Reviews (55)

periannore · 11 May 2022 · Chapter 1: Rage

I planned to settle in and read a story I'd missed in my twenty year perusal and enjoyment of fanfiction. But wait! After the eagles came, (cavalry)the beleaguered troops were supposed to realize the ring was destroyed. So, what's all this about Sam? Thanks to your reviewers and your responses to them I realize I'll have to hunt down Cusp of Victory to put this chapter in context. Good job for writing so compellingly that I'm committed to avail myself of your complete tale. I give war stories a wide berth, but I recognize a well written description of combat's brutality, desperation and demoralizing elements. In your story I'm not even sure of the outcome. I call this being hooked. Thank you for an intriguing first chapter.

mm · 26 July 2019 · Chapter 9: Deception

I still love this story. I guess you won't ever see this review after all that time, but I wanted to leave it. It shows a whole other perspective on how Frodo and Sam might have felt after the quest, seen all the more clearly because of the horrible things happening in the Cusp of Victory, though I think Canon events would have been enough to elicit this kind of reaction if not that strongly and swiftly as is displayed here. I'm fully captivated by the events in this fic and return from time to time to reread it and wonder how it would have continued. For I have no doubt that our dear hobbits would have been able to heal and reconcile over time with a lot of effort and help - hope is their virtue, and especially Sams, and neither of them gives up so easily. I also love how you included the others into the course of events, mainly Aragorn, Gandalf and Merry and Pippin, because they have scars of their own and especially Gandalf has a lot of responsibility for how things turned out (the good and the bad parts). (I also just love the Big Folk, especially Aragorn, take care of the hobbits and had looked forward to it...) So, I guess I'll just thank you for writing this far!

Antane · 7 January 2015 · Chapter 9: Deception

My dear cousin, are you ever going to continue this? I see you have been active on Twitter, and I am most glad you have not left the world altogether but we need you here!!! Namarie, God bless, Your Tookish berry and bloom :)

MM · 11 December 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

Oh, please, please continue to write this! I love this story. I could never have thought of all the things Sam said, but he was right. And it fits for someone as badly traumatized as he is. Poor hobbit. I hope he does not get far. In his state he will not survive for long. Or maybe he will meet someone else who can help him. A former soldier of Gondor maybe or he is found and taken to the city. For sure Aragorn and Gandalf will need a very good idea of how to deal with him when he's found - and Frodo as well. I fear it will come to a head with Frodo soon, now he feels responsible for Sams disapperance (and probable death), too.

eef · 9 August 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

Please, I beg of you, on knees, with hands clasped in a prayer: PLEASE, FINISH THIS!!!

MM · 30 July 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

Wow. I just had to stop myself from running out and organizing a search party. I really hope they will find Sam before something happens to him. I am really impressed by your story. Such profound insights of trauma and what might have affected the hobbit and big folk in which way is intrigueing. So, I can't await the next chapter.

whisperer · 19 May 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

“But no. That Sam! He had the nerve to serve you faithfully and save your life, and here you are: wounded, broken, but alive." well, Merry has spoken for me.. Thanks to him. hoping to read the next chapter.. always visiting this site just to be sure the chapter has been posted. :(

curiouswombat · 10 May 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

Ah - well said Merry. He might not, necessarily, be exactly right - but he is surely not all that far wrong just at this minute...

Larner · 10 May 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

Well, better a runaway than suicide, of course. And Merry said what Frodo needed to hear, after all. Now, perhaps he'll start letting go of the self-recrimination he's been taking out on poor Sam! Now--where is the dear gardener? And, as he's a Hobbit with a particular feel for the natural world he'll have a good deal to work with in keeping hidden, of course. The levity was needed, and I rejoice that Aragorn was able to use it to break his mood so that he could think clearly and foresee some such problem! Now, to find Sam!

shirebound · 10 May 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

As he spoke, he absently waved around the hand which clutched his staff. Candlelight flickered dangerously. Those are the little details I love. Levity can be woven into even the most dire situations. *anxiously pacing until the next chapter*

Antane · 10 May 2013 · Chapter 9: Deception

I think I would be afraid of how big that knife would have to be to cut through the tension, but still Merry's harsh words are words that need to be heard. More needs to come out too. I thought Gandalf and Aragorn were too hard on Sam in the last chapter and now they realize it and regret it. I loved their conversation. But Gandalf is now being too hard on himself. He did tell Frodo all the way back at Bag End exactly would be the horrific fate of any mortal who possessed the Ring. Of course, I do not blame Frodo for not remembering that or for blaming himself for his actions. I would do the same thing. It would take a while and counseling and grace and wisdom to accept the truth that he was not, that I was not. And Gandalf is right that he wouldn't change anything even if he did know what would happen. Only Frodo could have been Ring-bearer for no one else was created to be so. I think Frodo himself would have made the same decision. Wonderful that Aragorn could laugh and laugh heartily and I like his words asking Gandalf not to burn down the tent. This is not the first time that Frodo's torment and now Sam's inspires me to pray for all those afflicted with PTSD and the terrible toll it takes on families and Frodo and Sam are family. They love each other deeply and that's the foundation of many of their actions and words, but it's coming out crooked because of their overwhelming pain that you can feel as a physical thing. How much more terrible in power would it be to those who are actually there. There's a fun Facebook page called Concerning Hobbits that did a wallpaper for me with this quote: "I'll give you my love if you give me your pain. I'll hold it inside of me til you are stronger again." and it's Sam speaking. Of course, he gives his love no matter what but it's a neat quote. They are both in such incredible torment, for each other and from each other and for themselves. This is another wound underneath the wound that caused the trauma: you are no longer who you once were. So glad you are updating regularly or this really would be too much. Poor Pippin too. Namarie, God bless, Your bloom :)

Robbie · 10 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

Poor Sam! They don't realise he's just as hurt and confused as Frodo. Gandalf and Aragorn are really bad at this. Don't they know that ratio doesn't cure everything and they just need to there for him, maybe apologize (even if it's not /really/ their fault). I hope they will realise that he's gone before he gets too far.

