Eleventy-one Years: Too Short a Time by Dreamflower
Antane · 20 October 2012 · Chapter 16: Beware the Wolf in Darkness Born, part 1
Poor Bilbo, getting so sick, but glad his ma and pa are feeling better and that he is improving himself. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Bilbo is getting better!
Larner · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 16: Beware the Wolf in Darkness Born, part 1
A little foreshadowing there--nicely done! Apparently some athelas in the medicine! And poor Adalgrim has reason to be concerned!
Author's reply
Yes, I think probably athelas! The worst is yet to come, so far as the wolves are concerned.
shirebound · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 16: Beware the Wolf in Darkness Born, part 1
What a wonderful description of the taste of 'Elvish medicine'. :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I've no idea of what the medicine is, but since it came from Lothlorien, I am sure it would smell and taste wonderful.
eiluj · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 16: Beware the Wolf in Darkness Born, part 1
How wonderful that Belladonna and Bungo can take their parental roles again. (But they will die young for hobbits.) What a pity we don't know what was in that Elvish medicine; much more effective and better tasting than how I was treated with the flu at 7 and 17! yet somehow, he knew it was the Sea... And for once it's not Frodo who has knowledge of the Sea (if not in your fics, then in others'). Good to know Chop is back safe. But I'm sure the chase was harrowing, with the hobbits divided in three and twenty wolves.
eiluj · 15 October 2012 · Chapter 15: A Gleam of Good Hope
If Gandalf was going with them, then surely all would be right. Trust the Tooks to store food! (And I suppose that after this, more hobbits will do so.) Things are definitely looking up. I'm looking forward to hearing of the wolf-hunting firsthand.
Author's reply
Yes, Gandalf will be of great help! I figure that they keep seven years worth of stores in the Great Smials; each year when a new harvest is added, the oldest stores would be distributed. Much of such stores would consist not only of grain, but of dried fruits and vegetables or things preserved either by pickling, brining, or putting up in jars. Well, we are getting that account now!
Antane · 20 September 2012 · Chapter 15: A Gleam of Good Hope
Great that his parents are feeling better! Interesting that he dreamed of Gollum chasing him, though of course he doesn't know that's what the nightmare is about. Something in common with Frodo's vivid dreams to come. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
To my mind a part of Frodo's prescience (but by no means all of it) was a part of his Tookish heritage, and was shared by his cousins Bilbo, Pippin and even to a smaller extent Merry. In canon, Merry only had the one prescient dream, at Bombadil's but Pippin had a dream there as well, and then also had some moments of foresight on the Quest. And Bilbo had a prescient dream as well, in the caves before the goblins attacked. I kind of expand on that. But for Frodo, I think his native gift was enhanced not only by his trials with the Ring which honed his will and gave him even more wisdom than he already had, but also by the Grace of the Powers.
Larner · 18 September 2012 · Chapter 15: A Gleam of Good Hope
Poor lad--but his faithfulness and care has been properly rewarded, and now things will grow better slowly but surely. Love seeing the muster gather in good purpose!
Author's reply
Yes, he's grown and matured a lot during this crisis and it will stand him in good stead in the future. The muster would have been difficult to gather in that sort of weather--but they have a job to do!
Andrea · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 15: A Gleam of Good Hope
If Gandalf was going with them, then surely all would be right. Exactly! Gandalf brought powerful medicine with him that saved Bilbo's parents and many others. And he knows he to deal with wolves! Even if Bilbo turns ill after all - which I don't hope but fear ;-) - he will be in best hands.
Author's reply
I couldn't see Gandalf failing to offer as much help as he could to the hobbits while he was there. Yes, Bilbo will definitely be in good hands now--his parents are better, and his Aunt is there as well.
shirebound · 17 September 2012 · Chapter 15: A Gleam of Good Hope
I'm so happy that Bilbo and his parents have had visitors bearing food and medicine, even though they also brought sad news. But now I'm so worried for young Bilbo!
Author's reply
Yes, there's been a glimmer of hope! But poor young Bilbo's been under a lot of stress and spent a lot of time in the sickroom...
Antane · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tidings: An Interlude
What an exciting chapter! Great that Gandalf has arrived. Love what you said about his heart and his wisdom about tears. I like the fleshing out you are doing of this time. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Thanks! Yes, Gandalf's arrival signals an upturn, though the winter's not over yet! I think that this is a time long overdue for a fanfic "fleshing out"!
Andrea · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tidings: An Interlude
Oh my! At first the title sounded so harmless... But tidings are not always good. At least Gandalf has arrived and brought with him medicine from the Elves.
Author's reply
No, tidings are not always good! But it is good that the news is spreading-- it makes help possible!
Larner · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tidings: An Interlude
Succor has come, and now the Hobbits will be properly armed against illness and such foes as the white wolves. Love the image of Gandalf comforting Gerontius so that the old Hobbit can rest and find his will to live again, much as I imagine him doing in the future for Frodo as he finally begins to heal of the spiritual wounds left by the Ring.
Author's reply
Yes they will! In my 'verse, Gerontius and Gandalf were very close friends; I can't imagine he would not have offered all the comfort he could when he discovered the source of his friend's anguish!
shirebound · 10 September 2012 · Chapter 14: Tidings: An Interlude
Oh my goodness, so much is happening all at once! I'm so relieved Gandalf has arrived with (at least) comfort and (possibly) healing.
