Taryn Streambattle · 30 April 2009 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Wow!! Awesome!! ***** five stars
Author's reply
Thanks a lot! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
When Trouble Came by Lily Dragonquill
Reviews (30)
Andrea · 6 August 2008 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Especially Frodo seemed filled with a pain that tore at his heart, and although he let him know that he would listen he did not push him. Years of experience had taught him that pushing Frodo was no good thing to do. Oh yes, no good thing indeed! A great epilogue, Lily! Not only Saradoc "passed the test", but also Merimac. They had a very hard time, but in the end they were successful. And that was not because they acted individually, but together as one, which might be even observed in "The Crop Raid of Brandy Hall". I'm glad that Mac has found his humour again!
Author's reply
Many years of painful experience taught Saradoc to let Frodo come to him rather than do it the other way round. I feel sorry for him, though since both, Frodo and Merry are slightly estranged from him. There are some things they went through he will never learn about. It's a bitter-sweet ending for the Master. You're quite right about Merimac. He might only be the old Master's second born, but he definitely remembered the 'duties' of a son of Buckland. He stood by his brother's side and I think that's how they drew strength to keep going - they knew that at least one other person would be at their sides (apart from their wives which had their own worries). I'm quite glad myself to see Merimac smiling again. Although, he might have been very grumpy while building the second cradle. I wonder if I might have to explore one of the Ent-draught conversations more deeply. I'm sure they must have been quite entertaining for everyone around. Merimac will never accept the fact that Merry and Pippin sprouted higher than him because of a 'tree fertilising drink'. Thanks a lot for your comments, dear!
Larner · 6 August 2008 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
Oh, so fitting! Yes, so fitting! And with the joy there are concerns, hidden griefs, but overwhelmed by the renewal. And the babes are safe and thriving--a microcosm for the burgeoning of the Shire and Buckland!
Author's reply
Thanks a lot, Larner! I am overwhelmed by the positive feedback this story got and I'm honoured by your comments. The Troubles definitely left their mark on the hobbits and their land but I'm sure the story of how the Shirefolk stuck together to fight the ruffians will not be forgotten even many generations later. And Roderic and Amaryllis are looking into a bright future with both their parents (and probably a fussing grandfather) at their sides.
SlightlyTookish · 6 August 2008 · Chapter 999: Epilogue
It's so nice to see this story completed - you did so well, I think it's definitely a personal best! I'm so glad Paladin and Eglantine were able to visit Pimpernel in time for the births - and I like the names you came up with! :) A lovely ending!
Author's reply
You know, I actally had some help with the names ;) How do you like poor Amaryllis's snub nose? :) Thanks a lot for reading! I think I have to agree with you. Definitely among my best works....
Larner · 24 July 2008 · Chapter 7: Message from the North
Ah--a wonderful return! And now all are standing together, which has made the men stand down. Life is capable of being good again! Hooray! Love the whole chapter!
Author's reply
As I said to others before: all they needed was a spark, a little bit of hope to give them new strength. Now country and people can heal again. Thanks a lot!
Andrea · 24 July 2008 · Chapter 7: Message from the North
Lily, you made my day! It only needed two things: the mention of Hob Hayward and his simple statement “He is alive, Master Saradoc”. I have been waiting for this moment! And as it is often, they only needed a spark, a sign of hope, and they were able to stand up against those ruffians and drive them away. It was so easy, they simply outnumbered them. But before Merry's return they would not have dared to try it. I loved how Saradoc and Esme welcomed Merry and how for Merimac everything turned normal again. Merimac’s heart opened and sang with them as he rode home – Brandy Hall as it should be: a source of joys and sorrows, of light and togetherness, of singing and dancing, of bliss and recreation. How he had longed to see it so again! Me, too :) Thank you very much for this wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
You're right. They had fought so much and lost too often. They were to scared to face another battle - until the hobbits' return kindled that secret fire that burns in each and every hobbit. Brandy Hall as it should be.... indeed. Merimac can laugh again. Thanks a lot!
