The Mathom House by Baggins Babe
Larner · 1 December 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
A marvelous memorial to the animals! Lovely!
Author's reply
I think my phone line and computer went down around the time you reviewed, Larner. My apologies for not replying at the time. I feel sad that so many beautiful animals lose their lives as a result of Man's continual wars. It was nice to pay a little tribute.
Kitty · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
The mere thought of the soul of the Witch-King of Angmar still being around makes me shudder. No, thanks. To meet Snowmane was so much better! You caught the eerie atmosphere in the midst of the mist very well, btw. That was a very lovely tribute to all the animals who died in wars. Thank you!
Author's reply
I cannot believe I didn't thank you for your kind comments on this story. I think that must have been the week when the phone line went down - by the time things were up and running again I'd completely forgotten. My apologies. No, the thought of the Witch-King still hanging around is not a pleasant thought, is it? *shiver* I have always felt so sorry for all the animals who have been used in Man's conflicts.
Lindelea · 30 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
Lovely tribute. It stands to reason that Snowmane would appear to one who loves and respects animals, and who would hold them in honour in memory. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 29 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
My oh my! What a nice thought, to think that Snowmane is still keeping watch. And I like the young Guardsman's conclusion, thinking of the innocent animals killed in war.
Author's reply
I think it is comforting to think of Snowmane still around and keeping an eye on things. The number of animals killed in wars is horrifying. It is nice that we have a memorial at last.
Andrea · 29 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
A moving story indeed! I especially liked it when Dorion remembered all those poor Oliphaunts who were forced to battle and died there. Sam would have agreed! (See? Hobbits always sneak in :)) I visited London three years ago, but I missed that monument. I only saw statues of generals, admirals and the like. Maybe I manage to find it on my next trip. London is great!
Author's reply
I don't think the Animal War Memorial was there when you last visited - it was only unveiled 2-3 years ago. It stands near ParK Lane, at Hyde Park's Brook Gate and is very touching. I'm glad you like London. I always feel sorry for those poor Oliphaunts.
shirebound · 29 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
What a moving piece. Snowmane comes to those who have the depth of heart to honor and remember those who helped win the War, two-legged or otherwise.
Author's reply
Hello Shirebound, glad you liked it. Poor Snowmane and all those other animals. I've had such a busy few months I haven't had any time to write. I hope things slow down a bit from now on. Phew!
harrowcat · 29 November 2008 · Chapter 7: Not All Who Wander............
Drove back from my parents in the worst fog of the year so it was great to read this today. Must go looking for that memorial.
Author's reply
You win a jar of Rose Gamgee's jam for the fastest review! I believe the memorial if near Park Lane - if you Google you will see some nice pictures, although the statistic made me cry!
Lindelea · 4 May 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
Excellent story. No time for a proper review. Is the title of this story "Mathom House" or is it "Hope Remains"? Just wondering, as "Mathom House" appears at the top of the page. By the way, in case Pearl didn't tell you, MEWD means "Most Extremely Well Done".
Author's reply
Thank you, I'm glad you liked it. The collection is called 'The Mathom House' and this particular story (chapter) is 'Hope Remains.' Thanks for that. Several kind people have heped to fill the gaps in my knowledge of internet jargon, for which I'm grateful. My friends' teenage children are constantly trying to help - probably thinking I'm a real old fogey! :-)
Tigger · 22 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
This was wonderful and of course Eldarion would serve duty w/the Rangers of Arnor. He *is* Isildur's Heir now, so it's only natural. :o) And the ties between The House of Telcontar and the Butterbur Family continue to entwine w/each other. This was just simply wonderful. Loved it!!
Author's reply
Glad you've caught up with this, and delighted that you enjoyed it. I think Eldarion would have served with the Rangers - I'm sure his father made sure he received a very rounded education. I do like the Butterbur family and like to bring them in from time to time. Hope you like tha new 'Growing-Up Tales' story, posted yesterday.
Dreamflower · 19 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
*grin*giggle* I had a suspicion! How wonderful that Prince Eldarion decided to serve some time as a Ranger as well! I imagine that his father knew it would do him good--he sounds as though he turned out to be a credit to his parents! And I love the idea of the Pony still prospering all those years later!
Author's reply
I'm sure Eldarion was a credit to his parents, and being a ranger was probably very good training. Aragorn would probably have been keen for his son to serve in his turn. I'm sure the Pony continued to prosper, especially with more people travelling to Bree and the King drinking their ale!
Vilwarin · 19 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
I enjoyed that a lot. Oh, I like the thought of Eldarion spending time in the north being groomed in the practical things. I knew who he must be instantly. ;)
Author's reply
I like the idea of Eldarion spending time with the Rangers and I'm glad other people agree. Glad you enjoyed and well done for spotting who the young Ranger must be.
Larner · 18 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
Had to be Eldarion--and I'm so glad it was! And he must run all the way back to lose extra Shire pounds? Ah, our beloved Lord Strider! Heh!
Author's reply
I like to think the Crown Prince would have followed in his father's footsteps. Those visits to the Shire would have added a few pounds, I'm sure.
SurgicalSteel · 18 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
Oh, I liked this very much! Lovely idea!
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. I imagine Eldarion would have spent some time with the Rangers as part of his training.
shirebound · 18 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
Lovely! Oh, what a happy and wonderful future you imagine for everyone. Your stories always make me smile.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed. I think it's time these characters had a bit of fun, and I think life in the Days of the King would have been good. Nice to know I've made you smile
harrowcat · 18 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
This is great BB. The thought that Eldarion might have spent time as a 'simple' Ranger of the North is not one that I think I have encountered before but is very plausable. And we all want to see more of course!
