The Many Aspects of Merimac Brandybuck by Lily Dragonquill

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Larner · 5 May 2012 · Chapter 31: Hands

It is always such a joy when you are able to provide one more of these tales. And this quartet of ficlets is so very poignant, and particularly, of course, this last one. How much the obvious changes in Frodo must have hurt them all. And so like him to want to heal his beloved younger cousin, even as Sara and Esme must have wished similarly.

Andrea · 4 May 2012 · Chapter 31: Hands

Dear Lily, Those were great! I especially liked, as you might have guessed, the first and the last one. And I can very well imagine that Mac would have reacted like that. Not by holding a long speech or even starting a discussion, but by just taking the other one's hand and by being there. Thank you :-)

Author's reply

Thank you. It felt good to be writing again :)

shirebound · 3 May 2012 · Chapter 31: Hands

Oh Lily, what loving, gentle stories. Frodo smiled and stretched out his arm, only to pull it back again. “You won’t let go, will you?” “Have I ever?” How wonderful. I'm so happy to see an update to these tales.

Author's reply

Thank you! It felt good to be doing something creative again after so many months.

Larner · 26 May 2011 · Chapter 30: The Fright

Oh, but I'm glad that Robin has been warned that Bluebell deserves the best, and I suspect he will strive to be just that! Delightful!

Author's reply

We're talking about Bluebell. There is no chance Merimac would allow anyone near her, without making it perfectly clear that she deserves the best - and that he will hunt down anyone who doesn't give it to her :p Thanks for reading!

Andrea · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 30: The Fright

*Grins* That's exactly what I thought: He likes him ;-) So, I hope there will be a future for those two, and for Merimac of course, besides from worrying about Bluebell.

Author's reply

I haven't quite decided on the future yet. For the time being, Robin should just be glad he is still alive :p

shirebound · 20 May 2011 · Chapter 30: The Fright

LOL, it's delightful that Merimac can adapt "the Fright" into something encouraging when he feels it might be appropriate. :)

Author's reply

Merimac needs to frighten all the boys just a bit before allowing them near his daughter. :)

Andrea · 14 July 2010 · Chapter 29: Tuckburough Market

LOL! I always like the banter between our hobbits! Mac is just crazy enough to buy such a hat. But I like him that way ;-) It's impossible to completely forget about hobbits :-)

Author's reply

It is impossible to forget about hobbits. And I think once you see that hat you cannot get it out of your hat either. ;)

Larner · 13 July 2010 · Chapter 29: Tuckburough Market

Oh, wonderful! How delightful! Now we see from whence it came! Heh!

Author's reply

It was a harmless incident, but poor Merimac has been taunted about his beloved hat from day 1 :)

Dreamflower · 12 July 2010 · Chapter 29: Tuckburough Market

Oh how sweet! *grin* Good to see Merimac back after his long vacation!

Author's reply

Thanks! As I said on LJ, it's not easy to fall back into hobbit-writing-mode after a year of essays, and a bit of plot and character study for my original work every few months. But I'm glad they still let me visit, even if it's just for a short while.

Larner · 11 December 2009 · Chapter 28: The Smell of Yuletides Past

Ah, our sense of smell can so bring back memories. Love the images here.

Author's reply

Thanks a lot, Larner!

Andrea · 10 December 2009 · Chapter 28: The Smell of Yuletides Past

Dear Lily, Thank you for updating your Merimac stories! I enjoyed this one a great deal! “It’s the smells of Yuletides past that will make the Yuletides to come just as memorable.” Perfectly said! Especially at Christmas time we are reminded of all the happy times together with our relatives who have already left us. But by continuing the traditions they taught us, their memory will live on. And that should make us happy! P.S.: Concerning "Schicksalsjahre", I understand exactly what you mean from my own experience. Right now, RL does not leave me much spare time, too. But, as you know, "There's always hope" :-) Happy Holidays to you!

Author's reply

I'm glad to find you still around. Life is just getting more hectict with every term and barely a moment left to sit down, let alone think up stories. And, as I said, I have been noting down some ideas for something that will hopefully one day turn into a proper publishable story... if ever I start writing down more than ideas that is ;) I'm glad you enjoyed the story. It felt a little like a homecoming to visit Brandy Hall again. Even with Schicksalsjahre... although Frodo is now in Bag End, I think Brandy Hall is the true home for me. Especially at Christmas time we are reminded of all the happy times together with our relatives who have already left us. But by continuing the traditions they taught us, their memory will live on Wonderfully said and so true.

Larner · 28 December 2008 · Chapter 27: The Apprentice

Ah! Wonderful! Thank you so! Lovely, lighthearted moment! Frodo as Merimac's apprentice--how perfect!

Author's reply

Well, Frodo has the potential for mischief and who better than Merimac to show him how to use it :) Thanks a lot!

Antane · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 27: The Apprentice

I love wee Frodo, and those giggles! Merry Christmas! Christ is born! Glorify Him! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)

Author's reply

Thanks, dear. Merry Christmas!

Andrea · 25 December 2008 · Chapter 27: The Apprentice

“Oww!” Merimac rubbed his head and frowned at her. “Whatever was that for?” “For good measure,” she said and winked at the disbelieving look on Merimac’s face and the grin on Frodo’s. LOL!!! So, Merimac found himself an apprentice? Considering the stories about the "terror of Buckland" he did a VERY good job ;-) Thank you very much for posting and have a nice holiday!

Author's reply

He is doing a great job, but he will also harvest what he has sowed... at least to a degree. Happy holidays, my dear! *hugs*

cathleen · 11 October 2008 · Chapter 26: All that is Needed

Lily, as I said on the group - lovely story and wonderful series! I hope you add more to it soon!!

