Gryffinjack
· 18 October 2005
· Chapter 12: Looking Back
My, you've combined so many little bits of stories of earlier in their lives here! It's always fun to look back and reminisce, isn't it?
"...he lowered his voice and attempted to imitate Bilbo’s rolling tones “-- ‘Peregrin, my lad, how you’ve grown! Soon you’ll pass the Bullroarer’” He glanced at Sam slyly. “I know that wasn’t really true, but I liked him saying it just the same."
And a little bit of looking toward the future, eh? Not that anyone would have believed that Pippin or Merry would grow taller than the Bullroarer back then.
"The lad sat sideways on the bench, and drawing his legs up, wrapped his arms around them, leaning his pointed little chin upon his knees. “Do you ever miss the olden days, Sam?”
Sam’s eyebrows raised, and his eyes twinkled, but he kept his voice level. “The ‘olden’ days, Master Pippin?”
“Yes, back when I was just a child,” he said."
The olden days, indeed! lol! How like a child to think that a few years ago was the "olden days." Sam did well to keep himself as composed as he did.
How progressive of Sam to allow Pippin to call it "helping" instead of "watching." lol! I don't think the Gaffer would approve at all if he knew. It's so great to see the interaction of Merry and Pippin with Sam. They all get along so well, especially Merry and Sam since they used to be playmates.
Thanks for this look back at memory lane.
Author's reply
Don't know how I missed replying to this one and the next! I must have missed seeing the notifications...
I had a good deal of fun writing this little trip down memory lane; it was quite a challenge to think of "nostalgia" with such young hobbits. But of course, then I started thinking, what if it were the youngest of them who was feeling nostalgic. These themes have been a real challenge to me.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 14: Far Away
Out of the mouths of babes - the simple truths that only the young and innocent can come up with. Pippin has it right. He may be the youngest, but his thinking was the most complex and profound in this instance.
Another instance of things being a matter of perspective for Merry and Sam, who thought in terms of geographic distance based upon where they themselves have been.
While I wonder what Frodo's answer would be, I'd wager it would be more along the lines of Pippin's answer. He knows how far Bilbo has gone, but more important, he knows how far away his parents have gone and that he cannot reach them.
Author's reply
Yes, really it is all a matter of perspective. Sam and Merry are the practical ones, seeing only the literal meaning of "far away" as being one of physical difference, while Pippin (and Frodo as well I suspect) are able to see the imagine the more subtle meanings.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 3: What You're Used To...
Poor Sam is the odd-hobbit out! I wonder what he would think to know that the three cousins all preferred and shared one bed instead of using separate ones. I guess it's in part the difference between those that are only children and those that are one of many (I know Pippin has three sisters, but he is the only lad).
How wonderful to see Frodo so happy and content for a change. This shows how much comfort he derives from his younger cousins.
lol! I've used more words in this review than you did in your entire drabble and not said anything nearly as eloquently or poignant as you did!
Author's reply
He might have been somewhat surprised. He'd had his own bed for a while, but you don't really get over those early patterns of behavior.
They are a very great comfort to him.
I've done the same reviewing drabbles I like. It's harder to keep a review under a hundred words than it is a story, LOL!
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 7: Running
Wow - to shift from the sweet, innocence of running in childhood for play and laughter to the scary use of running for their very lives in the Quest. Great juxtaposition and use of repetition. I could imagine the smiles on the faces of our young lads, and then watched as they melted into wide-eyed fear to run away from Orcs, Shelob, and lava.
Such impact in just a few words - amazing.
Author's reply
Thank you very much.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 5: The Hard Things About Waiting
These are four very nice drabbles on the different perspectives of our four hobbit lads. It also shows how interrelated they all were.
It is a shame that Frodo's heart was still lonely once he moved to Bag End, away from the river. But although he had other friends, as we are told by Tolkien, the two he was closest to were Merry and Pippin. No wonder Sam and Merry get along so well - they both worry and fret over Frodo something awful!
Author's reply
I think you know by now that the interrelatedness of these four is somewhat of an obsession with me.
Frodo would have remained lonely no matter *where* he was. His parents' deaths had left a gaping hole that Bilbo and the others could ever only partially fill. And he would definitely miss Merry most at the beginning of his life at Bag End, and would be eager to see him when the time for his visit neared.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 8: First Lessons
Here it is - finally!
