Ladykorana
· 13 June 2004
· Chapter 40: A Matter of Precedence
I know it's got to be a tough job to get all those titles listed, but I felt obligated to point out that you've left out 'Warrior of Helm's Deep' from Gimli's titles. The poor dwarf deserves recognition for that, especially since he bested our dear Elf in the orc-killing contest! And I second the motion that Gimli should have come right after Legolas, before Merry and Pippin. He is, afterall, Lord of his own land, and is of the line of Durin the Deathless, so I think he should have a rank almost as high as Legolas, IMHO.
Author's reply
Thank you for pointing that out. I did have "Warrior of Helm's Deep" in originally, but in fighting with the italics, I somehow lost it. I seem to have a problem when I use italics, they scramble everything up, and sometimes I lose phrases. I will fix that right away!
And as I said, I was of two minds on having him after Legolas, but because the focus was on Frodo, I thought their status as his kin would place them ahead.
Remember, too, that Legolas helped to set the precedence.
I appreciate your point of view; thanks for letting me know about the other.
Author Reply: I went back and added "Warrior of Helm's Deep" back in. Darn italics! Thanks!
Bodkin
· 13 June 2004
· Chapter 40: A Matter of Precedence
The hobbits are impressed - but I'm not sure they really grasp it. They are quite a hidebound rural society really. I think it will take more than this to make them understand Sam and, in fact, he earned his own rise in hobbit society partly as Frodo's heir, but even more with his work greening the Shire and his many terms as Mayor.
The titles are extensive, but really they all need to know more about what happened - getting writing that Red Book, Frodo.
(Wouldn't Gimli, as Lord of Aglarond, have outranked Pippin and Merry? Not that it matters.)
Author's reply
You are right. They do not grasp it yet, and most of them will never grasp it, though I like to think a few of the more intelligent will eventually. The whole purpose of this was to throw hobbit society off-balance by turning their ideas of precedence on its head, and make them more receptive and less obstructive of the King's proposals (that the proposals are *good* for the Shire is not necessarily going to matter to certain types) and to show Sam in a better light. You are right about Sam earning his new place, but in this story at least, the knowledge that he is honored by the new King helps give him a bit of a jump start.
The hobbits are not going to have a clue as to what the majority of the titles mean: part of the idea is to get them asking questions. And, sadly, even after Frodo writes the Red Book, most hobbits will never read it.
I went back and forth on that, but finally thought the deciding factor was Pippin's and Merry's status as "Kinsmen of Frodo the Beloved". I could be wrong, but I don't much think Gimli would care, anyway.
GamgeeFest
· 13 June 2004
· Chapter 40: A Matter of Precedence
Yay! That was so cool! And well worth the wait. I was curious what everyone's titles would be. They sounded very impressive indeed, you pulled them off spectacularly.
I'm sure we'll be getting more of everyone's reactions in the coming chapters, but the ones seen here were perfect. My heart went out to Frodo. He agreed to do this, but he still doesn't like it. It's a shame he can't feel the same pride for himself that he does for Sam. The funniest reaction was to Legolas' introduction: He's a prince and he's announced third?! Now The Jewelery are really going to feel horrible about accousting him the way they did (well, I should hope so anyway).
Till next time. :)
Author's reply
The whole idea was to sound impressive! Remember that this Ball is essentially a political move. But I'm glad you thought they sounded right.
Frodo's own emotions are too raw for him to be proud of himself, and Saruman didn't help (I think he lied when he said that the bit about Frodo's health and happiness was only a prediction--I think it was one of his patented self-fulfilling curses, for he still had much of the power of his Voice) But Frodo can still feel happiness and joy and pride *for others*, which is as well as he can do.
Legolas himself helped to organize this precedence, and I think that he amused himself by anticipating just that kind of reaction.
RogerGamgee
· 13 June 2004
· Chapter 40: A Matter of Precedence
Dreamflower,
Yet another fantastic chapter in this tale! I love how you portrayed the hobbits' feelings during the ceremony...Frodo's reluctance, Sam's love for Rose...all done so beautifully.
Perhaps now the rest of the Shire will see just what kind of person Sam truly is...that he is more than 'just a gardener'.
