Queen Galadriel
· 25 April 2006
· Chapter 77: A Night to Remember
Wow, what a betrothal party. Begins as a cosy evening and all the "travellers" and more end up telling what happened during some of the worst times. I wish they *had* had the wedding the next day, first for Frodo's sake, and then because I would have *loved* to see Rosamunda's reaction! LOL! A night to remember, indeed.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, it was cozy and bittersweet at the same time.
Poor Frodo, knowing he'll miss the wedding, and yet having to pretend that he will be there--it had to be very hard for him.
I would have loved to stretch things and have the wedding before Frodo left. But I somehow think *that* would have made its way into the ToY if it had occurred.
This is a very interesting glimpse at a much, much younger Bilbo than we know from the books. It's too bad his plan to help his cousin didn't work, poor boy, but it really wasn't a wise thing to do. But what a thoughtful gift! And the scarf was very funny. *smirk*
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I like the idea of young Bilbo--he had his own growing up to do before he had his Adventure, and I like to explore that a little bit.
Children tend to go for the obvious when there's a problem, and sometimes the obvious solution is the wrong one. Fortunately Bungo was able to salvage the situation.
Well, I don't think little Otho was any more likeable than his son was later on! Bilbo couldn't have been expected to want to give the little brat a nice present, LOL!
Queen Galadriel
· 25 April 2006
· Chapter 75: First Meeting
"And then he opens his eyes. Oh my!"
Oh my indeed! Bilbo will never think all babies are the same again. :) I love this!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, those *eyes*! 8-D
It's amazing what a little personal interest will do to one's perspective, isn't it?
Queen Galadriel
· 25 April 2006
· Chapter 73: The Heart of the Conspiracy
“Why did you agree to spy on me? I wouldn’t have thought it of you, you know.” Frodo’s voice was pensive, and a little disappointed.
Oh, I couldn't have borne it! That's worse than anger! But Sam did well. And I find it hard to imagine a Shire without Frodo as well, which I suppose is why post-Grey Havens fics are so hard for me to write, and sometimes to read. I like your look at this talk, which had to have happened sometime.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, and Frodo knows it would be worse than anger. But Sam, in this case, was bouyed up by the knowledge that he was in the *right* this time, and that Frodo needed his cousins' help as well as Sam's.
It is hard to do--I don't write a good many of them myself, and even when I do, Frodo is much in evidence, even if he is not actually present. Because, you see, for me it's all about the *four* of them. There is something utterly fascinating about their friendship.
Queen Galadriel
· 25 April 2006
· Chapter 72: Surprises
Aww! How sweet! *giggling* For some reason Pippin's mixing Hobbity and Elven names just strikes me as amusing. Wonder how the twins will like having kittens named after them? :) I love your Diamond and Estella! And love Rosie's way of managing the menfolk. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
It struck me as amusing also. Before the Quest, Pippin was always in the habit of naming his animals after food, but afterwards, he started naming boy cats after Elves. I'm quite sure there is some sort of Tookish logic to it somewhere, LOL!
Rosie grew up with all those brothers--I'm sure she learned early on how to manage the menfolk. *grin*
Queen Galadriel
· 25 April 2006
· Chapter 70: Bachelor Party
*chuckling* Good thing the wedding wasn't till noon! Sounds like they had quite the time! This was sooo funny!
(“Ow,” “Shush,
we’ll wake the whole smial,” “He’s heavy, let me shift him,” “Quiet!” “Careful, you’ll drop him!” “My toes!” “Hush!”)
LOL! No wonder Primrose was amused! LOL! This is just what I needed after reading and writing a good bit of angst! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
*giggle*
I *did* have fun with that! And fortunately poor Drogo was oblivious!
Queen Galadriel
· 25 April 2006
· Chapter 69: Five Things That NEVER Happened to Bilbo Baggins...
Oh, my goodness! Oh, I couldn't have done it-all of those things are frightful to think of! But they were well thought of-you chose the things we dread most-and I admire your will to write them.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I couldn't have written them if they were even AU--but they were clearly labeled "never happened" thankfully! And the first one wasn't so awful--just interesting to realize what a little thing could have kept Bilbo from going on his Adventure.
