Reviews (20)

KathyG · 8 February 2021 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

This is an extremely belated review, I know! I don't know of anything about the rest of the story that others haven't said better, so I'm going to focus on this one detail. I'm so glad that Opal has become a healer! Her father must be very proud of her. Just a couple of questions. How is Opal able to perform her healing work, leaning on crutches? Seems to me that would be rather hard to pull off. Also, did she ever get married and have little hobbit children, or did she remain single for the rest of her life? And with that said, one other question! When did Paladin die? At least Pippin was back in the Great Smials when that day arrived.

Queen Galadriel · 7 April 2013 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes

I saw a reference to this in one of your Mathoms and had to read it. I don't even know what to say. When Katrina happened, I was too far away to really grasp it. On top of that, I saw none of the pictures and avoided the news. Some of us do have this absurd idea that if we look the other way, the horrible thing happening right behind us will just stop. But when I was just eight or nine years old, I remember seeing a documentary about the long-term damage that can be caused by floodwaters. A woman talked about her house being flooded. She and her children went back afterward without having the place checked for mold. She found black mold growing there but didn't realize how deadly it was until it was too late for her youngest, just an infant. That haunted me for years, the image of that mother walking into her baby's room and finding him dead in his crib. Then later on, our church was doing mission work in Haiti at the time of a flood there. There was one family they tried to help, but only one little eleven-year-old boy was rescued from the roof of their house. Thank you for writing this, not only for those who know what this is like but for those of us who don't.

Theresa Greenfalcon · 30 October 2007 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes

I hope that things are going well for you post Katrina and hope you've been able to rebuild home and life. Thanks for writing this story; it might get the message across to those without family or friends that were affected by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita a idea of what happened and what still needs doing there - and that we need to step up to help people no matter where they are when things like this happen. *Outstanding story.* Tracey

Larner · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

I am proud of them all. Poor Merry--just as cursed with responsibility as Frodo was, and taking all to heart just as Frodo would. But they've pulled together, and even folk from Rohan, Arnor and Gondor have helped as family should. Yes, proud of all of them!

GamgeeFest · 16 March 2006 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

That was a hard lesson to learn. I loved Pippin's determination to get across the river to Merry and all the little notes and references to previous stories. It's lovely to see that Angelica and Freddy, and Berry and Viola do get married as we knew they would, and that Opal succeeded in her training as healer. All the other details added in were great and really brought this story to life, and through it all, I could just see how the experience left Merry in a sort of disbelieving dazed state - sort of what I felt after 9/11 and what so many in your part of the country felt like after the hurricanes, or even here in SoCal a couple of years back after the Cedar Fires which, as horrible as that was, doesn't begin to compare to Katrina. Even when you know the dangers, you always think you're safe until the worst happens.

Etharei · 3 November 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Sorry for the very belated review, but I just wanted to say that this is such a touching little piece, made even more significant by the real-life context in which it was written. They are saying that this year has seen the deadliest bouts of hurricanes and major storms in a long while. I particularly like the ending in this; whilst an axe, on its own, seems like a very minor detail in a host of things that could be improved with regards to disaster prevention, when tragedy does strike it may be the deciding factor on who survives and who doesn't. I just feel that it was a nice touch to a story that's very relevant to recent events. I'm a big fan of Pippin and Merry, and I like how they really shine here and take responsibility for the people under their care (especially Merry). However, it seems that there are times when Merry can be more stubborn than Pippin *g* and a Took prove wiser than a Brandybuck! Yet another beautiful piece!

Kitty · 8 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Sorry, I am quite late in reviewing, due to RL interfering in my computer time. What can I say about this? A very touching fic. It is obvious you know only too well about what you write, and I am so sorry you had yourself to go through this. This fic brings home in a very personal way how terribly these floods are (not only Katrina). I can understand so well how helpless Merry felt because he couldn’t do more and wasn’t able to save everyone! But you know, what I loved most was how determined Pippin was to cross the river and get into Buckland, flood or no, because he knew how desperatedly Merry needed him. I am so glad he was there for Merry!

Mum's the Word · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes

Dreamflower, this was a wonderful story, including the real-life axe reference. There are too many favorite portions to mention here. Hurrah for the Marines -- er, Rangers! Like so many others, I'm so thankful that you have fared so well. We'll keep you and your neighbors and loved ones in prayer as you work your way back to some semblance of normalcy. Huggles and blessings, Mum

Saoirse · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes

O, Dreamflower... How sad! Just the whole thing...sad, and poor Merry - solemn even more. But such a thing, such a tragic event, must do that to one? *sigh* A beautiful story, even more poignant for such close ties to life. Thank you for this touching reminder of how dear things really are. 'Gently, Pippin wrapped his arms around his beloved cousin, and wept with him. This--this was what Merry had truly needed him for. ' Just lovely! And the edict about the axes! O! I heard about the people in the attics during the hurricane and my heart just wailed...what a terrible, frightening way for things to end. But on a happier note, it is so good to be assured of your safety. Prayers to you and the rest of the people that were lucky enough to get through that ordeal -- and to those who weren't as well. :) But a beautiful, touching story.

