Silivren Tinu
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
I have just come across your story and I had to take a moment to tell you that I love it! It is wonderful to see that you take the time to heal not only physical, but also emotional wounds. The relationship that has developped between Legolas and Sam is precious and touching, and I liked how sensitively you described Aragorn's emotions and reactions when he treated Legolas. Thank you a lot for all the work you have undoubtedly invested in this story, I'll add you to my author alert right away. :)
Tinu
GamgeeFest
· 7 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
Beautiful! All of it. Legolas's surprise when he was told that the others had seen the attack on the cliff was just perfect. I imagine that Sam's reaction will be worse, when he is told, but it may very well be a relief to his also in a way. That Legolas would vow to return and plant saplings after the Quest is very appropriate for him. I enjoyed Pippin taking the lead in the interrogation, er, questioning. :P That is so like Pippin to be the first one with a string of questions and especially where Merry is concerned. I'm glad that Legolas overheard Gimli's regard of him. That will make approaching Gimli easier, and of course we know that their relationship will grow far beyond the truce.
And lastly - Sam. I can very well see him reacting to his guilt in this way, pushing the others away, especially Frodo who is the root of his guilt. Bill giving him comfort was very sweet. I can see why Sam mourned him after Moria. Legolas really was the only one who could break that shell. Sam has nothing to hide from him and so can talk more openly, and their adventure together has made them close in a way that he has yet to grow close with the others. I'm very relieved that Sam finally allowed himself to cry and to release all those pent up emotions, and especially glad that he was able to speak with Frodo for a bit afterward. Hobbits really are amazing creatures. ;)
A well done chapter, as they all are. :D
Bodkin
· 7 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
Gorgeous. Just gorgeous. I love the whole Legolas point of view - his teasing of Aragorn, his acceptance of Gandalf's wisdom, his sympathy with Merry and Pippin, his love and respect for Sam - and the slightly reluctant acknowledgement that Gimli is, despite being a dwarf, a good and courageous companion. He is recovering physically - good - and he is just brilliant with Sam. I loved it when he said that Sam would be honoured above all the others in Mirkwood, and that he recognised Sam's innate modesty.
They need this period of rest so badly - but I can't help but be concerned about the surviving baddie.
And Sam suggested that he and Legolas jumped from the cliff! He must have been in complete despair - and prepared to die rather than be recaptured.
I loved this - and am looking forward to the next episode.
Grey Wonderer
· 6 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
Bravo! I have been reading along and have missed reviewing a couple of chapters. My apologies for that. This is such a wonderful story. I loved the way Pippin stepped in and demanded answers of Gandalf and Legolas on Merry's behalf. I also enjoyed the fact that Merry didn't try to stop him. I thought the honest way in which Gandalf answered everything was very fitting. Enjoyed the teasing between Aragorn and Legolas too. It shows how deep their friendship runs. Poor, dear, Sam! I do hope that he is able to feel better about things as time passes. His resolve to never swim again doesn't surprise me at all. I think in his place that would be one of my first actions too! Thank you again for this lovely story and I look forward to more of it.
harrowcat
· 6 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
Wow what an emotionally tiring time for one and all. It is no wonder that Sam and Legolas are ready to sleep again. A great, and long, chapter Indigo that deservesan equally detailed review but I have got to run as I am already late for work.
French Pony
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
Poor Legolas and Sam. Looks like the aftermath will be just as hard as, if not harder than, the ordeal itself. They both have lots to work through, and not much time to do it. But they do have a little time, and I think everyone is glad of that.
The revelations about the various things that Gandalf knew and did not tell anyone are just so him. He does play his cards very close to his jacket. Probably too close sometimes.
French Pony
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Great googly moogly, how did I miss this? Oh, wait, you posted it at the end of November, right at the end of the quarter, with all my seminar papers due. Sorry about that. I'll do better next time.
Anyway, I was just thinking about this story, and I'm glad I saw it tonight, with two new chapters to read. This one was certainly just as high quality as the others. I especially liked the beginning, with Sam going through all of the "what ifs" and beginning to feel the first pangs of survivor guilt.
Legolas rises to save the day once again, but you kept it wonderfully realistic in tone. He's just had amateur surgery on his back, so of course he's not going to be the world's most accurate shot (only an Elf would be up shooting at all), and he'll be exhausted and in need of attention when the rumbling is over. That's the thing I like most about this story. You always take a good, objective look at a situation, and then you follow through.
