paranoidangel · 8 March 2008 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
I love this, especially Pippin in the tree and Gandalf catching him.
Making Acquaintance by Bodkin
Reviews (23)
svadilfari · 24 July 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
This is excellent. You are a really great writer, Bodkin. You do have such a way of capturing folks, animals and even inanimate objects that bring colour and life into them. Small things like the twitching of a nose, the bending branch and nuts for missiles. Oh, and your nom de plume is so darling.
Author's reply
Thank you, svadilfari. I'm very flattered. I do love incorporating senses other than sight - and have to control my more flowery elements! I'm glad you like the name - although it was chosen for pretty random reasons!
elliska · 10 March 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
I loved this! Brave Merry! And a very appropriate way for Pippin to meet Gandalf. Merry will indeed be held to his word. Great story.
Author's reply
Thank you, elliska! I do think Merry had a particular dogged sort of courage, together with a well-developed sense of what being his father's son required of him. And Pippin - well - what better way for Gandalf to make his acquaintance? Although attracting the attention of wizards does not always have very comfortable results ...
docmon · 13 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
that was sweet. nice job.
Author's reply
Thank you, docmon! I'm glad you liked it.
cathleen · 4 February 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Wonderful tale, it made me laugh aloud! Hee, I can just picture Gandalf catching Pip in his arms as well as Merry's exasperation with his little cousin! Cathleen
Author's reply
Thank you, Cathleen! And Gandalf just would be at the right place at the right time - after all, a wizard arrives exactly when he means to ... Merry must be exasperated by Pippin at times - he is just so irrepressible! But, fortunately, he also seems to have luck on his side! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Lindelea · 22 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
O I am so glad I looked at the "main page" today! I didn't get an email "chapter alert" of this! So much to grin at. The lad sounded remarkably cheerful for someone halfway up a tree. hard brown hail such a way with words and word-pictures watchful silence, so beautifully described "You have been set to guard the Bounds?" *snork* The child appeared to fall as slowly as a drop of setting jam from a spoon, as slowly as thick honey running down a jar, as slowly as flake of snow drifting from a windless sky – and yet, at the same time, in the space between heartbeats, the big person had caught him and swung him round, clasping the young hobbit to his chest as if he was meant to be there. perfect depiction of the tricks played by time and perception in an emergency "inevitable" Your Gandalf sounds so very... gandalfy. And of course the dinner reference, yes, a perfect ending to a hobbity tale. I do love birthday surprises! Thanks!
Author's reply
I hope you had a good birthday, Lindelea. And thank you - I'm glad you liked it! I don't often set out to write hobbits - but really, for your birthday, it was more or less compulsory! Time is a very strange thing - so elastic - and able to be short and endless at the same time! Gandalf would be impelled, I think, to be in certain places when he was needed - and I enjoyed his amusement at being thought of purely by his connection to Cousin Bilbo. I think he would have liked that!
Grey Wonderer · 21 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
(the youngest and most exasperating cousin a hobbit could ever have.) I just love this line! It describes Pippin so very well and it must have been exactly how Merry felt at times. This was wonderful and I enjoyed Gandalf in this very much.
Author's reply
The most exasperating cousin a hobbit could have - but one Merry wouldn't exchange for anything! Although there must have been moments when he wouldn't have minded a cousin break. Thank you, Grey Wonderer, I'm glad you enjoyed Gandalf making the acquaintance of two young hobbits - at just the right moment, too!
Larner · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Oh, what a marvelous first encounter? And he arrived just at the right, most necessary time. He does in this case serve indeed as a guardian angel, much as he was intended to be from the first; and he now sees the descendants of Marcho and Blanco as they are figured in the current generation, two he will come to love and esteem beyond almost all the Hobbits he's been blessed to known.
Author's reply
Gandalf couldn't have turned up at a better moment, could he? Meant, I daresay. For all people have choice, there is a definite unravelling of fate with a lot of what goes on. Gandalf needed to know Merry and Pippin - and see Merry's courage and protectiveness and Pippin's courage and curiosity. Thank you, Larner - I'm glad you liked it.
Dot · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Hobbits! What a lovely story. You’ve done a great job with Merry and Pippin. They’re two distinct people and very recognisable – especially Pippin’s curiosity and openness and Merry’s determination and courage. I love how cheery Pippin is even in the face of Merry’s exasperation! The part that really made me laugh out loud was Gandalf being referred to as “Cousin Bilbo’s Gandalf.” I bet that amused him too. I can really feel how much he enjoys being around hobbits. If there is ever anything I can do for you, I will. Word of a Took. […] You can call on both of us. I thought that was a wonderful, poignant moment as these two seal a fate that they don’t yet know is theirs. This was simply gorgeous.
