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The River by Indigo Bunting	17 Review(s)
French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/5/2007
Great googly moogly, how did I miss this? Oh, wait, you posted it at the end of November, right at the end of the quarter, with all my seminar papers due. Sorry about that. I'll do better next time. Anyway, I was just thinking about this story, and I'm glad I saw it tonight, with two new chapters to read. This one was certainly just as high quality as the others. I especially liked the beginning, with Sam going through all of the "what ifs" and beginning to feel the first pangs of survivor guilt. Legolas rises to save the day once again, but you kept it wonderfully realistic in tone. He's just had amateur surgery on his back, so of course he's not going to be the world's most accurate shot (only an Elf would be up shooting at all), and he'll be exhausted and in need of attention when the rumbling is over. That's the thing I like most about this story. You always take a good, objective look at a situation, and then you follow through.

Nightwing	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/29/2006
So sorry for the delay in reviewing! I read the chapter immediately, but real life threw many obstacles in my path whenever I wanted to review. So happy to finally be able to give you the praise you deserve! I feel badly for Sam. He is filled with self-doubt. It is later in the Fellowship when he begins to realize his worth. At the moment he is conflicted and feels humiliated, thinking that he is nothing but a liability. And he is unforgiving in his opinion of himself when he suffered his moment of fear - when he thought of betraying Frodo to save himself from torment at Garan's hands. He believes that Legolas would not have entertained such thoughts, but he could well be wrong about that. The elf certainly demonstrated frank terror when he realized that he would be taken to Isengard for "experiments". It may well be that he also at that moment thought of bargaining to save himself. But he did not, nor did Sam in truth betray Frodo. The deed is what matters, not the thought. Hopefully Sam's friends can help him to understand that. None can say how he would have reacted in such frightening circumstances. The action was riveting! That would have been a difficult scene to write, from the POV of someone lying on the ground and not fully able to see what was going on, but you pulled it off. I liked the reactions of everyone, they each did what was right for the character: Pippin concentrates on Merry's safety because he loves his cousin, Gandalf quick thinking and protective, Gimli the warrior rushes into the darkness. And, oh yes, the Elf was magnificent. More happy fangirl sighs... And now Pippin and Merry also have blood on their blades. They are as shaken as Sam. Obviously this is a difficult experience for the Hobbits, signifying a loss of innocence or even something more, and Frodo's reaction emphasizes this - "Oh, my dears". Legolas also seems to understand as well that the little ones are devastated by their violent actions, though they were necessary. Well, now Sam has company. He will be able to speak now of the unspeakable, and the Hobbits can help each other. Gandalf and Aragorn have a good understanding of Hobbit ways as well, and they will be of help, once things have settled down and everyone can take stock of recent events. OK, detective work here: Gimli returns to say that the first fellow Legolas shot is dead. That was not Garan. The other dead guy is the one Gimli and Boromir ran down. Not Garan. And Fatso escaped. Garan should be dead, if Aragorn ran him through. He also apparently got nailed by Legolas' third arrow. But his body is no where to be seen? They need to go find it, and not just assume that he is dead. Oh, I don't like this. I don't like this at all. He's out there somewhere yet. Perhaps his powers extend to quick healing or he's an undead guy who is unable to be slain or some darned thing. I think