GamgeeFest's Keepsakes by GamgeeFest
Grey Wonderer · 23 April 2006 · Chapter 9: A Quest Song
LOL Very funny and very well done. Love the smell of Trolls being compared to Pervinca's cooking!
Author's reply
Well, you know Pip, even in his desperation to be home, he just can't help poking a little fun at his sister. ;) Thanks for reading!
Queen Galadriel · 21 April 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
*grin* Very cute! Elanor has a point, but I think if all the Gamgees were combined into one so-called dark lord, he...she...it wouldn't have been dark at all. Imagine if Hobbits ruled Middle-earth! Wouldn't it be a delightful place? I love the tales that involve Sam, his kids, and the Red Book, and this is very lovely! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
If the Gamgee kids wrote their own version of the Red Book, everything would have been settled with a handshake and no one would have gotten hurt and it would be only one chapter long. :D All of Middle Earth as the Shire? That *would* be a delightful place! And everyone would have brownies every night. ;)
Queen Galadriel · 21 April 2006 · Chapter 4: A Matter of Pervinca
LOL! That is hilarious! Potions? Come on, Pip! But then, it sounds like Ev and Vinca have a very lively history. LOL! This is great! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Pip and Vinca have a lively history also. Vinca would be the hobbit version of an arch nemesis for Pippin LOL He just can't believe that *anyone* would be crazy enough to court his sister, much less Ev. Clearly, there must be magic of some sort involved. :P
belleferret · 8 April 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
This is quite wonderful! I love your Sam and his relationship to Frodo.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Sam and Frodo are always looking out for each other, and Sam never doubted what his role in Frodo's life was meant to be.
Bodkin · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
Ten words or less. Actually, I don't think Sam needed any words - just a look. He wasn't going to be left behind, whatever Frodo said. I like the talk about how Frodo managed to get away with all sorts of mischief by using Sam as his patsy. Perhaps Frodo was a bad influence on him! But he set up the precedent really for Sam to insert himself between Frodo and trouble - and he's not going to change his ways now. He will conspire with Merry to look after him, like it or not.
Author's reply
Frodo already saw that look when the Conspiracy was revealed and he knows there's no way he can convince Sam or the others to stay behind. Now he wants to hear it from the horse's mouth, so to speak. LOL, a tiger doesn't change his stripes! Frodo used Merry to get into harmless mischief at Brandy Hall and he continued that tradition in Hobbiton with Sam. Sam was more than eager to do anything that Frodo asked him to do, and Frodo was careful not to get him into anything that would get him into (too much) trouble with his father. Yep, it is Frodo's fault, in every way, that Sam spied on him. Not just for teaching Sam how to spy and unknowingly giving his consent to it, but also for being so wonderful and caring that Sam couldn't help but to care back. Sam has always looked out for Frodo, and there's no way he's going to stop now. He'll take every measure possible to ensure that Frodo is safe.
harrowcat · 1 April 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
I really enjoyed this GF, especially the way that it starts off sounding like a monologue but is, in reality, a dialogue and, indeed, almost an interview.
Author's reply
Well, this *did* start off as a monologue, until I realized that it would be much funnier if it were actually Sam attempting to explain his motives to Frodo rather than the reader. :) An interview indeed, and Sam does well under the pressure. It helps that he had months to prepare for this moment, for he knew it had to be coming. Thanks for reading!
Andrea · 31 March 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
But you’re right. I suppose I can’t really act too surprised after encouraging you all those times. I just never thought you’d turn it against me.” “Against you?” I look up real quick at that and shake my head. “Not at all sir. It was FOR you.” That was wonderful! I love your Sam! And that story about the lasses! Well, at first I feared Frodo would end up with no lass at all - on purpose. But no, he did this all to finally dance with that very special girl. I wonder who she is!
Author's reply
I wonder too! Whoever she is, I'm sure she was counting her lucky stars that night! Sam knows just what to say to his master to get him to see reason. He had a long time to rehearse this speech, but the most important declarations came right at the end, the ones he didn't prepare for but most have known on some level would come up.
Dreamflower · 31 March 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
Oh, how lovely! We all know that gap's there--Frodo *had* to ask Sam why, at some point early on--and I've done a little filler for it myself, but this is definitely one of the nicest I've read. Sam knows, none better, how Frodo's going to take it. And he may be a weensy bit ashamed of himself, but he doesn't regret it one bit. And he knows how to tell just so, clever Sam, so that Frodo really can't stay angry with him. And I was *really* tickled at the thought that it was *Frodo* who planted the idea in Merry's head to ask Sam to watch out for signs of Frodo leaving, LOL! Talk about the biter bit! *grin* Wonderful job!
