GamgeeFest's Keepsakes by GamgeeFest
Dreamflower · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
Absolutely wonderful! I love the frank conversation between Frodo and Strider!
Author's reply
Thank you DF! These two do not require false promises in order to find hope and strength.
Grey Wonderer · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
Brave Frodo, just the way I like him. I enjoyed this very much.
Author's reply
Frodo's strength shines through here, and Aragorn certainly learns more about hobbits in this one conversation than he has in all his years of protecting their borders. Thanks for reading!
julchen11 · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
"Rangers might have been raised and trained to stealth and valiancy, but Hobbits were braver by far." This is so touching, my dear. Thank you so much for letting me watch them talking. Just beautiful. Love and hugs, Julchen
Author's reply
Thank you, love! I was lucky to stumble upon these two as they talked. They are such an inspiration to us all. *hugs*
harrowcat · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
This is absolutely one of the most brilliant pieces I have read in a long long time GF. You had me sniffling. I can't pick out a favourite line but this is close... Don't be. You are truthful and kind, and that puts my heart at ease," Frodo said. "I would not have my friends wandering alone with a deceitful man, especially one who is capable of deceiving himself. Thank you, Strider, for all that you’ve done for us." Thank you GF for all your gifts.
Author's reply
Thank you, Liz! I didn't even know what I was going to write when I sat down this morning, but this conversation came to me as I was typing. Aragorn wouldn't make false promises to Frodo, and Frodo would find more hope in that than he would an empty reassurance. Thank you for reading!
Larner · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
Amen! Indeed Amen!
Author's reply
There is a huge difference between hobbits and rangers, but bravery and love are the same for all. Both groups have them in spades, and they will need them for this Quest.
Celeritas · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
This was marvelous. I am a huge, huge fan of competent!Frodo, so I liked the way you had him carry on a frank, self-assessing conversation with Aragorn even as he's dealing with a paralyzing injury. These two characters bolstered each other without indulging in false hope, which feels very true to Tolkien. Thanks!
Author's reply
Incompetent!Frodo is one of my pet peeves also, so I'm glad I was able to give you a strong and capable Frodo. He's more than able to realize his shortcomings and the possibility that he might not even make it to Rivendell. I think it's very likely they would have had this conversation at some point, and that Aragorn would not make false promises. Thank you for reading!
shirebound · 28 September 2009 · Chapter 37: A Night in the Wilds
Aragorn's reflections, and this conversation, really ring true. This is a lovely gift for Claudia (and us).
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I think this is something they would have spoken of at some point along the Quest. If Aragorn had any doubts about the hobbits' fortitude, he no longer does.
Althea · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
This is darling. Sam is such a wonderful father and his family is a joy.
Author's reply
Thank you, Althea! The Gamgee children are lucky to have such a wonderful pair of parents, and Sam treasure every one of his children.
Periantari · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
THat is one of the most original and fun stories i've read from you! I liked your explanation of why Tolkien had Lily Gamgee in earlier drafts and that is so cute that Ruby wrote it in and then felt really guilty in doing so. I like your last paragraph too-- it tied everything up really nicely. Well done, GF! =)
Author's reply
Thank you, Peri! It occured to me one day that maybe the professor stumbled upon this incorrect tree and didn't realize it was an error until later, hence the confusion over Lily. :) Ruby was the perfect canditate. Being the youngest girl, she would want a little sister to play with. I'm glad you enjoyed this!
Antane · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
I love that Ruby acknowledges her miscarried? stillbirth? sibling who is just as real as any of them. I am actually the oldest of four, even though only three of us survived to birth and I have a niece/nephew who was miscarried also very early on. So wonderful to have this life acknowledged by Ruby and also love Sam's loving gift to his youngest daughters, both of them. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It never occured to me that Lily could have been a miscarried child, but that is always a possibility. I too have an older half-sister who died very young, SIDS I think, way before I was ever thought of. My mother has three or so miscarried siblings, or siblings that died within the first years of life. Ruby's Lily is purely imagined. Tom was the last of the Gamgee brood, leaving Ruby without a little sister to dote upon and two little brothers to annoy her senseless. :P It's no wonder she made up a little sister to play with and share her gripes about rude little Robin and Tom! ;) Thank you for reading!
