Dreamflower
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
Delightful and absolutely perfect! What a wonderful hobbity day, with gifts, good food, happy memories and lots of wee!Gamgees!
And Frodo? Merry's right you know.
Merry? Frodo's right, too!
*sigh*wonderful*
Author's reply
What more could anyone want? Gifts, good food and lots of little Gamgees!!! Squeeeeee!!!!! *ahem*
Yes, that was a cousinly put-down, wasn't it? Shut up and eat your cake! Probably not the first time Frodo's told Merry that. :-))
Thank you for all your comments and I'm glad you enjoyed another visit to 'Reunion-verse.'
harrowcat
· 28 March 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
Oh this is so sweet BB. I can just picture that dress and I love Rufus' present. I'm sure that he knew that a dead frog wouldn't be acceptable but a live one would be enjoyed.
Author's reply
Exactly! No-one would want a dead frog (I stepped on one which my cats had left for me!) but a live one is fine. A friend's cat regularly brought the same frog indoors for a visit!
That dress sounds gorgeous - a little girl's dream. I can imagine Elanor being beside herself.
demeter d
· 27 March 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
Again, a wonderful chapter. ..."this is why we did it, so children could be born free of fear"... A perfect summing up of the whole quest! I like to see that both giving, as in the outside world, and receiving, by the Hobbit custom are included in your world view. Over-all, a sweet loving picture. And I LOVE Rufus's "gift".
Author's reply
Yes, I think Frodo would appreciate that he did succeed when he could see the children playing.
From what I've read in the 'History of Middle-earth' and JRR Tolkien's letters, I gather the hobbits received gifts on their birthdays, but early in the day. It was not proper to receive gifts at the party, otherwise it looked as though guests were 'paying' to be there. And I think there would have been something of a blending of customs after so much to-ing and fro-ing between Men and hobbits.
Ah yes, Rufus didn't want to be left out with the gift-giving! :-))
Larner
· 27 March 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
Yes, Merry--shut up and eat cake! Indeed the right thing for the day!
And love Rufus guarding the toy mouse--my poms do that, you know. Had one who'd guard a piece of bread for hours rather than eat it!
Author's reply
*giggles* I can picture your little dog guarding the bread! I love poms - adorable dogs! One of my dogs used to guard dog biscuits.
I doubt that is the first time Frodo has told Merry to shut up and eat cake! :-))
Ami
· 27 March 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
How very special and poignant.
But this is why we did it - so that children could play and grow, free of the Shadow. A New Age, a new order, a new generation, free from fear and dominance."
I'm glad that Frodo is finally able to appreciate this, but I still wish he could have been revered among the Shire folk.
I also caught up on the previous chapter, and I have to agree with other reviewers, this one needs a sequel to see the lasses get their gifts.
Author's reply
In my AU Frodo is revered in the Shire - Aragorn makes sure of that by writing to the Shirefolk (Reunion in Minas Tirith). However, I'm sure Frodo disliked fuss and would much rather see the children enjoying themselves than have lots of adulation for himself.
I'm busy working on a follow-up to the previous chapter - I decided I also want to see the lasses receive their gifts.
shirebound
· 27 March 2006
· Chapter 18: A Special Day in the Shire
What a happy, lovely story. (And tomorrow is my birthday, so I'm enjoying this especially!) what perfect gifts, even from Rufus.
"How does the King know about my birthday?"
"He knows everything"
*giggles*
Rufus darted up and began to tap his new toy, then carried it into the kitchen and placed it on his cushion, where he sat guarding it, lest others decide to play with it.
Awww, even happy kitty. And I just love thinking about being as excited as "a dog with two tails". I'll have to use that sometime.
:D
Author's reply
Well happy birthday for tomorrow (or today as it is here........I think). Have a lovely time.
Aragorn knows everything, I'm sure, especially important things like little hobbits' birthdays. :-))
Glad you enjoyed it - you're nearly always first to review. How do you do it?
