The River by Indigo Bunting
shirebound · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 7: For the Sake of Friendship
Very thrilling! Oh, I can't wait for the rescue (or escape) or whatever brings the Fellowship together again.
Author's reply
Thanks, shirebound! You seem to have a good idea of how this story is going to go. I can’t wait, either.
FallenEagle · 2 November 2005 · Chapter 7: For the Sake of Friendship
Oh I do love Leggie angst, and I love this fic, PLEASE update. Is Sam going to suffer int he next chapie? Please update. (There's a silenteagle?)
Author's reply
Your first question seems a little ambiguous, but I think you’re asking because you’re concerned for Sam and not because you want bad things to happen to him. :-) Rest assured that none of the characters are going to suffer for the sake of suffering. I know I’ve mentioned this in a response to a previous review, but I have read some stories that ‘border on masochism’ as I call it, and that isn’t my cup of tea. I’m with Gimli when he says that he does not take pleasure in the meaningless suffering of others. The Men will certainly not be kind to either Sam or Legolas, but I’m not going to have them drag out the rack, either. I’ll update as soon as I can! And as for who SilentEagle is, I’ve got no idea, just that he or she was thoughtful enough to leave a review for one of the chapters.
Auntiemeesh · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
I've just come across this story and it's wonderful! You've done a great job with the interaction between all the characters, especially Legolas and Sam. You've also done a very nice job of building up the suspense. I'm dreadfully worried about Legolas and Sam in that tight little crevice with the ill-smelling men right outside.
Author's reply
Hello, Auntiemeesh! Welcome to the story. I appreciate your taking the time to leave a review! I'm so glad that you approve of the characters - and the building tension. And you're not the first person to make mention of the "smelly" Men; somehow this seems to be seen as funny, although that wasn't really what I was going for. My original idea was that Legolas could sense something wrong about them, perhaps in ways that even he couldn't understand. I thought that he would even be able to smell their wrongness faintly, his senses being sharper than those of his companions. Oh, well; I've got smelly Men in the story now, and there's no getting rid of them. I hope you enjoy the rest of the story, Auntiemeesh!
Bodkin · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
Oh my! So much effort - I really feel their pain! And such a scary ending. I can't believe those men have good intentions. More please - soon. It's too worrying.
Author's reply
Hello, Bodkin - it's nice to see you again. You repeat reviewers are so awesome. It's so great to know not only that people like you (who are obviously so respected at this site) are continuing to read the story, but that you like it, too. Wouldn't it be funny if the story just kind of ended in the next chapter because the Men turned out to have good intentions? They could just give Sam and Legolas a nice, hot meal, ferry them across the river to the rest of the Fellowship, and go on their merry way.... Nah. ;-)
FallenEagle · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
CLIFFIE! I love the way you write Sam, its just how I imagine him. Please update, or I think I am going to fall of your cliffie!
Author's reply
Welcome, FallenEagle, and thanks for taking the time to leave a review! For a second there I thought you had reviewed before, but no, that was SilentEagle. :-) I'm glad you like the way Sam is turning out; the story's mostly about him, after all. I will update very soon!
