A New Reckoning by Dreamflower
Bodkin · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 35: The Word Spreads
You really are managing this huge cast brilliantly! The 'jewellery' strike me as exactly the kind of relatives your heart sinks to see. Squash them like bugs - (or at least see they learn some better manners). Glad to see Rose's gift silenced them, if only briefly. I am happy to see that Paladin has learned to respect Pippin and what he has achieved - and to understand the support that Merry has given him.
Pervinca · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
Now I know what Eglantine is up to - and I love it! So very devious :P I can't wait until you write about the ball! I love how you have written the moments between Sam and Rosie - and the comment made by Legolas about them being as bad as Aragorn and Arwen. Something I have never seen before was your idea of Ponto trying to set Angelica up with Frodo. It's quite a logical thing to do, but I'm sure you are the first to actually write it! I hope that you will include a scene between those two. - Pervinca
Author's reply
Yes, Eglantine hasn't wasted all her time among the Tooks. I'm looking forward to the ball myself. Because the story of Sam and Rosie is such an important part of LOTR, I wanted to show that they were just as destined for one another as Aragorn and Arwen. Yes, it does seem to follow through from the idea that the Bagginses are dying out. I can see Ponto being quite obssessed about it.
Bodkin · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
Hyacinth and the 'jewellery' would make a very generous present to give to Rohan. They would just love spending a few years among the horses! And they might, just might, learn to be less obnoxious.
Author's reply
Now *there's* an idea! LOL! But come now, do you really think poor *Eomer* deserves to get stuck with them? (Although it might be interesting to see his sister deal with them.) They'll learn a lesson anyway, never you fear. Eglantine has their measure.
GamgeeFest · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
So THAT'S her plan! Tina's quite devious in her own way isn't she? Can't wait till the ball to see everyone's reactions, though I'm still worried about Frodo. I don't think Sam would like it either, since it will make Frodo so uncomfortable. Sam and Rose are just too cute for words. Lovestruck doesn't begin to describe them. Sam's going to lose it when he sees her in that dress. Freddy should learn how to play Folco's flute. It would be hard emotionally, but I think it would make him feel better, like having a little bit of him back. The dwarves tried to marry Legolas off? Did I read that right? Poor Legolas! Beauty is his burden to bear lol!
Author's reply
We'll see how Sam and Frodo cope. It may be painful, but like a vaccination, it needs to be done. Sam and Rose are completely besotted; they are destined for one another. I have plans for Freddy and Folco's flute just a few chapters away. What happened at the Lonely Mountain? I'll never tell. But Gimli might. 8-) Right now Legolas needs to watch his back, with "the Jewelry" on the prowl.
Grey Wonderer · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
I love Eglantine! She is so very full of brilliant ideas. I am also enjoying Sam and Rosie. They way they had to be reminded that others were there in the dress-choosing scene was wonderful. Loved so many things about this chapter, including the discussion of where Bergil should sleep between Pippin and Merry. Very nice. Now if only Frodo and Sam maek it through the ball without dying of embarrasment!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like my Eglantine. I've gotten very fond of her myself. JRRT said the love story of Sam and Rosie was one of the most important things in the books; to me that means that they were destined for one another, much like Aragorn and Arwen, so I want their relationship to reflect that. I put in the little scene about Bergil because I wanted to show that even though Pippin had always been the youngest friend, he knew how to be an older one because of Merry's and Frodo's examples in how they had treated him--kind of a "pass it forward" thing. You don't die of embarassment, you only *wish* you were dead. I think they will cope better than they think they will. (Did that make sense?) 8-)
RogerGamgee · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
Dreamflower, This is starting to read like a beloved mystery novel! There are more twists and turns developing here than I've ever seen before. I had no idea how conniving hobbits can be when they put their minds to it. Now I know that Pippin comes by it honestly. And we think Men are sneaky...hobbits can put us to shame in more ways than one. I'm curious to see what happens when this ball gets underway...it should be quite an event. Well done...keep up the excellent writing!
Author's reply
Eglantine has been pretty sneaky, but she is just as used to the politics of the Shire as her husband, and as "First Lady" of the Shire, more used to the social aspects of it. She's going to have her work cut out for her, between her brother and no-good nephews, Hyacinth and her daughters, and Ponto Baggins. Thanks for the encouragement!
