News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
| About Us News Resources
Login
Become a member
Help
Search
|
|
|
| The Way Home by Lindelea | 86 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| KathyG | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 8/23/2025 |
| Oh, my! Is Bill delirious with fever now? That's not good! I sure hope he doesn't have blood poisoning. Author Reply: You've hit the nail quite accurately. Bill is out of his head, and Shadowfax is nearly frantic with worry. Luckily, the great horse remembered a riverbank where clay could be found, and he knew that clay can draw out toxins and reduce heat and swelling. He also knows that it's not enough... but it will have to do for now. Thanks! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 8/23/2025 |
| Just when it seems I can go no farther, I feel the touch of a hobbit's hand. A voice speaks softly, encouragingly Ohhhh. *sniff* Dear, dear Bill. May the cooling clay anchor and comfort him as surely as his sweet memories do. Author Reply: I think the clay will help. It's not a cure, but it will help keep him going a bit longer. Every step he can manage is one step closer to where they need to be. (((hugs))) | |
| Noruinivel | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 8/23/2025 |
| I have been enjoying this story very much. It is quite creative how have described the “Voices” and brought in Shadowfax as a companion and guide. I keep hoping the horses might come across a helpful ranger, and I would especially enjoy seeing that interaction. The way that Bill’s wound is feeling, he might need more help than even so great a horse as Shadowfax can provide. However, unfortunately for these equine companions, I doubt they will encounter any rangers without coming across their foes as well. Well, those are just my imaginings. I’m looking forward to whatever direction you choose to take this clever gap filler. Thank you for sharing! Author Reply: I'm so glad to hear from you, especially that you've been enjoying the story! While combing through the book and Tale of Years, I was excited to find that several of the solutions I'd come up with would work within Tolkien's timeline. A helpful Ranger is indeed one of the possibilities, along with Shadowfax and some other surprises. However, I'm going to try not to give away any spoilers while at the same time hoping readers will find Bill's story both plausible and enjoyable. You are most welcome. In turn, let me thank you for reading and taking time to post your thoughts and impressions! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 22 on 8/23/2025 |
| I've lost days a few times in my life. I wasn't afraid--only uncertain of what I could do for myself. I see that in Bill as the Voices and Shadowfax use the memories of his Hobbits to move him onwards. The infection needs to drain as well as to cool. Perhaps they will encounter an Elf or kind Man who could help, or even a dog willing to lick the wound so as to help heal it. Your Panda could have helped at this time. Author Reply: That floaty, foggy feeling is interesting, to say the least. I remember one bad bout with pneumonia where I found myself waiting to see if the next breath would come. I wasn't afraid, and the feeling didn't resemble suffocating. I probably should have been in hospital, but I truly didn't realise how sick I was. Pippin's imaginary dog would certainly come in handy about now! (Ah, Panda, my love; yes, she'd be tall enough to reach Bill's shoulder easily. Or Zoe or Jiffy, perhaps. Both of them were motherly creatures. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/23/2025 |
| Oh, how touching--and heart-breaking--these thoughts of HIS Hobbits and their care for him and each other. And he has good memories of Boromir as well! Shadowfax's care helps, but cannot fully replace the love between himself and Pippin, Merry, Frodo, and his Sam. Author Reply: Boromir is/was a wise Captain. He knew all too well that an army could not travel far without the beasts that carried burdens or pulled the supply waggons. I envision him as being kind to Bill, not only because of the need to keep the pony healthy, but because some real affection and respect grew between the two of them as they travelled together. What Shadowfax lacks, it seems Bill's memories and love for his hobbits are supplying. At least, I hope it reads that way. Thanks! | |
| KathyG | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/21/2025 |
| Not hard to guess that Ferny only ever gave Bill blows and curses! Hopefully, Bill has learned much else (including lots of comfort and security) from his companions ever since Bill sold him to the hobbits. Author Reply: Bill has learned a lifetime of lessons in a few short months, I think it's safe to say. Thanks so much for reading and pausing to share your thoughts! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 21 on 8/19/2025 |
| If that is the case – if they are sleeping at this moment, even as I am now, for my thoughts are slow and dreamy – then it is almost as if we are together again in this moment, all resting and sleeping and gathering strength. Ohhhh, this is so lovely. Author Reply: Thanks! I really appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts. (((hugs))) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 8/17/2025 |
| So the memory of his Hobbits carries him onward as happened with Pippin. Author Reply: Exactly! As you and Shirebound noticed, his memories are a large factor in his persistence, carrying him onward and reinforcing his stubborn will to continue. Thanks! | |
| Lady Forlong | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 8/16/2025 |
| Sounds like maybe he reinjured himself in the river crossing. Looks like tough going from here, even worse than it has been already. Gotta admire his determination, although I'm not sure if he might have given up by now if it hadn't been for Shadowfax. Author Reply: It may not be clear enough in the previous chapters, but Bill's injury from the wolf attack has been steadily growing worse. The river crossing aggravated things, and he's in real trouble now. Good thing Shadowfax is with him. I think his love for Sam would have kept Bill going right up until his final breath, even without Shadowfax. That said, I'm so glad I can follow JRRT's narrative. I couldn't have written this story if I knew Bill wouldn't make it to Bree. Thanks! | |
| shirebound | Reviewed Chapter: 20 on 8/15/2025 |
| Oh no, poor Bill. But the memories of his hobbit-friends keep him on his feet. Author Reply: Poor Bill. I don't know what he'd do without the memories of his hobbits to sustain him! Though I must say Shadowfax is a good travelling companion. Thanks! | |