nancylea57
· 16 December 2008
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
while i'm more than thrilled that you don't hurt your hobbits as a habit, when you do get an injured hobbit you pamper and cosset them extremly well. only wish i could have helped--i understand the guide is i'll wash to here and there and you wash all spots between here and there.... you would have people lining up at the smial door for days.
Author's reply
Sam was going to be really banged up by an even worse fall than he ended up having, only because I couldn't contemplate hurting him to such an extent. It would make it harder to get to the comforting part. :D
Queen Galadriel
· 27 July 2007
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
Hi! I was really bored yesterday and thought I'd explore a new website for something to read, so I went to West of the Moon...only to discover I could have just looked right here on SoA on the page of one of my favorite authors for the perfect thing. :D At any rate, I read this there and loved it, and just came back here to review.
I couldn't possibly tell you all the little lines and moments I loved without writing a review the length of one of the chapters itself, but here are my favorites:
The coziness at the beginning. Or I should say almost coziness because Sam and Merry couldn't exactly be described as comfortable.
Frodo and Sam's little..um...squabble. Not very pleasant at all, but what I loved was the making-up afterward and what it did for Merry.
The inclusion of Willow. Poor Merry! If I wasn't absolutely for sure that he married Estella in the end, you would have had me seriously worried there. But such is life, really: how many people do you know that end up marrying the first person they date (or court)? I've known a few, but not very many.
The "wintry" feel. It's *hot* here right now, so that was lovely. But the summer day at the end was even more so. :)
The family love between the Gamgees (always a favorite) and the friendship of the Cottons. Lovely! That's one of the main things that makes me love your work.
Oh, and I can't forget--Frodo comforting Sam and your so-beautiful lullaby! Always a treat to see I'm not the only one who tries to write them for one thing, but seriously the words were just *beautiful*! It made me get all teary-eyed, especially that last verse at the end that Primula added. Love it, love it!
Oh, and I loved little Bell! Sooo adorable! *cuddles her* Also liked Sam's dream/memory of Fred sitting on him and his mother comforting him. I do hope you do a story with more than glimpses of Bell in it sometime. It would be a sad subject, perhaps, but I do so love your Bell!
And the end was perfectly Hobbity! :D Your story brightened my day yesterday and allowed me to allow my muse a much-needed and invigorating break. Thank you! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Hi Queeny! Thank you so much for your high praises. I'm glad you found this little fic. I wrote it last summer during our monster heatwave, so that explains much of the wintry feel of it - I needed something to think about that would cool me down! ;)
Seeing Merry and Sam's friendship going from rocky ground to solid was quite a joy for me while writing this. Putting Sam in a position where he was dependant on his betters for a change, and where he could see Merry's vulnerable side, was just what the healer ordered. ;)
Likewise, Merry needed to see that Frodo does have his problems with Sam, that the class distinction is a very real barrier for Frodo and Sam as well. He has somehow convinced himself that it didn't matter, that Sam could put that aside in his friendship with Frodo, despite Frodo telling him otherwise. Now Merry knows the truth of the matter, he can go a little easier on himself when he comes up against this wall time and again.
Willow came at me sideways and almost knocked this story completely off course. She wasn't about to take no for an answer but it became clear early on what the obstacles in their relationship were going to be: pretty much the same as in his friendship with Sam, plus a few others besides. But for the time they had together, they were happy and content enough, and Merry certainly learned a good deal from her that Estella will be reaping later. :)
The Gamgees are such a wonderful, supportive and loving family. They would have to be, to produce such a hobbit as Sam. And it's not often we get to see Sam amongst his friends, and the distinction here between his behavior around his betters and his behavior around his friends and family is quite clear.
This was my first lullaby and it was quite difficult to figure out. I believe I had to do just as much research on that as I did for the cast Willow used! I just didn't know what sorts of things lullabies should be about, but I found some good sites and was able to use those examples to write a hobbit-version of a lullaby.