Periantari · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
nooooo not a cliff-hanger~! sorry too incoherent to post something coherent ... but i so very loved this chapter because it was in Sam's point of view mostly~ Thing that struck out most was what images made Sam calm down--lol those things mentioned like food and such were precious, lovely and so funny! pleeeeease~!!!! i beg thee for more, more!!!! (and i'll be more coherent in my next review. ;)
Author's reply
Yeah… cliffhanger. It seemed like the most natural place to stop. It’s a good thing you like Sam’s POV, because most of the chapters will be his (the story is mostly about Sam, though Legolas figures in quite strongly, too). I’m glad you liked Sam’s thoughts; I thought he might dwell on the comforts of the Shire for some measure of peace. Next chapter will be up very soon. And I thought you were perfectly coherent. :-)
Periantari · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 5: A Wizard's Burden
Awesome chapter~ it only gets better doesn't it? =) Men nearly uncovering the Fellowship, Gandalf's doubts, still not finding LEgolas and Sam--- Wow. I love how you get into Gandalf's head... you skillfully manage to write really well what must be going through his mind at the moment in which he's the leader and really needs to make the decision on when it is time to move on from the search. My favorite bits from this chapter: =) “We are responsible adults, too,” Pippin had said huffily one morning, not long after setting out from Imladris. “Just because we are smaller than most does not mean that we need our hands to be held.” Just something so Pippin to say ! I enjoy reading about other races of Middle-Earth thinking that hobbits are smaller than they really are. :) ANd your Gandalf and Gimli exchanges were incredible~ Made me smile indeed. :) “What is more, I have not yet had the chance to teach him proper manners. I was greatly looking forward to it, for he has an acid tongue.” “No doubt Legolas will miss his own chance to do the same for you,” Gandalf said dryly. hehe-i love Legolas and Gimli's bantering and mentions of it is so right to do and so detailed as well. :) The hobbits would be crushed by such a turn of events – Frodo especially. Gandalf felt a pang of sorrow just imagining the look on Frodo’s face. The Ring-bearer was constantly in his thoughts despite his concern for the missing pair. Frodo had changed since setting out from the Shire; he kept to himself more than he used to, for one thing, and much of his good hobbit-cheer that Gandalf knew and loved so well was absent. It was no wonder, fore he bore a token of great evil, a wound that would trouble him for the rest of his days, and the hopes of all Middle-earth on his shoulders. I know! Frodo is the bravest hobbit i know! He's gone through so much... and losing Sam like this and not finding him would be so hard, so hard. :*( Major angst could be written here ... are you intending to write also the hobbits' point of views as well? I think you would do that well also for you have already show you have major skill with Aragorn, Legolas, Gandalf and Boromir. :) Losing Sam would make it difficult for Frodo to go on – but he would have to. He would have to find the courage somewhere. He looked as if he meant to make Sam appear by sheer force of will. I can't imagine Frodo without Sam... "Frodo couln't have gone far without Sam." Find courage somewhere... from Merry and Pippin? but no, we're not thinking that Sam and Legolas wont' be found eventually. (just really hope the men won't find them first.) ANd i love how you put that Frodo was trying to make Sam appear by force of will- brilliant. Thanks so much~ you're really a great writer!!!! (and sorry for the long review) hehe =)
Author's reply
Well, I’m glad you liked Gandalf, because as I’ve said to other reviewers, he was a tough nut to crack. Darn well took me forever. I don’t envy him his position as leader at all, not when he’s got to be the one to pronounce sentence on Sam’s and Legolas’ fates. I enjoyed writing Gimli and Gandalf’s exchange. I thought it was important to point out that while Gimli doesn’t like Legolas much at all, it doesn’t make him heartless. Gimli seems to have a strong sense of honor; the fact that Legolas is a member of the Fellowship must temper his dislike somewhat. However, I don’t think that it would be easy for me to write Legolas and Gimli sparring, at least, not for long. I don’t seem to have a knack for humor, and I have little practice with insults. Frodo is certainly courageous, but he was very fortunate not to lose any of his kin during the Quest. (Losing Gandalf was bad enough!) All the hobbits look after each other, and I think that if Sam were lost, Frodo would take it very personally. In this story, at least, he feels a sense of responsibility for Sam, though it doesn’t match Sam’s solicitousness of Frodo. Ah, don’t apologize for long reviews! I love long reviews. I’m really glad that you seem to be enjoying the story so much.
babzee · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 3: The Searchers
I'm really enjoying your story so far. You've done a great job of capturing the characters of each member of the Fellowship. They're each unique and 'right'. And you've got me worried about Sam and Legolas.
Author's reply
Thanks, babzee, and welcome! I’m grateful for the time you’ve taken to leave some feedback, and I’m really glad you think that the characters work. That’s the big hurdle, especially since Tolkien left us so much room to play with some of them. It sure is easier being the author on a story like this (as opposed to being a reader). I’m going to do my best not to leave any cliffhangers up for a long period of time. At present there are eight chapters fully written, and I’m halfway through nine and ten each. After chapter eight the posting pace will have to decrease, but I’ve got chunks of most of the chapters written even after ten, so hopefully it won’t be too bad. I’m dangling on resolutions for several stories myself, and it’s frustrating when the wait drags out for months at a time.
