Stories of Arda - Lord of the Rings Fan-Fiction Archive


	About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Dreamflower's Mathoms I by Dreamflower	7 Review(s)
Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 4/25/2006
Wow, what a betrothal party. Begins as a cosy evening and all the "travellers" and more end up telling what happened during some of the worst times. I wish they had had the wedding the next day, first for Frodo's sake, and then because I would have loved to see Rosamunda's reaction! LOL! A night to remember, indeed. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Yes, it was cozy and bittersweet at the same time. Poor Frodo, knowing he'll miss the wedding, and yet having to pretend that he will be there--it had to be very hard for him. I would have loved to stretch things and have the wedding before Frodo left. But I somehow think that would have made its way into the ToY if it had occurred.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 11/10/2005
They've got back from Edoras! This is a lovely look at a group of people who are very close, reminiscing over terrifying events - in just the right place: together and sitting by the fire. But some events cast long shadows - and nothing will ever be as it was before. They've lost their innocence, and some have lost more than that. And so much is left unsaid - I enjoyed the sections in italics, as Freddy and Esmeralda remembered how they had felt at the time. The art of understatement is alive and well and living in the Shire. But it doesn't need to be said to be understood by those who have been exposed to so much. Poor Frodo. He hope to save the Shire - and couldn't. Good story! Author Reply: Yes, I suppose this is a mild spoiler for the longer story, but really, I don't think there's much doubt that they'll return, LOL! And I tried to be careful not to say much about any of the others who accompanied them. I thought the scene of sitting around together cosily would be a kind of contrast to the dark things they were remembering; also it gave a reason for Odovocar to be listening, and learning more about what his own son had done. Well, I needed to show their thoughts in order to answer Marigold's prompts, but I did not necessarily think they would be speaking those thoughts aloud to others. And you are quite right--Frodo, Merry and Pippin do understand what is unspoken here, all too well. Poor Frodo is right. Yet, he did save the Shire from a darker and more dire fate, had Sauron not been cast down. But unfortunately, he couldn't see it that way, thanks to Saruman. Thanks! I'm glad you liked it!

Baggins Babe	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 11/9/2005
This was a wonderful peek at a part of the story we don't usually see - the events at Crickhollow after our Travellers leave. Poor Freddy, feeling that he did not do enough - and thinking he might have confronted them! shudder This is our brave Freddy, who later took on the role of leader of the resistance. I know he is one of your favourite characters and I'm glad because he does tend to be a bit neglected or depicted as a bufoon. As the Professor says he was one of Frodo's friends and a regular visitor to Bag End I don't think he was anything of the sort. I'm glad you're giving him the exposure he deserves! How sad that Frodo won't be at Merry's wedding. sigh Author Reply: Well, you have Marigold's starter to thank for that! She does know how to find just the right bunnies for people. Freddy is and was brave; but he did not always see it himself--pre-Quest, he had rather "put on" a sort of buffoonish persona, though one easily seen through by anyone who cared to look. He didn't want the reputation of being seen as "queer" or "unusual" that followed Bilbo and Frodo for their interest in things Elvish. In a way, I was rather influenced in my development of Freddy's character by such literary models as Lord Peter Wimsey or Albert Campion or the Scarlet Pimpernel, who allowed people to think of themselves as silly upper class twits, while all the time hiding a keen intelligence and remarkable courage--the old "alter ego" thing. Frodo, of course, would be perceptive enough to see behind the mask, and Merry too came to realize Freddy had more to himself than he allowed people to see. Pippin wsa young enough to be taken in by it until the Conspiracy formed, and then he too, came to appreciate Fredegar's staunch reliability and bravery. It's quite sad. It's tempting to have them wed before he leaves, but I think that's stretching canon gaps too much. If Merry had been married before Frodo left I am very certain it would at least have been mentioned in the Tale of Years.

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 11/8/2005
How nice to have a glimpse at the events at Crickhollow! It's true, Freddy was very brave, no matter what he thinks about his flight from Crickhollow. He would never have survived an encounter with the Nazgul. I think the Travellers do understand only too well what it was like, to see them creep up to the house and feel the nameless terror they send out. They can appreciate Freddy better than everyone else in the Shire. This is quite soon before Frodo departs for Valinor, isn't it? It is truly sad he couldn't stay long enough to attend at least Merry's wedding. Author Reply: Yes, they do appreciate him very much. And I wanted Odovocar to see how much they appreciated his son. It is. This is late spring. He'll be leaving in the fall. Merry's wedding is not until Yule. sigh

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 11/8/2005
The leaving will be too soon, I know. And it shall be a shock and yet anticipated when it comes. Love the look inside the Bolger house that night. Author Reply: Yes. It's late spring-early summer after the birth of Elanor. Frodo has made his decision now, though he still has a few doubts remaining to work out. At least the betrothal party is a joyous occasion he was able to be there with Merry for. He already knows that he'll not be standing with Merry at the wedding, one way or the other.

harrowcat	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 11/8/2005
Oh I did so enjoy this Dreamflower. I haven't read many pieces about Freddy and Crickhollow and this was great. I loved the reactions of the other Travellers as he told his story for the first time. Author Reply: Thank you. I'm glad you liked it. Freddy is a somewhat neglected character, but he's a favorite of mine (as if you hadn't guessed) and Marigold's bunny was perfect for me. The others knew exactly what he had faced for them, and they very much appreciate the courage it had taken. They are proud of Freddy.

Lindelea	Reviewed Chapter: 77 on 11/8/2005
Silly me! I didn't realise that I had already read this over at the challenge! One of the few things I had time to read, what with all the competition hereabouts for the comptuer. LOL! I do love Freddy! Author Reply: giggle glad you got to read it again. I love him too!

Return to Chapter List