Little Bell was a darling. I can see why Hamfast dotes on her so much. Halfred is a great older brother, but he's still an older brother, destined to torment his younger siblings if they can't figure out the safety word! LOL! I've done a couple of Bell-centric fics but I have no ideas for anything longer at the moment. She certainly would have her share of stories to tell though, with all those children! ;)
Thanks for reading, dear, and I'm glad you enjoyed it! :D
halifax
· 11 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
I enjoyed the story, but it wasn't exactly a hurt/comfort, as the overview seemed to indicate. I was all ready for angst and anguish and fevers and - well, poor Sam never seems to get the TLC the other characters do.
Author's reply
It might not have been a typical h/c story, but Sam *was* hurt and he *did* get comfort. ;) I admit it did rather divert onto another path for a while there - Willow took me by surprise - but I did manage to give Sam *some* comfort, even if it wasn't as much as he truly deserves. But then, that would have made him too uncomfortable.
I was originally going to have Sam be really banged up, the fall was going to be much worse, but what can I say - I just don't like to hurt my Sam.
Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed the story, despite it not being *exactly* what you expected. :D
Periantari
· 10 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
INdeed i enjoyed it very much! =) thank you again for your wonderful gift. :) <3 :hugs:
Also--sorry fro thinking that it's Sam's "grand daughter" in the other review. ;) i meant "niece". ;)
Author's reply
((hugs back)) You're most welcome!
hehe I figured you meant niece. I couldn't help teasing you a little. :)
Althea
· 9 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
I am going to miss this story. It has certainly been a wonderful adventure. I am glad that Merry and Sam are more free around one another other now. I very much enjoyed reading this tale. I hope there will be more to come.
Author's reply
If one good thing came of this ordeal, it was that Sam and Merry learned how to be friends again. It may not have been the ideal way to go about it, but it certainly allowed them to see different sides of each other they wouldn't have seen otherwise.
I'm so glad you enjoyed the story! It was quite an adventure to write it! Thanks for reading. :)
Bodkin
· 8 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
I'm glad to see that Sam is recovering. And that Merry and Willow aren't finding it too easy to get together! (Although courting her will probably make Merry much more understanding of strong lasses and be a benefit to Estella in the future!)
Everything has settled down - for a while, anyway. And the difference between Sam and Furzy when it comes to dealing with gentlehobbits is noticeable! I think Sam is closer to friendship with them - and closer to becoming the kind of hobbit who could manage outside the Shire. Not to mention the kind of hobbit who would become Mayor.
And the thought of strawberries and cherries - and a hot summer's day - is very appealing.
Author's reply
Merry's in serious need of instruction when it comes to lasses! Willow provides just that lesson and happily so. If it weren't for all the obstacles surrounding them at every turn, they could have been the perfect couple.
Sam's nearly fully recovered. He'll be glad when he can do away with the splint entirely but for now, he does as the healer orders. :)
Furzy's a sweet lad but he has much less opportunity to interact with gentlehobbits than Sam does. It just goes to show that Sam isn't quite as 'proper' as he likes to think he is! Furzy is probably wondering what his friend is thinking to be chatting up the heirs of Buckland and Tookland like he is. ;)
Funny that I wrote this story as taking place in winter because it was so blasted hot when I started writing it! Now I wouldn't mind a little bit of that summer heat. Thanks for reading!!
Larner
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
Very nice contrast to the beginning, with the snow and ice of then being replaced by the heat of now. And I can see how Furzy would be as reserved as he is. He's a nice lad.
And all ready themselves for what comes next as Merry begins to understand there is no future for him and Willow together. Love Pippin here.
Author's reply
Not just the weather. Merry's much more confident with his tray-carrying skills. :D Furzy takes over Sam's old place here, being the shy quiet observer of friends in deep conversation. Without him, it would not have been as obvious just how close Sam and Merry had become.
Thanks to Tolkien, Merry and Willow's relationship is doomed. We all know who Merry ends up with but even if it weren't for that, I can see this relationship having many such problems. Merry isn't ready to give up yet, but he had realized it is going to be much more difficult that he originally thought.
