TheHobbitWaffle
· 18 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Oh dear, Frodo's gotten into a bit of trouble, hasn't he? Especially as it isn't his fault this time.
He's gotten himself between a rock and a hard place, hasn't he? He hasn't earned their trust, and now that he's trying his best suspicion and blame still find their way to him. Isn't that the way life works?
I'm wondering how Rory's ultimatium is part of this!
Author's reply
Frodo's not so much in trouble from what he did, but he is rather wounded to discover that his guardians didn't trust him like they said they would, which in turn has broken the trust that he had for them. Yet, he did tempt them, by going about in secret and not telling them what he was up to. If anyone is between a rock and a hard space, it's Esme, but that won't make Frodo feel any better either. They're all rather stuck and it will take them time to work themselves out again, if they even can mend this rift.
Rory's ultimatum at worst put pressure on Frodo to behave, which may not have made Frodo's motives entirely sincere, but it did get the message through to him. At the same time, it also reminded Frodo of his fragile position in the Hall. He's not really connected to anyone there and could be sent away without too many problems, other than the rift it would cause between Rory and Saradoc. Perhaps the feelings of bitterness that this revelation caused can explain why Frodo was so secretive about his gift in the first place. It at least is one of several reasons.
Ami
· 18 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
What a poignant chapter! I felt sorry for both Frodo and Esmeralda. I've liked your rendition of Frodo's childhood. You've shown a fragile relationship, but one that is still filled with love. I have a feeling this rift won't be closed easily. I do see, however, Frodo and Esmeralda's relationship will eventially be healed, and they will continue to have a close relationship but in a very different way that will be conducive to both.
Author's reply
Neither Frodo nor Esme are having a very good time of it right now. They're both guilt-ridden and feeling miserable.
I've read fics where Frodo is pretty much ignored by everyone (except Merry) and some even go so far as to have Saradoc and Esmeralda be negligent toward him, sort of the "Cinderella" Frodo. I've never agreed with this idea and always felt that he must have been cared for by someone while at Brandy Hall or he wouldn't have been able to be so selfless when it came time for the Quest, even with Bilbo's care. Yet, given that Frodo was, by a least one farmer's account that we know of, the worst rascal in Buckland, he would have had a strained relationship with his guardians, love him though they do. If Frodo and Esme (and Sara) can work their way through this, their relationship with each other will be much stronger for it. Esme and Sara will be able to see that they *can* trust him now, and Frodo will be able to see that even adults can make mistakes.
Andrea
· 18 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
OMG, this is really heart-breaking!
Poor Frodo, he only wanted to have a real good birthday present for Bilbo.
And that Esme yanked his Merry away from him, hurt him most, I'm quite sure.
At the moment Esme surely feels as miserable as Frodo. Everything went terribly wrong! Please update soon, you can't leave Frodo in such a state for long, can you?
BTW: In the previous chapter I was as confused as Felicity about the doings of her sister. But with a little help from my dictionary I finally know the true meaning of Skinny Dipping ;-) Just great!
Author's reply
LOL. You mean you've never heard of skinny dipping? I've never had the nerve to try something like that. You hear horror stories about people getting their clothes stolen. ^_^
This turn of events has rather put a damper on the birthday. Having a birthday party is the last thing any of them are going to want to do, Frodo especially. Having Merry taken from him, *protected* from him even, did sting worse than anything else, but not by much.
Esme is berating herself even more than Frodo, if that's possibly. She's been under a lot of pressure to get this mystery solved and she didn't think things through before she spoke. Not that the outcome would have been any different. Frodo would still realize that his guardians didn't trust him, and he now no longer trusts them. It is quite a mess.
Bodkin
· 17 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Poor Frodo. Although, if he thinks about it for a second, he will see that the circumstantial evidence is rather weighty. Still, that is unlikely to console him for the fact that Esmeralda doesn't seem to trust him any more - and he's not really old enough to understand that she has been put under enormous pressure.
Frodo needs to leave Brandy Hall really. Not just because history sends him to Bilbo. He needs a bit of individual attention in a place that isn't a rambling hotbed of gossip.
