Eleventy-one Years: Too Short a Time by Dreamflower
Lindelea · 24 May 2014 · Chapter 40: Educating Otho
Alas, poor Otho! I really think Bilbo might have had an impact on the shaping of his character if they'd had more time.
Author's reply
It's quite possible; that might make a cool AU! Sadly it wasn't meant to be, and I am afraid any possible progress was undone when Otho bullied Dudo.
Lindelea · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 39: Family Matters
Bilbo sounds like such a good teacher! No wonder his students have such high regard for him. Your Shire society is so fully developed; I feel as if I'm rambling along a country lane, on my way to tea in the village as I read through a chapter. Business firms and named houses, descriptions of meals, children playing (is it British Bulldog? I know our young hobbits played the game described in this chapter, among others, but I don't always assign the right name to the right game), older brothers teaching younger sisters to know their letters, or to swim (a shiver of foreshadowing there... of course Primula would have known how to swim. Did she sacrifice herself trying to save her husband?).
Author's reply
Oh wow, Lin! Thank you! I feel much the same BTW about *your* Shire! Of course I've built these things up over all the years--I can't believe I've been writing fic for more than ten years! The game I describe is the one I'd always known as "Red Rover", but it might very well have another name in the UK. Those sorts of things often do. I think Primula would have at least tried to save Drogo; but I've always thought something could have interfered with her efforts--perhaps she struck her head on the boat or on a rock, or perhaps her skirts and petticoats got tangled in the River's debris? In my Shire the Brandybucks had deduced that first circumstance as the most likely, but I leave it as uncertain because certainty would not have fueled all that gossip. Author Reply: Oh wow, Lin! Thank you! I feel much the same BTW about *your* Shire! Of course I've built these things up over all the years--I can't believe I've been writing fic for more than ten years! The game I describe is the one I'd always known as "Red Rover", but it might very well have another name in the UK. Those sorts of things often do. I think Primula would have at least tried to save Drogo; but I've always thought something could have interfered with her efforts--perhaps she struck her head on the boat or on a rock, or perhaps her skirts and petticoats got tangled in the River's debris? In my Shire the Brandybucks had deduced that first circumstance as the most likely, but I leave it as uncertain because certainty would not have fueled all that gossip.
Larner · 23 May 2014 · Chapter 38: Farewell to Bungo
A difficult loss indeed, but one that would happen one day. At least he did not die slowly and painfully, which would have been so much harder on all of them. And bless Donna for her ability to help Bella laugh once more. As for Longo--one sees from whom Otho gets his temprament!
Author's reply
Well, of course Bungo had been living on borrowed time ever since the Fell Winter; but if I have any way to avoid it I try not to let my characters die slowly and painfully! Sisters fortunately have a good supply of stories from growing up together, so that they can comfort one another. Longo's jealousy of his brother and his dislike of Tooks made for a terrible legacy for his descendants.
Andrea · 22 May 2014 · Chapter 38: Farewell to Bungo
If his mother still knew how to laugh, then perhaps he could recall how as well. A very sad chapter, but with a glimmer of hope at the end. Life will never be as it was before, but it can still be a good life. I would love to hear more about Belladonna's decisions as Baggins Family Head and how they possibly affected Longo, who did not make friends that day, I fear.
Author's reply
Life will never be as it was before, but it can still be a good life. Exactly! No, Longo made no friends, and he's setting up a world of disappointment for his descendants!
Andrea · 22 May 2014 · Chapter 37: Standing Witness for the Groom
[...]the hobbits began making their way to the smial. Some indeed were left slumbering beneath the tables. Bilbo made sure none of them were witnesses for the wedding. A very nice wedding and and a convincing proof why standing witness for the groom also means making sure he doesn't drink too much ;-)
Author's reply
I had planned out a little anecdote about a famous Shire wedding that had to be postponed because the groom and half the witnesses were passed out, and how Bilbo wanted to avoid that--but I could not find a good place to fit it in. *sigh* Exactly!
Lindelea · 22 May 2014 · Chapter 38: Farewell to Bungo
Conniving family, indeed! Ooooo they make me mad. I much preferred Bilbo's eulogy, unspoken though it might be. Thank you for including it in the scene. As to the family scandal, I am certainly not up to speed on that. Is that talked about in the earlier chapters of this story, or somewhere else? (I have Belladonna's marriage to Bungo as something of an exile, myself, though Bungo and Bella saw it more as a reward and blessing, and yours do, too, from the evidence.) The tastelessness of the food goes far to describe Bilbo's state of mind. I'm glad you end the chapter with his mother's recovering her ability to laugh. Bless her dear sister's love and care!
