GamgeeFest
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 62: Preparations
LOL, I can just imagine that farewell scene between Freddy and Angelica, and Merry and Estella. I think it's cute that Freddy is so bashful about it. It's going to be a long year for the two of them, more so for Angelica though. Freddy will be quite busy. And I'm glad that Jolly is going to go. He'll have a whole new appreciation of his soon-to-be brother-in-law by the time he gets back.
Poor Pippin, he wants so badly to corrupt Bergil lol! But at least the lad learned how to have fun while he was visiting. I think one last prank is in order before he leaves *hint* *hint*
Author's reply
Yes, I decided to not show it, just let Pip mention it after the fact. I'm leaving out quite a few little scenes that have popped into my head, as I am really trying to keep the plot moving forward.
It will be a long year, and they will both be busy. And yes, I am glad Jolly is going. I wanted one of Rosie's brothers to go from the start, and Jolly seems like the best bet, since Tom's getting married, and the others are still a bit young.
I don't think he really wants to corrupt him. As he said, he's too nice a lad to spoil. But he's done his best to get the child to lighten up. I'll have to think about your suggestion. It definitely appeals to me, but I'm not sure just where I can work it in.
Bodkin
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 62: Preparations
Pippin and Merry are so pleased about their beds - it just shows how thoughtful Frodo is.
Typical of Pippin to snoop around and find the will - glad to see he managed to keep his mouth shut until now. Also happy to see that they value family above money.
Is Bergil the first non-hobbit to read the Red Book? I'm glad to see him enjoying it.
Oh good - Jolly Cotton is heading off on his travels. I don't suppose Freddy could marry Angelica and take her on honeymoon. The trip needs more lasses.
Everything seems to be winding down nicely. Roll on Sam's wedding!
Author's reply
Of course Frodo is thoughtful and concerned about his cousin's comfort. And Pip and Merry really are able to appreciate it.
Yes, Pip found the old one during Conspiracy (Ch.14). It really upset him. It is a hard thing to think of someone leaving something like that--it's nice that they want you to have it, but upsetting to know you have to lose them to get it.
As far as I am concerned he is,8-). And who wouldn't enjoy their first reading of The Hobbit?
Yep, Jolly's going along. But I'm not ready to rush the Freddy/Angelica nuptials.
Sam's wedding, coming soon, to a chapter near you. LOL!
RogerGamgee
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 62: Preparations
Leave it to Pippin to snoop around. I should have known he'd be too curious not to try and figure out what was going on. If he hadn't, he wouldn't be the Pippin we know and love. I remember you saying earlier that you could see the finish line of this story...in a way, I almost hate to see it end. It could be the beginning of a continuing saga of sorts, I think. At any rate, a marvelous job of writing (would that I could write so well myself). Well done, as always!
Author's reply
Yes, Pip came across the old will in Ch.14 of "Conspiracy" and it upset him mightily. It was one time he wished he hadn't been so curious.
I do think that this one is winding down, but there is definitely at least one follow-up story in my head.
SharonB
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 62: Preparations
Well you got someone else to sign up just so they could leave reviews. I've really enjoyed your writing of this story and all the twists and turns. Actually I've enjoyed all the stories you've posted here as I've been wading through them in the last couple of months.
Poor Pip and Merry upset that Frodo thoguh so mcu of them. But then it's not hard to understand that they prefer him to "moldy old money" as Pip put it. ;-)
Author's reply
Oh, wow! Thank you. I never know quite what to say to a compliment like that!
8-D
That's the upsetting thing about wills and bequests and inheritances. It's very nice to know that someone loves you enough to leave you something that way, but if you care enough about them at all, it has to hurt to think that the only way you will come by it is if they die. (Or in the case of Bilbo and Frodo, go away forever, which comes to much the same thing for those left behind.)
