Buckland Celebration by Baggins Babe
Antane · 21 October 2007 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
What loving, respectful letters Aragorn wrote to those dear to him that he never met, but still dear, because he knew and loved their sons - and the most loving letter to Frodo, who he named the most precious thing to him on earth and that he was Frodo's devoted servant. That is a true mark of humility that Aragorn always had and what made him such a great man and king. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Antane · 21 October 2007 · Chapter 4: The Horn of the Mark
Never get between a Gamgee and a Baggins when they argue about who is most heroic - they will never agree that they both were! And he was dancing again and happy and Sam is joyful because he is. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Antane · 21 October 2007 · Chapter 3: Remembered Grief and New-Found Joys
Oh, that must have been hard to go back to that site of death, but yes, tears can be very healing. What a tragedy even more that Frodo also lost a sister, but she's waiting for him too. He's surrounded by so much love and now is strong enough to give it back too. Love the idea that nothing's going to frighten now after being stabbed by the Witch-king, impaled by a spider a couple feet taller than he was and violated by a demonic spirit - he survived all that - Halloween is a cinch compared to that. Very true that fears must be faced. Another part of his heart has now healed. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Not sure if the unborn baby would have been a brother or a sister for Frodo, but I think Merry, Pippin and Sam filled the role of brother and Rose has become a sister for him. No doubt he will find his real siblings one day - there were several. If Frodo could survive all that he encountered on the Quest, a happy Hallowe'en would have been delightful.
Antane · 21 October 2007 · Chapter 2: Fun and Frights
I love that Frodo dressed up as Gandalf and then Gandalf showed up and laughed so heartily and called him 'my fellow wizard'. How fun is that? I'll be dressed as Frodo myself. And of course the love between the Gamgee-Baggins brothers is there so bright. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Queen Galadriel · 10 December 2005 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
Awww! I love this AU! How wonderful to see Frodo so happy and recovering and...himself! And I love how you portray him as being one of the family, a brother and uncle. Esme's devotion and motherly ways are very charming too. Must go read more! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I never fail to be thrilled by reviews, and I'm so pleased you enjoyed the story. I think Frodo would have enjoyed being part of this big, loving family, and I've never subscribed to the belief that Esme didn't care about Frodo. I think the fact that Merry was so determined to accompany his cousin suggests a long and deeply affectionate relationship with the Brandybucks.
Ami · 24 August 2005 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
I just finished reading your stories, and I absolutely love them. To see Frodo happy and enjoying live is precious and heartwarming. Though I love the ending to Lord of the Rings, I always thought the Professor was rather cruel to our dear hobbit. Thank you for giving us a glimpse at what might have been.
Author's reply
Thank you so much, and I'm pleased to find another person who enjoys reading what might have been. I always say that I know in my head that the ending of LOTR is the right one, but my heart says otherwise. I hope you continue to enjoy this universe - 'Birthday Surprises' is the latest, and I'm sure our beloved hobbits will be up to all sorts of mischief. :-))
Mirkwoodmaiden · 29 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
Dear BB! Might I say that I really loved this chapter! You developed in your writing a happy talent writing about the simple things very well. Something I have never managed to master. The story moves at a wonderfully meandering pace. You can really sense the Hobbits savouring their time together that they are simply enjoying each other's company. The sections follow into to each other so seemlessly and that makes this slice-of-life chapter work so well. There were so many little bits in the chapter that I just love. Faramir ditching under tables to avoid Aragorn was a hoot! And i really liked you description of what the One ring was doing to try and gain control over Frodo. Interesting insights! I enjoyed reading the different letters. Each had its own personality. the first two were friendly and then obvious affection grew in both Sam and Frodo's letters. I just really liked the style this was written in. A friendly warmth lights the whole work. It was sort of like you as the writer were just listening in while the happenings in Buckland were taking place! You sure you didn't hop that bus that said "Serving the Shire" as its destination! Hee-hee! Love MM
Author's reply
My dear MM! So pleased you like all the simple joys in this story, and I thought the notion of Faramir hiding under tables would amuse you! I think the Ring was cunning enough to use someone's own character against them, and Frodo's weakness was his pity and compassion. I really enjoyed doing the letters and wondering what Aragorn would write to his friends in the Shire - glad you thought it worked. As for the bus......you've caught me out at last! :-)) BB
Mirkwoodmaiden · 20 June 2005 · Chapter 4: The Horn of the Mark
my dear BB! Once again you have outdone yourself! I found the bit about the blowing of the horn to be stirring. And of course it follows that any celebration the hobbits would have a banquet. I like the bit about "Watkins Ale" made me laugh!! You have the wonderful facilty of writing dialog that seems to come straight from their hearts. Even their light moods there is a nicely level of depth in the characters. You've traced Frodo's recover with real skill. I have enjoyed reading about the path of his journey back towards who he has been and who he will become? MM
Author's reply
My dear MM! Thank you for that review. I thought 'Watkin's Ale' was a suitably hobbity song! As you say, can't have a hobbit party without food. It was fun trying to imagine the celebration and the blowing of the Horn of Rohan. Glad the dialogue is realistic.
