Dreamflower's Mathoms II by Dreamflower
Queen Galadriel · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 1: One Day Left
LOL! Yes, Peregrin, is *everyone* packed? Are you *sure*? LOL! How wonderful to see all the hobbits so busy and happy! If only they could have just gone home and settled right in again...*sigh* A very sweet story! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, at least at this point in time, they can labor under the happy delusion that it's possible, and just be glad and cheerful for a while!
Queen Galadriel · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Oh, Dreamflower, I love this! It's so...alive! I have read many stories of the time surrounding Pippin's birth, but this is one of the best. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Why, thank you very much! There are many such delightful stories of that out there, so I find that quite a compliment!
Queen Galadriel · 5 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
Awww! :) :) Of course our dear little Merry would be sure to tell Bilbo just how to look after his cousin Frodo. You know, reading the letter, I was reminded of when I was little and my parents would go out for the evening and leave us with a babysitter. Mom would of course give instructions, and Merry is so cute doing the same! I love it! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
LOL! It *does* sound a bit like one of those lists, doesn't it? Imagine little Merry "mother-henning" his older cousins! *chuckle* He never gets over it either, does he?
Larner · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
How well he does so, also! Wise little Merry, giving directions on properly caring for his cousin to Bilbo! Lovely, lovely! Thanks so much.
Author's reply
Well, of course, Merry was not going to leave to chance that Bilbo knew what he was doing. And he would want Frodo to be happy, well, and comfortable in his new home. Otherwise, he wanted him back, LOL! I'm glad you liked it!
Andrea · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
Sometimes he gets very sad. If he does then you must hug him a lot and tell him you love him and tell him stories to chir him up. If this is too much trubbel trouble for you then you can give him back to me. LOL! I can imagine little Merry writing just that. He seems to doubt some that Old Bilbo is capable of caring for his beloved cousin. And he has a solution quite simple, if Bilbo fails: Just give him back! Now, I wonder how this rabbit in your garden is faring ;-)
Author's reply
I think Merry would have doubted that anyone besides himself could do the job, LOL! And at this point in time, I think Merry was sort of holding out hope it might happen. The rabbit is doing well, and is devouring half the garden...
Frodo Baggins · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
Oh, Dreamflower! I don't think it's possible for you to write a bad or dull story! This was absolutely adorable! I love Merry's letter. With all those spelling errors...how realistic! Keep writing, mell min! Namarie and God Bless! Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
Goodness! You've given me a lot to live up to! *blushes* I'm glad you liked the story, and little Merry's letter. He's very young (at seven he's about the same as a human child of four and a half or five) to be writing at all, but Frodo started teaching him early. So a few mistakes are understandable.
Kitty · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
Bilbo recognized the reasons very well why Sam adores Frodo, I think. Had to giggle about Merry's letter. How sweet of him to worry so much about Frodo that he had to instruct Bilbo how to cheer his beloved cousin up! If this is too much trubbel trouble for you then you can give him back to me. *LOL* Oh yes, I can imagine Merry thinking so! That was adorable! And Bilbo obeyed his orders rather willingly :D
Author's reply
Yes, he certainly does. I don't much think the miles between Buckland and Hobbiton ever made much difference to Merry worrying over Frodo--they didn't when he was grown, even after *years* of being separated, and I am quite certain they didn't then, when the separation was so new and painful. And of course, Merry would have been quite happy to take Frodo back, LOL! And in spite of Merry's rather peremptory tone, Bilbo recognized the wisdom of listening to the person who knew Frodo best.
Kitty · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Well, our dear future Thain made sure his arrival caused quite a stir, didn't he? His poor family, I can imagine their fear he would die! That was *very* early. The conversation between Merry and Frodo was so cute! Little Merry did understand it quite well for so young a lad, and his decision to make everything right and fair when he is in charge was sweet (moving Bag End nearer to Buckland :)). He has already a strong feeling for such things. And Merry did hold his promise to be a good cousin to Pippin, didn't he?
Author's reply
Well, you know how impatient Tooks are. I've seen a few fics where Pip is as much as two months early. I thought a month and a half would be enough to be scary for the family, and yet not be so early that he would have needed modern technology, such as an incubator, to keep him alive. Merry is a very intelligent and precocious child, and of course, since it was his beloved Frodo explaining, he listened very carefully. I think Merry had a highly ingrained sense of justice and fairness--we see it on the Pelennor, when he cannot bear to let Eowyn face the W-k alone--though of course as a child, his ideas are a bit more self-centered, as young children usually are. And I think his ambition was to try to be as good a cousin as Frodo; with such an example before him, how could he not?
