Eucatastrophe: The Return by Dreamflower
shirebound · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Part 10
Oh, I love the debate about how 'foreign dignitaries' might fit into Aunt Dora's Rules. This was just delightful.
Author's reply
Thanks! It's a shame Aunt Dora was not still around. She'd have put an end to Rosamunda's excesses much sooner! I'm glad you like it. I am *so* looking forward to writing Merry/Estella's AU wedding, with Frodo at Merry's side...
Andrea · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Part 10
Well, in Eglantine Rosamunda found her master ;-) I don't know what would have happened if Estella had not intervened. Maybe a fight? That would have been a sight! I'm also glad that our cousins arrived when the quarrel was over! They might have become very angry - and Estella would have felt even more ashamed for her mother. But now everything's ready for a grand wedding to take place. Aunt Dora would have been Proud :) I'm looking forward to reading more.
Author's reply
I do not believe an actual physical fight would have taken place, but Eglantine might have had to come down even more harshly, basically overiding Rosamunda and shaming her, because Eglantine is the wife of the Took, and she would have had every right to put Rosamunda down sharply. Rosamunda, however, had begun to realize she was in the wrong, but did not know how to back down gracefully without losing face. Estella gave her that excuse, and Eglantine was gracious enough to immediately forgive her, and to take a bit of blame for the confrontation, (though actually she had every right to say and do what she did) but it gave Rosamunda an out, and she was able to withdraw her opposition. Yes, if Merry, Frodo and Pippin had known about it, they would have been furious. I am quite sure that Aunt Dora would have been! *grin* The wedding will be up after the first weekend in August, if the Talechallenge is not delayed...
Kitty · 10 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Part 10
To be honest, I was a bit sorry Estella intervened before Eglantine took Rosamunda completely apart ;-) It was unforgivable what Rosamunda said about Sam. She should have known better. Even without the ball, of which I am not sure if it happened in this AU at all, I am sure the others made it clear that Sam is everything but common. Now I feel tempted to whisper in Merry's and Frodo's and Pippin's ears ;-) It's about time Eglantine is there and Merry and the others, too, so *someone* is there to stop Rosamunda. She may mean well, but truly, she should let Estella have her say - it is Estella's wedding, after all, and the wedding is there for Estella to enjoy and not for Rosamunda to show off! It was very nice and honourable of Freddy to try and talk to his mother, but sadly, it was not enough. Anyway, I'm glad they returned in time and look forward to what happens now.
Author's reply
Rosamunda *should* have known better--she is not usually so tactless, even when she is being a bit snobbish. But she's been going on almost like a runaway pony with the bit between her teeth, and she got completely carried away. It took Eglantine to pull her up sharp and short. She *does* mean well, but she's always been one to think she knows best about things--even when she doesn't. And, unfortunately, while she doesn't dislike Sam and Rose, she can't get over some of the rather wrong-headed ideas about class and social standing that she's always held. (She's kind of like the Gaffer in that--I'm quite sure that the Gaffer probably muttered and grumbled himself at the idea of Sam and Rose being invited to a gentlehobbit's wedding...but he knows better than to complain out loud about it anymore.) (Actually, I need to examine why she has these attitudes...she did grow up in the Great Smials while Lalia was still the queen bee...I'm sure that may have had much to do with it...) (And yes, they did have the ball in this AU. I try to change as little as possible in the small things, while keeping the emphasis on the major change of Frodo's healing, and the fact that the Elves do not have to stay in the West.)
elanor winterflowers · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Part 10
Oh, my! Rosemunda could not have been paying attention all this time if she thought she could get away with dismissing Sam as a commoner--what a faux pas! I don't know about Estella, but I was really worried Merry was going to be delayed! So glad he is back and will stand Estella's back now. Oh, and I loved the plans for the bridal wreath. I'm planning one myself, and enjoyed the discussion very much! Lovely, lovely!
Author's reply
A faux pas indeed! And it isn't that she hasn't been told; but sometimes ingrained notions and ideas (especially dealing with "class") will pop out at the most inopportune times. A good deal of this *is* due to stress--as Eglantine pointed out. Well, they'd already had one delay; I didn't think another realistic, as they also had Legolas and Gimli with them now. (Gandalf will, of course, arrive on time--as he has Shadowfax!) In my Shire, the wreath for the Bride's head is considered quite as important as the bouquet in modern-day weddings is. The Bride does not carry flowers, but she wears them. They almost always include the Bride's nameflower if she has one and it's blooming, and there are colored ribbon streamers hanging down the back. The wreath is usually made up by a close friend or relative--but not her witness, who has enough duties already!