Author's reply
Yes, he didn't make a very good case for himself did he? He left far too much time that went by unaccounted for. That won't console him though, for all he can see is that his guardians never trusted him and that he's the main cause for it. Everyone is under pressure here and not making the best decisions because of it.
Frodo does rather get lost in the shuffle doesn't he? Esme and Sara try, but they really don't have the time to give him the attention that he needs. That undoubtedly has something to do with all of this also. And the gossip never helps, especially since Frodo would be quite susceptible to it at this age.
Thanks for reading! I always enjoy your reviews. :)
Larner
· 16 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Poor Frodo--this time he WAS innocent, and yet he was blamed; and now they need to talk to Seredic's wife to find out how she got those cookies, apparently.
Nice, appropriate punishment, and loved the threat of tattooing their behinds! Heh!
Author's reply
Frodo never seems to catch a break, does he? Even after working so hard, he's still right back where he started. But really, he *could* have been more up-front with Esme and Saradoc about what he was doing. That won't console him too much though. Not only have Esme and Sara not learned to trust Frodo, but now Frodo has lost his faith in them as well. Tis a messy situation.
The best kind of punishment is one that teaches a lesson. The tweens won't be so rash about liquor once they're done helping the healers. And any threat that endangers their physical appearance is bound to get their attention! They are adolescents after all. ;)
Thanks for the reviews. :)
Dreamflower
· 16 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Aawww...poor Frodo, and poor Esme.
So very hard sometimes to live up to everyone's expectations--Esmeralda's efforts to live up to her in-laws, and Frodo's to live up to everyone elses' have caused so much pain for them both.
Really, here the blame can be spread around. Rory and Gilda putting so much pressure on both of them at the same time; the other children's automatic assumptions that Frodo was the culprit, Frodo for not explaining in the first place. *sigh*
You do know how to weave a lovely tangle, don't you?
*grin*
Author's reply
Yes I do and the more tangles, the better. *halo*
The blame could go even further than that. This is a culmination of the last couple of years. Whatever caused Frodo to first act out, the way Esme and Sara handled it (or didn't handle it), the way everyone else reacted to the things that were going on. Rory was under pressure himself when he made that ultimatum, and it just snowballed further from there. Gilda is only trying to prepare Esme for her future job; she could have given her daughter-in-law some pointers though. And Frodo, always so secretive, he hasn't learned to open up, not really. He's gotten better about it certainly, but he still has a long way to go. And now this, the worst accusation of them all, and Esme pulling Merry away stung the worst. Whatever progress they had made, it's all gone to nil now.
Breon Briarwood
· 16 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
*sobs with Frodo*
You're breaking my heart! I hope they find him soon
before he does something foolish.
Author's reply
Frodo's past the age of doing anything foolish, at least, doing so on purpose. He realizes he can't just run off but he won't be going home right away to face the music either. No one is looking forward to the inevitable talk. It's a pretty messy situation all around.
*hands Frodo and Breon hankies*
Thanks for reading and dropping me a line. :)
MaidenofValinor
· 16 December 2005
· Chapter 4: Chapter Four
Wow! Very powerful last scene. Poor Esme! But really, I love Frodo's gift. I would like to have that, even! Hee. Very very nice...I think I may have a little prediction about where this is going, but I'm going to keep that to myself. ~_^. Always looking forward to reading more of your work!
Author's reply
That was a thoughtful gift, just like something Frodo would think of. He knew exactly what to give Bilbo. But it was all ruined. Poor Frodo and Esme both. They're both feeling horrible and guilt-ridden. This is possibly the worst thing that could have happened, and just before Frodo's birthday too. This breech won't be readily fixed and really it's the result of the last couple of years, not just the last week or so. Ooh! A prediction!
Thank you so much for reading!
MaidenofValinor
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Once again, I adore your dialogue. The scene between Esme and Saradoc is very nicely done! I just love the whole thing... I can't pick out anything specific to comment on. You're just a great writer, y'know? I really enjoy reading your stuff. You always make me smile! Thanks for being so diligent about posting and for posting such awesome stories! It's greatly appreciated! Love always!
