Reviews (76)

FantasyFan · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 7: As Long as Life Shall Last

I'm glad all the Merrys are in one place at last. (Maybe that would make a good title for the chapter: Together at Last.) Merry Brandybuck has made it just in time to prevent the fullness of Estella's wrath, yet just late enough that she can't say anything. Maybe she'll be in a better mood after the wedding, and he'll escape entirely? No, I didn't really think so either. The wedding was beautiful, as usual. It's wonderful that you have written so many weddings, each using a traditional formula, yet each is fresh and special to itself. Lovely talent you have. Frodo and Daisy promising forever, and beyond, was very sweet. The hobbits don't spend a lot of time dwelling on what happens after death, but they have a surety that they won't spend time alone in the darkness. That's so perfect for their culture. Well, we know what's happening with Elanor. Ferdi has very sharp ears, and a sharp mind to go with them. Wonder how long it will be before the rest of the family figures it out, and if Frodo will become an Uncle or an Aunt on his wedding day? (That was a great line you gave Pip, in Runaway.) I suppose I could try to look up the next child in other, later stories, but that would be a bit much while I'm supposed to be working at work. I think I like the suggestion that someone gave you in a review of 'On Solid Ground' that you publish some geneological tables of your own, to keep track of all the characters. It could go as another chapter in the 'story' you've got set up for timeline, and be updated as you add new children! I suppose it could be viewed as a bit of a spoiler that way, but honestly it would help those of us who keep getting all the Tooks mixed up (I'm so bad with names). I forgot to mention, in the last chapter I noticed that Hodge was there, and still a little sweet on Goldi. The new owner of the mill was not named, so I suppose it isn't anyone we know. It's very forgiving for Frodo and Daisy to invite Hodge to the wedding breakfast, after everything that his family put Frodo through in 'Truth'. Even though he's a decent hobbit, there will be many I am sure that tar him with the same brush as his brother.

Grey Wonderer · 20 February 2004 · Chapter 7: As Long as Life Shall Last

A beautiful wedding and the two Merry's made it just in time. I have a bit of a guess as to what comes next but won't post it here. Will send you an email later. I am still enjoying this very much by the way.

Lyta Padfoot · 19 February 2004 · Chapter 7: As Long as Life Shall Last

Now that is cutting it close! Suspect Meri and Merry to be in for lectures. Looks like Elanor's baby is coming... wonder if she and/or Ferdi will be the ones to get locked in the closet. Frodo and Daisy were wonderful, shinning with love but not saturine or over the top. Another perfectly cooked chapter.

Pervinca · 19 February 2004 · Chapter 7: As Long as Life Shall Last

My goodness! So much happening! But you've managed it so that all of the events don't cloud over one another. At last, we seem to have all of the Merries in the one place. Please continue soon - that was a mean cliffhanger! (P.S. Since you mentioned an interest in my Faramir/Goldi story, and since I'm never one to shy away from shameless self promotion, it is hosted here - though not completed as of yet. It's called "Watch the Clouds Go Sailing By". I've realised yours seems to be a very different approach, so I may read it fairly soon!)

Grey Wonderer · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 6: And What About...?

I have run out of chapters to read and the wedding is just getting ready to start. I wanted to hear Pippin perform a wedding and of course, I am still wondering about Merry, well, Merry Brandybuck. Suppose he'll make it? Also what about those eggs and that closet and the new-mum-to-be? Any chance of more chapters soon? LOL (A terrible way to badge a recovering sick-person isn't it?)

Grey Wonderer · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 5: All Through the Night

I want to stay at an Inn where they treat you this well! Also, now for some reason I am worried about the bird's eggs in Merigrin's tree. mmmmm, surely not.

Grey Wonderer · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea

Uh, oh, looks like Merry is getting a nap! Someone may just have to tell him about the wedding when he gets through pulling his Rip Van Winkle. Poor Pippin Gamgee! I hate broken toes! Ha one or two in the past and thankfully it was summer so no shoes required, but still not a good feeling. Also, are we going to have an extra guest at the wedding to take Merry's seat? A baby maybe?

