*snigger* Gimli sending the fan girls of Minas Tirith off to annoy Legolas!!
And making the ladies remove their shoes and stockings and telling them they would have to grow foor fut..!!! I've been giggling about this. I meant to review before this but committee work somehow got in the way. *sigh*
I'm delighted to see Menelcar is now singing for the King, and how wonderful that he has been asked to be Court Bard - it couldn't happen to a more deserving person!
The songs were perfect - and I loved Aragorn gently teasing Frodo about dancing on tables! :-))
Author's reply
I think Gimli probably got a snigger out of it as well. Not to mention a view of the ladies' ankles...
He does deserve to be Court Bard, doesn't he, after all this time.
When I found those two songs, I could not believe how close to perfect they were. The first one needed a bit more tweaking to be "Middle-earthy", but the second one only needed a couple of words changed.
Well, really it was quite funny looking back on it--and I could see Aragorn teasing him about it now that all was over with.
Larner
· 6 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
So I lied--it was but one more chapter, after all.....
Lovely, and such an appropriate song to dedicate to Frodo. Very, very lovely. Pippin's singing is wonderful!
Author's reply
*snerk* I've done that myself. I do believe that "The King's Commission" made me late or nearly late--for work more than once, LOL!
When I saw that second song, it just really spoke to me of Frodo, his pure heart, and his need for joy and grace. I think that it would have done the same for his young cousin.
Larner
· 6 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I can't read more here, unfortunately, not tonight, I think--have to get ready to go to work, after all.
But love the plans for the birthday, the friendship with Menelcar, the songs from so many sources--including the Shire--that Eowyn heard, the hiding and warning to get back into their rooms; the plans for the birthday party.
Author's reply
I'm so glad that you are enjoying it!
Don't be late!
Larner
· 6 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Ah, the guest house from another's point of view. Lovely place. And you have them all sharing a room and a huge bed. Yes, that also would be appropriate.
Author's reply
Yes, I think everyone has their vision of that house (much like everyone has their own vision of Crickhollow). I see it as rather a Mediterranean type influence, built around a central courtyard, and with a lot of the ground floor rooms opening directly to the outside.
And I can see them sharing one large bed--it's definitely a part of how I see hobbits, and those four in particular, seeking comfort and safety in numbers.
Andrea
· 6 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
"Not since Gimli made the last group remove their shoes. He inspected their feet, and told them that unless they could grow hair on their feet, their cause was hopeless, that thick hairy foot fur was essential to seducing a hobbit. And then he asked if any of them could grow beards." LOL!!! And what else would Gimli do as to send them after Legolas!
I loved the two old songs. When I heard the melody to the first one, I was sure I heard it somewhere before. Thanks to Lindelea's review I was able to remember. It had something to do with Christmas.
Thank you for putting the "Merry Inn Song" in here! Aragorn's remark was very funny and I'm quite sure, Frodo laughed with him!
Author's reply
I just thought Gimli would be the perfect person to deal with "hobbit-groupies".
I loved them too. I had to make several changes in the first one, but the second one is very nearly unaltered. The Folksong site is a treasure trove!
That's one of the first of Bilbo's songs that Menelcar heard, and it has become a staple of his repertoir.
Bodkin
· 6 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Poor Faramir. He still squirms rather at being pinned down by a king who wants him as a friend. Denethor has him trained to be just a touch too respectful and abject. But Aragorn will get him out of it - in time. And Eowyn will be a help - she's not too fussed about grovelling to position and looks more at the person behind the rank. Still, growing up as the highest-ranking female in Rohan, she can afford to be a bit more casual. And not being related to Denethor would help, too.
I wonder if Gimli was the lust object of many of Minas Tirith's dewy-eyed maidens - or whether they concentrated on cute hobbits and ethereal elves.
Being a hobbit-friend isn't too bad a career move for Menelcar - from street corner to the High King's private dining room in one day! Still, it couldn't happen to a better bard.
And, somehow, I can just see Pippin easing Boromir out of a trap of brambles. In fact, the hobbits could have proved really useful in certain situations that never arose. Still - they had enough on their plates!
Although Pippin still has a sneaking desire to be as much of a bard as he can under the circumstances. Good to see him singing with Menelcar.
Author's reply
Yes, he does squirm a bit still.
