Andrea
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Wow! That was breathtaking!
“FEAR! FIRE! FOES! AWAKE! AWAKE!”
The Horn-call of Buckland is thrilling, indeed. And you showed perfectly it's effect on the hobbits of the Hall.
I had nearly forgotten about the letter Merry left his father. And I still think that was exactly what Merry would have done. He would not have left without a word.
Maybe his letter and Freddy's "confession" did arouse the Bucklanders in time to be watchful and try to prevent such horrible accidents as that of young Ned.
Last but not least, thank you for putting Mac into this story. From what I've read about him so far (mostly in Lily's stories) he's a fascinating hobbit!
Author's reply
It would be like being awakened nowadays to a siren or something--you know, instantly, that an emergency is afoot!
I like to think that with this first early experience, the Bucklanders were a bit more on the watch afterwoards.
This ficlet was, of course, at Lily's request, so there is no doubt that Merimac would be in it, LOL!
Antane
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
I do like the idea that the families of Merry, Pippin and Sam knew at least that their sons had left the Shire with Frodo instead of wondering about their disappearances and not knowing anything at all.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I just didn't think Merry would leave with no word at all. But he had hidden it so that it would not be found too soon.
Viresse
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Thank you for this, so much. I've wished this part of the tale had been better fleshed out (along with several others - the battles elsewhere in ME during the the War particularly). And now it is here, in our Dreamflower canon. Which, IMHO, is the equal of the Professor's.
Author's reply
*blushes*
Well, I don't know about that! I really don't think anyone can hold a candle to JRRT! But I am glad that you feel my stuff holds up next to it.
But there are so many nice little gaps for us to explore, and this is one of them.
Althea
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Wow! I've only just discovered these stories tonight and have had a fine time reading the most recent of them. The tension and fear in this one are vividly portrayed. I've always wondered how or if Merry's, Pippin's, and Sam's families ever knew why their loved ones left. This story seems so right. Thank you for providing such a plausible and interesting backstory. When I have time, I'm going to start reading this series of tales from the top.
Author's reply
Why, thank you! I also have my "Mathoms I" which is an anthology with 100 stories, and a couple of other anthologies as well.
I'm glad you felt the tension I was aiming for in this story--that had to be a truly dreadful night.
In my version of the Shire, Saradoc had the most information--he questioned Fatty, and so learned the truth. Paladin did not understand for he was quite angry and did not really listen to his brother-in-law, and though Hamfast had been informed, I don't believe he truly understood either.
I hope you enjoy them--they range all over the timeline, from the serious to the silly.
demeter d
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Wow! Such an exciting view. I would imagine hearing such a call in the middle of the night would be very disturbing. Quite a look at Saradoc's care for his people. I, too would enjoy more from here, if you ever get the "bug"!
Author's reply
Yes, very disturbing indeed!
I never know when a bunny will make itself known. It's possible, though I am not sure when or if.
Althea
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 28: A Shortcut to Disaster
This is a great story. It reminds me of the mischief that my own cousins and I used to get into in those long ago days of youth. It's wonderful to have a more detailed backstory of Frodo's misadventure with Farmer Maggots mushrooms. Your version of the what happened makes a lot of sense and is a joy to read.
Author's reply
Cousins can be great companions in fun and mischief, LOL! I always looked forward to being with my cousins as well.
I always thought that there had to be something to explain why the hobbit who was so kind and helpful when they encountered him on the way out of the Shire was the same one who beat little Frodo and set the dogs on him--so I thought I would try to explore that seeming contradiction.
Althea
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Rosie is so wise. It's nice to see a story that celebrates her kind heart, her love of Sam, and her respect for Frodo. The Cottons are a wonderful family. It's a pleasure to drop in at their home and watch as they care for Frodo. Thank you for this opportunity.
Author's reply
I've always thought Rose must have been a very wise lass, as she was able to see the worth of Sam, and had so much faith in him. And loving Sam, she could not help but love Frodo as well.
From my first reading of the book, I thought a lot about Farmer Cotton, and his knowledge and support when the Travellers returned home. And it was very telling that they gave Frodo a home while Bag End was being rebuilt--they seemed very generous and good-hearted.
Althea
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 29: Enchantment
What a lovely story. I love this line, "It is good to remember that there are creatures of light as well as of darkness." that sentiment brings such hope for those in the story and for those of us reading it as well. Sometimes, when we are surrounded by stories of doom and sadness, it is good to remember that there are indeed creatures of light in the world.
Author's reply
Thank you! I always thought that there *should* have been unicorns in Middle-earth, so this was the perfect Challenge for me.
They really did need that reminder, after encountering that horror in the water.