FantasyFan · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
He’d gone through worse. He kept reminding himself of that. Those lines have me laughing out loud. That, and Legolas beign vaguely worried about being married off. Some of those hobbit lasses are agressive enough that perhaps he should be! Most of the sensible hobbits can learn to accept the men, once they are convinced of their goodwill and see the advantage of siding with the new order that they can't really escape anyway. Eglantine has a great idea, to drive home some respect for the men, the king and the travellers with the one thing the remaining snooty, gossipy difficult ones can understand and respect - pecking order. Once everything is satisfactorily put into its place, the new status will just be the way things are done, and no hobbit can resist that! It's sweet to see Sam and Rosie so in love, to see Pippin taking his responsibility to Bergil so seriously, to see Merry proud of him, and Legolas concerned about Frodo while Frodo is concerned about Sam. They are still and will forever be a fellowship, and that's so lovely. Looking forward to the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, somehow the idea of being shown off to a bunch of hobbits can be intimidating, even to someone who has faced the Cracks of Doom! I don't think that Legolas has to be worried about being married off (in spite of Pip thinking he'd make a good brother-in-law) but if I were him, I wouldn't want to be backed into a corner by any of Hyacinth's "Jewelry". 8-) You are absolutely right: pecking order and status are the keys to stopping the problem hobbits in their tracks. As wife of the Thain, Eglantine knows this better than most. I'm glad that you like the way I portray the relationships of the friends. It can be a balancing act to get them right.
songspinner · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
Oh, this one's wonderful! I think your Eglantine is delightful - scheming and sneaky in such a good way...I just found this story and I 'm rather glad. I really like how you portray the difficulties of Frodo coming back to the Shire, and thank you for including Bergil.
Author's reply
I'm rather glad you found it, too, and glad that you're liking it. I'm having fun with Eglantine. She's had to live by her wits among the Tooks for many years; you can imagine how that has sharpened them. Frodo really wanted to reclaim his life, and it took him a while to realize that he couldn't. Bergil? I've always loved his character, and I just knew he had to come along if Aragorn was sending someone to the Shire. Thank you for the lovely review.
Hai Took · 5 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Arrival at the Great Smials
I'm glad the Took sister are getting along so well with Marigold and Rose! To be at the Smials and everyone getting an eye full of all these strange guests! Poor Legolas, it would be strange to be regarded and embarrassing people all the time without even meaning to! I hope Bergil can fit in here as well as he did in Brandy Hall! Looking forward to finding out what happens next!
Author's reply
Yes, Eglantine's daughters take after her. She wouldn't raise any snobs. As far as Legolas goes, it's because of two things: he's beautiful and he's rare. As far as JRRT was concerned Elves were just the most beautiful creatures in Arda, and of course everyone stares at beauty. And in the Shire, at least, they are extremely rare. (Even the Elves who go through there are not seen, except in unusual circumstances.) So of course they stare for that reason, too. Add in the fact that they are immortal, and, well, I can imagine *my* reaction to meeting one! Bergil's still got a lot to do before they go home!
RogerGamgee · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Journey to the Convocation
Another excellent chapter, Dreamflower! I'm impressed with how you've managed to keep up with all of the characters involved. A massive undertaking, to say the least. But you do it well, as evidenced by your writing. Keep up the great work :)
Author's reply
Thank you very much. This story has grown like Jack's beanstalk. I've got characters coming out my ears. It *is* hard to keep up with all of them. At one point, I almost left Pearl in Buckland, and when they left Hobbiton, I nearly forgot poor little Tip the stable lad. I feel like I'm trying to herd cats. 8-) But I don't have anyone to blame but me, and I'm having fun, so what the hey? I'm glad you are enjoying it.
Bodkin · 4 June 2004 · Chapter 33: Arrival at the Great Smials
I am really enjoying this tale. I hope Eglantine's plan stops the snobs dead! I wonder if Pippin will do anything to the nasty cousins, or whether he is now too grown up.