Denethor has him trained to be just a touch too respectful and abject. Exactly. Much like the courtiers Aragorn was glad to get away from; Denethor has a lot to answer for. Faramir is too honest and forthright to dissemble, but he is also going to couch anything he says in the most formal and respectful fashion, and he is definitely not going to "presume". But you are right about Eowyn as well. Rohan is a far more informal place, and the Rohirrim, I think, far more like the Northerners in Arnor in their approach to their rulers--respect and obdience, yes, but also a level of friendly openness impossible in a more metropolitan setting, and a sense that a King is still one of them, no matter that he wears a crown.
I have a feeling we would never know. Gimli would keep it all to himself, LOL!
Not a bad move at all; and best of all it was completely unconscious on his part.
I had a good deal of fun with that particular tale. I had used it as a brief anecdote in "A New Reckoning", and then it found its way as a Marigold's Challenge story. But I have a feeling the tale would have been a popular one in later years.
Under that argent-and-sable livery, there yet beats the heart of a bard, and always will.
Garnet Took
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Oh, I just love the image of Pippin and Menelcar singing together. Any time Pippin sings makes me all warm and fuzzy feeling.
I like the thought of all the fellowship, and Faramir being gather simply as friends. Now that Aragorn is king, these moment are especially precious.
Those songs you chose are perfect. They seem like they were meant for this. I know you changed some words, but the spirit is priceless.
Thanks. Looking forward to the next update.
GT.
Author's reply
I love them singing together, too. Thank you very much--warm and fuzzy is just what I hoped for in this chapter.
Yes, the Fellowship doesn't have a lot of time left together, so Aragorn wants to make the most of it.
Surprisingly, I had to change very few words. More, of course in the first one than the second, but really, they did seem very much as though they would fit into M-e.
Very soon.
Pearl Took
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Oh, Dreamflower! Wonderful! I loved the use of the old songs and the referance to your other story. This whole story is just delightful :) :)
Author's reply
Thank you! I am a dreadful person for sprinkling in bits and pieces of other stories, and sometimes I remember to note them, but most of the time I forget.
I have so much fun finding songs for stories!
Gryffinjack
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
""Faramir, do you see anyone else in here?""
LOL! I love that line! This entire exchange was very amusing. The thought occurred to me of how much like Sam Faramir sounded before I read that Aragorn thought the same thing. Great comparison!
""Not since Gimli made the last group remove their shoes. He inspected their feet, and told them that unless they could grow hair on their feet, their cause was hopeless, that thick hairy foot fur was essential to seducing a hobbit. And then he asked if any of them could grow beards.""
You know, my niece went trick-or-treating this past Halloween dressed as Merry. We ordered a nice pair of furry attachments for the tops of the feet. Perhaps we should send the fair maidens of Minas Tirith the website address?
""No, they do not care for sleeping in upper floors, not even one storey up,
much less as high up as they are here. Pippin tolerates it best, but even he
is somewhat uncomfortable in their present quarters.""
Now this I really appreciated. For even though Pippin enjoys climbing trees and does not mind their heights, that Citadel is much higher from the ground and would indeed bother even him. Nice hobbity characteristic you've included.
Finally! We finally get to see Menelcar and Pippin singing together again. Now if we could only get a recording of it so we could all hear it.
I really like how you are developing Menelcar's character. He likes and cares about the hobbits in their own right, and not because of their fame and reknown as most of the other citisenry of Minas Tirith do. That much is obvious to both Faramir and Aragorn. I'm so glad that Aragorn offerred him the position as Court Bard. I can imagine Aragorn talking with the minstrel, glad of an honest ear that I doubt would only view him as king. For Menelcar is well travelled, just like Aragorn, and I imagine they could share many stories together. Aragorn needs someone like that, especially once the hobbits, Legolas, and Gimli have returned home and Gandalf has gone as well.
Author's reply
I was in the middle of this reply and got interrupted, and lost it. I hope I can remember what I was saying...
Sam and Faramir have a *lot* more in common than is obvious at first glance.
I got a kick out of the bit with Gimli and the "fan-girls". You know, someone probably *could* make a pretty penny selling fake foot fur once the word got around. I can see it starting a fad, and some high born Gondorian maiden trying to convince her mother to let her go barefoot with fake fur glued on. "But Mooother! Everyone is doing it! and the pheriannath are in such high favor with the King!"
