I really enjoyed this! I first read the first two parts to this 'universe' and then these first three chapters. Oh, what a wonderful idea you have here. It's nice to see Frodo healed and to have the way to Valinor open to going back and forth... how fun! I'm looking forward to the next chapters.
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so *glad* you like my "Eucatastrophe-verse"! I have so much fun there, and really, it would have been possible with only just a *few* little tiny changes in the way things happened...LOL!
I'm having good fun incorporating these into my challenge stories. Chapter two and three had to include the sentence "What am I going to do with you?" and some sort of "cultural exchange". My elements for the next chapter are going to be a bit more challenging, but a good deal of fun!!
Kitty
· 7 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
What a difference to the first time they rode to Bree! No barrow-wights and no Nazgul, a leisurely pace and sunshine! I want to take my pony and ride with them :-)
And it's nice to see Eradan and Mellor again and have them accompany the hobbits at least for some time. It certainly means some interesting stories. Was fascinated by the shaped potatoes - never heard something like that! I love the way you included this old recipe in the story.
Author's reply
Yes, it *is* quite a difference! And this is a very good idea, as well. While Frodo is healed, this is a chance for him to lay his memories to rest, to see what things are like now that the Shadow has gone--thanks to him! I'm quite sure that's what Gandalf had in mind when he encouraged Frodo to do this.
It would be fun to go with them wouldn't it?
I'm very fond of Mellor and Eradan, so it was nice to get a chance to have them in another story.
I'd never heard of such a thing either until I saw that old recipe! It tickled me pink--and I just knew it was something hobbits needed to encounter!
Queen Galadriel
· 6 February 2007
· Chapter 3: Part 3
Oh, how nice to have some Rangers along for the fun! Potatoes cut into the shapes of wooden shoes, how charming. Yes, I can well imagine what Sam would say to that. In fact, it might be quite amusing to see Hobbits--the folk who wear no shoes except at great need--try to make them. :)
Oh, but he was having fun!
And so am I! I was delighted to find this update waiting for me this afternoon. Oh, and I wondered if little Frodo-lad might be at the bottom of Frodo's closeness. *grins*
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Wasn't that a cute recipe? *snicker* I could just imagine the anonymous cook frustrated at her wooden shoes that looked like "galoshes", *giggle*
Indeed--he's scheduled to be born early the following year, so Frodo thought he'd better let Sam and Rose have a little "alone" time, LOL!
Kitty
· 6 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Finally an update! You know, a month is rather long if one is waiting for something ;-(
You're right - Rosamunda is another very good reason for Merry to go with Frodo. She must be rather unbearable at the moment. And Estella is a very intelligent and decent lass to think it is a good idea to send Merry to Imladris with his cousins.
Well, I hope they are truly back in time for the wedding, because I don't want to think about what Rosamunda would say *grin*
And I want to see what I missed from Bree to Rivendell, I want to enjoy the journey, not feel as though I am fleeing from danger into more danger. How wonderful to hear something like this from Frodo! I love this changed, carefree Frodo so much, and I am sure the same goes for his cousins. They will miss Sam, though, but as I have already read the next chapter at the Challenge site, I see the reason ;-)
Author's reply
*chuckle* Yes, well, it wasn't *originally* meant to be so long. But it's nice to have it kind of spaced out for me like that--means I can take my time with each chapter.
Rosamunda is not so bad, really, but she's got her mind set on the fanciest wedding possible, and as Merry *is* the heir to Buckland, Esmeralda is rather more in agreement with her than not. Pippin and Estella both know it's sometimes better for the groom to just get the heck out of Dodge, so to speak! LOL!
Frodo *always* keeps his promises.
Yes, Frodo is now more carefree than he's been since he found out what the Ring was, and definitely happier than he'd been since the Quest--and his cousins are glad to see that.
Sneaky! *grin* But you have to admit it's a pretty *good* reason. ;-)
Queen Galadriel
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Softly, they sang it through again as they passed up the lane to their little house. Merry lit the lantern that hung beside the doorpost, as Pippin unlocked
the door.
Pippin smiled as he opened it. It always gave him a little feeling of pride, this round blue door on their very own house. He turned to Merry. "What do
you say to a cup of tea and bite to eat before bed?"
Ah, so cozy I wish I could be there, instead of here where it's dreary and cold out and I have studying waiting for me. :)
"Besides," and here he smiled mysteriously, "I had my own reasons as well for forbidding him
to come."
"Which were?" asked Pippin curiously.
"My own." And he began to pay close attention to the bowl in his hands.
*chuckles* I dare say Pippin, Merry, Sam, and Fatty make a fine team of conspirators, but it should be taken into account that Frodo is related to and was
partially raised by Bilbo and...who *knows* what this means! *grins* I agree with Pippin! This is all so wonderful! And to see dear Frodo so much himself...well,
I cried. :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I've always loved the idea of Crickhollow--such a cozy little place, it always appealed to me even more than Bag End.