pipwise brandygin
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
Oh, I love all these complicated goings-on! I just love how you're bringing the whole Shire to life, with everyone talking about the assembly and figuring out how they can or should be involved. I'm not surprised poor Targon is confused! :)
Author's reply
At just about this point in the story I began to get the distinct feeling I was herding cats. I had so many people to move to Tuckborough, it was hard to keep track of them all! Every now and then I would lose somebody, and have to go back and put him or her in. I never thought the story would get this long or have so many characters! 8-D
pipwise brandygin
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 27: A Grief Observed
This chapter is very moving, such a sensitive way of showing how they all deal with their grief. I felt so sorry for poor Freddy, falling apart so suddenly like that, and I'm glad he has such good friends in Merry and Pip. I felt even worse for poor Legolas though - "Love bestowed itself where it would, and it was both his fortune and misfortune that his love had bestowed itself on mortals." That is such a beautiful line, but so sad, to think of him there with his friends, knowing what will come. *sigh*
Author's reply
I know, I feel for Legolas--his very dearest friends are all mortal, and he knows that he will lose them all one by one to time, yet he still has the courage to persist in his friendship and love. And at least we know that Gimli got to go with Legolas to Valinor, though even that must have been bittersweet, as he would also die there eventually. Legolas knew very well how much grief and sorrow he had piled up for himself.
GamgeeFest
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 61: Back in Bag End
Interesting thought that it could have been the ring keeping Frodo solitary all those years, but I'm not really sure how much it pans out. After all, Bilbo *did* adopt Frodo and he had the ring much longer than Frodo did. It could be a combination of both the ring and his preference for quiet. I'll have to think about that.
What better gift to give a gardener than flowers. And Gimli was smart to make sure they understood they were supposed to use the cups. I'm sure Sam would have even put those on display if he hadn't been told otherwise.
Author's reply
I don't really think it was the Ring, either, or not mostly. But Frodo must often wonder now looking back, on how many of his "oddities" were really his own nature and how many were influenced by the Ring.
Legolas knows. And so did Gimli.
8-)
Author Reply: Sorry for the abrupt ending, there. Hubby came in and needed the computer right away, as I was typing your reply.
I was going to say, Legolas knows how Sam feels about growing things, and I can easily imagine the two of them having some interesting conversations about some of the plants they encountered during their journey.
And Gimli also had Sam's measure pretty well. He knows Sam's idea of "proper". But he wanted his gift used, so he said so. Dwarven practicality.
Bodkin
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 61: Back in Bag End
You expect me to remember what happened in Chapter 25? That must have come up ages ago!
Author's reply
*Giggle* Of course not. I had to look it up myself! LOL! 8-)
RogerGamgee
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 61: Back in Bag End
Dreamflower, another lovely chapter! I enjoyed watching Sam virtually fawn over the gift Legolas gave him...he'll surely get a lot of use out of those seeds, I'm sure. I wonder what his reaction will be when he finds out that Frodo has been made his heir. I wonder, though, doesn't the potential heir have to have some part in the drawing up of the will? I'm not too keen on the finer legal points, so I could be mistaken. All in all, though, a marvelous job thus far. Keep it up!
Author's reply
In their love of growing things, Sam and Legolas are very much kindred spirits; I'm sure he will love bringing these unusual plants to the Shire.
Of course he won't find out until after Frodo leaves the Grey Havens. But I know that he had to have made these arrangements well ahead of time. After all, he couldn't just take over Bag End without some kind of legal right, seven witnesses and red ink! As to knowing about it, even in the Real World a legatee does not necessarily have to know about a bequest ahead of time, so I can see that hobbits could probably also keep it secret.
Thank you! I am beginning to see the finish line on this one--but you never know--it's already three times longer than I thought it would be!
Bodkin
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 61: Back in Bag End
I love the wedding presents. Very well chosen.
The beds sound well thought out - and I'm glad Frodo remembered bedding. Is Legolas currently using Gandalf's room?
Frodo is quite right in saying that the most vocal opponent of the new will would be Sam. After all - it's not really proper, is it?
Good thing, avoiding politics, but the weddings do sound fun.
Author's reply
Seemed to me the kind of things that Legolas and Gimli would choose.
Frodo didn't forget the mistake Bilbo almost made, LOL! Yes, back in Ch. 25, I had Frodo assign Legolas Gandalf's old room. They had a little discussion about it.
He knows his Sam. Not only would Sam think it improper, but it would also distress him to think that he would be gaining at the loss of his dear Mr. Frodo.
If Frodo could have been Deputy Mayor during normal hobbit times, he might actually have come to enjoy it: weddings, opening festivals, banquets, etc. But unfortunately for him (and fortunately for the Shire) the times were anything but normal, and politics had to get involved. Still, at least he'll get to do one more wedding after Sam and Rosie.