Author's reply
Hobbits, indeed! I don't usually centre my thoughts on hobbits - but, for Lindelea, it's more or less obligatory! But Merry and Pippin have great personalities and are fun to imagine. I'll bet Gandalf stored being Cousin Bilbo's Gandalf away to relish over the years - and possibly to bring up just when it could make Pippin blush and forget his worries for a bit. And Gandalf is great at turning up just at the right moment - as a wizard would be! As well as recognising predestined moments! Thank you, Dot. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
daw the minstrel · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Lovely, Bodkin. It's amusing that Pippin recognized Gandalf from Bilbo's stories. He's a perceptive little thing. And Gandalf always has plans. What a scary acquaintance he's be even if he is "all right" for a big person.
Author's reply
I'm surprised more people didn't go into hiding when Gandalf turned up! Storm-crow seems a most appropriate name for him! Even hobbits weren't immune to his tornado-like qualities, either. Look at Bilbo! And Isengar Took. I suspect he found being described as an appendix to Bilbo quite entertaining though. And Pippin is sharp - and inquisitive. While Merry is a protector, I think. By nature and training. Thank you, daw!
perelleth · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Amusing!I liked Merry's courage and Pippin's cheerfulness, even before such a big big person! That line was so fun, as he loked up and then up! Wonderful first meeting!
Author's reply
If there are two qualities that seem to me to sum up Merry and Pippin, it's courage and insouciance. Gandalf must have seemed huge to Merry. Not so much to Pippin - but then the angle he was looking from was decidedly different! I'm glad you found it amusing. I don't write hobbits much - but they have great qualities. And I think Gandalf can see further into a brick wall than most!
Raksha The Demon · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Gandalf does have this knack for turning up when least expected and most needed! Delightful vignette about a "fortuitious" encounter!
Author's reply
Well - there must be some advantages to being a wizard! Who is never late, but always where he intends to be ... or however it was phrased! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the unexpected - but really rather lucky - encounter!
Dreamflower · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
8-D Oh, this just made me grin all over my face! It was just exactly right--a perfect characterization for all three of our friends! I could feel Merry's exasperation and fear for Pippin, and his wariness of the stranger. And Pippin's bright and cheerful fearlessness was adorable. As for Gandalf--well, I've no doubt at all that is *exactly* what he would have both done and said in such a situation! Beautiful! You do write hobbits (and wizards) so well!
Author's reply
I'm so pleased you like it! I tend to feel a bit out of my depth with the hobbits - so if you feel the characterisation is good, I'm delighted. Poor Merry is definitely exasperated - terrified and irritated in equal measure, probably! While Pippin bounces back with indomitable cheer! Typical of Gandalf to turn up just when he was needed to make the acquaintance of two hobbits whose support ensures that their cousin is in the right place at the right time. Thank you, Dreamflower.
Nilmandra · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
You have the voices of a couple of inquisitive hobbits down well. Pippin's cuiriosity is so well shown, you can just see why Gandalf is alternatley amused and wanting to shake him with a 'Fool of a Took!' later on. I wonder if Gandalf looks at this 'chance' meeting and sees that he may see the future of Middle-earth? Because we all know there are no chance meetings in Middle-earth. :D Happy Birthday Lindelea!
Author's reply
Pippin has just such an inquiring mind - but he is courageous and intrepid. While Merry is, I think, a tad more pugnacious and protective. So much fate is involved in the happenstance of Middle Earth - I'm sure Gandalf would have been led there for a reason, and, being Gandalf, would know that he was meeting two who would be important - somehow or other - to the final outcome. I don't usually write hobbits - not unless they are interacting with other species, but they often have very distinctive voices. I'm glad you think they sounded right. Thank you, Nilmandra.
Elflingimp · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Aw! whar can I say,I just loved it!
Author's reply
Thank you, Elflingimp! I don't generally write a lot of hobbits, so I'm glad you enjoyed reading about them!
shirebound · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
What a wonderful story, Bodkin! Full of hobbity curiosity and courage, wizardy amusement and interest, and a slight foreshadowing of things to come. ‘You’re Cousin Bilbo’s Gandalf!’ Pippin declared, his face bright with excitement. ‘I’ve always wanted to meet you, but I never expected to see you here. Have you come to see Merry and me?’ ‘Do you know,’ the big person said, inspecting the cousins carefully, ‘I rather think that might be the very reason I have come.’ Just love it.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound. I'm glad you liked it! I discovered it was Lindelea's birthday - and somehow, it just had to be hobbits. And Gandalf was determined to come along and play - I think he got a huge amount of entertainment from being described as Cousin Bilbo's Gandalf. And he got to meet a couple of rather significant hobbits, too.
