Chance Encounter by Dreamflower
Larner · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
You'll have to let me know what story has the holewarming present to the S-B's in it so I can read that. Now, have read back to where I left off before. Caught up backwards, I have.
Author's reply
That little episode is in the last paragraph of Chapter 20 of "A Conspiracy of Hobbits". A little going away gift from Pip to the new owners of Bag End. I do that myself every once in a while.
Larner · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
The conspirators continue to conspire for good causes, and a loving Elf is caught at his good deed. Bless him for it anyway.
Author's reply
He most certainly did mean it as a good deed, and I am sure the hobbits do bless him for it anyway. It really was a gesture that came from the heart.
Larner · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Yes, the young King also needs comfort, which helps comfort Merry. As for the plan to catch the conmen--excellent use by Aragorn of available talent, and his own ability to look as scurrilous as the least villain!
Author's reply
Absolutely. For Merry, giving the comfort also enables him to *be* comforted. *chuckle* Yes, he can look a rogue if he wants to, can't he?
Larner · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Apparently I've managed to miss a chapter or two along the way--must rectify that! Marvelous performance by our favorite Took, and by the scoundrel cum King standing by the wall on watch. Lovely! And I bet Boromir is MOST impressed!
Author's reply
He did perform pretty well. Of course, his acting skills are part of why Menelcar thought he'd make a good Bard. And Aragorn, I think, relishes any opportunity to shed his King Elessar persona and become Strider again. I think Boromir would be both impressed and pleased that his training had proved so valuable.
PIppinfan1988 · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Yep--Legolas is busted. I know he did it out of love and admiration for the hobbits, but I have to agree with Pippin--lol, and Merry's reply to the discovery. It's great to see you going into the storyline of Merry and Theoden's escort ( to the gate). I have often speculated on what Merry felt throught that time, but would much rather read your account of it. :-) The angst of remembering his last precious moments with Theoden King...the man (not hobbit) whom he loved like a father. That alone is mind-boggling. I am so looking forward to watching those bumbling idiots fall right into Aragorn's trap. Go, Pippin! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, good motives or not, busted is busted, unfortunately. But fortunately, the hobbits were able to see the humor in it. I'm glad you like my thoughts on how it could have been. I've always thought that Theoden must have reminded him of his own father. "Bumbling idiots" is about right. And these " 'bumbles" *don't* bounce! LOL!
PIppinfan1988 · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 6: Chapter 6
LOL! I *loved* following Sam around, giving his delectable gifts out to those he loved, or felt gratitude for. Everyone taking a turn at keeping the byrding busy until all was ready was too cute. I forgot to mention in the last review that I also enjoyed your details of the byrding traditions! Excellent. :-) I had a wonderful time at Sam's birthday party--all the singing and dancing. To see Frodo lead the Tangle dance was pure delight. A glimpse of the "old" Frodo, but not to stay for long, sadly. Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, we don't get a lot of details from JRRT except some tantalizing info in Letter #214, but it's fun to flesh out those few details to come up with more of a tradition. My Frodo is not quite so physically spent immediately post-Quest as the Frodo of some writers. I feel that his physical decline did not begin to accelerate until the first anniversary of his Morgul-wound. JRRT (also in Letters) indicates that the first year Frodo was home, he still had hopes of being able to eventually recover and retrieve his old life, and that he didn't entirely discard that hope until after Elanor was born.
PIppinfan1988 · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 5: Chapter 5
I *knew* it wouldn't be long before someone tried to take advantage of the hobbits. I hope they get their just reward. Grrr! Decisions, decisions... Menelcar his now committed to the King; no longer the care-free Bard that travelled about. I think he'll make a fine Court Bard. :-) "It soon became clear that those who had served there under Denethor were uncertain and uneasy about their place with the new King. I *loved* this point you made; this is the same premise that I wanted to come across back at Great Smials in my last project, but didn't really expound upon it. Its always like that when a new leader comes on the scene; new policies vs. old policies, the temperatments are different. Things can be a very tense during that transition. LOL, oh, Pippin's gonna get'em! Go, Pippin! :-D Pippinfan
Author's reply
Oh, no worries on *that* score! I am quite sure he will make a fine Court Bard for King Elessar, and will bring a bit of fresh air into the formerly stuffy court that Denethor had overseen. I thought you did quite well with that--I am looking forward to more of the interaction between Paladin and Ferumbras. Your Ferumbras has a different agenda than mine, but he's just as selfish. He is, he is, you'll see!
harrowcat · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Oh this is great Dreamflower. I loved the way that Frodo marched straight up to Aragorn and was firmly put in his place by Pippin!
