pipspebble
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 70: Dancing at the Wedding
Finally, Rosie-lass gets her Sam! This was a very satisfying chapter, with highlights being Pippin playing his pipes and Merry very cleverly finangling a kiss from Estella. In case I haven't said it before, thanks for this wonderful story!
Author's reply
Yes, Rosie has her Sam!
I'm glad you enjoyed Pip playing the "Tookland" pipes! 8-D I'm sure Pippin plays several instruments, but I would not be surprised if that were his favorite!
Merry had to be really clever to get that kiss. I know from personal experience that it is really hard to plan one of those tangles out ahead of time. But Merry is nothing if not clever!
Hai Took
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 70: Dancing at the Wedding
There at the beginning was a nice bit of Brandybuck gossip! To learn that Lobelia brought a gift of Drofo and Primula's wedding was terrible! It was actually very good of Menegilda to have Frodo's interests at heart when she did not want him to go live with Bilbo!
Oh! I had thought perhaps Estella didn't make it! I'm glad she did. Then Merry was able to dance and to lead the tangle dance and end up stealing a kiss! I bet it was certainly made interesting with the Big Folk mixed up with them!
I can just picture Legolas dancing with a bunch of hobbit lasses much to small for him! It must have been a sight! I like taht Gimli was able to share a nice conversation with Hervis Grubb! Nice of Grubb to be so interested in Dwarves and Bilbo's tales even after so many years!
I feel bad for Lily! Even though she wants them to be happy to feel like she has "lost" Rose. It is certainly a change that she would have to get use to but she will find even more joys through Rose and Sam's marriage!
It was a good wedding! Everyone seemed to have a good time, Man or Hobbit! As always I am looking forward to more! It has been pleasant the way the chapters have been flowing so swiftly! Thank you!
Author's reply
Yes, Esme and Menegilda were looking out for Frodo, though perhaps they need not have been quite so sure that Bilbo could not have coped. Bringing a gift to someone's wedding is extremely rude and in bad taste, not to mention showing contempt for the couple. Exactly the kind of thing that Lobelia would have done.
Yes, Estella and Angelica did make it, though they were nearly late. Merry was very clever, wasn't he. I know for a fact that those tangles are not that easy to plan out ahead, LOL!, but if anyone could, it would be Merry!
Legolas would not let a little thing like size difference keep him from enjoying a dance. And I just had to let Gimli talk to Grubb, since I finally thought of a first name for the poor hobbit.
Lily's just feeling a tiny little touch of "empty nest", even though she still has Nick and Nibs at home. But she's too sensible a hobbit to let it get her down for long.
I am glad that you've been enjoying the story--it's nearly over now. I have really enjoyed all your reviews, they are always so detailed and enthusiastic, and you often pick up on little things that other reviewers miss!
GamgeeFest
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 70: Dancing at the Wedding
Awww! That's about all that can be said after this chapter. Everyone's so cute and happy and in love.
And do I detect the whisperings of another story? Will we get to hear more about this Lobelia/Drogo thing? It sounds extremely interesting.
Author's reply
Well, that's the way it *should* be at a wedding, right? 8-D
Oh gee whiz, please!!! I have a hutch full of more plot bunnies than I know what to do with now!! Mercy, please!
RogerGamgee
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 70: Dancing at the Wedding
Let me be one of the first to congratulatre you on a wonderful chapter. It was great to see Legolas and the Men get involved in the dances - I was wondering if they would, given the height difference.
The notion of *not* giving gifts at a wedding is an unusual one - but that's hobbits for you. Leave it to them to do things differently than everyone else.
Sam carrrying Rose over the threshold...that was priceless! Truly a beautiful scene all the way around.
Author's reply
I imagine the height difference made it a bit silly, but I think they would have had fun, knowing now that hobbits are not going to expect dignity at something like this. And of course, in the circle dances, it wouldn't have made much difference anyway.
