Queen Galadriel
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 99999: Notes on Ithildin's translation in Part 7
Of course, the Took charm, from generation to generation! :) That really was a delightful tale of how Bilbo came to be acquainted with Elves. I find myself thinking of when, in The Hobbit, he and Gandalf and Co. arrived in Rivendell and he thought (or said, I don't remember which) that it "smelled like Elves". Maybe some memory does linger after all...:)
I'd very much like to hear more of this little incident, perhaps from the perspectives of Belladonna and Bungo themselves. :)
And the notes on Sindarin amaze me. Wow, I think Spanish is hard sometimes; I can't even imagine trying to teach myself all that!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Gandalf was in a unique position to appreciate that Took charm, wasn't he? He'd known generations of Tooks, after all.
I think that with such an encounter, the memory *would* linger, so it's part of my explanation of why Bilbo had such a affinity with the Elves, even though it was Dwarves who were his companions on his Adventure.
Well, Belladonna *did* want me to show more of her little incident, but I had to be firm with her--it was, after all Gandalf's POV at first, and then Gildor's--and even though they are wise beings, they are not omniscient. However, I may come back to her story again sometime...
As far as I know, all the people who learn Sindarin and/or Quenya *are* self-taught! I find that sort of self-discipline amazing! And Ithildin was so kind and generous with her time and knowledge!
Larner
· 9 April 2007
· Chapter 7: Part 7
Ah, a wonderful combination of two of my favorite authors' works. Beautiful story. So sorry that Belladonna and Bungo quarreled so. And a wonderful blessing from Nesbit.
Author's reply
I do love Nesbit! And who could forget the dear Psammead! I was quite pleased to have that as my assigned quote, 8-).
Belladonna really wanted me to tell much more about her disagreement with Bungo, but I had to get the rest of the story moving along. So I may come back to that later...
Bodkin
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 6: Part 6
This is more like the ideal adventure - much more so than that Quest! Sunshine, birdsong. Good breakfasts. Even Weathertop is - not going to intimidate them. Part of the past. And the Witch King has been disposed of - courtesy of Merry and Eowyn!
Glorfindel and Asfaloth are most welcome arrivals! (Are you sure it's Glorfindel and not a certain other inhabitant of Imladris?) And he's being force-fed on extra pancakes!
I like it that the touch of other hobbits was what forced Frodo to hold on to himself - that and his determination to protect them.
Author's reply
My idea for this journey was to fulfill Bilbo's old saying about "pony-rides in May sunshine", which Adventures *usually* are not! But yes, a nice pleasant trip in lovely weather, with just enough danger to spice things up a little. And Frodo needed to know for himself that Weathertop wasn't going to intimidate him anymore.
Yup. It's Glorfindel. I think he wanted a chance to escort our lads under more auspicious circumstances. And eating a few extra cakes can't be *that* bad a fate, LOL! But Frodo was being a little mischievous, and so was Merry.
I truly believe that would account for his ability to hold on and keep the Morgul-shard *and* the Ring at bay. He had to have a *reason* to hang on through all the pain and torment, and I think protecting the others would give him such a reason.
Bodkin
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Part 5
it was all they could do to finish what was on their plates, and none of them had any interest in seconds.
That's a sign of serious anxiety! Although I think events turned out far better than they would have done if Merry and Pippin had escorted the Rangers. They were able to do what hobbits do best - and catch the villains completely wrong-footed. And I do love seeing hobbits being adult and competent and confident - height isn't, after all, that important. Brains will get you much further!
And they accept and work with each other's strengths - Frodo's night vision, Pippin's stealth, Merry's strategic skills.
Author's reply
You are, of course, right. Which is why it played out as it did.
I knew from the very start of this fic that I wanted the hobbits to rescue the Rangers from something--there is a part of me that just goes crazy over the idea of "little guys" being the rescuers rather than the rescued, LOL! I just love "turnabout" stories!
And yes, they do indeed work well together!
Bodkin
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Part 4
Merry and Pippin must have felt - a bit - like indulgent parents dealing with happy Frodo. It's like stepping back 20 years or more and relearning childhood. With them as the grown-ups.
I like the way that the cake (and his share of it) looms large in Pippin's recollection of Bilbo's birthday. It just would at his age.
And Barliman Butterbur and his kin are setting up the first global hotel chain ... sort of!
And a really pleasant day ... the sort of journey you dream of - although the Dwarves' words are ominous. And anybody who works for a Goatleaf can't be up to anything good. This screams 'set-up'! (That's the trouble with Rangers - they're just too trusting!)
