Hai Took
· 29 May 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
Wow! I caught this story kind of late in the going but was intrigued by it never the less! (I decided just to review once I got caught up, opposed to every chapter!)I love the way you write! You have seamlessly combined the characters from where the books left off to your own story!
Pippin taking Bergil fishing, and his own da comign along, was great! I hope Bergil doesn't get sick again! Poor lad trying to be polite and eating too much! Pippin telling him what stories were and weren't appropriate was good, I like how he said that Bergil should talk about the feasts.
I like what you have going with Frodo telling Sam not to use the word "proper" in anything. It certainly shouldn't be saying things like that after all he had done! Marigold and Rosie going to the Great Smials will probably be seen as nothing but "improper" of course there is this idea of Eglantine's we have yet to hear.
Poor Fredegar! I hope he is able to get beyond his grief, I guess that is what Mery is helping him to do, and I think some of these Men who have also lost friends would be suited to help him through, if he can learn to trust them.
The way you wrote this last chapter was great! I love how you wrote things moving from one hobbit to the next! I'm anxiously looking forward to more! I will also be going back to read some of your other stories! Thank you for continuing things in such a great way!
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing; I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
I wanted Pippin to spend a bit of time enjoying both his young guest and his father, so fishing seemed like a good bet. We know that *feasts* would always be a topic of interest to hobbits of any age! 8-)
Sam still has a few days of the "proper" challenge to get through; we'll see if he makes it or not! Eglantine has got quite a bit up her sleeve...
Fredegar has begun to move on with his life; Merry and his friends are going to be a big help. Freddy has a journey of discovery to make.
I'm glad you liked this chapter; I was a little worried if the "gossip" technique would work, but so far everyone seems to like it.
GamgeeFest
· 29 May 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
The gossip mill is running in overdrive for this assembly, isn't it? Though that's to be expected. I can just imagine the gossip *after* the assembly! But now I'm really curious about this plan of Eglantine's, and worried for Frodo. Knowing Frodo, he probably would allow whatever it is to take place if it means making everyone at least call a truce for the assembly. He wants what's best for the Shire, no matter what it may do to him.
Author's reply
Gossip central, that's the Shire! Do not worry too much about Frodo--Esmerelda and Saradoc will not let him get hurt, though some of what they have in mind may make him a bit uncomfortable.
RogerGamgee
· 29 May 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
Dreamflower,
Quite a convoluted story you've got here! I'm getting more and more curious to see what this 'plan' is that you've concocted. I must say you've got me in suspense at this point...keep up the good work :)
Author's reply
Yes, this story has really grown way beyond what I originally had in mind!
We should get to Eglantine's plan in just a couple more chapters. Right now, I'm sitting in a little island of furniture as my husband paints the walls around me. Unless he decides to call it quits tonight, I expect he will take the computer down in a few hours to get to the wall behind it. If he doesn't I'm going to try to get one more chapter in tonight. Otherwise it will be a few days before I'm back on-line.
FantasyFan
· 29 May 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
I am really enjoying your story. Tolkien leaves a lot of gaps in this time period, and it's fun to see how you're filling them in. I'm enjoying the characters you created for Saradoc and Esmerelda, Paladin and Eglantine. Merry's and Pippin's wit and caring had to come from somewhere!
I loved the way the first half of this chapter was done. There's a little glimpse of everyone's reactions that's fun to read. But I'm kind of concerned over what Eglantine's gotten up to for Frodo. I'm very protective of Frodo, and I don't want to see him hurt or embarassed - even if it's for the greater good. I'm looking forward to seeing what she's dreamed up.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the way I portray Merry's and Pippin's parents. I personally do not think that either of the lads had really rotten relationships with their parents, although I think Pippin must have had a rough adolescence, enough to create some difficulty with his father. But I think both families were sound at the core.
Do not worry overmuch about Frodo. Saradoc and Esmerelda will not let the Tooks go overboard, or do anything that is really against his wishes. They care too deeply for him to allow that, especially Esmerelda. Remember that they were almost like his parents from the time he was twelve until he was twenty-one. Still, he may have to put up with a bit of discomfort for Sam's and Rosie's sakes. And it may very well be that in considering it, he may discover something that is *good* for him to know.