Grey Wonderer · 4 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
I love this! But what I like best of all is that even at seven, Merry is giving instructions and taking charge. I think of him in that way and I think this is simply perfect! You've out-done yourself and then, of course, there's Bilbo. Now, little bunny hopping by and nibbling at your garden wants to know if, in years later, Frodo ever read this letter from Merry? Did Bilbo keep it secret (and safe.) lol or did he decide that maybe Frodo should know who was looking out for him even then?
Author's reply
*pssst* I'll tell you a secret--that bunny has not only already been nibbling in my garden, but it is actually the spawn of a full-fledged rabbit which in busily planting its own garden. So much so that I have recruited help. Hopefully you will soon see...*sshh* don't say anything...you might scare them off... And yes, Merry's a bossy little thing, isn't he?
Ami · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
This was such a delightful and touching story. It made me feel all fuzzy inside. If this is too much trubbel trouble for you then you can give him back to me This of course makes it so clear that there can be no compromises in Frodo's care.
Author's reply
"No compromises" indeed, LOL! *Especially* where Merry was concerned! "Fuzzy" is nice. *grin*
PIppinfan1988 · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
Now that I have asked for your wee Pippin...can I have your little Merry, too?? Pleeeeeasse?? He is so darling!! This was absolutely delightful to read! The beginnings of a great and wonderful friendship between Frodo and Sam, too--not to mention a loving relationship with Bilbo. Thank you for sharing your wonderful world of hobbits. :-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
He is a darling, isn't he? Already taking care of Frodo, and already taking charge! I'm so glad that it delighted you, and I thank you for letting me know!
harrowcat · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 4: Marching Orders
Good one young Merry. Look after him well Bilbo or give him back! *g* Loved this Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. I did think that Merry would have that attitude, just on the off chance, you know, that Bilbo *might* give him back! LOL! Of course, Frodo might not like the idea that he is somebody's mathom to be exchanged--but Merry means well, anyway!
Kitty · 3 April 2006 · Chapter 2: Eucatastrophe IV: Happy New Year
No wonder Frodo had to retire to Minas Tirith to finish his book! Somehow I doubt *anyone* would be able to concentrate on this with all the little Gamgees around! Loved the way you had them honour the hobbits! Was it inspired by the last scene in Minas Tirith in the movie („you bow to no one“)? I always loved this! It is so good to have particularly Frodo receiving his due of honour and respect, and it is moving to see them all on their knees to honour the Ringbearer.
Author's reply
Well, yes, Bag End *is* a bit crowded. And the weather's warmer, and there's a big library, and he has Gandalf handy for any questions. Indeed, it was inspired by that! While I so much missed the Cormallen scene (which I would have dearly loved to see) I considered that scene an acceptable substitute! When I saw it the first time, I cried out *Yes!* right there in the theater, embarassing my poor husband, I'm sure.
Andrea · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
“I don’t know, Merry-love. Sometimes—“ he bit his lip, and drew a deep breath, “sometimes things *aren’t* all right. Sometimes things go wrong, and there is nothing anyone can do. I can’t make you a promise that things will be all right. But I do promise you that whether they go right or wrong, I will be here by your side.” Awww! What a beautiful thing to say. Once again it is shown that Frodo lives up to his name, Wise One. He loves his *sprout* dearly, and vice versa. Of course it was right to let Merry see his little baby cousin and I think at that very moment he swore to always protect his little Pippin. “Do you think I will ever be as good a cousin as you?” I've no doubt about that :)
Author's reply
Even at this age, Frodo already knows better than many adults how life can take an unexpected turn. It's why he was the perfect person for Merry to ask. An adult would have told him "you're too young to worry about such things" and any other older cousin not an adult would not have known how to answer. But Frodo has the painful experience of *knowing* that things go wrong sometimes. Yes, they do love one another so much. Really, they are probably closer than brothers, for there is no sibling rivalry there for the parents' attention. And yes, I think as soon as he saw Pippin, he knew he was going to be Pippin's special older cousin. As good a cousin as ever was.
Grey Wonderer · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Tough questions for Frodo to answer but he did an excellent job of it all. I did like the fact that he prepared Merry for the worst but still left him with some hope. Or maybe Merry just knew to hope?
Author's reply
I think it was a bit of both. Frodo does know how easily things can go wrong, and how quickly. But he also knows they might not. And Merry is naturally hopeful, it's part of what makes him Merry, after all.
Bodkin · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Frodo is right - Merry needed to see his little cousin. And I like to think his words showed foresight, rather than hopeful thinking.