The notion of *not* giving gifts *at* the wedding was JRRT's, and he was quite emphatic about it in Letters. Gifts for a wedding were given *ahead* of time. Any gifts given at the *wedding itself* were considered extremely bad taste. (The idea of it being also bad luck is my own.) At birthdays, unlike what many think, one could give gifts to the birthday person *but ONLY ahead of time*. (He even specified no later than noon the day of the party.) At the party, the only gifts were from the byrding *to* the guests! He really worked all this out in detail, and I would have loved to have seen how *he* would have incorporated these ideas into the story if he had the time.
I could not resist Sam carrying Rose over the threshold, but I think that might be a custom that could be for many cultures. It did not seem un-hobbity, and I think that even if it were not a custom, Sam might have done it anyway.
Hai Took
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 69: And the Bride Has Music
I liked all the songs you used! They were all very well choosen from the different things. I liked the song that Legolas sang that he learend from Aragorn, it was very nice! Pippin did a good job choosing songs and performers! It seems like the prisoners are being fair if not the most gentle ;) Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you; I'm glad you liked my choices. The song "Love Will Find a Way" just seemed so very Middle-earthy to me, needing only a very few words changed to fit right in. But with the references to the grave and so forth, it did not seem too terribly Elvish, so I thought it might be good to have it be of the Dunadain. It seemed like the kind of song Aragorn might like, reminding him of all he had to do to win Arwen.
Grey Wonderer
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 69: And the Bride Has Music
Great musical choices! I love a party with great music! Sma' reaction to it all was very sweet and I am very glad that Bergil made it through his song. I have decided that this story of yours should just continue without end because it's too much fun to be drawing to a close. Why not try to reach 100 Chapters?
Author's reply
Oh my! I don't know whether to be flattered or dismayed! 100 Chapters?!?! I never really meant for this to go beyond 20-25 chapters! (Fat lot I knew, when all these characters started to tell me things about themselves...) But seriously, I always meant to end it right after Sam's wedding and the embassy left. There will be more stories and sequels, however, rest assured. These stories are like potato chips, you know...
GamgeeFest
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 69: And the Bride Has Music
Poor Sam! I would have died on the spot had anyone done that to me. That Took, indeed, lol!
Clovis really doesn't learn his lessons very well does he?
Author's reply
Poor Sam, indeed! Still, no one ever *really* dies of embarassment, do they?
Clovis, poor lad, is not blessed with an overabundance of brains. 8-D
TopazTook
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 69: And the Bride Has Music
What a lovely, lively wedding dance. Beautiful chapter, and wonderful choices of music. I can "hear" it as I read.
Author's reply
Thank you! That is such a nice compliment!
RogerGamgee
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 69: And the Bride Has Music
This was absolutely beautiful. I listen to folk music once in a while, and I've always been touched by the depth of emotion that some of those songs convey. And to have Pippin sing them makes them that much more beautiful. I recall his song from ROTK, and I have always wished that he had sung more. He has a fantastic voice, and it shows in his music.
I laughed at Clovis when he got that rag stuffed in his mouth...how utterly appropriate. I only wonder why they waited so long. But it's fitting, nonetheless. He's determined to cause nothing but trouble.
Onward, ho! The end appears in sight, and a wonderful journey it has been. Good work!
Author's reply
I've always loved folk music myself. I love that site, by the way. As to Pippin's singing, I think that is one way in which the movies really helped to add depth to his character. In the books, he sang, but not any more than the other hobbits. Yet after the films, many fics have characterized him as being more musically talented. Just one way in which having the right person for the part can help add to a character. I, too, would not have minded hearing him sing more.
A lot of people thought Clovis would cause a problem for the wedding, but I knew that being trussed up and guarded by a dozen shirriffs, he wouldn't be able to do anything. Still, he has a big mouth. And I wanted to show the utter contempt that the rest of the hobbits now have for him.