Dreamflower · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
What a lovely chapter! I love all the informal letters from Aragorn to the various hobbit families, and the one to Frodo made my eyes sting. How like Frodo to look beyond Cornflower's lack of intelligence to the kind heart beneath! It's so neat to think of Frodo, all healed, and happy and home!
Author's reply
Ah! Things just wouldn't be complete without a review from Dreamflower. Yes, Frodo sees Cornflower's loving heart, rather than her empty head - and that is unfair really. She is a bit of an airhead but she must feel uncomfortable in such a clever, witty and well-educated family. Yes, Frodo is where he should be - home and happy. I did e-mail you with a small request - hope you've found it. :-))
shirebound · 11 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
My goodness, what a magnificent story. Aragorn's letters were so perfect, I'm just awestruck. I hope you have many more tales for us, BB... Frodo is lucky to have you to look after him and give him such a happily-ever-after.
Author's reply
Thank you. I enjoyed writing the letters and wondering what Aragorn would say to his favourite hobbits. Many more tales to come - I'm working on at least two more at the moment!
Andrea · 11 June 2005 · Chapter 5: Letters, Libraries and Labyrinths
Oh, I've waited for this update! Your idea, that Merry took pictures during the quest of people, buildings and landscapes, is wonderful! I can imagine that. And his regret, that he was not able to show all the beauty of Arwen and Galadriel, made me smile. That's my Merry! And Pippin did not think, that Frodo would make it through the maze? Well, it was Frodo who taught Merry to read maps and I remember a situation, where Merry was able to guide himself and his little cousin through Fangorn Forest, which I believe Pippin had never heard of before! I liked the conversation between Frodo and Cornflower. He's always gentle. And the prospect of another little one named "Frodo" is wonderful! "Goodness me! All these little Frodos running about!" ;-) Thank you!
Author's reply
I suspect Pip was just teasing Sam about Frodo's sense of direction, and Sam called his bluff. That's our Pippin! ;-)) Poor Cornflower - she must feel quite out of her depth in that family, but she's a sweet soul really. Thought the prospect of a little Frodo Bolger was quite cute. Really glad that you enjoyed it.
Dreamflower · 17 May 2005 · Chapter 4: The Horn of the Mark
What an absolutely delightful chapter! I am so in love with this story, and with this AU! Some of the things that just give me pleasant chills are the way Frodo can now speak freely of the sad facts of his past, such as his loss of parents and of the terrible experiences of the Quest, and the way, even though he is now well, Merry and Pippin and Sam are still so protective of him. Pippin's expression for early morning cracked me up! The "crack of sparrow-fart" indeed! LOL! I also love the way the motherly types still mother Frodo to death--and the way the lasses are still attracted to Frodo. ( I will go against the tide, though--I know several readers want you to have a romance for Frodo, but I like the way you have made him happy without a wife or child. He *has* family: Sam, Rose, their brood, his cousins...I too, believe that could have been enough to fulfill him. If you *do* decide to, it's going to take some convincing for me!) I see that you also like to make Pippin musical (the lute and mandolin for your Pip, huh?) And the dances--"Gathering Peascods" I'm familiar with, but not "Lilac Time"! I am also familiar with "Watkin's Ale" and you are right it is a very naughty song--*tsk*tsk*tsk*. ( I love the version by the Baltimore Consort.) This chapter was fun!fun!fun! And I look forward to the next update!
Author's reply
I had a friend who always used that expression to describe an early start!:-)) Yes, 'Watkin's Ale' is a very naughty song - I first heard it on the UK's classical music station and later bought the cd 'Nutmeg and Ginger - Songs from Shakespeare's London' so it is a good bawdy Elizabethan ditty. I really think Frodo is very fulfilled with his extended family and at present I think that is enough. I think the women in his family like to fuss over him, and Esme, like any mother, still thinks of him as the little orphan lad. Glad you enjoyed it. Working on Chapter 5 now!
Andrea · 14 May 2005 · Chapter 4: The Horn of the Mark
"You're so bloody modest you each insist the other one was the bravest. Save me from stubborn Bagginses and Gamgees!" That's so true. Merry has always been a good observer, when it comes to Frodo. It is good to see Frodo so happy again, but I'm not giving up hope yet, that there might be a Mrs Baggins some day!