Pervinca
· 29 May 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
Goodness, I completely forgot about Esmeralda! Now, I'm just imagining those two as middle-aged female versions of Merry and Pippin! That can't be leading to anything good :P
I liked the way this one was set out, with the statements continued by all the different hobbits throughout the Shire. Very much looking forward to what will happen next :)
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Esmerelda and Eglantine will certainly work well together, and they have learned a lot from their sons on how to set people by the ears! But of course it will mean something good: for Paladin and Saradoc if no one else.
I'm glad you liked the way I had the news travel. I was a little worried about how that would come out.
Grey Wonderer
· 28 May 2004
· Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
I love the way you have the speakers finish each other's thought in the first as the news travels from hobbit to hobbit! A very nice way to get it all said and show how far-reaching the news is. I think you are managing to get everyone involved and on to Tuckborough in fine fashion. Now, I am left wondering what is planned that may upset Frodo. You have left me with a mystery on that. I look forward to the surprise.
Author's reply
This chapter took me a while to set up. I had to find as many hobbits as I could on the family trees, and then make some up with plausible hobbity names. (For someone who doesn't like OCs, I seem to have inundated myself with them in this story!) I'm glad you liked the way I showed the news traveling--I was afraid the device might seem a little corny.
By the way, did you know that JRRT used Merovingian and Carolingian names for a lot of his upper class male hobbits? That's a useful thing to know! It helped me a lot!
Pervinca
· 28 May 2004
· Chapter 28: Invitation Accepted
Now, I'm certainly curious about what Eglantine's plan will be! It seems Pippin's mischievous streak does not only come from his Took-side, lol.
Poor Fredegar (in reference to the previous chapter). He was doing so well, enjoying his time with Gimli and Legolas. I hope he'll be able to face them again.
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Eglantine has something up her sleeve, for sure; just wait till Esmerelda gets there! The hobbit snobs are going to have something to gossip about for a long time.
Freddy will have set-backs from time to time. But we know Gimli and Legolas well enough to know they won't let a little thing like that stand in the way of a new friendship.
Can't wait to watch Eglantine in action! She sounds like she's planning for a battle. I am so glad that Rose was included in all of this. Looking forward to more chapters.
Author's reply
She *is* planning for battle. Think of her as the First Lady of the Shire--she knows that Paladin and Saradoc will face political opposition from some people for no other reason than to be obstructive. And of course there are the social implications: to include a gardener, his sister and a farmer's daughter among all the elite of hobbit society is more than a little radical. It would be more of an issue for certain types of people than even having Men in the Shire.
I *had* to include poor Rose. The dear lass waited for over a year for Sam to come back, then he had to tramp around fixing up the Shire, and *now* with their wedding coming up, I had to drag him off to deal with a bunch of Men! I had to make it up to her somehow! 8-)
GamgeeFest
· 27 May 2004
· Chapter 28: Invitation Accepted
Two chapters in one day! Both wonderful as always. I felt for poor Freddy, breaking down when he heard the flutes being played. He only just came out of his home and to be reminded of Folco growing up must have been quite a shock. Thankfully Merry and Pippin are there to talk him through it.
Eglantine's got something up her sleeve huh? Can't wait to see what it is. I'm sure she's learned a trick or two from her son over the years.
Sam and Rosie are so sweet together. You write them so beautifully. It's easy to see how much they love each other.
Author's reply
Freddy has a lot to work through. It will probably always be hard for him to hear a flute. But he has still got good friends left, and he has just begun a journey of discovery.
Eglantine has spent years living among Tooks. She's learned just about all the tricks they can come up with, just as a matter of survival.
I'm glad you like the way I write Sam and Rosie. I know how particular people can be about their relationship, so I like to treat it with respect. JRRT said Sam and Rosie and their love was one of the most important things in the story.
Oh shoot! If Pippin got his trouble-making schemes from his mother, looks like we're in for some real fun!
Author's reply
You know that old saying about "insanity is hereditary, you get it from your kids"? Eglantine has had to develope her own brand of Tookishness from living among them so long. But just wait till Esmerelda arrives. 8-)
RogerGamgee
· 27 May 2004
· Chapter 28: Invitation Accepted
Dreamflower,
Romance, intrigue, ... This story keeps getting better at every turn. I like the way you portray Sam and Rose sharing 'their special look'...absolutely endearing!
I can only imagine what you have planned for the next few chapters. Well done :)
Author's reply
Do you remember Ekaterina Godeeva and Sergei Gringkov the married couple that were pairs skaters (he died tragically young )? I can remember so well the way they would look at only each other on the ice, like no one else existed. That's my Sam and Rose look. 8-)
Well, for one thing, I've got to get the whole crowd to Tuckborough. The logistics of it are driving me mad! I just hope I don't forget and leave someone behind!
