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Birthday Surprises  by Baggins Babe 113 Review(s)
harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/11/2006
Oh, it's over !! *pouts*

"Lord Estel, why is my da so nasty and unkind to us? Ellie's da is lovely and so is Mister Baggins. You're a da, aren't you? I'm sure you're nice to your little 'uns."


What a heart breaking question! Trust wise Aragorn to have an answer.
I am sure they will all be together again very soon - at least I hope so!

Author Reply: Such a shame that this story is over but there will be others.

I think Aragorn's wise and sympathetic answer will help Violet to understand a little better. What a pity Gondor is not closer - there would be no complaints from the Men, I's sure.

AndreaReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/11/2006
Is it really over? *Sigh*

I enjoyed reading this story very much and I'd quote the whole chapter if that made any sense ;-)

But *this* was the perfect ending:

The morrow would bring partings, but hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship.

The "ever-growing Fellowship" is not restricted to Middle Earth, we are all part of it :)

Author Reply: I'm afraid this story is over but there will be others. The next chapter of 'Old Scores' is up, by the way - posted on Sunday if you haven't seen it yet.

Yes, the Fellowship has grown and we are all part of it. What a lovely thought.

DreamflowerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/11/2006
Thanks so much for letting me know this was up! The alert must indeed have gone astray--(in fact, I suspect it is residing in the spam trap of my *husband's* computer--I found several there a couple of weeks ago. *sigh* I hate it when that happens.)!

But this is just a wonderful chapter. Aragorn's little chat with Violet was just beautiful, and I'm sure that it helped her to understand a little more--and that in years to come, she will remember it, and understand even better.

And then all the hobbity banter and story-telling and reminiscing were beautiful and fun and sweet! The only thing I'm sorry about is that it means the story really will have to end--*sigh* I'm with Aragorn, Gondor ought to be much closer to the Shire!

Author Reply: It is very annoying when things go astray in cyberspace! Glad you've found the update now. Things are never the same without you.

Tigger gave me the plot bunny about Aragorn's conversation with Violet and it seemed to work well. It was certainly great fun to write, and I hope the King's wise words will help Vi as she grows.

I really wish Gondor was closer to the Shire!

KittyReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/10/2006
Poor little Violet, I hope Aragorn was able to comfort her a bit. It is difficult to understand, at times even for an adult, why some people only feel good if they are bullying others who are weaker than themselves. For children this is even more difficult to understand, but I think Aragorn managed to explain it in a way Violet was able to take it in. The lass now has the absolute opposite before her eyes, watching a loving father as Sam and the way Frodo acts around children. That was a lovely idea, BB! And that "Oh! I wanted you to be King for a long time." was simply cute.

Pip's little namesake has gotten the right name, no doubt. He's already as bad as his uncle, and I wonder how exhausting he will become when he's older. How do they prevent him from doing nothing other than to raid the larders the whole day?

What was said about Gollum is only too true. Even if one has pity with him, knowing what he endured, he still was always a very nasty creature. Not everything can be blamed on the Ring, considering how fast he killed Deagol. I am sure he already had a rather nasty character, or he wouldn't have succumbed to the Ring so fast.

Hm ... will the visitors need pack horses to carry all the food away the hobbits surely will gift to them for the journey? *grin*

It's a pity this story is finished. I enjoyed it so much to have Aragorn there in the Shire, and I hope there will be another story around his year(s) in Annuminas. Thank you for this story, it was so much fun!

Author Reply: Pippin's small namesake is very aptly named! He'll be one to watch once he starts toddling!

I think it is very difficult for anyone to understand why some people get such a lot of pleasure from bullying others, but Aragorn's quiet chat with Violet will hopefully help her to understand why her father behaves as he does, and perhaps one day she can feel pity for him.

The visitors will certainly have a lot of food to carry but I'm sure they'll eat a lot of it on the journey! Wives and mothers may have to do a lot of sewing to alter too-tight clothing too!

Glad you enjoyed the story - it was just as much fun to write.

TiggerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2006
Oh BB, it was my pleasure to send the bunny in your direction. It came to me one night and I thought it would be perfect. Both for Violet to learn not all Big People are evil and for Aragorn to show once again he can be trusted and truly does care for hobbits and The Shire as his own. Even beyond his duty and responsiblity as their King.

I got the date for my knee to be scoped down in Toronto, on the 28th, and this story will be joining the ones I want to print out to read while waiting to go to the OR that morning. Even though I think I know the first few chapters off by heart though. :o) Then again, those kind of stories are the best for situations like that. :oD

Sad to see it come to an end, but I know it won't be the last visit to this universe. Can't wait for the next installment of Old Scores!!

