All's Fair by Inkling
Ariel · 13 May 2005 · Chapter 11: The Letter
Awww! Poor Merry! Frodo's going to feel guilty, no question, but I hope he finds the little bugger! And I hope Merry doesn't end up feeling like he drove his cousin away! *munches popcorn* Do continue!
Author's reply
Thanks Ariel! We're getting into the home strech, so be sure to save some popcorn for the last few chapters... Author Reply: Er, that should be "stretch"!
Larner · 7 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Change Partners
Oh, you CAN'T do that to my Frodo! Poor, poor lad!
Author's reply
Well, at least he got a good kiss in before the rude interruption! Thanks Larner.
Breon Briarwood · 6 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Change Partners
Oh, that horrid, nasty Coronel! He just can't stand the thought of not being the one the girl wants! I'm sure Frodo's probably going to get punished to within an inch of his life so I'm glad he got at least one kiss beforehand. *hugs Frodo* *kicks Coronel in the jools* "Take that you jealous,interfering, no good ol' mumblemumblemumble....."
Author's reply
So now he’s got you mumbling, LOL! Hoo boy, Coronel is certainly making a lot of enemies…and deservedly so, the stinker! But at least for the moment Frodo’s happy, and even Coronel can’t take that away from him… Thanks Breon!
estelnalissi · 6 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Change Partners
A chapter of this charming story a week, just like the weekly 25 cent allowance I got when I was little, only bettter!
Author's reply
LOL! I’m honored to know that my chapters are anticipated like a weekly allowance! In our house the allowance was sporadic, but every Tuesday night was “ice cream night,” and you can bet we all looked forward to THAT! Thanks Estelnalissi…and if you send me any more reviews, can you tell me what your name means? Hope…something, but I’ve no idea what!
Andrea · 6 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Change Partners
Yay, the first kiss - that's what I've been waiting for! But it was rudely interrupted by Hortensia - that's such a shame. After all, Hyacinth has clearly shown that her sympathy belongs to Frodo, not to Coronel! So, Coronel wanted Hortensia to find him with Hyacinth? Why? What was he up to? I just don't understand that guy! Well, we'll see. Even if Hortensia tells old Rory about the incident, I don't think he'll be angry. He will understand. As we've seen before, he has a lot in common with Frodo!
Author's reply
Yes, that kiss was a long time coming…hopefully it was worth waiting for! As for Coronel, knowing that he was now out of favor with Hyacinth and which way her sympathies had turned, he was trying to disrupt what he (correctly) suspected might be happening in the garden… You'll hear what Rory has to say about it in the next chapter. Thanks for your review!
Ariel · 6 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Change Partners
What an incredibly delightful chapter! Just delicious! At least Hyacinth has taste! LOL!
Author's reply
Thanks Ariel…yes, poor Frodo got a break at last! He certainly needed it… Glad you enjoyed the chapter…I’d thought you might! *grin*
Larner · 29 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Useless Words
Ah, Frodo the artist. Wonderful, and how true to life in that the little ones must come in and spill and ruin without meaning to, and we snap. Poor little Merry, and poor Frodo.
Author's reply
Thanks Larner…I know you see Frodo as an artist too. It just seems to fit him, somehow. Having things ruined by someone we love is even harder to deal with, I think, than when a cad like Coronel does it.
Andrea · 29 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Useless Words
That's so unfair! I imagine, that this was a wonderful, detailed portrait of Hyacinth, and now it's ruined! What a pity. Well, little boys tend to be impulsive. And our Merry is now very frightened and shoked. When Frodo has calmed down, he will be very sorry for his words. I hope he will explain it to Merry. But I doubt that he will ever draw a new portrait of his love. *Hugs Frodo AND Merry* They really need it!
Author's reply
Yes, you’re right about the portrait. Poor Frodo is running out of avenues for creative expression…just when he most needs one. Thanks for the hugs…they really DO need it!
Breon Briarwood · 29 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Useless Words
*jawdrop* Guess the fight wasn't enough to work out his anger.... and now he's going to feel even worse when he calms down. *pets Frodo*
Author's reply
Nope, the fight wasn’t enough and as so often happens, the ones dearest to Frodo suffered the consequences. Growing up is never easy, is it? Thanks, Breon.
Ariel · 29 April 2005 · Chapter 9: Useless Words
Oh! And the portrait is ruined too! Oh, that poor boy will just never get a break, will he? ((((HUGGIESNUGGLES Fro!)))
