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The King's Commission  by Larner 5 Review(s)
Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 19 on 3/22/2006
In minutes Ririon and Ferdibrand were headed outside together, each with his walking stick, where the Hobbit proposed to show the boy some of the
tricks he’d taught himself to use his stick to check out the ground over which he walked and find his way.

Ah, excellent! I hoped (and very strongly suspected :)) that the walking stick would prove useful. I'm using something similar in an original story, only my poor girl has had one from her grandfather and it's narled and crooked, so not exactly ideal for traversing the crowded streets of New York city in the nineteenth century.

Love the bottle of Old Winyards! LOL! That is hilarious! And the firework and crackers were just splendid. As I read the bit about Gandalf having such foresight I imagined the old wizard in some hidden room, making those fireworks and crackers and thinking how they'd be used years later. Say, that would make a good double drabble or something. Not that I'm trying to set a bunny loose or anything...:)

And the talk with Pippin's sisters was wonderfully done. I can identify with Pimpernel's (or was it Pervinca?--I'm constantly confusing those two!) anger over Frodo's being deprived of that which he wanted most. This life can seem so very unfair, and it's terribly frustrating or even heartbreaking at times.
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: If you've read "A Message and a Bottle" then you've seen the end of the legacy of that bottle of Old Winyards. That was a story that worked on me for months before I wrote it, and then I had to tear it apart and rewrite it to get it right.

Gandalf may not at the time known why he must create those special crackers and that firework, or why they should be stored away instead of used at the Old Tooks last party; but I do believe that he understood what purpose they would serve. Gandalf, after all, loved the Tooks especially, and had a lot invested in this particular one.

Yes, life can be very heartbreaking as we grow older, and life has never been fair. That Pippin's sisters would wish he might have known what he wanted most I think would be natural. However, God is great enough to deal with our anger.

As for the walking sticks, of course they'd end up being put to practical use! And Ririon is getting more and more outfitted to look somewhat like a wizard now, don't you think, with his brimmed hat and his staff?

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/16/2005
Ferdibrand questions were so interesting in light of the fact that he doesn't see, so very frank and open like a hobbit and almost child-like in their nature. I enjoyed the party and the fireworks which were so perfect for everyone there just as if Gandlaf had known. I suspect he did. A wonderful chapter!

Author Reply: Aack! I see I never responded to this one.

Yes, I, too, suspect Gandalf had some level of foresight. Borrowed the firework from another story, trying to keep our various views of the Shire somewhat consistent. But I thought it would be very apropos.

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/15/2005
That firework was very appropriate! Still if Gandalf foresaw some of what would happen, that would explain it.

I like Ferdibrand and his special insight into Frodo and Gandalf - and Sharkey. And into his grasp of the real nature of Ruvemir and Miriel. A hobbit with brains.



Author Reply: Probably why he and Frodo hit it off so well, once he started paying attention to him.

IorhaelReviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/14/2005
I really admire the sculpor for doing so thorough a research. :) But that was excellent - very much - the elaboration, again. And this:

And he’d listen, truly listen to you as you spoke--wasn’t always thinking of what he’d say next to you.

I realize I sometimes do that, I mean, thinking of what to say next. Hm. Anyway. But this statement reminds me of Elijah. Heheh.

Author Reply: I wonder if he realizes how strongly he has impacted Tolkien Fan Fiction? Thanks.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 19 on 1/14/2005
*sigh* You've done it again. When this story is complete, I'm going to have to go back and read it through all together!

There is just so very much to love about this chapter, but I am just going to pick one thing: Gandalf's firework, and the crackers! I love the notion that Gandalf would have left such a thing for Pippin's Coming of Age, and that it would be so special, not only for him, but for all the guests. That Pippin would miss Gandalf so much--I've always thought that Gandalf was sort of a grandfatherly figure for the hobbits, but most especially for Pippin.

I also loved all the other little details you gave, Ruvemir's talk with Pip's sisters, and with Ferdinand just ring so true.

*sigh* I can't get enough of this story!

Author Reply: The idea of the hidden firework came from someone else's story, but the crackers were my own addition.

I am glad that the conversations with Ferdibrand have proven so realistic to you. And I know I feel with Pimpernel and Pervinca the same frustration about those who haven't had the chance to do the most common things, such as having their own children.

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