This is a short and simple story, but one I really enjoy a lot. To see Frodo help shape and mould Merry, Sam, and Pippin's development. He really was an integral part of all of their lives.
All three of these pieces are so sweet and straight forward. They all show how the three younger hobbits all looked up to Frodo and trusted him so much. It helps show why they all thought he was so special.
I think I'll read it again right now!
Author's reply
Frodo's influence and care and love for the three younger ones is crucial to my understanding of their relationship. It does go to show that the love and trust between them all was mutual, and one of the reasons was all the love and care Frodo had shown each of them from their earliest days.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 11: Sums, Showers and Scones
Another recipe fic! I'll have to try this recipe out, too.
What a thoughtful idea of Frodo's for them to make the tea as a surprise for Bilbo. They really are good lads.
I'm glad Sam stuck around to partake of the tea since he made the mushroom soup, though I wish we had the recipe for that, too. However, I do wish he could have continued on with his lessons, although of course that was quite impossible under the circumstances.
Author's reply
It's a good one. I need to make some more myself.
Hobbits are pretty comfortable in the kitchen, and I'm sure that the idea of preparing tea was only natural for them. But yes, they are good lads.
Well, Sam just had to, didn't he? And you are correct. Once he had the increased responsibilities, he'd nave no more time for lessons.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 9: Clear Night
Does Gandalf have some Baggins blood in him, too? He must, because he sure can tell a story as well as Bilbo or Frodo. lol!
I love the relationship that Gandalf has with the hobbits, especially the young ones. It is not just anyone whose lap Pippin would clamber up into and calm down. Sam must have been in his element, hearing a story from a wizard of long ago when the stars were created.
By the way, this story is slightly out of order and should come before the last couple in your chronological list, based upon the ages of the four hobbits.
Author's reply
Gandalf *is* a good story-teller, isn't he? But then he's spent a lot of time among the story-loving hobbits...
I always think the hobbits thought of Gandalf as a sort of "grandfatherly figure", and I believe he went out of his way to cultivate that image...
You are right. I do need to move this one up a couple of stories. Thanks for the heads up. I'm not sure how soon I'll get to it, though.
Gryffinjack
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 6: Cousins and Caterpillars
It's The Ugly Duckling, hobbit-style! Frodo did an excellent job of telling this adapted version of the wonderful old classic. Those Bagginses sure do have a way with telling stories.
So Pippin has leaves and twigs in his hair again, eh? At least there is no sap in it this time! And Sam is cultivating Merry's interest in plants again, too. No wonder Merry writes that herblore book later on.
"Merry was at the age where he would develop sudden enthusiasms for different hobbies."
At what age will I outgrow this? For I am quite like Merry in this regard, although I do not switch as often and always maintain some interest in past subjects. lol!
That butterfly sounds very beautiful. I've never seen one as we don't have them in this neck of the woods.
Author's reply
Kind of the same theme, yes. It's rather a universal theme, and I thought the sight of the caterpillar would do it. And Frodo is Bilbo's heir in more things than just Bag End.
I would imagine curious little Pip spent a good deal of time with leaves and twigs in his hair, LOL!
*chuckle* I'll have to confess to multiple hobbies as well.
I googled for a site with British butterflies, and chose that one for two reasons: the time of year that was given for it to hatch and such, and the similarity in names to the butterflies Bilbo saw in Mirkwood in "The Hobbit".
Tigger
· 16 October 2005
· Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
Oh...How delightful. A Fellowship party hosted by Bilbo!! Loved the comments about the ale and Boromir's own story about how he tried to get Faramir drunk and they both ended up getting rather..."mellow". LOL!!
This was a wonderful look at Boromir just before the Fellowship and how he started getting to know his travelling companions. Usually Boromir is regarded as being so very aloof and reserved. That's one of the things I loved about Sean Bean's portrayal of him in the movies. He made Boromir real and human. Know what I mean?
Nice touch on Boromir trying to remember just why Aragorn seemed so familiar to him. I'd love to see you do a story about Boromir's realization/reaction to when he learns that Thorongil and Aragorn are one and the same. Aragorn would have been in Minas Tirith when Boromir was born after all and I've seen some excellent stories touching on this. I'd love to see your take on it.
