Gryffinjack
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 4: Helping the Gaffer
What a sweet, beautiful moment between father and daughter. The love between them is plain to see.
It always amazes me when someone can say so much in a drabble. I once tried writing a drabble and it ended up being eight hundred words! lol!
I forgot to reply in my last review to one of your replies from earlier today - yes, I am indeed reading your stories in chronological order this time. The only thing is, I didn't see near the beginning of the list the story where Merry says his first word, yet I know I read it and I cannot recall which story it is. The first time I read your stories, I started with the ones that interested me the most, e.g. Pippin and then Merry, and then filled in with the rest until I had read them all. But this time, I decided that they should really be read in chronological order since they build one upon the other to create such a rich story. I shall have to find which ones are not included in your list so I can read them all again after I am finished with the ones on the list.
Author's reply
I find I enjoy the challenge of a drabble from time to time, although I am by no means the master of them as Rabidsamfan and Dana are.
I have not updated the chronlogy in a while. I have several stories to enter in at their proper place. I tried to do it one day, and my log-in expired before I could hit "save". *sigh* But I will try to get to it very soon!
Larner
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 71: A Small Incident on the Great River...
Love seeing Sean Astin's real life experience making the film made into a moment in which Sam can be cosseted as he fully deserves. Bless the Hobbits! Love it thoroughly. And Sam is one of the most useful along, bless him anyway!
Author's reply
Well, Sam deserves to be cosseted, and Sean Astin's moment of pain deserves to be memorialized.
Of course Sam's useful, he just wasn't *feeling* it at that moment, bless his heart.
Andrea
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 71: A Small Incident on the Great River...
“Thunder!” said Pippin. “You’ve got a log in your foot, Sam!”
Well, I think Sean's wound was really severe. After all, he was directly taken by helicopter to the next hospital.
But this "log" reminds me of another incident involving Dominic Monaghan. While jumping onto the Brandywine Ferry he got a wooden splint in his foot and told his fellow hobbits to watch, when it was taken out, because it had to be really huge. In fact it was rather tiny - and Billy continued teasing him about it for a very long time ;-)
Author's reply
You are quite right on all counts. I kind of telescoped them into my story to serve my own purpose. Just a wink, if you will, at the movies, while giving dear Sam a chance at some good old fashioned h/c.
Gryffinjack
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 21: Under the Lilac Bushes
Merry and Sam are priceless in the way they are putting up with Marigold's tea party. It really is a great relationship that they had and I wish it could have continued without infusing it with what was "proper" as they got older. Marigold is such a cute lass in her bossy manner! I wonder if she ever realised later on that she was ordering around the future Master of Buckland.
I wish I could have been there in the kitchen to overhear this along with Gandalf, Bilbo, and Frodo. I don't know how they managed to hold their laughter in! It's wonderful to see Gandalf's sense of humour and the way he adores youngsters shine through.
Author's reply
Thanks! This is a favorite of mine, too, so I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Sam and Merry had a close friendship during Merry's visits, up until Sam was about 19, and the Gaffer started insisting he say "Mr. Merry" and "Master Pippin". Of course, this put a little crimp in their friendship, but it was mostly from Sam's side, of course. Merry never cared about their difference in social standing at all, and neither did Frodo.
My theory is that came from the Buckland "frontier" attitude, that everyone should pull their own weight, no matter what their rank was.
I'm sure they were having fun listening, and as soon as they were out of earshot they were probably ROTFL, as the saying goes.
Gryffinjack
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 37: Seven (Going on Thirty-nine)
Now this is just how I imagine Merry-lad would feel. I think I'll give him another hug or two now.
When Frodo comes to Brandy Hall to visit, does he sleep in his old room?
Author's reply
Yes, poor thing. It didn't really hit him until he got home.
My Frodo does--Sara and Esme have saved it for him to use on his visits.
harrowcat
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 71: A Small Incident on the Great River...
