Tigger
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 7: The Slate Wiped Clean
Uh oh...A hungry Aragorn, that's not good. ;o) Can't blame him though. I could have sworn I could smell those roasted potatoes myself. Oh well...By this time tomorrow, I'll have all the corners full after my own family's Thankgiving Dinner, so...:o)
I have the feeling this is the end to this one, but what a happy, fluffy end if it is. I loved Ivy winning the Best in Show in Sewing at the Fair. After everything they had been through, that was just a perfect way to end the summer. I also loved Frodo's butterfly bonnet and "Missus Fodo" was just too cute!! Tongues wagging indeed...LOL!!!
I can't wait for your next story Baggins Babe. This is just such a wonderful universe w/a happy and healed Frodo in it to share it all. Sigh...:o) Yes, a lovely fluffy way to spend a frosty October night. Surrounded by hobbits at a bonfire w/a meal roasting it. Who could ask for more!?! :oD
Author's reply
Oh no, this is not the end! There are at least two more chapters - I have some more surprises in store yet! :-))
Ah yes, Frodo with a butterfly bonnet! Couldn't resist it! As for 'Missus Fodo.....' what did the old gossips of Hobbiton and Bywater make of the Bag End domestic arrangements, I wonder?
As you say, who could ask for more than happy hobbits and a feast? I just wonder if smells were transmitted via the Palantir?
Happy Thanksgiving. How did you get on in Toronto?
Author Reply: Hi Tigger,
Just re-reading your lovely reviews and realised I haven't heard from you since you went to Toronto - you seem to have missed the latest chapter. Hope everything is going well with you. It's not the same without a Tigger review!
shirebound
· 7 October 2006
· Chapter 7: The Slate Wiped Clean
How wonderful. This could have been a perfect "The End", with such joy and plenty and hope for the future. And... I'm just starving now! Your descriptions of food and produce make me just drool and want to raid the kitchen.
and the day ended with all the produce being sorted and taken round to poor families and anyone who was ill or needed extra cheering.
What a lovely custom, in the Shire -- or anywhere at all.
He took their hands."You are my family, my dearest brother and sister, and your love has made me whole again."
"Good they can be amused so easily, lass," Sam murmured as he stood on the stoop with his arm round Rose's waist.
"Frodo, the children or the cats?" She turned her face to his and grinned as he swivelled her to and fro.
"All of 'em. Look at him - he looks nearly as young as he did before the Quest. And he has something carefree about him now. I always said love could work miracles."
"So you did, my clever Sam."
"Clever? I suppose I must be - I chose the best wife and the best master in the whole of Middle-earth."
*happy sigh*
Author's reply
Never fear, this isn't quite 'The End' yet. I still have plans for our hobbits, and for the Sandyman family. Having too much fun with this one to let it go just yet.
Glad you enjoyed the fluff - always nice to spend time with happy hobbits.
Bodkin
· 25 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
I suppose Rose is the best person for the job. Certainly for Ivy's benefit.
You can't help but feel sorry for Ted Sandyman in a way. He was such a total loser. Not nice - but nobody will really miss him at all, except to sigh with relief that he's not around any more.
Author's reply
I think Rose is the best person to break the news - and you're right about Ted. He does deserve our pity because no one will miss him. What an awful legacy to leave.
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
Yes, our Sam does indeed nod sagely! Dear, sweet Sam, and gentle Frodo. And the family is there to support Ivy as is needed.
Author's reply
Sam is sweet and wise and a wonderful Mayor. I enjoy writing the Sandyman family and I'm sure the Bag End residents would be supportive.
Larner
· 22 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
And so Ted denied himself the chance for redemption in this life. Poor, poor Ted; and I wish no one had been forced to see or experience such a thing. And trust Frodo to seek to ease the child.