Larner · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Part 10
Oh, I'm with the Thain's Lady and the Mistress of Brandy Hall--anyone who tries to dismiss Sam as "common" deserves the most serious of comeuppances! Watch out, Rosamunda--there are a good, good many on Estella's side this time! And glad they'll be using the niphredil.
Author's reply
Poor Rosamunda has quite as many wrong-headed ideas about class distinctions as the Gaffer; she was, after all, brought up in the Great Smials while Lalia was in charge of things. But she's dreadfully off the mark here, and it's not like she hasn't been told. And now she's *really* been told, and being a good deal brighter than, say, Hyacinth, as well as not bad at heart, I think the lesson will take. I thought it would be nice for her to have some in her wreath. I thought briefly of simbelmyne, but we are told that grows *only* on the barrows of the Kings in Rohan; so niphredil seemed a good choice, especially since Legolas had given Sam some seeds as a wedding gift.
harrowcat · 9 July 2007 · Chapter 10: Part 10
I think that I would have prefered to elope to Bree too or met the Travellers there on their way back! That way the favoured 'Outlanders' could have been the witnesses! *g*
Author's reply
*grin* It would be quite tempting, wouldn't it? But think of the scandal! And I'm not sure the hobbits of Buckland would have considered such a wedding valid, after all, if they didn't know those witnesses!
Kitty · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 9: Part 9
Well, something like this *had* to happen, as Frodo’s timetable didn’t take any delays into account, though lost shoes happen all too often. And in earlier times, I believe there truly were very few who could shoe a horse without being a smith, unlike today. Ah, good old Gimli to the rescue! Of course, Legolas and Gimli had to show up for the wedding. I’m already surprised Merry didn’t drag half of Imladris with them back to the Shire *grin* It was nice to see Gimli at work, so dedicated to his job. And Frodo did another step onwards with removing his shirt – another little sign for his healing.
Author's reply
No, Frodo's own Brandybuckish-ness was coming through in his plans, and he did not want to think there could *be* any delays, LOL! I don't imagine Gimli ever had to do a lot of farrier work--probably just when he was in his apprentice-days. But I'm guessing it's not a skill one could forget! Yes, they are showing up for the wedding--and if it had not been for the need to keep to the Challenge prompts, I'd have had another chapter in Rivendell, in which we'd have discovered that Gandalf will be coming--but he has Shadowfax, so he won't need as much travel time! I wanted to show that he still has a few things to remind him of his ordeal--I don't want anyone thinking that "healed" means he forgot all about everything he went through, or that the memories are not bad ones. It would not do to cheapen the sacrifices he made on the Quest. It *does* mean, however that those memories do not have any *hold* on him any longer, and each time he can defy them, he heals a little bit more.
Lindelea · 12 June 2007 · Chapter 9: Part 9
Hurray for Gimli! I love his "fierce joy". But I am overdue for readaloud now, and "Wheel on the School" is on the agenda, and not hobbits... however, we are finding the people of Shora quite hobbity, in a Brandybuckish way. (Most of the fathers are fishermen, that is.)
Author's reply
I think that is just how he would feel about smithcraft! I'm not familiar with that particular bit of kiddie-lit! I'll have to see if I can check it out--it sounds quite fun!
Larner · 12 June 2007 · Chapter 9: Part 9
Oh, a wonderful and so appropriate a resolution! Yes, I can see this!
Author's reply
Thanks! *grin*
Queen Galadriel · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 9: Part 9
Good old Gimli! That was nicely planned! When you mention the charter, you have Marco and Blancho. I thought it was Marcho and Blanco, or am I wrong? As always the best thing about this story is just the Hobbitiness--the cheer and banter and general feeling of warmth and familial love. Hurray for Frodo for overcoming one more thing, and I think that defiance is a *good* thing! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I was a bit stuck, actually, until it occurred to me that Gimli probably knew how to shoe a pony! And you are quite right about the Fallohide brothers! I will have to go in and edit--thank you! Frodo is still going to have the occasional "issue" with what happened on the Quest--but he's going to deal with each one, one at a time as it arises, and not look back. After all, I didn't want him to come back with amnesia over his ordeal--that would just cheapen his original sacrifice. And yes, defiance is often a Good Thing!