Author's reply
Longo's always been jealous of his brother, and he's always been very prejudiced against Tooks. In my Shire, he's behind the move to declare Bilbo dead. (Evidence: Otho and Lobelia were not of age when Bilbo left on his adventure; clearly someone must have rushed their wedding through, and my idea is that it was intended from the beginning to get Bag End into the hands of the Sackville branch of the family!) The "family scandal" is from my story "The Family Way", which was from a bunny Dana gave me after noticing the age gap between Hildigrim Took and Rosa Baggins, and the DOB for Adalgrim on the Family Tree. Basically, the two put "the dessert before the main course" as my Shire saying goes. It's briefly mentioned in the second chapter of this story, as well. I did want the chapter to end on a hopeful note, after all, for Belladonna needs to be able to succor her son and be his companion for several more years.
Larner · 22 May 2014 · Chapter 37: Standing Witness for the Groom
Our fanons agree, apparently! Heh! A wonderful wedding, and I love seeing Bilbo being so responsible.
Author's reply
Frequently, LOL! And once in a while, even on purpose! But this I think makes sense as an extrapolation from #214; some widows might be so bowed in grief they wouldn't feel able to carry the responsibility. (But in later years, after Lalia, a lot of widows gave over their headship to their sons for fear of being compared to her; then after the Troubles it came back round again, since some had been widowed during the Troubles whose sons were under age.) Bilbo is on his way to becoming the staid Baggins of that first chapter of TH, who is very responsible and set in his ways!
Lindelea · 21 May 2014 · Chapter 37: Standing Witness for the Groom
What fun! Very hobbity wedding, from the matriarch's speech to the signing of the contract. I must admit that when I read the chapter title, my first thought was "Poor Bilbo. Always a bridesmaid, never a bride." I do love how diligent Bilbo is, and his attention to detail. (And the mention of his pocket handkerchief -- or was that in the previous chapter and my brain just brought it up?) Locating all the witnesses and keeping them straight, cutting off the groom after his third ale (brings back an echo from an old story: "You want to enjoy your wedding, don't you?") Comfortable tradition, celebration, and merrymaking. It's one facet of hobbits that brings them close to my heart. (Along with, of course, resourcefulness, loyalty, and courage in a pinch, among other things.)
Author's reply
LOL! Well, groomsman, at least! I just love writing hobbit weddings! It's so much fun, and I enjoy making the ceremony center around the signing and witnessing of the "Marriage Lines"! Comfortable tradition, celebration, and merrymaking. It's one facet of hobbits that brings them close to my heart. (Along with, of course, resourcefulness, loyalty, and courage in a pinch, among other things.) And a loud "Amen!" to that!
Larner · 20 May 2014 · Chapter 36: Hopes and Dreams
So, both mother and son are experiencing prescient dreams, then. Gollum and Frodo are seen, and apparently some of the grief that shall be part of Frodo's life before he goes to Tol Eressea. I hope Bilbo feels reassured.
Author's reply
Bilbo is greatly reassured; Belladonna's conviction that he'll have a son eases his mind on that score--but he doesn't make the connection that no wife is seen. And Bilbo has absolutely no context for his dreams of Gollum. They make no sense to him, so he doesn't realize they are prescient in any way.
Andrea · 20 May 2014 · Chapter 36: Hopes and Dreams
But foresight was a tricky thing That is very true! Both dreams, Bilbo's dream and his mother's show the truth, but it depends highly on the interpretation if it remains the truth. Anyway, I hope Belladonna's words helped to cheer Bilbo up and give him new hope for the future. He won't be alone then, for Frodo will be with him!
Author's reply
Exactly. And I do think it cheers him up, and even though it doesn't mean what his mother thinks it means, she is still right: Frodo is the son of his heart anyway!
Lindelea · 20 May 2014 · Chapter 36: Hopes and Dreams
I so love your descriptions: people, landscape, flowers, food... I am brought solidly into the scene, and feel as if I'm at Bilbo's elbow through his entire ramble. (A cheer for Mr. Tunnelly!) I love the idea that the "grampus" saying came back with Isengar... Bilbo's inner poetry shines forth throughout the chapter. And then Belladonna -- her relationship with Bilbo is beautifully drawn. Both of them, it seems, have the Tookish gift of true dreaming, but Bilbo won't realise the significance of the dreams until many years from now, after his mother is gone, I think? Poor fellow, to think love might have happened, but that he let it slip away. I think Gandalf, years later, could offer some of the same words of wisdom that he gave to Frodo, about it all being part of a greater Plan. Thanks!
