Dreamflower · 4 September 2012 · Chapter 15: Welcome
Oh, I am so VERY glad Gandalf was there to meet him!
Author's reply
Gandalf no doubt has been looking forward to this day as much as Sam has. :)
To The End of His Days by GamgeeFest
Reviews (217)
Andrea · 4 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tol Eressëa
It looks more alive than even growing things do. And these words come from a gardener. It must be a truly wonderful (literally!) place.
Author's reply
Indeed! That's high praise coming from a gardener.
Larner · 1 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tol Eressëa
I certainly agree as to why Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, and Gimli would have lived here rather than Valinor proper. Love the song heard!
Author's reply
Oh, indeed. Tol Eressea would be hard enough on their bodies, even as it eased their minds and souls. Sam can't hear much, but he hears the important things. ;)
shirebound · 1 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tol Eressëa
Elvenhome. I’m here at last What a gentle and moving story. I'm enjoying it very much.
Author's reply
Thank you! Sam has proven an adept narrator for this experience. :)
Dreamflower · 1 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tol Eressëa
Then I hear, or think I hear, a glorious song coming from the sea and air, lush and moving. I strain my ears to hear the music. There’re no words I can understand but somehow I know the song is saying, Welcome. Oh Sam! I'm so happy for him.
Author's reply
Sam is in for a world of wonders!
Antane · 29 August 2012 · Chapter 13: Curtain
Another great 'you are there' chapter - how *do* you do it? :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Sam's voice is perfect for keeping this monumental journey down to its basic components. He's not one to speak in metaphors or similes. He just tells it as he sees it. :) Thanks!
Dreamflower · 28 August 2012 · Chapter 13: Curtain
What a cool way to describe that "curtain"! I love how observant Sam still is, even in such a strange situation, he keeps his head and his interest.
Author's reply
I had fun figuring out what that curtain must look like up close. Sam has his eyes open and is taking in every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime journey. And he thought he had nothing left to write about. ;)
Andrea · 28 August 2012 · Chapter 13: Curtain
Beautiful and magic - and completely new to Sam! But the mariner is there to make the connection between the two worlds and to make Sam believe that this is really happening.
Author's reply
It's beyond anything Sam hoped to see! He'd likely think he were dreaming, if not for the Mariner guiding them.
shirebound · 28 August 2012 · Chapter 13: Curtain
Oh my, how wonderful. I feel that we're there with Sam, experiencing this with him.
Author's reply
Sam has proven to be an observant storyteller.
Larner · 28 August 2012 · Chapter 13: Curtain
I rejoice that the Mariner is there with them, offering them guidance as they come home!
Author's reply
The Mariner surely enjoys guiding the ships home. I wonder if he is aware of his smallest fan onboard. :D
Antane · 27 August 2012 · Chapter 12: Sailing
What a trip! I love your description of this - it's like you are there. I'm glad he doesn't feel the motion of the boat, knowing how much he doesn't like them. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
And it's not quite over yet. ;) Sam is having a much gentler journey than he hoped for and is able to appreciate the wonders around him.
Andrea · 26 August 2012 · Chapter 12: Sailing
That was beautifully written! Thank you very much, GamgeeFest!
Author's reply
You're most welcome, Andrea! Thank you!
Dreamflower · 25 August 2012 · Chapter 12: Sailing
What a beautifully lyrical description of the voyage! I love how you are able to both capture the rustic and earthy voice of Sam with the ethereal experience he is partaking of! The tone is just perfect, and it made me tear up!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower! Sam's come a long way from his troll song, hasn't he? ;)
Larner · 25 August 2012 · Chapter 12: Sailing
Beautiful imagery here. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. :)
shirebound · 25 August 2012 · Chapter 12: Sailing
A gentle, simple narrative of a momentous event. So very Sam. :)
Author's reply
Very Sam, indeed. He wouldn't put on airs. :)
Larner · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 11: Grey Havens
No, it's time at last to be looking ahead, so he does well.
Author's reply
I'm sure his Gaffer would have something to say about looking back and tripping. ;) Sam has his eyes forward, though he leaves a part of his heart behind.
Larner · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 10: Midnight
These questions need to be asked, I think. And I am glad he knows Frodo did find his healing after all.
Author's reply
He is certainly hoping for it and will be much relieved to learn he is right.
Andrea · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 11: Grey Havens
I feel as though I should say something wise and important, but all I can think of is, “Well, I’m going.” Wonderful! That's Sam as we like him. And why should he say more? Everything is said.
Author's reply
Yes it is, simple and precise. It really does say everything he could want.
Dreamflower · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 11: Grey Havens
“Well, I’m going.” How very fitting that these are his last words in M-e as he leaves! Perfection.
Author's reply
Sam found the right words even without meaning to. ;)
shirebound · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 11: Grey Havens
I like this. Sam wouldn't like a fuss, and I doubt he would *make* a fuss, even with his family.
Author's reply
Sam never was one for a scene, affectionate though he may be.
Antane · 17 August 2012 · Chapter 10: Midnight
Sad and tender. I'm glad that Sam knew his treasure was happy, but I'm still trying to figure out why he wants to go if he knows Frodo won't be there. His love for Elves alone wouldn't be enough to send him there or to put his family and himself through these partings. What is this promise? (Please forgive me if this is obvious and my poor brain can't remember). Love+ the comment about the fireworks. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, he doesn't *know* Frodo won't be there. He believes Frodo will be gone, but that's not the same as knowing. He would want to go, just in case. He also wants to be able to assure himself that Frodo was in fact healed as he's been hoping all this time. The promise is the one he made to Arwen to take word to her parents of her (and her brothers) should he ever sail. Her brothers will eventually do this, but they will foremost be carrying the news of her death, whereas Sam can carry the news of her life and family in progress. There are other reasons of course: Sam knows he doesn't have long for this world anyway and this parting is going to come one way or another, he wants to see his friends who are in Valinor one last time, and he has been dreaming of this adventure nearly his entire life. By going this way, he leaves his children with a hopeful memory, and he gets to say good-bye, rather the abrupt parting they had with Rose. I think it's also important to note that when Frodo sailed, he only said that Sam might some day make the same journey. He never promised to wait for Sam or told Sam they would be reunited there. He knew Sam would have his own motivations beyond his master for eventually sailing. Hope that helps clarify things. :)
Dreamflower · 16 August 2012 · Chapter 10: Midnight
What a sweet conversation! Maybe she will see Gandalf's fireworks across the Sea!
Author's reply
I love their conversations in the epilogue. They're know each other so well. She just might dream about them, I think.
Andrea · 16 August 2012 · Chapter 10: Midnight
Elanor understands all this without me having to say. And I think inwardly she agrees with Sam that he should take this last step. That makes it much easier for him to leave.
Author's reply
She certainly does. He's only been talking about it since she can remember, and she knows what it means to him. She'll be happy for him, knowing this dream is finally being fulfilled.
shirebound · 16 August 2012 · Chapter 10: Midnight
What a sweet, simple, and loving farewell. “Look up in the sky some night. Mayhap you’ll see them.” Maybe she will.
Author's reply
I wouldn't be surprised if she dreamt about it.
Larner · 13 August 2012 · Chapter 9: Fairbairns
No, it will never be forgotten now. And I love this family and the love it embodies.
Author's reply
Elanor and his other children will see to it that no one forgets this important tale. The Fairbairns truly are as happy a family as Sam and Rose made with their own family. It will ease Sam's heart going forward knowing they have each other.