Yule Fictions Past and Present by Grey Wonderer
Larner · 1 January 2010 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
Thanks for a beautiful New Year's laugh, GW. I loved it! And may Thluggul have blest all of us!
Author's reply
This year, Thluggul was very generous (and so was Llinos). Thank you for reading and I'm very pleased you enjoyed it. Happy New Year!
Andrea · 1 January 2010 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
"Stop being so dramatic," Estella said very quietly. LOL!!! Well, I like it when Merry is dramatic and I think Estella does, too ;-) Thank you for this funny little story, GW! Happy New Year!
Author's reply
You are very welcome. Thank you for this lovely review. Happy New Year!
Larner · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
I can so see this happening post-quest. Yes, the perfect alternative, and very original and creative! Lovely.
Author's reply
Thank you! I could see the tradition of cutting down trees as decorations seeming so very wrong after the scouring and after meeting Treebeard. Happy New Year!
PIppinfan1988 · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 8: A Gift For Errol
ROTFLMAO! Oh, I remember this one now, but I had to read it again. It's just as hilarious as the first read. I can't remember why I didn't leave my comments here, but I do recall laughing my arse off back then as well at Merry's discomfiture over not getting Errol a gift. :-P Thanks for the laughs!
Author's reply
I am very glad you found it again and enjoyed it. I think this one was posted on LJ too. I bet you read it there rather than here. Anyway, thank you for the lovely review. It's always fun to get a review on an older story.
PIppinfan1988 · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
"Be quiet?" he said in disbelief. "I come rushing into the parlour on the eve of First Yule to find my wife setting fire to one of our tables and your main concern here is that I keep quiet?" Merry glared at him. "You just let me worry about my own, impressive Yule offering. I do love your Merry, lol! I love *all* your hobbits, but your Merry is my particular favourite. I really did enjoy reading this brilliant tale, as it places Pippin and Estella in a different light, so to speak. They act nice towards one another...for this story, lol. And that's cool -- I also enjoy how your hobbits banter, too. Thank you -- and very well done, indeed!
Author's reply
I was very glad that you wanted me to write about Merry and Estella because I love doing that. They are my favorite LOTR couple. I'm glad you enjoyed this. Merry is the easiest character for me to write for some reason. Next to him, probably Saradoc so maybe I'm a Brandybuck at heart. : ) I adore Pippin but when it comes to dialogue, Merry is the one I can always 'hear' in my head. Thank you for reading and for your friendship. Happy New Year, PF!
Llinos · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
Thluggul is extrememly grateful for the exposure you have given him this Yuletide. He says that as a dragon, even a benevolent dragon that gives nice presents, good PR can be very hard to come by! He was particularly engaged by the dialogue between the hobbits, although he wasn't completely in accord with Pippin's assertion that he has been very good this year, although it certainly gave him an excellent laugh - funniest thing he's heard in a long time, he claims! PS: I thought it was very funny too, as was the rest of the story, plus I really liked the loving relationship between Merry and Estella and the warming one betwixt Pippin and Estella, especially as no one got too scorched! You can't be too careful with dragons! HNY!
Author's reply
I'm so pleased to be on Thluggul's good side. I already have a story in mind for next year involving Thluggul if he is willing. I agree with Thluggul. Pippin may have been over-stating his good-ness for the year. But I like to think that Thluggul is a forgiving Dragon so maybe Pippin came out all right. Maybe the fact that he gave Thluggul a good laugh earned him some points. Thank you again for allowing me to borrow Thluggul and for the beta. I'm so glad you liked the story. And I know about being worried about the scorching thing. Thluggul was really breathing down my neck on this one to make sure that I got it completed and got it right. He is quite the perfectionist. Happy New Year to you and Thluggul both!
harrowcat · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
Brilliant GW - I have always loved a real tree but this has definitely made me think. I do prefer them still living and have often bout the potted version.
Author's reply
I have always had a real tree too up until about the last two years. I love them but a couple ago, I was driving home from somewhere and noticed a couple of holiday trees still in the lot after Christmas and realized what a waste that was! I guess that made me think about it for the first time. Also, there used to be this Chirstmas Tree display done with artificial trees that depicted trees from other countries and they were just lovely! All of them in the same grouping all decorated. Those two things and LOTR of course, resulted in this story. I think the potted version is the way to go if you want a real tree. I am so glad you enjoyed this. Happy Holidays!
harrowcat · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
A happy new year to you too GW. I loved the tale and I didn't suspect Pippin. You, almost, had me believing in the dragon!
Author's reply
I *almost* let it be Thluggul the Yule Dragon and then decided to go another way. I thought it might be fun to give Pippin a chance to tease Estella and Merry a bit. Thluggul has been sooo busy this holiday season that I decided not to make him work that hard. : ) Maybe next year. I do enjoy believing in Llinos' Yule Dragon. I think he sounds so very hobbity. I'm thinking the tradition of Santa and his Christmas Elves might be a bit upsetting to the folks in Rivendell and Mirkwood. (Especially Santa's elves.) : )
shirebound · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
What an adorable, clever, teasing, and loving story. Happy New Year to you, GW, and may your confused, well-meaning, dear, wonderful hobbits and their delightful tales go ever on and on.
