Bodkin
· 29 July 2004
· Chapter 59: Closing the Convocation
Poor Opal - she sounds to me as if she could be lapsing into depression. Plenty of loving attention will probably help, but still . . .
Love the byplay between Sam/Marigold and Legolas and Gimli. 'Elven maidens say that very thing'. And the suggestion that sex education and dwarves have little in common (although a race that is rather short of females might not need much sex education).
Dago is sorted out; Bergil is reunited with Sir Pippin; the Assembly is concluded - what is left to achieve - Sam's wedding?
Author's reply
If she is, she has quite a bit to be depressed about--one leg gone, the other broken, her mother banished, and the pins knocked out from her spoiled lifestyle. A great deal of it is physical pain. But as you said, loving attention always helps, and Poppy and Lavender are very good healers.
I thought it would be funny to hint that Dwarves wait until the marriage to learn the facts of life. (And you do have a point about the lack of females.)
Sam's teasing his little sister a bit, because I can imagine the lass giving poor Tom fits, unlike his solid Rosie. And let's face it: there is a certain type of female who, whatever her race, is going to say things like that. They seem to think that loving someone should make them a mind-reader. (There's also the famous "if you really loved me, you'd know what I want for my birthday, etc.")
Yep, Sam's wedding, and then to see the embassy off.
RogerGamgee
· 29 July 2004
· Chapter 59: Closing the Convocation
OMG...I couldn't help but break up in laughter at Sam's discussion with Gimli and Legolas. Sex ed Hobbit style - absolutely priceless! "We'll just have to have the fun without being miserable first." I suspect Sam and Rosie could teach their parents a thing or two about marriage. Well done, as always!
Author's reply
I've noticed that there are two main types of couples: there are those who seem to enjoy the drama of fighting and making up, and those who are more stable and easy-going, with a good understanding of what not to say and when not to say it, and whose faith in each other is deep enough to withstand all the petty problems that lead to screaming matches for others. I see Sam and Rose as the second type, obviously. 8-)
Poor Eglantine! I love how innocently the letter starts out. And I love that everyone in the Shire is getting the opportunity to meet all these people they've heard so much about! I can't wait to read more of this.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you are enjoying it. Thanks for your lovely reviews.
Oh, what a lovely, moving conversation between Pippin and Paladin. Paladin's inability to understand some parts of what Pippin tells him, and his shy question at the end were very touching. Have you written about the source of their disagreement elsewhere?
Author's reply
My very first fanfic was When the King Comes Back (the Great Smials) which was a sequel to Lulleny's "The Prodigal Took". She was kind enough to let me write it, beta it for me, and encourage me to archive it. Those two stories show how Paladin assumed Pippin was dead when he left, and how they had difficulties when he first returned. I have assumed for my part that the two had a fairly sound relationship when Pippin was small, but that they hit some very rocky parts when he became a tweenager. They now have to get back to the closeness they had when Pip was a lad, yet also Paladin has to learn to respect the young adult Pippin has now become.
pipwise brandygin
· 22 July 2004
· Chapter 10: Guests
I do love seeing the four hobbits and Legolas and Gimli through the eyes of others - Saradoc's reflections on the bond between them was wonderful, and Bergil's astonishment was delightful! You're capturing the awkwardness, awe and delight on all sides so perfectly - moments like Frodo and Sam being mortified at being bowed to, and the hobbits by the fire discussing Frodo's deeds are just wonderful. Everything just feels so natural it's like you were there taking notes!
Author's reply
Thank you very much. We see so much of the relationship of the Fellowship from *within* that it sometimes helps to see what it might look like to an outsider.
I am glad you are enjoying the story. I'm hoping to get back to updating it as soon as the rest of The Dare is up.
pipwise brandygin
· 22 July 2004
· Chapter 6: In the Still of the Night
Frodo's reflections on what Merry means to him brought tears to my eyes - absolutely beautiful. I'm enjoying this so much! :)
Author's reply
I do love exploring the relationships between our four favorite hobbits. And Frodo and Merry go further back together than any of the others.
pipwise brandygin
· 21 July 2004
· Chapter 3: An Important Date
Oh gosh, I wish I had time to read this all the way through! It's the sort of story I could quite easily get lost in for hours, and I've really enjoyed these first few chapters. You capture the hobbits beautifully. Am so glad there's lots more to come!
