Starship by shirebound
6336 · 3 March 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Ah, Sam is a very sneaky Hobbit. What a neat way to get Sam up to Vingilot, a bit hard to bring a 'Starship' into a dock in Mithlond! More please, Lynda
Author's reply
Thanks, Lynda. This premise may not be *likely*, but it's certainly *possible*. It's been so interesting to work out the details. Thanks for reading! :)
Cairistiona · 2 March 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
I'm so glad to finally get back to reading this tale. This chapter was wonderful--I love the Elladan is the brother that showed up and will be accompanying Sam. I have no idea why but Elladan's always been my favorite (don't tell Elrohir!). I love, too, the detail about one brother always staying at Aragorn's side. What a picture of loyalty and brotherly devotion! I'm so enjoying Sam getting his moment to shine in this story. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
It's funny about those brothers... sometimes I'm inspired to use one, and sometimes the other. We really do see them as individuals. The spotlight is truly on Sam here, and it's a pleasure to focus on him. I'm so happy you're enjoying this. And I think you'll *really* enjoy Chapter 3. :)
grumpy · 28 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
I like what they have choosen for Sam to travel in. Very sneaky way that Sam came up with to tell the twins apart.
Author's reply
Sneaky, clever, practical Sam! It's fun to shine a spotlight on him for this story. Glad you like it. :)
lbilover · 27 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Oh, oh, I love this! So imaginative and such a wonderful way to get Sam to the West. When he burst into tears at hearing Frodo was alive and well, I almost did, too. I love how everyone, west and east and in between, is honoring Sam by helping him sail, and I love that Sam is as curious and eager and practical as ever. I can't wait for the next chapter. Thank you!
Author's reply
I'm so delighted that you like this! Writing about Frodo and Sam being healed, safe, and treasured heals something in me, too. If the ban against mortals coming to live in the West was set aside for a precious few, surely their journeys would be monitored and safeguarded. Yay for fanfic, where we can explore all the happy ways this reunion can take place. :)
inzilbeth · 27 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Oh Shirebound, I really think you've excelled yourself in this chapter. The first two paragraphs alone were beautifully written and it's quite obvious that a great deal of thought has gone into all the details of this chapter. I now see why you were wondering about the third eagle but in the context of your story the solution is so obvious. I love your Sam and Elladan together; they're perfect!
Author's reply
Yes, this is why I was trying to explore a canon possibility that one of the eagles was left "empty handed" at Mt. Doom. Isn't it lovely when Sam can interact with his beloved Elves? :) Thank you so much for the lovely compliments! I really have been thinking about this for months, and am still working out the rest of the details.
Larner · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
What a wonderful blessing! And I'm so glad his children and grandchildren draw close about him! Now--to see the flight made!
Author's reply
I was just delighted to realize that there might just be another way to sail West. Sam's life has been full and rich... now for a most special and honored journey!
Larner · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Awakening so and to such good news--for him, at least.... At least he knows the pleasure of anticipation now! And he has known the healing he so needed.
Author's reply
This is the Frodo I imagine in the West... contented, busy and productive, watched over by friends, full of life, and still brimming with curiosity and wonder.
curiouswombat · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
You asked my brother to call you Sam, but never said such to me Brilliant! Clever Samwise - clever Shirebound, too. How lovely to see Elladan here to help him on his way.
Author's reply
Sam was very clever indeed. :) It was interesting figuring out who should be the messenger sent to him. Glad you like the choice!
Andrea · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
“It’ll be like being inside Mr. Frodo’s star glass!” I love Sam's excitement about his voyage! Just like the little hobbit lad who could not hear enough stories about Elves! And I liked the idea that Meneldor will carry him to Vingilot. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
His excitement *is* truly child-like, which is a quality I like to think lies in wait (along with courage) in the heart of every hobbit, no matter how old. I don't believe Sam would have chosen to leave his home and family had some part of him not felt restless, and, like Bilbo and Frodo, being with Elves should help him find peace and healing. Thank you so much for reading! :)
cookiefleck · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
What a great chapter! So many nice things to mention that my comments will be longer than the story if I don't self-edit. I got a huge chuckle out of the way Sam tells the twins apart, and I always get a kick out of Sam prefacing elves' names with "Mr." I am very pleased that Sam is being according this great honor and like the idea of the star shining brighter in the sky for all to notice as it wends its way toward the Shire. Most of all I like that, in this story, time has left naught but loving traces on Sam's face and that his spirit is undiminished despite his advanced years.
Author's reply
time has left naught but loving traces on Sam's face I just love how you say that. The Professor gave us so much to work with, and opened up so many possibilities. Who's to say what ripples through the Shire the Lady's gift might have made over time? I'm so pleased that you're enjoying this. What a joy to give Sam a special send-off from Middle-earth.
Dreamflower · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
What a wonderful honor for Sam! I really love the little revelations you make in this, such as how slyly Sam's managed to tell the twins apart all these years, and that one of them is always attendant on their younger brother in his kingly duties, and that Arwen is aware of Frodo. Any of these ideas are sweet little bunnies deserving of their own stories! And I just love how Sam's wonder and love for all things Elven is still shining though!
Author's reply
Thank you for highlighting those details; I'm so glad they all seem believable. *beams* Who knows, maybe other folks will get nibbled by these bunnies. :) Dear Sam. It's such fun to bring him this news, and set his heart at rest regarding Frodo... and whether or not he would actually be permitted to sail West after all.
Grey Wonderer · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
Oh, I love this idea! It is perfect for Sam. I am enjoying Sam's lack of fear. He is just thrilled with it all and seems to think each new detail is amazing. I laughed at his method for telling the twins apart. That was very clever indeed! Can't wait for more of this.