Grey Wonderer
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 27: A Grief Observed
That was a very touching chapter. I hadn't thought of how music might affect Freddy. I also loved your insight into what Legolas had in store for himself when he lost his dear friends. I am still so taken with your Freddy. He is just wonderful.
Author's reply
Yes, the sound of a flute is always going to resonate with him.
Watching someone else's grief is probably very hard for Legolas, giving him an inkling of what he has in store for him over time.
I'm glad you like Freddy. I've gotten rather fond of him myself. 8-)
RogerGamgee
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 27: A Grief Observed
Dreamflower,
I read through this chapter before going on my way to church tonight. I can honestly say I identify with Fredegar's experience...grief is indeed something that one must learn to cope with over time. It cannot be dealt with virtually overnight.
You've done an excellent job with this chapter. Keep up the great work :)
Author's reply
Freddy has a long way to go in more ways than one, but he is discovering that he has friends who can help him.
Thank you for the encouragement. I was a little stuck with this chapter, which is why it's so short, but it seemed to end at the right place, finally.
Pervinca
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 26: Invitations Tendered
My younger brother once tried to work out what relation Arwen was to Aragorn and gave up rather quickly, so I must congratulate you on managing to work it out! And now Pearl's using "proper"! Poor, poor Sam. He's not going to make it through the week :P
Something I really loved in this chapter was the scene of Legolas talking to the mallorn. I hadn't really thought of that happening before! :)
- Pervinca
Author's reply
As I said, I am not 100% sure of my conclusions there. It all depends on whether there is a one to one correlation between the line of the Kings of Numenor and those of Elendil's ancestors; also if I counted the generations correctly. Still, it seemed to me the kind of thing that would be a piece of cake for a hobbit like Merry to figure out--it is a straight shot back, with no branches back to intermingle, at least on Elrond's and Arwen's side. The cousinship of Aragorn and Arwen might be a bit more complex when figuring in Aragorn's ancestors on Gilraen's side. Again though, with the correct info, a hobbit could probably just snap it out.
So far Sam has managed to stop himself. If nothing else, the challenge will help him expand his vocabulary.
I figured that if Legolas came all that way, and met a mallorn so far from Lorien, he'd at least stop and say "Hello!". 8-)
GamgeeFest
· 26 May 2004
· Chapter 26: Invitations Tendered
I like Marigold's response to being invited to the Tooks, similar to Sam's when Gandalf told him he'd be going with Frodo to see Elves.
Pearl pretty much killed Gaffer's agrument before he could even make it! You can't argue with what's proper can you?
Author's reply
Yes. I did that on purpose. 8-)
Pearl is fairly clever. I would imagine she and Frodo had probably had a bit of a chat before they ever arrived at the Gaffer's. And you're right--it is hard to argue with someone who has anticipated your objection and pre-empted it.
Frodo was excellent with the Gaffer. I get a laugh now every time I hear the word, 'proper' thanks to this story. I also enjoyed Merry and Pippin sleeping on the floor, but my favorite part of this was Freddy with Legolas. I was so glad to see him so happy. I can't wait until Gimli and Legolas have a chance to mention what they now know about Merry.
Author's reply
Frodo has grown up listening to the Gaffer and how he deals with things; a word to Paladin and Pearl before they arrived, and the strategy is set. Sam is going to be racking his brain before the week is out to avoid that word!
With all the advantages of the Ent-draughts, there are some drawbacks. Being so much taller than all the other hobbits in the Shire means that unless they are at home in their own specially built beds, they will either be all cramped up, or they will sleep on the floor. Good thing they had all that practice sleeping on the ground during the Quest.
You don't suppose Gimli and Legolas will forget to say anything, do you? Nah, I don't think so either. 8-)
RogerGamgee
· 25 May 2004
· Chapter 26: Invitations Tendered
Dreamflower,
This was an excellent chapter. It's interesting to see how much Merry and Pippin have been affected by the Ent draughts...not only did they grow in height, but they now have the ability to heal faster. It makes me wonder what else those draughts are capable of.
