An Alphabet for Middle-earth by Dreamflower

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Queen Galadriel · 15 March 2007 · Chapter 12: L: Like a Legacy of Legolas

Aww! *hugs Pippin* He's sooo sweet! And I love Merry's POV here! Poor Ilby, I can sympathize. I wish I'd had Pippin when I was learning how to play the piano (though I know he wouldn't know, but if he lived today he surely would :)). I don't know if those pipes are magical, but your stories certainly are! I so needed a smile today. Thank you! :) :) God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Pippin *is* such a sweetie! Merry's POV usually comes easy for me--he doesn't seem to mind letting me know what he's thinking most of the time. I'm quite sure Pip *would* play the piano! Glad I gave you a smile dear!

Bodkin · 15 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

I love Elrond here. This is real kind-as-summer Elrond - who knows the cost of his daughter's choice perhaps better than she does, but accepts his and gives her to one he loves as a son. And accepts and admires Frodo for his part in bringing about this end. And I love Frodo's vision of a revival of Numenorean glory for a new age.

Author's reply

That is indeed the Elrond I see as well. I have to say, that in addition to canon, I owe a lot of my characterization of Elrond to you, and to Nilmandra, who are on my short list of Elf writers I enjoy. In the books, though kind and wise, he seems always remote and lofty--y'all have given him warmth and personality. I like to think that after all he endured, Frodo came away from the Quest as one of the Wise (except unfortunately, when it came to himself) and was able to see further than the average mortal. I think he would have recognized that moment for what it was.

Bodkin · 15 March 2007 · Chapter 10: J: Like Juggling the Jewels of Fëanor

Frodo must have been really gratified to find one of his cousins who was as interested in the Elvish tales as he was! And I can so see how Frodo and Fatty would spend uncounted hours in discussion - and that the inner hobbit (stimulated by Merry and Pippin) would require a visit to the Ivy Bush.

Author's reply

Yes, I think it was nice for him to have someone else interested in the things he was. But to forget lunch! *giggle* That just shocked Merry and Pippin, LOL! However, I'm sure they will find something toothsome at the inn.

harrowcat · 14 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

And that is why the written word is more powerful than metres of film!

Author's reply

Thank you! Though I must confess to being somewhat influenced by that kiss.

AspenJules · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

Very lovely! I was wondering who it was who pointed it out to Frodo that he was responsible for their happiness in finally being wed. It's very poignant that it was Elrond, who might have reason to harbor a little resentment. And yet he's nothing but gracious... as befits him. And I love the glimpse of Numenor Frodo sees....

Author's reply

Yes, Frodo was able to give them their heart's desire--by sacrificing his own. But Elrond, I think, would always be gracious. Frodo's experiences have enabled him to see more than the average hobbit.

Queen Galadriel · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

Aw! *beams* This is truly lovely, very Tolkienesque. How *do* you and so many others manage to write such wonderful drabbles? Makes me jealous sometimes! *grins* God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Well, I didn't know, till the first time I tried it. I just write it, and then take a few words off or add a few on, till I get exactly 100. It's easier than you think!

Queen Galadriel · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 10: J: Like Juggling the Jewels of Fëanor

Oh, what a wonderful moment between Frodo and Fatty! We see too little of good old Fredegar in fanfic, so this is a treat! (And a *really* strange prompt, but you did an admirable job. I get the feeling if I were doing this alphabet, I would have been defeated by now! :)) God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Well, I am doing my level best to have at least a mention of a hobbit in each and every one! It's taken a lot of brain-wracking with a couple of them!

Fiondil · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

>>“They owe this moment to you,” whispered Elrond. Yes, they did. I remember watching the movie and I just wanted to scream "Will you kiss her already!" when the two of them just stood there staring at each other. *lol* A lot of tender emotions packed into a small amount of space. Good job.

Author's reply

*giggle* That was a very romantic moment, though, and in the back of my mind as I wrote this. And yes, both of them owed everything to Frodo, and they knew it.

MithLuin · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

Only you could work Frodo into these last two prompts! Bravo :) This was very tender.

Author's reply

*chuckle* I'm determined to keep at least a mention of hobbits in each of these, somehow.

Larner · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 11: K: Like Kissing the King of Númenor

How wonderful and triumphant! Yes, they owe it to the small triumphant one who watches that kiss! Oh, again a keeper, Dreamflower.

Author's reply

They do, and they know it! *grin*

Larner · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 10: J: Like Juggling the Jewels of Fëanor

Very gratifying to have one of them truly interested, I think.

Author's reply

In my Shire, young Freddy always had an interest in Elves, and that was one thing that drew him in as Frodo's close friend. I think this is the first time since Bilbo left that they've had a chance to explore their common interest.

Larner · 13 March 2007 · Chapter 9: I: Like Inspiring Ilúvatar

"Amazing Grace" was never one of my favorite hymns, but you are right--the second verse indeed applies well to Frodo. And trust him to have found his way and recognized the source of that grace! Indeed a blessing. Thank you. This one goes into the keeper file.

Author's reply

I noticed that a few weeks ago, when we sang it in church. And I think that he would have indeed been one to recognize Who had succored him. Thank *you* for the kind words.

Althea · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 9: I: Like Inspiring Ilúvatar

As always I am in awe of your talent. This is beautiful.

Author's reply

Thank you! *blushes*

Fiondil · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 9: I: Like Inspiring Ilúvatar

Lovely poem, Dreamflower. And you almost got it right. The imperative "Praise!" in Quenya is "Á laita" (LOTR3, VI, ch. 4). "Laitë" is the noun "a praise".

