KathyG · 24 June 2014 · Chapter 1: Took, the Terrible!
LOL! Where is a can of insect repellent when you need it? =)
Outtakes of a Fellowship and Beyond by Kara's Aunty
Reviews (58)
KathyG · 28 May 2014 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
Aww, that was so sweet! Athough Gimli could not accept her proposal, he couldn't help but be touched by the childish compassion that prompted it (as well as amused by her childlike way of putting it!).
IMNtQJfkc · 17 March 2013 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
I would love to have a bathing suit that cevors my arms. I would never have looked as you do when I was younger, but I love to swim, but find my arms are very heavy.We are watching all the old films now on TCM. How gorgeous you are, both now and when I first saw you in the movies ,age 6 . I am now 78Thank you,BE
6336 · 16 December 2010 · Chapter 5: A Little Ray Of Sunshine
Ah, Samwise and his plain Hobbit sense! 'Samwise of the One Ear and the Infant of Doom', love it! Lynda (one L)
curiouswombat · 29 November 2010 · Chapter 10: Formidable
What a perfect character study of Sam. When it comes to his master he is certainly an immoveable object. (I do find myself wondering what Merry and Pippin thought when they realise that Sam has stayed with their cousin when they accepted banishment...)
Author's reply
Hello curiouswombat, gosh I am sorry for not replying to this review sooner - I didn't even know it was here until I stumbled across it. *sheepish smile* Thanks for the comment on Sam's characterisation. Sometimes I think I stray a little from what the characters should be, so it's always great to hear when I've managed to nail it! *beams* Thanks very much for R & R-ing, m'dear, M ;)
Antane · 6 August 2010 · Chapter 10: Formidable
Formidable indeed! Gotta to love it. If there's anything more stubborn than a Baggins, its a Gamgee looking after a Baggins. :) I love also the resistance of Merry and Pippin and the reason given to leave to keep Bilbo company for certainly this was not a easy time at all for the eldest hobbit. Love most Sam's words, if he must endure it then I too, and his reason for not obeying Aragorn and for not leaving period, that Frodo would need the touch of someone he knew. Namarie, God bless, Your berry who is thrilled to have some many stories from you!:)
Author's reply
Hello again, Tookish blossom, my, haven't you been a busy wee bee? Delighted that you enjoyed 'Sam v everyone else'! Poor Bilbo must certainly have been frantic for his Frodo at that time. And probably feeling a bit guilty too, knowing that the ring he bequeathed him was the cause of his nephew's troubles. Merry and Pippin would be just the tonic to distract him from his woeful thoughts, and offer him the comfort he needed to get him through that difficult time. And trust a Gamgee not to budge when his master so clearly needs him. Sometimes the Big Folk just need to listen to a little bit of hobbit sense, and Sam is absolutely the right hobbit to deliver that :) Thanks always for R & R-ing, Tooky bloom, McMo x
Andrea · 5 August 2010 · Chapter 10: Formidable
Well, as Larner already pointed out, Sam equals Frodo in stubbornness and persistence here! And he has good reasons to insist on staying with Frodo. He may have surprised Lord Elrond, but I'm sure that Gandalf already knew more about Sam.
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, oh, you're so right! Was there ever a pair more stubborn than a Baggins and a Gamgee? 'Cos I don't think I've ever read about it! Yep, Gandalf did already know about Sam's stubborn streak. I think that, here, he was just waiting to see how far Sam would go to assert himself against those who sought to part him from his master - wisdom the wizard would file for later contemplation, possibly. Particularly given that he (at this stage) secretly hoped Frodo would take the Ring to Mordor. On such a quest, he would want to ensure that any companions Frodo chose would be worthy of the task at hand. And Sam definitely proved he was up for the job (even if he didn;t know he was doing so - chuckle). Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :o)
UTfrog · 5 August 2010 · Chapter 10: Formidable
This contains some of the finest imagery I have ever read! Excellent in all respects and a real treat. Thank you!
