Bodkin
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 4: A Lesson on Hobbits IV (Aragorn)
Escargots, huh? When are they going to be fed cuisses de grenouille? He'd better not let on until the - er - delightful little gastropods have made it through the hobbits' digestive systems without ill effect.
I loved the squelching Boromir after bath supervision duty. And he was extremely cunning to distract the hobbits with thoughts of less slippery meals.
"Ah, Boromir," Merry said fondly, "We will teach you to think like a hobbit yet."
What a lovely line.
Some excellent hobbit analysis from Gandalf here. Aragorn would do well to listen carefully. And abandon his thoughts of feeding them bugs!
Author's reply
Aragorn's determination to make the hobbits exploit 'all available food sources' is becoming a personal battle with Frodo, I fear. It has been a running joke through several of my stories. I'm glad the greater message came though - thank you for being an attentive reader. And for letting me know you are enjoying the "Lessons."
harrowcat
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 4: A Lesson on Hobbits IV (Aragorn)
Fantastic fun Budgielover. I am surprised that Sam was pondering on Ilthilien coney in Morder and not marsh caught escargot!
Author's reply
(laughs) Hummm ... we'll have to say that Aragorn doesn't tell Sam and Frodo what they ate until after the Quest is complete, and they are all together again in Minas Tirith. I think King Elessar had best have his guards about him!
Rose Sared
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 4: A Lesson on Hobbits IV (Aragorn)
Oh how to brighten even a Monday evening - what a wonderful series of tales- All of them equally brilliant - Boromir's confusion, Legolas' exasperation, Aragorn's sneaky culinary skills and Gimli's wonderful body heat. This collection goes into my favorites to be read over and over until it becomes fanon and turns up in my own writing as fact.
Loved it, will read again and again
Thank you
Rose
Author's reply
Rose, I wanted to thank you for your words. I had never heard the word 'fanon' before you used it, and it awed and humbled me. I keep every review, good or bad, and read them again and again when I need a reason to keep doing this. A very few I print out and paste up on the cabinet over my desk. This will join them.
eiluj
· 19 September 2005
· Chapter 4: A Lesson on Hobbits IV (Aragorn)
"Shells" -- that was such an ominous word! Then a nice bit of suspense.
I don't want to be there when the hobbits learn about the true identity of their "goat." Well -- yes, I *do* want to be there.
Author's reply
*grins* There have been quite a few requests for when the hobbits find out. Frodo, especially. I cannot see him lauching himself at Aragorn with a shrill scream of rage, but I wouldn't rule it out. Frodo's under a lot of stress, after all... (Honestly, don't these stories ever have an end? Each plot bunny breeds a dozen more!)
Anso the Hobbit
· 17 April 2005
· Chapter 3: A Lesson on Hobbits III (Legolas)
What a shock it must be for Legolas to experience the hobbits at full volume, lol. This was a great chapter! :)
Hai Took
· 9 April 2005
· Chapter 3: A Lesson on Hobbits III (Legolas)
That was splendid! I love the way you are giving each character and little "lesson on hobbits". The way you wrote this with Merry and Frodo trying to force Pippin to take a bath while Legolas was thinking about them and speaking to Aragorn about hobbits, general and specific was great. I especially liked this "Legolas looked around to see how the rest of the Companions were receiving these dramatics." lol, Pippin was causing quite a stir although it seems most of the Company is able to ignore whatever may be going on. Thank you for the fun!
Larner
· 8 April 2005
· Chapter 3: A Lesson on Hobbits III (Legolas)
I am moved by this chapter, and find I love it.
Thank you.
Hyrui Neoju
· 27 January 2005
· Chapter 1: A Lesson on Hobbits (Boromir)
Thanks for the story, it was very sweet. I was wondering, are you going to do three more stories, you know, form Gandalf's, Aragorn's and the Elf's point of view?
Hai Took
· 24 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Thank you for this story! You wrote Gimli so well in his feeling a bit awkward with the hobbits and then accepting it and feeling protective of them. I am always rather amazed that in the books (and movies) it is Gimli who is insistant on knowing where Merry and Pippin are after they have been captured and Gandalf is trying to get them to go to Edoras. Thank you for the wonderful hobbit/Gimli moment!
Author's reply
It is so true that Gimli is often the one to watch over the hobbits, isn't it? I would love to seen more of him in canon, and more of the relationship between our lads and the Big People. Ah well, that's what fanfiction is for, isn't it?