PIppinfan1988
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Wow...every time I read "fillers" that take part in this part of the Professor's tale: FEAR! FIRE! FOES! AWAKE!, I hear the echoes of bells and whistles from the drills I endured onboard ship long ago. So Buckland's emergency tends to make my hair stand on end, lol. :-P But I loved it; you captured it in a very real way--for me anyway, lol. I like how you involved all of the cousins and the hobbits' confusion at the start was written very well. I wish this wasn't a mere vignette--it was an excellent read and I wanted more. LOL, but when *don't* I?
Pippinfan
Author's reply
It's just the same sort of thing, I imagine!
I'm glad you caught the air of confusion and urgency I tried to convey.
I don't know how much more I will write in this particular time-frame, but keep your eyes open, since anything's possible.
Larner
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Yes, I, too, have pictured Merry wanting to leave some word for his father as to what he was doing. Am a bit surprised Merry would have been so forthcoming regarding the nature of the quest, but am glad he did so.
Poor Freddy, being pursued by the Black Riders; and then to learn of the death of the poor young Bounder. I so hate the servants of Sauron and their lack of care for mere mortals.
Author's reply
Well, the note in the ledger was not meant to be discovered quite so soon as it was--Merry thought he had hidden it pretty well, but his father found it sooner. And it wasn't *really* all that forthcoming, simply stating that Frodo was in deadly peril, and that Merry and Pippin were determined to go with him. But of course, once Saradoc questioned Fatty, the rest of the story would have come out--Fredegar would not have seen any reason at that point in time to keep the truth from Merry's father.
Sauron never had any kind of concern for any of the "secondborn" considering them as "lesser races" and as useful tools--but not as anything worthy of his concern beyond what it would take to bend them to his use.
Queen Galadriel
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 31: And So It Begins
Oh, wow! What a gap-filler! Very interesting seeing this from Merimac's POV!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, Lily requested Merimac, and I thought it would be interesting to see how that night appeared to him.
Antane
· 24 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Glad that Rosie see Frodo shine too, as I'm sure she did growing up. Sam is lucky because he's got both of them.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I think Rose was perceptive enough to see Frodo shine--after all, she knew Sam was coming back.
Thank you, dear!
AspenJules
· 23 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Ah now, Dream, this was lovely. Sad, yes, but also a lovely glimpse into the goodness of Rose's nature, and where she got it from. I love the hint of stubborn there too. She needed that to wait for her Sam while he was gone, and Frodo seemed to recognize it and not try to get around it. I also loved her thoughts about Sam.
There’s not a steadier nor more loyal hobbit in the Shire than my Sam.
So true, and so nice to hear it from her. I've got warm fuzzies, Dream.. thank you so much. I was needing that tonight.
Author's reply
Why thank you! It could not help but be sad, of course, given the topic. But Rose had something to say about it, which helped.
I'm glad I gave you warm fuzzies! That's always nice to hear!
Baggins Babe
· 22 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
A lovely look at sensible and perceptive Rose and the kindly Cottons. Sam knew they would look after Frodo while he was away. How typical of Frodo, not wanting to cause any trouble and reluctant to worry Sam.
Lovely!
Author's reply
Thank you! Yes, I am quite sure that Rose was sensible and perceptive. And I've always been fond of the Cottons. I don't think Sam realized what would happen while he was gone, really, but yes he could know that his friends would take care of Frodo.
And that *is* so Frodo, to try and "spare" anyone "worry".
Andrea
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
But I can’t help wishing Mr. Frodo had the luck *he* deserves.
Me, too! But taking into account that Frodo and Bilbo were the first hobbits to sail to Tol Eressea with the Elves, they were indeed lucky!
Rosie is a wonderful hobbit lass, very attentive and observing. So, even if he doesn't know, Sam can call himself the luckiest hobbit in the Shire!
(Is this right? Lucky, luckier, luckiest? My dictionary was of no help!)
Author's reply
Yes, they were luckier than they realized!
And yes, Sam's very lucky as well.
Yes: lucky, luckier and luckiest--very good!
Frodo Baggins
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Oh poor Frodo! Having to be watched while he eats... Oh, sorry. :) I just felt really sorry for him. That was a wonderful story, Dreamflower. But are any of your stories anything short of wonderful? No, they're not. So don't bother arguing. :)
I do wish Frodo had the luck he deserved. Rosie is such a sweet Hobbit. I think if I had to have someone take care of me while I'm sick, it would be her.
Namarie,
God Bless,
Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Well, I won't argue with you, but pardon me if I blush! Such a nice thing to say!
Pearl Took
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Beautifully done, Dreamflower! I love the last line. This maintains a deep sense of sadness without getting maudlin, well done indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you ever so much for the kind words, dear! I'm very glad you liked the last line--I almost took it out, thinking it was a bit OTT.
Bodkin
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Sam is a very lucky hobbit! (Although he deserves every bit of luck he gets.) And Frodo is a lucky hobbit too - because having Rosie to look after him probably kept him safe long enough to decide to take that ship west.
I love the jewel like a star in his hand - and the fact he shines. He's almost a hobbit Earendil, in a way.
