SurgicalSteel · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 3: In Place of a Dark Lord...........
Oh, just delightful!
Author's reply
So pleased that you enjoyed.
The Mathom House by Baggins Babe
Reviews (73)
shirebound · 25 July 2007 · Chapter 3: In Place of a Dark Lord...........
Legolas stretched dreamily and held the next mouthful for as long as possible, just to savour summer in the Shire. They save the world and then feed it. Her realm was here with those she loved. She needed no more than she had already, and her life was full and blessed. Oh Baggins Babe, how marvelous! I love how you wove all of Rose's 'realms' together, and showed us lands fruitful, sharing, peaceful, and appreciating a certain hobbit's Gift. Even the Valar, what a delight! I must go find some supper now, although nothing in my kitchen can compare with the bounteous feasts in this chapter.
Author's reply
I doubt if anything in the average kitchen could compare with Rose's cooking - but we can dream........ So glad you enjoyed - and you win the prize for quickest review yet again!
Bodkin · 1 May 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
Lovely! Lord Ulmo chose a worthy recipient - and a cunning politician. The borders will be safer for the change of government. And a bit of Geneva Convention never did anyone any harm. If torturing prisoners is bad, executing returned prisoners is worse. And unlikely to make you popular in the polls.
Author's reply
The only problem with despots is that they don't listen to polls (mind you, neither do most politicians these days, but that's another story!) Aragorn is a very worthy recipient of the Palantir, and he is rather cunning - in the best way, of course. He is wise enough to see what may happen and use it to his advantage. A change of government will certainly make life safer and more pleasant for all concerned.
demeter d · 21 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
"Look to the sea, heir of the Sea Kings".Aragorn is, indeed, the culmination of all the best of his forebears. You have beautifully written Aragorn's recognition of the hand of the Valar in his life. It would, indeed be good to have today wise rulers who could make peace.
Author's reply
Hi Demeter - nice to see you again. Missed you when I posted the last chapter of 'Old Scores' some time agao. Hope life is being kind to you. Yes, Aragorn is the culmination of everything good in his ancestry and is wise enough to recognise the hand of the Valar, as you say. Wouldn't it be nice to have a principled and wise ruler?
Tigger · 21 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
Wow!! This was wonderful and a very plausible idea of how one of the other Palantir's might be recovered. Loved how the Haradrim ruling family were brought down by the Gondorians treating their sailors w/honour and kindness. The lies the Haradrim were told were exposed and what usually happens when a people discovers they've been lied to happened. Wonderful story BB!! Looking forward to the next story!! :o)
Author's reply
Well you know what they say about fooling all of the people some of the time......... The lies of the ruling order were exposed and the sailors' families realised that the Gondorians were not the ruthless savages they had been led to believe. You'll meet Azarafti again in the 'Birthday' story - he's ambassador to Gondor (and loves Rose's spiced tomato chutney). Hoping to have a look at hobbits through his eyes. This story was a record - no mention of hobbits!
Larner · 20 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
This was wonderful. Ulmo and Ossë both must have loved seeing the storm raised and the Palantir rolled to Aragorn's feet. The Lord of waters and the Maia of storms at sea, both honoring the greatest born among Men in so very long! Love, love it.
Author's reply
Wow! Thank you so much, Larner. I was hoping you'd read it - well, it is an Aragorn-centred story after all........... I was reading 'Unfinished Tales' and this plot bunny emerged from under the bed and bit me on the ankle! Glad you enjoyed.
Pearl Took · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
This is a marvelous story! . . . even without hobbits :-) Spellbinding!
Author's reply
This must be the first story I've ever written without even mentioning hobbits! Glad you enjoyed the tale despite the lack of our wonderful, furry-footed friends.
Kitty · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
It is a relief to know the upcoming war was prevented without the loss of so many lifes, on both sides. And with Lord Ulmo’s help – that’s something Aragorn can be very proud of, as it is a clear sign how highly the Valar themselves think of him. I suppose the Vala appreciated Aragorn’s thank as much as Aragorn appreciated the help, as it shows that Aragorn recognised it was no ordinary storm, but one made with the only purpose to help him. That Ulmo even deposited the Master-palantir just before Aragorn’s feet I take as another sign of the trust and high esteem he holds for the King. That’s truly amazing. I think it proved useful at once, as Aragorn could watch if the Haradrim kept their promise not to harm the returning sailors. And I am glad to know there will now be peace between Harad and Gondor – it will be good for both sides.
