ROTFL!!!
Oh my that first part was great! Well, don't get me wrong--the whole thing was great and well done!
You put such detail into describing Frodo and Bilbo's "before and after" appearances. I'm surprised Dora didn't have a heart attack or an apoplectic fit upon seeing the two behaving so after copying her book how many times. And I LOVE what she said to them.
The ending was utterly perfect. That was the highest compliment Frodo could have received from his aunt that night, and it's good to see he realized so.
An most excellent tale that compliments Dreamflower's perfectly. I'm putting the finishing touches on my own Dora tale and I portray her a bit differently, but I love how you portray her as well (along with Dreamflower).
Author's reply
Glad you found it just right! Oh, I think she'd find a morning meal with a couple of male Bagginses bent on being comfortable to be a major trial, and am so glad you loved her response to their behavior! Thank you!
Now am looking forward to seeing how you write your own Dora tale.
I'd always pictured Dora a soft-hearted soul who appears formidable but proves otherwise. And I think she'd have a particular soft spot in her heart for her brother Drogo's only living son.
Frodo Baggins
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Oh my goodness, Larner! You had me laughing! I love the way you do Aunt Dora. She's hysterical! And then it was so perfect to have her come in unexpectedly to find Frodo and Bilbo still in their dressing gowns (and during *elevenses*, heaven forbid!) Oh it was absolutely perfect. And then you ended on a sweet note, as well. Hannon le for this excellent story! Namarie, ammelda!
God BLess,
Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
So glad this one gave so many a good chuckle. Poor Aunt Dora--so devoted to doing the Right Thing, and finding her cousin and nephew, in spite of LOADS of exposure to her good advice, are still bachelors at heart must indeed have been a shock.
But when Frodo needs some compassion, I think she'd be the first to give it. Whether or not Frodo was prepared for Bilbo's "surprise" still wouldn't have made it any easier to deal with his grief once the old Hobbit was gone, nor with the questions and demands made on him immediately afterwards.
Thank you so for your response.
Dreamflower
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Oh my! Oh, Larner! It's beautiful! I'm all sniffly now, and grinning and laughing at the same time! What a wonderful, wonderful surprise!
I love your Miss Dora, who is altogether similar to *my* Miss Dora--she's wonderful--oh, I'm going to wear that word out! So prim and proper, yet so kind-hearted as well, and observant and dear!
I was so tickled by the part where she questions Frodo, and Bilbo left him to flounder, while I knew exactly what was going to happen when she returned the following morning! It was adorable!
And the end, so sad and so very, very sweet!
*grabs story and hugs it tightly, and runs off to rec it to everybody!*
Author's reply
Very glad I managed to please, my lady. You started it, you know--that book deserved to be copied and bound by the best copyists and bookbinders in the Shire, and I just happened to know just who they were, after all, as I've written them that way for the past couple-three years.
Am most satisfied that this thrilled you so!
Armariel
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Oh....sweet and delightful, and just a bit sad too....Actually I'd been picturing Dora as something of an old grump, for some reason, but I like your version. The sight of Bilbo and Frodo at breakfast must have been unforgettable to her! hehehe
Love the ending.
~~~{~@
Author's reply
I've always imagined Dora Baggins as being seen as a busybody of sorts with all her letters and advice offered; and yet at heart I've imagined her as the one who sees what needs doing and sees it done, and thus having gentle heart in the end.
Am so very glad you like her as I depict her. As I have Bilbo describing her to Frodo in "The Choice of Healing," snorting like a Dragon but having a heart of a mallow.
And I love to imagine what her face looked like as she saw Frodo and Bilbo at elevenses, still both in their very masculine, worn out favorite sleeping clothes!
Endaewen
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Loved it. Both funny and sad in the right places.
Author's reply
Thank you, Endaewen, particularly as that was the way I'd intended it to be.
But I just keep imagining Dora's face as she entered the kitchen....
shirebound
· 20 August 2006
· Chapter 12: Decorum
Oh, it's terrific when different authors' stories intertwine! This is wonderful, Larner, and I love the end, where Dora gives Frodo the highest compliment she knows... and he takes it as such.
Author's reply
We constantly inspire one another, I find, and certainly I've been inspired by many over the last couple years.
And indeed Frodo understands indeed that this is the highest praise his aunt can offer, and is able to accept it so and return it.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
What a nice idea that they are planning trees to help repair the damage.I love trees.