Kitty
· 25 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
Sweet ficlet, BB! It was so nice to see how Frodo selected a piece for every of his female relatives, thinking of how it came in the possession of his mother. He is truly a dear soul, and so generous! Not everyone would give away so many expensive jewellery without second thought. But I think he is right – Primula would be happy to know her things made others happy and are worn once more instead of being hided somewhere.
Author's reply
Oh thank you, Kitty! Frodo is a sweet and generous soul and I think he will feel happy seeing the jewellery worn by others. His mother's memory will be kept alive and the beautiful items will be on display instead of hidden in a dark cupboard.
Glad you liked it.
Author Reply: Oh thank you, Kitty! Frodo is a sweet and generous soul and I think he will feel happy seeing the jewellery worn by others. His mother's memory will be kept alive and the beautiful items will be on display instead of hidden in a dark cupboard.
Glad you liked it.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 21 March 2006
· Chapter 12: When All Other Lights Go Out
*Weep* *wibble* I knew when I saw the title, the story would provoke that response and they did! You capture Frodo's fear and abject misery so well. *sniff* You also convey his utter disgust with himself at his treatment of Sam so feelingly. You could feel his fears about what happened to Sam just tearing away at his soul!
Their reunion was such a balm to read after the torment written of in the earlier pages. Both ends of the emotional spectrum was masterfully handled, my dear!
"They would have to move soon, Frodo thought. But for the moment he was content to lean against Sam and be comforted." such a lovely line to end on.
MM
Author's reply
You may remember that this was the first LOTR story I ever wrote. Sorry it made you wibble but I'm glad you enjoyed the ending.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 21 March 2006
· Chapter 11: King Eomer's Gift
Again a delightful little story. Of course what else would the King of Rohan give as a present! A horse. I really enjoyed this little slice of life story. I could really see the Big People in Bree waiting to visit with the Hobbits and deliver their messages and gifts. You capture Frodo's new-found zest for life in the riding scene with Eomer exceptionally well. The language used was vivid! Love the names for Pippin, Sir Peregin the Impudent and Sir Peregrin the Adlepated!! LOL!!!!
I am very happy to know that Limlight is so happy in his new home!
MM
Author's reply
What else indeed! I do like to write about Frodo's recovery and his joy in life. I'm sure Limlight would have been very happy with his new master - who wouldn't be happy living in the Shire?
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 21 March 2006
· Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
What a wonderful story!! I just love the homely touch of a cat and her little family trying to make a way for them in Minas Tirith, gives a nice cozy feeling to Minas Tirith. Love the soft-hearted Adamir feeding the little stray. You managed to give us a different glimpse of Minas Tirith, here. The Jolly Oli sounds just like the kind of places we used to frequent! Warm and inviting!
The image of Aragorn holding an audience with the kittens curled around him was just so adorable!! A kitty stole...hmmm like a Jonesy hat!! Loved the story dear!
MM
Author's reply
Ah yes, a Jonesy hat! Dear Jonesy was convinced you needed one of those.
I can imagine our favourite hobbits loving cats and wanting to help. I think Rose would certainly empathise with a little mother.
I suppose I based 'The Jolly Oli' on some of our favourite places! "Thou hast wrought much harm upon me..........."! *Ducks*
"The most precious things remain in the heart, Mama. Possessions are not really important, and I think by spreading these things around I'm keeping
your memory alive, so that when I'm gone others will look at these jewels and remember you."
Beautiful! Loved this one-very bittersweet, and I'd love to see the lasses get their gifts!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you! Another reader said she wants to know how the lasses receive their gifts and has given me a bunny to take home and feed. We shall see what it produces!
It is bittersweet but I think Frodo will feel happier for doing it, and when he sees the joy and pleasure on the faces of the recipients he will know he has done the right thing.
demeter d
· 17 March 2006
· Chapter 8: A Yule Gift for the King
Ohh, Ohh, Ohh! Thoroughly delightful chapter. It is so like Rose's kind heart to feel sorry for another little mother. And that ending is just right. Who else is capable of so much pure, joyful mayhem as Merry and Pippin?
Well done.
Author's reply
Exactly - Rose would feel sorry for, and empathise with, another mother.