So glad to see Pippin's side of this, though this is very sobering, considering how very close Merry came to death. But I can't say that Pippin drowning his sorrow would be a good thing, either; it's dangerous.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
No, it wouldn't have been a good thing at all--something which he recognized. But both of them so clearly feel that the pact they made to one another was not just something for convenience, but an oath that would hold good for both of them forever.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 64: At Crickhollow
Ooops! Sorry, the elipsis fooled me. That's the kind of song that makes you want to sing it just to look at it, and I guess I wanted there to be more. *grin*
Now you've inspired another one of mine, and I'm going to have to write a little fic about it. I'm thinking it will include Merry, musical Pippin, and the wait at Cormallen. :) I know it was unconscious, but I've been anxious for more songs, so I'm going to thank you anyway! (((hugs)))
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I used the ellipsis to sort of indicate that the song could be repeated softly until it faded away.
I look forward to seeing your creation!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 67: The Birthday, S.R. 1402
Of course the two special Bagginses would be thinking of one another on this day. What a thoughtful gift! And I agree with Frodo that a small party with family and dear friends is far more pleasant than a regular celebration.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Bilbo, I think was very Tookish in his love of big parties, while Frodo would have preferred quieter gatherings.
I could not imagine that first birthday apart from one another would have been very easy for either of them--but at least Frodo made sure Bilbo would have something special!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 65: Buckland Spring
*hugs Frodo* Oh, poor dear! That is just heart-rending! And terrible that the grief is so great he could think of...*shudders* But leave it to our beloved Merry to cheer him up! :) "Fwo," is it? :) That is just perfectly sweet!
Oh, and this is rather random, but where do you get your pollymer? If I can switch to it, I most certainly will. I love to sculpt and decided to try Frodo (after the quest), but I almost lost the feet and felt like I was performing surgery when it came time for the right hand. Removing fingers is not something that's fun to do. *cringes*
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, my young Frodo was very tempted by the Brandywine when his grief for his parents was at its sharpest. But he had Saradoc and Esme to keep an eye on him, and little Merry to assuage his grief.
I had said before in a couple of stories that "Fro" was Merry's first word, so I decided to show how that came about.
I buy my polymer clay at Michael's Arts and Crafts. I've done two hobbit figures so far--young Frodo reading a book, and wee Pippin. I hope eventually to do all of them. (I'm not sure I could do the missing finger myself--as it was, Frodo's hands fell off in the oven--I made the little book too heavy--and I had to glue them back on!)
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 64: At Crickhollow
Oh, Dreamflower! That song (lullaby?) is very authentic! Have you a full version? You know me and my love of songs, especially gentle, peaceful ones. :)
I can never put my finger on what's so beautiful about stories like this, but I love them. This is one of my favourite types of fic. I hope sometime to see more glimpses of all the Hobbits after the quest!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
That's one of my own, and it's the full version. I am so glad you like it.
I am so glad that you enjoyed this--I do like showing our lads together, caring for one another and finding some peace after all they have been through.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 63: Memory and Sorrow
*wipes eyes* I don't know of many who are brave enough to attempt this, but I don't know why. It's just heartbreaking, but that's something Frodo and Sam share, and that is, I think, part of what strengthened their friendship. "...a friendship cemented in compassion." I love the way you said that!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I don't know about "brave"--but it was something that had to be dealt with. Some writers have Bell die in childbirth when Marigold is born, or shortly after; some have her still alive almost until the Quest. JRRT never says so in so many words, but it is so clearly obvious that the Gaffer was a widower when the story opens.
I am glad that you like my take on the subject.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 62: Whisper of Hope
Oh, I love the foreshadowing here. Very gentle, but poignant all the same. And you don't see very many stories about Merry, Faramir, and Eowyn in the Houses of Healing, so this is a delight!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, gentle and poignant was what I hoped for, and I am so glad that you feel I succeeded.
You are quite right--and I am not sure why, as there is all sorts of potential there!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 61: Stop and Smell the Roses
Yea! Another young Gamgee fic! :) Wow, rose water? That would be interesting to try.
