A Centenary of Special Significance by Baggins Babe
Idril Celebrindal · 27 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
I agree with Queen Galadriel, you shouldn't leave us hanging like this! :-) Can't wait to read Erithain's story! I love the pairing of Erithain and Freddy! Waiting patiently as a Took. :-) Idril
Author's reply
Hope I haven't left you hanging for too long. Erithain's story is in the next chapter, just posted - phew! Gotta love little Freddy! Hope your tookish patience isn't too exhausted.
Tigger · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
Okay, I'm all caught up w/this amazing story. I adore little Freddy and his adoption of Erithain. The image of a dour Ranger w/a Hobbit faunt sharing his saddle...Too adorable!! Also so very happy to see shy and timid Blossom going out of her comfort zone. This trip really could be the making of her. Can't wait to see them all meeting Glorfindel and the Twins!! :o)
Author's reply
Blossom will certainly not be the same hobbit when she returns but hopefully she will be changed in a positive way. I suspect Glorfindel will be overwhelming for everyone - unless he uses his own personal dimmer switch! Freddy is rather adorable, isn't he? At least he's amusing the poor Man. Glad you've caught up - I was wondering where you were. There are some names I always look for in the reviews, and you are one of them.
Dreamflower · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
This looks like it is going to be such a fun adventure! I'm so glad Nibs gets to go, and that Blossom's going with him--it will be fun to look at things through their eyes! And little "Fweddy" is just too cute! I can see that he *already* is using that famous Fallohide charm to wrap a certain Ranger around his little finger!
Author's reply
I was just wondering where you were! Little Freddy is so cute it's unspeakable! He will be able to wrap everyone round his little finger, I think, even famous Elf-lords and Balrog-slayers. I'm looking forward to seeing the outside world through the eyes of Blossom and Nibs - should be interesting to explore. Glad yo have you aboard for the journey - hope you packed plenty of food.
Pearl Took · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
I'm looking forward to hearing Erithain's story. I'm so glad wee Freddy has befriended him :-)
Author's reply
Erithain's tragic story will be revealed in the next chapter, and should open the eyes of hobbits like Nibs and Blosson as to the sacrifices made by the Rangers. Freddy just walk in and demanded that I write him into the tale. He does have a purpose though, befriending the Ranger. Glad you enjoyed and hope you join us on the road to Gondor.
Queen Galadriel · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
Not fair! Now you *and* Larner have me hanging off a cliff! I don't know if I'll survive this...*grins* I loved the conversation between Isumbrand and Erithain, and needless to say I'm *very* eager to hear Erithain's tale! God bless, Galadriel
Kitty · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
Glorfindel clearing out the Barrow-downs – that’s something I’d love to see! But you’re right – who else could do that, if not the legendary Balrog-slayer? Erithain is a nice guy, and I look forward to learn more about him – it seems he has quite a tragedy in his history. Well, I’m sure little Freddy will be very good for him – though the songs he is teaching him may be a bit questionable :-) Oh, and I love the trousers with bells. Great idea!
Author's reply
Alas I cannot claim the bells as my idea, enchanting though they are. That marvellous writer of all things hobbity, Grey Wonderer, first wrote that idea into her stories and many of us have picked it up and run with it. Hopefully we will discover Erithain's tragic past in the next chapter. I can just picture Glorfindel clearing the barrows - definitely a sight worth seeing.
Larner · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
The loss of his brother Halbarad, I must suppose? Yes, that would be something to leave him with a residue of grief and possibly a reluctance to visit the site of his grave.
Author's reply
Even worse than that, I'm afraid, although no doubt that is part of it. We will learn Erithain's tragic history in the next chapter.
shirebound · 26 February 2007 · Chapter 3: Big Folk and Little
I like seeing the positive outcomes in the north from the War, such as Glorfindel cleansing the barrows, and the reduction of evil in the Old Forest. "I have met Captain Peregrin - and he was certainly very.......amusing and cheerful." "And completely exhausting! When he was small they had to sew bells on his trousers to let them know when he was on the move, otherwise he might have crawled to Gondor! It worked very well - until he learned to remove the trousers!" *grins*
SurgicalSteel · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
Looks like a lovely beginning to a fun romp!
Author's reply
Thank you! Glad you're enjoying. I hope it will be fun for everyone.