I'm sure that Sean Astin would be highly gratified to see this being woven into the tale. Poor Sam so useful yet cant see it and feeling useless!
Author's reply
*chuckle* So you recognized my inspiration, eh?
Sam was just so used to *being* useful, that I can understand him feeling useless as they traveled in the boats. There was so little he could *do* when they traveled like that.
Glad you liked it.
Gryffinjack
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 1: Brandy Hall, Hearthside at Yule, S.R. 1349
That was a really sweet little story. Although I most enjoy reading stories of Pippin, Merry, Frodo, and Sam, it's a nice refreshing change to read about the older generations, especially when they were younger. To see the budding romance between Drogo and Primula and to see little Saradoc and Esmerelda sitting next to each other with little Paladin nearby - *sigh.* So sweet.
Author's reply
Sometimes I just love to explore the upper branches of the family tree a bit, in an effort to understand just what made Frodo, Merry, Pippin and Sam tick. I like to examine, for example, just what the blend was of Took, Brandybuck and Baggins that made Frodo so remarkable. And Pippin's and Merry's own adventurous streak--how much was Brandybuck and how much Took? Which traits were handed down in which line.
I am glad that you enjoyed this. It was good fun to write.
Baggins Babe
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
Oh Dreamflower, this was lovely! Tipsy hobbits, little snippets about the Tooks and Brandybuck, and a wedding in the offing. Just what I needed today! Thank you.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it! It really is just a little snippet, no plot or anything. I just felt like writing about the older generation for a change.
I'm glad it gave you a lift!
harrowcat
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
Laughter warning please Dreamflower *Mops up splutters of breakfast coffee!* Drunken hobbits are always funny.
Author's reply
*Ah yes* the Beverage Warning! So nice of you to let me know this needs one. *grin*
Gryffinjack
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 15: An Appeal to Family
What a cool story! I love the way you weave together the various family members, including the S.B.'s. Poor Drogo to have Lobelia interested in him! I rather fancy the way it is Bilbo's actions that bring Drogo and Primula into contact with each other. Really nice change of pace to read a story written as a letter.
Author's reply
I get very fascinated by the family tree. Do you realize that Otho was not of age when Bilbo was gone on his journey? So the legal action to declare him dead and claim the inheritance had to have been started by his father?
I like to do stories or chapters as letters sometimes; it's a natural way to do first person POV.
Gryffinjack
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 32: A Young Hobbit's Fancy
What a delightful story! That seems very much like Bilbo, full of fun and understanding, especially for his young charges. I can hardly blame Drogo for wanting to be out there with the other lads playing. I'm glad there is a history of the Bagginses feeling that the working class hobbits are there equals. Very enjoyable story.
Author's reply
I like to think that even though it needed an adventure to bring out the Tookishness in him, that it was always under the surfacee making him understanding of certain things.
In rural settings like the Shire, playtime between children of different classes would not be too unusual--it's the continuation of that early comraderie into adulthood that would be. And with the exception of certain types of hobbits (the S.-B.s come to mind) most of the objection comes from below.
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Stories about the older generations really appeal to me.
Gryffinjack
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 33: Hide and Seek
What a sweet little view of a very young Primula! It's easy to see that Frodo takes after her in looks. Sad to think that this little girl will have such a tragic end to her all-too-short life.
Author's reply
It is sad to think of, and makes even the most fluffy and innocuous of stories featuring her (and/or Drogo) just a little bittersweet, just knowing what will eventually happen.
Bodkin
· 10 October 2005
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
I love the idea of Hamfast's - er - remedy. And comparing it to Chop's. Sorry. Aldagrim's.
It sounds like a good party - although Primula might not be so thrilled.
Author's reply
LOL! Yes, that sort of remedy would often be needed by such an ale-loving folk as hobbits seem to be.
Hmm...I think that Primula might be cross, but not at Drogo. She would probably be more irritated at her brother and Bilbo for allowing her sweetie to overindulge that much. And Primula has her own reputation as being just a wee bit wild, so I don't really think she'd react the same way as, say, Periwinkle.
