Dreamflower's Mathoms I by Dreamflower
Maid of Ithilien · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 91: A Long and Weary Night
Very evocative story! I especially admired the flashback when Merry and Pippin discussed going with Frodo and the talk about Frodo "keeping secrets". Every detail was just right. And Pippin's sleepless tossing and turning -- excellent writing!
Author's reply
Thank you very much! Poor Pippin, this was a very trying time for him, and I think his mind must have been in turmoil! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Queen Galadriel · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 34: Lamentation
Oh! This reduced me to tears, and even now they don't stop. You capture the escence of grief, and of the music of bagpipes, so perfectly. I think that the only musical instrument that outdoes them is the violin. This has to be the most moving story of yours I've ever read. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Wow. Thank you. For ages, I'd had this image in my mind of Pippin, playing a sad lament in the fog by the River, and one morning, when Anso had asked for some Merry-angst, I suddenly knew the story behind it. It just came to me.
Queen Galadriel · 2 February 2006 · Chapter 91: A Long and Weary Night
Oh, poor, dear, sweet Pip! *wipes eyes* To be all alone in that stone city, in the service of a man who is less than admirable and horribly crafty, to be awake in the night, wanting nothing more than the comfort of one who loved him, and finding no solace, no loving arms. It ought to have been obvious from the book, but I never realised how that must have felt until now. I wish Gandalf could have comforted him. I don't think he would have been angry. Very poignant and not unlike a few of my own experiences. Thank you for driving this home. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Gandalf and Pippin arrived in Minas Tirith on the ninth. Faramir showed up the next day, the tenth, and after making his report, was sent back out the following morning, the eleventh. The night before is the one I showed--Pippin was witness to some things that just broke his heart. And what with worry over Merry, Frodo and Sam, guilt and shame over the palantir, fear of the coming War, and sheer loneliness from being the only hobbit there, it's a wonder he got any sleep at all. I think Gandalf *would* have comforted him, if he had sought comfort that night, but Pippin's still feeling too ashamed of his actions to do so. And Pippin had several more nights like that--or worse--before Merry arrived with the Rohirrim, and he had a new worry altogether.
Dreamflower · 2 February 2006
Gryffinjack · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
So you finally got around to telling the whole story! I enjoyed it in its abbreviated form in A Conspiracy of Hobbits and thought at the time that it would be jolly fun to see an extended version of it. Thanks for the good laugh!
Author's reply
Well, as you know sooner or later, all those little short anecdotes seem to get a fuller telling, LOL! I'm glad it gave you a chuckle! 8-D
Gryffinjack · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
Pets are a lovely comfort, aren't they? Such strong friendships were forged during the Quest that it must have seemed quite odd for the hobbits to leave their new and dear friends behind, and vice versa. I really enjoyed seeing Pippin, who usually is so full of energy, taking a moment to relax.
Baggins Babe · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
*giggling* This was so vivid I could see it! Merry haring down the street after a chuckling (and increasingly bare) Pippin! He must have been a real handful as a little faunt. Had to laugh at the thought of Ferumbras holding him out at arm's length too! A crusty batchelor aristocrat would probably have this sort of reaction. Poor Merry must wonder what other scrapes his baby cousin will get him into. Great story!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you got a kick out of it! I think Pippin as a faunt would indeed have been a handful, LOL! Yes, I couldn't see Ferumbras as being exactly good with children. And as the title suggests, this might have been the first time Pippin embarrassed him, but it certainly wasn't the last! 8-D
Bodkin · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
Maybe young Pippin would have thought twice about the strip if he'd only known how far word of it would travel. But, on the other hand, maybe not!
Author's reply
*snerk* Probably not. It's clear he was impulsive from the start! (And yeah, imagine if Merry had repeated the story to the rest of the Fellowship--it would be known throughout two kingdoms--and then when Legolas got to Aman...Poor Pip! What a thing to be known for! But of course, he could have retaliated with Frodo's story about Merry...)
Kitty · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
*ROFL!!* Poor Merry! That's certainly not what he had expected! And in plain sight of everyone! I only wonder how Pippin was able to run *so* fast while stripping down to his bare skin!
Author's reply
*grin* That's what many a baby-minder has wondered in similar circumstances--how *can* they run so fast while taking off their clothes?
Larner · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
Oh, I can see this happening with an active little one like Pippin--and right into Fermubras himself? How hilarious!
Author's reply
Yep. Smack into the crusty old Thain! *evil grin*
Larner · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
FRom time to time, we just need a cat. Glad Pippin has Dumpling. And love to see how the dispatches and letters are getting through now.
Author's reply
Yes, sometimes we do, just need a cat. At first, Pippin and Merry had to go to Bree the first week of each month, where they would meet a King's Messenger at the Pony. That eventually went down to every other month, until a few years later when a "Messenger House" was built near the Stonebow Bridge on the eastern bank, and messengers were permanently assigned there.
harrowcat · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
So what is embarrassing about chasing a Took in his birthday suit? *Grins with tongue in cheek* More moments please!
Author's reply
*snerk* "chasing a Took in his birthday suit", LOL! *giggle* Oh there will! A whole lot! But soon I'll have to start on a new mathom room.
