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The Mathom House  by Baggins Babe 11 Review(s)
LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 5/4/2008
Excellent story. No time for a proper review.

Is the title of this story "Mathom House" or is it "Hope Remains"? Just wondering, as "Mathom House" appears at the top of the page.

By the way, in case Pearl didn't tell you, MEWD means "Most Extremely Well Done".

Author Reply: Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.

The collection is called 'The Mathom House' and this particular story (chapter) is 'Hope Remains.'

Thanks for that. Several kind people have heped to fill the gaps in my knowledge of internet jargon, for which I'm grateful. My friends' teenage children are constantly trying to help - probably thinking I'm a real old fogey!
:-)

SurgicalSteelReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/22/2008
Oh, I liked this very much!

Author Reply: Pleased to know you enjoyed this one. Not sure where it came from but the bunny bit very hard!

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/20/2008
I love the idea that Strider's heart belonged to the Shire!

The story would have been wonderful, just with the opening vignette about his heart's resting place and the athelas growing there. But the rest of the story, about Hancho and his ghostly rescuer was even more wonderful--and it's just what Strider would have done.

I like the idea that his spirit could return to care for the place he loved best!

Author Reply: Thank you for a lovely review. I think Strider would have kept an eye on his hobbits, even after death.


KittyReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/20/2008
Oh yes, if there would have been this odd tradition of burying the heart separately, then Aragorn's would have been buried in the Shire! It seems so fitting that it was placed between Frodo and Sam.

And I love the idea of Aragorn's ghost still sitting in the garden of Bag End, smoking his pipe, and patrolling as a Ranger protecting Hobbits. If he does anything as a ghost, then it would be this - protecting the Shire and the descendants of the Hobbits he loved so much. He proved in this case that it is still necessary. Poor Hancho would have probably died if not for Aragorn. Poor guy, what a shock for him to finally realise *who* had escorted him!

And robbery seems to run in the family with the Goatleafs ... *shakes head* By now, they have to look with distrust at anyone bearing this name.

Author Reply: Even friendly ghosts can be a little disturbing and Hancho has also had a narrow escape. I'm sure he'll recover his adventurous qualities in time.

*grin* The Goatleaf family comes in very useful when criminal activity in the Breelands is required. :-)

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/19/2008
That was great! Most Excellently Well Done, or in other words MEWD :)

It's just like Strider to watch over travelling hobbits!

And there is a Frodo Took in ME? If I remember right, he was the first Frodo to appear in Tolkien's drafts, when the Ringbearer's name was still Bingo and Merry was called Marmaduke. I'm glad he changed the names ;-)

Author Reply: Yes, I'm very glad the Professor changed the names. Bingo Bolger-Baggins never sounds right to me. As my Frodo Took is the son of Fari and Goldilocks, I thought it was an appropriate name.

I think Strider would continue to keep a fatherly eye on his hobbits.

Thanks for explaining that - i should have guessed. D'oh! *slaps forehead*

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/19/2008
Just the sort of thing that ghostly Strider would do. Great stuff BB but I am a little sad that it made Hancho a bit less adventurous.

Author Reply: I'm sure it was more the close shave with the Goatleaf brothers which made him more wary, and it probably didn't last too long.

I think Strider would keep an eye on the hobbits no matter where he was. A little thing like death would be unlikely to get in the way of his feelings of responsibility! :-)

TiggerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/19/2008
Oh BB...This was so lovely. Yes, I can see Aragorn taking Eldarion aside, along w/Legolas and Gimli, a few years before his crossing over and letting them know his wishes regarding this. His heart truly did belong in The Shire, didn't it?

Then for the Kingsfoil to appear around the graves...So very perfect. Then for that first sighting of Strider sitting against the Mallorn. You really did a wonderful job of leading ut to Hancho's meeting w/Strider and Gil-Galad.

Gave me a wonderful warm and fuzzy feeling. Thanks for sharing this w/us. :o)

Author Reply: Ah good, glad to find you here. As you missed the last chapter of 'Growing Up Tales' I was rather worried.

I'm glad you enjoyed the story - this particular bunny bit me very firmly on the ankle and refused to let go. I think part of Strider's heart was always with his beloved hobbits.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/18/2008
A horse named Gil-galad, eh? Sounds very right for our Ranger King! And dear Hancho has been so blest, as is the Shire itself!

Author Reply: Gil-galad appears in 'Birthday Surprises' so I thought I'd allow him an encore!
I think our beloved Ranger King would have kept an eye on his hobbits, no matter what.

So pleased you enjoyed it. I read all the way through 'The King's Commission again last week!

NeiliaReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/18/2008
I have just finished reading the whole of 'Mathom House' that is presently posted. I find this set of stories so entertaining and emotionally uplifting that I am looking forward to further chapters. Love, Neilia

Author Reply: I'm very glad that you enjoy these stories. I love writing them and looking at the different characters. This story popped into my head at 3am the other morning and would not go away.

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 5 on 2/18/2008
Absolutely fantastic Baggins Babe!!

Encouraging. Loving. A touch creepy.

A marvelous story!

" The other fact which troubled him was that at no point on their journey, even as he watched the Man ride away, could he remember the sound of hoofbeats. His departure had been totally silent, just like his arrival. I travelled with a ghost, he thought. And that ghost saved me from being robbed - or worse."

MEWD!!

Author Reply: I'm delighted that you enjoyed it, Pearl.

Even friendly ghosts can be ever so slightly creepy - ot at least other-worldly. I remember reading an account by someone who saw a horse and rider on a lonely road and only afterwards did he realise that they rode past him in total silence, which is probably the most eerie thing about it.

By the way, what does MEWD mean?

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