Author's reply
This was originally going to be Sam just reflecting on the beginning of his life as a "spy" just before Merry asks him to go undercover, but then I got the image of Sam saying all this to Frodo at Crickhollow, and the thought rather took over the story! Sam will never be ashamed of anything he does for Frodo, unless he feels he failed Frodo in some way. Getting Frodo to see that it wasn't a betrayal was the thing he was most worried about, but Merry helped with that and Sam just took it from there. And it's not as if Frodo can ever stay mad at Sam for any length of time. He'd have forgiven him by morning at the latest. LOL. I first touched on it being Frodo's idea in "A Tale" after the cousins have been reunited. I've tried to fit it into other stories since then, but this is the first opportunity that I've been able to do so. Not that it would have happened any differently had Frodo not suggested it, but it certainly took the pressure off of Sam quite a bit! Any time Sam started feeling guilty about it, he could just remind himself that it *was* Frodo's idea. *grin*
shirebound · 31 March 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
“‘I doubt very much Sam would have given Frodo up if he thought it would bring harm to him,” Mr. Bilbo said and I had nodded stoutly to that for it were the right truth sir. Even then, I was looking out for you. “Because… Because I can’t imagine the Shire without you and this way, I won’t have to.” He smiles at me in that soft way of his that just fills you up with warmth and knowing that you’re important to him I'm constantly impressed with your Sam. He's just perfect. This IS Sam.
Author's reply
Sam, in his simple, honest, unassuming, and modest way, tells Frodo exactly everything he needs to hear. More than just it was Frodo's fault/idea that Sam learned to spy and used that to watch over him, but that Sam would do whatever it takes to see Frodo happy and safe, and that Sam's going has nothing to do with Gandalf telling him he had to. (Though I rather think Gandalf ordered Sam to go to give him a legitmate reason for going that even Frodo couldn't dispute, knowing that Sam fully intended to go anyway.)
Queen Galadriel · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
*chuckles* So, Frodo taught Sam to eavesdrop, eh? :) And the story about the lads and lasses and the flowers was so cute! Oh, what a confession! I sure wouldn't want to be the one having to make it. But the end was surpassing beautiful. Wonderfully done! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yep, this really is all Frodo's fault. I've often wondered why someone like Sam would do something so daring as to not only spy on his betters, but on his master. I briefly touched on the idea that Frodo, unknowningly, gave his permission to Merry for Sam to watch him in "A Tale That Grew in the Telling" and it's a thought that has survived to go into my fanon. Frodo can be quite the rascal and every now and then he reminds of us. It is a good thing that none of those lads and lasses thought to question Sam. Even if Sam didn't give Frodo up, it wouldn't have taken them long to make the connection. :) I wouldn't want to be in Sam's shoes... er, feet?... either! Poor guy, to have to explain himself to Frodo while Frodo's giving him The Look. But he would have known that this was coming and that he'd eventually have to come clean. He's likely been rehearsing this speech since the spring!
Larner · 30 March 2006 · Chapter 8: In the Garden
Absolutely perfect explanation; and the perfect reason for going, too. Frodo has his companions, and all of Middle Earth will need them.
Author's reply
Frodo probably should have implemented that "ten words or less" rule sooner, but then we wouldn't have gotten all that lovely nervous rambling from Sam. This actually started out as a completely different story, with Sam telling the reader about how he learned to spy and it ending with Merry asking him to spy on Frodo, but then I thought it would be funny if Sam was telling all this *to* Frodo instead. Sam will have to experience a Shire without Frodo in it, and when that day comes, he'll have his companions to see him through.
harrowcat · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 7: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins
What a lovely tale to come home to GF! Just perfect to compliment Larner's story. I really enjoyed it and can understand why Sam would treasure it. ( I do have a small 'nitpick!' A gopher is essentially an American animal which we don't have in England and I don't think the Prof would have thought of putting one into the story. I suppose it depends on your point of view as to whether it spoils the enjoyment. You might substitute 'Mr. Mole' ) Hope you don't mind me mentioning this. It isn't intended as a flame, more of a point to debate! *Sheepish grin and slinks away!*
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad it was able to compliment Larner's story so well, as I am quickly becoming a great fan of it. LOL, no worries! It's good to know these things. Though really, if ME could have tomatoes, potatoes and chocolate, I don't see why they can't have gophers too! ~_^ Mr. Mole is duly noted and I'll update that before I post this to West of the Moon. *grins* Thanks for reading!