Well, of course, hobbits' discomfort in sleeping in upper floors *is* canon--I am quite sure it was among the reasons they did not remain in the Citadel.
Wouldn't that be neat? Alas, I don't think it's possible yet.
Of course the hobbits were already dear friends to Menelcar, from his time in the Shire--especially Pippin, who had quickly wrapped the bard around his little Tookish finger. I am very sure that Faramir and Aragorn were pleased to find him such a level headed person.
For Menelcar is well travelled, just like Aragorn, and I imagine they could share many stories together.
You will soon find that the above will play a factor in Menelcar's decision...
Gryffinjack
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
"The door to the chamber shared by the hobbits was flung open, and Frodo knew without turning around that his cousins had returned and Pippin was first in the door."
LOL! An excited Pippin is not one to be confused with anyone else, is he?
"Frodo put the quill carefully into the holder. His calligraphy was improving, but it had a long way to go before it was once more as good as it had been before he lost his finger."
AH! So it's to be a hobbity birthday party for Sam! Excellent!
""Lots of food and music," said Pippin firmly.
The others laughed. "Not music and food?" Merry teased. Pippin just grinned."
Merry does indeed know his Pippin. Not many hobbits would find anything more important than food.
"The hobbits still suffered badly from night terrors. When they had been, the first night, presented separate chambers in the Citadel--something Men thought of as an honor--the problem had become much worse than it had been since they had all been reunited. The previous night the four of them had shared a chamber, and it did help somewhat. When Pippin and Frodo had both woken up, crying out and trembling, the others were right there to offer comfort."
And that is exactly how I would picture it - that Frodo and Pippin would both share their inclination toward night terrors due to their experiences with Sauron's thoughts inside their heads. Blast that Ring and palantir! As we've said before, Merry and Sam would both be in for their own horrors - Sam with night terrors of thinking Frodo dead, seeing him take the ring, and of Shelob, and Merry with night terrors of Pippin or Theoden being dead or becoming ill like Frodo on his own anniversaries of contact with the Black Breath. But the ones who really suffered the worst thoughts of Sauron inside their own heads were Frodo and Pippin. I do not envy any of them their night visions.
Did Gimli know Menelcar from when he was at the Lonely Mountain?
I have no doubt that Pippin will have that fiddle well-tuned in time for the party.
So *that's* how Eowyn knew Menelcar! She certainly was always a spirited thing, wasn't she? I'm so glad you had this interaction between Eowyn and Eothain. Your development of all of the characters, including the minor ones, is fantastic!
This was a very nice reminder of part of the price that Frodo had to pay. You fit these details in so well.
Author's reply
No, Pippin's enthusiasm makes itself felt in his own unique way!
Yes, there is to be a party for Sam. And for Pippin, well music and food are almost synonymous, LOL!
You have very well described the dynamics of their nightmares and other symptoms, and the way in which they relate to one another!
I am not certain that they actually *met*, but I think Gimli was there at the time, and probably heard him sing.
JRRT's few mentions of Eothain give him a very vivid personality--young and impetuous and loyal to his kinsman. He does not mention *how* Eothain is related, so I make them paternal cousins. And though he does not mention Eothain's actual age, he seems younger and more immature than Eomer--perhaps he was about the same age as Eowyn...the rest came from that.
Thank you.
Gryffinjack
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
This story is coming along so nicely!
"Merry looked at Pippin. "You know, Pip, you never did tell me how Uncle Paladin reacted after you got home. I expected you to be confined to your room for months.""
*sniff! sniff!* Do I smell a bunny?
""They had thought me dead, you see," he continued. "lo, these many years. I was glad to have made them happy by my return. My mother has remained with my sister and her family." He smiled. "I have a bonny niece and a sturdy nephew, who was named after me."
Merry and Pippin exchanged a rueful look. It was quite possible their own families thought them dead.""
Whoa, now *there's* a powerful bit of foreshadowing! I'm so glad that Menelcar came back and was reunited with his family before his father passed away.
