The Cusp of Victory by Kara's Aunty
Larner · 26 August 2010 · Chapter 9: Decisions
Well, one good bite deserves another? Sorry--couldn't resist that one. And the sacrifice turns out to be the one originally demanded, only the officiant changed. Quickly, Sam!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, *chuckles* You're quite the comedienne! I liked that. ... one good bite deserves another ... *snorts* But will the sacrifice really be the same as what it appears to be? Maybe. Maybe not ... Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Larner · 26 August 2010 · Chapter 8: Retaliation
What a turn of events! Turn, Sam--turn! Too bad Frodo's leg allows him at least this much movement!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, oh, I know, I know! But Sam couldn't have willingly inflicted more serious damage on Ring-Frodo because he knows his master is still in there somewhere. Which may have been a mistake ... Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear! M ;)
Larner · 26 August 2010 · Chapter 7: Anticipation
At least he has a plan and a means to accomplish it! And the thoughts on the magma below--they make me shiver!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, nasty magma, eh? Grr! Still, if it ends up destroying the Ring, it's all good. If it ends up destroying the Ring ... But Sam has a plan, so let's hope it's a good one, and that Sauron's Folly will melt before the hour is out! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear. Always a pleasure to hear from you! M ;)
Andrea · 26 August 2010 · Chapter 10: Alternatives
Very good! It would not have felt right if Sam had bitten Frodo's finger off like Gollum. At least Sam has remained the sensible hobbit he always was. (Not that Frodo is responsible for the state he is in! That's all the Ring's doing.) So, he's trying to use the Phial of Galadriel against the Ring? In the darkest of all places where Sauron's power is strongest? That is going to be very interesting!
Antane · 25 August 2010 · Chapter 9: Decisions
I knew Sam would think of something! Of course who knows where this will lead, but hopefully yet another way of evil defeating itself. The Ring indeed is glorying in all this and just waiting for the master to return. Namarie, God bless, your bloom :)
Author's reply
Hello Slugger! *sniggers* Sorry, couldn't resist ... But you're right: that nasty Ring is having the time of its miserable life, pitting the friends against each other - something it seems to enjoy doing, given Gollum's history. But will its devious machinations be enough to secure its survival until help arrives? Or has it actually been silly enough to underestimate the will of an irate Gamgee? Thanks for R & R-ing, Tooky bloom! Cousin Mo ;)
Andrea · 25 August 2010 · Chapter 9: Decisions
You did it again: two chapters for me to read ;-) And now I am confused. What is Sam going to do? A sacrifice? For Frodo or for Sam? Maybe even for both when the worst case happens! Gollum had a far better starting point to bite the Ring finger off...
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, isn't it great when you expect one chapter, but get two? I love it when that happens in a fic I'm reading! As for what Sam was (or wasn't) going to do; well, with the Ring that close to his mouth, let's just say he might be about to go all 'Gollum' on Frodo ... Which would definitely be a sacrifice on Frodo's part, losing his finger. And the sacrifice for Sam? Knowing he'd have to live with what he'd done to his beloved master for the rest of his life. *sniffle* Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear! M ;)
Antane · 24 August 2010 · Chapter 8: Retaliation
Ah, cousin dear, you are truly wicked with all these cliffhangers! :) Gotta love it. When I saw the title I was like "Oh, not good" and not good indeed. And I'm sure the Nazgul are well on their way. Love Sam's response to the demand to be released. I hope he can punch Ring-Frodo out, seeing that being the only way to stop his (R-F) insanity beside pushing him over the edge, but anything is going to be tricky now, though I'm sure Sam will think of something! Namarie, God bless, Your fearful but hopeful berry :)
Author's reply
Hello Tooky bloom, yes, I am a bit wicked, aren't I? And if you think this chapter was bad, wait until you read the next one ... *grin* And hark at you, wanting Sam to punch Ring-Frodo out, you bloodthirsty wench! You sound like your placing bets on a bar-room brawl (something which makes me guffaw heartily) ... Oh, my dear lass. You are so, so precious (in a non-One Ring sort of way). Glad you're enjoying the continued suspense. Thanks for R & R-ing, slugger! Cousin Mo ;)
Andrea · 19 August 2010 · Chapter 7: Anticipation
It seems I have missed a chapter. And what a chapter! So I'm right glad I could read this new one right after it. There is a glint of hope in the last sentences. Maybe Frodo is himself again and will recognise his Sam before the catastrophe. I dearly hope so!
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, Glad I could oblige you with twice the fun (if one can call Sam and Frodo's desperate struggle fun). And maybe Frod will recognise his Sam again. The question is: will it be too late? *evil cackles* Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Antane · 18 August 2010 · Chapter 7: Anticipation
Another cliffhanger! But of course... :) But not what I fully feared that Sam would either push Ring-Frodo over the edge or go over with him, which could still happen, and you are just drawing things out. Poor Sam. I do hope he is hearing the former and not the latter! Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Your berry and bloom who continues to wait upon some stroke of doom...
