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Still Round the Corner by lbilover	7 Review(s)
Dreamdeer	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 7/25/2007
I thought the writer kept a good sense of ambiance going throughout, although replacing passive voice with active (cutting out all variations of the verb "to be") would have made it even richer. I especially enjoyed the authenticity of Sam's voice, not only true to the canonical character, but developing the character further as time would have done, to sound more confident, and also a trifle cantankerous with age (finding himself in an elderly body would not sit well with someone as physical as Sam!) I loved the gentle humor and the real emotions behind it. I enjoyed this story enough to keep reloading it after three computer crashes interrupted me. Author Reply: Thank you very much, Dreamdeer, for your thoughtful feedback. I appreciate it very much, especially that you persevered in the face of all those computer crashes :) I especially am glad you like Sam's voice. I totally agree with you that finding himself in an elderly body would not sit well with him, and a little cantankerousness (as well as confidence) seemed right to me when writing him. Thank you again!

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/25/2007
Yes, it would be that song he'd sing on that day. I've loved imagining how it would be when Sam left the Shire, his reluctance and his eagerness, the children's desire to keep him at the same time they know it wouldn't be that much longer anyway. And I'd think Pippin and Merry would know, too.... Lovely goodbye here. Author Reply: Thank you, Larner. I'm glad you found the song fitting. I've thought a lot about Sam's leaving and what it would mean to him and to his children: both the bitter and the sweet, as Arwen said. Oh yes, I'd think Pippin and Merry would know. I've always imagined that Sam took with him nice, fat, long letters from them (and maybe others in the Fellowship) to give to Frodo!

Periantari	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/24/2007
Awww! That was so darn touching and beautiful and thoughtfully written! I could imagine always that it'll be tough for Sam to leave his children and this poignant scene with Frodo-lad was written so very well, with sensitivity and with great dialogue that made me go "awww" all throughout because i'm so touched. ♥ This is beautiful-- wonder if you can write Sam's partings with his other children? I wrote one about him parting from Elanor... Awesome job, lbilover~! Author Reply: Thanks so much, Periantari. Sam's leaving has been something I've thought about so much. I did write a drabble (it's at my LJ) about his parting with Elanor, but so far nothing longer than that. I'm really glad that this touched you.

Inkling	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/24/2007
I know and love those unpublished epilogues, and this is a worthy extension of them. The image of Sam approaching through the mist was especially nice. A beautifully written story! Author Reply: I love those epilogues, too. There are so many riches there, and it's lovely to read more about Sam's children and also the members of the Fellowship. Thank you so much for reading and your lovely comments.

Elemmírë	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/24/2007
What a marvelous piece! You wrote it so very descriptively (with fingers gnarled as the roots of the trees he’d planted in the long-ago days after the Troubles) ... and so intimately as well--I almost felt like I was an intruder on Sam and Frodo-lad's last goodbye at times. It had just the right bit of sadness, love, and humor! I thought you wrote old Sam very well also, there were even times where he sort of reminded me of the Gaffer, but a more light-hearted version. I laughed when I read about his carrying the frying pan. Faithful Sam and his cookware journey together again! LOL! I think your description of Sam explaining to his son why Frodo went on his journey is one of the best written. It's concise, but Sam couldn't have stated it any better. And I agree with him that Frodo will be very happy indeed to know that no hobbit has had need to raise a weapon to another save perhaps in pretend play. “Frodo sacrificed all that he had so that you and your sisters and brothers and your children and children’s children would have no need for great deeds, but could live in peace and safety here in the dear Shire. There’s naught that will make him happier than to know you never had cause to raise a sword or even,” and a smile grew on his face, “an axe.” Frodo-lad must have been speechless when he finally got a chance to meet the real Gimli as a child. And Bill the Fourth!! Cool! :D ~Elemmírë~ p.s. Hmm, I find myself wondering just what becomes of that battered leather scabbard (Sting!) in the Blessed Realm as it is an Elven blade, of course. After Frodo and Sam pass, what do the Elves do with it? Do they put it in some "museum" somewhere or perhaps leave it in monument at the hobbits' final resting place. (I'm too curious, I know :) Author Reply: Oh wow, thank you Elemmire for your comments. I appreciate them so very much. I've thought alot about Sam's leaving recently and what it must have been like for his children to lose him (in part, I suppose because my own parents are elderly). Sadness, love and humor would, I imagine, all have been components of it. I did want there to be some traces of the Gaffer in Sam so I'm glad you saw that, and also that you liked Bill the Fourth :)) That is an interesting question about Sting and its scabbard. I never thought about it, but I could imagine some monument to the hobbits and Sting left there (perhaps buried with them?) Or something like the way the sword that was broken was displayed in Rivendell in the movie... Thank you again!!

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/23/2007
I've often thought that it can't have been easy for Frodo-lad to live up to the name, but Sam was right in what he said. Frodo would have been delighted to learn that none of Sam's children had to use a sword. Not an easy parting but hopefully Sam's unshakeable conviction that he will see Frodo again has eased his son's mind. A beautiful look at this moment. Author Reply: Thank you, Baggins Babe. I've thought the same thing about Frodo-lad, that his name would be an honor and a bit of a burden at times. I like to believe that in the end, Sam's leaving Middle-earth was blessed by his children. It can't have been easy for any of them.

French Pony	Reviewed Chapter: 1 on 6/23/2007
This was wonderful. Sam has such dignity and wisdom in his old age, while still retaining that good solid Hobbit-sense of his youth. And, of course, of all his children, it would be Frodo who gets up early and goes to see him off. Sam does seem to have named his kids well. Author Reply: Thank you, French Pony. There was never any doubt in my mind that Frodo-lad would be the one to wait for Sam. It seemed so right. And yes, he did name his kids well!

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