Author's reply

Thanks Cathleen. Even though it's just snippets of Merimac's life they just make it so interesting to discover his character for each piece adds to it. I'm glad you enjoy the series, in spite of Merimac being a little mentioned minor character.

Andrea · 10 October 2008 · Chapter 26: All that is Needed

Those two were obviously meant for each other! You know that song, "You say it best when you say nothing at all"? That's true for Mac and Adamanta as well. However, it would be nice if Violet changed her mind eventually. There's always hope :) I've been missing your stories and am glad that you have found time to write again. Have a nice weekend!

Author's reply

The silence fits them well, yes. And it comes as a surprise considering it's Merimac who sits next to her. I think I quite like his shyness around her now that he knows he is serious. I never expected him to be that quiet, though :) Violet will change her mind, don't worry. I don't know yet when, but she definitely will :) I missed my stories too, but with the move and loads of other things to worry about my holidays turned out to be the worst ever - and my mind was otherwise occupied. I hope uni allows for the occassional drifting to writing and doesn't keep me too busy. Have a nice weekend too!

Larner · 9 October 2008 · Chapter 26: All that is Needed

She has what she needs now--a love who is also the best of friends. Wonderful! I've waited so long to see another chapter added to this!

Author's reply

I feel guilty for not updating for so long - I was quite shocked to see it has almost been a year. But life hasn't been kind to me the last couple of months and I wasn't even writing until a week ago. I'm glad you enjoyed the story.

Andrea · 21 November 2007 · Chapter 25: The Chanter's Tune

“See,” Merimac told his finger at length. “You’re not glued to that hole. You can move. You must move.” LOL!!! After having listened to you playing the tune, I know exactly what Mac means be saying this ;-) There's a lot of finger movement envolved, and I think you play it very well. And once again I laughed out loud when I found out that Mac had only left the room to sit down right in front of it and wait for his brother to come out and apologise. That's Mac! Thank you, Lily!

Author's reply

Yes, loads of finger movement - and quick movement. Mine are still too slow at times (especially when I do anything but cut the note) and the "you're not glued to the hole" comes from a conversation between me and my fingers :p I tell them that every time I practice :p Mac had only left the room to sit down right in front of it and wait for his brother to come out and apologise I think Mac was more hurt than he lets show, though. And I don't think he knew where to go.... besides, he would want to stay with his brother. Too much fun between the arguments :) Thanks a lot!

Larner · 20 November 2007 · Chapter 25: The Chanter's Tune

Ah, my stepfather had trained to become a concert pianist, although he at last turned instead to airplane maintenance--don't ask me why. To listen to us playing scales and tunes--badly--on his beloved Baldwin Grand Prix must have driven him to this kind of distraction. Now I'll have to listen to the sound file. Thanks for a wonderful tale.

Author's reply

*grins* Well, you can't make a piano sound as bad as a whistle blown with too much/too little air or with holes badly covered. So, Saradoc had a point (and probably everybody else who ever asked me to shut up and practice when nobody is home). Thanks a lot for reading!

Andrea · 10 November 2007 · Chapter 24: Of Pranks and Experiments

Oh, Lily! I just can't stop laughing! This is really priceless! I think, Merimac deserved what happened to him! What a cruel experiment. And in front of Esme! But the best part was this: “You know that you were worse than the two of them put together, do you?” Saradas pointed out as he followed his nephew with his eyes. ROTFL!!! Despite their wishes I think that the sons of Sara and Mac inherited *everything* ;-) Thank you for this wonderful story! P.S.: "Whitelist" is working!

Author's reply

Thanks a lot, dear. Despite their wishes I think that the sons of Sara and Mac inherited *everything* Well, they still turend out to be wonderful sons though :) BTW: there is a special treat in this story readers from Schicksalsjahre might notice but I guess I have hidden it really well :) If you want to know what I mean, e-mail me. :)

Larner · 9 November 2007 · Chapter 24: Of Pranks and Experiments

Ah, dear--adolescents and how development can be used--and abused--in order to put things over on one another! Ah, Lily--this is PRICELESS! Wonderful!

Author's reply

I actually don't know who of the two I feel sorrier for. Or whether it should be Menegilda who should earn my compassion :) Thanks a lot for reading!

Andrea · 31 August 2007 · Chapter 23: Nursing

How sweet :) So, even Merimac gets exhausted sometimes! Who would have thought, LOL! But only Beri found out and he will keep his father's secret as safe as little Bluebell. And Mantha will be right proud of her family.

Author's reply

Yes, even a Merimac Brandybuck doesn't have endless strength - though he probably wouldn't admit it readily. But Adamanta can still be proud of him - and of her son :)

Dreamflower · 31 August 2007 · Chapter 23: Nursing

Aww...this one is so sweet! I love the image of Merimac all cuddled up with the little one! And Berilac was very sweet at the end, as well, tucking up his dad and sister.

Author's reply

I love the image of Merimac all cuddled up with the little one! I've wanted to write something like this ever since all this Merimac business began a little over a year ago. I think Berilac took pity in his father since he knows what a handful Bluebell can be. Of course, he also loves his sister a lot :) Thanks a lot for reading.

Larner · 31 August 2007 · Chapter 23: Nursing

Aw, what a wonderful, caring moment. And love Beri's thoughts on the situation.

Author's reply

Thanks a lot! It's a rare thing to see Merimac alone with his children.

Larner · 4 July 2007 · Chapter 22: Penny Buns or The Straw Hat Chronicles Part I

A wonderful combination--mushrooms, a wilful pony, and brothers arguing over hats! A worthwhile giggle!

Author's reply

Thank you, dear!