we are not free of him yet, though the Fellowship seems to have forgotten him and is only discussing Brund. I think that is a mistake. Good to come back around to Sam's thoughts at the end. He must open up to the others, and come to realize that he did nothing of which he need be ashamed. I look forward to more of this wonderful story! Author Reply: No worries on the late review, Nightwing. It’s true that I do look forward to reading your reviews every time – you always leave such thoughtful and interesting comments – but I certainly understand about real life. That’s why I was only able to post four or five chapters in all of the last year! I agree that Sam is certainly being hard on himself. It’s not really been enjoyable to write his self-doubt, but it seemed to be in his character. I’m not going to whip out the books and check right this second, but doesn’t he call himself a ‘ninnyhammer’ or some such more than once? He is very humble – perhaps too much so – and is so devoted to Frodo’s well-being that thinking of giving him up must seem like the ultimate betrayal. To me, it seems typical of Sam that he would look past his decision not to give Frodo up and only see that he came halfway to doing it. I also agree with your statement that Sam is wrong to think that Legolas wouldn’t have considered caving in. Sam can now call Legolas a friend instead of being in awe of him from afar, but he’s slipping into old patterns of behavior by putting him on a pedestal. Blame it on his feeling so low right now. I am glad to hear that you liked the action scenes! I thought it was interesting to write it from Sam’s POV, which mostly involved listening to the fight. (It was his chapter anyway, so things just fell out like that.) It’s good to know that you thought everyone remained in character, and that Legolas wasn’t too over the top. I was kind of worried about that, but from the very beginning I’ve been operating under the principle that he could be pushed farther (physically) than just about anyone else in the Fellowship. For the same reason, I have assumed that his own bow would have had a tighter draw than Aragorn’s. If he healed fast, used Aragorn’s bow, and didn’t pull on the string with the wrong arm, he should have been able to fight a little. So glad you liked Frodo’s comment to Merry and Pippin: “Oh, my dears.” I liked it, too. It seemed to fit him. He is a bit older than they are, after all, and must have felt at least somewhat responsible for them. I think that it is Sam who will be able to comfort them rather than the other way around, though he will probably do it by example instead of with words. As for Sam, all of the Big Folk have been in his shoes before, but at this point he’d likely only consider baring his soul to Legolas. Okay, about the Bad Men. Here’s who was left at the beginning of the chapter: Garan, Brund, Daerid, and Erich. Not that I necessarily expect anyone to remember what made all of these guys different, but Daerid was the one who almost got himself strangled way back at the beginning. Legolas will explain things a little better in the next chapter (including why he shot at someone other than Garan first), but Daerid was the first to get shot. He aimed at Brund next, but the big guy managed to move out of the way in time. Not skill; just luck. Boromir and Gimli took down Erich together, and Aragorn, Merry, and Pippin all sicced themselves on Garan. I hadn’t meant for it to be ambiguous, but you weren’t the only person to wonder if Garan was actually dead. Well, he’s dead. Aragorn, Merry and Pippin came hustling back under the overhang when they realized that something was wrong with Legolas, and nobody wanted to go back out again at night lest Brund be lurking around, so Garan’s corpse was left lying there, just out of sight – just as Erich and Daerid were left to lie. I hope that answers your question, at least somewhat! I’ll have to go back and see if I can make Garan’s certain death a little clearer. The next chapter should be up pronto. See you then!