Larner
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Very beautiful images, and lovely writing and characterization. Love it.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I have given quite a bit of thought to how the Big People of the Fellowship must have reacted to hobbits. None but Gandalf and Aragorn had much interaction with hobbit-kind, and Aragorn only as an observer. Don't you get the feeling that the hobbits must have enjoyed befuddling the Big Folk?
Larner
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 1: A Lesson on Hobbits (Boromir)
I've read this, I think on FFN, and loved it, and find I still love it. Well written, and a good mix of movie and book universe.
Pearl Took
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
How does the lover of wee birds know one of the most important rules of being owned by cats? The person whose lap the cat has chosen is forgiven any duties that involve moving the cat. :) :) It is a wonderful excuse that I have often used myself to get out of doing things! LOL
This is a charming and "warm" story, a joy to read as always. Thank you for a wonderful tale!
Author's reply
I love my birdies but also cats (and dogs and horses and aquarium fish and guinea pigs and rabbits and skunks and horny toads and just about everything, unfortunately) and know that the cat's comfort comes first, if you are honored enough to be chosen as lap-warmer. Somehow I see the hobbits quite unintentionally molding the Big People to their needs, like cats. And we feel so special to have the privilege of catering to them. I'm so glad you enjoyed the story!
Mysterious Jedi
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Excellent little stories!
Author's reply
*giggle* And a joy to write. There is so much to explore yet in the relationships between the Big People and the hobbits. Wouldn't it be fun to turn the series around, and have each of the Big People teach the hobbits something about themselves? I'll have to think about that...
elliska
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
"I do not know if it is a strength or a weakness to be so trusting."
That is one of my favorite themes in LotR and you have captured it wonderfully here. I must say that you said you would make a hobbit lover out of me and you are indeed doing that Budgielover. Your stories are excellent. I love the way you paint the hobbits' personalities.
the young one’s ability to leap from subject to subject like a butterfly in a flower-field,
What a lovely description. Great story!
Author's reply
Hullo, Elliska! Thank you for your kind words. You hit on one of the things in LotRs that never ceases to amaze me; the complexity and richness of Tolkien's universe. So many themes, so beautifully presented. And welcome to the world of hobbit-lovers! Hobbits may be less heroic than Men and less lovely than Elves, but we are a happy, social bunch. Pour yourself a half-pint and settle in!
GamgeeFest
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Hobbits as cats - what a perfect comparison really. And what a comfy, cozy picture that paints against the bone-chilling cold. Merry and Pippin will be the warmest of the company that night. And good ole Sam, keeping the water warm for tea. A lovely story!
Author's reply
Somehow the image of Gimli sitting there, carefully not moving so he doesn't disturb the hobbits, reminds me of a mother cat with kittens. Poor Gimli doesn't quite know how he got into that position, but he's enjoying it. So do the hobbits, quite innocently and unexpectedly, enchant us all...
GamgeeFest
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 1: A Lesson on Hobbits (Boromir)
How wonderful! I loved the lesson, Boromir's musing on the hobbits and their oddities, the teasing between Aragorn and Frodo, and the fact that Boromir would have yielded to Merry and Pippin's pleading, sorrowful eyes. It's good to see the soldier gaining a much deserved respect for Frodo and Aragorn, and learning that hobbits are not as helpless as they seem. Well done!
meckinock
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
I loved the comparison of hobbits to cats; and how delightful that they chose Gimli as their sleeping cushion. The interactions of all the characters were very comfortable and enjoyable, and the little details like Aragorn balancing on Gimli's shoulder to stand added to the sense of place and feeling of camaraderie.
Author's reply
I think of this type of story as "Forging of the Friendship" stories, the backstories that Professor Tolkien inferred but didn't have room for in canon. Who could resist the hobbits? Not Gimli, not Aragorn, and certainly, none of us...
meckinock
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 1: A Lesson on Hobbits (Boromir)
This was a wonderful window into the Fellowship and hobbits in general. I really enjoyed the playful banter between Frodo and Aragorn. Boromir's reflections on his own upbringing and past experiences and how they contrast with both the hobbits and with Aragorn's were interesting.
shirebound
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Oh Budgie, I'm so thrilled that you continued this! I adore stories like this, where we learn about hobbits (and the hearts of those who know them) through unlikely characters and circumstances. What a joy! I especially love these...
