What a delightful chapter! I love your characterization of Eärendil! So many who write about his immortal voyage depict him as sad at his fate, but you show him as being joyful with his duty, and having pride in what he does! I really like that a lot.
And I am eager to find out what messages Sam's brought with him, as well!
I also love the gentleness and honor with which Sam is handled. Just lovely, dear!
Author's reply
I like to think of Eärendil as following a satisfying destiny... or else he'd just sail Vingilot to Aman one last time and retire! It was quite fun and challenging to write about him, and imagine what he might think of this small being placed in his care.
Thank you so much. "Gentleness and honor" are two things I insist on when it comes to our beloved hobbits. :)
Now that is truely air mail! Don't blame them for taking advantage of the oppertunity to exchange greetings.
Well Sam has made it this far, now on to Tol Erressea and Frodo!
Lynda
Author's reply
Air mail is right! I can just imagine all the hasty and delighted letter-writing on both sides of the Sundering Seas.
I can't wait for the reunion. I'm still working out the details. :)
Gentle Hobbit
· 6 April 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Arwen's confession that she was glad not to have had to watch the ship slowly disappear... I could vividly imagine how heartbreaking that would have been for her.
Author's reply
It's sad that she lost so much... thankfully, she also had great joy in her life.
GamgeeFest
· 4 April 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
How wonderful that Meneldor was able to be of service, and what a marvelous sending-off party Sam received!
Author's reply
Thank you! Even eagles have dreams and goals, and this one will be able to fulfill his. I hope to post chapter 4 today or tomorrow. *hugs and bounces*
GamgeeFest
· 4 April 2010
· Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Tricksy Sam, getting the twins to call him two different names so he can tell them apart! ;)
Sam is ever the wise one, realizing the benefits of being asleep for his unusual voyage.
Author's reply
Sam has grown and matured, but is still a most practical hobbit. :)
GamgeeFest
· 4 April 2010
· Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Oh, to be guided by Earendil himself! Sam will be thrilled! And cheeky Baggins, to give back to Gandalf some of the wits he has dispensed upon hobbits! ;)
Author's reply
I'm having such fun with this rather wild idea! Dear Sam deserves a first-class ticket to the West. :)
Grey Wonderer
· 27 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Just lovely. I adored this line: (The Shire has been gently loosening its hold on him, like a tree about to be transplanted into new, rich soil.) It is the perfect description for what was about to happen to Sam.
I was struck by how very sad a life among mortals must have been for all elves that chose it. They have to endure loss so often.
I'm glad Sam got such a fine send-off from his family and his friends.
Author's reply
Thank you. In my 'verse, Sam has begun to dream of the West, and find comfort in its call. It's not so much a 'Sea longing' as one life-chapter closing gently and another one opening.
lovethosehobbits
· 23 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
How do you do it? This is such an unusual story premise and so expertly told, I can't imagine ever being able to do such a thing. I have tears in my eyes after reading about the many partings of Samwise...imagining the sadness all would be feeling and the loss Middle Earth must feel. I love it. I can't say any more than that. I miss you.
Author's reply
I think Sam returned to the Shire and, over his lifetime, elevated it to a new level the same way Aragorn did for Gondor when he became king. I love your idea of Middle-earth itself missing him. He cherished it, and was cherished in return.
Thank you, my dear friend. Your words mean so much to me.
althea
· 22 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
I just want to let you know how much I am enjoying this story. I love the idea of Sam being honored as he leaves Middle Earth.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Althea. This story is making me happy, too. :D
inzilbeth
· 22 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Ah Shirebound, you have excelled yourself here! What a truly wonderful departure for Sam. I absolutely loved it. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you! I tried to imagine the nicest send-off possible. :)
lbilover
· 21 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
"The Shire has been gently loosening its hold on him, like a tree about to be transplanted into new, rich soil."
What a very beautiful comparison, and so perfectly apt.
This was just a gorgeous chapter, and it did my heart good to see Sam so honored and loved, and Frodo remembered, too, with such caring. I was very happily surprised to see Strider and Arwen put in an appearance. I love that they were there when Sam left, and that Aragorn put Sam into sleep for the journey. What a truly imaginative and fascinating take on Sam's departure, and very moving, too. Sam's parting from Elanor must have been truly heartbreaking for them both.
