To The End of His Days by GamgeeFest
Antane · 11 November 2012 · Chapter 41: Elbereth
An interesting chapter! It reminded me of the arrival into heaven in the last Narnia book for some reason. What a happy, easy, peaceful death. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've never read the Narnia books besides the first one, but I'm flattered by the comparison nonetheless! Thank you! Sam deserves the most gentle of passings, and he accepted it.
shirebound · 11 November 2012 · Chapter 41: Elbereth
This is a truly beautiful story. Thank you for this gentle and peaceful transition.
Author's reply
You're most welcome. It's been such a joy to write this through Sam's eyes.
curiouswombat · 11 November 2012 · Chapter 41: Elbereth
Oh - a lovely chapter. So good to think Sam feels he has nothing left undone, nothing regretted - and is ready to continue his journey.
Author's reply
I can't see Sam as one to live with regrets or to let things go undone. That's not our Sam. Anything he felt was important enough, he'd make sure he saw to it as soon as possible, which is ultimately why he did have to sail. He had much left to do and see, even if he didn't know it. Now he's ready to continue.
Andrea · 11 November 2012 · Chapter 40: Dreaming
You create beautiful images in this chapter and the chapter before! No, Sam is not dreaming. This is the start of his last adventure. And he is not alone, but has the best guide at his side one could wish for!
Author's reply
Thank you! Sam will soon find he is waking up, in the best possible way! He has earned his passage and his guides are just as honored to have him as he is to be in their presences.
Dreamflower · 11 November 2012 · Chapter 40: Dreaming
Lovely! Once more you find the most marvelous imagery, and manage to capture Sam's poetic side, while still keeping his voice in character.
Author's reply
Thank you, DF! I wasn't sure if I could pull this off in Sam's voice, but he's been a marvelous and astute narrator. Must be all those years of practice telling his children bedtime stories. :D
Antane · 10 November 2012 · Chapter 40: Dreaming
I'm glad he fun with all those fireworks and had his glimpse in the palantir. Now I wonder what this dream that is not a dream is about. I hope if he is passing, that he will see his brother again at last! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Sam has enjoyed his time and took full advantage of his home amongst the Elves. Now it is time for a new adventure to begin!
shirebound · 9 November 2012 · Chapter 40: Dreaming
This gives me chills (good ones). If this is Sam's final adventure (or the beginning of new ones, unlooked for), it couldn't be more gentle and marvelous.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! Sam is about to discover that some roads never end - only alter their courses.
Larner · 9 November 2012 · Chapter 40: Dreaming
Earendil and Elwing both--he has wonderful accommodations as he makes his final voyage! No, no dream--waking up fully at last!
Author's reply
I'm sure they were both honored to escort one of the most famousest of hobbits to his true home. :D
Larner · 8 November 2012 · Chapter 39: Fireworks
A splendid way to pass from this life, and of course much as I've imagined it!
Author's reply
It certainly is, and they'll know that he was happy when he went.
Larner · 8 November 2012 · Chapter 38: Yule
There will be little enough needed to be left here when he goes on, at least. And with a Hobbit hosting the feast, or course no corners will go unfilled!
Author's reply
Precisely. He'd want to at least make sure that those things that are most important/useful are given to someone who could most appreciate them. And no hobbit would allow his guests to go home without a bursting stomach!
Lyana · 7 November 2012 · Chapter 39: Fireworks
I haven't commented on this story yet, but I have so enjoyed the gentle, deliberate, melancholy tone of it - it feels just like Sam to me. The imagery has been lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you're enjoying the story. Sam is a great voice to write in: he's observant and practical but has his moments of poetry and insight as well.
Dreamflower · 6 November 2012 · Chapter 39: Fireworks
Oh my!! *amazed sigh*
Author's reply
:D Thanks!
shirebound · 6 November 2012 · Chapter 39: Fireworks
I felt like I was there with Sam, earthbound and soaring all at once.
Author's reply
Sam is having a magical night. :D
shirebound · 3 November 2012 · Chapter 38: Yule
It makes my heart happy that the elves are so willing to make Sam feel at home. I know that he would be delighted to plan such a feast and celebration for his new friends.
Author's reply
The elves would have done the same for Frodo, no doubt. And who could say no to a feast? ;)
Lianna · 3 November 2012 · Chapter 38: Yule
I wonder what kind of barbecue sauce elves serve with their slow-roasted pork.
