This is another story which is going on my list of unmissable tales. How wonderful for Pippin to meet up with Menelcar again, and I love all the hobbity interaction (as you know).
I also enjoyed the flashback - Eowyn would have been a tomboy of course - and naturally Menelcar would have visited Rohan on his travels.
I'm looking forward to Sam's surprise and more Fellowship fun. Lovely!
Author's reply
So glad you are enjoying it! There really is nothing like hobbity interaction to make one feel all warm and happy!
Of course, on both counts. Actually, the encounter with Eowyn has always been a part of Menelcar's backstory--in the first story he thinks about having stayed in Rohan at one point.
Oh, Sam will be surprised, all right!
GamgeeFest
· 1 January 2006
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
LOL, Pippin *would* be born on April Fool's Day. Very fitting. ;) Don't have my book with me at the moment - what is the significance of Merry's birthday?
I greatly enjoyed this little glimpse into Eowyn's childhood. I can sympathize with her greatly, having been a bit of a tomboy myself. It's always more fun to do what the boys do. ^_^ And my theory was right, they're planning to surprise Sam for his birthday. Sam won't know how to react! But he deserves it.
Author's reply
I thought you'd appreciate that!
Merry's birthday was chosen because (a)that was the last full they spent in Lothlorien--the day Galadriel looked in the Mirror and (b)because in our world it's Valentine's Day, and I think of Merry as a bit of a romantic.
Yes, she was quite a tomboy, wasn't she?
I thought you might have tumbled to it being a birthday surprise; I wasn't exactly subtle, LOL! And yes, he deserves it very much!!
Loved Sam and Gandlaf together touring the new living quarters. I also enjoyed the under-current of Faramir's concern about Menelcar. Very realistic for him to worry.
Author's reply
I'm sure that the various members of the Fellowship took a look at the house before they moved in. It only makes sense.
And yes, I think Faramir *would* worry--he knows, none better, how fame will draw certain types of people out of the woodwork, so to speak.
I'm glad that you've moved this one over here. It will be fun to read it again with the changes. I do enjoy Faramir in this chapter. I particularly enjoy the way he gets rid of the curious on-lookers. I now have a craving for chicken though.
Soledad
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
As promised, I finally got round to read a bit. :)
This is a very nice story, I'll be looking forward how it continues. I so envy everyone who can write hobbits - I love them very much, but I can't write them really well.
Hmmm, so Éowyn knows the minstrel as well? I wonder where they have met.
Author's reply
I'm very glad to see you here!
I love hobbits too, and I find them all too easy to write, to the exclusion, pretty much of all else (I write Men, Elves and Dwarves only as they interact with hobbits, LOL!)
You shall very soon find out...*grin*
good_one_pip
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You've written a sequal at last!!!!! That makes me happy! I was thrilled when Pip just ran up and knocked Melencar over by way of greeting! I hope this story has some more of Pip's musical talent:) I like how the it only took a couple lines of Bilbo's song to alert Pippin to the fact that his old friend was in the City.
I think it's so funny to hear everyone tip-toeing around the Fellowship members, especially the hobbits. Of course, they deserve the respect, but they're just Frodo, Merry, Sam, Pippin, Aragorn, etc. to me. But then again, I've grown to be as part of them from sharing their adventures, if only mentally. They are as familiar to me as my own sisters. It's sad to think that the hobbits won't get any respect in their own home, though.
Kitty
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
He had spent a good many hours that morning listening to them say as close to nothing as they could, while trying to guess his own mind on the various matters, so that they could agree with him. Poor Aragorn! After all the years with the Rangers in the wild, it must at times be very tiring and boring to be King!
Faramir certainly hasn’t any chance to keep Menelcar away from the Hobbits, not after Pippin decided to renew their acquaintance! I can understand Faramir is a bit wary, but I think they can trust Menelcar – he truly cares for them and doesn’t want to take advantage of their former meeting in the Shire. And Éowyn seems to remember him, too? Well, after all the years on the road he was sure at some time in Edoras?
