Testaments of the Past by Dreamflower
Anso the Hobbit · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
I am a very well stuffed hobbit from much too much food today but in all my fullness I have managed to enjoy this story immensely. I love how the hobbits remember Frodo and their own past and the drawings and little thigns that you made to fit the story is just wonderdul. Well done the both of you!
Anso the Hobbit · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 2: Unlocking the Past
Hehehe! This is just so sweet. All the glimpses into their past and how they remember everything with such fondness, even if they take turns at being embarrassed at times.
Author's reply
Yes, they do enjoy remembering their times with Frodo--even if it does make for a bit of blushing!
Anso the Hobbit · 16 August 2006 · Chapter 1: Arrival at Bag End
This is a very interesting story and a lovely read! It's so full of emotions and I like it very much. The idea of Primula maybe knowing that something would happen is interesting. I haven't thought of it that way before. Poor Merry! This is very hard for him, and Sam and Pippin too, but especially for Merry I think. Well done!
Author's reply
To look through all of Frodo's treasure mementoes would be a very emotional task, and likely to bring up a lot of feelings. I always think Merry somehow takes things a bit harder than the other two.
GamgeeFest · 31 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
LOL. Let's see, you got both "Mary had a little lamb" and "Perry-the-Winkle" in here, not to mention GW's sheep obsession. Loved little Pippin setting his sheep free and Sam thinking how lucky he was to be born a Gamgee and so avoid all this silliness growing up. :D I feel for Pippin. He just has no clue how difficult children can be sometimes. Well, he does now! I remember trying to get my youngest niece to sleep. She was a fusser and a crier too and the second you even *bent over* to put her down, she woke back up and started crying again. Most frustrating. Pippin will never volunteer to put Perry to sleep again, at least not until he's much older.
Author's reply
*giggle* The whole sheep thing was Gryffinjack's idea, and I thought it came across as very cute--you missed "Baa Baa Black Sheep" and "Little (Bo) Pip" has lost his sheep! Pippin's spent a lot of time with babies, but not much time with them completely on his own. It makes a big difference! But, you know, I wouldn't put it past Pip to give it another shot--he's pretty persistent!
Kitty · 31 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
On the one hand it is so sad to know Gandalf was right and Balin should have listened to him not to go to Moria. But on the other hand it is somehow reassuring to have a little reminder of him, and I am sure Gimli will appreciate the pipe. And I had to giggle about poor Bilbo trying to change the conversation to the proper topic of food during the meal :) Loved the story of Pippin's little toy sheep. How cute of him to want to set it free! It is sad he lost it this way, but I think Sam found the best way to comfort him even after all the time. I think in this Sam understood Pippin much better than Merry. The letters are a mix of depressing and amusing, but all are touching in a way. Poor Pippin, it is about time he is married and has children of his own, so the others can't tease him in this way any longer. He has not much experience with babys, after all.
Author's reply
Well, you know, if a Wizard warns you of something or gives you advice, it's as well to listen. But Balin was a pretty stubborn Dwarf. The sheep stories were Gryffinjack's idea, and I thought them adorable! I could easily see an imaginative child like Pippin getting carried away and trying to set his toy lamb free! Merry understood. But he's pretty merciless in his teasing sometimes. Yes, there is something about the juxtaposition of good news and bad that is very heart-tugging. Well, he's plenty of neices and a nephew, and Merry's children as well. But I don't think he often cares for them completely unassisted!
Andrea · 19 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
"And how I let you talk me into putting in that part about 'sprout' I will never know! I hated for Frodo to call me that when I was that age!" "It worked, didn't it? I told you Frodo would really feel sorry for you if you put that in! I was right." LOL!!! I was going to say, that this was the first time I ever saw Merry use the word "sprout" - and now *this*! Absolutely fantastic! Pippin has always been very clever - well, except when he volunteered to bring little Perry to bed ;-)
Author's reply
*grin* Yes, we figured that he wouldn't use it--unless Pippin put him up to it!! Pippin's pretty sneaky--and he knew very well how to get round his cousins--both of them!
Antane · 18 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
How sweet that Frodo would draw Sam - cute picture too! :) And the little sheeps and the fact that he took Pippin's gift of the pen with him. I'm glad they are going through all these treasures and remembering their beloved friend and cousin and realized how much he loved them also. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I think that Frodo probably *would* draw Sam! Jackie's a good artist, isn't she? This process is both fun and yet difficult for the three, and we hope that it leads to some realizations for them all.