It is alarming to learn the other site puts spyware on your PC.I had better go and run a scan !I am gradually posting WOT here,so hope you will catch up when I read the parts you didn't see.I am trying to polish it too to be a better version,also Shadow and Thought.
Author's reply
I, too, love trees, and manage to live in the one part of the country in which we have them in abundance. And I think that the Hobbits would wish to do something nice for the Ents, and especially Quickbeam and Treebeard. So glad you like it.
Linda Hoyland
· 18 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Ernil i Pheriannath
Just delightful. I loved Aragorn's encounter with Lindirieth.I'm planning to have him go incognito in my latest story in a different context. I love the way you write him.
Author's reply
Haven't dared go onto the other site to catch up on Web of Treason, as it loads the computer with Trojans and worms and spybots in spite of the guardian programs I use, so will wait, I think, until you get caught up here before I start commenting again. Am SO tired of having computer woes!
So glad you enjoyed it, Linda, and look forward to seeing your next one here.
Antane
· 17 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
"Hoom, hom," he said, "every time I almost give up on the hope mortals can learn, we are shown some sign that there is yet integrity and understanding among them. And as long as the likes of King Elessar and the Hobbits of the Shire remain in this world, there remains also at least a respect for what was and ought to be."
Like this!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, Treebeard needs reassurance Men CAN learn from their mistakes, and at least he's assured some can, the important ones, at least.
So glad you like it, Antane.
Bodkin
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
It would seem that their drinks of Ent-draught have given Merry and Pippin just a touch of entishness in their nature! They seem to have a good understanding of the trees under their care. Sam, of course, is a bit entish anyway - although closer probably to the nature of the Ent-wives.
I can see Ents would find deliberately planting specific trees a bit odd, but I'm glad Quickbeam could understand and appreciate the good motives of the planting.
Author's reply
Just maybe that explains it, Bodkin. Yes, Sam is closer to the Ent-wives in nature than to the Ents; but he'd do his best to try to please the Ents, I think.
And I, too, am glad Quickbeam appreciated the gift of the small trees, and even Fangorn himself accepted the honor.
I love the image of this busy, happy, loving party planting these tiny trees. Not the first time they've gathered like this to help or cheer, and not the last. Hobbit nature is contagious, isn't it? :) But the sweetest moment is at the end, as Quickbeam reassures the rowan saplings that they will be well cared for and loved. A wonderful tale and a beautiful title.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I wanted so to have one more visit between the Hobbits and the Ents, and I truly feel that between Treebeard and Quickbeam the saplings would have realized they'd managed to come to their proper home. They deserve all the love lavished on them by Hobbits, the King's folk, and the Ents; and some beauty is back in the world.
SlightlyTookish
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
"Hoom, hom," he said, "every time I almost give up on the hope mortals can learn, we are shown some sign that there is yet integrity and understanding among them. And as long as the likes of King Elessar and the Hobbits of the Shire remain in this world, there remains also at least a respect for what was and ought to be. I think we can take heart that Fangorn and the Old Forest will be allowed to grow and prosper."
Oh how lovely!! I love the idea of Merry and Pippin (and their friends) giving back to the forest after they had taken refuge there. Wonderful!
Author's reply
Yes, I agree--and I think that the three remaining Hobbits and Aragorn would have planned this for some time. The Ents need reassurance there remains integrity amongst mortals.
SlightlyTookish
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Ernil i Pheriannath
This is a lovely story. I loved seeing "a day in the life" of the hobbits, Aragorn, and friends through the eyes of Lindirieth. Her discovery of Strider later was perfect, as was the bantering and conversation between the friends at the Lady’s Garden :)
Author's reply
Am so very glad you felt this was perfect. And what is a poor pair of women of the city going to know about how Hobbits devil one another? They must have been somewhat scandalized!
Queen Galadriel
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 10: The King's Prayer
Oh, this made me cry. I never really thought about it, but of course they would pray for one another as we do, and especially in such times of trouble. How poignant and truly moving to hear the prayers of Aragorn's heart for his dear "small brother". No, none of them were ever alone.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Aragorn was raised to become the sacred King, and must have been trained to pray by Elrond and Glorfindel. And he'd certainly wish the best for his small brother, I think.