Andrea · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 7: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins
That was beautiful! No wonder that Sam has treasured this story throughout the years. [...] and while Sam would always claim that the garden was no more his than anyone else’s, those that lived there knew the truth. That's absolutely Sam! Now, I'm off to reading Larner's story to find the plot bunny, which produced such a wonderful tale :)
Author's reply
You will enjoy Larner's story, I'm sure. I've just started reading it, and it's already inspiring me! That is just like Sam, never taking credit for his hard work and just glad that he is able to bring cheer and color to the world. Frodo sees this in him, even at such a young age, and he admires Sam for that, as this story clearly shows. Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 7: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins
Absolutely beautiful, and a wonderful foreshadowing of the day that the whole Shire would become Sam's Garden! This was gorgeous!
Author's reply
I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this! Not only does it serve as a foreshadowing of the Scouring (the parellels of which I'm sure Sam recognizes when he rereads it), but it is also a metaphor for Frodo's life up to that point. Frodo rather felt like that little garden: he was spared the storm (his parents' deaths) only to be more or less forgotten or overlooked as everyone else put the deaths behind them and went on with their lives. I've touched on the theme before, as others have, that Sam is like the sun for Frodo, bringing light and cheer into his life when no one else could. Sam would be too young to really understand many of this when he first received the story, but as years go by, he'll be able to read more and more into it, and so treasure it all the more.
shirebound · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 7: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins
Rain and Sun took turns with the garden, and every day, whether rain or shine, the hobbit lad would come to spend time with the residents of the garden. He sang and he laughed and he told the animals many stories to pass the hours, but still nothing grew or sprouted. The animals and tree were beginning to despair, but the hobbit lad was as joyful as ever, so they took heart in his cheer and hoped it would be enough. What a lovely story! I can see why Sam (and the rest of us) would treasure it.
Author's reply
Thank you so much! It's clear to see how much Frodo treasures Sam's friendship already, and why Sam would grow to love his master so dearly.
Larner · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 7: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins
I am truly touched, for this is indeed just the kind of story I'd expect for Frodo to write for Sam! Now we're going to have to see to some of the others I've hinted at. This is beautiful, GamgeeFest. Thank you so much for it!
Author's reply
Thank you for giving me leave to write it. :) I'm so pleased this is what you had in mind, for it rather popped into my head all at once and wouldn't leave me alone until it was written. The story is not only written at a level that Sam can understand it (and continue to learn his reading, for some of the words are a bit beyond his teaching at that point), but it is also a metaphor for Frodo's life. Whether Frodo intended that way or not, Sam would eventually come to understand the deeper meaning behind the story and so treasure it all the more. If the plot bunny nibbles at me for any of the other stories you've hinted at, I'll let you know!
Queen Galadriel · 24 March 2006 · Chapter 7: The Story of a Garden, by Frodo Baggins
Oh, GF, how very lovely! Just the kind of story I imagine Frodo writing for young Sam, gentle and comfortable and hobbit-like, and with a sort of loving twist at the end. Now, what did Sam write for Frodo? :) When I get around to read "For Eyes..." for the third time--I can't get tired of it--and I come to that part, I'll come back here and reread this sweet story, for it's so like what Frodo might have really done that it seems to fit right in and provide a very satisfactory answer to the question of what was written. Wonderful work! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you so much! I'm just starting to make my way through "For Eyes" for the first time and I'm very much enjoying it, as this story here proves! I can just see Frodo writing Sam such a story and it's not only something that Sam could enjoy as a child reading it the first time, but it also serves as a sort of metaphor for Frodo's life up to that time. What great insight Sam must have gotten from that little story! Thanks for the lovely review!
RenaissanceGrrl · 21 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
XD I <3 it! And they all make very valid points. It made me think of this... http://bagginses.com/captions183.html
Author's reply
Glad you liked it! They could have come up with some more points, but Sam was needing a rest! LOL, that was hilarious. That one of the tricycles made me think of the Wizard of Oz!