Author's reply
Thank you! I am trying to be more descriptive and am glad that it's coming through to the reader. *grin* Mr. Tunnelly is a wise hobbit! That's one of his qualities I've always wished to emphasize; he's clearly always been a lover of words. Dreams and prophecies are chancy things in M-e. They almost never mean what the person thinks they mean. (Think of Galadriel's warning about her mirror, or Gandalf's words about the palantir.) I think of all the dreams of various characters, only Pippin and Faramir do not misinterpret what their prescience means. I think are you right about Bilbo; I think he will come to understand it eventually.
Antane · 16 February 2014 · Chapter 35: Coming of Age (Part 2)
Glad he had a good time! :) Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Andrea · 16 February 2014 · Chapter 35: Coming of Age (Part 2)
Great party and very well organized! I always like the description of the various foods that are served. What amused me most were "candies in the shape of mushrooms". Very hobbity, indeed :-)
Author's reply
Yes, I think Bilbo chose well in getting Rory and Dora's help! *grin* Thanks! I thought it a good touch!
Larner · 10 February 2014 · Chapter 35: Coming of Age (Part 2)
Although a good Yorkshire Pudding may also catch the drippings from a roasted lamb's leg, or so I've had it outside of Lincoln! Heh! A lovely and well planned party, and he had the best of help, obviously!
Author's reply
It's been years since I made one, but I would guess that most sorts of roast (except for poultry) could be used. He did have good helpers, and the experience will have been good for both Rory and Dora. Not to mention Rory meeting someone important for his future.
shirebound · 10 February 2014 · Chapter 35: Coming of Age (Part 2)
I know that the joy, and overflowing bounty of this party, did much to soften the memories of the days of famine and illness. What a lovely, happy chapter.
Author's reply
I am sure that it did. I'm so glad that the happiness came through!
Andrea · 7 December 2013 · Chapter 34: Coming of Age (part 1)
"You did those things out of order," said Dora LOL! That's Dora as I like her ;-) Rory (and Dora) did a great job and so I'm looking forward to see the party guests arrive. I'm sure there will be no complaint about the gifts! On the other hand, Lalia comes, too... Concerning spectacles: I'm nearsighted as well and have also reached the point where I have to take my glasses off to read small text. Let's wait and see where it ends ;-)
Author's reply
Yes, even this young Dora's a bit obssessive, LOL! And she's a lot more serious than in her later years, when she's developed a sense of humor.
Larner · 3 December 2013 · Chapter 34: Coming of Age (part 1)
I see that Dora's tendency to do things By the Book is already making itself manifest, and had to smile over that. The gifts from his pupils each sounds proper to the individual giving it, and love that he saw the mushrooms and cookies shared with his guests. In my-verse, at least, Frodo finds himself fighting his own love of mushrooms with common courtesy on more than one occasion, as you know. And love the thought of Belladonna and Bungo with reading glasses. I'm at the point I now need to take my glasses off in order to read, when the presbyopia and the nearsightedness begin to vie for which is worse at the moment! Heh! Nearsighted and farsighted at the same time--who'd'a thunk it? So glad that Isengar is there!
Author's reply
Yes indeed. I kind of imagine the younger version of her as being sort of like Hermione (in the first HP book especially)a little prim, a little smug, and a little bit of a know-it-all, but still good-hearted and well-intentioned. She also had less of a sense of humor in her early years than she gained in later years. You'll notice that Bilbo allowed *one* apiece, LOL! Originally it was just going to be Bungo that got the spectacles, and I thought of something different for Belladonna, but realized that both of them probably would need reading glasses for close work. A little research into the history of eyeglasses was enlightening; they've been around a LOT longer than most people know! Even with my most recent prescription, I still sometimes have to take my glasses off and close one eye to read very tiny print. I'm *very* nearsighted, but also have an astigmatism. Most of the uncles and aunts will be in attendance, though not all are staying at Bag End, in order not to overstress Bungo, who hopes to feel up to attending the feast.
shirebound · 2 December 2013 · Chapter 34: Coming of Age (part 1)
"You did those things out of order," said Dora, as she filled her plate and sat down next to Bilbo and Rory. She looked disapproving. LOL, I do love Dora! What a busy, happy day. I never really thought about Bilbo's coming-of-age, and what it might be like.
Author's reply
Yes, even when she was young, Dora was a little obsessive and prim. (Much like I was at that age. Think Hermione, from HP!) I've always felt coming-of-age was a grand occasion for most hobbits, especially those who were heirs to the Family Heads. The Baggins are not quite so high up on the list of Greater Families as the Tooks and Brandybucks, but they are quite close! (In my Shire they fall in fourth place behind the Bolgers and just ahead of the Boffins.)
