Starship by shirebound
Gershwhen · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 3: Remember Us
Oh, this made me all teary!! It was just too lovely. And goodbyes, no matter how heartfelt are always hard. This was delightful and I look forward to Sam meeting up with "Mr. Frodo" again!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I poured a lot of love into this chapter!
Andrea · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
“Now Sam has begun to be anchored,” Gandalf said quietly, smiling at the two hobbits. Wonderful! Only after making sure that he finally found "Mr. Frodo" again, Sam can begin to get anchored! I wonder if Frodo can ever convince him to leave out the "Mr." :-) Last but not least: The chapter title was perfect!
Author's reply
I was afraid the title would be a bit too soppy, but... I really like it too. :) We're fortunate to be able to picture this reunion in so many different ways. I can't imagine it as being anything less than joyous. Thank you, Andrea!
Mirach · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
A very nice and gentle chapter - finally Frodo and Sam are together again! But I must think of Elrond, and the hint of pain behind his fingering the cloth from Arwen and the question if the Straight way will be opened for mortals again. When he sees Frodo and Sam reuntited, he must think on those that he left on the mortal shores, his daughter and foster-son... Can't wait for the chapter with the opening of mail, if there will be one! =)
Author's reply
Thank you. I do see Elrond as rather a tragic figure, but perhaps his sons will sail West someday and help him to have a sense of family again. The Professor left that entirely up to us, didn't he? We will definitely get a peek at some of those letters because I'm curious, too! :)
Dreamflower · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Oh, Shirebound! This story makes me so happy! I'm eager to see what Sam will make of his friends when he sees them! I had to grin at Elrond's comment on the Straight Way. We know, after all, that at least one more mortal will be arriving someday...
Author's reply
Thank you! This story makes me, happy, too. I'm insatiable when it comes to our hobbits' comfort and joy. LOL, I suspect that Elrond hasn't focused his 'foresight' on the destiny of Dwarves. A real surprise is in store for him, isn't it?
Cairistiona · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
This was wonderfully warm and gentle, and I loved Bilbo's entrance! He's such a delightfully prosaic hobbit, isn't he!
Author's reply
Thank you so much. Once you've matched wits with a dragon and lived to tell the tale, there can't be much that truly startles you!
6336 · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Ah, dear Sam, finally back with Mr.Frodo, and Bilbo is there too! Make that two hot cakes for me Bilbo, got to watch the figure! Lynda
Author's reply
Two hotcakes, coming right up! This was a fun chapter to write. Glad you enjoyed!
Fiondil · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Nice to see Sam safely on Tol Eressëa. And five hotcakes for Gandalf! Greedy ithron! *grin* And Elrond is almost as bad. Obviously Bilbo knows them both very well. Looking forward to seeing where else this goes.
Author's reply
Thank you, Fiondil. It's wonderful that fanfic allows us to explore all the ways Sam's arrival in the West might have occurred.
harrowcat · 21 April 2010 · Chapter 5: Here In My Arms
Lovely read Shirebound. And make mine five hotcakes with Gandalf - pleeeeeese!
Author's reply
Thank you! Bilbo will have your breakfast ready shortly. :)
Larner · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Surely all must rejoice when the morning and evening star himself laughs! How wonderful a chapter--and what more blessed couch than the Mariner's own hammock? Lovely!
Author's reply
Thanks, Larner! I imagine Earendil as someone who isn't surprised by much, but can still delight in the unexpected. :)
Linda Hoyland · 12 April 2010 · Chapter 3: Remember Us
I was just browsing through this to try to find a glimpse of Aragorn and was richly rewarded! What a wonderful send off for Sam!
