Queen Galadriel
· 9 October 2006
· Chapter 26: The Byrding's Decision
Oh, I love it! I just love your birthday fics, and all the better when there's a little romance! :) The flashback was great--poor Fam and Perry! And I love how you included the elements. Well done!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, a little romance seems right, as according to the ToY, that's the year these two are wed!
I'm glad you liked the flashback--it seemed the best way to get the elements in, LOL! And it gave me a chance to show a bit more of the two cousins in their young years.
Queen Galadriel
· 9 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
*grins* Awww! This is soooo sweet! Of course Bilbo would pick things that reminded him of his lads, and of course they'd be things Merry and Pippin would blush and laugh over later. Hmm, this makes me wonder with some doubt how many of *my* pathetic little first attempts at vases and such my relatives have tucked away! LOL!
And I'm so glad Pippin had that vent and Bilbo and Merry to comfort him. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, the things that adults treasure are not always the things that the young people would like to remember, LOL! But of course, they will do the same thing when they have their own little ones. *chuckle* It's just the way things are.
Hobbits need hobbits, like fish need water and birds need the air.
harrowcat
· 9 October 2006
· Chapter 26: The Byrding's Decision
Ooh, a toast! *raises mug of coffee high* From one byrding to another - Happy birthday Faramir and congratulations both!.
Author's reply
Well, happy birthday, yourself!! I'm glad you enjoyed this!
SurgicalSteel
· 9 October 2006
· Chapter 26: The Byrding's Decision
Oh, this was just delightful!
Author's reply
Thank you! *grin*
Kitty
· 4 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
*rofl*
Bilbo took a very odd collection of mementos with him, didn't he? To think he carried the chamber pot all the way to Imladris! *giggle*
But somehow it is sweet he choose just *this* gift to remember Pippin, as I am sure Pippin did spend a lot of time and trouble in making this and was terribly proud of his first self-made gift for Bilbo.
Author's reply
And I think that's exactly why he chose those particular gifts--they were the first ones *made* by the children in question, and made especially for him. He would know they'd not have the same meaning to anyone else. Frodo might have been fondly amused by them, but I don't think he'd have displayed them, for fear they embarrass the now-grown givers, LOL!
And I can see him being all proud, when he gives it to Bilbo, and saying something along the lines of "You'll never guess what *this* *used* to be, Cousin Bilbo!" *giggle*
Bodkin
· 3 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
Ahh! And Bilbo did leave with dwarves, so he could easily have taken quite a few items that wouldn't make it into a pack. After all, this was a planned departure.
And what a great reminder of home and happiness for Merry and Pippin.
Author's reply
Yes, I've always imagined he spent a few days ahead of time packing away all the small items he could. The Dwarves may or may not have travelled on foot when they left--we only know that Bilbo left *Bag End* on foot. But I would bet they actually left the Shire on ponies or a waggon. They'd want to get out of the Shire fairly quickly after Bilbo pulled his little stunt!
I think so--it would have cheered them to realize how much Bilbo had cared for them.
Andrea
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
LOL!!!
Only Pippin would have managed to turn an ordinary chamber pot into a precious vase!
But I wonder who is laughing more now, Merry or Pippin? At least Pippin was more inventive with his vase ;-)
I have such a mathom like Merry's myself. It's a kind of pot, which I made out of clay when I was maybe five years old. Looks very funny, but I like it!
P.S.: Who is that young Took with dark hair on the picture? I have really no idea.
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin does have the ability to see the "hidden potential" in things, LOL!
*giggle* I still have a little model of a car my son made with "clay". The wheels fall off it every time I dust. I think most of us have such things in our possession!
Well, if you've read any of my young Bilbo stories, you may be able to guess who the young Took is. I've a couple of bunnies regarding him, but as they each go in different directions, I have to decide which one I will use.
SlightlyTookish
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
This is such a lovely tale, a sweet moment between cousins, and gets better every time I read it. I do love interaction between Bilbo, Merry and Pippin. Thank you again :)
Author's reply
*squee!* You read it again! I'm so glad you did, because I finally found the other little ficlet to stick in there for a flashback, and I'm glad you didn't miss that!
I love Bilbo with the younger hobbits--he's just so wise and dear!
And you are most welcome! In fact, thank *you* for giving me the chance to write it!
Elemmírë
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
I like the fact that Bilbo has his own little add-on kitchen to his Rivendell apartment. Just the feature that would sell any hobbit to a place LOL!
I also like when Calla's artwork makes another appearance in yours. Was that the original portrait done before the one similar in Frodo's pocketwatch? I feel a plot bunny nibbling there ... maybe someday you could write the circumstances under which that portrait was drawn/painted, etc.
A CHAMBER POT!!!! ROTFL!!!! (joins Merry in his howling mirth)
I bet never a fancier chamber pot was seen in the Shire. Ironic it ended up with Mad Baggins.
And of course, I really loved that dear Bilbo kept a "treasure" from each of his relations that meant the most to him.
What another little wonderful Bilbo fic, Dreamflower!!!
