'One night, Daisy-lass can't sleep, so Sam decides to tell her a bedtime story'
Did he keep her up all night?
I like Berwin. He is trying very hard to save Frodo. It's interesting that he had met Bilbo and heard of his cousin.
Frodo was funny wondering if his feet could suffocate from wearing socks. Yet the dream about his parents was sad - and his craving for the ring worrying.
I just hope he gets better soon.
Author's reply
Sam's going to hear it in the morning for keeping Daisy up so late, I'm sure.
It's fortunate that Berwin came along when he did and recognized how urgent the situation was. I would imagine that Bilbo would have a place of honor in the king's court and so would have at least met the king's delegates.
Since I myself only wear shoes or socks when I absolutely have to, I can easily see a hobbit finding it incredibly uncomfortable to cover their feet, much less a sick hobbit.
"Frodo dreamt often of the sea." Tolkien tells us this and it can mostly be assumed it's because he is destined to sail over it, but I thought I'd put a different twist on it, for this story anyway. The ring is working its mojo on Frodo, but not with the outcome one would expect.
Grey Wonderer
· 4 September 2004
· Chapter 6: Tempest
Poor Sam! Seems like everyone needs help with everything during this weather. At least he'll get to see Rose while he's helping the Cotton's. Now, if only his Gaffer could see fit to let things go back to normal.
Author's reply
Sam will be quite busy for the next few days, that's for certain. This storm is going to keep everyone busy.
Any opportunity to Rosie is a good one as far as Sam is concerned.
Gaffer will come around. He could never stay angry with Sam for too long.
Dreamflower
· 1 September 2004
· Chapter 18: Berwin
*Sorry!* Holdover from newsgroups: IDHTBIFOM=I Don't Have The Book In Front Of Me! By the way, which is unusual for me any more; I bought an extra set of LoTR a few weeks ago, just to keep by the computer--and they are scattered all over the house when I need them, LOL!
Author's reply
LOL, sounds like me. Though I finally gathered all my books onto my bookshelf and they're staying there for the most part. But when I'm in research mode, they're all over my work station!
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 5: Supper With the Cottons
Poor Sam between the teasing he took from the Cotton lads and his father's words, he's had quite a night. I am glad he was able to defend himself and his friendship with Frodo in his own way. Now, I wonder what that ring is up to.....
Author's reply
That was quite a exhausting day for him, wasn't it? But he'll get plenty of rest the next day. :)
Sam isn't one normally inclined to stand up for himself, but when it comes to Frodo (or anyone else he cares about), well, he can't help getting a little protective.
And it's safe to say, that Ring is up to no good.
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 4: A Small Discovery
He felt the chill again, this time clutching at his chest, making it difficult to breathe. He turned slightly and looked into the darkened smial.
There was something in there.
Loved this part! I had no idea that the ring would be involved in all of this. More suspense and more mystery and now I have to read a bit more before bedtime.
Author's reply
Oh, the Ring is very much a part of all this. I consider it a major background character, if that makes sense.
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 3: Market Day
I'm back and still loving this one. I like how you show Sam's relationship with his family while building up the tension in the background. This really is an excellent story!
Author's reply
Thank you! Sam's family has to be one of the most caring, loving families in the Shire. The mystery will continue to build; expect cliff hangers ahead!
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 2: An Ordinary Day
Mistake him for a handbag! LOl I loved the scene between Sam and his father. It was nice to hear Sam compared to his mother and to have him recieve a compliment or two from his father. I am likeing this more and more but will have to get some rest for now. I will be back to read more tomorrow!
Author's reply
And there's not much hope she'll be making that mistake! LOL
That scene is a favorite of mine as well. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Gaffer may have a gruff and stern manner, but he loves his kids and can be quite a softy at times.
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 1: The Tale Begins
'He hadn't seen me test the packs had he?' Sam wondered. 'No,' he reasoned, 'he hadn't seen; he just knew I would.
Loved this line. It says so much about the close bond between Sam and Frodo. Another great chapter and I love how tricky Frodo was with the packs. A great joke on Pippin!
Author's reply
Frodo knew that Sam would worry about his master carrying to much weight for himself. It's probably something that Sam does every time Frodo leaves for a journey.
That is a good joke, until Pippin finds out, lol!
Grey Wonderer
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 0: A Fact of Life
Great beginning! I love Sam's way with his daughter and all of his feelings as he goes through Bag End checking on everyone and making sure everything is taken care of for the night. I also enjoyed the fact that Elanor had also done the same without Sam knowing it.
Author's reply
Thank you! Sam's the best dad, isn't he? The story has a lot to do with Sam's current feelings of loss, due to his daughter leaving. It will be a constant theme throughout.
I imagine Elanor would be quite good at doing things without attracting attention or expecting recognition for it. She would just assume the duty of checking on her siblings without being told, not minding that her parents didn't notice. In fact, she probably made sure her parents didn't notice, so they could enjoy some quiet time to themselves after the children were supposedly tucked in for the night.
