This makes twice for this one too. LOL I love finding fictions that I can read over and over and still enjoy. This one is one of those for me. I like the fact that it is filled with the joy of Pippin having survived it all and that touch of sorrow that he is spending his birthday so very injured. I enjoyed Merry in this one.
Author's reply
And thanks for commenting again on this one, as well!
I think those early days in Cormallen were definitely ones of mixed feelings; gratitude for merely being alive would also be shadowed by the pain of recovery.
I enjoy Merry. Of course, I have no favorites, but I do like to see each of them get to show his character, and Cormallen was one of Merry's chances.
Grey Wonderer
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 86: Brandy Hall on First Yule, S.R. 1388
Came over to look for new postings and just had to read it again. You really were so very clever with this one and I do enjoy the story.
Author's reply
Thank you for stopping by! I am so glad you enjoyed it enough to re-read it here!
Marigold
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 86: Brandy Hall on First Yule, S.R. 1388
Oh, this is just lovely and hobbity! I love so many things about this story; Merry and his plate with the ponies, Frodo looking like Primula, all of the preperations, the way that everyone had their tasks and enjoyed working and being together as a family...just great! And I loved the mention of Grey Wonderer's Grubbs and Mr Grubb being up on the roof withour a ladder, lol!
Great story, thank you!
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! "Hobbity" is high praise indeed from you, for I know how high your standards are for hobbitiness.
Merry's plate has been mentioned before; I figure it's one of those little things a small child, especially an only child, can get a wee bit obsessive over, LOL! "My" Frodo is a good deal like his mother in looks, so I am sure that it strikes her other relatives from time to time.
Since GW had given me such a delightful challenge, I thought a little tribute was in order, and "up on the house-top" seemed tailor made for just that! And "Concening Ladders" is one of my favorites among her stories.
Baggins Babe
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 86: Brandy Hall on First Yule, S.R. 1388
What a fabulous description of Yule at Brandy Hall! I felt as though I was there. I love all those old Yule traditions and it was lovely to have them here - and a little bit of magic from Gandalf, just to add to the delights.
I particularly enjoyed the fact that Frodo is happy and having fun. I know some people like to think that Frodo's life at Brandy Hall was unrelieved misery but I don't believe it. He was far too close to Merry for that - I don't think there would have been that bond between them if his time at Brandy Hall held terribly unhappy associations.
Thank you for a beautiful tale, Dreamflower. Happy New Year.
Author's reply
Yes, I try to make the traditions hobbity--the greenery, feasting, gifts and music are a given. But I try to leave out anything that would make it seem like an imitation Christmas, for really, with all the similarities, they are not, of course the same holiday at all.
"My" Frodo is happy most of the time at Brandy Hall. But in the spring, near the anniversary of his parents' deaths, he becomes very seriously depressed, even suicidal at times. This is the reason that Saradoc and Esmeralda send him away to Bag End to visit every spring. Once he is away from the reminders, he cheers up a lot. And the rest of the year, with Merry to distract him, he is mostly very happy. He knows he is loved by Saradoc and Esmeralda, though he can't quite make himsself believe they love him as much as his parents did, and he does love them as well, and of course, there is the mutual adoration between him and his little Merry.
And Yule is an especially happy time for him because then he has *both* Bilbo *and* Merry to keep him company!
But of course, it's not Brandy Hall that makes him unhappy from time to time, but the Brandywine River is another matter...
This was especialy sweet!! What a sad birthday for young Pippin, though it was great that he had his Merry with him--three cheers for Merry! I do love both of our lads. :-) I thought Gandalf giving the sparklers at the end was tender touch. I enjoyed this wonderful treat from beginning to end...lol, don't I always? You are a brilliant lady with a beautiful gift of storytelling.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
A sad birthday, to spend it in pain and weakness. Yet, as you say, he had Merry, and he was alive, and so were Frodo and Sam, so there were still reasons to celebrate.
I just thought Gandalf might want to give them something a little special, that would somewhat remind them of home, without being overwhelming.
