A Comedy of Merrys (or Much Ado About Merry) by Lindelea
Meldewen Ilce · 15 March 2004 · Chapter 12: To Have and To Hold
Oh, I hope someone finds Ferdi, Elanor, the baby, Merry-lad, Frodo, and Daisy before the night ends - I mean they should, shouldn't they - I mean when Frodo and Daisy don't return in a reasonable time period Rose will go looking for them, right? I hope she will and maybe just maybe will end everyone's time spent in the linen press! Anyway, can't wait for the next chapter!
FantasyFan · 15 March 2004 · Chapter 12: To Have and To Hold
Oh no! (tea all over monitor) I was sure they were rescued! What an explanation this is going to require. This is very funny - every chapter builds on the comedy. I don't imagine they'll be in there long, though - there are probably enough people in the closet now to break down the door. I loved the little scene between Hodge and Farry. What an apology. Never did say he was sorry for anything he did, just that Hodge percieved it as rude. It's a nice little triangle, and not totally resolved yet. Hope there's more of them in this story.
Connie · 15 March 2004 · Chapter 12: To Have and To Hold
How many more people can fit in that closet? I was screaming, "Don't let go of the door," as I read that last scene. I also must admit to a choice word when Day let it go. Now I'm laughing out loud. Thanks for the smile. Connie.
Grey Wonderer · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 11: Shining Through
This bit with the closet is starting to remind me of my favorite state room scene in a Marx Brother's film! Can't wait to see if anyone else winds up in the closet. LOL
Author's reply
I had forgotten that scene! We may have to go to the video place and rent some Marx Brothers comedies. It's been too long... Next chapter has finally been posted.
Lyta Padfoot · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 11: Shining Through
Day and Frodo are very blessed to have a new life begin at their wedding. As sweet as Merry and Pippin's idea was, a new niece is far more wonderful. With four people in that closet I imagine its pretty crowded!
Author's reply
Well, it's a big closet, several steps from the door to the far wall. After all, it's big enough to have deep shelves on both sides and holds all the linens and blankets and tablecloths and towels and such for a family with 13 children, plus guests, plus new daughter-in-love and the children she and Fro will eventually have... Thanks for the review!
Lyta Padfoot · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Sorting Out the Threads
Another wonderful chapter. I hope you have something nice in store for Hodge, he deserves a bright future and someone to share it with.
Author's reply
He does! Will have to give it some thought.
FantasyFan · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 11: Shining Through
Oh, I laughed. Merry's timing is horrible, and now he's in the closet too. This reminds me of the game 'Sardines' - have you ever played it? It's like hide-and-seek, except almost in reverse. One person hides, and all are seeking. As each seeker finds the hider, they have to get into the hiding place with them. It's quite spooky when people start disappearing, especially when you are the last seeker left in a suddenly empty house. Usually though, the giggles of all the hiders crammed together in the shower or the closet or behind the couch give them away before there's too much time to be scared. A great game for a big group and a sprawling house with lots of nooks and crannies, or a winding Smial. Bag End would be the very best place for Sardines! I'm proud of Farry. He's holding up well, now that the shock is wearing off. Pip at least it seems has seen his son's difficulty, and is he trying to put him out of his misery by leaving a little early? I would think Pippin would normally be the last one left, to be wheeled out in a barrow. I hope Goldi is properly shamed by not trusting Farry and jumping to conclusions. She'll run after him as soon as may be, but if Hodge runs after her, he'd better watch out not to be in the way of Farry's fist. No, I don't believe Farry would really do that, he's more hurt than angry. He might get a little peeved at Goldi, though, when he's had time to think of it. And then, they may learn not to take each other for granted. The party's winding down, and soon all will be discovered. Is the story winding down too, or have you got a twist or two left up your sleeve?
Author's reply
Yes, I have fond memories of Sardines in a huge old two-story lodge deep in the North Woods... Bag End would be a delightful place to play that game! The story is very near its end. Just a couple more chapters on the outline, at least. Thanks!
Elanor1013 · 10 March 2004 · Chapter 11: Shining Through
Ooh I hope Farry and Goldi straighten everything out soon!!
Author's reply
Oh I hope so, too! Thanks for reviewing! New chapter is up.