Author's reply
Frodo's departure was so quiet, with so few present to honor him, I wanted to pour everything I could think of into a wonderful send-off for Sam. I don't think Aragorn would have forgiven himself if he could have been there, and wasn't. And all the folk who were there will never forget it. This is as close as I could bring us to being there with them!
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, my friend. :)
Baggins Babe
· 20 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
This certainly had me sniffling, Shirebound. The Dunedain holding their swords aloft, Aragorn's love for Sam, the Eagle, and the Rangers wanting to greet Meneldor on his return......... Not to mention Sam's farewell to the Shire and to Elanor.
I loved dear practical Sam leaving his walking stick because he doesn't want to 'bother the Eagle with too much nonsense'!!! How totally Sam!
This was just so moving and so perfect and I loved every word.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you. I wanted this farewell to be full of love and respect. In the Shire Sam became a leading citizen, but to the Outside world he had attained nearly legendary status. It was fun to show this while making sure he kept his simple hobbity nature. I'm so happy you liked this, BB! *beams*
cookiefleck
· 19 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Well, I'm back (*grins*) - I wanted to collect my thoughts before leaving a proper review. I really did get very emotional (tears were shed) reading this chapter, which is a tribute to how beautifully and thoughtfully you wrote it, and reflects my depth of feelings for the dear character of Samwise.
In terms of plot elements and details, I really enjoyed the Shire turnout and then the final, special meeting with Elanor. I was thrilled and surprised that the King and host came to bid respects and farewell. And I appreciated (and noticed) all of the smaller bits that are so telling, such as Sam's reasons for leaving his walking stick behind and Aragorn's thoughtful tucking it into place. I love that one sentence for so many reasons.
I appreciate that you found and struck the right balance in terms of Sam's attitude, and of those close to him and even the larger group of those who knew him and knew of him. I like to feel that Sam led a happy and full life in the Shire, that he was well-loved by all, and that at some point he was ready for that next "adventure." I don't like stories that minimize his time in the Shire, as if all he did for decades was pine for Frodo. You wrote that aspect reflecting the way I think Tolkien wanted us to think of Sam's post-quest years.
It's interesting to read the other reviews, because many of them relate emotionally to this chapter because of feelings about Frodo's passing over the sea. Although I understand that, you know that my primary character interest in LOTR has always been Samwise, and I feel that his accomplishments are sometimes minimized by readers/writers (not by Tolkien, of course) in "favor of" honoring Frodo. My emotional reaction stemmed from being glad to read your portrayal of him as fully respected, loved and honored for all that he was and did in his life. I could not have asked for a nicer farewell tribute to a character that holds such a special place in my heart.
Incidentally (just to make this review even longer and wordier, hah), while typing this I was listening on my computer to a favorite song, Shining, by Badly Drawn Boy. You can google the lyrics and song if interested. It was a coincidence that I was listening to it but it actually compliments your story quite well.
Author's reply
My friend, I'm thrilled beyond words that my portrayal of Sam and his leave-taking makes your heart happy. He truly does deserve to be "fully respected, loved and honored for all that he was and did". Some of my stories from a few years ago -- "The Three Towers" and "Mind to Mind" in particular -- brought him to the foreground along with Frodo, but this story revolves around him first and foremost, and I'm enjoying every moment of planning and writing.
Thank you so much for noticing the little details! I try to imagine a scene as completely as possible, and it's often the little things that bring us into an understanding of someone's thoughts and feelings.
And thank you for being so patient while this story came together. I know you've been waiting a long time. *hugs hugs*
FantasyFan
· 19 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
I bawled like a baby through this chaper. Seriously, I cried my eyes out through the whole thing. And as I was crying, I was thinking to myself, "What on earth is going on here?" Sam was emphatically not sad to be leaving. He was totally at peace with it, as were all the others around him. Yes, the leavetaking can be painful, but nobody was in terrible overwhelming grief about Sam finally going to the West to be reuinited with his Master, in reward for his faithfulness and love. There isn't anything sad about that! And yet, I'm crying again even as I write that.
I finally came to the conculsion that I wasn't crying for Sam. I'm crying for Frodo, in the same way I always cry at the end of the book. He didn't leave children behind to miss him. He didn't have Aragorn and Arwen to say farewell. Moreover, he didn't have a full life to look back on with no regrets, or loving memories to take with him. He had doubts and pain and illness amd scorn and nightmare memories instead. And I can't read about Sam leaving, without remembering Frodo and everything he was so cruelly denied. Thus, your loving and gentle chapter leaves me bereft, for the moment, until I can read the reunion and see the healing for myself. I'm looking forward to it.