And really...Thank you so much for using my bunny. You really do not know how much that meant to me when I saw that this afternoon. Thank you again for brightening what has been a horrid and confusing 24 and a bit hours. ((((HUGS))))

Queen GaladrielReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2006
Oh, what a wonderful chapter! As always I love your descriptions. I could almost feel and smell the "soft spring air" and hear the music, and taste the food! :) I love Aragorn's conversation with Violet, and it ties so well into "Old Scores". I wonder, will Ted be redeemed after all? Can he? And Cornflower has taken Frodo's advice to heart I think. It's true what she said. Thinking back to "Reunion," the change in Frodo is amazing!

Sam took Elanor and Frodo offered his hand to little Violet, and they joined the throng beneath the mallorn. The morrow would bring partings, but
hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship.

What a sweet scene to draw the curtain on, if you will, and what a lovely last line! Bravo!
God bless,
Galadriel

Author Reply: Ah, I love spending time in the Shire with our hobbits - it's as good as a holiday.

Tigger pushed the tiny plotbunny in my direction about Aragorn and Violet having a conversation, and it was wonderful to write.
As for Ted, you will find out in the next chapter what happens.

Thank you for all your lovely reviews - feedback is always most welcome, and I'm always pleased to see others enjoying this universe as much as I do.

shireboundReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2006
Knowing this was The End (*sob*), I savored every word. I love that conversation between Aragorn and Violet! And everything else in this story. Thank you for another gem, BB. And now for my favoritest parts...

"There you are - Pip likes you," Frodo laughed. "That's the first proper thing he's said. Of course, he's after that biscuit, you know."

Esme handed the baby the biscuit, which he sucked enthusiastically. "I seem to remember another little one demanding my biscuits whenever he sat on my knee," she said, smily slyly at Frodo.
******
The lady in question was advancing on them like a ship in full sail. "My lord King." She curtseyed, allowing Aragorn a view which gave him vertigo.
******
Radagast sighed contentedly and relit his pipe. "This is the most delightful experience I have ever had - no wonder Olorin said that everyone should have a hobbit or two in his care."

"He said we were unquenchable - and incorrigible!" added Pip proudly.
******
hearts joined in love would never truly part, and the distance between Gondor and the Shire was as a step for the ever-growing Fellowship.


Long live the King, and the Shire -- and *our* Fellowship.

Author Reply: Tigger begged for some interaction between Aragorn and Violet and it was really fun to write.

I love the way you quote your favourite bits - it is nice to know what hits the spot. ;-))

I had such fun writing this - and of course we shall be re-visiting this universe again very soon.

TiggerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 9/8/2006
*SQUEEEEE!!!!!* BB!!! You did it for me!!! A meeting between Aragorn and Violet talking things over and I LOVE IT!!!

Sorry for shouting everyone, but the last 24 hrs or so have not been kind to me. But, if almost two years on kidney dialysis, one failed transplant, one almost failed transplant and several things inbetween haven't brought me down, a spiteful and snotty webmistress won't either!!

Thank you so very much my friend. You *really* do not know how much this means to me. ((((HUGS))))

Oh and the image of Frodo and Violet dancing together is beyond adorable. This was a completely delightful chapter. Oddly enough, once again, I was re reading this amazing tale when I got the new chapter notification.

I can't say I'm looking forward to the next chapter as that means the end of the story. Oh well, looking forward to the continuation of Old Scores though.

Thank you, thank you, thank you again my friend for the first real smile in about 24 hrs. (((((HUGS)))))

Author Reply: What a wonderful review! Thank you so much for all your lovely comments, and I'm glad it cheered you. Sounds as though you've been having a horrible time.
I'm afraid this was the last chapter, but I hope it was a good one. You know I shall keep re-visiting this AU. *hugs back*

Thank you so much for that brilliant suggestion about Aragorn and Violet talking together.

MirkwoodmaidenReviewed Chapter: 11 on 9/2/2006
Hit the wrong button and the review was sent before I was finished!! As I was saying...I loved the festiveness you portrayed.

I can see Sam really appreciating the Book of Healing that was the present from Aragorn and Arwen. Very nice touch!

Ah! "Mount a rescue!!" LOL!!! I see Mrs. Bracegirdle the remarkably full figured, has made an appearance again in the story LOL!!! I think Aragorn emerged unscathed from his encounter w/ her. Only just though!

Again your description of food leaves my mouth watering!! Mmmmmmm!!! Yum!! I miss England and all that lovely food!!

"Native Common Sense!" Yep, isn't that Truth!! Sam even resisted the ring's empty promises while in Mordor!

I loved the Fireworks that both Aragorn's and later Gandalf's (Or Olorin, I should say)were a lovely touch. Nice way to celebrate lovely Sam's birthday who suitably abashed! Wonderfully written!

MM!

Author Reply: At last, a review! Although you reviewed this chapter already! *deliver virtual whap*

Yes, Sam is full of native common sense - every home should have a Sam!

Thought you'd enjoy the food! :-))

MirkwoodmaidenReviewed Chapter: 11 on 9/2/2006
My dear BB!

I loved this last chapter the recounting of the party was highly enjoyable. The festive atmosphere was wonderfully rendered.

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