The Life of a Bard by Dreamflower
shirebound · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 10
Your Frodo is so wonderfully adult and thoughtful. I love how he's handling this situation.
Author's reply
It just seems to me the way Frodo would be. He is, after all, in his forties, even though the Ring froze his physical age at 33, and has looked after his younger cousins all their lives. He loves them a great deal, but not being their parents, he has a bit more perspective on things.
good_one_pip · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 9
I really like the use of old fokesongs. I'd really like to learn the tunes. Maybe it's the "Pippin" spirit inside of me, but quite honestly I hadn't even considered how upset everyone would be if Pip left. It's amazing how much Pippin's feelings can reflect my own sometimes. In fact, I could definitely see a traveling minstrel as an occupation for me if we all lived in Middle Earth. Sadly, we don't, so I'll have to stick to "normal" jobs! ;)
Author's reply
If you go to the URLs for the songs that I included, you will hear the tunes! Yes, Pippin is not thinking too much of how everyone would miss him; he's at that age of adolescence when one thinks one is invisible and unworthy. Naturally that keeps him from thinking other people would be sad to lose him. And really, Pip *would* have made a good minstrel, that's what makes it sad. But he was fated for another destiny, as we all know.
shirebound · 6 October 2004 · Chapter 9
How bittersweet! Pippin could have made a very happy (and successful) bard, at that. And this was a very clever detail: "Your father commands the Shire Muster. What do you think would have happened when he learned one of the Big Folk had carried you off with him?”
Author's reply
I do believe he would have been successful. And probably happy at first. I'm not too sure how happy he would have been when the homesickness finally hit. He is, after all, a hobbit, even if he is a Took. Yes; can you see Paladin just calmly allowing his son to be spirited out of the Shire? My Paladin, anyway, was furious three years later when it finally *did* happen!
Nina the powerwriter · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Good chapter :) And Pip had everything worked out too, but Frodo was one step ahead of him. It would have been interesting to see what happens to Pip if he had went with Menelcar, but Pip's place is at the Great Smials, so I hope he learns his lesson after this!
Author's reply
Good old Frodo, one step ahead describes it perfectly. He *knows* his cousins, very well indeed! I agree, it might have been fun to see Pip on the road with Menelcar, but that would have definitely been AU, which is not what this one is about.
Anso the Hobbit · 5 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Oh no! Poor Pip, getting his hoped crushed by Frodo. Can´t wait for more :)
Author's reply
Yes, well, Frodo couldn't let it pass, could he? More soon. I'm hoping maybe today.
Elenar · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
I really liked seeing more of what Paladin is feeling. Great chapter! I'm looking forward to more.
Author's reply
I have a lot of backstory for Paladin in regards to the Thainship, and it's a bit different take than some other folk have. My Paladin is not a bad guy, so I do try to show his side of it. He's mainly just a confused father trying to figure out his way through his son's adolescence. He's only had girls to deal with before, and his wife took most of the flack with them, LOL! It doesn't help that he has his own generous portion of Tookish pride and stubborness.
esamen · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Oh, this is great. I am really loving this story. You are doing a terrific job! Thanks for all your hard work, and I hope you keep on writing! and remember, lots of us out here still love Frodo, and Sam, and a little h/c won't hurt at all (to us readers.) Can't wait for the next installment!
Author's reply
Trust me, I'll be writing as long as the plot bunnies keep multiplying! This story has been on a brief pause while I got some Challenge fics out of the way, and while I work out some more of the songs. I dearly love all four of our lads; Pip's feelings are hurt, but he'll be offered some cousinly comfort before the end.
esamen · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 7
Go ahead. Go to The Green Dragon and meet him. Find a table and make sure he is *not* facing the door. I’ll come in and handle it from there. Whew! I'm so glad that Frodo's got things in hand! I knew he'd figure everything out. I can't wait to go read the next chapter!