Author's reply
I'm glad you are enjoying this. I've been inspired by several other wonderful writers to try and keep my stories linked together, so that this one and Conspiracy both mention the incident I am telling in The Dare.
I hope you do have time for more of it. It is turning out to be a *much* longer story than I originally planned.
GamgeeFest
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
Oh my, such a long time without an update. Glad to see you back. :)
Shame is too little too late to help Dago or anyone else. He should have thought about all of that before he made his deal.
I'm sure Frodo must be jumping for joy (on the inside of course) that the assembly is almost over and he won't have to deal with the politics too much longer. And is Jolly going to be joining the assembly of delegates? That's a bit surprising. Good to see more of Freddy and Angelica together. They're a good match. I don't doubt that Angelica will wait for him.
I'm looking forward to the wedding. Will you be ending the story there or continuing on?
Author's reply
Yes, between actually having to work for a week, starting a new story, and a couple of other things I have to work on, I didn't have any time for "Reckoning" but hope I'm back on track now.
Absolutely. But it won't hurt for the old so-and-so to be miserable, will it?
Yes, Frodo is about fed up with the assembly. And I see you are another who is reading my mind about Jolly.
Yes, I think Freddy and Angelica will eventually get together, especially now that Ponto knows Frodo will never be his son-in-law.
The wedding has always been the goal for this story, though I may go just a tiny tad beyond, to see the visitors and the hobbit delegation on their way. Any more than that will have to wait for a sequel.
Bodkin
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
I hope Jolly goes to Gondor - although not a gentlehobbit, I feel the Cotton's are probably the next rank down; worthy farming folk, and it'll do him good to see a bit of the world. As long as the snobby lot see it like that.
Nice Legolas/Opal/Garnet bit. I hope the jewels continue to improve. And the parents have spotted Angelica / Fredegar - and approve. Bergil needs his Pippin back. It must be very lonely for him among all the hobbits.
Dago Bracegirdle - good thing he is starting to think of something other than profit. Bit late, but better late than never.
Author's reply
Both the Cottons and the Gamgees (soon to become Gardners) are on the upwardly mobile path, though they do not know it as yet.
I think the Jewelry will improve now that Mommy Dearest is out of the way.
And now that Ponto has given up on Frodo as a son-in-law, Freddy probably looks pretty good.
Bergil does miss Pippin, and he's a bit homesick, too.
Dago is one of those types that never think of consequences if they can make a bit of money off something a bit shady. But now he has no *choice* but to think about consequences.
Kitty
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
Ah, you're back! :-)) Hope your last week was not too exhausting!
Jolly seems a bit adventurous - maybe he would go to Gondor, too? He is a friend of Freddy after all. And he is no Brandybuck.
Dagos bad conscience seems to strike now. May it gift him with some sleepless nights!
Opal and Garnet have begun to change their behaviour, I see. Legolas had the right words of farewell for them - they have behaved very badly before, but they begin to learn, and if the esteemed Legolas says this, I think they will think about this.
Anyway, I look forward to the wedding - it will be very nice for Sam to have Legolas and Gimli and the assembly from Gondor and Edoras there, too!
Author's reply
Thanks. It was exhausting, but fun, as well. I do like my job. But two two-hour sessions of 15 kids each is definitely tiring, especially with all the prep and cleaning up in between.
You are such a mind-reader! LOL!
Dago's in for sleepless nights anyway, but developing a conscience finally might not be a bad thing.
Yes, the Jewelry are beginning to learn how to develope some social skills, finally, no thanks to their mother.
I'm looking forward to the wedding as well.
Pervinca
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
Bracegirdle deserves all the horrible treatment that you've given him. It's just a pity Merry hasn't had the chance to vent his anger again. And I had forgotten all about Sam and Rosie's upcoming wedding with all of the drama that's been happening!
So far, I'm liking the list of hobbits who wish to travel to Gondor. Fredegar and Berilac are two of my favourite hobbits :P
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Yes, Dago is pretty dispicable. But it's not personal this time, so Merry will probably behave himself.