No, none of them were ever alone, no matter how alone they felt themselves to be.
harrowcat
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
This is a lovely picture of cooperation and pleasure Larner. To return the Rowans gives joy to everyone. You make me feel quite sad for Treebeard. Quickbeam seems to have moved into the new age while Fangorn is retreating. I am glad that this restores his faith - even a little.
There are three, self-set, oak saplings in the field next to my parents. I walk past them with Jet and they do lift the heart. I shall now be thinking of you and this story every time I see them.
Author's reply
In the proposed epilogue it was stated that Treebeard and the Ents had again withdrawn deep into Fangorn; in such a case I felt that Quickbeam would be the first to emerge, and Treebeard would come afterwards. I, too, felt it sad that Tolkien saw the world so quickly reverting to isolation of the Ents once more.
And to learn that your oak saplings will be now associated with this story is very flattering.
So very glad it brought so much pleasure, Harrowcat.
Andrea
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
This one grew from an acorn as fell from the old oak, one he picked up and had put in with a collection of pine cones and chestnuts and hazelnuts and acorns as he’d been gatherin’. I hope as this pleases your folk, and that when you tell Treebeard he’ll be glad of it.
Do you know that in the stories of GamgeeFest Drogo Baggins used to call his son "my little acorn"? That would fit perfectly into this story! Fanfiction is amazing.
I've always loved Quickbeam's sad song about the rowans. And it was a wonderful idea to let all free peoples of Middle Earth participate in the re-plating of the grove.
And gently he caressed the small oak, and delighted in the pleasure Quickbeam showed as he once again reassured the small rowans that they were well placed and would remain beloved.
Great!
Author's reply
I think often we unconsciously inspire one another and pick up one another's influences, Andrea. Hadn't even thought of GamgeeFest's young Frodo stories when I wrote this; but I could certainly imagine him collecting pinecones, conkers, and so on as my mom and I have always done. That this would end up unconsciously bowing to her story is neat, but I suspect serendipitous.
So glad this was found pleasing.
demeter d
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
I always enjoy how well you write Sam's 'voice". And, it is nice to see that his children follow in his footsteps. The hymns to Yavanna, asking blessings on the new little grove, are a nice touch. over and over I see Hobbits called the children of Yavana. Most Appropriate. As long as hobbits, and the people of Ellessar are in the world... and the people who love their stories.Nicely done.
Author's reply
Don't you agree that Sam's children would love growing things as much as their beloved Sam-dad? So glad you approve!
I do think that the Hobbits and the Ents must have been beloved of Yavanna, and that this gave them a curious kinship. I can't help but see them both being considered her children by the Dunedain and probably the Elves as well, and so I've written this into my stories.
And once Sam learned a few of the hymns to Yavanna I think he'd begin singing them as he worked, for he's become more spiritual in nature due to the results of the quest. He's found hope in Elbereth's stars, has been granted a drink in the desert from a serendipitous stream, was rescued by Manwe's Eagles from death, has seen his Master-friend-brother taken away over Ulmo's kingdom to come closer to Nienna and Este; I think that the stories he heard as a child from old Mr. Bilbo have hit home now that he has himself come so very close to the doors to the Halls of Mandos, and he's now consciously following Aragorn's own awareness of the Valar.
So glad you enjoyed this one.
Endaewen
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
Just wonderful. No other words for it. The ents seem rather forgotten after the LOTR.
Author's reply
My daughter was very excited, for she especially loves what she keeps calling "the Trees." She informed me she wishes Tolkien had written more about the Ents, whom she feels are a warning to care for the wild places.
Endaewen
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 10: The King's Prayer
Another good story. Just one question though, would Aragorn have known who and what the Istari were? Your story suggests that the answer is yes, but they were supposed to keep their true selves hidden. I understood that it was only Cirdan who truly knew.
Author's reply
I believe that once Gandalf returned and stated he was sent back on purpose to fulfill his original purpose to see Sauron felled that Aragorn would look on him as a blessed guide. Certainly his stated wish in ROTK that Gandalf should remain to rule all the lands shows he feels there is a divine mandate that Gandalf possesses. The very fact Gandalf was granted a resurrection at all indicates he has a blessed purpose in my eyes. I don't think Aragorn needs to be specifically aware of Gandalf's origins as a Maia to see him as a blessed guide. Also, as Gandalf had told his names to Faramir I would be surprised if he hadn't also told them to Aragorn, with whom he has appeared to be even more intimate.
