Tea and Seedcake and the Influence of Hobbits by Baggins Babe
LisaG · 5 July 2010 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
I really enjoyed this story! It's good to see Aragorn has thrown out all the pretentiousness of previous regimes and seems to be thoroughly enjoying his reign as king...though I'm sure the witty and teasing Ranger Strider will always be lurking beneath the surface! :)
grumpy · 26 November 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
I just read this, I am a little behind here. Anyways loved it, and I would dearly love to have tea with the king. Besides the very interesting company, you would have all that lovely food!
Author's reply
Nice to find a review I was not expecting and glad you found your way here. It would be wonderful to have tea with the King, wouldn't it?
Larner · 23 October 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
This must have been posted at a time when Hughes was making my internet life impossible. A wonderful tale, and I see you managed a Thorongil moment! You KNOW how much I love those! Excellent!
Author's reply
Goodness1 I'm glad you finally found the story. I hate it when my connection plays up.
Antane · 23 September 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Even in a picture he appeared to shimmer as though filled with starlight, but the eyes were haunted and filled with an incalculable sorrow. The King lifted a hand and stroked the hobbit's cheek for a moment, his eyes filling. "May you know peace, my friend," he whispered. Lovely! Indeed I pray it was so. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
lovethosehobbits · 7 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Just to let you know...MEFA award nominations are out and they are trying to get ahold of you because you've been nominated congrats...anyway here's there email address.. 5. Baggins Babe > Her story "Tea and Seedcakes and the Influence on Hobbits" was > nominated 6/22, and she has not replied to any emails. Please have her > contact mefasupport@gmail.com
Author's reply
Already done1 Thanks for the heads-up though! I don't check that particular e-mail account as often as I should.
Dreamflower · 5 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Hey, B.B.! I thought I'd try giving you a shout out this way--did you know this story was nominated for a MEFA? I noticed today you were on a list of those who had not responded yet! I hope you'll get in touch! I really would love to see "Tea and Seedcake" get a MEFA!
Author's reply
Eeeps! I had no idea - I don't check that particular e-mail as often as I should. Sometimes the site can take ages to load. I shall go over there now and find it. Thanks for the heads up. I'd love to win but just being nominated is an honour.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 4 May 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
My dear BB!! I really loved this story! I loved the way you had an outsider; some one who would been a visitor to Minas Tirith during good times and bad times be the eyes and ears of this story. Through his eyes you described the changes in Minas Tirith and its people so well. Both the physical changes of the place and more importantly the spiritual changes. The mood shift that you knowwould have happen in the few words you used to describe Faramir you could feel how relaxed and confident he was in his new position. Aragorn demeanor was spot-on. He was relaxed and gracious needing no airs or false customs to bolster his position as King. He wore it well. As for the two hobbits Legolas and Gimli again you write them with such verve! You showed why the influence of Hobbits was prevelent and how it was such a good thing. Lovely story. MM
Author's reply
My dear MM! I am so please you finally managed to read this story, and that you liked it. It was, as you can see, something of a departure for me and I wasn't sure how successful it had been but I'm so pleased that you think it worked. What a change Merlindor must have noticed from the rule of Denethor. Ah yes, the influence of hobbits! :-))
Ainu Laire · 20 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Oh my! this was an absolute delight to read! I love Aragorn's informal way... it is brilliant. And as for the merchant, I must say he seems like a very interesting character and I would like to see more of him! But yes, this was most joyful. Well done!
Author's reply
I think after years of being a Ranger, Aragorn would keep protocol and ceremony to a minimum. Merlindor just appeared and demanded that I write the story, but I'm hoping I shall learn more about him soon. Thank you so much for reviewing.
Dreamflower · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
What a beautiful visit! I think I like Merlindor, and I'd love to see more of his visit to Minas Tirith! I loved seeing the hobbits through his eyes, and I am sure I recognized a few tributes to a couple of our other hobbity writers here! Wonderful and delightful!
Author's reply
I really don't know where Merlindor came from, but I suspect he may appear in other tales. Sometimes it is interesting to see our beloved characters through new eyes, and I'm glad you felt it worked. Thank you for your comments - I always look forward to them.
Queen Galadriel · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Oh, I love it! I love it! You make me want to rush off to Minas Tirith this very minute and join the merry party! :) Oh, I needed that! You have a style like no other, BB. I can't wait to start Birthday Surprises, it's just that right now I've got more writing going than I can handle. But' I'll certainly start reading it as soon as I can! Namarie, God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, I'm very flattered by your remarks, QG. Glad you like my style! I usually try to only write one story at a time, but I have three on the go at present, so I sympathise.
