Dreamflower's Mathoms I by Dreamflower
GamgeeFest · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 83: Tom Cotton
Poor Tom. I've been in his place too many times to count. It's always hard when a friend outgrows you but you still continue to care about them the same.
Author's reply
It is. It is very hard to realize that you no longer have as much in common with someone you are fond of as you once had. But Tom's a Cotton, and like Rose, he's steadfast. So even though he's no longer Sam's "best" friend, he knows that he remains his very "good friend".
GamgeeFest · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 82: Sweet Memories
Awww! *tear* Poor Merry. No matter how much he knows things can never be different and no matter how much he doesn't regret anything he's done, there will always be that part of him that misses Frodo. Wee!Merry being so excited about both receiving real presents and getting to give real presents just put a grin on my face, and the mention of Berry trying to *keep* his presents made me laugh out loud. Just like a kid.
Author's reply
I agree. Frodo's leaving left a huge hole in the lives of the other three that would never be filled up, especially for Merry, whose relationship with Frodo went back to his own infancy. I do not think he necessarily loved Frodo any *more* than Pippin or Sam did, but he had loved him a lot longer. I really love to write wee!Merry--he's such a darling! And the idea of presents is dear to the hearts of hobbits of any age, much less a little one of only five. Yes, well I would think it might be hard to get the tiny ones to understand the giving away part every now and then, LOL!
GamgeeFest · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 81: Growing Pains
LOL. Oh poor Frodo - faced with the horror of having Pippin visit for a month - alone. I'm impressed he didn't panic. There's so much to love about this story: Pippin's admission that he wanted Frodo to marry Pearl, Frodo's silent praise to Merry for forbidding Pippin to attempt to matchmake (now *that* would have been hilarious, adorable, and absurd all at once, perhaps Pippin can play matchmaker for someone else), Marigold's and Sam's reactions to Pippin's unannounced arrival, and the bracelet itself and the story behind it. Absolutely delightful story!
Author's reply
Yes, as delighted as he would be to see his young cousin, he'd want to be prepared--and he'd want Pippin to have parental permission for a visit *that* long! I could just imagine Pippin, in his first flush of enthusiasm, when the idea occured to him, running to Merry with it. After all, Merry's so clever, and full of plans--surely *he* could figure out some way to get Pearl and Frodo together! And Merry, completely appalled to hear of Pippin planning to inflict his matchmaking on poor Frodo, having to dash Pippin's hopes! I'm sure his first reaction was to elicit a promise from Pippin to *never* try such a thing! LOL! I have a feeling that Pippin's arrival at Bag End always provided the Gamgees with entertainment and amusement! I'm so glad you liked this--it's fun to get reviews for earlier stories!
GamgeeFest · 10 August 2006 · Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
Ooh! Mysterious slippers. Maybe Frodo and Merry could do some investigating and find out where they came from. Loved the little touch of Merry's concern when there were in the first mathom room. Frodo obviously saw something that belonged to his parents once. Hobbity versions of fairy tales are always enjoyable to read.
Author's reply
I'm hoping one of these days one of Squiggy's brothers or sisters will tell me where the slippers came from! Yes, many of his parents' household items were stored there, including his mother's rocking chair. But I didn't want to digress, so I just kind of hinted at it. I like the idea of hobbit fairy tales too! This one was fun to figure out.
GamgeeFest · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 76: "Learning Curve"
I can see a young Bilbo purposely doing bad on a paper to make his friend feel better. Thank goodness Bungo figured out a way to help both lads. I had to chuckle at Bungo's idea of too many students. Hobbits wouldn't know what to make of our school system today, where one teacher has to teach upward of 50 students at once (and sometimes more).
Author's reply
It's the sort of thing children *will* do. And it took Bungo a few days--being used to only having one student at a time, but he worked it out. I think Hobbits would be appalled at the idea of farming their children out to perfect strangers for a goodly portion of everyday--why, they aren't even connections, much less blood relatives! How could they know how to teach children who weren't even *family*?!? And all those children at once! Dreadful! (At least that's how *my* hobbits would react to our current educational system!)