I wonder what they plan for Sam? They’re working together nicely to distract him, I’d say!
A Happy New Year to you!
Author's reply
Yes, I think "kinging" could be very boring indeed compared to life as a Ranger, LOL!
I think Faramir just wanted a chance to observe and feel him out; once he was able to do that, he knew. JRRT says Faramir was a good judge of Men's hearts, after all. And yes, Eowyn does remember him, and yes, Menelcar has been in Rohan.
They are definitely going to distract Sam.
And the same to you, my dear!
Bodkin
· 31 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Plans involving getting Sam out of the way... Now I get the feeling that these are schemes that will be very good for Frodo - and to the benefit of all and sundry!
And I note that clearance for Menelcar to come and go has been granted by the Steward! Good thing Faramir was with them when they met Menelcar - he has been able to recognise genuine friendship.
Eowyn is tormented by vague recognition now - I wonder how long it will take the memory to surface.
I do like this story!
Author's reply
Oh yes, they will be very good for everyone concerned, LOL!
Borondir was subtle. He respects Pippin, but he's not going to allow a stranger access to the Citadel just on his say-so. Yet he got his cue from Faramir without missing a beat. And Faramir is feeling reassured about Menelcar.
Not long at all. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
GamgeeFest
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
I figured that Gandalf had to be keeping Sam out of the way for a reason, and Sam almost guessed what Gandalf was up to. I have a theory on what they're planning, but I'll keep it to myself for now. Eowyn knows the minstrel from somewhere? That sounds like it will be an intriguing story, once she remembers it. The homesickness is starting to set in over the hobbits, poor guys. They have plenty to distract them still, but they'll be pining for home more and more as the days go by.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm sure your theory is correct.
Eowyn will be remembering how she knows Menelcar very soon.
Yes, the homesickness figures rather prominently in this story--it takes place just before "A Different Kind of Quest".
Pearl Took
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
"More intrigued than before, he glanced ahead at the minstrel and the two hobbits walking in front of them and talking animatedly. Pippin was limping noticeably. His knee must be bothering him; it was the one injury that seemed to still plague him from time to time when he was tired. Faramir noticed that not only did Merry move a bit closer to his cousin, but that Menelcar gave the young hobbit a distressed look. It was truly the notice of a good friend, and it made Faramir thaw a bit more towards the minstrel."
Yes, only a friend would show such concern.
I like the sounds of the new home for the Walkers and I eagerly await more :)
Author's reply
Faramir is very observant--and so is Menelcar. The last time he saw Pippin, Pip was only twenty-five, and an energetic and rambunctious youth. I'm sure the signs of his injuries distressd his old friend a good deal.
It's a mental image I've long had of the guesthouse--rather Mediterranean in style, with several rooms opening off a central courtyard. I like the idea that the hobbits would have at least one entrance directly to the outside.
Garnet Took
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Another wonderful chapter. I love some of the little touches you put in. The huge bed all the hobbits could share and the description of Pippin starting to limp and Merry and Menelcar being there to quietly support him were two of the ones I especially liked.
Your right it is even better the second time around.
GT
Author's reply
Thank you. I just thought it would be nice if they could easily comfort one another when one of them has a difficult night, and it just seemed very hobbity to me. And I have to give Marigold credit for bringing in the limp--she knows that's part of my universe, and she thought after all that walking it might start to act up. I agreed.
I'm so glad you think so!
Lindelea
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
And there was something about the minstrel that tugged at her memory...
Oo, a mystery! Looking forward to finding out more. Menelcar must've passed through Rohan to get to/from the Shire.
He had spent a good many hours that morning listening to them say as close to nothing as they could, while trying to guess his own mind on the various matters, so that they could agree with him.
Very clearly drawn, and quite believable!
Did you hear the one about how the Prince of Halflings lit the beacon?
Aha! Nice way of "explaining" how the film came to portray events so differently...