Author's reply
I bet it's awesome! :D
shirebound · 2 November 2012 · Chapter 37: Snow
What a wonderful story. I'm slowly catching up, and finding such peace in Sam's quiet joy and contentment.
Author's reply
Sam is truly at peace now and Aman has fulfilled its promise: he is healed.
Andrea · 2 November 2012 · Chapter 37: Snow
Yes, snow is the perfect image for a new beginning. The next adventure? Will he go on already? I think the elves would be glad to know a little more about hobbits.
Author's reply
Snow may be the perfect image for new beginnings, but winter is also traditionally the season of endings. But then, you can't have one without the other. The Elves will enjoy his tales for many generations to come.
Lianna · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 37: Snow
Sam may be ready to go and join Rosie, but I feel bad for the elves if his life ends soon. He is the last hobbit they will ever know. Have they learned as much as they need to know about his people? This is their last chance.
Author's reply
The Elves would certainly love to enjoy his company longer, but they would also be happy that he has gone on to whatever next adventure is awaiting him. It's doubtful they'll learn all about Hobbits from his stories, but as Gandalf said, you can learn everything you need to know about their ways in a month and after a hundred years, they'll still surprise you in a pinch. Between Sam's stories (and Frodo's and Bilbo's) and the stories of those who have known them personally, they'll learn quite a lot.
Andrea · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 36: Home
Life goes on in Middle Earth and Sam can be sure that his family and friends are well and happy. The last moment, however is like the closing of a circle. The view from the tower and the view Rose had in her dreams are the same. Samwise (wise indeed!) sums this up in one sentence: They’re happy and I’m ready.
Author's reply
Sam can put any lingering doubts to rest now, and knowing that his Rose did see this magical land will lift the last weight from his shoulders. He truly is ready.
Lindelea · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 37: Snow
"...if anyone reads this." Ah, Sam, I think you underestimate yourself and your stories. But then, you always did. Except for a brief moment, under the influence of the Ring, but your good sense soon reasserted itself. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Sam is ever self-deprecating. Of course, others will read it and they'll enjoy his tales and retell them, just as the Red Book. The day-to-day adventures of living are just as important as the history of the ring, if not more so, and the Elves will certainly be able to appreciate his stories for what they are.
Lindelea · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 36: Home
Ahhhh. Pretty close to what I'd imagined he'd see. A last glimpse of those he loved, to see them going about their everyday lives, happy, peaceful, contented, and safe. (And that last glimpse -- I'm glad he finally saw it from the right perspective.)
Author's reply
Sam was able to see his treasures one last time and assure himself once and for all that they are in fact going on without him, just as he'd hoped and expected. But the true glimpse came at the end. That will bring him more comfort than he could have hoped for.
Lindelea · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 35: Masterstone
One glimpse? If anyone could use it well, I'd think it would be Sam, repository of good, solid sense and long experience. (But... just one?)
Author's reply
Oh, Sam most definitely will get the most he can out of his look through the seeing stone. But don't worry - one it truly all he'll need.
Dreamflower · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 37: Snow
How lovely! I could just see the pristine snow-covered Shire through Sam's eyes! I am sure that the Elves would love to know more of the Shire and the land that produced such humble heroes. BTW, just finished re-reading "Distractions" on my Nook last night! That was such a fun story--but it was also thought-provoking, which I noticed even more this time around!
Author's reply
The Elves will have many stories to enjoy and learn all they ever wanted to know about hobbits. ;) Thanks, dear! I'm glad it holds up to a second reading. :D That one was a lot of fun to write.
Larner · 1 November 2012 · Chapter 37: Snow
Ah, the greatest adventure of all, and the renewal of all that has been! Reunion with those he has loved and those who are waiting to meet him for the first (maybe) time is coming, and he will learn his true being.
Author's reply
He will indeed. Sam has had many adventures, but the greatest of all is yet to come.
Larner · 30 October 2012 · Chapter 36: Home
Bless them all, and even the absent Rosie, whose own prescience was active more than once and who left him the picture. He knows he was loved and awaited here, and that he's loved and awaited there as well.
Author's reply
Being able to see his family and friends going about their day to day business without him helped him set aside those final, lingering doubts he had about leaving them.