PIppinfan1988
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 84: Determination
I am so glad Merry and Pippin were able to convince--or even *slightly* convince Frodo that they were indeed going on the Journey. I am happy that Elrong took Gandalf's counsel to trust the loyalty and friendships of the younger two. To think of the things that would have happened (or not have happened) especially if Pippin didn't go on the Journey, makes me shudder. Absolutely wonderful!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
That of course, was part of why Gandalf was who he was. He seemed to know things without knowing why--he knew them in his heart, and he had faith that it would not lead him astray.
All four of them were needed to make the Quest come through. True, Frodo bore the worst of it, and Sam bore him. But without the actions of his cousins, he never would have made it to Mt. Doom, for there would have been no victory by the West to draw Sauron's eye away from his peril.
Queen Galadriel
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 66: The Smallest Hands
*sniff* I'm in awe...and tears! That is amazing. And I think I can write songs! Yeah, right! I've never read a LOTR poem that even comes close. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I've read a few of yours; they are quite touching as well.
I had a lot of trouble with this one, until I realized that *one line* sort of scanned to "I Sit Beside the Fire and Think". I threw everything else out and started over, and it just flowed.
I thank you very much.
Queen Galadriel
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 71: A Small Incident on the Great River...
Oh, Dreamflower! I love it! I LOVE it! That's the best Sam h/c I've seen in a long time! Poor Sam, he doesn't know how to take tlc when he needs it, and yet he gives it as naturally as breathing. He really has no idea, does he? :-) God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
No, he really doesn't understand, that he should get a turn, too, to have a little TLC. Thank you.
Queen Galadriel
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 84: Determination
Hurrah for Merry and Pippin, and for Sam for standing up with them! :-) God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, when those three gang up on him for his own good, Frodo doesn't stand a chance, LOL!
Queen Galadriel
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 83: Tom Cotton
Aww, Dreamflower, that is sooo sad! But Tom is right: those four went through more than the hobbits of the Shire could ever imagine, and that bond is stronger than childhood games. This is wonderfully done. It's very much in-canon, and the Tom's voice rings true. God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Thank you. I have always liked Tom Cotton, and I thought he might have a unique perspective on things. Thank you.
Pearl Took
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 85: Happy Birthday, Pippin!
Ah! *contented sigh* That was delightful!! I loved the description of Merry's time with Eomer, and the sparklers were a joy. Thank You, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
I think this must have been the time when Merry began to know his liege, and develop what became such a fast and firm friendship that Eomer sent for him at the end of his life.
And I just thought that the two of them deserved something a little special. Who better to provide it than Gandalf? And sparklers were a sort of quiet little celebration, just for them.
Andrea
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 85: Happy Birthday, Pippin!
Merry is right, Gandalf is much more cheerful, since he is "The White"!
There was a brief appreciative silence, and then Pippin said “Thank you, Gandalf.”
“Not at all, my dear little fool of a Took!”
And, if this is possible, he has become even wiser:
"Sometimes the hardest and heaviest task in the world is to simply wait."
How true! An acknowledgment for what was Merry's part for a long time and a reward for his endurance.
Great story, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Well, Sam thought so, too. And it says he laughed a lot more.
Yes, Merry deserved some praise for having to endure such a long and sorrowful wait.
Thank you!
Certainly - survival is the best gift of all that Pippin could offer Merry on this birthday. I loved this - it contains so much in such a short space. Gandalf's gift is the best possible reminder of the world of the Shire - where wizards exist to provide birthday treats.
I'm sure I've missed some - but I'll get back to proper reading once the festive season stops being quite so festive.
Poor Merry - I do feel for him at this point. How is he to know which bed to sit beside? And he is frantically worried in triplicate, with the closest to family support coming from the Fellowship - who are also frantically busy in a dozen other directions.
Author's reply
I think perhaps Gandalf might miss the days, just a little, when he could be in the Shire as nothing more than the one who provided fireworks for the parties.
Merry had the hardest time of all, at Cormallen. The others did not really have much waiting to do--they were unconscious for most of it. He had to endure every long moment, worrying about his loved ones.
