Stories of Arda Home Page
About Us News Resources Login Become a member Help Search

Truth  by Lindelea 2 Review(s)
FantasyFanReviewed Chapter: 12 on 9/23/2003
Oh, now I'm really confused. I was positive it was Hodge who stole the chickens and planted the knife in the chicken coop. I figured he would give Frodo-lad a real scare, and then have some way to get him out of it at the last minute at the hearing. When he got left behind to watch the chickens, I wondered how he was going to let anyone know that Frodo didn't really do it. Now, I'm not sure about him at all. He seemed so sincere when he was talking to Goldi. He was apologetic, bashful and almost sweet to her: he sounded like he really didn't believe Frodo was capable of theft. Was that all an act? (He did manage to get in one dig on Rose.) Or if it wasn't Hodge, who was it? This whole 'prank' was done deliberately and with malice; the intent clearly was to do more than discredit Frodo. He could be banished for this, or at the least put under permanent ban! I want to know who was responsible! (And I want to know if I'm guilty of prejudging Hodge.)

Boy, you sure know who are your real friends when trouble arrives. Half the Shire is gleefully gossiping, having convicted Frodo before the trial and ready to destroy Sam and the rest of the family with him as quickly as possible. But there are a few who believe in Frodo-lad's integrity, including the innkeeper, and Daisy Burrows, her mom and da. It's good to know Frodo has a few who will stand by him. But even if they want to support him, a judgement against Frodo by the Thain will be carried out, whether it be banishment or shunning. He's got to be scared to death.

By the way, I loved the aside about lasses weeping over the demise of easy-on-the-eyes Merry or Pippin. It made me giggle, even in the midst of the tension. There's always something like that to look forward to in your stories. You have so many great ideas!

Author Reply: I know, I had a lot of the same feelings as you when the story was in the works. The outline actually called for Hodge to be the culprit, allowing Frodo to go off and be tried, never dreaming he'd be found guilty, only wanting to cause him the maximum embarassment and inconvenience. And then... the story wrote itself in another direction. Guess we'll never know how Hodge would have reacted. Thanks for the kind words. I'm actually feeling a little apprehensive about the angst in "Runaway". Whenever I write angst, I worry that it is "over the top". I almost "chickened out" and cut the story short, with a neat and sweet ending. You'll have to let me know what you think when we get to those chapters in that story. (Please do.)

MirielReviewed Chapter: 12 on 9/23/2003
*Sigh* The plot thinkens...can I say again how much I missed your updates?

Poor, poor, Frodo...

Hmm...Hodge and Godi...*Shudder* at least we know that it would never come to be, but it makes for a very interesting plot.

I liked the lasses weeping when they thought Merry and Pippin had been killed. I hope you update soon!

Author Reply: Amazing. I just discovered that SoA sends the author's reply to the reviewer. What a website!

It's nice to know I was missed.

Hodge and Goldi... you know, it is not so far-fetched. If Sam were not Mayor, they'd be of the same class, socially, whereas Faramir would be far out of Goldi's reach, with her parents being so conventional and class-conscious.

Here comes that update you were waiting for.

Return to Chapter List