SlightlyTookish · 24 July 2008 · Chapter 7: Message from the North
News at last! Happy news! I loved Saradoc's reaction to hearing about Merry, and Mac's shock at the swords. I also liked Saradoc's acceptance of Hob. No wonder he was called Scattergold. He's so generous! And the reunion at the end was so lovely. I liked this line a lot: And there he was: Meriadoc Brandybuck, his son and heir, every inch of him he remembered – and, indeed, several he did not.
Author's reply
That's indeed the news they all waited for - the spark that kindled the fire. Saradoc is a very generous Master and well loved by the Brandybucks. I never intended him to be anything but very nearly perfect ;) Thanks!
Larner · 9 July 2008 · Chapter 6: The Importance of Love
I'm so glad that Adamanta recognized what he was trying to do and managed to talk some sense into him regarding it! Poor Merimac! But the time draws close when the danger will be fully over, when Merry returns with Frodo, Pippin, and Sam, and they lead those who will drive the ruffians out of the Shire. Oh, so realistic, Lily. Love it.
Author's reply
Adamanta had a moment when even she doubted, but she knows her Merimac and eventually found the source of his pain. And with Adamanta at his side, Merimac will find new strength. I'm so happy you're enjoying this. In my opinion it's one of my best works so far and I'm really happy with the outcome myself. Thanks a lot!
Andrea · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 6: The Importance of Love
Poor Mac! As you said he nearly lost ground completely! His decision to "separate" himself from his wife and his children so that it would not hurt so much if something happened to him or them might very well have come from a little boy! An adult, even a tween should have known better. But he's desperate, which is very understandable. He should consider himself lucky to have such a strong (and forgiving) wife! I like Adamanta very much in this story.
Author's reply
I think when you fear to meet your death with every new morning you lose perspective. Of course, he should have known better, but he couldn't help it. I think the day he almost lost Berilac had a bigger effect on him than even he knows. Adamanta can be very strong if she has to be. Thanks!
SlightlyTookish · 8 July 2008 · Chapter 6: The Importance of Love
I remember reading parts of this earlier and it's nice to see them in their finished form. I really like your Adamanta - she's so strong! I'm glad she was able to talk some sense into Merimac (poor Mac!).
Author's reply
Merimac needed someone to catch him and pull him back to his feet before he lost ground completely. Adamanta, thankfully, noticed and didn't push him away as she could doubtlessly have done when he did the same with her. A strong woman, indeed! Thanks!
Andrea · 18 June 2008 · Chapter 5: In the Dark of Night
*Grins* "The return of the hat" - couldn't have said it better ;-) Well, at first it seemed there was new hope. But it didn't last long! Imagine how Saradoc Brandybuck, the Master of the Hall, must have felt while raiding his own fields! The Brandybuck pride is still there, but it fades, which is very sad in my opinion. As you pointed out Merimac has not much hope left. At least his daughter understands him a little bit better now. That's a good sign. I wonder if there will be another raid. If so, I fear it might end in a fight - and worse!
Author's reply
The pride of the Brandybucks is fading indeed. If losing the fields in the first place and seeing his own people labour there to fill Men's stomachs has not broken Saradoc's heart, raiding them in secret definitely has. I think in Merimac you see the "fading" best. Saradoc is still the Master and has to act as such - or at least try. But Merimac, joker of the family, is not just losing his smile and humour, he is losing the belief in better times.... perhaps even the memory of better times. Bluebell understanding him better is little comfort in such a time, but it definitely does the family a whole lot of good to see those two not clashing whenever they meet. *hehe* The hat is not forgotten :) Thanks a lot!
Larner · 17 June 2008 · Chapter 5: In the Dark of Night
Ah, such a grievous time of terror and worry. And I love the finding of the hat! Ah, bless them!
Author's reply
*grins* Adamanta had her own reasons to keep the (second) hat. I will write that story too, one day. It is a hard time for them all but I think it's on Merimac and the waning of his spirit that you can see the change the most. He has almost given up now. The terror is too strong to fight. Thanks a lot!
SlightlyTookish · 17 June 2008 · Chapter 5: In the Dark of Night
Saradoc first gaped, then chuckled at the sight of the hat. He had thought the ugly headdress long gone. After all, in his tweens, he had threatened his brother often enough to burn it. Unbelievable that Merimac should have kept it all these long years only for Bluebell to find it. Hee! The return of the hat! :D Another excellent chapter, dear. I'm looking forward to the next one :)
Author's reply
Hehe.... I still have some things planned for the hat if ever I find the muse :) Did you notice the Tunnellies? :D Thanks for reading!
