Reviews (23)

Author's reply

Hello dear Cousin, What a treat to read your poetic review - I accept it with the honour it was given! And I'm humbled that you took the time to compose this little masterpiece of your own (and flattered beyond belief that you did). I am delighted beyond measure that you approve, my little Imp! Thanks for all the reviews - and all the inspiration :) Cousin Mo x

Author's reply

Hello Celeritas, Indeed: the last in a tale so fraught with sorrow, so you can imagine who jappy I am to be finished writing them (they were quite depressing at times). But they're done and dusted now! Sam would have been one of the most educated hobbits in the Shire by the time he left, indeed, but the word still felt a bit odd to use (for any hobbit actually - 'extract' doesn't strike me as very hobbit-ty). Thanks for reading and reviewing throughout this tale! M :)

Author's reply

Hello Shirebound, Thanks (as always) for reading and reviewing, I'm glad you enjoyed! I'll need to give your healing fics a visit to see what you think happened to our trusty hobbits in Valinor! Thank you for your support and all the best to you! M ;)

Author's reply

Hi Larner, yes, Sam is surely nobody's fool! Especially after his trials, not to mention the company he keeps and his own life experiences (and many they were). I'm sure Sam & Frodo spent the rest of their days in a blissful haze on Tol Eressea. May we all be as lucky one day! Hope you liked it! Thanks for reviewing. M :)

Author's reply

Hello Celeritas, Oh I AM glad you enjoyed the last stanza. I was feeling quite Tookish when I wrote it and thought it a good way to bring a little reality to the situation (after some of the earlier emotional stanzas). Although I was afraid it might ruin it for some readers. Sometimes though, you've just got to take chances. It was a bit strange writing this, because I went from the wistful beginning, to moments of (I hope) humour, to sudden tragedy, then humour, etc, etc. But it all worked out in the end - and I'm glad the lonely pocket watche has company in your good wishes. Thanks for the lovely review! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Imp, I'm delighted you approve! I deliberately wrote each verse that way, so it would seem as if they were having a conversation, even though it was, of course, impossible during their long separation. The next one way be a few days away because I need to finish 'Much Ado...' which is currently swinging around my neck like an albatross (I also think the final poem will be the most difficult to write as my knowledge of Valinor is non-existent, so I'll have to research). So you'll need to exercise your (non-existent) patience (cackles madly). I know, I'm very naughty! See you cuz, Aunty Mo.

Author's reply

Hello Larner, Poor Frodo indeed, without Bilbo. The comparison of his loss to Sam's growing brood was something I thought required attention. Thanks for your welcome words! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Shirebound, I hope that's how it happened too. I thought if Frodo sensed Rosie's death, he may have been aware of Sam's journey to Valinor. Perhaps he wasn't, but it's a nice thought. Thanks for reading and reviewing! Maureen ;)

Author's reply

Toll, toll, toll! M :)

Author's reply

Hello Andrea! I'm so pleased you enjoyed both the poems. Trying to capture these moments between the two can be a little difficult at imes, if I'm searching for a word that will have something (sensible) to rhyme with it and still stay in meter. And if I can accomodate a GTL into the stanza - as long as it doesn't throw the meter off too much - then all the better! So thank you for admiring it! And thank you very much for posting a review. They are always gratefully received! Bis bald, Msureen :) P.S. Ist es schon in ordnung wenn ich dein limerick benütze?

Author's reply

Hello, Larner, thanks for your feedback - it's always welcome. Actually, this is not supposed to be movie-based at all. When I wrote it I had just read the bit in ROTK where Sam & Frodo come upon the Elves and Bilbo, who awakes from a nap and upon seeing his nephew says: 'Hullo, Frodo! Well I have passed the Old Took today! So that's settled. And now I think I am quite ready to go on another journey. Are you coming?' This poem is supposed to start from that moment onwards, as they journey towards and eventually arrive at the Grey Havens, with Sam trying to come to terms with his unexpected loss on the way there. But if it comes across movie-momentish, then I've obviously put an inappropriate word in somewhere. Oh well, too late to change it now! It was difficult to write, because their parting is full of such raw emotion. But I am glad you enjoyed reading it nonetheless. Maureen :) P.S. Hope your shift passed pleasantly!

