And I don't even do recs, not really, but this is a special occasion.

[sophinisba]

Yesterday mariole posted the 113th (*boggles*) and final chapter of her brilliant LOTR fanfic novel Devoted. Those of you who don't like waiting for updates on WIPs now have the chance to go devour the entire thing. And once you do start reading, it will be nearly impossible to tear yourself away.

This story articulates better than any other fic I know just what it is about Frodo that makes Sam and Merry and all of us love him so.

Comments

[layne67.livejournal.com]

I'll certainly read this. Thanks for the link.

[sophinisba]

You will certainly enjoy it. And it's fun to read a really huge fic over a few days, I think, and really get caught up in it.

[suzy-74.livejournal.com]

God, I love Devoted. Still have those final chapters to read. Wanting so bad to read them but... you know... *sniff* I don't want it to end.

[sophinisba]

I know, I was sad to see it end too. Besides it being such a great fic in itself I've got all these memories to go with it, both before I started getting to know Mariole and after. Remember when you and I used to leave anonymous comments on it, before we had LJ accounts?

[suzy-74.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, that's right. I remember being so glad to see another do anonymous posts. I never felt quite comfortable leaving anonymous posts. I thought or expected people to tell me to go away. That was of course before I knew how things worked. And then, everybody was so wonderful and nice.

You are so right, there are certain memories tied to some fics, that has nothing to do with the story itself, but instead the people around it, the writer and those who comment.

Eee, and I met you!! And I met Layne *points up* the exact same way. What a wonderful way to meet new friends. :D

♥

[mariole.livejournal.com]

Oh, you two are so sweet!

Thank you for the lovely rec, Sophie. I'm so glad both you and Suzy got sucked into LJ land. I started out anonymous as well, then got an account when I realized it was easier to have comments mailed to me from my friends list. Now, I'm quite happy to be here-- and happy that you both are, too. Hugs!

[sophinisba]

I'm happy to rec; I want all my friends to read it. And yes, I had seen you mention elsewhere that you used to lurk, and then got an LJ mostly in order to leave comments, and only later started creating fic. That along with your kindness and responsiveness to me and Suzy and everyone who commented on the story was really encouraging to me in wanting to be more active in this community. So thank you once again.

[mariole.livejournal.com]

I still remember how afraid I was to take that first step. Now look at me, positively wallowing in fandom! And I love it. *initiates group hug*

[sophinisba]

Oh yeah, I'm always up for a virtual group hug! *joins in happily*

[sophinisba]

Yes, and then I noticed when you got your own journal and thought, hey, if Suzy can do it so can I. And then I did, and here we are!