Shire Yule by Dreamflower
PIppinfan1988 · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 13: The Long Wait Begins
How sad; Bilbo knowing Frodo is spending Yule with that Thing round his neck, going toward Mordor--possibly to his death. I think you captured it all very well in Bilbo's vigil at the window. Lovely.
Author's reply
Yes, this was probably the worst Yule of Bilbo's long life. But at least he had Arwen to comfort him.
Bodkin · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
Frodo was ... delightfully naive if he thought he could dodge the sharp eye of Meriadoc Brandybuck and the loving care of his friends!
Author's reply
He was naive in some ways. But I think that what threw him off was the idea of secrecy. I see his relationship with his cousins as a very honest one, and keeping secrets among them was not something they did--it threw everything out of whack, and made Frodo miss the cues that would have tipped him off normally.
Bodkin · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
Food would come first in a hobbit Yule!
Author's reply
Naturally! 8-)
Baggins Babe · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Sleigh Ride
A lovely atmospheric chapter. What a gorgous picture this conjures up, and how sweet to see these two couples out enjoying themselves. Love the Gaffer as protective father, and Lily Cotton dealing with him in just the right way. Happy New Year!
Author's reply
I think that Sam/Rose and Tom/Marigold may have done a lot of what passed for "double-dating" in hobbit social circles. The Gaffer, it seems to me, would have been protective of his "baby girl"--but Lily's an old friend and knows just what to say.
Baggins Babe · 31 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
"What could go wrong?" Oh dear! The hobbits probably haven't heard of Murphy's Law - what can go wrong, will go wrong - but a friend of mine says Murphy was an optimist! A wonderful bit of foreshadowing here.
Author's reply
Murphy has a lot to answer for. The corollary is "Whatever can go wrong will go wrong at the worst possible moment and in the most difficult circumstances possible." A very optimistic outlook indeed, LOL!
Larner · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
Indeed--what could possibly go wrong? Except, perhaps, almost everything!
Author's reply
Exactly. It would be an interesting AU to see what would have happened if their Adventure had originally begun as Merry and Sam envisioned it...
Larner · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
A wonderful dribble indeed, my lady Dreamflower. Thank you!
Author's reply
You are very welcome! I'm so glad you liked it!
PIppinfan1988 · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
Brilliant glimpse into the pre-Conspiracy "theory". ;-) I'm glad these two were as vigilant as they were. I've always liked the friendship you portray between Sam and Merry. PF
Author's reply
Yes, a brief glimpse into carefully laid plans that went painfully awry! Sam and Merry *had* to be friends, pre-Quest. Nothing else adequately explains the Conspiracy. But I am glad you like my version of it!
PIppinfan1988 · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
I don't think we could ask for anything more hobbitier (word? lol)! Folks being lure out from under their warm and snug blankets by food, of all things. I enjoyed this lovely verse. PF
Author's reply
Yes, for a hobbit, food comes first! *grin* Well, perhaps except for family! But it's a *very* high priority! I'm so glad you liked it!
PIppinfan1988 · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Sleigh Ride
Gosh, this lovely picture reminds me of a Courier & Ives portrait. :-) I love those old pictures! LOL, and Sam is so...Sam! Excellent tale. PF
Author's reply
Well, you know the lyric in the song mentions a "picture print by Courier & Ives"! LOL! I am glad you think my Sam is so "Sam"--makes me feel very good!
Frodo Baggins · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
Ooh! I do always love your stories. I love the little foreshadowing in this. "What could go wrong?" Sadly, more than they could ever dream of. If only Frodo had been planning on going on a simple adventure. This was great. :) Namarie! And Merry Christmas a bit late, Happy Yule, and Happy New Year! :) Yours, Frodo Baggins
Author's reply
I think, actually, he was planning it--there are all sorts of hints that he might just have been going to do so, when the news of the Ring and the idea that he might *have* to leave changed everything, and made him wish not to leave at all. But sadly, he had no choice. And a Happy Hobbity Yule and New Year to you, my dear!
PIppinfan1988 · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 9: The New Year Baby
Pippin smiled down at the sleeping little one. "Happy Yule, Flora." Oh, that is such a sweet scene! For some reason, I was thinking of Alyssum rather than Flora. Probably because Alyssum is soooo cute in your other fics. :-) I enjoyed all of these wonderful glimpses into Pimpernel's life, and Pippin's excitement over becoming an uncle. Thanks for sharing! PF
Author's reply
Well, Alyssum is the one who was born the year of the Quest; Flora is two years older. But they are both adorable, I think! Pippin is just beside himself for the occasion, isn't he? I think he's very cute as a new uncle!
harrowcat · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 9: The New Year Baby
Yes Happy Yule Flora and happy Yule everyone.
