A Shire Sketchbook by Baggins Babe
Andrea · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
"Don't say a word," Frodo said through gritted teeth. LOL! That was wonderful! I'm still grinning when I imagine the little Dunadan baby flinging egg in Lord Elrond's face. I think that's very well possible :)
Author's reply
Ah yes, that little Dunadan baby - I can see him flinging egg at those exquisitely dressed Elven lords.............. Nice to know you enjoyed it. Thanks for reviewing.
harrowcat · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
Certainly a bigger trial than the trip to Morder. *g* But then they have my admiration because I wouldn't have coped any better!
Author's reply
I'm not sure I would have coped at all - I'd probably have run screaming out of the smial and down to the Green Dragon for a very lasrge drink - or six!
Dreamflower · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
*giggle* What a hoot! I love that after all their hard work cleaning up the evidence, Rose spots it all anyway. Just shows a guy's idea of clean isn't anywhere near the same as a woman's idea of clean, LOL! Some of the bits I loved were Frodo imagining Aragorn flinging egg in Elrond's face, and how wet he was after washing Merry-lad's hair (and you'd think he'd be used to little hobbits half-drowning him with their baths after all those years helping to bathe Pippin. *grin*) I also loved how quarrelsome the lasses were when asked to clean up, and all the bedtime bickering! This was just so funny! And now we know why mommies go out for the evening--they aren't sewing or quilting or any of that. They are entertaining themselves with knowing what their menfolk are putting up with in their absence! 8-D
Author's reply
*giggle* You picked up on the fact that Rose spotted all the evidence - Rosie Gamgee, CSI. :-)) I'm sure you're right about why mothers go out for an evening! I think this was just one of those evenings which started to slip away from them. Once that happens it's akk downhill, with squabbling, fractious children and Fate conspiring against them. Delighted to know you enjoyed it.
Kitty · 9 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
*ROOFL!!!* Oh BB, that was hilarious! Really, Mordor was nothing compared to *this*! *wipes eyes* And a Balrog is nothing, too. The image of little Estel behaving so badly with the three great Elven Lords ... *giggle* Poor Frodo and Sam will appreciate Rose the more after this evening, I strongly suspect. And now I'd like to know how the King and Faramir handle the problem with their own offspring. Could be a nice part of one chapter of 'Birthday Surprises' ;-) Now I wonder how much experience *you* have with the impossible task of bringing little monsters children to bed! It seems you've suffered through some of these things yourself!
Author's reply
I've seen children do this sort of thing - mostly to their parents. I don't so babysitting! I decided at the age of 3 that parenthood was not for me and I've managed not to be roped in for babysitting either, but I can guess. I hope Rose is feeling more appreciated as a result of this incident. And I do wonder what effect a mischievous 2 year old human child had in a peaceful Elven valley...........
Grey Wonderer · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
LOL Excellent!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad it gave you a laugh.
Queen Galadriel · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
LOL! Oh my goodness gracious! LOL! Oh, BB, that is absolutely *priceless*! LOL! Oh, I wish it wasn't the middle of the night; it isn't easy to be quiet when all I want to do is scream with laughter. Oh dear me! I wouldn't have survived that! Poor Frodo and Sam! But I must admit that I loved seeing Frodo in such a situation; it gives him a well-deserved taste of fatherhood! :) And the image of baby Aragorn throwing egg is hilarious! LOL! This is just what I needed at the end of a mostly dull day. Thanks! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I think Frodo is probably quite thankful that he can walk away from the children when he finds them too much to cope with. A little of that goes a long way. I like the images of baby Aragorn - I wonder......... *nudges bunny*
shirebound · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 15: The Greatest Trial of All
He found himself wondering if little Estel had been a bit of a shock to the likes of Glorfindel and Erestor. Killing a Balrog is one thing but dealing with a small child intent on mischief was something else again LOL! I wonder if the King ever had a similar 'adventure' as poor Frodo and Sam, putting his own kids to bed. Omigosh, this is hysterical. I was tired out just reading it! I'll bet our stalwart heroes wait on Rosie hand and foot for a few days after this.
Author's reply
I hope they wait on Rosie after this. She deserves it. And of course, she noticed all the evidence, despite Frodo and Sam cleaning up the crime scene! :-)) As for Aragorn - he would only have to deal with three half Elven children, not five mischievous little hobbits.
demeter d · 8 March 2006 · Chapter 14: Creatures out of Legend
There is my favorite word, again, but here goes, Lovely mood, lovely description of Ithilien clean and renewed. Seriously, you have drawn a wonderful picture of an enjoyable visit. As the others have said, it is pleasant to watch Sam seeing an Oliphant again, in peace, and sharing the event with his dear Rose. NIce touch to have Rose, my favorite fictional mother, asking about pregnancy in Oliphants. Enjoyable little visit with some of our favorite folks. Thank you for sharing.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like Rose. I think she's wonderful. I like to think of Ithilien cleansed, and I couldn't resist letting Sam see another oliphaunt. Thank you for reviewing.