Looking forward to more, of course. Thanks!
Author's reply
Uh-huh. It will soon be resolved, and I hope you enjoy Eowyn's memory.
I've seen that--haven't you? Doesn't matter if the VIP is a boss or a politician or just a celebrity or whatever--the sycophants don't want to put a foot wrong, and try their best to agree to everything he says. And it has to be exhausting.
*grin* Yep. PJ had to get it from somewhere, and it sure wasn't the Red Book.
Tigger
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
Now what are those rascally hobbits up to? :oD And Legolas and Gimli bought Pippin a fiddle!!! I've always had this image of Pip w/a fiddle. Seems a perfect instrument for him and his personality.
I'm very much looking forward to seeing how this turns out.
People taking advantage of the hobbits would pose quite the problem. Never thought of that before, but now that you've shown it, I can understand why Faramir was so formal and frosty at the start of being introduced to Menelcar. The minstrels's concern towards Pippin having trouble w/his knee would go a long way in Faramir's eyes towards realizing he truly was an old friend of Merry and Pippin.
And poor Aragorn's feeling tired out by his Courtiers. I can understand how he'd feel. You always feel like you've done mental gymnastics when you're surrounded by a bunch of people who are acting the way his Court is. I know it's the influence of Denethor and it will work out in time, but to see Aragorn so worn out by it all...Poor Ranger King.
Looking forward to seeing the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Well, my Pippin plays several instruments: the fiddle was the first one he learned, from Merry's mother; another aunt taught him to play a lap harp; a cousin taught him to play the bagpipes; and on the Quest, Legolas taught him to play the shepherd's pipes (panpipes). But a fiddle is his favorite.
The hobbits have become famous, and along with fame comes people who are attracted by fame, some of them rather unscrupulous. Faramir feels almost as protective of them as any of the Fellowship; but he is coming to understand that Menelcar really *is* Pippin's friend.
Yes, poor King. It has to be exhausting to deal with these people, who are not yet used to having a ruler who is a statesman rather than a politician.
shirebound
· 30 December 2005
· Chapter 2: Chapter 2
What fun. Pippin's enthusiasm is so wonderfully refreshing to everyone, and it's lovely that Menelcar is now allowed to see his friends. But I especially love these two passages:
"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."
"we're all to come here, 'cept for Strider, who has to stay up there and be King, poor Man"
Author's reply
I love being quoted at! *grin*
I have to say, that second one? That's one of my own favorites. I figure that the hobbits rather felt sorry for Aragorn, having all that responsibility, and not much time to be with his friends anymore.
Larner
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
A sweet beginning. Am looking forward to seeing how Pippin almost became the apprentice to a bard. Sounds very promising. And I love the gift being planned as well.
Author's reply
Well, the story of his almost becoming a bard is in "Life of a Bard" to which this is a sequel. Suffice it to say, when Menelcar was passing through the Shire in search of the source of some songs, he met Pippin. They hit it off splendidly, and when Pippin had a quarrel with his father, well...
This is the story that kind of overlaps the time frame of your WIP, that I mentioned.
Garnet Took
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
So glad to see you posting this here. It is a wonderful story and I'm looking forward to reading it again with the changes and additions.
Poor Pippin, I don't think he realized there'd be a down-side to their fame. I am so glad that they were able to run into Menelcar so soon.
Looking forward to more.
GT
Author's reply
I think you will like this version even better!
There's always a downside to fame,isn't there? But the hobbits really don't quite know what to make of their celebrity-hood.
Bodkin
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
I love Chance Encounter. Menelcar is a great addition - and very understanding. Experience of hobbits has just become a great career enhancement, too!
Pippin and the others haven't really grasped the significance of those guards around them - or their exalted position in the city - and how it is partly to keep away undesirables. I am, however, very glad that Pippin heard and met Menelcar. The bard himself is much more aware of the analysis is those grey eyes of the young Steward - he knows he is being checked out for suitability.