I love how Legolas is so protective of the hobbits - getting upset that they are being taken advantage of by merchants who want to trade on having had one or more of the hobbits frequent their shops. Trust Gimli to take the Dwarf's point of view about profit, alhtough he would be just as swift to act if he felt that one of the hobbits really was being taken advantage of.
""No. No, I am never too tired to visit with my friends, Frodo. It's having to deal with those who are *not* my friends, but would have me think them so, that is so wearying. The Dúnadain of the North are not afraid to speak their minds to their Chief, but these men of the City--they have spent too many years fearing to say what they really believe.""
It must be a sore trial to both Aragorn and the people of Minas Tirith to learn how to relate to one another. Those poor people do not know how to speak freely and honestly anymore after years of being under Denethor's stewardship. As for Aragorn, he is not used to all of the adulation and bending over backwards by people to ingratiate themselves. But they will learn.
""I have heard stories of the Steward. Pippin had much to say of Denethor, and none of it flattering.""
While Pippin has some horribly frightening memories of Denethor, I do think that he appreciates his foresight and knowledge of events. That is not to say that he liked the twisted steward, but I do think he understood what had happened to him from gazing into the palantir so much. After all, this is after Pippin himself has looked into the palantir, so he knows how it can call you, the types of thoughts it can put in someone's head, and just how sobering and frightening it can be. My own theory is that once Pippin picked up the palantir that Wormtongue dropped and gave it to Gandalf, the palantir used his natural curiosity and set thoughts in his head to gaze into it again so that Sauron could learn more about the hobbits. And since Pippin did in fact look into the palantir again, he would know precisely how easily it is to fall victim of the palantir and thus Sauron's dark thoughts. Thus, I think that Pippin would have understood the tragedy of what had happened to Denethor, although I don't think he would have ever forgiven him for what he did to Faramir.
Now what are they planning for the unsuspecting Samwise, eh? And where does Eowyn know Menelcar from?
""And then there are a number of songs going around about the Ernil I Pheriannath. Did you hear the one about how the Prince of Halflings lit the beacon?"
Now it was Merry's turn to guffaw at the expression on his cousin's face.
"Thunder!" Pippin swore, and then clapped a hand on his mouth and cast a guilty glance behind them. "People don't really *believe* that, do they? I mean, the beacons were lit long before Gandalf and I even entered the City!"
Menelcar laughed and shrugged. "People will believe whatever makes a good story, Pippin! You know as well as I do that the most entertaining songs are not always the most truthful ones.""
So ... Peter Jackson had actually been in Minas Tirith and heard those songs? LOL! This was brilliant! And I love Pippin's choice of a swear word.
"Pippin stopped and stared at Merry. "Cousin Bilbo? But--" he shook his head in denial, yet he had to admit to himself that he had already realized his oldest cousin's adventure must not have been so tame as he had always made it sound. He must remember to ask Bilbo about that when he saw him again."
HA! Another reference to one of your other stories!
The hobbits will be so much happier in their new quarters! Aragorn and Faramir are so thoughtful, making things hobbit-sized and Faramir donating his childhood table and chairs. They really do love their hobbits.
"Borondir, this is my good friend, Master Menelcar the minstrel. You must let everyone know that if he comes to see me, he should be allowed to come in." Pippin's open face was full of excitement."
Goodness, but I can feel Pippin bouncing up and down on the inside with excitement! How responsible of Borondir to look to Faramir for affirmation of Pippin's request.
I am so looking forward to the reunion between Menelcar and all of the hobbits!
Author's reply
I can't believe I had not replied to this! *sigh* I could have sworn I did.
Poor Merry and Pippin are so homesick; I don't know how any reference to the Shire can be anything but foreshadowing at this point in time, since *we* already know what's happened.
Yes, Menelcar has more than one reason to be thankful to Pippin.
Neither Legolas nor Gimli would put up with anyone actually taking advantage of their hobbits, but Gimli is far more pragmatic than Legolas, and I think he feels that merchants using the idea of being patronized by the hobbits doesn't really hurt them, after all. Legolas is much less tolerant of the motives of Men.
Possibly after enough time had lapsed, Pippin would have been more understanding; he does have a very forgiving nature. But I think the signs of Denethor's cruelty to Faramir made a deep and lasting negative impression. To see a father basically wish that one son had died instead of the other--it had to shock him deeply. I am afraid that Pippin saw through to the pride and hubris that motivated Denethor, and it very much colored his impressions. I agree with you about the palantir--if that had been all, Pippin would understand. But his obvious disdain for his own son would not so easily be forgiven--especially since he knew how much Boromir loved his brother.