Author's reply
I think Aragorn would be proud and humble to learn that he has the trust of the Powers. He is certainly responsible enough to be trusted with the great Seeing-stone and I'm sure he will use it wisely, for the good of others. Yes, Harad and Gondor have been at enmity for a long time but hopefully understanding will grow.
shirebound · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
Oh, how wonderful! Finally a ruler who acknowledges the assistance of the Powers, and is trusted by Them to be a responsible steward and father to his people. And this scene reminds me of the line in TTT spoken by Gandalf to Aragorn, "Receive it, lord, in earnest of other things that shall be given back."
Author's reply
How clever of you - that line kept coming back to me as I was re-reading 'Unfinished Tales' and the chapter about the Palantiri. Wouldn't it be wonderful if our rulers these days were as honourable and trustworthy?! Hah! Wish we could have Aragorn around now. *sigh*
Dreamflower · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
What a wonderful gift indeed! Yes, Ulmo would be pleased with this particular son of Numenor, and know he could trust him with such a mighty gift. A very nice story, even without hobbits (or even mention of them).
Author's reply
I think this is a record - the first time I've managed a story without even mentioning hobbits - don't worry, it won't happen very often! Yes, I think Ulmo would be keen to show his approval for Aragorn. Glad you liked it.
harrowcat · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
An interesting chapter BB. And a multi-faceted gift, both great and dangerous.
Author's reply
Certainly a multi-faceted gift but I'm sure Aragorn is up to the task. Glad you enjoyed it.
Tigger · 22 April 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Oh my...How did I miss this delightful little story. Hee!!! Loved, loved, loved this... "Far'mir?" said the King cautiously. "Can you feel your knees?" The young Man blinked, then prodded his own knee with a finger. "Yes!" he said triumphantly. "Those are my knees!" He giggled. "No, silly. I mean can you feel your knees without ......touching 'em?" Faramir considered this question very carefully. "No," he said at last. "Can't feel mine either." "No, I can't feel your knees. I don' think that would be proper, sire." "No, I mean I can't feel my knees. D' you think tha's because it's hobbit ale? I's trying to make us shorter." "Does tha' mean we'll grow fur on our feet?" "I hope not! Arwen won't like that, you know." No, I suspect The Queen and The Princess of Ithilien would *not* like that at *all*!! ROTFLOL!!! That, however, was topped by this... The King looked up, then down, and finally focussed on Faramir. "I think we're at the funny angle, my friend. You know where we went wrong?" "The third pint?" "No." "The first pint?" Faramir asked brightly. "No, not even that. We undereshtimated the hobbits," Aragorn said mournfully. "Never under......eshtimate hobbits." "Never have drinkin' contests with them either." "See! Tha's why you're my Steward. Ver' wise man." *snork*!! Yes, Faramir is a very wise man normally, but four pints of Green Dragon ale would make even Gandalf wonder why the Wise sent him to Middle Earth to teach and protect....Wahahahahahahaha!!!! I loved this and I really needed a laugh after getting some sad news about my Dad's kidney status today. It's only a matter of time and the kidney specialist (who also happens to be mine) told us today he's going to book Dad to go for Dialysis Orientation/Training soon. :o( Was hoping we'd have more time before that, but I know more than anyone how that works. Not even w/in a year of learning my own kidneys were shutting down, I was on Dialysis, so... Anyway...What I wanted to say was a night w/two druknen Rangers to make me laugh was exactly what I needed. Hannon le mellon nin. ((((HUGS))))
Author's reply
Oh Tigger! {{hugs}} I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad, and I shall send good healing thoughts. I'm so glad that you were able to have a laugh at our favourite Ranger King and his Steward reduced to sitting on the floor and mumbling utter nonsense! I really enjoyed writing this and had great fun thinking about the sort of conversation which would have taken place once they had sampled a few pints! Take care, mellon nin, and hang in there. I'll be thinking of you and your Dad.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 21 March 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
LOL!!!!! Yep, trying to underestimate a hobbit's capacity to drink to really the height of folly, now isn't it?? The sampling of the ale, Mmmmmmm!! Ale from the Green Dragon (my nouth is watering now!) well it had to be done, but of course it does fall under the category, "It seemed like a good idea at the time!!" LOL!! You do write drunk very well, my dear!! I love it when Faramir triumphantly announces that definitely that he can feel his knee! Reached his hand right down and felt them!! LOL!!! Never underestimate a hobbit! Words to live by!! Loved it! MM
Author's reply
No, one should never underestimate a hobbit's capacity for drink! Thought you'd like this one - now if you were to review 'Tea and Seedcake.......' you would be properly introduced to Merlindor! *hint hint*
Larner · 24 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
And Arwen and Eowyn, wise ladies as they were, let them continue lying on the floor. Less smelly than ale fumes in bed, and the possibility of nausea later. Let the foolish men lie there. Hobbits forever!