I enjoyed watching Eowyn get a look at the more autocratic side of her beloved - I think she would appreciate it. Much as she loves his poetic side, she would certainly want to know that he was a natural leader of men - she is, after all, a king's niece and a king's sister. He'd better not try turning it on her, though! That would be taking it too far!
The enormous chicken pies will find a home, I think. After all, elevenses is elevenses - you wouldn't want to leave too big a hole for lunch to fill. It must get embarrassing after a bit when no-one will take your money, though. And it is typical - those who can afford to (and want to) pay, get gifted with whatever they want, whereas those who are hungry, need to scrape together their coppers to get anything.
I like Legolas and Gimli's conversation - both on how impressed the king will be by flamboyant and expensive external show and on the relative value of luxury goods as opposed to necessities. Not to mention their search for Pippin's instrument of choice!
I'm so pleased to see this - I shall take delight in rereading it and trying - unsuccessfully, I suspect - to spot the changes.
Author's reply
Yes, his friendship with the heroes of the Third Age will certainly not do his career any harm. But of course, it is a friendship that began long before there was any question of that, and Menelcar already knew and loved these hobbits long before they did any great deeds. Menelcar is worldly-wise; he knows the Steward and the King will be protective of the four, and he is very much aware of how much under scrutiny he will be here.
I think she knows he won't be trying it out on her. I think of all the couples JRRT comes up with, these two have the most "modern" relationship--there is a sense of equality and respect between them, rather than one of adoration. I just the other day realized: in the more than 1.000 pages of text, there is only one romantic kiss, and it is not Aragorn and Arwen--it is Faramir and Eowyn.
No, they'll tuck in. Merry and Pippin will scarf theirs down, and then the three humans will find that any left in their own plates will be quickly appropriated. It's really rather a sparse meal by hobbit standards, LOL! (And you are right about the paying thing too, and that is probably another thing that rankles the hobbits--I am sure that aspect of it has not escaped Frodo's notice at the least, and I would not be surprised if it does not occur to the others from time to time as well. But they are not used the have/have not dynamic--the Shire tends to see to its own.)
You know, it's funny, when I wrote this last spring, I was simply going by what we know and are taught about supply and demand. It seemed logical to me that necessities would be at a premium after that kind of devastation, and that luxuries would be hard to move. I little knew that less than six months later, I could observe the phenomenon first hand, and find out that--yes, it's true.
I hope that we've managed to make the changes fairly seamless, but they are pretty significant. I had a major canon timeline flaw in the story that had to be addressed, in addition to some omissions and some awkward transitions. But Marigold was definitely up to that task!
Kitty
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Ah, wonderful! I’d seen some of this at your LJ and always hoped you’d post it here! It is good to see Menelcar again. Pippin must be delighted, too!
Menelcar is right, he couldn’t have gone and asked to see them – nobody would’ve believed him he truly knew them. I can imagine how many people try this trick to gain something!
I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Yes, it's finally fit to post here! Pippin is delighted, as is Menelcar.
It's part of the price of celebrity, something the hobbits would simply have been unfamiliar with. But Menelcar knows, and is very aware, of what would happen.
Pretty good so far.
<>< saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Author's reply
Thanks. 8-D
Gryffinjack
· 29 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Well, I tried to post this review on your lj, let's see if the computer likes SoA better.
It's Menelcar! It's Menelcar! *dances around for joy!*
I've been waiting so long for Pippin and Menelcar to meet in Minas Tirith! And now they are!
""I suppose," said Pippin glumly. He looked up at Menelcar. "You knew we were here, obviously. And you've been here long enough to know all about our knightings and everything. So why have you not come to see me?" He looked at the minstrel with hurt in his eyes.
Menelcar shook his head. "It's not that simple, Pippin. You are among the great of the kingdom, of all the Western lands, now, and high in favor with the new King. I could not simply walk up to the Citadel and demand to see you on the strength of our old acquaintance. I would have been laughed out of the City, and never come near you.""