Author's reply
Thanks. That was a moment for Pippin, wasn't it? *grin*
Kitty · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Ah, *that* was the way they thought to get money from the hobbits? Hmmm ... nice story, though I think I see the holes in the story, too. But of course I know already it’s not true. For someone unsuspecting it could work, and particularly for one who is kind and generous and doesn’t expect others to do something like this. Pippin did a great job, and I have to admit, I was *very* pleased with the kick he gave Minastir. It was well deserved! And I loved this: "You are quite lucky that my young knight did not have his sword. Trollsbane is its name, and Sir Peregrin Troll Slayer its wielder." Minastir stared in horror at Pippin, blanching. It seems to have sunk in at last *whom* they did approach, didn’t it? *veg* Of course Frodo and Merry had to react as they did – always wanting to protect their little cousin and forgetting he isn’t little any more. Pip said it very clearly – he is a Guard of the Citadel now and a Knight of Gondor and not so helpless as Minastir and his friends believed. Pippin has truly grown up and matured in less than one year. It is difficult to imagine at home in the Shire he isn’t of age yet!
Author's reply
Yes, Minastir quite correctly thought that the hobbits would be moved by a tale of poor little motherless children and a family torn apart. However, not really understanding the postition of his mark, he left quite a few holes in the story. *grin* I have to give credit to Marigold, there. She thought it would be great if the swindler found out he'd misjudged, and that Pippin had, indeed, slain a troll single-handed. So I added those lines. Naturally; truth is, if it had been Merry or Frodo in *his* position, it's quite possible Pippin would have reacted similarly, though I think he'd have been a bit less vociferous about it, not as used to such a role. But he really has grown into the role he'd been given, and his cousins needed to understand that.
Andrea · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
You know, don't you, that you will get this same lecture from Merry, only worse, when he finds out." Pippin's green eyes grew wide. "Perish forbid!" he said. That was great! It turned out to be really dangerous, but with Boromir's good advice in mind Pippin managed the situation firmly. Of course, Frodo and Merry are angry at first, because they love their little cousin and want to protect him whenever it's possible. But he's little no more, he has become a real knight of Gondor - and I'm proud of him :) BTW, I like the idea of Merry cursing in Rohirric ;-)
Author's reply
Well, Minastir turned out to be just a bit more desperate than the King and the others had anticipated. Yes, Boromir tried to give his pupils every advantage that he could, LOL! Those two will never react well to their cherished young cousin in danger, but now they've learned to hold those reactions in check, for Pippin is now able to handle himself for the most part. *grin* Well, he's been hanging about with all those horse-soldiers. I'm sure he's picked up a choice phrase or two.
Bodkin · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
I loved Pippin being grown up and taking Frodo to task. And wryly debating with Merry over their relative positions in this post-War world. And a nasty trio of confidence tricksters have been collared. The one who resorted to a blade, though, might be a good actor, but he is pretty intellectually challenged. I don't know how he thought he would get away with that! I'm glad that Pippin put his foot down about the death penalty.
Author's reply
He has grown up in a great many ways--it was necessary to assert this to Frodo, though I think if Frodo had simply been yelling at *him*, he might have taken the lecture with his usual aplomb. But to have Frodo angry at King Elessar did not sit well with him. And he *knows* what to say to Merry--never a doubt of that. Well--I think Minastir had never been cornered before, and he thought he could use Pippin as a shield to get out of the City. Rank misjudgment on his part all the way around. But that comes of thinking you are cleverer than you actually are. If you're a rogue, you tend to think anyone who is not a rogue must be a simpleton--clearly not true. I can't see any hobbit approving of execution, and to have thought it was on his own account would have disturbed Pippin horribly.
