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The Proposition  by Lindelea 4 Review(s)
TariReviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/2/2014
Ruffians do have a heart, much to the surprise of the Hobbits. Expectant mothers and wee ones softened them up quite a bit. A very touching chapter.

Author Reply: I am glad the ruffians are still capable of feeling compassion. I'm not sure they'd be able to, if they were already under the direct, frequent influence of Saruman's Voice. But I don't think he arrives until September, and this is still early in the year.

Thanks!

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 13 on 5/1/2014
At least they remembered their humanity for the moment, at least. Compassion is still possible for them. Now--if it would only generalize!

Author Reply: Yes, if it would only generalize. I think some of them are able to see hobbits as people, but peer pressure is enough to keep them in line. Of course, when Saruman and his Voice arrive, all bets are off...

Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you!

EverlightReviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/30/2014
Great chapter! It was a good thing Scar and his men were there when she went into labor. Poor Ches, thinking the ruffians were stealing his wife and Violet willing to go to save her husband and children.

Very glad the ruffians returned some of the goods (even if their reasons were selfish), it will definitely help in the future.

Author Reply: Ches and Violet were both very brave. I'm glad it was just a midwife that was wanted. (Three-fingers ought to have *said* at the start...)

Yup, the ruffians are definitely looking out for their own best interests, but it'll be a help to Hally and Rosie and their little ones as well -- and will alienate their friends and neighbours all the faster. Sad, but necessary.

Garnet TookReviewed Chapter: 13 on 4/30/2014
Great chapter!

It really strikes me that had certain things in their backgrounds been different, some of the ruffians actually could have turned out to be honerable men. I'm glad everything came out all right in the end and that the ruffians weren't totally mean. Yes, they have their own reasons for leaving the things they'd gather but the family will benefit as well.

Poor Violet, she's now totally confused but at least she came and helped and her husband didn't offend the ruffians too badly. It is sad that too soon Rose and Hally will be totally outcast from hobbit society.

Author Reply: Thank you!

Been out of town, but back to posting again, at least so long as Real Life allows. You make a good point about the ruffians turning out differently, had their circumstances been different. I still wonder at the people who grow up in horrible circumstances and still turn out to be fine and upstanding -- what makes them different?

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