Author's reply
*grin* And a Happy Yule and a lovely New Year to you!
harrowcat · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
Your Yule morn sounds so much better than the unexpected 7am start this morn when the Carer arrived to get my Mum out of bed. We had been expecting a lovely lie in as the Carer was expected after 9am! The dog told us all about her arrival! Do I dare nit pick such wonderful work and tell you that there are ten words in the second line? Err... no, perhaps I won't! *G*
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so sorry your lovely morning was interrupted! Ten? Oh dear! I'd better see what I can do--but later, as I've only a little time this morning!
harrowcat · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
What could go wrong? Well...... *wanders off quoting the opening paragraphs of FOTR.*
Author's reply
Uh, yes. Really, that's a question a body ought *never* to ask oneself--even in thought!
Pearl Took · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
Oh, well done! This is wonderful. :-)
Author's reply
Thanks!
Pearl Took · 30 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
Neat! I love the layout. Totally wonderful!
Author's reply
Thanks! I love dribbles!
Larner · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Sleigh Ride
Yes, a wonderful evening for a sleighride, and two wonderful couples to enjoy it. Lovely!
Author's reply
When I thought of it, it just seemed natural that it would be the ideal double-date for Sam/Rose and Tom/Marigold. No one else even occurred to me!
Larner · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 9: The New Year Baby
I'm so glad they followed Frodo's advice. Such a sweet birth there.
Author's reply
Yes, well, I'm fairly sure "Flora" went over a good deal better than "Lithadora" or "Turnip-blossom"! LOL!
Lindelea · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
Ahhh. Lovely. Just right for the occasion. (just back from our own little after-Christmas pre-New Year's holiday)
Author's reply
Thanks, dear! I hope you all had a lovely time!
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 12: Conspiracy Yule
Oh dear. Sam is perceptive, of course, but even with all the info he manages to get and give, it's going to be so much different than they think--the "adventure" I mean. God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Yes, it is! They have no clue as to how different it will be. And yet--if Gandalf had been delayed, oh say a few months, in bringing Frodo the news, I think things might very well have fallen out just as Merry and Sam were predicting. It's *obvious* that the Conspiracy began long *before* the dire news of the Ring, and that was entirely due to both Sam and Merry's observant natures!!
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 11: Yule Morn in the Shire
Beautiful. Mmmm...first breakfast sounds delicious...:) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Hobbit food always does! I often make myself hungry when I write about hobbits!
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Sleigh Ride
This could have been written off the song! (Or was it? *grins*) So nice and peaceful. This was my favourite bit: She was right fond of Mr. Frodo herself, and she'd never say a word against him, knowing as how Sam thought he hung the Moon... LOL! Square on the head! :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Well--yes, actually, it *was* inspired by the song. I listened to it the other day, and thought how hobbity the whole thing sounded! Rose is a very intelligent lass! *grin*
Queen Galadriel · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 9: The New Year Baby
This may be my favourite so far, maybe because it reminds me of all the reasons I love your fic! :) The first snippet shows the peace of Shire life so beautifully, I think, just through the little things. I love the cousins' reunion; I don't understand Hyacinth's logic at all (what reason would Pearl possibly have to be *upset*?); and the discussion of names is lovely! Frodo's gift is very nice, and I love the inclusion of the "twelve-mile cousin"! :) Poor Merry, it would be hard not to be a *little* jealous. Oh, awesome that Pippin and Paridot used their music to help themselves and Pimpernel! I personally love it when I get to put my own to good use. :) And the end was just perfect! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Why thank you, dear! I wanted the first part, mainly to get Sam in, for you know I love all four of our lads! But I liked showing Frodo's fond reaction to the news. Hyacinth? Since when has logic anything to do with it? She's just a nasty back-stabber, and since she's that sort, she likes to think maybe Pearl will be jealous of her sister's pregnancy. Poppycock! of course! Frodo follows Bilbo's custom of new and expensive birthday gifts, and coming from him, the "twelve mile cousin" thing is a bit of a joke, for he'd never count the miles when gifting those he loves--but it's a Shire saying, after all! LOL! Well, Merry misses his cousins when they aren't around, and it's not unnatural for him to be an eensy bit jealous of something that would keep Pippin away! But he's very self-aware, and he knows such jealousy is silly, so it doesn't last long. And Auntie Peridot knew exactly how the music would help--she's a very perceptive old hobbitess! Thanks!
Antane · 29 December 2006 · Chapter 10: Sleigh Ride
If only everyone could be as gentle as Sam - truly loving and respectful. The world has a lot to learn from hobbits! Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Sam might have been a working class hobbit, but he was always noble of heart! (And I must say, I agree. The world would be a lot better place if it were run like the Shire.)