Dreamflower's Mathoms II by Dreamflower
Antane · 16 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Dreamsong
They had weathered another storm together. Always together...the way things should be and the only way sometimes storms can be weathered. The worst storm was yet to come, but they would do that together also. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Indeed. This is something I think hobbits know much better than humans.
Lindelea · 16 August 2007 · Chapter 30: At the Cottons: 13 Rethe S.R. 1420
Ah. I don't remember reading this one. Sam's a lucky hobbit indeed. And so's Rosie.
Author's reply
Somehow, this review got lost in the shuffle! I was so surprised to see I had not responded. They *are* quite lucky, the both of them; Frodo made Sam his heir--I think that may have included the Baggins luck as well! Actually, all of our hobbits who travelled were lucky--which is no coincidence. The ancients (in our own world) considered "luck" an active virtue, not some random thing that just happened along. They felt that to those who were brave and struck forward with what they needed to do, lucky things would happen as a result. I am quite sure JRRT was more than familiar with the concept.
Larner · 16 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Dreamsong
Oh, I can see just this comfort being shared by the pair of them. A most sad anniversary, and it's good they had one another to share it with that night.
Author's reply
Thank you. I think those first few months would have been fraught with memories which they needed one another in order to share. And Pippin's music would have been a lot of help.
Pearl Took · 16 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Dreamsong
Beautiful, Dreamflower :-) I love that Pippin can have that kind of magical music in his soul, and I love that our lads have each other.
Author's reply
Pippin finds in music his natural outlet for expressing his true feelings--and for Merry, listening to Pippin's music is an outlet for him.
PipMer · 15 August 2007 · Chapter 40: Dreamsong
This was splendid! I almost burst into tears toward the beginning, then I felt lighter of heart toward the ending. Thank you, dear!
Author's reply
Oh, thank *you*! That is just the sort of feeling I hoped to invoke!
Golden · 13 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose (the Great Auntie Pringle Remix)
I loved Cathlees Auntie Pringle story and yours is great too! Very interessting to read her perspective! I like that lady! I still would love to read more about her and about Pip and that Took sight and about when Merry talks about this with him and so on.
Author's reply
Perhaps we can persuade Cathleen to do another Auntie Pringle story while we're at Moot!
Antane · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose (the Great Auntie Pringle Remix)
The dottier they think I am, the dottier I am free to be. I love it! My family has finally accepted, I think, that I'm cracked and there's nothing they can do about it but they love me anyway. :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Auntie Pringle has gained a good deal of freedom for herself by refusing to be restrained by the normal inhibitions and expectations of hobbit society. Since everyone thinks she's cracked anyway, she might as well do what she wants to.
Kitty · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Looking for Magic
Ah yes, the famous magic shirt studs! I’m glad Pippin had the presence of mind to ask Gandalf before he sailed. So Paladin got a very unique birthday present. I truly love the concept of these magic shirt studs only working when the owner knew the word! Jewel among wives? Here Gandalf has clearly some foresight, hasn’t he? I wonder if Pippin remembered this when he finally got to know Diamond?
Author's reply
I'm glad he did too! But of course, Pippin doesn't *know* Gandalf's leaving, does he? I'm sure Paladin was delighted with his birthday present! I can imagine him the next day at his party, demonstrating those cuff-links to all and sundry! Well, he wouldn't be Gandalf if he didn't. But he's his usual cryptic self, isn't he? I don't know if Pip would remember or not--it wouldn't surprise me if he did.
Kitty · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose (the Great Auntie Pringle Remix)
Oh, Auntie Pringle has met Radagast? Seems to be the perfect acquaintance for her to me, as she is loving animals so much. Her foresight about Pippin’s adventure was interesting. She’s right – it is a pity she didn’t live long enough to learn how right she was. And I am glad she took Pip’s unfriendly comments for what they were – fear. He’s certainly the last to be rude to someone without very good reason, considering how much he felt guilty for not being successful in befriending the Banks brothers!
Author's reply
I did imagine a long ago meeting with Radagast--it seemed a logical explanation for her talking to birds. Well, this isn't *precisely* *MY* Pippin, since I was playing in Cathleen's sandbox, but I can't imagine anyone's Pippin being truly unkind or rude!