Pippin is such a dear. I've missed him in this story.
Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
No, Sam's cooking won't go to waste, although it might go to WAIST! Ah, our devious Brandybuck here! And love Sam's carvings.
Author's reply
hehehe I knew someone would fill in that pun for me! Merry doesn't waste time, knowing how short his time with Willow is. Sam made good use of his time also and took advantage of his convalescence to get some whittling done. It's fitting of his nature that he would make things to give to his friends.
Periantari
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
awww what a nice scene to leave the story at! I do wonder a lot about Merry/Willow though and i see why you think that a sequel is necessary to expand upon that storyline!
This was wonderful description:
The late winter blizzard and the many spring rains had made the Shire green from one end to the other and everywhere he looked, flowers were in bloom, showing off their brilliance for all to see and enjoy. From the flowers that grew wild over the hillsides to the cultured flowers in the gardens of every smial and house, the Shire was alive with color and the sweet fragrance of blossoms in bloom.
I can so see it and i like it a lot since i always try to emulate those who describe well. :)
I love seeing Pippin in this! I especially enjoyed his question to Sam regarding his foot. :D
One of the things that i like about your fanfic is your ability to write about OFCs and characters that do not get talked about much. THe storyline about Sam going to visit his niece, about his older brother and the place of Little Smithy is creative indeed. :)
Thank you so much for this lovely story, gamgeefest! i enjoyed it a lot and hope to read more h/c from you! ;)
:hugs:
Author's reply
I don't know when I'll be tackling Merry/Willow and resolving that storyline, but I am working on something for Sam's visit to Little Smithy and Long Cleeve.
Pippin has been dying to join this story. It was nice to give him the epilogue to run about and ask pesky absurd questions LOL. Consider it a cameo appearance. :D
Thank you so much for your wonderful praise! I sometimes worry that I don't describe things enough, or I go overboard and describe too much. I try to find the happy medium and hope it's adequate for the reader. I'm so glad you've enjoyed your birthday present!
Periantari
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
“There’s my good lad,” Hamfast mumbled into Sam’s ear. “Darn bones kept me from coming sooner. Worst time for a snow storm if you ask me.” He turned his head and kissed Sam’s temple.
I loved the Hamfast and the Sam reunion...very sweet! and the Marigold and Sam little bantering was wonderful to read too because i love sibling love and i love reading about Marigold and Sam's relationship. :)
I loved the healer bit with checking Sam's condition with his foot and knowing that it's time that Sam could use crutches. Very nice details in writing that part.
lol!
i loved this part and really cracked up with this line:
“My guess is slim to none,” Frodo answered. “Most likely, he’ll be cooking second breakfast, luncheon and dinner for a month to make up for the last eight days.”
lol! awww~ indeed he will after his trip to see his new granddaughter--(provided that he's all healed. :)
Author's reply
Hamfast is a real softy and I love these little moments when his gruffness is put aside. He adores all his children, and I believe Sam is probably his favorite, though he would never admit it. It was time to let him visit Sam, and honestly, I couldn't have kept him home any longer if I wanted to!
Sibling banter is always fun, especially among the Gamgee clan. They relied on each other so much growing up that they are closer to each other than most other siblings are. Sam and Marigold have a very close relationship and are best friends, next to Tom and Rosie.
LOL. I can just see Sam cooking like a mad hobbit to make up for all the attention and care that Frodo provided for him. Sam has a grandchild? However did he manage that? :P hehe
Periantari
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
I really loved this chapter--with the Cottons and Furzy and Marigold coming and especially since Sam had *such* a relaxing bath with Willow washing his hair!
THe Frodo and Sam dialogue in the beginning was pretty necessary too--i mean it does seem a bit awkward in Sam's position to have his master tend to him.
