Reviews (100)

Larner · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 9: Sleep

And she's a lucky lady--and I'm glad she realizes just HOW lucky. Lovely warm moment.

Larner · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 10: Easing Troubles

Yes, Frodo's bad day is upon him. Glad Mac is able to ease Beri's for him.

Andrea · 8 October 2006 · Chapter 10: Easing Troubles

Oh dear! It's the anniversary again. And that's the only explanation for Frodo's behaviour towards Berilac. In other circumstances he would never have said such things to a child. I like Mac's reaction. Others in his situation would have turned on the spot and would have taken Frodo to task. Not so Merimac. He thinks before he reacts, something that is normally true for Frodo as well. In spite of the irritating news Merimac had to smile a little. Berilac entrusted to him his all and everything, lifted him further up than he probably deserved and yet always brought him down again. It's a wonderful experience to be a father and to HAVE a father. Berilac has both his parents to tell them what troubles him, but Frodo has only Merry. And I don't think he tells him everything. Of course, this situation will change eventually, when Frodo comes to live with Bilbo at Bag End. But for now, that can only be small comfort to him! Poor Frodo! BTW, how old is Beri in this story? The same age as Merry?

demeter d · 18 September 2006 · Chapter 9: Sleep

How very sweet! Oh, to be young and newly in love again! Very nice look from her point of view.

Andrea · 16 September 2006 · Chapter 9: Sleep

He smelled of hay, weed, sweat and ponies, of summer and something which slowly but without any doubt became home for her. How beautiful, Lily! I'm not married (yet), but I think that's how it must feel when the marriage is brand-new! In German we say "Die Chemie muß stimmen!". I don't know, if there is any English equivalent. At least, "Leo" didn't help me ;-) But I'm sure for those two this fact is true!

Andrea · 7 September 2006 · Chapter 8: A Pony Too Little

Saradoc immediately climbed into his grandfather's lap to whine about his cruel fate in having a younger brother and repeated that he had never wanted one but that another carved pony would be great. LOL! I have a younger brother, too, but I've never considered that "a cruel fate" ;-) I think in fact Sara loves his little brother and Mac loves him. Little fights between brothers (and sisters) are a part of life and they make the reconciliation (is this the right word?) afterwards even more cheerful :) I love your Brandybuck brothers!

Elemmírë · 19 August 2006 · Chapter 7: Looking After

Poor Mac! He was doing the responsible thing, and followed his aunt's orders of taking Frodo outside, and he still runs into trouble. This was another wonderful chapter, Lily. I'm really enjoying how you've taken such a minor character, mentioned only in the Family Trees, and giving him such a personality and life. It is very plausible indeed that Merimac would have once babysat his youngest cousin, Frodo. I really liked Primula's motherly concerns, along with thinking she knows her nephew so very well. I also liked how Drogo sees past Mac's mischief and knows that there is a responsible, yet fun-loving lad underneath that will care for Frodo. Drogo must certainly have seen how much his young son adores his older cousin, and knew he would much more enjoy being watched after Mac than some 'boring lass.' I can't wait to see what you have in store next for Mac!

Larner · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 5: Punishment

So, the berry bushes are as much a draw and Maggot's mushrooms, are they? Heh!

Larner · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Master's Heir, Master's Son

"All work and no play..." certainly fits here. Like the idea of Mac and Sara feeling competetive and wishing to resume the old companionship, and Rory realizing he needs to include Mac. Very realistic feel.

Larner · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 7: Looking After

Love the comfort Frodo's able to give Merimac, and that Merimac is indeed growing up. Lovely image, the two of them curled together on Frodo's bed.

Ami · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 7: Looking After

This series is beautiful. I loved the relationship between Frodo and Merimac. This is so unique and works well in giving us a glimpse of Frodo life with the Brandybucks and setting the foundation he had to later become the Ringbearer. Happy writing to you. I love discovering new authors, and I am looking forward to reading more of your stories.

