Reviews (47)

Tari · 15 February 2013 · Chapter 24: To Celebrate Joy

This is an absoluterly wonderful story. Your describtions were so realistic that I could picture the scenes as I read. I can't wait to find out what happens next in "On Solid Ground".

Tari · 14 February 2013 · Chapter 18: Tying Up Loose Ends

Thanks to Ferdi, the real culprit has been caught. Wonder if he'll be placed under the ban? He certainly deserves it.

Tari · 8 February 2013 · Chapter 3: Rocks in the Road

Isn't it sad that the Hobbits have a caste system too. Farry and Goldi should be allowed to marry. She's such a good person.

Tari · 6 February 2013 · Chapter 2: Yuletide at the Great Smials

It took a bit of flipping thru the pages, but I finally found this story and am glad I did. What a delightful way to spend my lunch hour. I hope Sam relents and lets poor Goldi marry Faramir.

Imhiriel · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 1: A Visit to an Ailing Friend

I don't quite understand why Pippin takes Sam's and Rosie's opinion regarding Fastred so seriously. As much as I understand their wish to have their daughter nearby, 1) she adult and married into a new family, the family of her husband, 2) Fastred is the head of the household and under no obligation to Sam as head of his family. Pippin should do what is best for Fastred, I think. Of course, it seems Fastred goes along with it voluntarily, but that's something different than have Sam have the say on this issue.

Imhiriel · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 20: New Beginnings

Oops, sorry for the previous review - I pasted in the review for the wrong chapter! I deeply love the talk between Pippin and Sandyman - there is so much story there to think about, so many issues being raised, redemption, reformation, "sins-of-the-father" etc. I'd dearly like to see you expanding on Sandyman's story somewhere, be it in a shorter or longer story; the background you gave him re: Rosie Cotton and his later reformation is so very fascinating.

Imhiriel · 4 January 2007 · Chapter 20: New Beginnings

I don't quite understand why Pippin takes Sam's and Rosie's opinion regarding Fastred so seriously. As much as I understand their wish to have their daughter nearby, 1) she adult and married into a new family, the family of her husband, 2) Fastred is the head of the household and under no obligation to Sam as head of his family. Pippin should do what is best for Fastred, I think. Of course, it seems Fastred goes along with it voluntarily, but that's something different than have Sam have the say on this issue.

Nienor Niniel · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 24: To Celebrate Joy

Oh, that was exciting again! And poor Pippin's dilemma: to have to follow the laws while knowing that there is an injustice in doing so. I'm looking forward to seeing more about Faramir and Goldi! As to what I wrote about understanding why you didn't cure Ferdi: I just guessed that a) he can't always be lucky, can he? and b) he shows that one can have a disability and yet live a life that is worthwhile. Killing four... err, five ruffians without seeing is really impressive, and he is doing all his work and even develops his other senses and is especially capable in his profession. So he really is an example for how people can cope with a disability. And he's still the same Ferdi that he was before! All the best! Nienor

EstellaB · 23 July 2006 · Chapter 6: Frodo Did a-Courting Go

"'Frodo!' Merry and Pippin chorused. 'Hush!' Frodo said. 'Look, he's turning red,' Merry said to his cohort in cheek." I love this bit-I'm not entirely sure why exactly, I think maybe because I see it as being in character with the "original" Frodo, Merry and Pippin. :) Thanks!

EstellaB · 8 May 2006 · Chapter 7: Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be

Oooh! *Slaps nasty mean hobbit who has Frodo's knife.* I don't normally leave reviews this early in a story, but this is truly wonderful! Thankyou :)

Miriel · 20 October 2003 · Chapter 24: To Celebrate Joy

Wondreful ending, full of things to come! The rest of Farry and Goldi's story ought to be most interesting, indeed. Although their coupling is fine with their parents, how will the other hobbits react? Especially the Tooks? *Shudder* and the other hobbits who will think that Goldi is marrying above her station. Frodo and (Was it Daisy? Don't ahve time to go back and look) should have an easy time of it. They deserve ti, after all that they have been through. Congrats for a story well-done!

Miriel · 16 October 2003 · Chapter 23: Teatime with the Thain

I'm so so glad that Goldi and Farry finally get to see each other, although it is a shame that Goldi didn't know before the picinic that it was alright with her parents to court Farry. One more chapter, correct? I shall be sad to see this story go! (BTW, spanish is awful, thank you for asking. Your story is "muy bien!":)

Miriel · 14 October 2003 · Chapter 22: Invitation to Tea

Hooray! I'm so glad that Goldi and Farry have finally gotten to see each other. *Lets out huge sigh* Thank goodness for the nosiness of the Thain! I liked the way they were oh-so-dignified--until they got out of hearing distance, of course. Lovely, simply lovely.