Author's reply
Yes, Merry knows his friends very well and has been observing Frodo for years. You never know what plot bunnies may attack me - there are dozens of the little dears!
shirebound · 13 May 2005 · Chapter 4: The Horn of the Mark
What a marvelous, love-filled celebration. But I love the gentle teasing the best... "This time you're going to light the beacon." Pip thrust the torch into Frodo's hand. "Me? Why?" "To celebrate the fact that you're here to light the beacon, you blockheaded Baggins!"
Author's reply
As Merry says to Aragorn in the Houses of Healing, hobbits cover their true feelings with humour and light-hearted coments, so I think the teasing covers all their emotional feelings about Frodo being with them. Glad you enjoyed the celebration - and the teasing.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 27 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Remembered Grief and New-Found Joys
dear BB! I loved this chapter! You wrote about a young Frodo encountering his parents death so well, so movingly! I can just a young Frodo reacting in just that way, screaming at the horrific scene in front of him. I'm glad of the way you describe Prim and Drogo when they've been dragged from the river and having that be what Frodo himself was seeing. it shoots a bit of realism into the idyllic world of the Hobbits. Children do see horrific things and pretending they don't in stories is to not be true to the world you are detailing through words. From the way you write it you can tell those images stayed with Frodo for a very long time. Loved the cat stories. Mischief and Rufus, hmmmm! Wonder where you go those names? I miss all your little kitties! Wonderful story. More please. MM (PEF)
Author's reply
My dear MM! Thanks you for the thoughtful review. Yes, children do see horrific things and I think Frodo was an intelligent and aware child who would have known something was going on. No wonder he seems to carry so much pain inside him. You've found me out on the cat names! BB
Andrea · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Remembered Grief and New-Found Joys
"You cried for a lot of things, I expect, not just for your parents. You cried for the little boy you were, for all that has happened to you since, the life you lost, the people who have gone beyond our sight one way or another, and all the pain and torment you've had to endure." Of course Gandalf was right: not all tears are an evil! And Rosie is a wise hobbit lady. She seems to understand Frodo even more, than her husband does. I loved the flashbacks and links to your other story. Frodo has endured a lot in his life and I'm glad you gave him back the joy in his life. And I would like to repeat it: There should be a woman in Frodo's life. Give this plot-bunny a chance! I know you can do it :)
Author's reply
I really love writing for Rose - she is wise and warm and funny. Glad you enjoyed the flashbacks and links to other tales. I think it should all join in a cohesive way. As for a lady for Frodo - we shall have to see. :-)) Could be interesting!
Dreamflower · 19 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Remembered Grief and New-Found Joys
Oh what a delightful chapter! I love the altercation between Merry and Pippin, and Frodo in stern senior cousin mode, laying down the law. The visit to his parents' grave was also very insightful; I love the way Rose makes him realize that his grief is for more than just his lost parents. Poor Freddy, stuck with an airhead for a wife! I've known a few space cadets like that, and they are sweet as they can be, but totally frustrating to talk to. They are worth putting up with, though, as their full hearts make up for their empty brains. (Fredegar must attract those types; your Cornflower reminds me of my poor Folco.) And the story about Frodo's kitten and Gandalf was utterly inspired! More! More!
Author's reply
Yes, I enjoyed the 'stern senior cousin'act of Frodo's. Just wanted to show that there is some fire in him and he's not always over gentle. The bit about the kitten is and will be part of my ongoing story 'Childhood Shattered, Innocence Lost' about Frodo's youth and the loss of his parents. I do like to keep the universe as connected as possible. I've also seen kittens hide up chimneys before, and washed out the soot! Still giggling at the description of Cornflower as an airhead! Love it! :-))
Breon Briarwood · 18 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Remembered Grief and New-Found Joys
"the sight of Frodo covered in small hobbits." Oh dear! I can't bear it! I do hope you write him finding someone to love soon. That hobbit needs a wife and babies of his own! *sigh*
Author's reply
I think of Frodo as being very good with small children, who are probably attracted by that inner light of his, but I think the Ring destroyed his ability to love in that way. However, I think of him as content to be uncle to Sam's tribe and all the assorted Tooks and Brandybucks. He has (in this universe at least) found a sort of contentment which he thought he would never have. There are other kinds of fulfilment. Having said that, you never know what plot bunnies may bite me on the ankle one day! :-))
shirebound · 18 April 2005 · Chapter 3: Remembered Grief and New-Found Joys
