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To The End of His Days  by GamgeeFest 6 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 41 on 11/12/2012
“Our adventures never end, Master Panthael. This is just the beginning.”

How beautiful!

Who could say after having passed away that there was nothing left to do? Sam received a very rare gift - and he deserved it!

Author Reply: Sam is not the type to leave things undone, and if he regretted anything in his life, he made sure he resolved it right away. That's our Sam, a rare hobbit indeed.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 41 on 11/12/2012
What a wonderful greeting! Yes, he's ready for this next adventure!

Author Reply: He is indeed and what an adventure it will be!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 41 on 11/11/2012
This is such an appropriate chapter! I love Sam's instant recognition of Elbereth, not mistaking her for any other Valie. After all, he called upon her during the Quest, as did Frodo.

You know, I was reminded of the song in "A Mid-Year's Walking Trip", which I am currently re-reading--and it seemed a very fitting thing to remember at this point in this story. Had you really been planning this for so long? The whole conversation about the stars and all seems like foreshadowing now.

Author Reply: Elbereth has been watching over Frodo and Sam, and they did both call upon her, and with Sam's fascination with the Elves growing up, I think he'd be equally fascinated by Elbereth as well, she being the most beloved by them.

It wasn't foreshadowing, per se, just what I always felt would be what would happen when one passes, and that hasn't changed since I wrote that song. I can't even say I had it in the back of my mind while I was writing these chapters, and I certainly had no intentions of ever writing about Sam's death when I wrote AMYWT. Sam didn't even meet Earendil originally, but instead bypassed Vingilot altogether, getting a glimpse of him only. Now I wonder if Earendil did see Sam waving to him all those times. Perhaps that's why Earendil picked him up. :D So no intentional foreshadowing, just serendipity.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 41 on 11/11/2012
An interesting chapter! It reminded me of the arrival into heaven in the last Narnia book for some reason. What a happy, easy, peaceful death.

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: I've never read the Narnia books besides the first one, but I'm flattered by the comparison nonetheless! Thank you! Sam deserves the most gentle of passings, and he accepted it.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 41 on 11/11/2012
This is a truly beautiful story. Thank you for this gentle and peaceful transition.

Author Reply: You're most welcome. It's been such a joy to write this through Sam's eyes.

curiouswombatReviewed Chapter: 41 on 11/11/2012
Oh - a lovely chapter. So good to think Sam feels he has nothing left undone, nothing regretted - and is ready to continue his journey.

Author Reply: I can't see Sam as one to live with regrets or to let things go undone. That's not our Sam. Anything he felt was important enough, he'd make sure he saw to it as soon as possible, which is ultimately why he did have to sail. He had much left to do and see, even if he didn't know it. Now he's ready to continue.

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