Dreamflower's Mathoms II by Dreamflower
harrowcat · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
Has Bilbo got any handkerchiefs left and may I borrow one? I was sniffling right along with them as I am reading this at 7am on THE morning!
Author's reply
I'm sure he does--*ah, here's a virtual hankie* (Bilbo says keep it, he doesn't need it back.) 8-)
Kitty · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
*sniff* Poor Frodo! I always thought it was not fair that his coming of age was so badly overshadowed by Bilbo's leaving. Well, at least you made it clear he knew beforehand what Bilbo planned - if Bilbo had told him nothing, it would have been a terrible shock. But it made it not truly easier for Frodo, I suppose. He loved Bilbo so much. Now I want to hug Frodo and to hold him until he feels better ;(
Author's reply
Yes, in the book it says he was "in on the joke". He did not merely suspect something wrong, he knew exactly what Bilbo had planned, and had helped with it. But no, it didn't really make it any easier. I'm sure he would welcome some hugs!
Kitty · 23 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Of course little Bilbo had to be distressed to think he would have to stay ill in bed during his birthday. For children a birthday is so much more important than for us adults, and for little hobbits the fifth is so important. I am glad the healer could help him in time and his parents were sensible enough to let him out of bed. And you thought of very nice gifts. I can see Bilbo's happy face :) Very fitting ficlet for *the* birthday!
Author's reply
Yes this was a milestone birthday for little Bilbo, and it would have been dreadful if he had not been well in time. And I'm glad you liked the gifts--I love thinking up presents for hobbits! *grin*
Larner · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 24: Birthday Morning
Yes, the few special ones who truly count. But Bilbo needed to leave, and he saw to it Frodo was well provided for.
Author's reply
Really, there are more who love Frodo than he realizes. But those special ones are who will make his life not only bearable, but even, for a little while, happy. Bilbo *did* need to leave--the Ring was stirring a bit, and he'd been around it too long. He had no idea of *what* it was he needed to escape, only that there was *something* he had to get away from.
Queen Galadriel · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Oh, how sweet! A wonderful birthday mathom for one of our very favourite Hobbits! Poor little fellow, sick so near his birthday. But I'm so glad he got well in time! :) Love the pony and the little farm-how clever! You portray Bilbo just as I imagine him as a youngster. And the peaceful little picture at the end is wonderful. :) Happy twenty-second! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, I just had this image of the poor little fellow, afraid he would miss his birthday, and plagued with that awful earache! But he had to get well in time--I wouldn't let a little hobbit miss out on that important date! I am glad that even as a five year old, you still could tell he was Bilbo! And happy twenty-second to you, too!
PIppinfan1988 · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
I so enjoyed this marvellous tale! The joys, the excitement, the hurts are all so vivid as are the emotions and the painted picture of Bilbo's most wonderful birthday. I had a lovely visit with Belladonna and her enormous extended family! I had to laugh when little Bilbo woke up on the morning of his birthday exclaiming his new age--lol, didn't we all do that as youngsters? Absolutely wonderful! Pippinfan
Author's reply
I had so much fun with this. It was a blast to comb the family trees, and to see who was around when Bilbo was only five. There were so *many* relatives! Not quite so many Tooks attending the party in Hobbiton, but goodness, all those Bagginses! Yes, children *will* do that! I keep thinking of Bill Cosby's routine, about the little boy on the airplane: "Hi, my name is Jeffwy, and I'm four years old!"
Baggins Babe · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Oooooh! Little Bilbo - how adorable! This was lovely, Dreamflower. One tends to think of Bilbo as always being older but it's lovely to see him as a little lad. *raises glass in birthday toast*
Author's reply
Yes, Bilbo had to be five himself once, LOL! *clinks glass and toasts back*cheers and Happy Birthday to the byrdings!*
Larner · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Ah--Gerontius's magicked shirt studs--how wonderful a gift to be given by our favorite Wizard. And what a wonderful birthday for our favorite Ring-finder! A whole FIVE!
Author's reply
I thought that would be a fun story for the Old Took to be telling the children. And, you know, aside from some fire "magic" (inherent to his nature and to his Ring) and a bit of ventriloquism, it's the only *real* magic we hear of Gandalf performing. (There are often threats to turn people into things, but that seems more of a joke than a possibility, and he never actually *does* it.) I've sometimes wondered at the provenance of those magic shirt studs. And in my Shire, FIVE is a very significant birthday, marking the end of faunthood.
Lindelea · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
*claps hands in delight* This was a lovely treat! I just stopped by the 'puter to check something and saw the chapter alert... I do like the way you make a special day ordinary in a very special way, such that one reading feels as if one is there on the spot, observing and perhaps even participating. Mmmm. Think I'll pour just half a cup more of tea, and have a little nibble of that birthday cake...