Larner · 30 May 2008 · Chapter 4: Growing Despair
I find myself wanting to know who this Man is--an almost righteous Gentile, perhaps? (Referring to the title given those Christians and others who helped the Jews during the Nazi domination.) May he be blessed as he deserves.
Author's reply
I find myself wanting to know who this Man is So do I, and I'm still trying to figure him out. He might feature in a later story and his reasons might be explained. But whether or not he is true to his word remains yet to be seen. Thanks!
Andrea · 30 May 2008 · Chapter 4: Growing Despair
Well, well, there it is again: the Brandybuck pride! Even Saradoc had to admit that he had manoeuvered himself into a very dangerous situation. But as you said before, Bill Ferny is an idiot! He had the chance to arrest the Master of Buckland! This would have been the second leader of the hobbits in their hands after the Mayor. And it would have intimidated the hobbits even more. Luckily for us he was far too stupid to recognise it. I don't know what to think of that other fellow, the Breelander. Will he really provide them with flour, or is it a trap? One thing I would very much like to know is how long it is until the travellers return. When I think about those poor ponies... But maybe this is part of your strategy ;-)
Author's reply
The Brandybuck pride, indeed, and this time it got Saradoc in quite a mess. But then, what else could he have done apart from giving up - which his pride, of course, wouldn't allow, along with the love for his people. It is a predicament without a way out. Oh, he can be very glad Ferny is a fool! As I said to slightlytookish before: his assumption that Lotho is in command might have cost him a lot. But Ferny as a fool - and too sure in his victory over the Shirefolk. I would not trust the Breelander, but Saradoc is desperate. The travellers won't be back for a while. It's only August. Don't hurry them, while they enjoy themselves in Gondor and Rivendell. Although, the sooner they return, the better. Not only for the ponies but also for Saradoc and Merimac... and the rest. Thanks for reading!
SlightlyTookish · 30 May 2008 · Chapter 4: Growing Despair
Lovely work, my dear! I seem to remember reading part of this before (the bit about the horses in the beginning, and also the scene with Saradoc at the end) and it's great to see the final version of it. Poor Mac! I liked the encounter with Ferny too.
Author's reply
Yep, you read part of this :) You liked the scene with Ferny? Saradoc is actually lucky that Ferny is such an idiot. His assumption that the Men are under Lotho's rule might well have cost his life... or at least his partial freedom. I feel so sorry for Mac! Not only because of the ponies, but also because of Bluebell. The worst pain of all, indeed. Thanks, dear!
Andrea · 6 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Hope Fails
Oh my, what a sad chapter! I can only hope that this story has reached a turning point, not only for the Shire but also for Berilac. Like Slightly Tookish I liked the outbursts of Esme, Merimac and Saradoc. Who would have not reacted like that. I'd say it makes them even more alive! And, of course, I loved it that Saradoc referred to Frodo as his son. (Please, don't scatter my hopes ;-))
Author's reply
I won't scatter any hopes because I'm not going to say anything ;) I know what you mean. They have all reached the end of their strength, but they would not be hobbits if they gave up now. They will keep on resisting... and going on with whatever provisions they have. After all, they still have each other, in spite of the clash between Merimac and Saradoc. I think Merimac knows well the truth in Saradoc's words, but he doesn't have the strength left to "get a grip" on himself and keep going - or maybe he has. Of course Saradoc would refer to Frodo as his son. He never saw him as anything but. OT: I talked to Ivy. She will hopefully have time for the beta in June - perhaps even before that.
Larner · 6 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Hope Fails
This has to be one of the worst hurts.
Author's reply
Merimac or Saradoc? I think they both hurt more than they ever thought possible, only Saradoc has more responsibility and thus the carries the greater burden. Thanks for reading!
SlightlyTookish · 6 May 2008 · Chapter 3: Hope Fails
Another great chapter! I especially liked the first section. I can definitely see how something like the Took Sight would cause frustration to the waiting families. I liked Esmeralda's outburst there, as well as Saradoc's in the final section. I loved that he mentioned both his sons - Merry and Frodo. I love stories that make the Frodo-Saradoc-Esmeralda relationship a loving one - I really can't see it any other way!
