To The End of His Days by GamgeeFest
Periantari · 29 March 2016 · Chapter 10: Midnight
oh what a sweet scene. :( I still didn't want Sam to leave Middle-earth at the end. Love the father daughter dynamic here.
Author's reply
Thank you. Sam may be leaving Middle-earth, but he's going on to his next great adventure.
Periantari · 29 March 2016 · Chapter 9: Fairbairns
“The Tale of Frodo the Ringbearer and Samwise the Stouthearted,” she says and smiles. She knows the story well. It will never be forgotten. *sniffs* so bittersweet. :(
Author's reply
*hands tissues* There, there. Not all tears are an evil.
Periantari · 29 March 2016 · Chapter 6: Journals
What a sweet gift and great description.
Author's reply
Thanks! Robin will get to pass on his father's stories for generations to come - and may be inspired to his own adventures. ;)
Periantari · 29 March 2016 · Chapter 5: Feast
It was always interesting for me to read how Sam prepared to leave Middle-earth and this is a good way to glimpse at what might've been.
Author's reply
Thanks, Peri. It was interesting for me too, both in conceiving and in writing it.
Lianna · 14 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
I really enjoyed reading this story. You gave Sam a fine last adventure that seemed very suitable for him. I liked the glimpses of the lives of the elves, too.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lianna. Sam had quite the adventure, and the elves won't forget it any time soon. :)
demeter d · 14 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
I am so glad this site lets us leave more than one review per chapter. I need a correction. When I commented on Elrond's reaction in "Everything You Needed to Know About Hobbits", The chapter I was thinking of hapCpens the night BEFORE the Fellowship leaves on the quest, not after. I could almost hear Elrond singing the popular song, " Closing Time"! Luck and Blessings to You!
Author's reply
LOL! I'm sure Elrond was sighing a big, sign of relief when the hobbits left and took the upheaval with them! ;D
Linda Hoyland · 14 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
I'm so sorry to hear that you are leaving. Wishing you all the best and hoping your Muses will return one day.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I will miss you all here terribly. Perhaps my Muses will return one day but for now, I think they're enjoying that green valley with Sam and the others. ;)
Lyana · 14 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
I think I've only commented once on one of your stories, but I've read many of them (perhaps all?) and have loved the world you created! Thank you for so many lovely hours in the Shire - you've created a very believable universe and made the characters come alive. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to enjoy your gift.
Author's reply
Hello, Lyana! I'm so glad you've enjoyed my stories. Thank you for your kind words.
FantasyFan · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
I'm very sorry you don't feel you can continue writing fanfiction, as I've loved your stories for years. But, you've got to do what fills you with joy, whatever that is. Please know that if you ever feel like coming back to the LOTR universe with your writing, you'll have a loyal fanbase waiting. And I hope you'll stick around so we hear from you now and then. Thank you so much for all your years of work, your insights and great ideas. They, and you, are much appreciated.
Author's reply
Thank you, FantasyFan! It's a decision I've been struggling with for the last three or four years. It's been harder and harder to keep up my enthusiasm for writing fan fic and it's time to finally move on. I'm sad to be leaving the fandom. It really has been an amazing experience, and you and others like you are a big reason why. I'll still be on LJ and I peek in at SF-Fandom every now and then. Hope to see you around!
Lovethosehobbits · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 42: Reunions
*SNIFF*
Author's reply
(hugs)
Lovethosehobbits · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
NOOOOO...we've lost so many wonderful LOTRers that it makes me want to cry. You will be so very missed. I wouldn't mind perusing your unfinished fics. I love to work my own ideas along side someone elses. Oh, I am so depressed right now....
Author's reply
The fandom has been waning over the last several years, but I'm sure The Hobbit movies will bring in a whole new generation of fan fic writers. You're on LJ, right? I've decided not to post any of the unfinished fics, at least not for public viewing, but if you want to IM me, we can work something out.
Andrea · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
What a pity! I will miss you and your stories. I enjoyed reading them a great deal, especially the funny ones like "Moon over Tookland". Thank you very much for a wonderful time and I wish you all the best!
Author's reply
Thank you! I've enjoyed your reviews and insights. Thanks for reading! If you're on LJ, look me up, same username as here. :D
harrowcat · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
Aw.....Linda. I will miss you and your wonderful tales. I haven't been the best of reviewers to anyone lately but I have been following along and this has been a fitting tribute to our heros. Keep in touch and, above all have fun wherever your muses take you. Thank you for all that your stories have meant to me and will continue to fill difficult hours.
Author's reply
Thank you, Liz. I will miss the fandom terribly, but it is time to move on. Take care of you and drop by at LJ every once in awhile to let us know what's going on. ((hugs))
Antane · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
What a bombshell! "You can't leave." Ah, farewell, my dear. Whither thou goest now? Namarie, God bless, Antane :) *more hugs*
Author's reply
I'm very sorry to leave, but it's been a struggle for a few years now to continue to write fan fic. I'll be concentrating on some original fics that I've been meaning to write. If you're on LJ, you're welcome to friend me there. Same username as here. :D ((hugs))
Antane · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 42: Reunions
What a lovely ending! Wonderful! Both halves of his heart in his arms again. Love Frodo's welcoming words and kiss. I have really enjoyed this series. Much more than I thought I would with Frodo not there to be with his brother, but it was delightful for Sam to be there by himself too. Namarie, God bless, Antane :) *hugs*
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Antane! Sam is reunited with all his loves once again. I am quite pleased with the way this turned out. I wasn't sure if I could pull it off. ;) Glad you enjoyed it. Namarie, friend! (hugs)
Andrea · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 42: Reunions
A perfect ending indeed! Thank you very much for this wonderful story :-)
Author's reply
Thank you, Andrea! I'm so glad you enjoyed the story.