Grey Wonderer · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Uh-oh, Pip, now you're in trouble. Seems Pippin's plan to make sure Frodo wasn't in the Green Dragon didn't work too well. It also sounds as if Paladin is counting on Frodo to take care of things. Of course, Paladin doesn't know all of it at this point, does he? Waiting for more.
Author's reply
No, Pip didn't think things out too well, did he? Paladin is hoping for Frodo's help, although he's too proud to come right out and ask for it. No, he doesn't have a clue as to how close he was coming to driving Pip off altogether.
Marion · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Of course, having said all that (and what a lot I've typed below), I also whish that Pippin would tell his father *why* he doesn't want to be Thain (because in order to become Thain Paladin would have to die first) (this bit is just meant as a counter-balance to all the 'Paladin should talk to Pippin why he wants him to be more responsible' reviews you're no doubt are getting )
Author's reply
The communication on both sides is pretty dismal. Pippin is not really making himself clear, because he doesn't want to think about it, much less talk about it. He tends to be in denial about things happening to his loved ones. ( In other of my fics, he gets very upset when he finds out he is in an early version of Frodo's will.) And Paladin has his Tookish pride keeping him silent. But sooner or later, some of the barriers will begin to fall.
Marion · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Hah! Busted! I so hope Frodo *won't* 'spoil him rotten' this time. Yes, that's right; as much as I love Pippin I'm siding with Paladin on this. Parents are not in life to be their offspring's 'best buddy', but to be their *parent*: to love, teach and prepair their offspring, which is what Paladin is doing, even though he's clearly exasperated by Pippin's tween-tantrums. There's a *reason* Frodo has 'so much more patience with Pippin' - Frodo only has to deal with Pippin for short periods. Frodo can *afford* to 'spoil Pippin rotten': he can return Pippin to the Smials afterwards. Granted, Frodo's gentle admonitions seem to work, but this is to do with the fact that Frodo is the far-away spoiling cousin and not the parental unit as well as Frodo's wisdom. Humans teens (and Hobbit tweens) seem to *want* to rebel against their parents, no matter how loving, kind and friendly they are. It has something to do with confirming bounderies as well as trying to broaden those boundaries. (I'm not kidding you know. Only last week a friend told me how, in the seventies, his parents tried to be his 'best friend' and insisted since babyhood that he called them by their christian names in stead of 'mamma' and 'pappa'. "Other children had NORMAL parents", he told me, "they could rebel against them and still know they could be relied on to pull their chestnuts out of the fire if needed, but MY parents insisted that I called them Helen and Bart and wanted my opinion on every decision they made. It was HORRIBLE!") But anyway, back to Pippin. I hope Frodo makes it perfectly clear to Pippin (in his gentle way no doubt) that what he tried to do is not only wrong (one should never run away from their troubles) but also very dangerous. If Frodo had not discovered Pippin's little plan Menelcar would no doubt have been hunted down and shot by the Hobbitry-at-arms as a kidnapper! Whoops, I've been typing quite a lot now, so I'd better call it a day..
Author's reply
I think you've captured the dynamic very well. Frodo is NOT his parent, but his much loved older cousin. Frodo does not have to deal with him on a daily basis, and when he does, Pip is usually nicer than he is to his parents, because after all, parents *are* parents and somewhat take for granted, while Frodo is someone he looks up to to a certain extent and so tries to impress. Now,now stop looking over my shoulder while I'm working...
RogerGamgee · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Ah, the impetuous nature of youth! I recall those days not so long ago, when I thought I knew everything and didn't have a care in the world. What a time it was! Unfortunately, it looks like the jig is up for Pippin. I'm half hoping he tries to make a break for it and get past Sam. That would be a sight to see! I only hope Frodo can make him understand just what it is that Pippin could be getting himself into. Lovely story thus far...keep it up!