And Boromir's promise to Bilbo. How bittersweet was that? I believe in his heart Boromir did keep his promise in the end by trying to protect Merry and Pippin, but by that time..It was too late and the Ring had done it's damage.
All in all, what a satisfying little story. Nicely done.
Author's reply
Goodness! How *did* I miss seeing this review? My apologies for the late response!
Sean Bean's portrayal of Boromir has very much colored my perception of him, although I had always thought of him as a noble and honorable Man, who was simply and finally overcome by the Ring's power, and fed by his inner turmoil over the fate of Gondor--and yet he was still able to throw off the temporary Ring-induced insanity, and spent his life to save Merry and Pippin. I have always felt there was true affection there for the two of them, as well as his trying to make amends to Frodo by trying to save his cousins. But Sean Bean's remarkable performance also gave Boromir a sense of humor, and allowed us to see his affection for the hobbits.
Boromir *did* try to keep his promise to both Bilbo and to Frodo to protect those two--it was just a shame that he had that brief fall from grace, and as you said "the Ring had done its damage".
And thank you for a most satisfying review. I am just sorry I did not see it sooner!
Gryffinjack
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 4: A Sticky Situation
Now why did I know before I clicked on this story that any story titled "A Sticky Situation" had to be about Pippin getting into trouble again?
These four hobbits have taken care of each other virtually their entire lives. No wonder they all insisted on going with Frodo when he heard he was in danger and had to leave the Shire.
Thank goodness for the Gaffer and that goopy soap of his! What a thing to happen at the end of Pippin's first visit all by himself. No wonder Merry was panicking!
Eglantine's reaction to the scent of her son's hair is priceless. Poor Bilbo won't know what to make of her gift to him!
I've been thrilled to read all of your responses to my reviews. Most authors do not take the time to respond to each and every reply since it takes so long, especially for a good author. Your responses have given me more insight and more to think about on occasion. I've looked forward to reading each and every one and not been disappointed. However, it occurs to me that this must take an inordinate amount of your time every day and that is not my intent. Would you prefer it if I limited the number of stories or chapters I read to only one or two a day? Or if you prefer, you don't have to leave such detailed responses. Mind you, it truly is a treat to get such detailed responses from you to my reviews, but I feel awful about taking so much of your time up and don't want you to feel obligated to do so.
Author's reply
*snerk* Yes, I wonder why?
Yes, they have taken care of one another for a long time. It's really a lifetime of love and friendship and joy and memory. There is no way that such a connection could be broken, or that they would allow it too.
The Gaffer does have some handy-dandy items, such as hangover remedies and all-purpose garden soap...*chuckle*
I thought that might be a cute reaction, and really a perfectly normal one, on smelling the strong soap in her little son's hair.
Good heavens! It's been a treat to me! I *love* getting reviews and writing replies, and as I am retired, I've loads of time. I had more than usual this past week, as my husband was using my car, so I didn't have any errands to run, and I'll have more than normal *next* week as he's off to a seminar. But even in normal weeks, I love to respond to reviews, it just might not be quite so promptly. So don't limit yourself for my sake--I'm having a blast reading your reviews, and it's been fun remembering some of my early fics that I've not revisited in a while. And trust me, I wouldn't be writing long replies if I didn't feel like it. I love to blather on about my stories and about hobbits in general, so just let me know if I get too long winded for you, LOL!
Grey Wonderer
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
That Pippin knew exactly what he was doing even if the others didn't. I suspect that only Gandalf was in on the secret. Very cute!
Author's reply
Of course Gandalf was in on the secret, LOL! He knew his little "fool of a Took" very well. And I'm sure the other hobbits at least, knew Pip was making a conscious effort to cheer them, but they were able to go with the moment anyway. I like to think that Pippin had appointed himself "morale officer" to the Company, even if he might not think of it in those words.
Gryffinjack
· 15 October 2005
· Chapter 16: In the Manner of Dreams
“Lad, I think it is just that you know how much they love you, and enjoy your companionship. You do all you can to protect and teach those little ones, and the day may come when they will repay your love and effort with trying to help and protect you."
