Wonderful epilogue, Dreamflower!
I don't think the "Eucatastrophe Universe" has come to an end, though! And I hope to read more about it in the future.
Rosie is clever indeed! I don't know if she already felt that she was with child, but she certainly remembered that Frodo had said the next child would be a lad, Frodo-lad, to be precise!
And he will be right!
I remember a time nearly three years ago when a good friend of mine came for a visit and excused herself rather quickly to go to the bathroom. That was when my suspicion started ;-) And I was right! Her little daughter is now two years old and a real sunshine :)
Author's reply
No, it hasn't come to an end at all. In fact, I *am* working on something else with it already, but *that* one is going to need a *lot* of preparation before it is posted anywhere.
No, she didn't know herself yet. But she remembered that Frodo had known about Elanor, and she remembered what he'd said about a lad.
That's a cute story--I'm sure that kind of thing happens a lot between friends who know one another well--being able to guess, I mean.
Kitty
· 16 August 2007
· Chapter 999: Epilogue
Ah, no waiting for the next challenge this time! *beams*
Loved it! Rose is an intelligent lass, guessing correctly only from the smiles that she's carrying another child and even the gender.
Only a pity this was the last chapter. I truly enjoyed this tale, and watching a happy, healed Frodo at Merry's wedding and hope you'll feel tempted to write more of this AU from time to time.
Author's reply
No, no more waiting. This particular "Eucatastrophe" story is ended, and the next challenge will be something else entirely.
Well, Rose remembers when she had Elanor, and the looks Frodo had given her then, so she has some experience of that *particular* smile--especially when he's trying to keep her from noticing it. And I'm sure she watched his face carefully, to see how he responded when she said "brother or sister", LOL! Rosie's a very clever lass!
I will definitely return here from time to time--I have another one in the planning and development stage right now, but it will be a long time before *that* one is ready to post!!
Kitty
· 15 August 2007
· Chapter 14: Part 14
The big day – finally! :-)
It was simly a lovely chapter, all of it. Frodo and Pippin helping Merry with dressing and Frodo teasing him about his buttons, the ceremony itself, Rosie finding the silver penny (of course, this was why Sam had to stay at home!), Pippin singing, Gandalf’s firework ...
And I am sure Merry didn’t hear even *one* word at the end when Frodo explained their plans – much too occupied *grin*
“I am so very happy to be here for this day, Merry.” I know I said it before, but – me, too! *happy sigh*
Author's reply
*very big grin* I'm so glad you enjoyed the preliminaries, and the ceremony itself. I've used that ceremony before so many times, that I always hope my readers won't get bored with it--but I like it, so I always include it! And you remembered the significance of the silver penny too,LOL! I wondered if anyone would!
And of course, Pippin had to sing, and how could Gandalf be at a hobbit celebration and not have fireworks!
I'm guessing you are probably right--*giggle*
I'm happy that you're happy!
Larner
· 14 August 2007
· Chapter 14: Part 14
Ah, what a marvelous wedding to enjoy, complete with Gandalf's fireworks! Hooray!
And just what is going on below that tarp, hmmm? No, perhaps best not for US to know.... Hee!
Author's reply
Well, I'm quite sure Gandalf would take any chance to show off his fireworks! One of the movie-verse moments I love is the little bit where Gandalf goes to fetch more fireworks from his waggon, and gives that delighted little chuckle.
Perhaps best, yes...*snicker*
Andrea
· 14 August 2007
· Chapter 14: Part 14
Wow! What a beautiful wedding document, Dreamflower! I admire your talent!
Not only for Merry and Estella, but also for Frodo this must have been the happiest day in his life!
“Well, Frodo, you appear to be having a wonderful time! Are you glad you came back?”
He looked up at the Wizard. “Of course I am! I could not imagine missing this day! Elvenhome was lovely--but my family is *here*.”
Right he is and I'm happy with him!