You have given a very good reason why they would not have met before in Minas Tirith. Although Pippin may not be happy about it, he has risen in stature above Menelcar's class. And Menelcar is not about to forget it, although he will do as Pippin and Merry wish and refer to them by their nicknames. I don't think it's really sunk in yet with the Hobbits how important they have become to the peoples of Middle Earth. They are still struggling to come to terms and accept that they are famous and are going to be treated specially. It's especially difficult for the Hobbits to get away from that when the King encourages his people to show their well-deserved full gratitude and appreciation to the Hobbits.
"Menelcar rose with practiced grace, turned and bowed. "My Lord Steward, my Lady of Rohan, it is an honor. Sir Meriadoc, it is good to see you again.""
Nor is Menelcar likely to forget how to properly greet the Steward.
I don't think I've commented on it before, but you write fabulous greetings between the characters.
I really enjoyed the way you write Faramir and Éowyn, whether they are together or Éowyn is talking to Merry. Oh! And it was very in canon for Éowyn to be especially fond of the way Faramir grew sterner and used his command to clear the watchers away. Excellent moment!
Now to backtrack, it was very amusing to read how they couldn't go two feet without Pippin stopping to look or listen to the minstrels and bards. After all, he still is a tweenager, and one who is very interested in music. And for a Hobbit from the Shire to see such sights and hear new songs and instruments, it's no wonder he was totally captivated by it. Poor Merry having to run off after him! lol!
"Pippin rolled his eyes. "We'll never spend a copper of that nice money we've been gifted by our kings--" he grinned at Faramir “and so forth..” Faramir chuckled at his cheek, for he too had given Pippin a gift of coin for his knighting."
Another lovely line. I do enjoy seeing Pippin and Faramir together, especially in happier times, although I do wonder if they ever discussed Denethor after the Ring was destroyed. That could be an interesting conversation, though I'm not sure but that they would leave that matter behind them.
""And there was that, er, cobbler," Merry hesitated slightly at the unfamiliar term, "who had his stall near the barber, who wanted to give all of us shoes, silly Man. He really offended Sam, though Frodo thought it funny." Merry shook his head."
lol! Yes, I expect to a Hobbit, the word "cobbler" would be a new term, unless used in connection with a fruit pie. Although, don't the books say only that Hobbits *usually* don't wear shoes or else that they normally go about in bare feet? Perhaps even a Hobbit would wear a large pair of boots to muck a stall or to go out in a blizzard to tend the livestock.
Now just what sort of instrument is Legolas buying for Pippin? Hmmm??
I'm so excited that you have started posting this story!
Author's reply
Oh, so that was you! *grin* You just forgot to log-in--I do that all the time. It posted your remarks anonymously. But I like this nice long one better, LOL!
Yes, it's Menelcar. Pippin has found him, against all odds, and without expecting to. Just a "chance encounter", LOL!
Fame is simply not a hobbity concept. In general, hobbits are modest creatures, and the idea that they have done something extraordinary never really does sink in: they each think it about the others, though. They can understand people being glad that Sauron's overthrown, but they aren't comfortable with adulation for merely doing what they thought they should do.
Menelcar has seen enough of hobbits in their own environment to understand this just a little, and he's definitely going to follow their wishes in how they are addressed. But he was born in Minas Tirith, and he will not lose sight of the proprieties--especially in front of the Steward.
I'm glad you like the way the greetings go. I try to suit them to circumstance.
This, believe it or not, was actually my first time to write Eowyn at all (for this story was begun way last spring) so I am glad that she comes across well. I figured as a shield-maiden, she would very much appreciate Faramir's soldierly qualities.
Pippin's been a bit "music deprived" since the Quest began; a few chances to sing, here and there, and getting his shepherd's pipes from Legolas in Lorien, but probably few opportunities to play them. To suddenly get a chance to be hearing all this music now is probably as bad for him as a sugar high, LOL! He's clearly all wound up!