Author's reply
Thanks Ariel…poor Frodo needs all the hugs he can get after a day like that! Will he ever get a break, you ask? Umm…*zips lip* Stay tuned!
girlofring · 25 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Udo Unmasked
very spirited fight! I hope Hyacinth realizes Frodo never meant any harm, just that was the only to talk to her was through his poems.
Author's reply
I’m glad you liked the fight…Frodo is often portrayed as weak and wimpy in fanfic, but that’s not how I see him. Gentle, sensitive, and poetic, yes…but not afraid to mix it up when the occasion calls for it! As for Hyacinth, stay tuned… Thanks for reviewing!
Larner · 23 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Udo Unmasked
Now, this one is so right. Glad Frodo finally called the b...... out, but sorry he got punched out over it.
Author's reply
That’s one of the fun things about writing fiction: giving rotters like Coronel the whupping they deserve. Sadly, in RL people like him often seem to do quite well… Thanks so much for your reviews, Larner! I’m happy to hear that you’re still enjoying it.
Larner · 23 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Awakening
Ah, this is my Frodo. Do love the poor boy. And want to take Coronel over my knee and swat the bejesus out of the lad. OOOOOOHHHHHH! Don't do that to my Frodo!
Author's reply
LOL! This chapter has certainly raised a few hackles! Coronel had better not find himself alone in a dark alley with you and Ariel… I’m glad that Frodo’s character seems “right” to you.
Larner · 23 April 2005 · Chapter 6: The Buckland Ball
Ah, I can imagine the early form of the Waltz would indeed raise a few eyebrows; and I see Coronel is still using Frodo as much as ever. Poor Frodo; do love the waistcoat, and the image of Merry falling asleep atop the hill.
Author's reply
Tolkien likened hobbit society to Victorian England, and that’s very much how I see it…hence Asphodel’s horrified reference to “limbs.” One of my readers at ff.n wondered what they would make of the tango…now that’s quite the mental image!
Larner · 23 April 2005 · Chapter 5: Spring Fever
Hilarious. Poor Frodo doesn't yet realize he's being taken for a not-so-pleasant ride. Poor lad! And then Wat and his poems-----
Author's reply
Well, at least he’s happy in his ignorance…and lighting the spark of poetry in everyone around him! It’s scary to imagine what Rory’s poem would have been like, though…
Andrea · 23 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Udo Unmasked
"I don’t want to fight you," Coronel protested. "I don’t see that you have much choice!" said Frodo grimly. Oh, I've seen this coming. And now that Coronel is unmasked, he seems to clearly underestimate Frodo. Coronel deserves every beat he gets. That was really unfair! Well, Hyacinth has not yet understood, what really happend. But I think, Frodo will try to explain it. He cannot live with such a shame for long- he's Frodo :) He will do something! And I'm really curious what his next step will be. Thank you!
Author's reply
Well, I have to say it was really>/i> enjoyable to write this chapter and give Coronel the comeuppance he so richly deserved! As for Frodo, well, the poor lad is not having a very good day and unfortunately it's not over yet...I love your faith in him, though! Thanks for your review! Author Reply: Oops! Messed up the italics there!
Breon Briarwood · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Udo Unmasked
And they say Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned. Obviously they've never come between a lad and his first love. (even if she didn't know it) Hehehe... Go Frodo! Now, who's going to explain to Hyacinth? *waitingwaitingwaiting*
Author's reply
Yes, Hell also hath no fury like the wrath of a love-struck lad double crossed, as Coronel now knows! Thanks, BB, glad you enjoyed it!
Ariel · 22 April 2005 · Chapter 8: Udo Unmasked
*Gasp!* Oh, I am glad Frodo popped him one! Grrrr... but now he's in just as hot water as Coronel is! Oh, how are we going to fix this? Oh, I hope you are going to have dear Frodo have to do something that shows his true nobility and highlights Coronel's lack thereof! Even if he doesn't end up with the girl, he has to show him up!
Author's reply
Never fear, Frodo's true nature will shine through in the end. He does a lot of growing up in this story. But there are still some twists and turns ahead; the story is only half-way through! Thanks for your review, sweetie...as always, it means a lot to me.
Ariel · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Awakening
Oooooo! I just want to POUND that Coronel! What a bastard! Grrrrr! Oh, I am going to be SO glad to see him get his comeupance! OOo!
Author's reply
LOL!! Oh Ariel, your reactions to this story are so fun to read! I'm glad Frodo has such a fierce defender in you! And, well, I don't want to give away too much but I think you won't be disappointed... Thanks for reviewing, my dear!