GamgeeFest · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 75: First Meeting
Bilbo may have lived through a lot of births in his years, and seen many new parents and know a lot about newborns, or what they look like anyway, but even hobbits can surprise each other in a pinch. Those blue eyes could mesmerize anyone. A lovely first meeting.
Author's reply
Yes, they can. And I think this *particular* little hobbit was meant to mesmerize Bilbo--he was certainly born with the full share of Fallohide charisma! I'm glad you like my take on that important moment!
GamgeeFest · 8 August 2006 · Chapter 74: A Summer's Day Ramble
LOL. I do love your Folco. Everyone thought the same thing about him trying to give that baby to Estella. I think it's best that he was stopped at the stray kitten. I'm glad to see that Fatty was compensated for his jam tarts. :)
Author's reply
Folco's a sweetie. You know, even though everyone thought that--I think Folco might have tried to keep her for himself, actually. Fortunately we will never know--thank goodness they came across her parents! Yes, Fatty did regret those jam tarts, didn't he? LOL!
SlightlyTookish · 3 August 2006 · Chapter 37: Seven (Going on Thirty-nine)
Aww! I don't remember this one either. I love your wee Merry and I'm so happy you linked to these :)
Author's reply
Oh, I'm glad you liked it! I always figured most everyone has seen my stuff, but then I think--well, maybe they missed some of the earlier ones...
GamgeeFest · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 73: The Heart of the Conspiracy
How wonderful! Your Sam got off a lot easier than my Sam did, but in the end it comes down to the same thing. The Shire wouldn't be the same for any of the hobbits with any one of them not in it.
Author's reply
Yes, he did get off fairly easily, I suppose, but having Frodo disappointed in him had to cut him to the quick. But these four had a special connection, and it had to be taken into account.
good_one_pip · 27 June 2006 · Chapter 66: The Smallest Hands
I liked the title; it gives me courage, for I have literally small hands. But I long to make a difference in the world. The tales of the unlikely, ordinary people who change the world are the tales people remember... like the rough hands of a carpenter who changed the world at the sacrifice of his own life, right? It makes me think of what Sam says about "folks in the stories" in the Two Towers. During the school year I really have no time for LOTR. But the summer...that is when I first read the book series and it is then that I try to recapture the feelings that the tale brings to my heart. I do this by rereading the books, watching the movies for the first time in months, listening to the music, and reading stories like those on this site. Thank you for appreciating the emotion of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. So many people miss the heart of the story. This poem captured the heart. The tale of four small hobbits willing to leave their home and endure the most horrific experiences for those they loved. How little of that we see in our world today. That is why I keep returning to Middle Earth as the years pass. Thank you for bringing tears to my eyes a second time tonight. Tears of emotion I have missed. I am going to print this poem and send it to my circle of LOTR-loving friends and I shall say that it was written by Dreamflower, for that is how you always will remain in my mind. You and Grey Wonderer... if you only knew how refreshing it is for me to read your stories, how my image of characters has deepened because of what you've written, even how my life was changed... I know this is a long "review," but it is so refreshing to find someone in the world who understands these things and uses them to make a difference in the Great Story.
Author's reply
Oh. Wow. I am so glad to know that you feel that way about my stories. It makes me feel very humble indeed. Now you've made *me* have tears... Thank you.
good_one_pip · 27 June 2006 · Chapter 93: Sam in the Middle
This whole story I was wondering about what the title had to do with things. When it becomes clear at the end, I couldn't keep the tears from stinging my own eyes. What a sweet idea for a story. I could definitely see it happening too. That's why I keep coming back to your stories on Stories of Arda. It's like a little bit of Middle Earth that I haven't read before. Not Tolkien, but the characters are so like those of the books that I feel like they've been revived somehow, if you take my meaning. Your stories are always true to the characters. Thank you for giving me a little bit of my hobbits back.
Author's reply
What a sweet thing to say! *blushes* This was written for Marigold, she came up with the bunny for it when she was beta-ing "Chance Encounter". I had Gandalf musing that it was normal for hobbits to sleep like that, and that they always put the most vulnerable in the middle. He notices that Sam is now in the middle instead of Pippin. She wanted to know about the first time that happens. I am glad that you really feel I stay true to the characters. That is the nicest thing anyone can tell me.
