PIppinfan1988
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 4: The Moon on the Breast of the New-Fallen Snow
Ooooh! This was great! This is a story that I would have loved a wider glimpse of the bigger picture--but that's just me being greedy. :-P It's a wonderful story just the way it is. :-) Thanks for sharing it!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I tried it first as a single drabble, but it was far too sparse--I think it worked better as a double. I just had this picture of them in the snowy moonlight--it seemed just right.
I was imagining the two Rangers encountering a pack of wargs east of the Shire, and managing to kill all but the one they had to pursue into the Shire.
PIppinfan1988
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 3: Merry Yule
I remember feeling like Dahlia during the holidays when I was stationed overseas, so I almost needed a hanky when I read this heartwarming tale. Frodo is such a thoughtful little lad!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Frodo *is* thoughtful and kind-hearted, and he adores Merry, so of course he'd have a soft spot for Merry's nursemaid. Poor Dahlia, she was young and homesick, but her two lads cheered her up!
PIppinfan1988
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Out of the Dark: First Yule S.R. 1380
Oh, I can see young Frodo having difficulties leaving the darkness behind, having used it as a protective shield against the great lonliness he must have felt. Bless his little heart!
Excellent!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Sometimes being in the darkness is a soothing thing, and yet, ultimately it does not bring peace--only the light can do that.
PIppinfan1988
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Frodo's Very First Yule
Awesome! I, too, think that it was love at first sight between Bilbo and little Frodo, and this was a perfect example.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I think it was. I am quite sure that Bilbo adored Frodo from his earliest infancy! I think in many ways it was much the same way Frodo felt about Merry, and that Frodo *and* Merry felt about Pippin!
Andrea
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Seasonal Advice
You may also feel safe in inviting Togo and Betony Banks. I know that they have already Received and Accepted Invitations to the Great Smials this year.
LOL!!! This is really great, Dreamflower! It's very easy to be polite if you have received enough information to be on the safe side ;-)
I liked all your Yule stories here, in particular the story about Merry's nursemaid. It was very nice of Frodo to give her a present, and she will treasure it for years to come, I think.
I'm looking forward to reading more :)
Author's reply
Miss Dora is a sharp one, isn't she, LOL?
I'm glad you are enjoying them. The one with baby Merry was not originally intended to be from Dahlia's POV, but she just took over! And I think you are right about the present.
SlightlyTookish
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Seasonal Advice
*giggles* This is wonderful! I so love Dora's distinct voice!
Author's reply
She *does* have a Way with Words, doesn't she? LOL!
GamgeeFest
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Seasonal Advice
LOL. Poor Daisy and Griffo. Life with Folco was never dull at least. Potion to grow hair? hehehe Announcing the bun in the over, at the poor lass's wedding! Oh dear. Really, they should just gag him whenever they're in public. ;)
Author's reply
Well, that's what the flute was for--anytime he opens his mouth, his parents or Freddy can say "play something for us, Folco!" Kind of hard to put his foot in his mouth when it's occupied with the flute--and by the time he finishes playing, he's forgotten whatever indescretion he was going to make.
The bits referred to Ch. 6 of "A New Reckoning", when Freddy reminisces about Folco--those were some of his less forgiving relatives, I'm afraid, although I'm sure most of his kin grew accustomed to his outspokenness eventually.
GamgeeFest
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 4: The Moon on the Breast of the New-Fallen Snow
A good theory on why wargs never entered the Shire again. Too bad they couldn't join in on the festivities though and have to take shelter in a cave.
Author's reply
I think the Rangers kept a strict eye out! I imagined that they had encountered a pack of the things on the eastern shore of the Brandywine, and killed all but one, that managed to escape across the River, so they had to chase it down.
Well, they didn't want the hobbits to know they were there--it would have defeated the purpose of a "secret" watch, to have it known by all and sundry, LOL!
GamgeeFest
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 3: Merry Yule
Aww! How sweet of Frodo to give Dahlia a gift and to let her know that he considers her a friend. Just like something Frodo would do. Even at that age, he was ever thoughtful. Baby!Merry is adorable.
Author's reply
Frodo's a sweet lad, and he had to appreciate all her efforts for his beloved little cousin.
I think of Merry as one of these cheerful babies who laugh and smile a lot--I saw one in the post office today that made me think of him. He was just giggling and squealing--soooo cute!
harrowcat
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Seasonal Advice
I am sometimes tempted to think that Yuletide is cause for more 'difficulties' than it is worth. Not true I know but there are two 'terratorial' ladies who work in our office who are making me want to hide in a corner and not emerge until the Spring. I could use Aunt Dora's Advice. Now there is a grin! Aunt Dora as the Agony Aunt of the Shire!
Author's reply
Well, you know, that's pretty much the role I've envisioned for her, simply from the description in "A Long-Expected Party"--she'd obviously been writing reams of advice for decades! I see her as rather a cross between "Dear Abby" and "Miss Manners", LOL!
