Shire Yule by Dreamflower
Larner · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 22: Good King Elessar: Epilogue, Shall Yourselves Find Blessing
Yes, this is OUR King! How I love him still!
Author's reply
How I wish he *was* our King in RL--I think the world would be a lot safer! (And I love him, too.)
Pearl Took · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 22: Good King Elessar: Epilogue, Shall Yourselves Find Blessing
Wonderful, marvelous, delightful!! Thank you so very much Dreamflower!
Author's reply
You are very welcome, Pearl. I'm so glad you've enjoyed it.
Neilia · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 22: Good King Elessar: Epilogue, Shall Yourselves Find Blessing
Yeeees! Mr. Appledore came! Now our lovely King has to convince him of his worthiness. Frodo is very happy to be with his 'Uncle Strider'. Wish we could live under such a King's rule on the Earth. However, we have the opportunity to be ruled by the King of all Kings on a spiritual level...such a privilege! Would be lovely to have both, though, eh? :)
Author's reply
I think most of us wish that about him. I think JRRT *meant* him to be the archetypical king-who-returns, an earthly representation of that King of Kings, and the sort of leader we would want to follow. And when I see the mess "politicians" have made of the world, I wish it even more.
Baggins Babe · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 22: Good King Elessar: Epilogue, Shall Yourselves Find Blessing
I can't think of a greater blessing either - unless it is to have these stories of yours and those of so many talented writers. The perfect closure for this tale, Dreamflower, and I hope Mr Appledore finds the healing he needs in the care of our beloved healer-king. I hope you've caught up a bit on all the stories you've missed in the last week or so. Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Why, thank you dear! I think Mr. Appledore will find life as the caretaker of the king's lodge a fresh new start to his life! Very gradually!! I have a *ton* of them--here on SoA, at LJ, and on Yahoo! *whoosh* I'm wishing for a day to do nothing else but read stories!!
Kitty · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 22: Good King Elessar: Epilogue, Shall Yourselves Find Blessing
"You hobbits are too polite. You stop in the middle of a match to exchange pleasantries!" *lol* Oh well, what do Aragorn and Bergil expect? Frodo-lad is Sam's son, after all, who insisted on being 'proper' all the time! And landing a blow on the Thain, even if he's 'Uncle Pippin', calls for an apology in the 'Gamgee Guide of Proper Behaviour', of that I am sure! I can't think of a greater blessing than to have him for our King That's *so* true! There could be no better man to be King. Anyway, I am so glad Mr Appledore got such a warm reception upon his arrival. What a relief that has to be for him! Thank you for another great story - it was just perfect for the holiday season!
Author's reply
Well, and not only that. Hobbits (with a rare exception like Merry) are not overly competitive as I see them, and they are not naturally violent, either. So they tend to worry that they might have hurt their opponent! Young Frodo-lad is rather tender-hearted, and so is Pippin. And, yes, there is the whole "proper" thing on top of that! I don't think there could be--Strider/Aragorn/Elessar is drawn so perfectly for his role; by that I don't mean that he is flawless (as some people complain) but that he has all the right qualities in the right balance (healer/warrior/king) to make him perfect for his job. And of course, they were all glad to see that he was all right, and that he will take the King up on his offer. I'm glad you have enjoyed it. Once the idea came to me, I could not resist turning it into a story!
PIppinfan1988 · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 22: Good King Elessar: Epilogue, Shall Yourselves Find Blessing
Well, thank you for the "afters"! After all, this epilogue was icing on the cake, so to speak. Once more we see Aragorn extending his graciousness and Frodo's wide-eyed view of the world. I wouldn't mind seeing more of his pov in the new year. :-) Well done!
Author's reply
I was of two minds about an epilogue, but Dana told me to go for it--and really, poor Mr. Appledore needed closure, so to speak. Aragorn is never less than gracious, as well as generous and kind. As for Frodo-lad, he was a revelation to me. I had only ever written him about once or twice before, as an infant! So this was my first chance to see what sort of lad he had grown to be. It's possible we will see more of him--I don't know. But I'm glad you liked his "wide-eyed view of the world", for I think that is something he would have in common with his father! Sam also had a sense of wonder--"and that's an eye-opener, and no mistake!"
PIppinfan1988 · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 21: Good King Elessar: Part 5, Forth They Went Together
Well, I suppose this is the end to a very lovely tale -- and very lovely it was! I can easily see Aragorn being a kind-hearted king, offering kindness and warmth to a poor soul such as Tom Appledore. Loved the story, truly written in the spirit of the season. :-)
Author's reply
Not quite the end--I do have an Epilogue. I'm glad you've enjoyed the story. I've always loved that particular song, and it struck me just how likely it was that Aragorn would be just the sort of king that Wenceslas was--concerned for even the poorest people of his kingdom, and not in just a vague way, but in a very personal way.