Author's reply
Hello m'dear, not what you fully feared, eh? *snigger* The story's not over yet, cousin mine, so you'll have to wait a wee bot longer for that stroke of doom! But I'll not to draw things out in the next chapter. I'll try... Thanks for R & R-ing, wee berry, Cousin Mo :)
Antane · 15 August 2010 · Chapter 6: Survival
Oh, man oh man, or I should say, oh hobbit oh hobbit! Wow! My dear, dear cousin, you have really outdone yourself here! I am in agony now from this (which of course I know you are loving like I am). Relief soon please - or more agony which is more likely I would think. I was quite horrified at this most desperate of steps Sam had to take and how much his heart must be breaking to have done it and am fearful for what is coming next *would bit fingernails if I had any left* Namarie, God bless, Your berry who stands in awe of the Mistress of Angst :)
Author's reply
Hello sweetie, Yes, I must admit I am loving the agony. Which makes me a very bad person! *grins* My poor Sam, what am I doing to him? And Frodo!! Well, it's Ring-Frodo, so I don't feel too bad there ... Still, they're really suffering here - and the tale's not nearly done yet! Who will survive? Who will not ...? Stay tuned to find out ;) Thanks for R & R-ing, and auf wiederlesen, mein schatz! Cousin Mo x
cookiefleck · 14 August 2010 · Chapter 6: Survival
Eeek! I like stories in which Sam is self-sacrificing and hell-bent to do whatever it takes to destroy the ring after Frodo claims it (I have several stories in that genre bookmarked already). Am very interested to see where you take this...
Author's reply
Hello cookiefleck, wow, are there really several stories in this genre? Excellent! Where are they? Can you send me the details? I'd love to read what other author's have done with this premise! Glad you're enjoying so far, m'dear. Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
Larner · 13 August 2010 · Chapter 6: Survival
What has to be done, has to be done. I'm glad he was able to hurt Frodo preparatory to saving him. Alas!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Alas indeed. As you say, it has to be done; Sam appears to have accepted that, however unhappily. But, he is resolute in his intention to save Frodo from the Ring's influence. The only question is, how far is he prepared to go? Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
cookiefleck · 13 August 2010 · Chapter 5: Insurgency
Good job of creating drama, tension!
Author's reply
Hello cookiefleck, always lovely to hear from you :o) So you're enjoying the AU scenario in Mordor, eh? Excellent! These chapters are supposed to be anywhere between 100-450 words max - a challenge I've set myself to do a whole fic in drabbles (or multiples of drabbles). As you can see, I've still not posted one with that elusive 100-word mark yet; I can't seem to nail a true drabble *sighs* Never mind, if it entertains, it's all good, right? Thanks very much for R & R-ing, M :)
Larner · 12 August 2010 · Chapter 5: Insurgency
It does appear that the Ring likes to see others deprived of breath! Aack! Now--to somehow deprive Ring-Frodo of this horrible thing and get Frodo and himself out of there!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, do you know, I completely forgot about that! Of course you have a point: Smeagol choked Deagol too, didn't he? *shivers* Gosh, what an awful coincidence. Wish I'd remembered that before I wrote this chapter - I'd never have put it in otherwise. Although, maybe it's not such a bad thing: the parallels between two different sets of best friends - separated by a span of five hundred years - reacting in exactly the same way as they struggle for the Ring ... well, it's a fitting irony, I suppose. Glad you got caught up in the drama of it all! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :) P.S. - I have read all the wonderful reviews you've left for me on the MEFA website, and I will reply to them. Thanks very much for your valued support, m'dear :o)
Andrea · 12 August 2010 · Chapter 5: Insurgency
Oh my! That was inevitable, I fear! Ring-Frodo has only eyes for his Precious! How can Sam reach him before it is too late - for both of them? I know that YOU know the answer. But, of course, you won't tell it yet ;-)
Author's reply
Hello Andrea! It was pretty inevitable. Sniffle. And now Sam's going to have to pull something spectacular out of the bag to compensate for Gollum's absence at this most crucial of moments. But what will he do? Er, I'll let you know that as soon as I know it ('cos I'm actually not sure myself yet - I'm making this all up as I go along ...) Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Antane · 11 August 2010 · Chapter 5: Insurgency
Oh, this is not good, but I'm sure a way out will be found, right? And don't think I can't hear your evil laugh either! A friend of mine listening to the BBC Radio adaptation of Frodo's meltdown in the Tower (my favorite scene in that program since it's so powerful) thinks he hears Frodo choking Sam then but I don't hear it and neither does the one who introduced me to it and got me addicted to listening to it (just finished my 26th listen, I think, I might be beginning to lose count). Have you listened to that entire masterpiece? What do you think? Namarie, God bless, Your berry who is biting her nails in fretfulness and hoping to have relief soon! :)
Author's reply
Hello berry, moi? Laugh evilly? You wound me! I'll admit to no more than a mischievous grin ... Gosh, you've listened to the BBC Radio adaptation 26 times?. Blimey, you're ahead of me. But no, m'dear, I can't remember hearing any choking sounds in the Tower. Of course, I wasn't particularly listening fora ny, so I'll keep my ears peeled next time. As for Frodo and Sam's face-off in the Sammath Naur, I'll get another chapter up asap. Just for you! Thanks for R & R-ing, your cous, Mighty Mo :)
Antane · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 4: Dilemma!
