A Centenary of Special Significance by Baggins Babe
harrowcat · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
Ever since I first read the LOTR I have wanted to camp with the elves. You have just redoubled that wish some thirty years later!
Author's reply
From other comments it seems you're not alone. I'm sure they won't mind if you join them!
Tigger · 1 April 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
It is truly amazing that the Witch King took the prophecy so literally. Like Glorfindel, I also would have thought the Wiki would have taken Gandalf seriously. Evil does breed arrogance and arrogance has it's own blindness. LOL over the reaction to the ladies offering to make the meals. I've read other fics where the Twins aren't the greatest of cooks in the outdoors, but "porridge in cinders" is a new one...ROTFLOL!!! Great addition and looking forward to the next chapter!! :o) BTW, no, I didn't get the reply to the story I sent you. As I said, my e-mail has been acting up for some reason. A friend of mine in Toronto sent me an e-mail three weeks ago and she'd been trying to see when my next trip down is/get in touch since December!! So...No idea what is going on w/it, but something is. Annoying isn't the proper term for it either. :o/
Author's reply
Porridge? What porridge? *looks worriedly at chapter* No, definitely no porridge! Partridge is what Elrohir was serving. Not so much that he's a bad cook (he's had thousands of years to get it right) but anyone can have an accident like that. Yes, arrogance does blind people to the truth, doesn't it? You only have to look at politicians to see that! That is really annoying about the e-mail. I'll have to re-send it. My connection has been something of a disconnection this week, which hasn't helped. Technology! Bah!
Larner · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
A peaceful camp, and well worth it for our intrepid travelers. I'm so glad Blossom chose to accompany them.
Author's reply
Blossom is certainly having her eyes opened, and will return a changed hobbit as a result. I think we'd all like to join this camp. :-))
Dreamflower · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
Awww...that was a sweet chapter. I love seeing this journey through the eyes of your OCs!
Author's reply
It is proving to be great fun, writing OCs and thinking how they might see the journey. Glad you're along for the ride - and the cake!
shirebound · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
This is so lovely. The Elves "delighted to honour" the Ringbearers before they sailed West, and it's wonderful to see that they still honour (and delight in) the hobbits of the Shire. The fair-haired Elf approached and bowed. Brand had the impression he was veiling his light and power because they would be too much for mortals to bear.... He looked into the eyes and saw the wisdom and sorrow and joy of ages. What a wonderful description. And that conversation about the Witch-king and the prophecy is priceless! Indeed, the "Great" were too prideful to ever have the plain hobbit-sense they truly needed to avoid danger and defeat.
Author's reply
The Witch-King was obviously too arrogant to think carefully about that prophecy, which leaves plenty of room for interpretation. Like Sauron, it just never occurred to him that he could be defeated. I do like to see the hobbits given honour, and this journey is fun for me to write as well as for the travellers - and for the readers, hopefully. BTW, happy birthday for ? 28th, Shirebound. Will have to see what I persuade Rufus to say about that!
Pearl Took · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 6: A Legend Come To Life
*sigh* another lovely, gentle chapter. I felt very relaxed myself :-)
Author's reply
I think a holiday with hobbits would be very relaxing. :-) Glad you enjoyed.
Pearl Took · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Ah! A lovely break after the last chapter. This was great fun. (Gotta watch out for those Tooks! ;-) )
Author's reply
Oh yes, we have to watch out for those Tooks! I had to balance the angst of the last chapter with a good dose of fluff. ;-)
Pearl Took · 31 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
How horrible! No wonder he is so sorrowful. :-(
Tigger · 18 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Sigh...What a lovely and wonderfully fluffy chapter that was. Loved how little Freddy gave Erithain his marching orders to eat breakfast. :oD Too adorable!! Sorry for the delay in this review. Been a very busy week and got another one coming up. We celebrated my Great Aunt's 90th Birthday w/a community/family potluck at our Township Complex last weekend, then I got nailed w/a bug doing the rounds up here. Finally feeling normal today. This week, is what is known in my family as my second Christmas. Otherwise known as The World Figure Skating Championships and thanks to a channel on our dish, those of us here in Canada who have that channel, will be able to get the coverage live as it happens. They'll still be showing same day coverage each night on the main network, but that's not the same as getting to watch it as it happens though and I can't wait!!! Although w/that 13 hr time difference between here and Tokyo...By this time next week, my brain may be mush. ;o) Did you get the e-mail I sent you w/the Reunion Universe inspired little story I wrote? If now please let me know and I'll put it up over at my LJ. My e-mail's been acting up the last little while, so it wouldn't shock me if it didn't go through. Looking forward as always to the next chapter!! :o)
Author's reply
There you are! Glad you enjoyed the fluff - can't do angst in two consecutive chapters! Little Freddy is adorable, if rather bossy. :-)) Yes, I did see the story and thought it was delightful I e-mailed back to thank you. Did that one disappear into cyberspace? Busy with the next chapter but I'm having to work on the text for a talk I'm giving next week on local history, so it is not progressing as fast as I'd like.