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
I am quite sure that Elrond knew a hobbit would need a kitchen! For one thing if he didn't have his own, he would have been constantly underfoot in the main kitchen! LOL!
Yes, that was the original of the miniature! You are a very astute and observant reader! As to the other--well, a good many of the little things that crop up in one story, end up in another, and sometimes one of their own. It all depends on how the bunny hops.
Uh-huh. A chamber pot. But Pippin is nothing if not imaginative! *snerk*
I don't think he would have come away from the Shire that time without some careful packing, and some special things that meant a lot to him.
I'm glad you enjoyed!
demeter d
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
So sweet! At the end of The Hobbit, Tolkien did say that Bilbo was most loved by his younger cousins who listened to his tales, especially the Took ones. Those are just the kind of presents that children make for their parents.
Author's reply
It most certainly is. And they make them for other folks they love as well. And I do see that he would have been beloved by them.
harrowcat
· 2 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
Ah, you do it to me every time Dreamflower. Laughter and sniffles in the space of a few sentences!
Author's reply
*blushes* Thank you, dear! That's a high compliment, because I happen to think that laughter and sniffles belong together.
Another writer and I were talking, and she mentioned that her latest piece was "sappy", because it was all sad and happy, and then we both made the simultaneous discovery that "sad + happy = sappy"! (In a *GOOD* way, of course!)
Larner
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
Yes, proper Shire mementos these are, and so glad Bilbo brought them with him.
Wonderful!
Author's reply
I think he would have wanted a few reminders, at least, of the young ones he'd left behind.
I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Jay of Lasgalen
· 1 October 2006
· Chapter 25: Recycled
Oh, that's so sweet. I love young Pippin's attempt at art, and that Bilbo valued it so highly.
Author's reply
Why, thank you very much! I can see Bilbo as the sort of doting older relative who *would* value any efforts made by the little ones who loved him enough to try and please him.
Elemmírë
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
Ohh! What an interesting take as to Frodo's POV on why Bilbo left the Shire. It has so much more depth to it than Bilbo leaving Frodo simply because he is of age at last.
I can tell from his manner all is not well with him: he cannot settle to his translations; he is not eating well; he is not sleeping well; and he is suffering from ill dreams. More than once I’ve been awakened by his soft cries. He is dreaming of the dragon, the spiders, and most often of the Gollum-creature. “I’m no thief,” he whimpers, “no, thief!” I do not know how to comfort him, and he is embarrassed that I know of them.
But our coming parting weighs on me, and it is going to be very hard to present a smiling face to the world today.
It's so very sad that on what should be a very happy day for Frodo that he is instead sad and agrieved. Bilbo knows his lad well though, and it was heartened to read of his private conversation with Frodo.
How sweet of Bilbo and Frodo to take turns every year on who gets to open their present first. And such perfect, thoughtful gifts for each hobbit! I especially loved the pocket-watch with the painting of Bilbo and Frodo inside. A picture is worth a thousand words, after all.
The look on his face is one of quiet determination. “Frodo, don’t you see--that is precisely the *reason* I want you to have it all. Because you *don’t* want it; because people are more important to you than things.”
It is no wonder that Gandalf and Bilbo both think Frodo to be the best hobbit to be found in all of the Shire. While others can be kind and generous, Frodo is truly a rare one that has such a pure heart.
But I want you to know I love you just as much as if you were my own son.”
This is not the first time he has told me this. But I am keenly aware that it will be the last time I will hear it, and I am nearly undone.
Awwww. And I dearly love the ending where Frodo looks out the window and sees all those who remain and love him still.
Very well done, Dreamflower!
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
There *was* more to it: we know the Ring was beginning to take hold of him at last--his admission to Gandalf that he was old, and that he felt "like butter spread over too much bread" was a sign of that. I think that he began to feel an all consuming *need* to get *away*--partly the still dormant, but stirring, Ring wanting to get to Its Master, and partly Bilbo's own realization that *something* wasn't *right*. But what he actually needed to get away from was the Ring Itself, and he rather defeated It merely by the action of leaving it with Frodo. If It had been completely awake, he never could have done that.
I am sure that they had a private conversation at some point--after all, Bilbo tells Gandalf that Frodo was "in on" the joke--which means to me that he must have known for a goodly time. Whether or not it went *this* way, who can tell? But I'm certain it took place.
Frodo has such a large and generous heart, and he truly doesn't want anything for himself; he's utterly unselfish in that way. Of course he was the best hobbit in the Shire!
I had to leave it on a hopeful note. Frodo *will* be more or less happy for nearly seventeen years.
Elemmírë
· 28 September 2006
· Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Hi Dreamflower!
I've just finished unpacking from my vacation and have finally had the chance to sit down and read some fic. What a wonderful tale of wee Bilbo!!!! I absolutely LOVE it!!! This definitely qualifies as one of my Bilbo favorites. It's so very nice to read Bilbo as a child ... not many write as such, although admitedly I sometimes have a hard time picturing him so very young. You did such a wonderful job of bringing wee Bilbo to life along with all the others in his family.