Pearl Took · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Oh, I like this, Bodkin!! Just as if he was supposed to be there . . . Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you, Pearl. I don't write hobbits all that often - but it seemed appropriate for Lindelea's birthday! And I would say that he was certainly supposed to be there right at that moment! I'm glad you liked it.
Armariel · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Ohhhhh delicious....a Brandybuck and a Took...and.....Gandalf! Love the description of Pippin falling from the tree, wonderful, and Pip trying to bow in Gandalf's arms is just too cute for words. Good thing Gandalf showed just when he did. There may be a follow-up? Yes?
Author's reply
Thank you, Armariel. It was definitely a good thing that Gandalf turned up at the right time to give Pippin a hand ... or two. And it certainly drew his attention to two of Frodo's favourite cousins. A follow-up? None planned! But you never know.
French Pony · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
A fateful meeting, indeed! I'm not surprised that Gandalf makes Merry nervous. He's big and imposing even under the best of circumstances, but Merry is not only a Hobbit, he's a Hobbit child. So he's maybe two, two and a half feet tall, and then there's Gandalf, whose beard is probably that long. Yeah, I might be nervous if I were in Merry's place.
Author's reply
Big people must be huge to small hobbits. Pippin is about 10, I think - 6-7 in human terms? I'm not too certain with hobbit equivalents. About 2/3rds, I tend to think. And Merry is about 18 - of 12-13. Big enough to feel he needs to act like an adult and young enough that it surprises people. I can just see him, somehow, determining that this is Buckland and he is a future Master - so it's up to him to stand up to this giant. Fortunately, Gandalf turned up at a good moment - and he is Cousin Bilbo's wizard, after all! Thank you, FP.
meckinock · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Happy birthday, Lindelea! Bodkin, this was delightful. Your descriptions are glorious, as always. I especially loved this one: as slowly as a drop of setting jam from a spoon, as slowly as thick honey running down a jar, as slowly as flake of snow drifting from a windless sky – and yet, at the same time, in the space between heartbeats and this one: enveloped in enough rather threadbare grey cloth to dress a dozen hobbits, hairier than a sheep before shearing, LOL. What an image! I love the instant warmth felt on both sides. For a superior, Wise, immortal being, Gandalf is wonderfully innocent and delighted by new possibilities, and the hobbits take to him like puppies. The foreshadowing was nice, too- Merry wondering if he would ever travel outside the Shire, and Pippin's sincere promise as a Took. Very sweet.
Author's reply
Gandalf could recognise a nudge from fate when it happened! Turning up just at this point would be bound to make him look a second time at this pair. And a bit of foreshadowing seemed appropriate. Thank you for picking out pieces you liked! Time seems to both compress and extend at moments of crisis - while I doubt Merry has seen many beard. (Although he's seen a fair few sheep!)
harrowcat · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
And trust a hobbit, any hobbit to finish with an invitation to eat! Great Bodkin
Author's reply
Well - you have to get your priorities straight! Pippin is fine, after all - and mealtimes mustn't be overlooked. It would be very rude to be late for dinner!
SlightlyTookish · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Eeeeeee, this is absolutely delightful!! I love stories in which Gandalf interacts with young hobbits (especially Pippin!), and this is such a sweet moment for everyone involved, with just enough foreshadowing. The love between the cousins is especially nice. And this line: ‘Thank you for dropping by,’ he said. Gave me such a giggle :D
Author's reply
Glad you liked the line! Corny, I thought, but irresistible, even for a wizard. It's a very simple tale - but a good first encounter. About a year before the Birthday Party, I thought. And for all Merry finds Pippin exasperating at times, he is very fond of him - and will always be grateful to Gandalf for breaking his fall!
lady Bluejay · 20 January 2007 · Chapter 1: Making Acquaintance
Do you know,’ the big person said, inspecting the cousins carefully, ‘I rather think that might be the very reason I have come.’ He smiled and shook his head. ‘A Brandybuck and a Took. It was, I suppose, inevitable.’ How very far-sighted of Gandalf!! Lovely little story.LBJ
Author's reply
Thank you! Well - if anyone is going to be far-sighted, it should be Gandalf! And you sometimes wonder how he recognised who was going to be important and who was simply living their lives. But a good moment for him to turn up!