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| Jewels by Lindelea | 3 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Mirkwoodmaiden | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 5/21/2025 |
| Lin! "Though he had less time for riding these days, yet daily he took Jewel out for a long ride--where, he never said, but sometimes the pony was muddy and sometimes he was lathered, or dried sweat clotted his coat.Merry would bring the pony back cool and breathing easy, the ostler was glad to see. If the pony had run hard, he'd been properly cooled out before returning. There would be another long grooming session, a last treat from the young master's hand, a pat and a wordless farewell." At least Merry had Jewel, time alone with one's horse is very important and he knows how to treat her. Did he have knowledge all along or was this also from his time spent with the Rohirrim. "'He hasn't lost himself, Nob. He's only lost his way.' 'Can he find it again, ye think?' 'I hope so.' Merry repeated the thought to himself, and to Socks, in that wordless language that only he and the ponies understood. I hope so." *Heart pang* I hope so too. Both Merry and Pippin have been through so much! (((hugs))) MM Author Reply: MM! I've found a lot of solace in alone-time with a horse or dog or cat over the years. Though I must admit, I never practiced night riding, and I don't know how doable or advisable Merry's habit of riding after dark might be. (Is this a time to say, "Do not try this at home?") Merry will do everything in his power to help his cousin, and for those things that are beyond his power, he'll stand staunch at Pippin's side. Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts. It's so heartening to hear from you! (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: I forgot to answer your question: Did [Merry] have knowledge all along or was this also from his time spent with the Rohirrim? I started out with the detail about how he met the others as Farmer Maggot was driving them to the Ferry. Merry was riding in dark, foggy conditions, carrying (but not using) a dark-lantern. (The text says he uncovered the lantern to shine it on Farmer Maggot's face when the farmer challenged him in the dark.) I think those conditions would be quite risky for a casual rider or someone unfamiliar with ponies. He also had procured ponies before they set out from Crickhollow, implying he was somewhat knowledgeable about what to look for in ponies intended for a long-distance venture. I'd imagine he added to his knowledge of equines when he was among the Rohirrim. Perhaps part of their embracing him had to do with a shared interest or even passion for ponies/horses? The thought brings me a smile, anyhow. I have Ferdibrand Took similarly discovering common ground with the Rohirrim in general (on his trip south with Farry) and with Éowyn (because of horses) and Faramir (because of archery and the M-e equivalent of guerrilla warfare, I think?) in particular. What fun it is to discover kindred spirits! (((hugs))) Lin Author Reply: Shoot, and now I want to write a short story where Merry shows one of the Rohirrim some practical solution that Shire-folk use with their ponies. But I can't think of anything off the top of my head that a hobbit would know (in terms of equines) and that would be a new idea for the Rohirrim who are practically horses themselves... (Like coal to Newcastle, as they say?) | |
| PSW | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 3/1/2025 |
| It’s nice that the other Hobbits think of and worry about Pippin too. Shows he’s well loved. <3 Author Reply: One of the reasons I keep coming back to write about hobbits is the love JRRT infused into his story. The love between the hobbits he wrote about shines through so clearly! I knew he also found hobbits stubborn and insular and irritating, but then, nobody's perfect, I guess. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 30 on 10/4/2007 |
| Time indeed to call for Diamond to come, I think. The idea of marrying someone not of his own choice and against his inclinations is working against Pippin's recovery. Ah, Paladin--what you have wrought! Your lad needs acceptance, not ordering about! Author Reply: *sigh* You have the right of it. And somehow it makes me think of Denethor. We had a long discussion of Denethor today, in the LOTR literature class that I am co-teaching. Interestingly, the other teacher has a firmly movie-version Denethor in his mind, and even reading the book, his opinions were clearly coloured by the film depiction. Against that foil I could see more clearly Denethor as tragic figure, noble though fatally flawed. It made for a thought-provoking discussion. | |