And what else could two mischievous kittens be called except Merry and Pippin? I'm sure the two original rascals were not in the least offended!
Glad you enjoyed it.
demeter d
· 17 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
I know I overuse this word in my reviews, but, another lovely chapter! You must have had as much enjoyment mentally creating those pieces of jewelry as your fictional Dwarvish and Hobbit metalsmiths would have had hammering them out. And I especially liked the sentiment that in spreading her beautiful things around to be enjoyed, Frodo was ensuring that his mother's memory would continue to be honored.
Author's reply
You're right, I did enjoy allowing my imagination to run riot with the jewellery designs. Rory was known as 'Goldfather' so I don't think the Brandybucks were short of money! :-))
Frodo would want to share his mother's memory with others and he is a generous soul who enjoys making others happy.
Thank you for reading and reviewing.
harrowcat
· 16 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
Great BB. I am surpised he got as much decided as he did if Rufus was shouting for dinner! Lol!
Author's reply
*giggle* If Rufus had been shouting all afternoon then I doubt Frodo would have managed to decide anything. I suspect our favourite feline had been asleep in the garden and had only just arrived in the kitchen. :-))
Julie
· 15 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
Oh, this was so endearing and yet so bittersweet at the same time. It reminded me very much of when my grnadfather laid out all of my late grandmother's jewelry on the dining room table for the five ladies of the family to go through. Some pieces I wear, but others I find too special to me. Even though it has been years now, this story was a nice reminder to me "that others will look and remember."
I would absolutely love to see a sequel to this fic, when the lasses all receive their birthday mathoms from Frodo. I would very much like to read and pitcure the reactions of Esme and Eglantine and those who knew Primula best, and also Frodo sharing the background stories of the pieces he chose for the other younger lasses, who never had the opportunity to know Primula Baggins. Even though Frodo feels he is doing the right thing by sharing, will seeing these pieces of jewelry being worn on the others evoke sad (or pleasant)memories for him? Politely shoves bunny in your direction!
Author's reply
Well, that is certainly a bunny to take home and feed! I'll have to see what comes of it, but that is a good idea. *Tucks bunny into carrying basket*
I think Frodo will be happy to see these lovely things appreciated and worn again. No point keeping them hidden in a cupboard, and I think the good memories will outweigh the bad. Frodo is a generous soul and will delight in the pleasure of others.
Dreamflower
· 15 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
*sigh*
That was just beautiful, that was. I like to think that Frodo would be a thoughtful gift-giver, and that he would go about choosing his gifts in just such a manner, each item precious not only for its monetary value, but for its beauty, and for the wonderful memories attached. And every recipient is going to realize this.
And you should be a jewelry designer--each item sounded so gorgeous!
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo is a thoughtful gift-giver, and he will delight in seeing these lovely items being worn again. I'm sure all the recipients will be thrilled.
Don't know about designing jewellery - I just let my imagination run riot!
shirebound
· 15 March 2006
· Chapter 17: Treasured Memories
I'm so happy when you update your "Sketchbook".
The quiet batchelor haven was now a joyous family home and he was at the heart of it, surrounded with love and laughter.
*happy sigh*
He was absurdly happy and satisfied, with no regrets about parting with all the precious things.
What a lovely story. A generous heart is able to part with nearly anything, if those things will bring joy to others. Frodo is able to see such value and worth in other people, and everyone will see their own beauty reflected in his wonderful gifts.
Author's reply
A generous heart is able to part with nearly anything, if those things will bring joy to others. That is a beautiful sentence, and so true. Frodo does have a generous heart, and I think it will give him great joy to see these things being worn and bringing pleasure to others.
Glad you enjoy the 'Sketchbook' Shirebound!
demeter d
· 15 March 2006
· Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
Greetings! I started chuckling with the first spoon of scrambled egg. by the time "Fwo is making monster noises" came, my gut hurt from laughing! My older daughter, at age fourteen, babysat a family of four children under the age of six who were EXACTLY like this to get to bed. Lovely, lovely piece.