~M
Author's reply
Esme needed to vent, poor thing! She's been given a nearly impossible task and she's very nearly at her wits end. On top of that, she and Sara have Frodo to contend with. All his sneaking about isn't helping his cause any.
Thanks so much for your kind words. You're such a sweetie, and now you made me smile! *hugs* I shall do my best not to disappoint. Thanks for reading!
Larner
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Did I guess they were making a gingerbread house? Forget that! With funnel cakes, they are constructing a full-sized sweets castle! Sly Frodo! Sounds as if your teen Frodo and mine were definitely cut from the same cloth!
Author's reply
Frodo is pretty sly and he's using all his well-honed skills to go about undetected (for the most part). Whatever he's up to, he's thought this out well.
My teen Frodo is a kind-hearted rascal, who acts out every now and then when he gets especially restless. If he's pushing the envelope now, it's not so much to see what he can get away with, but to see just how much Esme and Sara are actually going to trust him. Whether he's aware of his motives or not, he's playing a pretty risky game. After all, the more one sneaks, the more likely they are to get caught.
Julie
· 15 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Hmmm, I have the distinct feeling that Frodo & Merry's little project is going to be backfiring unpleasantly on them once it's revealed (intentionally or unintentionally). After all, the most usual suspect(s)has been right under Esmeralda's nose this whole time! I wonder if Bilbo is going to take up Frodo's suggestion of poking about?
The part with Sam & the Gaffer was sweet & I got a kick out of Esmeralda's tirade & paranoia over the food situation. I also enjoyed how Bilbo is beginning to realize certain things about Frodo's life, ie: sleep patterns, the river, etc. No one ever really gets to see the whole picture of Frodo, do they? They all see bits & pieces, only what Frodo allows them all to see as he never fully lets his guard down, per say. I'm very interested to see how your take of Frodo's adoption will be handled later on.
I have an idea of who Frodo's project is intended for & I'm eager to find out if I'm right. Please post more soon!
Author's reply
Oh, Esme is very much aware that Frodo should be at the top of her suspect list, but she and Sara are trying this new thing were they trust Frodo. They're taking it a bit too far though, to be too scared to even ask him for fear of what might happen to the trust they've built thus far. Frodo's not helping though either, with all his sneaking about. Something's about to hit the fan, and it won't be pleasant.
I imagine the Gaffer had just made some off-hand comment that someone should check on Frodo and make sure he's still breathing (because he's always sleeping in so late) and little Sammy took him literally, dashing up to Bag End before the Gaffer could call him back to work. ^_^
Esme's not having a good time of this investigation. She's under pressure to prove herself as well. I'm sure the kids *are* picking on her a little bit.
Exactly. Frodo is pretty closed off. He'll share certain parts of himself with some, and different parts with others. No one really knows the whole of him and it will stay that way for a while, at least until he finally moves in with Bilbo. And Bilbo's eyes are starting to open up a bit during this visit. He's always known that it's never been easy for Frodo to live in Buckland, but now he's seeing just how that is affecting Frodo.
Dreamflower
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
I loved all the part at the beginning, about Frodo's visits to Bilbo, and about his sleeping patterns and how he was now more comfortable around the River. Of course, we know *why*, but Bilbo has yet to find out.
So Morti and Fendi aren't the culprits (for that particular crime) and I am quite certain it's not Frodo and Merry, though I'm sure fingers will soon be pointing that way. But I am quite baffled as to who it might actually be--not one of the usual suspects?
Now you have me really hooked--like you always do...
Author's reply
Curious that Frodo hasn't told Bilbo by now about his making peace with the River. When he told Bilbo about the dreams would have been the perfect opportunity, standing there within sight of the Old Forest. He must think of that time every time he sees the forest. But then, as Saradoc said earlier, Frodo doesn't tell Bilbo everything. This is very much reminescent of Frodo: he'll let certain people see certain sides of him, but he never lets any one person see every aspect of him, not even Merry. At least, not at this point. That will change as the years go by and he starts feeling more secure of himself.