Author's reply
*chuckle* I like that comparison. Frodo's rather feeling his oats right now, feeling better than he has in years, and Merry and Pippin are sort of riding herd on him, LOL!
I figured that was the sort of event that would make a very deep impression on him--far more than a speech!
It seemed to me that it would make sense for him--another inn, far enough away not to be competition, but near enough to encourage travel. And it would be a good way to provide for his daughter.
This screams 'set-up'! Well, yes. And the problem is, even if the Rangers *do* suspect a set-up, they are still obliged to go and look into it, so they stand a good chance of trouble whether they tumbled to anything or not.
Baggins Babe
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 6: Part 6
Well this is certainly proof that Frodo is healed. How wonderful to retrace that journey and see just how well he is, and how appropriate that Glorfindel has come to escort them - not to mention Asfaloth!
Dear Merry is a worrywart, isn't he? And the cousins find it funny! Well, who wouldn't?
Author's reply
I thought it would be very appropriate for them to re-trace that latter part of the journey with Glorfindel and Asfaloth.
He is. He doesn't like to admit it, but he does worry about his cousins. Sometimes he goes a tad overboard.
Queen Galadriel
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 6: Part 6
Oh, this has to be one of my favourite chapters yet! Frodo *is* healed! And now he is coming to realise it so much more fully! I also love the memories of the past woven in. And what a beautiful way to end this part!
God bless,
Galadriel
P.S. Merry? A worrywart? *gasps* No, you don't say! LOL!
Author's reply
Yes, he *is*. He will have a perfectly long and happy life in the Shire now. Well, I had to get in a gap-filler for "Flight to the Ford", for the challenge, but I was kind of planning it anyway, so it really did fit right in.
Naw! Frodo and Pippin are just imagining it, LOL! *snicker*
Andrea
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Part 5
Frodo looked right back. “I am no warrior; but I’m far from helpless.”
“Frodo you can’t be thinking--” Merry started to say, but Pippin put his hand on Merry’s arm.
Yeah! That's what I wanted to see! Frodo takes over the lead, Merry can't believe it and Pippin is simply glad to have his old Frodo back!
Frodo knocked out those ruffians quite nicely. And he didn't need a sword, only stones and a good aim. I'm impressed!
I also loved it that when it came to planning, Frodo (and the rangers) let Merry decide.
However, I can understand the rangers' feelings about being rescued by hobbits ;-)
Author's reply
Frodo takes over the lead, Merry can't believe it and Pippin is simply glad to have his old Frodo back!
Exactly! You hit the nail on the head! Merry's first instinct, as always, is to keep Frodo out of any possible danger, but Pippin, I think understands this one thing about Frodo better than Merry--for a number of reasons.
I don't think Frodo was ever terribly comfortable with a sword, and hobbit-like, a stone would be the best weapon for him.
While Frodo is the eldest, and is leading the small expedition, he knows that when it comes to strategy, that is Merry's strong suit.
*grin* It was *fun* having the *hobbits* doing the rescue!
Kitty
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 6: Part 6
Frodo, I do think you may be getting very nearly as efficient as Sam! Well, that’s a compliment, if I ever saw one!
It is so good to see that Frodo isn’t affected by the bad memories, or at least not much. Merry and Pippin are probably very glad he didn’t get a relapse at Weathertop; their fears weren’t completely unfounded, I suppose. And after he passed the Ford of Bruinen, too, without incident, I think they will be very reassured.
Nice touch, btw, to have Glorfindel meet them and to escort them the last part of the way to Imladris, just like back then during the Quest.
You do mean now I have to wait another month for more? *pouts*
Author's reply
Of course it's a compliment!
Bad memories are still bad memories--but they aren't flashbacks anymore, and they don't incapacitate him any more. Of course, Merry and Pippin *would* still be a little concerned--he's only just returned, and they haven't yet seen his reactions to these things.
It just seemed right to have it be Glorfindel.
And, yeah, we do. Next chapter is going to be a *real* challenge!
harrowcat
· 14 March 2007
· Chapter 6: Part 6
Oh! I want more! *pouts petulently* Meanie Dreamflower to make us wait *G*
Author's reply
Well, I have to write in my challenge elements, and they aren't as easy as these were!
