All's Fair by Inkling
Lindelea · 19 March 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
O my. Frodo and his Shadow... And the description of young Merry slaying that particularly fearsome bush, goodness! (about to melt) Glad for the female intervention. Also, Frodo seems to figuring out the situation, doesn't he? (He's apparently quicker thinking than young Hornblower.)
Author's reply
Yes, Merry’s very brave, until the stranger lad shows up! But even at that young age his innate courage is apparent to Frodo.
Breon Briarwood · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 4: A Friend in Need
Oh, my dear lad.... not only in the throes of first love, but to also be betrayed. I can already tell my heart is going to be breaking in the next few chapters.
Author's reply
Well, I don’t want to give too much away but if it’s any comfort, Frodo gets to stay happily deluded for a while yet…thanks Breon!
Ariel · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 4: A Friend in Need
Oh, OUCH! Frodo! LOL! OK, so maybe he is innocent, but wow! You are right, I can so see where this is headed. Poor poppet! Well, this is one way to learn.
Author's reply
Hee hee! Poor Frodo seems to be eliciting equal parts sympathy and giggles in this chapter. You’re right, Ariel, this will be quite educational for him…
Larner · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 4: A Friend in Need
Ah, it was obvious what Coronel, the Rake of the Tooks, wants with that poem. Poor Hyacinth and Frodo--both about to be taken for a ride! Giggling, even if it is over the naivete of our favorite Hobbit lad.
Author's reply
The Rake of the Tooks…I like it! (and rather think Coronel would, too!) Thanks Larner, glad it gave you a chuckle.
Larner · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Childish Things
hobbit puppy-love is as encearing as any other form, I find.
Author's reply
Yes, nothing quite like first love, in all its agony, ecstasy, and absurdity…
Andrea · 18 March 2005 · Chapter 4: A Friend in Need
Another great chapter! Well, at first I thought, Coronel would hand over the poem to Hyacinth pretending he wrote it, but he wanted it to be signed. Why? "Udo" sounds much like "Frodo", but there is no similarity to "Coronel"! I really wonder, what he's up to. Hopefully, Hyacinth will not so easily be deceived. She and Frodo would be the perfect couple, I think! Looking forward to the next update!
Author's reply
Thanks, Andrea! You’re right, it’s not quite as simple as it seems. Scumbag though he is, the idea of identity theft has not crossed Coronel’s mind…yet. But such is his supreme confidence that he is sure Hyacinth will find him irresistible, even while delivering a poem signed by another hobbit.
Ariel · 12 March 2005 · Chapter 3: Childish Things
At last, a chance to read this! Thank you, Inkling, for this lovely chapter! I don't know if everyone else has seen it though. I did not get an announcement and I know I have you on author alert. You might want to put out a notification that the new chapter is out. I will say something in LJ for you. I have to say I LOVE the complexities you've introduced in the interactions of the families! I am REALLY looking forward to the inevitable clash of Menegilda and Hortensia! HEheheheh! If the poor old gal doesn't become a lush first! LOL! And poor Frodo! Competing with all those other boys! Heheheh! Oh, I am very eager to read the rest of this!
Author's reply
Thanks Ariel, glad you enjoyed the families’ interactions, as you do those so well yourself in “Fear.” And now the whole cast is finally introduced, so the story can really get underway! Poor Frodo indeed… *grins evilly* Hmm, don’t know what’s up with the author alert…if you don’t get one for Chapter 4 either, can you let me know? I may have to check with Rorrah.
Lindelea · 6 March 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
Well done! You pulled me in with your first paragraph (nay, your first sentence!) and that is quite a feat, what with me being more of a Merry and Pippin fan than a Frodo fan... don't know why that is, but it is. I had a lot more feeling for Frodo until the movies came out. (He was portrayed as such a wimp! Blue eyes notwithstanding.) But I have the feeling that good things are in store in this story, even though I don't have time to read any more, even to the end of the first chapter, today. Have marked this story so I can find my way back to it. Thanks!
Author's reply
And thank YOU, Lin…I know your hobbit preferences, my dear, which makes me doubly tickled that you would give this a look. If it helps, Merry does have some nice scenes…he is my second favorite hobbit and I’ve always thought he and Frodo had a special relationship from growing up together. I think part of my impetus in writing fanfic is to rescue Frodo from movie fanon, because that’s just not Tolkien’s character. For that reason I avoid his eye color altogether!
Larner · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Like a Vision Fleeting
Poor Frodo! And Horrie's name is quite the joke! Love it!
Author's reply
Thanks! Well, names can be fun…I play with a few more later on, but they’re a bit more obscure than HH, so wonder who will notice…
Leaward · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Like a Vision Fleeting
Good for Hyacinth! Hmm, Frodo tripping over his tongue with the lovely Hyacinth... interesting! I love young Merry jumping in to defend Frodo. "...at least my mum says I will if I’m very good and don’t sass her back and go to bed as soon as she says to." Yes, Mum's do have a way of keeping the future 'master of the hall' in line. Looking forward to the next chapter...
Author's reply
Thanks Leaward! Glad you like Hy; as my first OFC she made me a bit nervous.... And Merry’s a smart lad, he knows who wields the REAL power at the Hall!
Ariel · 5 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Like a Vision Fleeting
*Purrrrr* There is NOTHING I find more appealing that a smitten Fro - I am looking forward to this story with great anticipation!
Author's reply
LOL! Thanks dearie…yes, he is one smitten kitten! (sorry, it just seemed to go with your purring!)
Breon Briarwood · 4 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Like a Vision Fleeting
Hee-hee! I like how first love hits Frodo like a ton of bricks! Can't wait for more. :D
Author's reply
The poor lad never saw it coming, did he? Thanks BB, glad you’re enjoying it!
Linwep · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
What an interesting and different beginning to a story. Great start. I am looking forward to reading more. I followed your link from Quink.
Author's reply
Thanks Linwep! It can be hard coming up with a story idea that hasn't already been done many times over, so glad this worked for you. Hope you enjoy the rest...
Leaward · 26 February 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
Frodo finally gets to fight! I always thought the movie made him too wimpy. Go Frodo! Looking forward to seeing more of Horry!
Author's reply
Hi Leaward, thanks for dropping by! Yes, I’m a firm believer in a strong Frodo, just as he was in the book…
Breon Briarwood · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
Whoop! Go Frodo! YAY! I love Rascal!Frodo. Must have more!
Author's reply
Hey, B.B.—nice to hear from you! Yep, the rascal is back, though to be honest he’s not that rascally in this fic. He’s got…other things on his mind…
Ariel · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
ROTFLMAO!!! Oh, now THERE'S a crossover for you! Hmmm... I could well imagine two dark curled and dashing hobbits, one with eyes of blue, the other with eyes dark as pitch bashing things out on the banks of the river! LOL!! A lovely start, my dear!
Author's reply
*grins* Yeah, I couldn’t help myself—the Hornblower connection was just too tempting! I must say that image you describe is quite…compelling. *wanders off to daydream*
Larner · 25 February 2005 · Chapter 1: The Brandy Hall Boys
I love the story, and it is compatible with my own vision of Frodo. wotthehell wotthehell wotthehell mehitabel
Author's reply
An archy and mehitabel fan--woo hoo! Thanks Larner, glad you liked it. Later mehitabel will have her say...;)