Author's reply
Yes, even at that age, Frodo was usually right. I thought they were foresight. I think he took one look at that tiny little wrinkled red baby, and knew they'd be best friends one day.
harrowcat · 2 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Oh this is so sad and sweet. And I agree with Merry! I, too have a little list of things I would change to make things fair! *g*
Author's reply
Children have this innate sense of "fair" and "not fair", that they judge the world by. And Merry's just the sort of child who would want to *do* something about it. And I don't think he ever really outgrew that. It's why he stabbed the W-k, after all, because he didn't think it was fair for Eowyn to face the enemy alone.
Larner · 1 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Am so glad they allowed Merry to see Pippin and to already begin bonding with him. And Merry is already seeing that what happened to Frodo could happen again, and is realizing how fragile life can be. A preparation for the day he will lose his own older cousin and protector, I suppose. Lovely look at life in the Shire here.
Author's reply
Yes, that bonding began early--I think it had to have, for Pippin to be so close to his much older cousins. Frodo already knows how fragile life is, and he's not going to make any promises that can't be kept--and yes, there's a bit of foreshadowing there, can't help but be, I suppose. But of course, *they* don't realize that. And thank you!
Pearl Took · 1 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
Thank you, Dreamflower! I needed a nice, gentle tale. Even with the anxiousness over the babe's early arrival, there is a gentleness to this story. I really enjoyed it :)
Author's reply
What a sweet thing to say! 8-) I just can't seem to portray the relationship between Frodo and his little cousin any other way than gentle. To me, Merry was Frodo's comfort in a world where he had already learned that lesson of how easily comfort could be lost. I think he would treat his little cousin as being very special, and never take the child for granted. He would be patient with him, and take his concerns seriously. And because of Frodo's care, and his good example, Merry was able to extend the same care to Pippin.
PIppinfan1988 · 1 April 2006 · Chapter 3: A Fair Beginning
“Frodo?” “Yes, sprout?” “Do you think I will ever be as good a cousin as you?” Awwwww! As we know, they *all* get to be good cousins to one another. :-) The idea of Whitwell Farm (as I've come to call it) being half house and half smial is a brilliant one! Also, I think your game of Stones sounds like an ideal way for a child to pass the time--it reminded me of Jacks, in a way. The whole atmosphere in the smial was excellently portrayed; the youngest wanting her mama, the aunties and Esme waiting for and caring for the young ones. I always enjoy your Took family tales! :-) Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, they do indeed! *grin* I think probably a number of the older dwellings might be like that--starting off as smials, but then if the hill or area where they were dug were not conducive to more excavation (maybe the hill isn't large enough, or the water table is too high or some such), they might build on house-like additions in order to expand. I also describe Brock Hall, where the Bolgers live, as being like that. What I call "Stones" *is* a predecessor of Jacks. It went by a number of different names in the Middle-ages, and of course, was played without a ball. All the versions I've seen call for the catching to be done on the back of the hand, but I think that small children would probably start out doing it the easier way. And the other tricks I mention are based entirely on Jacks--a game at which I excelled in fourth grade, by the way. The family rallies around--I just know that's how it had to be for hobbits! And I am so glad you like my Tooks; I'm rather fond of them myself.
Anso the Hobbit · 27 March 2006 · Chapter 1: One Day Left
:D So wonderful to see the hobbits bustling about the kitchen together, chatting and happy about going home, full of hopes and joy! I loved this!
Author's reply
Thanks Anso! I just love hobbits in the kitchen, and they were sure to be happy that they were finally going home.
Pearl Took · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Eucatastrophe IV: Happy New Year
Yes, it would have made a lovely ending :) Well done, Dreamflower. Very well done :)
Author's reply
Thank you!
Andrea · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Eucatastrophe IV: Happy New Year
this is how it *should* be! *Sigh* How I wished this could have been possible! Yesterday I came to the end of "The Lord of the Rings" for the umpteenth time, and it always makes me so sad that Frodo has to leave! Thank you for your Eucatastrophy Universe, which I like very much :)
Author's reply
I do like my Eucatastrophe-verse very much as well--I'm glad you enjoy it!
Larner · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Eucatastrophe IV: Happy New Year
Yes, this is as it should be.
Author's reply
Well, if the Three had not faded, it might have been possible, maybe.
Baggins Babe · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 2: Eucatastrophe IV: Happy New Year
I do love your AU, Dreamflower, and it was so nice to see Frodo being acclaimed. At last the youngsters will realise that it isn't just stories told around the fire at home, and they know that their fathers and uncle are all heroes. I'm just doing something myself, in honour of the day.
Author's reply
I like seeing him acclaimed, and recieving his just due, and being able to enjoy it. And yes, this brings it home like nothing else could, to the younger generation. I know you did--and I loved it! Elanor was so cute!