Kitty · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 14: Creatures out of Legend
Ah, so you granted Sam's wish to see an oliphaunt again? Love the idea! And these animals are so much nicer than the war towers we knew in the books. Now I have images of Sam's children walking through Hobbiton with their pet oliphaunt in tow *giggle* This menagerie is a good idea, although I am glad Aragorn let it be known he doesn't want more exotic animals as gifts. But I know it was pretty usual in earlier centuries to collect oddities, and at least *he* did his best to keep them adequately. And I am so glad he saved the poor bears. Gimli is right, Beorn would approve :) Oh, and don't fear for the dog of my friend. Of course her daughter only cut the fur - only my friend could not know for sure in the first few seconds, considering the choice of words of her daughter. But I doubt the girl would've truly hurt an animal, she loves them. And the dog was a very nice little thing who used to lie besides me on the couch on her back, exposing her belly and nudging me with her paws until I scratched her belly. As far as she was concerned, this could go on for hours!
Author's reply
You're right that, in earlier times, the royal menageries contained some very strange things. In the Middle Ages in London, the menagerie at the Tower had a polar bear, who was taken out on the frozen River Thames on a leash, to catch his own fish. I really wanted Sam to see an oliphaunt. Mind you, I keep giggling whenever I think about Sam's children walking through Hobbiton with an oliphaunt on a lead!
Queen Galadriel · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 14: Creatures out of Legend
Maybe I'll actually manage to *leave* a review that gets *posted* this time without losing the connection again. This was very sweet, especially the "oliphaunt!" They're amazing, aren't they? I once had the oportunity to get close enough to pet one (she belonged to a circus and we arrived early). I was very intimidated by her size, but she was remarkably gentle, and *so* intelligent, or so it seemed. I've been blind since birth, and she seemed to somehow know that, for she actually bent her head and reached her trunk down so that I could reach. I was astonished, to say the least, and so was the rest of my family. It's so much fun to take familiar things from our own lives (in this instance it might be a trip to the zoo) and let our hobbits experience them in their own way, and you've done a lovely job with this one. :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I love oliphaunts! I met a young one at the zoo during an encounter group, and they are absolutely delightful. very intelligent and inquisitive. I'm so pleased you enjoyed the story.
Dreamflower · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 14: Creatures out of Legend
*grin* There is nothing like a refreshing visit to "Reunion-verse" to relieve stress and bring a smile to the face. What a lovely and delightful little story--I love the Ithilien park, and the "zoo". I'm so glad that Rose *finally* got to see an oliphaunt for herself. Aragorn's such a wonderful king. Why don't we have Aragorn for king in RL? *sigh*
Author's reply
You're right there. A leader who is principled, noble, caring, sensible, modest, selfless............ Now we know it's fiction! Glad it made you smile.
shirebound · 7 March 2006 · Chapter 14: Creatures out of Legend
What a lovely tour of the menagerie! I'm so happy for Sam that he finally got to see another oliphaunt -- and now they're so well treated, and respected. :D
Author's reply
Ah, I knew I could rely on you to be the first to review! Thank you for that, and yes, I wanted Sam to see an oliphaunt in happier circumstances. :-))
Larner · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Ah. how often we did the same with our own kitties when young! Poor Rufus--but he has found a nice, kitty-sized bed to enjoy for a time. Lovely!
Author's reply
A dolls' cradle is the perfect size for a cat bed - and cats always like to find the most comfy bed. I didn't have cats when I was very young, but used to enjoy dressing up my friend's Pekingese dog, a very amiable little thing who tolerated bonnets, mittens, frilly dresses etc. and snored loudly while we pushed him round the streets. :-))
Larner · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 12: When All Other Lights Go Out
Pardon me--Baggins Babe. Now I AM embarrassed. It was so wonderful!
Author's reply
Please don't be embarrassed - I do that sort of thing all the time! And being mistaken for Dreamflower is something of a compliment. Thank you so much for your kind words about the story. It was the first piece of fan fiction I ever wrote, but for some reason I never got round to posting it. I just wanted to fill in those missing hours from Frodo's point of view, and I'm glad you feel it worked.
Larner · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 12: When All Other Lights Go Out
A wonderful mixture of movie and book verse here, Dreamflower. And to see it all from Frodo's point of view--how very, very lovely.
