Antane
· 14 April 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Happy Birthday (a day late)! I'm glad these two are learning more of the truth. Doesn't seem to help much but at least they know. Love the ending. :)
If you are on Facebook, there's a great page there called Concerning Hobbits which I am quite addicted to and the reason I am behind on reading stories. Check it out if you are on it.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks so for the birthday wishes--it was joyful!
Yes, they are learning, even if they aren't understanding or believing most of what he tells them. But if they weren't self-centered idiots to begin with, they'd not be in the situation they find themselves in!
No, I don't belong to Facebook--don't have time for everything, and except for a small amount of communication with others I don't have email or phone numbers for I found I didn't even use it, so I discontinued my account. Have little patience with a myriad of messages in which I was asked to contribute something toward someone else playing their online games when I have no interest in them. I'm already hooked on Bejeweled in several different forms, after all! Heh!
Thanks so very much, Antane!
Tari
· 2 April 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Wow! This is your best submission thus far. How Sam could remain composed while talking to those two idiots is beyond me. What nerve. Their in goal and demanding things from him. They should be left there and the key tossed away.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked this one, Tari! Yes, Sam is keeping his temper and being amazed by the banality of evil. I doubt either will be getting out of some kind of custody any time soon.
Thanks so for your comments, and thanks also for your patience!
Lindelea
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Ah, it was such fun to read this after hearing you tell it! Lovely view of Sam, doing his duty, no matter how distasteful, and doing a yeoman's job (I think that's the right turn of phrase...).
With all the discussion and history lesson, somehow this was my favorite part:
"...and I have to prune the rose bushes afore the frost comes."
Author's reply
Sam is such a wonder--the understated noble individual all assume wrongly to be nothing more than a simpleton. But in Sam's priorities meeting the needs of his garden ranks well above trying to reason with true self-centered fools such as these two.
Looking forward to the meeting tomorrow.
Lindelea
· 1 April 2013
· Chapter 4: Regrets Thought at the Party
Alas, poor Frodo!
Author's reply
I agree. To lose Bilbo's companionship must have been difficult. Thanks so!
curiouswombat
· 31 March 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
"So there!" indeed! I wonder if it will ever really sink in to these two that what they have done is very bad, and that life outside The Shire is of relevance to live inside it?
Author's reply
Unfortunately those of very small spirits never seem to get it that the world wasn't created solely for them to exploit, and few Hobbits who lived within the Shire tended to admit that anything happening outside it could possibly have any bearing on their lives. Surely no one should object to them seeing to it that they were living comfortably, right? After all, they were the most important ones in the world!
Pretty great blow to their vision of their own self-importance to realize that they were held to the standards of anyone else.
Andrea
· 31 March 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Sam's patience with those two is really amazing!
Who knows how much of what Sam told them they really believe. What they haven't believed (or accepted) so far, though, is their own situation.
Among all the discussion about the titles the four travellers now bear, they completely ignore the fact that THEY have lost the right to bear any titles!
They are alone, no one wants them any more. They should start to regret what they did and apologize!
Thank you for this new story and happy Easter!
Author's reply
Oh, I doubt they wished to accept that they had no real importance in the eyes of any others, and mostly because they'd put themselves above both others and the law for so long at the expense of so many. But apologizing when they still deny to themselves that what they'd done was wrong is not going to happen, I fear. And a joyful Easter Week to you, too!
Teresa
· 30 March 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Hmmmm......it looks like Sam is continuing the lessons that Frodo began. Truly Frodo left the Shire in the care of someone who would do his best for the land and the people always; and if that includes verbally smacking dimbulbs upside the head he'll take care of it. Ponders..... methinks Aragorn ran into a few idiots like that as well down in Gondor. Many thanks for posting this, and Happy Easter! :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, Frodo chose his successor well. Too bad these two didn't choose to accept the lessons that Frodo and Sam tried to set for them. And I'm certain that Aragorn faced his own share of unworthy individuals who thought they were above the law, too. And thank you for your feedback!
shirebound
· 30 March 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Sam sighed, "Didn't you hear? There was a war on out there, and we four as left the Shire all fought in it! Why else did we all come home with armor and swords, do you think?"
