The River by Indigo Bunting
shadowfireflame · 5 October 2022 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
WOW WOW WOW, what a phenomenal story! I can't tell you how enthralled I was for days while reading this! I love the different perspectives and action scenes and slowly developing relationship between Sam and Legolas in particular, but also Sam and Frodo, and Aragorn and Legolas, and the others too. Really lovely story, thank you so much!
Marianel · 4 June 2020 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
What suspens.! You really had us all in the fryingpan and kept on halter from starters to goal. As your other story this one falls among my favourites all time indeed.So many twists and turns ! Best regards from Sweden 😀💐 And again... Please .. Continue the dreaming stone 🤗
SparkyTAS · 29 November 2018 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Hello Indigo Bunting! Cool name. What a beautiful bird. I just finished reading The River and wanted to let you know how much I thoroughly enjoyed it. Your story is exciting, intriguing and well written. I've been reading Where the Shadows Lie by Ziggy, and she recommended The River at the end of her latest chapter. I've been reading Ziggy's works for years, and will always read anything she recommends. I was definitely not disappointed this time, your story is most excellent. Perhaps you can expand on the private conversation between Legolas and Gimli toward the end, I missed reading that in the story. Thank you for sharing this tale with us. -SparkyTAS PS - it's unfortunate that Papaverachee's Tumblr page is no longer active, I would have liked to see the book cover for The River.
ReaderKit · 7 January 2015 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I enjoyed this story very much! I feel a little weird saying that with all the angst in it, but I liked it all the same. Many nail-biting moments. It was nice seeing Sam's courage and steadfastness paint him as a hero instead of being rather superhuman like Legolas. I wonder how this would affect the rest of the journey, especially whether Gimli and Legolas would gain their canon friendship if Sam got there first. Thanks for a wonderful tale!
rikki · 4 February 2014 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I came to read this story based on a rec from another reader and I am very glad I did. From the first, the tight drama and pace of the story along with your characterizations of the Fellowship had me captured. I didn't want to stop reading to see what was happening next even though RL was insisting on attention. I was especially interested in the bonding of Legolas and Sam in their capture and trials was a revelation to me on how strong and resorceful hobbits were. And you captured the true purpose of the whole trip - that the Ring and Frodo were the important issues and that noone or nothing could stop the journey to destroy the ring. What had started out as a collection of individuals in your story ended with a much closer team dedicated to fulfilling their purpose. This will certainly help with all the trial and tribulations that are coming up. I have marked this story and plan to come back and reread it. I know there were things I missed and it is definitely a story to reread and enjoy. I hope that you will continue to write stories and share them.
Kitt Otter · 1 December 2013 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I have thoroughly enjoyed this tale over last 24 hours. I read last night til I couldn't keep my eyes open! You've a delightful grasp of each member of the Fellowship's thoughts and mannerisms. And a wonderful gift for suspense, too. Best of all was seeing the friendship sprouting between Sam and Legolas. A very warming story, thank you!
elliska · 29 July 2013 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I stumbled across this story for the first time today and I could stop reading. The characterization of everyone was incredible and the suspense from chapter to chapter was deliciously intense. This is by far one of the best LotR fanfics I've ever read. Loved it!
Bakoneko · 3 January 2013 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I was just rereading this story for the nth time (and loving it as much as always), and I saw that you have the start of a new story up. Can't wait to read it!
Author's reply
Huh. I didn't realize that the site would list the title of a new (but unpublished) story on my author page. I'm glad you pointed it out. Not that it's a big deal, and besides, it's quite likely that I checked a box or something that allowed the site to list it. It's been at least two months since I uploaded the first three chapters, so I don't really remember. Anyway... I'd like to have a bit more of it written before I start making the chapters visible. I'm reluctant to start posting a story when I know the updates could be *really* slow. I'm glad you still like reading this old story! :)
obsidianj · 5 May 2012 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
How did I miss this story when it was new? This is one of the most intense, page-turning stories I have read in a long time. It made me miss my bedtime on more than one evening. I love the characterization of the members of the fellowship. They are all spot on. Sam's and Legolas ordeal was chilling, but I thought the rest of the fellowship had it at least as bad. They didn't suffer physical pain, but the mental pain was as bad and would not have gone away if anything hadn't turned out. Thanks for writing!