Author's reply
Poor Ted indeed, and it was not pleasant for anyone to witness this, but Pip was both brave and clear-headed and Frodo's first concern would always be the innocent victim.
demeter d
· 21 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Go on, Sam, we will wash up and turn out the lights....Gee, what good friends. But then they stand there and discuss poor Sam's love life and future children! Course, only really good friends who had gone through so much together would dare talk like that. A nice bit of fore-shadowing, that, as Pippin, the father of new-born Faramir asks what Sam's little Goldilocks will be like! For awhile there, it does seem like this is still the old Pippin, as the newly wed father of a new lad asks "what sparkle?"But your shocking ending left no doubt that Captain Peregrin of the King's Personal Guard has grown, indeed. Neatly through the spine was a quicker death than the author gave him who had him beaten to death by the men who had once been his companions. Not only would his father and uncle Saradoc be proud of him, but I am sure the members of the Fellowship who taught him to use that sword would be beaming, too. The movie had Aragorn putting on Boromir's vambraces to symbolize taking up the work that Boromir's hands would have done. I think the noble Captain of Gondor, whom Pippin described as kind, would have been quite proud of the young guardsman who protects the weak as he would have done.
Author's reply
I imagine hobbits would discuss that sort of thing - Sam is family after all, so they feel they can. Hobbits are such a wonderfully practical people.
I couldn't resist a little bit of foreshadowing - this baby will be Pip's future daughter-in-law. :-))
Yes, Captain Peregrin has grown indeed - he has learned his lessons well and Boromir would be very proud of him.
A more merciful end for Sandyman that Dreamflower gave him in 'The Road to Edoras' but he still had to go. Now we shall find out what hapens to his family.........
Kitty
· 21 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
Very sensible of Sam to send Rosie this letter, so she could tell Ivy and her children properly, instead of her finding out through the gossip. Well, he's Mayor for a reason.
Quite a nasty shock for poor Ivy, though I'd say she is much better off without her husband. And I am glad she doesn't hold it against Pippin what he did. Oh, and it was absolutely sweet that little Violet asked them to tell Pippin he was still nice. I remember the overly shy little lass from the beginning only too well and am glad she got over her fear enough to say something like that. How good that Ted will *never* be able to hurt her or her siblings or mother again.
Glad to know Frodo wasn't too affected by all that, and hopefully the same goes for Pippin. He may have killed orcs, but I think it is entirely another matter to have to kill a fellow hobbit, even if he truly had no choice.
Teddy let out a deep breath. "Well I'm sorry ..........that I'm not sorry........if you know what I mean?" That describes it perfectly. One *should* be sorry a hobbit was killed, but who *can* feel sorry for *this* hobbit? Teddy shouldn't worry overmuch about this, as I think he is not the only one to think so.
And I am impressed - Teddy is very mature and I am sure he is a great help to his mother just now. Poor guy, he so deserves a *proper* father. Now all we need is another husband for Ivy, one who is nice to the children and is able to give them what they need. Teddy's wistful words about the way Frodo, Sam and Jeb are acting around the children in comparison to his own father is so telling.
Author's reply
Full of common sense, our Sam! He's definitely a good choice as Mayor.
Violet has changed beyond all recognition after a few months living near Bag End and experiencing the loving nature of Frodo, Sam, Rose and the other neighbours.
Pip did not do it lightly - in the next chapter he will voice his feelings.
Teddy is a sweet lad, mature for his age, as children in that sort of family often have to be, and we shall have to see what happens next for the Sandyman family.
harrowcat
· 21 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
Yes there is always an aftermath to these things and I am just glad to see that this is mostly positive. A friendless funeral is a sad sight indeed. However, I have just been to the funeral of a gentleman called Liam who died after 51 years of marriage and the church was full to near overflowing. A wonderfully heart-warming sight.
Author's reply
Yes, it is often at a funeral when one realises just how much that person was loved - or not, in Ted's case, but at least a few hobbits were there to support his family.
Althea
· 20 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
I've enjoyed reading this. Even though the story includes death and violence, there is still a happy domesticity that permiates much of the action. I enjoy reading about life in the Shire and how the Hobbits conduct themselves in good times and bad. I am glad that Frodo did not suffer a setback as a result of Ted's death, and it is good to find out that Ted's wife and children hold no grudge against Pippin.
Author's reply
I think the hobbits would always try to strike a balance and domesticity is what they do best.
I think Frodo is back on an even keel and not likely to react so extremely now.
As for Ivy, she is too relieved to bear a grudge - she is free for the first time since the day she married.
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
I am so glad that Frodo *is* being sensible about this. It shows that he really and truly has relinquished every bit of the hold the Ring had over him, if he is able to to that.