Looks as though Sam is eager to see his Rose again...ah, the joys of true love :)
Author's reply
Oh, I have all kinds of ideas about the Ent-draughts. I really do think that they helped in Merry's and Pippin's healing process after the Orc capture; my take is that if the growth spurts were permanent, then so was the boost to their healing abilities. It would explain the rapidity of their physical recovery after the War as well. This I think can be supported--just barely--by the text; a couple of my other ideas are a little more far-fetched. One of them is in another story I have started for Marigold's next challenge.
Pervinca
· 22 May 2004
· Chapter 25: Bag End at Last
Oh, poor Sam! I'm guessing that everyone is going to be trying their hardest to make him say "proper" before the week is through! As if it wasn't hard enough for him as it was :P
I really felt sorry for Fredegar in this chapter too. Perhaps he will be able to find comfort with Gimli, or Legolas (who he is obviously enchanted by). I just hope that he will find peace eventually!
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Yes, Sam's in for a hard time. But he is stubborn--excuse me, determined, yes, determined. He *might* make it.
Fredegar has a time of discovery ahead of him; he will be learning how to live with his grief, instead of letting it incapacitate him.
Author Reply: P.S. My husband *swears* to me that he's painting this room this week, so my computer will be down for a while. (Maybe he won't get to this wall until tomorrow?) 8-)
Grey Wonderer
· 21 May 2004
· Chapter 25: Bag End at Last
I felt so sorry for poor Fredegar and I also miss Falco. You brought such life to both of them. I think Sam is in for a great deal of teasing from Merry and Pippin. Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
This is not a loss Fredegar will ever "get over". But he will move on with his life now.
Sam is in for a long week. And Frodo may regret his challenge before the time is up.
GamgeeFest
· 21 May 2004
· Chapter 25: Bag End at Last
So, Legolas is above teasing Sam, but not above telling Merry and Pippin, who you know won't let him rest till they get a "proper" out of him! Sam is really doomed now.
I've felt like Frodo does before - surrounded by friends and family and still feeling completely alone. It's easy to ignore during the day, but there isn't much to distract you at night. I feel for him.
Author's reply
Yes, well Legolas just couldn't resist. 8-) But Sam's pretty stubborn, so if he makes his mind up to it. As he thought, it's going to be a *long* week.
That's exactly right, nothing to distract him from being alone. I see loneliness as one of Frodo's most persistant trials, something he suffered from long before the Ring, when he was an orphan at Brandy Hall. The Ring only exacerbated this.
FantasyFan
· 21 May 2004
· Chapter 25: Bag End at Last
I've gotten far behind on reviewing this lovely story, and I wanted to let you know how much I look forward to finding another chapter. I especially like the characterizations you've written. Freddy, his loss and recovery, strikes me right in the heart. His grief over Folco, and the echo of Merry and Pippin's friendship with what could have been, is very poignant. I think post-quest Frodo is tough to pull off well, and you've got a good mix of strength and loss and ambiguity in your Frodo. This chapter is a good case in point - it was hobbity and fun and satisfying, and then the last couple of lines just smack you between the eyes with how much is still not right, and may never be right. At first it seemed very nice to have a pleasant reminisence of Gandalf, and Bilbo, and the fun old times at Bag End, but in the end it just reminded Frodo that those days are gone, and he's really alone in his house full of guests. *sniffle* Well done!
Author's reply
This story is revealing itself to me as it goes, and I am so glad that people feel I am keeping the characterizations right.
Fredegar's loss of Folco strikes right into midst of the four who left--a friendship broken by loss, and the one who was lost was their friend as well. And, as you said, the reminder of what could have happened: if Pippin had been a few minutes later finding Merry after Pellenor, if Gimli had not seen the hobbit foot under the troll, if the Eagles had been only a touch slower to reach Mount Doom...
I'm trying very hard to keep my post-quest Frodo in line with the ideas that JRRT had. I'm very fond of the Letters, and he makes it clear that Frodo's downhill slide was gradual. During his first year home, he was still hoping for recovery, and making an effort at normality. But in those times alone at night, the sorrow and loss come out. But also, Frodo and loneliness are old friends, and have been since he was twelve years old.
Pervinca
· 21 May 2004
· Chapter 24: A Proper Journey
Oh, you are too wonderful! I loved the chapter with Merry and Fredegar - I'm also very glad you wrote "For Folco". If you hadn't, I'm sure I would have demanded (I mean, asked very nicely for :P) it after these chapters. It's good that Fredegar's finally trying to live his life again.