Larner · 3 March 2006 · Chapter 11: King Eomer's Gift
Indeed, a special pony for the most special of masters. And already Limlight sees the light in Frodo. I wonder what you will think of tomorrow's chapter in MY story, which I wrote a few days ago?
Author's reply
Now I'm very intrigued! Can't wait to read it - I've read every chapter although I've been remiss about reviewing lately. Limlight is certainly a very special pony. He appeared one day and demanded a story!
Kitty · 2 March 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Poor Rufus! It's understandable he wasn't too happy about this new game! No wonder he took the opportunity to flee. He was very well-tempered, otherwise he would've scratched the lasses when they tried to put him in clothes! But at least they did nothing dangerous. Years ago my friend nearly got a heart attack when her little daughter came in the room with something black in the one hand and a scissor in the other and told her proudly she had cut the tail of the dog!
Author's reply
Oh! And had your friend's daughter really cut the dog's tail, or just some fur? I encountered an animal cruelty case some years ago, when a very timid cat was brought to us by the owners, who said they couldn't keep her because she was scared of the children. Hardly surprising since they had cut off her ears! I think Rufus is pretty good natured and knows the little ones mean him no harm. He just wants to remove that silly bonnet!
Pearl Took · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
When Frodo went into the parlour to collect a book, he found Rufus curled up inside the dolls' cradle, sound asleep with his tail wrapped round his nose. "Contrary cat," he said fondly, and Rufus purred. There couldn't have been a better ending :) :) Well done :)
Author's reply
Thank you for that. Cats are terribly contrary - it would be typical for Rufus to go back to the cradle and sleep there as though it was all his own idea. :-))
lovethosehobbits · 28 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
*Snort* Poor Rufus!
Author's reply
Indeed, but I'm sure he'll cope! :-))
demeter d · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Lovely, dear! My mother (born in 1927) has an old 1930's wicker doll pram which my (now college-age) girls used to put Grandma's unfortunate felines in, when they could catch them! thanks for the delightful memories.
Author's reply
My friend and I used to dress up her sweet-natured Pekingese dog, who tolerated dresses, matinee jackets, bonnets, mittens and bootees!! He would lie there, tucked up, and snore very loudly! Glad it made you smile.
Grey Wonderer · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Love stories about kitty cats. This was darling!
Author's reply
Thank you, GW. Glad to find yet another SoA author who loves cats. Rufus is quite a character.
Dreamflower · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
*snerk* That was cute! I love it that at the beginning it's Frodo who's being the optimist, and Sam the grumpy one. (And canon Sam *does* get grumpy--remember his gripe about "one wall and no roof" making a house? Or some of his snarky remarks about Strider?) In too many fics, Sam is just everlastingly cheerful! And I love it that it was Merry-lad and Pippin-lad who were playing "properly" and it was the lasses who were up to something. Once more, going against all expectation! And poor Rufus! Why is it that little girls much prefer to dress up their pets instead of their dolls? And I am quite sure after all that ruckus, that mum, dad, uncle and cat were most relieved to have the little hobbits out splashing in puddles. (And *they* don't have to worry about galoshes or wet socks!)
Author's reply
I do like to go against expectations! Book Sam is very grumpy sometimes, and the thought of his flowers being battered would certainly be annoying. I agree that in some fics Sam is overly cheerful - irritatingly so! I used to dress up my friend's adorable and sweet-natured Peke - he put up with so much! Dresses, bootees.......... I'm sure mum, dad, uncle and cat were very relieved when the rain stopped and the little hobbits ran out to jump in the puddles. :-)) And no wet socks to dry!
frodo16424 · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Poor Rufus! What memories this brings up. I uswed to do the same thing with my poor cat, and usually with the same results! I can see the expression on poor Rosie's face as a cat in a bonnet flies past! Thanks for the enjoyment (almost said laugh but one does not laugh at Rufus). Glad he found a nice comfortable place to map.
Author's reply
Oh yes, my friend and I did this with her dog, and another friend of mine always did the same to her cat. He put up with it for a while but eventually he would leap out and make a dash for it.
harrowcat · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Oh I just love stories featuring that fantastic feline!
Author's reply
And I love writing them! Happy to oblige. :-))
shirebound · 27 February 2006 · Chapter 13: A Rainy Day
Rufus!!! *adores* Peering in to the cradle, he soon discovered the reason for their discomfiture. Rufus was sprawled inside, his furry face a picture of disgruntled and long-suffering resignation. He was wearing a little blue knitted jacket and a matching bonnet which the girls had found in the nursery closet. They did not suit him. *giggles* I wonder what would suit him? This is adorable.
Author's reply
I see Rufus in something a little more rakish and masculine than a frilly bonnet. :-)) Rufus stories just seem to write themselves, and I'm so pleased you liked it.