GamgeeFest
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
Only Sam would worry about leaving Frodo "all alone" while surrounded by relatives and friends. But Frodo's always alone in one way or another. And Sam's right, no one will really be able to understand that, except Merry and Pippin.
I hope Merry's nicer to Dago than he was to the Banks brothers. Not that Dago deserves it, but it won't look good if Dago comes back looking like he's already served his punishment! Pippin will keep him in check.
Author's reply
Only Sam, of course. And that is exactly the point. But Frodo's very busy right now, and does not have too much time for loneliness, at least not during the day.
Merry shouldn't have any problem with Dago. He doesn't have the history with them that he did with Pip's cousins. He'd been saving up those knees in the groins for *ten years*! Antici-paaa-tion! 8-) (By the way, I'm starting to think about working on the story of that incident--pen to paper, first, then computer.)
Lindelea
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 3: An Important Date
Smiling in delight. I like how you tie this story in with another story of yours (the hundred silver pennies, wasn't it?). At least I think it was your story. O dear, now I'm feeling muddled.
In any event, Merry is very practical here. Yes, Sam might feel better for a tongue lashing, and Pippin might not be as hard on Sam as Sam would be on himself. How true to life!
There were other little touches I enjoyed but I think it's time for a nap. Ah well, with so many chapters posted I have something to look forward to.
Author's reply
Yes, both of my When the King Comes Back stories mention the hundred silver pennies, as well as my new story Kingly Gifts. Actually, that was you, inspiring me to keep all my stories sort of fitting together to form their own little universe. I love the way you have done that.
Merry's almost always practical. And he's closer to Sam in a lot of ways than Pippin is.
I'm glad you are enjoying this so far. It's very flattering. Thank you.
Bodkin
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
Freddy will make an excellent envoy - good thinking on his part. Courage is about doing things anyway, and he is good at that.
Poor little Bergil. Traumatic as all these events are for the adults, they must have been worse for the children. He must have been worried silly about his father. Pippin makes a really good job of looking after his 'cousin'.
Merry and Pippin are definitely the best people to send for Dago. Hobbits, but rather more suspicious and practical than most.
Good chapter!
Author's reply
Yes, I've been trying to aim Freddy in that direction since the story started.
I thought he'd make a good one.
Yes, Bergil has a number of things to give him nightmares, and he's far from home; the recent goings on with the Bankses probably triggered this off. Pippin is just trying to live up to Merry and Frodo, being a good older "cousin".
And well-armed and rather larger than most as well. 8-)
Thanks.
Lindelea
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 2: Unexpected News
Ah, Merry knows Pippin so well... I love the way he counts, expecting the fidgeting to recommence by the time he counts to... yes, there it is.
Nice pacing, and the poetry fits well.
A suggestion, if you have been as frustrated by line spacing as I have, when including poetry in a story. If you delete the [enter] at the end of each line, replacing it with a code you generate by holding down the [shift] key while you press [enter], you'll have some sort of line space code which will make the lines of poetry single spaced instead of double spaced.
If you look at the code within the chapter itself, the double space looks like (less than sign) (slash) p (greater than sign) (less than sign) p (greater than sign) and the single space looks kind of like (less than sign) (slash) b (greater than sign)
Have you ever looked at the html code (at least I think that's what you call it)in the chapter editor? Fascinating stuff.
If, however, this has never bothered you, simply disregard all that follows "A suggestion".
Author's reply
I've often had fits with poetry line spacing and italics; but I really am *so* computer illiterate. About html. code "I know nussing, nussing." I thank you for your effort to educate me though.
Lindelea
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 1: Echoes of a Bad Time
Ah, yes, the anniversary of Merry's encounter with Shadow. It seems plausible that if Frodo has an anniversary after being wounded by the Witch King, Merry would as well... Nicely done, and I like the way you mesh it in with Pippin's own "echoes".
Of course the first thing Merry would think of was Frodo, and not himself. Very sensible!
Author's reply
Oh thank you. I thought it was only reasonable myself. 8-) And, yep, that's our Merry.