My dear cousin! How splendid to see you back after so long...it's a wonder that I haven't perished from all the smoke, fumes and heat from all this waiting for another glorious cliff-hanger. Love it, love it, love it! Come back sooner! The sooner you come back, the better I'll be pleased. Namarie, God bless, Your happy bloom and berry, who hopes to get to your other story soon! :)
Author's reply
Hello, sweet kin of mine, you do yourself an injustice, m'dear; you are far too mentally strapping to perish at the hands of a mere cliffhanger. No cousin of mine worth her salt could ever be daunted by the thought of patiently awaiting a literary rope that will pull her back to safety (before chucking her back off said cliff again). And so it follows that neither can you. Wipe the soot from your brow and laugh in the face of danger, Took that you are! Say 'Ha! Take that, you unspeakable cad! Watch and tremble in fear as I sit in patient expectation for the next instalment that you would so wickedly keep me waiting for!' *wink* I am glad you're enjoying Sam's torment so much (bad lass that you are). And because your review made me laugh so much, I'll endeavour to give you another chapter this weekend. You can't say fairer than that ... Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Andrea · 2 August 2010 · Chapter 4: Dilemma!
Dilemma indeed! But Sam found a way around it by changing his perspective (literally). That's at least a good starting point. But can he see it through?
Author's reply
Hello m'dear Andrea! Yup - I think that's the only way he could have brought himself to try to save Frodo before it was too late. Or maybe it already IS too late ... *gasp* Let's hope not! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
Larner · 2 August 2010 · Chapter 4: Dilemma!
I'd feared this! But can he do what Gollum did?
Author's reply
Hello Larner, very good question indeed! How far is Sam prepared to go to save his master? And will Frodo realise that Sam means HIM no harm - or is he now too consumed by the Ring to care? Deary, deary me; what a fix our lads are in! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Antane · 6 June 2010 · Chapter 3: Sammath Naur
Ah, my cousin dear! Another cliffhanger! Now what is Sam going to do? But you know I love them. *bows to the mistress of them in humble appreciation* Namarie, God bless, Your bloom :)
Author's reply
Hello little bloom, yes, I do know you love them! And I'm not going to tell you what Sam does. Not yet, at least ... Merci buckets for R & R-ing, Wee Cousin Mac. PS, have I thanked you for nominating three of my fics for MEFA's yet? If not, forgive me for being so remiss, and THANK YOU!!!
Larner · 6 June 2010 · Chapter 3: Sammath Naur
And without Gollum to actually take the Ring into the Fire--can Sam do what needs to be done to save not only his Master but all of Middle Earth from the Ring?
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Ah, a very good question. Would Sam really endanger his Ring-crazed master to save Middle Earth? Or would the thought of harming even an 'evil' Frodo be too much for him to bear? Time will tell ... Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
Andrea · 5 June 2010 · Chapter 3: Sammath Naur
All was lost. Or was it? That's the most important question! I really hope that you (and Sam) can save Middle-Earth without killing Frodo!!! You wouldn't do that, would you ;-)
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, what - me kill Frodo? Heavens, I'd never do that. I wouldn't! I think ... *evil grin* Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Antane · 30 May 2010 · Chapter 2: Aftermath
Another great little section, my dear! So glad to read more! I have a sneaking feeling that this is not going to turn out well though which will make it more fun... *insert somewhat guilty, evil laugh* Namarie, God bless, Your happy berry :)
Author's reply
Hello berry, so sorry to reply so late. Real life and all! I hope this fic delivers all the fun you anticipate, you naughty, naughty Took! Btw: thanks very much for the MEFA nominations. Gosh, 2 years in a row! You are too kind (though Frodo and Sam might dispute that). Thanks for R & R-ing, Wee Mac x
Andrea · 30 May 2010 · Chapter 2: Aftermath
“What’s done is done,” he whispered That's the right attitude! Don't think of what might have been, think about the here-and-now. Sam has still an important task to do. I just don't know how he will manage it...
Author's reply
Hello m'dear! You said: Sam has still an important task to do. I just don't know how he will manage it... Me neither, cousin. Me neither. But I better think of something fast ... *chuckle* Sam will rise to the occassion, no doubt. He always does. Though how the demise of Gollum will affect the overall outcome of the Quest at this stage is anyone's guess (except mine, of course, 'cos I know what's going to happen next). *evil grin* Thanks for R & R-ing, Tooky bloom! Wee Mac :)
Larner · 30 May 2010 · Chapter 2: Aftermath
Definitely a moment of shock. Now--how will the moment within the Sammath Naur go? Not well at all, I fear.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, your fear may be well-founded indeed, but only time will tell. Though hopefully not too much. In fact, I'll get the next installment up asap! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)