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Distractions by GamgeeFest	7 Review(s)
cookiefleck	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/21/2009
Wow.. this chapter is one big ball of anticipation.. for the characters and for the readers. Merry's experience in the Hallows was riveting. Your little bit about Merry's brooch being on backwards reminded me of something that's always puzzled me about the films... Sam's brooch faces the opposite way of everyone else's in all but one or two scenes. Wondering about that is akin to reading subtext into Paul's bare feet on the Abbey Road album, hah. Hmmm, come to think of it, was Paul giving a shout-out to hobbits? Gandalf's bushy eyebrows disappeared into his hairline and I went right along with them. What a funny concept/image... the hobbits' "dates." Author Reply: Merry had a hard time of it. That was a surprise even for me, as I didn't know that was going to happen until I started writing. With the close connection between Merry and Pippin, it makes sense that it would happen when it did. I sort of remember there being a controversy about that at the time. The theory I heard most was because Sam is the only one there of the "lower" class and so it represented his status. I think that comes from the fact that back in the day, servants would dress their masters, so the buttons, etc on noble(wo)men's clothes were placed on the right side instead of the left. shrug That doesn't apply to the Fellowship though as 1) they wouldn't expect that of Sam and 2) even if they did, Sam wouldn't consider that his job and 3) Frodo wouldn't allow it in either case. Didn't Paul want to be Sam in The Beatles' version of the LOTR movies? Or was he going to be Gollum? I do know they wanted to make their own movie, so it could be a hobbity reference. ;) Those bar wenches are going to have a night they will never forget! :D

Antane	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/15/2009
I am not going to allow my reputation as the worst rascal in Buckland to be sullied at this point of my life. :) Also love Aragorn's concern for Pippin and how he took the Hallows and Frodo being more relieved than Sam that Sam's too is all right. Loved also last chapter about Frodo reassuring his Sam that Rosie would still want him, mangled toenails and all. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :) Author Reply: Frodo has a reputation to protect, and Merry is continually discovering that he always has something to learn. ;) Aragorn knows that Pippin would sooner or later have to return to the Hallows. Best to go when he hasn't had time to think about it too much. Frodo is always looking out for his Sam, even if it's just his toes in this case. Those feet have been through a lot.

Andrea	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/15/2009
A Tangled Web indeed! What are they up to, all of them? I'm not quite sure anymore ;-) Frodo wouldn't put rats in Merry's room, would he? And those bar maids were not only chosen to accompany the hobbits, right? But what made me laugh out loud was Sam's comment on Merry and Frodo: "Bucklanders!" - That says it all! Author Reply: Answers are coming soon! Frodo's prank is getting kicked into high gear, and Merry's early wish for Strider will very soon come to pass. There's really no telling what that Baggins will do! He grew up in a warren and then was raised by Bilbo. He's truly capable of anything! Yes, I do think Sam tends to attribute this side of his master's personality to his wily upbringing in that far-off Bucklebury place. They're queer folk there, or so his Gaffer always said. ;)

Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/15/2009
And now rats added to the mixture? And bar girls? They are a group intent on distracting everyone, aren't they? Heh! Now, to see this sacrifice! Poor Osric--awakened so! Hope he doesn't fall asleep in the midst of the dance! Heh! Author Reply: Oh, but the mischief they cause! ;) hehe Frodo is certainly keeping Merry on his toes, and the bar wenches should keep them all on their toes once they reach the ball! Osric will do his king proud, have no fear. Though he will likely sleep like the dead as soon as he gets home, poor lad.

polissak	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/14/2009
Thanks for the update!! I love this story...I cannot wait to hear about the dance, and especially frodo's prank! Author Reply: Thanks for dropping in! I'm glad you're enjoying the story!

Dreamflower	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/14/2009
Oh dear. I'm really worried now about both Merry and Pippin, but mostly Merry. Something unpleasant is going on at the Hallows... And I'm of two minds about the rat-droppings. Was it Frodo, or wasn't it? You do that to me, you know, you make me think like Vizzinni-- I've done that once already! You are going to make me crazier than I already am! grin And I love that the tavern wenches are going to the fine feast with the hobbits! That really makes me giggle. (Now, I'm thinking I'd love to see a little side story from the POV of one of them, maybe talking about it afterwards! What must it have been like, to go with the famous halfling heroes to the King's Feast? After all, none of them would ever have expected a chance at anything like that!) OK, OK, I'll TRY to stop shooing bunnies in your direction. winks conspiratorially at Squiggy Author Reply: Don't be too worried for the lads. It's just their Tookish imagination run amok. Pippin is bound to be suffering some degree of PTSD, as are all the hobbits, though not as severe as Frodo's. And Merry's worry for Pippin caused him to experience a sympathy flashback, as it were. Aragorn would never allow Pippin to go to the Hallows if Denethor's spirit was indeed lurking about, or lurking with malice. LOL! And now you're having sympathy headaches for Merry as he tries to figure out if this is part of Frodo's prank or not! :) The hobbits were sweet to invite the bar wenches, though they do have ulterior motives. ;) I'm sure it will be quite the experience for the ladies, one none of them are likely to ever forget.

shirebound	Reviewed Chapter: 26 on 9/14/2009
“I know those grins far too well.” That's definitely my favorite line. I can imagine those four grins, and that makes me grin! Author Reply: No good can come of those grins. :D Aragorn is best warned. ;)

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