Can't lose sight of Sam and Rosie's wedding--that's where I've been heading, more or less, all along. (Herding cats...herding cats...)
Yep, those two will be heading the delegation.
Hai Took
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
I guess Sam and Rosie do need to be getting on with their wedding plans! I hope you are planning on writing through the wedding!
Merry and Pippin certainly have their prisoner under control, although I'm sure that they are rather put out with the delay! I'm glad that he is beginning to feel shame, perhaps that is the first step to being able to start a new life, weather or not it is where you have always known it to be!
Poor Bergil! I bet he is ready to go home and now Pippin isn't there with him any more. It is always strange to be alone with a friends family!
Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Author's reply
Sam's and Rosie's wedding has been my goal from the start of the story--although I was beginning to think I would never get there.
Dago has always been one of those people who think that anything goes to make a buck, and not really consider the consequences. Now he has to.
Well, Bergil has been away from his dad for a long while now, and yes, it is strange to have to stay with a friend's family when the friend is not there.
No, thank you, for the nice reviews. You always give such nice detailed ones.
trishette
· 18 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
Well, I have finished reading this straight through. It's looking very good so far! You seem to have an exceptionally high aptitude for writing. I am glad to see that Freddy is beginning to become slightly cheerful again. There is just one thing that I am wondering- how did Frodo take the news of Folco's death? You do not really mention Frodo's thoughts regarding the death of Folco, unless I missed a passage or two on it. also, I'm curious about your version of the story of Freddy's rebellion... what is your version of what transpired between Freddy swearing to revenge Folco's passing and his rescue from the hellish lockholes? Hm... a story i would not mind seeing in the least from you. =o)
Author's reply
I did not go into any great details on anyone's reaction except for Merry. Just that little bit when they greet him, and let him know they care. I'm sure though, that the news hit Frodo pretty hard. He was very fond of Folco himself, and also, with his tendency to feel guilty for things, he probably felt a certain amount of that, since Lotho was his relative, and since it was his absence from the Shire that allowed Lotho to commit all his excesses.
Attacking me with plot bunnies are you? Well, I'll just have to put this little batch in the back of my mind, and hope they don't breed too much. LOL!
trishette
· 17 July 2004
· Chapter 27: A Grief Observed
Oh- poor Freddy! I suppose the flute will always strike him where it hurts... it reminds him too much of his loss of Folco. And how horrible it is that he did not even have time in which to properly grieve! what a terrible thing it is to lose a best friend and not being able to siphon off your melancholy right off the bat.
Author's reply
When you consider the circumstances, it would have been impossible for him to have had chance to grieve. But he has other friends who understand around him now, and can help him.
RogerGamgee
· 17 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
Dreamflower,
I've been eagerly waiting to see this chapter...I've kept this story bookmarked at SoA so I could keep up with it. This is truly a masterwork in itself. I am sorely tempted to print each of these chapters and compile them into a book...the story is THAT good. It could stand as a book in its own right. Keep up the fine writing!
Author's reply
Oh, Wow! What a compliment! You are going to turn my head! Thanks for the lovely review, and I'm so glad you are still enjoying the story!
Grey Wonderer
· 17 July 2004
· Chapter 58: An Errand Delayed
Another lovely chapter. I liked how Legolas didn't pretend that Opal's behavior before her injury had been alright. I liked the fact that he let her know it had been rude, but that she was doing fine now. I also loved the comparison between Bergil and Pippin. Too funny and very true. A great chapter!
Author's reply
Legolas is wise enough to know that these lasses don't need to have their past behavior glossed over. They want to learn better, and saying "Oh well, it doesn't matter" is not going to do the trick. It's much better to acknowledge that "yes, you did do things that weren't right, now learn from it and move on."
I'm having a lot of fun with Bergil. It was part of the reason I had Beregond stay behind--a child far from his home and parents is going to behave much differently than one who has his parent right there handy.
Hai Took
· 15 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
I'm glad that everything was sorted out with Merry and Estella! Merry being surrounded by lasses when his friends returned from speaking with Estellas was cute! Pearl taking matters into her own hands was great! A tea where the topic of conversation never got far from Merry! I'm glad that Amethyst and Garnet were able to attend with them! I hope they enjoyed themselves!