Periantari · 1 November 2005 · Chapter 4: Forward or Back
Wow~ i loved this chapter so very much~ I would've expected a longer recovery tiem for both but i'm glad that both are able to recover quickly and be on their way to find the Fellowship too. SOme of my favorite parts: And Frodo will need that loyalty ere the end, I deem, thought Legolas, looking down at Sam. A little gardener you may be, Samwise, but look what a garden you now tend! So very true~ Very well-said. :) Lovely phrasing and lovely use of what garden Sam tends now. :) :D Legolas had known that he had done wrong at the very moment he had finished speaking. His heart burned with remorse for the wounded look in Sam’s eyes, and he chastised himself for not guarding his tongue. Sam was the last creature in Arda for whom he bore any ill will or resentment, and Sam certainly did not bear any of the same for him. Legolas had no illusions about the high esteem in which the hobbit held him. Upon departing from Imladris, nearly three days had passed before Sam had even spoken to him. Every time he had locked eyes with Sam, the gardener had gulped like a fish out of water, blushed, and looked away. In truth, they had not conversed for any great length of time before today, and Legolas regarded their nascent friendship as fragile. What had possessed him to speak so rashly? I love your going into LEgolas' head-- done so very well and i'm so impressed by this chapter you did in Legolas' point of view. You made me really like Legolas a fair amoutn more indeed. And men being around? O_o i guess this calls for a long story indeed~ And them being on the other side of the river is indeed another problem to be faced. Question though-- was Feidrun mentioned in FotR? I didn't remember reading about it.. or is it something you creatively made up? I'm going on to the next chapter... despite the time. :) Great story~ i love it to bits. :)
Author's reply
About the recovery time…. I thought about that for a while. It didn’t seem necessary to beat the characters up; they’ve got enough ahead of them as it is. I think that any serious injury sustained should be sustained for a good reason, say as a plot or character development point, and not just to make a character suffer. I’ve read some stories that border on masochism. My goal is to write a story that is both plausible and a good read, with minimal sensationalism. (I do agree that it would have been credible to have Sam and Legolas come out of that river with more than a few broken bones, though; I just decided not to do it, for the reasons stated above and also because it would have needlessly complicated things.) I liked the lines that you singled out, especially the one about Sam being a gardener. Interesting that you say I made you “like” Legolas more! From what you’ve written, it sounds like you’re more a hobbit/Aragorn fan. Legolas seems to have more than his fair share of fans as it is already. :-) This story isn’t going to be exceptionally long – at least, not in the vein of some of the epics that I have seen – but I hope it will still be satisfying. And to answer your question, no, the Feinduin is not mentioned in FotR. I made it up. There’s an author’s note describing it just before Chapter 1 begins.
Periantari · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 3: The Searchers
You are beyond awesome~ I've been waiting for a good action/adventure story for quite a while and yours is just the one to make me very very very excited~!! My favorite parts so far is... haha.. where to begin? I just love the fact that it is Sam in jeopardy since he's one of my favorite characters (aloing with Frodo). YOu had me so on the edge of my seat from the first chapter~ and because of like 3 reccomendations from livejournal.com, i had to run over here pronto because i love action/adventure and especially focus on Sam. :) I have so much to praise~ but other reviews have touched upon your in-character description and writing of all the characters~ i really like your Legolas and like your Frodo and also Aragorn and everything is just so credible~ :) I am so anxious for more so will continue on~ FOr finding things left behind-- what does it all mean? O_o Keep up the good work! I am continuing now. :D
Author's reply
Wow, thanks, Periantari! Welcome to the story, and thanks so much for taking the time to review! You say you heard of this story through a LJ recommendation? Who? Where? I’d love to know. I’m glad you used the word “credible” to describe the characters. It means a lot that you – and others – seem to think so.