Queen Galadriel
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Part 5
Yea, another update! :)
Oh, but that was a surprise! I wasn't expecting those ruffian guys to really mean harm. I love the suspense! And I love seeing Frodo as confident as he is and to get more backstory! And of course I love it when the Hobbits rescue/help the Big Folk. This has to be my favourite bit:
Pippin had always loved Frodo in a far different way than Merry. Merry had always been a playmate and a comrade, in spite of their age differences. But
Frodo had been someone that Pippin had admired and respected, more of a beloved teacher and mentor, though they had their own share of fun together.
Pippin had always been fascinated by Frodo’s confidence and determination and intelligent wisdom. And he had always known that someday he’d follow his
older cousin into Adventure.
Oh, how interesting! The next two paragraphs are wonderful as well. I can't wait for more! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Little untold backstory: they'd moved to the vicinity of the new inn, in order to be able to prey on the people now travelling on the Road. When they got word that Rangers were in the area, they jumped to the conclusion that they were actually there to capture them. They thought that if they disposed of the Rangers, they could continue their criminal activities with no interruptions.
Frodo was 22 years older than Pippin. Pippin never knew Frodo when he lived at Brandy Hall. He only knew him after Frodo had moved in with Bilbo, and was happy with his life. And mostly he knew him best after Frodo was on his own, Master of Bag End, a confident and wise adult. No question that Pippin adored Frodo, but I don't think his relationship with Frodo was at all the same as that with Merry--on either part. And I think that one of the things Pippin recognized in Frodo was their Tookishness that they had in common.
Kitty
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Part 5
Hobbits don't want a second helping? That's truly alarming! No wonder Pippin had to ask about food at the end ;-)
So Eradan and Mellor walked in a trap? Somehow I had expected something like this. Maybe it was luck that the Hobbits remained behind and were able to come to their rescue. Though it is probably a bit embarassing for the Rangers to have to be rescued at all.
What I loved most of this chapter was to see Frodo take the lead and then take part in the rescue itself and the overwhelming of the baddies. It's the most obvious sign of his healing for me, if I think back to the battle of Bywater and his refusal to take part in it. And he thinks Lord Frodo outranks the two knights? Oh yes, that is how it should be :-)
And it was good to see how the Hobbits worked together, each using his particular abilities, to do all this. Ah yes, this adventure is so much fun! I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Well, not so much that they don't want it, as that they were quite worried over their friends. But I will bet that they all had a big breakfast together when they all got back to the Inn!
They did. They might have even been expecting a trap--but the bad guys managed to get the drop on them more quickly than they thought. And, yeah, maybe a *tad* embarassing, LOL! *grin*
Yes, he did take part in this rescue. You are quite right about the Battle of Bywater. I don't think he would have ever used a sword again, but a hobbity thrown stone--well that's different, and he would want to help their friends!
He's more pulling rank as their senior cousin than as "Lord Frodo". That's always his trump card with those two.
I wanted to show how each of them had his own particular talent to contribute, and I'm glad you thought I achieved that! Thank you!
Kitty
· 13 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Part 4
Finally an update :-)
This chapter was a lot of fun, from Frodo's reason for being up so early up to Pippin's confession about Bilbo's birthday cake *grin*
Hm ... this Ab Thistlewool is working for someone called Goatleaf? That in itself is highly suspicious, isn't it? Mellor and Eradan should be careful.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I had a lot of fun writing it.
Highly suspicious, as you now know!
harrowcat
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 5: Part 5
Oh well done but meethinks it 'aint over yet!
Author's reply
Not yet!
Queen Galadriel
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Part 4
Nooo! You cannot leave us hanging here for a *month*! It's not fair, you know! *grins*
The Cat and Fiddle! LOL! I love it! Yes, that should be the inn's name. I like the King's Rest too, but it sounds more Gondorian.
Again, I love the peace in this story. You had me worried for a minute though (along with the younger cousins). Yes, Frodo will always be a little over-responsible, but sometimes that isn't a bad thing.
I can't wait for the next one!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
As you can see, it's not for a month! I posted more than one part to the Challenge this month!
Well, I've not made up my mind yet--perhaps by the return journey!
No, Frodo still is a bit "over-responsible" as you say, but no more now than he was *before* the Quest!
Andrea
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Part 4
But it was Frodo who spoke. "I do not like this. There was something untrustworthy about that fellow."
Cliffhanger!!!
Maybe the rangers will find out that it would have been much better if they had taken Merry and Pippin (and Frodo, of course) with them. What will happen next? I'm really curious!
My wife wants to call it The Cat and Fiddle, after a song she heard once."