I take it from reading this that most of the Shire is relatively 'ignorant' about the Quest and what it meant. I know that Frodo and the others really didn't talk much about it after their return home.
All in all, well done! I'm curious to see what happens at the ball.
Author's reply
Of course we all know he is more than "just a gardener", but it's going to take more than this to change most minds.
My take is that the Travellers talked about their experiences on a "need to know" basis--to their closest friends and family, but these were not experiences they would share with casual strangers or even acquaintances--although I think Merry and Pippin would be more forthcoming with some of the lighter moments of their travels. I don't think Frodo talked about it any more than he could help, and when he did, he stuck to "just the facts, ma'am". He saved it up for the Red Book, mostly.
Kitty
· 12 June 2004
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
Starting to read this fic some days ago, I am very impressed! It is one of the few Hobbit-Fics I have truly enjoyed (and re-readed immediately!).
I love the way you described the Hobbits - I think it is mostly in canon for our dear four friends. And I am very fond of Merry's and Pippin's parents, especially the latters. The way Eglantine deals with Hyacinth and 'the Jewelry' is great! To empty chamber pots ... *giggles* And I am very curious to know how this will continue. Poor Reggie, he don't deserve this wife and daughters.
All the little pieces, about Bergil for instance, seems very fitting to me - they make the story so much more better and interesting. Now I look forward to the ball and how it will work out, especially for Frodo - I truly hope he can enjoy it a little bit. And I wonder if the Gondorians and Rohirrim will dance as well - maybe with a nice Hobbit lass? It would be a very funny sight.
Thank you for this fic and for the frequent updates - I look forward to them every day!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying the story. I try very hard to keep my characterizations of the four main hobbits as close to canon as I possibly can. I consider JRRT the expert on his own creation, so I consult LoTR and the Letters frequently.
I'm hoping that the ball will be as fine as I can make it. I've put so much hype into it. But Eglantine has put a lot of work and thought into it as well, so maybe it will turn out OK. 8-)
Hai Took
· 12 June 2004
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
Yikes you end it right when things were about to get underway! I loved everyone getting ready! Bergil and Pippin helping each other out was wonderful, I like that Bergil says Sir Pippin as well, that seems very fitting. How terrible for Reggie to find out that he was only married for the title he might inherit! He was very smart to pass over the Thainship should it ever fall to him. Gimli calling Legolas pretty was funny! I'm so glad that Marigold and Rosie got some nice dresses! Mari being escorted by Fredegar was splendid! Eglantine saying they weren't first and Paladin saying at least they were ahead of Saradoc and Esmerelda was great! and then them being glad they weren't last! Can't wait to read about the ball! I'm sure it will be a party of special magnificence ;)
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter. I was afraid I might be overdoing the descriptions of the clothes and so forth. I hope that the ball will live up to your expectations!
Pervinca
· 12 June 2004
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
That was a very cruel cliffhanger! You're just lucky that you update quite frequently, otherwise I might have been forced to be annoyed :P
Your descriptions almost rival the Prof. himself. I could just see the gowns that each of the lasses (and matrons) were wearing! If the rest of this story (and all of your others!) are anything to go by, this ball is going to be an event of certain magnificence.
I'm really starting to feel sorry for Reginard, but at least he knows what a witch his wife really is. I suppose hobbits don't really have divorces, do they?
- Pervinca
Author's reply
I didn't mean for it to be a cliffhanger, truly, it just came out that way!
I'm glad you liked the descriptions of the gowns and so forth. I hope the ball will live up to your expectations.
Knowing that JRRT was Catholic, I would be pretty certain that they do not. He said hobbits rarely re-married even when widowed. But I would imagine in extreme cases, there might be something like a annullment if someone had been married under false pretenses.
Grey Wonderer
· 12 June 2004
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
When Rose and Marigold were getting ready, I was put in mind of Cinderella. I hope Rose has a lovely evening with her dear Sam and that Bergil makes it through his song. Can't wait for more of this one.
Author's reply
With Pearl and Pimpernel as fairy godmothers? Could be appropriate, since they are Tooks and might have "fairy blood". LOL! For Rose, any evening with her Sam is a lovely one, but I'm hoping to make this one truly special for them.
Bergil will do just fine, you'll see!