cookiefleck · 14 February 2011 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Hi, IB. I just finished a re-read of The River and thought I would stop by to say hello again and hope that all is well with you. The River (which I have saved to my hard drive!) remains a very favorite story that I revisit periodically. I also just looked back to see my last review here and noted the comments about the h/c genre. I don't really disagree with your comments... in fact, I always joke that I like hhhhhh/c. The genre can be used (as you did, here) to allow characters to show their "quality" under pressure/challenge, and that is what I like about it. For me, the "comfort" aspect is somewhat negligable. I remain optimistic that some day the LOTR muse will again strike and we'll see something again from you. Best of wishes and thank you again for a gift that keeps on giving.
Antane · 20 December 2009 · Chapter 12: Breath of Life
Greetings, I've been enjoying your story as part of the MEFA's and this is as far as I've gotten so far and in case I can't finish in time, I just wanted you to know that I love Sam with Legolas and I especially love in this chapter that the first thing that Sam asks about is his Mr. Frodo. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
shadowolf · 28 March 2009 · Chapter 16: First Steps
I am sort of new here. Your story is amazing. Although I haven't finished the entire thing just yet, I am getting ready to go to the store so I don't want to forget to review. I really love Legolas and you portrayed him and the other characters extremely well. Also, your descriptions and dialogue made it seem as if I truly was there! Keep up all the great work!
Author's reply
Thank you, Shadowolf, and welcome! If you are new to this site then you are in for a treat. There are lots of fun stories around here. I'm so glad to hear that you've enjoyed reading the story. I certainly enjoyed writing it, and hearing other people say that they took pleasure in the work is very gratifying. I have always liked the books and the characters so much, and I always wished Tolkien had written more about the Fellowship together. One day the threads of a plot just started arranging themselves in my head, and I figured I'd try and see if I could actually write something. I have a few other half-formed ideas, too, so we'll see if I ever get another story down. Thanks again for reading, and also for the review. It's been a long time since anyone left a note for this piece.
nancylea57 · 17 July 2008 · Chapter 4: Forward or Back
are you aware that you have sam ask for his stockings and pants?
Dreamflower · 1 October 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I've been away, so this was a true delight to come home to see this story all wrapped up! It was an excellent choice to end this in Frodo's POV--he's the Ringbearer, and the reason for the Fellowship existing. I think you captured very well the sorts of thoughts he'd be having, blaming himself, of course, for the difficulties of his friends, and yet also keeping in mind the importance of his Quest. Some of the things I loved-- The confrontation between Legolas and Gimli, and the first tentative beginnings of the friendship they would one day share. Sam finding comfort in cooking the breakfast, and Pippin's handy excuse for helping to make sure none of it was wasted, LOL! Merry's reaction to hearing the name that the Men had called Sam--yes, that was very much a "Merryish" reaction--very quick to bristle at the though of slight to a friend! The description of Legolas and Sam as they saw Brund's body: Though they appeared to be wholly focused on Brund, they were obviously aware of each other at the same time. Legolas’ hand was resting on Sam’s shoulder – rather protectively, in Frodo’s opinion – and Sam’s hand eventually reached up to give Legolas’ fingers a pat, as though he thought the Elf needed comforting. I could so easily picture that! While I'm sorry to see this wonderful story come to an end, it was a very appropriate ending. And I do hope that soon we *will* see another from you! I would love, personally, to see a brief glimpse of Legolas' and Gimli's conversation. It would also be interesting to see a story of Legolas and Sam post-Quest. Thank you for sharing "The River" with us! It will long remain near the top of my favorite Fellowship stories!