And I doubt that Galadriel would be ignorant of Gandalf's origins and purpose, born and raised as she was in the heart of the Blessed Realm and undoubtedly being familiar with the Maiar, and then having a mind capable of using both inductive and deductive reasoning. I'm reasonably certain that she would have been fully aware from her earliest acquaintance with Gandalf the Istari that he was a Maia; and the purpose of opposing Sauron would be, I think, pretty obvious to all who dealt with him over time.
Am very glad you enjoyed it.
Kitty
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
Oh Larner, that is absolutely beautiful! It is a wonderful idea to plant some trees there to say "thank you" to the Ents. What a nice surprise for Quickbeam to find them there, planting rowans in his beloved grove!
Of course they can't restore the many trees Saruman's orcs felled, but the gesture in itself was so telling. I am sure the Ents are touched about so much thoughtfulness and it improved their opinion of mortals a bit, though not all mortals are wise enough to treat the woods with respect. (Well, that hasn't changed through the millennia, sadly)
Quickbeam remained on the rise, in the midst of the small rowans and standing near the infant oak, reassuring the saplings that they were not now abandoned but would be well cared for. Love this image! It's true - as the trees are alive enough to communicate, the trees from the peaceful Shire must feel a bit frightened to find themselves in the wilds of Fangorn Forest. Well, now they're in the best hands possible.
Thank you, Larner! I've enjoyed this ficlet *so much*!
Author's reply
Yes, trees from the Shire would indeed need some reassurance, I think, particularly ones grown in a nursery that have been ever surrounded by the caring of Hobbits, and such a one as Sam's brother. No one better than an Ent to take over the caring.
Am so very glad this story obviously hit such a positive chord for you.
Elemmírë
· 14 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
What another lovely scene you painted with words, Larner. If only more people today were that conscientious of Nature and took it upon themselves to replant instead of uprooting, the world might be a better place. A very hobbity gesture to the Ents and Fangorn Forest, as they love things that grow. :)
I really liked the bit with the acorn from the Bag End Oak that Frodo once saved. I'm also glad that Treebeard made the journey to see the efforts of the hobbits, Men, Dwarf, and Elves.
Author's reply
The acorn sort of forced its way in, I found. That happens sometimes, that a particular part of the story writes itself and insists on inclusion. And this would be one time that Treebeard would come forth. I always regretted the proposed epilogue indicating that Treebeard had retreated back into Fangorn and rarely was seen any more. I think that for Merry and Pippin he'd do so, though.
And Sam would want to be part of this, I think, after the replanting of trees in the Shire--a small gesture of defiance of Sauron so long after the fact, and an affirmation of his own and his beloved Master's love for all of Middle Earth.
I read this to my daughter the other day after I wrote it, and she was very pleased. She kept seeing, "I love the trees in the stories--he ought to have written more about them. This was good to hear more about the trees."
I'm so glad you agree with her.
cookiefleck
· 13 August 2006
· Chapter 9: Ernil i Pheriannath
You write with love and dignity and those attributes also shine forth from the characters in your stories. I keenly felt Frodo's struggle as I have also (a different scale/situation, of course) been on the receiving end of tributes that I didn't feel I had done enough to deserve. I always enjoy reading Sam through your eyes.
Author's reply
I try to keep the native dignity of the Hobbits rather than writing them childishly. They might at times behave somewhat childishly, but I feel that is mostly due to their tendency to be lightspoken that the wrong words don't do harm.
Am so honored you find this admirable. Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 13 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
Goodness, Larner! What a treat you have been giving us with all these lovely short stories!
This one is not only a beautiful idea, well-executed, but also very, very plausible. I can so see the hobbits wanting to do something to honor Fangorn Forest and Treebeard, and that Elessar would want to join in!
Thank you for sharing this with us! Truly an example of the ultimate in interspecies cooperation!
Author's reply
With my new novel caught at the moment on the Toshiba until the power unit is repaired, I've been amusing myself with much shorter ones. Am so glad that you appreciated how so many different folk ended up cooperating on this project, intended to bring pleasure particularly to the two deepest friends among Ents Merry and Pippin had made. Thank you!
Pearl Took
· 13 August 2006
· Chapter 11: Rowan Mine
Bravo!!! I'm sitting here all teary, Larner. This is a precious and wonderful tale. Thank you :)
Author's reply
This one doesn't move me to tears, but am honored it does you. Thank you for the great compliment!