Bodkin
· 12 June 2004
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
Lovely set up to them all getting ready. Still poor Reggie being stuck with horrible Hyacinth.
The touch I loved best was Bergil with Pippin - so sweet to see Pippin being paternal and protective and caring for Bergil so well.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Reggie. But all Hyacinth's scheming is about to come crashing down around her ears.
I want to show Pippin trying, at least a little bit, to fill the role for Bergil that Merry did for him. Of course it will never really be the same, Merry and Pippin were raised together, and both are hobbits besides, but at least Bergil is getting a taste of what is like to have a special protective older friend, and Pippin is getting a taste of what it is like to *be* one. He is quite enjoying being Bergil's "Sir Pippin".
GamgeeFest
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
I loved all your descriptions of the gowns and suits everyone is wearing. And their reactions at seeing each other. Sara and Esme are so fliratious with each other even after all these years; it's adorable. And I loved Sam's reaction the best, just a simple "oh". Poor guy probably even had to struggle to say that much. Can't wait for the announcements and everyone's reaction to them.
Author's reply
I was afraid I might be going a bit overboard with the "fashion parade", but it seemed important to show how everyone looked all gussied up in their different ways.
I like happy marriages. I think Hyacinth and Reggie are my only unhappy couple so far, and that's because I needed it for the plot.
Sam? You are absolutely right. But it doesn't matter, because they both say it with their eyes.
Introductions next chapter! Bergil and Reggie, front and center.
Pervinca
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
My goodness! I can't believe how many little dramas you've managed to work into this story. It's so wonderful. I knew one of Hyancith's daughters was bound to do something awful to Rosie or Marigold. I hope Reggie won't be too upset by his daughter's actions.
I'm really loving this story. It's incredible how well you have written this!
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Oh wow! (Blushes) I really love your stuff too, so this is a great compliment.
I do have a lot of different little things going. I'm hoping to wrap up a couple of them soon.
I'm glad you are enjoying the story, since I have so much fun writing it.
Bodkin
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
How can Eglantine have such a vile brother? And his sons! And Reginard does not deserve Hyacinth and the obnoxious offspring - though maybe he could have had a bit more input into their development! I know Eglantine will make Opal suffer - GOOD. Nasty snobby little hobbit lass.
I like the ballroom. I feel for Frodo - he won't like the evening at all, but he will do it for love of his friends. Good story. (I like the Gandalf one, too, but I don't think I've got round to saying so yet.)
Author's reply
Sometimes nice people have really rotten relatives. Bilbo and Frodo were stuck with the S.-B.s, and Tina is stuck with Clodio. Explanations on Hyacinth and Reggie forthcoming in next chapter. And Opal is going to suffer, but not the way anyone expects.
I'm glad you like the ballroom. I put a lot of time into working that out.
Frodo is not going to especially *like* the evening, but he may not hate it as much as he thinks he's going to.
Glad you're also enjoying "A Place for Gandalf". It's quite a change from this one, and not nearly so long (I hope).
Thanks for the review!
Grey Wonderer
· 11 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
I think maybe I've found the perfect husband for Opal, well, two really. How about either Clovis or Cado Banks? Seems that the three of them have much in common. Marry Opal off and then ship her and the unlucky Banks of her choice to Bree. LOL I love Eglantine more with each chapter.
Author's reply
Well, Opal may have something to do with the nasty Banks brothers before it's over, but it may not be what you think.
I love Eglantine more and more, myself. She has rapidly turned into one of my favorites; I imagine her as sounding somewhat like Dame Judy Dench, and it sort of colors my characterization.
songspinner
· 10 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
I just caught up with this marvelous tale! You have such a delightful grasp of hobbit life here, and it fits Tolkien's world quite well, I think. I also enjoy how there are these little bits, with Bergil or with Legolas and Gimli that are insights into how they are coping with their own troubles. Good dialogue and strong, well expressed emotion, and you obviously have a twisted sense of humor (that matches well with your subject, really!).
Looking forward to the next bit...
-Laura
Author's reply
Thank you so much for the kind words!
It's the little bits that I have the most fun with, even more than plotting, which can get to be a chore when it gets complicated. But I love the characters, and have to show what they're thinking and doing.