Lamiel · 29 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
And so we come to the end at last. Sigh. I knew it was coming, and I've enjoyed every moment of this chapter, but I am sad to know that I will have no more updates to this story to look forward to. There are some excellent works of fanfiction out there, but none are more engaging or entertaining than this. Frodo's POV is an interesting one to close the story -- it certainly gives an unexpected insight into this separation that has developed between him and Sam as a result of the events in this tale, and further, between him and the other Hobbits as a result of the Ring. That's a very interesting and insightful idea. Of course Frodo's insight comes with the limitation that we don't see Sam's thoughts as he gazed on Brund, or Legolas' as he made that first, intensely difficult step toward reconciliation with Gimli. But I think we can guess what was going on in their minds just the same. I loved Gimli's comment, by the way, "If that isn't just like an Elf!" And it's perfect that they would be so prickly even as they're trying to be polite to each other. So Brund drowned in the river, did he? H'm. I confess that I would have liked to see him taken down in some dramatic fashion, preferably by Legolas and Sam, but in some ways this ending is more realistic for him. That is one of the things I have admired most in your telling of this tale: you are willing to sacrifice moments of glory or hero-worship for your favorite characters in favor of being faithful to the realism and limitations of POV of the story. Which is not to say you don't do justice to the characters' abilities when the time is right for it -- I will have fond memories of Legolas' climb up that cliff, and the fight with the trees, and Sam's stabbing the villain, for a long time to come. But there's an old saying among writers, "Kill your darlings." You put the integrity of the story first, every time. I can't tell you how much I admire you for that. This is a rich, satisfying, hair-raising friendship and adventure story. Now that it is complete I plan on going back and re-reading it from the beginning, and enjoying every word. I hope that we will see you again with more stories in the future.
Nightwing · 29 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Good to be back in Frodo's POV, and to follow his thoughts as he thinks on his changing relationship with his hobbit friends. The burden of the Ring is causing the distance between them to grow, and they all can feel it. Maybe I'm an idiot, but I just loved this sentence: "It didn't take long for the pointed glances to become a full-fledged staring match". I could imagine the scene so easily that I just fell over laughing. And Gandalf's "unconcealed curiosity" set me off too. Once again, I have to say that I just love the Fellowship. What an unlikely bunch of misfits. There is so much fun to be had with them. It must have taken all of Legolas' strength to finally approach Gimli with something vaguely resembled an apology. What he faced was every bit as daunting as Sam's need to confess his moment of weakness to Frodo. Perhaps even more difficult - an elf, apologise to a dwarf? It might have been the first time in the history of Middle-earth! It would have been easier to just bury it, but the elf is just one of several Fellowship members who has had to swallow his pride, or his fear, and speak honestly, even at the risk of being mocked and rejected. And then Gimli had to pursue the elf and do the same. Our friends have all grown and learned from their increasing ability to communicate openly and deeply with each other. That said, I do confess to being a bit disappointed that we did not get to overhear the conversation between the elf and the dwarf. I had been anticipating it, because I thought you were leading to it. I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall to watch such a personal encounter. But I did get a bang out of the way Legolas and Gimli acted when they returned, stiff, blank-faced and offering nothing to the others. They may have gotten a few issues resolved, but they are not friends yet. That comes later, in Lothlorien. Well, I'm glad that Brund fell over in the dark and bonked his head. Now the Fellowship doesn't have to worry about this guy. I liked the way Legolas and Sam gravitated toward each other as they looked upon the body. Sam is "real friends" with an elf now, and that is something special indeed. And so we have finally reached the end of a great adventure. This story has been an utter pleasure to read from start to finish, and I have enjoyed every word. It has truly been a favorite of mine, and I hope, if the muses inspire you, that you will take up your pen again someday. Nightwing
Nightwing · 29 September 2007 · Chapter 17: A Change in the Weather
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.
galimeril · 26 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I can't believe this is the end. I started this on ff.net and followed it here for the last few chapters, and now it's all done! I can't thank you enough for the beautiful work of art you have produced, and I want you to know that you have a real gift for bringing others pleasure. I really will miss this, but I look forward to anything else you might bring to life! galimeril ;D
Author's reply
Yes, 'tis the end. I'm happy it's over and sad at the same time; it's been wonderful to write this, but the ending I've been planning on has come at long last, so I do feel that it's time to move on to something else. Thank you for letting me know how much you liked the story! I do hope to write more; a couple of ideas are starting to gel into something resembling a plot. :)
Yanic · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Absolutely fabulous! A joy to read and sad to see it end. This may be my favorite line in all fandom regarding the relationship between Legolas and Gimli: "They fight like two cats in a barrel. Wet cats.” What a fantastic image! Really enjoyed this story, can we hope for more from you?
