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Chance Encounter by Dreamflower	127 Review(s)
KathyG	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 11/13/2014
Soo--Beregond's judgment took place on Sam's birthday, did it? I really like this story! It's one of the stories I've copied and pasted to Word documents on my computer. I like how Pippin outsmarts those three con artists, and the birthday party the others threw for Sam! (And those are just two of the aspects of this story that I like. =))

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 9/8/2014
I'm so exhausted from these weeks of helping my mom move, in constant 90 degree heat and high humidity, that I came looking for a story to whisk me away from 'real life' and into an engrossing and fun story with our beloved hobbits. Your writing is so lovely, my friend. Thank you for gifting us with so many hobbit tales. Author Reply: Thank you so, dearest! It's been hectic hectic here, too! I am so glad this tale was able to give you a well-deserved break!

Imhiriel	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 7/18/2013
When I consider that time period in canon, it seems as if on the one hand, not much is happening other than waiting (and, as you remind us, in the case of the Hobbits unknowing, and even in Aragorn's case still not certain, the poor Man), and on the other hand, very busy, what with the aftermath of the battle, the coronation, the transfer of power, Beregond's judgment, preparations for Théoden King's resting place, the Faramir/Éowyn courtship, the finding of the White Tree, the wedding etc. I really like reading stories set in this time period, particularly if they know to incorporate these events, leave them out with justification, or know how to work around them. You have done all three superbly, teasing just a bit beyond the scope of the narrative, and yet have a fully original plot as well. But the main reason why I leave this review is that wanted to tell you how much I just adore the poem in this last chapter. I recognised it immediately, remembering reading it during the MEFAs a few years ago, so I thought I was prepared. But apparently it touched me even more profoundly this time around, because the tears were just rolling down my face from the first verse right on through to the last. It's so, so wonderful! And besides being profoundly moving, it's such a perfect encapsulation of Tolkien's philosophy in LotR, and of Galadriel's words from the movies, "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future". Meaning it is, so to speak, a treat for hearts and minds g! Author Reply: I too, am very fond of Post-war Minas Tirith stories, whether short or long, for the very reasons you state: a lot of important things happened, but there were also some very useful gaps as well, and so room for a few untold tales. And I thank you so much for what you say about "The Smallest Hands"; I knew I needed something very special for Menelcar to sing, and this one took more work than my poems usually do; it wasn't until I realized that one potential line had a scansion that fit "I Sit Beside the Fire and Think" that I scrapped all I had done thus far and recast it using that particular rhyme scheme. Adapting one of the Professor's own poetic formulas made the whole thing just flow more naturally for me, and I soon finished it. I like to think perhaps he was guiding me a little bit, to express his philosophy about the story. And I am especially glad that you find it emotionally moving! Thank you for your kind words!

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 5/16/2006
Now, I had a nice, lovely, long review written out, and then my computer just had to go and eat it! :( I love Menelcar! Yes, I can see Pippin almost becoming his apprentice--they would hit it off extremely well. And I love your songs and adaptations of folk songs! "The Smallest Hands" is mym favourite of your original ones, and "A Pure Heart" is one of my favourite folk songs. That last verse suits Frodo so well that I had tears in my eyes. And the flashback into Eowyn's girlhood was priceless! She's such an interesting character, and you do her very well--especially as a rebellious teenager! LOL! But she has my sympathies--instead of stitchery and kitchen duty, for me the bane is endless studying, and instead of swordplay the temptation is reading and writing all the time. :) Dear Legolas--that was a sweet thing to do, even if it was a little wrong, but I can't blame him and would have done the very same in his place. It's amusing to me that every merchant in the city wants to give freely to our Hobbits, but if I was one of them I think I'd be annoyed before too long--no, I know I'd be annoyed, having had a few such very uncomfortable experiences. Oh, I love the surprise party for Sam! :) :) I use the April 6 date in my own stories, and I always thought it a shame that Sam should have to sleep right through his own birthday. The planning, Sam's gift-giving, the conspiracy to keep the byrding busy, the party itself, everything was so nice and Hobbity. :) And that he would think of the others' happiness in celebrating more than his own is so like Sam. That Min and his fellows are really pathetic. That story didn't even sound convincing to me. "The unhappiest of men, indeed!" Min is too much of a drama king for his own good. But I love how it played out, and that the scoundrel got to feel the classic, never-failing Hobbit kick! :) And love Menelcar's account of it! grin Poor Hobbits--they want so much to go home, and they have no idea how painfully altered the dear Shire will be on their return. It will be devastating to all of them, but especially to Frodo, I think. This one is going on my favourites list. I was up till nearly four o'clock in the morning reading it--I couldn't stop! :) God bless, Galadriel