Bodkin · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Poor Merry. He must have been at the point of despair. He so likes to be in control and to have planned for all outcomes - and yet this is the sort of occasion when it would just be impossible. But at least he has friends - hobbits and men - fighting to get as much help to him as they can as quickly as they can. The stories are heart-rending - and the axe in the attic just makes you stop. But it is such a sensible thing to demand. And people will do it for years, until it has lost all meaning, but it just might save lives one day.

Baggins Babe · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

I found this a very moving story. Poor Merry's grief and guilt - feeling he should have been able to save everyone - was very distressing and I'm so glad Pip came to him. Both of them will be much greater leaders due to the example set by Aragorn and their experiences on the Quest. I watched a documentary last year about the great flood in 1953 which hit eastern England. One man talked very movingly about how he and his brothers were pushed up onto the rafters while their parents had to stand in the rising water. The power was out and it was pitch black. At one point one of the brothers slipped off the rafter and disappeared into the water. His mother was holding onto the pram which held the youngest child, not realising that the pram was full of water and the baby was drowned. It sounded horrific. This was a beautifully written tale and I am so glad you're safe and sound. Really missed your reviews and stories.

Grey Wonderer · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 999999: Author's Notes

We love you too and you are most welcome. I am very certain that you would have been there had it been one of us in trouble. As Pippin once said, "We hobbits ought to stick together, and we will..."

Grey Wonderer · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

This is my second time reading through this one. I found it over on LJ first and read it there. I felt so sorry for Merry with all of his guilt and responsibility but I was very proud of the way that he managed to keep going and the way that his family came to his aid. Naturally, my favorite part was his reunion with Pippin, but so much of this story stands out. Merry's reactiobn to the water coming into the smial, his pain at looking at the flooded lands around him, the deaths of the hobbits, Merry's faith that from his friends would come, and that chilling reminder at the end with the mention of the ax. This time I looked for mentions of your other stories and found that they work their way into this one so seamlessly. I'm so glad that you are still here with us and that you chose to share this story with us.

Grey Wonderer · 4 October 2005 · Chapter 0

Even prologues deserve a review and this is a most deserving prologue. I remember that drabble very well. It is so strange how RL can sometimes mirror fiction isn't it?

Lindelea · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Read slowly and thoroughly, yes, this story is just as powerful as I thought it would be. The last line, especially, is haunting...

Budgielover · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

There are so many things I love about this story, I can't began to list them. For all the sad events (the story of the adult hobbits pushing the children through the roof when they themselves drowned was so painful), Merry's strength and determination shines through. I loved the mention of the spyglass from another of your lovely stories, and Pippin's determination, and most of all, how Merry was determined to save his people through sheer strength of will. You capture his desperation and his courage, and the love his people hold for him was simply beautiful. We love him, too, and know he will be all right.

Connie B. · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Wow! I got a cold shiver after reading this. The image of people dying in the flood the same way many did in Katrina was heartbreaking. When I read about Merry and his exhaustion and frustration, I kept seeing the faces of the local leaders in the big towns and small all along the Gulf. Thank goodness the hobbits had the dependable Sam and Pippin to come to their aid instead of having to wait on a big government agency like FEMA. Hope things are looking up a little for everyone where you are. Every time I see pictures on T.V., I want to go and start cleaning up all the debris so that people can start moving forward. I know that it is going to take a LONG time for things to even begin to get back to normal. I'm glad it didn't take so long in your story. I did get a little chuckle out of one thing. You're a step or two ahead of me. I had Merry and Pippin discussing building a bridge at Sarn Ford in 1433. You had it build, distroyed and on its way to being rebuilt by that time.:) Y'all're still in our thoughts and prayers. Take care. Connie B.

PIppinfan1988 · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Wow...very poignant, heartfelt tale. Makes it all the more sad knowing that you recently went through just this type of disaster. The loss of any life--hobbit or otherwise is tragic. But...I am so glad that you're still here with us! Now for the happier points in this tale! I see that some hobbits have indeed come together--Viola and Berilac, Freddy and Angelica, but it's still going to be so much fun to watch them travel the road that gets them there. I love Newbridge!! And how you have a mixed community there--awesome! I'd say though, that my most favorite moment was Pippin doing everything within his power to get across the river. I absolutely love this line: “Merry, all the hosts of Mordor couldn’t keep us apart. Do you really think I’d let a river stand in my way of getting to you?” Rings of "brotherhood" to me. ;-) Thank you so much for sharing this tale, and your boundless imagination. :-) Pippinfan

harrowcat · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Oh Dreamflower what a wonderful story to come out of such a disaster. Be assured that my thoughts and prayers have been and will remain with you.

Lindelea · 3 October 2005 · Chapter 1: Hobbit Aid

Reading this left me shaken, even though I only had time to skim. I'll be coming back to read it later, more slowly, but... what a story.