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| The River by Indigo Bunting | 13 Review(s) |
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| Nightwing | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 9/29/2007 |
| Good Lord, have I fallen behind on my reviewing obligations! And look, you've finished this story! I am delighted and sad at the same time. Well, I must do my duty and send in proper reviews for these final two installments. My husband and daughter are off on an overnight camping trip, and the computer is all mine tonight. A rarity, I assure you, and I am such a geek that instead of going out tonight, I'm staying home to take care of all the reviews that I owe people. So here we are at chapter 17, and it is chock full of the usual goodies I come to expect of an Indigo Bunting update - nice observations of the different members of the Fellowship, and nice details of the little ways in which they take care of each other. Poor Sam, dreading the moment of his confession. The most horrible time truly is before one takes the plunge. The dread, the worry, the waiting is usually far more unhappy than the actual experience of doing it. But it is still so hard to finally take that first step, to utter the first word. Sam's observation that "nothing heightened one's awareness like impending doom" is a very smart one. Happily, Legolas sees the hobbit's need for privacy. I thought this was a wonderful conversation between elf and hobbit. I was amused by Sam's annoyance when Legolas did not respond as he had wanted him to - with anger and reproach. And Sam was surprised to learn that Legolas had his own doubts about his performance during their ordeal. Glad that they could set each other straight on a few things. Legolas' desire to properly thank Sam for saving him from torture at the hands of the men was very heartfelt. And it is just like Sam to not want to be raised up. Lovely too, Sam's realization that he knew he might be killed during the journey, but had never really acknowledged that he may also have to do some killing as well. A hard thing for a peaceful hobbit to resolve, even if there was no other choice and the foe did require killing in order to save a friend. I liked how Sam's actions in saving Legolas came to be compared to the Fellowship's (well, mostly Gandalf's) decision to hold back and not help the elf and the hobbit as they were fighting for their lives. And, very movingly, Frodo tells Sam that he is more important than the Ring, and that he will never wish for Sam to be gone. Of course, my mind instantly jumped to that terrible moment in the movie, when Frodo does reject Sam, and the faithful friend breaks down in tears. I felt saddened by Frodo's confidence, knowing that though these two hobbits have already been through so much, their friendship will endure far worse before their task is ended. The ending of this chapter was very sweet - the smile shared between Sam and Legolas, and the elf singing to the group as they rested after dinner. Sigh, I just love the Fellowship. | |
| ziggy | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 8/18/2007 |
| aargh! Why aren't my reviews getting posted- I spent AGES reviewing this and its STILL not posted.... Ok- this will be briefer than it was but hopefully it will get to you Indigo becasue I was on holiday when you posted this. Wonderful that you are writing more stories- I cant wait. I know this one is near ending and that is sad becasue it has been wonderful, but I can read it again- and have done several times already. The hobbits really come inot their own in this chapter - again! Sam's reluctance to accept legolas' thanks are, as I think you have said in a reponse, due to his not believing in violence and yet I suppose, realsing that he has no choice when faced with real evil. And it si this that saves him I think. It is the choice ordinary people face in times of war - and I suppose inevitably, it must be becasue it is a just war and you join in, or it is not a just war and you object. An interesting theme not often explored in this genre - Legolas does not have that dilemma becasue the elves have always fought the darkenss and it does not occur to them that there is a choice- they all fight it in their way. The other warriors' reactions are so intersting too- they all understnad the situtaion the hobbits find themselves in and I think this is one of the best things about your writing, that waht is very much for granted in adventure stories, you question. Sam is not simply so loyal to Frodo that he will take anyhting thrown at him- he does waver and fear, although he does not, as Legolas points out, give in to his fear in the end. And that is real courage. I love the developing relationship between Legolas and Sam - my favourite bit of the whole story witht is is when they have just emerged from the river and Legolas is trying to keep Sam's spirits up as they walk along the bank t try to catch up witht e rest of the Fellowship. Sam is so at ease then, when