I love Cormallen fics, and this is a very sweet moment involving the cousins and their friends. I loved Gandalf's gift of the sparklers, it reminds me of my own Pippin's birthday-at-Cormallen ficlet where Gandalf used trick candles on the cake. I liked how concerned Pippin is to want Merry to sit with Frodo even when he's in so much pain himself. That's my sweet, unselfish Pip! :)
Author's reply
I have to say, I rather like Cormallen fics myself, so this prompt from Marigold was very welcome.
Oh, and I remember that, with the trick candles, that was so cute.
Pippin's still worried about Frodo himself, and so is Merry, so it's only natural. I am quite certain that the two of them had never seen or heard of anything like the healing sleep Aragorn had put their two friends in, and I am sure it must have seemed very creepy to them to see them lying there motionless day after day.
Pippin is such a sweet and unselfish soul. I think one of my favorite moments in the EE is when Gandalf is coughing, and Pippin pours him that cup of water. I just wanted to grab him and hug him. Moments like that make up for other things PJ did.
Baggins Babe
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 84: Determination
For once Frodo has met his match. Glad to see the Tooks and Brandybucks can be just as stubborn as a Baggins. Bless them for wanting to stay beside Frodo and accompany him. Despite his doubts he must have found their company comforting.
They grew up on that journey, and here we see the proof of that. They understand the dangers better now but are still willing to go.
A beautiful gap-filler, Dreamflower. I'm so looking forward to reading another of your happy AU stories.
Author's reply
When it comes to taking care of Frodo, Merry and Pippin have made up their mind, and Sam is backing them up. They knew they would be a comfort to him. And as Merry said in the book, being seperated from him now would be like a punishment.
And yes, they now know just how dire it can be.
Thank you!
Pearl Took
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 83: Tom Cotton
Oh, this is so sweetly, saddly, strong. Such a wonderful look at the Travellers from an outside point of view. Well Done!!
Author's reply
Thank you. I just thought that sometimes Tom might regret a little bit that he wasn't as close to Sam as he once was.
Pearl Took
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 84: Determination
This is so insightful! Well Done, Dreamflower :)
Author's reply
Thank you. I think it must have been so hard for Frodo, wanting to protect his younger companions, and yet, at the same time, needing their support and companionship as well.
Kitty
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 84: Determination
“Lord Elrond, and Gandalf and Mr. Bilbo--they’re wise folks. I think it’s a bit late to change the plans now, anyway.” Hear to Sam, Frodo, he is right!
It is so sweet of Frodo to be concerned for his cousins, but in hindsight I am so very glad he wasn’t able to get them to stay behind! So much would’ve gone wrong if not for Merry and Pippin!
Author's reply
Poor Frodo, though. He's going to go round and round on this in his head right up until the day they leave--and *still* feel guilty that he gave in. It's just part of his nature. He thinks he still should be protecting *them*, though the roles have been reversed for a while--he just hasn't let that sink in yet.
Kitty
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 83: Tom Cotton
Well, if being a Bucklander means that gentry can be friends with the working class, then I doubt they’re so queer ;)
I’m sorry for Tom, this is obviously a bit difficult for him to accept, but I think he’s right. After all they’ve been through together, the Travellers share a bond much more intense than mere friendship. Although I hope Sam doesn’t forget Tom’s friendship completely, even if he can’t share his experiences with him as he can with Merry and Pippin. And I am *very* pleased to know Sam has stopped being proper and to call Merry and Pippin „Mr.“. It’s about time!
Author's reply
My idea is that Buckland is a sort of frontier of the Shire. The hobbits there, including the Master and his family, take pride in the idea that everyone pulls his or her own weight, and that the Master can work right alongside the other hobbits when it comes to getting things done. Of course, the snobbier sorts in the more settled parts of the Shire consider it "queer" or "uncouth".
Tom has accepted it. He misses being Sam's *best* friend, but he knows the reason that he no longer can be that. And of course, Sam still counts him a great friend, after all, he's his brother-in-law twice over! LOL!