I first came up with the idea in Ch. 30 of "A New Reckoning". You see, PJ claimed that he filmed LotR more as a historical movie than a fantasy. So, obviously he must have found some sources less reliable than the Red Book during the course of his research, right? That's why he got so many things wrong, LOL! It really wasn't his fault if he got some faulty material, LOL!
Uh-huh--"A Question of Trolls"--you spotted it!
Pippin's quite excited at finding his old friend; but Borondir, however fond of his small comrade he is, will not allow a stranger access to the Citadel without more say-so than one small hobbit!
Kitty
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
*lol*
I love the beginning of this chapter! It seems Aragorn is much more successful with Faramir in dispensing with the formality than Frodo ever was with Sam!
And Gimli’s way to get rid of all the admirers! *rofl* Hair on the feet as necessary trait *snickers* And of course, he had to send them after poor Legolas in the end!
For Menelcar his meeting with the hobbits was obviously very lucky! To get an invitation to play for the King and his friends and then find himself offered the position of a court bard was surely nothing he’d ever expected!
Author's reply
Well, of course, hobbits are *far* more stubborn than Men, LOL!
I just had this little vision of a bunch of young Gondorian maidens all clamoring for a chance to meet the famous pheriannath, and Gimli being all straight-faced and serious, as he has them take off their shoes and stockings...*snerk*
Well, of course it was indeed very lucky for him--but his luck had turned for the better from the time he first met Pippin, though it took him a few years to find out. And no, I don't think it was anything he ever expected.
Kitty
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Ah, I see – a Shire birthday! Sam will be most embarassed, I suppose, but he deserves it. And the others are probably only too happy for any excuse to have a proper Shire feast! Now Menelcar could sing for them.
Sometimes she found herself wishing that Denethor yet lived, so that she could have the chance to visit her own scorn upon him, to heap upon his head reproaches for the way he had treated his younger son. That is *exaclty* what I often want to do! A pity he didn’t survive. It would’ve been interesting to witness what Éowyn had to say to Denethor!
I can understand the young Éowyn didn’t want to do stitching and the like. I was the same, and to be honest, although I’m 40 now I still prefer cleaning the stables over my housework!
Anyway, loved the sparring and how they slipped out to hear Menelcar! Somehow it seems very like Éowyn!
Author's reply
Oh, an embarassed Sam is a given. He's so cute when he blushes. And yes, I think that though the others want to do this for Sam, they are also doing it for themselves. They have begun to be very homesick.
Yes, I too, would love to see a scene of Eowyn giving Denethor "what for". He might try to haughtily shrug it off, but I would bet she'd really give it to him but good.
I am so glad you liked the part with young Eowyn and her cousin. It was my first time to try something like that, and I just really had to cross my fingers that she came off well.
shirebound
· 5 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Faramir approached, and handed him a purse, with a smile. He took it
gratefully. Then he turned to find himself face to face with the King.
"Sire," he said, with a slight bow.
"Master Menelcar, I find myself favorably impressed with your choice of
material. I will need a Court Bard. Is that a position you might consider?"
That just warms my heart. If a wandering Ranger can find a home at last, why not a good-hearted, wandering bard?
Author's reply
I think that Aragorn will find in Menelcar a kindred spirit--something he needs, especially once his friends from the Fellowship will have all gone their own ways.
Lindelea
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
I love the comparison between Sam and Faramir!
Your Menelcar is a humble man, in the best sense of the word.
I love the songs! The first I recognise, as it is on one of our Christmas music CDs. The second is new to me, but brought tears to my eyes.
And what a lovely end to the chapter! Such an honour!
(But can Menelcar bear to leave the wandering life, I wonder?)
Author's reply
Really, it seems such an obvious comparison to me. Both of them are caretakers, so to speak. And both of them were raised very strictly with an eye to what was "proper".
Why thank you! I think he has his head on straight. He knows what he can and cannot do, and he appreciates what others do.
I love the Folksong site. I spend a lot of time surfing that site.
We shall soon see...