Queen Galadriel · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 21: Under the Lilac Bushes
*shrieks with laughter* Oh, this is priceless! LOL! I used to do the same thing to my brother, only it was easier because he's three years younger than I. "He's a wizard, Sam. He knows *everything*." LOL! Right! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I think lots of little girls used to do that to brothers or cousins or friends, LOL! Well, of *course* he does! Riiight!
Queen Galadriel · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 6: A Mist of Tears and Weariness
Very poignant. Poor Merry! I'd be heartbroken and scared out of my mind, too. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, poor Merry! It really was such a dreadful time for him.
Queen Galadriel · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 90: First Time, But Not the Last
Oh! LOL! LOL! Oh my goodness, that's hysterical! Yes, I can see baby Pip doing just that. LOL! Oh...oh poor Merry! Hahahaha! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
*snicker* Well, this was one of two little anecdotes told at Frodo's Farewell Party in Bag End, before the Quest. I had long ago expanded on the story Frodo told on Merry, so I thought it was about time to expand on the one Merry told about Pip! And, yes, poor embarrassed Merry, LOL!
Queen Galadriel · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
"...and some of them had four legs, a tail, and a lovely soft pur." :) :) Awww! How cute, Dreamflower! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you!
Pearl Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
Aw! Pip has an orange tabby female cat, just like I do :) :) Such a nice look at a simple domestic moment.
Author's reply
Yes, he does--actually he and Merry share her, as well as a white male named Haldir, who does not come into this story. He's not a very cuddly cat--more like the "Rum Tum Tugger" of CATS fame... Yes--it's just a bit of pointless fluff, I'm afraid, and very much a domestic moment.
lovethosehobbits · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
This was very sweet. I like your fics in that Frodo didn't leave ME and that he stayed in the Shire. It's a more hopeful theme, I think, than the book....Dumpling was adorable and the ending very sweet.
Author's reply
Dumpling is a sweet kitty, isn't she? Well, of course, I've only written three of fics in my Eucatastrophe-AU, though I hope to start another sometime soon.
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
I know what he means Dreamflower. But unfortunately I live in a small bed-sit in London, (strictly no pets!), so my best four-legged friend lives with my parents and has to pretend that he prefers my dad, except when I am home! I miss him lots.
Author's reply
Sorry you don't get to keep pets--such a bummer! But I am certain that one day that will change for you! (((hugs)))
Baggins Babe · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
How lovely to find this one when I logged on this morning. I've been swamped with committees and minute-taking, so I'm playing catch-up now. What a perfectly hobbity name for a cat - Dumpling! I loved the description of Pippin burying his nose in her fur - it's such a comforting thing to do. Pip has discovered that there's no place quite like home, especially when there's a warm furry to provide love and affection.
Author's reply
Well, at some point I established that before the Quest, Pippin always name his animals after food--and afterwards, he would occasionally name one after an Elf (he and Merry have another cat, a white male named Haldir as well, LOL) Now that he has his own little home, he really does appreciate it--and as you said, a "warm furry" always is a nice homey touch!
Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
Simple pleasures. Dumpling is a good cat - and offering Pippin just what he needs at the moment.
Author's reply
Yes, she is a good kitty--she knows exactly what he needs!
Kitty · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 89: Pippin's Dumpling
So even the adventurous young Took doesn't enjoy to ride to Bree every month? Interesting. Although it's probably to be expected because he has to leave home every time and nothing more happens than new letters. Well, when Aragorn comes North, they can ride to Annuminas for a change. He bent his head and buried his face in her warm fur, as she purred. Not all his friends were in the South. And some of them had four legs, a tail, and a lovely soft purr. Only too true, and very sweet as well!
Author's reply
I think perhaps it's getting a bit old--when it becomes routine, it's no longer an adventure, unfortunately. And I think he really likes it at his own little home. A pet is always a comfort, isn't it?
Larner · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 88: Warm Welcome Home
A wonderful host, Elrond son of Earendil. And the rooms sound wonderful!
Author's reply
Well, I thought there *must* be a reason it was known as the "Last Homely House" west of the Mountains. And I am sure he wanted his new permanent guest to be comfortable.
Inkling · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 87: Eucatastrophe III: Yuletide in Minas Anor
How nice to find another installment in this series, which always leaves me feeling, “Ah, if it could only have been like this!” I like the continuity with the earlier parts, as Elrond and Celebrian finally return and Frodo finally consents to make the long-deferred journey to visit Aragorn and Arwen. It hadn't occurred to me before that his reluctance might be due to a fear of dredging up old memories... So, will there be more?
Author's reply
I love my Eucatastrophe-verse, and it very well may make a new appearance soon. If it does, it will make it's appearance as a bunny-chase over on my LiveJournal.
Inkling · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 88: Warm Welcome Home
LOL at Bilbo and Elrond negotiating the smoking arrangements, and the idea of Rivendell as a "smoke-free environment"! I wonder how Gandalf felt about that? Altogether charming!
Author's reply
*grin* I think, given Elven sensibilities that it wasn't an unreasonable request--he's clearly going to smoke in his own quarters, and outdoors--and in Rivendell that should be no hardship. Hmm..I wonder. Gandalf's got a mischievous streak. He might light up sometimes just to aggravate his host--or, he might not--it's hard to say...