What a gifted storyteller you are! (I've probably said that several times already, haven't I?) A wonderful chapter, but my favorite part was the beginning -- with the Sausage Wars and Frodo the peacemaker. :D
Author's reply
Having food snatched off his plate is enough to annoy any hobbit, but I couldn't resist the temptation to have Frodo intervene, as he no doubt had to do in his teens and tweens. I like the idea of him being stern with them. :-)) Glad you enjoyed the chapter.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 16 April 2005 · Chapter 2: Fun and Frights
Dear BB! I loved this chapter! I was touched by the scene at Frodo's parents grave. It was full of warmth and love and just the right touch of sadness. Poor Sam. Bless. He's always so worried about Frodo. The depiction of Hallowe'en night was wonderful I think you capture the essence of the holiday the way that it would be celebrated in the Shire. Excellently well-penned. You could feel the joy of celebration and the warmth of hearth and home. I loved how the Hobbits kept harkening back to when they were children on Hallow's eve. The story was suffuse with warmth and memory. You have a talent for writing HObbits. A few lines that particularly struck my fancy: "The effect of this was to produce more giggles, until even 'Woo-woo' was beyond the little spooklets." Love the image of little spooklets! "I was absolutely mortified when Gandalf turned up! He took one look at me, roared with laughter, and spent the rest of the evening calling me his 'fellow wizard.'" I can so imagine Gandalf calling a Small Frodo this! "All the lamps had been snuffed and the only light came from turnip lanterns high on small shelves, the grotesque faces casting weird shadows on the curved walls, which caused much shrieking and delicious terror in everyone, from the oldest to the youngest." This really creates a wonderful image of the Great Hall during the Celebration. wonder evocative imagery. "The tables were full of pies, breads, baked potatoes, spiced mushrooms, soup in vast tureens, and huge bowls of punch and mulled wine and cider. In the centre was a big barrel full of water for the apple-bobbing, and there were flaming bowls full of raisins for games of snapdragon." Again wonderful imagery, and also knowing me I love the listing of the all the wonderful foods on offer. Every Hobbit's desire! The impressed MM (PEF)
Author's reply
Thank you for that, my dear MM. I know you enjoy the foodie descriptions - as someone well in tune with hobbit eating habits, you would! :-)) Gotta love the spooklets! Wouldn't it be fun if we could just hang out with the hobbits? *sigh*
Mirkwoodmaiden · 5 April 2005 · Chapter 1: Off to Brandy Hall
Dear BB! A splendid beginning to what I can see will be a well-wrought story! YOur dialogue flows off the page and it seems so natural. Exactly the way I imagine that Hobbits would take. You've delineated each of the hobbits personality really well. I love what Sam says about his not being a hero. >"I'm no hero - that's for others. I did what I did because I would never leave >Frodo. Guess I'm just stubborn." This statement just sums up Sam in a nutshell. (Small nutshell sitting there looking unassuming, mind you.) hee-hee! I can sense the warmth and love spilling over in this story! I really like the attention to details about hobbits respect for their wives and how none would ever think about violence, (except Ted sandyman) The choice of Ted sandyman was an inspiring choice of Hobbit character gone somewhat south! Written by one who understands the Hobbit way of life! Really loved the story, I read the other Chapter tomorrow morning when I'm more awake! The penitent PEF
Author's reply
My dear MM! Thank you for your thoughtful comments, and I'm so glad you like the story. Ted Sandyman is certainly the best example of a hobbit character gone off the rails - I have another story in my head in which this is even more obvious. Yes, Sam is a very unassuming hobbit. :-)) I just love writing about hobbits having fun.
Larner · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Fun and Frights
One small correction--Frodo translates to Iorhael--wise one. Samwise translates to Perhail or Perhael (Halfwise) but should be Panthail or Panthael--Full-wise.
Author's reply
Many thanks - I had a feeling it wasn't right but did not have the reference to hand. Obviously a small 'senior moment' there.
Larner · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 1: Off to Brandy Hall
Nice and fluffy. Enjoyable.
Saoirse · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Fun and Frights
What a sweet story, and LoL: '"Well, Sam is a gardener so he should be good at sowing seed," said Pervinca slyly. "Stop rolling your eyes, Mother. It's true!" ' I do love your Pervinca! Keep up the great work :)
Andrea · 30 March 2005 · Chapter 2: Fun and Frights
[...] "I always remember the year Esme dressed me up as Gandalf, complete with pointy hat and long grey beard. I even had a staff, and I'm sure I half believed it would work magic. I was absolutely mortified when Gandalf turned up! He took one look at me, roared with laughter, and spent the rest of the evening calling me his 'fellow wizard.'" - That's prizeless! I would like to see them, the old wizard and his smaller copy! Where do you always get those wonderful ideas? It's really amazing. Thank you for sharing your Alternative Universe with us, I really like it.