Author's reply
The poor things have no choice but to be confused with all I put them through. LOL Thank you so much for reading and reviewing. You always say such nice things. It's very encouraging. (((((HUGS))))) Happy New Year!
Iorhael · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
Poor Pippin. :) But of course he's cute as ever. :D Happy New Year!
Author's reply
Happy New Year to you too! And thank you for the lovely review.
Dreamflower · 31 December 2009 · Chapter 10: Where there's smoke...
LOLOLOL! Aww...this is just adorable from start to finish! Merry and Estella are so cute together-- and I love how snarky Merry is about it all! And then they sit in the chair and fall asleep while making out...that's just too cute for words! And the incident with Pippin's foot? Oh my word! Best of all was Pippin's nearly successful attempt to pin everything in Thluggul, just as Estella had originally planned. (By the way, I think Estella fits into their household perfectly. She's half-Took too! And she proved it in this story!) *grin* Happy New Year, dear!
Author's reply
I enjoy writing Merry and Estella. They are my favorite LOTR couple. Yeah, I left out all medical details on the foot thing. I don't even try to write medical stuff. And Estella certainly does fit into the household, doesn't she? hehehe Thanks so much for all of the lovely reviews you've left me this year. Happy New Year!
PIppinfan1988 · 27 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
I finally made it -- tea and all! Having just completed my Yuletide tradion (watching the movies), I really enjoyed this story. The thought of Merry and Pippin honouring Treebeard in this fashion is just lovely. I think Treebeard would be proud. :-) I had to laugh at Saradoc's initial shock that his son wanted to purchase the whole lot, lol. And as always, I loved the interaction between Merry and Pippin. I liked how, even though the lightbulb was slow to light in Pippin's mind, it finally did glow alongside of Merry's thought. I suppose after so much time together on the Quest, those two would start thinking alike. :-) As they say, brilliant minds... Loved it!
Author's reply
I am very glad that you enjoyed it and that you got your tea. : ) I like your holiday tradition of watching all of the LOTR films. I may have to give that a try next year. Thanks for the lovely review and Happy New Year!
Dreamflower · 19 December 2009 · Chapter 4: A Shepherd's Yule
How did I miss this? GW, this was delightful! I loved Pippin's generous and spontaneous offer-- it was so like him, both the generosity and the impulsiveness! I also love that though given many chances, he did not back down, even though he had begun to regret his impulsiveness. He knew he was doing the right thing, even though it caused him some inconvenience. And when it turned out to be more of an inconvenience than he'd bargained on, he *still* didn't back down. I loved hearing him argue with Gandalf's voice in his head, though somehow I doubt the real Gandalf would have argued with him. I think the real Gandalf would have been very proud of him. And what a delight for Frodo and Merry to turn up with all their friends to reward Pippin for his sacrifice! That was unexpected and just lovely and hobbity and cousinly, and made me tear up and grin at the same time! I'm so glad you put these back up!
Author's reply
There were probably a lot of Yule stories on the year I posted this. The holidays are so busy and it's difficult to see and do everything, even hobbit things. : ) At the time I wrote this one, I enjoyed the idea that Pippin would be tempted to get out of his responsibilities and yet still stick with it. I did this as a pre-Quest but I wanted to show that Pippin was, even then, on his way to becoming a very responsible hobbit. After all, they *did* think enough of him to allow him to come along. Thank you so much for reading and leaving this lovely review. I hide these every year after the holiday and then republish them in December. I figure that's when they should be read, during the holdiays. It's kind of like Christmas decorations. I think one or two of them might be under "Brandybuck and Took" (The ladder story maybe) but most of my holiday fictions are in this little group. Happy Holidays!
nancylea57 · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
just think that could make the old forest hourns, and they would need a visit from someone like treebeard to help them adjust to the new world order; does this leave lots of new stories for the new year?
Author's reply
You never know what the New Year will bring. : ) Thanks so much for reading and reviewing. Happy Holidays to you!
Andrea · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
Beautiful story, G.W.! Merry and Pippin together are unstoppable! And so the trees were saved and a new Yule tradition was created. I also loved it that Frodo and Sam were there, too, to admire the Buckland Grove. Last but not least, I'm quite sure that the Entwives would have enjoyed the decorated Yule trees. And who knows if there aren't some of them still around in the Shire? Happy holidays to you and your family (including Errol of course) :-)
Author's reply
I'm very glad you enjoyed this and I thank you for reading it. Merry and Pippin really are unstoppable when they work together, aren't they? I hope you and your family have a happy holiday too. Errol thanks you also.
shirebound · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
What an absolutely wonderful story! This is a marvelous tradition that saves the trees, brings everyone together to enjoy them, and helps heal our dear hobbits' hearts. And what a perfect Yule song! Thank you all for this lovely collaboration.
Author's reply
Thank you! I didn't think I was going to have a Yule story this year. After knowing Treebeard I couldn't see Merry and Pippin enjoying chopping down a tree at Yule. I'm glad you like the tradition too. Llinos' song really does set the mood on this I think. She writes such lovely things.
