Reviews (166)

Author's reply

I can't do an in-depth story from this point of view, so have tried instead to have sufficient vignettes to show how the various characters are maturing and dealing with the changes wrought by time. That first meeting with Lobelia seemed a given, I think. If Lobelia was stealing Bilbo's spoons and had to have her umbrella emptied before being ejected from Bag End the day after the Party, then what else might she have taken and tried to pass off as her own? Then the second one--after her imprisonment Lobelia was able to accept that Frodo and Bag End needed one another, and saw him as the proper one to make reparations on the part of herself and Lotho--wouldn't the groundwork have begun to be laid before Frodo left the Shire? For her to see the contrast between Frodo and Lotho at the funeral I felt was necessary. And I, too, feel Esme was the proper one to serve as Mistress of Buckland and Brandy Hall. So glad you agree.

Author's reply

I hope that today's portion is as well accepted as the previous one. I've seen young guys who were totally oblivious of the fact the girls were really attracted to them and were giving them the eye--and had to write that here, with young Frodo, oh, so mature and yet so unconscious of what the girls thought of him. Yes, Gomez has grown up a lot, and has a proper perspective on things--including Frodo--now. And this time it's a different one who's picking on people, and Frodo is now in a position to do something about it to stop it when it happens. Menegilda has stopped trying to forestall the future, but realizes perhaps this is meant to be; and you're certainly right about the ship to Tol Eressea. She didn't foresee that, not that the idea wouldn't have horrified her if she had, of course. But she was well loved, and deserved a good ending. Bilbo had friends among Dwarves and a certain ruthlessness Frodo never knew--he might survive on his own, but Frodo was more vulnerable--as well as more given to duty, I think. Anyway, thanks for the response, and a happy Memorial Day weekend if you're here in the States.

Author's reply

Unfortunately as one generation begins taking over it's usually due to the fact the last one is being rapidly depleted. Bilbo's had his talk with Gandalf, and is now thinking more on just what it means to be "like butter scraped over too much bread." Dwarves come through the Shire less frequently, and Elves are passing more frequently westward and not eastward again, going to the Havens ahead of the next rising of the Shadow. Bilbo's realizing he's headed out as the storm clouds gather, and he's realizing he'd best look for shelter while he can; and he hopes the Shire will be sufficient protection for his lad. I've seen folks who have Sam address Marigold as Mari, but I tend to go the other way. Yes, I can see how you feel this led to Goldilocks for daughter number 3. I'd not thought of that myself, but it does follow. Esme is seeing how much already Frodo and Sam are bonding; and I can't imagine most well-brought-up Hobbit children feeling comfortable looking at untended graves. In spite of her obdurance focused on Frodo when he was younger, I believe the folk of Brandy Hall loved Menegilda, and she deserved a gentle passing. Thank you so much for the comments--they always mean a good deal to me.

Author's reply

Am so glad you like the violets--it's almost a foreshadowing of a clearing Frodo visits on Tol Eressea in "Lesser Ring" that I wished to bookend, if you will. Tolkien tells us that for all their simplicity, when it comes to contracts and such Hobbits are very thorough and have their seven witnesses and red ink and all. This seemed to speak to me of a people that felt it necessary to see to it that as much as possible all bases are covered whenever possible; and in doing a formal adoption as much as possible they'd try to make certain everyone was agreed. We know Bombadil had high regard for Maggot, and in "The Ties of Family" I have the incident in the byre from Frodo's point of view. Now it was time for Radagast's POV, I felt; and I felt Esme needed to realize that there were those who already saw Frodo as being special and in some way set apart. Dora's letter is indeed patterned on Dreamflower's Book of Manners, and I'm glad she approved. Nor can I imagine Frodo doing anything by halves, not even reforming. And I, too, am glad you realized it had been updated twice. So glad you did!

Author's reply

Well, of course he's in the story now! Frodo's in Hobbiton now, and has widened his circle of associates as a result. Author Reply: And I hit the tab accidently before hitting the return. GADS! So very glad you liked the scene by Bell's grave--but Frodo's already been through this himself, and at much the same age. I can't help believe but he'd do his best to comfort Sam as best he could, and Esme would be thrilled to hear her own comfort repeated now, I'd think. Glad to know you're following this, too.

