Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 17: Better to Give Than to Receive
Oh-oh, the pitfalls of etiquette!
Author's reply
Yes, but as long as you have an Aunt Dora to ask, you will never go wrong-- at least if you are a hobbit in the Shire!
If It's Trewsday It Must Be Buckland... by Dreamflower
Reviews (157)
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 16: Clear View
That sounds like two interesting stories, I wish I had time to read them...
Author's reply
When you find the time, I think you would enjoy them! I had a great time exploring Claudia's AU universe!
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 15: A Visit to Cousin Hugo
*Craves mushrooms*
Author's reply
They are delicious! *serves you up some virtual mushrooms, sizzling hot*
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 14: A Question of Gratitude
Always good to see Aunt Dora!
Author's reply
It is, isn't it? She's a wise old bird.
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 13: Turned Away
Indeed, the edict is not exactly business-friendly, but then, Tolkien didn't have much interest in the economy of Middle-earth...
Author's reply
No, really he did not. Of course on the one hand, it would be quite fascinating to know his thoughts on the matter-- but it's a lot of fun that he left us some intriguing notions to explore on those lines!
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 12: Appreciating the View
I think we urgently need Middle-earth travel agencies...
Author's reply
Well, the B2MEM folk have written up a wonderful set of brochures, complete with blurbs, postcards, and passport stamps!
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 11: White Stone
This is a lovely reflection on Arwen and Frodo respectively, and reminds me of that beautiful story you wrote about the gem.
Author's reply
Thank you. I find the parallels with Arwen and Frodo to bear many layers of meaning, and it is fascinating to me to see how they are juxtaposed. And thank you, also, for mentioning "The Token" because that was the first time I really thought about it.
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 10: September 23, S.R. 1401
And often enough, significant turning points in our lives only show themselves in retrospect, and what seemed trouble at the time emerges as the catalyst of change...
Author's reply
You are absolutely right. And of course, as times go by,"best" and "worst" can take on completely different meanings.
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 9: Breaking the Rules
Yay for the rebeliious Hobbit spirit!
Author's reply
*waves Shire flag*
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 8: Eye-Opener
Now you've made me want to hear that song! ;-)
Author's reply
Well, we can read the words in "A Journey in the Dark", but as to how it must have sounded in Gimli's deep voice, we can only imagine!
Virtuella · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 7: Babe in the Woods
“We’ve learned never to turn down a chance at hobbit cooking!” Hehehe, ineed. Good wee story, and with a neat moral.
Author's reply
Thanks! I think that's one thing Rangers in Bree would learn quickly!
Ellynn · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 18: Pity
Oh, poor Hammie. :( Thank you for this poignant, beautiful story.
Author's reply
I know. But I could not think of another way to convey the level of how desperate the situation was. And thank you for your kind words.
shirebound · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 18: Pity
There was no sign of defeat about them This is so sad, and yet so hopeful at the same time. What a serendipitious meeting. Dear Gandalf, and what a dear beginning to his friendship with and respect for the hobbits.
Author's reply
This is so sad, and yet so hopeful at the same time. Thank you-- I wanted it to be hopeful as well as sad-- hobbits just don't give up hope, and neither does Gandalf! I actually had a little bit of this written a while back, and then abandoned it because at the time I didn't have all the details of time and so forth figured out. But the Long Winter is when the Shire-folk make their way into his heart.
shirebound · 20 March 2011 · Chapter 19: Listening for Returning Feet
Ohhh, what a joyous moment! I love thinking that Bilbo had prepared gifts "just in case", and now would be able to give them out.
Author's reply
Well, he is a hobbit! And to have Frodo arrive just in time (I think it's no coincidence they arrive the day before, as a gift to Bilbo) must have made everything perfect!
Lindelea · 19 March 2011 · Chapter 19: Listening for Returning Feet
Oh, did they really arrive back the day before Bilbo's (and Frodo's) birthday? I had forgotten that! What a lovely birthday present in itself! You really bring loneliness and longing to life in this brief snippet. I love the joy in the ending. Well done!