Author's reply
Eglantine's got a lot up her sleeve. She really does not like snobs. Pippin? If I were the nasty cousins I'd be a whole lot more worried about *Merry*! 8-) (Oh, that's right, I haven't told you yet what Merry said he would do to them, have I? Evil Grin )
Grey Wonderer · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Journey to the Convocation
I can't wait to see what you've planned for Frodo. Eglantine is certainly putting her foot down with the gossips. I also like Bergil's excitement. Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
The plan is unfolding itself slowly. I am having a great time with Eglantine and Hyacinth. I think I must watch too much PBS--I'm sure you can figure out who inspired Reggie's wife. And Eglantine's voice has begun to sound a lot like Judy Dench. Bergil is having the time of his life.8-)
GamgeeFest · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Journey to the Convocation
I'm with Targon. I would be sad to leave the Shire as well. It's just the perfect place to live. You get 7 meals a day, get to run around barefoot all day (and that's considered normal rather than odd), and it's just so darn pretty. Sam's expanding his vocabulary isn't he? Let's give him some more words to use: appropriate, suitable, acceptable, fitting. Four more days, I like that he's counting them.
Author's reply
I think all the visitors are going to be sorry to leave the Shire. All you said, plus *hobbits*. 8-) With Merry and Pippin getting after him more often ( you don't possibly think he's wrong about the wager, do you? ) he's going to have to keep his wits nimble. Have you been raiding my thesaurus?
Hai Took · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 32: Journey to the Convocation
I biet it made for a strange sight everyone who went to the Green Dragon! What fun they all must have had! The bit with Saradoc talking to Frodo was very sweet and more than a little touching! I love the way Saradoc addressed Frodo and Frodo's realization that on how close he had been watched in Brandy Hall. You pulled off everyone leaving for Tookland and the anticipation of guests wonderfully! I just love the way you jump from one family to another! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks for the great review! I'm glad you're enjoying it. I worry a bit about jumping around so much; I have an awful lot of people and places to keep track of, so I'm glad it comes off OK.
Pervinca · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
More hints at Eglantine and Esmeralda's plan - someone with a more alert brain than me might have been able to work it out after this chapter. The conversation between Frodo and Saradoc was beautifully written. You know, I only recently read the letter that spoke of Frodo casting himself into the Fire in Gollum's place. I suppose I always assumed that Gollum was an unsuspecting hero, but I'm glad you included this situation in your story. - Pervinca
Author's reply
The Letters are a great source of help to me, giving me some insight as to what JRRT thought about his characters beyond what appeared in the actual story. Still, Gollum was the one who destroyed the Ring; I'm not sure, in spite of his intentions when he got to the Fire, that the Ring would have *allowed* Frodo to go in with it to its destruction once he placed it on his hand. This is why Frodo's mercy to Gollum was so very important. But I think that Frodo was sure for a long time that in order to destroy the Ring, he would have to go with it, he could not give it up.
Shireling · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
I've only just found your story and the tme to read it through from the beginning and I'm stunned. What a skillful mastery of plot and characterisation. Your Frodo almost breaks my heart, so lonely and sad despite the love and care of his friends. Merry and Pippin struggling to adjust, poor Sam torn between his love for Frodo and his love for Rosie!!!!and the families having to come to accept the changes in their loved ones. Very well done Helen/shireling
Author's reply
Thank you for the very kind review! This story is just kind of carrying me along with it, and I am discovering things as I go. I am glad that you like my characterizations, as I try very hard to keep them in line with what JRRT gave us. I am so glad that you are enjoying the story!
GamgeeFest · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
Well, I'm feeling a little better about this plan of Eglantine's. And Frodo's relatives prove once again to have a knack for picking the right argument. Frodo may not want the recognition for himself, but if it will help Sam, he'll agree to it. Frodo's guilt at being unable to destroy the Ring is instrumental to his leaving and I think one of his worst wounds from the War. Even more so than his anniversary pains, since he would carry his guilt with him all year round. Wonderful scene between Frodo and Sara. Being surrogate parents to a lonely forlorn child could not have been easy for them.