Kitty · 11 August 2007 · Chapter 37: Sandcastles
Merry has to connect the Sea with the departure of his beloved cousin, I suppose. No wonder he is so gloomy about that and refuses to visit with Lothíriel for so long. But I am glad he finally gave in. Somehow I love the idea of Merry and Pippin sitting at the beach with the children and building sandcastles! One is never too old to learn something new, no doubt!
Author's reply
Yes, he very much does, at least my Merry does ("Neither Have I Wings to Fly"). But I think that he finally gave in for Pippin's sake, and was glad he did. I did really love the image that came to me of the two old hobbits, and two children about the same size as them, playing in the sand! No--never too old to learn!
Pearl Took · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Looking for Magic
AWESOME!! Wondrous and magickal! This is soooooo sweet. I loved it, Dreamflower!!!
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I'm glad you liked it!
Larner · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Looking for Magic
A most wonderful gift here. Am so glad Gandalf was willing to share the magic words! A lovely day.
Author's reply
Well, Gandalf had first gifted them to the Tooks--and he knows he'll be leaving soon. I can see him wanting to make sure that little peice of magic is not lost.
poppymuddyfoot · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Looking for Magic
Oh my goodness! How wonderful this is! I love these little glimpses into Pippin's relationship with Gandalf. I'm sure they must have had a special bond after the War, in fact I suspect that Pippin may have been a special favorite even before the Quest. (Of course, that view might be influenced by my own fondness for the Took.) It only makes sense to me that Gandalf would be extra indulgent toward Pippin, even to sharing a long-lost secret. And what a special gift for Pippin to be able to give to his father! So often it's the little things that bring such joy and magic to our lives. Thank you for reminding me of this.
Author's reply
I suspect the same: I think Pippin (like Bilbo) favored Gerontius, and perhaps that was the basis of Gandalf's special liking for them, though I think that all four of those who "travelled" were well-beloved by him. And, really, the Secret did belong to the Tooks! I'm sure Gandalf would not want it lost forever. A pair of magic shirt studs seems like such a prosaic and silly thing, yet I believe that it was the love and magic in them that made them so special to the Tooks. It is a little thing, but a joyful one.
Allee · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Looking for Magic
Oh, what a delightful little ficlet. I loved the image of the Hobbits all leaning against one another—so hobbity! And Pippin’s question was such so Tookish, too. One wee quibble: you write, “But what with the Ring and all, it rather put it out of my mind,” [italics mine] when I believe you mean, “I’d rather put it out of my mind.” I so enjoyed this story!
Author's reply
Yes, that probably would read a little better...I'll see to fixing it soon. I always love the idea of hobbits huddling together!
SurgicalSteel · 10 August 2007 · Chapter 39: Looking for Magic
Don't know if I saw this on LJ or commented - but this is absolutely delightful! Just marvellous!
Author's reply
Thank you dear!
Larner · 8 August 2007 · Chapter 38: Freedom's Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose (the Great Auntie Pringle Remix)
Oh, so Radagast has had a history with Aunt Pringle, has he? And she sees part of the future for them, particularly Pippin's future? Lovely.
Author's reply
Well, that was the idea! I imagined her coming upon him in the Woody End one day... And yes, she does seem to have some flashes of insight, as well.
Larner · 8 August 2007 · Chapter 37: Sandcastles
Not seen as the same sea as that which stole away Frodo; yet perhaps close enough to the one Frodo knows now that Merry can know a fellow-feeling with it? To find comfort and not the memory of loss; the ability to remember with others who also remember while patiently awaiting what comes next.... For now the reunions are approaching, and as Gandalf would say, "That is a comforting thought." Joy and tides, loss and finding, building and watching time cleanse the building away and yet leave all ready to build yet again.... Thank you for this one, Dreamflower. This one truly moves me (obviously).
Author's reply
Thank you, Larner. Your review moves me, for that was just the feeling that I had as this story unfolded itself for me late one night. I loved the idea that they would not be too old to find joy in learning something new, and that Merry would finally find comfort and come to an accomodation with the sea that had sundered him from Frodo. And yes, their time does approach...
Pearl Took · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 37: Sandcastles
“Finished just in time, I see, for the tide to come wash it away,” the Prince remarks. Pippin shrugs. “All things pass,” he says. Merry laughs. “But we can build another one tomorrow.” This is elegant, Dreamflower. A beautiful tale indeed!
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! This is one of those that rather wrote itself--it's always serindipitous when that happens. I'm glad you liked it.