And it was a nice scene in the end with the Cottons giving Sam a gift and providing him with some much-needed company among very good friends. :)
Author's reply
Having your hair washed is always relaxing. It's one of the things I miss now that my mom no longer works in a salon - no hair washes unless I do it myself, and that's no fun. :P
Sam will never be able to accept his master doing for him, even after Goldie and Rosie point out that it *is* Frodo's duty to do so. Sam understands that as well as they do, which is part of the reason he's kept quiet about how uncomfortable it makes him, but he's just so used to being the one doing the taking care of that he simply cannot get used to it now that the roles are reversed.
Sam's friends really know how to make him feel better. Even more than that, they were able to help him laugh at his situation, something that was very much needed. The gift was their way of telling him that they knew he'd be all right without actually having to say it, and it meant more to him than the words alone ever would.
Dreamflower
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
Aww...it's over. *sigh* I have just loved this story, and I'm sorry to see it end.
But now, of course, you have teased us with hints about Sam's visit to his brother, and all about the Long Cleeve North-tooks, and Merry's rather difficult romance with Miss Willow...
So, of course, maybe you will give us some new stories soon. *makes puppy dog eyes*
Really, this has been a wonderful glimpse into the lives of our lads in the years leading up to the Quest, and into the developing of Sam's friendship with Merry and Pippin.
Author's reply
Alas, it's over but I do have that sequel I'll be working on, as soon as my other two stories are finished. I don't know when I'll be coming back to Merry and Willow, but we'll at least get to see what Sam was up to while he was in Long Cleeve.
They don't realize now how important their friendship will become. That they came together initially because of their love of Frodo is most appropriate considering what will be happening in just four more years.
I'm glad you've enjoyed this story so much! There were times I was worried I was getting too long-winded and side-tracked - Miss Willow rather took me by surprise. But it all came full circle in the end. :)
harrowcat
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
Good to see Sam back at work. And the difference between his and Furzy's feelings just go to show how comfortable he has got with M & P. Really enjoyed all of this GF!
Author's reply
Sam's glad to be back at work, even if his duties are still restricted. He must have been itching to get his hands dirty when he was touring those gardens in Long Cleeve!
Sam never had many issues with Pippin. He sees him more as a younger sibling, though he still treats him as a 'better'. Since Sam will always insist on being proper, it's nice to juxtapose his interaction with Merry, Frodo and Pippin against someone who is less familiar with them. It helps reminds us, and them, that Sam isn't as proper as he likes to think he is. ;)
Thank you so much for reading!! I'm glad you've enjoyed the story!
Andrea
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 11: Epilogue
Very nice epilogue!
Trust Pippin to come up with some ridiculous question! But Sam and Furzy didn't mind. They rather enjoyed it!
I'm really glad that Sam and Merry have formed a solid friendship. Merry can now make jokes at Sam's expense and Sam will laugh with him. That's wonderful!
Also Merry will tell Sam about his relationship to Willow and will accept Sam's advice.
Of course, Pippin is jealous of Willow. That could have been expected, and it's quite natural.
However, with Merry's and Willow's parents living so far apart and the "social gap" between them I can imagine the end of that story. *Sigh* They would have been the perfect couple. (Nothing against Estella, though!)
Last but not least I found yet another new word :)
That was: "chaperone"! I didn't have to look it up. It became quite clear from the context. In German such a lady is called "Anstandsdame". "Dame" is quite clear, I believe. And "Anstand" means decency, or as Sam would say, proper behavior!
Thank you for this wonderful story, I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Pippin always knows just what to ask, doesn't he? Of course, the ankle can already move in all directions, so I'm not exactly sure what Pippin was getting at. Maybe he just wanted to make them laugh. He succeeded in that!
Sam might have wished that he was never injured, but then he and Merry would not have grown so close. Or at least, it would have taken much, much longer for them to become as comfortable with each other as they are now.
Sam knows a little more about relationships than Merry does so Merry will gladly listen to any advice he has to give. Things with Willow may not be going as smoothly as he would have liked but he's not about to give up just yet, social gaps and all. If the social gap didn't stop him from reacquainting with Sam, it certainly won't stop him from continuing to court Willow, or at least *trying* to court her. Healers are rather outside of the social constraints anyway, probably the only hobbits in the Shire who are.