Grey Wonderer · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
Uh-oh. I do believe they've been found. I wonder who these men are and if they are looking for the Fellowship or if they are out making another kind of trouble. I am loving Sam and Legolas's new friendship. I like the fact that Sam is trying his best to look out for Legoas in all of this even while Legolas is trying to protect him. I can't wait for more of this.
Author's reply
I do believe you’re right, Grey. And yes, you’re so correct about Sam and Legolas each trying to look out for each other. That mutual desire to safeguard each other definitely comes into play in the future, which springs from their newfound friendship.
Larner · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
The word that popped into my mind as I read the man's pronouncement is not acceptable on this board, so I will try to put it out of mind, although it clings in place a good deal. Good planning, as well as they can. Hope Aragorn is closer than they realize.
Author's reply
I’m not sure what word you were thinking of, but since you can’t say it, I think I’ve got the general idea. Sometimes it’s hard to think of an appropriate descriptor. I’ve got worlds of admiration for authors who can write Legolas and Gimli sparring together, and do it well. The two of them are so good at insulting each other without ever being profane. Whew! I’m glad the planning passed muster. I may have said this before, but you seem like the kind of reader that doesn’t miss much. I feel quite sure that if anyone starts getting out of character, you’ll be the first to let me know.
Dreamflower · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
*whoosh* And another chapter to leave me breathless! This is brilliant writing--I could feel all of Sam's tension, and that of Legolas as well, and *knowing* it was inevitable they be caught, I still found myself holding my breath with them as they waited for the Men to pass them by. You know, there's been a discussion going on in the Stories of Arda yahoo!group about descriptive writing. I should point everyone in the direction of this chapter to see how it ought to be done. Not a word wasted, yet I could see the rocks and boulders and the river and the gorge and the trees--all of it! Very, very well done!
Author's reply
Love the *whoosh*, Dreamflower. :-) It conveys breathlessness very well. I’ve done plenty of hiking in gorges and along riverbeds, and so the description of the gorge/trek has come pretty easily. I enjoyed writing about the treacherous fields of rock that Sam and Legolas had to navigate. It can be hard work hiking along a river when those big stones are all you have to step on, and they do often tend to wobble like see-saws. I’m very pleased that you can see the scenery in your mind. No doubt the details would differ if we painted pictures of what we imagined side by side, but hopefully the major characteristics would be similar. And if you did ever feel like recommending this story for any reason, I would be honored. I always look forward to reading your latest review.
Grey Wonderer · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 5: A Wizard's Burden
Interesting to read about Gandlaf being unsure of things. I liked his conversation with Gimli about Legolas. This is getting more exciting by the minute but real life is calling and so I will have to save the rest for later. I am enjoying this very much and I will be back. Excellent story!
Author's reply
I mentioned this in my responses to other chapter 5 reviews, but Gandalf was very hard for me to capture. It took me about three months to write and edit the chapter, and that’s why he almost certainly won’t be getting another. Besides, there are other members of the Fellowship that need to get into the spotlight. I think Gandalf is very sure of the Big Picture; he comprehends Sauron and his evil better than anyone else in the Fellowship possibly could, better than almost everyone else in Middle-earth. He must feel with more rock-solid certainty than any of his present companions that the Ring must be destroyed. But obstacles have been springing up on the way to that goal, obstacles that may cost the lives of those that Gandalf has learned to care for. Even in the face of the “greater good”, love and friendship can’t be lightly thrown aside. Yes, better take care of that real life. It’s all around us, after all. :-)
Jay of Lasgalen · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
Wow - what a tense chapter! I loved Sam here - the way he reflects on his developing friendship with Legolas; his courage and determination. Although the chapter was from Sam's POV, Legolas's tension was very vivid as well. He's great here - strong and determined, but willing to admit his fear of discovery - and of the river - to Sam. I was *so* hoping that the men would pass them by - but knew they wouldn't, really. Brilliant writing. Jay
Author's reply
Thanks, Jay! I’m glad you decided to single out Legolas’ fear. You’re right – he’s more ‘tense’ than ‘afraid’. Sam’s got a good measure of courage inside him, but Legolas has had many lifetimes of hobbits to learn to handle fear where Sam has not. All things considered, I think Sam’s doing a bang-up job of keeping himself together. I think that writing the story from varying POVs has really enriched the tale. The characters seem to develop much more fully when they can be seen from more than one angle. Looking at a character from another’s POV can tell us things that we might not learn even inside that character’s head. Looking ahead at the next chapter (which is seen through Legolas’ eyes), he doesn’t really dwell on being afraid. He’s got bigger things to worry about now that the Men have appeared, and any fear that he feels gets drowned in other emotions. It seems to take a look through Sam’s eyes – at least for now – to really show that he does feel anxious.