he forgets himself. OK- I know its ending but cant wait for the next story!! Greedy greedy readers! I really really hope this one posts- will be hopping if I have to do yet again!!!!! Author Reply: Hello, ziggy! Sorry I didn't reply to this right away, although of course I read your review back when you left it. I'm sorry you had trouble getting it through; I would have loved to read your original comments, I'm sure. It gets tiring having to repeat yourself. Actually, I often type my responses in a separate document and save them; then I can copy and paste and reply to a bunch of reviews all at once. And if there's a problem, I can just try again! Your comments about Sam were interesting to read. You're right about my take on Sam's difficulty in accepting gratitude. Legolas might have been worth the sacrifice, but it was the kind of sacrifice that Sam will be paying for for a long time. I also think you're right about evil. Evil pulls no punches; ignoring it won't defeat it. It must be resisted, and this often requires a loss of innocence. Isn't this just what happens to Frodo? He plays a huge role in the defeat of evil in Middle-earth, but it comes at a great personal cost. Over the course of this story, I was most interested in exploring how Sam handled the circumstances he found himself in. Yes, Legolas is used to the darker ways of the world, but Sam isn't. Oh, and I like the bit of Legolas' and Sam's journey down the river (before they meet the Men) as well. The image of Sam turning into a complete chatterbox as he loses his shyness is a sweet one! | |
| lovethosehobbits | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/21/2007 |
| I have joyfully read each of your chapters...such a great fic, thanks so much for sharing it with us. Author Reply: Thank you for the review, lovethosehobbits! It's great to hear from readers (though I admit that it's easier to read positive feedback than criticism. I hope I handle both all right.) :) I am glad to hear that you've enjoyed the story. Truthfully, I wrote it for myself - this is the kind of story that I wish I could find more of - but if others can take enjoyment from it as well, then so much the better! | |
| Althea | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/18/2007 |
| I didn't see chapter 16 when you posted it, so having two new chapters to read was a real treat. I am glad that Sam finally talked his problem over with Legolas. The elf's reaction and advice was perfect as was Frodo's reaction when Sam finally confessed to him. It's so wonderful seeing the Fellowship together and content. I love Sam's observation about the power of the fellowship's friendship. I am looking forward to the next chapter, even though I am sorry that this story is coming to an end. Author Reply: Hello, Althea! Alas, it's the same old line from me - I'm sorry for the late reply. You were one of the last reviewers for this chapter and I just didn't get to it... but I did much better this time around! Now that I'm about to post again, I'm tying up all the loose ends. :) Glad you liked the chapter. I, too, like to see the Fellowship together, enjoying a few peaceful moments. They're such an interesting group to write and observe! | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/17/2007 |
| A lovely chapter! Just lovely! How thrilled I was to see an update of this! I was wondering just a day or so ago whether we'd see more of it soon. The talk between Sam and Legolas was perfect--the two of them have formed a special bond now, no matter the other differences of Race and Station, they are friends who had one another's back in a dire situation. And I loved the staunch reaction of the other hobbits as well. There was never any question Frodo would forgive him, and I was pleased as well by Merry's and Pippin's acceptance. All of them have been "schooled" a bit by their experiences. One of the more touching things was Sam's confession that though he'd considered that he might have to *die* for Frodo, he had not worried that he would have to *kill*for him. So very sad to have a hobbit come to that. And Legolas' predictions at what Saruman might do in the Shire was only too accurate: "Only when all others have fallen will he look to the Shire or so I guess. Except the "all others" were himself and Sauron, and not those on whom they were making war. Author Reply: Youve hit it exactly, Dreamflower! You are such a perceptive reader. I love how youre able to see right to the heart of this story. Sam is willing to die for Frodo, but he wasnt prepared to have to kill other people in defense of those he loves. Hell do it, obviously, but not without sacrificing something precious. Fortunately, Legolas realizes the weight of his obligation. He can never really repay it, though, because he cant undo whats been done and he cant replace whats been lost. (In one draft of the chapter he said something about Sam having paid for his life, but that language was altered.) I do like the passage where Sam tries to downplay the magnitude