Author's reply
Yes, Saradoc understands Frodo pretty well. But he would not have used the Sam argument if he had not felt that Frodo was feeling a bit better about things after their talk. He meant it about not coercing his kinsman; he would have known that was emotional coercion. That's why he only said it after Frodo *asked* if he really thought it would help. You are right about the guilt, which I think was so hard because I think that *in his head* Frodo did know he had no logical reason to be guilty over claiming the Ring--but his feelings and emotions were another matter altogether. And, too, he felt guilty about Gollum's death, and about the matter of still longing for the Ring. This last,I think brought him not only guilt, but shame, since he knew how evil the Ring was. I think that Saradoc and Esmerelda loved Frodo dearly, but you are right, his loneliness and sorrow kept him from reciprocating the way that he should have.
FantasyFan · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
Frodo is not like the other hobbits. And I always wondered if the death of his parents had something to do with it. They say, that which doesn't kill us makes us stronger. Frodo is very strong, but it seems he had some help in getting there, which is a comforting thought. The lingering melancholy, though, I can see it in the shy loner I've always imagined Frodo to be. And we all know he couldn't have destroyed the ring in the end, but he would have tried to have some plan, and your scenario makes the most sense of all the possibilities. It doesn't surprise me Frodo doesn't want the public recognition, but Sara has played the trump card when he mentions Sam, I think. I will admit to sort of fierce anticipatory pride at the thought of some insular hobbits being forced to see what a hero Frodo truly is, a heart so great that they can't even imagine how special he is (even though I know they won't truly understand even then). I'm looking forward to it, but it's good to know Frodo will have all his friends around him.
Author's reply
Yes, you see what I do in Frodo. I think that the loss of his parents made loneliness his constant companion. When the Ring came along, it tried to grab on to that. But Frodo was lonely because he had known love, and so the Ring couldn't use it. I think he probably suffered from melancholy ( or what we in the modern world would call depression ) from the time of his parent's death. He would have sought death not to escape from pain, but to join the ones he loved. He had so much love that his sorrow was beautiful, rather than dark. I'm not sure if I'm explaining this well, but it is what I see in him that made him specially suited to carry the Ring.
Arwen Baggins · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
short and sweet - I love it! I love it when authors remember that Frodo was raised by Merry's parents before Bilbo adopted him. I've always wondered what their reactions were to the things that Frodo went through.
Author's reply
This is something I try not to lose sight of, because I think it is key to Frodo's relationship with Merry. Merry was far more like a little brother than a cousin to him--in some ways even more than Merry and Pippin, because Frodo and Merry lived under the same roof. It goes a long way to explaining why he has such a close relationship with a cousin fourteen years his junior. But that means of course that he had a special relationship with Saradoc and Esmerelda. They were, in effect, his parents during the roughest and most difficult part of his growing up: right after his real parents died. I think that they never really stopped thinking of him as "another son", even after he went to be with Bilbo.
pipspebble · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
You made me laugh out loud - AND AT WORK! - with this: **Pippin’s jaw dropped. He was less embarrassed than confused. In this song he did all sorts of improbable things, like ride with Gandalf when he chased away the Nazgûl or light the beacons ( “It didn’t happen that way” he muttered. “The beacons were already lit!” This earned him an elbow from Merry and a giggle from Fredegar.) To top it all off, the song had him single-handedly shoving Faramir from the pyre, and Denethor jumping from the seventh level of the city as he burned. There was a constant refrain of Ernil i Pheriannath as well. ( “It didn’t happen that way at all! And keep your elbow to yourself!”) ** What a clever way to combine MovieVerse and BookVerse! Bravo! Pips
Author's reply
Glad I gave you a chuckle; hope it didn't get you in trouble at work! Everyone seems to like that bit for some reason. 8-)
Pervinca · 2 June 2004 · Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
I had to snicker at the references to events in the RotK movie in this chapter! How very amusing that those false events should be put into song. Very clever of you indeed. And I also must thank you for posting the Green Dragon ditty. I had not been able to work out the very first line, and now I know it! My family is never going to here the end of it :D (I still haven't stopped singing the Bath Song/Drinking Song crossover from the extended FotR). I don't suppose you could include "How Fatty Popped the Pimple" in a later chapter. I'd really like to see how that goes :) - Pervinca
Author's reply
I had a bit of fun with the little movie references. I'm sure that as soon as the War was over, the minstrels had a field day; and if they didn't know how it happened, they probably just filled in with guesses and gossip. But it's kind of my way of coping with the changes in the movie. Since PJ said he was filming it as a historical movie, I just imagine that he got hold of some of these less than accurate (as compared with the Red Book) sources! I spent 20 minutes with the remote pause button and the DVD trying to get those lyrics down. I had purchased the ROTK songbook, and was greatly disappointed to find that was not in it. "How Fatty Popped the Pimple"? I'm not sure I could come up with anything that would fit the hype I put on it; but I'll keep it simmering in the back of my mind. Maybe the next ear-worm I get will be an appropriate tune. By the way, the tune I imagined for the Nimrodel song that Legolas sang was "The Trees They Do Grow High". Seems to fit perfectly.