Andrea · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
"If it means more trees and flowers, and food like this, and a joy in simply living, my Lord King, then I think such an influence can only be a good thing." What a lovely story! Merlindor must have felt like dreaming, but it's real: the world was changed, a great evil was destroyed and Aragorn makes a wonderful king. Sadly, Frodo is not there to see what was accomplished, but I'm quite sure he has found peace among the Elves.
Author's reply
I wondered what it would be like for someone like this - what a culture shock! It must be exciting to be at the heart of this new and wonderful world. I hope Frodo knows, and I hope he accepts that it is all due to his selflessness. I like to think so anyway! :-))
lovethosehobbits · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Oh, I think this is one of my favorites of all of your stories. So beautifully written and tender. I look forward to any future hobbits...God bless that idea that has been 'tingling' you at the back of your brain! Very well done, my dear.
Author's reply
Thank you so much. I don't know where Merlindor had been hiding - he just appeared and demanded to be in a story! Glad you liked it.
shirebound · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
Legolas! Gimli! Talk of Lord Samwise! Merlindor felt light-headed. He was in the presence of two of the Nine Walkers. Elves and dwarves speaking together, clearly friends. He shook his head dazedly. He found himself growing more excited at the prospect of being here at the centre of a thriving kingdom, surrounded by beings out of legend. This is just wonderful, BB! What a marvelous peek into 'life at court', and how it would appear to someone who was expecting something quite, quite different. I have to quote nearly your whole story back at you to let you know my very favorite parts: "I am sorry I startled you," murmured the King, motioning someone to fetch a chair. "Sometimes my own sense of mischief gets the better of me. My wife is always scolding me for it," he added ruefully. Merlindor was embarrassed to find himself sitting in a chair with his head between his knees, the King beside him, feeling the pulse in his neck. The King smiled affectionately at his guard. "You are off duty now, aren't you Pippin?" "Yes, Strider, and I'm so hungry!" He ran to embrace the King, and Merlindor realised that there was great love between the two. What was it the hobbit had called his King? Strider? Surely not. Merlindor saw Faramir stand a little taller at the King's praise and he was struck by another memory - an embarrassing scene in which Lord Denethor went out of his way to humiliate his younger son in front of a number of people. No wonder the young Man flourished under the care of a King like the Lord Elessar.
Author's reply
Phew! I'm relieved that you liked it. This is totally different from my usual stories and I was a bit worried that it might not work so well. I wondered what someone might make of the new order in Gondor, and the plot bunny refused to let go. After all, imagine what it must have been like to suddenly be face to face with those names out of legend! And of course Aragorn's court was a refreshing change from Denethor's. :-))
Kitty · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
What a lovely idea to describe the changes in Minas Tirith through the eyes of this merchant, who knew only Denethor’s strict rule and ridiculous etiquette! Merlindor will scarcely recognize the City! And having tea with the King and his closest friends instead of having to prostrate himself before him ... not to mention his acquaintance with a certain Captain Thorongil! *grin* His world is turned upside down, I suppose. A very pleasant surprise, indeed! Denethor would not have known a weed if one had been introduced to him *ROFL* What a nice way to put it! And the end is just wonderful. The merchant smiled, glancing at the hobbits, who were chattering away to Legolas and Gimli. "If it means more trees and flowers, and food like this, and a joy in simply living, my Lord King, then I think such an influence can only be a good thing." I think this is something that can be said for us and our modern world, too!
Author's reply
Yes, for Merlindor to arrive at the Citadel expecting to have to protrate himself and then find himself taking tea with five of the Nine Walkers and an Elven Queen must have been something of a culture shock! I cannot imagine Denethor weeding and digging a garden.
harrowcat · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
The merchant smiled, glancing at the hobbits, who were chattering away to Legolas and Gimli. "If it means more trees and flowers, and food like this, and a joy in simply living, my Lord King, then I think such an influence can only be a good thing." Indeed, BB, a good thing for all of us to learn. I enjoyed this, especially Merlindor's surprise on recognising Thorongil! Now I wonder just who influenced that idea....*g*
Author's reply
I've always thought that Aragorn must have had a lot of fun whenever he met those who remembered the 'gallant Captain Thorongil.' He has far too much fun with it! *grin*
Amy · 15 January 2006 · Chapter 1: Chapter One
I just love it when authors indulge my craving for Thorongil recognition/fainting fics! Strong characterizations, interesting to see the Fellowship and the White City through your original character's eyes. Many thanks!
Author's reply
Glad to be of service! I'm pleased you thought I'd managed to convey the characters properly - I don't even know where he came from - he just appeared and demanded a story!