Llinos · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 8: A Gift For Errol
LOL! No, really right out loud!
Author's reply
Oh, good! I like it when you laugh out loud. I can hear you better that way. : )
Llinos · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
Lovely story and all the charcters firmly in their right and proper places. Thanks Dreamflower for the nod to my song - but it would not have been written without this warm and comfy story. And GW I always enjoy your dialogue!
Author's reply
Thank you for the brilliant song! It puts me in the mood for a hobbit Yule when I read it. Besides, without that, Saradoc and Pippin would just be walking through Buckland humming and that's not very festive. I'm very glad you liked the story. I have wonderful Betas and that makes a difference. : )
Mum's the Word · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
Oh, this is lovely! What a wonderful solution to their dilemma. No wonder the Old Forest became less angry, with such kindnesses going on right next door. Next thing you know, the Pinebankses will be selling smaller trees -- live and with rootballs intact -- for folks to take home and plant after Yule. What a wonderful story, GW! Thanks for sharing it! Hugs, Mum
Author's reply
Mum, you need to have a talk with Mr. Pinebanks and let him know about the live trees. I think he would welcome another money-making venture. Thanks for reading and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas.
Dreamflower · 17 December 2009 · Chapter 9: A Grove In Buckland
Awww...this is so sweet and lovely, GW! I think Treebeard would be proud of them-- and Tom Bombadil as well! And I can just imagine all those trees beautifully decorated and folks wandering among them to look at them. Llinos' song was delightful, too! Happy Holidays to you as well!
Author's reply
Thank you for this lovely review. Perhaps Tom will slip into the Grove later and have a look around. If he's not too busy with the River Daughter that is. I was very pleased when Llinos agreed to write the song. She has such a talent for that sort of thing and I had no idea what they should be singing, only that they were singing! LOL I'm glad you enjoyed this and I hope you have a lovely Christmas season.
GamgeeFest · 5 January 2008 · Chapter 8: A Gift For Errol
Hehehe. I loved seeing Merry being put upon for once. Frodo learned his lesson last year, but it seems Merry didn’t think twice about it. I enjoy that Merry’s always so worried that Pippin’s older sisters are going to ruin him, first teaching how to fight wrong and now teaching him how to unwrap presents without ripping the pretty paper. *grin*
Author's reply
I really owed Frodo a story in which he got the best of those two. This time I let Merry wind up on the losing side. I think Frodo needed to win so that was my Yule gift to him. I do think that Pippin might have picked up a few lass-type habits after all that time on the farm with those sisters! I can also see it annoying Merry since he isn't bothered with sisters. My mom does that gentle un-wrapping of gifts to save pretty bows and paper. Imagine Yule at Pip's smial with each gift taking forever to open! Thanks for reading! Good to see you on line and I hope you're back in your place before long.
GamgeeFest · 5 January 2008 · Chapter 7: On The Other Foot
*snerk* That Pippin! First teasing Merry about the hazards of wearing footwear (and Daffy Duck! LOL!) and then he goes and gets addicted to them. His letter to Éowyn was hilarious. He has no shame does he? But Merry’s letter looks to be more interesting. You have to write a follow-up to this!
Author's reply
I could just see Merry having the nerve to wear the slippers and not caring what others might say. I decided to let Pippin be the one worrying about his image for a change. I actually used a canon fact in Pippin's sneaky letter to Eowyn! Per the Professor, Pippin's feet were smaller! Hah! I wrote canon! A follow-up just might be an idea. That letter to Pippin's sisters does leave things rather open, doesn't it? Personally, I think someone should gift Sam with one of those hairless cats! Can you imagine the Gaffer's reaction to that?
GamgeeFest · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 5: When In Buckland...
I never heard of this tradition and I share Pippin’s sentiments of putting a flame into a flammable sack! That’s just not very practical at all. Of course, neither is trying to light the candle without first weighing down the sacks! LOL! But Pippin has never been particularly practical. It looks like neither of the lads will be trusted with the Yule lights again.
GamgeeFest · 29 December 2007 · Chapter 6: Divide and Conquer
Snow is nice to look at, but I wouldn’t want to live in it! *brrr* Glad the lads are enjoying it though. Clever Frodo, to let the others play about until they’re cold and exhausted. Pippin shows his own special brand of cleverness when he shows Frodo what stars to look at.
Author's reply
See I love snow! We used to get tons of it but now we hardly ever get any at all. Global warming at work! Glad you enjoyed the story and good to see you back on posting again! Any new stories in the works? (Looks hopeful.)
Golden · 28 December 2007 · Chapter 8: A Gift For Errol
This is so very cute! Love every single word of it! Oh and I just found out that "Errol" means Wanderer, so it has the same meaning as Peregrin. Ahhhhhhhhhhh!*light goes on* I did not know that before! *g*
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it. Funny how that worked out with Errol's name isn't it. No one has noticed this before. You, my clever friend, are the first! I've never mentioned it anywhere. Also, Errol is a sir name from a Scottish place! How's that for interesting? That kind of makes Errol a Scottish wanderer which is actually perfect. LOL