Kitty · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
Oh yes, I can imagine what the Great Smials had to suffer because Persimmon wasn’t allowed to go to Gondor *lol* I think you will have to find another occasion – and be it an anniversary of the fall of Sauron if there is not birthday to celebrate – and send her, too ;-) And I have the feeling Blossom will have no time for worry – little Fredegund will keep them all entertained to exhaustion *grins* And I see he already has the rangers wrapped securely around his little finger. His first encounter with Erithain was so cute! This journey promises to be very entertaining – for the travellers and for your readers. Can’t wait for more!
Author's reply
Yes, I think Persimmon will have to be allowed to go at some point. I did wonder about having her along this time, but wanted to keep the party small. Freddy is a very entertaining little lad - and it he's anything like Pippin was as a faunt he will be exhausting and exasperating company! But his presence will help Erithain, who has known great sorrow in his life and needs the healing power of a tiny and affectionate Took.
harrowcat · 25 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
'Now what have I forgotten?' *looks worriedly at her pack.* Food, clothes, bed-roll, food, water flask, rope, knife....food........ And a mystery to travel with too! Why so sad my Ranger? Mind you, I defy it to remain a mystery for long when travelling with hobbits!
Author's reply
*giggles* You sure you've not forgotten the food? Now that would be a disaster! You will find out why Erithain is rather sad - he has good cause! And no doubt the healing power of hobbits will help to discover this and do something to help.
Queen Galadriel · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
Aw, I love this! :) Rosie is so wise, helping Blossom through the little squall. (I love Blossom, BTW!) Freddie is too cute for words! *hugs him* Of course that little Took would know just how to cheer "Straight-face". :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Nice to know you're enjoying it. Rose is very wise and would be the perfect person to help Blossom through her doubts. I think Blossom is one of those characters who has demanded a voice and I shall be interested to see how she develops. Yes, Freddy is adorable and ideal to cheer poor Erithain.
Elemmírë · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
Freddy Took has easily wormed his way into my heart already! It must be the healing power of hobbits (I love that phrase). I think Aragorn and Arwen will be quite taken with him, as will all the Big Folk no doubt. :) I certainly woulnd't want to be Nibs if Rosie's cake doesn't arrive in one piece. I hope she used some heavy duty frosting. I really liked Frodo's send-off as well. Very eloquent, yet right to the point. LOL! So do all the little Took lads and lasses have little bells sewn into their clothing or just the more capricious ones? Very cute! I once wrote a scene in one of my tales where a wee Frodo interupts a smooching Saradoc and Esmeralda--it was then that Esme decided all faunts should come with bells attached in order to hear them better. I really like how you continued the use of the bells with the next generation after their introduction on Pippin. It's great how GW's simple, but endearing idea has become such a lasting part of those who write wee hobbits. It was many years since a child had approached him so freely Aww, poor Erithain. I hope this journey will change that for him and that he will be able to feel the need to smile more often. Well, at least one of Blossom's many valid concerns was assuaged. I hope the others will soon be as well. Looking forward to the next chapter, Baggins Babe! ~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
The little bells provide such a lovely image that I couldn't resist. Definitely a good idea to keep track of adventurous little Tooks (and Gamgees, since Rose does the same for her little ones). ".........all faunts should come with bells attached...." I love that! Yes, Nibs' life will not be worth a Shire penny if that icing has cracked! But a birthday isn't a birthday without cake, even if they are naughty to tease Aragorn into thinking there isn't one! Freddy is certainly doing a good job of cheering Erithain, who has reason to be sad, as you will discover.
shirebound · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
"Experiencing the healing power of hobbits, I see, my friend. Awwww! Little Freddy is such a charmer. :D
Author's reply
Freddy just appeared and demanded to be written. I do think hobbits have a power to heal. They have a natural joy in life and give their affection freely. You will find out why Erithain is so sad, but Freddy will bring a smile to his face.
Faramiriel · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
I love this! Really cute! Please update soon!!!!!!!
Author's reply
Glad you're enjoying it - we're all off to Gondor! Will do my best to update soon.
Larner · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 2: Setting Out
So, Pippin's belled trousers have become a family tradition, have they? Very nice. And a Took is helping bring a smile to the face of an overstern Ranger? Who else? Am looking forward to seeing the rest of the visit.
Author's reply
I've always loved the idea of the bells, and I think most little hobbits (especially Tooks) would need them. Ah yes, who but a Took could make a stern Ranger smile? We will find out the cause of Erithain's sadness later. Glad you're coming along for the ride.
