Good gracious. Poor Legolas! Poor Bergil! Pippin *would* want Legolas to be his brother-in-law, wouldn't he! I can just imagine the wedding >.< And Bergil will know from now not to underestimate the appetite of a hobbit.
You're going to have me chuckling for hours about that comment referring to Legolas and dwarvish women :D
Author's reply
I just could not resist twitting Legolas. The Elf is such an exotic creature,and I could just imagine all those adoring hobbit eyes upon him. And whatever happened at the Lonely Mountain, rest assured Gimli will never let him forget it.
And even though Pippin was joking,he probably would like to have Legolas in the family. And they *are* Tooks.
This was so very well done. You took what happened with the troll and Pippin and put the story into the present for Pippin so well. I enjoyed the fact that Bergil was so proud of Pippin, but even more that he knew that Frodo was the real hero. Just wonderful as always.
Author's reply
Thank you. For the people of Gondor, who lived under the threat of Mordor for so long, there would not be any doubt as to who the real hero was. Bergil has a case of hero-worship for his friend Pippin, but Frodo the Ringbearer is on an even higher pedestal, whether he wishes to be or not.
GamgeeFest
· 1 May 2004
· Chapter 11: Table Talk
Poor Legolas! It's so hard being pretty. He can't go anywhere without getting harassed. lol
It is interesting that the smaller the creature the more they can eat. I feel sorry for Bergil. He's going to be stuffed for at least a day, if he doesn't spew his guts that is. I'm sure the expression "I ate too much" isn't one they're used to hearing in the Shire.
I loved all the snippets of conversation during the dinner, as well as the brief mention that Frodo is still feeling the affects of his ordeal. Those little hints and signs become more evident as time passes, but for now Frodo's still trying to regain his life, though he knows he mostly likely will never be able to do so.
Wonderful job as always.
Author's reply
I couldn't resist giving Legolas a hard time. I could just imagine all those hobbit lasses gazing adoringly.
Poor Bergil. But don't worry, he's in Esmerelda's capable hands.
I'm glad you enjoyed the dinner conversations. I like to do things with little bits and pieces, so that you can imagine what went before and after.
According to JRRT, Frodo went downhill after each anniversary illness, in October and in March; each was worse than the last; but during his first year home, he still thought he might be able to recover.
I think it was so very cute that Bergil had trouble eating enough to please the hobbits. I am glad he is included in your story as I have always liked him.
Author's reply
I always liked him, too. That's why he is included.8-) When he was playing host to Pippin in Minas Tirith he was on his home turf, and a bit more sure of himself. He's a very polite child--he'd have to be, being raised in the formal atmosphere of Minas Tirith, and with a father in the military, so to speak. And he is on an official mission, included among adults, which is also going to make him feel serious and grown up. But he is still just a little boy, and hobbits are just the people to help him realize this.
Pervinca
· 30 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Guests
Finally managed to catch up on all of the chapters I missed! (Lousy exams - I had so much study to do!). I was certainly not disappointed by Aragorn's payment to Pippin! I doubt that Merry will ever let him forget about it! And I dread to think what Paladin's reaction will be :P And the gift to Sam for Rosie - simply beautiful!
I really think you've written Bergil particularly well, especially considering the situation you've placed him in! I can just imagine the look on his face during that trip to the Hall!
Looking forward to the next chapter :D (as always :P)
Author's reply
I thought it was kind of a comment on the personalities of the two Kings, that Eomer notified Merry's family of his intent, while Aragorn went for the element of surprise. Of course, it was not *that* much of a surprise, considering how he feels about his hobbits.
I'm glad that you are liking Bergil. He's going to play even more of a role than I originally envisioned.
Chapter 11 is already up, but Chapter 12 is going in a whole 'nother direction than I thought it would. I may have to change the rating up a notch for it (description of a battle ). If my husband decides to paint the computer room this week it may be a while before I get it up. (Keeping my fingers crossed that he decides to wait another weekend.)