Dreamflower
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
This is a wonderful chapter! Even though the physical peril is, for the time being, vanquished, you manage to keep the tension high with the emotional turbulence and aftermath that must be dealt with.
I very much liked Pippin taking the lead in questioning Gandalf's actions--not only would he have been angry over the peril Merry had been in, but this is very much in character for him in canon. After all, they had not even left the Shire when he took the lead in questioning Gildor!
Legolas' astonishment at realizing how much of what happened the others already knew was very well done; I also liked the little byplay between him and Aragorn over taking care of his injuries.
As for Gimli--well, we already know that the truce will go further than either of them can imagine at this point in time.
But best of all was seeing Legolas comforting Sam. He knew just exactly how to handle it, and though Sam *is* changed forever by this experience, he remains essentailly a hobbit, and so he is more resilient than the Big Folk--with the exception of Gandalf--can realize. I loved how patient and tender he was with Sam, and the image of him holding the hobbit as he wept was just lovely!
I do look forward to seeing what happens next--I have not forgotten that one Bad Guy still remains at large. And the fact that he wasn't the brightest one in the bunch may actually make him *more* dangerous!
RonaLena
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
An astounding chapter. It was refreshing to have the Elf up and about again, to have him tell the struggling Fellowship his side of the story. And the scene with Sam was so touching, I cried. One small step, I think, as Legolas said. And hope yet for the friendship between Elf and Dwarf beautifully and subtley done.
Bravo, Indigo. As always, well worth waitng for.
Larner
· 5 January 2007
· Chapter 16: First Steps
Once again, so well worth the wait, Indigo. The repercussions of what Sam, Merry, and Pippin have had to do are very realistic, as are the reactions of the rest. And loved Gandalf's explanation of why he didn't do more to save Merry, for some reason.
As for Bill, he's the most wonderful pony anyone could imagine, and was truly needed by Sam here to help anchor him.
Now, I suppose there's one more Man out there waiting to be taken care of--or does he lead into the next story? We wonders, doesn't we, gollum!
Nightwing
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
So sorry for the delay in reviewing! I read the chapter immediately, but real life threw many obstacles in my path whenever I wanted to review. So happy to finally be able to give you the praise you deserve!
I feel badly for Sam. He is filled with self-doubt. It is later in the Fellowship when he begins to realize his worth. At the moment he is conflicted and feels humiliated, thinking that he is nothing but a liability. And he is unforgiving in his opinion of himself when he suffered his moment of fear - when he thought of betraying Frodo to save himself from torment at Garan's hands. He believes that Legolas would not have entertained such thoughts, but he could well be wrong about that. The elf certainly demonstrated frank terror when he realized that he would be taken to Isengard for "experiments". It may well be that he also at that moment thought of bargaining to save himself. But he did not, nor did Sam in truth betray Frodo. The deed is what matters, not the thought. Hopefully Sam's friends can help him to understand that. None can say how he would have reacted in such frightening circumstances.
The action was riveting! That would have been a difficult scene to write, from the POV of someone lying on the ground and not fully able to see what was going on, but you pulled it off. I liked the reactions of everyone, they each did what was right for the character: Pippin concentrates on Merry's safety because he loves his cousin, Gandalf quick thinking and protective, Gimli the warrior rushes into the darkness. And, oh yes, the Elf was magnificent. More happy fangirl sighs...
And now Pippin and Merry also have blood on their blades. They are as shaken as Sam. Obviously this is a difficult experience for the Hobbits, signifying a loss of innocence or even something more, and Frodo's reaction emphasizes this - "Oh, my dears". Legolas also seems to understand as well that the little ones are devastated by their violent actions, though they were necessary.
Well, now Sam has company. He will be able to speak now of the unspeakable, and the Hobbits can help each other. Gandalf and Aragorn have a good understanding of Hobbit ways as well, and they will be of help, once things have settled down and everyone can take stock of recent events.
OK, detective work here: Gimli returns to say that the first fellow Legolas shot is dead. That was not Garan. The other dead guy is the one Gimli and Boromir ran down. Not Garan. And Fatso escaped.
Garan should be dead, if Aragorn ran him through. He also apparently got nailed by Legolas' third arrow. But his body is no where to be seen? They need to go find it, and not just assume that he is dead. Oh, I don't like this. I don't like this at all. He's out there somewhere yet. Perhaps his powers extend to quick healing or he's an undead guy who is unable to be slain or some darned thing. I think we are not free of him yet, though the Fellowship seems to have forgotten him and is only discussing Brund. I think that is a mistake.
