Lindelea
· 8 November 2006
· Chapter 33: Chapter 33
Hurrah! How nice that I am feeling well enough to sit up a little later instead of going early to bed, and that your story popped up tonight! I've dabbled a bit in LJ the past three weeks, but haven't had the energy to write or to read fanfic (and here the MEFAs are drawing to a close... I'm afraid I won't have done a tithe of the reviewing I meant to).
You sum up hobbits so very well in this chapter. Long drawn-out discussions on the naming of meals. Light feet and hearty appetites. I particularly liked this bit: But threaten that which they love, and there is nothing they will not attempt in order to protect it. And once they set forth on such a course of action, nothing will deter them from accomplishing it, or dying in the process.”
And I'll have to look out that piece of elf-hobbit mischief (but not tonight--on my way to bed!)
You really make me feel pity for Cado. He seems quite remorseful. Can he not be rehabilitated? How sour, the smell of burnt bridges.
I'm glad that Leodwald gets to spend time with his family!
Lovely song! Does it have a tune?
Author's reply
I'm so glad you're feeling better, dear! I'm drawing on to a conclusion with my R&R--only 58, I think, to go, and I will have reviewed them all. It's been...educational...
Well, you know how I love my hobbits and their hobbitiness. And I think that after undergoing the Quest with them, Gimli has come to understand how deeply committed they are to protecting that which they love.
We shall see...I do have some plans for Cado.
And I thought it might be nice for Leodwald to get a break.
Well, not exactly. There's kind of one in my head, but it's not very consistent. I wouldn't even begin to know how to write it out. I imagine it as having a kind of sentimental bounciness, kind of like a Stephen Foster tune, if you know what I mean.
How absolutely wonderful to see another chapter of this story! I'd begun to give up hope.
Fancy doing that to little Pippin - grrrrrrr! And to smash his duck (we all know how Pip loves ducks) which was a gift from Frodo! Pity Frodo wasn't there - he'd have smacked the nasty little troublemakers.
Glad to see Beri is still busy courting the lovely Viola.
Author's reply
Oh dear! I never planned to abandon it at all. But the silly story would not cooperate, or tell itself in the right order, LOL!
Yes, I'm afraid Clovis was rather a nasty little bully even back then, *sigh*. I'm not sure if Frodo would have smacked them, but I would bet he would have put a quick end to their nasty little game of keep-away. This is the incident I refer to briefly in "Waiting for Frodo and Merry".
Beri is nothing if not determined--he *is* a Brandybuck after all!
AspenJules
· 6 July 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Here I am starting the next story... it's really nice being able to go right from one to the next as if it's all still the same story (which it is, LOL.) Sorry I didn't review the end of Reckoning, but I finished it at about 2:30 in the morning. It helped me get to sleep when I was 'wakeful.' Nothing like a good chatter with some hobbits to help one get to sleep. Anyway, it was delightful and Sam and Rosie's wedding made me cry, and I NEVER cry at weddings!
Ok, on to this story. I LOVE Eothain's suggestion for Clovis. It's funny but very believable that the Gondorians, being used to Court maneuverings (sp?) and intrigue would have more devious minds than the Rohirrim, who would be very straightforward. Good for Eothain! The problem: The things Clovis says. The solution: Stop his mouth. ROFL!
Author's reply
Well, I am very glad "Reckoning" helped you to get some rest!
I take my cues on the Rohirric attitudes from two things: they are modeled on the Anglo-Saxons, which was a very straightforward and practical society, and also, they seemed to have some things in common with the hobbits--a love of music and food and dance, and a certain sort of informality compared to, say, the Gondorians.
GamgeeFest
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 32: Chapter 32
Poor Frodo, not knowing how to ride. He would have enjoyed the admiration of his cousin and want to keep that, as well as not disillusion Merry about his own limitations. Sara came up with a clever solution. Legolas and his sack of potatoes joke - lol. I love the sense of humor you have given Legolas.
Author's reply
This is another little idea I'd had for a while--that for Frodo, riding lessons had somehow slipped between the cracks when he lost his parents, and that he felt embarassed when little Merry asks him to teach him. I had thought of doing a story by itself, but I thought that it would make a good anecdote for this chapter, since learning to ride would be a common experience among these differing folk.
Merry's admiration was very important to Frodo at that point in his young life--like sunlight to a plant that has been trying to grow in the dark. Saradoc understood that, and, like most Brandybucks, was very clever.
I think Legolas must have had a very dry sense of humor. In the books he and Gimli seem to enjoy their banter.
