Andrea
· 31 January 2011
· Chapter 86: Making the Best of It
A nice gap filler and another story that makes Pippin's aunties even more loveable.
Pippin must have learned his ability to brighten the spirits of others from his aunties. And he was a quick learner as we can see here in this story!
the “jewelry” as Pervinca had labeled Opal, Garnet and their older sister Amethyst
*Grins* I like Pervinca's choice of words!
Author's reply
Well, in "A New Reckoning" we learn that is Pippin's sister's nickname for the daughters of Hyacinth. It was not until I wrote this story that I realized it was Pervinca who came up with the name!
Pippin's aunties are favorites of my own-- being so much older than Paladin and Esme, they fill the gap left by not having grandparents. (Pippin's Banks grandmother is still alive at this point, but owing to her living with Clodio, he rarely sees her, and of course both Adalgrim and Periwinkle are long since deceased.)
Pippin is a bright spirit, and I think that his Aunt Peridot was also a good example of that. Even when he is in circumstances that he finds difficult, he finds it easy to empathize with others. And of course, when you try to cheer someone else up, you usually cheer yourself up as well!
Baggins Babe
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 85: Nothing Personal...Just Business
Ah! So that's where Bill Ferny came from! What a beautifully crafted story, Dreamflower! I loved seeing how it all slowly came together, and how plausible this was.
And trust that sneaky Lotho to muscle in on it at the end!
Author's reply
Yep.
I'm glad that you found the progression of things plausible. I mean, when one takes into account the hints in the ToY, it seems clear that this, or something very much like this, must have happened during that time period.
And naturally Lotho had to be in on it at the end-- it was the end of him, at any rate.
harrowcat
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 84: Ember-Roasted Artichokes
Quite the mouth-watering read Dreamflower. I've always thought that artichokes would not be worth the effort of eating but you may have changed my mind.
Author's reply
They are a lot of work to eat! But they are tasty. And I'm thinking hobbits would appreciate a food that one had to put some effort into enjoying!
AzureSkye
· 19 January 2011
· Chapter 85: Nothing Personal...Just Business
Mmmm, this is almost chilling to read. Watching the gradual and meticulous plotting was very interesting. Tracing the connections to the two biggest rascals in the book (Everyone else counts as evil in my opinion, these two are just fools with power, and thus dangerous.) through several generations was really an idea I'd never even thought of! and to have Saruman behind it all... Wonderfully done.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you find it chilling, because it really is scary to contemplate! But it must have happened in some way, because we do have those tantalizing snippets in the ToY and also in UT, where we learn that Saruman had his fingers in the Shire *decades* before Gandalf knew the Ring was there!
Thank you so much!
eiluj
· 18 January 2011
· Chapter 85: Nothing Personal...Just Business
A nice gap-filler. Ferny père is entirely believable, and his son all too recognizable. I got chills when he informed Saruman "there are Rangers all around the Shire these days" -- and turned out to be more of a major figure than Tolkien let on, even suggesting Saruman send reinforcements to Bree.
"Krag" has a nice, orcish sound to it.... Eadwacer of Dunland must have had Eorling blood (maybe one of Saruman's more trustworthy employees).
I believe there is a problem with some of the T.A. 29-- dates: most are fine, but two should be 30--:
A number of documents were discovered in an upper room of Orthanc, in the late fall of T.A. 2919 -- The War of the Ring ended in 3019.
Received: __ S.R. 1417, 2917 of the Third Age -- S.R. 1417 would have been T.A. 3017.
The S.R. dates all seem to be fine.
Author's reply
ACK! I shall have to go fix those, thank you! I was trying to be so careful of the months and stuff, I forgot to change the century!
I'm glad you found the agent Saruman sent to Bree plausible. In my head, Saruman used his "Voice" on him, to make certain he'd be loyal and focussed on his task, even though far away for years on end.
And I've used "Krag" before as well. He's a "squint-eyed Southerner" and he is definitely a half-orc!
I'm glad you liked "Eadwacer" as a name. Both "Eadwacer" and "Bilimer" were drawn from historical sources that it was likely JRRT knew about.