FantasyFan · 14 October 2003 · Chapter 22: Invitation to Tea

I had to go check the chapter heading to make sure this wasn't the ending of the story, as it wraps up so nicely that it sounded like it could be. So Sam got the job of talking to Rosie, on this and other topics. Wonder what the other ones were? More talk of future plans? Leaving Bag End to Frodo wouldn't require much discussion, but there were probably things to set up for the other kids. Somehow I imagine Sam would avoid talking to Rosie about sailing West when she was gone. Merry-lad, Pippin-lad and Robin's discussion makes it plain that the whole family knows how Sam and Pippin had conspired to keep Farry and Goldi apart. The picinc is a gentle way to lift Goldi's ban, and surprising both of them is a typical Pippin-trick. I suspect he's not wasting any time so as not to give Sam any chance to change his mind. I can see Goldi running to Elanor afterwards to make sure she knows what it all means. Ferdi is back to his normal suave, sophisticted self. I imagine the vulnerability he showed in the previous chapter emerges only rarely, and only with very few people. Ensuring Goldi is properly decorative is his kind of touch. The picnic scene is very pretty. Good thing hobbits eat a lot, so they need two baskets! And how nice for Goldi and Farry, that they can start out as 'always friends.' A nice, sweet beginning.

FantasyFan · 11 October 2003 · Chapter 21: What Happened that Evening

There is quite a mix of emotions in this chapter. The general merriment continues at the Smials with the lifting of Frodo's ban. Farry, however, doesn't see much to be happy about. Goldi has learned 'be strong' from her mother, it seems, and is trying to make the best of the situation. Its interesting to see their different approaches to the same problem. Farry's sulking, but that implies he hasn't given up wanting. Goldi maybe has more experience with not getting her way in things, and seems miserable but resigned. Pimpernell and Ferdi are in fine form. The puns are quite funny. Then there's Sam. I laughed and laughed, wondering what was going through Sam's head when Pippin asked for his daughter. Sam should have known better than to agree with Pippin in advance of knowing what he's agreeing to. Pip pleads his case very well, reminding Sam that Farry's got a secure position to look forward to (almost as good as 40 acres and a cow). And it's quite ironic that busybody interfering Frodo is now the cause of Farry and Goldi having a chance after all. I wonder, will Sam and Pippin hint to their kids that they've got a green light to explore a relationship together, or will they sit and wait for Farry and Goldi to do something, to show they're really interested in each other and ready to fight the status quo, and then just not object? And now that Pip and Sam have come to an agreement, who's going to tell Rose? I can see Farry sometime in the future, screwing himself up to fight Sam, threatening to renounce the Thainship and run with Goldi as far as Gondor if necessary: like a bull ready to charge the gate who stumbles over his own feet when the first push finds it unlocked. I hope they don't try to elope, sure of their families' disapproval, as it wouldn't be fair to deny everyone the joy of the wedding. Well, there's plenty of time for all that. Such a touchingly-written scene between Ferdi and Nell at the end. Gentle romance, and Ferdi is secure enough to drop the witty mask and let some pain bleed through. He has had many handicaps in his life - his early mistakes, the loss of his family and separation from his first love, an ill-deserved reputation and an unfair punishment, broken bones and mental anguish, and finally the blindness that would have broken a lesser hobbit. Every time he's risen above it with a stubbornness that rivals Pippin's. He's even used his blindenss to develop unique skills in service of the Thain. Never do we see self-pity, and even here it's only sadness for what cannot be. It's good to see him human, and sweet to know the deep love between Ferdi and his Nell. By the way, my daughter is making her way through your stories now. Maybe I can get her to put some of her thoughts in a review sometime. I hope your cold is getting better; I'm getting over one myself.

FantasyFan · 9 October 2003 · Chapter 20: New Beginnings

It doesn't surprise me that Pippin's not part of the celebration at the Green Dragon. He's had his say already, and he knows how to work behind the scenes. The worthies of the Shire will be discussing this for a year and a day, but now is not the time for Pip to get asked a bunch of questions. Instead, he's setting things up with the Ted Sandyman. He says just enough to Ted to keep the conversation going. I wonder if Ted realizes, as he pulls out painful memories, that the Thain he is talking to is one of those "bright young cousins of Mr. Baggins?" Pippin is really very different by this time, and has learned wisdom and leadership by hard lessons. Ted has overcome his anger and jealousy with hard lessons and pain of his own, yet he continues to pay for his shortsightedness through his sons. Perhaps someone generous will buy the mill, and Hodge can stay behind to run it if he wishes (hints). You would hate to see him punished with the rest of the family, and it would give you a chance to tease us with a Goldi/Hodge romance for a while. If Ted takes Ned to the territories, I suppose neither one can return, but that is one way to end the feud for good. Ted will have to work pretty hard to make Ned understand the necessity of the move, and the mercy underlying the punishment. Really, I always thought Pippin was the most softhearted of them all.