Larner · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 1: "Someone Ought To Go!"
Aha! The dreaded teatowel runs in the family, does it? Very nice. And am very glad Blossom's decided as she has, and that her courage is blossoming along with her. Nice indeed for Nibs.
Author's reply
I think Rose's skill with the tea towel would have been the result of studying an expert! That's a lovely idea, that Blossom will develop and blossom as a result of the journey, and just the image I wanted to convey.
harrowcat · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 1: "Someone Ought To Go!"
Of course someone should go! Sounds like fun with that company. Me, me, me I'll go! *waves hand enthusiastically in the air.*
Author's reply
I thought there would be a queue from SoA who want to go! :-)) It will be interesting writing about other hobbits and this tale will contain a lot of OCs.
Kitty · 24 February 2007 · Chapter 1: "Someone Ought To Go!"
Well, in 'Birthday surprises' Nibs decided he would follow this man everywhere, and I see he is doing just that ;-) I'm glad Blossom talked to Rose and then decided not only to let Nibs go but to accompany him. I'm sure it will both of them do some good. And he is right, there should be someone from Hobbiton, too. I look forward to more of this - it will be interesting to see how these Hobbits are coping with the travel and with being in Minas Tirith. They know at least part of what happened and why Hobbits are so highly esteemed, but it is still a foreign land for them, and they are not used to being surrounded by so much big folk.
Author's reply
You remembered! Yes, Nibs did feel he would follow Aragorn anywhere, and it was when I re-read that chapter that I was bitten by the plotbunny. It will be interesting to explore Middle-earth with hobbits who have not yet travelled (except for Isumbrand)and I shall be as intrigued as (hopefully) everyone else to see how they manage.
Elemmírë · 23 February 2007 · Chapter 1: "Someone Ought To Go!"
Interesting; I'm eager to see where you go with this one. I'm glad to see Blossom came to her senses with Rosie's help. I too, enjoyed all of the hobbits' characterizations--it's very easy to see where Rosie gets her personality from ... Lily. And Tom and Lily as the older hobbit couple were very sweet in their gently teasing of one another. But what I really liked was how Nibs just stepped up in order to make sure Hobbiton was repsresented. It wouldn't be right for the rest of the Shire to be respresented but not the land from where the Ringbearers hailed. Nibs continued to look thoughtful. He tapped his chin and made as if to speak several times. Finally he said, "Reckon I'll go then, if Da and the rest can spare me for a while. I'd like to be there and see this great city, and it's not every day that a King has a hundreth birthday." ~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
Glad you saw the similarities between Rose and her mother - even the use of the tea towel! I figured Rose had to have learned it from someone. I've always liked Tom and Lily Cotton - Lily is one of the few mothers in canon who survives well in to old age, and her daughter is so special I think Lily must have been too. Nibs is one of those characters who started to take on a life and personality of his own, so perhaps it is his turn for some of the limelight! Of course Hobbin had to be represented.
Edlyn · 23 February 2007 · Chapter 1: "Someone Ought To Go!"
Oh, this is so wonderful! You have the voices of the Hobbits down perfectly! Such a nice fluffy treat to read after a long day at work. I'm bookmarking this so I don't miss a chapter! Edlyn
Author's reply
Welcome to my AU! I've written many stories set in this particular universe but this will be the first which takes the focus away from Bag End and explores other characters to this degree. If it is fluff you're after there's plenty of that! :-)) I started with one story in which Frodo remains in Middle-earth and the story has taken on a life of its own. I hope you continue to enjoy this tale and perhaps it will lead you to investigate some of the others - most of them are interconnected and I have to keep notes now so I know what is supposed to be happening!
shirebound · 23 February 2007 · Chapter 1: "Someone Ought To Go!"
"I knew he was out there somewhere and I knew he'd come back if he could." Rose smiled. "You know that the journey will change Nibs - travel changes folk. At least if you go with him you'll know what he experienced and you'll be changed too. That's *very* wise. What a lovely beginning. (I wish Frodo and Sam would go, of course!) And I love the idea of the tree house for the children. :D
Author's reply
Ah well, our Rose is very wise. I wondered if you'd be the first to review! I wish Frodo and Sam could go but we have to blame the Professor. He made Rose have her sixth baby in 1431. :-)) They were still working on the tree house when Ted Sandyman turned up like a bad penny, so i thought they had probably been busy with it for some time. I'm interested to see here this story goes but I have a lot of ideas.