As many times as Sam or others explain things, there will always be hobbits who can't believe their eyes and ears. And I suppose that's typical of hobbits, after all. Dear Sam, giving these two so much of his time, and not letting anyone show Frodo, himself, or his friends any disrespect. Thank you for this wonderful story, my friend.
Author's reply
I'm certain many of the Shire's population were still convinced that what happened outside the Shire had no relevance to their own lives. But Sam is not going to allow others to speak badly of his Master or those he cares about!
I do hope your birthday was joyful! Thank you so, Shirebound!
UTfrog
· 30 March 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
Sadly, I suspect the prisoners still do not understand. You do a great job in these tales of the Shire after the war. I wish you would continue the story about the lawyers. Sorry I cannot remember the title, but you left it at a terrible place with the Agrapain getting ready to attack the new hobbit farm.
I feel rude even asking since you work so hard crafting stories I enjoy.
Hope you and your have a Happy Easter.
Author's reply
It's fun to imagine just what Frodo and the others did for the Shire and its population during the period of recovery from the Time of Troubles, after all.
And I do apologize about "The Tenant." I am struggling right now to finish "Stirring Rings," and hope that now I have the laptop problems dealt with I'll get that finished at last and get back to other stories that are also languishing!
We had a nice Easter, and I'm visiting friends at the moment, although I have to be back home and at work tomorrow evening. Working nights is the pits any more, I find.
Linda Hoyland
· 30 March 2013
· Chapter 58: A Matter of Titles
This was a most enjoyable story.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you find it that, Linda. And thanks so for the ecard!
Andrea
· 26 March 2013
· Chapter 56: A Moment of Light
All he could do was to veil the Sun, not obliterate her Light!
And as if to prove this a single beam of sunlight illuminates the king's head with his crown of flowers. A great moment!
Author's reply
I so agree, which is why when I saw the prompt from the Tale of Years for this day I picked it. Sauron was not great enough to undo what had been done by the Creator with the assistance of his Ainur. Thank you so, Andrea!
Siiw
· 24 March 2013
· Chapter 56: A Moment of Light
You have captured the underlying feeling of a large part of the book within this story. It made me imagine light beyond the unbearable darkness just like the original book did!
Author's reply
Oh, that thrills me so to know this has moved you in this manner, Silw. Thanks so much! To find this moves you as much as the Master's original is so heartening!
UTfrog
· 24 March 2013
· Chapter 56: A Moment of Light
I always enjoyed this passage in the book. You did a wonderful job bringing it fully to life.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you think so, UTfrog! I liked having the inspiration to explore more deeply just how and why Frodo reacted as he did as he realized just how the statue's head was now decorated. Thank you so!
6336
· 17 March 2013
· Chapter 18: To Be Fruitful and Multiply
It's scary just how literal children can be.
Just hbow does one explain euphemisms to childrten!?
Lynda
Author's reply
Oh, I know. Which was why I enjoyed writing this story. As one who has taught much of my life, it only felt right to work in a bit of my own experience in trying to get things through the heads of some too clever children who've gotten off on a wrong tangent through misunderstanding words that have more than one meaning. And explaining euphemisms does take some thought, and often some delicacy as well. Thanks so, Lynda!
Tari
· 12 March 2013
· Chapter 57: The Protest Rebuffed
The arrogance of Masters Bracegirdle and Smallborrow is something else. They're in gaol, talking to Frodo and demanding to be set free. Unbelievable. Frodo was most gracious to them and expressed himself in a manner worthy of the finest lawyer. Good for him.
This is so good, that I hope you continue it. I'd love to know what happens next.
Author's reply
I have a sequel of sorts already working at me, I find. But it's on my Nook at the moment, and barely started. I'll have to see where it leads me.