And thank you for putting in "sprout" again, this time with Merry not protesting. I love that nickname :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I had so much fun making that!
Yes, it certainly was among the top days of his life, I'm sure. He's always looked forward to seeing his cousin wed.
Of all the days, on this day, Frodo could get away with that. I'm sure Merry was glad to remember his "sprout" days!
I've always thought that Merry was Frodo's little sprout of hope, bringing his heart to life again after he'd lost his parents.
Kitty
· 13 August 2007
· Chapter 13: Part 13
You found a nice way to have all of them working together to distract Merry from his nervousness.
Oh, I hadn’t thought of it before, but in this universe, with the Troubles not being what they were in Canon, Folco hadn’t to be killed! I am truly glad to see him here and to know Freddy has not to mourn so much for his beloved friend. And of course, I am pleased Frodo was there to take care of having Pippin as a witness, too.
The clock was quite an impressive wedding gift for Merry and Estella! I can imagine Merry’s face *grin*
The tablecloth sounds pretty impressive. You know, I believe if it was mine, I’d never dare to have it on the table while eating, out of fear to spoil it!
Author's reply
Yes, I decided that without all the extra Men that Saruman sent into the Shire, Lotho would not have been quite so daring in his actions, so that the episode with Folco didn't happen.
Pippin just *had* to be a witness, too, even if he *did* have to have his father attest his signature!
Well, as much as hobbits care about food, I don't think they'd be as hesitant to use it for what it was meant for. But I'm sure it was saved for special occasions, and not everyday family meals!
Hai Took
· 13 August 2007
· Chapter 9: Part 9
I just love to see the hobbits with Gandalf! That is always great interaction! I especially like Gandalf and Pippin's relationship and that you described it as an old game: Gandalf being stern while Pippin questions him is a perfect description. This little bit makes reference to something you wrote more recently "Why, I shall be of age, and I can certainly eat as much of my own birthday cake as I wish, with no one to gainsay me!”"
It was also quite nice that Gildor was to be found in Rivendell! And to learn that he had met Bilbo so long ago, was an excellent story!
I was glad you included Merry speaking to Glorfindel about the prophesy. That was quite a feat afterall and that Glorfindel should meet the very hobbit of who he prophesied, I did like Pippin's assessment on the Witch-King being a fool, very amusing.
It is great to see Legolas and Gimli here as well! I'm very excited to see them all together again, of course we are still missing a few of the Fellowship but this will still be nice :) Thank you for the fun and I look forward to catching up more.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so glad you are still enjoying the story! I've had a lot of fun with it so far!!
Well, GW took that and made a story from it--perhaps that's what you remember. She said it was inspired by that remark.
As soon as I saw the quotation, I thought of Bilbo! It made so much sense to me that Elves might have used that blessing for him.
And I've been wanting to have Merry and Glorfindel talk about that prophesy for a long time!
SurgicalSteel
· 12 August 2007
· Chapter 13: Part 13
EEEEeeeee, wedding planning! Oh, and the gifts were just lovely, just lovely!
I liked this. A lot. :)
Author's reply
*grin* So glad to give you a squee! Weddings *are* fun to plan, aren't they? Especially when you don't *actually* have to do any of the work involved, LOL!
Antane
· 12 August 2007
· Chapter 13: Part 13
This is going to be some wedding! Gandalf and everyone. Too bad the King and Queen couldn't come themselves but at least they'll have a witness. And it's adorable that Pippin's signature will be on the wedding documents. :) Frodo's being a good best hobbit also but what would you expect?
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Gandalf and almost everyone!
While it *is* AU, I thought it would be a little *too* AU for Arwen and Aragorn to make the journey north quite so soon!
I couldn't *not* have Pippin sign it--and he got to sign Sam's after all, once Merry found the loophole!
Frodo's been looking forward to standing with Merry at his wedding for years. He's going to make the most of it!
