PIppinfan1988
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 31: Tea and Talk
This was awesome! Brilliantly done. :-) I have often wondered how Merry and Pippin's families handled thier disappearance--knowing how much the lads were loved. I know JRRT indicated they were given up for dead, but still...my imagination wonders about the struggles of the parents. Excellent.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
You know, this was just a silly little challenge, but it somehow came out more serious than I intended. Isn't that often the way? Poor Sara and Esme, Paladin and Tina, and the Gaffer, all worried sick about their lads...not knowing.
Periantari
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
Wow so lovely~ i love the tender h/c that you have Legolas administer to Frodo.
You hardly read any Legolas and Frodo fics but this one was very well done.
He could see, as though he were a bird in flight, the green shores of the Blessed Isle, and he felt borne aloft, as though by comforting arms. There was such piercing joy and such beautiful pain in the song…
Lovely description. I love peaceful Frodo. <3
And i love the poem from Lost Tales! i must read it now. :)
Larner
· 2 March 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
The easing of one with the Sea Longing by a fellow-sufferer who yet holds his own longing in check.
Lovely song. I didn't remember this one. I'll have to reread BOLT.
Author's reply
Exactly what I had in mind. I have touched on this particular bond once or twice in other fic, but only briefly. I thought the subject deserved a closer examination.
I think it is by far one of the loveliest poems in BoLT.
PIppinfan1988
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 43: Last Look
Very sad, and very true. Years ago during my first few readings, I didn't give Frodo the credit he deserved in his painful decision. Both the movies and fanfic have helped me realize his sacrifice, his loss, and how much he truly desrved healing where he could get it. Wonderfully done.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you very much!
Frodo gave up so very much, so that the Shire and those he loved could live lives free of the evil he'd encountered and overcome. All four of them did, but only Frodo was so wounded that he could no longer live his own life in the Shire.
PIppinfan1988
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 32: A Young Hobbit's Fancy
This was brilliant! Brought back some nice memories from my elementary school days at recess. "Red rover, red rover, let Dreamflower come over!" Like Pippin, I was a bit of a pipsqueak, so I often became line-fodder for the opposite team, lol. I really enjoyed this--love those warm, spring days, too!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you recognized the game. It seems as though it would be a hobbity sort of game, doesn't it?
And thanks for reviewing it; Bilbo and Drogo don't get a lot of attention.
PIppinfan1988
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 28: Comfort Food
"Frodo’s face brightened. He did remember that. Pippin loved his noodles and cheese. It was one of those special dishes he made from time to time that he was quite good at. And he had not made it in quite some time."
Oh, not only Pippin, lol! I remember ONE TIME when I was a child that my mother made homemade noodles--and I fell in love with them at first bite. I was going to ask you for the recipe until I spied it at the end.
But isn't that the truth, though? Whenever I'm sick like Pip, there is usually one type of food or drink that I crave. Everything else is just bland. Thank you for a wonderful story!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad to get a new review for this one! I had a good time with that--I love Frodo being the caregiver.
You know--Shire Kitchen is running the Recipe Fic Challenge again right now. *hint*hint*
Julchen11
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
This was so beautiful, very intense, very touching and so sad. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for sharing.
Author's reply
Oh my! Thank *you* for your kind words! I am glad you liked it!
Anso the Hobbit
· 1 March 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
Oh, that was utterly beautiful! So tender and loving and perfect. I love to see Legolas and Sam too. :) They are so concerned for all things growing, yet in different ways, but they have a common understanding. Poor Frodo. It must be hard for him at times to get all that attention, yet knowing he's so often sick or troubled.
Author's reply
I am so glad you liked it--tender and loving was what I was aiming for, and it is good to know you thought I hit the mark.
I think that with each of the hobbits, Legolas shared a different understanding--with Sam, of course, it was their common love for growing things, and with Frodo, well, his rather Elven outlook on life would have given him much in common with Legolas. He and Pippin shared a love of music and mischief, and in Merry he recognized his bright spirit and loyalty, and respected his devotion to the others.
