Reviews (127)

KathyG · 13 November 2014 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Soo--Beregond's judgment took place on Sam's birthday, did it? I really like this story! It's one of the stories I've copied and pasted to Word documents on my computer. I like how Pippin outsmarts those three con artists, and the birthday party the others threw for Sam! (And those are just two of the aspects of this story that I like. =))

shirebound · 8 September 2014 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I'm so exhausted from these weeks of helping my mom move, in constant 90 degree heat and high humidity, that I came looking for a story to whisk me away from 'real life' and into an engrossing and fun story with our beloved hobbits. Your writing is so lovely, my friend. Thank you for gifting us with so many hobbit tales.

Imhiriel · 18 July 2013 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

When I consider that time period in canon, it seems as if on the one hand, not much is happening other than waiting (and, as you remind us, in the case of the Hobbits unknowing, and even in Aragorn's case still not certain, the poor Man), and on the other hand, very busy, what with the aftermath of the battle, the coronation, the transfer of power, Beregond's judgment, preparations for Théoden King's resting place, the Faramir/Éowyn courtship, the finding of the White Tree, the wedding etc. I really like reading stories set in this time period, particularly if they know to incorporate these events, leave them out with justification, or know how to work around them. You have done all three superbly, teasing just a bit beyond the scope of the narrative, and yet have a fully original plot as well. But the main reason why I leave this review is that wanted to tell you how much I just adore the poem in this last chapter. I recognised it immediately, remembering reading it during the MEFAs a few years ago, so I thought I was prepared. But apparently it touched me even more profoundly this time around, because the tears were just rolling down my face from the first verse right on through to the last. It's so, so wonderful! And besides being profoundly moving, it's such a perfect encapsulation of Tolkien's philosophy in LotR, and of Galadriel's words from the movies, "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future". Meaning it is, so to speak, a treat for hearts and minds *g*!

Queen Galadriel · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes

Now, I had a nice, lovely, long review written out, and then my computer just had to go and eat it! :( I love Menelcar! Yes, I can see Pippin almost becoming his apprentice--they would hit it off extremely well. And I love your songs and adaptations of folk songs! "The Smallest Hands" is mym favourite of your original ones, and "A Pure Heart" is one of my favourite folk songs. That last verse suits Frodo so well that I had tears in my eyes. And the flashback into Eowyn's girlhood was priceless! She's such an interesting character, and you do her very well--especially as a rebellious teenager! LOL! But she has my sympathies--instead of stitchery and kitchen duty, for me the bane is endless studying, and instead of swordplay the temptation is reading and writing all the time. :) Dear Legolas--that was a sweet thing to do, even if it was a little wrong, but I can't blame him and would have done the very same in his place. It's amusing to me that every merchant in the city wants to give freely to our Hobbits, but if I was one of them I think I'd be annoyed before too long--no, I *know* I'd be annoyed, having had a few such *very* uncomfortable experiences. Oh, I love the surprise party for Sam! :) :) I use the April 6 date in my own stories, and I always thought it a shame that Sam should have to sleep right through his own birthday. The planning, Sam's gift-giving, the conspiracy to keep the byrding busy, the party itself, everything was so nice and Hobbity. :) And that he would think of the others' happiness in celebrating more than his own is so like Sam. That Min and his fellows are really pathetic. That story didn't even sound convincing to me. "The unhappiest of men, indeed!" Min is too much of a drama king for his own good. But I love how it played out, and that the scoundrel got to feel the classic, never-failing Hobbit kick! :) And love Menelcar's account of it! *grin* Poor Hobbits--they want so much to go home, and they have no idea how painfully altered the dear Shire will be on their return. It will be devastating to all of them, but especially to Frodo, I think. This one is going on my favourites list. I was up till nearly four o'clock in the morning reading it--I couldn't stop! :) God bless, Galadriel