Andrea
· 10 October 2005
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
“Your gardener!” exclaimed Rory. “Whatever would you want him in Buckland for?”
“He knows an excellent remedy for over-indulgence, but it’s a family secret.”
If that isn't "the Gaffer's remedy" Bilbo refers to!
I'm glad that Chop's remedy worked also! For this was a very special wedding and a groom with a hangover would have been absolutely impossible ;-)
I wonder if Bilbo told Frodo about that night, but on second thought, I think he did not, for he wasn't in a good condition either :)
Author's reply
Yes, the Gaffer's famous remedy, LOL!
It's possible he did not, but then his grandfather old Rory might have--no, he was a bit worse for the wear himself. Maybe Miss Primrose let it slip some time...*grin*
Pearl Took
· 10 October 2005
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
Aw! wonderful!! So good to see a story of the "older" hobbits. Nicely, nicely done :)
Author's reply
Thanks! I do enjoy the chance to explore further up the branches of the family tree from time to time. And a lot had to happen with Bilbo in the 48 years after his return from Adventure, as well as in the 50 preceding it...a very nice long gap...
Author Reply: Thanks! I do enjoy the chance to explore further up the branches of the family tree from time to time. And a lot had to happen with Bilbo in the 48 years after his return from Adventure before Frodo came into his life, as well as in the 50 preceding it...a very nice long gap...
Larner
· 10 October 2005
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
Poor Drogo--a stag party for hobbits--too funny!
Author's reply
I thought that hobbits might have a night with the lads before a wedding, especially in Buckland. Glad it gave you a laugh!
Larner
· 10 October 2005
· Chapter 69: Five Things That NEVER Happened to Bilbo Baggins...
The first one was funny; the rest tragic and grief-instilling.
Well done, Dreamflower.
Author's reply
Thanks. If it had not been that they "never happened" I don't think I could have written them even as AU. But knowing that made it easier somehow.
The first one occurred to me a while back: what if the Dwarves never saw the marks on the door?
The others took a bit more thought. They are all tragic, yet a couple of them that did not end in death were even more tragic. (Imagine Bilbo married to Lobelia er, no never mind...too frightening for words...)
I've often entertained the idea of what might have happened if Balin had asked Bilbo to go to Moria with him, and Bilbo had accepted, and taken the Ring there...brrr.
Author Reply: Meant to say, I had a couple of others I didn't include, as the challenge was for only five.
PIppinfan1988
· 1 October 2005
· Chapter 6: A Mist of Tears and Weariness
Wow...I am always amazed when I read one of your tales. You take one of the many gaps in the book and fill it in with your beautiful imagination. This story is lovely...taking a wonderful glimpse of a moment (or two) between Merry and Gandalf. I'd write more, but I'm supposed to be writing all this at MEFA...lol. I just wanted to tell you how much I love your tales. Thanks for sharing.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Sorry it took me so long to respond to this, but apparently I had a number of reviews that I somehow missed. I think the notifications must have gone to my husband's computer (we have the same email addy but different user names)
I'm glad you liked this, and that you also reviewed at MEFA.
I do enjoy reading your reviews so much; they are usually very insightful.
Periantari
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 68: Pippin's Promise
“Oh, Merry,” he sighed to himself, “if anything had happened to you, I could not have even drowned my sorrow.”
awww this is such a sweet ficlet~ i love the part about Pippin's promise~ it sounds so realistic and it just made me so "aww"y for Pippin.
lovely story~ i'm glad it got a review that had someone relate to it in RL. =)
Author's reply
So am I. I never thought that "The Dare" would have that much impact.
I know that the realization of what their pact would have meant if the worst had happened would have hit them like a ton of bricks. For Pippin that was this moment, when he has to turn down a chance to go with Beregond; for Merry it came in "The Pact". Still, I can't for the life of me, see either of them believing that it would be OK to break their promise just because the other one was no longer alive.