Tigger	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 2/1/2006
I am so sorry I didn't get back to this wonderful story until now, but as soon as I got home three weeks ago, I'm afraid Real Life got in the way in a very, very sad way. However, I finally did get a chance to catch up only to find out it's all over. :o( This was such a lovely little gapfiller of what might have happened during the hobbits stay in Minas Tirith. I loved Aragorn's plan and Pippin's kick in a certain place. When I turned 13, my Dad took me down to our basement and taught me exactly where and how hard to kick if I ever found myself in danger. I just hope that unlike Pippin w/Boromir's lesson, I never have to use it. And no...I didn't hit my Dad when he was teaching me. He just showed me where and why and that's all!! So stop wondering. ;oD Poor Frodo and the others, wanting to go home so badly and yet not being able to. Been there myself w/a few of the hospital stays I've had over the years and it's so long and trying when you want to go home and can't for whatever reason. It's just a shame Aragorn wasn't more properly prepared for Frodo's question and they had this flareup happen. Happy they were able to resolve it though. Good thing Gandalf was there to smooth things out and talk some sense into Frodo. That stubborn Baggins... ;o) Thanks so much for this lovely story. I see this was only a prequel though. Good!! I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. :oD Looking forward to your next tale. :o) Author Reply: I have been assured by a couple of people who actually have had to make use of that bit of information that it is quite accurate, and I have had occasion to witness a couple of accidental blows landed that way as well. I really think that Boromir would have tried to give Merry and Pippin every concievable trick and advantage he could think of, to help them overcome the inevitable size differences. Ever since I first read the book in 1967, I have been mildly ticked off at Aragorn for telling four homesick hobbits they couldn't go home without giving them any good reason. This was my opportunity to make him squirm a bit for that. However, I didn't want to leave things at that, so with Gandalf's help, they were able to work it out. Sometimes I wonder, though, where JRRT's head was when he wrote certain scenes. Well, "A Different Kind of Quest" takes up the day after this story ends, although, since I wrote it long before I thought of Menelcar, he does not make an appearance. But it deals a bit more with the stay in Minas Tirith.

Gryffinjack	Reviewed Chapter: Author's Notes on 1/28/2006
Thank you, Marigold for helping Dreamflower to let this story evolve into the excellent story it has become! You really are an extraordinary betareader!

Gryffinjack	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/28/2006
Congratulations on another excellent story, my dear! You really are able to sustain a story from one chapter to the next. I don't blame Frodo for being angry with Aragorn. I understand his reasonings, but he should have given the hobbits more of a reason than he did, particularly Frodo. "Frodo looked at him incredulously, and then a bit angrily. "And if we don't wish to wait, my Lord King," he said, coldly and formally, "would you command us to?" ... "Since you wish it, my lord, I will treat it as a command." Frodo turned away coldly, his face white except for two red spots on his cheeks." I do not envy Aragorn having to suffer the cold wrath of Frodo. It is far worse than the hottest of tempers and something that I suspect kept Merry and Pippin in line more than once while growing up. Thankfully, Gandalf was there to calm Frodo down and make him apologise to Aragorn. This really was a splendid story!