Larner · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 42: Reunions
He has found his joy and the reunions that he so dearly needed. Joy indeed, to see his parents in the height of their delight and to find himself again beside his beloved friend and wife! Thank you for this, even if it's caused me to again shed tears on my own behalf.
Author's reply
He has indeed and it has healed him where he didn't even know he was torn and with no worries of being separated again. ((hugs)) You're most welcome. Thank you for your wonderful reviews.
Larner · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
I wept to read the final chapter, and in part because at this time I'm in a fragile state anyway. But to read that you are leaving the writing fandom--what can I say? I am in such grief! Good luck, Linda, and God bless you. May life remain fulfilling, and may your future writing bring you to that green valley!
Author's reply
(((hugs))) Sorry to cause you grief, dear Larner. But I'll still see you on LJ. :) Thank you so much!
shirebound · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 42: Reunions
I can hear in the music everything she is thinking and feeling, as she does with me, almost like we’re one soul. How utterly lovely. A perfect ending to a wonderful, wonderful story.
Author's reply
Sam is become one with those he loved - he truly is whole. :) Thanks, dear! I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
demeter d · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
Ohhhhhh! You will be missed. I have not ever been great shakes as a reviewer. But everything of yours I have read I have immensely enjoyed. Number Three Bagshot Row, Everything You Need To Know About Hobbits,(the image of Elrond after the bunch left, that alone is worth the whole story!)And, not least, "Moon Over Tookland"! And this last tale is just as I would have hoped Sam's time in Aman would have been if Frodo could not still have been there to share it with him.I especially like that he left a journal among the Elves, to keep alive the memory of Hobbits in the Undying Land, as well as the Red Book for we who are left on Middle Earth. Best of Luck in your next chapters of your Real Life! You will be leaving your stories up here at SOA for the foreseeable future, please? (Poses on knees like a begging puppy!) As time goes by, I enjoy going back and finding gems which I missed when they were new. I would very much like to continue to discover yours!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, demeter. I have enjoyed my time here and a lot of that is because of people like you. :) I liked the idea of going outside the norm on an Aman story and seeing what course Sam's life might take there if he were to be without Frodo. I actually don't think it would have been much different if Frodo had been there, except they'd leave together of course. And this way, Sam leaves a chronicle behind that I'm sure the Elves will treasure. I will be leaving all my stories here, no worries about that. They'll be here so long as the site is here.
Dreamflower · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 999999: Goodbye
*sniffle* I will miss you so much! I can't help but hope that someday you will wake up with your fic muse re-energized, because you have always been one of my favorites. I never knew what to expect when I started reading a new story from you, except that it would be fun and would likely include some interesting twists! I do hope you won't go away completely, and will be around on LJ to tell us what's up with your life, and that you might occasionally stop by to read a tale or two. (((((((((((((massive hugs)))))))))))))))
Author's reply
Thank you so much, DF! It's been hard coming to this decision and many years in the making, but it's time to move on. Never say never, right? So it's possible I might pop in with the occasional fic, but I can't make any promises at this point. I'll still be on LJ, don't worry, and I'm still following a couple of stories. (((((((((hugs back)))))))))))
Dreamflower · 13 November 2012 · Chapter 42: Reunions
A perfect ending to a perfect tale. What more can I say?
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Andrea · 12 November 2012 · Chapter 41: Elbereth
“Our adventures never end, Master Panthael. This is just the beginning.” How beautiful! Who could say after having passed away that there was nothing left to do? Sam received a very rare gift - and he deserved it!
Author's reply
Sam is not the type to leave things undone, and if he regretted anything in his life, he made sure he resolved it right away. That's our Sam, a rare hobbit indeed.
Larner · 12 November 2012 · Chapter 41: Elbereth
What a wonderful greeting! Yes, he's ready for this next adventure!
Author's reply
He is indeed and what an adventure it will be!
Dreamflower · 11 November 2012 · Chapter 41: Elbereth
This is such an appropriate chapter! I love Sam's instant recognition of Elbereth, not mistaking her for any other Valie. After all, he called upon her during the Quest, as did Frodo. You know, I was reminded of the song in "A Mid-Year's Walking Trip", which I am currently re-reading--and it seemed a very fitting thing to remember at this point in this story. Had you really been planning this for so long? The whole conversation about the stars and all seems like foreshadowing now.
Author's reply
Elbereth has been watching over Frodo and Sam, and they did both call upon her, and with Sam's fascination with the Elves growing up, I think he'd be equally fascinated by Elbereth as well, she being the most beloved by them. It wasn't foreshadowing, per se, just what I always felt would be what would happen when one passes, and that hasn't changed since I wrote that song. I can't even say I had it in the back of my mind while I was writing these chapters, and I certainly had no intentions of ever writing about Sam's death when I wrote AMYWT. Sam didn't even meet Earendil originally, but instead bypassed Vingilot altogether, getting a glimpse of him only. Now I wonder if Earendil did see Sam waving to him all those times. Perhaps that's why Earendil picked him up. :D So no intentional foreshadowing, just serendipity.