*scurries off to fix the dates on three different sites*
PIppinfan1988
· 9 January 2011
· Chapter 82: It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
I was out wandering the site and, naturally, was drawn to your wonderful library. :-) When I visit your Mathoms stories I feel like a kid wandering the vast aisles at the "real" library, lol.
I always enjoy a story between the High King and his merry Knights. This same thought has passed through my mind on occasion of how effective (hobbit-wise, lol) this edict was. While I, too, believe the Edict served a purpose, I wonder how many instances throughout the years the Thain, Mayor, and Master all coordinated to meet in order to agree upon welcoming a very tall guest. Maybe they got tired after the first dozen times and used the Post, lol.
As always, very well done!
Author's reply
Sorry I missed seeing this!
I think that part of why our small Knights were annoyed with their King may have been the memory of all those inconvenient occasions they had to meet with Sam to agree on someone coming in! And I figure every once in a while, they may have given someone more permission than the King would have preferred. (That's what started the discussion in the first place, LOL!)
Larner
· 29 November 2010
· Chapter 84: Ember-Roasted Artichokes
Wonderful that they are able to find good food nearby the camp. And I'm certain that the Hobbits would have aided in the foraging--what better souls for it?
Lovely, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Oh, I think hobbits were excellent foragers-- I figure it would have been one of those things every young hobbit was taught, not only because it could mean a matter of survival in the wild or during a time like the Fell Winter, but also because a tween who knew how to forage might be less likely to raid the pantry or the garden!
cookiefleck
· 23 November 2010
· Chapter 84: Ember-Roasted Artichokes
I enjoyed this glimpse into a day in M-e. And even after having a delicious artichoke appetizer last week while vacationing, you made me want more! Yum!
Author's reply
Sorry I just now spotted this review! Thanks so much. I hope you had some-- they are pretty yummy, aren't they?
Andrea
· 19 November 2010
· Chapter 84: Ember-Roasted Artichokes
Wonderful story!
I can imagine that especially the hobbits enjoyed the artichokes. And I'm glad that Merry was happy about his new discovery.
But why was he unhappy in the first place? Just because he was the only one without a visible injury? Has he already forgotten what he and Eowyn achieved by killing the Witch King? That *was* a great deed!
Concerning understatements Merry is indeed Frodo's first, second and third cousin ;-)
Last but not least, I just love it when Frodo calls Merry "sprout" :-)
Author's reply
Merry is still very, I guess you'd call it "tender", in regards to all that has happened. He is only just beginning to come to terms with the fact that not only did he survive, but Pippin, Frodo and Sam did as well. He's thrilled about it, but it's also not quite real to him yet.
And as for him and Eowyn and their great deed? I think at this point it's still too close for him to think on much. It will probably be a long time before he can admit it was a deed to be proud of. Right now it's still all tied up with Theoden's death, and with the Black Breath and the horror of battle.
*grin* So do I!
Virtuella
· 30 September 2010
· Chapter 83: Useful Things Legibly Beautiful
Awww, sweet story!
Frodo needs to tell me his secret, though. My pupils with poor handwriting are very resiliently maintaining it, whatever I try!
Author's reply
Well, of course, the secret was he was teaching Moggie calligraphy rather than handwriting. Having learned both and taught both, I can say that even someone with rather dismal penmanship can learn to construct their letters very legibly with calligraphic techniques. But it *is* slower and more work than just dashing off the words in the more common cursive roundhand that is usually taught, or even printing.
My own handwriting, while legible enough, is quite different to any calligraphy that I do.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 September 2010
· Chapter 83: Useful Things Legibly Beautiful
How sweet! Uncle Dinny is a very sharp hobbit, and Frodo a very clever little one. I got a nice chuckle of Saradoc's palms sweating as he knocked on the door of his former tutor. Too cute. Excellent story. :-)
Author's reply
Yes, revisiting an old teacher, or an old school, can bring back memories of being young and still learning, even when you liked an old teacher he or she can make you feel like a kid again!
Lindelea
· 28 September 2010
· Chapter 82: It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
*sigh* I love the way this ends. So hobbity.
I hate to think of what Men’s justice would have come up with as a punishment for entering without that permission.
:shudder: so very true...