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it! And I'm glad you had fun--enjoy your tea and cake!!
SurgicalSteel · 22 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Little Hobbit's Big Birthday
Wee!Bilbo! *swoons* Oh, just too cute for words - and I liked your healer a lot!
Author's reply
Yes, there is remarkably little Wee!Bilbo fic, for some reason, and I finally decided that if I wanted any, I'd have to write it myself, LOL! I'm glad you liked Mistress Rose. I got the idea when checking the family trees to see who'd be around when Bilbo was five (SR 1295). And low and behold--there was Rose's great-grandmother, who'd just come of age, and was perfect to be a healer!
demeter d · 7 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
How charming. That innocence and peace was exactly what our Hobbits and their larger friends were fighting to preserve. And a nice look at a strong and determined Hobbitess. For all of the arguments about Tolkien's disappearing mothers and general treatment of females, every time a Hobbit female appears in canon they seem to be quite strong and capable. A lovely moment.
Author's reply
Absolutely--a reminder of things the way they ought to be! You are absolutely right. Not only hobbits, but other females as well. Arwen's no wimp--she's waited a long time, and armed herself with strength to carry through with her intentions. And then there are Galadriel and Eowyn and Ioreth... Just because there are *few* females featured does not mean they are any less important or any less capable and strong.
Queen Galadriel · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
Oh, that is too funny! ‘Oh, now! Aren’t you sweet? Come here and let’s have a cuddle. LOL! Oh my, I can just imagine what went through poor Paladin's mind! LOL! That's great! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, of course he thought the worst! And I am very sure that Esme never let him live it down afterwards... I can just hear her: "Serves you right for jumping to conclusions..."
Bodkin · 5 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
One has to say - it Served Paladin Right! Not to mention helped the romance of two very important hobbits. It must have been fun for Gimli to lose himself - however briefly - in the light-hearted atmosphere of the Shire. Almost like a holiday from the the general mist-wreathed seriousness of the job at hand.
Author's reply
Well, yes, he was being rather over-zealous in his big-brotherly duty! But fate and a surly cow took a hand (er, foot) in things... That's what I like to think these little story-telling sessions were like: a chance to think about things a bit less grim than the Doom of the World.
harrowcat · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
Oh lovely tale Dreamflower! I love the courting by the different races ideas. Is this from canon or from your great imagination?
Author's reply
The courting customs I came up with myself--although the one for Dwarves seems to be implied in the Appendices, where it talks about the lack of very many female Dwarves, and how some of *those* prefer to remain unwed.
Larner · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
Poor Paladin did manage to truly put his foot into it, didn't he? And all because he was being overprotective. Esme already knew what she wanted, bless her. Love it!
Author's reply
Yes, he literally did, *grin*! Of course, he was just trying to be a good brother--and I am sure he'd had some very direct instructions from his mother, but I think he might have been overdoing it a tad, LOL! She most certainly did. In my version of the Shire, Pippin takes after his aunt a good deal. (So much so in physical appearance that those who didn't know any better might think *she* was his mother.) So I'd imagine in her younger days, she would have been a good deal like him (allowing of course, for gender differences) in going after what she wanted, and in having a good deal of energy to expend...
Daynawayna · 4 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
How cute Dreamflower! :) I love little hobbity tales! And you even threw in a kitty for me! LOL Very nice family-tree story.
Author's reply
I like to show the hobbits reminiscing about the past--the story-in-a-story format, so to speak. Well, the kitty just *had* to make an appearance--and I needed something for Esme to talk to and give her brother the wrong idea--a kitty was *perfect*!
Lindelea · 3 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Early in the Morning
O gorgeous, and full of the little details that bring your stories to life! Frodo pausing, to remember his mother, but not long enough for Merry to become worried. Gimli assuming boots (LOL--he's so "into" the story he's thinking of it from a dwarf's point of reference rather than a hobbit's!). Gimli's comment about dwarf women having their pick. Merry getting for a, er, call of nature and then staying up (happens to me, too) because it's not worth trying to go back to sleep again. Wonder where everyone came up with the idea that Pippin doesn't seem to need much sleep? LOL!
