Dreamflower
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 26: A Very Fond Farewell
*YESSS!!!* Finally Frodo's showing some sense. He's gotten far enough away from the Ring now that his thinking is less muddled. But he's going to have a *lot* of apologies to make when he gets back. And now we know why Merry Pippin and Sam won't let him out of their sight in a few years.
I *am* sorry to see the end of Berwin. He's such a nice sweet character, I'd love to see more of him in the future (*hint*hint*)
I have to say I like your healer, too. Such a practical and down to earth one!
Author's reply
The temptation to see Bilbo got the better of him for awhile there. He still wishes he could have gone, but he'll be having a nice, long chat with Hazel next chapter. I'm determined to get some healing out of this for him.
There's going to be a lot of things to clear up once Frodo returns, on all sides. In a few years? Try as soon as he gets back! They'll be glued to his side, he won't be able to get a minute's peace.
I'm sorry to see Berwin go as well. I got really attached to him. I've been thinking of ways to make him a real character so that I might bring him back in a later story, and I have a couple of ideas that might work. We'll see.
Hazel - well, *someone* has to be practical and down to earth here or this story would never end! lol.
shirebound
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 26: A Very Fond Farewell
You're tying these stories (Sam, Buckland, Frodo) together beautifully. I'm so happy we're back to Frodo, and that he and Berwin have parted in friendship. Lovely chapter!
Author's reply
The storylines are finally merging as we get near the end of this thing. Expect reunions ahead, but there is still one more plot twist lurking out there, so be prepared.
Frodo and Berwin could not have parted any other way. I am sad to see Berwin go though. I got rather attached him.
pebbles66
· 20 October 2004
· Chapter 26: A Very Fond Farewell
Yay! Frodo's going back to the Shire. I was afraid he'd go off to Rivendell and poor Sam would die of grief. Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Frodo always knew he would have to go home, but he let his temptation cloud his mind for awhile. And clearly, Sam can't die. He's the one telling the story, lol. Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower
· 17 October 2004
· Chapter 25: Denial
I printed this chapter out and took it with me to work to read at lunch. This is incredible! I thought you were wrenching our heartstrings before, but now--oh, poor Sam, Merry and Pippin! As fond as I am of Frodo, I would just like to take myself into Bree and smack him upside the head and tell him to march himself back home!
Author's reply
Incredible? Wow, thank you! That means a lot coming from you.
Yep, the angst just keeps building. I can’t seem to get away from it. Sam is definitely having the worst of it, being separated from everyone else. At least Merry and Pippin have each other.
Aw, don’t smack Frodo, you’ll hurt your hand. ;) We’ll be catching up with Frodo next chapter up and find out what exactly is going through that head of his.
pebbles66
· 17 October 2004
· Chapter 25: Denial
Oh, poor Sam. I don't know how he can go on like that.
But I'm glad Merry has figured out that Frodo is not dead. I guess they'll go after him?
I'm ready for Frodo to get back and things get settled. I guess these cliffhangers are hard for me to bear! But I am enjoying the story and can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
I honestly did not intend for this story to have so many cliffhangers when I first started writing it. I can tell you there is one more huge cliffhanger to come, so prepare yourself.
Merry’s grasping at straws more than anything else, but the next chapter I’ll be posting should make you feel a bit better. Thanks for reading!
FantasyFan
· 14 October 2004
· Chapter 24: Adrift
Oh, Sam. Poor, poor Sam. My heart just breaks for him. There'll be no talk of going to Buckland now, and they'll have to deal with a will and the Smial. Will Merry and Pippin come to Hobbiton? Is is Saradoc who will see to things? Oh Sam - how devastating. How can Frodo do this to him?
Author's reply
Things aren't looking very good for Sam right now. The poor guy is in for some rough times ahead. Merry and Pippin aren't doing much better and Merry's going to be concocting another scheme here very soon. Thanks for reading!
shirebound
· 14 October 2004
· Chapter 24: Adrift
How is Sam going to SURVIVE this? And how will Frodo's whereabouts be learned, and by whom? *waits impatiently*
Author's reply
Don’t worry. I promised a happy ending and I will deliver it. But things are going to get worse for Sam before they get better. We’ll get back to Frodo next chapter. Hang in there!
Grey Wonderer
· 8 October 2004
· Chapter 23: Moving On and Standing Still
Got so into reading that I think I forgot to review a couple of the chapters. Now, I am all caught up and waiting for more. I feel so sorry for Merry and Pippin. I know that they need to get out, but Saradoc seems to be pushing things. Also, I am a bit worried about his letter to Sam. Since he said that about how Sam "knows his place" I doubt he took Sam's feelings into consideration on this one. I wonder if Frodo will hear of his own "untimely death" and decide to stay at least long enough to set everyone straight or if the ring will do more damage. This is all very interesting and very enjoyable. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Saradoc isn’t thinking very clearly himself right now either. He also has memories of the last time an untimely death occurred, and that’s clouding his judgment a bit. Don’t worry too much about his letter to Sam, that comment was more for foreshadowing than anything else.