Frodo blushed, and Merry and Pippin put their hands over their mouths to stifle their laughter.
LOL!!! "Cat and Fiddle" - splendid idea ;-)
BTW, when I was in London two years ago I found a pub called "Cat and Canary" - British humour at it's best :)
Author's reply
I love to name inns and taverns!
As you will see, you were probably right! *grin*
harrowcat
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 4: Part 4
Woah - now just where will trouble strike? At the Inn meethinks!
Author's reply
It's quite possible!
harrowcat
· 9 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
I read these over at Marigold's and am so glad that you have posted them here too. There is a song echoing through my mind...one that has the phrase 'get me to the church on time!' I can quite understand Estella's mother's concern. After all, last time he went off he was away for a year!
Author's reply
Why thank you for taking the time to re-read them here!
Ah, yes--from "My Fair Lady"! Rosamunda is going to be rather worried about this, I think--but at the same time, it will make things easier for her to make plans, which Merry is going to return too late to change! LOL!
Baggins Babe
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
Another tale in your lovely AU made my day. How wonderful to see Frodo returned, healed and raring to go. Just as well, before Merry's future mother-in-law drives him to distraction!
Love the recipe - hobbits would be even more baffled than the rest of us I should think!
Author's reply
Yes, this is the way I think Frodo would have been without the Ring's influence, full of curiousity and good humor, and with the Tookish side of him coming out to make him seek Adventure.
And Estella is very wise to keep Merry away for her mother for the next few weeks!
It certainly would never occur to them to cut potatoes like *shoes* of all things! LOL!
Larner
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
Trust you, Dreamflower, to put a recipe into this, and such an unusual one at that! Yes, just right for Frodo as he prepares to write his book for real.
Author's reply
Yes, trust me to take any opportunity to write a recipe!fic, LOL! And I just could not resist that darling recipe--so simple and hobbity in its preparation--except for the detail of the shoes! *grin*
Larner
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Yes, this is our Frodo, close as wizards indeed! And it's wonderful to see him happy again, and thinking of their commitments.
Author's reply
It is fun to see him happy and full of mischief, and yet still taking his responsibilities to them just as seriously.
And he *does* like keeping a few secrets to himself.*grin*
Antane
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
So *that's* why Frodo didn't want Sam along. :) And he has his appetite back! It would have been so wonderful if this had been the way it had been, but of course it was all meant to happen the way it did and that wasn't bad either once he healed and was happy again.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, *that's* why! *grin* After all, Frodo *did* get that little glimpse of the future, and he knows!
Of course the way it happened in canon was a much deeper and more true to the themes JRRT presented--but we get to play around with just making everyone happy, LOL!
Bodkin
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
Great for Frodo to meet these people without the veil of gloom that swamped him before his trip west! He must feel all light and skippy, like a spring day filled with daffodils and crocuses.
Although encountering potatoes cut into the shape of little shoes might make him wonder whether he was quite as well-balanced as he thought he was.
Author's reply
Oh, I do love your description of his state of mind, and you are not far wrong at all!
*snicker* Well, it just might if everyone else at the table had not seen them as well.
Honestly, when I saw the little recipe that inspired that bit, I did a double-take myself! I can't imagine what, in RL, would inspire someone to cut their potatoes into the shape of shoes!! (On the other hand, in RL there are crackers shaped like little goldfish, vitamins shaped like cartoon characters, and noodles and dry cereal in just about any shape you can imagine. LOL!)
Bodkin
· 8 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Getting Merry out of Rosamunda's way is probably a very good idea for mother/son-in-law relations. But he'd just better get back in time!
Author's reply
You are quite right. Rosamunda's not really so bad, but she's the managing sort, and she has her heart set on the wedding of the century.
Frodo always keeps his promises. Still, it could be a very close thing...
Andrea
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
Yes indeed, if he were to have that little name-sake early next year, it was quite important that Sam and Rose have a bit of time together right now.
*Grins* Now that *is* a good reason!
I'm glad that Frodo is healed and merry again and that he and his cousins are now given the chance to have a "proper" adventure. Thus, all three of them can replace their dark memories of their first trip to Rivendell with the light ones of this perfect voyage.
I like "Eucatastrophe" stories :)
Author's reply
I *thought* it might be a good reason, LOL!
That's exactly the reason they are taking this trip. This will be a chance to experience a much less traumatizing journey, with the confidence they have gained from having been there already. It will help a lot.
I like them too! *grin*