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At Tharbad's Greenway Spring Faire  by Dreamflower 6 Review(s)
LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 4/2/2015
A good start on letting the Gaffer know that being gentry is no bar to appreciation for a working stiff's abilities and friendship. Nicely done!

Author Reply: The Gaffer is used to the gentry of Hobbiton. Bilbo's an exception, and most of the hobbits attribute that to his "unfortunate adventure" and blame Gandalf. But he's unfamiliar with the gentry of other parts of the Shire and especially Buckland, which to my mind is definitely a place with a more frontier mentality than the rest of the Shire.

But I feel like he has come away with the assurance that at least in childhood, there won't be any bar to Sam's friendship with Merry unless he puts it there himself.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/13/2015
"Sam's a good lad, and I am pleased that he and Merry get on. I think he's a good example for Merry." This made the Gaffer blink.

Thank God the Gaffer is not as stubborn as Lobelia concerning "standards". Otherwise a great friendship would never have started to form.

Author Reply: Well, the Gaffer still might prefer that his son stick to his "own", but with Bilbo's encouraging the friendship as well as Merry's father having no objections, he doesn't really think he can nay-say it.


LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/6/2015
Lovely conversation! I'm so glad that Merry and Sam were able to continue their friendship. Good on the Brandybucks!

(I imagine it would be the people like Lobelia who's be scandalised.)

Author Reply: Oh, Lobelia, for certain, though she'd maliciously just use it to bolster her already formed prejudice against Brandybucks.

I think I've told you many times, I've always envisioned the Brandybucks as less formal and hidebound to social conventions than the rest of the Shire.

AntaneReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/3/2015
I am glad someone else recognizes Sam's worth and sets his mind at ease about friendship with Merry. Love what Bilbo said about Sam. :)

Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author Reply: I think that even at that age, Sam's worth would be clear. And, at least in my mind, Saradoc is level-headed and recognizes a person who would be a good influence on Merry.

And Bilbo would know, wouldn't he?

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/3/2015
Frodo placed a gentle hand on top of Merry's head, and Merry instantly quieted down.

Awww, I love that line. And I love this delightful, sweet, very thoughtful story.

Author Reply: I've always seen Frodo as a calming influence on his younger cousins, especially when they were little.

I'm glad you love the story. GW comes up with some great bunnies!

KathyGReviewed Chapter: 3 on 3/3/2015
I just love this story! This is a delightful conversation that Sam and Saradoc have.


Author Reply: Thanks! I think Sam was helping his father from a very young age; he loved the garden. And Saradoc appreciates young Sam's sense of responsibility and loyalty. He knows that it will be good for Merry to have Sam as a friend.

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