Author's reply

The same frustrating Menegilda so many wanted to shake into reasonableness people now weep to see leave us, right? She appears to have been Mistress of Brandy Hall for quite a long time, so I believe she would have indeed drawn many to be by her at the end. According to the family tree she, Amaranth, and Dodinas didn't attend the Party, although we know fully well that Rory did and refused to be upset after Bilbo's disappearance. Gandalf is supposed to have come and gone fairly frequently during the years Frodo lived with Bilbo, and I had to work in Baylor's vision of Gandalf playing at farms with little Pippin, as well as how he must have seen young Frodo interacting with those who'd always been closest to him. How these interactions must have pleased Gandalf, or so I must feel. In some ways I feel I've only skipped through these ten years; yet I have the distinct feeling that if I don't this story would stretch itself on interminably! Am so very glad you liked Gandalf's inclusion--he must have been such an influence on both Frodo and Bilbo, and in other ways on our other lads during these years on Hobbiton.

Author's reply

Yes, more approachable than Bilbo in many ways--how true it is, just as you've noted. Thank you! And for those two and Sam to have become so close they'd set up their conspiracy and choose to follow him out of the Shire to adventures unknown, they must have been very close I'd think for a very long time. And am so glad you appreciate the little I show here of the growing relationship with Sam.

Author's reply

I fear it is but a summary after all, for this story has already taken on a life of its own, I'm finding. Heh! We know Gandalf was a frequent visitor to the Shire and Bag End during the Hobbiton and guardianship years; if he had any idea at all that there was something special Frodo and Sam were to end up doing, he must have been fascinated to see the relationship between them develop, as well as the abiding love and loyalty growing with the others. And if Frodo indeed was raised at least in part by Esmeralda, he must have learned indeed from her as a second mother, and been willing to pass that wisdom on to others. During the times his own separation from his parents throbbed and ached as a new wound, how she must have tried to help him realize such caring was right and proper and nothing to be ashamed of; now Frodo's merely passing on the same realizations.

Author's reply

For the frustration Menegilda caused earlier, yet we all grieve for her passing as much as her family does, and so I'm glad I was able to highlight her greatness and humanity as well as her weaknesses. Bilbo admitted the concern he was coming to feel toward his own changelessness to Gandalf--might he not, once he'd made that admission to the Wizard, become even more aware there was something wrong and be willing to admit it to another; and as Esme is our eyes and ears within this story, I've given the role of Mother Confessor to her. And she finds she not only can do little or nothing, but that her interference is unnecessary, for the children for whom Frodo cared so much are already assuming the role of protectors for him. Thanks so for your comments, Lily.

Author's reply

Yes, Frodo has indeed grown up, and he's become even more compassionate and determined as he's done so. And he'll need those who love him desperately even as he finds another influence that leads him to push them away. No, Narcissa doesn't get her happy ending, mores the pity. And Merry gets his start indeed at earning the title "the Magnificent."

Author's reply

Tolkien made it clear they knew each other, and I found I needed to have them part of this tale.

Author's reply

Yes--a good deal of maturing has taken place within young Frodo, and am glad you agree about the restrictions set by Frodo's Brandybuck kin. And I certainly agree about the S-Bs not likely to wish him well. As for Sam--yes, doing very well indeed! And he thanks you for your notice.

Author's reply

Am working on it, although it looks as if the next chapter will be posted tomorrow instead of today.

Author's reply

I thought it was yet early in the season for mushrooms it being late March or early April, as I've not seen any here yet, and we're almost through May--and we're further south than you are! Didn't think when I wrote that part that hazelnuts might be more easily recognized--grew up calling them filberts, after all (I live, after all, in Washington, the next state north of Oregon!). Having grown up in the midst of a working kennel, I've known my share of losses of companions over the years. Rosie and Laddie are buried out on the west border of the property. My prayers are with your friend in her loss.