Estelnalissi · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Awakening
Dear Inkling, Damp, clinging nightshirt, indeed! How refreshing that you allow Frodo a full range of emotions and experiences with spring fever and first love. I see him acting like other hobbit lads, but since he's Frodo, everything he does is more heartfelt and altogether on a higher plain, sigh. Given LOTR is a fantasy is it appropriate for me to praise your creation of a very realistic Frodo? You've managed to make him thoroughly sympathetic without subjecting him to excruciating pain, hopeless isolation or the limitation of only being understood by little Merry and baby Pippin. Not that I don't avidly love those stories, as well. I always mark poetry as I read including whether it is in the spirit of the Shire so I particularly applaud your choice of verse throughout this story. Sentamental or jolly, all of your choices are apt. Frodo discovering he's pining beneath the wrong window is my favorite scene in this chapter. Clutsy Coronel, thinking he's so clever but almost spilling the beans again and again makes me laugh and want to dunk him in pond scum. And poor Frodo taking such a severe licking for his love and will she ever even know what he's endured for her? Finally, my heart swelling with pride, you revealed Frodo, the future ring bearer, beaten but bravely defusing the argument between the Farmer and his uncle with his promise not to steal mushrooms again. Even farmer Maggot with whom Frodo has a disreputable history, can't doubt Frodo's sincerity. I've Loved, "All's Fair," from the start. Thank you!
Author's reply
Hi Estelnalissi, Well, fantasy or not I do try for emotional realism in my stories, so your comments are not only appropriate but much appreciated! And you’re quite right: just because he’s the future Ring-bearer and savior of Middle Earth doesn’t mean that Frodo can’t have normal teen/tween experiences… I’m very happy that you’re enjoying the poems; I read a LOT of love poems looking for ones that seemed right for the story, and even wrote certain sections to fit the poems…as I did in this chapter, for example. “…makes me laugh and want to dunk him in pond scum.” LOL! Thank you for such a thoughtful—and amusing—review!
Andrea · 15 April 2005 · Chapter 7: Awakening
"That’s as may be…but if and when Frodo needs a thrashing ‘twill be me that sees to it, not some muddy-footed mushroom farmer from the wrong side o’ the River!" LOL! I like old Rory's style! And knowing that he, as Frodo, was "the worst young rascal" in the Shire in his times makes the old Master of Buckland much more friendly! And Coronel...well I've not quite figured out, what his next move will be. Udo unmasked? I'm really curious about that. *Patiently awaiting the next update*
Author's reply
I’m glad you like Rory…I’m rather fond of him myself! As you’ve noticed, he and Frodo have more in common than either of them realize… Sometimes I think even Coronel isn’t sure what his next move will be! But next week much will become clear and I hope you’ll feel that your patience was rewarded! I’m so glad that you’re still enjoying this story, Andrea…thanks for letting me know!
Ariel · 12 April 2005 · Chapter 6: The Buckland Ball
Good grief! The work you put into this! You are right, the dance is delightful and FAR from boring! I also found it delightfully credible that the waltz would be received this way in the Shire! Really, it is so delightful I am amazed more folk haven't found this already! I shall have to talk it up! Good work, Inkling!
Author's reply
Thank you, my dear, you made my day! You're right, it was a lot of work, but it was a labor of love as I'm almost as fond of the old dances as I am of hobbits! The transition from "arm's length" dancing to close body contact fascinates me...its cultural impact was at least as great in its day as the effect of the automobile on the amorous practices of 1950s teenagers, and it was fun to show it playing out in hobbit society--which Tolkien described more than once as "Victorian." I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thanks for letting me know!
Breon Briarwood · 24 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Spring Fever
*giggles* Spring fever seems to be contagious! <3!
Author's reply
Ah, spring...when a hobbit's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love--or pipeweed! ;) Thanks Breon!
Ariel · 24 March 2005 · Chapter 5: Spring Fever
Oooo! The fun begins - but that rascal Coronel! Ooooo! I just want to pinch him! Poor Fro!
Author's reply
Well, just remember, Ariel--Frodo's name does mean "wise by experience." By the time this is over, he'll be much wiser! :D Thanks!
Lindelea · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Like a Vision Fleeting
Hyacinth is a fascinating character! Bless old Aunt Dora... And young Merry is just perfectly drawn. Congratulations. Looking forward to more but I fear the rest of the family is up and at 'em.
Author's reply
I’m so glad you like young Merry, being the Merry fan that you are! I do like writing his interactions with Frodo… Also glad you like Hyacinth…OCs can be risky as you know, and OFCs doubly so. Thanks for making time to read and comment, Lin.