Much Ado about Mushrooms by Kara's Aunty
KathyG · 18 April 2014 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
One thing I've noticed about Aragorn in this story--instead of behaving like a king trying and sentencing criminals, as he's so often obliged to do in Minas Tirith, he's behaving more like a father punishing a pair of naughty tweens!
Tigger · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
Oh my!! Thank you, thank you, thank you for a wonderfully entertaining evening reading this. Those two got everything coming to them and then some for what they did to that poor cook. Also sounds as it it was about time someone pricked a certain two hobbits' egos as well. Especially Merry's. I agree w/Pippin BTW. I think Frodo and Bilbo would want to be related to Sam after the punishments he thought up for the two of them. More than jusitfied though. Well done m'dear!! Well done indeed. I need to go and add this to my Favourites list here. As I'm sure I'll be reading it again at some point. Thank you so much for sharing this w/all of us. :o)
Author's reply
Hello Tigger, Wow, what a lovely review! It was a very nice surprise to wake up this morning and discover this in my review box. And to know that you'd had such an entertaining evening readung my wee fic - Merry and Pippin's egos may not be the only ones that need to be deflated now! I had a lot of fun writing this. It was supposed to be a oneshot follow up to another (more serious) fic, but sort of spiralled out of my control! I don't usually write Merry & Pippin (I normally write Sam fics), but I had no idea it was going to be so amusing thinking up trouble for them both to make and punishments for them to receive. I'll probably do another fic of them later on. I'm really thrilled that you enjoyed this so much and that it provided you with such a pleasant evening. And THANK YOU for the Favourite. You've really made my day!! M ;)
Linda Hoyland · 22 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Kind Words and Queer Tales
I just loved Faraamir here and Faribar's wonderful way with words is sheer delight
Author's reply
Hello Linda, You know I've always admired Faramir and found to be vastly underused (in both the books and the films). So this chapter gave me an opportunity to exhibit my good opinion of him through the cook (who is in full agreement with me anyway). I'm so happy you enjoyed it! Faramir-lovers unite!! M ;)
Antane · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
Oh, dear me, that was a terrible punishment! And I had wondered whether Arwen would know if her admirer's poem - she was as gracious as I knew she would be. Namarie, God bless, Aunty Anne :)
Author's reply
Hello Aunty, It was a terrible punishment for the two, but they'll get over it (and hopefully learn their lesson). Unfortunately, Arwen only heard the one verse of the cook's song (It was all Merry-lad could remember), but it was clear she was the one being described after the spectacular fool Farlibar made of himself over her earlier that day, poor sod! I hope you enjoyed it (despite the bounty of vengeful hobbits - they don't mean any harm, really), it was written all in good fun! All the best, Aunty Mo ;)
Andrea · 21 November 2008 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
Oh dear! Now I *do* pity Merry and Pippin! No mushrooms for a whole month? I hope they'll survive it ;-) I found many passages I would have liked to quote, but that would make this review far too long. So, I just quote this: “’Stell…” he began, but was harshly cut off. “Don’t you ‘Stell’ me Meriadoc Brandybuck! That is a name used by the responsible adult that is my husband - not some ageing tween!” Ageing tween? Oh, that hurt! Pippin sniggered beside him, but Diamond was at his side in an instant. "She was referring to you as well when she said that. And I completely agree with her.” LOL!!! Believe me, I really pity them, but I think "ageing tween" is the perfect description! Too bad this story is already over, for I enjoyed it a great deal! Thank you very much!