Yes, we are closing in on the end here. I'm not sure how I feel about that.
sqrt(-1)
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
I'm really loving this story so far! Some of the lines are just so funny - in this chapter I think my favorite part was the description of "The Smallest Guardsman," and Pippin's reactions to it "It didn't happen that way at all," because it was the movie version of events and that was so my reaction to it, yet, I agreed with Targon that while the "minstrel" did take a few liberties for various reasons, it does, in a way, "do justice" to the story (even if the books are still way better).
Author's reply
Everyone seemed to love that bit. I have to admit, I had fun with it myself. And let's face it, that's what happens to events when someone gets hold of them and uses "artistic license".
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
Merry really is perfect in every way. I am so glad there was a way that Pippin could sign along with the others. And Frodo's speach for the bride and the groom was beautiful! This is the very best wedding that I have been to in some time. I also enjoyed Rosie turning the kiss into a bit more than Sam had planned. Just one of the many reasons that she is so good for him. Marigold's reflections on everything were also nice. I can't wait for Bergil to get his chance to play with the band!
Author's reply
Merry tries to look out for Pip; you know he would have done everything he could once he found out it was bothering his younger cousin.
Frodo spoke from the heart; he's not going to miss a single chance to boost Sam.
Rosie likes a good kiss, have you noticed?
I thought I'd put in some of Mari's POV. She is in a position to observe a lot.
Bergil, flute...coming up.
Hai Took
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
I do love a good wedding and the ceremony for this was beautiful! I had a good picture in my mind but I wish I could have seen it! I had kind of hoped there would be a bit more detail on it in the movie, oh well! I was crying along with everyone else when Frodo gave his speech about Sam and Rose, very beautiful!
Pippin getting to sign the marriage lines was wonderful! Good ol' Merry found away to get Pippin in on it as well. Merry saying Pippin loved him because he was "perfect in everyway, of course," was great!
I liked Marigold's thoughts on Sam. That she believed that Sam was worthy of any King's respect and praise was very sweet! She is doing a good job in making sure everything is taken care of!
I like the silver penny tradition! If I ever write a wedding story I may have to ask you for permission to use it! That was a grand idea and one of the best hobbit traditions I have seen written up! I'm glad that Sam found it, of course we know what that means but will you be writing up to that point? Maybe not in this story but sometime?
It was a great chapter and I loved to see such a nice wedding! I'm looking forward to finding out about Bergil's song! Thank you!
Author's reply
Well, my wedding was a bit different than the movie one! I'm kind of glad they didn't show more, it might have influenced my ideas.
I just figured that Merry would think of something; and then tease Pip. But I would think that at that moment in time, Pippin probably agreed with Merry!
Marigold, I think, is a somewhat neglected person. I like to get the thoughts of someone who is outside the fellowship sometimes.
I'm glad you like the silver penny idea. Please, feel free to use it if you wish; I would not mind seeing that little tradition spread.
SharonB
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
Wow, the wedding at last. So very nice the way they did it. Hmm and Frodo even invoked the Valar. (Must be that Elvish influence on him!!)
And you found a way for Pip to sign the marraige document. Great!
Interesting, the bride and groom get the last pieces of the cake, while we have it the reverse. I'll bet they don't smear ir smash it either. (LOL, food is too precious to waste that way for hobbits!)
Well, it's coming to a close. I look forward to the wrap up here and a new story soon.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you liked the way I did it; I wanted it to be a Shire wedding, and not an imitation of a modern one. I daresay no other hobbit conducting the ceremony would have invoked the Valar; I thought it would be a very "Frodo" thing to do though. I would love to have had him do it in Sindarin, but I'm not an Elvish scholar myself, and I didn't want to wait until I could find someone to translate for me.
Well, when there's any way to manage it, Merry's going to come through for his Pip.
Again, I wanted Shire tradition to be different. And you're right, no cake smearing allowed. Why that would be in almost as bad a taste as bringing a gift to the wedding!
We are nearing the end; it's been a long road.