Kitty
· 28 February 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
Oh Dreamflower, that was wonderful! There are so very few Frodo/Legolas-Fics, so you’ve picked exactly the right one of the Big Folk, as far as I’m concerned! And after all the elf-fics I’ve read I love Legolas quite a bit, too.
It was the perfect fic – Frodo doesn’t suffer from more than a headache (well, I know, that is bad enough, but you knows probably what I mean – no nasty injuries and illnesses), and Legolas was so sweet! He did the right things to comfort a hobbit: tea, food and comforting touch. Brewing tea for the first time in his life *smile*
I love the image of Legolas sitting there, Frodo’s head in his lap, stroking his curls and singing him into sleep. How wonderful! And the song was so fitting, first because Frodo knew it from Bilbo, and second because it brings images of the Blessed Realm to both of them. They share the sea-longing, after all. I was glad it comforted Frodo so easily and didn’t distress Legolas too much.
Thank you so *very* much, Dreamflower, for this beautiful little story! I’m very happy, and I hope it wasn’t too difficult to write for you! I will always treasure it.
Author's reply
I am *so* glad it fit the bill! I was really stumped for just the right bunny for a while, and then it pretty much came to me. I like Legolas-hobbit interaction a good deal, whether it is any one or all four, and you will find it in my fics from time to time, though usually as part of longer stories.
One of the reasons I don't write much *Frodo* h/c is that I can't bear to make him suffer much more than he already has in canon. So I figured a bad headache was perfect--it was sort of part of his canon suffering, in that it was brought on partially by bad memories of the Quest, but it was something Legolas could easily deal with on his own, and with a bit of TLC would soon be over. And, yes, he's observed hobbits now for long enough to know how to go about it--and I thought it would be cute, if in all those long millenia of his life, he had never brewed tea before, LOL!
They *do* share the sea-longing; but by comforting Frodo with images of the Sea, he also sort of comforted himself.
And you are so very welcome, dear! Once I had a handle on *what* I could do, the story itself came rather quickly.
I am so very glad it made you happy!
PIppinfan1988
· 28 February 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
Wonderful! Beautiful. Almost made me relax and go to sleep! What a lovely picture to behold; the love between two friends. Thank you for sharing your beautiful imagination. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Oh! How sweet! Thank you very much for *your* kind words!
shirebound
· 28 February 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
As Frodo lay, feeling the long cool fingers drifting through his curls, he could feel the pain and tension draining away. The song seemed to enter his mind, taking away the dark thoughts brought on, as he had been writing of that dreadful passage through Moria and the encounter with the Balrog. Instead, he seemed to hear the surge of the surf, and feel the pull of waves. He could see, as though he were a bird in flight, the green shores of the Blessed Isle, and he felt borne aloft, as though by comforting arms.
Ohhhh, how lovely. And what a treat to see Legolas as Frodo-caregiver; a very rare event!
Author's reply
Thank you! That's a huge compliment coming from you, as I know how much you love Frodo h/c.
I agree--Legolas seldom gets a turn to take care of the hobbits, so that's something I like to let him do.
And for me, Frodo h/c is *very* rare. I generally go by the principal that the poor lad suffered enough in canon, which is why, usually in my fics, you only see h/c for Frodo if it's part of canon. I usually prefer to turn the tables and allow *Frodo* to be the one to offer comfort for a change. Still, it's nice to know I can do it, if someone asks for it! *grin*
Queen Galadriel
· 28 February 2006
· Chapter 96: Comfort Between Friends
Oh, I love this, Dreamflower! As you might guess, this is right up my alley. You made this so realistic-something I sometimes struggle with. And the song was put in perfectly! Excellent, excellent!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I know you do love to see Frodo being comforted!!
I do try and attain realism; I am glad you think I succeeded.
I just love that piece from BoLT--that is one of JRRT's stranger post-humous publications, but it has some *gorgeous* passages in it!
Frodo Baggins
· 27 February 2006
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
Ah! So it begins...this was also an amusing and funny story. Poor Bilbo and Rory!! Trying to a drunk Drogo to bed...and the night before his wedding, too! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Glad you got a chuckle out of this one. I love stories that go back to the previous generations!
Frodo Baggins
· 27 February 2006
· Chapter 69: Five Things That NEVER Happened to Bilbo Baggins...
