Larner · 23 September 2005 · Chapter 17: Blue Eyes
Yes, those compelling eyes that Frodo had, that drew so many to him.
Author's reply
And those eyes so very special and filled with meaning to the ones who loved him best.
Twice Twenty by Dreamflower
Reviews (266)
Anso the Hobbit · 23 September 2005 · Chapter 16: In the Manner of Dreams
Oh, a bit of foreboding! Frodo's dreams did come true and it is very likely that he had those dreams in the Shire long before the Quest too. Excellent! :D
Author's reply
*I* think so. We know he had them in Crickhollow and at Tom Bombadil's house. I, like many other writers, stretch a point to think that he might have had them sooner. It's quite possible.
Larner · 23 September 2005 · Chapter 16: In the Manner of Dreams
Yes, a foreshadowing of what is to come. It would be frightening, wouldn't it?
Author's reply
Yes, it would indeed. Poor Frodo.
Baggins Babe · 22 September 2005 · Chapter 19: "He Sat and Sang a Melody..."
This was so evocative - what a strange and beautiful song, and so indicative of Tolkien's love of language, and the hobbits' delight in word games. I have been trying to get my hands on a copy of 'The Adventures of Tom Bombadil' for ages! We wantsss it, precioussss! :-)) I made the mistake of reading Bilbo's Last Song in the library while I was shelf-tidying once, and turned into a soggy puddle!
Author's reply
It is a strange and beautiful song. It just glides along, the sound of the words more evocative than their actual meaning. It seems to me that other poets and writers sometimes use onomatopiea (sp?) instead of real words, but JRRT knows how to make *real* words sound like onomaopiea, if you know what I mean... Just get hold of The Tolkien Reader. It's never been out of print, and TAoTB is included in that. It's easily available in paperback. I want Bilbo's Last Song myself, and it's on my list. Unfortunately *that* is not available in paperback.
Larner · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 19: "He Sat and Sang a Melody..."
My single copy of The Adventures of Tom Bombadil is before me, alongside Bilbo's Last Song and The Biography of J.R.R. Tolkien. This and The Cat are two of my favorites from it, and loved how in both life and story the one led into the Lay of Earendil Bilbo sang in the Hall of Fire. Tolkien was a master of the use of language.
Author's reply
He was indeed. Of course, language was his life, not only his vocation but his avocation. I've always loved "Errantry", and hear it in my head to the tune that Donald Swann created for "The Road Goes Ever On". Without the arty embellishments it's a very appropriate melody for such a song, very meandering and neither too bouncy or too slow.
SlightlyTookish · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
This is terrific! I love stories where the Fellowship is getting to know one another, and I adore all of Boromir's observations about his companions. It's especially wonderful to see him realize Bilbo's position both among the other hobbits and in Rivendell. I really do love how the Elves made tiny cups and chairs for him! :)
Author's reply
I'm quite sure that once Bilbo had retired to Rivendell, Elrond would have done everything in his power to make him comfy, including furniture and utensils and dishes sized for his use. It's not like he was a passing guest who had to make do. Author Reply: Sorry, I was interrupted before I could finish. I can imagine that to someone who was unfamiliar with hobbits, Bilbo's humorous and light turn of speech might make them think he was silly or foolish. But it's quite clear that Elrond and the others respect him at the Council--only Gloin smiles at him, and that's out of affection. It probably took Boromir a bit aback. And I think he might be excused for not realizing Bilbo's courage and intelligence when he recounted his Adventure, as Boromir had so much other information bombarding him.
Bodkin · 21 September 2005 · Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
I like the Boromir point of view - and the description of the party is great. I'm glad the non-hobbits have realised that you don't hold back where food is concerned! And Boromir's look at Bilbo is very interesting. As is his perspective on the rest of them. (Poor Boromir. The Sacrifice.)
Author's reply
Poor Boromir, the Sacrifice, as you said. I'm glad you enjoyed this; Bilbo giving a party is a given. I'm sure he wanted to give his young ones' escort the once over. After all, he *knew* Gandalf and Aragorn, but the others were relative strangers. We see at the Council that, while Bilbo's speech is droll and hobbity, he is still taken seriously by Elrond and others who knew him. Boromir was a complete stranger, though, and might be somewhat excused for falling for that silly persona, and missing the intelligence underneath. I like stories where Boromir gets to appreciate his hobbit companions, and his POV jsut came to me.
Grey Wonderer · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
I loved Boromir in this and it was such fun to see Bilbo as host. I also liked the fact that the Elves had beer and ale to go with their wine. Makes them much more likable. A lovely party!
