Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
A marvelous antidote for homesickness. Bless Beorn for his thoughtfulness!
Author's reply
Yes, a chance to cook would certainly be something to help a hobbit feel at home!
Dreamflower's Mathoms II by Dreamflower
Reviews (788)
Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Waiting for Merry and Frodo
Yes, this is our Pippin--enchanting everyone, including the Gaffer! Lovely.
Author's reply
Yes, he, like Frodo, has an abundance of Fallohide charm, and there are very few who even *want* to resist it!
Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 17: Rude Awakening
Ah, the way wounds and damage have of making themselves known at inopportune moments! Lovely characterizations. Love our gentle Frodo.
Author's reply
It doesn't take much, sometimes, to make something flare up! Frodo's always the protective older cousin, even when his "little" cousins have grown into large and fierce warriors, he's always going to be caring and gentle with them.
Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Eucatastrophe V: Midsummer Fair, S.R. 1427
Oh, if only it HAD been so. And I, too, feel Aragorn did all a disservice banning Men from the Shire. Bless both ex-Mayor and current one!
Author's reply
I honestly think that the Ban was one of JRRT's less well-thought-out ideas. It leads to so many complications. It's nice to construct and AU where that does not enter into the equation! Yes, bless them both!!
Frodo Baggins · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 20: Into Fangorn
How sweet! I have always loved that scene in the movie- where Merry and Pippin realize Frodo isn't coming, and they jump out and lure the orcs away. How sweet! And, Happy Birthday, Dana!! May your day be filled with blessings and joy! Namarie! God Bless, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
It is one of the few scenes in the movies where we are *shown* just how much they care about Frodo--it makes up for a lot. I'm glad you enjoyed this! Thank you!
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
Oh, this is lovely! You portray Beorn very well. I did always wonder how Beorn could have had children when nothing was said of a wife, but that makes perfect sense. Poor fellow! And I love the idea of Bilbo being able to enthrall all children, no matter what their race. I wonder if he could have enchanted Elven children? :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, we hear in LotR about the Beornings, which means he *had* to have descendants! And his bitterness against the goblins seemed to me to be rather personal. If goblins had attacked and murdered his wife, then three things are explained: where his family came from, why no wife was in evidence in The Hobbit, and his anger against the goblins. And I couldn't help but note the difference between the suspicious way he greeted the Dwarves at the beginning, and his kind hospitality to Bilbo and Gandalf afterwards--I figured he was grateful for the chance to kill so many goblins in the Battle of Five Armies!
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Waiting for Merry and Frodo
Awww! That's sweet! Again, I love your children! Seems poor Bilbo had his hands full that time. LOL! Sam is so responsible when it comes to caring for children (or anyone else, for that matter) that I sometimes forget he was the second youngest. Of course he'd know the remedy for a bee sting. Pippin is so artless-it's just adorable! Pippin stared for just a moment, and then crowed "You're Sam! You're Merry's and Frodo's Sam! I remember you!" Awww! Too cute! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
But even though he *was* second youngest, I'm sure he spent a good deal of time looking out for his little sister. And I'm thinking bee-stings would be an occupational hazard for a gardener--so it would be natural for him to know the thing to do for one. "Artless" is one of my favorite words to describe Pip, especially at that age. When he got a little older, he learned to use his charm to manipulate a little bit--though never in a wrong way, but at this age, he simply does and says whatever comes into his curly little head. He *is* such a cutie!
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 17: Rude Awakening
I love Cormallen fics! And this one is no exception. You managed to make an excellent story *and* spell the phrase! That has to be harder than it looks. I just love seeing Hobbits taking care of other Hobbits, and it's even better when our healer king is in the bargain. :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
It *is* harder than it looks, to get the right starter letter, and still make it sound natural. Lindelea did a really cool one on that same challenge! Yes, nothing like seeing our lads rally 'round one another and taking care of each other--and face it, Strider's one of the lads as well, at least as far as the hobbits go!
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 16: Eucatastrophe V: Midsummer Fair, S.R. 1427
*wipes eyes* Oh, I love this universe, Dreamflower! I just love it! Men not having to be banned from the Shire, Frodo serving a full term as Mayor, and Sam succeeding him so gloriously. Who could ask for more? “Glory and splendor!” he thought. “This is how it all should be.” Yes it is. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, it's what I think most of us "hobbity" folk would have loved to see. It would have been delightful. Yet, sadly, I don't think that LOTR would have been the enduring classic it became with a "happier" ending. It's that very bittersweetness that takes it from a "nice fantasy story" into the realms of greatness. But we are only fanfic writers, and I for one, do not aspire to greatness--I just want more hobbits.