Author's reply
Thanks, Yanic! Your kind words really made my day, and I'm very happy to hear that you've enjoyed the story. You know, I think it is true that Legolas and Gimli fight like wet cats in a barrel... but we didn't get too much of that imagery in this story. Legolas was gone too quickly to allow for many views of his relationship with Gimli before the flood, and after, Gimli was too honorable to start it up again. As for more stories, yes, I do hope to write more. I've got a couple of ideas that I'm starting to flesh out. It might be a while before I start posting, though. I've been considering waiting until a whole story is done.
Larner · 24 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I finished this last night but the ISP went wonky so I didn't get to comment. This has been a wonderful adventure, and well, well worth the reading. The story was well crafted, the adventures all too likely given the circumstances and people involved, and the reactions of all to the situation very believable. Love Frodo's appreciation for Sam's changed perceptions, and the protectiveness Sam and Legolas share, AND the growing positive interaction between Legolas and Gimli as they grow more appreciative of one another. I do hope you write another tale soon.
Author's reply
So glad to hear that you've enjoyed the story in whole, Larner. I've had a wonderful time writing it. The Fellowship together is just great - I can't seem to get enough of it - and it's so interesting to examine the dynamics of the group. With nine people, many of them very different, there's plenty to explore. I've always found Legolas' and Gimli's (eventual) friendship to be heartwarming, and though it's not stated quite as explicitly, I imagine that all the surviving members of the Fellowship would have formed close bonds through their shared experiences. It's such an uplifting thought, you know?
lovethosehobbits · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
I loved this tale. Thanks so very much for including us on the journey, Tree
Author's reply
Thanks, lovethosehobbits (or is it Tree?). I'm really glad to hear that you liked the story! We can't ever really get enough, can we?
cookiefleck · 22 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
And so it ends, one of my most favorite stories. Thank you for a wonderful read! You know, I love Sam h/c but this story gave me that plus so, so much more; there is so much depth to your writing, and insights to be gleaned. In the final chapter, I really like the way you wove in Legolas' realization that he no longer wanted to wound Gimli with essentially the same words that Garan had used to hurt and intimidate Sam. I also liked how you included Frodo's thoughts of separation... feeling Sam's distance due to recent events, and then reflecting on how carrying the Ring causes him to be perceived by the others. I look forward to reading your next story (hope that Sam is in it!). Also, I have been wondering if you have any other stories posted online; all I have seen is The River. Many kudos and thanks to you!
Author's reply
Many thanks, Cookiefleck. I’ve always been very flattered and encouraged by your comments. Yes, I knew this story might categorized as h/c, but I have to admit that I never really saw it that way. I’m not a big fan of the genre (no slight intended to those who do enjoy it!), mostly because these stories can get too sugary-sweet for me. The characters get put through hell, Aragorn/Elrond works a miracle of medicine, and the afflicted ones get smothered with love and sweetness until all wounds are forgotten. It doesn’t feel real to me. People with strength of mind, will, and character can persevere after enduring awful situations, but there ought to be some scars afterwards. Sam’s obviously one of the tough ones. He’ll make it, and live a happy life, too, but he’s not unchanged by his misadventure. Oh, and in answer to your question: no, I don't have any other stories posted online. I have got some other ideas and am working on one or two of them. What I don't know is how soon I'll start posting. It might be nice to wait until a whole story is done before putting it up, one chapter at a time. Less pressure on me that way. :)
GamgeeFest · 21 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Bravo, Indigo! This was a truly poignant and lovely ending. I'm just as curious as the others to know what transpired between Legolas and Gimli, perhaps you could do a little ficlet about that. (Feeding the bunny never hurts.) :D I've greatly enjoyed this story from beginning to end and I hope to see some of those ideas of yours come to fruition also. This is easily one of my favorite stories I've read in a long time. You do such an amazing job with the characters and the details, you pull me right into the story. Thank you for sharing this wonderful tale!