Dreamflower · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
"We never knew, did we, Nibs? In the Shire we took so much for granted, never thinking those brave Men were protecting us." This is exactly the reason that ordinary hobbits like Blossom and Nibs need to take a journey like this, so they can learn to appreciate what was done for the Shire all those long years. Little Freddy is just too cute! He's just the antidote Erithain needs to brighten his spirit!
Author's reply
You're so right - the hobbits do need to see the outside world, to understand the price some people had to pay to protect the Shire. I'm sure little Freddy will help in the healing process for Erithain and his sons. Those helpful little hobbits are wonderful for brightening everyone's day! Hope the fluff outweighed the angst!
Dreamflower · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Oh dear! Poor Erithain! It was even more dreadful than I feared! On to the fluff!
Bodkin · 12 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Well - Erithain should have more flesh on his bones by the time the hobbits have finished with him! While Hallas and Dirhael should have relearned a lot of the light-heartedness of youth. All of which would be a Good Thing. Yule in the Shire sounds a very good idea, too.
Author's reply
Erithain should definitely have some weight on by the time they journey north again, and Yule in the Shire should mean he has to buy a whole new wardrobe! Little hobbits are a very good influence I'd say.
Andrea · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
That was wonderfully fluffy! Little hobbits are the best medicine to cure a ranger from sad memories. And I must say that I liked Erithain's sons very much. They are the perfect companions for the little hobbit lads. The young Rangers sounded as excited as any hobbit, and Brand thought their relationship was similar to that of Merry and Pip, affectionate, the older one protective, the younger always trying to emulate his friend. Like Merry and Pippin - that's just wonderful :)
Author's reply
Had to have some fluff after all that angst in the last chapter! I think the young Rangers and the little hobbits will get on very well. They will all have fun.
Kitty · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Little Freddy is so cute! It was fun to see how he ordered Erithain to eat and the Ranger obeyed so easily. This made it more easy for the adults to meet Erithain the first time after hearing of his sad past, as it took the awkwardness away. And I am sure the young Rangers will have lots of fun playing with the little hobbits along the way (and the other way around). Oh, and I fear all the Rangers will gain a pound or two along the way ;-) Gilmarien is a daughter of Asfaloth? *sighs dreamily* Though I usually prefer Iceland ponies (much easier to mount ;-)), now I nearly could envy Erithain. It must be a wonderful horse. And I love the idea that his old horse is living out his days in Imladris.
Author's reply
Gilmarien does sound beautiful, doesn't she? Thought it was about time poor Erithain had some nice things in his life. I think bossy little Freddy will prove to be very helpful and a good influence. Hobbits can't help spreading happiness - they enjoy life so much and that is infectious. I forsee new clothes for all the Rangers! They'll have gained more than a pound or two, methinks. :-))
Larner · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Oh, the blessed tyranny of small Hobbits! How wonderful and healing they are.
Author's reply
I love that expression - the blessed tyranny of small hobbits! Wonderful! I'm sure that cheery enjoyment of the simple things in life would be infectious.
SurgicalSteel · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Fluff! *dives in happily* Just delightful!