Grey Wonderer · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Just Before Elevenses

This was very funny. Poor Pippin trying to be all stern and fatherly and getting blown out of the water! hehehehe! I am worried about that closet at Bag End by the way...oh, and, well, I am going on to read. I am falling behind a bit.

Grey Wonderer · 18 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Making Preparations

Just getting around to starting this one as I have been caught up in the other one. So far I like it. I only hope I am up to keeping all of my Merrys straight! LOL

Pervinca · 17 February 2004 · Chapter 6: And What About...?

Aw, poor Goldi! And poor Faramir - I doubt that Goldi is going to forgive him too quickly (I have been avoiding reading your Faramir/Goldilocks story until I have completed my own! Don't want to be too inspired from it :P). Doesn't look like Merry (Brandybuck, that is) is going to make it on time. Should be interesting to see what Estella does when he finally shows up!

Lyta Padfoot · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 6: And What About...?

So far, so good. Loved Frodo's reaction to seeing Daisy. Can't wait to see what mishaps occur.

Pervinca · 16 February 2004 · Chapter 5: All Through the Night

Aww, that was very nice of the Innkeeper's wife! I feel sorry for them now. My goodness, Beregrin, Borogrin and Merigrin. I'm half expecting Pippin's new children to be Frodogrin and Palagrin! Very cute. Please continue soon.

Lyta Padfoot · 15 February 2004 · Chapter 5: All Through the Night

I'm curious about Woodruff's theory - is it something recommended to pregnant women or simply a way of bettering their nutrition. The conversation about the babies was hysterical - Surprise indeed! I once knew a lawyer with that name. Is Merigrin riding with Nell and Ferdi - I didn't see indications of it - or is he playing hokey? As for Estella, well innkeepers in the Shire are much nicer than their modern counterparts!

FantasyFan · 15 February 2004 · Chapter 5: All Through the Night

I didn't notice Merry Took in the coach with Ferdi...he wouldn't have missed his ride, now, would he? Off checking on his nest for the last time and not noticing the time? He's got his head in the clouds in a way that reminds me a bit of his father, when he was young. I love Nell's descriptions of the night for Ferdi. They've adapted to his disability, and now it's a chance for poetry between them. Pip's very tender with Diamond here. Tender for Pip though, includes laughter. "Prize" and "Surprise" indeed! (Though I know a few babies who could be named so...) No sign of Merry Brandybuck at the inn. Of course, we know why - he's still asleep by the stream (or hurrying now well behind schedule). The innkeeper's wife is truly hobbity here - clever, resourceful, accomodating, and generous. All that's good about the hobbits. But, I'm not so sure that bolting the inn door is a good idea, even after the trauma of Ruffians. What would happen if there was a fire? (This isn't a criticism of the story, just something I don't think the hobbits have thought of. You're not planning to write another fire, are you?)

Lyta Padfoot · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea

Merry might make it for the wedding, but he'll be so tired his physical presence is all that will be there!

FantasyFan · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea

Ooo, poor Pippin. I've broken toes twice; once tripping over nothing in the floor that wasn't there, and a year ago I dropped a sledgehammer on my foot. Not fun at all, but there's nothing you can do for broken toes, short of waiting the 6 weeks or so it takes for them to heal (well, you can tape them to the adjacent unbroken toes, but that's about it). This is putting a lot of responsibility on Merry for executing the perfect surprise. The pressure is building now! I'm glad to see Estella has better luck than Pippin with overturning carriages, and that everyone is OK. But, why did the driver walk to the next inn, when there are perfectly good ponies standing there? He should have taken one of the coach ponies, I would think. Oh, I laughed at the description of Elanor looking like a tomato ready to burst. I remember that feeling! I'm glad she gets to see the wedding, and escapes the fever, and I'm sure Rose wouldn't mind if another babe is born at Bag End. The little snippet about Rose still grieving the far-away homes of her girls is interesting. And it's a nice parallel to the coach journey of the same families, again expecting, in the other story. Merry should have known better than to rest by a stream. He'll sleep the day away, and maybe the night. Even with his family delayed, he'll be lucky to make the wedding at all. He's going to be in trouble.