Lyana · 9 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

Oh, this was gut-wrenching reading - but all too believable. :-( Well done.

whisperer · 9 May 2013 · Chapter 7: Cracks

holy cow! what was that? my mind is shouting too as I read this! perfect glaring and what they are arguing for!! please update soon or I'll be mad than sam, and that's that! :) I've been looking for story like this and it's perfect for my looking..

Antane · 8 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

Oh, this is not good, this is not good at all. Not the glorious event of seeing another chapter so soon - my cup runneth over and how delightful is that - but the worst of all cliffhangers so far. Love the words of Legolas that Frodo will find joy in Sam again. He shall I hope but whoa, some very stormy seas ahead as if things were not bad enough already. Neither hobbit is in his right mind. Aragorn is right, of course, about Frodo being in way over his head in trying to deal with the horrific pain that seeing Sam reminds him of. Essentially he was raped over and over in having his will taken from him and doesn't yet understand he was not responsible. And Sam's pain is for Frodo and for himself and all they have lost and believe they will never have again. You are right, as I realized even before reading this, that this will not be a quick kiss and make up as you said. The hurt is deeper but I hope they get to that point even if they have to argue more than once. Whatever Sam is planning is certainly going to help things though. Dear me. The cost of war and what it does to the heart and soul is beyond measure. I was thinking earlier today of the words of Into The West - 'what are these tears upon your face' but also 'fears will pass away, safe in my arms' - I hope they come to that point. Namarie, God bless, Your now very anxious bloom :)

Larner · 8 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

So, he intends to kill himself and take himself out of the equation and the situation, does he? Silly Hobbit! Death is for those who know the end beyond all expectations, not for those who still have much to learn and be and do! I wonder which one will save him from his own despair? (BTW--your birthday story is just below this one!)

UTfrog · 8 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

This is truly frightening and possibly accurate. Scary but a good job.

curiouswombat · 8 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

Excellent stuff! And it is very, very, believable too - I can only feel that Sam is absolutely right, in so much of this chapter.

shirebound · 8 May 2013 · Chapter 8: Chasm

Oh my goodness, what an outburst! Poor, poor Sam, what a heartbreaking time for him.

Antane · 8 May 2013 · Chapter 7: Cracks

Oh, my dear cousin! How I feel for Sam and for Frodo too for that matter, but more for Sam. Delightful to see that one real smile. Frodo is indeed right that Sam shouldn't listen to the Gaffer's nonsense, I feel the same way about it. I am glad they are fighting because this is the going to be first step in letting the poison out so they can begin to heal, but it's going to a long road and it will be a lot longer and a lot worse if they can't travel it together. I hope Gandalf and Aragorn will be able to talk some sense into Frodo, who is too filled with self-loathing, shame and guilt to be rational at this moment. Poor Sam. Painful words from both of them but they need to get it all out. Cracks have now begun to be seen and that is all to the good. Now they need to spread so the whole thing will fall apart and it can be rebuilt. Namarie, God bless, Your bloom, who is happy to see another chapter so soon! I was wondering how you would be able to wait yourself and I see you didn't! :)

Robbie · 7 May 2013 · Chapter 7: Cracks

This chapter is great! (And so fast too, thank you) It shows where the two of them stand and makes it possible to interpret their actions. I think it believable they're fighting in this situation. I feel so sorry for poor Sam, he has to deal with the fallout of Frodos problems. His own are still a bit under the surface. I fear he won't let the others help him (Can they even?) Waiting impatiently for update ;-)

Larner · 6 May 2013 · Chapter 7: Cracks

The forgiveness of Sam, I meant! Good grief--my fingers are not working well today!

Larner · 6 May 2013 · Chapter 7: Cracks

Taking out his own feelings of guilt on Sam is counterproductive, of course. I certainly appreciate just why Sam is feeling devastated. But as Frodo knows he failed, he cannot bear to forgive himself, much less accept the forgiveness of Frodo!

shirebound · 6 May 2013 · Chapter 7: Cracks

Poor Sam's heart must be broken in two. How awful for these dear, dear friends to be fighting, each on the other side of a dark chasm they can't seem to reach across. I hope so much that the anger and despair get resolved.

Antane · 6 May 2013 · Chapter 6: Sharing

Well, of course, my dear cousin, I want you to be the one writing this, even though you torture me with such long waits. I am curious though whether any of my bunnies will show up. I thought this morning as Pippin did not specify who was shouting, maybe it was Frodo and Merry or even Merry and Sam - but I hope it's Frodo and Sam because they really need to get this out of their system so they can then just curl up together and start to heal. We shall see but don't keep us waiting *too* long! Namarie, God bless, Your anxious bloom :)