Grey Wonderer · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Forward or Back
Just managed to get back here tonight and I enjoyed chapter four very much. It was nice to find that Sam and Legolas had survivied as well as they did. I am enjoying their conversations and they seem to work very well together. Sam took the bad news about their situation quite well. Good thing that Legolas fed him first. LOL I loved Legolas's doubt in his own efforts and his thoughts on hobbits. Great chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks, Grey Wonderer! If it seemed like I was badgering you for a review, I apologize. I just wanted to make sure that you knew there was more, since you seemed to want to keep going. I always have to sigh when I get involved in reading and the responsibilities of life require me to put it aside for a while. It’s funny, but I was so insecure when I first posted this story. I had a series of great reviews from another reader on another site, and the last said that she was going on to read the last posted chapter – and I heard nothing from her for about three days. Of course, the first thing I thought was that she had hated the chapter. I was wrong. I’m glad you liked the developing relationship between Legolas and Sam. It’s been fun to write the two of them together; they are so different in many ways, but they’ve got some important similarities, too. It has been really enjoyable to watch them learn more about each other.
harrowcat · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
Right now we are all wondering that about these men! Am loving the descriptiveness of this journey.
Author's reply
Thanks for saying that you like the description, harrowcat. I know I’ve said something like this to a reviewer before, but I’ve hiked in gorges and along riverbeds before, so I’ve been drawing on those memories for the story. And you’ll find out more about those Men ASAP!
daw the minstrel · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
I really like the way Sam comforts himself by thinking of the familiar good things of the Shire in such concrete terms. That's lovely. I also like his bravery in offering to swim the river. He and Legolas look like they're in trouble though.
Author's reply
Thanks, daw! Yes – I meant it as a real indication of Sam’s anxiety that he was willing to jump in the river again. It’s very brave of him to offer to face what he fears like that, but he probably wouldn’t even see it as bravery. He would see it as doing what was necessary. That’s one of the things that I like so much about Sam – that he’s so plainspoken and humble. That humility mixed in with his courageousness – a quality that he does not recognize in himself – makes him an exceptional character.
French Pony · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
Danger, Will Robinson! I really enjoy seeing Sam and Legolas together and from Sam's perspective, especially given Sam's fascination with Elves. I love how Sam tries to be brave in order to keep up with Legolas and prove himself worthy of such a companion. And I think that having to take care of Sam is probably helping Legolas keep himself focused and minorly less panicky or reckless than he might otherwise have been. Again, it's nice to see that Legolas is working with some real limitations here -- that wound on his leg still troubles him and is a realistic impairment to their progress. And even though Sam doesn't see it through his hero-worship, you can see that Legolas is more afraid than he's willing to let show. The final scene in the crevice works very well. I like how Sam thinks of pleasant things in an effort to calm himself, and how that tactic fails miserably.
Author's reply
Hee! I say that all the time: “Danger, Will Robinson!”, that is. And if I may say so, you’re as sharp as a tack. You’re very right about Sam feeling the need to show that he can keep up with Legolas, if only because he thinks so much of the Elves. He’s not used to being “taken care of”; he’s usually the one giving the care. What’s more, he’s not wrong about not needing to be coddled. He wants Legolas’ friendship and respect. He’s got both even though he doesn’t quite know it yet. Legolas’ protectiveness has a tendency to muddy the waters a bit. You’re also right about Legolas being more afraid than he lets on. I’m glad you liked the ending. That was a passage that came very smoothly; the original wording required very little editing. I like it when that happens, because that usually means that that particular section is good and strong.