Author's reply
Thanks, dear! The Took Sight definitely causes loads of frustration in this story - especially for Paladin for if he could he would doubtlessly guide his thoughts to Pippin and "see" whether or not he is all right. I like Saradoc's outburst as well. As much as he loves and understands Merimac, his brother's words hit a nerve, just as Saradoc's did with Merimac. You really don't know who to feel more sorry for. Of course the relationship between Saradoc, Esmeralda and Frodo is a loving one. Difficult perhaps (especially in the beginning) but not unloving. Thanks again!
uannie · 18 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Dearly Bought
hello, you wrote a wonderful chapter. I hope that you will keep on writing...
Author's reply
Of course I will. This story is, in fact, completely written and I just update it whenever I think of it. Thanks a lot for your comment.
Andrea · 18 April 2008 · Chapter 2: From the Beginning
Vivid descriptions, indeed! There was not much hope left that their situation might improve, and still Saradoc and all the other Bucklanders did not give up! That tells a lot about what hobbits are capable of. And in some way it corresponds to what the four travellers had to endure on their mission. The scene that moved me most was Esmeralda sitting in the moonlight on Merry's bed. Not the mistress, not the wife - only the mother. That scene was brilliant! P.S.: I'm sure if you give your "German muse" some more time, it will return to you. And there will be at least one German reader eagerly awaiting new chapters :) Greetings from Germany to Scotland!
Author's reply
It is indeed a journey similar to the one of the four travellers folk in Buckland went through. Each had their own demons to face and their own fears to overcome during the Troubles. I love the scene with Esmeralda as well. It reminded me of a similar one in Schicksalsjahre, only there she is thinking more of her "other son". My muse is actually fine... only it's locked up again until the end of my. Studies are too busy :( And I'm still waiting for Ivy's beta. Thanks!
Larner · 18 April 2008 · Chapter 2: From the Beginning
Too much reason for grief here! And yet they continue on as they must, the Master and his brother and their folk! Vivid descriptions.
Author's reply
They continue because there is nothing else they could do and because it is what they had been raised to do - Merimac as much as Saradoc though it is Saradoc who bears the title and thus the burden. Thanks a lot!
SlightlyTookish · 18 April 2008 · Chapter 2: From the Beginning
Great chapter! I liked the flashback to the attack on Crickhollow (poor Freddy!) and also Paladin's reaction to Pippin leaving. Your writing style is great too - very Tolkien-esque :)
Author's reply
Paladin's reaction, as well as the beginning of the Crickhollow flashback I took from one of my other stories, "A Father's Worries" where you can see the confrontation between Paladin and Saradoc in more detail... and written in a time when I knew hardly anything about the two of them. Tolkien-esque, eh? *beams* Thanks a lot!
Andrea · 7 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Dearly Bought
Dear Lily, It was wonderful to see this story continued! And who else but Merimac could have been the major character in this chapter. His son Berilac is a true hero, no doubt about that, but it was his father's determination that saved his life. And the skills of an old healer. He should not be forgotten. Last but not least, I just wanted to tell you that I'm really admiring your skill of using the English language. Since you went to Scotland, your English has improved greatly. It has grown more colourful, if you know what I mean. I would love to express my thoughts as easily as you do, but I fear I'm far away from that ;-) Thank you for this chapter!
Author's reply
A true hero Berilac might be, but also a foolish one - and whether or not this will cost his life remains yet to be seen. And Merimac is at least as much a hero as his son. Don't praise my English skills before you see how my German stumbles along. I've re-read the entire Bag End bit of Schicksalsjahre eines Hobbits (some 270 pages) and I still can't hear Frodo's voice. I'm beginning to fear that I've lost it, but I'm not yet giving up. Thanks a lot for reviewing!
Larner · 6 April 2008 · Chapter 1: Dearly Bought
The usurpers have come, and Merimac has stood against them. Perhaps he, more than most, will recognize his Cousin Frodo's feelings when that one comes back.
Author's reply
There is a lot of courage in Merimac - especially when it comes to his children's safety. He has stood against the Men, but it doesn't mean he won't be haunted by what happened. Thanks!