I thank you for your reviews. I really look forward to seeing how people like what I'm doing, as in this story unlike my previous ones, I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants.
Grey Wonderer
· 29 April 2004
· Chapter 10: Guests
I like this chapter. I am like Saradoc and I can feel the friendship. I loved listening to the ladies try to figure out comfortable arrangements for everyone. Now, I am worried about Saradoc and all that money.....
Author's reply
Since hobbits are such a peaceful people, they really are surprised by the strong feelings that can be forged by sharing danger and war. He is beginning to realize that "family" can apply to people who appear nowhere on the geneologies.
Grey Wonderer
· 28 April 2004
· Chapter 9: What the Master Heard
I am enjoying your SAaradoc so very much. He is so proud of Merry and Pippin too and he shows it at all of the right moments. I also loved Pippin with Bergil. Can't wait to see what happnes when Paladin arrives. He is the hardest one to figure on this. I hope he and Pippin get to talk things through a bit more. Also, does this go as far as Sam's wedding? Wondering about Rose and the gift!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like Saradoc. I think of all the family who waited at home, he is the one to grasp most closely how important the Quest was; like Merry, his father is a thinker, observant, and able to draw the right conclusions to things most of the time. He also has a good handle on the politics of the Shire.
Pippin's going to have a good time with Bergil. He seldom has the chance to be the *older* one in a friendship.
Paladin? The Thain has a couple of surprises coming, doesn't he?
And yes, I do hope to go to Sam's wedding.
Grey Wonderer
· 27 April 2004
· Chapter 8: Gifts
Loved the gifts and Sam's was so perfect for he would not want to take a gift for himself, but he would take one for Rosie. Beautiful!
Author's reply
Well, you just *know* Aragorn and Arwen had to send a wedding gift. And of course they knew about the wedding--since *all* his hobbits had sent him letters at the end of When the King Comes Back 8-)
GamgeeFest
· 27 April 2004
· Chapter 8: Gifts
What a great chapter. I like all the presents - very appropriate and generous as would be expected. The necklace for Rosie was just amazing. She'll be speechless when she gets it. I can just imagine the wildfire of gossip that will be making the rounds of the taverns and inns!
It is too bad that people couldn't understand more what Frodo did for them. But it happens that way sometimes.
Keep up the good work.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like Rosie's necklace. I like giving presents to hobbits, have you noticed? 8-)
I like to think that there were at least a few in the Shire who eventually came to have an inkling of how important Frodo was. And for those who did not, it would not have been for lack of effort by Frodo's family and friends.
Grey Wonderer
· 26 April 2004
· Chapter 7: A Joyful Reunion
I love how informal Pippin and Merry are when they arrive. So much fun to see that they are over-joyed to see their friends and being all hobbity instead of serious and formal. I also thought it was funny that Saradoc, who was slightly uncomfortable with the formality before when it concerned him, had to be the one to calm everyone down. Frodo and Sam were wonderful too!
Author's reply
I could not imagine that whatever their intentions before arriving, any dignity would remain at all on unexpectedly seeing their dear friends for the first time in months, especially for Pippin and Merry. Saradoc, of course, is the observer this time instead of the recipient--much easier.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 April 2004
· Chapter 6: In the Still of the Night
Paladin's reaction was so perfect. His worry was well-founded from past experience. I enjoyed the Frodo POV about his relationship with Merry too. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Oh, yes. It's going to be a long time before either Pippin's or Merry's parents stop taking alarm at "urgent messages".
I love exploring the cousin's relationships. I think in many ways Merry's role is the pivotal one, and his connection with Frodo is very deep.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 April 2004
· Chapter 5: Four is Company
So glad Pippin and Sam worked things out. Poor Sam really does have a lot of worry to deal with and I think the talk made Pippin realize that. The fact that Pippin and Merry feel guilty about not being with Frodo on the quest and then at home in the Shire comes through very well without taking over the story. This is very good.