"I don’t see the use of growing hair on your face," the young one commented, "while it is only sensible to grow it on your feet."
"Make Frodo go away, Gimli," a sleepy, petulant voice demanded. "He’s making too much noise."
"They expect you to entertain them and produce an endless series of amusements. If you have food, they materialize out ofnowhere and stare up at you with sad, soulfuleyes." The Ranger laughed quietly. "And you count yourself fortunate to be treated so."
*melts with happiness*
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed those little bits. These moments of peace are so rare (well ... at least in mystories *cough*) that I reveal in them. Wouldn't you love to sit around a campfire with the Fellowship after a hard day's march, and watch the firelight play on their faces? No wonder we fall in love with all the Fellowship, but the hobbits especially.
purrlin
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
More please! More.
I can see them all, truly I can!
Hobbits have so much to teach us all...oh that we could all learn to live our lives as hobbits do...come to think of it, I've often wished to have the life of my cat too! Mmmmmm
Most of us live our lives as "big folk" and forget that seeing life at a different, more hobbity level could make all the difference to the future of our world.
Please continue I'd be very interested to see what the hobbits could teach Gandalf after all his years or Legolas who lives in a different world than the others or the future King of Gondor and Arnor. What can they teach Bill even? or perhaps Saruman himself? How about Ioreth in the Houses of Healing or maybe Imrahil, Prince of Dol Amroth or any of the hundreds of people whose lives they touch?
Thanks, this was a great read.
purrlin :)
Author's reply
Purrlin, thank you for your compliment of saying you can 'see' the story - that is a great and generous thing to say to a writer. Your observation about 'seeing life at a different, more hobbity level' is very wise. I hadn't really considered taking the "Lessons" past the Fellowship (and yes, even Bill!) but you are making me consider it. Thank you.
harrowcat
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Oh - this was great. I was sooo pleased when I saw another chapter to this. 'A person may not get up when holding a cat! well ofcourse not! And I love the way that Gimli has been adopted into hobbithood. Thanks and more to come? Yes please!!!
Author's reply
Yes, Harrowcat, more to come, I think. This series is a unique format for postulating several ideas I have been mulling over about hobbits (and the Fellowship). The other "Lessons" may not be as calm and comforting as this one, but each one holds an idea or observation. Thanks for telling me you are enjoying these!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 23 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
I loved the description of Legolas standing on guard - it sounded extremely elfy! Best of all, though, was the analogy between the hobbits and cats, as they snuggled into the warmth. It's so very, very true.
Jay
Eruviluieth
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
Excellent story. I love Pippin's characteristic boldness. I never thought of hobbits as cats, but the comparison holds up quite well, including the intelligence which they can choose to show or not. I knew there was a reason I liked hobbits (can you tell I'm a cat-lover?). Great work!
Author's reply
Many of us hobbit-lovers are cat-lovers, Eruviluieth - isn't that odd? But there are more comparions between hobbits and cats, especially in how easily they twist their Big People around their little fingers. I loved your comment on choosing to show their intelligence - or not! Very acute observation!
Dreamflower
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 2: A Lesson on Hobbits II (Gimli)
I am grinning from ear to ear. This chapter did indeed, remind me very much of Baylor's "Care and Feeding..." not only in subject matter but tone as well.
It's so beautiful and sweet.
Not only that, but you tap into what I feel is evidence for one of my pet theories about hobbits: I believe that their charm is hard-wired into their instincts, and is part of a hobbit's natural defenses. In general, Big Folk have a hard time not succumbing to the need to defend these small and adorable creatures. Only rogues and renegades and creatures of evil would harm them.
Certain hobbits, those with strong Fallohide bloodlines have more than their fair share of this charisma--such as Frodo, Pippin and Merry.
Hobbits who lack this charm are defective, like the S.-B.s.
So it's not surprising that Gimli fell to their defenses.
And I love Aragorn comparing them to cats. How true...
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed this. When I was writing it, I was thinking about your comments in your LJ concerning hobbits and 'personal space.' That hobbits don't have much of a sense of personal space, and that is part of their charm. So, you see, you get partial credit for this fic!
Dreamflower
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 1: A Lesson on Hobbits (Boromir)
I love Frodo's practical solution for dealing with recalcitrant cousins...