Bodkin
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 5: Seasonal Advice
I wonder if the Invitation was Tendered after Daisy knew that Aunt Dora was off to Brandy Hall - like that to be offered to various other Worthies. Possibly not - it sounds as if Daisy might actually be fond of her aunt, who seems fairly tolerant of Folco's ability to place his foot firmly in his mouth.
Her fashion advice is rather tart, though - as is her opinion of her brother's desire for attention. Probably true though - people like Aunt Dora would be far less annoying if they weren't right most of the time.
Author's reply
Daisy *is* fond of Aunt Dora, who helped to raise her, and with whom she lived until her marriage. I think she would have liked her aunt to be there. Miss Dora is fond of Folco, in spite of his unfortunate tendencies, and that goes a long way with his mother. His flute lessons were Dora's idea, after all!
"Tart" describes her advice there, all right. But she *is* right most of the time, and she knows it, LOL!
Bodkin
· 9 December 2006
· Chapter 4: The Moon on the Breast of the New-Fallen Snow
The Rangers are unsung heroes, really. Doing good and doing it in silence. Still - Aragorn is right! It is all worth it in the long run. I'm sure Halbarad would agree even if he knew how it would end for him.
Author's reply
Yes, they were definitely unsung heroes. But they knew what they were doing. That line of Aragorn's, that I quote, I've often thought had the sound of something he had told himself often, to remind himself of why he was doing what he did.
And Halbarad did know he was going to his death when he entered the Paths of the Dead, and it did not deter him a bit. So, yes, I think he would have agreed.
PIppinfan1988
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 0: Foreword
This looks to be very interesting! I remember reading Yule Among the Beornings not long ago--and I recall it being a very warm Yule story. :-) I don't remember Brandy Hall, Hearthside at Yule, so I shall take a look at that one before I go on.
You have a lovely way of putting magic into your Yule tales, so I'm looking forward to these gems of yours. Unfortunately, it's late at night and I have to be up early, so will continue on tomorrow. Hmmm...a nice glass of egg nog (non-alcoholic!) will go great with reading these. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I hope you got a nice rest, dear, and enjoy the tales--I don't often get reviews of a "Foreword", LOL!
Armariel
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 4: The Moon on the Breast of the New-Fallen Snow
A lovely little collection. I think I like the last one best. Those poor rangers, out in the cold on Yuletide, I'd have invited them in!
~~~{~@
Author's reply
Yes, poor rangers indeed! But they didn't want the hobbits to know they were there--otherwise I am sure the hobbits of Scary *would* have done so!
Larner
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 3: Merry Yule
Oh, yes, trust Frodo to remember Dahlia on Second Yule! And her first picture to ever receive! I hope that in years to come she continues to treasure it.
Author's reply
And you showed so beautifully that she *did* in fact do so! I have to thank you again--it always gives me a warm fuzzy to know something of mine inspired another writer.
Larner
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Out of the Dark: First Yule S.R. 1380
Yes, I can certainly understand such a scene. I wonder if it was anything like this for my brother the first Christmas after our dad died when he was so small. I don't remember, of course, for I was only a baby.
But Frodo was old enough to need and accept the comforting in this manner.
Author's reply
It's very hard to lose a parent at such a young age, as I know, and it casts a pall over everything that comes after, for a good long while. And for Frodo, who lost them *both* and in such a horrid and traumatic matter, it was pivotal.
Bilbo fortunately knew when to push a bit. Saradoc and Esmeralda were just a little *too* cautious of his feelings.
Larner
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Frodo's Very First Yule
Oh, what a wonderful picture--Bilbo holding a laughing infant Frodo, Frodo reaching out to take the silver rattle (undoubtedly obtained through the Dwarves, of course! Heh!), and Primula looking at both of them triumphant and happy, having two of her three favorite Bagginses right there, both of them delighted with Frodo's Yule gift!
Author's reply
I thought it rather sweet myself! I love laughing babies!
harrowcat
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 4: The Moon on the Breast of the New-Fallen Snow
“Hobbits by their very nature lend joy and cheer to a world grown cold and dangerous. Somehow, I know in my heart that one day our careful watch over them will be rewarded beyond all our expectations.”
And it was rewarded. Not least by the joy and cheer they continue to give through Authors such as your good self.!
Author's reply
*grin*
They do give us so much joy and cheer. I just love hobbits, and can't get enough of them.
harrowcat
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 3: Merry Yule
Frodo is so kind and caring to make Yule a happier time for everyone.
Author's reply
Kind and caring are part of Frodo's very nature--he's always thoughtful of others' feelings.
harrowcat
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 2: Out of the Dark: First Yule S.R. 1380
Oh, *sniff. REaches for one of Bilbo's hankies too!*
Author's reply
Yes, this had to be poor Frodo's hardest Yule ever, his first without his parents, and him so young!
harrowcat
· 8 December 2006
· Chapter 1: Frodo's Very First Yule
A very great reward. Certainly equal to a silver rattle!