Dreamflower
· 22 January 2025
· Chapter 12: All's Well that Ends Well
I am so glad to find this finished!
What a lovely conclusion to this tale. It's always fun to visit the Tooks in the days before Paladin got saddled with the Thainship.
I love your Robin. He reminds me of my Menelcar. I wonder if the two wanderers ever crossed paths...
At any rate, I am trying to catch up with my reading at SOA, but have been distressed about losing some of my work.
I noticed you lost some two. I need to check in and see what's going on with that.
Author's reply
Oh! It's so lovely to hear from you! I'm delighted that you're back and reading again. I was gone for so long (because of the demands of working to put food on the table), I was afraid everyone would have moved on and SoA wouldn't be here anymore, either. I'm so glad to have been mistaken about that.
What a fun thought – Robin and Menelcar meeting! Somehow, I think they'd strike up an instant friendship, probably get drunk together and sing an epic tale in pleasing harmony that they made up on the spot (and probably couldn't remember on waking up the next day, only to have all these people coming up to them and tell them what a marvellous song it was...). Don't mind me. I'm up way past midnight, which I shouldn't be, but I am.
I think I restored my lost stories, though some of them I had to recreate from the draft copies saved on my hard drive because I hadn't thought to save the changes I made after posting them. If you notice anything missing that I didn't restore, please let me know?
Thanks so much for reading and stopping to leave a good word! I hope this finds you well and that you will see this note!
Larner
· 28 March 2020
· Chapter 12: All's Well that Ends Well
Oh, Strider knows well who holds the power here in the Shire. A most fitting end to the story!
Author's reply
LOL! What better use of Counsellors, I should say, than to allow them to counsel! (Or whatever... my coffee has not kicked yet.)
Thanks! Be well.
shirebound
· 24 March 2020
· Chapter 12: All's Well that Ends Well
'I proclaim you Shire-friends ... oh, what a lovely idea! And what a lovely happy ending. :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I do love a happy ending.
Larner
· 22 March 2020
· Chapter 11: Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due
A proper thanks for Robin's labors!
Paladin is the proper gentlehobbit here, obviously.
Author's reply
Definitely! What I like about Paladin here, as well, is that he doesn’t even know how Robin rescued his little son a couple years ago, and yet he’s hospitable and courteous.
Andrea
· 12 July 2015
· Chapter 10: A Prancing Pony Breakfast
Well, as Dreamflower said before, there are simply no words for Lalia!
At least Robin knows from his own experience that not all Tooks are like Lalia. I am glad that he is up and about again.
Author's reply
Yes, it's a good thing that Robin has been all around the Shire, and multiple times! And also that he met Bilbo and experienced the hospitality of Bag End, before meeting Lalia. Whew.
Thanks!
Tari
· 10 July 2015
· Chapter 10: A Prancing Pony Breakfast
Lalia should be related to Lobelia. She just as mean.
Author's reply
Kindred spirits. Do you suppose they would be bosom friends, or worst enemies?
Thanks!
Larner
· 3 July 2015
· Chapter 10: A Prancing Pony Breakfast
Trust Lalia to demand a pound of flesh and a bit more! Selfish old biddy!
Author's reply
Trust Lalia, indeed... I can see her thinking up ways to turn a profit on the backs of Men who had the temerity to cross her territory. After all, some Dwarf had left a heavy hammer from earlier times, and no hobbit could lift it... I wonder if that had any bearing on some of the Men being willing later to throw in their lot with Saruman, and get a little of their own back from the Shirefolk.
Dreamflower
· 2 July 2015
· Chapter 10: A Prancing Pony Breakfast
How lovely to have so many updates from you this week!
Poor Robin! grr...Lalia! There are just no words for her! She was a terrible influence on the Tooks!
But I can see good Robin has a real way with a tale, as of course, a fellow of his trade should! Reminds me of Gandalf spacing out the Dwarves as he told Beorn their tale!
Author's reply
So glad to have had this chapter nearly ready to go, so that when I heard it was your birthday, it just required a little polishing and a bright bow! Not much more to this story; perhaps I can finish it before the summer is out.