Author's reply
Thank you for your generous comments, GamgeeFest! It’s always heartening to learn that readers have liked the story. Sorry for not showing the conversation between Legolas and Gimli, but I wanted the last chapter to be from Frodo’s POV, and they would never have held their first tete-a-tete in front of the rest of the Fellowship. Frodo started the story, and it seemed fit that he should end it. Besides, I think some things are better left to the reader’s imagination. Writing through Frodo’s eyes allowed me to view Sam’s and Legolas’ reactions to Brund as an outsider, which is really what everyone else in the Fellowship becomes when those two are dwelling on their memories. I wanted the ending to have a bittersweet tone: the immediate danger has passed, but too much has already been lost for the event to be a joyful one.
Periantari · 21 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Amazing last chapter! Was so excited to see an update yet so sad to have this wonderfully exciting story come to an end! I love all the insight of Frodo thinking and appreciating Sam's presence in the beginning part and also here: In the absence of speech, Frodo found that he drew great comfort from Sam’s familiar presence. He had once heard that you couldn’t truly appreciate what you had until it was gone, and Sam was the proof of it. He’d never taken Sam for granted, but now that he’d nearly lost him, he felt keenly just how dear a friend he was. I appreciate my Sam too! He's indeed grown so much over the course of this adventure he had and he's grown stronger because of it. It'll be different, a bit of distance between Frodo and Sam now but i'm glad that you wrote that Frodo would be there for him whenever he needs it. ANd i liked that bit about Frodo having a lot of responsibility for Sam and his cousins too. And the Gimli and Legolas exchange seemed so fitting to have something come out of the adventure. The finding of Brund's body in the river is a shocker.. imagine if you had left him alive how many of us would beg for a sequel? ;) And the ending part when you described how Sam and Legolas felt is right on.. indeed Sam would feel a bit of pity and sorry and revulsion... Thanks so much for this wonderful fic! Indeed i enjoyed everytime i saw an update and i would be soooooooo excited and hyperventilate and just read and read until i finish and then have to reread or await a next installment. I hope you write another story (short or long) soon! This has been a joy to read and thank you so much!!!! ♥
Author's reply
Thank you, Periantari. It’s great to hear your thumbs-up for the story as a whole. Part of me is sorry it’s over, but at the same time, I’m ready to move on to something else. With luck, I’ll like one of my other ideas enough to develop into something worth reading!
ziggy · 21 September 2007 · Chapter 18: Reckonings
Indigo- you know, this has to be one of the most complete endings ever. The loneliness of Brund's death really quite tragic, and that is reinforced by Sam and Frodo's reaction to him, but also the hardness of Legolas' reaction. I love the distinction you make between the hobbits and the warriors. You pointed this out so eloquently in the last chapter in the conversation between Legolas and Sam ( I had to go back and read it again just for the pleasure of it- I appreciated even more the details I had not noticed enough in the first reading, particularly this bit: ' He blinked several times in rapid succession and looked away. .... Legolas smiled off in another direction, '.) Actually, this chapter I felt was very visual- it is easy to see the overhang, the gorge and the colours, the water and drowned trees etc. I never feel overloaded with details- just enough to imagine the faces and movements. The scenes between Legoals and Gimli are just wonderful- I am glad you do not let the fellowship know what passed bertween them- much more beleivable, and humourous.Their staring competition before Legoals offers his aplogy is hilarious becasue we all know they both have to give up their bickering... well, perhpas not quite as far as that- but go some way towards understanding each other. I love the firece intensity of their decdions to be honourable- made me laugh. There is so much that I enjoyed ,not only about this chapter, but the whole story. It has been wonderful to see updatea and to know that this would be well writtne and carefully plotted. It has been a terrific tale and so faithful ot the characters. I really hope you write more.Thank you.
Author's reply
Ziggy, I’m glad to hear that you’ve enjoyed the story as a whole. Personally, I’m very happy with the way it turned out. Nice to hear you pointing out the distinction between Legolas and Sam; Sam’s reaction to his situation (as he’s not accustomed to violent conflict) has been the thickest thread in this story. As for writing more, I’m hoping that at least one of my ideas will germinate. Working on this story has been a great pleasure, and I’ll miss it.