GamgeeFest · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 72: Surprises
LOL, one of my brother's cats just had kittens in my niece's bed - while my niece was still asleep in it! Merry's lucky he was in the kitchen eating lunch. :) Rosie is a clever lass. With her and Sam working together, Frodo won't have much opportunity to say 'no' to anything, not when they put their minds to it.
Author's reply
Cats do have a way of making themselves at home, don't they, LOL? Yes, I think that Frodo must have found being "managed" by Rosie rather novel--losing his mother so young, and not having had sisters, he's going to have far less resistance to her than he would to Sam, whom he's used to.
GamgeeFest · 26 June 2006 · Chapter 71: A Small Incident on the Great River...
Two to three days for a splinter wound? I think Strider's being overly cautious. :) Still, it was fun to see Sam get a little bit of pampering and his dilemma over letting an elf carry him. He may feel useless now, but he'll soon prove his worth beyond doubt, even his own.
Author's reply
It was a *big* splinter! LOL! But really, you know, hobbits go barefoot, and I think he simply wanted to avoid an infection. Also to avoid Sam putting his foot down in the River again for a day or so. *grin* It's great to see a new review for one that's been out a while! Thanks!
GamgeeFest · 19 June 2006 · Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
How sweet! Drunken hobbits are so much fun. I loved their stomping through the halls, trying to be quiet as they dragged Drogo to his bed. Good thing Aldagrim had a remedy or they might all have been in trouble with Gorbadoc!
Author's reply
It is fun to write them when they are tipsy. I think with few exceptions, that hobbits mostly react to being slightly drunk by getting a bit silly--not mean or maudlin. Yes, good ol' "Chop". He might have settled down for Winkie's sake, but he hasn't forgotten the "old days" when he was the ringleader of all their mischief. And it was all Dudo's fault, really--after all, he was "best hobbit"--he should have taken better care of his brother. I'm sure they would have made *him* explain to Gorbadoc why he fell down on the job, LOL!
Glory Underhill · 2 June 2006 · Chapter 76: "Learning Curve"
Ah this was wonderful! Bilbo and Siggy, a friendship renewed! So lovely to read young Bilbo stories. Thank you for posting this!
Author's reply
Thank you for stopping by to read and review! I do enjoy writing about young Bilbo!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 100: Spring Quickening
Oh, poor Eowyn doll! :) Isn't that just classic. Sister has a dollie, brother does something to it completely by accident, and sis gets mad. :) I'll never forget the time *my* little brother did it to my favourite when I was little. Very cute how the kids ran off at the mention of food! *grin* The scene in the garden was so wonderfully peaceful, and then to know that Diamond and Pip are going to be parents soon! :) That mint drink sounds very good, as does the jelly, but what do you eat mint jelly with? I've never heard of it, but it would be interesting to try. I'm so very sorry to be at the end of this miniature library, but the promise of "Twice Twenty," "The Brandy Hall Incident," and the other stories I haven't yet read is a very bright one. :) And this is a very appropriate end to this collection of wonderful short fics. I've enjoyed every one of them. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Actually it was my little *sister*--I got a Chatty Cathy doll for my birthday when I was nine, and she cut the string off!! (And you don't even want to know how old that makes me! LOL!) I decided to have both Merry and Pippin start their families right away--neither of them waste any time filling Crickhollow with the patter of little furry feet! Most people like mint jelly with lamb or chicken or turkey. My husband likes it just fine on plain bread. Or you can use it as an ice cream topping. I am so glad you have enjoyed all my little mathoms in this anthology. Hopefully it will take me a while to fill Mathoms II up!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 99: Traveller's Tales
