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The Road to Edoras  by Dreamflower 6 Review(s)
Anso the HobbitReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/6/2005
A goblin-man? That does sound scary! Nice glimpse into the life of the Rebels. They were so brave!

Author Reply: JRRT hints more than once that Saruman did *something* to cross Orcs and humans. I think such a thing would be *very* scary.

Yes, the Rebels were quite brave--after all none of them had any real training or anything, and just had to do the best with what they already knew: throwing rocks and shooting bows.

GamgeeFestReviewed Chapter: 17 on 7/2/2005
I loved that "present" Freddy left for Lotho, and Lotho's reaction was perfectly fitting for him, kicking someone when they're down.

And we're back to the Mister thing again. At least no one is daring Jolly not to say "proper" for a week or anything of that sort. Although, with Legolas in the entourage, it may not be long before he's dropping suggestions to the other hobbits, lol.

Author Reply: Yes, I think that would have been Lotho's reaction as well. Of course it served the Bracegirdles right, for collaborating with Lotho to begin with.

The "class" distinctions are something that are going to rear their heads from time to time; and as has been observed with Sam, the opposition to reaching "up" so to speak comes from the one who is reluctant to do the reaching, from a false sense of social inferiority. In other words, like Sam, it's *Jolly* (and to a certain extent, Rolly and Denny) who will be reluctant to give over the signs of deference. But you know that, having explored that theme yourself very brilliantly.

KittyReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/29/2005
The object of "Mister" again *grins* I wonder if Jolly is as bad and stubborn as Sam or if he will eventually be convinced to use the name only.

Nice to know the story behind the song - I had sometimes wondered what had happened during this raid. These little stories are truly an entertaining way to pass the time of the journey. And it is good to see how much better Freddy feels since he isn't so desperate any more.

You know, you're looking much too innocent to believe it :-D

Author Reply: Oh, possibly. We'll have to see.

Now you know what truly happened on the raid. And yes, moving beyond desperation has been liberating for Freddy.

Me? Innocent-looking? *la la la la la*...

BodkinReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/29/2005
'No hobbit’s ever killed another a-purpose since the Shire began, but I think if he ever had got his hands on either Sandyman or the Pimple, that would have changed. And I don’t think it would have been good for him.'

So true. Now Freddy has let go of that rage, he will heal much better - and he is surrounded by a group of people who will help. Nice bit of back-story there. And the black-blooded 'man'!

Now they just have to persecute the automatic mistering out of Jolly.

Author Reply: Yes, Freddy has learned that lesson, and it's been difficult. But it's one he was *ready* to learn by that point in time. And now his healing can go on at a faster pace, unimpeded by hatred.

I have always been somewhat fascinated by the "black blood". Obviously turning the blood black was an essential part of whatever process it was that Morgoth did in order to "create" his orcs, trolls, etc. out of what they originally were. And if Saruman had seen to the interbreeding of Men and Orcs, I would be sure that the "black blood" would show up in there somewhere.

As we have seen with Sam and Rosie, that's not an easy thing to do. A lifetime of saying something is not overcome overnight.

Grey WondererReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/28/2005
Good to hear Freedy's exploits and to see him getting credit for his actions against the ruffians. I just love all of the stories-within-the story that you are including. It is fun to hear others tell about things and it is very hobbity that this trip is filled with tales! Looking forward to more.

Author Reply: I was sure that with Jolly in the group, the subject of "Captain Freddy" was bound to come up.

I decided a while back that they would be telling lots of stories on the trip, as it would be needed to pass the time--and incidentally fill out the chapters that would otherwise consist of: "They got up and rode all day, and then stopped." LOL! Otherwise this would be a *very* short story.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 17 on 6/28/2005
Very beautifully written description of the "actions" and Freddy's determination. No wonder he came to be so beloved in the Shire after that.



Author Reply: Since Jolly was in Freddy's band, and since Mosco knew the circumstances of Folco's murder, it would only be natural for the two of them to discuss his actions during the Troubles. I think that in the long run, he was probably lauded as much for heroism as Merry and Pippin.

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