Kitty
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
It is certainly a wonderful Yule gift for Aragorn and the others to have this glimpse of their hobbit friends. And it is good to see the palantir used for something joyful after it was so threatening and frightening in LotR. Wish I could sit with them in the Citadel myself and share this experience ;-)
And of course, Arwen's little surprise was perfect after this.
Author's reply
I liked the idea of Arwen arranging a hobbity tea. They must have all enjoyed this visit and it is nice to see the palantir used for happy purposes.
Hope you didn't need the fluff-buster!
demeter d
· 2 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
"This has been perfect," said Legolas," I felt I was there." Perfect, indeed!
Good food, good friends, and "rustic old customs" which resonate with the power of Arda herself. There is something a bit "Tom Bombadil-ish" about that apple man. I could almost smell the chestnuts!
Author's reply
I've only seen the Apple-Man procession once, but it takes place in some parts of Britain - including Hereford, I believe. Hearing the drum and seeing the torches was spine-tingling, and there is definitely something of the Green Man about him. Despite the 21st century veneer there is still a lot of pagan power in this country and it can be very impressive.
Glad you enjoyed it - those chestnuts are wonderful! I'm glad I finally managed to write a Yule story - the one last week should have been seaonal and then turned into something else entirely!
Pearl Took
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
A wonderful use for a palantir, Baggins Babe!! This was a fun, warm and charming story!!
Author's reply
About time a palantir was used for something nice rather than the frightening reasons for its use during the War of the Ring.
Glad you enjoyed.
Dreamflower
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
What a lovely gift to give the children and the others! So wonderful to know that the palantir could finally be turned to such good uses!
*sigh* I always love a visit to Reunion-verse Shire!
Author's reply
Glad you enjoy a visit to Reunion-verse Shire! I love writing about it.
Nice to see the palantir put to good use, and I'm sure the royal children enjoyed seeing their friends having fun.
Larner
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
Ah, yes, a wonderful years end and years beginning for all. And now a Hobbity high tea? So perfect an end to the special gift.
Author's reply
Yes, a hobbity high tea is the perfect end to this 'visit' and was no doubt enjoyed by all.
The Apple Man is a figure in several areas of rural Britain and taps into an ancient power of some sort. Very similar to the Green Man too.
harrowcat
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
What a lovely glimpse for all of us. Thanks BB
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed it - can't have too many visits to the Shire for me!
shirebound
· 1 January 2007
· Chapter 27: A Glimpse of the Shire
Watching the Shire-folk seemed to have inspired everyone
It certainly always inspires me! It's lovely that the king is teaching his family that these "rustic customs" are good and valued ones. I'd love to know what Frodo was thinking and feeling through all of this. Did he know they were being watched by loving and supportive friends from the south? :D
Author's reply
Delighted to know that you have been inspired by a little bit of Shire magic!
I don't think Frodo knew they were being watched, although he may have felt wrapped in extra affection. I think he would have been enjoying it all in a warm and familiar way, and his only sadness would have been that Ted Sandyman did not allow himself to be saved.
I love rustic customs and Britain has a number. The Apple-Man tradition is fascinating and taps into a real power. There is a lot of the Green Man in that figure.
Linda Hoyland
· 26 September 2006
· Chapter 25: With Love From Rose
Just delightful !
Author's reply
Glad you liked my little look at our favourite hobbits on their birthday.
Grey Wonderer
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Lovely! I didn't get to read much this weekend but I did enjoy this one very much! Sam's children are darling!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed. I think Sam and Rosie's children would have been adorable!
Andrea
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Awww! How beautiful!
I loved the presents Frodo received from his cats. Mushrooms, what else ;-)
And Frodo's own secret place in memory of Rivendell was really beautiful.
But what I enjoyed most was that the mallorn tree enabled him to communicate with Bilbo, Gandalf and the elves. A perfect birthday indeed!
Author's reply
My pets always bought presents for me so I think the Gamgee children would have made sure that Rufus and Sooty had raided their piggy bank for a little something. ;-))
I love the idea that communication is sometimes possible through the trees.
SurgicalSteel
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Lovely, gentle, and happy. *happy sigh*
Author's reply
Had to do something for the Baggins' birthday, and this was fun to write.
Kitty
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
What a lovely birthday for Frodo! I probably repeat myself, but it is so good to see Frodo still in the Shire, healed and happy, and now celebrating with his friends. And the little glimpse he got of Bilbo, celebrating with Gandalf, Galadriel, Celebrían and Elrond was wonderful. I think this made his day perfect.
Author's reply
I'm sure the glimpse of Bilbo enjoying his own celebration was the highlight of Frodo's day.
Happy, healed Frodo. *sigh* I love these visits to the Shire and I'm glad you do too.
demeter d
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Beautiful! The presents are so characteristic of their givers. The day is so full of love. The bench from a piece of the old Party Tree is such a nice touch. That way the beloved old tree will not be completely lost. I very much enjoy the touch that you and other writers use of the mallorn trees being able to communicate with other mallorns, no matter how far away they are. They provide a warm, lovely glimpse of absent loved ones.