Opal being visited by Legolas and Gimli I'm sure did some to help her feel better and maybe take her mind off things a bit! I'm sl glad that Frodo visited her as well! Very nice of him to give Poppy some of the ointments and things that the King had given him! He certainly would know about phantom pain wouldn't he?
All the hobbits who want to be a part of the embassy was great! A lot of those who want to go have excellent reasons why! Like the future head of the Banks family, perfect reason for them to go! Fatty talking to Merry about over coming fears was very good. Freddy would be an excellent one to go! It looks like he may get his chance! Poppy wanting to go for medical reasons is great! Now she can learn all sorts of things to help the hobbits back home!
Bergil having nightmares and being comforted by Pippin was very touching. I'm sure he is ready to go home! He has been gone long enough I should say!
I'm glad that Bracegirdle fellow got caught! Paladin choose the right people to bring him back! I guess he will get his punishment along with the others now.
Thank you for such a splendid story! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, when it comes to scheming (in a good way) and matchmaking, Pearl is Eglantine's daughter.
I knew all along that somewhere in the story, Frodo would be helping a hobbit with that problem, but I was very surprised myself when it turned out to be Opal.
I've tried to give a certain amount of hints as to which hobbits might be interested in going. There is going to be at least one, maybe two, more. But I don't think that I have enough hints for them. And Poppy is not one to pass up any chance to learn more about healing.
Bergil is definitely missing his dad. He was enjoying himself immensely until the frightening events with the Bankses; now that he realizes the Shire is not perfect, he is getting a bit homesick.
Well, I almost planned to let Bracegirdle get away, but then I just couldn't do that.
TopazTook
· 9 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
I am very much enjoying this story, and your hobbit delegation is coming together nicely. Will we be reading more about these hobbits' interactions with the king and other Men in Gondor -- in this story or another? (Hint. Hint.)
Author's reply
I've pretty well resigned myself to a sequel. I'm not too sure about what all it will include, but at least the journey to Edoras. But I'm not too sure about a story that will end up being almost all OCs.
maya_ar
· 9 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
Well! This hobbit embassy to Gondor is certainly going to be well-populated! It's nice to see how the folk of the Shire are dealing with the world of men. And the race between Pippin and Merry was lots of fun.
cheers,
Maya
Author's reply
Thanks. I have tried to drop hints on the ones who are going so far. The Shire is now part of the Northern Kingdom again, even though it is free and autonomous, and so they will have to have some dealings with Men.
I just thought they might like to give their new ponies their heads and see what happened.
GamgeeFest
· 8 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
Dago has no clue what he's in for. He thinks he's only going to be labeled and turned out.
The assembly is starting to come together, so far all good choices. It will be good for Freddie to go and get away for awhile. Will he be getting some more time to get to know Angelica before he leaves? And I liked Paladin's reaction to Poppy saying she was leaving. It's fun to see him taken by surprise.
Good luck with your next story. :)
Author's reply
Yes, the trip to Edoras is going to be interesting for the traitors.
I'm hoping that Freddy will see Angelica a few more times before he leaves.
As for Paladin's reaction: someone who has never taken any time off for 35 years suddenly asks for a whole year off, it could be a surprise.
I've started a new one today, but it may be a while before I post any of it, due to work. And I also have started just a little bit on my Marigold Challenge #7.
Viresse
· 8 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
I've been lurking here for some time, and just recently registered. Specifically to post a review, or maybe not so much a review as a heartfelt "thank you" for all your hobbit stories. Your characterizations are spot-on, the dialog reads true, and no annoying AU Jacksonisms. Except of course for that *wonderful* song, "The Smallest Guardsman" in chapter 30!
I sneak onto the site several times a day at work, hoping for an update on this story. And sometimes I get real lucky and there's another story too! I'm sorry you won't be able to update as much next week, but glad that I won't have an apoplexy wondering what's happened, where is it, I *need* my Dreamflower-fix *NOW*!