Morti and Fendi are innocent for once - of the crime they were accused of anyway. They are always guilty of *something* though, as we clearly saw. The suspect list is dwindling to nil and for all that Esme has been tracking down the stragglers, there's still one she has yet to question: Frodo. Get your pointer fingers out.
I'm being incredibly stingy on hints, aren't I? I did throw in a couple in this chapter, and there was another hint just before the beginning of the story. That's all I'm saying for now. ^_^
shirebound
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
You write such a wonderfully rascally (but good-hearted) Frodo. Very realistic, I'm sure! And this is a lovely conversation:
Frodo stirred then and woke up, blinking into the pale morning sun. He covered a yawn with the back of his hand and smiled at Bilbo lazily. “Did I catch anything?” he asked.
“Why, yes, my boy. Four large flies with your wide open mouth,” Bilbo answered.
“Is that all? I didn’t sleep nearly long enough then,”
Author's reply
Frodo didn't get the reputation of "worst rascal in Buckland" for nothing, lol! But never did he do anything in a mean-spirited fashion. Confused perhaps, maybe even rebellious at times, but not out of spite.
Those Bagginses have quite a witty sense of humor, don't they?
Thanks for reading!
TheHobbitWaffle
· 14 December 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter Three
Frodo's looking very suspicious! What is he up too? If he is the culprit, what will happen to him?
Very interesting!
Gaffy! ^^
Author's reply
Now, you know I'm not going to answer those questions. ^_^ At least, not yet. The next chapter should clear things up.
As if little Sammy isn't cute enough already. No wonder the Gaffer's resolve always melts around his youngest son.
Andrea
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Great story so far!
Frodo and Merry obviously have a secret and it has to be something very special, otherwise Frodo would not leave Bilbo's side for it.
Right now, everything is possible and everyone could be the "kitchen robber", including Frodo and Merry.
Fendi and Morti were very inventive with their answer to Esme's inquiry. They *are* guilty of something, the question is only, what this "something" is :)
Poor Esme, I wouldn't like to be in her place.
And why did Frodo "visit" Maggot's fields again? Maybe just *because* he came directly from Bilbo with all his stories about adventures. Compared to that, Brandy Hall is a boring place. I think it's possible that Frodo only wanted to have a real adventure on his own ;-)
I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Frodo definetly has something up his sleeves, as he always does. And as do Fendi and Morti. They are the Merry and Pippin of their generation, lol, and have long ago fine-tuned giving spontaneous, simulateous responses to inquiries. Esme's in for a bit more than she bargained for with this assignment.
Frodo is going through that age of disenchantment, when much of the childhood wonders no longer hold their luster, and he's always been more imaginative than other children his age, which would set him apart at any age. He's also had a much "shorter" and traumatic childhood, what with the death of his parents. All of that, combined with the enticing adventures related in Bilbo's tales as well as with the looming prospect that he is about to be left behind again (when Gil moves away, which would have been months in the planning at this point), makes for one very restless (and rebellious) young hobbit. The forbidden dangers of Maggots' fields would have looked far too appealing to leave them be.
TheHobbitWaffle
· 13 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
I love it!
I must apologize for being a loser and not reviewing. I couldn't think of anything to say without sounding presumptuous! Tis a malady of too little sleep and an overactive imagination, so I'll just say that your story is excellent and impressed me so much it exhausted me, until typing took a real effort and I didn't have energy to spare ^^
What is Frodo up to? This ultimatum sounds bad, and I'm getting the vibe something is going to come of it. Hmm? You have intrigued me.
Author's reply
You always have to be careful when issuing ultimatums and be prepared to follow through with it if the worst happens. Rory is clearly not prepared to do that, and it is an extra burden upon Frodo, who already has quite a lot to deal with. Yet, Rory really didn't have much of a choice. We can only cross our fingers and hope for the best.
