A Centenary of Special Significance by Baggins Babe
Idril Celebrindal · 9 September 2007 · Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
Wonderful chapter! I found myself sharing in the sunrise, the commotion of breakfast and the memorial was very touching. Freddie is adorable! Idril
Author's reply
Delighted to see you're still enjoying the adventure. Freddy is adorable, isn't he? :-) Larner called it the 'blessed tyranny of small hobbits' and I think that sums it up.
Kitty · 9 September 2007 · Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
The difference between Denethor and Aragorn has to be truly unbelievable at times. I can imagine very well that the Guards would gladly die for Aragorn, who shows his appreciation for them and their job so openly and respects them so much. Denethor would never have gone out to watch the dawn and certainly not to simply have a nice bit of small talk with a mere guard, even if it is a Captain. Or gifting the guards with ale ... Not to mention how humble Aragorn is, and how openly thankful for all the help he got to get his Kingdoms and wife. Love the idea that they saw Erithain’s brother and son, and particularly that Erithain saw them and finally found a bit of peace after all the grief. And little Freddy is so adorable! I always want to cuddle him.
Author's reply
The Citadel Guard must notice the contrast between Denethor and Aragorn. Can't imagine Denethor enjoying a birthday whiskey with his Captain of the Guard and nattering while watching the sunrise. By all means, cuddle Freddy - I'm sure he won't mind!
Dreamflower · 8 September 2007 · Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
"I come here to watch the dawn because this to me is a miracle. I remember the Dawnless Day and the oppressive suffocating cloud of evil which hung over Sauron's land, and to see the sun rising above the Ephel Duath is the greatest sign that life has truly changed. And I also remind myself that everything I have - my kingdoms, my beloved wife and children, the safety of the Free Peoples - is due to two small hobbits who walked from their lush green land into that barren wasteland, willing to give their lives for Middle-earth. That is humbling indeed, and kings should remain humble." Beautiful, my dear, and very much in character!
Author's reply
Delighted that you enjoyed it and feel it is in character. I'm sure Aragorn was always grateful to those who helped him to the throne.
shirebound · 8 September 2007 · Chapter 9: Morning Encounters
What a beautiful sunrise! I felt I was standing there watching it myself. "And I also remind myself that everything I have - my kingdoms, my beloved wife and children, the safety of the Free Peoples - is due to two small hobbits who walked from their lush green land into that barren wasteland, willing to give their lives for Middle-earth. That is humbling indeed, and kings should remain humble." He now knew his loved ones were happy and it would be a rejection of all they had fought for to go on wallowing in misery. He would learn from the hobbits and embrace life again How absolutely lovely. What a blessing hobbits are, to all who have eyes to see.
Author's reply
Glad you enjoyed the sunrise. And hobbits are definitely a blessing! Larner calls it the blessed tyranny of small hobbits!
Andrea · 28 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
This was the adventure of a lifetime. How wonderful! I wished I could change places with Blossom and explore Minas Tirith! Or get riding lessons by Eomer ;-) But the best of all is: Sauron is defeated! The evil has gone. Frodo lives happily in Middle Earth and hobbit ladies can travel from the Shire to Gondor without fear. I love the Reunion Universe! And I'm looking forward to a grand Birthday Party!
Author's reply
Wouldn't it be lovely to explore Minas Anor? And Mordor is no longer a name to chill the blood, simply a place. I love the thought of hobbit ladies travelling Middle-earth in peace! Now for that party...........
Kitty · 28 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
You finally updated! :-))) I see they made good progress since the last chapter and have arrived in the South. Now it’s not so long until the big (birth)day. Blossom will certainly be changed upon her return home. Much more sure of herself and brave. The old Blossom would have been upset about the mere idea about learning how to ride, and even more of *Éomer* teaching her how to ride, I suppose. The timid Blossom having riding lessons with a King? Erithain is another one who has changed, no doubt. And I am glad about it. As I am about Thranduil and Gloin both coming to Gondor for this occasion, too, and laughing together. Happy AU, indeed! It has to make their sons happy, too. Faramir had seen to it that the carts containing all the gifts were whisked away during the procession, in case Aragorn decided to peer in and prod any of the packages. *snicker* Poor Aragorn. His Steward can be rather mean ;-) Loved it, as always!
Author's reply
Sorry it has taken so long. I had a history walk to prepare for and the research took weeks. Blossom will have changed considerably - riding lesson from the King of Rohan! There are more changes ahead for Erithain, in this story and the next one. *giggles* Yes, Faramir is being very mean.
Amy · 28 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
I just love seeing Minas Tirith through hobbit eyes! What an adventure, indeed! Thanks so much for sharing.
Author's reply
I'm so glad to see you're still along for the adventure. Now to get to that party........