Pippin's jealousy is only natural. He's been the center of Merry's world for so long, he doesn't want to be displaced. He also doesn't want to see his friend sad, so he'll put up with being 'dumped' as long as Merry still spends plenty of time with him, which of course he will. :)
Chaperones can be for both boys or girls, though it is usually girls that parents worry about the most. And now I've learned a word!
Thanks for reading!
I don't know who is having a rougher time here, Sam or Merry. Seems Merry is working himself half to death and poor Sam is so worried about everything. This is a very entertaining story. I was glad to get a minute to read a couple more chapters today. Hope to stop back by later and read even more!
Author's reply
It's a toss up. They're both grappling with their own issues. Sam's have more potential for long-term ramifications while Merry's will be resolved fairly quickly once he figures out his own mind about everything. At least this crisis is helping Merry and Sam to grow more close. Thanks for reading!
So Merry has a crush, does he? Interesting. Someone before Estella and a professional lass too! I like it.
Author's reply
I thought it would be interesting to explore the possibilities of Merry in other relationships before Estella. With Ella being decidedly unavailable at the moment, Merry needs to have someone to have fun with. I also thought it would be fitting for Merry to like older lasses, just as his father clearly did. And who better to catch Merry's interest than a 'professional' - not to mention extremely lovely - lass? He's attracted to strong women and Willow certainly knows her capabilities and how to use them to her best advantage!
cookiefleck
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
I really enjoyed this chapter, particularly the various ways you described the Gaffer's (and other family members') eagerness to have Sam come home. Sigh.
On another note, I am not sure if you meant it to be humorous, but I took this line that way and had a great, little laugh: “Fascinating,” Frodo intoned...
Author's reply
There's nothing worse for a parent than to know your child is hurt and in need of comfort and not being able to offer it. It's no surprise really that Gaffer insisted on visiting Sam even if he would be home in a couple more days. They'll all be happier and more at ease now that Sam can go home.
hehehe I didn't mean for that to be funny, but I'm glad you found it so. I actually had to make Frodo hurry up and change the subject because Merry was on the verge of asking if he could expirement with Sam's leg. He wouldn't have been allowed to do so, of course, but it still would have been highly inappropriate for him to have asked. *grins*
Althea
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
It was wonderful to see Sam having so many loving visitors. It was a treat to see him interacting with Daisy's family, especially with his little niece, Bell. I also very much enjoyed reading about the Gaffer's visit. Hamfast's gruff love for his youngest son just melted my heart. I am very glad that Sam is now well enough to go home and that he will be able to travel with his family to see its newsest member; but I can't help but wish he could stay at Bag End a while longer and that maybe, by some miracle, those calss barriers could come crashing down. I am so much enjoying this story. Now that everyone is going separate ways, it will be interesting to see what you have in store for us next. I am looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
Sam won't be lacking company while he's healing. There will always be someone coming by to visit and see how he's doing. Now that he can start getting up and about, his days will hopefully start going faster for him.
Little Bell was a delight to write. She's such a sweet lass, with no understanding of those class barriers that come as second nature to her elders. She melts the hearts of everyone and has them all wrapped around her little fingers. And I just can't say enough about the Gaffer. He's a wonderful father and though he may be gruff and hard on the outside, he's nothing but a big teddy bear on the inside. I always enjoy writing these little scenes with the Gaffer.
The time at Bag End has ended. The class barriers might not have come down - indeed they were rather reinforced when Sam's friends started visiting. But at least Sam and Merry have gotten past that awkward part of their friendship and have learned to understand each other better. And, Merry got a girlfriend, which also wouldn't have happened had Sam never fallen. :D
Thank you so much for reading! I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. There might (and I stress *might*) be a follow up to this of Sam's visit to Halfred, but I haven't been able to figure anything out about that story yet and there are other stories I need to finish before I start on another one.
Bodkin
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Well - Sam has made it back down the hill. I'm glad he's being offered alternative careers on the chance that his foot doesn't get better, but I'm still gladder that I know it will!