Author's reply
Hello UTfrog, gosh, thanks very much! I don't think anyone's ever said that to me about imagery in my fics before :) The setting of the scene when Elrond removes the Morgul shard is such a well-explored one in fanfic (and by better auhors than me), that I didn't really think I could contribute to it. So I concentrated more on the dialogue pertinent (for this fic) to the characters. Just my luck to have nailed the imagery without realising it - I could never have managed that on purpose. *chuckles ruefully* Poor Merry and Pippin - if they'd only dug in their heels a la Gamgee, they too could have stayed with their beloved cousin. I think they need a fic of their own to make up for it ... Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
shirebound · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 10: Formidable
Oh, I just love this. Dear Sam with his flawless, practical, love-filled logic!
Author's reply
Hello shirebound, you've got to love hobbit logic! Especially when the hobbit in question is the practical Samwise Gamgee. Poor Elrond and Aragorn, they didn't stand a chance (something I suspect Gandalf already knew)! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Larner · 4 August 2010 · Chapter 10: Formidable
Ah! I can just see such a situation myself! Thank you for this. Love the Stubborn Master of Bag End, and his equally stubborn gardener!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Bagginses and Gamgees ... Stubbornness personified, eh? That's why we love them :) Delighted you liked the ficlet. It was supposed to be a drabble (snort) but, as is plain to see, it went awry in that respect. But I won't give up: I shall master the elusive art of a 100 word fic, if it kills me! Well, maybe not if it kills me. Wouldn't be much use to me then, really ... Thanks for R & R-ing, :)
Antane · 4 April 2010 · Chapter 9: Bitter Legacy
Oh, my dear cousin! Just reading this now at Easter. I suppose not the best time to read such a sad tale. He still knew the greatest love that could be known, as one other fic stated some years ago, even if he never knew romantic love. I hope he realized that in all of Sam's tender touches and the brief, treasured time with Elanor. Namarie, God bless, your bloom and berry who must remind you once more to stop saying your fingers are unworthy :)
Author's reply
Hello m'dear, He was loved, wasn't he? And maybe it wasn't the romantic sort that a hobbit wife would have offered him, but it was strong and enduring enough to see him through the Quest, nurse his hurts afterwards, and, more importantly, allow him to leave and find the healing he needed across the Sea. *sniffle* Thank you for R & R-ing, Tookish bloom who thinks my fingers are worthy ;) Cousin Mo :o)
Larner · 3 April 2010 · Chapter 9: Bitter Legacy
Unfortunately, all too likely a realization to have brought so clearly to mind just at that moment. His own peace is yet difficult for him to envision.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, I know. Poor Frodo. I've always felt so deeply sorry for him that he was robbed of the chance of a family because of the Ring. It's good that he had Sam, Rosie and Elanor post-Quest, but I would still have loved to see him with a wife and child of his own. Oh, well. Some things were not meant to be, so I'll just be thankful he found peace in Valinor. Thanks for R & R-ing, M :o)
Andrea · 24 March 2010 · Chapter 9: Bitter Legacy
What a bittersweet moment! On the one hand a happy reunion, and on the other hand the legacy of The One Ring! Poor Frodo! I feel with him! But what would have happened if there had been a wife and maybe a child waiting at Bag End for him to return? They would have found him massively changed and deeply wounded by his adventure. I'm not so sure if that would have been better. And there we have it again: The legacy of the One Ring!
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, I know: poor Frodo! Like Bilbo, as soon as he received the One Ring, it subdued all desire to fall in love or start a family. The tragedy of it, though, is greater in Frodo's,case: he had just come of an age when most hobbits would have been contemplating settling down (unlike Bilbo, who was much older when he became Ringbearer, and had long since chosen the life of a bachelor). But Frodo never had that choice. Bilbo disappeared on his 33rd birthday, leaving him as heir of the Ring ... As sad as this is though, perhaps he could take some comfort (in Valinor) that he never had a wife and child/children prior to the Quest - they would have been devastated enough to see his health fail after the Quest, let alone having to let watch him leave them forever to seek healing elsewhere. Frodo probably knows and accepts this himself, but nevertheless, I think it must've still hurt him to know that the One Ring forever denied the option of his own (blood) family. You are right, though: with or without a family (pre-Quest), he would still have had to leave the Shire forever. *sniffle* Hope you enjoyed and thanks (very much!) for R & R-ing, m'dear! M :)
cookiefleck · 23 March 2010 · Chapter 7: Water of Life
Somehow I missed this when it was first published. A delightful and insightful "Sam story." Thank you!
