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| A Shire Sketchbook by Baggins Babe | 10 Review(s) |
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| Queen Galadriel | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 2/16/2007 |
| Oh, how lovely! I'm almost hungry now, something I haven't been for three days due to a flu-cold thing. And will the next tale in this so-sweet reunion-verse be of that visit? Hmm? *hint hint* :) God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: Not sure what the next tale will be, although I have several ideas. Glad you enjoyed it and hope you're feeling better. | |
| Bodkin | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/4/2007 |
| What fun! A sort-of version of the Queen's Christmas message - with the Royal Family being the ones who get to look at some of the most worthy of their citizens as they celebrate! I like Eowyn envying Arwen her child-control skills! And the hobbity tea. Author Reply: I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right! LOL! Ah well, they just had to have a hobbity meal after all that Shire jollity - what else? Glad you enjoyed. | |
| Tigger | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/3/2007 |
| Sigh...That was just so perfect and lovely I don't even know where to begin. What a wonderful Yule gift Aragorn thought of and I thought the warning given rather bittersweet. Especially when he said that although they were sure there were non left to bend a palantir to evil again, that anyone could be swayed and then gave Faramir that glance. Also loved that little touch on Eldarion's future. How Aragorn would teach him how to properly use the palantir, but how there was plenty of time in the future for that. I also can sympathize w/Eowyn. My cousin is just like Arwen, the kids can be running every where wild and all she needs to do is say "Children." in a quiet calm voice and it's like magic. ;o) Loved the Apple Man and the tradition of pouring apple cider and blessing the orchard for the coming year. Is that something that actually used to happen, because I've never heard of that tradition before. What a lovely gift for all of us. Thank you BB and Happy New Year!! Author Reply: Happy New Year, Tigger! So glad you enjoyed the story. Ah, you picked up on the little reassuring glance towards Faramir. I think Aragorn would want him to understand that no blame was attached to Denethor for what happened. The Apple Man tradition is still strong in parts of rural Britain. It happens in several areas and the deep and ancient power is quite spine-tingling. The Apple Man is a variation on the Green Man and it is very moving when the procession arrives and the trees are blessed. It acknowledges the spirits in all trees (Treebeard would approve)and has been going on since before Christianity ever reached these shores. My mother was like Arwen - children instinctively obeyed her. | |
| Kitty | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/2/2007 |
| It is certainly a wonderful Yule gift for Aragorn and the others to have this glimpse of their hobbit friends. And it is good to see the palantir used for something joyful after it was so threatening and frightening in LotR. Wish I could sit with them in the Citadel myself and share this experience ;-) And of course, Arwen's little surprise was perfect after this. Author Reply: I liked the idea of Arwen arranging a hobbity tea. They must have all enjoyed this visit and it is nice to see the palantir used for happy purposes. Hope you didn't need the fluff-buster! | |
| demeter d | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/2/2007 |
| "This has been perfect," said Legolas," I felt I was there." Perfect, indeed! Good food, good friends, and "rustic old customs" which resonate with the power of Arda herself. There is something a bit "Tom Bombadil-ish" about that apple man. I could almost smell the chestnuts! Author Reply: I've only seen the Apple-Man procession once, but it takes place in some parts of Britain - including Hereford, I believe. Hearing the drum and seeing the torches was spine-tingling, and there is definitely something of the Green Man about him. Despite the 21st century veneer there is still a lot of pagan power in this country and it can be very impressive. Glad you enjoyed it - those chestnuts are wonderful! I'm glad I finally managed to write a Yule story - the one last week should have been seaonal and then turned into something else entirely! | |
| Pearl Took | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/1/2007 |
| A wonderful use for a palantir, Baggins Babe!! This was a fun, warm and charming story!! Author Reply: About time a palantir was used for something nice rather than the frightening reasons for its use during the War of the Ring. Glad you enjoyed. | |
| Dreamflower | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/1/2007 |
| What a lovely gift to give the children and the others! So wonderful to know that the palantir could finally be turned to such good uses! *sigh* I always love a visit to Reunion-verse Shire! Author Reply: Glad you enjoy a visit to Reunion-verse Shire! I love writing about it. Nice to see the palantir put to good use, and I'm sure the royal children enjoyed seeing their friends having fun. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/1/2007 |
| Ah, yes, a wonderful years end and years beginning for all. And now a Hobbity high tea? So perfect an end to the special gift. Author Reply: Yes, a hobbity high tea is the perfect end to this 'visit' and was no doubt enjoyed by all. The Apple Man is a figure in several areas of rural Britain and taps into an ancient power of some sort. Very similar to the Green Man too. | |
| harrowcat | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/1/2007 |
| What a lovely glimpse for all of us. Thanks BB Author Reply: Glad you enjoyed it - can't have too many visits to the Shire for me! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 27 on 1/1/2007 |
| Watching the Shire-folk seemed to have inspired everyone It certainly always inspires me! It's lovely that the king is teaching his family that these "rustic customs" are good and valued ones. I'd love to know what Frodo was thinking and feeling through all of this. Did he know they were being watched by loving and supportive friends from the south? :D Author Reply: Delighted to know that you have been inspired by a little bit of Shire magic! I don't think Frodo knew they were being watched, although he may have felt wrapped in extra affection. I think he would have been enjoying it all in a warm and familiar way, and his only sadness would have been that Ted Sandyman did not allow himself to be saved. I love rustic customs and Britain has a number. The Apple-Man tradition is fascinating and taps into a real power. There is a lot of the Green Man in that figure. | |