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this chapter! :)
cookiefleck · 9 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Not to get too off-topic, but I'll add a follow-up comment to your remarks about h/c. I have thought a lot about why it appeals to me. Of course, h/c is the underpinning of many a fine tale (aka the hero-in-peril plot device), from Hercules to Superman to Indiana Jones to... etc. I think that the perfect h/c shows a normally "strong" character in a moment of danger, injury, illness... physical or mental. We see the hero's more vulnerable side. The hero is selfless and noble as he/she faces the danger/threat/challenge. A second aspect, although not as essential, is how others react. It's an opportunity for us to see how much others love or are impacted by our hero and how much they care for him/her. If the character/hero is one we admire and like, an h/c story is a wonderful opportunity for him/her to exhibit the best of his/her qualities, and for us to view the character/hero through the caring eyes of others. Some, like me, prefer hhh/c, and others, like you, prefer h/ccc... probably proportionate in general to our like of adventure vs. nurturing tales. I can even enjoy a deathfic where Sam nobly grabs the ring and throws it and himself into the fire, for example, because it satisfies the first criterion of why I like h/c, even though there is no comfort for the character. There are some h/c fics that turn me off, however. I don't care to read stories where an injured character is put through endless humiliations during recovery, for example. I know some people find that emotionally satisfying, but it doesn't fit into the reasons why I like h/c.
Author's reply
"Comfort for the character" is very important to me, and always will be. I enjoyed reading your comments! This is a subject I love. :)
cookiefleck · 9 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
What I like best about this chapter is the tenderness and respect Samwise is accorded by all who are helping him on his journey. It is heartwarming to know that Meneldor and Earendil are proud to be of assistance and that they are treating him with such reverence. Then there is also that little part of this reader's mind that really likes h/c involving Sam. So I liked the references to the "limp, quiet form" and "insensible" because they show that although strong, he is also vulnerable. And of course I am wondering about the line, "What might come of this, he knew not." Could be a reference to your h/cccc "warning" or could be something else indeed. I look forward to finding out. :o)
Author's reply
I think you've hit on the attraction of h/c (reading and writing) for me. Finding ways to show vulnerability of an otherwise strong character creates an opportunity for other strong characters to open their hearts and be of service. When everything slows down to focus on our injured or ill one, unlikely people get a chance to show respect and give comfort that might not have been called for otherwise. Although it's still in the planning stages, chapter 5 will definitely have an h/cccc aura about it. :)
Inzilbeth · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Just wonderful, Shirebound! The subject matter you're tackling here is a far from easy but you've managed to make sailing a ship in the heavens seem very plausible!
Author's reply
Thank you, that means a lot to me. Writing about something so fanciful and yet anchoring it to canon is a challenge -- but great fun. Middle-earth is nothing if not magical. :)
lovethosehobbits · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Oh Janet, this is so BEAUTIFUL! You amaze me again and again of at your skill in writing.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! This story is so different, I go to a magical place when I think about what's coming next. *hugs you*
silmarien · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Ooh, ooh. The letter to Earendil just *has* to be from Glorfindel. I too love Meneldor eating those exotic fish.
Author's reply
Thank you, Silmarien. Even star voyagers need a bit of mail now and then. :) And I think visitors to Vingilot would be so rare, Earendil would show great courtesy and hospitality.
lbilover · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
I actually had tears in my eyes reading this. I can't really say anymore; it moved me so very deeply. Thank you for the marvelous, imaginative story!!
Author's reply
Thank you so very much, my friend. *warm, grateful hugs*
Kara's Aunty · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Hello Shirebound, what a beautiful, beautiful little story! The idea of Sam being carried to Valinor on Earendil's star ship is so ... so ... exquisitely perfect! I cannot wait to read the next chapter - hopefully we'll get to find out what was in Earendil's letter (and who it was from!). Great work, I'm loving it muchly! M :o)
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you so much! The Professor's world is just infinite in its possibilities.
harrowcat · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
I love the idea of using both the eagles and Earendil as post carriers! Slightly cheeky but irresistable I suspect. Delightful chapter Shirebound and I love the picture to go with it on the other site.
Author's reply
It *was* irresistible! :) Thank you, Harrowcat. Isn't that drawing gorgeous? Annwyn is a true artist.
Mirach · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
Aw, I love this chapter! I'm so glad that Eärendil got a glimpse of his family in Middle-earth, and messages could be exchanged. And the message for Eärendil... is it from Aragorn? Come on, open it! I would open it already in his place! *is curious* It's just beautiful! Thank you for writing about Eärendil!
