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Second Mum by Larner	13 Review(s)
Calien	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 7/27/2017
I'm so glad for your answers, Larner! Well, I continued the story... Interesting conversation at the beginning, the idea that Frodo is "born to help the folks, not to be served as if he was a prince in a storybook" is so... real! Poor Esme, with her problems with the tomatoes :-D Your Gomez is so spitful with Frodo! To name him "orphan"... I can see that Gomez say this word with very scorn. And certainly "mam's lad" isn't a compliment... But Frodo has a strong personality, he is capable to face the situation, and Esme's understanding is precious for him. "Dearling" is like "darling", is it? Uhm, I like Frodo's picture like a great dancer! I can see all the gracefulness that Elijah Wood shows in the movie :-) Ultimately, I'm sure that Esme and Saradoc are very good foster parents for Frodo, but Menegilda's behaviour prevents them to understand some things. Ah, Bilbo... again, good thing you're around! And I hope that little Merry will be an important character in the other chapters :-)

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/26/2007
(No, I fear our Frodo is meant to mix freely with Elves.) Truer words were never spoken. Bilbo did know his dear Frodo. All of this makes a very good case for Frodo being better off in Hobbiton with Bilbo. I loved little Merry in this chapter. Author Reply: Indeed, that must have been a bit of foresight on the part of another family member. And am SO glad you enjoyed Merry here. Frodo must have been so devoted to him.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/13/2007
Nasty bully boys - and as long as there is a culture that says you can't tell and that getting help is a weakness, the bully boys will always have the edge. Because they don't care about fair, and they don't care about sensitivity - and it'll take more than one person standing up to them to stop them. Bilbo is a sharp hobbit - reads the situation pretty well. Esme can't really face Gilda down - she doesn't have the power. But a plot against Gomez's ideas of masculinity. That sounds good. As does standing up to Gilda and getting Frodo away for a while. Although making Timono's acquaintance is to nobody's advantage! And is Bartolo's resentment all down to Frodo not fancying his sister? (Who'd be a teenager? Of any race!) Author Reply: I dealt with my share of bullies when I was a child, from the kid who took my balls in elementary school to the girl who would lay in wait for me on my way home from the store with my wax coke bottles filled with juice and steal them from me and the kid who would harass me while I was out selling raffle tickets from school. And I felt that Frodo would recognize at the time the only way to handle the situation was to face such as Gomez down himself, and then take advantage of Bilbo's hints to let Gomez be caught looking as if he were caught in his own pranks backfired. No, there's a bit more to Bartolo's resentment than just Frodo failing to recognize Lavinia's interest; had Frodo actually noted it and responded, it's likely Bartolo would have felt the same amount of resentment. With the likes of young Bartolo Bracegirdle responding to such as Frodo Baggins there's no pleasing them, I fear. Yes, adolescence can be so uncomfortable to live through! Heh!

