Another chapter, another chapter, another chapter!!! *does Precious dance* Thank you for this mighty gift, dear cousin. :) I must agree that the Gaffer would have been great to deal with Sauron. I mean he told off a Nazgul without much trouble, so he could stand up to the wraith's boss too. I was extolling your marvelous storytelling abilities to my mom at dinner tonight and said what Frodo and Sam really need to do is have a big argument with Frodo shouting how much he couldn't stand what he did to Sam because he loved him and Sam would shout back that he loved Frodo and it would end with them in tears and hugging each other and the poison would be drained and the healing would come after. And here you end with just what I wanted, *does another dance* though I am concerned that it has Pippin worried. But still I think arguing is the best thing that could happen because something had to break through Frodo's self-loathing and shame and guilt. Frodo would not be angry at Sam, unless he was angry he was still so stubbornly loved when he felt he didn't deserve it anymore, more the anger would come out that he was really directing at himself, and Sam would no longer be walking on eggshells but putting Frodo back in his place, which is right beside him and saying I don't care how bad you are I still love you and I will always love you. Love to see what you come up with!
Namarie, God bless, Your happy bloom :)
Author's reply
Hello Tooky Bloom,
well, you seem to have the whole story mapped out. Maybe I should save myself a lot of time by passing it on to you and letting you finish it? Then I could watch 'The Hobbit' again. In peace ...
*chortles madly*
On second thoughts, it would be no fun to pass it over to you. I wouldn't be able to torment you with the story development otherwise. Because things may not develop in quite the way you think ...
*whistles innocently*
Hope you enjoyed your dinner, and thanks for R & R-ing!
Cousin Mo.
curiouswombat
· 5 May 2013
· Chapter 6: Sharing
I have just read this from the beginning to here in one sitting. It has held my attention all the time.
I can see why such a small change might have these repercussions - it makes for a fascinating tale. And what a good idea for Sam to 'defile' the ring in such a neat fashion.
I will be very happy to read the next chapter when life gives you time to write it.
Author's reply
Hello curiouswombat,
*grins*
I'm very pleased to know 'Hollow Victory' has held you fast thus far. The repercussions of that one alteration of events really is having quite an impact on our heroes. Not that it was Sam's fault; IMHO it was all down to Gollum, in the end, for going all AU on us when he let rage take over and threw that rock at Sam, then tried to kill him. He left Sam with no choice but to defend himself, and ended up losing his life as a result. And now, Frodo and Sam are having to handle the consequences of Gollum's decision. Even now, he's still haunting their steps ...
Will try to get another chapter up as soon as! Hope you enjoy that one too.
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
robbie
· 5 May 2013
· Chapter 6: Sharing
I'm very glad you posted this new chapter. I love this story and its prequel because it's not only a quite realistic way it could have happened but it's also well written. You keep mentioning details I wouldn't have thought about, for example the discussion of compromising the ring in this chapter. I liked that very much.
I also like that you write a lot out of Sam's perspective. I really want to know what they are fighting about - I got the impression they themselves don't even know if they feel guilty, or betrayed or just hurt and angry...
Waiting for the update =)
Author's reply
Hello Robbie,
and I'm very glad you're enjoying the story so much, and thanks especially for letting me know which parts you like the most. The whole Phial of Galadriel compromising the One Ring actually only occurred to me while I was trying to get Sam out of a sticky situation during 'Cusp of Victory'. But it makes sense that the Ring can be damaged, even if not destroyed, by something so pure. I'm having fun theorising over it in the fic, at least!
There aren't too many Sam pov stories out there (I know, I've looked), so I like to get the gardener's perspectives on the epic events he finds himself caught up in. As to why he and Frodo are so suddenly at loggerheads, or whether they'll be able to resolve their issues amicably, well, you'll just have to wait and see!
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Larner
· 4 May 2013
· Chapter 6: Sharing
Poor Pippin--first coerced and then having to seek intervention to keep Frodo and Sam from destroying themselves and one another. Obviously the echoes of the Ring's voice are still active in Frodo's heart, and he refuses to relinquish his guilt!
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
at least Pippin had a decent lunch beforehand; that might've helped him cope with the shock of witnessing Frodo and Sam yelling at each other. Then again, maybe not - Frodo and Sam yelling at each other just isn't natural. Let's hope they can resolve their issues, and quickly.