rdr	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/9/2006
Wow--I was so excited when I noticed this had been posted. This has to be one of my favorite stories--if not the fav. You write with economy and grace, conjuring vivd pictures and emotions without browbeating. Thank you, and I look forward to the next posting! Author Reply: Hello, rdr! So sorry I didn’t respond right away; I hope you get this message. It’s wonderful to know that you like this story so much! I think every writer hopes that his/her work will entertain, and it’s uplifting to hear that this story has done that. So I write with economy, eh? Wait till you see the next chapter. You won’t be saying that any more. :) Ah, I’m just teasing. Your comments were very kind and thoughtful, and I thank you for them. Going for the good description without repetition or going over the top is a goal of mine, so thank you for the encouragement!

ziggy	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/2/2006
Ah- how exciting is story??!!! You know I think about it and work out possible scenarios on my way to work- and I didnt really guess this one- although I wondered if Legolas would be able to sneak away and get them from behind- I like the way you have both Sam and legolas working as a team and getting their revenge... however... I dont think Garan is quite as easy to get rid of -or rather, I feel that you are hinting that something else has to play out yet. Those bodies out in the dark... we havent actually SEEN Garan dead... and Brund is still out there... or is it just my nasty suspicious mind??!! I just wonder if we are going to see Gandalf reveal his power to Garan - or I'd like to see more of that ruthlessness you gave legolas as he dispatched the other thugs earlier.One of the many things you do better than anyone, is to develop that relationship between Sam and legolas- the way Sam loses his awe of him, but it becomes deeper - it really needs an AU sequel, or a post-LOTR sequel... or just lots more stories - I do hope you have LOTS of plot bunnies running around. I hate thie idea that this might be winding to a close.The other thing you do so wonderfully is change the perspective. The chapter in which the fellowship is watching the events unfold on the opposite cliff is brilliant - and then the other members understand Sam's reluctance to talk aobut it- and Sam doesnt know they saw it. That look and beginning to unbend under Legoals' understanding is really well done. I whooped with joy when I saw you had updated- this is one of the best stories about so please keep updating! Thank you Author Reply: Hello, ziggy! My apologies for the very late reply. I worked on the next chapter in lieu of responding to most people, and I hope that no one feels too offended at my silence. You know, I did think of having Sam or Legolas come at Garan from behind – or the side, but I couldn’t make it work out logically. I didn’t see how to get them out from beneath the overhang without being noticed. As for Garan, well, you’re not the only one to wonder if he isn’t really dead. He’s dead. Kaput. Out of this world. After rereading the chapter, I suppose it is just a little bit ambiguous, although I hadn’t meant it to be. Sam may not have seen the corpse himself, but Aragorn’s word is good enough, and he’s not mistaken. I hope this doesn’t disappoint too many people. The story really is going to be ending soon, and I am going to miss writing it. I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed watching the growth of the Sam/Legolas relationship. This is the part of the story that I am going to miss the most of all. They’ve developed such a lovely rapport! I don’t know what I’m going to write after this, but there ought to be something. I’ve had a couple of ideas, but none that have really formed into a complete story yet. I wonder if another “during the Quest” story wouldn’t be silly, coming on the heels of this epic. The next chapter ought to be up very soon, so here’s hoping you like it. It’s long, very chatty, and probably needs trimming, but I can’t seem to make it any shorter. Maybe I’ll think of something before I just give up and post it.

pebbles66	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 12/1/2006
Another great chapter. I am intrigued at how the various members of the Fellowship have been hearing the Ring whisper to them in this chapter and the previous chapters. Of course, I'm not sure if it's the Ring or Garan that has been whispering to Sam in this chapter. I'm sure that's how the Ring would have worked in the Fellowship - slowly and gradually intruding upon their thoughts a little at a time - trying to deceive them and take them one by one. You have captured that feeling beautifully. Author Reply: Hello again, Pebbles. Just left a response for your earlier review. About the Ring whispering to the different members of the Fellowship…. I also think it makes sense that it would try just about everybody until it found someone that would listen to it. Poor Boromir. I suppose that’s why we didn’t see more division among the Fellowship in the books; the Ring latched on to him and concentrated on wearing him down. If an inanimate object can be said to ‘think’, that is… but it does almost seem as if Sauron put some brains into it.