Kitty	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/13/2007
rolls eyes Well, it was only to be expected that Gilda’s determination not to let Frodo do anything had to have repercussions of this sort, hadn’t it? I am glad Esme overheard the servants – it got her to think about it. The incident with Gomez was another such case. Of course it is true it would get only worse if she intervened, but still, it is good she heard it. I am glad to know there are other lads siding with Frodo in this, and even more so that Bilbo helped Frodo to get some ideas to pay Gomez back. Though I am sure Frodo doesn’t need much help – as soon as he gets the idea to avenge himself this way, he will find a lot of pranks :-) Glad Esme finally defied Gilda and took Frodo to this party. I remember your mention of it in an earlier fic (TAS, I think) – it was good to learn a bit more about it. Hmmm ... Timono was a thief, even back then? Why doesn’t that surprise me? There had to be a certain inclination to being dishonest, I think, to follow Lotho so willingly and easily. And this gives a very good reason why Bartolo despised this cousin, as well, after Timono took his shirt studs, and never worked with him. As for Bartolo's relationship with Frodo, there could be at least the beginning of the problem, though I am sure there had to be more. Meanwhile Merry was gleefully covering himself with mud as Freesia looked on with approval. giggle Oh, I can imagine that so well! Author Reply: Yes--don't let an already "pretty lad" do what the other kids are doing and it only makes the differences more pronounced and likely to be disparaged. And Esme needed to appreciate that Frodo is seen that way and ought not to be treated as is happening. That other kids would be likely to recognize a fineness of character in Frodo and come to respect it seemed likely, to me at least, leading some of them to begin standing up for Frodo against the bullies. I know one bully who used to target me stopped when she realized that her neighbor liked me and respected me for the fair way I treated younger kids at school. To find Gail's friendship helped stop the deviling I was receiving from her neighbor was very refreshing when I was a young teen. And for Frodo to realize he could exploit Gomez's own proclivities to get him back seemed just too likely. Yes, mentioned that party first in TAS, and now we're actually seeing part of it. And Timono's voyeurism and tendency to steal small things was mentioned there, as well. As for all the reason why Barti hasn't liked Frodo--you're right, it's more than that Frodo didn't notice Lavinia at the dance. As for Merry playing in the mud--I loved Elanor Winterflower's image of Merry's granddaughter being so delightfully grubby, and figured she had to have come by it honestly! Heh!

Queen Galadriel	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/13/2007
Well, it's a good thing Esme overheard that bit of gossip in the privy, I think. Marigold makes a wonderful point. Man! Down the privy? Ugh! Poor Frodo has the works, doesn't he? And I thought my once worst enemy--a kid I went to elementary school with who just loved to torment me and anyone else whom he perceived as weaker than himself or who didn't yet know how to stand up for him/herself--was bad. The things these guys put Frodo through make the things I could tell about sound like trifles--well, most of them anyway. I wish I'd had Frodo's good sense, though. (I never told, but I didn't defend myself either, which, I guess, only encouraged the guy until after about two years I'd finally had enough and chewed him out--and, of course, got reprimanded myself.) The kind of cruelty Gomez and Company seem to enjoy would make me angry enough to retaliate, but Frodo handled it in a sensible way...I suppose. I hope Gomez and his gang do get as good as they've given sometime, though, I must confess. Oh, leave it to Bilbo to brighten Frodo up! Yes, that visit was very needed. I love seeing how different authors write Frodo meeting his first Elf, and this was really wonderful. Good for Esme, taking things into her own hands regarding the house party! Gilda continues to shock me. "Of course Frodo won't be attending..." And she'd be truly horrified to see him dancing there and acting like a normal kid his age (a very mature one). smirks Timono and Frodo, friends? Ha ha! How can anyone feel sorry for Timono? I did--until he said Frodo had to feel sorry for him. How babyish! Yet I still do pity him a little. If his father is really "mad" (is he?), then the kid might not get much parental care, and goodness only knows what he hears, left to himself like that. He certainly isn't the average Hobbit. What disgusting pastimes he chooses, ugh! He definitely needs help, and far more than just pity and indulgence from a relative. Ah, now I understand Bartolo's resentment towards Frodo. But I wonder if it doesn't go deeper than that. Surely it would have to, for it to last all those years. I'm interested to see how that unfolds. So wonderful to end with Frodo dancing! :) I am so glad he had that time and can't wait to read the next chapter, though I'm out of time for tonight. God bless, Galadriel Author Reply: To stick kids' heads in toilets is common enough by bullies here in the States, or at least here on the west coast; and certainly Harry Potter was threatened with such a fate by his odious cousin Dudley, showing it must be a fairly common threat there in England as well. In days when privies fed into cesspools or into pits under outhouse seats it could be much nastier. And in the end the bullies here were brought down by their own tendencies to be vindictive! Am so glad you like that first encounter between the Elvish Hobbit and a representative of the Firstborn Yes, Esme's getting some backbone at last. Well, one does hope someone will help bring out the best in such oddballs as Timono. Yes, his father is quite mad, and Timono has a bit too much narcissism himself to be brought out of his downward spiral toward criminality by acquaintance with Frodo, whose own unusual nature is taking him in a quite different direction. This is only part of why Barti doesn't like Frodo, and it would likely have been just as offensive to him had Frodo responded to Lavinia's first fascination. And hope you like the next chapter. Wish I'd had more time to work on chapter five!