PIppinfan1988
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 32: Chapter 32
Awwww! Loved that wee story of Frodo learning to ride a pony. :-)
No matter how many times I see it in a tale, I am still amused at reading how the hobbits are all business at meals; very little talking until things start to taper off. In the future, I think I am going to have a snack ready at hand when I read about your hobbits eating supper because you describe the details of fried mushroom, garlic, onion, and potatoes a little TOO well, lol.
Thanks for another very enjoyable chapter. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed that little anecdote--it seemed to fit right in here.
Well, for my hobbits, it's just hobbit ettiquette. Any conversation during the first part of the meal is supposed to be *about* the meal. This gradually gives way to talk of other food and meals, and not until they get close to the end do they begin to speak of other things.
And I do like to describe the details of what they eat--it seems more hobbity somehow!
Legolas chuckled. “And you do not ‘ride’ now, Master Dwarf,” he teased. “you bump along behind me like a sack of potatoes.” *giggle* I just love Legolas/Gimli banter!
Another wonderful chapter, Dreamflower! Lovely hobbity discussion about food and how funny to see the hobbits concern that they have given the Men enough, when actually they eat far more than Men!
The story about Frodo learning to ride was so sweet - how like Frodo not to want to appear lacking in his Merry's eyes. And how kind and thoughtful of Saradoc to find such an ingenious solution!
Author's reply
So do I. It just seems so natural for them to tease one another.
I think the hobbits worry about the Men--they are so much larger, yet they eat so much less, that it doesn't seem right to them.
The way Merry always looked up to him was very important to Frodo. It was the constant approval and affirmation he needed, and he rather basked in Merry's adoration. Saradoc would know how important that relationship was to both his lads. I'm glad you thought his solution ingenious!
Bodkin
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 32: Chapter 32
You can't get away from cuisine when dealing with hobbits. I'm glad the thyme introduced a certain je ne sais quoi to the soup - and that the toasted sandwiches were delicious.
Hearing about the adventurers ... adventures casually in conversation is so much more impressive, too, than having someone sit you down and instruct you in what they did. Really makes them seem different from the hobbits you know at home.
And I love the pony story! Frodo would learn to ride so that he could continue to be amazing in Merry's admiring eyes. Saradoc's scheme is really clever - Frodo would never back down in front of Merry, either, so he can't get disheartened or give up.
I like the different exposure of the different races to horses - with even Gimli agreeing now to ride - when he has to!
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I think anything hobbits cooked would have a certain "je ne sais quoi", LOL!
Yes, I think that this is what is striking the hobbits of the embassy so much--that everywhere they go, they hear of the deeds of the Travellers, and hear the reverence with which they are spoken--and they see how it has affected the everyday lives of these people.
You are absolutely right! It's the one thing that would really give him motivation.
I thought the anecdote would lead into talk of learning to ride--a universal experience for this group, and another way for them to learn from one another about the differences and similarities between their various peoples.
harrowcat
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 32: Chapter 32
Long awaited and very welcome Dreamflower. Love the hobbit snack stop and the riding story.
Author's reply
Thanks! It has taken me awhile to update--I have so many other stories clamoring for attention right now.
"Hobbit snack stop." LOL! I love that phrase!
Loved finding a new chapter here of this one. Frodo's riding lesson was so well handled and I love that he wanted to keep Merry's image of him in tact and that he and Saradoc went to such efforts. Also enjoyed the banter between Legolas and Gimli and the reaction of the others to the amout of food that the hobbits were able to eat.
Author's reply
Keeping Merry's image intact was very important to Frodo, and Saradoc would understand that, and do all he could to help.
I always love Legolas-Gimli banter; there's such affection behind the teasing.
Hobbit appetites are one of the wonders of Middle-earth, LOL!
Kitty
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 32: Chapter 32
“I do hope we gave you enough!”
“Oh yes, Master Bolger! Indeed, I am not certain I can eat *all* of it.
It must be a very odd experience for men to have their first glimpse of what hobbits can eat every day in comparison to the men *grin*
Ah, I enjoyed Beri's story. So it was more or less Merry who *forced* Frodo to learn riding? It was so sweet and touching Frodo was so worried to disappoint his little Merry that he wanted to learn it himself to be able to teach Merry! I am glad Saradoc helped him so discreet with the problem!
Oh, and I agree with little Merry about english pronouncation! It *is* very odd sometimes. I can read English quite well, and write it at least understandable, but to speak it ... *hides face*
Author's reply
LOL! I would imagine so--a Man who tried to keep up with a hobbit at table would soon founder I think.