Bilbo summed it up the relationship of Frodo to the other three (even though Pippin had not yet been born) perfectly. And, yes, it did cause Frodo a great deal of heartache later on, first at the thought of leaving them all behind and then when he realised they wouldn't leave him and that he was leading them into grave danger.
The shadow of the ring is long, indeed.
Author's reply
Bilbo was a wise hobbit, even though he did not know just *how* true his words would prove, or how far they would go to repay Frodo's love and effort.
Baggins Babe
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
I always loved the idea of Pip making a mess of the bathroom at Crickhollow, so this was delightful. I could just hear him singing that. Dear Pip, distracting them from feeling wet, cold and fed-up! No wonder Elrond allowed him to go!
Author's reply
I've always loved it as well. It just shows his youthful exuberance so very well. Pippin's rather appointed himself as the morale officer for the Company, and he takes keeping their spirits up very seriously.
Gryffinjack
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 10: A First Time for Everything
Incredible - each story is better than the last!
I really am enjoying reading the stories in chronological order this time. They make more sense and I do not feel like I am missing something. However, which is the story where Frodo first teaches Pippin to climb a tree? I did not see that one in your chronological list.
Frodo is fantastic in this story, the way he takes care of both Merry and Pippin. He really is a wonderful older cousin and I wish that he were my older cousin as well. And I have been quite remiss in not mentioning before how much I adore the way Frodo calls Merry "sprout." It is such a sweet little term of endearment that he only uses for his Merry! I wish he would have continued to call Merry that once in a while later on when Merry was an adult.
Sam is his usual comforting self in this story, the way he looks after Merry once they realise that Pippin has climbed higher in the tree.
Pippin ... is a Took. He gets something into his head and acts on it without thinking it out fully. However, at least he does learn from his mistakes and never repeats them. A Fool of a Took, yes, but an intelligent one. And now he has learnt another hard lesson in life, not only that his actions affect others as well as himself, but just how powerfully Merry's love for him is.
I am so proud of Merry in this story, the way he tried to ignore his own fears in order to rescue Pippin. I am sure that Pippin would have jumped over several ditches if need be to rescue either Merry or Frodo, but this was Merry's moment to shine. Unfortunately, he is too young to understand just how brave he truly was. It is not easy to act in the face of one's fears, but Merry did it anyway. The fact that he did not climb all the way up to rescue Pippin is irrelevant. Climbing ten feet is quite a milestone for him.
Author's reply
The tale of Pippin learning to climb is one of three drabbles called "First Lessons", which is slightly out of order, since each drabble takes place at a different time.
Merry began to object to the "baby-name" when he began to approach his tweens, so Frodo stopped. But I would bet in later years that Merry missed it a good deal.
Sam's always a comfort, isn't he? So solid and reliable.
Exactly. Pippin is very impulsive and impatient, two major Tookish traits; but you are quite right--he is also very intelligent. His is not the steady, forward thinking type of intelligence that Merry has, but more of flashes of brilliance, that occasionally go awry. And he *does* learn a lesson from his mistakes.
That is exactly what I wanted to convey. That ten feet was further for him than Frodo's easy clamber to the heights. But at his age, all he could see was that he was afraid, and that he did not do what he set out to do, a bitter pill for a determined Brandybuck to swallow.
I am truly loving these reviews. I think tonight I will try again to update the chronology, so that the rest of them will truly be in order for you!
Andrea
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
Good old Pippin! It just needs the "right" song to cheer up the whole fellowship.
The "Bath Song" is one of my favourites, I even know a melody to it, wonderfully performed by the Tolkien Ensemble.
Author's reply
I know a melody performed by the Hobbitons. I'd love to hear the Tolkien Ensemble's version. I plan to order their CDs when I get the chance.
Kitty
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
Oh yes, I remember the mentioning of this incident. So this was the full story? Pippin's remark was still hilarious! *grin* Very nice way to cheer the fellowship up!
Author's reply
Yes, this is the "rest of the story" as they say. Is it any wonder that it is one of Legolas' and Gimli's favorite memories of the Quest?
Larner
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
Ah, yes, the joys of putting up with small Tooks and their baths. At least he got them distracted from how miserable they were.
