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A Place for Gandalf by Dreamflower	5 Review(s)
Larner	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 8/9/2008
I remember this chapter. Yes, he likes it! Hooray! Author Reply: I had so much fun envisioning Gandalf's reaction to this gift--it was a scene I loved writing!

Gryffinjack	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 10/13/2005
It's Gandalf! I look forward to reading what he has to say. You do well to capture that special perceptiveness that Frodo seems to have of people and the future - the way he and Gandalf immediately recognise that they will be one of each other's greatest friends. Shades of things to come. I'm so glad that Frodo was happy that he would be living at Bag End with Bilbo. I don't think it is solely to escape the Brandywine and the hussle and bustle of Brandy Hall, but also because of his love and fondness for Bilbo. It does give me pause, however, that even though he thought of how he would miss his Merry, he did not have any similar thoughts of how he would miss Uncle Sara and Aunt Esme, who not only have been raising him, but have treated him like a son. I'm sure he will miss them, but perhaps it was just that his immediate thought was to the one he would miss most, his Merry-lad who had been his saviour all these years. Do you honestly worry that you do not provide enough description in your writing? If so, then you are as much of a needless worry-wart as Merry! Your writing is so vivid with details and vibrant imagery that I can easily picture many lines and even scenes in my head, which makes it quite tempting to break out my sketch book and pencils. Rest assured, your descriptions are spot on. I wouldn't change a thing. "If Frodo did get sad, what would he do without his Merry to say he loved him?" Forget about Merry wanting to cry, this line makes me want to cry! Author Reply: I do think that there would have been a special spark of recognition between them. Yes, his thought did of course fly first to Merry. And he will miss not only Saradoc and Esmeralda, but his Uncle Rory and Aunt Menegilda, and many of his other Brandybuck relations. Still, in some ways, though Frodo dearly loved Sara and Esme, he never quite lost his awareness that they were not his beloved parents. In some ways, they were part of the reminders he needed to escape from. And part of it also is his age: as he enters adolescence he is less likely to be thinking first of his parent-figures and more of his friends. Bilbo, at this point in his life is still more a friend than a parent, although that's about to change. Well, I do try to be descriptive, but I suppose it's just that it does not seem to live up to many writers whom I admire--especially JRRT himself. I just sometimes feel my prose lacks an emotional edge. I'm glad that you like it though. herehave a virtual hankie*

Grey Wonderer	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/20/2004
that was wonderful! I am so happy for Bilbo that his surprise was so well received and that Merry also got to see it. Now I hope the adoption goes well and that Merry isn't too sad about Frodo. Author Reply: Merry is going to miss Frodo a lot, and vice-versa. But they will learn to adjust. Bilbo, I think, is the kind of person who loves surprises. This one was a very good one.

Bodkin	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/19/2004
I love the effect on Gandalf - always a wanderer, always alone - to be given both home and the inspiration afforded by Frodo. And Frodo - a home, acceptance, the love of little Merry and Sam. Really sweet story Author Reply: We so seldom see anything from Gandalf's POV, yet we know that he had a deep and abiding love for his hobbits, and his hobbits loved him. I thought I would explore that a bit. And Frodo is on the road to becoming the hobbit he will need to be, in order to carry out his task. Of the most important people in his life, he now only has two more to meet: Pippin and Aragorn. Thank you very much.

GamgeeFest	Reviewed Chapter: 10 on 6/19/2004
Merry took that much better than I thought he would. Sara did a good job explaining that it was for Frodo's benefit and Merry can't really begrudge Frodo that. Gandalf finally arrived, to a home of his own. I don't think even Bilbo knows exactly how much it means to Gandalf. He just wanted the wizard to be comfortable on his visits. Fun chapter. Can't wait to see what else is going to happen. Author Reply: Of course Merry's initial reaction was as is common with most young children: he thought it was his fault. But Saradoc was able to put it somewhat in perspective for him. It helps that Merry, even at this young age, has a deep understanding of his older cousin. Gandalf has been a wanderer for so very long now; it has to be lonely, even with his friendships among the Elves and others of the Wise. And Bilbo wanted to make a nice surprise for his friend.

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