Author's reply
Hello cookiefleck, you're welcome! Glad you enjoyed the wee Sam Faramir scene. Thanks for R & R-ing, M ;)
Antane · 17 March 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
My dear cousin! I am using the advantage of St. Patrick's Day being an exempt in Lent to drop by your little gem here. What a sweet little lass Elanor is and so practical in her concern for one of her beloved uncles. How lucky all the Gamgees were to have so many of them and they to have all those lads and lasses. Jewels, all of them, and also most especially their da! Namarie, God bless, Your bloom and spring berry :)
Author's reply
Hello my dear Cousin, you are so funny! I never realised that St Patrick's Day was a sort of 'get out of jail free' card for Lent (and I'm a Catholic). Hahaha!! Delighted you took full advantage of it nonetheless, and even more delighted that you enjoyed Elanor's little moment in the spotlight with her (surely) favourite uncle (he would be MY favourite uncle, anyway). Hope it eased the trials of Lent for you (I've given up chocolate and fizzy juice (which you would call 'soda') so, believe me, I feel your pain). Thanks very much for R & R-ing, m'dear. You've really brightened up my day (as you always do), Cousin Mo :)
Larner · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
Ah! How delightful, and how decidedly Hobbity her concerns! I can so see this! Love it! Thanks so for this one.
Author's reply
Hello Larner, Elanor is a very sweet lass, isn't she? Really concerned for her Uncle Gimli's well-being (and so convinced that he can't take proper care of himself without a wife!). I think she takes after her father - well, actually, she takes after both her parents, because both Sam and Rosie are so kind, so considerate, so selfless ... Gosh, if only everyone could be like that, what a great world we'd live in! I'm really, really happy you enjoyed Elanor and Gimli's little oneshot! Thanks very much for R & R-ing, M :)
cookiefleck · 21 February 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
Thus was a sweet idea for a story. Apparently Elanor is as selfless as her father! ;o) I liked this line especially: "A burst of warmth that had little to do with the Sun flooded his heart..."
Author's reply
Hello cookiefleck, Can you imagine the expression on his face when the wee girl proposed just to stop him starving or running about in mucky clothes? *grins* Glad you enjoyed this tender moment between niece and uncle. Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
elliska · 20 February 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
This is wonderful! I absolutely love Elanor's concern and dismay about Gimli's home life. His home will fall to ruin and his clothing straight after it! Awesome! As was the idea of giving him a telling off for coming home late from wandering. The conclusion was great. I loved this!
Author's reply
Hello elliska, I'm so happy you enjoyed this one-shot. Having Sam and Rosie for role models, Elanor could not fail but to be a jewel of a lass who would wish to ensure that all her loved ones were as content in their home life as her parents are! And no-nonsense, devoutly single, warrior-dwarf Gimli could fail but to be charmed by her selfless proposal of wedlock (chuckle)! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
Dreamflower · 19 February 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
Ah! Little girls the world over! That was sweet! I wonder what Sam would have thought of that conversation! And I loved her assumptions that Gimli needed "taking care of" and that Legolas simply wouldn't know how! LOL!
Author's reply
Hello Dreamflower, I know. Wee girls: they're so cute! I have a niece of 8 and she hasn't stopped surprising me or making me laugh with her childish wisdom since the day she was born :) As far as Elanor is concerned, Giimli does need someone to take care of him. She probably reasons that Legolas - immortal that he is - can marry any old time he pleases, but that poor Uncle Gimli cannot. So she's trying to make sure he finds himself someone to care for his home & his heart before he pops his clogs! And Sam? Well, he would probably chuckle if he found out his ten-year-old daughter had proposed to an older man (dwarf) - though only if said man had politely declined! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
utfrog · 18 February 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
So, so sweet. Lovely
Author's reply
Hello utfrog, thanks! Glad you enjoyed Gimli's (probably first) proposal!! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
shirebound · 18 February 2010 · Chapter 8: The Jewel of the Shire
This is a pure delight. Elanor is such a good-hearted lass. Now I wonder if she'll have the same conversation with Legolas, and try to woo him! And thank you very much for the lovely comments about the MEFAs. It's a true honor to be acknowledged for my stories.