Andrea · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 7: Looking After

Yeah! Mac is back ;-) And I thought something would happen to Frodo ... Frodo glared at him angrily, pouting and crossing his arms in front of his chest, which looked rather ridiculous considering that the child was wrapped in a thick, dark blue jacket that hardly allowed any movement. His scarlet cap reached down to his eyebrows making it almost impossible for him to keep his eyes open. Yep! Definitely a dwarf! Mac showed indeed a good amount of responsibility and endurance here, not only for Frodo, but also for himself. If I think of that needle, oh my! He felt a tingling in his chin and inevitably shuddered, desperate to focus his attention on Frodo's face which, to his dismay, bore an absolutely fascinated and curious expression which did not help to lessen his discomfort in the least. Haha! I can see that! Mac was a fine young hobbit, though he knew how to hide it. Primula is right! Just give him some more time to live out his tweenager years and you will have a real fine hobbit!

Ariel · 5 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Master's Heir, Master's Son

For all the work we put into this, it really did turn out to be a great little story! You are introducing interesting concepts and complex relationships and that makes it harder, especially in another language. I think you did a really amazing job!

Dreamflower · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Master's Heir, Master's Son

What I like best in this is Merimac's double-pronged jealousy: he is jealous of his brother taking his father's attention, but he is also jealous of his father taking his brother's attention. And so of course, he doesn't really know which one of them to be really mad at, so he ends up lashing out at them both. That, of course, is so like certain types of adolescents! The moment of near-drowning was eerie and frightening! Very well done, as was Rory's anger afterward.

Andrea · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Master's Heir, Master's Son

Oh, poor Mr. Greenhill! Generations of hobbit lads will raid his berry bush! First Mac, than Frodo, and I'm quite sure that the Master's heir's heir will also enjoy those delicious berries ;-) I loved the scene with Sara and Mac after the "incident" at the river: Then they stood, both relentless, both too proud and stubborn to give in. The wind rustled in the leaves, the water murmured its melody, and Milo Burrows fidgeted, increasingly uneasy. The brothers had quarrelled before and all knew that two furious Brandybucks, even if their wrath was directed at each other, were nothing to meddle with. Just great! I think you're right. It's pride AND stubbornness ;-) Do not meddle with two furious Brandybucks! Wonderful! The conversation between Rory and Mac was also very insightful! And Rory did his best. But he also had a lot of good luck. Just look at the discussions between Saradoc and Frodo in your German story. Saradoc had the best intentions, but sometimes this is simply not enough. I think in such situations, Saradoc should think of his brother - and he would be able to understand Frodo much better. I don't know what you have planned for those two in your "Schicksalsjahre" story, but I really hope they will come to accept each other. (And please don't say anything about scattered hopes ;-))

Elemmírë · 4 August 2006 · Chapter 6: Master's Heir, Master's Son

Another very enjoyable chapter to your series featuring Merimac, Lily. You had me a bit nervous with the bit in the river--but now I wonder if Merimac, Saradoc, or Milo find themselves remembering that particular day when they learn of the drowning of their aunt and uncle. I especially enjoyed the ending with Saradoc smuggling his brother something to eat. And the scene with Rory and Merimac was done wonderfully, also. This chapter clearly shows why Mac seems to understand Frodo the most, and gives insight into how Rory and Sara may draw upon their lifes' experience in dealing with the orphan as well. This chapter ties in nicely with the rest and I did take notice of Mr. Greenhill's berries ... the same Frodo raided in the previous chapter. Nice detail. Looking forward to more, Lily!

Elemmírë · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 5: Punishment

It takes one rascal to know one, doesn't it. :D >>"Yes," Frodo replied happily, then, realising his mistake he quickly corrected himself. "No." He paused for a second, not pleased with his cousin's smug grin. "I mean…" Glaring at the shovel he let out a puff of air and groaned in frustration, hoping to sound convincing.<< I'm really enjoying your characterization of Frodo and especially of Merimac. I can't wait to see what you have in store next!