of his actions and Legolas pleads with him to accept his thanks. It just feels very real to me. Sam is still refusing to face what hes done, because it means facing the fact that he has broken an unspoken code of the Shire, and Legolas is showing more honesty than hed do with anyone else in the Fellowship at this point (except Aragorn, perhaps, although the idea of a pre-existing friendship between those two is a conceit of mine. Tolkien gave us so little backstory for Legolas that it seems as likely as not.) I just love Sam and Legolas together, and writing their developing friendship has been a joy. Youre absolutely right about their newfound bond, which is born of mutual suffering and sacrifice. I didnt think that they could go through such circumstances and not wind up being tied together by them. | |
| Periantari | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/17/2007 |
| This story is one of my favorites ever written. Gosh you know how to pull at all my heart-strings. Gosh, i love that dialogue between Sam and Legolas...i love comforting dialogues like that and i just love the fact that Sam is being comforted in feeling that ilk of guilt he has for thinking of abandoning Frodo. “Then how is your situation any different from mine? We are critical of ourselves, but not of each other.” they are overly critical of each other's actions but i suppose that is expected for they're in such a stressful situation that every choice seems to not be able to go the way it should. And that last scene with Frodo and Sam...ahhh~! love that Sam is finally rid of his guilt and not feeling guilty and burdened. Also love the bit about Sam seeing that Frodo is paying more attention to the Ring. This story is LOVE. So glad you updated! and feel bad that it's coming to a close soon... How about Brund? what happened with him? And don't worry about updating-- i'm anxious but i think the high tension is gone now...i just hope for a really good close but i think you will surpass my expectations very easily. :) ♥ Sam ♥ Author Reply: One of your favorites? Aw, thank you! I blushed when I read that for the first time. :) Im so, so glad you told me; it means more than I can really say. The story has been fun to write, but its been lots of hard work, too. The only reason Ive been able to stick with it through the difficult parts is the knowledge that other people were waiting to see how it turned out, and they couldnt just skip the end like I could. I had the feeling that this chapter might be more up the alley of hobbit-lovers and h/c aficionados than most. This is probably as close to h/c as Im going to get. I have to admit that when I think of the phrase h/c I dont think of good things. Most stories that are labeled as such are too sugary-sweet for my liking (or are far too sadistic during the h part). I like to keep things realistic. Hobbits do seem to be much more emotional than the other races, but they arent children. I tried to avoid giving Legolas some kind of omniscient knowledge or understanding of the situation; he knows what its like to kill for the first time, but he doesnt know what its like to have killed someone while holding to the belief that such an act is wrong. He does understand that Sam thinks this, though, and therefore sees Sams act as a great sacrifice on his behalf. As far as the self-critical comment goes, Im not sure that I agree with your assessment (though I could have misunderstood it!). I didnt think that Legolas was overly critical of Sam (or vice versa). On the contrary, they were each willing to absolve the other of any guilt they might feel over their supposed failures. Legolas saw failures in his choices and actions where Sam only saw that he had tried his best and no one can do more than that. Sam saw a failing in himself when he briefly considered telling Garan what he wanted to hear despite the fact that he chose not to do it. I thought that in such a situation, with their lives and the secrecy of the Quest riding on their decisions, they might be inclined to be self-critical. Besides, I see both Sam and Legolas as being inherently good, and those sorts of people accept no less than the best from themselves. Glad you liked the bit with Frodo and Sam. :) I thought hobbit-lovers would enjoy that. Sam is feeling much better at the close of this chapter, and perhaps just a bit euphoric. Frodos disapproval was his greatest fear and that danger has passed. He wont be feeling quite so over the moon in the morning, because the initial rush of joy will have faded (though hell still be feeling happier). The fact remains that he killed someone, and regardless of the fact that he had the best of reasons to do it, he still believes that hobbits shouldnt kill. Hell have to live with that, and he hasnt quite reconciled himself to it yet. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/17/2007 |