Any review is a good one. Thanks for reading. :)
Larner
· 12 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
I find myself wondering if this is a variation of a gingerbread house or something quite different. You are managing to maintain the intrigue well, I must say! And Merry is more or less directing the construction? Heh! Poor Esme!
Author's reply
Mmmm, gingerbread house. That's a good theory. :) Merry does have his little hands all over the project, with sufficient guidance from Frodo of course. Esme isn't going to have an easy time with this assignment I'm afraid. She may be ready to pack it in and move to Oatbarton herself before too long!
Dreamflower
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Whatever Frodo and Merry are up to, has nothing to do with what Esme is investigating--I'm sure of that! But I'm truly baffled as to what it could be!
It's pretty clear Fendi and Morti pulled the wool over Esme's eyes.
My favorite bit was young Gordi--butterscotch under the seat cushions--eeww!!
I'm really curious as to what Frodo and Merry are up to...
Author's reply
Well, whatever they're doing, you can be sure it's not something they want to be caught at. ;) Fendi and Morti are masters at deception, but they're not off the suspect list yet. And Gordi, just like a child to solve a problem in such a manner, sticking the candy under the seat cushions so he won't get the floor sticky, lol.
MaidenofValinor
· 11 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter Two
Aw...Merry-filled cuteness. I love the dialogue, especially between Saradoc and Bilbo. Great job!
Author's reply
Wee!Merry is quite adorable isn't he? So adoring of his older cousin, going along with anything Frodo does, and so impressed with his father's daring battle with the "water monsters". ^_^ And then he grew up, lol.
Saradoc only wants what's best for Frodo, and as harsh as Rory's decision was it does seem to be working. Bilbo wasn't too appeased by what he heard though, for he knows that such an ultimatum would only put extra pressure on Frodo.
Anso the Hobbit
· 7 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
I love this! Wee Merry and mischevious Frodo are a treat to see. I really hope you update soon! :D This indeed a lovely story.
Author's reply
Wee!Merry is pretty darn adorable, and Mischevious!Frodo is such a good teacher for his young protege. ~_^ Thanks so much for reading!
MaidenofValinor
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
*sigh* I do love a fresh story...very cute so far! Looking forward to seeing how it turns out! Keep up the great work!
Author's reply
Hello again! It's wonderful to hear from you and I'm glad you are enjoying this so far. Thanks for reading. :)
shirebound
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
"I’m not going to accuse him of misbehavior just because something’s gone missing, not without solid evidence. Frodo wasn’t the first lad to ever plunder Maggot’s fields, and he certainly won’t be the last.”
I really like Saradoc's fair attitude here. This should be interesting.
Author's reply
Saradoc understands the temptation to place the blame, so he is very careful not to jump to conclusions when it comes to Frodo. Rory doesn't want Frodo to be guilty either, but he figured it's best to start at the top of the suspect list and work his way down. :)
Dreamflower
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
I have been *so* looking forward to this!
I see you have already rounded up the "usual suspects"--and of course, until Merry gets older and Pippin turns up to be his accomplce, the "terror of Buckland", Frodo Baggins, will be at the top of the list!!
I love stories of Frodo and Merry before Frodo moves to Hobbiton, as you very well know, and *this* one looks to be delightful!
I am especially taken with your Menegilda!
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Oh, there will be more suspects showing up next chapter, but its true enough that Frodo is usually the first one to be suspected of mischief. But you know, he's trying so hard to be good now. *grins*
I realized while reading through this that Menegilda is a bit like my boss, lol. Except I think Gilda is more stern, especially when it comes to matters of food. ^_^
Larner
· 6 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter One
Poor Frodo--at least it wasn't mushrooms or cookies or that cake Merry brought out of that satchel, or it would have been too much for everyone. Although the tale of the walks here and there do leave too much time for Frodo to have possibly been in Maggot's field....
Author's reply
Frodo appears to be in the clear for now, but you have to wonder what he was doing in the barn. And the report from Maggot could be a day old at least, as he wouldn't have been able to send word right away. *whistles innocently* Of course, there are others who could be pinpointed too, and we'll meet them in the next chapter. ^_^