I Have Never...

[Eamila Bolger]

I have worn tapshoes! We had a lesson during a team outing. It was very much fun (and so difficult).
I have never worn 'spitzen' (ballet shoes).

Hmmmm good one there.
Three best selling items:
1) I guess a tomato salad named after a certain steward
2) all kinds of pastries from the Shire
3) ent draught all the way from Fangorn
The regulars: definitely soup from Éowyn (I hated it how PJ made her make lousy soup) and stew from Samwise!

Which of the characters in Lord of the Rings would be a good painting artist and what would he like best to paint and why?

[Merewyn]

I also have not worn any form of ballet shoes or in this case, spitzen. I have never eaten elk (though I'd like to try!)

While we typically know them for their writing/calligraphy, I think Bilbo or Ori could be good painters because of their steady hands and attention to detail. I think Bilbo would be likely to paint landscapes of the places he'd visited. I think Ori would be more likely to paint historical murals around Erebor. If you could have dinner with one character from any of Tolkien's works in Middle-Earth, who would it be and why? What would you talk about?

[Pele Alarion]

I have eaten canned elk - but found in the shelves of the shop, so who knows what else was in it, haha... I have never been on a roller-coaster (and wouldn't want to).

Faramir! I totally admire his character, and also all that forest knowledge. I'd ask him all sorts of life questions and would want to know what he'd say about how today's world functions. And also I would kindly ask if we could go hiking in Ithilien and if he could teach me some forest-pathfinding tricks. Has there been a time when you've wanted to punch one of the 'good' LOTR characters in the face for something as you read the books? What for?

[Drífa]

I have been on a roller coaster, but when I was young. I would not dare now, as I feel I would probably be sick to my stomach. I have never petted a live sheep. I often wonder if the wool is soft or coarse. Probably the latter.

I would probably punch Thranduil just for acting so unkindly and holding a grudge for so long. Gotta stick up for my kin! Okay, Queer Lodgings. So the dogs could stand on their hind legs and carry things on their forefeet. What other animal would you have standing on their hind feet to serve?

[Merewyn]

I have absolutely petted a live sheep, but only because for a few years my birth mother was on a health kick where we were getting fresh milk and cheese and eggs from local farms, so I would always wander out to see animals while she bought things. I have never seen the Grand Canyon.

I actually think that a Badger would be quite nice and dexterous as a serving animal, not to mention adorable. Which of these types of craftsmen would you prefer to be and why?

A) Dwarvish marble sculptor.
B) Elvish wood carver.
C) Human silver engraver.
D) Hobbit shoe maker.
E) Orc armor disassembler/reassembler.

[Pele Alarion]

I have never seen the Grand Canyon because I have never even set foot in the United States. Yet. I have never gone scuba diving.

Human silver engraver? Because it sounds intricate and interesting. Which LOTR character would you leave out of the books and why?

[Drífa]

I have never gone scuba diving, but I have used a snorkel and mask for fun. It is really hard to learn to breathe underwater. I have never driven a stick shift vehicle.

I would omit Sandyman, the miller, a gossiper who passed this trait on to his son, Ted. At least Lobelia turned over a new leaf. Ted's fate is unmentioned. He seemed half-orc, as far as I am concerned. Let's reverse the question: Which character (omitted from any of Tolkien's works) would you leave in the books, and why?

[Eldrith]

I have driven a stick vehicle. In fact, you have to in Belgium to pass your driver's license. (or at least you did, 30 years ago)

I am not sure if this is the answer you're looking for but I would want to have known more about the daughters of Aragorn and Arwen. His son as well, but especially the daughters that didn't even get names.

Which tree, specific tree, that you have ever seen, are you secretly convinced is an Ent? And why?

[Pele Alarion]

My current car is a stick vehicle. But - I have never driven automatic.

There's an old willow tree with spreading branches in a park of one of my favourite towns. I could easily see it as a sleepy, gentle Ent, not as the one in the Old Forest. If you were to set out on the boating tour which of the Middle Earth rivers would you choose and what sights you would be especially interested in?

[Drífa]

I have driven an automatic, but I have never flown a plane.

I would take my chances and tour the Withywindle. I would leave from Breredon (a small village beyond the High-hay) and make my way to the Withy-weir. Most likely, I would have to portage around the dam, as the water flows quickly in that direction. I figure if I stay in the center of the river, beyond the reach of hanging tree limbs and willow snags, I might reach Tom's house and discover along the way finny fish, brown water-rats, and dabchicks.* You are a musician. You must choose one of these Dwarven instruments to play - fiddle, flute, drum, clarinet, viol or harp. Which one do you select and why?

*From the Red Book, The Adventures of Tom Bombadil

[Pele Alarion]

Neither have I. And I have never visited a president/king/government.

I might try harp because... it kinda seems like something that might fit me? And it seems like such a cool instrument! If the real life countries had to choose from among themselves an ambassador to send to Dwarves, who do you think would be the most fitting for this official position and why?