Good to come back around to Sam's thoughts at the end. He must open up to the others, and come to realize that he did nothing of which he need be ashamed. I look forward to more of this wonderful story!
Author's reply
No worries on the late review, Nightwing. It’s true that I do look forward to reading your reviews every time – you always leave such thoughtful and interesting comments – but I certainly understand about real life. That’s why I was only able to post four or five chapters in all of the last year!
I agree that Sam is certainly being hard on himself. It’s not really been enjoyable to write his self-doubt, but it seemed to be in his character. I’m not going to whip out the books and check right this second, but doesn’t he call himself a ‘ninnyhammer’ or some such more than once? He is very humble – perhaps too much so – and is so devoted to Frodo’s well-being that thinking of giving him up must seem like the ultimate betrayal. To me, it seems typical of Sam that he would look past his decision not to give Frodo up and only see that he came halfway to doing it. I also agree with your statement that Sam is wrong to think that Legolas wouldn’t have considered caving in. Sam can now call Legolas a friend instead of being in awe of him from afar, but he’s slipping into old patterns of behavior by putting him on a pedestal. Blame it on his feeling so low right now.
I am glad to hear that you liked the action scenes! I thought it was interesting to write it from Sam’s POV, which mostly involved listening to the fight. (It was his chapter anyway, so things just fell out like that.) It’s good to know that you thought everyone remained in character, and that Legolas wasn’t too over the top. I was kind of worried about that, but from the very beginning I’ve been operating under the principle that he could be pushed farther (physically) than just about anyone else in the Fellowship. For the same reason, I have assumed that his own bow would have had a tighter draw than Aragorn’s. If he healed fast, used Aragorn’s bow, and didn’t pull on the string with the wrong arm, he should have been able to fight a little.
So glad you liked Frodo’s comment to Merry and Pippin: “Oh, my dears.” I liked it, too. It seemed to fit him. He is a bit older than they are, after all, and must have felt at least somewhat responsible for them. I think that it is Sam who will be able to comfort them rather than the other way around, though he will probably do it by example instead of with words. As for Sam, all of the Big Folk have been in his shoes before, but at this point he’d likely only consider baring his soul to Legolas.
Okay, about the Bad Men. Here’s who was left at the beginning of the chapter: Garan, Brund, Daerid, and Erich. Not that I necessarily expect anyone to remember what made all of these guys different, but Daerid was the one who almost got himself strangled way back at the beginning. Legolas will explain things a little better in the next chapter (including why he shot at someone other than Garan first), but Daerid was the first to get shot. He aimed at Brund next, but the big guy managed to move out of the way in time. Not skill; just luck. Boromir and Gimli took down Erich together, and Aragorn, Merry, and Pippin all sicced themselves on Garan. I hadn’t meant for it to be ambiguous, but you weren’t the only person to wonder if Garan was actually dead. Well, he’s dead. Aragorn, Merry and Pippin came hustling back under the overhang when they realized that something was wrong with Legolas, and nobody wanted to go back out again at night lest Brund be lurking around, so Garan’s corpse was left lying there, just out of sight – just as Erich and Daerid were left to lie. I hope that answers your question, at least somewhat! I’ll have to go back and see if I can make Garan’s certain death a little clearer.
The next chapter should be up pronto. See you then!
rdr
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Wow--I was so excited when I noticed this had been posted. This has to be one of my favorite stories--if not the fav. You write with economy and grace, conjuring vivd pictures and emotions without browbeating.
Thank you, and I look forward to the next posting!
Author's reply
Hello, rdr! So sorry I didn’t respond right away; I hope you get this message. It’s wonderful to know that you like this story so much! I think every writer hopes that his/her work will entertain, and it’s uplifting to hear that this story has done that. So I write with economy, eh? Wait till you see the next chapter. You won’t be saying that any more. :) Ah, I’m just teasing. Your comments were very kind and thoughtful, and I thank you for them. Going for the good description without repetition or going over the top is a goal of mine, so thank you for the encouragement!