Pippin's receiving a lot of support, and a new baby will help. Still even in spite of that, I am sure that it will weigh on him some to know he's killed another hobbit.
I'm also glad that Sandyman's children are going to be able to put him behind them at last!
This has been a very interesting story--I look forward to the wind-up.
Author's reply
Frodo is back to being his reasonable self, thankfully. He has relinquished the Ring's hold at last. I think Pippin will feel badly about it - he's a sweetie and is bound to regret that it happened.
Probably another couple of chapters to go, and lots happening. *winks*
Thanks for the feedback!
Queen Galadriel
· 20 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
Well, I'm glad this brought no ill to anyone else (Frodo, Ivy), but Teddy is right. It's so sad that Ted had no friends, was loved by no one. Not that he deserved friends, but it's still so sad.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
It is very sad - people like Ted reject every outstretched hand and eventually others stop trying.
I didn't want it to affect anyone too badly (you know me, I can write angst but prefer not to if I can help it).
SurgicalSteel
· 20 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
Very nicely handled - especially the way the adults explained things to the children.
Author's reply
Thank you - so glad you're enjoying.
Explaining something like this to the children must be difficult but hobbits are a practical and loving people.
Now we shall see what happens next.........
shirebound
· 20 September 2006
· Chapter 6: Aftermath
Rose agreed. "That sort of thinking is what the Ring did to Frodo, even after it was destroyed. Repeating the words of Sauron to make him think he was guilty. Don't you go allowing Ted's poison to affect the rest of your life - or the children's."
****
"I think I was terrified that if any hobbits were killed by their kin it would mean the Quest had all been for nothing..."
This is a very delicately and beautifully written chapter, BB, and I doubt it was easy to write. You should be very proud of yourself. *gives you a hug*
Author's reply
*hugs back* Thank you! It was a tricky one but I wanted to convey Frodo's feelings, and I think he has now let go of his guilt and can be reasonable about such things.
Now we shall see what other plans the wicked author has for the Sandyman family......
Author Reply: *hugs back* Thank you! It was a tricky one but I wanted to convey Frodo's feelings, and I think he has now let go of his guilt and can be reasonable about such things.
Now we shall see what other plans the wicked author has for the Sandyman family......
Bodkin
· 13 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Well - Ted Sandyman was a most deserving recipient of his fate and at least his family won't have to worry about his coming back to torment them. And Aragorn won't have to waste disproportionate amounts of royal time trying to rehabilitate the hobbit and make him less of a pest.
Author's reply
Yes, Ted is one of those people who won't be helped because they're so full of self-pity they can't see anything else.
His family will probably feel relief more than anything else, and Aragorn's time will be better spent helping those more willing to change.
We shall see what other changes are in store for the Sandyman family
Andrea
· 12 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Wow! That was unexpected!
"That sort of carry-on belongs to orcs and the servants of Mordor."
I fully agree! Although, if you had asked me who I'd expect to be the murderer of Sandyman, I'd never have thought of Pippin, Merry maybe, but never his little cousin.
Pippin is shocked himself, naturally, as are Frodo and Merry. But he was on duty and did this to protect the hobbits of the Shire, especially that little child. Brave hobbit!
P.S.: Last weekend I received a very nice gift from an aunt I hadn't seen for a long time. It was a set of tea towels - with roses on them! What a coincidence ;-)
Author's reply
I felt that it would somehow be expected of Merry - much more of a shock to have Pippin do the deed, but he will be Thain one day and has learned from Aragorn that leaders must sometimes take difficult decisions and carry out unpleasant tasks. Our little Pip has learned well.
Tea towels with roses on? How appropriate. ;-))
Queen Galadriel
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Oh my word! He's...dead. Ted Sandyman...Oh wow. But I think they're right-he must have been insane at the end, to just snatch up a child he'd never seen before and threaten to kill her. What a thing to do! I'm anxious, though, to hear what Aragorn will say about this. Undoubtedly he will praise Pippin's action-for it was right. I wouldn't say so if it had been for any other reason, but Ted just took things several steps too far, and then to threaten a child who was just a year or two out of babyhood! Wicked thing. But how will his family react?
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I think - I hope - that Ted's family will forgive Pip and will understand why he had to act as he did. Probably the overwhelming feeling will be one of relief. Ivy no longer has to look over her shoulder or jump at a knock on the door.