Queen Galadriel · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
Catching up at last! Yea! :) Lovely description of the sparring match! LOL! Leave it to Pip to always see the lighter side of a grave matter! *hugs him* God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I love to show the two of them sparring! I think they would enjoy it as "sport"! And yes, Pippin is always one to see the quirky side of a matter!
PIppinfan1988 · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
I *love* Pippin's reasoning! It resembles mine when I'm not exhausted from work or lack of sleep. It's always a treat to watch all three cousins together, and even just Merry and Pippin alone. The deail is perfect! LOL, I'm going to tell you yet again, but I just love this Eucatastrophe series. Sorry for the late response; to make a long story short, for some reason I thought that I had already read this tale. I'm glad you put a link your challenge tale or I'd have missed this excellent chapter!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're still enjoying this. I'm having a great time playing in this universe! Well, that's part of the problem of running it on the Challenge site. Since the last challenge I did not "update", but wrote "The Dwarf Dagger" instead, I had to catch up with myself here, before the *next* chapter! I felt like a puppy chasing its tail!! LOL!
Antane · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
It is good that Frodo can see for himself that he has healed and his cousins can see the same thing. Too bad it couldn't truly have this way but it all happened as it was meant to be. And the Witch-king was too full of himself - he was certainly open to many ways of destruction but considered none of them I'm sure. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, of course, that's the idea of the AU. *IF* the Three had been freed by the One's destruction, instead of fading, and *IF* Saruman had not survived to come to the Shire and make things there worse, and *IF* the Valar had opened Valinor to two-way travel, *THEN* maybe Frodo could have been healed enough to remain in the Shire. That's a lot of "ifs", LOL! And truly, JRRT's ending was much more true and ultimately satisfying. Still, it's nice that we fanfic writers can simply worry about making the characters as happy as we can sometimes, without regard to the larger picture. Have you ever read "No Living Man" by Elenar? It's posted here, and is literally the first fanfic I ever read. It's quite hilarious!
Baggins Babe · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
I've always wondered why the WK didn't consider Wizards to be a danger. He really was so arrogant he thought he was invincible - and that was his downfall really. Loved the exploration. Phone line was out for over a week so I'm busy playing catch-up!
Author's reply
Yes, I could also have had Pippin mention Wizards, but I don't think that he took Gandalf so lightly. Arrogance is the hallmark of a certain sort of evil--the notion that the evil one is at the pinnacle of existence, and everyone and everything is beneath them. I don't suppose the W-k really feared anyone except Sauron himself.
elanor winterflowers · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
I very much liked the comments surrounding the sparring match here; the sense of enjoyment Merry and Pippin had in completing the "dance", evenly matched. Really well done. And this line: "Your heart is naturally that of a guardian.” That was excellent!
Author's reply
I've often thought that once the need to use their weapons to save themselves was past, that they would come to appreciate the "sport" aspect of it. I know so many SCA fighters who will take any opportunity to "fight"--and afterwards rehash each and every move. I've often thought that Merry was simply born to be a protector, and that this quality would be recognized in him by others who fulfilled that role in the larger world.
Anonymous · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
Another wonderful chapter. I loved Merry wanting to ask Glorfindel about the prophecy, and Pippin being clever enough to go and give them time to talk. Allt he dialogue is great.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! I try to keep the dialogue in character!
Larner · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
You have me giggling, and remembering a fic I think I read here in which, when Angmar declared on the battlefield, "Not by the hand of Man am I to be defeated" all these others turned his way, elves and wizard and dwarf and I think even Shadowfax, declaring that they WEREN'T Men and would have a good chance of success. A wonderful sparring and conversation, and lovely look at our three lads on this visit.
Author's reply
Yes, "No Living Man" by Elana--a humor piece that I read even before I was reading fanfic--someone linked to it on r.a.b.t/a.f.t (the Tolkien groups on usenet) and I thought it hilarious. After I had already finished and posted this, I thought of something else: Pippin could have mentioned stepped on by an oliphaunt, LOL! Really, Angmar was an idiot if he didn't realize just how open ended that prophecy could have been! I just love to have Merry and Pippin sparring with one another! They are all three having a lovely time there--but soon they'll be heading back for the wedding: Merry's got to make it to the Hall on time!