Author's reply
Hello shirebound, thank you! There seem to be a fair few fics about Elven lords interacting with various Gamgee children floating about the net (I, for one, LOVE them!) but very few with Gimli the Dwarf, so I just had to rectify the situation *grin* As for the MEFA comments, you more than deserved them, m'dear! Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
Larner · 7 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Water of Life
Ah--nicely done!
Author's reply
Hello Larner, thanks very much! Just a wee Sam/Farmir scene, 'cos there aren't enough of them (IMHO) ;) And congrats on your MEFA 2009 success! Three Honorouble Mentions, one third place, six second and THREE first places!!! Now THAT is an impressive body of awards! And very, very well deserved, too, given the high calibre of your writing. Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear, M :)
Andrea · 7 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Water of Life
Frodo could not have thirsted in Mordor as long as you were there with him, for you were his fountain of hope. Beautifully said! Faramir has many qualities that are shown in this story: Patience, intelligence, humour and wisdom. He might be young in years, but he is already a wise man, wiser than his brother was. (Poor Boromir!)
Author's reply
Hello Andrea, oh, you are so right. Faramir was more able to step back and see 'the bigger picture', whereas Boromir was impulsive, hasty, and governed by his passions. Poor, brave, noble, tragic Boromir! *sniff* Glad you enjoyed the fic, m'dear. Thanks for R & R-ing, M :)
shirebound · 6 February 2010 · Chapter 7: Water of Life
You are the water, Samwise. You are the giver of life to those weakened by despair and fear. Frodo could not have thirsted in Mordor as long as you were there with him, for you were his fountain of hope. Oh my, this is a wonderful conversation. I love Sam's comparison of the water to the Elves, as much as Faramir's comparison of it to Sam. These two have always seen in the 'quality' in the other, and no mistake.
Author's reply
Hello shirebound, firstly, congrats for winning first place with 'Holding Back the Flood', and on your Honourable Mentions for 'The Man in the Moon' and 'The People in the Stars' at the 2009 MEFAs! It's a true testament to your talent as an author that you got so much credit for your fics, and I'm as pleased as punch for you, m'dear! Okay, review reply: You have the right of it - Sam and Faramir really have always recognised each other's quality. I think that's because they have a lot in common: both are unassuming and quiet, with little real ambition other than to serve their masters (whether that master is Frodo, or the role of Steward's son), yet both will step up to the mark and perform deeds of astonishing bravery & courage to defend what they cherish. The water was a euphimism to display this, and it could really have referred to either of these splendid chaps! Btw, loved the '... and no mistake' comment at the end of your review! Really made me grin! Thanks for R & R-ing, m'dear. What an honour to have an AWARD WINNER reviewing my humble fic *massive cheesy grin*. M :)
Antane · 30 July 2009 · Chapter 6: A familial bond
Sorry, cousin mine, that it has taken me so long to get this finished! I have wondered how Merry, Pippin and Sam got so close that Sam named two of his children after them. I especially loved the agony Sam pours out at having to watch his/their beloved heartbrother fall farther and farther apart on the way to the Fire and being unable to stop it. I am reaching that point myself in my Letter story and you say it just beautifully. Merry's agony is clearly shown as well. Glad Sam was able to clear that up. Surely the only thing more stubborn than a Baggins is a Gamgee watching over a Baggins. Love also the words that those in the heart are never truly apart, no matter what the distance. They will have need to remember that in a little while. Love also the memories of beloved cousins that Sam is able to provide to Merry. Namarie, God bless, Melinyel, Your busy, intense, quirky, passionate, [more than] slightly scatter-brained spring berry :) who BTW cannot face you hands on hip because she's hanging on for dear life on the side of the cliff you are so callously having her hang from for weeks on end! :) :)
Author's reply
Hello m'dear, I was going to answer this two days ago, but I thought you might like a new chapter of a certain story instead... Glad you liked A Familial Bond though. It was my stab of a guess at how they went from friends to family, and I'm thrilled you enjoyed so many aspects of it. So, off you go and (hopefully enjoy the next chapter of AEPD (it'll be up in about 30 mins)! Thanks for R & R-ing, Me ;)