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Larner
· 4 May 2013
· Chapter 5: Revelations
So--that's it! Frodo still believes he was working independently of the Ring's will, and hopefully now he will accept that this wasn't true. Sam truly has the right of it, of course--the Ring was in control at that point, not Frodo.
But, even though Frodo knows intellectually now that he's not to blame, that still has to sink into the emotional part of his intelligence, which is far more reluctant to accept reality too often than the rational part of the brain.
I reread the story from the beginning so as to be in a better position to appreciate the new chapter--my memory isn't what it once was, I find. I'm glad that the two of them were forced to tell this now--now they have the chance to recover better with it all out in the open. But I'm surprised that Gandalf would assume that the Ring had to be claimed instead of the other way around.
Larner
· 4 May 2013
· Chapter 4: Conflict
I can certainly appreciate just how hurt Sam feels right now. Frodo is in the midst of his own guilt and is taking much of it out on Sam, of course. Both indeed need to talk out what they've been through, although it's going to be like finding hen's teeth merely to pull at this point to get reason and rationality out of Frodo Baggins.
shirebound
· 4 May 2013
· Chapter 6: Sharing
This chapter contains some of the most delightful hobbity dialogue, logic, and (attempted) powers of persuasion that I've read in a long time.
Perhaps we should just have sent the Gaffer to Mordor instead
*snort*
Author's reply
Hello shirebound,
wow, thanks a lot! It was huge fun to write, but then it always is when Merry and (particularly) Pippin are involved. They're just so effervescent that nothing gets them down for long!
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Antane
· 29 July 2012
· Chapter 5: Revelations
Two reviews for the same chapter, you lucky cousin, you! :) I read shirebound's and forget to mention that I too liked Sam's description of the Elven twins, very hobbity, and very Sam. :) The poor guy for feeling he was walking on eggshells around the one he loved the most. I will admit I am a little disappointed there wasn't a terrible row that would have stunned everyone, but your take on it was much more in keeping with loving hobbit nature as they really are. That talk with the others must have been so difficult for Frodo to listen to. Also interesting that Sam grieved for Gollum. I am looking forward to how the two will deal with the aftermath of it, by themselves and with others. They really need some time alone with each other, really alone, to sort this out. Frodo seems particularly sensitive to anything Sam says that smacks of being a servant and second place when Frodo thinks he is himself lower than dirt and Sam so much higher than him and they have passed far beyond simple master and servant. Please don't keep me waiting too long, dear cousin! You don't want your bloom to wilt or your berry to starve, do you?
Namarie, God bless, Your Tookish one :)
Author's reply
Hello m'dear,
I can't reply at great length just now, but no: I most certainly do not want you to wilt or starve. So I'll make headway on the next chapter this weekend!
As for Frddo and Sam's fragile friendship, you'll have to be patient and see what happens there ...
How bad am I, eh?
sniggers
Take care, little bloom,
M ;)
Antane
· 28 July 2012
· Chapter 5: Revelations
That was some thick tension! But it went a lot better than I thought it would and it looks like the bond of our dears is beginning to heal a little too. Sam is indeed right that the Ring claimed Frodo, no matter what anyone else believes. It's been so nice to draw this out so I had a lot more to look forward to instead of gobbling it all done at once. Hungry Took that I am, I already wish for a lot more so don't keep me starving too long, my dear cousin!
Namarie, God bless, Your happy berry and bloom :)
Antane
· 27 July 2012
· Chapter 4: Conflict
Oh, this is not good. I understand why Frodo freaked out, at least I think I do, because he's stressed out and speaking from love and worry. He's so angry at himself for what happened at the Fire and hates himself for that and doesn't know how to deal with it. His sense of shame is so great and sense of self-worth so low it's somewhere in the depths of Moria. Such would be the case of a rape victim which he is, if not physically. And Sam is not much better off feeling so helpless and useless. I do love the part of Aragorn and Eomer helping at the feast. I hope things will work out once our dears have the time and privacy to talk it out and get over their fear of saying too much as Merry calls it. I don't think they would like to do it in public, even among friends, but we shall see, shan't we? Even if they have to yell at each other and really mean it and then realize what is underneath - pain, shame, regret, and indeed love - then they can collapse in each other's arms, the infection drained and they can then work on closing the wounds together. But I am getting ahead of myself and have no time alas to read the next chapter to find out if any of my speculation is right. Hopefully over the weekend I will. I have been so looking forward to reading more!