Tigger · 27 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
I can't make up my mind what is more adorable. The image of Freddy flinging himself from Erithain's horse into Aragorn's arms or him making an oh so solemn bow to Arwen, then giving her a big hug. :oD Sigh...What a lovely surprise to find tonight. So..They've made it. Now bring on the Birthday Party. Before Faramir and Eowyn need to move to new apartments in The Citadel. ;oD
Author's reply
I doubt Faramir and Eowyn can move in their apartments! They will be very glad when the great day arrives and they can see their floors again! We can rely on Freddy to hand out the hugs!
Larner · 27 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
Such a joyful arrival! And the healing power of Hobbits--too bad it can't be bottled!
Author's reply
Ah yes, the healing power of hobbits should definitely be available for all.
Dreamflower · 27 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
Aww...*grin* I've said it before, and it's true as ever, a bit of "Reunion-verse" is as good as a vacation! This was delightfful dear!
Author's reply
What a lovely thing to say. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Reunion-verse!
shirebound · 27 August 2007 · Chapter 8: In the Courts of Kings
Oh, this *is* the adventure of a lifetime! Thank you for sharing it with us. And this was so stirring and ever so wonderful: The old year dies and passes his torch to the new year, and we light the fire of Meduseld with a flame from the last year's fire, thus passing strength and good fortune from year to year. This flame was first kindled by Eorl himself, from the light of Anor as it shone upon Dunharrow.
Author's reply
I'm so pleased that you found it stirring. I think they would have had some sort of ceremony at the turn of the year. Blossom is having a great adventure.
Queen Galadriel · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
LOL! Oh, that is a *very* funny image! :D I love the thought of Arwen and Eowyn and Faramir all joining forces to keep Aragorn from exploding before the day! *giggles again* Ugh, spider webs. Poor Frodo, but I'm glad to see it's a rare enough occurance, and of course the memory of it will be further driven off by the loving family that surrounds him and has so completely adopted him as one of their own. :) God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Special birthdays are like that - and all those presents are hidden away somewhere in the Citadel.......... All this and no cake. :-)) I imagine a spider web might have startled Frodo - with reason. Personally I've never minded spiders (my mother was never afraid of anything like that and I was always bring creey-crawlies into the house).
grumpy · 7 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
Glad to see that Erithain has been adopted by a hobbit. Loved the letters. Poor Strider. Lots of paperwork, no presents in sight, no cake, and no using his seeing stone. What is a king to do.
Author's reply
*giggles* 'What is a king to do?' Poor Strider, he is feeling very put-upon! and all that paperwork to cope with - he'll need that cake. :-))
Kitty · 7 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
*ROFL* These letters are great! Bossy little Freddy bullying Erithain around and the High King of Gondor and Arnor searching the cupboards to spy for his own birthday presents - loved that! (Naughty Aragorn - he should wait for the great day.) Well, at least he will not have to worry about the lack of cake, even if he doesn't know it yet. But I think it shows very well how happy he and his family are and how much has changed in Gondor, if this are his most pressing problems. Oh, and I love the idea of "Sir Rufus of Bag End"! Thank you, that was a wonderful chapter - I'm still grinning!
Andrea · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
Gilraen wags a finger at me and has threatened to take lessons in wielding a tea towel from her Aunt Rose. ROTFL!!! Now that is a threat, indeed! (I just love the tea towel!) Those letters were wonderful! Well, I don't know if Nib's writing did improve, but I understood everything - and that's what is most important, isn't it? Oh, I would like to see Frodo at Aragorn's side on his special day, but I have no doubt that the other hobbits, too will represent the Shire in an appropriate way!
Author's reply
I think Nibs was probably too imaptient when he was young and never concentrated on his lessons but he can read and write well enough - as you say, you understood it and that's the main thing. I think the Shire will be well represented at the party.
Bodkin · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
The travellers sound as if they are having fun - that must be a relief for those left behind. And if Aragorn is reduced to playful complaints about people keeping birthday secrets from him, it would seem that life in Gondor is good! Three letters that I'll bet made those left behind really envious of those who are on their way to the celebrations.
Author's reply
I think the Bag End family would be slightly envious but they are linked with the Royal Family by the ties of love and the whole Shire will celebrate the King's special day. Receiving letters from friends is always a joy - perhaps there will be some arriving in Gondor soon.
harrowcat · 6 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
Oh what a great giggle of letters to read before going off to a busy day at work.
Author's reply
Glad it gave you a giggle and I hope your day was pleasantly busy rather than exhausting.
