Andrea
· 26 June 2016
· Chapter 26: Heirs in Waiting
Well, from what I now know about Longo it is no wonder that he happily accepted Lobelia as his daughter-on-law!
And Lobelia has earned what is coming now. She could have just kept her mouth shut. But *that* is an impossible task for Lobelia Sackville-Baggins ;-)
Author's reply
Oh, yes, far too difficult for Lobelia to keep silent when she feels her hopes once again might be dashed. If only she'd realized her own impatience and nastiness has managed to bring her the situation she fears most!
Tari
· 24 June 2016
· Chapter 26: Heirs in Waiting
Lobelia is truly unbelievable. What a horrible person. I like this chapter very much. Since my birthday is next week Saturday and you are very busy, I will add my name to the list this written for.
It's a shame everyone is so busy. I really miss all their postings, but will continue to check the home page.
Author's reply
Oh, your birthday story will be posted early next week.
Life has been far, far too involved lately. A friend's brother is needing intervention very badly, and another has been recovering from a broken arm, while still others are fighting the latest viruses. I was up all night at the emergency room with a friend, and need some more sleep now. How I've managed to do two fics in the last few days I don't know--something I needed to do to keep my sanity, I suspect.
Theresa Greenfalcon
· 21 June 2016
· Chapter 26: Heirs in Waiting
I love the explanation for how Bilbo decided that Frodo would be his heir! Love your stories as always!
Author's reply
Thanks so very much, Theresa! I do think Frodo had to be vastly superior to Otho and Lobelia, much less Lotho. Heh!
Andrea
· 30 April 2016
· Chapter 25: Time on One's Hands
That was beautiful!
Without the help of a certain wizard someone might have really missed a great adventure ;-)
Author's reply
Oh, I so agree, Andrea! Heh! Thanks so!
Antane
· 29 April 2016
· Chapter 25: Time on One's Hands
I like this capturing of time and watches. Interesting imagery...
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Time, watches, and a particular clock in a particular home in a quiet corner of the world....
Thanks so, Antane!
Lindelea
· 27 April 2016
· Chapter 8: A Pretense at Civility
Oh, my!
I'm so glad I've been looking at reviews this morning (as opposed to, say, actually writing something, even though Bill and his party are so close to Hollin... sigh), or I'd have missed this one!
Delightful, and so believable!
(And left me chuckling, a good thing this morning, after awakening to no Internet, and needing a third cup of coffee to achieve rationality this morning, and behind in my RL work. And just had JWs at the door despite the "No Soliciting" sign, so you can imagine how indignant the puppy is and how much noise pollution is resulting...)
Okay, I either need to get to work, or steal a little more time to talk with Bill...
Author's reply
I note you stole time with Bill, and I rejoice--now to steal some time of my own and read your efforts! My pups are outside at the moment, scratching at the door to come back in. Calli-cat was spayed the other day, and I need to mow the lawn, get some things planted, cut back on the blackberries threatening to choke out the noble fir, and mow the lawn. It's going to be a busy day, apparently, as the washer is again out and I need again to go to the laundromat to get the laundry done. At least I can use my own dryer.
I'm glad you enjoyed this one. For this Thain's Lady to meet the pretentious lady to the Sackville clan must have been the start of a mutual detestation contest in which the two women involved did their best to undermine one another!
Lindelea
· 27 April 2016
· Chapter 25: Time on One's Hands
I got it! I got it!
Just imagine the spreading wonder and delight as my poor, tired brain suddenly supplied the answer to this riddle, having it confirmed as I continued to read down the page.
Well done! Very well!
(Thank you for the smile. I needed it after reading through EA4 reviews this morning.)
Author's reply
Yes, and I felt that considering the particular example I was using it needed to go in this collection! Heh! Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed it!
gIth52dbNtuH
· 11 January 2016
· Chapter 8: A Pretense at Civility
At last! Something clear I can unsdertand. Thanks!
Author's reply
I am sorry if some of my writing seems complicated. But I enjoyed bringing together two of the Shire's most notorious harridans and letting them start on one another!