Author's reply

Sorry about that--in reviewing the chapter yesterday I accidently hit the "Hide" button, something I've done only a couple times over the years, thank heavens! Sorry about that. Revealed it again, but I estimate it was hidden for about ten minutes or so before I realized what I'd done. Need to go back in and change "filberts" to "hazelnuts" and it should all be well. Never realized "filberts" was a regional term. Oh, well! Frodo was likely one to throw himself wholly into whatever he did, even reforming! And I suspect that some who watched him try to redeem himself found themselves feeling for him. Having known a relationship with Tom Bombadil, I suspect that Maggot kept him apprised over the years with tales of the most significant and unusual Hobbits in the Shire of whom he was aware; and I suspect that realizing he'd likely terrified that Baggins lad he would have discussed the situation with the Eldest. Therefore, if Radagast made a visit to Eriador, he was likely to learn something as well, even if he never thought of the land of the Halflings as "the Shire." I'm certain Bilbo would enjoy mimicking his cousin, no matter how much he liked her--her reams of advice given over the years must have been too good a target to avoid. Menegilda DOES learn from her mistakes, and Bilbo gets twitted in his turn, which he deserves at least from time to time, don't you agree? And Lobelia and Otho won't be positive for years yet--HAH!

Author's reply

Well, in an earlier chapter I'd written that at least part of the reason Frodo hadn't had much contact with dogs around the Hall was due to Sara's allergies, most likely leading folks in the Hall to keep their animals a good distance away from them. Then, at Bag End it would be Bilbo's desire to be free to go off on a ramble or visit whenever he wished that would deter him from having a dog. There had to be a reason Frodo's knowledge of dog behaviors was fairly limited, I figured. And with this couple, as nice and perceptive as they were, I was certain they'd love the joke of naming their new family member after the true cost of having accepted her. I find I rather like them, actually. I'm not terrifically good at poetry, so this took some work to have it scan at least somewhat well; but as Tom tends to talk in rhyme much of the time, I had to find some way of including his singing in his communication. Did I mention mushrooms? Filberts is another name for hazel-nuts. Should I change it in the text, do you think? I just naturally used the more common name for them here in the States, I fear. Frodo had to learn how to give as good as he got in the case of Lobelia from someone, and I figured that Esme herself, having dealt with Margeurite and Dirna, would be an excellent role model. It was Dreamflower's "Dora Baggins's Book of Manners" that gave the pattern for Dora's correspondence, and I had to follow suit as I could. I can certainly imagine the good lady thinking in captital letters! Heh! Radagast was a special wizard, I always felt; and like Gandalf was probably drawn by what he could perceive from a distance of Frodo's own Light of Being, offering him the compassion he needed when terrified by Maggot's dogs. We already know Maggot and Bombadil knew one another, so it was no great stretch to add one more to a meeting the two of them might have enjoyed. And I'm so very glad you appreciated the little wilted crown of violets. I figured that Frodo would have treasured such a gift given him by a younger child, but would have refused to take it onto Hall land where there might be still some who considered him a sissy to begin with and where the little wreath would likely be disparaged and insulted. So, it was gently abandoned at the borders of his uncle's personal holdings.... And for the final adoption--so glad you approve of how I've pictured it! Thanks for the long and detailed examination of the chapter. And love to Jet.

Author's reply

I doubt Frodo Baggins was one to ever do things by halves, whether it was drawing, dancing, learning, planning raids on the farms of the Marish, or reforming. Whatever he did would leave its impact on those whose lives he touched. Oh, it's so long since I last heard that legend of the glowing light surrounding St. Francis and St. Clare talking together--think we discussed it in Sunday school once when I was a child. Thanks for the memory! My mother's favorite saint was St. Francis, of course, as much as she always loved animals; and I'll undoubtedly one day replace my statue of him. And now Frodo and Sam have come to know and appreciate one another, as is right and proper, of course. Yes, these brothers of the heart are starting the relationships they will continue for eternity.