Yes, as Beri said, Merry taught Frodo in a "roundabout way". Frodo would never want to disappoint his little Merry, who was the sunshine of his life. I think Saradoc understood that.
*giggle* English is a very strange language. Merry thinks it's bad having "two" and "to"--wait until he also has "too"! And then when he learns "won" as well as "one", LOL!
Larner
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 32: Chapter 32
Ah--how lovely a story of how Frodo learned to ride. I had Bilbo insisting Frodo take lessons once he was properly adopted as heir, myself; but this is satisfying.
Author's reply
My idea was that somehow, Frodo's learning to ride got overlooked after he lost his parents. I knew why Drogo did not teach him, but I only recently figured out why Primula did not. And in the confusion and difficulties surrounding Frodo after their deaths, riding was simply not a priority.
Of course, if Frodo had *not* learned by the time he went to Bag End, I am *quite* certain Bilbo would have seen to his lessons, naturally.
Still good so far.
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Larner
· 9 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
Aha--caught up at last.
Love the examination of the hobbits by a newcomer, and the appreciation of Viola's good looks, myself. Very astute, our visitor is.
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
It is always fun to see how Men react when seeing hobbits, lol. :D I am guessing that a couple of hobbits have a bit of explaining to do now, unless they let it wait until they reach Edoras? Excited to see how this continues. :D
Author's reply
Yes, it is a fun reaction! Beorhstan did get to see the Travellers from a distance while in Gondor, but he would never have thought to have a chance to meet and speak to hobbits.
There will be some explanations forthcoming.
I hope to get back to this soon; I have a few shorter stories I'm obligated to get done during the holidays, but I do hope to be back at this one very soon!
This is a great look at the hobbits, Legolas and Gimli though the eyes of a stranger, and Beorhstan must be boggling as he finally meets legends like our favourite Elf and Dwarf and hobbits who are kin to the famous four. No wonder his jaw is flapping about!
And how typical of the hobbits to take charge of the food - who else? :-))
Author's reply
Well, I thought it would be the natural reaction for someone like Beorhstan, who was a simple Rider of Rohan, and saw action in the War: he would have heard all the tales, and perhaps seen them from afar, but he would *never* in his wildest dreams thought of getting a chance to *meet* any of them.
Yes--who else? After all, they *did* take charge of the cooking! 8-)
GamgeeFest
· 2 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
It doesn't take much to become fascinated and intrigued by hobbits, does it? It's interesting to see the hobbits through an outsider's perspective every now and again. Luncheon - a good opportunity for more fun stories and ancedotes!
Author's reply
I think that Beorhstan has fallen under their spell rather quickly, don't you? *grin*
I am so glad that you posted this one with all of the discriptions of the hobbits in it. I enjoyed the images you discribed in this part. I also love how everyone who meets the hobbits is enthralled with them. Seems only right as they have possessed me for some time now. LOL
Author's reply
I thought Beorhtstan, being a relative stranger to hobbits, would want to fix their descriptions in his mind so that he could remember them and tell them apart.
Well, I don't know if you've ever heard my crackpot theory about hobbits? I think that they were created with an extra little bit of charisma, that makes them (mostly, with a few exceptions) very appealing. The result is that most Big Folk like them and want to protect them--it's a form of natural defense, you might say, and they are completely unaware of it. I think that it may have been a gift of Yavanna, who saw how small and relatively defenseless they were.
So of *course* we are all completely enthralled by them!
PIppinfan1988
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
Most entertaining as always. I so loved how Beorhstan oggled the hobbits and then went into great detail of characteristics that distinguished one from another. Rolly's ears being more pointed, Jolly having thicker foothair, Poppy's laugh lines...I thought all of that was terrific. LOL, and how the hobbits we so enthusiastic over the food. I guess if they're going to be excited over something, it definitely would be food! :-P
I *still* am enjoying each and every update, and I will be here until the very end, my friend. :-)
Okay, back to the grindstone for me. I have a nasty feeling I'm going to be late. Thank you for yet another wonderful chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
"Oggled"! Now that's a good word, isn't it, and just what he did, too! LOL!
Late? Late for what?
Thank you for the review! Glad you are still enjoying the story!
Bodkin
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
Beorhstan seems to look at this as if he's meeting Hollywood A List. Well, it must actually feel rather like that. Legolas !!!! Gimli !!!! Nine Walkers !!!! Hobbits !!!! Kin to the Travellers and Heroes of the Shire - cousins to Merry, brother-in-law to Sam - etcetera. Fame and glory by association. I'm glad to see the hobbits appreciating the food.