Thanks!
Lindelea
· 19 February 2015
· Chapter 24: Contrasts in Character
LOL! That sounds about right.
Reminds me of a limerick from Frogs,
'There was a brave hobbit named Baggins,
Who held conversations with dragons.
He returned to the Shire,
Where they called him a liar,
For they didn't believe all his braggin's.'
Thanks for the smile today.
Author's reply
I remember that one. Yes, so apropos. This goes along with the four limericks I wrote above in this series of shorts. I'd wanted to write for the potluck challenge, but managed to miss the post indicating that it was on, so this seemed to work using an unused prompt from last April.
And am so glad to give people smiles. I'm going on exhaustion at the moment. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays feel to be so long!
Antane
· 18 February 2015
· Chapter 24: Contrasts in Character
But we know better, don't we! And so does Bilbo.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Oh, yes--we do know better! I rejoice that he did make his journey and came back so much the wiser.
Lindelea
· 6 October 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
I cannot begin to express how delightful I find this glimpse into the beginning of a much longer story. The details are so very hobbity, the characters ring true.
If my phone would stop substituting nonsense for the words I'm typing, I would say much more!
Author's reply
How glad I am that you enjoy it and find it properly Hobbity. I see Bungo as a most Hobbity of Hobbits, after all.
I have been resisting getting into smart phones--it's hard enough to type on the tablet, after all. There are times when a proper computer is the best thing to have, I find.
Linda Hoyland
· 5 October 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
Delightful! How very appropriate Gandalf's blessing is for this special child!
Author's reply
It is said that this is an old Chinese curse, after all. And what better blessing for Bilbo Baggins as he is to become in time than such a blessing as this?
Thanks so, Linda. I am still working on your birthday gift, but it's coming slowly, I fear.
Andrea
· 5 October 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
Interesting times, indeed! But with Gandalf's blessing Bilbo mastered these times with great success.
I like the description of the Shire. It's so peaceful there. But as we all know and Gandalf already foresees the "interesting times" are about to begin.
Author's reply
Oh, yes--there's no question that times are becoming increasingly "interesting" each day, and this small Hobbit will one day be in the midst of it all. And I'm glad so many appreciate this description of the Shire in the most beautiful days of autumn. Thaks so, Andrea!
Kitty
· 2 October 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
The Shire you describe sounds so lovely and relaxing - I’d like to move there right now. Some peace and quiet, and good Hobbit food, is just what I need now. (Even if I suspect it wouldn’t be good for my weight ;))
Oh, I like the idea of the Hobbits using ‚Adar‘ for old Gerontius. Unusual, yes, but somehow fitting. He wasn’t the typical Hobbit in that regard, after all, what with being friends with Gandalf and all that.
*lol* Now that monologue by Bungo introducing his family was so totally hobbity - rattling off half the family tree while everyone not a Hobbit is struggling to remember who’s who in the first place and to keep track of all these relatives.
In any case, it feels perfect that Gandalf was there when Bilbo was born, and the blessing fit well. Besides, from the images Gandalf saw when he held the newborn, I suspect it was why he later on involved Bilbo in the Quest for Erebor. He must have seen that this wasn’t the typical Hobbit and would have what it took to fulfill this destiny - even if it took a while for him to really grow into that role.
Again, thank you so much, Larner, for this wonderful gift! I totally love it!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, the nervous father-to-be going on and on when it's likely most of those present knew one another anyway! I see Gerontius as being unusual in many ways, and an apt descendant of my Bilbiolo in "Stirring Rings." Who better to be called "Adar" than the Old Took? And I do think that when he realized that the time had come for someone to roust Smaug off his bed of ill-gotten gain that Gandalf would find the thought of that small Hobbit child taking part in the quest and getting back to his Tookish antecedents would be fascinating and irresistible. And I am so glad that you enjoyed it. Hope your birthday was joyful.
6336
· 1 October 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
Hm, I would rather live in interesting times than boring ones, just not too interesting!