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked Boromir's POV here. Bilbo is a good host, especially when he has *planned* his party, LOL! Really, I mean a race that lives for thousands of years? To suggest that they'd *only* like wine would be a bit silly. I don't mind making it a cultural preference, but I'm sure they liked other things to drink as well, from time to time,and so, what with no Pepsi or iced tea available...
Larner · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
It is too bad the Ring had to interfere with Boromir following through on his vow. Well told.
Author's reply
I know. Boromir as I see him, was noble and well-intentioned. And in Rivendell, before they set out, I think that he was probably able to think clearly, the Ring had not yet begun Its insidious work. I think that once they set out, It probably soon found his weakness: his pride, and the despair his father had instilled in him, and began to work upon it. Its progress was slow, however, and not until Galadriel exposed it in Lothlorien, did It begin to see success. And only a temporary success at that--after all, he threw Its influence off only moments after succumbing. But too late, I am afraid.
shirebound · 20 September 2005 · Chapter 26: A Convivial Evening
Wonderful So many insightful passages, Dreamflower... these are my favorites: They seemed concerned that I had not included my uncle and cousins as family at the first, and feared it indicated some family feud or bad blood between us. For though he had forsaken the Shire, it was quite clear by the relief his younger kin felt in finding him here, and in their quick submission to his authority as the senior member of their family. I then realized that Lord Elrond had consulted him as to who would be sent with the Ringbearer as well. His grip was firm, but not crushing--he felt no need to impress his strength upon me, as some Men do upon meeting. My father has always held that the Stewards were all the nobler for never having claimed the kingship And of course... Pippin grinned up at me. “We’ll make a hobbit of you yet, Boromir.” I chuckled. I can think of worse fates. Oh, I enjoyed this *so* much.
Author's reply
OOoh, I love a review where people quote their favorite parts, especially when theirs turn out to be some of mine as well. Thank you so much!
Anso the Hobbit · 21 July 2005 · Chapter 15: The Wall Came Tumbling Down
Very nice! Those three cousins are not as gentlehobbity that they can`t work a bit and now they can manage to go to Tuckborough to celebrate Pippin`s birthday anyway. :)
Author's reply
You'll notice it's only *Sam* that thinks they are "too good" to do that kind of work--the three of them have no qualms about it. Sam at this point still thinks he should put away his friendship with them as something no longer proper now that he has come of age. Problem is, you can't really do that with people. And this just shows him. And now they can go to Tuckborough, LOL, so that should make Pip happy!
Baggins Babe · 18 July 2005 · Chapter 15: The Wall Came Tumbling Down
I love this! How typical that Frodo, Merry and Pip would wait until Sam's back was turned and then finish the wall. I could just imagine Sam's reaction, torn between delight and relief that the work was done, and horror that the three gentlehobbits had actually stayed up all night doind manual work. Brilliant!
Author's reply
I have to give a lot of credit to Marigold, who gave me the bunny on this one. I was just a bit stumped with the theme, and asked her what she thought, and she sent me about a dozen bunnies for "wall". As soon as I saw this one, I said *Of Course!* Sam really never stood a chance of keeping those three at arm's length--at least not my Sam. He gave it a good try, but when they want to be friends they will not let a little thing like social status stand in their way.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 21: Set #2 (featuring the Fellowship) : Who Will Best Serve?
Yes, I see the Ring acting in this way.
Author's reply
Me too. I know that some people don't agree that the Ring was sentient, but I think that there are a lot of hints to the contrary in the text. JRRT says over and over that it *wanted* to be found and taken to its Master, and that it corrupted people's wills. I think that definitely shows sentience.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 15: The Wall Came Tumbling Down
Yes, some Buckland impropriety in there, making certain Hobbiton propriety didn't get in the way of a good time to come. Lovely!
Author's reply
Not so much Buckland "impropriety" as Buckland determination and practicality. And of course they weren't going to let it get in the way of their good time if they could help it.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 14: Far Away
Pippin had the best answer.
Author's reply
*I* thought so, LOL!
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 13: Bullroarer
Lovely tale as to how the Bullroarer got his name, and loved the reminder by Frodo that Merry ought not to do the same thing.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked the little tale. I'm sure that Frodo was an expert at seeing ideas hatch in Merry's head, and knowing when they would be *bad* ones, LOL!
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 12: Looking Back
Watching and remembering and honeycakes--quite the combination for the day!
Author's reply
Thank you. That's just what it was, just some nice reminiscing.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 11: Sums, Showers and Scones
Aha--another recipe story. And no real mess to it, for a change, even with Pippin involved.