Author's reply
Always nice to hear that readers are eager for more. I'm glad you enjoyed it. No. I've never seen anything about Eldarion joining the Rangers, but I think it would be part of his education as a future king - bit like our princes joining the armed forces now.
Kitty · 18 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
Lovely, BB! It is a joy to see that the Rangers are now loved by the people in Bree, not looked at with distrust. And this Ranger in particular seems just right - I am sure Aragorn insisted that his son rode with the Rangers for a time (and Eldarion himself probably wanted it anyway). I guessed from the first sentence who this Ranger was and waited grinning for the Butterburs to realise it ;-) And I am happy to see these frequent visits to the Shire and the realm at peace.
Author's reply
Well, I suppose Eldarion is also the future Chieftain of the Dunedain as well as the future King, and his father would want him to have a thorough education in all aspects of life. Nice for the Butterburs to find out the identity of the youngest Ranger!
Idril Celebrindal · 17 March 2008 · Chapter 6: Some Thoughts on Rangers
Now why didn't I see that coming????!!! :-) Great surprise! Idril
Author's reply
:-) And there was me thinking everyone might find it too obvious! Glad you enjoyed. I think Eldarion might have spent time with the Rangers. This was fun to explore.
Mirkwoodmaiden · 23 February 2008 · Chapter 2: Lord Ulmo's Gift
BB! Hello! I love this story! Very imaginative! I could just see Aragorn standing there pondering the wonders of Lord Ulmo! the imagery used conjured up the world you have created brilliantly! MM
Author's reply
Hello MM! Glad you liked this. I thought Lord Ulmo would wish to honour our favourite Ranger King. Azarafti features in another story in this series, as well as in the birthday story. Hoping for more reviews soon.
SurgicalSteel · 22 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
Oh, I liked this very much!
Author's reply
Pleased to know you enjoyed this one. Not sure where it came from but the bunny bit very hard!
Dreamflower · 20 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
I love the idea that Strider's heart belonged to the Shire! The story would have been wonderful, just with the opening vignette about his heart's resting place and the athelas growing there. But the rest of the story, about Hancho and his ghostly rescuer was even more wonderful--and it's just what Strider would have done. I like the idea that his spirit could return to care for the place he loved best!
Author's reply
Thank you for a lovely review. I think Strider would have kept an eye on his hobbits, even after death.
Kitty · 20 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
Oh yes, if there would have been this odd tradition of burying the heart separately, then Aragorn's would have been buried in the Shire! It seems so fitting that it was placed between Frodo and Sam. And I love the idea of Aragorn's ghost still sitting in the garden of Bag End, smoking his pipe, and patrolling as a Ranger protecting Hobbits. If he does anything as a ghost, then it would be this - protecting the Shire and the descendants of the Hobbits he loved so much. He proved in this case that it is still necessary. Poor Hancho would have probably died if not for Aragorn. Poor guy, what a shock for him to finally realise *who* had escorted him! And robbery seems to run in the family with the Goatleafs ... *shakes head* By now, they have to look with distrust at anyone bearing this name.
Author's reply
Even friendly ghosts can be a little disturbing and Hancho has also had a narrow escape. I'm sure he'll recover his adventurous qualities in time. *grin* The Goatleaf family comes in very useful when criminal activity in the Breelands is required. :-)
Andrea · 19 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
That was great! Most Excellently Well Done, or in other words MEWD :) It's just like Strider to watch over travelling hobbits! And there is a Frodo Took in ME? If I remember right, he was the first Frodo to appear in Tolkien's drafts, when the Ringbearer's name was still Bingo and Merry was called Marmaduke. I'm glad he changed the names ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, I'm very glad the Professor changed the names. Bingo Bolger-Baggins never sounds right to me. As my Frodo Took is the son of Fari and Goldilocks, I thought it was an appropriate name. I think Strider would continue to keep a fatherly eye on his hobbits. Thanks for explaining that - i should have guessed. D'oh! *slaps forehead*
harrowcat · 19 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
Just the sort of thing that ghostly Strider would do. Great stuff BB but I am a little sad that it made Hancho a bit less adventurous.
Author's reply
I'm sure it was more the close shave with the Goatleaf brothers which made him more wary, and it probably didn't last too long. I think Strider would keep an eye on the hobbits no matter where he was. A little thing like death would be unlikely to get in the way of his feelings of responsibility! :-)
Tigger · 19 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
Oh BB...This was so lovely. Yes, I can see Aragorn taking Eldarion aside, along w/Legolas and Gimli, a few years before his crossing over and letting them know his wishes regarding this. His heart truly did belong in The Shire, didn't it? Then for the Kingsfoil to appear around the graves...So very perfect. Then for that first sighting of Strider sitting against the Mallorn. You really did a wonderful job of leading ut to Hancho's meeting w/Strider and Gil-Galad. Gave me a wonderful warm and fuzzy feeling. Thanks for sharing this w/us. :o)
Author's reply
Ah good, glad to find you here. As you missed the last chapter of 'Growing Up Tales' I was rather worried. I'm glad you enjoyed the story - this particular bunny bit me very firmly on the ankle and refused to let go. I think part of Strider's heart was always with his beloved hobbits.
Larner · 18 February 2008 · Chapter 5: Hope Remains
A horse named Gil-galad, eh? Sounds very right for our Ranger King! And dear Hancho has been so blest, as is the Shire itself!
Author's reply
Gil-galad appears in 'Birthday Surprises' so I thought I'd allow him an encore! I think our beloved Ranger King would have kept an eye on his hobbits, no matter what. So pleased you enjoyed it. I read all the way through 'The King's Commission again last week!