H'mm. Good. The harder Merimac has to work for his happiness, the more he'll value it! I suspect the ease with which most things come to him is a part of why he's so ... casual ... in the first place.
But it's good to see they have come to an understanding! And it was very sweet to see Frodo offer to keep him company until Adamanta came - although he didn't quite make it.
Author's reply
I think he will greatly value Adamanta not only because she made it hard for him but also because she allowed him to ... well, come to terms with himself in a way. I don't know how long he would have waited with thinking about the future if she hadn't made him do so.
Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 2 May 2007
· Chapter 5: Yule
Oh, how wonderful! Although waiting until so very late was driving him totally mad with indecision and insecurity, the timing proved perfect in the end.
So lovely and right a tale for the two of them!
Author's reply
I think it didn't do Merimac any harm to be kept waiting a little. It helped him make his mind up better than anything else could have.
Thanks a lot!
Dreamflower
· 2 May 2007
· Chapter 5: Yule
This was such a sweet, adorable, and very hobbity romance! You really pulled it off beautifully!
Congratulations, to you--and to Merimac and Adamanta!
Author's reply
Thanks a lot, dear! It was both joy and challenge to get the story written - and I'm very glad it worked.
Andrea
· 1 May 2007
· Chapter 5: Yule
Awww!!! Lovely ending!
And even Frodo was there to help his cousin pass the time.
Both, Frodo and Mac's father noticed the ribbon he wore on his wrist. And both gave the same comment: But that's for girls!
Well, Frodo does not yet know what it means to be in love and maybe Rory has forgotten about it?
In fact it was that very ribbon that changed Mac's life completely!
"Violet was right. You really are an oaf."
ROTFL!!! It's really refreshing to see Merimac *that* helpless ;-)
Thank you, Lily, for this nice little story!
Author's reply
maybe Rory has forgotten about it?
No, Rory is annoyed because Saradoc spends his Yule in Whitwell rather than with his family. Also, I doubt Merimac told anyone about the ribbon's meaning except, perhaps, Menegilda.
*grins*
Merimac is quite cute when he's smitten, isn't he? I have some plans for his first meeting with his family-in-law. Wait and see how helpless he will be then - if I ever get to write it and the muse doesn't go other ways than I have planned.
Indeed, in the end it was the ribbon that changed Merimac's life and it was very clever of Adamanta to give it to him. I wonder, would he have thought so much about her had the ribbon not constantly reminded him of her? I fear, that's a question I will never be able to answer.
Thanks a lot for reading. It was a joy to have a glimpse at the beginning of their relationship and to try out romance a little :)
SlightlyTookish
· 1 May 2007
· Chapter 5: Yule
Awww, what a sweet ending! I really liked Frodo here, offering to find more information for Merimac - and for a price, of course. *grin* A very adorable story :)
Author's reply
*grins*
Yes, Frodo knows what he wants and sees a chance when it's offered to him :)
I'm glad you liked the story, dear, even without Pippin :)
Bodkin
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 4: The Present
It's a hard one to call, isn't it? If she gives in too quickly, she risks just becoming one of his many conquests, but, if she insists on setting too many demands, he might just decide that the game is not worth the candle ...
The future makes it evident that he cared enough to accept the traditional challenges on the way to true love - but I'll bet Adamanta didn't have any confidence in that at this point!
Author's reply
Yes, poor Adamanta is somehow caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. However, I think Merimac's stuttering somehow betrayed his true feelings, and even if Mantha is be doubtful at the moment she has at least this small hope to cling to.
Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 4: The Present
She is making him responsible, and I'm certain he'll prove himself worthy of it!
Author's reply
I think it was very clever of her to make him responsible. This will have him think.
Andrea
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 4: The Present
Those two were meant to be together, that's obvious!
However, both of them are not entirely certain. I'd say that Merimac is even more "confused" than Adamanta. But that is no wonder after drinking far too much Brandy. And it was quite comical to see him struggling with words - must have been quite a new experience for him ;-)
So, now he has time to think it over, until Yule.
I'm looking forward to reading more!
P.S.: I just checked your "Merimac Table" and found out that this chapter refers to "presents"! "Drink" would also have been possible, wouldn't it? Brandy, you know...
Author's reply
And it was quite comical to see him struggling with words - must have been quite a new experience for him ;-)
*LOL*
I daresay it was! :)
And it will have him thinking... until Yule.