Namarie, God bless, Your happy and anxious to read more Tookish berry :)
*hugs*
P.S. Dad will start dialysis probably next month. He's doing all right. Keep praying though and many thanks for it!
Antane
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 3: Awareness
My dear, dear cousin! I hope I haven't kept you waiting long to express my delight at this new chapter! Have no time now to read to the other two but what a joy to have them to look forward to!! Mighty gifts indeed. Poor Sam and poor Frodo. They have a lot to work through and the only way they can is together. Love how stubborn Sam was, that took guts!
Namarie, God bless, your happy bloom and berry :)
Author's reply
My bloom! My berry! Cuz!!
Seriously, I'm really glad to hear from you. You've been on mind (and your father in my prayers) over the last few weeks. Hope everything is well at home, etc.
As for the chapter, yep, Sam was stubborn. And I don't blame him, really. I understand the symbolism behind the hobbits wearing those clothes at Cormallen, but ... really! Did no one think they might find it a bit of an ordeal ...
Middle-earthlings! Sheesh!!
Thanks for R & R-ing, and do take care, m'bloom,
Cousin Mo ;)
Larner
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 5: Revelations
A painful telling indeed, and much to both cause grief and thanksgiving. And both have much to heal from. I am glad Gandalf is enforcing the rest.
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
thank goodness for Gandalf indeed! Originally, for Sam's retelling, I was just going to skip the dialogue and write about how 'the company listened with mixed emotions as Sam related the hobbits' journey ...' blah, blah, blah. Mainly because actually having him talk about it would seem too much like a retelling of 'Cusp of Victory'. Then I thought about it and realised that - given the story is about what happened during that tale - it was probably necessary, even if it seemed repetitive (to me).
*shrugs*
Never mind. Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear,
M ;)
Larner
· 25 July 2012
· Chapter 4: Conflict
This must be very hard to accept, that suddenly Frodo is acting as if he is a master rather than a friend and near-brother. But this possibility is even more traumatic, it seems, than the original, and has left both Frodo and Sam even more scarred emotionally as well as physically.
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
you may be right. There's probably a good reason for Frodo's behaviour though, if only Sam knew what it was ...
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
shirebound
· 24 July 2012
· Chapter 5: Revelations
Wow, that was so exciting and awful and suspenseful. Poor Sam, but oh, such cleverness and courage!
And I truly love the bits of lightness you manage to weave in, such as...
Elrond's sons looked as much alike as two eggs in a basket to him (though infinitely grander...
Author's reply
Hello shireboud,
thanks for that. It's a pretty grim story for most of it, so it needs a smattering of levity to keep it from being totally depressing. Nobody wants to read a story that is totally depressing. Methinks!
Glad you're enjoying it, though ;)
*grin*
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
robbie
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 4: Conflict
I want moooore! To see the two of them that distraught...
Brilliantly written. I can see it in my head, all the necessary details given.
Author's reply
Hello Robbie,
your wish is my command ...
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Linda Hoyland
· 23 July 2012
· Chapter 4: Conflict
This is really unsettling, sad and mysterious. I find it gripping. I especially liked Sam's revulsion at wearing the clothes they wore in Mordor. That part of the book always strikes me as rather cruel.
Author's reply
Hello Linda,
I know what you mean about the clothes: the symbolism in the gesture is clear, but it still seems rather thoughtless of Gandalf to have made them wear them.
Glad you're enjoying the story so far, and thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
shirebound
· 22 July 2012
· Chapter 4: Conflict
The smell of green things growing filled his nostrils, and the familiar scent was almost heady in its intoxication, so delightfully normal and undemanding.
How lovely, and what a marvelous tale. But oh, dear Sam! My heart aches for him, and for Frodo, and for their friends who must watch this painful period before healing can begin.
Author's reply
Hello shirebound,
yes, indeed. It must be rather unnatural to see Frodo losing his rag with Sam and -shocker - Sam sniping back at him. But poor Merry, and Pip: it may get worse before it gets better, because the Ring-bearers have a lot of issues to chew over ...
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Larner
· 9 July 2012
· Chapter 3: Awareness
Each feels himself guilty for what he did that ought not to have happened, of course.
Glad to see this one resuming. I know how difficult it can be to return to such past and nearly abandoned stories, of course.