Author's reply
Sam has come a long way in his life, and has learned to adapt to quite unusual situations. You never know when an Adventure will come knocking at your door, or come walking into the Party Field. :) I like that idea of telling the twins apart, too. *grins*
Sila Lumenn · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
You always come up with the best stories! I just love how your brain works. :-) I actually got a little misty reading chapter one and seeing Bilbo and Frodo so content with their lives. Can't wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
My hobbit-soaked brain thanks you! :) Our hobbits find peace and happiness in the West... for me, that's the way it will always be.
utfrog · 26 February 2010 · Chapter 2: Time in a Bottle
This is most interesting! Very different idea and like all your stories, very well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, I appreciate that. It's getting challenging to come up with an idea that may not have been tried before!
lovethosehobbits · 23 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Eee...what a fantastic premise. You are brilliant. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Awww, thank you so much! I hope to have chapter 2 posted by the end of the week.
Baggins Babe · 16 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
How wonderful - a new Shirebound story! What an amazing idea - Sam ferried to the West by the Master Mariner himself (even if he is asleep for most of the journey). I loved all the banter between Gandalf and Frodo, Frodo's emotion at the thought that the Powers were doing so much to bring about the reunion, and his frustration - "And who will explain it to me?” Frodo asked in good-natured frustration, causing Gandalf to chuckle quietly. Like the rest of us, Gandalf has entwined his heart and life with hobbits! Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Gandalf's life would be so dull without hobbits with whom to banter, wouldn't it? :) I think a lot of Frodo's healing would come from returning to a simple and fulfilling "hobbit life", as well as realizing that he accomplished something of great worth such that he's honored and treasured. What a joy to write about it. Thank you for reading, BB! I'll try to get chapter 2 ready as soon as I can.
lbilover · 15 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Ooh, such an intriguing premise! I can't wait to read about Sam's journey and how it is all worked out. And I love the affectionate, teasing relationship between Gandalf and Frodo, and love the image of Frodo slightly freckled and with laugh lines at the corners of his eyes. *happy* Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Frodo would only get more 'fair' with age, don't you think? I like to imagine hi maturing into a blend of the best of hobbit and elf. This is such a fun premise to be playing with. And there can never be enough affectionate teasing between Gandalf and 'his hobbits'. *glee* Thank you for reading!
Armariel · 14 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Ohhh a new Shirebound story...and about "the Reunion"! I love seeing other people's takes on that! This looks very interesting..........:):):):):)
Author's reply
Thanks for coming along on a new adventure, Armariel. I love "the Reunion" as well, and there are so many ways we can imagine it.
harrowcat · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
'A first class ticket into the West'! Ooh, ooh, where can I buy one? Oh, well.....we get to tag along free thanks to the good offices of Shirebound and Co. Looking forward to much more of this.
Author's reply
Thanks, Harrowcat! Aren't we lucky to be able to travel West with the hobbits, if only through our imaginations? I have my own vision of their life there, and never tire of trying to fill in the details... or even veering off in slightly unusual directions.
Grey Wonderer · 13 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
An adventure for Sam! I like this idea very much. Now, I just wonder what Sam will think about it. I will be anxiously awaiting more of this. I love your description of Frodo by the way. I like that he is still looking younger than he should and once again full of energy and questions.
Author's reply
Yes, dear Sam gets his own Adventure. Bless the Professor for being so ambiguous about how he got to the West! My vision of Frodo in the Blessed Realm is that he regains the simple joys of being a hobbit, whie adapting to a land that also strengthens the unusual gifts that began to manifest before he left Middle-earth. It's fun to explore this. Thank you so much for reading! :)
Antane · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
How exciting for Frodo that his brother is coming at last! And lovely to see that he has laugh crickles and that he talks to Sam as if he were there which in a way he is because they are so connected heart and soul and that Bilbo is still with him - how that will amaze or overjoy Sam! Love his teasing of Gandalf about good morning and Gandalf's response. So many have their hearts entwined around hobbits. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Aren't we the lucky ones, to have our hearts so entwined? Yes, these dearest of friends will be joined again soon, and be able to spend many happy, peaceful years together. I simply won't have it any other way. :)
Gentle Hobbit · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Oh my.... What a thought... Sailing in the stars with Earendil! But then Sam won't be able to experience it. How sad! Like as not, he'd be terrified at being so high up. Being asleep would be the best thing, probably.
Author's reply
Sam is about to experience some joyful events, but he *will* be asleep during the passage through the skies. I agree, he probably would be quite terrified if he wasn't!
Inzilbeth · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Oh, Shirebound, you do create a lovely, homely image of Tol Eressea. Gandalf and Frodo together are simply perfect. I can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Awwww, thank you. I don't think the Blessed Realm would be a place of healing for Frodo (and others) unless they felt that it was welcoming and 'homely'. I'm so pleased you like this.
Andrea · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
“Sailing through the sky,” Frodo murmured, shaking his head in wonder. Wow! What a great idea! I can't wait to read more! I loved the conversation between Gandalf and Frodo which shows how fond those two are of each other. And I'm glad that "the great beings" found such a unique way for Sam to travel. I wonder *who* will give him instructions.
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Andrea. I don't know where this idea even came from, but I'm running with it. Sam will find out about the Grand Plan in the next chapter. I think this is going to be fun. :)
cookiefleck · 12 February 2010 · Chapter 1: One Fine Day On Tol Eressëa
Clapping my hands at the advent of a new story from you featuring Sam. Love the title! It's always been one of my own personal fantasies to travel among the stars so I am glad Sam will be accorded this special opportunity even though not awake. Thanks and I wlll be eagerly awaiting the next chapter!
Author's reply
I was hoping you'd enjoy the premise of this one, Cookie! From the next chapter on, it will be a Samstravaganza. He deserves first-class ticket into the West. :)