Twisted? Well, maybe. I do get a chuckle out of some strange things.
Thank you for the review, and I'm glad you're liking the story.
GamgeeFest
· 10 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
I'm glad I'm not Opal. I was scared just reading that! The Thain and Eglantine are certainly not a pair I'd want mad at me. I probably would faint. And even though Opal may deserve to be punished, I still feel sorry for her. To have not only the Thain but also the threat of the King's men punishing her, that poor lass will be beyond distraught come morning. And missing the ball will be a sore note also.
What are Cado and Clovis up to? Can't be good, whatever is. Merry may have to make good on his threat yet.
Did you purposely leave Frodo out of the last few chapters, or did it just work out that way? I'm curious to see how he's dealing with the stress of the upcoming ball. Though Legolas most likely got it right, that he was worrying about it nonstop. I guess we'll find out soon enough.
Author's reply
I'm glad I'm not Opal, too--imagine Hyacinth for a mother! The Thain and Eglantine are seriously ticked off, but a lot of her punishment is to have to think about consequences.
No, Cado and Clovis would never be up to anything good.
Partly it has been on purpose. I kind of know what his next big scene is, but I haven't worked out a few of the details yet. Also, he is deliberately isolating himself a little bit, to psych himself up for a job he's not too crazy about but knows he has to do. (Like *that's* never happened to him before.) But it's also partly because I have such a huge cast right now that someone gets left out every time.
Hai Took
· 10 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
Your description of the ballroom was enchanting! Very detailed, I now have such a lovely vision of what it must look like. It will be even grander once it is full of hobbits, and men! That Bergil remembered the song from Cormallen was great, even the elvish! I'm glad they caught Opal and I hope this teaches her a good lesson although banishment might be a little harsh. I hope Reginard is able to preform his duties adequately! I'm sure he will be fine, although I would fret over the elvish as well! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked my description of the ballroom. It took me a long time to figure out just what it was like, and why the Great Smials had a ballroom if they didn't have balls that much.
Cormallen is probably the highlight of Bergil's young life so far. And the people of Minas Tirith use a lot of Elvish words anyway, so he wouldn't have much trouble with it.
And we're not through with Opal yet.
RogerGamgee
· 10 June 2004
· Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
This is possibly the best chapter yet. I can only say that Paladin and Eglantine make a formidable couple, to say the least. Alone or together, they are forces to be reckoned with - as Opal seems to have now found out. Congratulations on a fantastic chapter!
Author's reply
Why thank you very much! I'm glad you like my Paladin and Eglantine--they have grown on me gradually. But I think they have to be pretty formidable to have produced a Pippin, don't you? And of course they *really* don't like having their hospitality abused.
Grey Wonderer
· 9 June 2004
· Chapter 37: Love and Intrigue
Way to go, Merry! I love a well-placed threat now and again. I also enjoyed the scene between Merry and Estella and the planning of Sam and Rose's wedding. A wonderful chapter. Looks like Eglantine's family has been up to more than anyone knows from their reactions so I am expecting some interesting developements on that front.
Author's reply
Yes, well Merry does not easily forgive when it comes to Pippin's well-being. Remains to be seen if the Bankses are intelligent enough to heed the warning.
A little nice romance never goes amiss, does it?
There *are* a lot of developements going on there. I just hope I can keep track of them all.
Bodkin
· 9 June 2004
· Chapter 37: Love and Intrigue
Nasty Opal. Nasty Bankses. They deserve each other. Marry nasty jewellery to nasty Banks boys. Put them in a big hole a long way away and let them get on with it!
Author's reply
Yes, but, but *eeewww* think of the nasty little offspring they'd have! Don't worry, they have their comeuppance before all is done. And don't forget Pip's nasty uncle, either.
Hai Took
· 9 June 2004
· Chapter 36: The Mistress in Action
What a wonderful chapter! There were so many things that I liked about it I doubt I will remember them all! I like the way Paladin muttered about getting up but went back to sleep! Eglantine sure was getting a jump start on the day! Her meeting Legolas outside was nice, she seems more sensible then then a lot of people and reacted nicely to his presence!
Taragon thinking that she could hold her own in Minas Tirith's courts was a nice touch! Says a lot about the way she operates! I'm glad she is getting to know the Men!