Author's reply
Oh my, how kind of you! Here is a heartfelt "you're welcome". I'm fairly new to fanfic, but it has quickly become my favorite hobby. I write these mainly as a tribute to JRRT, and so I do try as much as possible to stick to canon. I did, and do, enjoy the movies, but if there is a conflict between book-verse and movie-verse, book-verse wins every time. I do slip in an occasional tribute to the movie--usually to do with music and song, or other little touches, such as the color of Frodo's and Pippin's eyes (which AFAIK Tolkien never mentioned) but I must confess I had a great time spoofing the changes PJ made in the plot with "The Smallest Guardsman".
I will try to see if I have any time to post next week, but it's going to be iffy. I'm used to working 12-15 hours a week and next week I'll be working almost a full 40 hr. week. But, as I said, only once a year.
I'm so glad you like my stories. As long as I keep having so much fun, I'll keep writing them.
Bodkin
· 8 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
So we have Fredegar Bolger, two Banks brothers, Berilac Brandybuck and Poppy Burrows the healer - who won't really count as an envoy because she is a girl. I think they're a good bunch, although a few more are required. (It's a bit 'B' dominated! Maybe they need a 'T' or two.)
I wonder if Dago is more scared of Merry and Pippin or the Rangers?
Interesting chapter.
Author's reply
I had not noticed until I started combing the family trees for the names I needed to use in the "roll call" chapter how many of the surnames JRRT used started with "B"! Well over half! We will have at least one more person added,not a "B". Also, don't forget that Poppy is taking Viola Harfoot with her as well.
I would *bet* Merry and Pippin. The Rangers have disconcerted him, but he's been with them for about three and a half days altogether, and they've been perfectly polite, if a bit cold and disdainful, not even tying him except to sleep. And Dago *saw* what Merry did to Clovis and Cado.
I tried to kind of move the plot along some in this chapter. Poor Sam wants to get married, and he can't if I get stuck too long on the same day! 8-)
Kitty
· 8 July 2004
· Chapter 57: Volunteers
I could get used to your new update time - so I can read the new chapter nearly immediately :-) - before it was usually the first update to pop up here after I went to bed and I had to wait for the next evening!
Poppy will go to Gondor? Excellent idea - she could indeed learn much from Aragorn! And I'm still grinning about Pippin's comment to Dago about bribing the King's Rangers :-)
Author's reply
My update time varies on when I have time to write, and so forth. Sometimes I have to let my husband use the computer, and sometimes RL gets in the way. Usually I update as soon as I finish a chapter. But next week I will be lucky to get any updates in at all, as I actually have to *work* at my job. 8-( I shouldn't complain, it's only one week of the year that I actually have to work all week long and most of the time it's a pretty fun job. But it will certainly cut into my fanfic time.
Yes, I thought Poppy might be one who would jump at the chance to learn some new healing techniques. I kind of hinted at it at the Ball, when I was having her cross-examine Gimli about Pippin's injuries.
Well, really, all Dago had to go by as far as experience of Men went were Lotho's ruffians. But he certainly knows better now!
Pervinca
· 8 July 2004
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
Bracegirdle deserves a worse punishment than the Bankses for running away. I felt so sorry for Bergil - I seem to keep forgetting how young he is! What an aweful nightmare. Back to the more angsty chapters I see :P (not that there's anything wrong with that!)
- Pervinca
Author's reply
Bracegirdle has to face the consequences now, but I don't know that they'll be worse.
Bergil is eleven; a mature eleven, and probably closer in maturity to a hobbit in his or her late teens or early tweens, but still a very young lad after all.
A little light angst, mingled, and quickly comforted,is my usual preference.
Grey Wonderer
· 7 July 2004
· Chapter 56: An Urgent Errand for Merry and Pippin
I like Freddy's idea. I think he would do an excellent job and would enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places. I also thought it was very interestig to have Pippin comfort someone else with their bad dreams for a change. It also shows that the hobbits and the nine are not the only ones recovering from the things they have seen. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, Freddy needs to get away from the Shire for a little while, and with his intelligence and amiable personality, he should excel as an envoy.
I think anyone at all who was in Minas Tirith during the Siege would be affected by all the horrid things that happened then, but most especially someone like Bergil who was close at hand to witness the some of the worst, and had loved ones caught up in it. And the worry about his father being charged as a traitor afterwards (since technically he left his post and disobeyed the Steward) must have been very nearly as bad as the Seige itself.