PIppinfan1988 · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 144: Author's Notes: Chapter Four
Ah! I spoke too soon on the last one! Merrh's lamb is SOOOO cute! And Frodo's long-stemmed pipe that young Merry and Sam were jealous over... Somebody can draw a very sweet hobbit! Is that Jackie? I used to draw a long time ago; I wish I still had the patience to do it. She's very good! PF
Author's reply
The little lamb was adorable, wasn't it? And the pipe that was very much like Gimli's. Yes, Jackie was the artist for the adorable little sketch of Sam! I draw some, but I simply can't draw people that are in the least realistic looking.
PIppinfan1988 · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 144: Author's Notes: Chapter Three
Ah, yes--Frodo's sweet baby clothes...and that addictive puzzle of Merry's. I was hoping to see Merry's little lamb...perhaps it will be posted next time. ? I also felt bad for the demise of Pippin's little sheep--and laughed at the thought of Dickon running off with *his* new toy! LOL PF
Author's reply
Those baby clothes were so much fun to make, especially the little cap, and the little playsuit!
PIppinfan1988 · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 143: Author's Notes: Chapter Two, Legal Documents
Wow...this whole story is amazing, along with all the illustrations! I am in awe. :-) PF
Author's reply
Thank you! Jackie did some great work in drafting up the legal documents, and then I had the fun of doing the calligraphy and illuminations!
PIppinfan1988 · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 142: Author's Notes: Chapter Two, Recipes and Picture
Awesome! Two new recipes to add to my growing collection. :-) The drawing of Bilbo's Receipt box is fantastic! I will return later to read the stories attached to those links. ;-) PF
Author's reply
Recipes are lovely, aren't they?
PIppinfan1988 · 15 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
Excellent--more tales within the tale! I loved the one of Frodo's Adoption Party with Balin and Gandalf. I used to feel a lot like Pippin did while he took a turn about the room. My sister can often recall things I can't because they happened either before I was born or too young to remember. Hence, I'd feel left out of certain conversations--lol, and jealous. And Merry's melancholy over Frodo leaving Brandy Hall gets me every time! I loved the idea that Frodo would take a beloved item with him to the Undying Lands that one of his cousins gifted him with. All of it was absolutely wonderful! Now off I go to take a look at your Author's Notes... Pippinfan
Author's reply
I'm just now catching up to the reviews I missed while I was in the hospital--I checked my other fics, but completely forgot to check this one! As you know, I like the "tale within a tale" format, and so does Jackie, so this works out very well for us! It does lead to that "left-out" feeling sometimes; most of the time, hearing reminiscences of times missed is interesting, but sometimes you can get the feeling that you're not getting it, because you weren't there at the time. I am glad that you are enjoying this!
Viresse · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
"Merry had a little lamb. And little lad Pip had lost his sheep and didn’t know where to find it. " Hee!
Author's reply
*snicker* So you caught on to Jackie's little joke? But you missed "baa-baa black(faced) sheep"!
Bodkin · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
I like Merry and Sam knowing Balin. It twines all the stories together more and increases the points of contact. And the sheep - that is a very cute story. Typically Pippin. As is his joy in realising that not all Frodo's treasures were left behind. I don't reckon he'll be volunteering to do much in the way of childcare for a while, though!
Author's reply
Well, of course, they were at Bag End when Gandalf and Balin visited, so they had met him. I had already thought about Frodo's meeting with him--some of the things he says in Moria seem to hint that he might have known Balin, and the only occasion that could have been was the year he was adopted. I'm so glad you liked the sheep story--that was Jackie's idea, and she executed it very well, I think! Frodo could not have taken *much* with him, so I think he would have taken a very few, carefully chosen items. Er, no. He was trying to distract Merry, who had been a bit miserable that afternoon, but I think he bit off more than he could chew, LOL!
harrowcat · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
A delightful chapter as always Dreamflower. Sorry - got to rush or I will be even later for work!!!
Author's reply
I understand about fanfic making you late. I've some errands and I need to run--but it's hard to tear myself away from the computer!
Elemmírë · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 144: Author's Notes: Chapter Four
All three letters are just so wonderful to read. I've read 'Grief' and 'The Apology' especially many times as it is one of my favorites of yours. Those short fics, combined with Saradoc's letter have me craving for more of that particular storyline of yours. I know you have much on your plate right now with this, Miss Dora, something call Real Life, etc. ... but would you ever consider writing a longer fic about the time Frodo ran away? What was Frodo's POV as he decided to run away and during his journey to Bag End? Did he know how to get there easily? Did he say bye to Merry? What happened at the Hall when it was discovered he was finally missing? How do Rory and Sara address Rufus and Asphodel? Those are just some of the many curiosities I wouldn't mind reading in much more detail. Bilbo's letter was my favorite. Although Merry, Pippin, and Sam wanted tp respect Frodo and Bilbo's privacy when they came across the letter, I was curious as to what Bilbo wrote and I'm glad you and Gryffinjack shared it with all. >>But I would not go then, for I had you – my dear lad, someone special that a confirmed old bachelor such as me could never have hoped to have the opportunity to raise. Do not feel bad for me, Frodo. I do not regret my decision to remain for an instant, for I am much the richer for having you live with me. You are worth much more to me than all the jewels of Moria and the Misty Mountains combined...<< Those lines are just so evident of the love Bilbo had for Frodo. Frodo is the greatest treasure in all Middle-earth to Bilbo and although he desired travel, he must have missed his beloved lad so very much while doing so. >>I could not have asked for a finer young hobbit to be as my own. Raising you was my greatest and grandest adventure<< I utterly adore that last sentence. It's just so ... Bilbo ... and so very emotionally poignant. You had me reaching for a tissue by the end of Bilbo's letter. Well done, Dreamflower & Gryffinjack!