How sad! Though I didn't quite get the first one about the green paint. Something from the Hobbit, maybe? Hannon le for you stories! Namarie, mellon nin! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Yes, it's from The Hobbit. The reason the Dwarves knew they were supposed to drop in on Bilbo was because of the sign that Gandalf scratched on Bilbo's front door. If Hamfast repainted the door before the Dwarves could see it, they would not know that was where they were supposed to be--they never would have been there, and so Bilbo would never have gone on his Adventure!
Frodo Baggins
· 27 February 2006
· Chapter 52: The Morning After the Night Before
Ha, ha! THat's a funny little ficlet! I like that...keep up the wonderful work! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Thank you!
Lily
· 22 February 2006
· Chapter 75: First Meeting
I think I have read this before, but this is certainly worth a second reading. Bilbo thinking Frodo just another infant and then this. Frodo was certainly more than he expected.
Author's reply
Thank you! It always is a pleasure to find someone likes something well enough to give it a second try!
And no, Frodo was not just another baby, was he?
Anso the Hobbit
· 20 February 2006
· Chapter 91: A Long and Weary Night
Poor Pippin! That is a lot of worries and troubles to have in one night, but also some good memories, despite the yelling from Paladin and argument with Merry. He is wise our Took. :)
Author's reply
Yes, at this point in time, without his Merry, all Pippin can *do* is think and worry, and worry and think, poor lad.
And, yes, in spite of it all, he is very wise.
Anso the Hobbit
· 20 February 2006
· Chapter 93: Sam in the Middle
Dear Sam! This was so full of love that you have me going all emotional again. Thank you dear!
Author's reply
Aw, I'm so glad you liked it. Those four really were full of love for one another, and so very happy to be reunited, all alive, despite the odds!
Anso the Hobbit
· 20 February 2006
· Chapter 94: Late Knight Snack
Hahaha! Oh, lol! I have wanted to know about if Legolas "met" Bilbo while he was in Mirkwood and this was a very good touch on how it could have happened. :D I also love that Legolas is being quite hobbity in his tale, telling about what food he ate and such. *giggles*
Author's reply
Well, he doesn't really mention it. But I can't see how there wouldn't have been *some* encounter of *some* sort.
And, yes, well, he's been hanging out with hobbits for a good long while now--some of it had to rub off on him, LOL!
Anso the Hobbit
· 20 February 2006
· Chapter 95: Conspiratorial Interlude
Poor, dear hobbits! All four of them! I can imagine what a nightmare it must be for Merry to know what Pippin will go through when he and Frodo leaves the Shire since he's been through it himself, only that this time Pippin will lose them both. That is, of course he won't but Merry thinks so because he needs to protect Pippin and he'd do anything for him to be safe.
I also love that Sam doesn't always do what the Gaffer says is proper and takes pity in Pip and let him help out.
And of course, Pippin is well awere of what is going on, he's brighter than many give him credit for and he is just as determined to see it through as the rest of them. Those blessed hobbits! You made me all emotional now, with your stories, lol.
Author's reply
Well, of course this whole scenario takes place *during* my "Conspiracy of Hobbits" story, and that was the whole plot of course, that all of them were trying to protect one another by keeping secrets from one another--not something that ever works out as planned.
Sam knows when something needs to take a backseat to "propriety". And, as if he needed any excuse (as to the Gaffer), well, it was what Mr. Merry had told Mr. Pippin to do,after all.
Pippin is very bright, though his take on things is sometimes a bit skewed. He may be foolish from time to time, but he is *never* stupid--unlike the way *some* ficwriters portray him.
Here, *hands you a virtual hanky* is that better, dear?
PIppinfan1988
· 19 February 2006
· Chapter 30: The Stubborness of Tooks
(snicker) I seem to remember a reference to this tale from It Takes a Took. I was hoping to come upon it sooner or later. Stubborn indeed! I don't think I've met anyone more obstinate in my life! LOL, pink bunny rabbits...
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, it was one of those many "throw-away" anecdotes (and you are right about which story) that somehow linger in my mind and later on turn into full-fledged bunnies...
