Across the Water by Lyta Padfoot

Reviews (3)

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powerwriter · 1 March 2004 · Chapter 2: End of a Legend

This is a very curious story. I've never read anything about the old Bullroarer or the Old Took, especially as a child. I'm very interested in seeing how Rontius becomes friends with Gandalf.

Author's reply

I started this story after finding hardly any stories on either character - the Bullroarer and the Old Took are often compared to Frodo, Merry and Pippin so they must have been extraordinary hobbits. I hope you like my Bullroarer, he's based on my imagining of a pioneer hobbit with a dash of Pippin, but I also gave him some quirky interests (like interior decorating) and borrowed his back troubles from real-life people who are extrodinarily tall. Unlike Merry and Pippin, the Bullroarer's height derives from an overproduction of growth hormone and has real consequences for his health. I have a side story about Bandobras at the Battle of Greenfields, but I doubt I'll post it before completing this story. The friendship between Gerontius and Gandalf will evolve gradually, after all Rontius is not even a tween yet at this part in the story. The next chapter jumps ahead to his coming of age. Gandalf's next appearance will be around chapter 7-8 and will be very significant for both characters.

PIppinfan1988 · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 2: End of a Legend

I forgot to mention in my first review that it was great how you mentioned the recording of the wood floors and ceiling in the Took's Year Book. Not too many folks remember that little book of Took lore. I'm curious to watch Gandalf and Gerontius' freinship grow. Gerontius' cautious nature and Gandalf's worldly knowledge... And how 'bout a round of eighteen holes??? :-P Take care. Pippinfan

Author's reply

I thought it reasonable that other Tooks went off on adventures without Gandalf and the Great Smials would contain physical reminders of their journeys. Yellowskin, or the Year Book of Tuckborough, was a logical way of recording those journeys - especially since those floors were not cheap!

PIppinfan1988 · 27 February 2004 · Chapter 0: Lessons of the Past

This is interesting! It will also be interesting to see what Gandalf thinks about these hobbit-folk! Pippinfan

Author's reply

I think Gandalf has a kind of nagging suspicion that there is something special to hobbits... but mostly he enjoys visiting the Shire because the focus is more on everyday life than distant threats.