Unfortunately, there’s no way for Frodo to hear about any of this via the rumor mill, but there is another way for him to be alerted about the troubles in the Shire. The ring has done its damage quite nicely, hasn't it?
Thank you for all your wonderful comments. I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Dreamflower
· 6 October 2004
· Chapter 23: Moving On and Standing Still
Oh, your description of Merry's and Pippin's grief just put a lump in my throat and a knot in my stomach. I wanted to just reach into the story and shake them and tell them he was all right! Wonderful job!
Author's reply
Thank you! I almost feel like a culprit putting these guys through all this angst, but there is a method to this madness. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the story.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 20: Recovery and Revelation
Now this is interesting indeed! Frodo has decided to go to Rivendell. Sam, Merry and Pippin are not going to take this well at all. I wonder what will happen to change his mind. He has a willing travel companion and he knows where Bilbo is so what will keep him in The Shire? Sam, Merry, Pippin or the ring?
Author's reply
At this point, there doesn’t seem to be anything standing in Frodo’s way from going to Bree. Even Bilbo’s warning did not deter him in the slightest. He’s made up his mind and you know how stubborn Bagginses can be.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 19: Fever
Finally Frodo knows something about Bilbo! I think that was wonderful how you worked out a connection between Frodo and this man. I am also very pleased that they have reached Bree. This is such a great story!
Author's reply
It was no coincidence that Berwin is from Dale and knows Bilbo. Berwin seems to have been placed in the right place at the right time, and he had just what Frodo needed to help him hang on. But as you saw in the next chapter, it became a bit of a double-edged sword.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 18: Berwin
I like Berwin. He seems like a good-hearted person. I hope he is because Frodo is at his mercery in all of this. I also like that you have let Frodo be strong in all of this. I hate the whiney Frodo stories. In yours he seems so much more likely to be able to under-take a certain quest later on. Great job!
Author's reply
LOL, if Berwin had been a rogue, then this story would never end! Just imagine what would happen if the wrong person had stumbled upon Frodo. *shudders*
Whiney!Frodo annoys me too. I don’t doubt that Frodo has his moments of weakness – even in LOTR his courage fails a few times at the start – but I just can’t see him as the “poor me” type, not at this age.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 September 2004
· Chapter 17: A Flight in Panic
That was fantastic! I could feel Frodo becoming more and more worried about his ring as he searched. I had decided that he'd torn up his own room looking for the ring, but I was completely in the dark as to how he'd wound up leaving the Hall. He truly was desperate to do that. You are doing a great job. I like the last paragraph where the ring seems to respond to Frodo's troubles.
Author's reply
Oh my, thank you! Frodo was caught in a blind panic to find the ring. If only he could have calmed down and thought it out rationally, then maybe none of this would have happened, but there was simply no other way he could have reacted.
That little ring is causing all kinds of trouble and quite enjoying it too.
Grey Wonderer
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 16: Return to Brandy Hall
Saradoc knew exactly how they would react, didn't he? So very sad for all of them. The miller and his story are pieces of this puzzle that I can't seem to make fit. This is a great mystery. I am looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
They all knew how Merry and Pippin would react. They've seen it before, when Frodo lost his parents.
The puzzle, or at least, *this* puzzle, will be pieced together in the next chapter. There's a whole other puzzle that is yet to be solved. ;)
Grey Wonderer
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 15: Far and Wide
WOW! So much happening in this one and all of it very good. I loved how Saradoc knew what to say to get Merry to eat again.
And what help will you be to him if you cannot even keep your eyes open?” Saradoc reasoned. “Frodo is not the only one who needs you now, and he may not even need you at all. But Pippin does. He depends on you, son. He looks to you for strength and courage. You must set the example. If he sees you fall apart, he’ll lose heart, and I know you do not want that to happen
That was the perfect way to get through to him.I also was glad that even though Merry wanted his father to promise that they'd find Frodo, Saradoc didn't. He stayed truthful. Now, if only Berelic had been able to keep quiet! Oh, well, now Merry is making plans. I look forward to where that will go.
Author's reply
Saradoc knows his son well. Merry may have eventually seen how his behavior was affecting Pippin, but Saradoc pointing it out was what Merry needed at that moment. He always needs to be responsible for something and had been feeling rather helpless since all this started. But he can take care of Pippin.
Merry was testing his father more than anything else. Merry knew his father wouldn't lie, so if Saradoc said they would find Frodo, then Merry would have known that his father truly believed there was a chance. Likewise, when his father didn't say they would find him, Merry then knew there was more going on than what he had been told. Merry would have made plans even if Berilac hadn't told him anything, and Berilac knew it. He thought it would be better if Merry had all the information before he went off and did anything drastic.
pebbles66
· 21 September 2004
· Chapter 22: Torn in Two
Poor Sam. He's so worried about Frodo. Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Sam worries every time Frodo leaves home. Now he has reason to, unfortunately. Thank you, I'm glad you liked it.