Pervinca · 13 February 2004 · Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea

Oooh, I liked how Rosie has married Fastred's brother! And having Elanor make a surprise appearance at the wedding is a lovely touch - but she's not going to name her new baby Merry is she? :P

Lyta Padfoot · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Just Before Elevenses

Why do I have the suspicion someone will get shut up in that closet later on in the story? My foreshadow-dar went haywire reading that part. Merry is cutting it very close with his arrival, Estella won't know whether to hug him for wring his neck.

FantasyFan · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Just Before Elevenses

I didn't notice this was a story of yours until yesterday. Sorry for missing the first few chapters! I'm glad we're going to see Frodo's wedding. I like weddings so much, and you've established such a lovely tradition about them. As for this story, Merry Gamgee makes me exasperated. He's such a tween! Merry Took makes me laugh, and so does Ferdi. Pip has never really ever gotten the best of Ferdi unless Ferdi lets him. Merry Brandybuck makes me worry. He's falling back into old habits of not sleeping enough. And he's got Estella worried. She's the fully mature responsible hobbit matron here - a lot different from the irrepressible lass she used to be, yes?

Pervinca · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 3: Just Before Elevenses

A lovely story! So many Merrys up to no good! Though I dread to think what you'll do when you have them all in the one place! I just had one thing to not here. You've named one of Sam's daughters May, but as far as I know, he doesn't have a daughter called May (despite it making sense for him to do so). Just thought I'd let you know!

Lindorien · 11 February 2004 · Chapter 2: A Matter of Importance

So Merry thinks that blue tits are close sitters? ... ... ... Only you, Lindelea, could get away with that line and have everybody think you are talking about farming. Now if *I* wrote that... How disappointed am I NOT to find this in iambic pentameter? **sobs hysterically** **gets over it** 'tis cute, however. 'tis very cute. **Lindorien realizes that she has read two hobbit-fics in one evening and enjoyed both** **runs off to take her temperature** **Lindorien realizes just how well the phrase 'blue tits are close sitters' would work in a piece of 'off-color' poetry. She decides, however, to be a good girl and leave the idea by the side of the road. Then Lindorien goes into her Smeagol/Gollum routine: but we wantsss to writesss it precioussss We cantsss - its belongsss to nice Lindelea she writesss about all those nasssty hobbitses, theyse tricksy they issss. they steal the precioussssss don't want to read about blue tits and close sittersss, wants to eats them we doooo. we wantss them wet and wriggling. Sorry - didn't mean to hijack your review space. yes you did no i didn't yes you did no I didn't Poof! I am gone! Good Story, Lindelea. Shalt make a hobbit lover of me yet.

Lyta Padfoot · 9 February 2004 · Chapter 2: A Matter of Importance

So Merry's cutting it very close. I loved the domestic details regarding Bag End.

Anso · 6 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Making Preparations

Yay! A lot of Merrys. What fun.

Connie · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Making Preparations

Oh, this does look good. I really liked seeing Pippin and Diamond's middle children in this. I think I'm going to like them. Is spring in the air, or what? Isn't this the second story envolving a wedding that you've started posting this week? Looking forward to lots more. Connie.

eiluj · 5 February 2004 · Chapter 1: Making Preparations

Sorry, but I think there's an "oops." You may or may not have to decide who is the ranking "Mistress Cotton" in question (the family tree does not give a date for Lily Cotton's death, but her husband had died in 1440) -- but in any case surely it couldn't be anyone the Gamgee kids would refer to as "Mistress Cotton"? She's either Gramma (Lily, Rose's mother) or Aunt Marigold (Sam's sister and Rose's brother's wife) or still another Aunt (wife of another of Rose's brothers). ‘It’s our duty to make Frodo’s wedding memorable, you know!’ Now *that's* scary!