Lindelea
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
Ah, very satisfying, like a long drink of tea when suffering from a stuffed throat (believe me, I know what I'm talking about--good thing I can type and don't have to try to talk!).
Exciting, can't wait to see what happens next!
I love the little touches, and Bergil being Pippin's "cousin", and Freddy's little talk with Merry, and all...
You know I'm really going to have to start at the beginning and read the tale properly. Perhaps I can get some reading done today, seeing as how it's a "sick day".
Thanks!
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying it, even if you are not feeling up to snuff.
Maybe it won't be so bad reading it from the inside out. My husband does that to books all the time. ( *I* can't, but what the hey,) He always reads the end and middle first, and then starts over at the beginning.
Hope you get to feeling better.
Kitty
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
Yippie - I had thought some times before it would be a good thing for Freddy to go to Gondor. He needs some distraction and is more open-minded than many other Hobbits. It seems you can read my mind ;-)
And I'm glad they have caught Dago Bracegirdle! It is a good idea the Thain has send Merry and Pippin to escort him - they are able to handle him.
It is cute how Pippin cares for Bergil - no wonder the lad worshipped him so much!
Author's reply
I've been planning for Freddy to be part of the embassy for a long time, but he had to be able to overcome his phobia about leaving the Shire and crossing the River. I'm glad you like the idea. 8-)
Yes, Merry and Pippin will have no trouble at all handling Dago, who has come to understand that he is not nearly so clever as he thought.
Pippin is just trying to do for Bergil what Merry and Frodo always did for him.
Bodkin
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 55: A Bit of Comfort
Good for Frodo. I hope Reggie gets some support - he is looking at the end of his tether.
Poppy is a good healer - the Shire seems to be well blessed with healers.
Author's reply
Well, Reggie is getting a lot of support, but he is still trying to spend most of his time with her. He has a lot of guilt issues over not being a better father. But he will gradually begin to ease off.
I like Poppy a lot. She and Lavender have made appearances in previous stories; but Poppy is a favorite of mine, and I have some interesting plans for her.
GamgeeFest
· 6 July 2004
· Chapter 55: A Bit of Comfort
Opal will do well to take Frodo's advice. I'm glad she was able to see that his "oddities" were only ever just rumors and ask for his help. And I *am* glad that Dago will get his due. But as for a sequel, didn't you say that Sandyman got away? Seems you could do something with that.
Author's reply
Just about anybody would do well to take his advice. He has grown so much in wisdom and compassion since his journey, that I feel he now ranks among the "Wise" like the Bearers of the Three. And of course, in a lot of ways, Frodo *was* odd before he left, in hobbit terms at least, but oddities are not necessarily a *bad* thing, the way Hyacinth made it sound.
Yes, Dago will get his due. But I already know what happened to Sandyman, and that will also come in before the end, I hope. Or maybe it will wait for a sequel. Hmmm....
Grey Wonderer
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 55: A Bit of Comfort
I saved up several chapters of this to enjoy all at once. It is still very good and I am enjoying it very much. I love how Opal responds to Legolas and how wonderful he has been to help her. I like the way everyone is pulling together to help her recover. This chapter was wonderful! I was so pleased to see how you used frodo's missing finger as a way for him to help Opal with her lost leg. I loved it when she asked him how to be good. Very sweet. I also thought that you showed Frodo's dificulty in speaking about his problems with the healer very well. He was willing to help, but it hurt him to reveal so much. I look forward to more.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are still enjoying the story. Legolas would always be willing to help when he can, and feels perhaps badly that it was her rudeness to him that got her into the situation in the first place. (Not logical, but good people do tend to worry about things like that, go figure.)
Frodo will not talk about his problems or experiences to help himself, but he will to help someone else. I had really had this idea of him helping another hobbit who had lost a limb early on in the story, but I had not expected it to be one of Hyacinth's daughters at first.
Lyta Padfoot
· 5 July 2004
· Chapter 55: A Bit of Comfort
The scene between Frodo and Opal was sweet and heartbreaking. He understands her more than she realizes, indeed Opal's personality is improving, but the impetus for her change will be one she'll live with the rest of her life. Dago is pretty sheltered, but then so are most hobbits, if he thought he could actually get far without being caught or robbed.