ziggy
· 2 December 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Ah- how exciting is story??!!! You know I think about it and work out possible scenarios on my way to work- and I didnt really guess this one- although I wondered if Legolas would be able to sneak away and get them from behind- I like the way you have both Sam and legolas working as a team and getting their revenge... however... I dont think Garan is quite as easy to get rid of -or rather, I feel that you are hinting that something else has to play out yet. Those bodies out in the dark... we havent actually SEEN Garan dead... and Brund is still out there... or is it just my nasty suspicious mind??!! I just wonder if we are going to see Gandalf reveal his power to Garan - or I'd like to see more of that ruthlessness you gave legolas as he dispatched the other thugs earlier.One of the many things you do better than anyone, is to develop that relationship between Sam and legolas- the way Sam loses his awe of him, but it becomes deeper - it really needs an AU sequel, or a post-LOTR sequel... or just lots more stories - I do hope you have LOTS of plot bunnies running around. I hate thie idea that this might be winding to a close.The other thing you do so wonderfully is change the perspective. The chapter in which the fellowship is watching the events unfold on the opposite cliff is brilliant - and then the other members understand Sam's reluctance to talk aobut it- and Sam doesnt know they saw it. That look and beginning to unbend under Legoals' understanding is really well done.
I whooped with joy when I saw you had updated- this is one of the best stories about so please keep updating!
Thank you
Author's reply
Hello, ziggy! My apologies for the very late reply. I worked on the next chapter in lieu of responding to most people, and I hope that no one feels too offended at my silence. You know, I did think of having Sam or Legolas come at Garan from behind – or the side, but I couldn’t make it work out logically. I didn’t see how to get them out from beneath the overhang without being noticed. As for Garan, well, you’re not the only one to wonder if he isn’t really dead. He’s dead. Kaput. Out of this world. After rereading the chapter, I suppose it is just a little bit ambiguous, although I hadn’t meant it to be. Sam may not have seen the corpse himself, but Aragorn’s word is good enough, and he’s not mistaken. I hope this doesn’t disappoint too many people. The story really is going to be ending soon, and I am going to miss writing it.
I am so glad to hear that you have enjoyed watching the growth of the Sam/Legolas relationship. This is the part of the story that I am going to miss the most of all. They’ve developed such a lovely rapport! I don’t know what I’m going to write after this, but there ought to be something. I’ve had a couple of ideas, but none that have really formed into a complete story yet. I wonder if another “during the Quest” story wouldn’t be silly, coming on the heels of this epic.
The next chapter ought to be up very soon, so here’s hoping you like it. It’s long, very chatty, and probably needs trimming, but I can’t seem to make it any shorter. Maybe I’ll think of something before I just give up and post it.
pebbles66
· 1 December 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Another great chapter. I am intrigued at how the various members of the Fellowship have been hearing the Ring whisper to them in this chapter and the previous chapters. Of course, I'm not sure if it's the Ring or Garan that has been whispering to Sam in this chapter.
I'm sure that's how the Ring would have worked in the Fellowship - slowly and gradually intruding upon their thoughts a little at a time - trying to deceive them and take them one by one. You have captured that feeling beautifully.
Author's reply
Hello again, Pebbles. Just left a response for your earlier review. About the Ring whispering to the different members of the Fellowship…. I also think it makes sense that it would try just about everybody until it found someone that would listen to it. Poor Boromir. I suppose that’s why we didn’t see more division among the Fellowship in the books; the Ring latched on to him and concentrated on wearing him down. If an inanimate object can be said to ‘think’, that is… but it does almost seem as if Sauron put some brains into it.
Periantari
· 30 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
This was *such* an awesome chapter-- again, you deliver with such thrill and excitement in your writing that indeed, this is one of my most favorite fanfic stories of all time. :D
THe Sam angst in the beginning was *so* on. I mean i was glad to have that introspection into Sam's thoughts...i mean he went through *so* much and it's reasonable and very realistic for him to feel "anger and shame" and also reluctance to share the whole story to the Fellowship. The little moment between him and LEgolas at the end was wonderfully written because of the subtleness of it all.
And i really loved the whole action bit of it! One question though-- when Legolas released the arrow, did it cause a distraction so that Garan lost his grip on Merry and then Merry didn't get hurt (other than the scratch on his neck)? It would be cool to revisit what Merry was thinking at that moment when he was grabbed by Garan. And i know Pippin ran in and also had a hand in distracting Garan from killing Merry. Gosh that was so exciting to read!
I loved the Gandalf and Garan dialogue because it sets up the tension so wonderfully ...and i'm glad that Sam and LEgolas both had a part in distracting Garan's company...
Even though Brund escaped, i don't think he can do much harm...or could he? It would be so exciting if something happens with that and that this story will not stop. ;)
And then that hobbity innocence when Merry and PIppin both react to cutting Garan-- that was such a wonderful detail to include because yes, they haven't used a sword that much or not at all in the Shire.... and it was cool that Boromir told them to wipe their swords at the end.