Yes, Frodo did learn well how to keep his own counsel! LOL! But the next chapter is from *his* POV, so you will learn *then* what his very special reason is!
elanor winterflowers
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Here is much happiness, the literal incarnation of "what might have been!" It is quite heartwarming to see it play out--and to see Frodo happy and well again. I'm a little worried, though:
"Of COURSE I'll have you back in time for your wedding!" Oh dear, oh dear! NOW what's going to happen? :)
Author's reply
It is fun to see Frodo all happy and healed, isn't it? *grin*
Well, we shall just have to find out, won't we? ;)
Antane
· 5 February 2007
· Chapter 2: Part 2
Well, now that is intriguing - what are Frodo's reasons for forbidding Sam to come? I'm still surprised like Pippin that Sam is letting his dear go without him and to Elves no less. But of course I understand about his 'obligations'.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
The next chapter will be Frodo's POV, so you will get a chance then to see that he has a very *good* reason for making Sam stay home. I think you will be tickled by it.
Bodkin
· 14 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
I do love the thought of the barriers coming down and the way west becoming two way traffic.
Although I think Sam would have found it harder to become the important hobbit he did in the book, if Frodo had come back and resumed his Mastery of Bag End. He might well have slotted back into being a servant - valued, doubtless, but Frodo's right-hand hobbit rather than a hobbit of substance.
I'm so behind in reviewing ...
Author's reply
Well, I do too! *grin* It seemed to me, that if (in *this* AU) the Bearers of the Three had been willing to sacrifice them to bring Sauron down, and yet were able to realize in time that the Three might *not* lose their power, then perhaps the barriers might be taken down as a reward. Of course not everyone can take the way West, in this AU any more than in canon. And not all who *go* West or are in the West are willing to go back. Still, it's nice to think it's possible.
I think Sam would very much have *tried* to do so--however, Frodo did not let him. He made Sam his Deputy Mayor while he served out his term, and he did not allow Sam to slip back into being "just" a servant.
And I apologize for being late in replying, but I only just found this review. Not all my review alerts have found their way to my new email addy.
AspenJules
· 10 January 2007
· Chapter 0: About the "Eucatastrophe" Universe
OH!!! I'm SO glad you posted these links! I'm so short of time (and lazy!, LOL) that I have had a hard time finding and figuring out what (and where to find it) to read first! I just love happy AU's where "everything sad comes untrue." I'm just finishing up the second book in a trilogy (Christopher Paolini's 'Eldest' - second in the Inheritance trilogy) and as everybody knows, the second book always ends depressingly. I can't wait to perk myself up with a nice, happy, everybody's here and healthy and happy LOTR story. Looking forward to finally getting to read it all!!
Author's reply
Well, I do hope you enjoy it all! I do love a nice happy AU myself!
harrowcat
· 10 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
I am letting you know that I love this Universe Dreamflower. But then, anyone that gives us a happy and healed Frodo is going to get my vote!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoy this. I always have a good time playing in this Universe, and getting the chance to let all the characters be as happy as possible! And it's icing on the cake to know that others love it as well!
Andrea
· 9 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Merry and Pippin exchanged astonished glances. Then Pippin grinned. “At last,” he said “a *proper* Adventure!”
At last!!! How wonderful! That was the last sign that Frodo was healed. But I especially liked the part when we saw him arrive at the Grey Havens with sparkling blue eyes and a joyful grin - through the eyes of Merry!
I'm looking forward to reading more about the "proper" adventure :)
Author's reply
Yes, the idea of going off again was indeed that last sign!
I originally did not have an especially tight POV for this opening chapter, and it was not flowing. But when I decided to tell it through Merry's eyes, it just poured right on out!
One "proper" Adventure, coming up in a month!
Kitty
· 9 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
How wonderful to have another Eucatastrophe-fic! I love them *so* much!
He ruffled Pippin’s head fondly. “Fool of a Took,” he chuckled. “As if I could be kept long away from my hobbits!” Love that line! My hobbits, indeed! Somehow I think he will visit a lot more often and longer than ever before, now that he is on holiday in Middle-earth (wonderful way to put it!)
It is a joy to see Frodo so carefree, happy and adventurous again. And I think it is a good idea to write an account of this early time in Shire history. If anyone ever does it, Frodo and the other travellers are the ones to do it, as they can ask the elves and the rangers of Arnor for help. Particularly at Imladris there have to be books about it, not to mention that the elves lived through this time.
Well, they will get a reputation as being mad, too, if they haven't already, if they now start going adventuring *grin*
But I'm sure it will take Merry's thoughts off the wedding, and that seems to be a good thing! And I can't wait for more of this new adventure!