Author's reply
I love recipe fics. What can I say? *grin* Maybe just a little bit of flour spilled and a few raisins. But no real mess, not with all three of the others there to keep an eye on him.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 10: A First Time for Everything
Learning to deal with fear gone to anger is something we must all do. And now Pippin is realizing this happens. Poor little Hobbit.
Author's reply
Yes, poor little Pip, to find out that his Merry can truly get angry at him, and to realize *why*. And poor Merry, to find out that it's possible to *get* both that frightened and that angry.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 9: Clear Night
The stars will be so important to them one day. And love the identification of Gandalf here with Saint Nicholas with the finger alongside the nose. And love the image of the glorious noise.
Author's reply
*giggle* You know, I had not really thought of the St. Nick thing, but possibly that is where my subconcious dredged up the image. For I do think of that gesture as being associated with jolly old men! LOL!
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 8: First Lessons
Love Frodo as the teacher to the others, leading each to take steps on their own, whether swimming, reading, or climbing, all to try to be with him more fully.
Author's reply
I thought this would suit the theme of "beginning"; I could so see him patiently teaching the young ones. And yes, they are motivated to learn for the sake of being with the one they love.
Larner · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 6: Cousins and Caterpillars
A nice hobbity version of The Ugly Duckling, as well as foreshadowing of the changes Frodo was himself to know.
Author's reply
I'm glad you caught the foreshadowing. And yes, I sort of had the story of the Ugly Duckling in the back of my head...
Kitty · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 15: The Wall Came Tumbling Down
Sam and being 'proper' again! I was grinning from ear to ear after reading this. How good the three cousins don't want to be only gentlehobbits but are able to do something useful, if Sam is approving or not! It was quite the fun they did it at night behind Sam's back because he doesn't allow his employer any work! (*I* would have absolutely *no* scruples to let my superiors do a lot more work than they mostly do ;-))
Author's reply
Those three are not going to sit by and do nothing if they can help it. *grin* (I know; most of us think it would be good if our bosses could walk in our shoes for a while.)
Andrea · 17 July 2005 · Chapter 15: The Wall Came Tumbling Down
No review so far? Impossible! I enjoyed reading this little story very much! Indeed, Frodo and Merry are Bucklanders. But from his experiences in Hobbiton Frodo knows, that it is nearly impossible to overcome the gap between common folk and the "gentry". Merry's idea is so very easy: Only wait, until Sam has left, and he will not complain any more. Brilliant! And I just loved Sam's reaction: "Torn between delight that the task was finished, and a bit of anger that they had disregarded his desires, all he could do was sit down on top of the wall and laugh."
Author's reply
You were first! *grin* I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I do see the Bucklanders as having a kind of "frontier" mentality compared to the rest of the Shire. They seem to be proud of coping and doing what needs to be done and everyone pulling their own weight, no matter what their station. But you are right, Frodo's lived in Hobbiton long enough to understand how ingrained that gap is. Merry does tend to see straight through to a solution. I thought that might be his reaction. At this point in their lives, I see Sam as very much trying to keep to what he thinks is *his* station in life--he is very *proud* of his position as Bag End's gardener, and is unlikely to allow anything that would take away from that. The Quest has not yet taken place, so the firm and deep friendship of later has yet to be forged. He still recalls fondly the close friendship he had with the others as a child, but he is of age now, and thinks that it is "proper" to put that friendship away as a childish thing. But of course, he is still is very fond of the cousins underneath it all. This brought down one barrier between them, but it will take the Quest to wear it away.
Kitty · 4 July 2005 · Chapter 21: Set #2 (featuring the Fellowship) : Who Will Best Serve?
Very insightful! We all know the ring tried to seduce everyone, but I can't remember another story from this POV. The ring must have been quite frustrated before It got the hold on Boromir, the more because this was useless in the end when he was killed. Frodo and Sam were no easy prey, and when Frodo at last succumbed to the Ring, it was already too late. The Ring was too much filled with hatred and malice to understand love, I think. Poor Frodo, ist must have been very hard to fight this permanent whispering for so long.
Author's reply
I think that the Ring probably *did* get frustrated. Not only was Its hold on Boromir useless because he got killed, but also because he threw that hold *off*. Think about it. If the Ring had truly got Its hooks into him, just tripping and falling would not have been enough to bring him out of it or make him remorseful. Frodo taking himself out of his presence would have made no difference, he would have tried to follow, he would not have just given up. The Ring *never* understood love, though It knew the word, it tended to confuse "love" with "desire to possess"--which of course is not at all the same thing. I am certain it was hard for him to continually be fighting it off, and holding it away from his loved ones.