"The old hobbit smiled slightly. The Gaffer hated to show affection in front of others, even to his own children, but a keen observer could discern those whom he held in esteem. It never failed to astonish Bilbo how Frodo managed to engender such loyalty and affection everywhere he went."
Awwww, that old softie. I like the idea of Frodo being held 'in high esteem'. And little Pippin's outburst was just too adorable.
Author's reply
Well, who *wouldn't* hold Frodo in high esteem? 0:-)
longcleeve
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
another great chapter!
i loved the 'Bilbo.' at the end. It was just an adorable part after reading all through this *wonderfully* long story and knowing all they have been through. I love how you portray frodo/bilbo's relationship.
Author's reply
Aww, thank you! The Bilbo-Frodo relationship is very special to me.
Hai Took
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
Very kind of Frodo to help Halfred get acquainted with the lass he so wanted to meet. At leas they seem to have a date. Of course all of that probably paled with what happened with Lotho!
Merry did a wonderful job standing up to Lotho even if he did get smacked around a bit. Makes you all the more proud of Merry and disgusted with Lotho. Pippin biting Lotho was a wonderful touch! Family would be what got to Frodo. Poor Frodo, being sick and now feeling guilty about Merry getting hit by a bully!
I was so glad to see Fatty stand up to Lotho there are the end! Time for old frienships to be mended and new ones to be forged for Fatty! I hope you are planning ot expand on that? Looking forward to more! THank you!
Author's reply
Thank you for reviewing! Yes, I thought Merry and Pippin deserved a bit of the heroic action in the Lotho incident. ;)
Starfire_Moonlight
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
Good for little Pip! Hope he left a scar on Lotho cause he sure deserved it!
Frodo has got a temper too! Well, I can understand why he got mad, but I wouldn't want to be on his bad side. Can't wait till the next chapter!!! :D
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing. Yes, Lotho definitely deserves a scar! :)
Dreamflower
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
“How dare you strike my cousin?” Frodo demanded in a low voice. “How dare you? What were you, raised by trolls?”
I can just see the Look that must have accompanied that statement! Yes, Frodo! Of course, I would have loved to have seen him take Lotho right out, but being on the verge of heat-stroke, I don't suppose it was practical.
Yes! Fatty! At last coming to his senses and realizing just what a turkey Lotho really is! Poor fellow, though, it's going to take him a while to make folks trust him again.
And Go! Pippin! I suppose it's too much to ask that he actually take a hunk out of Lotho's leg, but probably for the best, as he would definitely need the Middle-earth equivalent of Listerine after a mouthful of Lotho! I hope he left his marks there for a good long while, though!
A shame Lotho got away, but I hope Saradoc comes down on Lobelia and Otho like a ton of bricks! Not to mention Paladin and Bilbo! He might learn then why his mother prefer he not offend the powerful!
I don't like Lotho.
Can you tell?
(I've been in an intense debate lately on rec.arts.books.tolkien with someone who thinks Lotho was just misguided and misled--can you believe *that*!!)
Author's reply
Yes yes, I daresay I was imagining that same Look on Frodo! :D I love it when he's all forceful... *gets weak in the knees* ;) And ewwww! Now you've got me imagining a mouthful of Lotho. Yuck!!
esamen
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
Ohh, this makes me so happy. You are awesome! Awesome writing!
My favorite thing to read is a really good, well-written Frodo h/c fic, so you can imagine how happy I am to go visit your particular corner of the Shire and find Frodo collapsing again. I just love it. Can't wait for the next chapter. Your brand of TCL is the best--it's always well-written, wonderful dialogue and description, and always has a current of love that touches my heart. My stress just goes away whenever I read a obelia fic . . . I needed this chapter! And I have a stressful week coming up, so I could really use some more tender h/c soon, maybe along the lines of your carnelian fever chapters???
Please, please, I beg with all my heart, please update SOON. Don't leave me stranded for a month again . . . how about later on this week? Could you do it? What would it take to persuade you?
I think that you did a great job writing from Lotho's POV. That's a new twist! And you really came up with a good line when you wrote: " “Aye,” Hamfast agreed grimly, keeping his eyes on Frodo’s erratic gait as he stumbled along, supported by Halfred and Sam. “That one’ll come to a bad end, you mark my words.” " Now THAT's a nice touch.
I love the way that Hamfast watches out for Frodo. He really appreciates what Frodo has done for his family, huh? And Saradoc is concerned for him, too. It all just makes me smile. Thank you, thank you for this wonderful trip to hobbitland.
Happy typing,
esamen
Author's reply
I just love having people care about Frodo who don't have to... i.e. people being concerned for him just because of the kind of person he is, as they discover in their dealings with him. *gets all melty* :) And I'm so sorry I've been such a slowpoke lately. Grad school just never seems to stop getting in the way of fanfic writing. :-\ But I'll keep trying to be faster!