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/12/2007
So this is when he learned to dance and break all the lasses hearts! I loved that part with Bilbo teaching him. Brought a smile to be at the beginning of seeing what a wonderful, graceful dancer he was. Hantanyel! Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Oh, as I said in an earlier chapter he used to dance alongside his dad, and even danced the Bounder's Jig at the Free Fair beside Drogo once before his dad died. But he's now a teenager and has found there's joy in dancing; and he's starting to get noticed as a result. He's not noticing being noticed, perhaps, but then perhaps even guy Hobbits mature more slowly than the lasses do. I love that one brief glimpse of Frodo dancing at the Party in the movies, and have always since thought of him as one to catch the eye with his dancing. So glad you approve.

Armariel	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2007
Wow, Frodo is a gutsy kid...I like how he holds his own! Gotta admit though, when I see "Gomez" all I can picture is a man with a black mustache, cigar and goofy grin, standing on his head! Timono is quite a mess. Frodo handles him nicely however. Poor Lavinia, she's in for some hurt feelings I'm afraid....... ~~~{~@ Author Reply: Sorry--hadn't been thinking of Gomez Addams; was merely looking at Esmeralda and Diamente and thinking how much Spanish influence one sees at times in the names Tolkien used in naming Hobbits. We have a fair number of Chicano migrant farm workers who come particularly to eastern Washington to work in the orchards and fields of the Columbia River basin, and I met a Gomez there when visiting friends, and the name came from him. How deep the hurt feelings Lavinia knows might run I have no idea; but as I've written often that Frodo's dancing caught the eye and heart of many a Shire maiden, it only seemed likely that at least one of those at that party managed to feel the effect. Bartolo, however, is resenting what he sees as Frodo slighting his sister, although his resentment goes deeper than that, probably; although that will be addressed more in "The Tenant from Staddle" (if these smaller nuzguls will let me ever finish that story! Egad!) as it develops. And am so glad you like Frodo's desire to hold his own--I can't imagine him caving easily to others of his own age.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/9/2007
Once again, a great chapter! I agree with Frodo that adults should not interfere in teenagers' quarrels. And if Esme or even Menegilda had come to his aid, it would have been even worse! I liked it to see more and more lads join Frodo against Gomez and his followers, and I'm quite certain that Gomez will get what he deserves! If I remember right, there was one certain hobbit (whose name I have forgotten), who taught Frodo how to place a highly effective punch! I'm looking forward to read about that! You'll mention it, won't you? The house party was also very interesting! First of all, the fact that Esme decided against Gilda's wishes, that Frodo should attend! That's the right way, Esme! And then Timono Bracegirdle - what a hobbit! “You have to like me. You have to feel sorry for me--my mother’s dead.” “So? Both my parents are dead, and I don’t demand other people feel sorry for me because of it.” Well said, Frodo :) And just like Dreamflower I begin to see why Bartolo disliked Frodo that much! Last, but not least, I just like these scenes: “Want Frodo,” Merry said distinctively, his expression rebellious. [...] Meanwhile Merry was gleefully covering himself with mud as Freesia looked on with approval. LOL!!! Just great! Author Reply: Unfortunately, when quarrels are settled ever by adults, youngsters don't learn to develop their own strategies to deal with them, or may fail to appreciate how necessary it is to have a number of friends and allies to assist. And Frodo is wise enough to see that in this case adult interference will only serve to make Gomez resent him the more and make the next attack more likely to occur in a well-planned manner in which there would be little likelihood of anyone realizing what's happening and interfering in time to keep from a very serious situation developing. The punch was taught Frodo by Merimac during a visit to the Hall after he'd removed to Hobbiton and Bag End; that won't come for some time yet. Esme's beginning to assert her own authority and judgement, which isn't all that easy, for although Menegilda is a far more benevolent individual than Lalia Took, she nevertheless is a bit too taken with her own authority and surety she must be right (I suspect she is a Virgo, actually!). Timono has no social skills whatsoever and in some ways reminds me of myself when little, although I was never as self-centered; but I remember one period when I was intent on feeling sorry for myself because my father died when I was a baby until a friend who was an adoptee hit me with this argument--again a bit of projection of myself onto some of my characters. And yes, Merry is already seeing Frodo as his own and is living up to his nickname.