Author's reply

Hello there, I had to laugh at this bit: 'Wow, I wasn't expecting a continuation of this!' Neither was I! But I think the first part put Antane in a happy frenzy and she's been sending me plot bunny pleas ever since, so I relented (she's very persuaaive) and desided to do a four-parter to fit them all in. There are two left for this particular 'poetic story' and they may both be in the same dialogue format (grimaces slightly - not that I'm not happy about it, but readers may get tired of it rather soon and start tuning out. Still, we'll wait and see what happens.) Yes, I think Frodo's dependency on Sam was as much a burden (albeit lovingly carried) on our gardener, just as Sam's need for Frodo to get well was a burden on Baggins Jnr. Only their love for each other may have kept the illusion of 'normality' going for as long as it did after the Quest. Yes, good old Frodo for telling Sam to stay. Not that I think he would have left, because he was married with a wee one and another on the way. I think that was what was tearing him apart - the unexpected situation he found himself in and the fact he knew he couldn't leave his Rose - but couldn't bear to lose his Frodo either. Poor sod! Anyway, this is turning into the Never Ending Review Reply, so I'll pop off and give you peace. Hope you liked it! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Shirebound, Yes, I find the parting of the two really depressing and usually give any Grey Havens fics a massive body swerve. Sam's life between parting and reunion I can handle, because he finds his joy again in family. But (and I'm slightly embarrassed to admit it) even their reunion in the West is at times too bittersweet for me because it means their lives are almost over and an era truly dies with them. (Although one of their initial meeting and joy is fine because I know they have a wee while yet before they toddle off to Hobbit Heaven - so if your stories of the West are about happy hobbits, I'll need to give them a once over!). Perhaps I'm an emotional coward. I wouldn't have written 'My Dearest Sam' if it were not a request (and I found it emotionally taxing), but if a good few like you enjoy it, it was worth the while. Thanks (as always) for your kind reviews! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Aunty, Goodness, are you home early today? - that was a fast reply! Again the pleasure was mine and if you liked it it was worth the work. I'm sure the bittersweet parting of the two will bring its own rewards to each in the end. Always a delight to hear from you! Aunty Mo :)

Author's reply

Hello Aunty Anne! I am truly thrilled that you like it so much. Especially as I dreamt about you last night (actually, it was a review from you in response to 'Oh Mr Frodo' I dreamt about)! The dream-review went something like this: Hello Aunty, I've seen the poem I asked for. I had thought to see Sam telling Frodo how exactly he'd save him, like the cooking he would do for him. I'm a bit disappointed, to tell you the truth. Namarie, Aunty Anne A real nightmare, eh? I woke up thinking...well you don't want to know what I woke up thinking. Suffice to say I was sweating buckets! But you like it!! Oh the sweet, heady Joy! (The enormous sigh of relief!). I'd actually posted it last night (2300 hours GMT), but there's obviously a time difference between the west coast of Scotland and your own fair land so you may have been sleeping. Of course, this poem is only one of a number of interpretations that many thousands of people may have of that struggle. It would be interesting to read someone else's. The same events from a different perspective can sometimes seem like a fresh tale. Maybe someone will post their own version. But until that time, this will do. I am glad you enjoyed it (and am still blushing from your lovely comments). It delights me to know it made you happy! All the best, Aunty Maureen :)

Author's reply

Greetings Eléon! Your review is just a treat to read. I'm delighted that it provoked such a response! Give Frodo and Sam a hug for me too, for they seem to have wandered off... Thanks again! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Linda! I thought I'd replied to your review, but apparently not, so please excuse my tardiness! Thank you for your lovely words. You are delightful too, for sending a sweet review. (It was just pure luck that last sentance rhymed!). Thanks again! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello eiluj, Yes, good old Sam. He knows exactly how to talk his Frodo round and make him see sense (thank goodness). Thanks very much for the review - I'm glad you liked my Sam! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Larner, Poor Frodo really didn't have a chance - what with Strider's kingly 'magic' and Sam's sheer stubborness! But thank goodness they 'ganged up' on him or Middle Earth would have been an emptier place! Thanks (as always) for your kind words. Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Shirebound, Thank you very much for your (very) flattering words. Marvellous poet? (blushes). I think Sam and Frodo shared such a great bond that it defied Death itself - at least it did directly after Sauron's fall. Imagining what they would say to each other when Strider was trying to save them was not too difficult (I expect most of us can imagine that fairly well!) - finding 'rhyming' words to use (and still have the poem make sense) was more of a challenge! I'd have to (respectfully) disagree with you about 'sin' though - It's not perfect, but I think it more likely to be used by a hobbit than some words I've seen used (e.g. - 'sure' instead of 'of course'/'certainly'; 'mad' instead of 'angry'; 'pretty' instead of 'quite'/'very'; 'couple' instead of 'couple of' - all far too modern for Shirefolk). :) Let me say 'thank you' again for your lovely review. It's always a treat to hear from you. All the best, Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Celeritas, I'm blushing at your (truly) fabulous review. I hadn't intended to post anything for a few days but your review of 'His dear, bleved...' made a very good point and Antane asked me earlier this evening if I could expand on it. So, actually, perhaps I should thank YOU! Sam is a bit of a crafty devil when it comes to his Frodo - he knows exactly which buttons to press. Thanks again, both for the review AND the idea! Maureen :)

Author's reply

Hello Rhyselle, thanks very much! I'm really glad you enjoyed it so much and am currently smiling fit to burst! Thanks :) Maureen :)