From Tolkien's description of Lalia, it's not hard to imagine her as being demanding and greedy. It's no wonder that Robin was not often found in the Tookland after this incident.
Ah, yes, and Robin is a storyteller by trade -- it is a part of his magic. I had the pleasure of watching a master illusionist at work recently -- and the storytelling was an integral part of his masterly misdirection, along with the graceful flourishes of his hands. Practiced, almost poetic.
Reminded me quite a bit of Robin, actually.
Happy (belated) birthday!
Everlight
· 29 May 2014
· Chapter 9: And Wake Me 'ere the Morning Light
So sweet. I could see Pip and Lop cuddling in next to Robin. Loved how Eglantine didn't give Lop's "secret" away.
Author's reply
It was fun to show Eglantine's soft spot in her heart. Most of the time she's very practical.
Thanks!
Larner
· 28 May 2014
· Chapter 9: And Wake Me 'ere the Morning Light
I can so see Zoe cuddling a concerned child intent on seeing to it that all is well elsewhere in the house than the bedroom where the child belongs! Heh! Lop also has a vested interest in Robin's well-being, of course. Lovely glimpse at the busy kitchen.
Author's reply
She was such a cuddler and snuggler... Here's hoping the puppy will be willing to cuddle, at least some of the time.
Thanks!
Author Reply: (and the puppy does like to cuddle, though at nearly 100 lbs, she rather takes up the bulk of the bed, and sometimes the cuddle turns into an unexpected bounce -- she's not allowed on the furniture, but one of the wee hobbits prefers to have a mattress on the floor, for some reason...)
Garnet Took
· 28 May 2014
· Chapter 9: And Wake Me 'ere the Morning Light
This was an adorable chapter. Lop is a wonderful dog and he is definitely Pippin's dog.
This was such a wonderful picture of life in the Took household.
Totally loved this.
Author's reply
Lop is definitely Pip's, and Pip is definitely Lop's.
Thank you!
Andrea
· 28 May 2014
· Chapter 9: And Wake Me 'ere the Morning Light
and curled up within the circle of the sheepdog’s legs, head and tail was little Pip!
Awww, very nice! But if you think about it, it is in fact the safest place of all :-)
Author's reply
You're right! It would be the safest place of all!
Thanks!
shirebound
· 28 May 2014
· Chapter 9: And Wake Me 'ere the Morning Light
his warm nest of furry dog... Oh my goodness, of course that's my favorite line (and image)! What a gentle, sweet chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! Little children and dogs can be such a heartwarming combination. We have lots of pictures of our little ones snuggled up with a dog...
Dreamflower
· 28 May 2014
· Chapter 9: And Wake Me 'ere the Morning Light
Awww...what a lovely peaceful morning, and I can just see everyone all cuddled up together.
Lop's so much fun. Our first family dog after my marriage was a part border collie, taken in as a stray, smart as a whip, sneaky and fast, and very protective. Lop reminds me a lot of her.
I'm looking forward to Bilbo and Frodo getting to converse with their old friend Jack soon.
Author's reply
It is peaceful! I love peaceful, quiet early mornings... except when I have stayed up too late the night before.
Your border collie sounds lovely. Our puppy is only a few weeks away from coming home... My brother brought his puppy over last night and I was exhausted after a mere two hour visit. Puppies are so lively and busy! I hope the wee hobbits will pull their share of the load... I would have been happy just adopting an older dog.
Andrea
· 29 April 2014
· Chapter 8: In the Middle Night
Woodruff’s potion worked as it’s meant to
Great! So, Robin is on the mend now and has already managed to trick Pippin into going to bed again. A very neat trick I must say!
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
I love how Robin understands what makes people tick. He's quite a student of human nature.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 29 April 2014
· Chapter 8: In the Middle Night
Pippin marched to the kitchen doorway, that opened to the hall leading to the rest of the smial, stopped and turned. ‘No more talking now,’ he ordered sternly.
The three adults all nodded, and Mardi put a finger to his own lips.
Satisfied, the little one nodded and took himself off.
This is so darling! I love your Pip.
And what a relief that Robin is awake and aware, and knows that he's being cared for.