Author's reply
Yes, this was called the Fell Winter for a reason! But I knew Gandalf had to show up (since he was the one to bring Hildifons the news of his mother's death in "Trotter") and I knew if he came before Adamanta passed he would probably have been able to save her. He will comfort his dear friend, and he will be of great help to the hobbits.
Antane · 4 September 2012 · Chapter 13: Over Snow by Winter Sown
Poor stressed out Bilbo but the cavalry as it were has arrived with Miss Sage - interesting to see her here as we only know her as Widow Rumble. Like what you've done with bringing in these people. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Well, actually she's not Widow Rumble, as this is many years too soon. Widow Rumble turns out to be young Barty's widow... Anyhow, I knew that once the snow let up a little, someone would be looking in on the Master of the Hill and his family!
Andrea · 4 September 2012 · Chapter 13: Over Snow by Winter Sown
Oh dear! I had not thought that their illness was so serious. At least Bilbo is not alone now. I hope that the Old Took will be able to send more help.
Author's reply
Yes, I've always thought that perhaps Bilbo's parents had suffered a life-threatening illness during the Fell Winter, that had affected their health permanently and accounted for why both of them died (relatively) young for hobbits (who normally live to around a hundred or a little over).
Larner · 4 September 2012 · Chapter 13: Over Snow by Winter Sown
At least they now have a workable plan of action. The poor lad has proved the properly responsible Baggins, hasn't he? I'm so proud of him!
Author's reply
I'm very proud of him as well. There are still some very tough times ahead, as the Fell Winter takes the Shire in its maw, but for Bilbo at least, the time of shouldering the entire burden alone has passed-- but not without leaving its mark. For one thing he has stared in the face the possibility of being orphaned-- a factor that will come into play years later when someone else faces that as a horrible reality. And they do have a plan of sorts. More help will be coming.
shirebound · 4 September 2012 · Chapter 13: Over Snow by Winter Sown
At least he's not alone now, the poor dear. What a terrible winter. *sniff*
Author's reply
No, he isn't alone anymore and has some older and stronger shoulders to lean on for a while. JRRT makes it clear that winter was dreadful for all who experienced it. But soon they will come through it, with help.
Andrea · 28 August 2012 · Chapter 12: The World Was Grey
Suddenly he heard the last thing he expected to hear: a pounding at the front door of Bag End! Well, the first person that comes into my mind is Gandalf ;-) I hope it is Gandalf, for he could help them all in many ways.
Author's reply
I'm sorry it wasn't Gandalf! I hope you are not too disappointed. But you know he is bound to show up sooner or latter in this particular crisis!
eiluj · 27 August 2012 · Chapter 12: The World Was Grey
Oh dear: good news ... or more bad? I vote for Gandalf.
Author's reply
Well, as you can see, mixed news-- but mostly good for young Bilbo who no longer has to cope completely alone. I'm sorry it wasn't Gandalf-- yet he will not be entirely absent from this crisis as you shall soon see.
Antane · 27 August 2012 · Chapter 12: The World Was Grey
Poor Bilbo, but what a great son he is. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
He is a good son. His parents are all he has right now, and it has to be terrifying. I think the Fell Winter played a major role in shaping Bilbo's future character.
Larner · 27 August 2012 · Chapter 12: The World Was Grey
Terrible days of loneliness and isolation, and want. They all could do with some joy at the moment! Gandalf, I hope?
Author's reply
Right now, anyone will bring Bilbo a little joy. If you recall "Trotter", you know that sooner or later Gandalf will show up...
shirebound · 27 August 2012 · Chapter 12: The World Was Grey
Poor Bilbo, so tired and worried and unable to eat like a hobbit is used to. What a dreadful winter. I hope the person at the door is the bearer of some kind of better news!
Author's reply
Yes, poor kid! Right now as alone as they have been, any news will be at least a little better!
Andrea · 23 August 2012 · Chapter 11: When Pools Are Black and Trees Are Bare
Despite his wish for some adult advice, Bilbo mastered the situation perfectly well on his own. Very good! But poor Dora and Drogo. They are starving, that is obvious. And maybe that is the reason why Bilbo did not tell them a Tip and Tulip story, for those stories tend to be "loaded" with food. P.S.: That poem is indeed the perfect source for chapter titles!
Author's reply
He is enough older than the younger ones to know he has to put on a show of outward calm for them. They are definitely hungry, and the truth is, so is Bilbo for that matter. They are eating far less than growing young hobbits are used to. Most hobbit stories do tend to have a lot about food in them, but one about a little lost sheep-- well, the only food there would be grass, LOL! And you are quite right about that poem.
Larner · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 11: When Pools Are Black and Trees Are Bare
It's a terrible time, that long winter. But they will see it through!
Author's reply
Yes, it most certainly is a terrible time for the Shire and everyone else in Eriador. But yes, they will see it through.
shirebound · 21 August 2012 · Chapter 11: When Pools Are Black and Trees Are Bare
Oh, I can't bear it when hobbits are hungry. I hope things do get better very soon. I want to hug Bilbo so hard. What a wonderful and special child.
Author's reply
It's the Fell Winter. Things will be hard for a while. But the hobbits will take care of one another. He had to have been; he grew up into such a wonderful and special adult-- I want to show the foundations of that. I think that having to deal with the circumstances of the Fell Winter helped to awaken the compassion and kindness he was able to show later in his life.