Tigger
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
Dreamflower...That was so sweet and comfy and...Just so fluffy perfect. Old friends enjoying one another and no protocol...Simply lovely.
Looking forward to the next chapter as we still don't know what those three wicked hobbits have up their sleeves for Sam. ;O)
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. I think Aragorn wanted to have as many "old friends" moments as he could fit in, before everyone had to leave and go their own way.
Coming soon!
GamgeeFest
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 4: Chapter 4
A wonderful night of song and good company. I loved all the little glimpses into everyone's thoughts, and Gimli's way of getting rid of the hobbits' fan girls sounds quite effective, though I can imagine one very determined woman gluing fur to her feet LOL. Poor Legolas! As if he doesn't have enough fan girls of his own! Faramir quoting Sam's ever popular "not proper" was too funny. Let's hope Aragorn doesn't have as many problems breaking Faramir of the propiety habit as Frodo does with Sam.
Author's reply
*snerk* Now *that* would be funny! I wonder which hobbit she'd try it out on? LOL! I did have a bit of a giggle with that, and let's face it--really is it so impossible that the Fellowship would have had the equivalent of "fan girls" gushing over them after the War? I don't think human nature has changed all that much, and fame draws some pretty predictable reactions.
I think Faramir and Sam would have that in common. Both of them had fathers who put a lot of emphasis on the outward forms of propriety and respect. The main difference is that the Gaffer was basically a nice old coot, and Denethor was as crazy as a bedbug, and mean as well. (Um. I don't like Denethor. Can you tell?)
I think Aragorn will have it easier than Frodo. Men are not nearly so stubborn as hobbits.
Lindelea
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Finally, a stolen moment to read this chapter at leisure. Some high points:
Menelcar's thoughts, honouring Frodo
Eowyn's musings about Faramir
the cousins "battering one another happily"
Menelcar's kindness and complicity
O how I love your Menelcar! He is a fine and upright Man.
Funny, your Pippin's birthday is April 1, and I think that is what I imagined as Farry's birthday!
Author's reply
I'm glad you got the chance!
You know, I had Eowyn musing a lot more on Faramir, but Marigold very reasonably pointed out to me that the stables were not so far away from the Citadel as I was imagining them, so her thoughts were rather curtailed, LOL!
I have watched the fighters at SCA fighter practice, and they are perfectly happy whacking away at one another, and seldom notice the hurts or bruises till later--though they *are* indeed armored. But they really seem to enjoy it.
I am so glad you think that of him. I've been fond of him since he first wandered into the Shire and met Pippin--he's a favorite of mine.
That is funny! I could see that as well, you know!
Pearl Took
· 4 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Ah, rollicking songs of food, drink and good cheer - I wonder wherever he got those songs ;)
A wonderful read for the end of a dreary day and an oft hectic holiday season. Thank you, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Well, he might have heard some songs that were spread by a certain hobbit who had rather made a name for himself in Dale and Erebor, LOL, for this takes place a couple of years before he comes across Pippin.
I am glad if it gave you a bit of pick-me-up! You are very welcome. And thank you for reading and commenting!
Author Reply: Actually, it was about five years before he met Pippin, and about eight years before this story...
Andrea
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
April fools day? A very fitting date for Pippin's birthday! Luckily, I was born two days later ;-)
I really enjoyed your Eowyn / Eothain story! I've never read something like that before. But I like it very much. It makes her much more alive!
I'm looking forward to a real hobbity birthday party! Maybe, Menelcar and Frodo could sing the "Merry Old Inn" song together? Although, I'm not quite sure if Frodo would appreciate that idea :)
Author's reply
I thought April Fool's Day was a good date for Pippin, LOL!
I think Eowyn must have had an interesting adolescence. One of the reasons I included this little story, was to try and make parallels between her and Pippin. Maturity-wise (though not in years) she and Pippin were about the same age when they met Menelcar.
The party will be coming soon. But a few other things will happen first.
Garnet Took
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I like your idea for the hobbits birthdays. I got at least some of the ideas you were playing with when you chose them.
I'm glad you put the Eowyn stuff in a chapter with the hobbits part of the story. It connects things very nicely.
Liking this very much.
GT.
Author's reply
Glad you liked the choices I made. Of course, JRRT could have made life easier if he'd left a list with everyone's actual birthdays on it, but I suppose that's too much to hope for, LOL!