Kitty
· 10 August 2004
· Chapter 61: Back in Bag End
Frodo is right - no more politics! It is much too tiring. It is good he has finally time to relax, although I fear he will not find much peace of mind.
The wedding gifts from Legolas and Gimli are very fitting - and knowing Sam, Gimli is pretty right about the using of his gift :-)
Author's reply
I'm pretty fed up with RL politics right now, so I've kind of foisted my attitude onto Frodo. But even though he would do his duty, I think his feelings would be very much that.
Yes, Gimli has come to know Sam only too well. I'm sure he would have loved to have done the goblets in silver, or even mithril if he could, but he would know that Sam would never use them if he did.
Hai Took
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 60: Picnic in Pincup
I'm glad that Merry and Pippin got Dago back safely! Saradoca nd Paladin deciding to let him believe he might be executed. It never hurts to let the someone who has done wrong believe their punishment may be more then it will be, sometime that is a worse punishment then what they really get. If any of that made any since!
It seems Opal is making progress! I like that Eglantina and Pearl are also getting to know the girls better! It will do them good to have someone else to look up to, after the example they had they need someone with a more positive influence! I'm glad that Opal has something she would like to do and that Poppy is encouraging her in it! With a will to do so she has a good chance of recovery!
Bergil being so excited to see Pippin and swinging him off his feet! Frodo telling Pippin that he is "missable" and saying that Pip could bring Bergil along! Bergil will certainly have alot of tales to take home with him!
I liked your description of the picnic! Merry and Pippin taking Mrs. Diggle the ham was very thoughtful! What a wonderful idea for Bergil in introduce something new the hobbits! And something as fun as bubbles! It will probably become a new hobbit game as well!
I bet Frodo is glad to be home, especially considering everything that he has had to do lately! That was a perfect ending to the chapter!
Looking forward to more and hope it comes soon!
Author's reply
Yes, that's the idea. Also, if they think they might suffer a worse fate, they will be more accepting of the punishment they do recieve.
I think Eglantine and Pearl will take the Jewelry under their wings, if only for Reggie's sake. And Poppy is always willing to encourage someone who wants to be a healer.
I'm enjoying having Bergil there without his father. It makes so many more possibilities for his interactions with the hobbits.
Knowing how hobbits feel about hospitality and gifts, I'm sure that this is manners in the Shire, to gift a hostess for her hospitality. I think the soap bubbles may jsut start a new fad in the Shire.
Frodo is indeed glad to be home.
I'm trying to update as quickly as possible, but right now my husband has a project on, and so I'm having to share the computer more than usual.
Anso the Hobbit
· 4 August 2004
· Chapter 49: The Morning After
I´ve read a good batch of new chapters, and again I couldn`t stop reading! I absolutely love your Merry/Estella love-story, and Gimli´s reaction to dealing with them was just hilarious.
The drama is also great. Poor Opal, but shame oon Hyacinth. Poor Reggie too, getting all of this thrown at him. Bergil is cute and such a good lad. I like how everyone dragged Frodo to the dancing floor and that he was honorued as he should be. Sam and Rosie are so cute too! I could go on forever... Merry gave me quite the start with how e treated the Banks lads, but I haven`t read the story about the dare, but I will.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying the story. Looks like you are almost caught up. I'm going to have to get a move on to stay ahead!
Bodkin
· 3 August 2004
· Chapter 60: Picnic in Pincup
I love the idea of Bergil introducing bubble pipes to the Shire. What a legacy.
Opal as a healer - she seems to have some talent and it is a good thing to aim for. She has time to get well before she can help Poppy.
Merry might not have the same number of scars, but the arm frozen by contact with the Witch Lord is fairly major damage. Neither Pippin nor Merry returned unscathed - but obvious scars make an impression on the uninitiated. As do flashy outfits and swords. I feel that only the more thinking hobbits really appreciate Frodo and Sam at anywhere approaching their real worth.
Author's reply
I thought it might be fun. You will have noticed the adults were having just as much fun as the little ones with them, LOL!
I thought this would give her an incentive to work with Lavender while Poppy is gone. Imagine how she will want to impress Poppy with her progress! And it will give her something worthwhile to do with her life--something that could never have happened without the tragedy.