And Merry and Willow seem to be enjoying their - er - opportunities. It might be as well that Merry and Frodo have to go off to visit Pippin as soon as Sam is settled. Or things might have gone rather further and history might have changed. A married Merry might never have insisted on escorting Frodo south - and what would have happened then? Similarly with a limping Sam. But disaster is avoided!
Author's reply
Sam will always have options available to him, thanks to his friends and family. I love the way hobbits really look out for one another. Thankfully, he won't have to follow up on any of these offers for he will heal perfectly well and be better than new. :)
Now, I'm sure Merry and Willow only talked. *grins* A little distance and time away will help to cool things down and whenever Merry does return to visit, well, Miss Camellia will be there to keep her eye on things, as well be Frodo and Pippin. History will stay on track, with no eminent scandals in sight. :D
Andrea
· 30 September 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Sam shook his head again. “It’s for Rosie.”
“She’s just going to read it to me anyway,” Goldie pointed out.
“Then you can hear it then,” replied Sam.
ROTFL!!! Brothers and sisters! That's the way they treat each other, exactly. I have a younger brother myself! And he would laugh as much as I did if he read this ;-)
I enjoyed the Gaffer's visit very much. You pictured him perfectly. And Sam's little niece was so sweet!
So, the time at Bag End is over now? Everyone is leaving to visit relatives - and Willow is left alone! That's a shame! How will she react, I wonder.
To be concluded…
Is there really only one chapter left??? There is a lot to be concluded...
Author's reply
Siblings were meant to torment each other, but the Gamgees do so with love and adoration. :) I'm the youngest of my family and so I know how pesky us younger sisters can be to older brothers, and how infuriating older brothers can be also. lol
Gaffer is a great dad. If it had been possible, he would have come much sooner and every day, as Goldie did. But he takes what he can get and just being able to make sure that Sam is well is a load of worry off his shoulders. Bell is just too cute for words. :)
Willow will disappointed that she didn't have more time with Merry but she'll be kept busy with her work, have no fear for her.
The epilogue should tie up all the loose threads. This was never meant to be a story that covered Sam's recovery to it's end - that would be a far longer story than I have time for right now. The purpose of this story was to see if Merry and Sam could get past that awkward stage in their friendship, and they have succeeded in doing that. I might have another story that will cover Sam's visit to his brother, but it's just a half-formed idea right now.
harrowcat
· 30 September 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Oh! I wanted your last reply to turn into the novel you were threatening! *g* But reading the rest of the reviews helped!
Yeh! Sam is up and around - a little bit. And has a future even if the worst happens! Family can be wonderful!
Love your Gaffer. Got to go - late for work!
Author's reply
LOL. I could easily write an essay on class distinctions in the Shire, and I nearly did with all the reviews. :)
Sam's up and he's happy for it. If he had to stay in that bed one more day, I don't know how he would have handled it. Well, I *do* know - he would have heaved a great sigh and nodded and accepted it with little complaint, but a lot of disappointment.
The Gamgees are a close family and they really look after each other. Sam would have plenty of options if the worst happened, but Daisy's offer is really more optimal for him than the others he had considered thus far. And what can I say about the Gaffer, other than he's a wonderful father who will never stop worrying about his children.
Dreamflower
· 29 September 2006
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
What a delight to see the family so happy together! But I'm kind of sorry to see the setting shift--it was nice having Sam at Bag End with Frodo and Merry. *sigh* Oh, well, can't have it both ways, I guess!
I just love your Gamgees--they are such a happy clan. And little Bell was utterly adorable. I could just eat her up with a spoon!
So, is the story winding down--or will there be complications?
Author's reply
The Gamgees are a close bunch. The Gaffer must have been frustrated to not be able to come up to see Sam earlier. That he came as soon as his bones would allow him, and against the healer's wishes, shows how impatient he had become to reassure himself that Sam was more or less whole - and that the Gamgee fellows really are stubborn as mules.