Grey Wonderer · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
Pippin’s jaw dropped. He was less embarrassed than confused. In this song he did all sorts of improbable things, like ride with Gandalf when he chased away the Nazgûl or light the beacons ( “It didn’t happen that way” he muttered. “The beacons were already lit!” This earned him an elbow from Merry and a giggle from Fredegar.) To top it all off, the song had him single-handedly shoving Faramir from the pyre, and Denethor jumping from the seventh level of the city as he burned. There was a constant refrain of Ernil i Pheriannath as well. ( “It didn’t happen that way at all! And keep your elbow to yourself!”) That was inspired! I love how you took what the movie gave us and had Pippin object to it. I loved it. Very good idea! I lvoe this entire chapter, but that goes down as my favorite nod to the book in some time.
Author's reply
I was a little apprehensive with that bit, since I was afraid that some who really love the movie might take it the wrong way. But I had real reasons. It is so true about the legends that grow up around famous people and events, and how they are changed (for the sake of rhyme or for dramatic purpose, or whatever). I do love the movie, too, but for me the book comes first.
GamgeeFest · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
Loved your little rib at the movie. "They were already lit!" hehe that was great. Fun chapter all the way around. Worth the wait.
Author's reply
I enjoy the movies, but I'm well aware of the differences. One of the fun things I like to do, is figure out how the differences could be explained. My take is, PJ approached this as a *historical* movie, rather than a flat-out fantasy. Obviously his primary source would have been JRRT's "translation" of the Red Book. But maybe he came across some other, less accurate sources, such as old ballads and so forth? I know, it's a crack-brained idea, but I have fun with it. 8-)
FantasyFan · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
A lovely chapter: nothing is as hobbity as drink and song with friends. And what better way to make the Men (and Elf and Dwarf) seem friendly than a visit to the tavern! I'm glad you worked in a song for Legolas, as I was always sad that as much as elves sing in the books, Legolas never sang in the movies. I haven't forgotten there's plotting and planning going on around Frodo. Here's the next part of the plot - to get him alone and badger (err, persuade) him into something. Can't wait to see what it is!
Author's reply
Thank you. Yes, I thought it would be nice to have the Green Dragon back. (That almost hijacked this chapter, but I'm going to make that a separate story.) A visit there with their non-hobbit friends was just the ticket. I'm glad you liked that I had Legolas sing. Legolas sings a lot in my stories. I don't know why they didn't have Legolas sing either, since both Pippin and Aragorn got to sing ( and Eowyn in the EE ). Yes, Frodo gets put in the picture in the very next chapter.
Arwen Baggins · 29 May 2004 · Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
Oh goodness, I can't even BEGIN to imagine what a Took is dreaming up that could some how insult Frodo. Poor Targon and Eothain...they'll be geneological experts by the time they get home. BTW, what's your secret to updating so often? - if you even have one.
Author's reply
Targon and Eothain are beginning to find out just how complicated hobbit relationships are. 8-) I guess I update so much because as soon as a chapter comes to me, I can't wait to get it up. I hate reading WIPs that leave one hanging for days, weeks, months, so I try not to inflict that on others. But I only work part time, and I am at home a great deal, as I am caretaker for my elderly mother. Plus, I also have insomnia sometimes and go on the computer in the wee hours; gives me a *lot* of computer time. But I may be off-line for a few days; my husband is painting around me right now as I type--sooner or later, he's going to have to disconnect computer and move the desk.