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Starship  by shirebound 26 Review(s)
AndreaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/18/2010
“Does this venture not frighten you?” Elladan asked curiously.

Sam shook his head. “I suppose it should, but for weeks I’ve been feeling like…” He shook his head. “I can’t quite explain it, sir.”

I can, Elladan thought. The Shire has been gently loosening its hold on him, like a tree about to be transplanted into new, rich soil.


Beautifully said! That's how it should have been for Frodo, too. His leave-taking must have been much harder for him.

It was a surprise to find Aragorn and Arwen waiting there for Sam! And I enjoyed it as much as Sam did :-)

Author Reply: I agree, Andrea. Frodo didn't have the time or energy, after the Quest, for his beloved Shire to help heal him. Sam was able to find a full and rich life for himself whereas the needs of Frodo's heart and spirit had changed.

I'm so glad you enjoyed this! *beams*

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/18/2010
Oh what a beautiful parting!

"It was a journey of nearly 150 miles from Hobbiton to the Tower Hills. Each night they stayed at one of the fine inns that could now be found along the entire length of the Great East Road, and Elladan saw first-hand the respect with which Sam was treated. To all, he was Mr. Mayor, Mr. Sam, or just “sir”, and Sam called everyone by name and asked about their families."


"But these things Sam took in only vaguely, for, on both sides of the path Elladan was taking stood long lines of people. There were as yet too few Men in the northern realm of Arnor to populate the lands near the Havens, and Sam had expected to see few people once the Shire was behind them. Yet here stood assembled farmers, craftsmen, and merchants from the new city of Annúminas, and proud Rangers of the North arrayed in black and silver. Their cloaks bore the same bright star as Sam’s own. Everyone called out greetings as the horse rode slowly past them, and the Dúnedain drew their swords and held them up, glittering in the sun."

"“Strider!” Sam cried out. “Lady Arwen! I never thought... I can’t believe it! Am I dreaming?”

King Elessar’s long legs quickly covered the distance to where Sam and the Elves stood. He caught Sam up and held him close while the crowd shouted their joy that their sovereigns were amongst them. Their king stood tall and handsome, his noble brow bearing a star whose brilliance mirrored the one above them. Their queen was radiantly beautiful, her gown of sea green shimmering with gems."


In each of those parts, you show Sam getting the farewell and the honor that Frodo evaded. It feels as though they are honoring not only Sam, but Frodo as well.

How delightful it is to see him having this great honor!

I also loved the gentle way the King put him to sleep and carefully turned him over to the Eagle. How hard it must have been to see his dear friend leaving! And yet he got to say farewell to Sam, unlike when Frodo slipped away!

This is so sweet and touching, dear!




Author Reply: I appreciate you highlighting so many passages. This chapter truly flowed from my heart. One of the reasons I started reading and writing fanfiction was that Frodo hadn't received (in my opinion) the respect, honor, and TLC I felt he deserved. Aragorn had a bit of notice this time, and was able to give at least one of the Ring-bearers a farewell never to be forgotten by anyone who took part. And Aragorn putting him to sleep... I just love the many ways we can use that gift of his!

Thank you so much! :)

6336Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/18/2010
So, he is on his way and what a send off he received!
More please,
Lynda

Author Reply: Thank you, Lynda. And now to ensure that Sam's welcome is as kindly as his send off!

FiondilReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/18/2010
Oh, this was such a lovely chapter, Shirebound! It was such a surprise to see Strider and Arwen there. A fitting way to see the last Ringbearer off. Looking forward to more.

Author Reply: Thank you very much. I'm glad Sam's send-off wasn't too predictable! I hoped that this story would be full of things that hadn't been explored before.

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/18/2010
Aw.. *sniffle* This is just perfect Shirebound. But you are going to have to change your name now that neither of the Ringbearers are bound to the Shire any longer. *grin*

Author Reply: Awwww, I'm really happy that this chapter moved you to sniffles. What a compliment.

LOL, I'll always be Shire-bound! I'll just have to visit our hobbits in the West now and then to make sure they're doing all right. :)

CairistionaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/18/2010
Oh, this was perfection itself! I absolutely adore every word of this chapter. Having Aragorn and Arwen there to send Sam off was a master stroke, and ending the chapter with the Standing Silence was utterly beautiful. And all those in-between bits, from Sam touching the Mallorn leaf one last time to digging his toes in the soil, all work to show the sadness and wistful that leaving brings, no matter how ready one is for life's next big adventure. But through it all is Sam's very level-headed voice that keeps things from turning maudlin. Thank goodness for good plain Hobbit sense. I'm laughing along with Aragorn, even as I'm wiping away tears.

This was well worth the wait!

Author Reply: I'm just thrilled that this was worth the wait. I wanted to give Sam a really wonderful send-off, and what could be more wonderful than the presence of the King of the West himself? Dear Sam, he really deserved it.

Thank you for your lovely comments. The chapter kept asking for more and more and more, and grew quite beyond my original ideas. :)

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