Oh, Paladin was *certainly* obstinate, though I think perhaps his Baggins cousin could give him a run for his money...
Frodo Baggins
· 16 February 2006
· Chapter 21: Under the Lilac Bushes
Oh my, Dreamflower! You had me laughing laughing very hard there! Poor Merry and Sam having to suffer with a lass's tea party, adn then really getting hungry. You did a wonderful job on this. Hannon le, hannon le!
God bless,
Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Thanks! I'm so glad it gave you a laugh! I could just see those two lads, being bossed around by tiny little Marigold!
vinca_b
· 15 February 2006
· Chapter 92: Where There's a Will...There's Merry
Hello! Found this via Marigold's Recs page. :-)
This was absolutely adorable! I loved Merry's thoughts - obviously Frodo would never give him his cold! Silly Dahlia. And I loved that he displays the stubborn, yet clever mind that he will retain through his adulthood. Very nice. :-D
Author's reply
Hello! I'm always happy to hear from someone new! Marigold is lovely, isn't she?
I am glad you liked this. Merry, of course, knows Frodo would never do anything harmful to him--like give him a cold! I like to think that even at their earliest ages, the seeds of who they would eventually become were already planted in our four lads.
I really love to write about Frodo's time at Brandy Hall when Merry was little, and have several such stories.
Thank you for stopping by to read and review!
Gryffinjack
· 13 February 2006
· Chapter 95: Conspiratorial Interlude
Oh, Dreamflower! This is just wonderful! Thank you so much for writing my bunny!! It's just what I wanted!
Leave it to Merry to handle the situation with the S-B's; always ready to protect his Frodo.
I really liked Pippin's reaction. It must have really shaken him to see Frodo like that since Frodo has always been his stalwart, reliable cousin. And it is just like Sam to be able to tell that Pippin was dazed and confused.
"“*Is* Frodo going to be all right?” Tears sprang to the green eyes. “I’ve never seen a look like that on Frodo’s face before. It was like his whole world had ended.”
“I think it has, Pip,” said Merry softly. “I’ve seen that look on his face before, though not for a long time...""
This is just perfect! It's just what I had imagined! I love how Pippin turns to Merry for reassurance that Frodo will be all right. And Merry's explanation - "a black melancholy" is just the perfect description for the mood Frodo gets into. Merry's memory really shows just how much the death of his parents effected Frodo. The entire conversation between Merry and Pippin was fantastic and extremely poignant.
This was so lovely! Thank you so much!!!
Author's reply
Yes, of course Merry would handle the S.-B.s. I had a good deal of fun with that in the original fic--but his determination to protect Frodo was quite serious.
You are quite right about Pip's reaction. He *had* never seen Frodo in a state such as this; he never knew Frodo when springtime in Buckland was an ordeal, when the melancholy was so deep that Frodo thought he could never climb out. By the time Pippin was old enough to really get to know Frodo, his older cousin had been for some years happy and content under Bilbo's roof. And though he had heard enough from Merry, and perhaps encountered a fleeting glimpse of Frodo's grief from time to time, it was nothing to what Merry had often fought on Frodo's behalf from infancy. It *had* to throw him completely to realize how bleak the despair could be for his seemingly invulnerable Frodo.
Pippin recognizes that Merry is the expert on Frodo, just as Pippin is the expert on Merry.
I try to always use the old-fashioned term "melancholy" rather than the modern term "depression", and feel in some ways that it is more descriptive.
I'm so glad that this "little bunny" lived up to your expectations!
harrowcat
· 13 February 2006
· Chapter 95: Conspiratorial Interlude
Now that really is a change of pace from the last tale Dreamflower! Frodo's emotions are positively scary! But I enjoyed(?) the way that Merry and Pippin are each trying to protect the others' feelings.
Author's reply
Yes, when Frodo got into one of those moods, it was scary, especially for Merry. Merry had always been sensitive to Frodo's feelings, but I don't believe that he realized until he grew up just how dangerous his cousin's occasional bouts of depression were.
At this point in time, poor Merry and Pippin are trying so hard not to let their respective secrets slip, and since they have never *kept* secrets from one another before, it's very painful for them.