And also loved the details about Pippin thinking about whether the dead men should be buried--and Pippin wondering if they had been killed if they would think of burying as well.
Sam wondered what he meant. Was he talking about what had happened just now, or what had happened on the clifftop? Both, perhaps. Legolas was looking at him with obvious gratitude and warmth, but Sam could muster only a small smile in return. He did not feel as though he deserved thanks for what he had done, even knowing what would have happened if he hadn’t done it. He was glad that Legolas was alive, but ‘glad’ was the strongest positive emotion he noted, and it did not seem adequate. He wanted to feel overjoyed that they had escaped – but he didn’t. He only felt hollow.
And i love angst--and indeed this bit it something that must be addressed in the next chapter--awww poor Sam for feeling the way that he is!!! And love the fact that Legolas could understand him that he "gazed sadly at him."
::hugshim::
Thank you so much again for a wonderful installment! I loved this chapter as much as ...well, the whole story. :D
Keep writing and posting! i'll be waiting !!! ;) =)
Author's reply
Hello, Periantari! I am sorry for the delayed response to your review. I’ve been hard at work on the next chapter. Wow, one of your favorite fanfic stories ever, huh? Thank you for telling me! It’s an honor to hear that, and from such a fantastic reviewer, too. I’ve done what I can to make it worth reading, but taste really is subjective.
So glad you liked both the “angst” and the action. I think that Sam’s response to his decision is perfectly reasonable, seeing as he’s such a gentle soul who surely never wanted anything to do with killing. As for the action, it’s as exciting for me to read my own work now as it was when I first wrote it (and those first chapters came what seems like a very long time ago). To answer your question about Garan: Legolas explains some of his thinking in the upcoming chapter. Hopefully that will make things a little bit clearer.
Ah, yes – the loss of innocence. Sam is what this story is really about – him, and how he deals with the things that have happened to him. The line that he has crossed is one reason why I labeled this story as ‘AU’ in the first chapter. These events would have brought about changes in so many of the characters that I didn’t feel it could simply be labeled as a mere ‘side adventure’ (although I think I did call it that, too). Sam didn’t have to make such difficult decisions until much later, and Merry and Pippin had to wait a while to really try their hands in battle.
Althea
· 30 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Once again I was delighted to find another installment of this story. You fill each chapter with such exciting action, and this was no exception. The description of the attack was nail-biting. Even more interesting to me, though, is your wonderful characterization. I love stories which allow the members of the fellowship to interact, and you do that splendidly. Each character is interesting and true to the original. I especially like how you are handling Sam's inner turmoil. That sensitive little gardener is certainly suffering. I am glad that Legolas seems to understand some of what Sam is going through and hope that he and the others will be able to help Sam.
Author's reply
Hello, Althea! I hope you get this response; I don’t know if you have an account at this site or if you are “anonymous”. Either way, I am sorry it has taken me so long. I have been writing furiously, and am just about ready to post a long, talky chapter. Maybe it’s too long; oh, well. It’s been hard to keep it short because most of it involves nearly the entire Fellowship talking. It does bother me when I read “Fellowship” stories and only a handful of characters make a regular appearance. Sometimes it’s as if Legolas, Gimli and Boromir aren’t there at all. They’ve all got voices and opinions, too.
Poor Sam, indeed. The only thing that really bothers me about his wounded spirit is that this is going to be labeled a “hurt/comfort” story. I never liked that name much; it brings to mind the word “masochism”. I have gone to great lengths to ensure that no one treats Sam (or any of the hobbits) like children, although the Big Folk have a natural tendency to be protective of them. That’s their job, after all. When I first started this story, the idea was that it would be mostly about Sam and how he dealt with the extraordinary circumstances in which he found himself. Now he’s dealing with them in the best way that he can, which I think is perfectly natural for someone who never wanted to do something so violent to somebody else. He wanted to come along for Frodo’s sake, but in many ways he really is a fish out of water. Still, it is his inherent goodness that makes him strong, and his strong character will help him pull through (with a little help from his friends, of course). Sorry, why am I ranting? You probably didn’t want to hear all that. :)
pebbles66
· 30 November 2006
· Chapter 12: Breath of Life
I am way behind on reading and reviewing this story, but I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this thrilling chapter. Lots of action and adventure. I'm looking forward to catching up on the rest of the story so far. Thanks for a great read!