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 15: Family Reunion
Hurray for Bilbo! Poor Folco, but he's right. I just love him, and it's so sad that he dies-I haven't been able to bring myself to read "For Folco" yet. I can just see Lobelia walking around with that "fruit basket" on her head, and Lotho would indeed look like a pig giving a girl that disgusting smile! LOL! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I love Folco too! I'm not sure if I could have brought myself to do what needed to be done *now*--but it was, really and truly, something I *had* to do for Freddy's character development. But that's why I like to write some Pre-Quest stories with Folco, to make up for killing him off. It was so awfully hard to do. *grin* I could just see it, too! The S.-B.s must have been a truly appalling sight!
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 14: What Might Have Happened...
Oh wow! That's a scary thought. What would have happened? A goblin could have found the Ring and then...*shivers* No thanks! Ooo! Strange how if one little thing was changed, the whole plan would go awry. And so it is with us, too, if you think about it. God always knows what He's doing. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, clearly Bilbo was *meant* to find the Ring, for there were so many things that could have gone wrong and did not. Still, I've always thought Gandalf was being a bit over-confident, relying on nothing but a few scratches on the door to move his plans forward...
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 13: Fifteen Years After
Oh, that makes me want to cry. I'm glad to see Menelcar again, though. Yes, that's the way of grief, isn't it? I love that song; I've heard it before, and it tells us so much about the last days of both Bilbo and Frodo, if you look closely. Where is it found? I've looked all through the appendices for it. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
"Bilbo's Last Song" was published separately, as its own little volume with illustrations by Pauline Bayne. You can also find the words on the web. It's a favorite of mine, so lovely and poignant. I've done a calligraphic rendering of it as well. I love it.
Queen Galadriel · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 12: Proper Beginnings
Wow, do I have a lot of these to catch up on! What a splendid idea to earn the cake, and bless Frodo and the cousins for bringing the little ones! :) And to see not one but two couples madly in love...*grins* It's priceless! :) Oh, I've missed the Shire! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I had long had the idea that perhaps Sam and Tom had fallen for one another's sisters at about the same time, and wanted a way to tell that story. Marigold's prompts gave me just the bunny I needed! So good to see you back, dear!
Kitty · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
It's so understandable that Bilbo feels lonely and homesick on Yule of all days. It is a time of year the most people want to spend with these they love. far too many for Bilbo to even begin to keep track of Well, that's a surprise to hear from a hobbit. If anyone is able to sort through all the sons and daughter-in-laws and grandchildren of Beorn, it should be Bilbo ;) Ah, now we know where Bilbo got the recipe for the honeycakes :) And with all the food, and children to tell tales to, I suppose he had a great day, in spite of being away from home.
Author's reply
Yes, holidays and special occasions would be very hard for a hobbit far from home. Well, I suppose if they had been properly introduced, hobbit-fashion, it would have been very easy. But I would guess that they simply all descended on Beorn, who did not seem the type for such formal introductions. (Remember how he reacted to the Dwarves' attempt to introduce themselve properly, LOL?) Yes, that's how he got the honeycakes recipe indeed--and I think he did have a more enjoyable time than he'd expected to.
Bodkin · 9 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
Give Bilbo a kitchen and a heap of good ingredients - and his homesickness will be eased. Although, mind you, being aided by dogs as you cook - and not in the sense that they simply hoover up spills - must be rather disconcerting. It sounds as if Bilbo had a good Yule. Different, but very memorable!
Author's reply
Yes, the chance to cook, and the smells and feel of a kitchen, would be very restorative to most hobbits, I think. *grin* The dogs and other animals gave me some difficulty. I couldn't leave them out--obviously these animals were Beorn's equivalent of "staff"--but I was not sure I could describe their actions with quite the same non-challant charm that the Professor did. I hope I came close, anyway. "Different, but very memorable!" Yes, I am sure that is how it was--and I can see him speaking of it on other Yules as he visits in Buckland, to impressionable young hobbits in front of Rory's hearth...
DrummerWench · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
What a great little story! I have a soft spot for Beorn, and this is a gap that's begging for a nice filler - which you've done. And, yes, at Yule I imagine that's how Bilbo would feel! DrummerWench
Author's reply
There are a lot of nice little gaps in The Hobbit, and I finally came to the conclusion that no one was going to fill this one *for* me, so I'd have to do it myself. Beorn is fascinating, and I really wish we knew more about him. At Yule or other special occasions is when homesickness can strike--at least his host tried to help him feel better!
harrowcat · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 19: Yule Among the Beornings
Yes present happiness can mask but not completely cure the underlying unhappiness but I am sure that Beorn was very happy to try. I loved the tale of Beorn in the Hobbit so it was great to see this tale.
Author's reply
True. I'm sure Bilbo's homesickness did not go away, still, he's hobbit enough to be able to enjoy what he can, when he can, and Beorn was an excellent host. I've always wished JRRT had given us a few more details about Beorn.