Periantari	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/30/2006
This was such an awesome chapter-- again, you deliver with such thrill and excitement in your writing that indeed, this is one of my most favorite fanfic stories of all time. :D THe Sam angst in the beginning was so on. I mean i was glad to have that introspection into Sam's thoughts...i mean he went through so much and it's reasonable and very realistic for him to feel "anger and shame" and also reluctance to share the whole story to the Fellowship. The little moment between him and LEgolas at the end was wonderfully written because of the subtleness of it all. And i really loved the whole action bit of it! One question though-- when Legolas released the arrow, did it cause a distraction so that Garan lost his grip on Merry and then Merry didn't get hurt (other than the scratch on his neck)? It would be cool to revisit what Merry was thinking at that moment when he was grabbed by Garan. And i know Pippin ran in and also had a hand in distracting Garan from killing Merry. Gosh that was so exciting to read! I loved the Gandalf and Garan dialogue because it sets up the tension so wonderfully ...and i'm glad that Sam and LEgolas both had a part in distracting Garan's company... Even though Brund escaped, i don't think he can do much harm...or could he? It would be so exciting if something happens with that and that this story will not stop. ;) And then that hobbity innocence when Merry and PIppin both react to cutting Garan-- that was such a wonderful detail to include because yes, they haven't used a sword that much or not at all in the Shire.... and it was cool that Boromir told them to wipe their swords at the end. And also loved the details about Pippin thinking about whether the dead men should be buried--and Pippin wondering if they had been killed if they would think of burying as well. Sam wondered what he meant. Was he talking about what had happened just now, or what had happened on the clifftop? Both, perhaps. Legolas was looking at him with obvious gratitude and warmth, but Sam could muster only a small smile in return. He did not feel as though he deserved thanks for what he had done, even knowing what would have happened if he hadn’t done it. He was glad that Legolas was alive, but ‘glad’ was the strongest positive emotion he noted, and it did not seem adequate. He wanted to feel overjoyed that they had escaped – but he didn’t. He only felt hollow. And i love angst--and indeed this bit it something that must be addressed in the next chapter--awww poor Sam for feeling the way that he is!!! And love the fact that Legolas could understand him that he "gazed sadly at him." ::hugshim:: Thank you so much again for a wonderful installment! I loved this chapter as much as ...well, the whole story. :D Keep writing and posting! i'll be waiting !!! ;) =) Author Reply: Hello, Periantari! I am sorry for the delayed response to your review. I’ve been hard at work on the next chapter. Wow, one of your favorite fanfic stories ever, huh? Thank you for telling me! It’s an honor to hear that, and from such a fantastic reviewer, too. I’ve done what I can to make it worth reading, but taste really is subjective. So glad you liked both the “angst” and the action. I think that Sam’s response to his decision is perfectly reasonable, seeing as he’s such a gentle soul who surely never wanted anything to do with killing. As for the action, it’s as exciting for me to read my own work now as it was when I first wrote it (and those first chapters came what seems like a very long time ago). To answer your question about Garan: Legolas explains some of his thinking in the upcoming chapter. Hopefully that will make things a little bit clearer. Ah, yes – the loss of innocence. Sam is what this story is really about – him, and how he deals with the things that have happened to him. The line that he has crossed is one reason why I labeled this story as ‘AU’ in the first chapter. These events would have brought about changes in so many of the characters that I didn’t feel it could simply be labeled as a mere ‘side adventure’ (although I think I did call it that, too). Sam didn’t have to make such difficult decisions until much later, and Merry and Pippin had to wait a while to really try their hands in battle.

Althea	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/30/2006
Once again I was delighted to find another installment of this story. You fill each chapter with such exciting action, and this was no exception. The description of the attack was nail-biting. Even more interesting to me, though, is your wonderful characterization. I love stories which allow the members of the fellowship to interact, and you do that splendidly. Each character is interesting and true to the original. I especially like how you are handling Sam's inner turmoil. That sensitive little gardener is certainly suffering. I am glad that Legolas seems to understand some of what Sam is going through and hope that he and the others will be able to help Sam. Author Reply: Hello, Althea! I hope you get this response; I don’t know if you have an account at this site or if you are “anonymous”. Either way, I am sorry it has taken me so long. I have been writing furiously, and am just about ready to post a long, talky chapter. Maybe it’s too long; oh, well. It’s been hard to keep it short because most of it involves nearly the entire Fellowship talking. It does bother me when I read “Fellowship” stories and only a handful of characters make a regular appearance. Sometimes it’s as if Legolas, Gimli and Boromir aren’t there at all. They’ve all got voices and opinions, too. Poor Sam, indeed. The only thing that really bothers me about his wounded spirit is that this is going to be labeled a “hurt/comfort” story. I never liked that name much; it brings to mind the word “masochism”. I have gone to great lengths to ensure that no one treats Sam (or any of the hobbits) like children, although the Big Folk have a natural tendency to be protective of them. That’s their job, after all. When I first started this story, the idea was that it would be mostly about Sam and how he dealt with the extraordinary circumstances in which he found himself. Now he’s dealing with them in the best way that he can, which I think is perfectly natural for someone who never wanted to do something so violent to somebody else. He wanted to come along for Frodo’s sake, but in many ways he really is a fish out of water. Still, it is his inherent goodness that makes him strong, and his strong character will help him pull through (with a little help from his friends, of course). Sorry, why am I ranting? You probably didn’t want to hear all that. :)