Author's reply
Yes, what was that old saying: "Let teenagers rule the world while they still know everything"? Frodo has a way of making things clear to Pip, hopefully he hasn't lost the knack.
pipspebble · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
*gulp* Busted! Poor Pippin! I hope you don't have Frodo be too hard on the lad. It hasn't been so long ago that I don't remember that teenaged wanderlust. Still loving this story and looking forward to the next chapter! :-)
Author's reply
Yup. Busted. But at least it's *Frodo* and NOT his *father*! Adolescence is a bear, isn't it. Youth is wasted on the young. 8-D I know I'd never want to be that miserable again!
GamgeeFest · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 8
Aw, poor Pippin. Frodo could at least let him enjoy a song or two before bursting his bubble. And I see Sam's getting some good training for a certain conspiracy he'll be part of later on. So Paladin wanted Pippin to go to Bag End? Makes sense. Lucky for him, Frodo found out about Pippin's plan. Wonder what Paladin will do when he finds out the truth. He may have to tell his son this story of his before too long.
Author's reply
The singing's not over yet, never fear! Hadn't thought of that, but yes,it would be, wouldn't it? Paladin is just about at his wit's end. He either conciously or unconciously didn't tell Pip to stay away from Bag End, because he feels he needs some help with his son, and in a way he can trust Frodo to be objective, if not impartial. Paladin's reaction? That depends...
Mariposa · 3 October 2004 · Chapter 7
I am throughly enjoying this story, and I can't wait to read more! :-)
Author's reply
Read on; next chapter up!
good_one_pip · 1 October 2004 · Chapter 7
oh, I hope Frodo isn't to hard on poor Pip. I can understand how it's dangerous to let Pippin be bored. He really just wants someone to hang out with.
Author's reply
How true! LOL! Of course, who he *really* wants to hang out with is Merry, but he likes Menelcar a lot, and he's looking with favor right now on *anything* that will get him out of being Thain...
Anso the Hobbit · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7
As I tend to do, I`ve read a batch of chapters, and oh my is Pip in trouble. But Frodo is clever and knows his cousin well, so I imagine he will handle things wonderfully. Poor overworked Merry though. It`s hard to have to work when your friends are having fun! Can`t wait for more :)
Author's reply
Yes, Pip's in trouble, and it's Frodo to the rescue. Poor Merry indeed! Coming of age is hard, isn't it?
SharonB · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7
LOL, poor Frodo needs that convience of a modern copier for Menelcar so he can get all of Bilbo's songs. Nice to know that our hobbits were getting some reknown even before the War of the Ring. OH, Pip is in big trouble. It'd be amazing that Paladin did not still have him "grounded" when he left to accompany Frodo on the big trip a few years later. He does seem to be avioding certain responsibilities. IT's a good thing Frodo is there to sort him out anda to save Menelcar as well. Pip does sneak out and go to The Green Dragon in the next chapter doesn't he? ;-)
Author's reply
Bilbo was indeed a hobbit of reknown outside the Shire, at least in Erebor and Rivendell. Pip is going to find out it's not so easy to avoid responsibilities. That would be telling... 8-D
Nina the powerwriter · 29 September 2004 · Chapter 7
I read through this yesterday. It was wonderful!!! I can just see Pippin going off to be a bard. I wonder why a lot of writers have him play the fiddle? I think it's a perfect instrument for Pip to play. He'll soon regret his words about not wanting to be Thain. I always like the idea of him not wanting to be Thain then after the quest he knows how important the position is. Good story, well written. Write more soon please!
Author's reply
Hi Nina! Yes, I could see it, too! 8-D I think perhaps because a fiddle is (a) easy to carry about, and (b) rather hobbity. He will eventually come to realize that being Thain is not such a horrible fate, but it won't be soon. But yes, after the Quest is a different matter. Thanks. I've been busy with a couple of Marigold's Challenge fics, but they are about out of the way now, and I'll be getting back to "Bard" soon.
