GamgeeFest's Keepsakes by GamgeeFest
shirebound · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
These are absolutely wonderful. I can't even highlight my favorite lines, or I'd be copying the entire thing. Well done.
Author's reply
What lovely praise! The Gamgee kids will be most pleased to hear it, for they worked very hard on these. :) Thanks for reading!
RenaissanceGrrl · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
The last six words of Frodo's--*touches hand to mouth* OMG! *tears up* I never picked that up about Primrose! Then again, waaaaay back when I first read the Gamgee family tree, I doubt I knew that Frodo's mother's name was Primula. The last line of Tom's was kawaii, too. You have again succeeded in leaving me with WaFF. ^_^ Now let's just hope you can remember what WaFF are.
Author's reply
*rubs eyes* *stares at name of reviewer* *rubs eyes again* *blinks* :P Frodo's is a heart-wrencher. He has a burden of his own to carry, and that's knowing that he's named after the one hobbit his father cherished most. At least, before his family came along. hehe I just made that connection about Primrose myself, and then only because Primrose decided to share that particular memory. Even knowing that primula is a primrose, I never put two and two together. Tom's in a way sort of bookended the beginning of The Hobbit. Bilbo was only including because the dwarves felt they needed a 14th member of their party to avoid the unluckiness of '13'. Good thing that Sam was able to disprove that particular superstition. :) Yay! I gave you Warm and Fuzzy Feelings! (Aren't you proud I remembered?!)
Budgielover · 1 June 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
I know I commented how much I loved this in your LJ, but wanted to repeat it here. How wonderfully thought out this was! Each hobbit-lad or lass' voice is so individual and unique, and each's love for their da just shines through. My favorite was Frodo's drabble - the last sentence just broke me up.
Author's reply
How lovely to see that you enjoyed it so much to review it twice! =) Each of the Gamgee children had their own stories they wanted to tell, their own vision of their father they wanted to share. There's no doubt that they grew up hanging on his every word and thinking the sun rose for him. Frodo's experiences of his father were always somewhat tinted by Sam's memories of his master. After a lifetime of saying "Mr. Frodo", I imagine it would be difficult for Sam to suddenly say just "Frodo", even if it was for his child. Young Frodo grew up hearing his father address him as "Frodo-lad" or "Fro". He knew the reason behind it, knew his father's hidden grief for losing his master. Frodo never doubted his father's love, but he did sometimes wonder if Sam could love them as much and as completely as he did his master. Rest assured, Sam eventually set him straight. :) Thanks so much for reading!
Larner · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
Now, this is something I'd not thought to see, and yet, having read it, I can't imagine not having done so. How wonderful, to look at Sam through the eyes of all of his children! Lovely!
Author's reply
And now they're asking if they can each do a full-length ficlet. How can I deny them? I just hope they'll take turns this time. :) His kids are quite insightful, proving themselves to be Sam's children through and through. The glimpses they shared are inspiring and show a side of Sam that we only get to see at the end of the books - how he grew to believe in himself during the Quest. Thanks for reading!
Larner · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
Somehow the review I wrote didn't post. Wonder where it went this time? Lovely look at the interactions between the three mothers and their sons, how each is different and yet so typically children. And the image of Frodo doing gymnastics is wonderful!
Author's reply
It's at West of the Moon. ;) Frodo was a wily lad, in more than just wits. He was quite the athlete. :) Merry is the most independent of the three lads and so would pull away more and sooner from motherly affection. Pippin, while he also went through that phase, retained more of his dependency than Merry did, and he'll turn to his mother when he feels he needs to.
rabidsamfan · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
These are great. I love how each one of them tells us a little bit about Sam's family and hints at stories we won't hear in full. And the last one in particular made me grin. Thank you!
Author's reply
With such a large brood, there are countless stories the Gamgees could have told us about. I'm sure if you let them, they'd go on and on for days about how wonderful their father is, and they still wouldn't have touched the tip of the iceberg. hehe Good thing for everyone that the dwarves were suspicious about the number 13. Otherwise, they never would have had need to take Bilbo with them, and then who knows what would have happened to the Ring. At least Sam finally set that suspicion to rest. ;) Thanks for reading!
Periantari · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
THese are so so so so sweet. i love all of them but Frodo's and Elanor's tugged at my heart the most. "hope unquenchable" is one of my favorite nicknames of Sam. :) Love this bit: Mr. Frodo said in the Red Book that Dad would become a wizard or a warrior, and that by the end, he became a bit of both. :D and i love the Pippin one as well... these are all so well thought out and i love that they all love Sam as their dad and have such lovely memories of him. <3Sam<3 I love these so much. ::snuggles these drabbles:: =)
Author's reply
"Hope Unquenchable" is really the only words needed to describe Sam in the larger picture, but for the smaller picture, his kids come through with very insightful bits of ancedotes. Sam might never have wanted to be a wizard or a warrior, and may still believe that he isn't, but Goldilocks knows better. :) None of his children doubt that there's something magical about their dad, nor do they doubt that he would do anything in his power to protect the ones he loves. Sam is the ultimate hobbit/dad/husband/friend - everything! And his kids wanted to make sure that we knew it. Thanks so much for reading! :)
Queen Galadriel · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
Oh, these are so beautiful I want to cry. And all their personalities are so wonderful and somehow right. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Some of them took longer to tell me their drabbles than others, but each one eventually figured out what they wanted to say, what aspect of their father they wanted most to share. Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower · 31 May 2006 · Chapter 12: The Master of Bag End
I love these--The second one nearly broke my heart. But I love them all!