Elanor1013 · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Sorting Out the Threads
I love your story so far. I love all the Merry(eri)(iri)s! Please keep writing!
Author's reply
Thank you! I just posted another chapter, so enjoy!
Grey Wonderer · 9 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Sorting Out the Threads
Is Merry-lad now going to wind up in the closet too or is he the rescuer? Can't wait to see. Seems as though Merry Brandybuck is going to sleep through the entire event either way. LOL
Author's reply
The answer to your question about Merry-lad is in the chapter I just posted. Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan · 8 March 2004 · Chapter 10: Sorting Out the Threads
Merry-lad's planning a lovely surprise for Frodo and Day. I'm glad, if he couldn't think of anything witty and shocking, that he went for sweet. Flowers are so romantic, and quite appropriate for the future Gardener. If he's too intent on his task, however (and on the feast) he's going to miss the biggest surprise of all. I hope he persists in being thorough, for Ferdi's sake as well as Elanor's! Is Pippin-lad with the broken toes standing watch, or is he just deflecting questions back at the banquet? MerryandPippin bring a smile to the face. Even fast asleep, Merry is faithfully right behind his cousin. Now, though, the smile is fond nostalgia for pranks of the past, and it's up to a new generation to carry on the tradition. Merry and Estella are so cute when they're sleeping! You know, I've gone from not really liking Hodge (well, at least being very suspicious of him) in Truth, to really admiring him here. A lesser hobbit would have pressed his advantage, as we all know he's sweet on Goldi. Instead he goes for the truth: Farry and Goldi have a bond that's obvious to all, except perhaps to Goldi right now. Hodge is being a hobbit of honor, and I hope somewhere there's a reward for him (perhaps that unknown hobbit he works for will have a daughter and he'll inherit the mill one day?). Farry's getting the shock of his life. And he hasn't done anything to deserve it! You really do have a comedey of errors going here. Somehow I don't see him having a mild and accepting reaction to this turn of events, but he may be too upset to ask her to dance after supper. We will see.
Author's reply
Someone might have noticed if Merry-lad and Pip left the wedding, so Pippin is staying put, deflecting questions and groaning piteously to divert attention whenever someone threatens to notice Merry-lad missing. I do love the mental image of Estella snuggled close to Merry's side, and both sleeping through the feast and speeches and music and everything... Hodge is a decent sort. He had a fair number of years of his mother's influence before she died birthing his youngest brother, and that helped immensely. When Ted Sandyman overcame his bitterness and became "older and wiser", Hodge was able to appreciate his father's perspective, better than his younger brother who was very young when their mother died. A reward for Hodge... hmmm... will have to give it some thought.
Lydia · 4 March 2004 · Chapter 9: A Little Later in the Day
I really do love your stories, even though I'm not a big reviewer. I just thought I'd point out that it should be Farry's hand Hodge expected Goldi to take, not Ferdi's.
Author's reply
Thanks! Fixed it. Just wanted to let you know, though I've really no more time online for the nonce. I am always getting names mixed up. Writing the early Thain stories it was awful... Paladin/Peregrin. Aargh. And Ferdi/Farry. And Ferdinand/Ferdibrand for that matter.
FantasyFan · 4 March 2004 · Chapter 9: A Little Later in the Day
I had no thought that it would be dark in the linen press. Of course it is! Who better to be with Elanor in the dark than Ferdi, whth his keen hearing and comfortable familiarity. Though it doesn't look like anyone's going to find them in time, if anyone can get her through without panic, it's Ferdi. You've managed to make everyone comfortable with Elanor and Ferdi being missing, in the distraction of feast and what sounds like a marvelously fun party. As a matter of fact, the only one who's not having fun is Farry (and probably Goldi). He's the perfect picture of teenage misery. Sooner or later Goldi's got to notice that he's not dancing with anyone but his sister, and not escorting anyone else to table either. Hopefully their estrangement won't last past the torches being lit. Looking forward to greeting that babe soon!
Author's reply
O yes, it is dark in a linen press! We are having quite a wonderful time here at the party; glad you could join us! But you're right, there are a few who aren't up to the festivities: Farry, for one, Pippin-lad with his broken toes, and Mergrin with his sore feet. Oops, the speeches are starting, have got to get back to the feast! Toodle-oo.