Tigger · 1 February 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I am so sorry I didn't get back to this wonderful story until now, but as soon as I got home three weeks ago, I'm afraid Real Life got in the way in a very, very sad way. However, I finally did get a chance to catch up only to find out it's all over. :o( This was such a lovely little gapfiller of what might have happened during the hobbits stay in Minas Tirith. I loved Aragorn's plan and Pippin's kick in a certain place. When I turned 13, my Dad took me down to our basement and taught me *exactly* where and how hard to kick if I ever found myself in danger. I just hope that unlike Pippin w/Boromir's lesson, I never have to use it. And no...I didn't hit my Dad when he was teaching me. He just showed me where and why and that's all!! So stop wondering. ;oD Poor Frodo and the others, wanting to go home so badly and yet not being able to. Been there myself w/a few of the hospital stays I've had over the years and it's so long and trying when you want to go home and can't for whatever reason. It's just a shame Aragorn wasn't more properly prepared for Frodo's question and they had this flareup happen. Happy they were able to resolve it though. Good thing Gandalf was there to smooth things out and talk some sense into Frodo. That stubborn Baggins... ;o) Thanks so much for this lovely story. I see this was only a prequel though. Good!! I'm looking forward to the rest of the story. :oD Looking forward to your next tale. :o)

Gryffinjack · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes

Thank you, Marigold for helping Dreamflower to let this story evolve into the excellent story it has become! You really are an extraordinary betareader!

Gryffinjack · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Congratulations on another excellent story, my dear! You really are able to sustain a story from one chapter to the next. I don't blame Frodo for being angry with Aragorn. I understand his reasonings, but he should have given the hobbits more of a reason than he did, particularly Frodo. "Frodo looked at him incredulously, and then a bit angrily. "And if we don't wish to wait, my Lord King," he said, coldly and formally, "would you command us to?" ... "Since you wish it, my lord, I will treat it as a command." Frodo turned away coldly, his face white except for two red spots on his cheeks." I do not envy Aragorn having to suffer the cold wrath of Frodo. It is far worse than the hottest of tempers and something that I suspect kept Merry and Pippin in line more than once while growing up. Thankfully, Gandalf was there to calm Frodo down and make him apologise to Aragorn. This really was a splendid story!

Gryffinjack · 28 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

Bravo, Pippin! That will teach them! I thought I had reviewed this chapter, but apparently not. You write so many that it is hard to keep up! Do you realise that this is officially my 200th review of one of your stories or chapters here? There have been a few others, but they are not showing up on the counter. At the rate you are going with writing, I'll never get back to A New Reckoning! lol! Now, with this chapter, where do I begin? I suppose with saying how proud I am of Pippin in this chapter. He really shines! "Pippin shook his head firmly. "Frodo wouldn't like that. No more do I." There was a brief moment of silence. "Very well, Pippin, your mercy has purchased his life." And that was not at all surprising either; when it came to forgiveness, Pippin was very much like his Baggins cousin." I think this is the best moment - I am proudest of the way he showed compassion for the scoundrel and asked that his life be spared. Pippin reminded me so much of Frodo when he did that - you really could see how alike they really are. Thank you for bringing attention to that shared quality. ""You are quite lucky that my young knight did not have his sword. Trollsbane is its name, and Sir Peregrin Troll Slayer its wielder."" I am so glad that Pippin has a king who appreciates his abilities and regards him so highly. I expect those swindlers were shocked to find out the stories were actually true! Poor Legolas and Gimli - they never stood a chance at keeping Frodo away, especially once he knew the truth. "Frodo, you are my oldest cousin here. But I am not *just* your baby cousin anymore! Here in the White City I am a Knight of Gondor, I am a soldier and a Guard of the Citadel. I have *responsibilities*! And I have a King who trusts me to carry them out! Those Men were planning on taking advantage of us just because they thought we were small and innocent. There is no way I was going to allow that!" Pippin drew himself up proudly, and even though he was not in livery, he looked every inch the Knight. "Strider asked me especially if I was *sure* I wanted to do this. He did not order me to. But if he had, I still would have done it gladly. He is my King and liege--and yours too, I might add." " Pippin really gave Frodo a dressing down, didn't he! Pippin has now shown Frodo and later on Merry that he is indeed all grown up and not a little faunt needing protection anymore. Perhaps they now really will accept that he is indeed a Knight of Gondor with responsibilities that he must fulfill, no matter how dangerous. I really enjoyed seeing Pippin put Frodo in his place. It's so nice to see Frodo not being so perfect. Oh! Then there was Frodo's losing his temper with Aragorn! Excellent! I love it when Frodo is not acting as controlled as he normally tries to be. This was a wonderful chapter from beginning to end!