GamgeeFest
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
What a lovely wedding! Good ole Merry, getting the ceremony going. Frodo probably could have stood there for awhile just watching the happy couple. And Pippin got to sign the marriage lines! I'm so happy for him, that was just as wonderful as the ceremony itself. “Why because I’m perfect in every way, of course, cousin!” - LOL.
Loved Frodo's speech. Sam is just a "simple gardener" at heart, despite everything that's happened. And LOL at Rosie's kiss. That's the second time she's planted a big one on him unexpectedly. She's got her spunky side, doesn't she?
No unpleasant surprises... so far? Oh boy, that's doesn't sound good. I hope nothing's going to happen to ruin their day. *glares at Clovis*
That's a lot of rules for one little penny! I figured Sam would find it, but then why would he think his first child would be a son, unless he doesn't put much weight in such things.
Liked Marigold's POV about Pippin. I'm with her, I wouldn't have believed Pippin capable of standing still more than five minutes either unless I'd seen it for myself!
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, it's probably a good thing Sam decided to have Frodo officiate and Merry stand with him. I'm not sure Frodo's nerves would have been up to the responsibilities of a "best man, errmm, hobbit". And he probably *would* have just stood there watching for a good while longer, LOL! I hoped everyone would be as pleasantly surprised by Pippin's getting to sign as he was!
Yes, Frodo knows Sam, and he wants the Shire to know Sam as well. Rose *is* spunky, and she knows what she wants!
Well, there's quite a bit more of the day to go, and we may look in on Clovis before it's over. But don't forget he has those shirriffs watching him.
I don't imagine anyone takes it any more seriously than we do the throwing of the bride's bouquet. I'm sure Sam had mostly forgotten the implications of the penny by the time they were expecting Elanor. But Frodo had been invoking blessing on him, LOL!
Every now and then I like to take a look at one of the Travellers through different eyes. She knew Pip from the time he was a faunt; she'd know how hyper he was. But of course, we know that he has also learned about duty and responsibility as a Knight of Gondor and a Guard of the Citadel. And now she's begun to see it too.
Connie B
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
I knew it! As soon as I read that tradition, I knew Sam was going to find that penny. How cute.
The part about Pippin getting to sign the marrage document was nice. It just seemed so unfair that he's too young for adult things after all he's been through. It's not like he tried to grow up too soon, events just forced it upon him. I'm glad Merry found a way for him to be included.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
I thought everyone would get the part with the silver penny. I thought it would be a fun tradition, and "hobbity", not modern like throwing a bouquet. It's also a tribute to "Smith of Wooton Major", one of JRRT's non-M-e stories.
I thought this would be a nice surprise for him, and the thoughtful kind of thing his cousins and friends would do for him if possible. He is still underage, and he is still going to have to live with the unfairness of that, but at least this was a small victory for him. And of course, Merry would think of way--that's just Merry!
Bodkin
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
What a lovely wedding. I'm glad Pippin got to sign - he's adult now in all ways except age. He can even stand still (when he has to).
I suspected Sam would get the silver penny - after all Elanor will be there soon enough.
Frodo's speech was very well thought out - stressing again, just in case anyone missed it, just how important everyone outside the Shire sees Sam to be.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked the ceremony!
I thought this would be a nice surprise. Trust Merry to find an answer to his cousin's problem. And yes, he can stand still--but *only* when he has to! LOL!
Yes, the silver penny was a giveaway; I knew everybody would get that, and have a chuckle out of it.
Frodo spoke from his heart; but he still has an eye to making Sam look as good as he can at home. He has his own idea of what Sam's proper place is going to be--future Master of Bag End!
RogerGamgee
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 68: Well Wed
Only one word for this: BEAUTIFUL.
This was one of those chapters that can make a grown man cry (LOL). I loved the honest rmotion with which this was written. I was a bit surprised to see Pippin allowed to sign the marriage document, but with an adult attesting it makes good sense.
When the silver penny came up, I had a suspicion that either Sam or Rose would wind up with it, given the large family they're supposed to have (13 children, if memory serves - I can't recall offhand). Leave it to Sam to be the lucky one.