PIppinfan1988
· 12 August 2007
· Chapter 13: Part 13
Wow!!! We get to see Gandalf, too! LOL, I'm getting as nervous as Merry with all this excitement. I'm *really* looking forward to the wedding! :-)
Author's reply
Well, of course! He couldn't still be in Middle-earth and not make the weddings of his friends, after all!
Larner
· 12 August 2007
· Chapter 13: Part 13
Hooray! Sam's ommon sense, these marvelous gifts, and Gandalf arriving! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Yay! I'm glad you are enjoying it!
Antane
· 11 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
I love seeing Frodo happy! Yes, he should have known better than to ask an Elf for advice. :) But I think the gilt will look nice too and I envy Legolas being there to watch it all. Wish I could have been there myself. And it's interesting that he knows Rosie is pregnant again. Cute that he had trouble surrendering Elanor and even cuter that Gimli wanted to hold her. Ah, love!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Hai Took
· 10 August 2007
· Chapter 5: Part 5
I like Mellor and Eradan! Such good men Elessar keeps in store these days ;) I really like the way you described Frodo protecting Merry and Pippin and Sam from the Ring's pull and I had never thought about that before and here you make it sound so natural and very fitting.
I liked that you wrote Merry as the strategist still! He is a wonder and always has had a plan. I like how you are writing their relationship all around. To have Frodo and a happy and untouched by Shadow has been a really treat! I hope to get back to more later! Thank you for such a grand story!
Author's reply
Yes, Mellor and Eradan made their first appearance in "A New Reckoning", and then again in "An Unexpected Guest". Trust Elessar to have the best!
It has always seemed to me that Frodo would have needed *something* to anchor him, and give him a reason to fight the pull of the Morgul-knife, and protecting his loved ones from the Ring seemed like exactly the sort of motivation he would need.
Merry's always had a plan, LOL! From the first time he saw Bilbo with the Ring to the Battle of Bywater, he had a plan!
I'm so glad you are enjoying this AU!
Bodkin
· 10 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
Matters are going very well! I only hope it continues, for Rosamunda will not be impressed if some disaster comes between her and the wedding of the century.
I agree with Legolas that watching an expert at work is fascinating.
Author's reply
By all means we must keep Rosamunda placated! LOL!
I was of two minds about having him watch, but it just seemed to me like something he'd enjoy, on two levels--seeing his friend healed and able to enjoy such an activity once more, and then the interest in watching how he did it. I'm sure that he found mortal art very interesting and *different* from Elven. And I decided that in at least one respect, Frodo was like me, in not minding someone watch him work--as long as they are quiet, it never bothers me.
Kitty
· 10 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
Well, I should probably feel sorry for Merry, but still, the nightmare was rather funny. But what can one expect, particularly with Rosamunda as mother of the bride?
I’m sure Frodo made the contract a piece of art – or maybe I should say you made it, as I’ve seen your pictures at the Challenge site. It was truly beautiful done! I would never be able to do anything like that.
Need I to tell you how much I enjoy it to know Frodo was there and able to write the contract at all? There’s something to say for happy AU’s! Though I suspect he needs a guard on the clock, to keep it safe from Pippin *grin*
Can’t wait for the wedding!
Author's reply
It was rather funny, wasn't it? But that's just the sort of embarrassing dream that I think would follow such circumstances, LOL!
Yes, I will be putting a link here, at the end as well. I have to say, I sort of think Frodo would have done a better job than I did, actually. And you might be surprised--if you learn the techniques of *how* to do something, you can learn to come up with some pretty nice results! At least, that's what I have always insisted to my own calligraphy students!
I too am pleased to give Frodo this chance. For the completion of his overarching theme of sacrifice, JRRT had to let Frodo lose at least his life in the Shire. But we don't--we can just concentrate on making the hobbits happy! *grin*
The wedding will be coming very soon!