First, let me say that I have found this story just tonight and began reading on a very late chapter just to get an idea of what this one was about. Well, now I am backing up and am going to read it all! I love what I've read so far. This is a great story with lots of secrets and mystery. I will leave more reviews as a back up and read. I now need to start in the proper place and read this in order!
Author's reply
That's an interesting approach, starting in the middle. Reminds me of Harry in the movie "When Harry Met Sally" and how he always reads the last page of a book first, lol.
And thank you for such wonderful compliments. This story is turning out a lot more mysterious and angsty than I was planning on, but I'm having fun writing it. I'm glad you're enjoying it so far.
Dreamflower
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 18: Berwin
Oh my, I like Berwin. I thought at first he was a kind hearted rogue, which would explain the Rangers' aversion to him, but then the mention of Dale, and his flash of recognition at the mention of "Baggins", and the further mention of his king...he is an agent of some kind for...IDHTBIFOM...would it still be Bard, or has Brand come to the throne by this time? I'll have to check the Tale of Years...And he's taking Frodo to Bree, which is where Merry will still decide to search once he's over his grief...whew...unless you have another twist up your sleeve...
Author's reply
Berwin's gone through many revisions, as well as name changes, lol. He was always going to be from Dale though, it just took me awhile to figure out a credible reason for him to be clear on the other side of Arda. IDHTBIFOM - you're going to have to decipher that one for me. *runs and checks Complete Guide to ME* It's Brand who's king during this story. Bard died before Sam was even born.
Merry will probably still think Frodo's gone east, once he gets over his grief and starts scheming again. As for more plot twists, the way this story is going, I'm hesitant to say. I'm not *planning* on any more major ones.
Dreamflower
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 17: A Flight in Panic
At LAST! Frodo's POV! And as suspected, it was the Ring! Not only making him search so frantically, but also clouding his mind! On to the next chapter...
Author's reply
Finally! Yay! The storylines will start catching up with each other now and you won't have to wait so long between POVs once that happens. Can't promise that it will mean less angst though. :)
That blasted Ring! Taking what was supposed to be a cute, fluffy story and turning it into this angst-ridden monster, LOL! That ring is up to no good, and Frodo's suffering the consequences because of it.
Dreamflower
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 16: Return to Brandy Hall
Oh no! Well, we know Frodo survives or Sam wouldn't be telling this story, but goodness me, you've got him in a pickle!
Author's reply
Frodo has gotten into quite a pickle, that was a surprise even for me. I'm still trying to figure out where that twist came from, I wasn't planning on anything that dramatic!
Dreamflower
· 31 August 2004
· Chapter 15: Far and Wide
Now we see Merry in his element: thinking, planning, scheming, drawing conclusions, and making a plan of action. But what could be the news that would make Saradoc abandon the search? I can't imagine Frodo's been found--maybe some of his clothing or something?
Author's reply
Merry wouldn't be Merry unless he was planning something. And he's not done scheming, though for obvious reasons any plans he has so far are going to be put on hold.
FantasyFan
· 25 August 2004
· Chapter 17: A Flight in Panic
Merry has a tremendously strong faith in his cousin, but it's hard not to give in to despair. This is quite a cliffhanger you've left us with! Frodo's actions are very disturbing, and I can't tell how much has to do with his parents and how much to do with the Ring. I'm eager to read the next chapter.
FF
Author's reply
Merry looks up to Frodo and thinks his cousin is capable of anything. His faith for the moment is shaken.
Cliffhangers seem to abound in this fic. I was really only planning on the one, but I just can't seem to get away from them. This has grown into a much more angsty fic than I was expecting.
Frodo was greatly disturbed to find the ring gone, but it does go much deeper than that. The loss of Frodo's parents and all those painful reminders does have something to do with it, as does his regret of not following Bilbo.
Shelbyshire
· 19 August 2004
· Chapter 16: Return to Brandy Hall
I first reviewed at the beginning and within a couple of days I have caught up. Where's Frodo? Will we get his POV soon? If Sam had opened Frodo's bedroom door at Bag End, would it have been trashed too?
Author's reply
You caught up fast! Frodo's POV is coming up next chapter. That's an interesting thought about Frodo's room at Bag End that never occured to me before, but no, it would not have been trashed.
shirebound
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 16: Return to Brandy Hall
Goodness, I'm just as intrigued now as I have been! Whatever has happened to Frodo??
Author's reply
We'll finally be getting all the answers next chapter. I know how important it is to you to know that everyone is going to be ok, so I assure you now: Frodo will be just fine. :)
Shelbyshire
· 18 August 2004
· Chapter 0: A Fact of Life
I've been looking for a new story to read and have found one. Thanks! Frodo and Sam have always been my favorites.
Author's reply
You're welcome. And thank you for the review. I've always favored Frodo and Sam fics myself also. Glad you're enjoying it so far. :)
Bodkin
· 11 August 2004
· Chapter 15: Far and Wide
Poor Merry. He is so worried about Frodo - and Pippin is worried about Merry. Find that Frodo!