Very well done. I clicked on the announcement for the chapter *after* this one, actually, but went back to read this one because its description was in the chapter announcement and I suspected what the topic was. I'll have to read the newest chapter another time. And looking forward to it!
(Sounds like it would fit well with homeschooling, which is what I'm supposed to be doing right now...)
Author's reply
Yes, and I confess I was thinking of some of your stories when I wrote that part! You showed very well what Men would come up with as deterrents for entering the Shire!
Thanks for checking this one out! (((hugs)))
(Well, as you know, all my hobbits are homeschooled one way or another. *grin*)
Linda Hoyland
· 24 September 2010
· Chapter 83: Useful Things Legibly Beautiful
A delightful story. I'm glad Frodo learned to enjoy his studies again.
Author's reply
I'm glad he did too. He just needed a little nudge, to get past the idea that he'd be betraying his father by accepting a new teacher.
Andrea
· 23 September 2010
· Chapter 83: Useful Things Legibly Beautiful
That was indeed very clever of Uncle Dinny!
Calimac Brandybuck's journey to the Breelands - that sounds very interesting!
I also liked it that Frodo's older cousins were willing to help. He had many friends at Brandy Hall, hobbits who really cared for him, I'm sure.
Some people think he was only a burden to the Brandybucks. I can't believe that!
Author's reply
Yes, Uncle Dinny was quite clever. Having already taught a couple of generations of Brandybucks, I think he had some idea of what would work!
I think it makes for easy drama to have him neglected or even mistreated by his mother's kin. I find that very hard to believe, personally. A neglected or abused child does not seem at all hobbity to me. I am sure that he was well-loved, if not well-understood, by his Brandybuck relations. When it is talked about how Bilbo did a kindness bringing him away from there, it has to be remembered that's gossip from the insular hobbits of Hobbiton, especially the Gaffer-- who looked with suspicion on those who dwelt across the Brandywine River. I think if anything, Frodo may have had too *much* attention there-- everyone having their own opinions of what was best for him, but not necessarily agreeing or being consistent about it.
eiluj
· 21 September 2010
· Chapter 83: Useful Things Legibly Beautiful
How clever of Uncle Dinny -- particularly in tempting Frodo with Calimac Brandybuck's Adventure. (I wouldn't mind reading it myself.)
Author's reply
Oh dear! *shoves bunny away carefully*
Uncle Dinny is a rather clever Brandybuck, I would say!
Virtuella
· 18 August 2010
· Chapter 82: It Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time
That's a very interesting topic. Yes, I think the Edict would have had very clear dangers - the danger of mental stagnation being perhaps the most prominent.
Author's reply
Indeed, I am quite sure that was the greatest danger in the long run. But there were other things not so much dangerous as causing difficulties that could have easily been averted. I think the King took Merry and Pippin's point, at any rate.
Virtuella
· 18 August 2010
· Chapter 81: A Sweet Visit
Yummy breakfast!
Author's reply
*grin* I hope so. Two young hobbits found it so, anyway!
Antane
· 21 July 2010
· Chapter 81: A Sweet Visit
A sweet visit indeed! Love the image of Merry holding Frodo while they slept. *hugs them* It's nice that Frodo has two places to call home, or more than two, including all the hearts he is held by too.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It's nice that Frodo has two places to call home, or more than two, including all the hearts he is held by too.
What a lovely way to put it!
Lindelea
· 21 July 2010
· Chapter 81: A Sweet Visit
Awww.
That breakfast sounds good enough to eat! (as my grandma used to say)
A nice peek into what was probably a long-expected visit, on Merry's part.
Author's reply
Well, it was a hobbit breakfast, so I am sure that it was!
I think it was long-expected for both of them, a sweet reunion for the brother/cousins.
Larner
· 20 July 2010
· Chapter 81: A Sweet Visit
I so love this return home to Brandy Hall, sufficiently similar to his memories to feel comfortable, sufficiently different to reaffirm he is now of Bag End indeed. And Merry is beside him, as is right and proper! Delightful!
Author's reply
Yes, he's able to enjoy both homes now, though Bag End is truly *home*. But Brandy Hall will always hold a special place in his heart, and most especially his little "sprout", Merry.