Author's reply
Yes they did, according to the ToY! Thank you-- I kept thinking of Bilbo's song before they left, and how much longing was in it. And then to be left behind when Elrond and Arwen and much of his household went South for the wedding. I've written a wee bit before of his anguish at being left behind then, for I think it would have been very hard for him.
Andrea · 19 March 2011 · Chapter 17: Better to Give Than to Receive
Furthermore, his Kind Heart does much to make others Overlook Folco's singular Lack Of Tact. *Grins* She loves him dearly, it seems. Otherwise she would have found at least Some Words regarding his Outspoken Writing Style ;-)
6336 · 19 March 2011 · Chapter 17: Better to Give Than to Receive
Folco may have his foot in his mouth on occasion but his heart is in the right place. Lynda
shirebound · 19 March 2011 · Chapter 17: Better to Give Than to Receive
his Kind Heart does much to make others Overlook Folco's singular Lack Of Tact. I *love* Aunt Dora -- especially as you imagine her! It's such a delight to read some of the voluminous Correspondence and Advice she dispensed over the years.
Author's reply
I enjoy writing her very much, as well! And I think you can tell she has a really big soft spot for her young nephew Folco!
Ellynn · 18 March 2011 · Chapter 16: Clear View
I love this, all the more because I am a big Boromir fan. :) I love the atmosphere of friendship that you so lovely depict.
Author's reply
Thank you! I had not thought before to return to this AU, but the prompt about ruins made me think of Amon Hen, and that made me think of my "Clear Conscience" AU! There's no question that the three of them would have maintained their long friendship if all had survived! I'm glad you enjoyed it!
shirebound · 18 March 2011 · Chapter 16: Clear View
How joyous to think of a post-Quest friendship between Frodo, Boromir, and Faramir. *beams*
Author's reply
*beams with you*
shirebound · 17 March 2011 · Chapter 15: A Visit to Cousin Hugo
They exchange the smug and self-satisfied smile of those who are bachelors and content to be so. I love little details like that. What a pleasant visit for them both.
Author's reply
*grin* Thank you! I'm glad you liked that line! Honestly, I'm not sure where this visit came from, but the bunny for it just butted in line and shoved my original bunny away!
Baggins Babe · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 14: A Question of Gratitude
I do so love the way you write Aunt Dora! She must have found Bilbo very thought-provoking at times (or do I just mean provoking?) but at least she didn't dismiss his ideas completely. Frodo is so polite and sweet, walking her home. Bless!
Author's reply
(or do I just mean provoking?) LOL! Exactly! I am sure that sometimes Bilbo would give her Furiously to Think, but she would certainly never tell him so, *grin* Frodo's always a polite lad. And he's fond of Aunt Dora.
Andrea · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 14: A Question of Gratitude
She would never admit to such a thing to Bilbo, but sometimes his outlandish ideas did make her Furiously to Think. That was exactly his intention, I'm quite sure! At least Aunt Dora believes that Elves exist, which is not true for all hobbits. So, there is still hope!
Author's reply
Being a Baggins, Dora would be educated. And I think the educated gentry of the Shire would believe that Elves existed. But I also think that to them, Elves were entirely irrelevant. One didn't *see* Elves or *speak* to them, and so their existence or not simply didn't matter to them. I think that among the working class hobbits, there might have been considerable doubt as to the existence of Elves. While Sandyman doesn't say it outright, he certainly implies that he doesn't believe in them-- when Sam says that they cross the Shire to the Sea, he responds that no one's *seen* them doing it, with the implication that they are not there to be seen.
Andrea · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 13: Turned Away
Very interesting! I had not considered so far how Aragorn's edict must have affected the merchants. But the hobbits did their best to show Tibalt that his journey was not completely useless.
Author's reply
Well the Great East-West Road ran smack through the middle of the Shire! It had to have an effect on trade, one that perhaps the King had not really thought about! They did-- hobbits are a hospitable lot, aren't they?
6336 · 15 March 2011 · Chapter 14: A Question of Gratitude
How very true, Bilbo can be a very Thought Provoking Hobbit at times! Lynda
Author's reply
Yes, and for Dora, of course, the key part of that phrase is "Provoking", LOL!