A melancholy thought, though, indeed. Poor Pip.
Kitty
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 68: Pippin's Promise
A brave decision to honor his promise and not to join Beregond and the others!
“Oh, Merry,” he sighed to himself, “if anything had happened to you, I could not have even drowned my sorrow.”
What a thing to say for an ale-loving hobbit! I don’t know if to weep or to laugh, so I will settle to being very touched!
Author's reply
Well, you know, I don't think either of them would have much fun now one without the other anyway; if something had happened to either of them, without them deciding they would keep the promise anyway, that might have been enough to make an alcholic. But there wouldn't be any enjoyment in it--just an attempt as Pip said, to "drown sorrow".
Kitty
· 25 September 2005
· Chapter 66: The Smallest Hands
Wonderful, Dreamflower! I am truly impressed! More so because I am completely lost if I have to come up even with two lines when it have to be rhymes!
Author's reply
I thank you so much.
This was harder than usual for me. Most of the time, poems just come to me, but for this chapter of "Chance Encounter" I needed something very particular. I am pleased at the response to it.
good_one_pip
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 68: Pippin's Promise
Again, I don't think you realize how much your stories impact me!
I'm reminded of the first time I read The Dare. It was the first of your stories that I had read, and I was instantly hooked. Talk about being on the edge of my seat!
Funny. I just realized that it was exactly a year ago that I read that. Two days before my birthday, 2004. (And two days after Frodo and Bilbo's birthday:) Coincidence or fate?
Well, I'll tell you that my friends and I love to play truth or dare. And of course, it is a crime to pass down a dare. We've done some pretty crazy things(none of them dangerous:), and I'll do just about anything if dared. EXCEPT drink anything containing alcohol. after reading your story, i made a promise to myself that I would NEVER accept that kind of dare. Now, those kind of dares may not be an issue now, but if when I'm in college and am dared to do something like that, I'll remember your story and my favorite hobbit. Thank you. That may really make a difference on my future, even if you may never know.
Author's reply
Oh my goodness, you have no idea how much that means to me to hear. It almost makes me cry, that one of my stories could have that much meaning to your life. I did a good deal of research on it, for I wanted it to be a bit of a cautionary tale about the dangers of binge drinking, but I never thought it would mean *that* much to someone.
Thank you for telling me that. I'm just floating around above the ground after reading that!
Larner
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 68: Pippin's Promise
I think this is the most wonderful Pippin short story I've read yet. Yes, that's our Pippin indeed! Keeping the promise and the pact, and probably much better for it the following day.
Author's reply
Oh my, what a compliment!
It would never occur to either Pippin or Merry to break a promise, most especially one they had made to one another. And I'm quite sure it saved them many a sore head.
Of course, they also have any number of times they can indulge themselves together, LOL!
Vicki_Turner
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 13: One of the Lads
I loved this story!! It made me laugh! Absolutely loved the last line!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it. It's always nice to get a new review for a story that's been up a while! Thank you!
Bodkin
· 24 September 2005
· Chapter 68: Pippin's Promise
Perhaps they need to add a post mortem clause to their promise.
Or even a when-we're-Master-and-Thain clause. Or maybe not. Keeping sober would probably be a good idea.
Those dratted Bankses. How are they getting on on the road to Edoras? Has there been an escape bid yet? And is Bergil recovering from his bout of ill-health?
Author's reply
I don't think it occurred to them at the time: it would have been pretty dreadful after Pippin's close brush, to have said "as long as we both live". And I think they'll need the pact even more as Master and Thain, when the temptation to blot out boring responsibilities would be so much more. But these two will still be able to have lots of "jolly times" and "morning afters" together, especially once they move into Crickhollow.
Those dratted Bankses, they left their mark, didn't they? I've got to get back on the road to Edoras, but I have tons of these shorter stories I wrote out during the storm that I have to type in and post. But I haven't abandoned the story, I promise!!!