Author's reply
I must say it is lovely to know the story gave you such a laugh. I certainly enjoyed writing it and was giggling as the story unfolded. I imagine the Gangee children could be quite a handful sometimes, especially if Rose was out and they could take advantage of their father and uncle.
Your daughter was very brave to babysit four, and at such a young age! I wouldn't volunteer to babysit that many. :-))
Kitty
· 14 March 2006
· Chapter 16: Spring at Brandy Hall
Frodo as faunt was so sweet! And a very curious child.
"Took and Brandybuck," replied Esme. The Tooks are adventurous but the Brandybucks are the ones who want to know all the answers."
"I suppose we do..............but the Tooks want to know all the questions!" *That* is a terrible combination, you know *lol*
Primula’s request brought a pensive note to this. Somehow she seems to have had a foreshadowing of what was to come.
Author's reply
I've always felt that Frodo was always curious about everything - one of those interesting but exhausting little ones who always want to know 'why?'
In my story 'The Stars Danced' I explore what Primula may have experienced while carrying her son. Perhaps Frodo wasn't the first in the family to experience such things.
harrowcat
· 13 March 2006
· Chapter 16: Spring at Brandy Hall
Oh! I thought that this had a fluff-depth warning! And then you spring this on us BB!
Primula held Esme's hands in hers for a moment. "I........don't know...........sometimes I think I shall not live to see him grow up. I had such strange dreams while I carried him, and even now I sometimes see him in my mind as he will be as a teen and tween, and I know I'm not there. He will need looking after - lots of love and caring. I don't know why, but I feel he is important. Oh I know you'll think I'm silly, but I think he has something to do - I don't know what, but when I told Gandalf my dreams he didn't laugh, and I saw surprise on his face. Surprise and alarm. I wish I knew what it meant."
Author's reply
Sorry about that! The little bit of angst just had to sneak in. But it was mostly fluff!
Queen Galadriel
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 16: Spring at Brandy Hall
Awww! Wee Frodo is soooo adorable! But it's very moving and a little saddening, Primula asking Esme for such a promise. But I can't get over cute little hobbits! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
No, we can never have enough of cute little hobbits! Little Frodo is just too snuggly for words.
Yes, poor Prim, and poor Frodo - but at least he had a few years of her love.
Larner
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 16: Spring at Brandy Hall
Such a sad foreshadowing for our favorite young Hobbit. But a good look at the two cousins together with Frodo.
Author's reply
I've always felt that Frodo had a good relationship with Esme and I wanted to show that from its earliest stage.
shirebound
· 12 March 2006
· Chapter 16: Spring at Brandy Hall
the Brandybucks are the ones who want to know all the answers."
"I suppose we do..............but the Tooks want to know all the questions!"
I just love that. And it makes perfect sense that Frodo would inherit his prescient dreaming from someone -- why not his mother?
"Fuffy tails!" Frodo squealed and giggled as his mother hugged him. "Upsy-down, Mama! Upsy-down!"
Omigosh, you're trying to kill me. Death by Fluff. *adores*
Author's reply
I first brought Primula's dreams into my story 'The Stars Danced.' Yes, it does make sense that Frodo inherits it from someone, since they occur before his wounding.
Those pesky tooks always want to know the questions - and the answers!
Hope you've managed to fight your way out from under all the fluff!
Larner
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
I was trying tonight to break up a fight between two of my little ones gone big, and I'll tell you I wonder if they ever truly grow out of it! I've not had such a night in so long, and I thought they were beyond it! Feel for Frodo and Sam.
Author's reply
Oh dear! You don't expect grown-up children to squabble like that!
Poor Frodo and Sam, coping with five naughty little hobbits - and there's more to come..........
Larner
· 10 March 2006
· Chapter 14: Creatures out of Legend
Ah, we are being bitten by the Oliphaunt as Pet bug, I see! First Agape, then me, and now you! Heh!
Glad others now get to see the animals.
Author's reply
I think a pet Oliphaunt might stand out a bit, especially in Hobbiton! I really wanted Sam and the others to see one, and the children will be wildly jealous.
Bring on more Oliphaunts, I say!