GamgeeFest
· 4 July 2010
· Chapter 80: Esmeralda at the Bridge
Pippin and Merry have every right to be proud of their mothers, for without them and their fathers, they would not be the hobbits they are. Esme and Tina were likely walking on clouds the rest of the day! What a wonderful ficlet!
Author's reply
Of course they are proud of their mothers-- though said mothers might be too modest to admit that their sons have just as much reason to be proud of mum as mum does of her son!
Raksha The Demon
· 3 July 2010
· Chapter 80: Esmeralda at the Bridge
A lovely vignette; well-written from Esme's POV; one can feel her excitement at this historic day, which for much of her life was unanticipated and really never thought possible. I love the last line too - a wonderful portrait of a great lady on a great day.
Author's reply
Thank you so much!
It's true: this day was truly momentous! Of course, they'd known since the Ruffians were thrown out that the King had returned (and in my Shire there was considerable communication and even visits before the Ban-- though NOT the King himself, but his representatives) But a King in far off Gondor is still a rather distant figure, compared to a King to be seen in person!
I've always thought Esmeralda must truly have been a great lady; aside from her Tookish descent and her illustrious marriage, she raised a fine son, and had a hand, in my opinion, in the raising of both her husband's cousin and also her nephew! They were all three exceptional hobbits, and I like to believe she contributed to that!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it!
Kaylee Arafinwiel
· 2 July 2010
· Chapter 80: Esmeralda at the Bridge
Oh Dreamflower! Happy Birthday, and thank you for gifting us with this most excellent tale!
I loved Esmeralda here, and I loved how Aragorn honored her! Her hundredth birthday, wonderful!
Although it's sad that Paladin and Saradoc are both gone now, I hope Pippin and Merry cut respectable figures as Thain and Master!
(Pippin can't be The Took yet, with Eglantine still there, right? *wonders if Esme is still head of the Brandybuck family*)
Happy birthday! >:D<
Kaylee
Author's reply
Yes, according to the Family Trees in Appendix C, Saradoc passed away in SR 1432 and then Paladin two years later in SR 1434. So, yes, they are already Master and Thain!
The issue of the widow remaining the Family Head is complicated in "my" Shire. After Lalia, for a while, it went out of fashion for the widow to retain the Family Headship if her son was of age-- because no one wanted to be thought of as "another Lalia"! But then came the Troubles, and some widows were left without sons who were of age, so they had to keep their headship, and it became less onerous as people began to forget about Lalia. I've always left it that the widow had the option to turn the headship over if she wished, if the son or other heir was of age. In Merry's case, Esmeralda availed herself of that option, and gave the headship of the Brandybucks over to him rather quickly. But most Brandybucks still tend to defer to her as Mistress, and Estella is fine with that. In Eglantine's case, Pippin was afraid his mother would fade after she lost Paladin. He persuaded her to retain the title of "the Took" in order to give her a bit of interest in life-- though what he actually *told* her was he needed her help, as his duties as Thain were a lot greater now that the King had returned. How long she will continue to retain it is up to her.
And thanks for the birthday wishes! I'm glad you enjoyed this little mathom!
Marigold
· 2 July 2010
· Chapter 78: The Gaffer's Letter
This is just exactly right and I am so glad that you finally wrote it! I also agree that it works best as a stand-alone story but I am very happy to read it at last!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it, dear! (((hugs))) Thank you ever so much for this bunny!
I'm making plans for the other one, too!
Baggins Babe
· 2 July 2010
· Chapter 80: Esmeralda at the Bridge
Happy birthday Dreamflower!
I have been reading everything but have had no time to leave reviews - life has been absolutely chaotic lately but I wanted to tell you how much I loved this one. Esme is one of my favourite characters and I loved seeing her reactions to this most famous of visits. I'm so glad that Merry and Pip were able to introduce their mothers to their friend and King.
I felt as though I was standing there too - you described it perfectly.
I will catch up with all the rest of your wonderful stories, I promise!
Author's reply
Thank you, dear!
I know how crazy RL can be at times! Don't feel bad that you haven't commented on every little thing-- that happens to us all from time to time!
I love Esme, too, and have felt especially close to her since having "her" participate in Back to Middle-earth Month! (I am hoping to get with my collaborators so that we can eventually show her own adventures there!)
(((hugs)))