A very appropriate blessing for our young Burglar!
Huggs,
Lynda
Author's reply
Well, there is no question that our current times are interesting--and in spades! Yes, a most appropriate blessing for Bilbo, I think.
KathyG
· 30 September 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
Welcome to the world, Bilbo! You are indeed a blessed baby, with Gandalf on hand to help welcome you, and to even prounounce a blessing over you.
What a sweet chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you so, Kathy! I appreciate it. Yes, he was blessed, and filled with more integrity and initiative than he'd believe as he entered adulthood.
shirebound
· 30 September 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
What an absolutely delightful and enjoyable tale. Welcome, wee Bilbo!
Author's reply
So glad you like it, Shirebound. Yes, welcome, little Bilbo. And he did indeed prove in live in interesting times. Thanks so.
Antane
· 30 September 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
I love this story! It is so sweet and peaceful to be in the Shire - no wonder Gandalf goes there to de-stress - I would have love to do that myself and to have been there for this birth - and even more for the Four Travelers. :) I love how the love Gandalf has for hobbits.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I am certain that Gandalf found many times he'd head for the Shire when others were getting to obdurate and isolationist. At least Gandalf was able to offer a mixed blessing to the young Bilbo at his birth. No wonder he thought of Bilbo when he needed a burglar, right? Heh!
Sunny
· 30 September 2014
· Chapter 23: A Wizard's Blessing
May you live in interesting times, indeed. And he did! Though perhaps another version of Gandalf's blessing/curse would have been rendered, May your life be interesting. Which it also was!
Nice rendering of the nervous and worried expectant dad, especially contrasted with Gerontius, with the latter showing off his great experience at handling babies. ;-)
Author's reply
I suspect that Bilbo wouldn't have appreciated that blessing had he been aware of what was being said over him! Heh! And certainly with twelve children of his own and who knows precisely how many grandchildren and great grandchildren, Gerontius Took had more experience with dealing with babies than many Hobbits of the Shire.
And at least we know that Bilbo did manage to get through his own adventures with a degree of grace and integrity probably none expected him to show.
Thanks so, Sunny!
Antane
· 2 July 2014
· Chapter 22: Taken in Remembrance?
Well, at least he got some of the stuff back, and hopefully the rest once he discovers their loss. Dear me.
Happy Birthday, Dreamflower!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
I find myself wondering just how much didn't come home again to him, though. Heh! Thanks so, Antane.
Tari
· 1 July 2014
· Chapter 22: Taken in Remembrance?
Snakes in the grass they are for keeping more of Bilbo's possessions. I hope he finds out.
P. S. My birthday is tomorrow. Hint. Hint.
Author's reply
I doubt that Otho learned all of his acquisitive nature from Lobelia, and we know that Longo dreamed of the day that his family should provide family heads for both the Sackvilles and the Bagginses. Poor Bilbo--trying to find out where everything that has disappeared went to!
shirebound
· 1 July 2014
· Chapter 22: Taken in Remembrance?
"For someone who says he doesn’t believe in Elves and who has always spoken badly of Dwarvish work, you seem to like it all well enough to take what you please of it from my hole, Uncle Longo."
I love that so much! Good for Bilbo.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it, Shirebound. It can be trying having such self-centered relatives. Heh! And Bilbo didn't deserve to come home to such a revelation as to learn he'd been declared dead and that several things had disappeared before he got there while Lobelia and Otho were preparing to move into his home and to take it over.
Dreamflower
· 1 July 2014
· Chapter 22: Taken in Remembrance?
LOLOL! Thank you, dear! What fun: very enjoyable to see Longo and Otho get their comeuppance! I love it!
Author's reply
You are so welcome, Dreamflower! It is fun to believe that Otho didn't fall all that far from the tree. Heh!
Antane
· 14 May 2014
· Chapter 21: Four for Bilbo!
I liked these fun rhymes!
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Tari
· 30 April 2014
· Chapter 21: Four for Bilbo!
As one who is not normally fond of poetry, I have to tell you this was terrific.