TithenFeredir · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
"Sam’s heart was a kettledrum. Running my fingers through freshly-turned earth! Oh, save me, Mr. Frodo!" WOW. This chapter was beautifully described. I could feel their fatigue and discomfort as well as Sam's excitement at being so close to an elf. But you really did an excellent job of ratcheting up the tension to a near unbearable level. I finished it thinking, "This has to be a fake out! They can't be taken!" You are evil, Indigo Bunting! Can't wait for the next! ~TF
Author's reply
Thank you, Tithen! Your review was really exciting for me to read. The phrase “ratcheting up the tension” fairly makes me want to dance; I’m so glad you liked it. And the line that you quoted is a real favorite of mine. But alas, ’tis no fake-out!
Amy · 31 October 2005 · Chapter 6: In the Grip of Fear
Oh, well done, v. suspenseful! I could feel Sam's fear, and I loved what he thought about to try to take his mind off his fear.
Author's reply
Thanks, Amy, and it’s nice to see you again! I’m glad you liked the ending of the chapter, and Sam’s thoughts. A lot of people commented on that part of the chapter, which is heartening for me, because that means that the language was effective.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 5: A Wizard's Burden
As so many of the surprises they've had already have been so unpleasant, I certainly don't question Gandalf's hope there aren't more waiting for them. And I hope that Legolas and Sam, being forewarned about the men following them, have a plan ready to hatch. Spotted only one type--an extra "we" iirc. Beautiful exploration of the situation, and like the description of this "hunting" party.
Author's reply
Too bad Legolas doesn’t know about the dogs. He didn’t see any canine tracks when he came across the Men’s trail. And thank you for letting me know about the typo! I appreciate your pointing it out. Sometimes things like that happen when I’m editing chapters; I’ll re-word a sentence and accidentally leave something in that was meant to be deleted. Something that small… well, my eyes just slide right past it.
Larner · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Forward or Back
A difficult choice indeed, but Sam and he made the one which makes the most sense; and they are forewarned of the approaching men and thus have the advantage, unless they were seen in the river, which hopefully they weren't. The men were probably taking refuge as well from the rain.
Author's reply
One can only hope! :-)
French Pony · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 5: A Wizard's Burden
Gandalf's is a useful perspective, as it places the Company's current predicament in its proper context. This accident is even more dangerous than if they had just been on a regular journey, and hard choices must be made in war. It would indeed break Frodo's heart to leave either Sam or Legolas or both behind, but there is no doubt that that is what will be done should they not turn up in time. The hunting Men are a nice addition to the story -- they're a credible danger, especially since they are so obviously out of place in this lonely country.
Author's reply
I’m glad you think that the Men are credible. I’ve been finding that it can be tough to make every aspect of a story plausible. I am doing my very best to think of all ‘what ifs’, of all possible objections to various scenarios and decisions made, but I doubt I’ll catch them all. At least I think I will be able to avoid gaping plot holes and lapses of credibility. Oh, and as I mentioned in one of my replies to another reviewer, Gandalf was a royal pain to write, but his was an important POV to capture. His judgment isn’t as colored by his affection for the missing pair as the others’ is. That’s not to say that he feels less affection for Sam and Legolas than the others do, but he sees the Big Picture more clearly than anyone else in the group. I think that in part it’s that long life, those millennia of experience that make him so difficult to synchronize with despite the fact that he’s got so many mortal characteristics, so many “human” strengths and failings.
French Pony · 26 October 2005 · Chapter 4: Forward or Back
It is good to see our heroes alive and basically okay. They're extremely lucky, but they know that. And they are brave and resourceful, but we knew that as well. I'm not sure I like the idea of them wandering out to meet their friends with strange Men traipsing around. First rule of being lost is to stay where you are and let help come to you.
Author's reply
You’re right about that ‘first rule of being lost’ – but Sam and Legolas know that the Fellowship can’t look for them forever. They know Frodo, Aragorn, and Gandalf well enough to know that they will be looked for, for a brief time, at least, but the Ring is more important than their being found. I suppose that only time will tell them whether they made a good or bad decision with the limited information that they had.