Not long after Frodo departed, Merry and Pippin finally badgered Sam into dropping the "Mr." although in times of stress it may still pop out!
Gryffinjack
· 27 December 2005
· Chapter 84: Determination
That Took and Brandybuck can be stubborn, can't they!
"Pippin smirked. “That goes for me as well, just in case you think it needed saying.”"
This line strikes me as being very much in keeping with the Pippin in the books and the type of comments he makes. Well done!
Merry is right, of course. Nothing has changed since they told Frodo they were going with him back at Crickhollow. They knew then that this journey was extremely dangerous and that they might not return; the only difference is that now they have had more of a taste of what that danger would be.
I'm sure that a large part of Frodo wanted his cousins to go home to the safety of their families and the Shire. After all, back then, he had no inkling that the Shire would still be in danger once he had left so long as the Ring was eventually destroyed. However, over all Merry's and Pippin's presence must have been a great comfort to Frodo, especially, as you pointed out, amongst so many strangers.
This was a very nice missing moment.
Gryffinjack
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 64: At Crickhollow
Merry and his weskits! lol! He does enjoy being nattily dressed, doesn't he?
Pippin's right - they should start taking their meals at Crickhollow if they are to make it really feel like a home. They both seemed to really enjoy eating in their own home, especially after getting themselves covered in flour once again. lol!
So why did he name the tom cat "Haldir"?
And now Pippin will become the music teacher, eh? That must be almost as exciting for him as it is for Ilberic.
After all these years, Pippin knows when Merry is a bit upset and how to make him feel better. I'm sure Pippin at the very least saw that Merry had a letter from Frodo and Sam, or more likely read the letter himself. He knows Frodo enough to see that Frodo did not say how he was doing and knows Merry well enough to know that that would set Merry to fretting about Frodo.
That's why Pippin invited Merry to sit there so he could stroke his locks and brow. I doubt Merry would allow anyone else other than perhaps Frodo (who wouldn't) or later on Estella to run a finger along the scar on his forehead. That scar is a strong connection between Merry and Pippin and their experiences amongst the Uruk-hai.
Pippin's singing has always comforted Merry. Although he may think he asked Pippin to sing because he knew the Took was going to get restless soon, I suspect that subconsciously, he knew he needed the soothing sound of Pippin's singing to comfort him from his thoughts of Frodo.
"Pippin’s fingers stopped, and he grinned down at him. “Just to let you know that *I* know when I’m being managed,” he chuckled. He resumed stroking Merry’s brow."
I loved how Pippin teased Merry with that old "One hundred apple pies cooling on the sill" song! That's the same one he sang in the waggon in "All You Have to Do Is Ask," is it not? Wonderful use of it.
Your stories are as sweet and beautiful as Pippin's clear, soothing singing.
Author's reply
I think it is a fanon thing that Merry is a bit vain about his clothing. I am not sure where I picked it up from, but I know it's not original with me. It does seem to suit his rather confident personality, though.
They will begin to feel much more at home once they begin taking all (or most) of their meals there. Pippin knows this intuitively, that it's time now. And when it comes to that sort of thing, it's Merry who follows Pippin's lead.
LOL! When I wrote this, I really didn't know myself, though it was clear Pippin did. However, it became clear to me the next time Haldir-cat makes an appearance. I won't say anything now; you'll be getting to it eventually. *grin*
I think it will be a little exciting; you know my opinion of education in the Shire. Lessons are taught by family, and that includes such things as music and art. Pippin learned the fiddle from Aunt Esme, and the other instruments from other relations--the shepherd's pipe from Legolas, and Pippin thinks of him as family, too. Now he gets a chance to be the teacher. It has to make him a bit proud.
Pippin *does* know all these things. He doesn't really reason them out, he just knows Merry and he knows Frodo (and Sam as well, by now) and he knows really without thinking, that Merry needs soothing. And the act of soothing Merry help to sooth himself as well. And I love your insight about the scar--it's not something I thought out, but yes, you are quite right, that makes a lot of sense.