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, Poor Merry and Pippin indeed, no mushrooms (and possibly no 'oats' if you take my meaning) for a whole month! But it serves those cheeky boys right! I'm thrilled you enjoyed 'Much Ado...' so much. It was only supposed to be a oneshot follow-up to 'Concerning Sam', but sort of spiralled out of my control and I had feared for a while there that I was not up to the task of writing it. Thankfully, it was worth all worry if it made you and others smile. This story may be over, but I'm sure the future adventures of Farlibar and the Twin Evils of Eriador will have another airing on SoA at some point! Thanks for all your wonderfull reviews!! M ;)
Dreamflower · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
The End?!?!?! You mean we don't get to see the famous visits to the Great Smials and Brandy Hall?? Oh my! I really do hope that they all come to a reconciliation sooner or later--Merry and Pippin really should realize what a sound hobbit Farli really is (not to mention his prowess as a cook) and Farli should really have a chance to appreciate how loyal and brave Merry and Pippin are--when they are not being rascals. And...maybe...just maybe...they could corrupt Farli just a little into some rascality of his own. Frodo might not approve. But I'll bet *Bilbo* would! More please???? *makes pitiful puppy-dog eyes*
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, Don't worry, I'm sure the bickering trio will come to some kind of accord (eventually) - but the journey there may be bumpy! I'm not sure if I trust my (extremely) limited knowledge of Brandy Hall and the Great Smials to explore Farlibar's visits there. As for Merry and Pippin corrupting the cook - interesting idea. I may just have to do another 'oneshot' at some point to explore that. If that happens, I'll dedicate it to you, how about that? Thanks very much for your reviews throughout this fic. I'm truly glad you enjoyed it! All the best, M ;)
Larner · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
Now, that's a terrible punishment for two Hobbits! Poor things! Poor children--and there's no question they were acting like children! And now they are in for it. And Aragorn, Sam, and Faramir are enjoying themselves at their expense. But they DO deserve it, don't they? Heh!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, They deserve it indeed, the naughty boys! It was good fun to write Aragorn and Faramir enjoying themselves for a change. They are such serious characters in the Books that I thought they deserved a chance to laugh. Fortunately, they know and love the boisterous cousins - as does Sam (despite his talent for punishing them). Thank you so much for reading and reviewing each chapter of 'Much Ado...' You have put a great, big smile on my face! Maureen :)
Celeritas · 20 November 2008 · Chapter 5: A Dearth of Mushrooms
I nearly choked trying to stifle my howls of laughter at this--from M&P being made to make all those copies of the poem ("But we don't even know him!" "...yet.") to Sam's punishment, which was of course about the best and cruelest thing he could have done (when in doubt, bring in the women!). I had wondered if a ban on mushrooms would be part of the punishment, but really didn't see any of the others coming! But the separate bedchambers really took the cake out of all of them--the best goad into good behavior that woman has ever had on man! *wicked grin*
Author's reply
Hello Celeritas, I'm so relieved you liked it! I've been putting of writing this final chapter for a few days now because I didn't really know how to round it nicely off. In the end, I decided on a mixture of scenes that left me somewhat worried - thinking it was a bit hodgepodge. But, phew! It's finished now and also had the desired effect. Merry and Pip really are a couple of rascals though! It's been great fun to write them (I never realised I would enjoy that so much). There is so much potential for humour with them. Especially when mixed with Farlibar (whom they still haven't apologised to!). And being able to include more normally regal characters like Aragorn and Faranir - and not forgetting the earthy hobbit sense of my beloved Sam! I am really happy you enjoyed this. Thank you for all your sparkling reviews throughout! Maureen :)
Larner · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Council of Elessar
Oh, I snickered all the way through this one! Poor, poor Merry, having to figure out something worse than "Mortal Enemy!" Now, are they going to have to sing all the verses of Farlibar's song, or what? But they brought it on themselves, of course! Foolish Hobbits. Lovely story!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, I'm so glad you found it funny. It was great fun to write! But now I have to think about alternate (and Merry - & Pippin-proof) punishments as well as a level of enemy worse than mortal (everyone seems to be asking about that). Oh, well. I do box myself into these situations... Still, the journey for these answers will at least be interesting! And thank you for saying my story is lovely. Coming from you, that means a lot. Ta, ta. M :)
Andrea · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Council of Elessar
Why, thank *you* for placing it here :) However, that was the last time Merry felt content that day. After that everything got worse... and Merry wondered if there was a level of enemy worse than ‘mortal‘ Oh dear! But it was Merry's own fault. He should have stopped teasing Sam much earlier. Now he has to face the consequences. And Sam is not Farlibar! So I'm really curious what the "punishment" will be!