Kitty · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 8: Part 8
Very interesting – this is the first story I can remember that is elaborating the prophecy Glorfindel made so long ago. I had already wondered if he had a vision about that and how detailed his knowledge truly was. Now I know :-) And it is so understandable that Merry wanted to know how much Glorfindel knew in advance. Was glad to see Merry and Frodo both are able to talk about these dark hours and the Witch-King without becoming so distressed. Oh, and I enjoyed Merry and Pippin sparring. I am sure they would use their stay in Imladris to improve their skill, with all these experienced elven warriors around to give them more lessons. The ruffians on their way there were proof enough to know that they always could use the experience, even if Sauron was defeated.
Author's reply
Anso the Hobbit (who posts here at SoA) did a lovely three-part fic about it called "The Prophecy"; but I don't know of any others. They are really able now to have some perspective on these things--the evil is destroyed, and they are free. I thought they would take advantage of the visit to do a bit of sparring and work on their skills. They don't like the idea of being helpless in the face of such as the ruffians. And I just like the idea of them doing it--I can so see them in my head!
Antane · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 6: Part 6
Today, he looked at it defiantly, feeling as though he were daring it to intimidate him once more. It was, after all was said and done, only a place. A place where many other things had happened than his wounding. And he was here, now, and alive and free, while the one who had harmed him was gone forever, never having known freedom again. He wondered, for the first time, why Angmar had accepted a ring of Power, and if he had any idea of what a trap he had walked into when he placed it on his hand. It was sad, really, thinking of what he had come to. But in the end, the Ringwraith had been nothing more than an emptied vessel, filled with the malice of his Dark Master, and set free himself only when Merry and the Lady Éowyn had slain him. Very interesting thoughts here - the pity for his attacker and also I'm so glad he no longer has his fears. It is said the way to get over one's fear is to face them so he did. Though he too was emptied by the same one the Nazgul were, they are gone, the taunting voice is gone and he is whole and healed again and free. Yea! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, he's truly healed, and free of fear, but he retains his hard-won wisdom and compassion!
Anonymous · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 5: Part 5
It kept at him though, until one evening not long out of Bree, It suddenly stopped. Pippin thought perhaps It had simply given him up as a lost cause. And then Pippin slowly began to realize that the Ring had not left off. Not at all. Frodo was using all his own determination to shield him and Merry and Sam from Its constant blandishments. In fact, thinking back on it, Pippin believed it was that, more than anything else, that kept Frodo from succumbing to his wound at Weathertop--he would not abandon Sam, Merry or Pippin to the Ring. But as the Quest continued, that protection had come at a cost, as Frodo’s sense of self was eroded, day by day in his struggle with the Ring. It had made Pippin nearly sick to see the doubt and fear and pain and guilt in Frodo’s eyes. Sometimes, Pippin was glad to have been spared the worst of it, the way it must have been in Mordor. Poor Sam, how it must have hurt him to see Frodo like that. It's always worse to watch someone you love suffer than suffer yourself. It must have been terrible for Sam to watch Frodo fail but also I would think inspiring to watch that struggle as that dear, stubborn Baggins would do all he could to keep his beloved brothers safe as they did for him. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I've always felt that a goodly part of Frodo's stubbornness came from his utter determination to protect his cousins and Sam as much as he possibly could from the Ring's influence. And I think that their love for him gave him the strength to continue.
Antane · 29 April 2007 · Chapter 4: Part 4
Glad that Frodo has his joy back, that he can enjoy picking shapes out of clouds like an innocent lad. Pippin's remark about taking five pieces of cake was cute - I can just see him doing that too. Cute too that the daughter of Butterbur remembers Frodo's song and wants to name the inn that. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo has his joy back, and he's once more able to delight in the small things of life. My Pippin has a dreadful sweet tooth--I figured that cake imprinted itself very firmly on his memory, LOL! I think the "Cat and Fiddle" would make a great inn name.
harrowcat · 13 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Part 7
Pippin leaned back and looked at Gandalf. “Yes, but *I* want to hear more about great-great-Uncle Isengar!” Gandalf chuckled, and shook his head. “Insatiable Took! *That* is a tale for another time!” Pippin grinned. “I won’t let you forget it!” “No, I don’t much imagine that you will, Peregrin Took!” Neither will the rest of us Dreamflower! We all want to hear more!
Author's reply
You will! I'm not quite sure *when*, as a number of other tales are also clamoring for attention, but yes, you definitely *will*!