Bodkin
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 21: Missing, Part II
Poor Sam. It's no wonder he stuck to Frodo like a burr in a future time.
Author's reply
No wonder indeed. In fact, it’s a wonder Sam didn’t tie Frodo to him!
Grey Wonderer
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 14: The Search Begins
I have a suspicion now as to what happened to that room. Good ole Saradoc Brandybuck gave it to me. I feel silly for not seeing it before but I was so caught up in all of this. I won't post my suspicions here, but I can't wait to see if I'm close to right on this one. I felt so sorry for Merry and Pippin in this chapter. They are so worried. You are doing a great job on this!
Author's reply
I heard quite a few theories from readers as we made our way through this part, and they were all right up to a certain point. I’ll be interested to see how your theory holds up.
Merry and Pippin have a roller coaster ride ahead of them.
Thank you for the praise. It's greatly appreciated. :)
Grey Wonderer
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 13: Missing
A hungry Pippin and the mystery of the Smial is solved! Great chapter, but I have no clue what has happened to poor Frodo. I would hate to have to search all of Brandy Hall and the surrounding area. There are so many places he could be. I have no idea what you're plotting but it gets better with each new chapter!
Author's reply
Is there ever a time when Pippin isn’t hungry? ;)
That smial started as just a minor footnote in the story and now has taken on a life of its own. I actually have a sequel of sorts to this story involving that smial, though it may be awhile before I actually start writing it.
You’ll be finding out what happened to Frodo before too long. What I’m plotting, however, is still a ways off. :)
Thank you so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it.
Bodkin
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 20: Recovery and Revelation
It will cause Merry and Pippin a great deal of stress if Frodo decides to go off to Rivendell. I hope that he plans to send a message back to say that he is fine. . . but I suspect not.
I like Berwin. He is too good a character to let him swan off south and lose him from the story. The healers are good, too.
Author's reply
Frodo is not so discourteous that he wouldn't send word to Merry and Pippin. The question becomes, will it ever get to them? We know the mail service in Bree is not exactly reliable!
I'm glad you're liking Berwin. I was a bit nervous at first to write an OC in such an extensive role as this. It's encouraging to know that my readers are becoming every bit as attached to him as to the canon characters.
Grey Wonderer
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 12: The Spring Feast
Looks like Pippin got repaid for his prank. LOL I loved Esmeralda trying to match Frodo up with someone. Very funny chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you! A bit of lightness was needed in the mist of this mystery and angst. Pippin got doubly repaid - his mother hates it when he gets stains on his best clothes. Esmeralda just wants Frodo to be happy, and she seems to think that means he gets married, and the sooner the better!
Grey Wonderer
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 11: Out of Sorts
Poor Merry. He so wants to help Frodo and he is trying so hard to watch out for him. I think he got more than he bargined for when Frodo opened up about his parents. I wonder when Frodo will realize that his ring got left behind at Bag End? This is a very mysterious little story you have here. Very enjoyable.
Author's reply
Frodo took Merry by surprise, telling him so much. Merry didn't know what to make of it. He is always looking out for Frodo. He knows it hard on his cousin to visit Buckland and this trip seems to be particularly hard on Frodo, so he's naturally going to worry more than usual.
I'm glad you're enjoying the mystery.
Seems Frodo is dreaming of his future. Very nice nod to all of the dreams he has in Lord Of The rings and how he seems to see small bits of the future. Frodo's tour of Buckland was very sad. I wonder why he wanted to take Merry and Pippin to see those places. I wonder about the little smial too. One interesting mystery after another in this one!
Author's reply
This dream can be seen from two POV's. Frodo's in the story does appear to be about his future. The other POV we'll see at the very end of the story.
It is odd that Frodo would show them all those places after so long. It does raise questions as to why he would. The little smial will come up again, in a few more chapters. That's one mystery you won't have to wait to get solved!
Grey Wonderer
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 9: Arrival At Brandy Hall
I loved how Pippin kept trying to get Frodo to make their trip easier with ponies or something to carry the packs. I also enjoyed the jokes between the two of them as they tried to give each other the heavier items to carry. Seems Merry got a laugh on both of them when they arrived! This is great fun so far.
Author's reply
Pippin's used to traveling in leisure, but he's always up for an adventure and new experiences. Of course, Pippin would have to get even with Frodo once he realized he's been duped. Merry certainly had the upperhand on them; he's always on the look out for a good opportunity to play a prank on his cousins. I'm glad you're continuing to enjoy this. (And I hope you didn't miss the two chapters before this.)
shirebound
· 11 September 2004
· Chapter 20: Recovery and Revelation
You've written Berwin as such a real and sympathetic character, and he and Frodo have certainly bonded strongly. As always with this story, I'm curious to see what happens next!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! Berwin's my first OC of any great depth. I'm glad you like him and that I've managed to portray him convincingly. Next, we'll be going back to catch up on Sam. Just a few more chapters and I'll finally have all the storylines caught up.