Author's reply

I've been trying to post every other day, but I understand how it is at the end of the school year, believe me. Frodo can't stop being Frodo, and Frodo sees a need and seeks to fulfill it, no matter who the person is. And he now has the invitation and rejoices to accept it. It's time to embrace life once more in what time is granted him to know such appreciation unfettered. So glad you're able now to catch up.

Author's reply

Menegilda does love him, he knows; it's hard to hate love even when it stifles the life out of one. You'll learn in a few chapters what it is he's doing, and I think you'll approve, and it's as the adoption is finalized that all concerned come to appreciate it, embarrassing him terribly, of course. And he does have his Merry and Bilbo.

Author's reply

Dear Aunt Dora, with her reams of advice sent to all and sundry; and I found I had to write her much as Dreamflower has. I can't imagine Frodo doing things by halves very often, not even reforming! Heh! And I think Dirna needed to be upstaged by someone, and Sam just seemed like the proper one to do so, all without meaning to, of course! Yes, the two scholars together poring over books and rejoicing in the glory of the Shire.

Author's reply

Yes, a new life for the two of them, and a new era for Bag End.

Author's reply

Sometimes we must let go if we are to see what we love bloom fully, and Esme is realizing this is true. Bombadil clearly knew Farmer Maggot, and characterized him as very wise. So, it only made sense that the two of them met on occasion and passed news to one another; and as I'd written Radagast into "The Ties of Family" I had to see if he'd stuck around a time, and it turned out he had.... Heh! Who better to put Dirna in her place than an kid whose only thought is to show off the flowers he's grown. Yes, OUR Sam. And of course even Gilda realizes this was the right and proper decision for Frodo, and I think she's realistic and humble enough to apologize.

Author's reply

I doubt that, once a crisis presented itself, Frodo would care whether or not he liked the person who needed help--he'd just help and be done with it. And I suspect Marguerite has had a turn-around in her own thinking. Oh, you're so right--meaning well and doing well are NOT the same thing. Here there's an old adage that tells us that the road to Hell is paved with good intentions. And we can be so blind to some of those closest to us, and Gilda has managed to do. In the book it was said Bilbo suggested Frodo move to Bag End with him so they could plan their birthdays together more easily, and so I tried to just flesh out that scene a bit. And I bet that the three of the S-Bs were indeed fit to be tied once they realized they were NEVER going to inherit Bag End. Yes, Merry's no longer going to be able to follow Frodo around like a puppy, but he will do his best to spend what time he can with him from now on, and there's no further reason for the Brandybucks to avoid Hobbiton.

Author's reply

I hope the overblown conscience I've pictured in Frodo from a young age doesn't offend too many folks, but I certainly have imagined him so for quite some time. That it would move him to seek to try to do something to make up for his raidings just made sense to me, and I wrote of Sara speaking of the worn hoe to Ruvemir in "The King's Commission" and how doing so had moved him then. The pneumonia I'd described in "For Eyes to See as Can," and Fenton's death was described in "The Acceptable Sacrifice." The first crisis of the new regime in Hobbiton survived, and the time Bilbo is assured that Frodo indeed has outgrown the heart murmur he showed earlier in his childhood. Not terribly unusual occurances in the life of a maturing individual--for me it was a very serious allergic reaction and later a nasty, nasty case of strep throat that nearly sent me to the hospital. Yes, Frodo is blossoming, a much desired response to the move.

Author's reply

Well, of course, your "Dora Baggins's Book of Manners" gave us the pattern for how Dora writes, and thus for much of how she thinks and probably talks at times as well. Am glad this letter gave you a grin and pleased you so. I found I had to find some way of giving Dirna a bit of perspective on her own place within the Shire, and particularly the realization that there is a young gardener in the making who will one day dominate the floral scene throughout the Shire. And for Frodo to unwittingly deliver the death blow to Dirna's attempt to establish herself as THE gardener of the Shire just seemed like too good an opportunity to miss. For a small child to appreciate the reality of pregnancy is not always easy; and as they are often so blunt in their observations it just fit that Merry probably made such a statement. I found I wanted someone to overhear one of the conversations from "O Merry Mine," and Sara on his way back from the privy seemed just the right one to do so. Glad this chapter gave you a grin.