Author's reply
Frodo's was the angstiest of the lot. He doesn't doubt his father's love and pride in him, but he also has to bear the burden of his name. Sam lived a lifetime of never saying "Frodo" by itself, and I think that would have effected Sam's ability to call his son by his name alone. "Frodo-lad" and "Fro" would be the names that he uses. Underneath that is Sam's ever-present lose of his master, and Frodo-lad would feel a portion of the weight of that as well.
Bodkin · 18 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
Pippin's method of asking for maternal advice is delightful - and Eglantine is truly skilled at offering support, but my heart went out to Esmeralda. Teenage (or tweenage) lads are just such self-centred little oiks! Convinced that the world spins round them. It's almost enough to make you forget about their adorable Frodo-like youth!
Author's reply
Pippin's at that age where he's going to attempt to figure things out on his own, thus meaning that he won't tell his mother anything about what's bothering him, but because of his natural disposition, he can only keep that up for a few days before he seeks out her help if he still needs it. Merry is naturally independent and so would go through the stage of "no touching" sooner and longer than most kids. Pippin must have gone through that stage also for a time, but there's no denying that Esme had to put up with it more the Eglantine did. Too bad all kids can't stay in their "Frodo-like youths". Primula would have gone through the same trials eventually herself though, had she lived. At least she got plenty of cuddles and hugs with her son while she could. :) Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower · 17 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
Well, I just wrote you a nice long review, and my computer ate it. And it's being a little wierd again. So I will try again later, and just say--I loved this whole thing bunches and bunches! *grin*
Author's reply
Bad computer! *wags finger at computer* LOL. At any rate, I'm glad you enjoyed it. I was thinking of you especially for that first one - plenty of Primula-Frodo fluffiness for you. :)
Andrea · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
Those were wonderful! Shirebound is right, mothers have to be ready for anything. I especially enjoyed the story about Pippin and Eglantine, though I have to admit that, like Pippin I did not know the word "teal" ;-) Anyway, I think those lasses are right, he *would* look good in teal, don't you think so?
Author's reply
And you *know* Esme and Eglantine have learned to be prepared for *anything*! With sons like theirs, they've seen and heard pretty much everything. *grins* Pippin has a lot to sulk about, poor thing. Though, if he started to listen to the lasses and follow their advice, he'll likely find that they will take more notice of him. He would look quite wonderful in teal, the perfect color to bring out the green in his eyes. :) I'm so glad you enjoyed these!
Queen Galadriel · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
Aaaawww! Little Frodo is so cute, and Primula is such a wonderful mother! Poor Esme. It's hard enough for me as the eldest, and the "big sister" to watch my siblings, especially my baby brother and sister (seven and nine now) grow up and begin to drift away from loving to be spoiled and enjoying those little stories and traditions that have been ours alone, though it's to be expected--I can't even imagine how it would be for a mother, and with only the one child, too. Poor Pippin :), suffering from a boy's worst fear--being thought a sissy and not fine enough for the girls' attention. Love the way Eglantine handles the subject! You really capture the different personalities of each mother very well. We don't get to know them through the books, but this is how I imagine them. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Frodo is a dear, and Primula knows how lucky she is to have him. The stage of pulling away is always painful for a mother, but it's a necessary part of childhood. Merry is still young enough to not mind the coddling when his friends aren't around, but in the presence of the other teens and tweens, he has to show how grown up he is. Too soon, though, he will be more detached and less likely to want to cuddle with his mom. But these are hobbits, so that doesn't go away completely. :) Well, at least we know Pippin won't have to worry about the height thing in a few more years. ;) It is a rough patch for a lad to go through, but if he stops listening to the lads and starts paying attention to the advice those lasses are giving him, he'll do just fine. I'm glad my personifications are similar to how you imagined the mothers being. Thanks for the review!
Queen Galadriel · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 10: In a Flash
LOL! Oh my goodness, Frodo is a very naughty young Hobbit! LOL! That is hilarious! And I bet Merry never even knew the whole truth, did he? *giggling* God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
What would older siblings/cousins do without younger, unsuspecting siblings/cousins to play tricks on? hehe The best part is that Merry never suspected foul play. His genius cousin Frodo was just helping him out. *grins* I doubt very much Frodo ever divulged the full truth, at first because it would have detracted from what he was attempting to do, and then because too much time had passed. LOL, I bet there are all sorts of things Merry's not even aware of that Frodo has done to embarrass him over the years! The only hope Merry had for getting even was "A Day in the Life", but he's still far behind on the scoreboard. :) Glad this gave you a laugh!
shirebound · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
This is a sweet series of scenes. Mothers really have to be ready for anything -- any question, any unexpected occurrence -- at all times!