And I am glad that you enjoyed Eowyn's story!
Bodkin
· 2 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
I love the Eowyn, Eothain flashback. It's such a great story in itself - and I hope The Road to Edoras contains more delightfully Rohirric moments!
Frodo seems potentially indignant about having people kept away by his protectors. I think that, occasionally, he would like to remind everyone that he is 51 years old and considered to be a mature and responsible adult. But then it is hard to reject the care of those who only want the best for him.
On birthday presents:- "You did, Pip, you stayed alive, and that was gift enough for all of us." How true.
And yet a nice hobbity birthday party will be a good way to make themselves all start living more normal hobbity lives. As far as they can in Minas Tirith, of course. As heroes. And friends of kings and dwarves and elves.
Author's reply
I'm so glad the Eowyn flashback got a nice response. After all, she's not a hobbit, and this was my first time to write her, so I was hoping that I was getting her right. But this has been a part of Menelcar's backstory from the first. I always knew he had passed through Rohan, and met Eowyn as a youngster.
Frodo is, I think more startled than anything else, to have to consider this. He has a bit more education in the ways of the world outside the Shire than the others, but no more actual experience. I am sure his first thoughts were of protecting the younger ones from possible trouble. And the idea that things were being kept from him, perhaps because people didn't want to "worry" him would certainly *not* go down well with him.
Yes, it was. It was the best gift of all, for all of them, to survive what they had survived.
You are right: they are more than ready to begin being just normal hobbits again, and have yet to realize "it ain't a-gonna happen". This will definitely figure in the futures.
Telpethoron
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
So Eowyn and Menelcar have met before, eh? It'll be interesting to see if he remembers her after all this time.
I can understand why the hobbits would want to sleep together - being the social creatures they are, it would seem odd for them to have separate beds...especially for the likes of Merry and Pippin.
And now, Frodo knows about the 'charlatans', as you put it. I wonder how he's going to deal with that - it seems he wasn't aware such a thing was even possible. Frodo has always tried to see the best in everyone he meets - but now he may have to come to grips with the fact that not everyone is who they claim to be.
Very well written, as always - I'm looking forward to the next installment.
Author's reply
Yes, they have! And it will be interesting, won't it?
They are social creatures, very much so, and according to my way of reckoning, sleeping together in times of stress or danger is natural to them.
The charlatans are going to figure in the story sooner or later.
So am I. *grin*
good_one_pip
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Nice Eowyn flashback! I've never seen you write anything about her before. She is my favorite character next to the hobbits.
Another thing that impresses me about your stories is how on earth you think up all these names. I have a hard enough time trying to think of unused hobbit names, and they're the easy ones. I'd have such trouble w/ Gondor and Rohan names!
Author's reply
This was my first time to write her, actually. I had fun with her, for I'd had this part of Menelcar's backstory in my head for a long time.
Names. JRRT was very particular about naming, but I have learned a few of his secrets. He used names of Merovingian, Frankish, or Gothic origin for upper class hobbits. He used Old English very simple names for lower class hobbits. And for the Rohirrim, he used Anglo-Saxon names. Here are some of the websites I use to find names:
http://www.gaminggeeks.org/Resources/KateMonk/
http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/aelfwyn/bede.html#Men's%20Names
http://www.s-gabriel.org/names/aelfwyn/bede.html#Women's%20Names
http://www.20000-names.com/male_anglo_saxon_names.htm
http://www.behindthename.com/nmc/eng-anci.php
Now for female hobbits, flowers, plants and jewels are appropriate. I only use last names that I find in JRRT, for the most part.
For Gondorian or Numenorean or Elvish names, just go in the index and pick out names that JRRT used; he recycled the names all the time. Numenoreans used Elvish names, so they are interchangeable. If there are not enough in LotR, check The Silmarillion, or different volumes of HoME.
good_one_pip
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Ah, those hobbits are lucky to have such very protective friends like Faramir and Legolas. I'm anxious how all their "Sam plans" turn out. Once again, the way you bring the four hobbits to life impresses me.
Author's reply
All the hobbits "Big Folk" friends are very protective of them and would go to great lengths for them.
And I am glad that you think I bring them to life. Thank you.