To The End of His Days by GamgeeFest
Andrea · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 30: Respite
Sometimes leaving is the most courageous thing you can do. Frodo did so. Twice. Wise words indeed! And she is so right!
Author's reply
She is indeed and got right to the crux of Sam's issue. He'll have a hard time justifying calling himself a coward now. :)
Andrea · 14 October 2012 · Chapter 29: Commiserating
And now we know it for certain: Even elves have lint :-) But how can Samwise the Stouthearted be a coward?
Author's reply
Yes, even Elves can't get away from lint. :P Sam isn't, of course, just being overly harsh on himself. Galadriel will straighten him out. :)
Dreamflower · 13 October 2012 · Chapter 30: Respite
What a beautiful conversation! Galadriel knows that leaving was the best thing for her to do, even though she left Celeborn behind. And she knows Sam's situation was much different than the Gaffer's: he had young children depending on him; Sam's are grown and flown. And I hope that he takes her wisdom to heart.
Author's reply
And for Galadriel, we know that the coming was just as difficult as the leaving. She couldn't be sure what kind of reception she would receive. And Sam really can't compare his situation to Gaffer's, which I'm sure he'll come to realize now that he's had all this out.
Antane · 13 October 2012 · Chapter 30: Respite
I love Galadriel's wisdom! Indeed that sums up Frodo's journeys. It was much harder for him to leave than Sam and Sam is no coward either. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Comparing him to Frodo was the best way to get Sam to realize that there is no cowardice in leaving ME. No way would Sam ever consider Frodo a coward, and if Frodo isn't, then Sam isn't either. :)
shirebound · 13 October 2012 · Chapter 30: Respite
I'm greatly enjoying these gentle, healing conversations.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! Sam needed this conversation, and I'm sure that Galadriel benefitted from it as well. :)
Larner · 13 October 2012 · Chapter 30: Respite
Indeed she is wise! He could not unburden himself to a more appropriate person.
Author's reply
She undoubtedly knew that he needed this talk and hoped he would follow her. He'll be able to put those doubts aside now.
Larner · 11 October 2012 · Chapter 29: Commiserating
Her words are so wise, but of course he has regrets--it's part of the nature of those of us who are incarnate, I suspect.
Author's reply
Indeed. It's hard not to have regrets and while Sam has very few, he still has some. He's talking to the right person about regrets. Galadriel would understand them in a way even Sam can't fully appreciate.
Antane · 11 October 2012 · Chapter 29: Commiserating
Coward?! Sam?! Hope you won't keep us hanging too long to find out why in the Four Farthings he thinks such a thing! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It is hard to imagine why Sam would ever think that of himself. Certainly, no one else ever would. You're wait is now over. ;)
Dreamflower · 11 October 2012 · Chapter 29: Commiserating
“Do you know what I miss most?” she asks as I’m about to leave. “Nay, Lady.” “How he always picked at the lint on his robes when he was bored. It always annoyed me.” “Elves have lint?” Oh, that's a hoot and a half! *grin* But I do love this conversation. They both need it. Yet I can't think that Sam's ever been a coward, so I wonder why HE thinks so...I am anxious to see his answer.
Author's reply
:D Even the ethereal and majestic Elves must deal with such mundanities as lint. They are both certainly missing their loves. It must have felt good for both of them to be able to talk about them with someone who could understand that loss.
shirebound · 11 October 2012 · Chapter 29: Commiserating
“The amount of time is not what matters, but how that time is spent. Did you love her well, Master Panthael, and did she know it?” That's it in a nutshell, isn't it?
Author's reply
It is, and she most certainly did know how well she was loved, as Sam knew how well she loved him.
Andrea · 10 October 2012 · Chapter 28: Letters
So that was the promise Sam made! To Galadriel, Celebrian and Elrond it must be a great treasure. They can read about their (great-)grandchildren growing older as if they were living in "writing distance" to Aragorn and Arwen and frequently receiving letters. A wonderful idea.
