Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Holding Back the Flood  by shirebound 17 Review(s)
KathyGReviewed Chapter: 15 on 6/14/2017
I first discovered this story back in early 2014, I think it was (or maybe it was in late 2013--I can't remember now). I've read it repeatedly in the years since.

I just love the comfort scenarios that pervade the latter chapters, including this one! I especially love the comfort that Sam is getting at this point in the story.

There's just one thing missing in this story, I'm thinking. Frodo gets to wake up to talk with Gandalf, but Sam doesn't get to--in the scene you wrote, he sleeps through Gandalf's visit. Also, neither of them are shown interacting with Bilbo while they're confined to bed. I know it's too late to add either of those scenarios to this story since it's finished, but would you be willing to write a gapfiller to "Holding Back the Flood" in which a bedfast Sam also gets to interact with Gandalf, and in which both hobbits, while in bed, get to interact with Bilbo? He had to be relieved that Sam was safe, no less than he was about Frodo. What do you think?


Author Reply: What a compliment to know that someone re-reads one of my stories. I can't tell you how happy that makes me. I'm insatiable when it comes to comfort. My first introduction to LOTR fanfiction was in early 2002 when I was scouring ff.net for stories in which the hobbits received healing and comfort.

No current plans for a gap filler, but... you never know what the future will bring. :)

Linda HoylandReviewed Chapter: 15 on 1/12/2010
I loved Gimli bringing the tree and am pleased Aragorn is back in the story.

Author Reply: Thanks, Linda. It's been fun thinking of ways to bring Gimli and Legolas's friendship closer with humor.

I couldn't imagine writing this story without Aragorn. :)

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/25/2009
I just love Sam in his near drunk state! I wonder how the Quest might have gone if Sam had been medicated the entire time. LOL

I enjoyed the fact that Gimli brought the tree to Legolas. I love the beginning of their friendship. It makes me happy to think that they started out this part of the journey as friends too or at least giving one another some respect.

Author Reply: Sam is so practical and proper most of the time, it's fun to imagine what he'd be like in Rivendell if slightly 'tipsy' and more uninhibited. It was when he got a bit drunk in Henneth Annun that he blurted out things to Faramir he didn't mean to. Dear Sam. :)

This 'unlikely friendship' has been fascinating to explore.

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 10/13/2009
Ah, another wonderfully quiet chapter. Gimli bringing Legolas a tree was absolutely adorable... I've never felt I wanted to hug a dwarf but he earned one there. And I had to smile at the peach hotcakes and Pippin wanting to make sure there were some left for Strider... I don't really know what it is about Aragorn and peaches but to my mind, they go together perfectly. :) And I loved that Frodo decided to divert Aragorn's attention with riddles so Sam could eat. A fun chapter, all the way through.

Author Reply: Thank you! Now that the worst is over, all the banter and hobbity lightness that I love can come rushing back. :)

AspenJulesReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/15/2009
I love seeing the tender side of Gimli as he brings Legolas the plant. I love that a dwarf thought of it before the elves did!

And Frodo is definitely feeling better if he's being sly with Aragorn, LOL. I also hope Sam's breakfast doesn't decide to make an encore appearance.

I think I would love to see wooooozy Elrond for a bit in his recovery, LOL. I don't think it would hurt his dignity too much...
AspenJules

Author Reply: Glad you enjoyed this! Once Gimli has claimed you as a friend, you're a friend for life.

Woooooozy Elrond would be such fun! I don't think it'll fit into this story, but there's always another time... :)

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/15/2009
LOL! Woooooozy Sam, and Frodo taking such good care of him! Pippin and Merry, wanting to make sure Aragorn didn't miss certain well-prepared dishes.

And of course, I can't gloss over the beginning of the chapter, such a well-drawn picture of the Elf and Dwarf's blossoming friendship.

“Neither is as annoyingly talkative as you are.” LOL! Just one of a number of delightful turns of phrase.

Hoping all goes well with your move. Have you, perhaps, engaged any hobbits to drive a cart full of possessions from one abode to the next?

Author Reply: Awwww, thank you for highlighting “Neither is as annoyingly talkative as you are.” I do love that line!

I appreciate the good wishes. I'd love to organize a caravan of hobbity carts, or at least engage a certain wandering wizard to help!

galimerilReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/14/2009
Lol, a good chapter to go into hiatus on. Thank you for all your efforts and for a wonderful story!

I hope you like your new appartment. I just moved into a dorm, i hope your neighbors aren't as noisy as mine! :)

I can't wait to hear from you again!

<3 galimeril ;D

Author Reply: Thank you for your good wishes!

I remember dorm life *very* well. :)

cookiefleckReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/14/2009
Glad to see Sam enjoying his meal and being watched over carefully by Frodo. Mmmm, bacon...! Much as I enjoy the tipsy humor, my favorite little moment from that scene was the unspoken emotion evidenced in Frodo's glance at Sam right before he said he wanted to thank Elrond.

I think it will be interesting if/when you explore Sam's memory coming back. I am guessing he will be full of gratitude (Gimli, Legolas, etc.) and perhaps a bit mortified if he remembers how the medicine affected him... hah.

Gimli is such a dear in your story. The idea of him bringing in the tree was perfect. I think if I had to choose, I would choose to spend my time in the company of dwarves rather than elves.

Author Reply: I'm so glad you're enjoying this. I didn't know *what* Sam's 'waking up' would be like until I started writing the chapter. And likewise, I don't know yet what will happen with his memories. We'll all find out together! I've rarely just let a story unfold as it will, like this one.

Dear Gimli. I like to think that he'll make sure there are trees at the entrance to the Glittering Caves so Legolas will always feel welcome there. :)

AltheaReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/14/2009
I love the conversation between Gimli and Legolas. It was so sweet of Gimli to bring the miniature tree to Legolas.
Poor Sam. I hope it's just the drugs and not the effects of a concussion that is causing his confusion. I also hope that he can keep that mighty breakfast down.

Author Reply: Thank you, Althea. Gimli's come up with the perfect 'get well' gift for Legolas.

Dear Sam! His fellow hobbits will take good care of him. :)

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 15 on 9/13/2009
I don't wonder why Pippin is exhausted and confused. Poor Sam. And dear Frodo, making certain Sam gets extra eggs no matter what the healers suggest!

Author Reply: Poor exhausted Pip! Even if Sam was making perfect sense, he still might feel confused. And I really enjoyed finding a way for Frodo to look after Sam. I think that being able to do that would give him great satisfaction. Thank you! :)

First Page | Previous Page | Next Page | Last Page

Return to Chapter List