Author's reply
Darn that Eärendil, and the fact that he has eternity (more or less) to open his mail! :) Thank you for your lovely reviews. This story is a challenge, but great fun.
Mirach · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 3: Remember Us
I forgot to mention in the previous review, how I liked Sam's idea how to discern the twins. Really clever! "Mr. Pippin told your father that he didn’t want to be sent back home tied up in a sack, and it sounds like you’re sending me off in one!” LOL! Great line, Sam! "With a proud and triumphant cry, Meneldor stretched out his wings" Ah, that is a really majestic picture of the eagle taking off! But, oh, farewells! They always bring tears to my eyes, but here is was also a smile. It was great that Aragorn came to take leave of Sam, with "a bit of fanfare"!
Author's reply
Sam is ever so clever! And I like it when Elves are surprised by something (or someone). As with Gandalf, it usually comes from interaction with hobbits. :) I'm very glad you enjoyed this chapter. If you'd like to see a drawing of Meneldor in his flight to Vingilot, with Sam in his talons, it can be found here: http://shirebound.livejournal.com/1410041.html
Mirach · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
I always thought there were three eagles for Gandalf and the two hobbits... I didn't think that one was meant for Gollum, but now that I think about it, Gandalf really knew from Faramir that Gollum is Frodo's guide, so it would make sense... Poor Meneldor must have felt useless indeed! I'm glad he gets the chance to do something now, and that Radagast is not forgotten. Somehow all tales of the 4th Age are quiet about him... And I'm sure Eärendil is already looking forwards to the guest! =)
Author's reply
I thought long and hard about those eagles! The Professor was just vague enough for us to be able to interpret things in different ways, bless him. :)
Mirach · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
"Plain hobbit sense"! lol, when Sam arrives, there will be plenty of it indeed! I loved the hobbits' interaction with Gandalf, and now I'm really excited about Sam's journey, even if he maybe isn't. What a great company for Eärendil!
Author's reply
Thank you, Mirach! I'm having fun with this story. Sam deserves the very best, and Eärendil will enjoy this new experience. Hobbits make every journey more interesting. :)
Andrea · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
But although Sam lay insensible, still Eärendil knew that the ancient and powerful energy force emanating from the jewel he wore could penetrate both body and mind. What might come of this, he knew not. Very interesting! So, Sam may be aware of this fascinating journey after all? I very much liked the idea that letters were exchanged, especially the one from Galadriel to one of Durin's folk. I think I can guess what it contains :-) And I'm curious to find out more about Earendil's letter.
Author's reply
I honestly don't know if we'll be seeing Eärendil again, or his letter... the story will have to tell me what needs to be told! :) Sam may very well have a vague awareness of some of this. I'm looking forward to writing more, so we can all find out. Thank you, Andrea!
eiluj · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
I liked Meneldor's awareness that the fish "tasted of deep, strange waters that he would never see." Thank you for sending the letters. I have *always* felt these people don't get enough mail.... "Although Sam lay insensible, still Eärendil knew that the ancient and powerful energy force emanating from the jewel he wore could penetrate both body and mind. What might come of this, he knew not" -- Interesting. “I have seen your peaceful land,” he murmured to Sam in Westron, “and regret that we will not have speech together" -- Maybe later? And what a joyous ending! Though I don't review often, I always enjoy your stories.
Author's reply
Thank you for commenting, and I always appreciate knowing that you're enjoying the stories. It's such a pleasure to share them. Finally a bit of postal service between East and West. What fun to imagine it! What might come of this, he knew not. Still working that out, actually. :)
Cairistiona · 6 April 2010 · Chapter 4: Aiya Eärendil Elenion Ancalima!
I love Earendil's laughter! How delighted he must have been to make such a trip, and to get a letter besides. I wonder what that letter holds. :) Another beautifully written chapter. I enjoyed it immensely.
Author's reply
Thank you very much. I'm so happy you're enjoying this. If Eärendil's descendants -- especially Aragorn and Arwen -- had a chance to send a letter, I do wonder what they would say to such an illustrious and legendary figure!