Author's reply
I'm so glad! I do so enjoy coming up with them!
*grin* Well, while I was at it, I thought Gandalf *deserved* a vacation. He'd worked at overcoming Sauron for nearly the entire Age of the world! Some might have thought he'd take that vacation in Valinor, but I think he would rather have gone back to stay with his friends for a while! And he certainly would love to be among his hobbits again!
Yes, Frodo's original Tookish adventurous streak, temporarily quashed by the burden of the Ring, has re-awakened now. And he's curious, and a scholar--and he knows that he's got the resources to answer his questions!
Yep, "Mad Baggins, the Next Generation" LOL! And his crazy Took and Brandybuck cousins!
Poor Merry! In my more canon-friendly timeline, he and Estella wed the Yule after Frodo has sailed forever. But in this one, he postponed the wedding until Frodo came back, and now his future mother-in-law has the bit between her teeth, and the wedding has taken on monumental proportions, LOL!
One month--until the next Challenge!!
Althea
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
I am so happy that you have returned Frodo to the Shire whole and healthy and happy. This is where he belongs, with his famiy and friends. I am glad that he will get to know Sam's children and they him. It's wonderful that Frodo will be there for the big events in the lives of those he loves and who love him. Thank you for this charming look at the way things should have been.
Author's reply
Well, I don't know about "should" have been, for JRRT knew just what he was doing, in making LotR a great book--I don't think it would have been as powerful with a happier ending.
But it's certainly a "could" have been! We fanfic authors can indulge the characters by making them happy in a way that he did not. We aren't worried about some great and overarching theme of sacrifice--we just want to see our lads hale and happy! *grin* I know that I love to see him *there* for his loved ones, and I think maybe he appreciates it too. *wink*
Antane
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Oh, wouldn't that have been wonderful if he could have returned or never had to leave! I haven't read the other stories but I must now when time allows - I'm quite intrigued and I hope this story continues soon, though it seems odd that Frodo will be without his Sam, though I understand why of course. I love most the beginning - Pippin's anxiousness and Sam's saying he'll wait as long as necessary and the joyous embraces. Yea!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
It *would* have been wonderful!
Take your time; the two earliest stories simply explain *how* the AU came to be.
*sigh* I would love to have Sam go along as well, but that's the fate he gets for being such a good family hobbit! He can't just pick up and leave Rose again, after he's just got back! LOL! While this *is* AU, I try to change as little as possible in the outcome, and little Frodo-lad needs to make his appearance in this particular year.
All three of them were anxious the whole time Frodo was gone--they *did* fear he'd never come back--kind of like a vibe from the "canon" universe haunting them. They were *extremely* overjoyed to find their fears were for nothing!
Larner
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Oh, yes--someone is indeed healed, and so swiftly! I rejoice to see our favorite lad home with his family and friends, and to see him rejoicing to hold Elanor once more. This is the story as it indeed might have been.
Author's reply
He did heal swiftly, far more so than he would have otherwise. For one thing, he was not laboring under Saruman's last vile words, and for another, Vilya was operating at full strength, and Elrond was able to put it to use in his behalf. He's not 100%--I think that would cheapen his original sacrifice--but now his illnesses are brief, and strictly physical, limited to just a short illness on both the anniversary dates, and getting easier over the years, instead of worse. After a few years, they will be no more than twinges. He will still have solemn memories, but they hold no power over him of unfounded guilt, for he was able to understand that he really had no choice at the end.
And now he *can* rejoice!
Larner
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 0: About the "Eucatastrophe" Universe
I'll have to read the Eucatastrophe stories eventually, but for now will settle for reading what's here. Hope you don't mind.
Author's reply
I don't mind a bit! But some people like to have the details about an AU, which is why I put the link.
Queen Galadriel
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 1: Part 1
Ooo! I can hardly type! This is so wonderfully, beautifully, deliciously happy!! :) I love it all--the happy reunions, the very Hobbity gests, everything! And of course best of all Frodo is healed, and he'll see his Merry wed after all! That always grieved me that he left before Merry and Pippin were wed. And it's going to continue? Hurray! :)
God bless,
Galadriel :)
Author's reply
This is so wonderfully, beautifully, deliciously happy!!
That's just what I wanted when I created the "Eucatastrophe"-verse! A happy place where none of the really sad things, like Frodo and Gandalf leaving forever, and the Elves fading and such, ever took place!
Yes, it always seemed horribly sad to me that Frodo missed out on Merry's and Pippin's weddings and their children, and all of Sam's other children! How they must have missed him at each of those happy occasions! So I'm very glad to put that to rights!
Queen Galadriel
· 8 January 2007
· Chapter 0: About the "Eucatastrophe" Universe