Gryffinjack	Reviewed Chapter: 8 on 1/28/2006
Bravo, Pippin! That will teach them! I thought I had reviewed this chapter, but apparently not. You write so many that it is hard to keep up! Do you realise that this is officially my 200th review of one of your stories or chapters here? There have been a few others, but they are not showing up on the counter. At the rate you are going with writing, I'll never get back to A New Reckoning! lol! Now, with this chapter, where do I begin? I suppose with saying how proud I am of Pippin in this chapter. He really shines! "Pippin shook his head firmly. "Frodo wouldn't like that. No more do I." There was a brief moment of silence. "Very well, Pippin, your mercy has purchased his life." And that was not at all surprising either; when it came to forgiveness, Pippin was very much like his Baggins cousin." I think this is the best moment - I am proudest of the way he showed compassion for the scoundrel and asked that his life be spared. Pippin reminded me so much of Frodo when he did that - you really could see how alike they really are. Thank you for bringing attention to that shared quality. ""You are quite lucky that my young knight did not have his sword. Trollsbane is its name, and Sir Peregrin Troll Slayer its wielder."" I am so glad that Pippin has a king who appreciates his abilities and regards him so highly. I expect those swindlers were shocked to find out the stories were actually true! Poor Legolas and Gimli - they never stood a chance at keeping Frodo away, especially once he knew the truth. "Frodo, you are my oldest cousin here. But I am not just your baby cousin anymore! Here in the White City I am a Knight of Gondor, I am a soldier and a Guard of the Citadel. I have responsibilities! And I have a King who trusts me to carry them out! Those Men were planning on taking advantage of us just because they thought we were small and innocent. There is no way I was going to allow that!" Pippin drew himself up proudly, and even though he was not in livery, he looked every inch the Knight. "Strider asked me especially if I was sure I wanted to do this. He did not order me to. But if he had, I still would have done it gladly. He is my King and liege--and yours too, I might add." " Pippin really gave Frodo a dressing down, didn't he! Pippin has now shown Frodo and later on Merry that he is indeed all grown up and not a little faunt needing protection anymore. Perhaps they now really will accept that he is indeed a Knight of Gondor with responsibilities that he must fulfill, no matter how dangerous. I really enjoyed seeing Pippin put Frodo in his place. It's so nice to see Frodo not being so perfect. Oh! Then there was Frodo's losing his temper with Aragorn! Excellent! I love it when Frodo is not acting as controlled as he normally tries to be. This was a wonderful chapter from beginning to end!

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/25/2006
I'm not surprised Aragorn wants the hobbits to hang on until Arwen gets there. Letting them go would be like giving up hope and accepting that he was stuck with being imprisoned in the Stone City without the reward that made the thought tolerable. While all the remaining Fellowship is together, he can say to himself that there hasn't been time for her to arrive yet. Not to mention he wants them at the wedding. I hope Menelcar appears in more stories! He has an interesting perspective on both kings and hobbits. Author Reply: You are absolutely right. And of course, if they knew, they'd definitely want to be at the wedding--no hobbit wants to miss seeing a friend get married! I'm very fond of Menelcar, so I am sure this is not his last appearance.

PIppinfan1988	Reviewed Chapter: 9 on 1/24/2006
Oh, I absolutely loved this story! I really enjoyed listening to Menelcar and Pippin singing duets. I am so glad you put such emphasis on songs and singing in your world; I love music, but I am not musical, so I don't put much of it in mine, yet we know that hobbits loved poetry and songs. I especially enjoyed that last song Menelcar sang--and the last bit from his humorous tale had me rolling! :-P I have a question to ask about your poetry, but I will have to do that later because its almost time to leave for work. Frodo and Aragorn's exchange was marvelously done! Your wonderful characters are written with such clarity, your world of hobbits and Middle-earth, flawless. It blends with the Professor's epic like milk and honey in tea! I am so sorry to see this end. Well...you do have other books in your wee library. ;-) Thank you so much for a beautiful tale! Pippinfan Author Reply: I am only somewhat musical myself--I play two instruments rather badly, LOL! And my singing is only good in a group situation. But I love music, and I love the way JRRT has woven it throughout Arda--really, music brought it into being. I just wish more fic writers also put as much emphasis on it. I'm glad you liked the last song. It was one of my more difficult to write. And I thank you so much for your compliments--I am always pleased to be told that my writing blends with his, though I think it has a long way to go to be as brilliant. Thank you for reading and reviewing and for your encouragement as well.

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