Bodkin · 6 August 2007 · Chapter 37: Sandcastles
A useful bit of learning! All things pass - and tomorrow always comes. And the sun always shines on TV ... wait, I think that might be a mental blip from some vaguely remembered song. I'm glad they went to Belfalas. They need better memories of the sea. And building sandcastles is just the sort of occupation - in the company of friendly children - to keep Merry and Pippin happy in the face of too much loss and sorrow.
Author's reply
*giggle* I love your comments! They do, most especially Merry, who associated the Sea with his loss of Frodo. I don't think Pippin felt quite the same; not that his sorrow was any less, but that he was less likely to lay the blame on something as impersonal as the ocean. Sandcastles, and children, and a seaside quite different than the Grey Havens I think would help both of them a lot...
Baggins Babe · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 36: Eucatastrophe: Five Years After
Ah the Eucatastrophe Universe! How I love this - Pip up a tree, Frodo telling stories to all the little ones, Merry turning into a fuss-pot and nervous father-to-be and Sam finding that particularly funny. Delightful! I hope you had a lovely birthday with cake (though not too much!).
Andrea · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 36: Eucatastrophe: Five Years After
“Uncle Frodo! Uncle Pip!” Flora Took, aged seven, interrupted by tugging on Frodo’s weskit. “What are ‘shoon’?” LOL!!! Well, actually I asked myself the very same question when I read that beautiful poem for the first time! Now I know, of course. And I also know the Hobbitons' interpretation (thanks to you) which I like very much! Thank you for this lovely story and a very (belated) happy birthday to you :)
harrowcat · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 36: Eucatastrophe: Five Years After
Ooh thank you for the lovely birthday present dear Dreamflower and Happy Birthday to you. Loved all the same bits as the others but I wondered if a bit of elvish had also rubbed off on Pippin as he is comfortable up a tree. But maybe it is just because he is a Took or spent too much time with Legolas!
Author's reply
You are very welcome, and thank you, too! Well, my Pippin's always been more comfortable in trees. It's a part of my "fanon" that Frodo taught Pippin to climb trees when he was small. It's the Took in them, I suspect, as my Merry is rather afraid of heights, and won't climb trees at all unless he had to. (I think the idea rather rubbed off on me from one of the earliest stories I read--Baylor's "Care and Feeding") But it's figured as a plot point in a couple of my fics, such as "A First Time for Everything" and "Pippin the Protector". It's something he has in common with Legolas, and I think since the Quest, he spends even *more* time in trees, LOL!
Queen Galadriel · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 36: Eucatastrophe: Five Years After
And happy birthday to you! *hugs* :) A lovely and very smile-and-laugh-provoking little bit of fluff! :) I always love any glimpse we get into the Eucatastrophe universe! I especially love Sam and Rose's conversation, and I think I agree with her: he can laugh now, but I have to laugh imagining how he was when Elanor was on the way. :D And those "misters" are pesky things...LOL! And now, I seem to have forgotten something important...*rushes off* God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
(((hugs back))) I love to write in the Eucatastrophe-verse! It's fun to imagine how things could be if it were so! Yes, it is different when it's someone else, LOL! But sometimes, having gone through a nerve-wracking experience oneself is what *makes* it funny when someone else has to! *grin* Thank you for the lovely review, dear!
Queen Galadriel · 2 July 2007 · Chapter 35: The Fellow in the Corner
Oh, *very* good! I love seeing this scene from different perspectives! (Sam's or Pippin's would be very interesting too, I think.) You have Strider down perfectly here--I could feel what he was feeling throughout, even while sympathizing with poor Frodo's little predicament as I do every time I read the books. And a nice tie back to your story in which you describe Bilbo's inspiration, too. Very ironic. :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
I know it's a whole year later--but I just now saw your comment!! I'm so glad you liked his POV--we get almost none of it in the books, so it's always a gapfiller when I write it. And glad you appreciated the allusion to "Merry Old Inn"!
Pearl Took · 1 July 2007 · Chapter 36: Eucatastrophe: Five Years After
Thank you, Dreamflower, for such a lovely birthday present! You painted a lovely picture. I liked Pip up in the tree and Frodo telling stories. Merry so quick to tend to Estella and Rose and Sam's conversation. Wonderful!
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it, dear! It's always so much fun for me to write about this universe!