Frodo and Merry might have gotten used to having Sam around, but Sam never got used to being a guest in Bag End. He's been waiting for the chance to go home, every bit as much as Gaffer and Goldie have been waiting to bring him home. No one can take care of Sam better than his family, or so the Gaffer believes, and if asked Frodo would agree. Sam would be much more comfortable in his own home, or even in his brother's home, than at Bag End.
Bell is an adorable little thing. :) It's easy to see why she's the apple of the Gaffer's eye. She has her grandfather - and everyone else - wrapped around her little finger.
The story is coming to a close. No complications are forth coming and thank goodness! This is already twice as long as it was supposed to be! But I am contemplating a story of Sam's visit to Fred. I'm not sure if it will go anywhere though.
Bodkin
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Difficult, isn't it! Childhood friendships - of true equality are just different. Of course Sam won't mind Tom and Jolly helping him - and it'll be a long long time before he feels that comfortable with Merry. Not until the king comes back.
Author's reply
There's no way Merry can compete with the friendship Sam shares with Tom and Jolly and the other working lads. He realizes it, and what's more, he accepts it. He really has learned that being competitive about such things is foolish. Now he needs to focus on not being jealous of Willow's patients! :P He clears one hurdle only to be confronted by another.
Althea
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Thanks for another great chapter. It was full of homey comfort and joy. Sam is a lucky hobbit indeed to have such a wonderful sister and such good friends. I very much enjoyed the little story of Bilbo and the bell. I also really loved the way you wrote the bathing scene, including Merry's jealousy, Sam's initial unease, and the joke Jolly and Tom played on him. I'm glad that Sam is finally free of that box. The contrast at the end, though, is quite striking for we see Merry and Frodo dining alone separated from the joy and comradeship in Sam's room. Drat that class distinction.
Author's reply
Sam's well admired and loved by those around him, and for good reason. He's so giving of himself and his time, that his friends can only reciprocate. That's one of the many things I love about hobbits - they aren't prone to taking loyalty for granted.
The bell story was one of those last-minute additions that come out of nowhere. I'm glad you enjoyed it and took note of it. It seems like something Bilbo would do for Frodo, a small piece of security to keep by him through the night.
Merry's a tad possessive and, as we know, competitive. It's only natural he'd be jealous of Sam, even though Sam is clearly uncomfortable, and of Willow's 'examining' her patients. Jolly truly is a terror! He might talk about his younger brothers, but it's cleared they learned everything from him! Sam's heart must have dropped to his knees when he thought it was Rosie about to walk in on him.
Merry can fool himself into thinking theirs (his and Sam's) is an equal friendship when there are no others about to prove otherwise. Frodo and Merry could have squeezed into the room to eat with Sam and the others but it would have been more subdued than it was without them being there. This was yet another instance when he had reality smack him in the face, as it were. Frodo had his reality lesson earlier, but Merry is only now coming to realize that as friendly as they might get, as much as they might learn about each other, he and Sam will never be as close as Sam is to his other friends. At least Merry has learned by now that he cannot compete against it.
cookiefleck
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Hi, me again. Your comments were very interesting. I, also, grew up in a home with very little money but never thought less of myself. I don't identify with Sam but I admire him more than any other character because of his selflessness and humility. As an adult, I've enjoyed some measure of financial and career success, but my lifelong priority has been volunteering for various political or other issues that generally benefit the "have nots." (Which is another reason I find those invisible barriers frustrating.) Teaching my children (now grown) to be thankful and never to take their own advantages for granted has also been of paramount importance to me. Isn't it interesting that we all bring different backgrounds and POVs to our appreciation of LOTR's characters?
Author's reply
Hello again! One of the best things about LOTR is that we can all bring our own individual experiences to the story, and not only take something from it but apply some of our own knowledge to it. The class distinctions have always fascinated me and I love to explore it when I can. I studied sociology for a short time, though I didn't go so far as to get a degree in it, but I still find it fascinating how society can shape a person or group of people. We shape our society, and it shapes us.