They all needed his ability to help them find reason to smile.
Author's reply
Well, I figured that if he was still splashing around and making a mess when he was 28, he must have *really* been a menace in the bath when he was small!
And he does know how to bring on the smiles.
Bodkin
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
Pippin makes a good cheerleader. They all felt much better after his choice of song - and I can't blame them.
Of course, the end of the rain probably helped too!
Author's reply
He is the cheerleader of the group, although he had his own moments as well.
And yes,the rain stopping would help a lot.
Gryffinjack
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 1: Set # 1(featuring young pre-Quest Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin (Now complete): Cloudwatching
Leave it to Pippin to lighten the eerieness of the other three foreshadowing things to come! It is a very good thing that none of them knew the hidden meaning of those shapes they saw. Well, all except for what Pippin saw, which was something else to eat! My, how he loves sweets!
Author's reply
I didn't realize until the reviews began to come in that my foreshadowing had been, shall we say, less than subtle!
Well, little Pip knows what the real priorities are! For a wee hobbit, there is not much more important than *cake*!
He does love them so; it's a shame he's not allowed them more often.
pipspebble
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
Charming little story; I love seeing Pippin wield his power over the others. The O Water Hot song has long been a favorite of mine, and it was so easy to see in my head, to hear Billy's sweet, clear voice as Pippin sang the beloved words. Very nice indeed!
Author's reply
Yes, I can also imagine it in his voice. His obvious enjoyment of singing in the films, was, I think, the reason my Pippin is so musical. Just a good example of how the right actor can add depth to a character beyond the original material. (Althoug Pippin in the book enjoyed singing too, there's never any mention of how *good* he is.)
Lindelea
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
O but this brought tears to my eyes, lighthearted as it was, especially the conclusion. Poor Boromir...
I must tell Pipkinsweetgrass about this one, if she hasn't already read and left a review.
Author's reply
Of course. Because we know the ultimate outcome, any story featuring Boromir is going to have a bittersweet quality to it, even without any allusions to the Ring at all.
She did read it, and left me a blushingly lovely review on the LJ at 20_rings.
Thank you!
Lindelea
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
Grinning from ear to ear. This is the Pippin I love! "Pippin looked seriously thoughtful." (snicker)
And then cheering them all with the song, and his "Hush" at the end, LOL!
Thanks for taking me out of the angst for a moment or two. I feel so much better, almost good enough to dive in again. *g*
Author's reply
A little fluff to leaven out the angst is always helpful. You know, the old "spoonful of sugar" principal.
Pippin takes his duties as morale officer for the Company quite seriously, indeed, LOL!
When Gimli and Legolas told this little anecdote in "Road to Edoras" I just knew that I would need to expand it into a story one day!
harrowcat
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 25: O! Water Cold
only 'nearly mutinous' Dreamflower? Now what would it take to turn Sam completely mutinous? Gollum maybe?! And well done Pippin!
Author's reply
Sam's not normally a complainer, but I remember his remark in the book about "one wall and no roof", so I figured the Big Folks' idea of "shelter" might be a pet peeve of his.
Pippin's back to his usually cheerful self now, and he knows it's his job to keep spirits up. And he'll take any chance he can get to sing, LOL!
Gryffinjack
· 13 October 2005
· Chapter 2: Playing at Stones
Awww - our first look at the four Travellers together!
Stones sounds like a lot of fun to play, and more than a bit like playing jacks. Leave it to Merry and Sam to be so careful and thorough about picking the stones for Frodo. Even back then, they took excellent care of him.
And Pippin! Following the stones with his big green Tookish eyes, so adorable. He's already showing signs of great intelligence the way he is so alert to all movements. I know, I'm a bit partial, but you already knew that.
Author's reply
"Stones" is my hobbity version of a game that was actually a historical ancestor of jacks. I think you are right about them taking care of him, *grin*.
Yes, he was certainly alert, even then. Fast--and you'll note it was heading directly for his mouth, LOL!
It has just occurred to me that you are following my chronology! I'm so glad someone's finding it useful! It's in woeful need of an update, but the last time I tried it, my log-in expired before I could hit "save changes". I'll have to try again soon.