Author's reply
Whoops! It looks like I missed this review. Thanks for leaving the note, Pebbles! I saw your review for the last chapter and it triggered a memory (I thought you might have left another). Anyway, I'm so glad to know that you enjoyed the chapter! This was a good one, I think. I hope you keep reading through to the end, which is coming pretty soon.
GamgeeFest
· 29 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
What an exciting chapter! I'm so glad to see the end of Garan. I do not weep over him in the least. I worry about Brund getting away though. That's one too many loose threads.
Sam's internal struggles are so real and accurate. I imagine he would be thinking those very thoughts, horrified at his actions, knowing that he can be pushed to kill. Most of us like to think that we would not be capable of such things; Sam no longer has that illusion to hide behind. On the flip side, he knows that his actions were necessary, but that doesn't help him to feel less guilty. Seeing Merry's and Pippin's reactions to drawing first blood, and everyone else's response tho that, doesn't seem to have helped settle things for him. He's still in a turmoil of confused thoughts and he will be until he can bring himself to speak of his so-called betrayal. For the thought that's bothering him the most is that he *considered* giving up Frodo. Even the most seasoned of warriors would consider doing such a thing, faced with the torture that Sam endured, and many men, I think, would have spoken long before. Hopefully with time Sam will understand that it is only natural, that instinct to preserve his own life, and that his insistance on keeping Frodo safe *despite* that is what makes him so strong.
Author's reply
GamgeeFest, you are completely dead on about just what’s bothering Sam, and why. (And before I continue, let me say that I am sorry for the delayed response to your review. My only excuse is that I was busy writing, which I hope isn’t too bad a reason.) He is definitely horrified to learn that he is capable of killing, and knowing what would have happened if he hadn’t acted doesn’t help. And you are right – it bothers him even more that he thought about telling Garan what he wanted to hear. Sam so prides himself on his steadfastness; he knows it’s what Frodo needs. Given time, and a little counsel, he may begin to consider that those thoughts were anything but irrational. Self-preservation is a knee-jerk, hard-wired desire. I really can’t say it any better than you already have.
cookiefleck
· 29 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
So glad to see another chapter from you! "He had never expected to have to ponder questions that seemingly had no right answers" reminds me of The Choices of Master Samwise... going around and around in one's head with problems that have no good (comforting) answers. I have no doubt that he can eventually find a way to live with himself, but I am glad that in this story, Legolas is there to help him on that journey instead of him having to face it alone. Great relationship between the two characters. And, as usual, you really excel at writing action sequences... I am always on the edge of my seat. My heart just goes out to Sam, of course. I love stories that make me appreciate him all the more, a seemingly impossible task, as I admire the character so much already. Thank you, and I will check out the musical rec, also.
Author's reply
Hello, cookiefleck! I’ll say to you what I’m saying to just about everyone else: I am sorry for taking so long to reply to your review. Thank you so much for leaving your feedback. Your comment about the similarities to “The Choices of Master Samwise” took me by surprise. I hadn’t really thought about that before – but you are quite right. He had to make one gut-wrencher of a decision in that chapter. I agree that Sam will move on and make peace with himself, though it will take a little time. Time really does smooth many things over. Legolas – and all of the others – can help too, though. I am so glad that you like the relationship between Sam and Legolas. It really has been wonderful to write, and I am going to miss this story when it’s over. Sniff.
harrowcat
· 29 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Great Indigo. I found myself 'willing' Sam to talk to someone, preferably Legolas! Innocence has been lost by all the hobbits and you are portaying the turmoil involved most wonderfully.
Author's reply
Hey there, harrowcat! So sorry it’s taken me so long to reply (but I did it to just about everybody). Thanks, as always, for your lovely review. I’m with you – Sam ought to talk to someone that he trusts, and that’s got to be either Frodo or Legolas. I thought it would make sense that he would lean toward Legolas in this instance since they had already gone through it all together.
Larner
· 28 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
I can appreciate Sam's worries. How wonderful that Legolas could manage the defense he did, and that Aragorn was able to take out Garan. One would-be necromancer less in the world, and am glad he's gone. Now, only one left. Hope they find him before he is able to do more mischief.