That edict has often caused a good bit of trouble, hasn't it? But I suppose it's for the best. I hope all turns out well for Tibalt, and it's good that the Breelanders are now able to accept the tale. I see what you mean about Frodo having influence on the story, whether he is really present or not. I *love* your original idiom!! That is very creative! Where can I find Marigold's challenges? God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I don't think it was for the best actually, but it *is* canon, so unless we want to be AU, we have to work around it. *sigh* Yes, Frodo's influence is always felt--how could it not be? This URL will take you to the page where you can link to each of the challenges. There have been 27 so far. All the challenge stories are hobbit stories and each challenge is unique. http://www.geocities.com/marigoldsrecommendations/challenges.html Marigold is always welcoming to new hobbit writers. You should ask her for a starter for a story. It's probably too late for Challenge 28, but Challenge 29 will be coming up the following month. The stories are usually posted the first weekend of the month. I always get so excited when it's time for Challenge weekend, because I know I will have so many lovely hobbity stories to read!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 98: Five Years Old
Aaaawwww! Sooooo sweet! Dreamflower, to say I love your little-Hobbit birthday stories is putting it mildly! We have Merry and Pippin on their fifth birthdays, what about Frodo and Sam? *grin* Of course it would be different in a working class family, but it still would be a special occasion, I think. There's something a little sad about Took children always having to say Mother and Father, but it makes for variety. I'm always tempted to use "Mum" and "Da" or "Dad" out of habit. “Did I get you a good present?” he asked, still a little puzzled as to how he had given her something he had never seen before. *grinning* Very cute! And to have Pippin the energetic fallen asleep at the end-I just adore this story! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Oh, I probably will get to Frodo's and Sam's fifth birthdays at some point in time--I usually end up giving all four of them equal treatment--but it all depends on the bunnies, of course! I decided that for some reason (and I do have a little bunny about it, but not enough for a story yet) Gerontius decided that Tooks would say "Mother" and "Father". Also, in the central parts of the Shire, gentlehobbits (such as the Bagginses, Boffins and Bolgers) tend to use "Mama" and "Papa" while working class hobbits say "Ma" or "Mam" and "Dad". In Buckland, most of the hobbits use "Mum" and "Da". *giggle* Small children usually have the presents they give picked out by their parents--I thought Pippin might be pleased but puzzled at her reaction. He plumb wore himself out, didn't he? Even Pippin can do that from time to time! LOL!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 86: Brandy Hall on First Yule, S.R. 1388
Oh, how lovely! I love your Yule stories! And very clever to slip those titles in there as you did. :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I had a blast with this one! It was fun seeing how many I could get in without sounding forced! I love that sort of challenge!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 85: Happy Birthday, Pippin!
Aww, poor Merry! I'd be worried sick myself, but it was good of the kings to do what they could. I imagine that healing sleep would be frightening to the Hobbits, especially after Frodo slept for such a long time after the wounding at Weathertop. You know, Gandalf may be one of the Maiar, and he may have had a great task to do, but I can't help but feel that he was only really in his element when he was with his Hobbits; they gave him a chance to relax and enjoy life...and have fun! Sparklers-perfect! And so nice to see pleasant Hobbit gossip. :) The scene with Merry talking to Frodo was so sad, but sweet. I think it's scenes like that, that so many of us can relate to, that make me really love Cormallen fics. Excellent story! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, in many ways, Merry had it hardest at Cormallen. The others were unconscious most of that time--he was awake and worried the whole time! I think that the healing sleep would have appeared strange and unnatural to the hobbits--to sleep *that* deeply for *that* long must have been very scary to see. And I think you are absolutely right about Gandalf. One of the things that they had in the movie that I really loved was when PJ showed Gandalf enjoying himself at The Party, dancing with the hobbits, and his undisguised glee at seeing their reactions to his fireworks! I am glad that you liked that part. I could imagine Merry talking to Frodo as he slept, and confiding in his older cousin still, even though he couldn't hear.