Author's reply

Oh, thank you so much, for the compliment, and the correction! I'll get in there and edit it tomorrow! I was a bit concerned as to whether Laitë was exactly right, but decided to go with it on the off-chance. I appreciate the heads-up.

Queen Galadriel · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 9: I: Like Inspiring Ilúvatar

Oh my! Oh, Dreamflower, how beautiful! I can definitely see Frodo writing this, and the Elvish refrain is icing on the cake. I love sestinas. Had to do one for school recently, and I truly admire anyone who can do it without straying from the pattern. Wonderful! God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

They aren't easy, really, harder than the more common sorts of rhyming poems, because you have to get those words at the end in every stanza without too much repetitiveness of meaning. I'm glad you do think it's something he must have written!

MithLuin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 9: I: Like Inspiring Ilúvatar

Beautifully done!

Author's reply

Thank you. 8-)

harrowcat · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 9: I: Like Inspiring Ilúvatar

Yes the verse is very appropriate to Frodo. Loved your verses too. All of these are briilliant Dreamflower. Sorry I am not reviewing well at present as I am only catching a minute her and there to read. Normal reviews will resume when I have finished helping my friend through her family crisis!

Author's reply

Thank you! I hoped that they would seem like Frodo. I do understand. RL has a way of getting in the way of the things that are *really* important, like hobbits! ;-) I hope your friend is soon better.

Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 8: H: Like a Hale Halbarad

It's good to think that some hobbits knew the value of the Rangers who guarded them. And I do like the simple offer of food in gratitude for the help given to the injured Halbarad. Something that would be valued by both sides - and indicative of a relationship that was equal.

Author's reply

I am sure that over the course of many years, at least a *few* residents of the area would have come to realize that the Rangers' sinister reputation was greatly exaggerated. And I am also quite sure Aragorn knew food would be the most appreciated form of thanks he could give to a hobbit family!

Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 7: G: Like a Gasping Galadriel

It would have been such a shock - and such a relief. The Ringbearers would have been euphoric - and there would have been so much less killing as the battles ended abruptly.

Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 6: F: Like a Fearful Faramir

It takes a lot to intimidate Faramir - no-one who has faced both the evil of Mordor and the - er - difficult relationship he had with his father towards the end would find his knees shaking at anything less than this! Good reassurance from confident hobbits - and I love Pippin's sartorial confidence! It is such an interesting sidelight on his character.

Author's reply

I can't believe I never responded to this lovely comment! I'm so sorry! I thought I had answered everybody! I, too, didn't like the thought of a "fearful Faramir"--unless it was something like this! After all, announcing a betrothal makes almost any man nervous! Pippin has three older sisters; I am quite sure he heard more conversations than he wanted to about clothing and fashion! But he'd certainly make good use of the knowledge!

Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 5: E: Like an Evil Elrond

It would take something like that wretched Morgul-knife shard to make Elrond seem evil! I do hope Frodo doesn't remember this moment. Nice bit of reassurance from Aragorn.

Author's reply

I don't think Frodo will remember, or if he does, he'll just think it was more of his nightmare. I think Aragorn would have known how Elrond felt at a moment like that.

Queen Galadriel · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 8: H: Like a Hale Halbarad

Aw! I'm glad you picked Mr. Mugwart for this one! It's just amazing what can be done with such minor characters! I love this, as I have loved all of them so far. Thank you for a much-needed smile--just the thing before jumping into a lot of dry science homework! :) God bless, Galadriel

Author's reply

Well, JRRT said that Mugworts were numerous in Bree, so it seemed a good name to pick. 8-)

Larner · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 8: H: Like a Hale Halbarad

Oh, how wonderful that it's Hobbits of the Breelands that succor Halbarad as he recovers. And love the Breelands name for him! Rover--how very apt! And so a Hobbit family is the first in the Breelands to realize the Rangers are more than they appear. Very appropriate.

Author's reply

I just discovered a few reviews for this one that I missed responding to! Mea culpa! It actually took me longer to think up a good Ranger name for Halbarad than it did to write the rest of the story, LOL! So I am glad that it seemed appropriate. I think Hobbits would have been a bit better judge of character than the Men were, and would only need some close exposure to realize that not all the bad stories about Rangers could be true.

Linda Hoyland · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 8: H: Like a Hale Halbarad

I loved this.I always enjoy Aragorn in healer mode and Halbarad is another character I like.It is also nice to see Aragorn appreciating the Hobbits.

Author's reply

I just came across this review! Please pardon my lateness in responding! I too, love Aragorn in healer mode--to me it's his most natural and favorite role. And of course, Halbarad was called for by the prompt. I didn't want to go the AU route, so I went back in time a bit. It just seemed to me that with all their time in Bree and the surrounding area, they must have had *some* positive interaction with a few of the people there--especially hobbits!

SurgicalSteel · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 8: H: Like a Hale Halbarad

Halbarad! *loves* This was really lovely - I like the way that Mugwort's opinion of the Rangers changes. Surely some of the Breefolk must've thought the Rangers were decent sorts, and this is one very good reason why!

Author's reply

*grin* When I saw the prompt, I almost thought of asking to borrow your Halbarad, but then I decided not to go the AU route, but go back in time instead. Yes, I think that if a person spent some time with one or more Rangers, they'd soon learn that their sinister reputations were out-of-line with reality. I'm sure that there had to be a *few* people in Bree who'd learn that. And hobbits, I think, would see it more clearly than other Big Folk.