Grey Wonderer · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 7
Found this one tonight and read all that there was. I hope there is more soon. I can see Pippin going off to become a Bard and regretting it in a few days and turning back. Now, if Frodo's plan works, Pippin will be saved the trouble. Looks like he'll be in for another grounding. That must have been one of the very worst punishments for someone with his energy and need to keep busy. Loved the funeral music on the Tookland Pipes! (I also remember the song, "Shades of Grey" that you mentioned in answer to a review and still have copy somewhere. LOL)
Author's reply
I'm not so sure that he would change his mind in only a few days. I think it might take him a while for the novelty to wear off and to realize it was a bad decision, and by then, it might be too late to return right away. Also, by then he might realize that he would then be letting Menelcar down. But I don't think Frodo will let it come to that. You remember "Shades of Gray" too? Well, now I don't feel like quite such a fossil, LOL!
eiluj · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 7
Nice plotting -- Menelcar approaching the Shire from Sarn Ford because of the Rangers, which means he'd get to Tuckborough before Hobbiton. I'm increasingly curious about Merry and that ferry. How could it be causing him so much difficulty?
Author's reply
Yes, I wanted him to have come that way, but if he had been coming from Dale, it would have been more logical to come through Bree. And I am sure the Rangers would not have approved of a Man just wandering about loose in the Shire, even if he were so harmless a person as a minstrel. The problem was that the docks on both sides were in worse shape than Saradoc had originally thought, because of a particularly wet winter. Merry is finding that he is basically having to have them rebuilt from scratch, something he did not discover right away, as he originally was trying to just replace the bad parts. It meant having to un-do and then re-do, the whole thing. And order new materials. And as it is his first real independent job that his father has charged him with, and as he is a perfectionist, it is taking him a lot longer than he thought. He's allowed himself to get obsessed with the job, and with no Pip around to take his mind off it...
Pearl Took · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 7
Sorry it has taken me so long to get to reading this. Very enjoyable!!! I hope you don't make Paladin too much of an ogre. I loved the bit about Menelcar's knees popping when he stands up at Bag End!!
Author's reply
Paladin's not an ogre at all, just going through that stage many fathers and sons seem to go through during adolescence. I see Pippin as a particularly trying tween for his parents: impulsive, restless, moody and full of ideas. And Paladin's own sense of humor and patience are being sorely tried by his efforts to make Pip realize his position in life--something Pip *does not* want to do. And he has his own Tookish pride and temper, as well. Yes, sitting on the floor all the time probably was a bit hard on the knees, don't you think? LOL!
GamgeeFest · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 7
Good ole Frodo to the rescue. I pretty much figured that would happen. There's no keeping secrets in the Shire! Looks like Pippin will wind up staying at Bag End after all. I love how Frodo knew instantly Meneclar was talking about Pippin, but then, what other hobbit would even consider doing something so crazy as travel around with a bard?
Author's reply
Yes, it was pretty much a given. Well, hmmm, met in Tuckborough, sings, plays fiddle, wants to get out of the Shire--must be Pip! 8-)
Elenar · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 7
I happy that Frodo found out and Menelcar won't get in trouble. I'm looking forward to Frodo suprising Pippin.
Author's reply
So am I. 8-D
Bodkin · 28 September 2004 · Chapter 7
I suspect Menelcar will be very relieved to have met Frodo, quite apart from him being a fascinating person and Bilbo's heir and the custodian of Bilbo's songbooks. Getting caught taking Pippin out of the Shire as his apprentice would not have been a good idea - those Rangers would not have been impressed when they heard. I hope Frodo's cunning plan will shake the ants out of Pippin's pants and prove a rather more useful learning experience than Paladin's shouting.
Author's reply
Poor Menelcar, he meant well, but he just did not know enough about hobbits to make a wise judgement. And he was taken by Pippin. It's a shame, because he really was looking forward to Pip's company on the road. Leave it to Frodo to find a solution.