As for the table - well, there are a handful of stories that fit perfectly to certain prompts which is also partly the reason why other stories featuring Merimac didn't get any prompt at all. I already have an idea for the "drink" story but it isn't 'ripe' yet.
SlightlyTookish
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 4: The Present
Yay, an update! Mac and Adamanta are so adorable. I do hope that Violent comes around and that there is no lasting rift between the cousins. I'm looking forward to the next chapter :)
Author's reply
Violet will calm down eventually - if not by herself then her mother will see to it.
I'm glad you're enjoying this. I am getting fonder and fonder of the two of them. I think I will have to write a bunch of courting ficlets :)
Larner
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
Oh, how wonderful to see Mac grow up, and apparently Sally is growing up as well. This is a lovely story, Lily.
Author's reply
Adamanta has cause some change but Sally is definitely quicker in growing up than Merimac :)
Thanks.
Dana
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
I saw in the comments on this chapter, that ST is trying to enable you into writing the history of another OC! Not that I'd mind it, of course. I like Sally here (poor Sally!), but I also like your Merimac, very much. Actually, now that I've had time to sit and read through the chapters of this properly, I've liked what I've read!
Author's reply
Well, I never intended to expand Sally but who knows. She might appear at the edge of another story again. :) I never intended to give more thought to Violet either when she had her first "named" appearance in Looking After and then it turned out that Adamanta was her cousin :)
I'm very happy you like what you've read so far :)
Bodkin
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
Poor Sally! But Merimac has definitely got the scent - and he's on the hunt. He's a bit dim, though, if he thinks that asking the advice of other girls on what to give Adamanta is likely to win him friends. Still - his mother will be pleased to find that he is keen to settle down!
Author's reply
Well, he was desperate, otherwise he would never have asked poor Sally for advice. He told his brother before that he wasn't that stupid. But, yes, he definitely is on the hunt and Sally is the only one to know that for sure.
Thanks for reading.
Cuthalion
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
Now I've - finally! - found the time to read this chapter by chapter, and I like it very much! The characters are well fleshed, the feelings believable, and I like your Merimac quite a lot. This enfolds to be a very enjoyable love story with a beautiful atmosphere!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
The characters are well fleshed, the feelings believable, and I like your Merimac quite a lot.
I'm honoured to hear these words from you, inventor of my favourite OC. I'm growing increasingly fond of my own and I'm happy that you think them well-developped.
Thanks a lot, dear!
Dreamflower
· 6 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
I really like the three different takes on this from the three different perspectives. His brother suspects *this* lass is different. Menegilda *hopes* it might be different, but doesn't really trust him. And Sally is quite *sure* that it is different.
Yet even though they all had a different take on things, their advice was startlingly similar, and simple.
Now Merimac has to figure out just what it is he *really* wants.
Author's reply
Menegilda knows her son too well to trust what usually is a passing affection. Yet she would support him if he were serious, but, as you say, Merimac still needs to find out whether he is or not.
Thanks for reading!
Andrea
· 6 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
"You're going to marry Esme in spring!"
Saradoc stopped chewing and furrowed his brow. "I am, but that doesn't bother you, I hope." His face turned stern. "Esme's mine, Mac."
Oh dear! Sara isn't joking, is he? That tells a lot about Mac's previous affairs!
But this time it's different! Sara, Menegilda and poor Sally Bunce, all three of them have realised that Mac has fallen in love - earnestly.
"But what should I get her?" Merimac asked hopefully.
She shrugged, not revealing how much his anticipation pained her. "It's something from your heart, not mine."
I like Sally's reply! And I'm really curious now what it is that Mac will get her. It seems he has already an idea.
Author's reply
No, Saradoc isn't joking. A hobbit had to have a close eye on his girl when Merimac was "on the hunt" :p
He does, indeed, already have an idea :)
Thanks for reading!
SlightlyTookish
· 6 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Advice
Oh, poor Sally Bunce! Now I want to know more about her. You should write something about her history...and her future. I want to see her happy!
Great chapter, dear :)
Author's reply
No, you'll not have me write tons about another OC :) Maybe I will mention her future and past happiness (?) in another story or so :)
Glad you liked it.