Bodkin · 25 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I'm not surprised Aragorn wants the hobbits to hang on until Arwen gets there. Letting them go would be like giving up hope and accepting that he was stuck with being imprisoned in the Stone City without the reward that made the thought tolerable. While all the remaining Fellowship is together, he can say to himself that there hasn't been time for her to arrive yet. Not to mention he wants them at the wedding. I hope Menelcar appears in more stories! He has an interesting perspective on both kings and hobbits.

PIppinfan1988 · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Oh, I absolutely loved this story! I really enjoyed listening to Menelcar and Pippin singing duets. I am so glad you put such emphasis on songs and singing in your world; I love music, but I am not musical, so I don't put much of it in mine, yet we know that hobbits loved poetry and songs. I especially enjoyed that last song Menelcar sang--and the last bit from his humorous tale had me rolling! :-P I have a question to ask about your poetry, but I will have to do that later because its almost time to leave for work. Frodo and Aragorn's exchange was marvelously done! Your wonderful characters are written with such clarity, your world of hobbits and Middle-earth, flawless. It blends with the Professor's epic like milk and honey in tea! I am so sorry to see this end. Well...you do have other books in your wee library. ;-) Thank you so much for a beautiful tale! Pippinfan

Larner · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

And so--Frodo here had figured out that for which Aragorn waits. Poor Frodo, and poor Aragorn--waiting at the end can be so difficult.

GamgeeFest · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Poor hobbits. They want to go home so badly, but at least Frodo understands why Aragorn wants them to wait. That should help the others to be patient also once Frodo explains it to them. Very appropriate of Menelcar to write the story of Pippin's mythic triumph over his not-so-intelligent foe as a humorous one. ;) And Pippin drastracted Frodo brilliantly, though I wouldn't be surprised if Frodo found a way of having a word or two with him. I was surprised to see this come to an end so quickly. I was ready to read another nine chapters.

Baggins Babe · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

What a lovely way to end the story. That song was so beautiful. Oooh! Frodo does angry again! I often wondered what their reaction was when Aragorn asked them to stay on, but I'd never considered they might be angry. That is a very interesting thought. Poor Aragorn - I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of Frodo's temper! I'd love to have seen the wedding though! *sigh*

Garnet Took · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

This was so good. I'm glad you posted it here. For some reason, it seemed longer when you posted it to lj. Probably because you posted in smaller bits over a longer time. Thanks again for sharing this. I really liked Menelcar's song about the four hobbits. Thanks. GT

Andrea · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

and into malice Mercy cast, and Love and Grace prevailed. So Power and Pride did tremble then, And thus the Darkness failed. Have I ever told you, how much I like that song? It's beautiful! Well, Frodo and Aragorn both were impatient to wait any longer, when they began to talk. So it's no wonder that all went wrong. Fortunately, Gandalf was there to "restore peace". He can talk Frodo into nearly everything ;-)

Kitty · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Obviously I’m not the only one to be impressed how easily Pippin dealt with the scroundel, if even Aragorn is amazed. It’s odd – I know he has slain a Troll and Merry the Witch King together with Éowyn, but nevertheless I feel much too protective of them because they’re so small. Well, I’m probably not the only one. Menelcar’s new song was wonderful! And it’s good he was able to tell Pippin’s adventure in a way that didn’t upset Frodo too much. Uh ... this talk between Aragorn and Frodo didn’t go well, not at all! Of course I can understand both of them, Aragorn still not daring to talk about his deepest wishes, Frodo disappointed of Aragorn’s reaction because he doesn’t know why Aragorn want them to stay a while longer. What a luck Gandalf was there and intervened! And now he has his suspicions *why* they have to wait, I’m sure Frodo can endure it.

shirebound · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

I love that song so much. Although in height but half as high full twice as large their hearts. When darkness threatened all they loved, they sought to do their parts. *sigh*

Lindelea · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Just had to sneak online for long enough to drink a cup of tea and read the conclusion to this. Very satisfying! Having Menelcar tell the story in a comical manner was a stroke of genius. And the song he sang, later, was perfect, and very lyrical. The last bit at the end, too, placed the story squarely in context. (Funny, before I realised just when this story was set, I wrote that little "AmEx" thing of Pippin set during the same time!) But I forget, is this story set before or after Beregond's hearing?

harrowcat · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes

If that is the result of polishing 'a raw and disjointed bunny chase' then may there be many more such colborations. I adore that final song - do you have a tune? And I'm off to find/re-find the other bit!