Author's reply
I'm glad you like those two stories. I wrote them early on, and they shaped a lot of how I dealt with Frodo's youth in later stories. I've done another story set that same spring, before Frodo runs away--"Buckland Spring". And I've toyed with writing of the whole incident--it will probably happen sooner or later. Bilbo's letter was lovely, and that was mostly all Jackie's work! I just loved it myself!
Elemmírë · 14 July 2006 · Chapter 4: After Tea
Oh dear me! It seems we often think alike Dreamflower. In my upcoming promised tale, 'Sewn with Love,' Frodo too has a little stuffed sheep ... although it is not from the Tooks and he receives it under very different circumstances. It was a bit eerie reading your description of the toy, as it is very similar to my own, except for the blue eyes. Also, I've written a fic concerning the origins of Frodo's first pipe. It needs a little more work and I'm contemplating posting it for Marigold's challenge possibly (yes, the Bilbo one requested by YOU). That was nice to see Cousin Calla's sketchbooks make another appearance. It's nice too for Sam to finally know that Frodo thought of him often as a child. >>Pippin felt a bit left out to hear of Frodo’s life before he was born. Merry and Sam had shared so much more of Frodo’s life, and most of the time he loved to hear about it, would even ask for it. But when he was missing his Baggins cousin as much as he was now, he occasionally thought how unfair it was that he did not have as many memories of Frodo.<< I know exactly what Pippin means. I am the youngest of 5 grandchildren in my family and by quite a few years' difference as well, like Pippin. When my grandmother passed on, one of my thoughts was that I had been lucky to know her for 22 years, but all the others in the family knew her for much, much longer and would have so many more memories of her. I treasure the memories I do have of her and my grandfather. >>“Four and one-half pounds,” he replied quietly. “But I weren’t near as big as Hamson! He was four and three-quarter pounds!” Merry’s and Pippin’s eyes grew round as they both gulped. “I always did admire your mother, Sam,” said Merry.<< ROTFL!! Bell Gamgee is always quite the "woman" isn't she? Merry (and Pippin's) letter to get Frodo to come to Buckland was too cute! So was 'Perry the Winkle'! As always, I look forward to the next chapter, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
I love these little accidental similarities! It's what makes fanon grow, LOL! "Syncronicity"--my new favorite word! I thought it would be nice for Sam to realize that Frodo *did* miss him when he went back to Buckland. I am sure that once in a while it would make Pippin wistful to realize that Merry and Sam shared memories of a Frodo he would never know. But that was also what led to his restlessness, and then his realization that Frodo took the pen with him. Jackie came up with the conversation about birth weight, LOL! and I thought it was a perfect link to the two sections. The letter and "Perry-the-Winkle" were also her idea!
Scarlett_loves_hobbit_angst · 13 July 2006 · Chapter 144: Author's Notes: Chapter Four
JUST A NOTE! Your letters grief and apology are both the "apology" letter. Just thought I"d let you know love. _Scarlett_
Author's reply
Thank you! All fixed now! I had a lot of problems formatting this set of notes. But I *think* I've got them fixed now.
Lotrgirl1415 · 12 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
I really love this story and i enjoy the fact that u have pictures of the tiems n ur LJ. Loved the stories of the ribbon, and puzzle the best... thats our lil obsessive Pippin!xoxo *teehee* I always feel so bad for poor Frodo *hugs4frodo* *and hugs for u for writng this story* btw: I was just wondering...if these were such small trinkets, wouldnt you think Frodo would of taken a few of them with him? I'm guessing you will explain this in later chapters.xoxoxo love the story keep up the great work. xoxox ~Katie
Author's reply
Thank you, Katie! I'm glad you are enjoying the story. Well, you see, Sam, Merry and Pippin are finding what *is* there, and they won't find what isn't...or will they? Just wait and see.