Author's reply
It is always fun to try and think what the friends would give Frodo for his special day, even if they're not strictly 12-mile cousins!
I think they would have used the wood from the Party Tree for special items such as furniture and for carving.
I've always loved the idea that communication is possible through the trees, and a glimpse of each other on their special day was just too adorable to ignore.
Faramir of Gondor
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
That was a very good to show a hobbits birthday!:)
Author's reply
I think hobbits, more than anyone, know how to party! And I had to do something to mark the day.
Queen Galadriel
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Oh, how beautiful! I love your birthday parties! Gimli's gift is so like him, and Sam's is wonderful also! And the end is just perfect! So good to see that both special Bagginses are so happy on this very special day. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I always have fun thinking of gifts, and hobbit parties are a bit special. I think both Bagginses were very happy and it was a special moment to be granted a glimpse of each other.
Dreamflower
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
What a lovely little tale--I just loved the way the children were so excited about Frodo's presents, and also all of the gifts. Sam's was beautiful, and the part at the end--well, that was the icing on the birthday cake!! LOL!
Author's reply
I suspect the Gamgee children can be hyper at times but in a sweet way. I remember being beside myself with excitement watching my parents open their presents and I could just picture delightful little hobbit children jumping up and down!
Glad you like Frodo's new little secret garden, and his glimpse of Bilbo was certainly the icing on the birthday cake! ;-))
Larner
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Sam and Legolas's joint gift is, of course, the most beautiful; and the shared moment of awareness with Bilbo, Galadriel, Celebrian, and Elrond is exquisite.
Author's reply
Frodo's little secret garden is lovely - Sam no doubt enjoyed the planning and planting, being such a patient soul.
I had to give our birthday boys a little glimpse of each other.
shirebound
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
He blinked back tears of joy as the loving warmth of the Gamgees enveloped him completely.
Oh BB, this is so lovely! All the gifts are exquisite, and even one from Rufus and Sooty! Ohhh, the bench "made from a piece of the old Party Tree" is just inspired. And those last two lines! *blissful sigh*
Author's reply
Rufus and Sooty had to be involved, and what better than a box of very fine mushrooms? As for the Party Tree - I'm sure our Sam is too practical to leave it there for ever. They wouldn't use it for firewood but fine furniture and carvings would be a good way to keep a part of it.
Had to give our wonderful Bagginses a special present on their special day.
harrowcat
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 26: The Baggins Birthday
Now, now I was doing really well and revelling in the loving fluff BB until I got to the last bit and now I'm sniffling all over again! Happy sadness!
BTW I know I'm being pedantic but you use a drawer to put your drawings in! *g*
Author's reply
I couldn't let the day go by without giving our favourite Bagginses a little present. A quick glimpse for them of the other's celebration and lots of happy hobbit fluff.
BTW I know I'm being pedantic but you use a drawer to put your drawings in! *g*
I hope not - otherwise there will be nowhere for me to store my junk!
SurgicalSteel
· 19 September 2006
· Chapter 25: With Love From Rose
This was lovely, too - and I wonder just how much of a mess then men *will* make?
Author's reply
I think I may have to do a follow-up just to find out!
SurgicalSteel
· 19 September 2006
· Chapter 24: Keeping His Dignity
Oh, too cute! Just adorable!
Raksha The Demon
· 18 September 2006
· Chapter 25: With Love From Rose
You absolutely have to do a follow-up tale of Aragorn and Faramir unleashed in the kitchens.
Author's reply
A sequel looks more and more likely, and would be fun to write.
Raksha The Demon
· 18 September 2006
· Chapter 25: With Love From Rose
Forget the food - my mouth is watering at the image of those two tall Numenorean hunks puttering around the kitchen, wearing old, comfy clothes, getting flour on their hands.
Seriously (when I'm not thinking of the two tall Numenorean hunks), a lovely vignette. And the recipes sound wonderful.
Author's reply
;-)) I think a lot of us feel like that! Gave me a nice mental picture to start my day this morning!
demeter d
· 18 September 2006
· Chapter 25: With Love From Rose
Absolutely deliightful! I am sure those books will become treasured family heirlooms! And mischievious cats named "Merry and Pippin". Just too good.
Yoy know, I think we take our presses and home computers with their capacity for fast reproduction for granted. i can only imagine how long such copying must have taken in our own middle ages!
Author's reply
I'm sure these books will be treasured heirlooms, and it is sobering to think of the effort which went into making such things in the days before machines.
Cats are always fun, and aragorn's gift from Chapter 8 are now a year old and just as impish.
Larner
· 18 September 2006
· Chapter 25: With Love From Rose
They know the value of diplomacy, do they? And glad to see Frodo has been following his trade. Heh!
Author's reply
Well, I have to give Frodo something to do. ;-)) I'm sure he enjoys copying and binding books, particularly for dear friends.
Like most wives, the ladies know when to bite their tongues!