Author's reply
Merry is determined to find Frodo, no matter what. Pippin is focusing on Merry at the moment, since there's nothing he can do for Frodo. We'll soon find out what happened to Frodo. Just two more chapters.
Bodkin
· 30 July 2004
· Chapter 14: The Search Begins
That flood wave coming down the river sounds seriously scary.
It's good to see Pippin being optimistic to boost Merry's courage. Frodo will be all right. I think he's heading back to Bag End and the wretched ring. I hope.
Save Frodo!!
Author's reply
Merimac's lucky he got away from the river in time. That was indeed a close call.
It's hard for Pippin to be anything but optimistic. As long as there's a chance, he'll continue to hope for the best.
The ring definetly has a hand in Frodo's disappearance.
Thanks for reading, glad you're enjoying it!
Dreamflower
· 30 July 2004
· Chapter 14: The Search Begins
Oh, have mercy! Now I remember why I try to avoid WIP! You've really got us hanging on the cliff, haven't you? I started this story this morning to kill a bit of time, meaning to take a break and get some housework done, and here I sit two hours later! This story is just amazing!
Author's reply
LOL, well I could have told you not to start reading this yet! We haven't even gotten to the cliff! We are galloping toward it at a pretty fast pace though, so hang on!
And you certainly did kill some time, didn't you? I'm so glad you're enjoying this. I'll try to write more quickly, so you don't have to wait so long between updates. No promises though. :) I did finally revise my outline for Part III last night, so that will be a big help now that I once again have some idea where this is going.
This story truly has grown in the telling. I only expected it to be a happy little fluff fest when I first sat down and outlined it about a year ago. But when I finally started writing it, it just sort of took on a life of it's own and left me in the dust trying to catch up. The last chapter of Part II, which is coming up shortly, especially threw me for a loop, hence the revision for the outline of Part III.
Hope you continue to enjoy it!
FantasyFan
· 29 July 2004
· Chapter 14: The Search Begins
I am thoroughly enjoying this story, though I come to it in the middle. It seemed like a nice sweet story of Sam and dealing with a storm, until the revelation that Frodo is missing comes as a shock at the end of the first part. With all the damage from the storm, I was thinking they'd been caught in a flood out on the road. But reading what happens in Buckland, it's not waht I expected at all. There's a sense of unease about Frodo, something not right, but nothing to point to him going totally off his rocker and disappearing like this. Is it the Ring being missing that's caused his unquiet? It was spooky how it tried to reach Sam with the door that wouldn't stay closed, and even more so after Sam found it on the floor. But all during that time, Frodo was fine. Did he suddenly notice it was gone and rip apart the room looking for it? I'm pretty worried about his state of mind, going out into the storm. I hope someone finds him before he gets hurt.
I'm looking forward to the next update!
Author's reply
What a lovely review! Thank you so much.
This was supposed to be a happy little story, but then it just sort of took on a life of its own. I just finally figured out what I'm going to do with Part III, considering no more unexpected developments come along that is.
Each part of the story has it own theme. Part I was friendship, and therefore light and happy and carefree. Sam is always good for this sort of story. That was the best place to start for the surprise ending as he was far away from all the action.
Part II is about loss. Frodo has lost so much in his life, first his parents, then Bilbo when he left the Shire. It's something that's with him always, and as we all know, there are certain times during the year that such losses are especially difficult to bear. I believe Frodo would still mourn around the anniversary of his parents' death. Of course, that blasted ring acting up the way it is doesn't help any of this in the slightest. It's safe to say that the ring is up to no good, as became apparent when it tried to tempt Sam.
Thank you for reading. I'm so glad you're enjoying this so far and I hope that I can continue to make this interesting.
Bodkin
· 27 July 2004
· Chapter 13: Missing
Has Frodo finally spotted that the ring is missing and gone off in desperation to try to find it? I can't think of anything other that ring-angst that would make him deliberately wreck his room!
Author's reply
I don't want to ruin it for anyone, all I'll say now is that there will be plenty of theories as to what happened to Frodo, and all of them will have merit in one way or another. There's 3 more chapters for Part II, and we'll get all our answers in Part III. Thanks for reviewing. :)
pebbles66
· 26 July 2004
· Chapter 13: Missing
Oh, I can't wait for them to find Frodo! What in the world has happened to him? Please hurry and write more. This is a very well-written story and I am enjoying it very much.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Answers will come, but you'll have to take the roller coaster ride with Merry and Pippin for a few chapters before we get to them. Hang in there and I hope you enjoy what's to come. :)
Lyta Padfoot
· 22 July 2004
· Chapter 12: The Spring Feast
Poor Frodo, my family keeps trying to get me 'settled' (translation: married). Its very stressful to have to deal with well-meaning family members making not-subtle-at-all inquiries. Pippin and Merry's reactions were perfect, as was Frodo's reminder their times are coming - and they are!
Author's reply
Yes, I know that feeling all too well myself. "So do you have a boyfriend yet?" Can't get any less subtle than that! They do mean well, but somehow that doesn't seem to help very much.
Merry and Pippin are going to have to watch out when they come of age LOL!