Larner
· 10 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
So perfect! And love the reminder of everything poor Pippin has managed to take apart over the years, and especially the mantel clock! You know that has meaning for me! Heh!
Author's reply
*grin* Yes, indeed! Poor Pip--he'll never live some of that down as long as there are older cousins to remind him, LOL!
PIppinfan1988
· 9 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
Now you've got my curiosity piqued with Frodo's gift! I saw the art photos of Merry and Estella's marriage certificate on the challenge site although I didn't get a close look. It seened awesome...since I'm reading the tale here, I'll go check it the knotwork and such. :-)
I am so loving this; I always enjoy the chit-chat between the cousins and other seemingly mundane things at Crickhollow. Your brilliant talent as a writer. :-)
Author's reply
I'm glad the curiousity is piqued! That was the whole idea--I decided to be as sneaky as Bilbo with it! I hope you like the document--I had loads of fun mking it!
*blushes* Thank you; I always think of Crickhollow as a haveen of cozy hobbity domesticity!
Baggins Babe
· 9 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
I wanted to review earlier but my dial-up connection kept burping on me. Technology!
The description of Frodo's artwork sounds absolutely incredible - how lovely that he managed to get in Rohan, Buckland and the Shire, and even better was that Legolas watched.
Poor Merry - dreaming about getting married in his flimsies! *snert*
Author's reply
Technology gets the blame a lot--I'm sure it's actually gremlins who are responsible for that sort of thing, LOL!
It seems to me that Legolas *would* enjoy watching. I think that he has become fascinated with his mortal friends, and he'd like seeing them put their talents to work. (And at the end of the story there will be a link, so you can see just what the Marriage Lines look like!)
That's just the kind of embarrassing dream that fear of a public spectacle will bring on, LOL!
Andrea
· 9 August 2007
· Chapter 12: Part 12
Everything is working perfectly! I like the Eucatastrophe Universe!
No bad dreams about the quest for Merry, but instead embarassing dreams about his future mother-in-law. That's just great :)
I liked your description of how Frodo illuminated the wedding document. I've never seen how it is done, but I've always admired the results!
And of course I'm really curious to know what exactly Bilbo's and Frodo's wedding gift is! It can easily break, it seems.
Author's reply
I like that universe too!
I thought perhaps the more immediate and imminent threat would be enough to drive off old memories, at least for now!
I enjoy illuminating documents. I did go at first into much more detail, but opted to tone it down some. Gilding is a fun process, and it's amazing how much richness it adds to a border!
You'll see the gift in the upcoming chapter!
PIppinfan1988
· 8 August 2007
· Chapter 11: Part 11
One cat at Bag End is enough!” Frodo sighed,
What sage advice from Frodo! I know this first-hand, lol.
I always enjoy how at ease Frodo is with his life in the Shire and with his beloved cousins. His joy is infectious! And there are never enough Frodo and Pippin scenes. Absolutely enjoyed this chapter!
It's been a long day for me, but rest assured I'll be back for more. :-)
Author's reply
Yes, indeed! Wise Frodo!
Frodo has more joy now than he's had in years--no Ring, and all his unresolved sorrows and doubts healed by Elrond and Vilya, and by Gandalf and the voyage to the West and back. He's able to relax and enjoy his cousins and Sam and his life in the Shire.
I do love showing Frodo and Pippin together.
(((hugs)))get some rest, dear!
Larner
· 8 August 2007
· Chapter 11: Part 11
Ah, the joy of seeing someone you love so starting a joyful marriage! Frodo must be thrilled indeed not to have to miss this. One of many joys the Ring stole from him.
Author's reply
This Frodo will never know nor consider that he would ever be missing the great moments of his loved ones' lives. While sorely wounded and scoured by the Ring, he never recieved that last final blow, delivered on the doorstep of Bag End, just as surely as if Sharkey's knife had found its mark, only slower. With Vilya still at full strength, his voyage with Bilbo, Gandalf and Elrond helped him to overcome and to heal from the Ring's evil.