Author's reply
Oh, thank you! Little ones can be so sweet... My youngest is not so little anymore, and I kind of miss those days. (However, the teens and tweens are great years, too.)
Garnet Took
· 29 April 2014
· Chapter 8: In the Middle Night
Nice chapter.
I'm glad Robin is finally on the road to recovery.
Pippin was adorable in this chapter. He definitely developed his caring and compassionate nature early.
The image of Pippin curled up with Frodo was sweet and the whole not talking bit was perfect for him.
Once again, great job.
Author's reply
Little ones can certainly be bossy when they know they're in the right!
Thanks!
Larner
· 29 April 2014
· Chapter 8: In the Middle Night
Trust Pippin to put himself in the midst of it all. Glad Robin can now help in his own care, and that the treatment was successful!
Author's reply
Little ones tend to do that, I find. Whew, so glad that he's turned the corner! This is supposed to be more fluff than angst...
Thanks!
Larner
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
Ah, dear, at least Woodruff is listening to the part of what Bilbo has to tell that will actually HELP Robin, although Bilbo did have to reprove him when he leapt forward too far in the procedure. He does have the makings of a good healer, once he gets LISTENING down, too. Heh!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, Mardi does tend to run on when he ought to be listening. But he's pretty good at paying attention, once you get his attention, that is.
Thanks!
Andrea
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
Bilbo thought perhaps bringing Elves into the discussion might be counter-productive at this point
LOL!!! I think he is right!
I am quite relieved that Bilbo has indeed gained some experience in the healing of men. So, Elrond used a smaller dose for men than for hobbits. Who would have thought that? On the other hand, hobbits are very special :-)
And Mardi will be very glad that Bilbo's advice came in time!
Author's reply
Hobbits are indeed very special!
Thanks!
Everlight18
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
So they came up with a solution. Good. As for Mardi he seems to be a bit in over his head.
‘An elderly chap, is he?’ Mardi said, checking the temperature of the onion poultice.
‘You might say so,’ Bilbo replied, hiding a grin.
*giggles* I couldn't hide my grin as I read this. Great job.
Author's reply
So glad! I have laughed through similar situations, so it was fun to write this scene of two people talking together about completely different things.
Dreamflower
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
Ah! A smaller dose rather than a larger (as one would normally think of size) but you are going not for size but metabolism! Very clever twist!
Thank goodness Bilbo did know what to do, but now I am wondering about the story of his illness at the Last Homely House, and whether it was on the way to the Mountain or on the way home, and who the Man was. Perhaps kin of some sort to young Estel, I wonder?
Good thing he refrained from too many explanations. Mardi might have been far too sidetracked by Elves!
Dreamflower
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
Ah! A smaller dose rather than a larger (as one would normally think of size) but you are going not for size but metabolism! Very clever twist!
Thank goodness Bilbo did know what to do, but now I am wondering about the story of his illness at the Last Homely House, and whether it was on the way to the Mountain or on the way home, and who the Man was. Perhaps kin of some sort to young Estel, I wonder?
Good thing he refrained from too many explanations. Mardi might have been far too sidetracked by Elves!
Author's reply
Yes, metabolism, exactly!
Isn't it funny how stories spawn other stories?
Thanks!
shirebound
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
Poor Mardi, having to deal with something so unexpected and troublesome.
I love your little details like:
She inclined her head with a meaningful glance. Sighing, he scooted back again to his original spot, to take up his vigil once more, as close as might be, but no closer than his mother would allow.
Author's reply
Thank you! I delight in reading little details, too. (So glad to have reading time again!)
Garnet Took
· 16 April 2014
· Chapter 7: How to Dose a Man?
Bilbo and Mardi just aren't quite on the same page but they are at least making progress. I don't think Mardi would understand a thing if Bilbo said things any plainer.
At least it looks like there's going to be resolution for poor Robin soon.
Good chapter. Waiting and wondering how well Bilbo's dosing idea works.
Author's reply
Not quite on the same page, but at least the important things are being communicated... *g* I think you're right about Mardi -- bringing in Elves would probably muddy the waters so much, he'd lose the thread altogether (to mix a couple metaphors).
Thanks!