Author's reply
Frodo has grown a lot in wisdom and compassion, and he does indeed understand a great deal. Opal and her sisters are going to have to work hard to overcome habits of a lifetime, but without Hyacinth there, they may stand a chance.
Dago *thought* he was pretty clever and that he knew more than he actually does. He is in for a rude awakening. And he really did not plan ahead for his flight; I don't suppose he thought much beyond getting out of the Shire with his ill-gotten gains.
GamgeeFest
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 54: Two Problems Solved
That Pearl is a clever one. All those lasses talking about Merry all afternoon. Estella didn't stand a chance. Good thing too, as she's perfectly suited to be with him. Shoot, you even had me wishing there was a Merry in my life, mischief and everything. :)
Good to see Dago's been caught. Now justice can be served to all the traitors.
Author's reply
Pearl is Eglantine's shadow and right arm. She knows what to do. And there wouldn't have needed to be much prompting to make Merry and Pippin the topic of conversation. *I* think they are well suited to one another! And who wouldn't want a Merry in their life? ( or a Sam or a Pippin or even a Frodo, for that matter, LOL!)
Yes, Dago is well and truly caught. I had thought about letting him get away to use for a sequel, but I'm just not that crazy about bad guys. He needs to get his justice as well.
Pervinca
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 54: Two Problems Solved
:) Well, that Pearl is certainly a clever one! I'm so glad to see Merry and Estella back together (despite knowing that they would have to be eventually!). Also glad to see Garnet and Amethyst were invited too.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Well, I couldn't leave Merry dangling too long. And yes, Pearl would have invited the two sisters. They needed to get away from the sickroom for a while.
Bodkin
· 4 July 2004
· Chapter 54: Two Problems Solved
Ahhh! Clever hobbit ladies making Merry sound loving and approachable and supportive and mischievous and kind and all those nice qualities to account for his courage and ferocity when anyone attacks those whom he loves! (Estella is a bit of a wimp, though!)
Glad to see kindness to Reggie's offspring is still order of the day, but it is going to be hard for the three of them - kindness isn't liking or friendship.
Dago doesn't make much of a conspirator, really. And very hobbity to make it hunger that persuaded him to risk exposure.
I think the hobbit ladies need to go a bit further on to the social issues surrounding Sam and Rosie - Sam is the second most respected person in the world, and the whole family should stop saying Mr and Miss. Campaign for Gamgee/Cotton equality!
Author's reply
Yes, all Pearl was trying to do was remind Estella of why she had fallen for Merry in the first place. But I don't think the poor lass is exactly a wimp, so much as the rather sheltered baby sister of her family. I see her as a rather clever lass, but somewhat younger than her years in some important ways.
You are right; they have been subdued by circumstances and right now are towing the line out of remorse and maybe a bit of fear. Habits of being rude and disdainful are going to be hard ones to overcome. But they are surrounded now by people who are going to be willing to give them a chance.
No, Dago and Clodio were not very good conspirators. Talk about wimps! But of course it would be hunger to lead him out of hiding, what else?
Habits of a lifetime, especially habits of speech, are very hard to overcome. Look at how hard it was for Sam to not say "Proper" for only a week. My take is that they will eventually get over it, but probably not until Frodo leaves, and it won't be easy even then. Pippin's sisters have made a try on that with Rose and Marigold, but it obviously is not going to stick, not yet.
Lyta Padfoot
· 3 July 2004
· Chapter 54: Two Problems Solved
That was very clever on the part of the ladies, reminding Estella that Merry is a hobbit with his flaws and good points. Trying to imagine Merry and Pippin sewing...
Author's reply
Yes, I'm sure Pearl made sure the guests had a good idea of the motive for the tea party.
I just got this mental image of Pippin's sisters pulling dresses out of their wardrobes, and finding them impossible to get into. I can imagine young Merry (who must have been the hobbit equivalent of a Boy Scout, as "be prepared" seems to be one of his mottoes) learning the rudiments of sewing "just in case" he ever needed to know. And heavens, anyone, even Pip, could learn a running stitch--and it's really fast. LOL!