Pearl Took · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Oh! Well done, Dreamflower! *applause* I like Pippin admitting to himself and to the others that, without the warning, he would have fallen for the scoundrel's lies. He is a tender hearted lad. I liked Pippin's sweet innocent look convincing the scoundrel that he had succeeded. I loved Sir Peregrin biting and kicking the wretch! And, best of all, Pippin standing up to both Frodo and Merry :) :) He's not baby Pip anymore, and though I'm sure there will still be plenty of times that he'll regress a wee bit, he's a strong mature hobbit now. "Aragorn crossed the street in a few quick strides and hauled the still groaning villain to his feet. As he did so, he spoke softly into his ear, "You are quite lucky that my young knight did not have his sword. Trollsbane is its name, and Sir Peregrin Troll Slayer its wielder." Minastir stared in horror at Pippin, blanching." So much for the scoundrels not believing a pherian could kill a troll :) :)
Author's reply
Thank you! *blushes and bows* He *is* tender-hearted and impulsive; he realizes that he could have been taken in. Yet Aragorn wisely points out that is not necessarily *his* flaw. I know my husband's philosophy on pan-handlers--if they are really in need, they should have his help; if they are conning him, then the blame lies on *their* head--he'd rather do something for someone who *doesn't* deserve it than risk turning someone down who *does*. Boromir taught Pippin and Merry that they needed to do *anything* they could to bring down a larger foe, and both hobbits have taken that lesson to heart. It was a bit of a stretch for him to stand up to his older cousins--but in this case he's right, and they have come to realize it. That last bit was Marigold's idea: she didn't like the wretch going into custody and *not* believing Pippin had killed his troll!
Lindelea · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
hurrah! *throws confetti* I do remember reading just the ruffian part of this on LJ. I had no idea it was part of a story with Menelcar! more frightened at the tone of his senior cousin's voice than he ever had been in the grip of the criminal. This was priceless, as was Pippin's sudden coming of age, in a manner of speaking. No longer a baby cousin, indeed... I don't know if I saw the chapter before this--it has been a busy time. I'll have to look later, as a matter of fact. Interrupted again.
Author's reply
Yep, it was part of the original "Chance Encounter" bunny chase. Well, Frodo yelling at Aragorn for allowing Pippin to do something he had volunteered for rather loosened his tongue. And Frodo had not really come to terms, I think, with all his younger cousins had *done*--not that he did not know or believe in them, nor that he wasn't *proud* of them--but in terms of the implications for the future,he had not thought that far along. Interruptions are the pits.
shirebound · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
"Boromir would have been proud," said Faramir. I can't think of anything that would make Pippin happier to hear. And I love how he stood up for himself with his cousins, and everyone got their feelings out in the open. Hobbits are anything but helpless, as the citizens are finding out!
Author's reply
You are right! And I think Faramir realizes this--that a compliment from his brother would definitely mean a lot to Pippin. Hobbits are anything but helpless This is true. And Minastir *definitely* found out, LOL!
Garnet Took · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Great chapter! I loved Pippin standing up to his older cousins. I agree that, if he had not been prepared, he would have fallen for the con-artist's story. He is such a soft-hearted person, and I wouldn't have him any other way. Thanks for a wonderful story. GT.
Author's reply
He is finally asserting his equality here. Of course, it won't be the last time, but as first times go, it's not bad. As I have said in another story, say "large-hearted" and you will be closer to the mark. He has all the love and compassion there, and ready to give it out, and he will still have more. Thank you for the lovely review!