Author's reply
*giggle* 'Hobbits forever!' Now there's a great slogan for a t-shirt! No doubt Eowyn and Arwen took their revenge later. :-)) They are certainly wise enough to leave the menfolk where they were, and probably muttered 'Serves them right!' as they walked away. Even the best men tend to do daft things occasionally.
Bodkin · 23 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Good piece of advice from Legolas there. Trying to keep up with hobbits' drinking is much like trying to keep up with their food intake. However, somehow the picture of Aragorn and Faramir sleeping off the Green Dragon's best is very endearing. But the warning should be noted by all!
Author's reply
Ah yes, definitely a warning to all of us - never try and match the hobbits in eating or drinking! I could just see our favourite King and Steward slumped on the floor! Thought that was rather cute. :-))
lovethosehobbits · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Too cute! I love reading inebriations stories...it IS really hard to write 'slur' tho' isn't it?
Author's reply
Yes, it isn't easy, but I enjoy writing those scenes. I've often written drunken hobbits but I couldn't resist being evil to Aragorn and Faramir.
Lindelea · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Very funny! I loved this little bit of description: He grinned boyishly, looking a lot like Captain Thorongil. "I was wrong." And... recklessnessness..............ness. The word that keeps on keeping on. And the fact that it wouldn't be meet for Faramir to feel the King's knees. *snork*
Author's reply
Your review had me giggling! *snork* indeed! I could just see this scene unfolding in my head and it was too good to ignore. Thank you for reviewing.
katakanadian · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Delightful!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it. I had far too much fun with this.
Gersh · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Very darling story. Luckily for the King, he is a healer and can help both of them feel better quickly. Thanks for posting this.
Author's reply
I certainly hope Aragorn pulls himself together enough to mix up a good hangover cure. Glad you liked the story.
mews1945 · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Shirebound put up a rec at her journal for your fic and I will thank her for that. This is so funny and sweet, it's a wonderful read for a Sunday evening. I love your characterizations of Aragorn and Faramir, and can only echo Gandalf: "hobbits"
Author's reply
Delighted to know you enjoyed the story. I like writing Aragorn and Faramir and I enjoyed getting them into this scrape. :-)) Hobbits! indeed. No doubt Gandalf had suffered the same fate when he first tried hobbit ale.........now there's a plot bunny to consider!
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Oh this one had me giggling all the way through BB! You do drunken Rangers so very well!
Author's reply
Glad to have given you the giggles. Gotta love drunken Rangers! I just had too much fun with this! *evil cackle*
Dreamflower · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
*snerk* So funny and cheerful, dear! I just loved Aragorn and Faramir making a valiant attempt at rational conversation--*snicker*. And I am so very happy to see Merlindor make another appearance! I like him very much. Delightful! "*Hobbits!*"
Author's reply
*snigger* Lovely seeing Faramir and Aragorn speaking very carefully and keeling over under the influence of the Green Dragon's finest! I couldn't resist! Yes, Merlindor is turning into an interesting character.
shirebound · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 1: The Dangers of Hobbit Ale
Love it! I love this so much! *clinks glass* Hobbits!
Author's reply
Cheers! Where would we be without those hobbits? Glad you liked it!