Etharei · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9

Eeep, how did this finish without me noticing? ^_^ Yet another wonderful Hobbit-story, Dreamflower! I do hope we get to see Menelcar again :-) he's a brilliant and well-developed OC. A great gap-filler, too, and I like the interaction between Frodo and Aragorn at the end. When I read the books, I did not think that Frodo would take Aragorn's words negatively. But the way you portrayed it, I can see how Aragorn did use Merry and Pippin, and I think it's a interesting viewpoint. My favourite bit must be when Pippin overpowered Minastir, whereupon I went, SQUEE! A close second is his standing up to Frodo afterwards, which must have taken even more nerve. Pippin's my fave Hobbit, and I love seeing him comt into his own. It's too easy to see him as the Baby Hobbit (is strangely reminded of the Spice Girls and Baby Spice :-P), and I can imagine that it would be difficult for him to prove himself as grown, what with his cousins treating him like a baby. The deceit of the three men makes me sad, because it shows how people would take advantage of the innocence and kindness of others if they could (even worse is the acknowledgement that fraud is so prolific these days). But to balance that are people like Aragorn and Faramir, who would look after their Hobbit friends. Too bad that there are less of them now. I like how Pippin said that Frodo wouldn't like the man being killed, and Aragorn granting him mercy because of it. And the song at the end is absolutely beautiful, and very appropriate, reminding everyone of just what the Hobbits went through.

lovethosehobbits · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes

I have so loved this story, I hate to see it come to an end and I assume after the next chapter it will do so. Did you write Menelcar's song about the hobbits? It was so very beautifully done. I am very glad that this drabble became something more.

Baggins Babe · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

I meant to review this when you posted it, but life got in the way. *sigh* They say the way to Hell is paved with good intentions. :-)) This was brilliant! Those horrible Men will now have to remember never to underestimate hobbits again, and I'm glad Aragorn made sure they knew that Pippin really did kill a troll. Pip certainly proved himself a fighter when Minastir grabbed him - well done, Pip! I enjoyed Frodo being angry and I thought Aragorn was very wise to stay out of hobbit family business. He's not silly, our Ranger-King, is he? Even sounds slightly wary of our beloved hobbit when he loses his temper.

PIppinfan1988 · 21 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

"Sire," said Pippin, without taking his eyes off the fallen Man's, "could you please take charge of this wretch who thought hobbits were simple and helpless?" and... "Frodo, you are my oldest cousin here. But I am not *just* your baby cousin anymore! Here in the White City I am a Knight of Gondor, I am a soldier and a Guard of the Citadel. I have *responsibilities*! And I have a King who trusts me to carry them out!" Hot dog--go Pip!!! *doing a victory jig* That's it--get'em!!! I LOVED those moments! I could NOT wait to read this at lunch; I was *living* for this scene. :-P That was the one thing that I really liked about the EE DVD in the movies; Merry clinging to a Man and making minced meat of him with his sword. No, I'm not a violent person (and I certainly don't believe you are, either), but never under-estimate a hobbit's abilities. :-O Yeah, Pip's not the baby anymore, though he's still the cutest, lol. ;-) Pippinfan

lovethosehobbbits · 21 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

I really am loving this fic. Can't wait for more.

GamgeeFest · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8

That was a pretty sad and pitiful tale, lol! All it was missing was a homeless puppy lost in the rain. Or maybe one of the kids could have been crippled, Middle Earth's version of Tiny Tim. "Eru bless us everyone." ;) I'm glad Pippin stood up for himself against his well-meaning but overly-protective cousins. He really has grown up, to be able to do that. I can see why it would be hard for him once they've returned to the Shire to have everyone thinking of him as a kid again.