Bodkin · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
It's a shame the hobbits (why do my fingers keep typing bobbits?) can't accept that a bit of Elven singing maybe every third day would be a good thing. Winding down over the weeks. They all need sleep badly at the moment. Still, I'm not surprised that they want to be fiercely independent. It is disconcerting to have someone say that an elf could willing sacrifice a century or so to a duty - but that's immortality! Merry looked up to see the young King gazing back at him, tears flowing freely. "Oh!" he exclaimed softly. He leaned forward to lend what comfort he could. Something he sometimes forgot: his King was very young, younger even, than his Pippin. Every now and then the sheer youth of some of those around them must have caught the hobbits out - as, I suppose, must the sheer age of others! But I like seeing the hobbits as the mature, responsible support for those who, although taller, are so young. Pippin has a task ahead of him too! Though I'm sure the guards will do their best to keep him safe.
Author's reply
*snerk* "Bobbits". Probably the same reason I sometimes type "hoggits". Obviously we have evil keyboards, and the letters move around rather like the trees in the Old Forest! I think they indicated that they would accept his help sometimes--but I think they would like to know about it, and most certainly *not* every night, LOL! It is a bit disconcerting, but as Gandalf says "it's a short enough time for an Elf"--though I think even Legolas might have found it more of a chore than he anticipated if the hobbits *had* taken him up on it! Still, he did mean well. And I think at this point, he still has a few things to learn about his mortal friends. He would not make the same mistake a few years later, I don't think. But you are right about sacrificing a century or two to duty--or even a couple of Ages of the World, as have Elrond and Galadriel. I like to think that just as Men sometimes misjudged hobbit maturity, due to their size and apparent innocence, I think that hobbits sometimes misjudged that of Men based on their ages. But Merry *is* older than Eomer--even though not by as much as he thinks, and age or no, Eomer is in need of comfort. Pippin is quite up to his task!
Andrea · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
"Yet Merry had also had a brightness to him; he lived up to his name, with a sunny, easy nature. He rarely cried or had tantrums as a child, and he loved to laugh. He had been so good for Frodo, who had needed some sunshine in his life." This is so very true! Frodo has always needed someone to bring sunshine in his life. And Merry was glad to do so. Let's hope the lingering shadow will finally withdraw! I really enjoyed reading your discription of the hobbits through Gandalf's eyes. So, Pippin is the one to lure those man into a trap? He will manage, I'm sure. And I've no doubt that Aragorn, who put on his Ranger outfit, will be among those who keep watch. I'm curious about the outcome!
Author's reply
Merry was the sunshine in Frodo's young life, and will always be very special on that account. I love showing Gandalf thinking about his hobbits--they were very dear to him, each and every one. I sometimes wonder if there was a secondary reason for allowing Frodo and Bilbo to go West--so that Gandalf would still have some hobbits by him! Pippin is the one, all right. He is eager to do his duty!
Gryffinjack · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Wow, what a chapter! I think this was my favourite part: "They slept with the most vulnerable on the inside, the protectors on the outside. But whereas in the early days of their journeying, that had meant Frodo and Pippin on the inside, with Merry on the outside next to Pippin, and Sam on the other side of Frodo, now Sam was on the inside, and young Pippin was one of the protectors." I find that incredibly interesting and making a lot of sense. I just love the image and all that it means. I imagine it changed almost nightly, who was in the middle and who was on the outside. I wonder if Legolas got the full significance of it? Gandalf's thoughts about the four hobbits are spot on. I love it when he ponders about them. I knew the hobbits would be amused by Legolas' offer. They are too good hearted to get upset about it, ridiculous though it is. It really was quite endearing of the Elf to offer his next sixty or seventy years to them. Merry's comment was perfect; I doubt their wives would have approved. And if Legolas had to watch over all four of them each night though they were married ... no, I don't think I even want to go there. lol! I do not envy Merry his duty to watch over a corpse. However, it is one final way that he can serve his king, so perhaps he will take some measure of comfort in that. As for Eomer, I am glad to see him moved to tears and equally glad that Merry was there to lend him some comfort. For such a young man to become king, especially when there is so much rebuilding to be done. You showed his youth very well. Although I at first tended to think of the Men as all being chronologically older than the hobbits, this is not the case. I first became aware of that when looking at the indexes and seeing that Frodo was older than Boromir. For Eomer to be younger than Pippin, well, in a way, he is both older and younger. He is younger chronologically and thus has less memories and less wisdom about the world in some respects, but in others, he is an older, seasoned warrior who has been an adult far longer than Merry has been. It must be somewhat confusing for Merry. Thank goodness Pippin will have so many looking after him on his mission. He really is a wonder of a hobbit - both a knight trained to fight and do his duty and a hobbit full of love and wonder. "As Pippin turned to leave, he felt Gandalf's hand on his shoulder. He turned and looked up. Gandalf looked down at him, and smiled. "You will do. And be careful, my lad." "Thank you, Gandalf. I will."" I so enjoyed this chapter! Write more soon, please (though not until you finish writing my bunny)! I love moments between Gandalf and Pippin! Gandalf is such a grandfatherly figure to the four hobbits, but especially to Pippin, who returns his affection.