You're going to laugh (I hope) ... I've discovered another instance where similar minds think alike. One of my Dora chapters mentions a very old rocking pony in it, although it's not Bilbo's (hmmm, but now that I think of it, I suppose it could have been at one point). Don't worry, my description of the rocking pony is a bit different than yours. Also, I hope you don't mind but I've sort of borrowed the idea of Sigismond being Bilbo's good friend for that very same chapter of my Dora tale, which I hope to complete very soon. I couldn't remember who introduced him as such, but now I obviously do. :D Sigi doesn't actually make an appearance in my fic, but his friendship with Bilbo is mentioned and becomes very pivotal during one scene.
Anyway, it was so nice to come home and have such wonderful tales to read again!!
~Elemmírë~
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked wee!Bilbo! It's so rare--I finally realized if I wanted any, I'd have to write it myself!
*grin* A rocking pony seems a very hobbity sort of toy, doesn't it?
And of course I don't mind you "borrowing" Sigismond as Bilbo's friend--it really is *logical* and makes sense--they are the same age, after all!
I'm glad you enjoyed this--it was huge fun to write.
Welcome home!
Bodkin
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
Bilbo needed to go - but it was hard on Frodo to be left behind just like that. Thank goodness for Sam. And Merry and Pippin.
Author's reply
Yes, he did and it was.
And one day, Frodo would need to go, and leave behind Sam, and Merry, and Pippin.
Bodkin
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
What a lovely little Bilbo story! I love his friendship with Cousin Siggy - and the way Adalgrim is quite happy to look after them.
Author's reply
I really like Bilbo and Siggy myself. And Adalgrim is a lot of fun. I see them as sort of predecessors to Frodo-Merry-Pippin.
“Frodo, don’t you see--that is precisely the *reason* I want you to have it all. Because you *don’t* want it; because people are more important to you than things.”
I loved that line! So very wise and so very Bilbo! A lovely birthday story!
Author's reply
That's really the point of so many events in LotR: the ones who are *worthy* of having/being something are those who do *not* seek it, whether it is worldly treasure or power, those who grasp after it are unworthy--like Lotho or Saruman--and those care about others and are unselfish are the ones who are worthy--like Frodo or Sam or Aragorn.
I'm glad you liked it. It wasn't what I planned to write, but Frodo wanted his say!
good_one_pip
· 24 September 2006
· Chapter 10: Birthday Present
Heehee. Only Merry and Pip would name their kittens after elves! Appropriate choice of kitty names all around.
Author's reply
*grin* I'm glad you liked the kitty names--but don't blame Merry--they were *entirely* Pippin's idea! LOL!
I've always thought how difficult it must have been for Frodo to go through that party, knowing that Bilbo would be leaving. He must have been torn between wanting Bilbo to be happy and feeling abandoned all over again. You captured this perfectly in this story.
Author's reply
Thank you! That's exactly what I hoped to get across in this fic--that Frodo wanted what was best for Bilbo, and that Bilbo wasn't simply abandoning him on a whim. And yet, still, it had to hurt.
In a way, it's kind of a parallel to the Grey Havens--Bilbo can find no rest in the Shire. He doesn't know why, of course. But with the Ring beginning to stir, and take hold, he had to get away from It.
Antane
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
For there will still be a few who love me in the Shire.
And many more who love you and haven't even been to the Shire but in their imagination! Happy birthday!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Yes, many more! Good point!
Rowan
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
I love Frodo and Bilbo stories, especially ones that express their love for each other. Thank you.
Author's reply
So do I. I know that they loved one another dearly--this had to be a wrench for both of them.
good_one_pip
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
Every year, I remember Frodo and Bilbo's birthday. My friends laugh at me. But it's nice to see all the hobbit-hearted people on this site who post birthday stories, each celebrating the double birthday in their own way, carrying on the tradition. Sept. 22 happened to be my due date (which should have been a clue to how hobbits would become a part of my life), though I wasn't born until 4 days later.
I have my own coming-of-age party today. I am turning 16, and it seemed somehow appropriate to get on hear and read one of Frodo and Bilbo's stories. It definitely was a good way to start the day.
Author's reply
Happy Birthday, dear! I'm glad you enjoyed the story!
harrowcat
· 23 September 2006
· Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Oh poor Bilbo! Earache is an awful pain and you can't rub it better.
Author's reply
No, you can't. But the healer could help. And at least it was better in time for his birthday.
*sniff* Oh, what a painful good-bye this must have been, not just for Frodo but for both of them. And then for Frodo to watch Bilbo just disappear...
But this is so beautifully done, and the characterizations are spot-on, as usual. :) I love how Frodo's heart was lightened by the sight of his loved ones, one already hard at work and two bursting with life and merriment and eager to see him.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I am sure it was very painful for them both. They did love one another dearly. And yes, seeing Bilbo's vanishing act had to be hard, even if he was expecting it.
And I am quite sure the sight of his dearest friends would have cheered him up a good deal.