I also really liked the description of Rosie's refusal to her other suitors. I love Sam/Rosie :)
- Pervinca (who is procrastinating from doing a very, very boring scientific report :P)
Author's reply
Well, now you know why I *had* to write "For Folco", since I couldn't include Fredegar in "Reckoning" without it. I still wish I hadn't thought of it in the first place. I really miss Folco. It is still going to be hard for Freddy, but now that he remembers he has other friends and now that he has something to engage his interest again, he'll be able to move forward.
I could very well imagine that a lovely lass like Rosie would rather come under siege when the other hobbits started to think that Sam might be out of the running. I think of them as lining up to take a chance at gaining her interest, and I think that after shooting a few of them down, she might begin to get a bit peeved.
Procrastination? I'm a champ at that. 8-) Don't you just hate writing "work" when you could be writing stories?
GamgeeFest
· 20 May 2004
· Chapter 24: A Proper Journey
I love this chapter! Eothain's reflections on the hobbits was quite touching. He was wrong about those strangers, thank goodness. And he was wrong about the hobbits being creatures out of children's stories too. (Um, but Eomer lent them horses, not ponies. I think you've written "ponies" one too many times in this fic!) :)
Sam can't say "proper" for a week! That's like Pippin not talking for an hour! Poor Sam, he'll never make it. And very evil of Legolas to even *think* of goading it out of him.
Rosie's one determined lass. I can easily picture her waiting for 20 years for Sam to come back. Heck, if I had a Sam, I'd wait too. No contest.
Author's reply
Thanks for the heads up. I'll have to go back and fix that! You're right--I probably have. I'm up to my ears in ponies and hobbits, and it's getting harder and harder to keep track of them all! 8-)
That's one of the reasons I chose Eothain to lead the small contingent of Rohirrim. I thought it would be fun for him to see the land of the little people he thought were only children's stories.
Poor Sam. But he's inflicted 'proper' on Frodo for years. And don't you know he's going to have to work really hard at not saying it.
Absolutely. I think Rosie had to be just as determined a hobbit as her Sam to be worthy of him. Sams are definitely worth the wait.
Author Reply: P.S. I went back and fixed "ponies" to "horses". Thanks!
RogerGamgee
· 20 May 2004
· Chapter 24: A Proper Journey
Dreamflower,
It seems to me that this tale gets better and better as it goes along. I finished this chapter just before coming to work, and couldn't help but smile.
Sam not being able to use the word 'proper'? You could put duct tape across his mouth and he would still find a way to say it. I'd love to see him just try to avoid that word for a week.
Rose strikes me as a person of dedication and loyalty. Her firm conviction that Sam is and always be the only man for her is remarkable, indeed. He chose wisely when he asked her to marry him.
I look forward to the next chapter in this story. Well done :)
Author's reply
Poor Sam. Legolas has already been tempted to test him, and what won't Merry and Pippin do when they find out? But poor Frodo has just finally gotten fed up with it.
I have always felt that someone as loyal and faithful as Sam would find that same loyalty and faithfulness in the person he chose to love. And in the book, it clearly shows that Rose was not only waiting for him, but also believed in him.
Thank you for your wonderful review.
GamgeeFest
· 20 May 2004
· Chapter 23: A Look in the Mirror
That Chubb just can't keep his mouth shut can he? Some people just never seem to learn. :)
Great chappie here. I'm glad to see Freddy was able to hang onto Folco's flute. The scene with him and Merry was so touching. Merry's understanding will go a long way to helping Freddy get over what happened.
And dang, all of the hobbits are getting "struck dumb" - love that expression - by Legolas! lol Poor Freddy, it was just too overwhelming after being inside for so long to see an Elf right in front of him.
Author's reply
Well, I needed a big mouth in this chapter, and seeing as how I already had one... You'll notice how long his "friends" stick by him once he opens his mouth and lets his brains fall out. But the Brandybucks have his measure.
Merry, and to some extent, Pippin, are probably the only people who could possibly understand what Fredegar went through losing Folco. And Merry developed quite a close friendship with him during the Conspiracy, not to mention the fact that he is in love with Freddy's sister.
To hobbits, Elves are so exotic. And especially to someone with a bit of knowledge about their history, as Fredegar has, there is a lot of awe involved.
In Tolkien, there is just *something* about Elves. No one ever mistakes one for a Man, even at a distance when certain details might not be visible. Up close I would think a first exposure could well be overwhelming.