Same song, second verse...*chuckle*
You know, I hadn't really thought about it until you reviewed these right next together: I wrote both of these for Dana, one as a request, and one as a birthday mathom. She loves Pippin and Merry at Crickhollow. I had not realized how similar in tone both pieces were.
Larner
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 83: Tom Cotton
I'd not considered that, how displacement has come to the relationship of young Tom. Bless him for understanding what he admits he can't fully understand. Bless him indeed.
Author's reply
"Displacement"--a very good word for it. When he and Sam were small, they were ideal playmates, living relatively close together, distant cousins, same age--a friendship was only natural. Even Sam's affection for Frodo didn't affect that, since the distance in their ages made his relationship with Frodo unequal not on the social grounds as the Gaffer would have it, but unequal in that Sam was so much younger Frodo would have been more mentor than friend. And even his early friendship with Merry would not have had much effect, as Merry was only in Hobbiton for two or three months in the Spring.
But the Quest changed everything. By the time they left, the age difference had been basically erased by the Ring keeping Frodo young. (Physically, Sam would actually have been about four or five years older, as Frodo's age was frozen at thirty-three.) But of course, the main difference is in experience. As Tom observes, nearly dying together forges a very strong bond indeed.
But Tom's own affection and friendship for Sam has remained unchanged.
Gryffinjack
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 44: Homecoming
Oh, what a dear, sweet drabble!
"“We will have to refurnish. All of this goes back to Bag End when it’s restored. But Mum has said we may have the pick of the mathom rooms at the Hall."
Ah, but the bathtubs stay! lol! And can they get that real estate game about buying up the Shire from down in the mathom rooms, too? Oh, but you know what, that's exactly what Lotho was doing! Don't know that they'd be too interested in playing that game again after all.
Now, as for the substance of this drabble...
"“We’re home, Pip. Our house.”
“Yours, Merry.”
They stepped into the hall, and Merry lit the candle by the door.
“Ours, Pippin. Frodo put it in both our names.”
Pippin turned to Merry, startled. “But--”
“He worked it out with your father. It’s not a problem.” Merry lifted the candle to look about. ...
Now Frodo had gifted this house to them; they could live here on their own, not worry about curious and concerned relations barging in to their rooms every time one of them had a nightmare.
He turned to look at his cousin, unusually quiet for him. Pippin stood with glistening eyes.
“Pip?”
“Our house, Merry,” he smiled."
Wow, Pippin must have been filled with so much emotion, his mind whirling with so many thoughts about this ... it's amazing he was just teary eyed and not crying his eyes out. A mere tweenager, owning part of a house and living away from his parents, Frodo giving them the house, living with Merry, the Quest being well and truly over, ... it must have been quite overwhelming for him.
And once again, you have shown that beautifully in a short little drabble.
Author's reply
Oh, I wouldn't be a bit surprised if they kept the extra bathtubs! LOL! And, like you, I'm not so certain they'd care to play "Rule the Shire" anymore, even if it is only a board game.
Of significance is something that I have mentioned from time to time that you will recall: in my Shire, all property of a minor belongs to the parent unless special arrangements are made otherwise. So yes, this would be quite overwhelming to Pippin, to realize to the extent that he has regained his father's trust, and to realize the extent of Frodo's generosity.
Gryffinjack
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 35: In The Sitting Room
You really give us a sense of how awkward it is for Pippin to be back at the Great Smials with so many wary and suspicious prying eyes staring at him like some sort of novelty. After what the four hobbits have just gone through, that really is so far removed from the way they feel and so superficial that it is no wonder that, as you said, Pippin was glad to get away from the Great Smials, though he missed his parents, sisters, and aunts.
Are you sure you invented Aunt Peridot and Aunt Primrose? They both seem so real, especially Aunt Peridot here, it's as if they are canon characters that are fully fleshed out. I know Tolkien listed that Paladin had three sisters, though he did not give names to them, but the way you describe them and have them speak in your stories, it's as though they have always been a part of canon with the names and characteristics you give them.