And he coaxes a promise not to tell Same out of Tom and Lily - but it won't make any difference, because he'll not get Rosie to keep the matter quiet. Or not unless he goes about it in a whole different way.
I like how maternal Lily is with him - I think Frodo needs mothering. And I suspect that's how Rosie treated him, too - even if she wasn't quite so obvious about it.
Rosie's point of view is interesting to read - I'd like to see more through her eyes. She's clear-sighted and honest and caring, but she doesn't really know what the Travellers have endured and it would be fascinating to see what she made of the way they have all changed.
Author's reply
They are all quite lucky, aren't they? True, fate dealt Frodo a cruel blow in the form of the Ring, but he never lacked for those who loved him and cared about him.
He's almost a hobbit Earendil, in a way.
What a lovely comparison! Yes, like Earendil, he undertook a quest that seemed impossible, and accomplished it at the end, and like Earendil, he had to give up the life he'd always known and loved as a result! Wow!
Lily's a motherly sort--with five of her own, I think she'd about have to be! And yes, I think Rosie treated him in a motherly/sisterly way that he'd utterly lacked for most of his life.
I enjoyed doing her POV. She doesn't speak to me very often, and then when she does, she tells me more than I expected. This was originally to have been a drabble, but she definitely had more than 100 words to say, LOL!
harrowcat
· 21 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
It is hard not to get cornered into making such promises. I am glad that Rosie avoids it and hasthe trust of Sam so that she has an idea of what to do.
Author's reply
It *is* hard not to. But Rose is a clear-eyed lass, and she *knows* this is information Sam is entitled to, whether Frodo wishes it or not.
I see her relationship with Sam as a very open and trusting one. He's not one for hiding things.
Queen Galadriel
· 20 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Oh, I love Rosie's POV, and you do it so well! She's so wise and caring, and she knew just what to do. I love your Lily as well, so sweet and motherly. Yes, not a good idea to make such a promise, especially as I think it would be very hard to keep.
This is rather heart-wrenching, but so gentle and so respectful to canon and to the characters themselves. So, Frodo either doesn't remember this (why do I seriously doubt?) or simply skims over. *shakes head*
I love it, Dreamflower! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the way I did Rose's POV. She doesn't let me do that very often. And I just think Lily *would* have been very motherly, with five children of her own, and I sort of imagine her as a surrogate mother to Sam and Goldie after they lost Bell. Of course she would take dear Frodo under her wing!
I'm glad you find it respectful of canon--that's always important to me!
So, Frodo either doesn't remember this (why do I seriously doubt?) or simply skims over. *shakes head* A bit of both, I fear--part of his denial process at this point. He still *really* wants to try and make a life for himself in the Shire, and he's not ready to admit otherwise. It will be at least one more year (according to JRRT) before he is able to admit to himself that he cannot stay.
Larner
· 20 January 2007
· Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Ah, our Frodo and his desire to spare others his troubles, even though in the doing he ends up hurting them the more unwittingly, I think. But this is very true to life, I think.
Author's reply
Yes, I think it's a certain lack of clear-headedness on the part of people who are ill or in pain--they cannot deny it for themselves, but they think that if they deny it to their loved ones it won't be noticed. It's hard for them to come to terms with the notion that denial just hurts their loved ones more.
Pearl Took
· 12 December 2006
· Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
A lovely tale. Makes me want to be there enjoying Bilbo's neeps and honeycakes!
Author's reply
It did seem he'd have a nice time! I think Beorn was a wonderful host!
Kitty
· 10 December 2006
· Chapter 29: Enchantment
Dreamflower, that was a wonderful way to include an unicorn in the world of Middle-earth. I love the idea that it had enough magic to make the Enchanted River safe for the animals to drink the water and that it allowed Aragorn to do the same. And it is fitting to have something like it in one of the elven realms - somehow it belongs there.
Author's reply
I've just always thought there *ought* to be unicorns there, so I was delighted when Marigold gave me the chance to do that!
I recently read a 15th c. supposedly "eye-witness" account of a unicorn purifying a stream. I do suppose that is probably what inspired this.
Bodkin
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 29: Enchantment
Beautiful tale - and it's nice to think that all the magical creatures of Middle-earth weren't Morgoth's abominations. And Aragorn would be just the sort of person who might be gifted with seeing a creature that even the King of Mirkwood and his son had never encountered.
Not to mention a very cheering story to hear when you've just been imprisoned in the dark stone tomb of the Dwarves.
Author's reply
I like to think that perhaps there *were* some magical creatures of Light--the Great Eagles were, for one, so I don't see why there could not have been others. And it seemed to me appropriate that the future King and hope of the West would be allowed to see her.
And yes, that was the main thing--something to cheer them up in the darkness.
harrowcat
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 29: Enchantment
What a lovely use of a wonderful creature Dreamflower.