Andrea · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Part 7
“D’you know,” said Pippin thoughtfully, “what the best thing about my next birthday will be?” “What’s that, Pip?” asked Merry warily. “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!” LOL!!! That's 100% Pippin! I enjoyed the story of how Gandalf brought Isengar back to his family and of course Bilbo's first meeting with the elves. There has always been something special about Gildor for me. And now I know why ;-) Last but not least I am glad that Frodo was given the chance to experience the extent of his healing. And I think that this journey together with Frodo was also a healing experience for Merry and Pippin. I'm looking forward to reading more! So, when will the next challenge be?
Author's reply
Yes, my Pippin is quite fond of sweets, *especially* cake! I hope someday to tell a bit more of Isengar. And I've always felt Bilbo's acquaintance with Gildor was long-standing--just look at that encounter in the Woody End; Gildor mentions Bilbo, and recognizes Frodo! It's *not* the first time they've met. I just decided that he had also met Bilbo long before even Bilbo knew about it! That is truly the purpose of this trip: yes, Frodo *does* want to find out that historical information, but the main purpose is for him to demonstrate, both to himself and his cousins that he is really healed! Next challenge, next month! 8-)
Bodkin · 11 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Part 7
Eating all the birthday cake he likes? What an ambition! I hope Eglantine is planning an absolutely immense cake! And I'm with Pippin! I would like to know more about Uncle Isengar's adventures. Bilbo's first meeting with elves was delightful - the start of a lifelong enchantment. Bungo wasn't sure - but managed to be awkwardly courteous, in a shy sort of way, and Belladonna's Tookishness showed! A lovely blessing for a wandering hobbit.
Author's reply
Oh, I'd imagine it's going to be a pretty spectacular cake, LOL! Everyone is saying that--Isengar did not want to give up the stage, so I did have to promise him I would tell more of his story later. I'm glad you liked my little Baggins family. At this point in time, Bungo *is* feeling a bit awkward among all those Tooks, and *Elves* put him right out of his reckoning! I do think this might have explained his lifelong enchantment--it certainly explains the Elves fondness for *him*!
Kitty · 10 April 2007 · Chapter 7: Part 7
Hm ... I see Gandalf had more than one reason to lure Frodo to Imladris. Wily old wizard! But he’s right, of course. To see that Frodo is truly healed will help *all* of them a good deal. Loved the interaction between Pippin and Gandalf. They know each other so well, and it is obvious how fond they are of each other. Gandalf could not deny this ‚Fool of a Took’ anything, and Pip knows it. And I enjoyed how you included other characters in this chapter, mainly Isengar and Finrod. To have the latter make a cameo appearance here was a nice surprise, as I’m following „Elf interrupted“ at the moment and am developing a soft spot for Finrod. Grandfather Gerontius--don’t interrupt Peregrin, I am well aware of how many ’greats’ precede that, but ’grandfather’ is much less cumbersome *lol* Nicely put! Have to agree with Gandalf, though. Gandalf and Gildor told a wonderful story. It left me thinking – probably Merry is right. Bilbo may not *consciously* remember his first meeting with elves, but I’d not be surprised if he subconsciously remembered it and his fascination of elves has its roots in this day. And Gildor’s blessing seems to have sprung from some sort of foresight, as we all know he was right. Was reading through the other ‚Eucatastrophe’-fics last week to tide me over until this update and couldn’t help thinking this AU would be the perfect occasion to write a story about Aragorn visiting the Shire. You’ve already mentioned everything necessary – rooms for big folk at the Great Smials, not ban of men, Aragorn going north to Annuminas for two years ... did you ever consider to write a story about that? (I know I am a plague, but I *love* to have them all together!) Anyway, I look forward to the next challenge, as I suppose I have to wait until then again for the next update on this story.
Author's reply
Yes, Gandalf is still seeing to the well-being of his hobbits, after all. I love Gandalf and Pippin together--I see their relationship as almost like that of a grandfather and grandson. I was a bit surprised to see Finrod show up myself, but it seems he really wanted to see his sister, and since, in this AU she did *not* sail at the time, he came to her. But he wants to visit with his newly-found great-nephews for a while before he moves on to Lothlorien. It left me thinking – probably Merry is right. Bilbo may not *consciously* remember his first meeting with elves, but I’d not be surprised if he subconsciously remembered it and his fascination of elves has its roots in this day. That's exactly what I had in mind! Actually, I have. But the right circumstances to write it have not yet occurred. I'm sure that they will at some point though. Yes, and I have to get my element before I can get it ready.