Bodkin · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Waiting for Merry and Frodo
I love the detail of the radish sandwich! And I expect Bilbo found Pippin rather more than he had anticipated. Sam made an excellent minder - and I love his way of dealing with the bee sting. His calm solidity makes a very good foil for the mercurial Pippin. And Bilbo could always offer double pay to the Gaffer for using Sam above and beyond the call of duty!
Author's reply
My late mother-in-law was fond of sandwiches made from fresh vegetables. Radish-and-butter was one of her favorites, and it always seemed to me to be a rather hobbity food. Well, once Bilbo realized that Pippin was more energetic and restless than, say young Frodo or Merry had been, he adapted well enough. That's an actual bee-sting remedy: wet tobacco works very well for drawing out the sting and reducing the swelling and pain! It seemed to me the sort of thing that young Sam would know. And yes, I think that Sam's calmness is just perfect for little Pippin's energy--I really like the two of them together. *giggle* I'm not sure what the Gaffer would make of an offer like that!
Andrea · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Waiting for Merry and Frodo
"Worms, worms, worms, worms, worms." sang the little voice, attaching the words to a catchy melody Bilbo had never heard before. LOL!!! This is great, Dreamflower! Little children very much enjoy singing, I've observed. And it needs only a melody and *one* word - and goes on endlessly ;-) Not only Bilbo, but also Sam will be right glad that Frodo and Merry arrived. But I think, Sam enjoyed this little episode with Pippin very much.
Author's reply
I know. I once listened to a four year old singing "grass" over and over! And who can forget the "Song that Never Ends"? Yes, Bilbo and Sam I am sure were ready for a break with Frodo and Merry got home--but yes, I think they also had fun with the little lad, as well! 8-)
Kitty · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Waiting for Merry and Frodo
Don't know for whom to feel more sorry - for Pip because he had to wait and was so bored and was not allowed to sing, or for Bilbo for not being able to do anything necessary because he had to entertain little Pippin *grin* That was a very adventurous day for Pippin. So much playing and then being stung by the bee! And he even charmed the Gaffer in letting Sam stay for lunch. I am very impressed! But then, who is able to deny this sweet little lad anything?
Author's reply
Well, really, they came to a fine accomodation, once Bilbo realized that Pippin's temperament was not suited to quietly looking at picture books! LOL! And personally, I think Bilbo had more fun watching the children as he sat in the sunshine, than he would have had doing his boring old accounts!! He had a good time showing off for cousin Bilbo. The bee-sting was no fun, but getting the Gaffer to let Sam stay was no trouble for Pippin at all. As you say, who can deny him anything? *grin*
harrowcat · 7 August 2006 · Chapter 18: Waiting for Merry and Frodo
Just how many things can a little lad get up to while waiting? It was great to hear about some of them. I always feel a little sorry for the bees too.
Author's reply
Just how many things can a little lad get up to while waiting? I don't know, actually. *grin* Given enough time, I'm sure Pippin could have found a lot *more* things to do... Yes, I always thought that was sort of sad about the bees--and my little Pip's such a soft-hearted thing, he would have definitely felt bad about it.
Frodo Baggins · 2 August 2006 · Chapter 2: Eucatastrophe IV: Happy New Year
Oh, Dreamflower! That gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes!! I like that universe. Frodo would have been such a wondeful uncle, just how you described him. Funny, gentle, playing with his many, many neices and nephews. That is certainly the beauty of fanfiction, we can play with the "if only..."s Hannon le for this moving story. Namarie, mell nin! God BLess, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Yes. While the ending that JRRT gave us was beautiful and poignant and appropriate, it is so hard not to think of a way it could have been "better"--in the sense of a "happier" ending for our favorite people. I think Frodo would indeed have been a wonderful "uncle" to all the children of his nearest and dearest. I am glad that you like it. I do plan to "play" a bit more in this Universe from time to time.
Frodo Baggins · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 17: Rude Awakening
My dear Dreamflower, First, I apologize for the...um, blank review. That was an accident. I must remember to stop hitting wrong button! But now to the review. I *love* this story! It was so sweet!! Poor Pippin...I know he feels. I've had several accidents with my knee. But that's beside the point. I loved how you showed the cousins's special relationship. That's cool how Sam can be so deeply asleep and than in an instant be on his feet and fully awake!! I can't imagine doing that. ANyway, I'm glad to be back and this was such a wonderful story! Keep it up! :) God Bless, Namarie, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
I think that waking instantly is rather a legacy of the Quest--after travelling so long, and in so much danger, all of them had to learn to do that--to wake up at once, if something went wrong! Thank you so much for reading and reviewing!
Frodo Baggins · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 17: Rude Awakening
harrowcat · 9 July 2006 · Chapter 17: Rude Awakening
Another late review and for such a lovely little story with all the right things - hurt, hobbits, caring, Aragorn, - *sigh* Clever Dreamflower thanks for sharing!
Author's reply
I'm very glad you enjoyed it! It was a fun challenge.