Aragorn will be proud of Pippin for acting so decisively and saving a child's life. Sometimes a leader must take action or make unpalatable decisions, as the King knows only too well.
harrowcat
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Wow! Poor Pippin. I am glad that the verdict on what he did is totally unanimous. to quote Dreamflower
In a way, I'm sorry--I would have liked to see what punishment Elessar could have devised for Ted, but let's face it, Sandyman really does not meet a good fate in anybody's universe...
Except I would say that he does not MERIT a good fate....
I feel sorry for him in sort of the same way that I feel sorry for Gollum. Neither of them nice people from the very beginning and sunk rather than risen against their natural tendancies
Author's reply
It is difficult to feel much pity for Ted, and I'm sure the Shirefol are on Pip's side over this. Ted never suffers a nice fate in anyone universe!
Kitty
· 11 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
After the character death warning in the summary I had guessed the outcome. Well, it's not a great loss for the rest of the world, isn't it?
On the one hand it would have been interesting to see what Aragorn would have done with Ted, but on the other hand, I am glad he was spared the trouble. Somehow I doubt Ted would have learned his lesson, considering what even Frodo thought about Aragorn's reaction to him. And I certainly had felt sorry for the rangers who would have had to escort him to Minas Tirith.
Well, Ted proved once again he is a hopeless case, and they were rather patient with him in spite of his behaviour. As if being drunk is any excuse for attempted murder *grumble*
And the end ... well, he asked for it, and I think Pip had every right to kill him, as he would have tormented the little girl even if they had agreed to give him money and pony as long as he held her captive and maybe even killed her in the end. Pippin thought it through very well and fast and really acted with great presence of mind, and his father and the others are right to be proud of him.
It was so very typical of Frodo to take the little girl and buy her something to distract her from the shock. Well done!
Now I wonder what Ivy will say. Somehow I suppose she will be glad to be rid of her husband and to never have to worry again about him.
Author's reply
You're right, they were very patient with Ted - much more patient than Aragorn would have been, i think.
Ted probably would have killed that child anyway - he is not rational by thie stage, very unstable and unable to distinguish fact from fiction. He has spent years convincing himself that he is hard done by and that everyone is against him - which is a self-fulfilling prophecy.
I think Ivy will be relieved. We shall see very soon.......
Dreamflower
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Oh my! That was abrupt! I wasn't expecting anything like that! Wow! Poor Pippin! I know he knows he did the right thing, but it has to be horribly hard for him to have actually killed another hobbit! I'm sure it will bring his nightmares back for a while!
In a way, I'm sorry--I would have liked to see what punishment Elessar could have devised for Ted, but let's face it, Sandyman really does not meet a good fate in anybody's universe...
Wow!
Author's reply
I was wondering where you were - haven't heard from you on the last chapter of 'Birthday Surprises' yet and I posted it on Friday. Perhaps your notification is wandering in cyberspace!
I think Pip will find it a little difficult but the praise from his father will help and I'm sure Aragorn will be quick to reassure him that he did the right thing. Fortunately he has lots to distract him, with a new baby and a new little second cousin on the way.
Hmmmmm I wonder if anyone has ever attempted a 'poor misunderstood Ted' story...........? ;-))
Tigger
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
Good riddance to bad rubbish indeed. Only Sandyman and ITA w/Frodo. He was insane in the end, but he also was no hobbit in the end either. Only an Orc or servant of evil would *ever* attempt to harm a child. Even if they had given Sandyman what he wanted, he still would have harmed that faunt. That's the way he was.
I do regret we're not going to see Aragorn try to take on Ted, but not all that much. I think our favourite hobbits were right. Aragorn *would* have wanted to hit his head against a wall in The Citadel after only the first five minutes w/Ted.
Well done indeed to our Pipsqueak!! :oD Pip still may be at times the same irrepressible Pippin before The Quest, he showed the hobbits once again the journey has turned him into a Captain of Gondor in more than name. He saved the little one and proved he can think quickly and properly in a crisis when the safety of hobbits and/or The Shire is at stake. The added praise from his father that his actions showed true leadership and clear thinking...I think the only other person that wasn't there that Pippin would cherish those words from more would be Aragorn.