And as a final aside, the invocation and standing silence at the end was absolutely beautiful, and absolutely perfect.
Author's reply
Oh my, you're going to make me sniffle too! This is why I write so many "happy hobbits in the West" stories, incorporating different ways Frodo has found joy, friendship, love, respect, peace, and fulfillment; we were denied seeing all of those things in canon. Bless the fact that fanfic can soothe our hearts and spirits regarding his fate. I *promise* that there will reunion and healing in this story. *hugs you*
Thank you so much for your lovely comments, and I'm very appreciative to know that this chapter moved you. From beginning to end, I really poured my heart into it.
Larner
· 19 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
A most blessed leavetaking, with Aragorn and Arwen in attendance, and so many others! May he know peace and joy in his passage!
Author's reply
Thank you, my friend. Praise our humble Samwise with great praise!
cookiefleck
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
I actually had to read this chapter in start-stop stages tonight, because it moved me so much. Will leave longer feedback tomorrow. *hugs*
Author's reply
Oh Cookie, that's such a compliment! I've been hoping for a long time to bring you a story like this. *hugs you*
Estelcontar
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Here is the chapter I've been waiting for, and what a lovely one it is. I just loved to see Aragorn and Arwen there farewelling Sam, and Aragorn putting him to sleep so as to ease his journey to Tol Eressëa. This was such a beautiful and most well deserved farewell.
I also loved your mention of the Star of The Dúnedain which both the Rangers and Sam bore, and of the Elendilmir on Aragorn's brow. It somehow created a link between them.
I found the ending moving and perfect.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm so pleased you like this chapter, and that it was worth the wait! I tried to create a send-off that would be respectful, memorable, and full of love. :)
AspenJules
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
That was a lovely chapter, Janet... even if you did make me cry. Three times! The partings you write for Sam, from Hobbiton and his family there, and then from Elanor, and finally from Aragorn and Arwen were so beautifully done, not over done but still each one of them brought tears to my eyes and a lump to my throat. Nice job!
I also like the ideas of Meneldor finally getting to bear a Ringbearer, and of the Shire letting go of Sam, and even the little mention of Arwen not being able to bear watching her father sail. Nice of Cirdan to send reassurances to Sam, I'm guessing that's where some of the hurt will come in, though I think this part was the hardest. Now he gets to be reunited with his Frodo! *bounce*
Author's reply
I'm really gratified to know that this chapter moved you. Although this event is full of anticipation and excitement, Sam is still leaving the only life and home he's ever known, and it must have been somewhat bittersweet. But by now, his heart and dreams would be calling him to a new home, which will be just as sweet and welcoming.
LOL, how could I write a story without a bit of h/cccc? Hobbit-tending is one of my favoritest things. *grins*
Thank you so much. I poured a lot of love into this chapter.
Andrea
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
“Does this venture not frighten you?” Elladan asked curiously.
Sam shook his head. “I suppose it should, but for weeks I’ve been feeling like…” He shook his head. “I can’t quite explain it, sir.”
I can, Elladan thought. The Shire has been gently loosening its hold on him, like a tree about to be transplanted into new, rich soil.
Beautifully said! That's how it should have been for Frodo, too. His leave-taking must have been much harder for him.
It was a surprise to find Aragorn and Arwen waiting there for Sam! And I enjoyed it as much as Sam did :-)
Author's reply
I agree, Andrea. Frodo didn't have the time or energy, after the Quest, for his beloved Shire to help heal him. Sam was able to find a full and rich life for himself whereas the needs of Frodo's heart and spirit had changed.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this! *beams*
Dreamflower
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Oh what a beautiful parting!
"It was a journey of nearly 150 miles from Hobbiton to the Tower Hills. Each night they stayed at one of the fine inns that could now be found along the entire length of the Great East Road, and Elladan saw first-hand the respect with which Sam was treated. To all, he was Mr. Mayor, Mr. Sam, or just “sir”, and Sam called everyone by name and asked about their families."