PIppinfan1988 · 4 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
You know...I don't think this wee box has enough room for all of the great things I have to say about this most exquisite chapter! but I'll give it a whirl. ;-) I got a hearty chuckle out of Merry and Sam giving the whistle to Pippin, and Frodo hiding a piece of Merry's puzzle in order to stop the child's obsession--and young children do get obsessed, so I felt for poor Frodo. I saw the photo of the puzzle--perhaps another photo of the puzzle with one of the pieces missing would have been in order, lol! The short tales within were pure delight--I think my favourite is Frodo and the red ribbon from the swimming contest. That got me misty-eyed. The notion of passing baby clothes around is most definitely good hobbit-sense, or otherwise! One should think that that would be more prevalent today with clothes prices as they are. It is such a pleasure to read this story so chock-full of memories and trinkets from previous tales! I love continuity, and strive for it myself, though I miss the mark on occassion. I admire you for being able to keep on track with your own. :-) I think the illustrations you post on LJ is fantastic--and the artist, too! Looking forward to more! Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I thought it would be funny if Frodo confiscated the puzzle after he got sick of putting it together--but he wouldn't want to hurt Merry's feelings, hence his subterfuge. The swimming ribbon was another of Jackie's lovely ideas, and she executed it beautifully. Well, the Shire is an old-fashioned and rural society, and of course passing around baby-clothes was common. Primula had kept just these special few, but of course the rest of his baby-clothes had long since been passed on. It's hard sometimes--especially with as many stories as I have. And Jackie and I thank you for your comments on the illustrations--we have both worked pretty hard on them. We are hoping to get a new chapter up very soon! It's a bit slower working together, plus getting the links and so forth in order.
PIppinfan1988 · 3 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
I'm not even halfway through this chapter, however, I can't stay to read further tonight. That boat and puzzle are familiar to me--although I believe I've read the "puzzle story" recently. I have yet to come upon the tale that Bell gives Frodo the black wool pouch. It must be a sad tale--I almost cried with Sam. :'( This is too cool--almost like a "revising" of previous stories I've read. :-) I'll return tomorrow and read the rest...and also take a gander at the link of items found...and then leave you another review. :-D Pippinfan
Author's reply
The puzzle and boat are new to this story; but you may in fact be recalling *another* puzzle--the one Pippin gave Merry, when Merry was a bit older. The black pouch is also new to this story, though it may yet appear in another one. And of course, there are *numerous* references to older stories. I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Bodkin · 2 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
I think the mushroom tale has to be my favourite. Although they are all delightful. I suppose Frodo just gave up on trying to decide what was more essential to his well-being than any other and just decided to leave it all. Probably didn't really expect to survive the journey. The debate over the baby clothes is most amusing!
Author's reply
*grin* The mushroom tale was Gryffinjack's idea, and her execution--she did it very well, I thought! Well--perhaps not *all*. But our lads at this point are dealing with what he did leave. He couldn't have taken much--after all, he supposedly was just going on a visit to Bilbo in Rivendell when he left, and Sam would have been suspicious if he had taken so much with him. I figured only the wives would have the clout to put an end to *that* discussion, LOL!
Pearl Took · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
That is all so very sweet! *sigh* I love the lasses and the baby clothes, their good hobbit sense of knowing they should be used, passed around amoungst the three families. And I love the photos and drawings of the various items :) MEWD!!!
Author's reply
*grin* I figured it would just be too hard for Sam to admit Frodo's baby things should be used--I'm sure that there are a number of Frodo's things in Bag End that Sam can't bear to see touched. Yet he is going to have to get over that as he and Rose have more children, and as they grow older. But Rose and Estella just took over--baby clothes are, after all, a female area of expertise! We are having a great time with those! I loved making those eensy little baby things (though I nearly went cross-eyed with the little bumblebees! 28 count linen for the bib, and an even tinier thread count on the blue fabric!) they were so cute and fun. And I had a blast doing the calligraphy on the documents as well! And just wait until you see the adorable drawing Jackie has coming up in a future chapter...
Elemmírë · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
Lovely, Dreamflower, absolutely lovely. There's just so much detail and emotion in here that I don't even know where to start! The ribbon, the babyclothes, the mushroom, the puzzle! It was all so delightful and yet sad as well. So, I'll simply say Well Done for everything and I can't wait to see what the hobbits find in Frodo's box next.
Author's reply
We're so glad you are enjoying it. Jackie and I have had a lot of fun figuring out what's in that box and why! We are working on getting the next chapter ready soon!
harrowcat · 1 July 2006 · Chapter 3: Hidden Treasures
The lasses are ever practical *g* And I loved sneaky Frodo over the puzzle!
Author's reply
Of course they are. Wives know these things, LOL! I could just see Frodo heartily sick of that puzzle, but not wanting to hurt little Merry's feelings by not helping him put it together one more time...