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
again, I apologise for not replying earlier. Forgot to check my inbox, you see.
You're right, it is difficult to resume a fic after it's stagnated for so long, but this is a story I really wanted to write, so - even if updates are slow (which they might be considering all the other fics I'm currently juggling with) - they will still happen.
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
shirebound
· 8 July 2012
· Chapter 3: Awareness
Oh my, poor Sam! What an avalanche of emotions and self recrimination. I hope the sight of his friend Strider brings him joy.
Author's reply
Hello shirebound,
I'm really sorry I didn't reply earlier - I forgot to log on and check for reviews, you see ...
*sheepish grin*
Strider will bring him joy, methinks. But for how long? That's the question!
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Robbie
· 8 July 2012
· Chapter 3: Awareness
Poor Sam. I feel almost as anxious as he. I wonder when all that pent-up emotion will come out (the same for Frodo). Seeing the other's unease as well as injuries will be devastating for them.
Waiting for the next chamber...
Author's reply
Hello Robbie,
sorry I didn't reply earlier - I've only just realised these reviews were here.
Bad me!
Might be a slow process, releasing all that pent-up emotion. Unless something triggers it first, of course. Hopefully their angst will be of short duration. Then again, considering what they've been through, that might be wishful thinking ...
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Larner
· 8 May 2012
· Chapter 2: Conundrum
Alas that they must surmise such things. And to know they are so close to the truth is a grief in itself. Now, to see how things progress from here. (And to read "Not Quite a Maia"!)
Author's reply
Hello Larner,
yes, it must be frustrating for Gandalf and Co, having to guess at how the West was saved, and what it cost Frodo and Sam in particular, when they are so tantalisingly near. Yet wizard and ranger are men of great patience, so they'll happily wait until their friends are well enough to be debriefed.
Hope you enjoyed the new chapter of NQAM, too! Gosh, I'm on a real writing frenzy these days (compared to a these past months).
Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear,
M ;)
Andrea
· 7 May 2012
· Chapter 2: Conundrum
What a surprise!
I nearly had forgotten about this story. But by reading the first chapter again I remembered a lot of it and of the prequel. A lot, but not everything.
So I will be in a similar situation as Gandalf and Aragorn, which might be even better ;-)
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Hello Andrea,
hope this keeps you in as much suspense as the prequel did. Thanks very much for giving it another shot, I appreciate it, especially given the length of time it's been since I last updated!
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)
Antane
· 7 May 2012
· Chapter 2: Conundrum
What a splendid surprise, my dear cousin, to reward my hope at last! Physical healing will come long before the emotional wounds are cleansed but I look forward to them being together to begin that arduous journey, just as they have been all along. I feel for Gandalf and Aragorn's sorrowful confusion over the cause of the physical wounds. Cute Sam thinking that he really wanted to obey the order to open his eyes but simply couldn't. The best parts were about Pippin - that it would more than a troll falling on him to kill him and Gandalf's enjoyment of sitting near him and the silence that would be temporarily there.
Namarie, God bless, Your happy bloom and berry :)
Author's reply
Hello my wee bloom,
I've been sitting in delicious anticipation of your reaction to the posting of another chapter, and you haven't disappointed me! I'm so glad you're happy about the latest update and I chuckled over your Pippin comments. This fic will probably be angsty, so it'll need the occassional shot of levity, and who better to provide it than one cheeky Took?
Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear,
M ;)
js
· 7 May 2012
· Chapter 2: Conundrum
Hi, I just stumbled over this fic and its really enticing, even more interesting than its prequel (I had to read it immediately). I hope you will continue to update. Will Sam and Frodo remember when they wake up? And will they be able to forgive each other?
=)
Author's reply
Hello js,
thanks very much for that! Glad to know you're enjoying it so far and yes, I will continue to update. As to your questions about Frodo and Sam, you'll have to wait and see ...
Thanks for R & R-ing,
Kara's Aunty ;)
shirebound
· 6 May 2012
· Chapter 2: Conundrum
Oh my, what a unique take on this part of the story! Very intense and fascinating. I look forward to more.
Author's reply
Hello shirebound,
thanks very much for reading this chapter after such a prolonged absence on my part. I'm really happy to know that you're still willing to give it (and me) a chance!
Thanks for R & R-ing,
M ;)