One question, though...what happened to chapter 68? Was this a numbering error, or am I missing something somewhere?
At any rate, another job very well done...eagerly awaiting the next one!
Roger
Author's reply
Thank you for spotting the numbering problem. All fixed now, thanks to you! I guess I went down too far before I clicked on the number.
I wanted very much to make this ceremony a "hobbity" one. In other words, I did not want to fill it up with the types of vows one finds in modern weddings, and as JRRT specifically states in Letters that hobbits are not religious, I did not want that either. (Frodo's mention of the Valar is very *Frodo*, and probably would not have been mentioned by any other officiating hobbit. I toyed with seeing if I could find someone to cast it into Elvish for me, but did not want to wait.) So I felt that hobbits would have a very civil type ceremony. Frodo's speech came from his heart; this is a very emotional event for all of the Travellers, and I wanted their love, and their pride in Sam to shine through.
I wanted the Pippin part to be a surprise. But I knew that once Merry was aware of Pippin's feelings, he would at least *try* to do something about it, if possible. I am sure that using that loophole to witness a marriage document is stretching it just a bit, but good old Grubb would not have come up with it if it were not legal. And of course, there must be some mechanism for the rare need for an underage hobbit to sign a document.
Yes, I got in several little hints to Sam's and Rosie's future, with the different comments about "blessings". And the silver penny was two-fold--it was a little hint about Elanor, and it was a tribute to JRRT's "Smith of Wooton Major", a lovely, if somewhat neglected story.
If all goes well, and the muses cooperate, I may very well wind "Reckoning" up this week or next.
pipinheart
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 67: Here Comes the Bride
Really good.... Sam and Rose finally getting married. All of them set to travell soon....
Update soon.... Great job
Grey Wonderer
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 67: Here Comes the Bride
Here comes the bride....can't wait for the rest of the ceremony! Loved Freddy's reaction to Bergil's playing by the way. So pleased that he can remember his dear Falco with less sorrow now. I'm all ready for the wedding.
Author's reply
Yes, here comes the bride! And the ceremony on the way!
Freddy is now losing that sharp first edge of grief, and it is now become an ache and a sad melancholy. But he is now ready to remember the good things about his friend, and to hear music, without having to remember the painful details of Folco's demise.
One wedding, coming up!
GamgeeFest
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 67: Here Comes the Bride
Aww! *tear* Gaffer's so proud. And I learned a new word today: Hobbitry. :)
Can't wait for the actual wedding. Are you going to do the vows and everything?
Author's reply
Of course Gaffer's proud. He just doesn't often say so.
"Hobbitry" is a word I've used a few times. I had the dickens of a time to get my spell-checker to accept it. I don't honestly know whether it's a word JRRT made, that I encountered, or if I made it up myself. I just know that it seemed like the right word, the first time I used it, for an assembled group of hobbits. And I like the sound of it.
The wedding is coming up. I have done the whole ceremony, and it took some thinking, as I wanted it to be "hobbity" and different than what a modern wedding is like.
Hai Took
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 67: Here Comes the Bride
The wedding prepartions were wonderful! I like that you described everyone's activities in preparing for the happy occassion. It is a pity Aragorn couldn't come himself but I guess he will be well represented!
Legola's thoughts of the mallorn were very good. I liked the way he thought of mortality and the passage of time for mortals, very well done! I'm glad that it is growing so well already it must be "becasue it is elvish".
Sam thinking he would be embarrassed for his gaffer to see him in his "get-up" was very characteristic of Sam. Then the Gaffer being so proud of Sam, very sweet! I'm glad that the Gaffer is so proud of him Sam!
Frodo wanting everything to be perfect for Sam was very nice. I hope that all goes well, for Frodo's sake more than Sam and Rose's maybe, as Pippin said they wouldn't notice much going wrong once they lay eyes on each other!