Eruanna
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
What a wonderful chapter! :) I love this whole story. Your characterization is just perfect. And though I know it's not very charitable of me, I just love the idea of little Pippin biting Lotho's ankle. The Gaffer's prediction is incredibly chilling, though:
>>“Aye,” Hamfast agreed grimly, keeping his eyes on Frodo’s erratic gait as he stumbled along, supported by Halfred and Sam. “That one’ll come to a bad end, you mark my words.”<<
Very true, and a sad ending to a sad life, for all he brought it on himself. You do a wonderful job of bringing that out, and of showing all the characters not only as they are, but with glimpses of what they will become, and the way their early lives shaped them. I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Blessings,
Eruanna
Author's reply
Thank you for the sweet review! It's all about the characters, for me. When they catch my imagination, I just have to figure out how they might have developed.
Auntiemeesh
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
Another great chapter, well worth the wait. I love that Frodo thinks only of Merry and Pippin, even when he's suffering from heat stroke and barely able to stand on his own. It was also good to see Fatty finally beginning to realize that Lotho is not the hobbit to be allied with. Maybe now he'll be ready to start thinking about a hobbit's character instead of their birth when determining their worth.
:)
Author's reply
Ah, I just can't get enough of Frodo being all heroic and selfless... ;)
shirebound
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 46: A Heated Confrontation
“Don’t you hurt my Cousin Frodo!” Pippin shouted from somewhere near Lotho’s feet. Small, nine-year-old hands wound themselves tightly around Lotho’s calf, and an incomplete set of sharp little teeth chomped down hard on Lotho’s ankle.
Yay Pippin! *hugs him*
I love how Frodo and his friends are so loyal to one another.
Author's reply
Loyalty among hobbits makes me all happy. And melty. :)
longcleeve
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 45: The Free Fair
awww this was a fantastic chapter! i had to go back a few first and skim some previous chapters though, to remind myself after all this time.. ;D lolol
Author's reply
LOL, I have to go back and skim some previous chapters myself pretty often! :P
esamen
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 45: The Free Fair
Oh, a new chapter of Anchored! I'm so happy.
Obelia, I had almost given up on you! thanks for updating! Please don't make us wait too long for your next chapter. It's not fair to leave us too long with a cliffhanger like that.
Ah, you borrowed the herbalist Jessamine from Tathar's Silver Lining!!!!!!! Yay! Now they can be friends in your fic as well as Tathar's huh? That would be a riot if you wrote this story clear up to that point.
I just love wandering around the Shire with you. Now, a good dose of Frodo h/c would be just the cure for MY headache! I hope we get there soon!
Thanks for writing,
Esamen
Author's reply
Ach, sorry about the cliffhanger. I didn't even plan that one, honest! 0:-) Yes, it would be cool to write Anchored up to the point of Silver Lining. It will get pretty close to that point, actually! :)
Auntiemeesh
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 45: The Free Fair
Oh, what a way to leave us hanging! Merry in a confrontation with Lotho and Frodo suffering from the heat. My spidey sense tells me there is trouble ahead.
It was great fun to see shy, awkward Frodo learn that the lasses would be more than happy to dance with him. They're all growing up so quickly, I couldn't help but think, in my best imitation of an elderly aunt. :)
Author's reply
Hee hee, your spidey sense knows what it's talking about! :P
Dreamflower
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 45: The Free Fair
OOOooopps! Lotho just made a *very* big mistake! I have a feeling he is going to heartily regret laying a hand on Frodo's favorite cousin, not to mention the grandson of the Master of Buckland...
At least I *hope* he is going to heartily regret it!
Author's reply
Well, unfortunately the little psycho never seems to regret anything. But at least Frodo can cause him a little pain... ;)
shirebound
· 4 April 2005
· Chapter 45: The Free Fair
*gasp* Lotho struck Merry? And you ended it *there*??
*more pitiful gasping sounds are heard*
Type, Obelia. Type!
Author's reply
Eeep! Am sorry! And I didn't even plan for that chapter to be a cliffhanger, either! It just sort of happened... 0:-)
esamen
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Something in the Air
"He heard Frodo laugh at something Poppy Goodchild said. Sam did not know Poppy, although he knew her husband was a distant cousin of his mother’s, but the couple had greeted Frodo very warmly. Sam’s curiosity was aroused, and he decided he would ask Frodo about it later. When they first met, Sam had been in awe of the older lad. He still thought Frodo was quite the best hobbit he knew, but he also knew Frodo a good deal better after all these years.
He had seen those astonishing blue eyes dance with laughter at a good joke, and tighten with private anguish. He had seen Frodo’s eyes watching him with understanding and sympathy, and blazing with anger at a bully. Frodo’s life had not been easy, and anyone who knew his vulnerabilities could not help feeling deeply protective as well as fond of the kind-hearted tween."
What a great passage! You've got everything I love here: romance, heroism, a little dash of angst and a long look at my blue-eyed hero. I'm so glad that Anchored is back! Love it! Please update soon, with oodles and oodles of h/c for my favorite Baggins!
Happy typing,
Esamen
Author's reply
Thank you so much! And don't worry, h/c is coming soon, I promise. :)
Dreamflower
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Something in the Air
*grin* Go, Folco!
And *what on earth* is Lobelia up too?