Elf Friend · 18 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
“If you were a dark lord, everything would be roses and daisies, and every meal would include brownies.” “Brownies are delightful,” Goldilocks said. *giggles* That was my favorite part! This was a great piece, and so cute! Goodness, but Sam has so many kids! It's a wonder how he keeps track of them all. :)
Author's reply
If Sam and Rose are anything like my parents, they'll mix up their kids names all the time, and the kids will be so used to it that when they holler for Hamfast, Frodo-lad will know to answer! And brownies are quite delightful, lol. Goldilocks is onto something there. Some hobbits (and people) would do anything for chocolate! *grins* Thanks for reading!
Bodkin · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
This is just gorgeous. I love the points of view of Sam's plethora of offspring about the general dumbness of Dark Lords. And Elanor had a good point - a good thing that was too, or Mr. Frodo and Sam-dad would have had no hope. Lovely story.
Author's reply
Gorgeous? Thank you! Sam's kids make some valid points, and Elanor makes the best one. It's a good thing Sauron was more brawn than brain, even though he managed to rule by brawn for a very long time. :) I'm sure they could have come up with more points to consider (including the biggie of them all, that being NOT to put all your power into a relatively small and therefore easily misplaced object that can be stolen and destroyed). Thanks for reading!
mews1945 · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
I'm here via a rec by Shirebound. This is such a lovely story. I can picture Sam surrounded by his children, and absolutely hear this discussion taking place. and each of the children has his or her own voice. Beautiful.
Author's reply
Hello, mews! Storytime with Sam-dad is quite the event in the Gamgee home. Each child gets their chance to say something and ask questions, and Sam is sure that each child is listened to. Thanks for reading! I'm glad you enjoyed this! :)
Andrea · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
LOL!!! That was great! But my favorite part was this: “Well, if I were a dark lord, I’d make them wear red, orange and yellow robes,” Rose-lass said. “Why?” Primrose asked. “To go with the Fire theme.” Now, that would have looked splendid! However, it was Elanor who found the right words in the end: Sauron’s downfall wasn’t his lack of thinking things through. It was his cockiness. I loved it that Sam called her "bright eyes" :)
Author's reply
Can you just imagine the Flight to Ford, with multi-colored ring-wraiths on flowered horses chasing after Frodo! LOL. No wonder the kids couldn't stop laughing. Elanor, the wisest of her siblings, remains silent for most of the discussion and lets her sibs have their fun, but she's sure to remind them of the real lesson in the end. Sam calls her 'bright eyes' in the Epilogue, so I used that here. I can see it as being his special name for her. :) Thanks for reading!
harrowcat · 15 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
Oh that was fun! GF I don’t think the Dark Lord cared overly much for color coordination,” I disagree - I think unrelenting black is perfect for his black heart! LOL. Of course, all this goes to prove how clever the Prof was with his writing!
Author's reply
As Pippin would say - Good point. I agree. ^_^ Too bad the kids didn't get around to dressing up the orcs and uruk hai. They could have really gone crazy with ideas for the troops! Thanks for the review! I'm glad you enjoyed this. :)
Dreamflower · 14 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
Oh geeze! You've got me humming "If I Were a Rich Man..." only it's "If I Were a Dark Lord..." *snerk* Don't you just love the way folks come up with all these things? I've seen lists of How Not to Be a Dark Lord, or something of the sort, and they all seem to start out with: "Never put all your power into one object that can be destroyed." *giggle* And I love the way Daisy wants to have the Ring-wraiths color coordinated. I had this image in my mind of nine wraiths each in a different rainbow color, riding on My Little Ponies. This is such a hoot. Da-da-da-da-dah-da-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee-dee-da...
Author's reply
Ah, yes, the "things not to do if you're an evil overlord" or whatever it's called. I had that in mind while writing this also. My Little Ponies! LOL! But if they were all different colors of the rainbow, then it would be more along the lines of Rainbow Bright. :D Glad this gave you a chuckle. Thanks for reading!
Grey Wonderer · 14 March 2006 · Chapter 6: If I Were a Dark Lord
Loved how Pippin agreed with anyone that was speaking. Safer that way. LOL Also liked the pink robes! Lots of fun to read all around!
Author's reply
Pippin is such an easy-going lad, but I can also see him trying to mediate in an argument and agreeing with both sides! Negotiation won't be his strong point. ;) Nazgul in pink - Sauron would have lost the war as soon as they rode out of Minas Morgul! Thanks for the review. :D