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin and Sam had to talk things out a bit. I know that these four are incredibly close, due to their experiences, but every now and then there has to be a bump in the road. I think that for Pippin and maybe even Merry, too, there is just the tiniest bit of jealousy that Sam was able to stick things out with Frodo, while they ended up getting separated. But Pip, being a Took, is a lot more emotional and less logical about it.
Pervinca
· 25 April 2004
· Chapter 4: Back to Buckland
Oh, Bergil's there! I love Bergil (though I probably would have been happier if Beregond had come as well). And Legolas and Gimli too - or so I assume. I hope the men have some sort of gift for Pippin as well, just so he can feel as embarrassed as poor Merry does!
Author's reply
I thought about Beregond coming, but remember, he's posted in Ithilien with Faramir now. Besides, having Bergil there without his dad gave me something different to play with.
Of course, Legolas and Gimli,who else? 8-)
Don't worry about Pip; as Merry said to him in another story "Can you imagine Aragorn being less generous than Eomer?"
Grey Wonderer
· 24 April 2004
· Chapter 3: An Important Date
I loved Merry's reaction as Pippin was telling about the gifts he was to receive. So very like Merry and so like his Pippin to be proud of Merry.I also loved Saradoc feeling a bit flustered.
You are having fun aren't you? I am so glad because I am having fun reading.
Author's reply
Pippin and Merry are proud of one another though they often tease. I thought the idea of these big Men calling Saradoc "Lord" Brandybuck, and their obvious respect and reverence for his kin might embarass him just a bit. But of course, being the Master of Buckland, he'd try not to show it.
I'm glad you're having as much fun as I am!
GamgeeFest
· 23 April 2004
· Chapter 3: An Important Date
Another story! How do you write these so fast? I'm in awe.
Wonderful so far. You really write the hobbits well. Perfectly actually. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
I don't know. They are coming to me like a dam burst ever since I started the first one. I suppose it will slow down a little somewhere along the line. Also, I have a lot of time. I only work part time, and most of the rest of the time I have to be at the house taking care of my mother. Gives me plenty of time at the keyboard.
I'm glad you like the way I write the hobbits. I'm really very attached to them, and I hope I do them justice.
Pervinca
· 23 April 2004
· Chapter 2: Unexpected News
Yay! Another story from you! I really liked that you had Merry suffering on the anniversary of the Pellanor Battle (not that I enjoy seeing Merry suffer, it was just a very good aspect of your story :P). I can't imagine that Frodo was the only one to experience old wounds being rekindled.
This looks to be an interesting story, and I'm looking forward to more.
(P.S. My parents tried your mushroom and bacon recipe from Missus Maggot's Mushrooms, and thoroughly enjoyed it :D)
Author's reply
I think that having been wounded by the Witch King, it would have had somewhat of the same effect as Frodo's wounding--something that would never quite go away, and would return to plague Merry on a regular basis.
I'm glad they liked the mushrooms! I'm going to have to fix myself another batch sometime soon!
I love this so far. You description of how both Merry and Pippin looked when Merry's parents and Pearl entered their house was so moving and so sad. It felt completely right, though. I am also enjoying how well they read one another. Pippin knowing Merry wouldn't want his parents to see him in that state, Merry knowing how Pippin needed something to do in the wagon and so he suggests that he sing. I also believe that Merry's thoughts would have been with Frodo. You are off to another wonderful start. Can't wait to see which of the "big folk" have come to see Merry and Pippin.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind encouragement.
I think that the month of Rethe was hard on all four of the hobbits. I'm glad you liked the way I described them.
I think I'm going to have fun with this one; it won't be as hard work as "Conspiracy" was, since I don't have as strict a framework to fit it in.
Bluegrass Elf
· 22 April 2004
· Chapter 1: Echoes of a Bad Time