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 82: Sweet Memories
*sniff* It makes me think of things from my own earliest years that can never be again, and how though I hate the changes that have come, I wouldn't change one thing about those glorious, glorious times with my own dearest cousin, except the silly quarrels we had. Merry scooted towards the head of the bed, away from the wriggling fingers. “Presents! Presentspresentspresents! *Real* ones! I won’t be a faunt no more!” “ ‘Any’ more!” Frodo corrected. “And yes--real presents for you today, and you will get to pick out real presents to give tomorrow! Not just flowers for your Mum." Awww...so cute! In the nursery, Dahlia was hard put to it to get the wriggling child into his clothes for the day. “Dahlia!” he kept saying “I’m not going to be a faunt no--I mean *any* more!” “I know Master Merry. Now turn around and put your arm in the sleeve.” “I’m going to get *you* a present!” “That’s nice Master Merry, sit still while I do up your buttons.” “Do you want to guess what it is?” “No, Master Merry, I’d rather be surprised. Now here, let me brush up your toes…” LOL! Good luck, Dahlia! :) “*Now* I’ll open the *best* one!” said Merry, who had been quiet during this exchange. He wanted very much to make Frodo proud of him by learning his letters. Why, even Berilac had just started to learn his--and he had to learn from his mum, as he had no big brother or sister. But Merry had *Frodo* and that was even better. Frodo laughed. “You don’t know what it is, Merry!” “But it’s from you, so it has to be the best!” he exclaimed. Oh, how very sweet! “What does it say?” he asked, though he thought he already knew. “It says ‘Merry and Frodo’,” was the quiet response. *wipes eyes* God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Oh. You picked out some of my very own favorite parts to quote back at me! Thank you so much, dear! This is among one of my own favorite stories, and one that I very much enjoyed writing! I do so love showing the fun and love that the two of them had before Frodo moved away!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 81: Growing Pains
Pippin as a matchmaker, now there's an amusing picture! LOL! You know, why is it always Frodo and Pearl? Not that there's a thing wrong with it, just what is it about them? I can see young Pippin running away from the wedding preparations, and of course he'd have a more thoughtful reason than just to get away. Frodo handled everything extraordinarily well! This is such a lovely story! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, I thought it would be funny, *grin*. And the idea of Frodo and Pearl that was so common made me think about what if it *wasn't* Pearl and Frodo, as was so clearly expected. There is one main reason: Pearl is the only female on the family tree who is that close to Frodo in age--she's only 7 years younger than he. The rest of them are closer to Merry's and Pippin's ages, although I do have Ponto attempt to set Angelica up with Frodo at one point. But she is the next closest in age, and that gap is 13 years! That's why it's usually either Pearl or an OC when Frodo has a romance in fics. Pippin is in the middle of his tweens at this point, and at that stage where even the sweetest and most thoughtful of adolescents tend to think that they are the center of it all. Pippin was only thinking of how lovely it would be to have Frodo as his "brother", and not how Frodo and Pearl actually *felt* about the matter, LOL!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 80: Once Upon a Time...
What a lovely variation of "Cinderella," seemingly with a dash of something common in many fairy stories-a babe found in the woods. :) I like it very much. Say, wonder how those slippers *did* get there? God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, I rather combined several fairy-tales there. I'm glad you liked my version. I don't know yet how they got there--the bunny has not told me. But if it does, I will let everyone know!
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 79: Pippin's Charge to Éowyn
Poor Merry! I almost wish Pippin could have stayed with him, but that would have meant so many more lives lost. It's amazing how the Prof. tied all these teeny tiny threads together, isn't it? I love the way you write Eowyn, caring and solemn, and gentle despite what she may say, just as she is. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
It is truly amazing how many threads are tied together. We like to play with AU scenarios, but truly so many things depend on other things falling out "just so". Have you read any of Boz4pm's fics, "Don't Panic" and "Okay, Now Panic"? They are like an "anti-Mary Sue". The woman from our world has read the books, and is burdened with having to keep her mouth shut, because if she tells any of what she knows, she might mess things up and prevent Sauron's fall. A dreadful choice! I'm glad you like my Eowyn. I hope that I do her justice.
Queen Galadriel · 25 April 2006 · Chapter 78: Something To Be Thankful For
Wow. I never thought about that before. Pippin's right, though. I'm glad Merry stayed behind; it would be dreadful to have all four of them in immediate danger of death at once. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, it would have been. And really, I can't see how all of them *would* have survived if all of them had been there--the odds would have been very much against it!