It's interesting to see Beorhstan's point of view of the bad hobbitses. He doesn't seem to thing much of them - although I doubt they're at their best.
I'm so pleased to see another chapter - and look forward to the next.
Author's reply
I suppose it would have seemed that way to him, wouldn't it? Poor fellow, I don't suppose he ever imagined he would meet such illustrious folk.
Hobbits do appreciate food, don't they?
No, the prisoners are not very prepossessing.
I keep hoping to speed up my updates on this, but I keep getting sidetracked by other things.
harrowcat
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
Oops! Sorry Dreamflower I hit post by mistake. Was going to comment that lunch preparation was quick work if it only took the time for introductions. But then, we are talking about hobbits after all.
Author's reply
Well, I rather telescoped the introductions. They must have spent some time in small talk, as I tried to indicate without going into it, but yes, it was rather quick.
It was only lunch, which I imagine would have been a snap for hobbits, LOL!
harrowcat
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
That was quick work - if luncheon
Kitty
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
I can understand Beorhstan so well! First to have to remember all these for him probably quite unusual names, and then to discover Elf and Dwarf are two of the Nine Walkers! You shouldn't keep from him Berilac is the first cousin and Freddy the future brother-in-law of Merry and Jolly the brother-in-law of Sam - it will be *such* a wonderful experience for Beorhstan! ;-) (Well, at least if they *don't* recite their whole family trees)
I look forward to know what the Captains will say about Dago and Clovis! And by the way, it was interesting to see the Hobbits through Beorhstan's eyes and his noting of the differences between the prisoners and the others.
Author's reply
Yes, Beorhstan has rather been thrown in at the deep end here, hasn't he? LOL!
Poor fellow, let's not completely overwhelm him. (Hobbit family trees--Oi!)
Lindelea
· 1 December 2005
· Chapter 31: Chapter 31
Am going to sneak in a review. Had a lovely one and lost it just now. Drat.
amazed at these small people, who were most interested in him and in the foodstuffs he had brought.
I should think so! (especially the foodstuffs, I'd imagine)
and that he had been in the Black Land himself, and assisted in throwing down the Enemy.
This makes me laugh out loud in delight. Samwise the Brave, indeed.
He watched them as they sorted through the foodstuffs, exclaiming over this or that, as though they were looking at a great treasure.
Weren't they?
I like the descriptions of the hobbits, though I often avoid describing people, myself. I like to give the reader a chance to form their own impressions. There is an advantage here, to show the contrast betweent the travellers and the prisoners.
Did hobbits call their females “women” or something else?
An awful lot of people have pondered that point.
"our" hobbits!
there were some most appetizing smells issuing from the cookfire. Beorhstan found his mouth watering at the thought
With hobbits cooking? I'm not surprised.
Author's reply
Thanks for the great feedback, Lin! I love when you quote my stuff back at me, so I can see what you liked!
Descriptions, I've usually been rather cagy with them as well, but in this circumstance, with a new person seeing them all for the first time, well, I think that it would make sense for him to note their physical appearances, so that he could tell them apart. And, too, they are a new race to him, so he would want to check them out rather carefully. For he's only seen hobbits briefly and at a distance before, and never this many at once.
I know it's a matter of debate. I tend to avoid the word, not because it's "wrong" but because it feels "distracting", if you know what I mean.
Yes, "our" hobbits. Just as the hobbits have come to think of these Men they are travelling with as "our" Men, LOL!
Much as I love to cook myself, sometimes I just wish I had a hobbit to do it for me.
GamgeeFest
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
Freddy's softening up on the prisoners a bit, or at least, Clodio and Cado. Now that he's given up his taste for revenge, he is able to see with more sympathy than before. Stern words from Legolas. It won't do much to change their minds, but at least they won't underestimate Legolas and Gimli's involvement in the embassy again.
Author's reply
Yes, well, at least to the ones who *didn't* try to escape, anyway.
I think that Clovis and Dago have also learned to fear Elves, as well.
Larner
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
Love how they have been allowed to taste fully of their folly. And they have more knowledge now of the manner in which the Travellers are seen by others.
I'm with the ones who are going, "Yea, Legolas!"
Author's reply
Yes, there's nothing like getting all smug, and thinking you've gotten away with something, and then having the rug pulled out from under you to make you realize your folly. As to whether this will teach them anything other than fear of Elves is more problematical.
It's always fun to have the other members of the Fellowship set folks straight about the hobbits, isn't it? *grin*