GamgeeFest
· 1 July 2004
· Chapter 53: Dago's Decision
LOL, they kept looking at Legolas! It *was* his idea though. Poor Merry went from one problem to another with Estella. But Pearl will get it straightened out.
Dago still hasn't left the Shire? There may still be hope of catching him if he gets desperate enough to make an unwise move.
Opal's past the denial stage. Now she can start the long and hard healing process. She has plenty of support which will help her, and her family, a lot.
Author's reply
Yes, well even with thousands of years of experience, meddling in people's love-life can be chancy, as Gimli pointed out to him. Yes, Pearl will fix it.
Dago's got his coming.
Yes, Opal is going to find a lot of support. Her family is going to be a lot stronger for this.
Kitty
· 1 July 2004
· Chapter 53: Dago's Decision
Good old Pearl! “That, cousin, is what happens when you send a lad to do a lass’s job.” - she is right! *still giggling*
Well, Pearl is Eglantines daughter, and I don't doubt she will manage this! Poor Merry - but I think, the way how Estella now is seeing him is much better than before! In the end she will be happy to have such a brave hobbit for herself ;-)
It is nice Opal has so many visitors. Surely the "jewelry" now is able to see how snobbish their mother was. They have heard how her mother thinks and now they can see how much better a "mere farmer's daughter" can be than said mother ever was! Maybe this will do them some good. And I'm glad Hyacinth is gone - she is the last hobbit Opal needs now! Legolas will be much more of a help, although he don't know much about lasses :-D
Author's reply
Well, actually the lads *did* help, though they went a bit overboard. But Pearl will fix it. And you are right, putting him on a pedestal is a step up from being afraid of him.
Yes, this whole mess with Opal is probably the best thing that could have happened for Reggie and his daughters.
I imagine Reggie is exhausted, physically and emotionally. Merry isn't a happy camper but now that he has his female relations on the case, Estella doesn't stand of chance.
Author's reply
Yes, with Pearl's clever hands on it, things should be looking up for Merry really soon.
Bodkin
· 1 July 2004
· Chapter 53: Dago's Decision
Well, I suppose her not being good enough for him is a step up from him being a vicious hoodlum. Let's hope Pearl manages to spread her female magic over the relationship.
Poor Opal - at least she has plenty of attention now, but how will she cope when the novelty factor wears off?
Good thing they'll have the money to pay Bounders - but what when it runs out? Will they have to introduce taxation?
I almost feel sorry for the cringing Banks - the lads are just morons. And it's really tough on Beryl. I hope Dago gets captured soon.
Author's reply
Pearl knows just what to do, as you will see.
Yes, that is beginning to worry her as well. But someone who has been in a similar situation will have some good advice for her.
The amount of money that the weregild from Saruman comes to in practical terms basically means that it will not be a problem for at least a couple of generations. But I see the economy as being somewhat feudal; there is already a form of taxation, in what the lower class hobbits pay to the upper class. Then the upper class hobbits are responsible for using that to pay for anything needed for the common good.
Dago's fall is coming soon.
Hai Took
· 30 June 2004
· Chapter 52: With Friends Like These
I have fallen behind, again! Summer just gets in the way of me keeping up with things! Poor, Pippin, being so upset about Hyacinth hating him since he was born and then his cousins not meaning their apology, very Pippin-ish.
I think some of your most touching moments are Frodo and Saradoc talking togehter, especially after all that unpleasant business with Hyacinth and then the Banks family.
Sam remebering that his week was up and saying "proper" as soon as he woke up! Then using it every chance he got when they were together to use the word. Merry and Pippin having a wager with Gimli and Legolas, what fun idea!
Paladin's sisters being to willing to help remove Hyacinth from the Smials. After finding out how bad it really was I would be anxious to help as well! I'm glad that the girls decided to stay with Reggie. They are all doing an admirable job of staying with her. It is very sweet of Marigold and Rosie to keep looking in on her as well! Maybe that will ebcome a friendship, you never know, although I'm sorry Rose felt respobsible for it. Legolas offering relief to Opal was great! I hope her recovery is is a quick one, at least a quick as can be with what has happened!