I think Pippin had the most *physical* scars, and less emotional trauma. On the other hand, Merry's rope burns from the Orc captivity are probably worse, since Pippin's bonds were only there for show most of the time. And you are right about Merry's arm, not to mention his annual bout of Black Breath. Frodo and Sam suffered the most emotional damage, and Frodo, especially from his efforts to resist the Ring for so long. And Frodo has his share of pretty bad physical scars, as well, though no one is ever likely to see them in the Shire. Pimpernel, I think, does appreciate these things, but naturally she and Vinca are more concerned with their "baby brother's" well-being.
Kitty
· 3 August 2004
· Chapter 60: Picnic in Pincup
To blow soap bubbles, that is a lovely idea! In my childhood I have done it, too, and I'm sure the little Hobbits have enjoyed it as I have done it many years ago.
Opal wants to be healer? I wouldn't have thought of this, but it is an interesting idea. Maybe she can make up for all her nasty behavior earlier this way. It would make her life much easier and help the other Hobbits to forget about her faults. Nice chapter!
Author's reply
I *still* like to blow bubbles! 8-) I'm not sure why the idea occured to me, but I thought it would be cute for Bergil to show them how it was done.
Opal has been impressed by the way the healers have treated her, and wants to be a part of that. She really is ready to turn her life around.
Grey Wonderer
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 60: Picnic in Pincup
Another lovely chapter. the scene with Poppy and Opal was very sweet. I liked the fact that Poppy didn't just tell her things would be fine and then move on. She took time to try and help her, gave her hope, but promised nothing that she couldn't deliver. Also enjoyed the picnic. This is a great story you have going here. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Poppy is practical. Telling her patient empty platitudes would not go anywhere toward healing Opal's depression. She's not one to make empty promises, either. If she did not think Opal had the potential, she would not have made the offer.
GamgeeFest
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 60: Picnic in Pincup
What a lovely chapter. It's good to see everyone taking some time to relax and enjoy themselves. It would have been good for Frodo to go with them, but it's understandable why he would want to go home right away. He's had enough of crowds to last him for awhile. Being a healer would be good for Opal too, though I'm sure she could still find a husband if she wanted to. Hobbits aren't so vain as she was raised to believe.
Author's reply
Frodo wants to get home. Poor lad, they had barely put Bag End together when he had to turn right around and go meet this delegation. And as you said, he's had enough of crowds.
I think it would be good for Opal as well. It's possible she would find a husband down the road in spite of her disablity; but that's not something she can believe right now. And she's feeling a revulsion towards the kind of life her mother had envisioned for her, with its vain pursuit of status and material things. And to her, marriage seems a part of that. Think of the emptiness of her parents' marriage.
Lyta Padfoot
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 60: Picnic in Pincup
I read that most cancer doctors were either cancer survivors or had loved ones touched by the disease, hardly a surprise that Opal might feel caled to healing after knowing such pain. The picnic was charming, interesting conversation between Freddy and Angelica.
Author's reply
It's not unusual for someone who has survived a trauma due to the skill of a doctor to wish to go into medicine. Add to this the fact that Opal really does not *have* anything else of substance in her life, thanks to her mother, and it does not seem a stretch.
Yes, Freddy and Angelica are getting to know one another a bit better. 8-)
Pervinca
· 2 August 2004
· Chapter 59: Closing the Convocation
I suppose you're just as happy as the hobbits for the assembly to be over! I simply loved the scene between Bergil and Pippin. I can just imagine the look on Pippin's face when Bergil picked him up :)
I hope you plan on writing Pearl's time with Opal. I'm sure it will be very touching.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Yes, I am certainly glad it's over. I'm really *over* politics right now!
I thought it would be fun. After all, even though Bergil is younger, he is larger.
I didn't get Pearl's time with Opal in, but I think you will like her little chat with Poppy in the next chapter.
Wopt
· 31 July 2004
· Chapter 19: A Little Bit of Fun
I love how you placed this song in this piece. I love this story. keep writing. its very cool
Author's reply
Thank you. I love the music in the movies, and I like to work the occasional reference to it into a basically book-verse story. I'm glad that you are enjoying this story. It is very fun to write.
Lindelea
· 30 July 2004
· Chapter 5: Four is Company
Ah, so many little things that caught the eye...
Most of the inns haven't been rebuilt yet. How telling that detail is! Inns would be gathering places for gossip and relaxation, as well as stopovers for travellers.