Andrea · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 5: Punishment

Oh Lily! That was wonderful! You're quite enjoying yourself, aren't you?" "Yes," Frodo replied happily, then, realising his mistake he quickly corrected himself. "No." He paused for a second, not pleased with his cousin's smug grin. "I mean…" Glaring at the shovel he let out a puff of air and groaned in frustration, hoping to sound convincing. LOL!!! Mac is absolutely right! Frodo has to learn a lot ;-) This one made me nearly fall off my chair: "Ask one of the washerwomen, or better, one of the lasses. Use those eyes of yours to your advantage and you will get all the help you need." Fantastic! I consider this to be one of the points on my list and I'm awaiting eagerly the next one. P.S.: He's really a scallywag, isn't he?

Elanor Silmariën · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 5: Punishment

Ha! This is hilarious! I like Merimac already. I think I shall have to go back and read the rest of this sometime! I love the advice Mac gives Frodo! God bless, Ellie

shirebound · 7 July 2006 · Chapter 4: To Die For

What a lovely story. It sometimes takes a near-tragedy to remind us of what we have... and what we could lose so easily.

Andrea · 7 July 2006 · Chapter 4: To Die For

Oh, I'm sorry! You're absolutely right! I must have overlooked him! Of course I remember those scenes, now that you mention them. But in those situations Mac acted like the older cousin. That is quite different to what Fastred indicates: Who would have thought I would ever have to patch you up again because of somebody else's thoughtlessness besides your own? That sounds as if Mac brought himself into trouble on several occasions. I'd like to hear more about that! Maybe I can somehow trigger your muse ;-)

Andrea · 7 July 2006 · Chapter 4: To Die For

Am I really the first reviewer? What an honor! "I know what it was," Gilda said sternly but her features softened and turned into a fond smile. "And I'm very proud of you but that doesn't reduce my worry, as you doubtless know." Oh my, from what Fastred and Gilda say, Mac must have been quite "active" in his youth! You said, there would be more about him in your "Schicksalsjahre" story? I'm really curious about that! What Mac experienced is what makes out the difference between adults and parents. You have to be a parent to completely understand all the worries your parents went through. I don't have children (yet), but some of my friends have little ones. And they all confirmed, that if you become a parent, your life changes completely. It's when you really understand the meaning of responsibility. There will be much to worry about, but also moments of joy and happiness and pride. And only those count. P.S.: I very much enjoyed little Berry speaking of *that* Merry :)

Elemmírë · 16 June 2006 · Chapter 3: Tomp Tomp

Sigh. Wee Frodo is too cute. So, Mac is a mischief maker too. Hmm, I wonder if _he's_ the one who taught Frodo some of his tricks ... which in turn would have been passed down to Merry and then Pippin. I can just picture an older Saradoc admonishing his brother many years later for teaching Frodo some particular mischief while he's under the Brandybuck's care. LOL! Just one little note: when Saradoc references Drogo in the beginning, shouldn't he be saying "Uncle Drogo" and not just Drogo? Also, a quick question: is there an English translation/version of your Schicksalsjahre story to be found anywhere? I took 3 years of German in high school, but it's very rusty 10 years later.

Andrea · 16 June 2006 · Chapter 3: Tomp Tomp

Wonderful! I think I like your "scallywag" as much as I like Dreamflower's "sprout" :) I remember the "stomping" game. I played it with my brother when he was small. So, Mac was famous for his mischief? Then little Frodo found the perfect teacher! Surely she thought her child would never be as much the source of trouble as Mac. Poor Primula, I'm afraid, part of her wish will not come true ;-) But I doubt that Frodo, with his mother still there, would have become such a rascal.

harrowcat · 14 June 2006 · Chapter 2: Once Bitten, Twice Shy

I can't remember if I reviewed these before Lily but they have just raised my spirits before a very long day at work. Now I really must get off the internet before someone comes in and catches me......oops!