Andrea · 23 November 2013 · Chapter 33: Rory
Great chapter! Let's see if the old trick that worked so well on Bilbo also works on Rory! I'm quite sure it will. "Bilbo, will we still be friends, even though you will be my tutor?" Of course they will!
Author's reply
I have a feeling it will. *grin* Of course. But I imagine that he felt a little nervous about it. It can be two different roles--and they do not necessarily always fit comfortable with it.
Larner · 19 November 2013 · Chapter 33: Rory
I am certain that this is indeed a good choice on the part of Gorbadoc and Mirabella for Rory. And it seems he and Bilbo are already on a good footing about the situation. Wish I could have had Bilbo as a teacher!
Author's reply
I think so. Bilbo already has a reputation as a good teacher, following in his father's footsteps, though he is still young. I'd have loved that!
shirebound · 19 November 2013 · Chapter 33: Rory
Bilbo is becoming so respected by his elders. What a precious and special hobbit. I read this chapter with great interest. The growing up of our beloved hobbits, and how they interacted with one another, is such an interesting subject -- and one that, like Dora, you know a great deal about, and are kind enough to share with us. :)
Author's reply
Yes, he's a couple of months shy of becoming an official adult, but he's been carrying adult burdens more or less ever since the Fell Winter, and most especially in the last couple of years as his father's health declines. His relatives know how reliable he is. *grin* Well, I have to admit that much of what I "know" is just my guesses, based on canon and on RL history. But I love to explore the Shire so much, and exploring's no fun if you can't share it!
Andrea · 5 November 2013 · Chapter 32: Harvest Time
... but her voice was a minority, and was discounted because after all, Mrs. Baggins might be the mistress of the Hill, but she was born a Took, and everyone knew that they did not understand the importance of respectability over in the Tooklands. But maybe the Tooks are happier because of their "ignorance"! At least we know already that some day in the future Bilbo will show all these respectable Bagginses that he is his mother's son ;-)
Author's reply
For a while his Baggins side will be in the ascendency, but the day will come when the Tookishness wins out! *grin* Hobbits of the Shire are very insular, even within the Shire. It never occurs to the Hobbits of Hobbiton that there might be a different measure of respectability in the Tooklands, LOL! Author Reply: For a while his Baggins side will be in the ascendency, but the day will come when the Tookishness wins out! *grin* Hobbits of the Shire are very insular, even within the Shire. It never occurs to the Hobbits of Hobbiton that there might be a different measure of respectability in the Tooklands, LOL!
Larner · 5 November 2013 · Chapter 32: Harvest Time
Yes, the Long Winter was very hard on Bungo and Belladonna, after all. May they rest now, content in the thought they have raised a son who is not only dutiful but also loving, who is willing to work when it's needed, and who is worthy to be the Master of Bag End and the Hill as he shall be when it's time to assume that duty.
Author's reply
I think when the Family Trees are examined, there were many adults who died that year or the year after; but also considering that adults may have stinted themselves in order to provide for their children, of those who survived there must have been many whose health was permanently scarred. Assuming that duty will be sad, but you are right: he is fully worthy of being the Master of the Hill, and Head of the family when that time comes.
shirebound · 5 November 2013 · Chapter 32: Harvest Time
The older he got, the more he began to realise that yes, he'd be the Master of Bag End and the Head of the Bagginses one day--and that day would only come when he was alone, when his parents were gone. Poor Bilbo, his future is unfolding before him so differently than he had imagined it would. I love the little details of hobbit life that you show us so vividly.
Author's reply
It must be so hard to live in a society in which hereditary roles play such a large part. To know that fulfilling your duty and taking up your life's work depends on the death of a beloved parent must be truly difficult. I've explored that a little with Pippin and his feelings about the Thainship, but I think even with lesser roles such as Master of Buckland or the Head of the Bagginses would still come with some of that trepidation. And of course, he'd always imagined a wife and family. Thank you, dear!
Andrea · 4 September 2013 · Chapter 31: A Ramble Under the Stars
Oh dear, that's bad news for Bilbo! But it would have been worse if he had found out that someone else was already courting her. I liked the walking trip and the song about Rolly and Robin :-)
Author's reply
Well, it might have been worse in some ways, but I think he was a little more prepared for that, and willing to fight for her regard unless he learned that she was truly in love with another. Thanks! I made that song for "Trotter", but it seemed to fit in here as well. Author Reply: Well, it might have been worse in some ways, but I think he was a little more prepared for that, and willing to fight for her regard unless he learned that she was truly in love with another. Thanks! I made that song for "Trotter", but it seemed to fit in here as well.