.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Dreamflower
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 10: Of Kings and Gardeners
Oh I'm so glad that Faramir and Eowyn are going to accompany the King! How delightful! I hope we get to see some of that visit at some point in time!
Poor Sam. He can't tell friend from foe or reality from nightmare right now. But I am sure that the sons of Elrond will soon see him to rights!
Pippin has certainly grown into his role as Thain. And he has managing Merry down to a fine art.
I look forward to more soon!
Celeritas
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 9: Reinforcements!
Hurrah! Elf-lords to the rescue!
I should hope that with the sort of spiritual power that the elves have they'd be able to "call" Sam back or at least enter his nightmare. Though that could be twisted, too, I suppose.
How very fitting that the drowning hobbit attacked the rescuers, though. I think he was at that point in panic where it's impossible to discern friend from foe.
Celeritas
· 10 October 2008
· Chapter 8: An unpleasant interlude
Unpleasant indeed. Yow.
The extent of Ring personification and guilt, along with minor things like Sam clipping his g's on -ing (I have weird "jolters" in fan fic), made it very difficult for me to enjoy this chapter. Definitely flirting with AU, though I still wouldn't say it objectively crosses the line--only that this is WAY out of my own territory and I would never personally consider this canon.
Which is not to say that I didn't appreciate or even enjoy it--it was very powerfully written and I have a feeling that the Ring has gotten to know Sam a lot better since it offered him gardens. Either that or since it only exists in his memory it's got a lot more suitable ammo.
Visions taken out of context? I wholeheartedly approve. (Compare Denethor seeing the black ships sailing up the Anduin)
The worst bit (by which, in this case, I mean the best) was when Sam realized that no, he didn't have an absolute guarantee that he was sailing. Taking that hope away from Sam is the worst thing you could do to him (bar Frodo committing suicide on the way to Valinor and then telling Sam)--something that I've never forgiven PJ & co. for.
And asking him where all his friends are will be a nice tie-in to the next chapter...
Agape4Gondor
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 9: Reinforcements!
Wow - it's truly a saving for Sam that the twins showed up when they did. Great chapter.
Agape4Gondor
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 8: An unpleasant interlude
Excellent rantings and ravings! WOW
Poor Sam really doesn't have a hope. To weak and sick to even listen to what the Ring is saying, for it tells the truth, but Sam cannot see it...
you had not been so bold as to rescue him
there was always you pulling him away from me
you thwarted all
But then the real cruelties start with his Rosie and his friends and such.
Excellent rantings and ravings. I can't say it enough!
Antane
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 9: Reinforcements!
Phew, all caught up now. You write way too fast! :)
Hold on, Sam! The cavalry has arrived and not a moment too soon! And more are coming! Just hold on!!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Antane
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 8: An unpleasant interlude
Oh, the Enemy has many weapons in his arsenal and he is certainly attacking Sam with everything he's got. Very interesting the rage of the Ring, telling Sam many truths that hopefully will surface again in the beleaguered hobbit's mind. This is a very real reflection I'm sure of the demonic assaults Frodo suffered for months. The visions can be true, esp. that of Aragorn and Faramir, but as always, the Enemy can twist them to what he wants. What a terrible thing to endure. And how terrible to twist Sam's hopes of seeing Frodo again and why he has the Sea-longing. Don't listen, Sam!! Don't listen to any of the lies! Keep fighting!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Antane
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 7: An unexpected visitor
Thank God for Radagast and Gandalf for thinking of alerting his brother Maia to the possibility that Sam might be ailing as well. I have read that Radagast failed in his mission when he became so enamoured with the birds and beasts and they with him, but if he had not, could he be in such a position to aid Sam in his hour of need? See how it is that Iluvatar can use anything? Even if Radagast said it, He could saying it also: “For I would be a poor tender of Nature if I allowed her to be deprived of such a guardian."
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Dreamflower
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 9: Reinforcements!
Oh, I'm so glad that Pippin arrived when he did. He'll get Merry settled and calmed. I am quite sure that going through this with Sam has to be very traumatic for him, reminding him of what happened with Frodo, and possibly reminding him of that dreadful time of waiting.
And Elladan and Elrohir have arrived in the nick of time! They will know just what Sam needs!
Antane
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Trials of Meriadoc Brandybuck (begin)
Oh man, what a sight - physically for Merry, spiritually for Sam whose nightmare landscape he is still lost in. But Merry's right -
"The Ring might think It’s got you, but It doesn’t know the Samwise Gamgee that we do and It doesn’t know your friends either."
Exactly! Keep fighting, Sam! You are so united in heart and soul to your Frodo, that I would think he would know of your trouble also, and be able to assist you - the Ring doesn't have a chance!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Dreamflower
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 8: An unpleasant interlude
Oh, poor Sam! The Ring is really vicious here, as I would expect of any remnant of Sauron's mind to be. But sooner or later, Sam will see through its lies!
Dreamflower
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 7: An unexpected visitor
Ah, Radagast! It's so delightful to see him. I was always rather sorry that he had been relegated to a moth in the films.
I enjoyed the bit of brotherly teasing at the beginning.
I don't think he sounded like another Gandalf; but of course he'd sound more formal among Elves.
Antane
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 5: A Trip to Mordor?
Wow!! Your best chapter yet, very powerful! Poor Sam! How terrible for our dear to experience such a nightmare. So many lies he recognizes, and he recognizes the truth also - the visions of what really happened, but the Enemy knows us very well and will take advantage of every strength and weakness in his attempt to destroy us. He will twist the truth in order to torment us and make us doubt ourselves and our intentions and probe at wounds that haven't healed and make us nearly mad at wondering anymore is his lies are truth. They aren't but how convincing he can sound.
"But you were destroyed, and your Master with you!” cried Sam in denial of It’s words.
“And was your Master not also destroyed?” It asked.
Whoa! A dagger thrust right to the heart after so many others. Hold on, Sam!! Your master suffered greatly, yes, but he's not destroyed!
(Most of this was right to be in italics, the rest could have been in plain text and you really need to watch it's and its - most of the time you are saying it's when you mean its, a problem many people have. If you don't mean "it is", then use its, like its master, its words, its victory.)
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Dreamflower
· 9 October 2008
· Chapter 6: The Trials of Meriadoc Brandybuck (begin)
Poor Merry! I know that he's worried sick himself. But true to his nature he always has a plan, and plenty of determination. And Elladan and Elrohir are already on their way?
I wonder...did Aragorn or Arwen get word to them somehow?