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, It was my pleasure to use your very funny limerick. It suited Merry quite well, don't you think? Merry should not have teased Sam. Sometimes, he doesn't know to 'quit while he's ahead'. However, he and Pippin would have been in trouble regardless of whether he'd teased Sam or no - but doing so just made Sam's job of 'telling them off' all the sweeter! Everyone's asking what the punishment is (gulps nervously). I'm still thinking about that... But if the punishment is of Sam's making (and Strider & Faramir are satisfied enough to use it), then you can be sure that Merry and Pippin will never again tease someone as mercilessly as they have poor Farlibar! Danke dir (nochmals) für's Gedichtchen! M :)
Baggins Babe · 16 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Council of Elessar
I've been meaning to review this story - poor Farlibar and wise Sam, Faramir and Aragorn. I can't wait to see what their punishment is for those two rascals. They really did overstep the mark with the poor cook, who is obviously not very sociable and not used to their mischief. I'm sure Frodo would have disapproved of such behaviour in two gentlehobbits. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Hello Baggins Babe, You're right: Frodo would have disapproved of their behaviour. But worry not, he would also approve of Sam's punishment for them... Thank you so much for reviewing, it really does make my day when people take a few moments to tell me what they thought. M :)
Antane · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Council of Elessar
Ah, another chapter! Cute descriptions of the growing stomachs of Merry and Pippin. :) And the order of good company and good food and how to change the order of that. As for their punishments, hey, if you do the crime, you do the time. They'll think twice before they try to do anything like this again, and then they'll do it anyways!! All this in a plot to get a few extra mushrooms! And Sam will be forgiven, right? Of course he will be. Namarie, God bless, Aunty Anne :)
Author's reply
Hello Aunty! They certainly will think twice about being so naughty again - and at their ages too! Shame on them! But they are good folk at heart and know when they've done wrong. So the next time they err (and they probably will - they are Merry and Pippin, after all), it won't be to quite the same extent. As for Sam being forgiven, who knows... Of coures, Sam would just roll his eyes at Merry 'downgrading' him to mortal enemy - and then tell him to behave himself. So don't feel to worried for our favourite gardener! All the best. Aunty M :)
Celeritas · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Council of Elessar
The amusion started at the title and didn't leave off. It's good that Merry and Pippin are starting to feel remorse for their actions, but I have a feeling it's going to go right back to Railing Against the Cruelty of the World once whatever the hideous punishment is starts. Pippin's rather less-than-decorous remark made me laugh--that sounds like one of those tales that'll get told when Faramir's a tween for the express purpose of embarrassing him. I do hope that Merry and Pippin won't be put off by any increase in girth. That's respectable for a hobbit, that is! ...Is there a level of enemy worse than mortal? I'll have to stay tuned to find out! ^_^
Author's reply
Hello Celeritas, Merry and Pippin can't help but eventually feel remorse - when the gravity of the result of their 'joke' is pointed out to them. They are very good hobbits at heart, as you know, just a little....well, you know THAT too! Cheeky Pippin! But Merry does ask for it sometimes and it's so enjoyable to plan their dialogue, really I can't tell you how much I enjoy that! But they won't be put off by spreading waistlines, they are hobbits after all. I blame Pip's remark & Merry's reaction on te influence of the Quest and the company of Big Folk currently camped across the Brandywine. My poor Sam, being steadily downgraded in friendship status (that was also fun to write). Thankfully he's blissfully unaware of it. I have absolutely no idea though if there's a level of enemy worse than 'mortal' - yet! I'm glad you enjoyed it. M :)
Dreamflower · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 4: The Council of Elessar
Dear, dear, dear! Merry is just beset on all sides isn't he? (And Pippin too, for that matter--though somehow I don't think he seems to be taking it all quite so hard as Merry is...) Sam, Faramir *AND* Aragorn--all of them in league to give them a lesson! I just adore all the hints that little Faramir is a little rascal himself! Like father like son... “…is that we all had a small, erm, misunderstanding.” “A small misunderstanding!” snorted Sam. “And I have a small family.” Merry thought this was very unfair. Sam had the largest family on Bagshot Row - everyone knew that. And it was still growing. Of course, Pippin just had to say: “Well, technically, yes. Most of them are very small, what with being under ten years old…” Four sets of eyes now glared at the Took and he wisely discontinued uttering his particular brand of nonsense., *cackles madly* You know, you really should have put a Beverage Warning on this chapter. Fortunately for my monitor, I had just finished my tea! But...you still didn't tell us what Sam's going to do to them...
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, Pippin isn't taking it as hard as Merry, you're quite right. That's because he knows they were both wrong to behave so foolishly (even though he didn't quite realise the depths of fear Farlibar had been exploring when they were having their little joke on him). Faramir-lad - indeed, like father like son. So naturally, his favourite Gamgee ladss are Merry & Pippin! A Beverage Warning? I take that as a great compliment!! (I actually DID briefly but a Drink Warning on the home page story summary when I posted chapter 3, but it made me look like an arrogant twat and I was embarrased to see it there, so I took it off again). The reason I still haven't told you what their punishment is going to be is because I'm still thinking up things suitable enough for the naughty rascalls to do, but be assured - I will see to it that they are properly punished, or my name's not Kara's Aunty! Well, actually, that's not my real name...but you know what I meaan. Thanks for the detailed review and your show of appreciation. It makes writing each chapter most worthwhile! M :)
Dreamflower · 15 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Kind Words and Queer Tales
Oh, I do so love poor little Farlibar, who has an amazing imagination for a hobbit! Although he'd probably be shocked to hear it--he is clearly given to such flights of fancy! *giggle* I really loved *his* version of Eowyn and Merry on the Pelennor! *cackle* I really liked seeing Sam and Faramir coming to comfort him--both of them were so much in character! And I can't wait to see what Sam has in mind, soo... I guess I will hit the "next" button...