"But these things Sam took in only vaguely, for, on both sides of the path Elladan was taking stood long lines of people. There were as yet too few Men in the northern realm of Arnor to populate the lands near the Havens, and Sam had expected to see few people once the Shire was behind them. Yet here stood assembled farmers, craftsmen, and merchants from the new city of Annúminas, and proud Rangers of the North arrayed in black and silver. Their cloaks bore the same bright star as Sam’s own. Everyone called out greetings as the horse rode slowly past them, and the Dúnedain drew their swords and held them up, glittering in the sun."
"“Strider!” Sam cried out. “Lady Arwen! I never thought... I can’t believe it! Am I dreaming?”
King Elessar’s long legs quickly covered the distance to where Sam and the Elves stood. He caught Sam up and held him close while the crowd shouted their joy that their sovereigns were amongst them. Their king stood tall and handsome, his noble brow bearing a star whose brilliance mirrored the one above them. Their queen was radiantly beautiful, her gown of sea green shimmering with gems."
In each of those parts, you show Sam getting the farewell and the honor that Frodo evaded. It feels as though they are honoring not only Sam, but Frodo as well.
How delightful it is to see him having this great honor!
I also loved the gentle way the King put him to sleep and carefully turned him over to the Eagle. How hard it must have been to see his dear friend leaving! And yet he got to say farewell to Sam, unlike when Frodo slipped away!
This is so sweet and touching, dear!
Author's reply
I appreciate you highlighting so many passages. This chapter truly flowed from my heart. One of the reasons I started reading and writing fanfiction was that Frodo hadn't received (in my opinion) the respect, honor, and TLC I felt he deserved. Aragorn had a bit of notice this time, and was able to give at least one of the Ring-bearers a farewell never to be forgotten by anyone who took part. And Aragorn putting him to sleep... I just love the many ways we can use that gift of his!
Thank you so much! :)
6336
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
So, he is on his way and what a send off he received!
More please,
Lynda
Author's reply
Thank you, Lynda. And now to ensure that Sam's welcome is as kindly as his send off!
Fiondil
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Oh, this was such a lovely chapter, Shirebound! It was such a surprise to see Strider and Arwen there. A fitting way to see the last Ringbearer off. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. I'm glad Sam's send-off wasn't too predictable! I hoped that this story would be full of things that hadn't been explored before.
harrowcat
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Aw.. *sniffle* This is just perfect Shirebound. But you are going to have to change your name now that neither of the Ringbearers are bound to the Shire any longer. *grin*
Author's reply
Awwww, I'm really happy that this chapter moved you to sniffles. What a compliment.
LOL, I'll always be Shire-bound! I'll just have to visit our hobbits in the West now and then to make sure they're doing all right. :)
Cairistiona
· 18 March 2010
· Chapter 3: Remember Us
Oh, this was perfection itself! I absolutely adore every word of this chapter. Having Aragorn and Arwen there to send Sam off was a master stroke, and ending the chapter with the Standing Silence was utterly beautiful. And all those in-between bits, from Sam touching the Mallorn leaf one last time to digging his toes in the soil, all work to show the sadness and wistful that leaving brings, no matter how ready one is for life's next big adventure. But through it all is Sam's very level-headed voice that keeps things from turning maudlin. Thank goodness for good plain Hobbit sense. I'm laughing along with Aragorn, even as I'm wiping away tears.
This was well worth the wait!
Author's reply
I'm just thrilled that this was worth the wait. I wanted to give Sam a really wonderful send-off, and what could be more wonderful than the presence of the King of the West himself? Dear Sam, he really deserved it.
Thank you for your lovely comments. The chapter kept asking for more and more and more, and grew quite beyond my original ideas. :)
Baggins Babe
· 7 March 2010
· Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Ah Shirebound, I intended to review this when you first posted but the fiendish connection had other ideas!
How wonderful that one brother is always beside the King! *squee!*
Sneaky Sam, to find a way to tell the brothers apart! Those sneaky hobbitses!
Love the way he burst into tears of joy at the news that Frodo is alive and well. And he takes the news of his own passage over Sea so calmly. I like the fact that Meneldor wanted to do something for the Ring-bearers.
So much to love in this chapter, Shirebound.
Author's reply
So much to love in your review, BB!
Sam has come a long way in his life, and I think he would have learned (especially as Mayor, and after living in the South for a year) to adapt to any new or unusual situation.
This won't be a long story, but it's full of details to which I had to give a lot of thought -- such as how Sam would get up to Vingilot, and perhaps there was one being left from the War that felt unfulfilled. Even Eagles have Quests to fulfill.
*hugs you*