| How wonderful to hear from you and to see the next chapter after all this time! We've been waiting, and I've been so impatient. And it's been well worth the wait, although I hope you do some more writing for us. This adventure has been such a wonderfully written one to follow. Author Reply: Hello, Larner! I am sorry that it took so long to get this chapter done, but it just didnt want to happen. Im glad that it hasnt been completely forgotten, although Im sure that I must have lost a few people. You cant take a four-plus-month hiatus and expect people to be hanging around at the end of them. Anyway, Im glad to hear that you liked the chapter. Im a little bit sad to be nearing the end, but Im excited, too. Finishing will give me the freedom to start working on something else. I do have a couple of ideas rolling around in my head! :) | |
| cookiefleck | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/17/2007 |
| So glad to see an update! Thanks for pledging to finish this (favorite of mine) story even though it's not proceeding as fast as you had anticipated. This was a great chapter and I am glad that dear Sam finally got his feelings out in the open so they could be dealt with. And you made it riveting, the way his emotions turned on a pin based on Legolas' confusion, etc. For me, these words of Legolas summed it up best, and I hope Sam took them to heart: Turning away from something that you do not want in the first place is easy. The difficulty lies in holding to your path when the temptation to stray is very real. Author Reply: Greetings, cookie! Im glad you liked the chapter. I didnt personally find it riveting, but if other people did, so much the better. Maybe its just because its taken so long to write; I know every line pretty well by now. I would have liked to have posted the last few chapters much more quickly because the action has been mostly dispensed with. Talky chapters can move slowly, and I dont want the ending to feel like a let-down. Glad you noticed Sams mercurial emotions and Legolas occasional bewilderment. As far as theyve come together, they still dont always speak the same language, and I wanted to reflect that here. Its also not easy to just up and move on from something like what Sam has experienced. He feels loads better now, but hell have demons to wrestle with for some time. | |
| RonaLena | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/16/2007 |
| Wonderful chapter, Indigo. This is still one of my all time favourite LOTR stories. I truly love your poor, honourable Sam. Only one more chapter? I am going to miss this story. But then, I can always begin reading it again from the start, as I am sure I will, many times. Bravo. Author Reply: Hello again, Rona! You are as faithful as Sam - at least, when it comes to reviewing. :) I am honored to hear that you have enjoyed the story so much really honored. My aim has always been to write a quality story that would leave its readers feeling satisfied, and perhaps dealt with a few larger issues beyond the basic struggle to survive. Sam is really a very straightforward character in many ways (his steadfast loyalty to Frodo defines him), but that doesnt mean that his character arc is black and white. I think its intriguing to think about how he would handle situations like this one, when he is required to make decisions that are far beyond the normal hobbits experience. Yes, there is only one more chapter left. Part of me is regretful, but a larger part of me is eager to finish. I will miss the story, but since I already know how its going to end, my creative energies are clamoring for another plot to work on. Ive got a few in mind and would like to be able to apply myself to them! | |
| GamgeeFest | Reviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/16/2007 |
| Wonderful! I'm glad Sam was able to get that off his chest and realize that his friends don't look down up him. And hopefully, Frodo will accept that Sam doesn't look down on him or the rest of the Fellowship for not helping when they couldn't. They all had to make difficult decisions but it is time they put this whole mess behind them. I really love the way you're wrapping this all up and I'll eagerly await the last chapter. :D Author Reply: Glad you liked the chapter, Gamgee! Sam does feel a lot better now, and Im glad. Hell never really be the same again, but then, everyone in the Fellowship comes out of the Quest fundamentally altered. Poor Sam was too conflicted about what hed done to be able to realize that none of the hobbits would blame him for taking drastic action to save a friend. He had good reason to be worried, though. Hobbits really dont act the way he did - but then, theyre almost never faced with making those kinds of choices. Im very happy with the way this story has worked out. Choice and consequence was one of my major themes from the get-go, and I do feel as though the point has been made. Sometimes theres no easy out of a situation and all we can do is make our decision and live with the result. Funny how life seems so black-and-white when youre young, but as you grow, you see how many shades of gray there really are. | |