Sometimes Frodo knows Merry too well.
It did not occur to them *not* to set a watch.
Just because they were home, Sam had let his guard down. (And Pippin's realisation of this, in his conversation with Sam, was very well done.)
Pippin's We can barely help ourselves was one of those "hit in the gut" moments. Of course they're still recovering, getting used to being home, trying to become hobbity once more.
LOL at the picture of trying to waken the Thain circumspectly (ain't gonna happen).
That's all for today! Sure hope I get some reading time tomorrow!
Author's reply
Yes, of all the wicked things Lotho did, I think his destruction of the inns was the most sinister.
Oh, yes, Frodo knows his Merry. And he moves to forestall him.
When I was writing this, I went back to look over "Three's Company" for comparison. I thought it would make a nice contrast of then and now, after having travelled with the Fellowship.
I couldn't think of another reason that Sam would have been gone so long just when Frodo might need him.
And Merry and Pippin are just recovering from their own anniversaries.
Beri's no fool. He had no intention of rousing the entire Great Smials.
Lindelea
· 30 July 2004
· Chapter 4: Back to Buckland
Popping back in again for a minute. Wish I had time to read more!
I do like the little details you add, such as the description of the Men's camp, and what Saradoc saw people doing there.
Poor Frodo, anticipating some sort of reward with dread!
I am in awe of your OC names. They sound so natural and real.
Author's reply
Thanks so much!
Frodo never quite comes to terms with the idea that he deserves to be rewarded. Since he thinks he failed because of claiming the Ring, he tends to be embarassed and feel guilty at all the gratitude.
The OC names for the Men were not hard to come by in the case of the Rohirrim, I knew right were to turn, and went to one of the many sites available for Anglo-Saxon names. For the Gondorians, I combed the Appendices, and also People of Middle Earth for names that appeared there. And did you know that JRRT used Carolingian-Merovingian names for many of his upper class male hobbits? When I first started writing fanfic, I thought I would try to avoid OCs (LOL!) but if I have to use them ( and in this story I seem to be drowning in them) I want them to at least sound plausible.
Anso the Hobbit
· 30 July 2004
· Chapter 17: Offer from the King of Rohan
I started reading this story yesterday, and come thus far, and I love it! I had to force myself to stop, because I almost fell asleep on my computer. This is so great! It`s so good to see the families of Merry and Pippin and the Big Folk and Bergil! I really can`t go back reviewing each chapter, but I have to say that I enjoy this very much, and I like how you use humor and good nature and everything hobbits are to intimidate the Big Folk. And the gifts from Rohan and Gondor! No wonder the gossip started. That was so great and such an appreciation. I also like how Frodo actually is a little angry over all the people who wants to praise him for what he did. Good work! I`ll read more soon.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying the story so far. I've been having a good time with it, although it has turned into a much longer and more populated tale than I originally envisioned.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 July 2004
· Chapter 59: Closing the Convocation
Just wonderful and I loved Sam's talk with Legolas and Gimli and the way that he teased his sister a bit. Also enjoyed Gimli's reaction to "the Talk". LOL
Author's reply
Yes, well. I always thought that Dwarves would either be very earthy on the subject of the "birds-and-bees" or very prim and close-mouthed. I decided that prim was funnier.
GamgeeFest
· 29 July 2004
· Chapter 59: Closing the Convocation
Good to see another chapter for this story. I almost forgot what was going on there for a minute. ;) Loved Sam's teasing of Marigold. It's funny to see that even back in Middle Earth, girls used that old "I'm not telling you" line, and that it crosses all races. Frodo's probably jumping for joy that the assembly is finally over, though probably not as enthusiastically as Bergil is to have Pippin back. Too bad the men will be leaving soon.
Author's reply
Sorry about being so long in the update, but between being caught up by The Dare, and a bad attack of RL, Reckoning kind of got on the back burner for a while.
Yes, I can see Sam teasing Mari. I picture her as being just a touch flighty--not much, but enough to lead Tom a merry chase, and give him fits. Unlike Sam's solid and steady Rose.
I think the old "I'm not telling you" line probably goes back as far as there have been males and females.
Yes, Frodo's glad to have the assembly over. He wants to go home to Bag End and start living a normal life.
It is too bad. And in seven years, we know that Aragorn makes the Ban absolute. Mean old Aragorn! 8-)