Author's reply
Hello, Larner! I do apologize for taking so long to reply to your review. It’s nothing personal; I got busy writing and neglected just about everyone. I am glad that you enjoyed the chapter, and I think we’re all glad that the wicked witch is dead. I think I probably could have made him a better villain if I had been writing longer, but c’est la vie. I’ll just have to apply everything I’ve learned to a new story, whenever I get a good enough idea. :)
Lamiel
· 28 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Hooray! It is such a delight to see this story updated again -- and such a lovely long chapter too. I didn't want it to end, but of course it must.
You have such a nice ear for Tolkien's dialogue, and the descriptions are fully developed without being overly done, and the characters are so true that it is a real pleasure to read.
Sam's fears and confusion over his role in Jakov's death, and what he might have done if Garan had not been stopped, are heartwrenching. Of course he mourns the loss of his innocence, just as Merry and Pippin are in shock after their taste of battle. Bad enough to fight at all, but at least when fighting Orcs one has the certainty that they are truly evil. With Men there is no such comfort.
The fight scene was a testament to your mastery of perspective -- even under the most difficult of circumstances you manage to stay true to the central character's POV. I can't tell you how much that impresses me. I am grateful, though, that we did learn what all had happened once the dust settled.
Near as I can tell Legolas shot Garan, but Aragorn finished him off. I wonder why Legolas shot the guards first, rather than Garan directly? It seems that he ran the risk of Garan knifing Merry during the delay. Perhaps he had another concern that I'm unaware of at the moment. In any case I can't help but think that although Legolas usually makes a clean kill, there was some poetic justice in Garan's suffering before the death blow.
But Brund got away. H'm. Legolas is right -- he's hard to predict. But I have the advantage of knowing that this is a story, and I'm guessing that for the sake of the narrative he'll show up again. I can hardly wait.
Author's reply
Greetings, Lamiel! I apologize for taking so long to respond to your review. I got busy writing. Well, I’m glad you liked the chapter, and if you didn’t want it to end, just wait until you see the next one. It’s loooong, and if it’s not as exciting as the last one, I think it’s still got some nice stuff in it. It’s difficult to write a “short” chapter that includes a conversation between eight people.
I think you’re right about Sam’s confusion over what he had to do to save Legolas. It would have been much easier for him had it been an orc that he had to kill (although if he and Legolas had been captured by orcs, Legolas probably would have been dead from the get-go). I am honored that you think the changing perspective works well. This might sound a little bit boastful, but really, it hasn’t been too hard to do. It has made two things difficult, though: 1) remembering who knows or doesn’t know a certain piece of information, and 2) deciding who gets what chapter!
Legolas does a little ‘splaining of his actions in the next chapter. Pippin does agree with you, by the way, that Legolas (and Gandalf too) ran the terrible risk of Merry being slain, but Legolas does have a reason. I didn’t go into the whole thing about Garan’s death agonies in the next chapter, but I might in the one after. But just in case I don’t…. Legolas didn’t really mean to make him suffer, and he did shoot where he intended to – but Garan was thrashing around and managed to put a different part of his body in the path of the arrow. He’d already been wounded by both Merry and Pippin, so that was about all he could take. In my mind, Garan’s ‘never-ending scream’ wasn’t really that long, anyway. It just seemed to go on and on to Sam.
Yup, Brund got away. But the story is nearly over!
Bodkin
· 28 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Oh yes. I'm so pleased to see this!
Sam really needs to talk to someone about that sneaky little voice that's trying to erode his self-worth. The hobbit done good! The hobbit did exactly what he needed to do - for Frodo, for the Fellowship, for Legolas. And I think Legolas needs to tell him that.
And he and the elf were amazing - the bow and arrow team, par excellence.
Poor Merry and Pippin will be going through similar angst, I daresay - although I think Boromir might well be only too experienced in dealing with the shock of first battle in young warriors.
While, much as I am delighted that Garan is decidedly dead, I'm not at all convinced that the Fellowship's troubles are at an end. Brund might end up causing a lot more difficulty than they hope - and, I dunno, Garan gave up just too darned easily. I mean - it was only a sword in his heart!
Fingers crossed that some food and a good night's sleep will get them all back on their feet. I can't wait to find out what happens!
Author's reply
Hello, Bodkin! My apologies for the very late reply. No offense is meant; I started out on the replies and quit about halfway through – mostly because I was plunging ahead on the next chapter and didn’t want to take time away from it. Writing replies takes time!