FantasyFan · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 19: Restoring Justice

Let the party begin! Pippin never wanted all that gold anyway, and its a good thing since Ferdi's got him buying a round for all the inhabitants of Hobbiton, Bywater and Overhill. I hope he brought plenty with him! I had to laugh at Ferdi and Regi, but he's right, it seems like a good idea. There will be a chance to put rumors to rest, and start some talk of a more helpful variety. Plus I hope we'll see another reunion, since Daisy and her family are right in the thick of it. When Fastred and Elanor come up, they're going to be confused at the least. Pip was at his splendiferous best lifting the ban on Frodo. I could just about hear him rolling the rrrrr's in Gardener. I think if he hadn't been Thain, he would have made a good traveling entertainer - standup comedy and song (I imagine him with a lovely tenor voice). I imagine if Ferdi hadn't reminded everyone he didn't need the money, he could have passed the hat at that moment and made himself a bundle. The people of the Shire love their Thain, and for him to publicly admit his error, and admit it with such undisguised glee, I am sure makes them love him all the more. Now he'll have to move into his next profession, campaign manager, and make sure his favorite Mayor doesn't suffer at re-election time. I'm glad Shirriff Nod got a chance to make his apologies, and Frodo to forgive him. He's really not a bad shirriff, he's just had a run of ill luck lately. I wonder if any of the Sandyman family was at the announcement? If so, they're probably the only glum faces in the whole place. Ferdi's in a good mood, Pippin's in a good mood, all the hobbits getting free beer are going to be charmed by a spontaneous party, and the proprietor of the Green Dragon has to be overjoyed. It's a happy sort of release of tension, but I know you've got a few loose ends left to tie up, and probably a trick or two left up your sleeve. Ned will have to be dealt with, of course, and the aforementioned reunions, but there are five more chapters to go so pretty much anything could still happen. Perhaps at the end they could all sit down to a nice chicken dinner. (smile)

Miriel · 7 October 2003 · Chapter 19: Restoring Justice

I love Pippin's way of doing things. Of course he can't just quietly lift the ban, he must make a big production of it! LOL! I'm so glad that the Burrows got to be there to see it. I bet Daisy is a very happy girl right about now! I loved Ferdi taking such liberties with the Thain's pocketbook; very funny. Now that this is over, we shall hear tell of Goldi! Hurrah!

FantasyFan · 6 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Tying Up Loose Ends

I could swear I only missed one day of looking at stories, but I find I have three to review. I love it! As it seems that bad news travels much faster than good, I wouldn't be surprised if the whole Shire knows about Frodo's shunning, before a full day has yet passed. So I think Pippin has the right of it when he wants the lifting of the Ban to be even more public than the shunning was. He seems to have quite a flair for ceremony and dramatics, even adding a gag to complete the picture of Frodo's disgrace. I'm a bit curious to hear what the precedent was that he remembers from the dusty records. It could be interesting if it involved familiar names (or at least their ancestors). Will Elanor and Fastred arrive in Bywater in time for the festivities? I have a feeling they will not be keeping silent, from the grim demeanor Fastred exhibits. He's gotten to know the measure of Frodo, and not found him wanting. Hopefully, they won't disturb the little extravaganza Pippin's planned. Sam's got a basic faith that Pippin knows what he's doing. I think he's still in a bit of shock anyway. But the silence is deafening from Rose and all the Gamgees piled into the wagon. When to speak, and when to keep silent? At various times in this story, Farry, Goldi, Hilbert, Frodo, Sam, Ferdi, Pippin and now the rest of the Gamgees have been silenced: some by circumstance, and some against their will. Ned has both spoken when he shouldn't and keep quiet when he should have spoken up. Daisy has been brave and foolish, to speak when no one else would. The talk has been loud and quick in the lanes, but no one will talk to Elanor at the Smials. Words have the power to heal or hurt, to divide or unite. Pippin's words have the power to part a family forever, but then so do Sam's. Frodo will now get the chance to 'speak' at Yule, and create a family of his own. Perhaps everyone by the end of this story will be more careful of their words, knowing how it feels when they are taken away. In that vein I'd like to say, I think your stories are wonderful, and thank you for writing and sharing them with us.

Miriel · 5 October 2003 · Chapter 18: Tying Up Loose Ends

Fastred is very sharp, catching things in people's tones and looks that might otherwise go unnoticed. How sad for Elanor to hear that! (And it's sad for me, knowing that she doesn't know the whole story!) I'm glad that things are straightened out with Frodo, although I hate seeing him bound. But, that is the hobbit way. Thank you for another great read! Keep up the good work!

