To The End of His Days by GamgeeFest
shirebound · 29 July 2012 · Chapter 4: Preparations
I tuck a pipe and a couple of pouches of weed away, one for Gandalf, just in case. What a wonderful detail. I'm enjoying this story so much.
Author's reply
Sam's always thinking ahead. I'm sure he brought rope this time too - cause you never know! ;)
Dreamflower · 26 July 2012 · Chapter 3: Expectations
Aww...practical Sam worried about who'll talk to him! But I hope he remembers that Elrond and most of his household will be there, and they will speak not only Sindarin but Westron as well. And I am sure that Gandalf/Olorin will also be there for him. I had to grin at "Perty"-- Peregrin II! And Sam looking forward to more Elves.
Author's reply
Oh, Sam will have plenty of folk to talk to once he gets there, but you know Sam, always worrying about the details. Perty is a chip off the old block, with his grandfather's fascination with Elves. :D
Andrea · 26 July 2012 · Chapter 3: Expectations
“Take things as they come and you’ll never have a worry,” as Gaffer would say. Words of wisdom from the old Gaffer! Very good. “There won’t be any hobbits there to keep you company.” “No, but there’ll be Elves. Elves and elves.” When it comes to Elves Sam turns into the little hobbit lad again who was so fascinated with them. Old Sam still is - and his grandson, too!
Author's reply
Gaffer was full of such wisdom, and they've served Sam well. Sam is still that little lad at heart, and the more elves he meets the more fascinating they become.
Larner · 26 July 2012 · Chapter 3: Expectations
Oh, yes--definitely Sam's own grandson there! A cute young guy, that's for certain! Heh!
Author's reply
Fascination with Elves is no doubt a genetic trait. ;) Perty's a chip off the old block.
shirebound · 26 July 2012 · Chapter 3: Expectations
Would their glory overwhelm me or would they be so much a part of the land I wouldn’t be able to see them for the trees? Such great questions! This is so very "Sam". :)
Author's reply
Sam could never stop himself daydreaming about the Elves. :D
Larner · 25 July 2012 · Chapter 2: Promises
I rejoice that Sam is willing to take messages to those who live in Aman, and that he accepts that Frodo is most likely not there after all but is willing to live with that realization. May he indeed find joy there after all of these years.
Author's reply
Sam's an amazing hobbit, always thinking of others. He's had a long time to adjust to the thought that Frodo wouldn't be there waiting for him. Despite that, he'll find Elvenhome full of many joys.
Dreamflower · 23 July 2012 · Chapter 2: Promises
This is again, just lovely. I'm very glad Sam's not expecting a reunion with Frodo. It would be too cruel if he was. And I love that Rose once had a dream of it all-- it fits in with her episode of prescience in the unpublished Epilogue. Sam knows how to keep his promises.
Author's reply
Thanks, dear. Sam knows Frodo won't be waiting, but he'll at least get to see where Frodo spent his final years. That's where I got the idea that Rose might have these flashes every now and again. I love the Epilogue. He certainly does!
shirebound · 23 July 2012 · Chapter 2: Promises
If I go and it’s just as she saw it, it’ll be as though a part of her is there. How lovely. I suspect that Rose's visions were very true.
Author's reply
Thank you. I suspect you're right.
Lindelea · 23 July 2012 · Chapter 2: Promises
I’ll be leaving them eventually either way. Ah, practical Sam. I like the thought that Rose saw a glimpse of the wonder he'd see.
Author's reply
Sam is ever practical. Rose did know when the Quest was fulfilled and that Sam was coming back. I think she'd be able to see the Undying Lands too.
Lianna · 22 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
Poor Sam! Although it was certainly easiest for Rose's life to end in this way, it's startling when death comes to an elderly person without warning. Both of my parents died this way. Although everyone in the family was happy that they did not have to endure an illness, it took quite a while to get used to their absence -- maybe longer than it would have if there had been some advance notice that their time was coming. I don't think Sam seriously expected to meet Frodo across the sea. Sam is an elderly hobbit -- one whose age-mates, including his wife, are reaching the end of their lives -- and Frodo was substantially older. But visiting the same places Frodo visited and learning about the last years of Frodo's life would be meaningful for Sam. Besides, the idea of an old hobbit having a last adventure is appealing. And maybe the idea doesn't just appeal to hobbits. Gimli's trip across the sea also has that last-adventure feel to it, at least in my opinion.
Author's reply
Thank you, Lianna. Certainly Sam will be glad that Rose never suffered, once the shock wears off, but the lack of warning does make it that much more difficult to adjust to her absence. Sam wouldn't expect to see Frodo there, but he would want to go for his own reasons. And for a hobbit who loves the elves, how could he pass up the opportunity to see Elvenhome? ;)
Linda Hoyland · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
Poor Sam, you capture the pain of bereavement vividly.
Author's reply
Thank you, Linda. Sam will never stop missing his Rose, but these first hours are certainly the hardest.
Dreamflower · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
Oh, GF, what a start to this! Poor Sam-- it's so beautifully perfect. A true gem. And not easy to work in this format! This is masterful.
Author's reply
Thanks, Dreamflower! It's fun to be posting again after so long. You're the one who inspired me to make this a tribble series. It's been a fun process and actually helped me to stay focused instead of wandering off on tangents all the time. So thank you.
harrowcat · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
That is truly a wow of a tribble. I think that this may be a difficult but worthwhile series to read GF.
Author's reply
Thanks, Liz! I've never done a tribble series before, but it's been a fun and interesting experience. Hopefully, it won't be too angsty. ;)
Larner · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
And, yes, it must have felt just like that! Poor Sam!
Author's reply
Those first few hours and days would be the worst for everyone. Sam and the children will help each other through.
Andrea · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
I’ve been torn in two all over again. Wow! What a beginning! Sam's voice is perfect, and his statement shows how he must have felt after he lost his Rose. He knows how it feels to lose a beloved person, but that doesn't make it any easier.
Author's reply
Thank you! Sam has been through this many times before, but this is something you can never be prepared for, especially not for his Rose.
cookiefleck · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
Good start!
Author's reply
Thanks!
shirebound · 21 July 2012 · Chapter 1: Mourning
*sniff* Our poor dear Sam.
Author's reply
*hugs for Sam*