Yes, the hobbit done very good! He never would have forgiven himself if he had left Legolas to his fate, so really, he had no other choice. But he knows that he had to give something up to do it, and now he’s sick at heart. Knowing that he made the right choice doesn’t help much when it came at such a high price. Legolas knows what Sam sacrificed for him, and he’s not going to forget it. He’ll help as much as he is able, and so will the others, if Sam can bring himself to tell them what happened. I find it more than a little bit poignant that he is taking such pains to hide it from the Fellowship when everyone already knows. As far as Boromir is concerned, I agree that he would probably have some experience in dealing with young, inexperienced recruits. I enjoyed giving him those few lines; I thought he handled Pippin very well, giving him some comfort while still managing to guide him. Pippin may be young, but he can’t be mollycoddled. He wanted to come, and though he may not have truly comprehended what might lie on the road ahead, he’s in the thick of it now. He’s got little choice but to live through this event and soldier on.
Calenlass Greenleaf
· 28 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Great writing. The action was breath-taking. please continue with this exciting story. I'm still here, LOL.
Author's reply
Thanks, Calenlass. :) Good to know that you’re still there! Thank you very much for the note. Even if it’s just to say “Like the story – keep it up”, it means a lot. This story seems to have a fair number of people following it, which is heartwarming (the hit count tells me that) – but most people don’t leave feedback. Consider that less than 5% of readers leave reviews, and pat yourself on the back.
Dreamflower
· 28 November 2006
· Chapter 15: What Cannot Be Reclaimed
Wow! What a chapter! It was so exciting to see it from Sam's POV--he could only hear, and not really *see* what was going on, so of course that ramped up the suspense for us readers!
I knew, as soon as Sam began musing on the fact that the Bad Guys thought he and Legolas were dead, that the two of them would somehow play a part in foiling the enemy. But I was stunned at what they did do--Legolas wielding the bow in his condition was amazing!
Poor Merry and Pippin, to have blooded their weapons for the first time; and poor Sam, who had done the same when they escaped. Violence is so foreign, I think, to hobbit nature generally--hobbits have to be very desperate indeed to resort to it. But when they do, they do so very effectively.
I hope Sam *does* speak to Legolas--their shared experience will have created a special bond for them, and Legolas would truly understand what Sam is feeling.
I was thrilled to see this updated again--this is a WIP that I search for eagerly!
Author's reply
Hello, Dreamflower! I love hearing from you; your reviews are always so thoughtful and encouraging. Glad to hear that you liked the chapter! Sometimes I think it’s a shame that I can’t do them from more than one POV. Merry’s take on this chapter would certainly have been interesting, as would Garan’s, but I never seriously considered using the bad guy. This is a Fellowship-only-POV story. As for Sam and Legolas’ part in the fight, I thought it worked for several reasons. First (and most obviously) it’s poetic justice. Second, they were great as the Fellowship’s ace in the hole, even if neither the Fellowship nor Garan knew they were in the equation. Aragorn wouldn’t have run out after Merry with bow in hand; it’s not his primary weapon. So there it was – the thing that Legolas best knew how to use – and since the Men assumed he was dead, he was able to take them completely by surprise. He wouldn’t have been nearly as effective without Sam, though; he would have had to reach the bow and arrows by himself, and he couldn’t have “reloaded” nearly as quickly. Finally, it seemed like the only way out of the situation for Merry short of Gandalf taking a direct hand (which he would have done if Sam and Legolas hadn’t acted). Despite what Pippin and Sam feared, he wouldn’t have let Garan cut Merry’s throat – not without a fight, anyway.
I completely agree with you that violence would be foreign to hobbits. I don’t have a grasp of all the details that the true hobbit aficionados seem to know, but I seem to recall Tolkien talking about killing being mostly alien to their race, and that while they used bows and arrows at need, they weren’t much used to fighting. I could get out the books to check the exact wording… but I’m just going to trust that I remember enough not to make a fool out of myself. :) Poor Merry, Pippin, and Sam, indeed. Poor anyone who has to suddenly and unexpectedly defend their life in such a way. Seriously, can you imagine stabbing someone? But back to the point I was going to make. At some point when this story was taking place in my mind, I decided to make it mostly about Sam, and specifically about how he dealt with a situation in which he had to make some difficult choices that were, in many ways, contrary to his nature. Sam is such a fascinating character. He’s such a selfless person, and so gentle-hearted that he seems (on the surface) like just the wrong type for the Quest that he was sent on. And yet look at how things turned out! The Quest would not have succeeded had it not been for Sam – and he surely had to pay a price for his role in it. As a hobbit who would have been happy to live quietly in the Shire until the day he died, he must have sacrificed a good deal of innocence for Frodo’s sake.