Andrea · 12 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
Awww... What a sweet little story! “But has she ever brought you milk and biscuits in the middle of the night? Or sat up with you when you were feeling scared or sick? When was the last time Lily braiding your hair or helped you with your sums or taught you how to fish?” Of course, Hamfast refers only to things older siblings do, but I liked his answer very much. The Gamgee children always stick together! And I loved Sam's reaction to Ruby's addition in the Red Book and the parting gift he gave her. Happy belated birthday to you :-)
Author's reply
Thank you dear! Hamfast, having the advantage of being one of the middle children, knows well the benefits of having and importance of being older siblings. Ruby might be annoyed with her siblings at times, but she will come around to seeing his point. Sam is a wonderful father to his children. They're lucky to have him. She will treasure that gift for the rest of her years. :)
cookiefleck · 11 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
God, you killed me with that last line! They all came alive on the page. Wonderfully written and I loved Sam-dad's understanding and patience.
Author's reply
That last line sort of came out of nowhere. I considered cutting it, but then couldn't bare to do so. The Gamgee clan is always fun to write. The children are so sweet, and Sam is ever the wise and gentle father. :) Thanks for reading!
Larner · 11 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
Dear Ruby and her imaginary little sister! How wonderful! And love Sam's reaction to it all! Yes, that's our loving Sam! And a joyful birthday to you!
Author's reply
Ruby and Lily are quite the pair, I'm sure. :) Lily does sound like the ideal little sister! Sam knows when to be gentle with his children, and when to be firm, bless him. Thank you for reading! *hugs*
lbilover · 11 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
Oh, I really loved this, Gamgeefest. The family dynamics are beautifully done, and Sam is so dear. And the ending really choked me up- what a lovely parting gift he gave Ruby. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
Thank you for reading, LB! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! The Gamgee clan are such fun to write, and Sam is the best dad anyone could ask for. That ending wasn't intentional. It rather wrote itself and then I couldn't bare to cut it.
Dreamflower · 11 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
Aww...this was sweet. I love the idea that Ruby made up a new sister-- I suppose she felt a mite deprived, being the only one of the lasses NOT to have her own little sister to play with. It makes perfect sense to me. I was tickled at Sam calling his sons the wrong names. My mom had only three of us, and she would do the same thing! What complicated it more was all of our names started with a "B", and she would tangle the names up. I can't count the number of times I got called "Belarbra" or "Barlinda", LOL! It must have been even harder for Sam and Rose with that passle of kids! I also loved the wise and gentle way Sam dealt with the problem, and how he sentimentally kept the page with the extra name on it! What a fun story! I love your little Gamgees!
Author's reply
Thank you, DF! I'm glad you enjoyed it! Ruby was just hoping for a little sister, but she got two little brothers instead. You just can't dote on a little brother like you can a little sister. And they clearly don't understand how to play tea. :D My parents only have my brother, my sister and me. My sister and I are ten years apart. You would think that would be sufficient amount of time for them to remember her name and therefore mine. But they get us mixed up all the time. Even if we're in the same room and they say her name, I know when they mean me, or vice versa. With thirteen children, I would be surprised and astounded if Sam and Rose never got them mixed up!:D Sam could have been the original "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" author! Yes, Ruby did wrong, but she was punishing herself enough without him adding more to it. I imagine Sam had similar sentimental items for each of his children to give them upon his sailing; the Red Book couldn't have been the only thing he gave over to the care of his children.
shirebound · 11 August 2009 · Chapter 36: Lily Gamgee
What a lovely birthday mathom for us, and such a unique idea for a story! Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was thinking about Lily one day and it occured to me that this could be the reason for Tolkien's confusion. :D
Periantari · 9 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
This was really sweet! I liked the last scene where Rosie and Sam went out to see how Frodo is and liked how they had already decided what the bairn's name is. I liked Frodo and Sam's mutual concern for Rosie and i liked the dialogues you had throughout. Also liked the beginning introspective parts as well. NIce scene that you've written about dear! =) Thank you so much!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you enjoyed this, Peri! It ended up a lot more introspective than I intended, so I'm glad you enjoyed that part also! I suppose Rose was simply feeling reflective of their life so far, just as she's about to announce how drastically it will soon be changing. This would be a marvelous time for Rose and Sam, the anticipation of their first child and imagining all the possibilities. For Frodo though it would only prove to him more that he is no longer meant for this life. His self-removal from the festivities wasn't for lack of feeling like family, but realizing that he simply was not part of it.