Kitty · 1 January 2008 · Chapter 21: Good King Elessar: Part 5, Forth They Went Together
Ha, I knew it, Bergil had to be the one! But I couldn’t help but snicker at Pippin lecturing Strider about this little outing. Maybe Aragorn should have brought up that it wasn’t proper to leave an injured Merry alone, either! *grin* Poor Mr. Appledore--I think he would have spent a very cold and hungry night if we had not! Have to completely agree with Frodo-lad here. And if you ask me - *our* Frodo would have endangered himself even more, if necessary, had he’d been in Aragorn’s place. Ah yes, making Mr. Appledore the caretaker of the lodge is even better than a place in Annúminas. He’s lived alone for so long, I suppose it would not be easy for him to fit in a large household now; he may be more comfortable in the lodge. Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Yes, it was, you guessed right--though Pippin was with him. I don't imagine Pip liked leaving Merry, but I'm guessing Merry insisted. The good deed was definitely one that Frodo Baggins would have approved of, and he would have gone to great lengths himself, as you say! That was my thought on the matter; he will no longer be so isolated, yet he won't be in the middle of a horde of people, either.
harrowcat · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 21: Good King Elessar: Part 5, Forth They Went Together
This has been a wonderful seasonal tale. Bilbo's song was a perfect finish too. I do hope that we are going to hear more of Pippin's time as a page soon. Happy New Year one and all
Author's reply
Well, there will be a little Epilogue to this. As to telling more about Frodo-lad's time as a page, I will have to see if I get any more bunnies!
Neilia · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 21: Good King Elessar: Part 5, Forth They Went Together
Oh, *sigh* this is written so well. I love it when Aragorn can be 'Strider' for a while. I love it that he doesn't get all haughty when others are angry with him...such a good King! A fitting end to Mr. Appledore's self-exile too. He has been alone long enough.
Author's reply
I like the thought of giving his a chance to be "Strider" again, too! And he would not take their anger amiss--he knows that it only comes from their love and concern for him. Yes, poor Mr. Appledore. Sometimes, when you punish yourself, it is harder than having someone else impose punishment on you.
Pearl Took · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 21: Good King Elessar: Part 5, Forth They Went Together
Bravo! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!! This was so beautifully done, Dreamflower :-) It has really blessed my Yule, Thank you so much!! Hugs, Pearl
Author's reply
I'm so glad you like it! There is still an Epilogue yet to come...
Larner · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 21: Good King Elessar: Part 5, Forth They Went Together
Ah, bless our Elessar and those he loves. Bergil and Pippin are furious, are they? Heh! I bet my Hardorn would have been most furious indeed! But all's well as ends better, as the Gaffer would say! Yes, a good offer indeed.
Author's reply
*grin* Yes, they are, or at least when they arrive, they are. When I first thought of this, I wondered how on earth Aragorn would get away from his guards so that the story could follow the song--and the idea came to me that he might mischievously take an opportunity to, as Lindelea puts it "slip his escort". Yep, I bet Hardorn would have been even more furious than Bergil and Pippin, LOL!
harrowcat · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
Oh, poor man! We do tend to forget that it was not only hobbit sheriffs that may have been fooled or forced into the scouring of the Shire. Brilliantly told Dreamflower.
Author's reply
Yes, I think there may have been a few Men who felt out of place taking part in the terrorizing of the Shire--I think that some of them would have been much like Tom Appledore.
harrowcat · 31 December 2007 · Chapter 19: Good King Elessar: Part 3, Through the Rude Wind's Wild Lament
I love this link between the quest and this snowstorm. Also, Srtider berating himself being rusty! However, snowstorms can be very unpredictable.
Author's reply
It seemed to me that after the Quest, any snowstorm--at least for the Travellers and their families--was going to be compared to Caradhras!! And Strider would be feeling rather rueful--years spent in the South may have blunted his weather-sense a bit, and he would feel badly about getting young Frodo-lad out in such a storm.
Linda Hoyland · 30 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
A very moving chapter. I'm sure there are many around like Tom to this day.I'm glad Aragorn and FRodo found him. I'm loving this story.
Author's reply
You are right--I'm sure Tom was not the only decent Man tricked into working for the Ruffians.
Grumpy · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
Loving your story of Elassar taking Frodo-lad out for a walk in the woods, to do a good deed. Winter you never can tell what it is going to do.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you are enjoying this story! Weather can be so unpredictable--even nowadays the weather-casters are often wrong!