Tigger · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
"Oh Strider!!" indeed!! ROTFLOL!! Oh, that was priceless!! Loved all the letters. How hard was it for you to write out Nibs' letter w/out doing the obvious correcting needed? I find when I try to write Sam or for one of Viggo's other incarnations I have put into a parody I take part in at another board, I find myself having to go back and, for instance, turn "thinking" into "thinkin". :oD Proper grammar and spelling is such a hard habit to break. ;o) Oh and Sir Rufus of Bag End...Awwww!! Yes!! A new title to go w/the new cushion cover. :oD Wonderful update and looking forward to the next one w/bated breath!! :oD
Author's reply
I had fun with the letters but it is quite difficult to strike a balance - too many mistakes and it sounds like a parody, too few and Nibs would sound far too educated. He can read and write well enough for most purposes but I imagine that Rose was the one member of the Cotton family who concentrated on her lessons with Bilbo (and later Frodo) and can write well. As for Sam, I think his accent unconsciously changed as he mixed with the gentry, Elves, Kings etc. Sam would never deliberately alter his speech patterns but looking at the Professor's later epilogues, it seems that Sam did become rather gentrified - in his own delightful way, of course. Proper spelling and grammar is a very hard habit to break! You remembered the cushion cover! I do like to link all my stories, and I think Rufus deserves his title.
Larner · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
It's just too bad they didn't go, also. But this is a wonderful look at the sharing of love between the two families, the one in the Shire and the other down south.
Author's reply
Yes, it is a pity they're not going, but the letters emphasise the love between the families and the links which bind them.
shirebound · 5 May 2007 · Chapter 7: Letters Home
a triumvirate of tyranny! *giggles* I adore these letters, BB. Thank you so much for pulling Frodo and Rufus (and Sooty!), and the Bag End family back into the story, I really missed them. What a delightful chapter.
Author's reply
Well, you knew I couldn't keep the Bag End family out of things for too long1 :-)) I had fun paying them a visit and writing those letters, as you can imagine.
Queen Galadriel · 18 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
I'm finally caught up! Love the sweetness and deatail in these two chapters! And the banter is great--especially the partridge in cinders, LOL! God bless, Galadriel P.S. Sorry it's rushed but so am I.
Author's reply
Glad you could stop by - sorry your life is rather hectic at the moment but I hope a few jolly moments with the hobbits has helped. The Twins have had a very long time to perfect their banter - I imagine it would be second nature to them. They are sometimes portrayed as miserable but I think they would be pretty light-hearted. They know their father and mother are reunited, their sister is blissfully happy and their little brother is King of Gondor with evil defeated. There's room for some fun. :-))
Almaenes · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
BagginsBabe is clearly a young mother and a keen observer. I love your way of describing children's behaviour and speech, and I love the story so far, despite the very upsetting episode describing the roots of Erithain's grief. I look forward to 'wead' more!
Author's reply
Goodness me! Never heard myself described like that before! I am probably a keen observer - only children often are - but I'm afraid I wouldn't describe myself as young and I have no maternal instinct whatsoever! However, I do have a definite understanding of hobbits and I think I've immersed myself in this world so much that I can hear their voices in my head. I'm delighted that you're enjoying the journey and Freddy will certainly have a leading role to play in this tale.
Bodkin · 3 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
I like the twins repartee! And Glorfindel is most impressive. Blossom seems to be settling into this travel lark - and finding it quite fun. She's be demanding trips abroad for all her future holidays! I love the hobbit practicality about the Witch-King prophecy - a bit of mannish arrogance that did for Macbeth, too.
Author's reply
So glad you like the Twins' repartee - after all those years I should imagine they can read each other's thought and have the quips ready! *giggle* Love the idea of Blossom demanding holidays abroad. Ski-ing in the Misty Mountains perhaps........... Yes, arroganceis a symptom of people in power!
Kitty · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
Maybe it sounds odd, but I am pleased to see how much even these Hobbits know about the Quest, as LotR itself left the impression the Travellers didn’t talk much about it – otherwise Frodo and Sam couldn’t have been that overlooked by most of them. It’s interesting that Brand recognized Glorfindel’s light and power so clearly, as I suppose it is not equally obvious to everyone. And Nib’s question about the Witch King shows a lot of common sense – something the WK lacked considerably. Well, the arrogance of the mighty ... This camp sounds absolutely perfect to me. Elves taking care of making everything comfortable and Hobbits cooking ... *sighs dreamily* Do you think they would mind terribly if I pack my things, take my pony and join the party? ‚Partridge in cinders’ *lol* Poor Elrohir. Considering the long memory of the elves, he will be teased about that mishap for *ages*!
Author's reply
Well of course in the original, Frodo was overlooked, but in my AU, following the stern proclamation from the King and some lectures from Merry and Pip, more of the hobbits understand what happened. I imagine the Tooks and Brandybucks would have been particularly well-informed. I'm sure the Elves wouldn't mind if you joined them. I think a number of us would like to do that. Oh dear, Elrohir won't live that down for half an Age!
Idril Celebrindal · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
Baggins Babe: I am enjoying your story and this chapter was very well written IMHO. I am not a person who enjoys camping but if I had this group to camp with I would have to reconsider. Idril
Author's reply
I really glad you're enjoying! I think camping with this party would definitely be fun, evem for those not keen on camping.