That line you liked was partly Marigold's contribution--I did have him comment on what the Kings had given them, and she reminded me that Faramir had also given Pippin some money.
I think they may have spoken of it--but probably only once. I don't think it would be a topic either of them would care to dwell on.
Merry might be more familiar with the term, actually as a Brandybuck--Bucklanders and hobbits of the Marish *do* wear boots during cold muddy weather sometimes--but I'm thinking perhaps they are a sort of oversized "one size fits all" thing brought in from Bree in trade. I can't see a hobbit making a living as a cobbler anywhere in the Shire, LOL!
You will find out about the instrument in the next chapter...
GamgeeFest
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Oh goody! You're posting this finally! Loved the reunion of old friends, and Faramir and Eowyn's reactions to Pippin's constant distraction, and Merry ordering all that food. Legolas is getting a present for Pippin, perhaps? This is delightful as always. Can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Yes, I am finally posting it. It took a while to beta, as it had so many little problems in it.
I think Faramir and Eowyn would find an overexcited and happy Pippin a sight to behold, LOL! I mean, up until now, he's really had no reason to be himself--a chattering tweenager. Both of them have mostly seen him as a somber little Guard of the Citadel, with a lot of reason to worry. Now the whole City is celebrating, and Pippin is nearly overwhelmed with joy.
It really wasn't all that much food--for hobbits! *grin*
You will see about Legolas in the next chapter.
Tigger
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
What an intriguing start. I am very much interested in seeing where you take this Dreamflower. I hope there isn't too much time between this and Chapter Two!! :o)
Author's reply
Glad you are interested!
Shouldn't be too long.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
How wonderful!! I have often mused about all the celebrations that went on after the King entered the City and restoration began--too lazy to write about it, though. :-P You portrayed the entire scenery perfectly; from street minstrels to musicians to tricksters, etc.
I got such a kick out of the idea that Merry or Pippin would be smug if Faramir told them about certain female visitors. That is something I'd like to read about!
As for Pippin nearly taking an apprenticeship as a Bard, then I need to take the time to read your tale, "The Life of a Bard". I had a wee snicker because I'm building up to something similar but not quite like it in my current project. However, I still have those two other recent gems of yours to read. I shall take them to work with me tomorrow if I don't get to them tonight.
Thank you for a most excellent read!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying it so far. After I had done "Life of a Bard" I got so many requests to bring back Menelcar, and all I had was this little bit of Pippin finding him on the street corner. I turned it into a bunny chase, which was a good deal of fun, but the story ended up being posted in bits and pieces on my LJ, and it was full of inconsistencies and plot holes and timeline problems. Thank goodness for Marigold to help me sort through them.
Yes, I can see all the entertainers coming out of the woodwork, so to speak, with the return of the King--I don't think Denethor would have been one for encouraging much in the way of revelry.
Oh, I think "smug" would cover it, if they should discover they had "fans", LOL! But I'm not sure anyone is going to tell them about it--at least any time soon.
If you do get to read it, I hope that you enjoy it!
Thanks for stopping by!
shirebound
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
What fun to read this again! It's so easy to imagine, from the way you wrote, a city coming back to life, and the wonderful reunion of friends.
Author's reply
Thank you! I really think that some great improvements have been made.
Reunions are always so lovely, I think!
Pearl Took
· 28 December 2005
· Chapter 1: Chapter 1
Wonderful!! (do you tire of my infactuation with that adjective?) I love Pippin's discouragement with his new "station" in life. I hope to see the continuation of this soon . . . that is what you meant by the ending, isn't it? ;)
Author's reply
No, I find myself using the word a lot as well. With so many good authors and stories on SoA, there aren't really enough adjectives to go around--and that goes for you as well.
And yes, this will be several chapters. I am not exactly certain how many it will run to, as the original was just snippets, some a couple of pages long, others as few as a couple of paragraphs. That's why it needed such an extensive re-write.