PIppinfan1988 · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
That was so sad! Looks like poor old Tom is having a difficult time forgiving himself. His story sounds like something I've heard/read before...like Falco's story? All the same, wonderfully done! Waiting for more... Happy New Year to you!
Author's reply
You are only the second person (the other was on LJ) to spot Folco's story in this, or at least only the second to mention it. Yes, it was the incident with Folco that served as a catalyst for poor Tom to try and leave the Ruffians! But of course, he would not have known who it was. And Happy New Yaar to you, dear!!
PIppinfan1988 · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 19: Good King Elessar: Part 3, Through the Rude Wind's Wild Lament
Well, hello! Here I am, minus the tea and biscuits, but bright-eyed and bushy-tailed after a three-hour kip. :-) I am so enjoying this lovely tale; it's so warm and inviting. I think I've used that to describe this story before, but it's so true. LOL, reading about the cold part made me feel as if *I* was travelling up Caradhras! Now...to see if the king and page are welcome visitors...
Author's reply
Hello! I'm glad you find it warm and inviting in spite of the shivery cold I describe, LOL!
Andrea · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
"Indeed," said the King. "I think it time your self-imposed exile comes to an end. You have suffered far more than a poor choice made in your youth would warrant." Well spoken, Aragorn! I think the hardest part for this man must have been when he came to Bree and found out that his mother had died. Now, who's at the door? Maybe some rangers?
Author's reply
I'm sure it was horrible to realize what had happened in his absence, to find his mother dead and his cousin murdered. (Rowlie Appledore was canon.) Well, now you see who it is!
Larner · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
Well, we know now, don't we? And am glad he is ashamed of what he fell into in accepting the coin of Saruman and Lotho. Now, who's at the door NOW? Hunting Hobbits? Bergil? We will find out soon? Heh!
Author's reply
I'm sure that there were some other decent Men who were tricked in the same way into thinking they were going to earn honest money--it would have been very hard to get out of it, once one was in! Now you know! *grin*
Neilia · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
This is getting to be a long and intriging tale. Can't hardly wait until the next Part.
Author's reply
The next part is here now! I'm glad you are enjoying it!
Baggins Babe · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
Oh the poor man! He has carried his guilt for so long and I hope he can be persuaded to let it go. I'm sure good old strider will help. Frodo-lad was so sweet and sympathetic - he is his father's son alright. I'm fascinated to see where this goes.
Author's reply
Yes, I think that "good old Strider" will be of a good deal of help to the poor fellow. It's very hard to feel guilty for something for all those years. I do like to think of young Frodo Gamgee as much like his father. This is the first time I've written him as older than an infant, so it has been a bit of a revelation to me as well.
Kitty · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 20: Good King Elessar, Part 4: Yonder Peasant, Who is He?
Glad they arrived savely and were received so well. From your description, it is sadly obvious how much the poor man needed the firewood and the food. Tom's story is a sad one. But I can't hold him overly responsible for his days among the ruffians; he was deceived to join them in the first place and was as upset as any hobbit about what the ruffians did. When he'd have tried to resist openly, I suppose he would have been killed himself, or at least beaten up badly. So he did the only thing he could - to keep back and vanish as soon as possible. And to lose mother and home and live alone and in *these* circumstances for over twenty years is punishment enough, I'd say. He was never truly bad, after all, and rued bitterly what he did. May I hope Aragorn is taking him to Annúminas and giving him a job there? And who's this new visitor? Bergil? Another Ranger? Or whoever may that be?
Author's reply
You are right about poor Tom. Once he'd been sucked into the goings on in the Shire, it would have been dangerous for him to try and stand against it, one alone, as he would have been. And I hope the latest chapter answers your questions, LOL!
Kitty · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 19: Good King Elessar: Part 3, Through the Rude Wind's Wild Lament
Aragorn seems to have made a mistake with this little outing, getting caught in the snow storm. Well, Rangers are not infallible, even when they are King now! Glad he at least found the straight way to this shed; poor Frodo-Lad is not used to be out in this weather, I fear. And the lad has to make two steps where Aragorn makes one, I think - rather tiring after a while.
Author's reply
Poor Aragorn! He is a bit rusty, isn't he? (And also, the evol author needed them to get caught in the snow storm, LOL!) I'm sure poor young Frodo was very tired by the time they arrived!
Neilia · 27 December 2007 · Chapter 19: Good King Elessar: Part 3, Through the Rude Wind's Wild Lament
I am looking forward to the next part! TeeHee! I hope that they don't get a really cranky reception from the recluse...they can be really cantankerous!
Author's reply
Well, a little cantankerous to start--but not once he knew what they were bringing!