Lyta Padfoot · 4 March 2004 · Chapter 9: A Little Later in the Day
Elanor's reactions seemed very believable to me. Should be interesting what happens when the truth is known, poor Ferdi stuck in a linen closet with a woman in labor. He certainly leads an interesting life.
Author's reply
Good, thanks for the feedback. I was hoping people would not see her as wimpy. I know I would be scared stiff in a similar situation... Ferdi does lead an interesting life. The Muse is always telling me yet another story about him.
Grey Wonderer · 4 March 2004 · Chapter 9: A Little Later in the Day
In this case, being blind may come in handy. He's not used to seeing so the dark won't bother him during the delivery! Somebody better fix that latch! And poor Faramir, can't get a dance with the lass of his dreams. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Being blind is certainly handy in this case! I'd imagine the latch would take top priority after this, wouldn't you? More is coming soon, I hope. Another story is rising up and capturing my attention. I keep forcing it down, telling it that I need to finish this one first, but will it listen?
FantasyFan · 3 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Perchance to Dream
Oh no! You've put Ferdi and Elanor in the closet! Well, at least there'll be lots of soft things to lay on when she has that baby. Merry's asleep, Fastred is ready to eat, Sam is occupied, the party is in full swing, and I bet it will be a while before anyone is ready to go back to Bag End. Nobody's worried about Elanor, for Ferdi's got her; but Nell's got to start wondering where he went eventually. It was sweet that Merry and Estella fell asleep together. He's been pushing himself for days, and she's been worrying herself into a state. Now, the tension is gone, there are plenty of other people to watch over the little ones, and they're out. Still looking forward to the surprise Merry and Pippin have for their brother. Have they actually thought of something, or will they totally play it by ear?
Pervinca · 3 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Perchance to Dream
Ah, no! Ferdi and Elanor locked inside? I'm starting to think that perhaps Merry (Gamgee that is) and Pippin have something to do with it all. Would hardly surprise me. Hoping to see the Faramir and Goldi reconciliation in the next chapter!
Grey Wonderer · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Perchance to Dream
I do believe that the baby is coming! Guess Merry and Estella plan to sleep through the birth and the rest of the wedding. Looks like trouble is coming. Just wonder which Merry will wind up in the middle of the next situation. LOL More soon please?
Lindorien · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Perchance to Dream
Good show! So there was a baby - just not the one I expected. Thanks lindelea. Gosh, hobbit stories. I'm reading hobbit stories! Can Bombadil be far behind?
Lindorien · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 7: As Long as Life Shall Last
I always cry at weddings. This one was lovely. Wonderfully understated. I hope you are not crying at my reviews. Its the back meds, the back meds!
Lindorien · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 6: And What About...?
Everything’s gone smoothly thus far,’ Fastred observed as they walked along. ‘No mishaps yet. Perhaps Pip breaking his toes was all that was needed to make this wedding a success.’ ‘Yes,’ Frodo said thoughtfully. ‘Perhaps we’ve already had the requisite mishap. At any rate I certainly hope they don’t drop Daisy on their way up the Hill.’ By chance is this an example of Tolkien's foreshadowing techniques? Note to self: Don't review while taking medications for bad back spasm.
Lindorien · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 5: All Through the Night
Is Diamond's baby coming on the day of the wedding? Children are obstinate that way, you know. No blue tits in this chapter. I move on.
Lindorien · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 3: Just Before Elevenses
Hi Lindelea! I just noticed that you are spelling waGGon with the appropriate two 'G's. I cannot tell you how happy I am that you take my Serious Work so seriously. Now then, I've never had a blue tit perch upon my finger either, although my husband is finding the notion intriguing. This is an enjoyable story. Is that blue tit going to play a part? And what part shall it play? I shall refrain from any other double-entendre questions for the duration of this review. Lindorien
Lyta Padfoot · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Perchance to Dream
I knew Ferdi and Ellie were going to get shut up in that closet! Adorable chapter; the hobbit children 'gathering' sweets made me smile but it was the image of Merry and Estella asleep that touched my heart.
Connie · 2 March 2004 · Chapter 8: Perchance to Dream
Oh, that image of Merry and Estella sound asleep was so sweet. What did Ellie and Ferdi manage to do; lock themselves in a storeroom or something like that? Thanks for updating this story. Also thanks for getting back to "Runaway", too. Connie.