Author's reply
Frodo knows how quickly Merry picks up on his moods, and while thinking of his parents always gives him a momentary pang, he wasn't really that upset at that point in time. And yes, Gimli would have to think to remember about the fact that hobbits would *not* be wearing boots! Me too. So I suppose it's not unreasonable to inflict that on the hobbits! Hmm...I wonder...*rolls eyes*
Kitty · 30 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
*ROTFL* Err ... I mean ... is it a shame that I am feeling more sorry for the troll than for Hyacinth? The poor guy seems to have gotten a very bad stomach ache from his last meal. Well, that was only to be expected. If one eats poison out of his own free will, he has to bear the consequences *eg* As for Hyacinth herself, she only got what she deserved. I am sure her poor relatives are only *too* happy to get rid of her. And Sam found the perfect solution to cover the troll. How could they have hidden this stone, so it wouldn't upset everyone passing, than to plant something there?
Author's reply
*snicker* Seems everyone feels sorrier for the troll than for Hyacinth, LOL! And of course, leave it to Sam to think up a perfect solution to the problem! *grin*
TopazTook · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
[Snort!] I think Sam should plant some sort of flowering vine, along with the ivy, to grow coquettishly behind the troll's ear. After all, he's already contributed to the beautification of the Shire by pulling out a flowering weed.
Author's reply
*giggle* Well, now--"Keep the Shire Beautiful!" LOL! But of course, no one really knows that the troll has done his part, poor thing. He's too petrified to take the credit. *grin*
Elemmírë · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
ROTFL!!!!! So, Hyacinth's final fate was justified by how she lived and she got what she deserved in the end. I feel sorry for the poor troll!! Love Sam's idea of planting the ivy. I wonder if someday any curious hobbit might peek underneath the huge mound of ivy and discover the troll, and perhaps the rumors will start to fly of a hobbit lady gone missing around the same time. Now, that would be a good, scary tale to tell the little ones: Behave or else you will get eaten by a passing troll! LOL!
Author's reply
Well. In a nutshell: Yes! Poor troll! He's coming in for a good deal more sympathy than his dinner! Well, I thought about him planting kudzu, but I knew that even for an AU, that would have been a bit over-the-top, so ivy it was! When Hyacinth's disappearance becomes common knowledge, I think a lot of folks will guess what happened--but they won't know for sure, and I don't think they will look into it too closely, in case they are wrong and she turns up again!! LOL!
Baggins Babe · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
Oh dear! That poor old troll - I feel really bad for him. Hyacinth would give anyone indigestion. Great story, Dreamflowers. Started my day with a laugh, even if I didn't have time to leave a review at the time.
Author's reply
That's what I've always asserted, but Bodkin just kept insisting she was troll-fodder! I'm glad I gave you a laugh--that's always a nice thing to know!
Andrea · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
He looked up at the troll once more, and shook his head. “I never in my life thought I could feel sorry for a troll." I agree with Pippin! Poor Troll ;-) And poor Hyacinth! I thought she might have been given another chance. But with the right amount of imagination that is still possible ;-) (Wicked? You? Never!)
Author's reply
Yes, I don't much imagine Pippin to have a soft spot for trolls in general, but I think this one must have looked truly miserable. It *is* AU! After all, I might need her again someday--you can't waste a good villian, you know! *giggle*
SurgicalSteel · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
*dies laughing* Oh. My. That was marvelous!
Author's reply
*resucitates* Glad you enjoyed...didn't mean to kill you, there, LOL!
harrowcat · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
Ooh Dreamflower! Just what are you implying and leaving up to our imaginations!??!! it makes us all as wicked as you. *cackles evilly*. No wonder our lads thought the troll looked sick! Who hasn't after having a belly-full of Hyacynth, either literally or metaphorically? Love Sam's solution to softening the scariness! Perhaps if her bones are ever found he will plant her name flower around it's feet and even make up another verse or two for his troll song? No, on second thoughts, Sam isn't that wicked, unlike a certain author we could all name! This was so much fun!
Author's reply
Me? Wicked? And just how am *I* responsible for your awful imaginations? *whistles innocently and looks up at ceiling* "A belly-full of Hyacinth"--exactly! Poor old troll! Yes, ivy will cover him up nicely. And I don't think anyone will ever really *know* what happened (though some might suspect).
Bodkin · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 21: A Passing Troll
I am pretty much computerless at the moment (call for great weeping and gnashing of teeth) but I just had to seize this moment to say - hilarious. Poor troll. Who'd have thought you could feel pity for a troll? But a troll with Hyacinth gurgling in his innards would certainly welcome being petrified! And I love Ludo and Euphhorbia's not-quite-secret relief at being rid of her festering presence! I'd say more - and might get back to you on the recovery of my mechanical friend!
Author's reply
Oh yes for the weeping and wailing! I hope that your computer woes are soon mended, and that you *did* have a chance to see your little pressie! Well, I always told you she would be indigestible! I just thought I'd show you as well. Ludo and Euphorbia will be much happier now, I think! I hope that's soon, then, dear!