"She clucked her tongue reprovingly, and moved into the room, lighting the other lamps. She looked at his lanky form sprawled on the settee, and shook her head. In spite of his size--which was taking some getting used to--he looked very young and lost at the moment.
She went over and sat next to him. He shifted to make room for her. He felt awkward. He used to be able to lean his head on her shoulder. Now he was too tall for that; the thought suddenly made unexpected tears spring to his eyes. He didn’t know why he was feeling so lonesome and low this evening. He was home, and they had put things to rights--well, mostly, anyway, and everyone he loved was safe. He’d no right to be feeling this way.
His aunt leaned into his side, and he put his arm around her. She felt so old and frail. He looked at the concern on her face.
“You are missing Merry and Frodo, I daresay,” she said astutely.
He sighed. “Yes, I am. And Sam. And…” his voice trailed off.
“And who else, Peregrin? I have heard you mention some of your friends that you found while you were away.”
Suddenly he realized that was part of his problem tonight. He *was* missing them: dear Strider, Aragorn, his King and healer and friend; and Gandalf--he really missed the gruff voice, so at odds with the fond twinkle in the eyes, his wise and kindly counsel, the comforting smell of pipeweed and fireworks and wool; and Legolas, his Elf, who seemed to understand his need for music; and Gimli, dear Gimli who had saved his life; and Faramir, his Prince; and Beregond and Bergil.
And Boromir, whom he’d never see again. He blinked rapidly, to get rid of the tears that threatened.
“Tell me a bit about them, Pippin, dear. I’d like to hear of some of your friends.”
He looked at her, seeing only the gentle interest of someone who cared, not the greedy, avid curiosity that put his back up. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes for a moment, and then began to tell her of his friends."
Aunt Peridot is fantastic. She does not coddle Pippin nor stare at him in awe or like he is an alien. She treats him as if he were exactly what he is - her dear nephew whom she loves and cares about who has gone through a rather rough patch and could use someone to talk to. Plus, I think she genuinely *is* interested in learning more about Pippin's experiences and new friends.
I'm so glad that Pippin has at least one Took relation whom he can open up and express himself to. It helps that they share a passion for music. Once Pippin mentioned Legolas teaching him some new songs, Aunt Peridot immediately knew what would help. Aunt Peridot knows that Pippin must express himself and his emotions and that for Pippin, like her, music is the key that can unleash all those bottled up feelings. It's not like Pippin is going to turn into a puddle of mush after playing, but he will feel better for it, feel the blood course through his veins again and more of his life restored.
This was a lovely little story to round out the Great Smials and Brandy Hall versions of When the King Comes Back.
Author's reply
Yes, really, I did make up the aunties. They have quite an extensive angsty backstory involving their friendship with Primula, but I've never been able to get it to gel into a single coherent story. So we have to be content so far with little bits and pieces. I'm so flattered that you think they could be canon!
Pippin and his sisters dearly love both their older Aunties, but as you say, because of music, Pippin has a special connection with Peridot. She loves her nephew dearly, and yes, she truly is interested. And she's interested in his outland friends because they are his friends, and not because they are outlanders--she's far more interested in the characters and personalities of Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli than she is in the fact that they are Man, Elf or Dwarf.
Pippin can open up to her. It's not traumatic to tell her these things, because she's not expecting it or insisting on it as his parents did--it's not a chore to get out of the way, like taking an unpleasant medicine. He can tell the parts he chooses to tell, and that's the good parts, about his friends. And yes, indeed, the music will help a good deal.
cher
· 26 December 2005
· Chapter 83: Tom Cotton
I like the insight Tom has gained; something that would not have happened without the Troubles, I suspect. I always thought Marigold made a good decision in marrying him. Such a solid man, with real concern and affection for both Marigold and Sam.
Author's reply
Yes, Tom knows. And the Tom of *my* Shire especially knows about comradeship, because he and Jolly were part of Fredegar's band during the Troubles, although they luckily were not with the group when it was captured.
But I feel that the Tom of canon would also be solid, like his father, and I'm sure loved Marigold very much, and had a close friendship with Sam.