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A New Reckoning  by Dreamflower 6 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 23 on 9/27/2006
A joy to see Freddy joyful again.

Author Reply: It's going to take a while, but yes, he's on that road once more.

AspenJulesReviewed Chapter: 23 on 7/3/2006
Awww, poor Freddy... the flip side of Merry and Pippin (either way, if either had lost the other, but especially if Merry had lost Pip). I'm glad he's showing some interest in this trip, and that his father is sensible about it. I understand about the whole Odovocar and Rosamunda thing, although in my case it's reversed. I let my husband have his way in most things without much argument, but he knows if I take a stand on something to simply give in, because I won't be moved. I don't abuse it, and because of it, he doesn't even try to change my mind. Ahhh, the joys and trials of living with an opinionated husband, LOL.

And poor Legolas!!! ROFL.... he can't help the effect he has on mortals, especially mortal *females*! I was rolling when I read the bit about the Dwarven women!! *snickers wickedly*

Author Reply: Yes, I very much wanted Freddy-Folco to be a mirror of possiblities for Merry-Pippin. Both came so *very* close to losing one another, to *see* someone who actually did lose his best friend I am sure hit home.

Rosamunda is a rather shallow person, but she is not bad. She is somewhat spoiled and a bit of a social climber, but she truly loves her children. Odovocar is a steady and reliable person, if a bit stodgy, and he is able to see what will truly benefit his son, rather than what he *wishes* would benefit him.

No, unfortunately the Fair Folk can't help being so Fair that it dazzles. But I couldn't resist the chance to tweak him a bit about it.

PIppinfan1988Reviewed Chapter: 23 on 7/9/2005
Seems as if your Rosamunda and my Opal North-took must have been childhood friends at some point! LOL The conversation between Merry and Freddie is lovely--you have written about Folco before--and most excellently, I might add. As always, my own thoughts about Folco never went too far. I think I gave him a cameo role in an old, old tale. Another great chapter!

Pippinfan
Congrats on being a Best Bet! I *do* aim to get there and read it! :-)

Author Reply: They do have a lot in common. Rosamunda is a bit of a social climber, and slightly mercenary, but she loves her children even though she is also a bit shallow.

I always felt so bad that I killed Folco off. But sometimes these things just won't let you alone, if you know what I mean. Still, I have managed to include him in some things in flashbacks and pre-Quest stories to make it up to him. (As if you could make it up to someone for killing them!) My thoughts on him came from the fact that, though he seemed to be one of Frodo's circle of friends, he was not included in the Conspiracy, and I had to wonder why.

And thanks! I enjoyed writing that little vignette. It just came to me full-blown, so to speak.

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 23 on 5/20/2004
That Chubb just can't keep his mouth shut can he? Some people just never seem to learn. :)

Great chappie here. I'm glad to see Freddy was able to hang onto Folco's flute. The scene with him and Merry was so touching. Merry's understanding will go a long way to helping Freddy get over what happened.

And dang, all of the hobbits are getting "struck dumb" - love that expression - by Legolas! lol Poor Freddy, it was just too overwhelming after being inside for so long to see an Elf right in front of him.

Author Reply: Well, I needed a big mouth in this chapter, and seeing as how I already had one... You'll notice how long his "friends" stick by him once he opens his mouth and lets his brains fall out. But the Brandybucks have his measure.

Merry, and to some extent, Pippin, are probably the only people who could possibly understand what Fredegar went through losing Folco. And Merry developed quite a close friendship with him during the Conspiracy, not to mention the fact that he is in love with Freddy's sister.

To hobbits, Elves are so exotic. And especially to someone with a bit of knowledge about their history, as Fredegar has, there is a lot of awe involved.
In Tolkien, there is just *something* about Elves. No one ever mistakes one for a Man, even at a distance when certain details might not be visible. Up close I would think a first exposure could well be overwhelming.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 23 on 5/19/2004
I am so happy to read more about your wonderful Freddy. I am very glad that he is going along and I do hope that he gets to use some of his elvish. You do make Fredegar come alive in your stories! Wonderful chapter!

Author Reply: You know I couldn't leave dear Fredegar out. I've gotten very fond of him since Conspiracy.

RogerGamgeeReviewed Chapter: 23 on 5/19/2004
Dreamflower,
Yet another fantastic chapter! I loved seeing the hobbits' reaction to Legolas...he leaves everyone speechless without saying a word. Well done :)

Author Reply: Well, of course Fredegar, like Sam, always did love the Elvish tales, so to actually *meet* one was a bit overwhelming. Poor Legolas, he just can't help being so stunning. 8-)

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