He still has his memories, but they are not the all-consuming things he once suffered from; he still feels a little bit under the weather on his anniversary dates, but instead of getting worse each time, it gets better. And he *knows* it will get better. And most of all, he does not feel the overwhelming guilt that took its toll in canon.
Kitty
· 7 August 2007
· Chapter 11: Part 11
Frodo’s timing was impeccable – they’re back just in time. Oh, I can see why Estella is so glad, not only because they have to sit for the gifts and she's missing Merry, but after the argument about Sam earlier, and all her mother is putting her through, too.
Very sensible to play the encounter with the ruffians down – I’m not sure some of the others could cope with that just now; they have enough stress already with the wedding.
You know, hosting all these guests for the wedding at the Hall seems to be a logistic nightmare! The meals are probably to manage, but to have all of them there over night ... when I were in Esme's place, I’d probably have a nervous breakdown ;-(
Loved the way you smuggled the kittens in. No doubt, Legolas and Gimli will have to take at least one or two with them!
Author's reply
Yes, he's brought Merry back just in time--for if he were to miss the gift-sitting ritual, I think his betrothed, his future mother-in-law and his own mother would have been well, peeved. LOL!
I'm sure that Frodo and the others would rather not worry the guests. However, I'm also quite sure that Saradoc (and probably Paladin) received the full story behind closed doors.
Esme's been Mistress of the Hall for a long time, and she has Eglantine's help--and don't discount Rosamunda, who, when she is not being overbearing, is also quite capable.
*grin* I do suspect you may be right about the kittens, LOL!
elanor winterflowers
· 7 August 2007
· Chapter 11: Part 11
A lovely, warm chapter full of homely hobbit virtues and rituals--and kittens, too! I enjoyed this very much, and look forward to seeing Crickhollow transformed into a honeymoon cottage, where the purple teapot will no doubt please Pippin!
You are so adept at making the Shire feel like Home!
Author's reply
Thank you. I've always, for some reason, thought of Crickhollow as even more of a haven than Bag End, and I love to show scenes of cozy domesticity there. You know, Pip probably *will* like the purple teapot, come to think of it!
I'm so glad you find my Shire home-like. I've always felt at home there myself, and so this reaction makes me very happy!
Hai Took
· 19 July 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Lovely! A good little trip for them to enjoy healed and whole! I like that Estella was so nice to Merry about him going, of course she would have to be understanding if she was marrying Merry! I'm glad Gandalf has come back as well, it will be good for him to be back in Middle-Earth, even if he is only on holiday ;) Well I suppose it would be too much to think they will have a peaceful trip but I will have to leave off for now. Enjoying this immensely!
Author's reply
Yes, a nice chance for them to see how well Frodo's doing.
Estella has several reasons for agreeing: first of all, she really is worried that Rosamunda and Merry might have a blow-up; second, she thinks Merry would fret if Frodo and Pippin went without him; third, she knows it will benefit Merry to observe Frodo's healing for himself.
And, well, I just thought Gandalf should have a chance to enjoy the fruits of his long labor to rid M-e of Sauron. He worked hard, he deserves a vacation!
Baggins Babe
· 14 July 2007
· Chapter 10: Part 10
How wonderful to see Miss Dora's book mentioned! Rosamunda is the sort of nightmare mother of the bride who would cause the happy couple to elope. I was so pleased to see Eglantine put her foot down. Poor Estella - I'm sure she was very relieved to see Merry at last.
I hope we see a full description of the wedding? Oh I do love the Eucatastrophe universe!
Author's reply
Yes, Rosamunda has become completely carried away by her idea of a "perfect wedding"; but Eglantine is the highest ranking female in the Took family, and she knows just how to deal with Rosamunda.
Estella is just happy to see her Merry again!
*grin* With the elements I have for August's Challenge, I think I can just about guarantee you a wedding!
(And I love it too!)