And how like Hobbit matrons to organise a baked goods sale to help a family in need!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Rose water is a wonderful flavoring--it's very subtle to taste, but the *smell* when baking is just incredible! You should try them--they are very good!
I thought a bake sale was pretty hobbity myself!!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 59: The Knight Has Been Unruly
LOL! Oh, I love your way of looking at things from the movie that make no sense when compared to the book! LOL! Oh, that is really priceless! Merry and Pip come by their mischief naturally, I see! LOL!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
*grin*
Well, see I have this theory that when PJ was researching his historical movie based on the Red Book, he came across some other less accurate tales and ballads, and incorporated them into his work, LOL!
And most certainly they came by it naturally--and you will note that Bilbo was pretty mischievous himself!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 56: A Purpose in Life
Poor Nibs! I wonder what did happen to him? But I'm glad Pip could cheer him up.
Poor Frodo. It's embarrassing to no *end* to wake someone (or worse, a whole house full) and know you couldn't help it and only be able to say "I'm sorry."
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Hmm...I'll have to give young Nibs a bit of thought!
I am quite sure it had to be very embarrassing to him!
Oh, this could go right along with "Care and Feeding!" If only it had been enough! As it was, it was enough to free him in the end, and that's a comforting thought.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
"Care and Feeding" remains near the top of the list of my all-time favorite stories, and it was a big influence on me and my own stories, so that is a huge compliment--thank you.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 54: Morning at Bucklebury Ferry
Hee hee! Nope, not relaxing, but very cute! :) Good for Pippin to save Merry's catch! Too bad he lost his own, though. He's the most adorable little Hobbit! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, he's a cutie--but he is definitely not relaxing, LOL! I had a lot of fun incorporating the elements into this little fic!
I've seen so many fics about Pippin's scarf, all creative and sweet, but this is definitely one of the best! I never thought of its having been made by Primula. I don't think she's in enough stories, so this was a treat! And I can certainly see Frodo giving Pippin the scarf for just that reason.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
When I wrote "Conspiracy"--one of my earliest stories--I had a part in it where Frodo gives Pippin the scarf, and I always hoped one day to tell a bit more about it. But it just seemed to me that Primula might be very good at needlework and knitting and so forth, and that she might have made that scarf.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 52: The Morning After the Night Before
*delighted grin* Aaaawww! I love the Hobbit-pile! Though I never thought to find one in Bag End's garden. Maybe they all had too much fun last night, huh? :) :) This is sooooo sweet, and one of my favourites!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, it was fun to see how many hobbits I could get in the pile, LOL!
The truth? This should be obvious, shouldn't it? I guess late hours don't do me much good LOL.
It must have been interesting for Gandalf to get to know the Shirefolk. No question, they are an amazing race.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, "my" truth is--Yavanna gave hobbits an extra little boost of charm and charisma, as extra protection in a hard world, and an even larger little boost of it to the Fallohides.
Gandalf loved his hobbits dearly--all of them.
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 49: Moving Day
I just love the way you write the Tooks and Brandybucks! Poor Paladin really gave up so much to be Thain; I wouldn't want to either. These farewells were very touching. But I can see so many opportunities for stories during that long visit! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, really those opportunities were one reason (story-external) that I had him and Eglantine sending the children away. But so far the only one I've done during that time period is "Essay"--there will be more though!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2006
· Chapter 48: The Apples Don't Fall Far From the Tree
Oh, this is precious! I love reading about the travellers' children, and these two obviously take after their fathers! :) In fact, this could just as easily be a story about Merry and Pippin if some of the names were switched around and a few details changed. It's wonderful that Perry and Fam are so like their fathers. I love Wyn, too! :) What she did wasn't right, but it's delightful to think that she has some of the qualities of her namesake (I mean Eowyn, even though that isn't her real name). I'd love to see those two together sometime! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, right at the beginning there, I wanted folks to actually think it might be Merry and Pippin--until I revealed the names. I think it only right that the relationships carry on to the new generations.
Wyn is a bit headstrong, but she will learn. And I am sure that someday she does meet her namesake--(and it might as well be her name--that was Merry's whole point, LOL!)