GamgeeFest	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/29/2006
What an exciting chapter! I'm so glad to see the end of Garan. I do not weep over him in the least. I worry about Brund getting away though. That's one too many loose threads. Sam's internal struggles are so real and accurate. I imagine he would be thinking those very thoughts, horrified at his actions, knowing that he can be pushed to kill. Most of us like to think that we would not be capable of such things; Sam no longer has that illusion to hide behind. On the flip side, he knows that his actions were necessary, but that doesn't help him to feel less guilty. Seeing Merry's and Pippin's reactions to drawing first blood, and everyone else's response tho that, doesn't seem to have helped settle things for him. He's still in a turmoil of confused thoughts and he will be until he can bring himself to speak of his so-called betrayal. For the thought that's bothering him the most is that he considered giving up Frodo. Even the most seasoned of warriors would consider doing such a thing, faced with the torture that Sam endured, and many men, I think, would have spoken long before. Hopefully with time Sam will understand that it is only natural, that instinct to preserve his own life, and that his insistance on keeping Frodo safe despite that is what makes him so strong. Author Reply: GamgeeFest, you are completely dead on about just what’s bothering Sam, and why. (And before I continue, let me say that I am sorry for the delayed response to your review. My only excuse is that I was busy writing, which I hope isn’t too bad a reason.) He is definitely horrified to learn that he is capable of killing, and knowing what would have happened if he hadn’t acted doesn’t help. And you are right – it bothers him even more that he thought about telling Garan what he wanted to hear. Sam so prides himself on his steadfastness; he knows it’s what Frodo needs. Given time, and a little counsel, he may begin to consider that those thoughts were anything but irrational. Self-preservation is a knee-jerk, hard-wired desire. I really can’t say it any better than you already have.

cookiefleck	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/29/2006
So glad to see another chapter from you! "He had never expected to have to ponder questions that seemingly had no right answers" reminds me of The Choices of Master Samwise... going around and around in one's head with problems that have no good (comforting) answers. I have no doubt that he can eventually find a way to live with himself, but I am glad that in this story, Legolas is there to help him on that journey instead of him having to face it alone. Great relationship between the two characters. And, as usual, you really excel at writing action sequences... I am always on the edge of my seat. My heart just goes out to Sam, of course. I love stories that make me appreciate him all the more, a seemingly impossible task, as I admire the character so much already. Thank you, and I will check out the musical rec, also. Author Reply: Hello, cookiefleck! I’ll say to you what I’m saying to just about everyone else: I am sorry for taking so long to reply to your review. Thank you so much for leaving your feedback. Your comment about the similarities to “The Choices of Master Samwise” took me by surprise. I hadn’t really thought about that before – but you are quite right. He had to make one gut-wrencher of a decision in that chapter. I agree that Sam will move on and make peace with himself, though it will take a little time. Time really does smooth many things over. Legolas – and all of the others – can help too, though. I am so glad that you like the relationship between Sam and Legolas. It really has been wonderful to write, and I am going to miss this story when it’s over. Sniff.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 15 on 11/29/2006
Great Indigo. I found myself 'willing' Sam to talk to someone, preferably Legolas! Innocence has been lost by all the hobbits and you are portaying the turmoil involved most wonderfully. Author Reply: Hey there, harrowcat! So sorry it’s taken me so long to reply (but I did it to just about everybody). Thanks, as always, for your lovely review. I’m with you – Sam ought to talk to someone that he trusts, and that’s got to be either Frodo or Legolas. I thought it would make sense that he would lean toward Legolas in this instance since they had already gone through it all together.

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