Grey Wonderer · 9 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
I love your details in this and how Rose really comes to be a part of Frodo's life and to consider him a part of hers. Beautiful!
Author's reply
I think Rose and Frodo's relationship would be a little tricky for them to navigate. They do so at first only for Sam, but a mutual respect and affection does build between them. Thanks for reading!
Baggins Babe · 8 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
I've always liked Rose although I know some people dislike her for coming between Frodo and Sam. I think she would have been a special and wise person to capture Sam's heart and she would have loved Frodo because Sam did. I love the lads' concern over Rose, and Frodo preparing the meal. Such a poignant moment as he must have realised that such happiness was not to be his.
Author's reply
I've always imagined Rose to be wise in her own way and full of love, else she wouldn't have been so perfect for Sam as the professor indicates. She and Frodo might never be close, per se, but there is love there all the same and she will do whatever she can to make Frodo happy again. Frodo at this point already knows he will one day have to sail. I think this moment, for him, would just be further proof that his life is no longer here in the Shire.
cookiefleck · 7 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
I meant to but forgot to ask... what is the fancy word? Just curious!
Author's reply
Ah, the fancy word... Symbiotic. :D
cookiefleck · 7 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
Oh, I just can't tell you how much I love this story. It's like peeking through the window into their lives... and what a delightful peek it is. Too many favorite parts to single out but one example is the lovely earthiness of Samwise after a day's work. Thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks, cookie! This did not come out at all like I was planning, so I'm glad you enjoyed it!! Rose was eager to share these little tidbits about her lads and I just couldn't deny her. :)
Antane · 6 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
A sweet story. Cute that Rose calls them both her lads. :) Love the beginning about Sam and the garden and their bond and the bond of Sam and Rose and Sam just as held fast to Frodo and Sam placing his hand over both Rose and their child. Interesting that she would be the one to think to name the child Frodo. What a loving uncle all the children have, even if Elanor is the only one he see with his eyes, he saw them all with his heart, even the ones he did not immediately 'see'. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I do think Rose would consider them 'her lads' after a while. Sam's love for his wife and for his master are both equally as strong, which is why he felt so torn in two when Frodo left. Rose has had a longer time to think up names, and it's a choice Sam would have made eventually also. I find it interesting that they never even considered the fact the baby might be a girl! I suppose that Sam's desire to give Frodo something to latch onto is likely the reason for that. Sam probably figured Frodo could bond with a namesake better than with a 'niece'.
Dreamflower · 6 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
Oh, this is just beautiful, GF! I love Roses' POV here, it's very intimate and very sweet and gentle. Her observations of Frodo and Sam, and the change in their relationship is bang on, and her own attitude of protectiveness towards Frodo is also much as I imagined it might be-- perhaps thinking of him in a sort of way as another brother, even if he is gentry. The picnic was delightful, and also the way Sam and Rose find Frodo together at the end. I like to think that in their care of him, the two were totally united in their love for him... I have to say though-- you did leave me curious. I would love to see Frodo's encounter with the new miller some day. I'm sure Frodo took that job on to spare Sam from trouble, but I'd love to know what he said to the hobbit to leave him so terrified and skittish!
Author's reply
Thank you, DF! This little story under went a lot of edits, so I'm especially glad that you enjoyed it. I do think Rose would come to consider Frodo as another brother or cousin, and her protectiveness is just part of the reason why she and Sam are so perfect for each other - they both protect those they love. Oh, I'm sure Frodo was his usual suave and cool gentry self when he went down to chat with the miller. Probably talked about the operations of the business, prices and bartering, settling into a new place and what an adventure that can be. And if that just happened to segway into a talk of their adventure on the Quest and all the orcs Sam slew and how he's best friends with the king, well, conversations do tend to have minds of their own that way. ;)
shirebound · 6 August 2009 · Chapter 35: New Beginnings
they all belonged to each other What a lovely story. This is like reading a missing passage from the Professor's tale.
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I was very uncertain about this one. It's an honor and a relief to hear it so highly praised! *hugs*
RenaissanceGrrl · 7 June 2009 · Chapter 34: Sums with Sam
Aww, adorable! (I do love me some wee!Sam now and then.) Nitpick: recipe, not receipt. =)
Author's reply
Thanks, dear! Wee Sam is such fun to write! A nitpick to your nitpick: A receipt *is* a recipe. :D