Author's reply
It's an idea I've had for a long time: that before hobbits migrated to the Shire, being relatively small and defenseless, that they would sleep like that, to protect the most vulnerable among them. I am sure that it probably lingers among the rural lower classes, even though in the well-protected Shire the gentry usually sleep alone. But it's one reason I have the younger cousins always seeking the older ones' bed--it's kind of an instinct with them. I always like to show Gandalf watching and observing the hobbits. Well, they *could* have been angry, and nearly were, until the ridiculous aspect of it struck them, LOL! But they are very well aware that he *meant* well, an so don't hold it against him. For Eomer to be younger than Pippin, well, in a way, he is both older and younger. He is younger chronologically and thus has less memories and less wisdom about the world in some respects, but in others, he is an older, seasoned warrior who has been an adult far longer than Merry has been. It must be somewhat confusing for Merry. You hit the nail on the head. Even though a hobbit of twenty-nine is about eighteen maturity wise, he still has twenty-nine years worth of memory and experience. It's why my young hobbits sound a bit precocious--at five Merry may be the physical and emotional equivalent of a three year old, but he has the memory and vocabulary of a five year old, so he's not too young, for example, to learn to read. I am so glad you liked the bit at the end. I kind of "framed" this chapter with Gandalf. And don't worry--I'm still working on your bunny!
Pearl Took · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
"In the way hobbits had, they slept huddled together. Although at home in the Shire they would have beds to themselves, Gandalf knew that for hobbits, sleeping alone was a relatively recent development, and in any time of stress hobbits naturally reverted to the older behavior." I really like this, Dreamflower! So many of us have them huddle together but I don't think I've ever read an explanation. Very good! " "Any future wives we might have might have something to say about that," chuckled Merry. Sam blushed, and Pippin elbowed him. Sam was the only one with a sweetheart at home. Frodo shook his head, amused. "It does paint an odd picture in the mind. Did he propose to come live with us in the Shire?" " " "Do you really want to spend the rest of your life with an Elf staring at you all night long?" " This is all wonderfully touching and totally hysterical all at the same time. Quite an accomplishment!
Author's reply
My explanation is that before they migrated to the Shire, the hobbits, a small and relatively defenceless burrowing race, would have huddled together for comfort and security. They've gradually grown away from this as the Shire became safer and more civilized, but in times of stress or danger, they would revert back to the earlier instinctive behavior. "Touching" and "hysterical"--not two adjectives one sees together often, yet I take it as a high compliment if you think I have accomplished that. *blushes*
PIppinfan1988 · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 4: Chapter 4
You know, I can have a vivid imagination at times--I can only hope I'm getting the tunes right in my head because these are some very lovely songs! I'd never tire of listening to this special duo singing. :-) I am also enjoying the King and the Steward working out their relationship. LOL, I had a nice laugh out of Gimli's advice to the hobbit groupies; grow hair on your feet, or forget it! Poor, poor Legolas (wicked laughter). I am loving this story! :-D Pippinfan
Kitty · 19 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Interesting look at how Gandalf sees the hobbits! And of course it is true. Frodo was right: I understand, and his intentions were good. It's actually quite heartwarming that he made the effort. But we can hardly get on with our lives that way. Even if it is not an option for the future, I find it touching Legolas would even offer to do it. It says a lot about his feelings for his hobbit friends that he would do that because he doesn't want so see them suffer. Another touching part was Merry's attempt to comfort Éomer. And it shows Merry he doesn't need to be ashamed of his own tears, because he is not the only one who mourns Theoden's passing so deeply. Ah, I loved the reappearance of the disreputable ranger! Now I look forward to what will happen with these men!