Bodkin
· 27 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Checkmark on the List
Well - I think Adamanta is already more than interested in the charming Merimac! But I hope she manages to hold herself aloof - because he does seem to be one who enjoys the chase, and he needs to chase her long enough and hard enough to focus on who and what she is. Quick surrender = quickly forgotten, I fear. And she is right - he does need someone who loves him for being Merimac rather than just the Master's son. But maybe he doesn't know that yet!
Author's reply
Adamanta is hard put to hold herself aloof but she is not foolish enough to let herself be charmed entirely knowing that Merimac would probably have quickly forgotten about her if she did.
Thanks for reading!
Andrea
· 26 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Checkmark on the List
Well, to answer your question, I found it in your Live Journal. And since it's only two days before Elijah's birthday, I remembered it :)
I have always loved Frodo, but if this story proceeds like it began, good old Frodo should be aware that he has
a new rival ;-)
Merimac is great!
Author's reply
My LJ? Do you have an account for if you had you should friend me. I post a lot more than is public - not all is important though :)
*grins*
Yes, Merimac is definitely a rival for Frodo. I love to write him as much as I love writing Frodo - though Frodo will always be my number 1. I know him inside out (though he still manages to surprise me) while Merimac... well, as Adamanta put it: he is mysterious in a way :)
Andrea
· 26 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Checkmark on the List
"Why do you insult me every time we meet?" Merimac asked
LOL!!! A very good question, but the answer is easy: she fell in love with him, or in German: "Was sich liebt, das neckt sich!"
Well, actually, Merimac is just the type of man (or hobbit) that I would like myself ;-)
I'm looking forward to reading about Mantha's "test"!
I wish you a very happy birthday, even if it's nearly over now :)
(Thank you for this hobbity present!)
Author's reply
Well, actually, Merimac is just the type of man (or hobbit) that I would like myself ;-)
Somehow... erm... yes :D *loves him lots*
Thank you! How did you know it was my birthday today?
SlightlyTookish
· 26 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Checkmark on the List
Another delightful chapter! Both Merimac and Adamanta are very endearing and strong-willed. A good match :D
Author's reply
Strong-willed indeed! And too proud to admit that they are in love - which will still be a wee problem for them :)
Thanks for reading. I'm really happy you're enjoying this - even without Pippin.
Larner
· 26 January 2007
· Chapter 2: Checkmark on the List
It's as well she's expecting him to prove himself--is raising his interest and showing she has some depth to her.
Author's reply
Definitely! Apart from reassuring her that she will not be dropped as soon as he got whatever he wants.
Thanks for reading.
Bodkin
· 31 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Encounter
Make it hard for him, girl!
Author's reply
She will certainly keep him on tenterhooks :)
Andrea
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Encounter
Great start, Lily! I'd say that Mac will not have an easy time with that special lass. But that makes her even more attractive.
And I just loved it that Frodo got that kiss :) Serves Mac right!
Author's reply
Indeed, if not for her being a challenge Mac might lose interest in her very quickly.... like he did with Violet. Remember her? She was mentioned in "Looking After", the lass he charmed with the help of little Frodo... until Primula found out, of course :)
*grins*
Yes, our Frodo is charmer.
Dreamflower
· 29 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Encounter
*grin* A *very* promising beginning!!
Author's reply
I know at least one (male) hobbit who is not of your oppinion :)
But then, there wouldn't be any fun in it if she were easy to charm.
Thanks for reading.
Larner
· 28 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Encounter
Lovely meeting between the two of them. And it looks as if this conquest will be a somewhat difficult one for Merimac, but I think he will find it well worth it. And it does indeed sound as if she's examining him very closely. Noting the hair at the top of his trousers, is she? Hmm! Heh!
I'd written the troubles lists being burned in the Yule bonfire in The King's Commission. I'd read of such things as a teenager, I think, in some book of historical fiction I'd read. The fire drill and teams and lighting the new hearth fires from the Yule bonfire I took from the Beltane fire in Rosemary Sutcliff's Warrior Scarlet, but I can't tell what story I took the troubles lists from. To see the same idea in your story was wonderful, as it is obviously a practice with which you are familiar.
I hope one day to again be able to travel to Europe. Maybe one day the chance will come.
Author's reply
*grins*
Yes, she does examine him closely. She has to make her own image after hearing so much talk about him. A very clear image :)
That's interesting. I haven't read about the troubles list in any other fanfiction but it's nice to see that you had the same idea. So there must be some real background about it.