I loved "the Jewelry's" punishment! It was such a delight to read! Always fun to see someone wicked get their come-up! I hope they even learn a lesson from it all!
Do you have a story about Pippin's misadventure with his Banks cousins somewhere? You have mentioned it a couple of times and I was wondering if you had it down somewhere. Maybe you have said and I missed it.
Anyway looking forward to more! Can't wait!
Author's reply
The bit with Paladin going back to sleep is from personal experience. My husband always has good intentions to get up with me when I get up early, but I can usually encourage him to fall right back to sleep.
I just decided to see where her day would take her, and it seemed logical that if she went to the garden early, she would see the Elf there greeting the Sun. And yes, she is a bit more sensible than a few we could name.
Targon is coming to have a great deal of respect for the hobbits. He and Eothain both have come a long way from the days when they thought of them as childlike.
Hyacinth's daughters have got exactly what they deserved, but as for learning a lesson, well, you have to have brains for that, and those three are not highly equipped in the intelligence department.
I have not yet written the story of Pippin's "incident", but it has been boiling away in my head for a while, and I think will sooner or later come out as its own story. It came to me first when I was thinking of things for Merry to be angry about in "Conspiracy".
Grey Wonderer
· 8 June 2004
· Chapter 36: The Mistress in Action
Cleaning the privy! I laughed out loud. Very fitting and just of Eglantine. I think she should be the Thain. She seems to have everything and everyone under control.
Author's reply
Well, it really was not more than Opal deserved. But Egalantine doesn't need to be Thain--she's something better, she's the Thain's wife! Don't you know even Paladin will jump for her!
GamgeeFest
· 8 June 2004
· Chapter 36: The Mistress in Action
What a hectic day! And it's bound to only get worse as the ball approaches. Tina's punishment for "The Jewelery" was brilliant. Those girls need to learn the lesson of a hard day's work. Wonderful chapter all the way through.
Author's reply
Yes, one thing which Eglantine absolutely will not put up with is an abuse of hospitality. But will the lesson take? Those three have been spoiled rotten for years.
Grey Wonderer
· 8 June 2004
· Chapter 35: The Word Spreads
“Don’t look now, but here comes ‘the Jewelry’.” Laughed out loud at this line. I love how they all worked together to stop those three from embarrassing Legolas. Rose and Sam were so very sweet and I loved Pippin's parents realizing that they might have misjudged him in the past, especially his father. Another good one.
Author's reply
Yes, they know how to deal with those three. Just wait till Eglantine gets hold of them.
Rose and Sam--so much in love. I'm glad you like the way I'm showing them.
Pippin's parents are beginning to realize how much he has matured.
Thanks for the review.
Arwen Baggins
· 7 June 2004
· Chapter 35: The Word Spreads
Why do I get the distinct feeling that something's gonna happen to Rose's necklace, something bad to make Sam wish he had saved it for the wedding? Now go on, get to the Ball, I want to see this little Scheme that Tina Took cooked up!
Author's reply
It's still a day or so to the Ball, and Tina has got a lot to get done ahead of time. But I hope it will be worth the wait. There's still a lot of scheming to go.
Hai Took
· 7 June 2004
· Chapter 35: The Word Spreads
I enjoyed the little runi n here with "the Jewelry" while no one wanted to really meet them "Gimli and Legolas looked puzzled, and Frodo mildly alarmed." I like that Flora calls Bergil "Birdie" children do have the habit of mixing up names and making them come out differently! Cute! I like that Paladin had thought to give the money to Pippin for all his years of taking care of Pippin in different ways. Looking forward to more! I'm gussing this Ball can't be too far off now, can it? I liked everyone's reactions to the invitation! I liked that Poppy felt it would inconvience them! Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Yes, Hyacinth's daughters have a way of making their presence felt. They are a trio of spoiled brats, aren't they?
I like having the littlest hobbits in the story, and they help to break up the seriousness of things.
The Ball is coming, but there's a lot of preparation left, not to mention a few more encounters, some pleasant, some not-so.
Poppy is the no-nonsense type. In my version of the Shire, most, though not all, the healers are female. They tend to be brisk and a little bossy, and not much concerned with "frippery".