Yes, Frodo sees these two far more clearly than they can see themselves.
Thanks so for the feedback, Tari.
Celeth
· 12 March 2013
· Chapter 1: A Time for Truth
As is so aptly said, a prophet may be honored in other places, but never in his own country...but that was always the charm of the hobbits, to be so innocent of (or to ignore) everything that went on outside their own peaceful borders.
But I am glad that Frodo's closest friends stood up for him the way they did. This promises to be a beautiful story and I've only just discovered it. I'm going to read it slowly and relish everything...I promise myself I won't try to gobble it up all in one go. Thank you for sharing it to us readers.
Author's reply
I hope that by now you've discovered that this is a collection of short stories. I do have a few novels, there further down the list, of course; but I admit I do tend to write mostly short stories, as I think most of us do.
We know from the final chapter of RotK that Sam grieved to know that although the people of the Shire respected Merry and Pippin (and himself, which he didn't realize at the time), most had no idea just how important Frodo's actions had been for their safety and the return of their comfort once the Scouring of the Shire was finished. I doubt most Hobbits appreciated just what the Mayor did for the Shire, seeing only that he presided at banquets. We know, however, that he oversaw the duties of the traditionally twelve Shirriffs, and it's likely that he also saw to the registration and archiving of the various contracts, wills, birth, death, and marriage certificates there might be beyond those records kept in the family books such as the Tooks' Old Yellowskin, and that he helped protect the integrity of the Shire's legal system and customs.
I cannot believe that Pippin and Merry's families could remain completely ignorant of all of what Frodo did both within and without the Shire, but I doubt most Hobbits knew or even much cared, and particularly at the time, just how important it was that Frodo served as the Ringbearer and later the deputy Mayor for the Shire. So, such incidents as this were most likely inevitable.
Thanks so much for your comments--they are very much appreciated.
Antane
· 9 March 2013
· Chapter 57: The Protest Rebuffed
Le hannon for the birthday gift! These people really should know better than trying to tangle with Frodo. :) And indeed he would know what it was like to be in prison and a far worse one with far worse treatment. Surprised that one of them had the sense to realize how good Frodo is.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, Timono and Marco have no idea how to deal with Frodo, although their two gaolers do, of course. Frodo certainly knew far worse treatment than these two have, although fortunately he was only imprisoned by the orcs for about a day.
Small people like Timono and Marco and Lotho have so little ability to understand those who are so much better than they are. And hope your birthday was delightful.
Andrea
· 9 March 2013
· Chapter 57: The Protest Rebuffed
I had never thought of it that Timono's imprisonment not only protected others from him but also him from the wrath of others. There might be many hobbits who would love to give him a sound beating!
So, what Frodo does is in fact very kind and just, but not soft!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm certain that Timono might well have suffered at the hands of others who were rightfully angry with him for what he and Lotho put them and those they loved and cared for through. Yes, you have it--kind and just, but definitely not soft. Even Sam at one point had to realize that Frodo was nowhere as soft as he'd imagined. Frodo was indeed a wise person.
Dreamflower
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 57: The Protest Rebuffed
Oh, I just love it when your villains get their comeuppance!
Frodo was soft, eh? I suppose granite is soft as well. Now you are making me want to re-read "Family Ties".
Author's reply
Remember, even Sam made the mistake once of assuming that because Frodo was kindly that he was soft. But Frodo isn't soft, merely more discerning. And he isn't about to let these two run rampant any more, I think. And your comment got ME rereading part of Family Ties! Heh!
Teresa
· 8 March 2013
· Chapter 57: The Protest Rebuffed
Well, well, well......perhaps those two will learn from Frodo's talk with them after all. Frodo really laid it out for them, and they learned that just because someone behaves with decency and compassion it doesn't mean that they cannot react with proper firmness if needed. Many thanks for another glimpse of Frodo's care of and for the Shire and its people. :)
Author's reply
And thank you, Teresa, for these discerning comments! Yes, Frodo Baggins was anything but soft, as Sam had learned watching Frodo dealing with Gollum. Now these are learning the same lesson.