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, When Sam & Faramir caught the two pests running from the cooks' tent covered in flour, they probably knew they were up to no good - but had no time to properly address the situation. But when they found out from Strider that they were to help in the cooks' tent as punishment - only to have them turn up at afternoon tea, then they definitely wanted to get to the bottom of things! Then Farlibar had that wee accident with the spiced loaf... so they went to find him after 'visiting' the cooks' tent themselves to speak to the other cooks. I just love Sam and Faramir. So compassionate, such an innate sense of justice. I'm delighted you like Flighty Farlibar (you're right, he is surprisingly imaginitive - certainly more than he gives himself credt for) and his version of the slaying of the Wizardking (sorry, I can't call a lad by a lass's title)! It was fun to write. Thanks for the lovely review! M :)
Andrea · 11 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Kind Words and Queer Tales
Well, apparently Farlibar and Dreamflower's Aunt Dora have one thing in common: they speak (or think) In Capitals ;-) I also love Farlibar's creativity when it comes to calling Merry and Pippin names. "The two Dark Lords" - oh my! He must have been really, really angry! How could a King be a Witch? Kings were lads and Witches were lasses. It must have been a Wizardking that Mayor Sam was talking about. ROTFL! I hope Farlibar does not take offense, but this logic is rather Tookish :) I'm looking forward to reading more about the plan of the Mayor Whose Wisdom Was Endless !
Author's reply
Hello Andrea! Dreamflower's Aunt Dora sounds interesting - I must pop over to her profile and look that story up! Farlibar was (understandably) angry with the two cheeky chappies, but I think he may warm to them in the end... I'm delighted you liked the 'Wizardking' reference because it's actually something I've always wondered about and it seemed a like very Farlibar thing to have him ask himself! The Mayor Whose Wisdom Was Endless has a thing or two up his sleeve and I'm off to investigate them so I can pinch them for Chapter 4. See you soon! Maureen :)
Larner · 10 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Kind Words and Queer Tales
Poor Farlibar--this is turning out to be too much of a day for the poor Hobbit! But vengeance shall be his, with Strider's help!
Author's reply
Hello there, yes, he may well have the last laugh! But he won't be (too) mean about it now he's heard the others tales. I think knowing certain traits of peoples characters helps one understand them better. Slightly. Thanks (always) for reviewing! Maureen :)
Celeritas · 10 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Kind Words and Queer Tales
Word-pinching? I'm thrilled! Farlibar as Creator of Epithets continues to amuse; I particularly liked the various puns on Merry and Pippin's names and titles! It's quite hobbity how his estimation of how good people are is how they treat him--especially since he's still quite young. And unexpected Faramir was very nice. I certainly hope that what he and Sam get up to will be enough to put Thain and Master in their places! *rubs hands together with glee* And I do hope Farlibar will get a bit of understanding for other people. I have this amusing mental picture of the him, twenty years later, knowing exactly what Merry and Pippin are like and thus dishing it out twice as much sauce (pun intended) as they do!