I hope the Men's camp is well protected and the sheriffs can handle anything that comes their way! I'm gald the Men got to attend the wedding! I'm looking forward to hearing more on the wedding! Thank you and can't wait!
Author's reply
Yes, I would have loved some way to wangle Aragorn's attendance, but alas, nothing came to me. Still, as you said he will be well represented. It's too bad the hobbits don't have video! But I'm sure he will get an accurate report from all the eyewitnesses.
Legolas has formed an affection for this young tree. Of course, Paladin and Saradoc do not really understand that it is not only because it is Elvish, but also because of the Lady's blessing.
Sam sometimes underestimates his Gaffer. He tends to remember mainly his father's gruff and practical side. It always surprises him when his father is sentimental. (Surprises the Gaffer himself, I daresay).
Frodo has entered that stage of his life where he is experiencing his joys vicariously. Sam's and Rose's marriage is one of those main things. Of course he wants it perfect!
Well, there are twelve of those shirriffs, and Clovis is tied up.
One wedding, soon coming up.
RogerGamgee
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 67: Here Comes the Bride
This was a fantastic chapter...having been a participant in weddings myself (as best man and usher), I'd say you've captured the essence of 'wedding nerves' very well indeed. Looking forward to the actual ceremony..keep up the great work!
Let's just hope Clovis doesn't decide to cause more trouble - though I'm not holding my breath on that one.
Author's reply
Yes, I've seen a few weddings myself. It's not only the bride and groom who get nervous, either. Their nearest and dearest oftentimes are just as afflicted.
Ceremony, next chapter, coming up.
As for Clovis, he's got twelve hobbits who don't like him very much watching him at the moment. Not that he's necessarily smart enough to let it stop him.
Connie B.
· 30 August 2004
· Chapter 67: Here Comes the Bride
Nice chapter. I like the way you just sort of looked in on little moments in this most busy and joyful day.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thank *you*!
I have found that just taking snippets out of a day helps to move it forward. I do that sometimes when I need the plot to move. Other times, I have so much detail going on that a day can last for several chapters.
GamgeeFest
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 66: One Day to Go
I hope Robin gets to go to the wedding and doesn't get stuck watching Clovis and them. And both the Master and Thain are going to be there. Sam's going to have a most interesting assortment of guests for his wedding!
Miss Poppy is a spry little hobbit isn't she? She is right that there's no point in worrying until there's actually something to worry about, but it's hard to do sometimes.
Aw, poor Gaffer, trying so hard all those years to keep Sam in his place. ^_^ But Sam was never meant to be just a gardener and servant his whole life.
Author's reply
Well, Robin's got as much chance as any, since they are going to draw lots. Sam is going to have a wedding like the Shire has never seen before!
Oh, yes, spry describes Mistress Poppy very well. She's a healer, and very grounded.
The Gaffer has come to realize that, though he will probably never admit it out loud. But he does not fool himdself, either.
SharonB
· 28 August 2004
· Chapter 66: One Day to Go
A new apprentice from the North Tooks --- how lovely to be able to tie things up this way if it's who I guess it will be. ;-)
And how nice that the Shirriffs will spell the envoys for guard duty so that they can attend Sams wedding. I'm sure that Sam will really appreciate that.
Poor Gaffer soon to be left to himself with the children getting married off. He should know that either would be more than glad to keep an eye on him. And deep down he really does know how much Frodo prizes Sam and he knows how what Frodo is going through will cost Sam in the end. Just as we do.
As usual you'd done a great job with the characterizations.
Author's reply
Yep. That's who it will be, although she doesn't meet him until "Tribute".
I thought it would be nice for all the Men to go to the wedding, since they had come such a long way.
He knows his children will care for him as much as he will allow. And, yes, he knows how dearly Frodo cares for Sam. He guesses more accurately than the younger hobbits how fragile Frodo's state is, because he is more willing to face that.
I thank you for the compliment. To me, characterization is the heart of a story, and I always wonder if I am getting it right.