Author's reply
Oh, you know. Making evil nasty plans that involve Frodo. The usual. 0:-)
GamgeeFest
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Something in the Air
Way to go Folco! There is nothing Lobelia wouldn't attempt to do, but Folco's going to have to watch his back now. Too bad Frodo got stuck in the tailor's all day. Bilbo didn't think that through very well did he? And a cameo by Sam! I'm glad he'll be in the next chapter more. :)
Author's reply
Ach, poor Sam. He'll be around more now. I just can't stay away from those Gamgees, no indeed! 0:-)
shirebound
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Something in the Air
You tell her, Folco! I like how Frodo has become a role model for his friends, and they try to act as *he* would. That Lobelia... grrrrr.
Author's reply
Well, yes! I would think that if I knew Frodo, I'd be using him as a role model! ;P
Hai Took
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Something in the Air
I don't know how I missed the chapter before this but I did! I like the little group you have that are Falco's friends and Frodos. In fact I'm glad that you are including Falco so much here lately. He is mentioned as being one of Frodo's friends but we don't really see or hear much about him.
Oh dear, Fatty getting mixed up with Lotho. That can't be god. Hopefully he will come to his senses. I'm srue he will Fatty's a good fellow.
Lobelia taking Frodo in and treating him so...out of the ordinary. Good thing Frodo is quick witted. I probably would have been taken in by what she was saying.
I'm glad that Bilbo and Frodo attended Hamson's wedding. They seemed to fit in quite well despite their social standings. Of course I don't think Bilbo or Frodo are those who let that stop them from doing anything.
Poor Frodo now trapped with the tailor! I hope he is able to escape and have some fun! At this rate he might be there when the fair ends!
Good for Folco to not let Lobelia get away with trating that lass that way! He may not have had Frodo's eloquence (I hope that spelled right) but he got the job done just the same. I only worry about him making an enemy of Lobelia. That certainly can't be good.
Anyway, looking forward to more, thank you for the fun!
Author's reply
Thank you for reading! Lobelia does seem to make a lot of enemies... ;)
longcleeve
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 44: Something in the Air
YAY an update! i enjoyed this chapter, but i seem to enjoy any chapter that involves lobelia or lotho nastyness :D
go folco!
Author's reply
Oh good! Then there is a lot coming up that you will probably enjoy... Ah, Sackville-Baggins nastiness is just so much fun to write! 0:-)
longcleeve
· 29 January 2005
· Chapter 35: Faramond Rushlight
ooooh i am loving this story so much! esspecially the length! now im just worried i will finish it because i dont want it to end :D i love the part with the ruffians and faramond as well. wonderful story!
lmw
· 22 January 2005
· Chapter 43: Summertime
I just found your stories the other day - thank goodness it's the weekend, so I have more time to just sit and read! I really enjoyed part 1, and was very glad to know there was a part 2 in progress. While I loved tLotR, I realy love the 'pre' fiction - young everybody! You write a terrific story, well thought out and consistent in character/interaction. And it's interesting to read! I can't wait to see what happens next. I like how you build Frodo and Sam's friendship - which becomes so important later in their lives. Talent - pure talent!
Author's reply
Thank you so much! :) *blushes* I'm a big 'pre' fiction fan, too (as I'm sure you can tell). So many interesting and complicated things happen between the characters in LOTR, I can't help but wonder how they got to that point.
bobo baggins
· 9 January 2005
· Chapter 43: Summertime
LOL! Oh, I have to say that I loved Lobelia's reaction to Frodo's statement about Hamson's wedding! Of course, I also loved Frodo's reaction to her sweetness. He was like a fish flopping out of the water! I hope you can give us another chapter soon (hint hint);)
Author's reply
Heh heh. Well, I got to thinking that Lobelia has probably tried every kind of nastiness in the book--but how would she handle trying to be nice? Not well, of coruse. ;)
Auntiemeesh
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 43: Summertime
Oi! Two encounters with the S-Bs in one day! Frodo handled himself very well in both such dire situations. I particularly liked his encounter with Lotho. He really has learned how to keep himself under control and exactly how to respond to the cretin. But this has to be my favorite line, “Ugh!” Frodo exclaimed. He wiped his cheek with his sleeve, shuddering at the thought of being kissed by Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, of all people, and trotted on down the road at a rapid pace.
Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
Hee hee, thank you! It's a good thing Frodo has learned to handle the S-B's, considering how I keep throwing them at him... ;)
Dreamflower
· 28 December 2004
· Chapter 43: Summertime
This is a very interesting chapter indeed. I am sure that Fatty is soon to be thoroughly disillusioned of Lotho, since we know that by the time of the Quest he is once more among Frodo's closest inner circle.
And a *friendly* Lobelia? She's so awful at it--it's no wonder Frodo found her scarier that way! Rudeness suits her better! LOL! Whatever bee has she got in her bonnet now? Something to do with the Fair I am sure.
I do like the way this chapter portrays the young Frodo--with his own little circle of friends, and though he *does* like to spend time alone with the books, he's not nearly the outcast loner that a lot of fics like to show. Very nice!
Author's reply
Well, thank you! I've never liked the outcast loner take on Frodo... I always thought he seemed to have a fair number of friends and be generally well-regarded, in the books.