Author's reply
Hello Celeritas, I'm thrilled you're thrilled (about the word-pinching)! It's such a deliciously descriptive word isn't it? Yes! Farlibar does have a rather blinkered view of life and (sometimes) likes/dislikes people based on his treatment at their hands. He's young and obsessed with cooking more than socialising, so doesn't have much experience with other hobbits unless it's his employer (whom he worships) or customers passing an opinion on his skills. IMHO he needs to get out more, but you know how odd artistes can be sometimes; it may take a while yet to realise there are other joys in life than work and the admiration of customers! But his epithets are priceless (cheeky hobbit!). If Merry & Pippin knew half the things he'd called them! I am sure, though, that all three will come to some sort of accord (voluntarily or otherwise). But the journey to that point in time is fun to explore and the punishment of the two Knights will be a fitting one! See you soon. Maureen :)
Antane · 9 November 2008 · Chapter 3: Kind Words and Queer Tales
Okay, maybe, I will like Farlibar again. I love his reaction to Arwen's beauty - of course, he would think in terms of food! I love also his thinking of Faramir with all those fancy titles and I will make one myself since I enjoyed seeing The Hobbit in a Man's Skin. Namarie, God bless, Aunty Anne :)
Author's reply
Hello again Aunty, You see? Farlibar's not a bad wee soul (just a tad defensive when it comes to his food). And I can't tell you how much fun it was to put Faramir (whom I also GREATLY admire) in this chapter along with my beloved Sam. Actually, Faramir and Sam are a good combination of friends (I've always thought): The unloved younger son of the Steward and the grieving (for his brother) gardener (Stop it Maureen! You'll make yourself cry, you idiot!) Okay, now I've composed myself, I can tell you how much I laughed at the thought of (skinny) Faramir as a Hobbit! But you're right: he does have the humility, grace and goodness of a hobbit (at least the hobbits we love), so it is a good comparison! Right, I'm off to finish my morning coffee. Thanks as always for the review! All the best (always), Maureen :)
Antane · 9 November 2008 · Chapter 2: 'Flour' is not just for Gardens
These three hobbits really should not be in the same room together! I felt sorry for Farlibar in the first chapter, but no more, after all that revenge and now we get revenge on the revenge. Oh dear oh dear. Namarie, God bless, Aunty Anne :)
Author's reply
Hello Aunty Anne, I know, they are not a good mixture - but they're not deliberately nasty to each other, emotions just tend to run high when they're in the same room... Thanks for dropping a review. All the best! Maureen :)
Antane · 9 November 2008 · Chapter 1: A not so Merry (and Pippin) Encounter
I enjoyed reading all Farilbar's observations about men and their unhobbity lack of appetite and everything from the POV of a very sheltered hobbit - but all but the Travelers and Bilbo were so. I began to suspect something was up when M & P asked if there were any mushrooms left. Aragorn was very kind and certainly set those pranksters to rights! Namarie, God bless, Aunty Anne :)
Author's reply
Hello Aunty Anne! I just saw your review and am delighted you read 'Much Ado...' I've just finished chapter 3 and will post it before bed, but it might interest you to know that our beloved Sam is in it (as if I could miss him out!) with nuggets of wisdom for his fellow cook. Yes, poor Farlibar is very sheltered (even for a hobbit), but that's half the fun of writing about him! All the best. Kara's Aunty Maureen :)
Golden · 9 November 2008 · Chapter 2: 'Flour' is not just for Gardens
*giggles* Oh what a funny story! Loved the interaction between Pip, Mer and the cook. Hope very much for more Chapters. Would love to read what the King has more to say to the development of his given orders. *L* Golden
Author's reply
Grüß dich Golden, Thanks for your review. I'm delighted you're enjoying this. I'm trying to get another chapter up tonight (I'm writing it just now) but it may be tomorrow before I get this one finished. Hope you tune in for it! M :)
Dreamflower · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 2: 'Flour' is not just for Gardens
LOLOL! Oh dear! Merry, Merry, Merry... I really loved the way you showed Farli's thought processes, as he went from feeling a bit sorry for the culprits who must've had their wits addled from their time Outside to his insufferable cockiness and rather unwise song! Good heavens! *shakes head* I don't know how those two and Farli will *ever* come to an accommodation--though I have a feeling that Strider will insist on it before all's said and done!
Andrea · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 2: 'Flour' is not just for Gardens
They’re really not so grand Those queer folk from Buck-land No hobbit sense It’s all pretence Their heads are full of sand! ROTFL!!! I can understand that Merry got VERY angry when he heard this, but if you ask me, he deserved it! That was a great chapter. I especially liked the toy ants and Merry's plan for using them the get out. Well, they actually got out, but differently then they expected, I'm sure. Anyway, if you have ideas for another chapter, I will be eager to read it :)
Larner · 8 November 2008 · Chapter 2: 'Flour' is not just for Gardens
Ah! Yes, trust a Brandybuck and a Took to have tried two such schemes in the space of so short a time! Farlibar has every reason to make their lives a misery and to complain to the King himself! Alas, poor cook that he is! And I hope Aragorn takes it out of their hides the whole time he's laughing inside as much as I've been doing! Heh!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Always a pleasure (and honour) to hear from you! I'm so glad this made you laugh (inside or out!). And don't worry about poor Farlibar - justice is NOT a bag of flour, as Merry and Pippin will soon find out! I got a review from the wonderful Lindelea a day or two ago (for 'His dear, beloved Hobbit Elf'), and I can't tell you how excited I was: That the author who first inspired you should drop me a review... Ah the joys! Maureen (The not-really-a-stalker person)