Author's reply
Ah yes, gotta love fluff! Enjoy!
shirebound · 11 March 2007 · Chapter 5: Fathers and Sons
Brand chuckled. "We hobbits wear our feelings for everyone to see. We're not very good at dissembling. If we like you we feed you, and if we don't like you we throw things! Love it! I'm enjoying this hobbity visit -- and healing -- as much as the Men. And ohhh, what a lovely description of Gilmarien. Such a beauty.
Author's reply
Glad you're enjoying all the hobbity goodness! This is just what Erithain needs to help him to heal, and the others will all benefit.
SurgicalSteel · 8 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Ah, that was horrific, but certainly realistic for the sorts of things that might have happened. Poor Erithain, hopefully his hobbit friends will be able to help him. Nicely written.
Author's reply
Thank you for the review. I imagine such attacks were not uncommon during the years prior to the War of the Ring. The Viking raids on eastern England usually resulted in that sort of massacre. Man's inhumanity to Man never ceases to amaze me. Pity there aren't more hobbits!
Bodkin · 4 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
What a horrific story - and yet one that, in many different variations, must have been the experience of many who survived the war. Poor Erithain.
Author's reply
There must have been so many personal tragedies in such times. Living with such memories can't be easy but I'm sure travelling with hobbits will help to heal some of those emotional wounds. Little Freddy won't allow his new friend to be too unhappy.
Queen Galadriel · 3 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Oh...poor Erithain! Oh, how horrible! And his poor son and foster-son! *shudders* But what became of the baby? I do hope (and knowing your writing, believe :)) that there will be lots of healing on this trip! And I'm very, very sure Hobbits will have lots to do with it. :) More soon, please! God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Such things were common in Saxon England, when the Vikings raided the east coast. Traumatic for all concerned, especially Erithain and his sons. I suspect the baby stayed in the larger settlement - perhaps the Rangers will recruit him later! The hobbits will no doubt have a healing influence. They can't help it really.
Tigger · 3 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Oh no...That poor man. Sadly, situations such as this would be too common during those times. I was thinking it would only be the thought of facing Halbarad's grave that would be lying heavy on him, but for it to be this as well... Sigh. :o( Hobbits are amazing creatures and capable of bringing healing to those they care for. The bond being made between little Freddy and Erithain will help more than any of us may be able to see. Looking forward to more of Ewithain and his little esquire. :oD Oh and BB....Keep your eyes peeled for something coming your way through e-mail. Something from this delightful universe spawned a plotbunny that hopped along and bit me hard!! I'm *very* pleased w/the end result. :o)
Author's reply
Poor Erithain - I did put the poor man through it, didn't I? Love the thought of Erithain's 'little esquire!! Sweet! I think Freddy will help to heal his new friend. Sounds intriguing - will have a look. Flattered that my universe is affecting others.
Kitty · 3 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Poor Erithain - I had feared something like this, as it was sadly only too likely that things like that had to happen back then. It is not easy to get over these terrible experiences, and it is only too understandable that he is so withdrawn and solemn. Now I hope fervently this journey will be good for him and the hobbits, particularly little Freddy, will have something of a healing influence on him.
Author's reply
I think such events would definitely have happened at those times, as they did in Saxon England with incursions by the Vikings. I think the hobbits will be a very good influence.
harrowcat · 3 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
The four hobbits made their way to bed, with much to ponder upon. As do the rest of us BB - great, if awful chapter.
Author's reply
I'm glad you thought it was o.k. I've never written anything quite so grisly before.
Larner · 3 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Oh, how possible such a scenario would be in that setting. And I don't blame him for aging early. Bless them all.
Author's reply
Sadly all too possible. Events such as this were common during the early Viking incursions along the English east coast. I would think such experiences would cause anyone to age prematurely. Author Reply: Sadly all too possible. Events such as this were common during the early Viking incursions along the English east coast. I would think such experiences would cause anyone to age prematurely.
shirebound · 2 March 2007 · Chapter 4: Understanding Erithain
Ohhhh, Erithain -- all the Dunedain, actually -- needs hobbity lightness and comfort so very much! What a tragedy.
Author's reply
Yes, they certainly do! And that healing power will do much during this visit, especially with little Freddy about. Tragedies like this must have happened. I based some of it one the story of a District Commissioner in India in the early 20th century, who returned to his home to find his wife and children all killed.