Great chapter BB!! Why do I have a feeling Aragorn *was* looking once again on The Shire through the Palantir through all of this? Looking forward to the next chapter!!
Author's reply
Pip has grown up - he is a Captain of Gondor and it was in that guise that he acted as he did, not as our cute little 'fool of a Took.' He thinks very clearly in a crisis - a trait which will stand him in good stead when he becomes Thain. His father's praise will make it easier to deal with, and Aragorn will be quick to praise his actions.
I think our favourite Ranger King would have been pounding his head on a wall after five minutes with Ted. I'm sure he was watching to see what was decided, and he would have seen it all.
shirebound
· 10 September 2006
· Chapter 5: Reckoning
"You are in uniform, in the service of the King and defending the inhabitants of the Shire from harm."
Wow, that was quite a scene. Things really have changed in the Shire, and this incident should tell folks, once and for all, that there will be no ruffian-like behavior tolerated.
Ten minutes later she skipped back to her mother, her fright forgotten, clutching some new hair ribbons, a furry cat and a large bag of sweets.
I love that. Such compassion and thoughtfulness.
Author's reply
Frodo knows, better than anyone, just what memories can do, and he would have wanted to give the little faunt a happy memory to help her over such an unpleasant experience. He is full of compassion.
Pip has shown once again that under that joking, bantering, food-loving facade is a very quick-thinking and capable hobbit who will be a great leader - a leader who will not tolerate orc-like behaviour in the Shire. Leaders have to be strong and sometimes they have to make unpalatable choices. The praise from his father will mean a great deal to him.
Kitty
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Ah, what an idyllic picture, all of them picking fruits and making jams! And I am so glad Ivy joined in and Violet got to play with the others, too. As much as I despise Ted Sandyman, the family you gave him I came to love. It is good to know there is someone to look after them.
Ellie was so sweet with her concern for Meneldor’s burn! I am sure the Great Eagle was very touched by this.
. Rose and the children will make sure you obey the doctor's orders, as Ellie and Rosie-lass have been doing. Well, *now* the lasses will be even more bossy than ever *grin*
Hm ... maybe it is time Rose gets a Royal Warrant of her own, for supplying the Royal Household and the Great of the Realm with all these delicacies! Love the image of her pickles locked off in the Treasury! *lol*
Author's reply
I imagine that jam-making at Bag End would be great fun. I love the Sandyman family and I'm glad they're away from Ted.
Ellie is a lovely child and very loving - Meneldor must have been very touched by her concern.
Yes, Rose needs her own Royal Warrant - those pickles are extremely valuable if they can persuade the Haradrim to sign a treaty.
Bodkin
· 28 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Such a good way of making Ivy and her family feel comfortable and at home! And of providing them with some extra treats.
Author's reply
Rose is a smart lass, and the love in Bag End is spreading out through the Shire.
Grumpy
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Great chapter, loved that the eagles came to deliver the letter. Nice to know the the Sandyman family is being looked after.
Author's reply
All the Free peoples are uniting in sorting out the problem - lots of co-operation in the Reunited Kingdom.
The Sandyman family are in the best place.
Andrea
· 27 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Rose watched them go, grinning to herself. Her plan had worked very nicely, Ivy had spent an entire afternoon not thinking of her troubles, the children had all had a lovely time and she had a larder full of jam.
Wow! Rose is a marvel :)
And now she's also diplomatic assistant? That's great! LOL!
I think the best way to deal with Sandyman is indeed to send him to Aragorn. Who knows if he hadn't harmed someone in Bree when he had been banished from the Shire. And of course Frodo would have felt responsible and guilty for that.
But what will Aragorn do with Sandyman?
I think he needs help as well as punishment, and be assured I will do what is necessary, but no more...
That makes me really curious.
Author's reply
I really love writing Rose - well, she writes herself really. She's a very strong character.
When I began this story I was going to have Sandyman returned to Bree and banned from entering the Shire, but then I realised that if he harmed someone there Frodo would be overwhelmed with guilt.
That remark of Aragorn's means, I suspect, that he will try and find some way of punishing Ted but doing so in a way which may teach him some valuable lessons, and also will keep him off the drink. Perhaps being forced to work in the Houses of Healing or something similar will give him a jolt?
But then again, perhaps the story will take another turn or two...........