Author's reply
Indeed, it is a great treasure to them, something that will bring them comfort and joy for years to come.
shirebound · 9 October 2012 · Chapter 28: Letters
What wonderful gifts. Dear Sam, gathering these up over the years for just such a day as this one.
Author's reply
Sam would understand how much this meant to everyone. It made the idea of sailing less daunting.
Larner · 9 October 2012 · Chapter 28: Letters
Yes, I'm certain he would bring such correspondence! Perfect!
Author's reply
He's a regular posthobbit now, of the most precious missives! ;)
harrowcat · 9 October 2012 · Chapter 28: Letters
What a wonderful gift for this sundered family.
Author's reply
Indeed it is. They will find much comfort in those letters and mementos.
Dreamflower · 9 October 2012 · Chapter 28: Letters
I can see why a promise like that would help see someone like Sam through his grief, and give him the courage to sail even when he is not expecting to be reunited with his friend. Family means so much to hobbits that Sam would want to do all he could for these friends, to bring word of their doings across the Sundering Sea to their loved ones. I'm glad everything arrived and that he was able to keep that promise at last.
Author's reply
Sam did indeed want to do this task for his dear friends. Were he in their position (which he is now, actually) he'd certainly want some reassurance of his family's happiness. And I'm sure there were many times over the years he wished he could get word to Frodo of the goings on in the Shire. He'd never dream of not doing this for his friends once the opportunity presented itself.
Dreamflower · 8 October 2012 · Chapter 27: Traveling
This is such a wonderful adventure for Sam. I'm so glad he sees the "far green shore"!
Author's reply
Sam will remember this moment always. To see Valinor from this vantage point would be a wonder beyond his wildest dreams.
Larner · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 27: Traveling
Oh, yes--Frodo would indeed have loved this place, I think!
Author's reply
I think it would have marked a turning point in Frodo's healing to see Valinor. It would have been cathartic if nothing else.
Larner · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 26: Fishing
Ah, what a day they're having! Yes, Frodo would wish Sam to enjoy himself in such a manner, and with those who knew him and would be willing to help Sam to overcome his prejudices against water!
Author's reply
Frodo would be most pleased to see Sam enjoying himself on a boat! The more he goes out on it, the more at ease he'll be. :)
Antane · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 27: Traveling
How neat that even if he cannot stand with his brother, he at least can go to the same places. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed it is. Sam can still feel connected to Frodo (and Bilbo) even if he is no longer there.
Andrea · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 27: Traveling
“I see a far, green shore.” Perfectly said, Sam! Like Bilbo and Frodo before him, he will never forget this moment! Valinor!
Author's reply
No, he never will. It will be with him always now.
Andrea · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 26: Fishing
Great, Sam's fear of water is nearly gone! Spending time with those fascinating twins seems to work very well as a distraction ;-)
Author's reply
Sam may still not care for water, but his deep aversion to it has at least subsided. The twins, being the Elf equivalent of his grandson's age, are a perfect distraction for him. ;)
shirebound · 7 October 2012 · Chapter 27: Traveling
Oh, that gave me chills! I don't ever want this story to end.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! Sam is certainly seeing wonders he never imagined. :)
Antane · 4 October 2012 · Chapter 26: Fishing
Wow, even getting over fear of the water - wonderful! Again, I am sorry Frodo is not there to celebrate with his brother. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I'm sure he still doesn't like the water much, but he'll get in a boat more easily next time. :)
Dreamflower · 4 October 2012 · Chapter 26: Fishing
Yay for Sam taking a chance! I love him giving boats another chance, and his new friends are awesome!
Author's reply
Sam's bound and determined to learn as much of this place as he can - including boats. His friends are great companions to him.
Dreamflower · 4 October 2012 · Chapter 25: Neighbors
Sam's neighbors sound so cool! You are really giving him a well-rounded life!