FantasyFan · 3 October 2003 · Chapter 17: To Catch a Thief

I do feel sorry for Ned. Even though it's his own fault, and even though it was a deliberately premeditated act, it doesn't seem like his remorse is purely because he got caught. Is it? I wonder how old he is? He seems very young here, and I wonder if the punishment will take into account that fact. He's certainly convicted by his own words, and Pipin's little bit of trickery serves to disguise the real magic, that of Ferdi's truth-sifting abilities. I knew there would have to be a confession, because there simply wasn't any other hard evidence possible, but it didn't come off like an old episode of Perry Mason, so you're all right by me. I think it was quite clever to use the hobbits' supersititon of Elves and their magic against them. Pippin would have to be pretty confident of his assessment of the Sandyman family, but then, what did he have to lose? If he didn't try something like this to get Ned to confess, Frodo would still be punished, and he's no worse off for the attempt. I guess we'll wait for the next chapter for the whole story to come out, and to make a better judgement of whether Ned's actions are undiluted malice or just misguided loyalty. Intent matters a lot. (Goldi may end up in more trouble than ever for starting the whole thing with her kiss of Farry. It's not fair, but then much hasn't been.) I wonder what the instructions to the healer were - to delay Sam until the hearing was ready to start, so he couldn't speak first? To hustle him out of there should things not go well? I'm curious.

FantasyFan · 1 October 2003 · Chapter 16: Sparkling Conversation

Daisy and Primrose made Rose all her favorites. Frodo does Ruby's dusting for her. There's more than one way to say, "I love you no matter what happens." 'Don't be a ninny,' Rose said. 'I'll call all the children in to sit on you if I have to.' 'Sit on me?' Sam said. 'That's what they have to do with Tooks, to keep them abed,' Rose said. 'Don't think I haven't noticed, in all our visits to the Smials.' 'I'm not a Took,' Sam said. 'Then don't act like one,' Rose snapped. *snicker* That's love too, and besides, it made me laugh out loud, and at work too. I love the sharp wit, not to mention the running joke. I feel for Ferdi, with Pip in one of his difficult moods. This reminds me of a Pippin we haven't seen much of recently, all clever plans and airy pronouncements and stubborn intensity. I'm actually quite pleased that, although Ferdi has detected the truth and falsehood, it will actually be Pippin who worries out the real thief and gets Frodo-lad back into good graces. Ferdi has seemed a little too good to be true lately (though I love him dearly) and we might need a little reminding exactly why Pippin is the best Thain the Shire has ever had. Carry on with the writing - I'm not getting much work done, but I'm loving reading all the chapters.

Miriel · 1 October 2003 · Chapter 16: Sparkling Conversation

I finally realized why the story is named "Truth." They must find the truth about the chickens. Hmm...I wonder what Pippin is thinking about the necklace. I hope that it works out!

FantasyFan · 30 September 2003 · Chapter 15: Whispers in the Moonlight

Frodo-lad barely got to say anything to his mom and da, and I thought maybe Rose might be brave enough to speak to him, in the safety and cloister of their own home. But I did not let myself hope that Daisy would brave the consequences and say good-bye, especially now when I see how severe the consequences would be. She is brave, to take the risk of not only seeing him, but to also declare that she would wait out the year for him. I'm sure there will be many suitors eager to 'console' her, while the competition is unavailable, and it will not be a popular stance to defend Frodo when his guilt has been proven, and his punishment made public. Frodo's and Daisy's love is romantic and solid, but there's another kind of love declared in a pocket-fuzzy ginger buscuit. Even amongst Frodo's anguish of his wrongful accusation and unjust punishment and his despair over losing his reputation and chances for the future, he must feel a trace of grounding security in the unquestioning love of his family. It's going to take one of those detective-novel miracle confessions to get Frodo out of this at tomorrow's hearing, I'm afraid. Even though Pippin knows he's innocent, and Ferdi's convinced Ned is lying, there's no evidence he can hold in his hand. He's got to find some way of proving it to everyone who's sure to be watching, and it will be a real trick to convince Ted, especially if his own son is involved. Unless the truth comes out about the borrowing of the knife, there's not even a thread to start pulling on to unravel the true story. I'm looking forward to see what you have to pull out of your hat.

Miriel · 29 September 2003 · Chapter 15: Whispers in the Moonlight

Thank you for the part with Daisy. I'm so glad to know that she still believes in poor Frodo! *Screams* He's lying!! I know that, and you know that! Why can't everyone else know too? Ah, well, then I guess we wouldn't have a story, now would we? I think that I might have an idea on why Ned could have taken the chickens, but I'll keep quiet on that. Magnificent, once again!