Baggins Babe
· 2 February 2013
· Chapter 55: Surrounded by Concern
To see Frodo surrounded by so many who care and love him is beautiful, although one feels rather impatient with Jade and the others who don't want to know the truth. I'm glad Pippin managed to tell her - and console her as befits a future Thain who has witnessed wise leadership at such close quarters in Frodo and Aragorn.
Another wonderful look at how life must have been for our hobbits on their return, Larner.
Author's reply
So good to hear from you, BB. Unfortunately most Hobbits weren't willing to listen to the full story of what happened out there, but at least Jade now has a feeling for what Frodo and Pippin at least went through. And Pippin has grown up a good deal in the past year or so, after all.
Thanks so, Baggins Babe!
Antane
· 1 February 2013
· Chapter 55: Surrounded by Concern
So now another hobbit knows the truth. Good! I hope Frodo is able to keep that treat down. Bless those who surround him with such love. *hugs them*
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, one more knows at least a bit of the truth, and realizes that perhaps things were more serious out there than she'd thought. And I, too, hope Frodo keeps this luncheon down! Thanks so, Antane.
Fiondil
· 30 January 2013
· Chapter 55: Surrounded by Concern
It is a great blessing to know others care for you and are looking after your welfare. I'm glad Frodo realizes it. He, more than most, needs that reassurance. A lovely vignette, Larner. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Author's reply
It must have been heartening to know that even if they didn't understand everything that some of the Shire Hobbits still wished to help as they could. And, yes, Frodo needed that reassurance. Thanks so, Fiondil!
Lindelea
· 29 January 2013
· Chapter 55: Surrounded by Concern
Oh, this is the story you told me about over that excellent birthday treat!
...but I am interrupted, and must come back (tomorrow, I hope).
Looking forward to yet another treat.
Author's reply
I do hope you enjoy it, Lindelea! Managed to catch the crud myself--am fighting congestion and a sore throat. And they tell me it will be still another day before they have the new pump installed--this one is perhaps salvageable, but so filled with silt and rust from the earth and one of the pipes going bad on me that it would take more labor to clean and recondition than it's worth. They had to replace the well screen completely--the SIL managed to destroy it past salvaging, apparently. When they pulled it up they found the well pipe was filled over it with about six feet of silt and rust that had seeped around it.
And I just might send you back to that shop to get that doll, if you're willing to go for me. I LOVE Madame Alexander dolls! (And, of course, if they haven't sold in in between times.)
Thanks so much for going with me! And we'll have to go back to that ice cream shop yet again one day for another Dr. Chocolate! Heh!
Tari
· 29 January 2013
· Chapter 55: Surrounded by Concern
Old Flour-Dumpling? What a hoot How about The Michelin Dough Boy or maybe the Pillsbury Dough Boy?
This was a very touching tale. I think Auntie Jade learned a very important lesson. Never judge someone unless you have walked in their shoes.
Author's reply
Actually, "Flour-dumpling" is canon--Tolkien indicated that apparently at one point the Council Hole collapsed with Will Whitfoot inside, and the chalk dust adhering to him when he was unearthed led to him being given this nick-name. There have been a few stories I'm aware of that have gone into this that I remember reading some years ago on FF.n.
Yes, Aunt Jade has been better educated today than many other Hobbits will be for years. At least she realized that the trip outside the Shire was no picnic or light-hearted Hobbit walking party as she had believed. And your advice is, of course, applicable to everyone.
Thanks so!
Author Reply: The tale of the falling in of the Council Hole is briefly described in the scene in which Pippin, Sam, and Frodo visit the common room of the Prancing Pony, by the way--Pippin told the tale to the other patrons, and was getting ready to describe Bilbo's disappearance when, at prompting from Strider, Frodo climbed atop a table and began to address the party, prior to dancing, singing, and disappearing himself. Was rereading that last night!