Linda Hoyland	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/8/2007
Poor Frodo,bullying is horrible. Author Reply: Oh, I agree. Had my share of them focusing on me when I was a child, and I hate the breed.

elanor winterflowers	Reviewed Chapter: 3 on 5/8/2007
How very touching the opening of this was, with the kitchen maids recounting Frodo's suffering and his sweet attempts to be of use and help others. I felt SO bad for him! I'm beginning now to get a feel for the OC folk who inhabit your stories and how their lives intersect with Frodo's. It's quite an inclusive history you've created, and I'm enjoying putting all the pieces together. :) And I've never seen it before--though it may be used elsewher all the time, for all I know-- but may I say the exclamation "Leaf and Pipe!" is really excellent. I just went 'oooh!' and was kind of sorry I'm 20 chapters in on my piece and can't possibly add it now! Is there a story behind "Ambergris"? Author Reply: As I have Will Whitfoot explaining to Lotho in "The Acceptable Sacrifice," you have to be careful when arguing with other Hobbits, for your general Hobbit is likely to dig his heels in and refuse to cooperate, a Took is likely to end off doing anything that crosses his mind during your discussion, a Brandybuck is likely to decide to do the opposite of what you want him to do, and a Baggins will do what he feels is necessary and most seemly; convince a Baggins something is necessary or desirable and give him the go-ahead, and he'll see it done in spite of almost any obstacle placed in his way. Frodo has basically a nature that leads him to try to see to it everyone's needs are met; stifle that and he starts feeling useless, and as a result he's feeling dreadfully stifled and depressed. Servants tend to see far more of what's really going on than their employers and to recognize when someone's not being treated properly, and that's happening here with the cook's helper who used to be a neighbor of Frodo's back in Whitfurrow. I've enjoyed seeing more of the general population of the Shire, and am glad you appreciate it. Tolkien used very little in the way of expletives in his writing, and on LOTR, particularly in conjunction with Hobbit language, this tended to be the form of such used--"Trumpets and glory!" "Sun and moon!" and so on. In her essays on canon vs. fanon, Dreamflower discussed this at length. Very educated Hobbits might say things such as "Sweet Valar" or "Creator protect him" or something similar; but most Hobbits would tend to use such expressions as these, she noted. In "Go Out in Joy," when realizing the spider wound is draining again, I have Sam exclaiming "Orcs and spiders!" And for one who lives on a tobacco plantation, "Leaf and pipe!" just seemed so right. Ambergris, as you probably know, is the matter excreted by sperm whales that tends to float on the surface of the water until it is harvested and sold to manufacturers of perfumes. This Ambergris I just gave the name to rather arbitrarily. I hope you appreciate it. And perhaps I'll write the story of the accident that left the son of Ambergris and Snapdragon partially crippled, but I haven't gone that far. Anyway, am glad you enjoyed that expression. In my depiction of Frodo, after going to live with Bilbo he became very intimately aware of the entire Shire through the many rambles he and Bilbo took together and the additional ones he undertook on his own or with Merry and Pippin and Sam after he became Master of Bag End; so he isn't an unknown quantity to many folks throughout the Shire but someone many folks have seen on occasion, adding to his reputation for eccentricity.

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