Oh, dear! I might seem that although they had the best of intentions Legolas, Sam, Pippin and Freddy shouldn't have gotten involved in Merry's love-life! Gimli was right to stay out of it! Although I couldn't help but laugh! Now she doesnt' feel good enough for him!
I'm looking forward to more! It is all so much fun! Thank you!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin likes people, and he likes them to like him. It's a bit crushing to find that liking someone and being nice to them is not enought for some kinds of people.
Frodo and Saradoc have a close relationship. Sara was his surrogate father from 12 to 21, and has a lot of insight into how Frodo feels about things.
Yes, Sam won the "proper" challenge; Merry and Pip should have known better than to bet against such a stubborn hobbit.
Hyacinth was a real problem. But she's out of the way now. Opal's sisters do not plan to be parted from her. After all, as Amethyst said, all they had was each other. And now that their mother is gone they can begin to question her snobbish assumptions. I would not be surprised if a friendship between them should eventually develope.
Well, at least Merry knows his friends care. And after all, at least she's not *angry* at him. We know from the family tree that true love will eventually triumph! LOL!
Pervinca
· 29 June 2004
· Chapter 52: With Friends Like These
We lasses certainly are fickle types :P. I'm really enjoying your little hints about the Merry/Estella romance, even if it is a bit of a side-plot. Poor Legolas - trying to help, and it all goes wrong, lol.
This chapter was a lot more light-hearted than some of the recent ones, but I still enjoyed it. It was good to see Garnet and Amethyst regretting their behaviour towards Rosie and Marigold.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Well, we know that Merry and Estella *do* get together, thanks to the family tree, but there were bound to be some interesting bumps in the road along the way. As to Legolas, I see him as an incurable romantic, and maybe just a little bit of a busybody. Of course, everybody assumes that since he's ancient he must be wise.
I was ready for something more light-hearted after all the heavy angst in the last few chapters. Garnet and Amethyst are definitely going to be questioning a lot of their mother's teachings, as they spend time with people whom she would have disdained.
Bodkin
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 52: With Friends Like These
'You know how elves are about romance.' Wonderful.
Author's reply
Thank you. And you know how Dwarves are about minding their own business! I thought it would make a nice contrast with Legolas and Gimli--friends though they are, the differences are still there.
GamgeeFest
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 52: With Friends Like These
"Merry nodded. After all, he couldn’t be any more miserable."
Famous last words. Those four went a little overboard with their interfering. Frodo's reaction was hilarious. So if it had been Pippin's idea, it would have been a disaster, but the Elf gets a little more credit. At least they care. :) It's good to have a more light-hearted chapter after all the drama, even if poor Merry is miserable.
Author's reply
That and an Elf with thousands of years experience must know what he's doing! 8-)
Yes, they praised Merry a bit *too* much, and left the poor lass feeling unworthy of a hero.
I was ready for something a bit lighter myself. I like my angst in measured doses, and I had already gotten more serious than I had meant to. But sometimes the characters have their own ideas.
And, Merry won't be miserable too long, we know that; JRRT took care of that for us.
Pervinca
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 51: Regrouping
It's good to see another Bucklander gaining an important position! When you mentioned that Opal had a visitor, I expected it to be Rosie (after the conversation that passed between her and Sam), but Legolas - that was a surprise. Now you really have stirred my interests.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Yes, well, the idea came to me when I realized that my bridge-tending brothers were also Bankses--they had to be relatives, and since I had plans to bring them in again, why not?
Opal is going to have a *lot* of visitors!
GamgeeFest
· 28 June 2004
· Chapter 51: Regrouping
Uhoh indeed. Merry's going to have some explaining to do with Estella. Glad to see Freddy is able to listen to Bergil attempting to play the flute. That's a good sign that he's beginning to move on. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your fic for Marigold's challenge.
Author's reply
Merry is not going to be very happy when he realizes how he upset her.
Freddy is beginning to make a life; it's important that he learn to cope with the reminders.
Thank you. I'm trying hard to get it done in time.