Author's reply
Indeed they do, and they become quite adept at it too. Eglantine certainly knows Pippin inside and out, even if he might like to think that no one (save Merry and perhaps Frodo) truly understands him. There's no doubt that Esme knows Merry just as well. Thanks for reading!
harrowcat · 16 May 2006 · Chapter 11: Motherhood
These are lovely GF. I do feel for Mery and Pippin's mums in particular.
Author's reply
Primula never had to go through the brooding teen and sullen tween stages with Frodo. Esme got the brunt of that, poor dear, but it did prepare her for when Merry started going through the same thing. I'm glad you enjoyed these. :)
Bodkin · 11 May 2006 · Chapter 10: In a Flash
I wonder how old Merry was before he discovered that he had been tricked. And how long it was before he would do almost anything not to be reminded of this time he first outdid his cousin. He certainly managed to put an end to any speechifying, though - and ensure a memorable masked ball!
Author's reply
The question is, *did* Merry ever find out that he had been duped? I don't think this is information that Frodo would freely offer, knowing Merry's penchant for revenge. He would have taken that little bit of fact with him over the Sea. :) Merry wouldn't really be embarrassed about this story until he reached adolescence, but by then it'll be such a well-known story that it would be pointless to try to stop anyone from repeating it. At least, until he starts courting that is. Then he really would do anything to keep that story being told. *grins* Merry (and Frodo) had many goals with that prank and they were all accomplished, to the enjoyment of everyone. :) Thanks for reading!
Andrea · 9 May 2006 · Chapter 10: In a Flash
Well, maybe that was a naughty idea, but it was also great fun - not only for Merry! Thank you very much, GamgeeFest!
Author's reply
Naughty idea? From Frodo? No, not possible! :P I just love seeing Frodo's mischevious side. He's gotten Merry into all sorts of scrapes and put him up to a lot of harmless pranks in his day. Merry won't remember most of them, but this one he'll be hearing about for the rest of his life. :) Thank you for reading. I'm glad this gave you a laugh.
Larner · 9 May 2006 · Chapter 10: In a Flash
I see the naked Hobbit challenge has indeed taken hold. This one was priceless indeed. Poor Frodo, having to confess to instigating this! At least Merry had fun! Another hilarious story tonight.
Author's reply
I couldn't pass up this challenge. It was just too tempting an idea. lol If you recall, Frodo rather snuck this confession in amongst a few others. It didn't slip past Sara and Esme's attention, but neither did he get in trouble for it. Frodo might be a rascal but he's a smart one! Merry did indeed have fun and it's an accomplishment he'll be proud of for a long time - until adolescence and modesty kick in. ~_^ Thanks for reading!
Larner · 9 May 2006 · Chapter 9: A Quest Song
Ah, dear, the travails of trying to rhyme all that and keep it to the music must have been daunting. But I can see this. You, too, have me giggling.
Author's reply
Actually, it wasn't *too* bad. The hardest part was sticking to canon and staying away from movie fanon. I did have to do a lot of tweaking after the initial writing to get to its current state though. I can just see Pippin in a pup tent with some parchment and charcoal, writing all this out. :) Glad it gave you a laugh!
harrowcat · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 10: In a Flash
Ooh! Naughty naughty idea Frodo! :) But what fun!
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo has a quite wicked sense of humor, but it's all in good fun. Merry got to prove himself, Frodo got away scot free (until he confessed, at any rate, and even then he wasn't punished), and everyone else got a good laugh. Thanks for reading!
vampfan30 · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 9: A Quest Song
sounds just like him !
Author's reply
I do think that Pippin could find a way to make light of the Quest, after enough time has passed. I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)
harrowcat · 24 April 2006 · Chapter 9: A Quest Song
This was great fun Gamgeefest. Loved it!
Author's reply
I had fun writing it. Can't remember now what possessed me to do so, lol. Glad you enjoyed it. :)
Queen Galadriel · 23 April 2006 · Chapter 9: A Quest Song
LOL! If the quest hadn't turned out to be as serious as it was, I'd say this is just like Pippin! LOL! That's great! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Post-Quest Pippin would be more cautious about taking the Quest so lightly. But then again, he would also see the need to find a way to laugh about some of the things that happened, to make them more bearable. :) Glad you enjoyed it.
MaidenofValinor · 23 April 2006 · Chapter 9: A Quest Song
Haha, here I am, sitting here, trying to sing that, and my girlfriend walks in and looks at me like "What the hellll?!" haha. ;) Now I have just ticked off Gandalf, I carried his glowing Palantir off. :) so cute!
Author's reply
LOL! I love it when people try to sing it aloud. I'm so glad you enjoyed it!