GamgeeFest · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
I like your solution to the question of how Theoden was kept at the Citadel all that time. I often thought he'd had to be getting pretty rank by the time they came back for him. I feel sorry for Merry. Standing guard outside the tombs all day won't be easy on him and is likely to aggravate his dreams at night. The hobbits reacted to the news of Legolas pretty much as I expected they would. They couldn't really get *too* angry at him, but the disappointment that their respite was temporary is what would have hurt the most. Can't wait for Pippin to swindle those cons!
Author's reply
Well, I suppose the Gondorians could have embalmed him. JRRT indicates that like the Egyptians, the ancient Numenoreans went in for such things--but it wasn't much approved of by the Good Guys, so I think in this case Gandalf might have been allowed a little leeway. It does have to be pretty depressing, but is a way he can still serve his King. He will only have to do it every third day, fortunately. Yes, well, anger or amusement? Since they know he was only trying to help, they would be more inclined to amusement--especially at the thought of an Elf "staring at them" as Pippin put it, all night for the next sixty or seventy years, LOL! Legolas is very fond of them, but he still has a good deal to learn about mortals, poor guy.
Baggins Babe · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
I had to smile at the thought of Legolas moving into the Shire with the hobbits for the next 60 - 70 years! As Merry says, I doubt their wives would be too happy about that! Poor Merry - and that pulled me up short, to realise that Eomer is younger than Pippin. Although Pip is really a teenager and Eomer is a mature and battle-hardened soldier, but it made me stop and think. I hope Pip is careful - and I gather Strider will be watching these awful Men as well. I don't envy them when he catches them! *evil cackle*
Author's reply
It gave me a chuckle too, when I first thought of his making the offer, way back when I wrote my second story. I always meant to show how it had come about, and this was my chance. It is a bit amusing to imagine him sitting over them night after night for years on end. It's true--he's a year younger,according to the Tale of Years. And really, though Pippin is younger in the way Shirefolk reckon things, he still has the *memory* of a twenty-nine year old. So in one way, there isn't so much difference in how much older Merry is than both of them. And Eomer needs comforting. You will soon see! *rubs hands in anticipation*
shirebound · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Ohhhh, how I adore Gandalf's evaluation of the hobbits at the very beginning of this chapter. How lovely. And this is just wonderful: Something he sometimes forgot: his King was very young, younger even, than his Pippin.
Author's reply
I enjoy showing Gandalf musing over his hobbits; and really of all the Fellowship, for Gandalf they really are--he's almost like a grandfather to them. And Eomer *was* a year younger than Pippin--to Merry that alone would automatically put him in the category of people he ought to be protecting, though I am quite sure Eomer would be surprised to realize that, LOL!
Garnet Took · 18 January 2006 · Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Whoa! That was one full chapter. There was a lot going on there. I am glad the hobbits took it so well that Legolas had been easing their dreams. I know Merry's a little upset by it, but he's just a wee bit stressed right now. Hope he can get that worked through. Pippin is just wonderful in this chapter. He's so much the hobbit, but also very much the knight of Gondor, too. I love this story and the way you write all the familiar characters. I also admire your creation of new ones for us to love, too. Keep it coming. GT.
Author's reply
Well, as Gandalf knew, they would have one of two reactions: they'd either be angry or amused. Fortunately for Legolas the amusement won out. And yes, you are right, Merry is quite stressed that morning. But he'll get over it. I'm glad you like Pippin--he really is both, and manages somehow to remain true to his hobbity self while undertaking his duties as a Knight. I'm so glad you are enjoying this--I had a good deal of fun writing it!