On Solid Ground by Lindelea
Tari · 20 March 2013 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
What a wonderful journey this was. Even with all the ups and downs, Farry and Pippin almost dying,Farry loosing and regaining his sight, I dearly loved it all. I normally prefer reading about Elves, but have no problem switching to stories about the dear, special Hobbits.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you enjoyed the story. Many thanks for pausing to share an encouraging word. (((hugs)))
Tari · 13 March 2013 · Chapter 12: "They Say There's Still Hope"
"The Sun was thinking about seeking her bed." What a lovely description of the sun setting. It's the only bright spot in this sad story. Hopefully the lose of Hobbits will be at a minimm. Gimli and my favorite Elf are there to help. Wonderful.
Author's reply
Some parts of the story were very sad and difficult to write. Still, as always, I was working towards a bright conclusion. Thanks for hanging in there.
Tari · 26 February 2013 · Chapter 6: Just Before Elevenses (Part 3)
Hobbits are amazing people indeed. They handled the earthquake admirably. As I read about the ponies, I couldn't help but think how cute it would be to see them with minature horses.
Author's reply
They probably handled the earthquake better than I would! How I love hobbits... Thanks!
Nienor Niniel · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
Oh, what a lovely ending! I like the foreshadowing about Sam, as well as the glimpse we get of Frodo. Good what you did for Ferdi; and I'm really glad you did not kill him. I can see why you want to beware from getting repetive: there is a lot of injuries, illnesses and healing in your stories. But the setup is always different, as is the way characters react to the situation and the solution, so it does not get boring at all. I had never thought about Hobbits experiencing a catastrophe like this - hole-dwelling is really not the best choice when it comes to earthquakes. Their reaction, though, seems very hobbit-like and reasonable. All the best, Nienor
Author's reply
Thanks, Nienor! I do appreciate your having taken the time to give me your thoughts. It is reassuring to know that my writing is not overly repetitive!
Hannahlou · 24 July 2006 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
" ‘Pippin,’ the King returned, taking the outstretched hand in his. His healer’s eye took quick stock and he nodded satisfaction. ‘You look much better than I’d expected.’ ‘Reports of my death are always exaggerated,’ Pippin said. ‘You ought to know that by now.’ " Lol! I love this little bit-after all Pippin has been through, he can still joke about it!
Author's reply
The day he loses his sense of humour is the day I'll worry about him! Thanks for dropping by.
storyfish · 8 January 2006 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
Lindelea! What a wonderful story this is! I was looking for something "new" to read, and I remembered that I'm nowhere near finished reading everything you've written, and found this story. I'm so glad I did! Here's the thing--I just returned from vacation with my mom and dad and sister, and I was missing them horribly, so I decided to read one of your stories. They're such a blessing--the way you write each of the hobbit families, the love between them, reminds me of my own family and home and makes it a little easier to return to the city and work and school. I especially loved the dynamics between Farry and his younger brothers in this story. (Be-Bo! How cute is that!) I was struck by Farry's seriousness when he reprimands Beregrin, telling him that battles aren't exciting. Is his strength of conviction from the stories Pippin's told him? Or has Faramir experienced battle in one of your fics I haven't read yet? Some more scenes I found striking, powerful: Diamond berating Pippin, and asking him not to die before her, and Sam musing about Frodo waiting, Faramir walking through walls and halls and saying goodbye to Pippin (and Legolas and Pippin both hearing him!). In short, I liked it all. Yay for satisfying stories! You have quite a talent....
Author's reply
What a lovely surprise, finding this review! Would you believe this is the first I've seen of it? We have two younger ones of a similar size, and they asnwer to a phrase, made up of a combination of their names, something like the "Be-Bo" in this story. I imagine that both twins answer to "Be-Bo"... it's sort of an all-purpose form of address. LOL! Yes, Farry's seen battle a few times. Once, while at the Lonely Mountain, visiting the dwarves during the time of "Where the Merlin Cries" (though not described in that story--perhaps the story of his visit will be told some time, and perhaps not, when I think of the amount of research and sheer *thinking* that would have to be done to pull off a description of peacetime dwarf society) and again in the story with the working title "Farry and Ferdi go to Gondor". (There's a snippet of that one posted here at SoA, but the story as a whole remains stubbornly in draft-and-outline form.) Whew, I remember the feeling of leaving home... Sort of a push-pull feeling. Glad to hear the stories are a help. I know I find them a comfort sometimes. Thanks!
purrlin · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
This has taken me a long time to respond to. A few years ago I was involved with a land slide not far from my city that involved a lot of people being trapped. One man survived. I found reading this very hard. But I'm glad I took the time to read it through. Some parts I had to walk away from. My experience taught me that there is always hope...no matter how small one man's life made it worthwhile ( those that died made it nearly impossible) If you have never experienced this sort of event, then I praise you for your ability to show the reality of what happens.... only thing you missed is that after the elation...there is always the ...questioning(?) and then the knowledge that there is always more to life. its funny but those that are not closest to it but personally involved are often the lives most hurt by it. family rebuild...those strangers that for one brief minute are taken in by those families live it forever afterwards. I'm sorry I just meant to explain my appreciation for what you have written here. you done good! really! purr
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to review. I am shaken and humbled by what you've said. No, I have never lived through such an event, merely have done hours of research and spent more time "living" with the characters, walking with them and listening to them for weeks before I put down a single word. The questioning, yes, that is an important part of it, isn't it? I was living near an Air Base when, during an airshow, a jet ploughed into the crowd of spectators. We had chosen to avoid the crowds that day, and though we'd talked about going to watch the air show, we decided instead to take a walk in the country. It was strange, seeing the images, the incredible photos (it was well documented), hearing the survivors' accounts, the miraculous escapes, the father who ran back into the flames to scoop up his toddler and ran out again, both sustaining burns, but surviving the inferno. I remember talking about it with friends, knowing we'd have been in the thick of things but for that offhand decision that we didn't want to fight the crowds that beautiful sunny day. Yes. You're right. In the aftermath come the questions, and the knowledge. Thanks.
hobbitsrcute · 27 April 2004 · Chapter 17: From Darkness into Light
YAY! Ferdi can seeeeeeeeeeeeeeee wonderful as always, my dear. simply wonderful!!!!!!!!!!
Author's reply
O thank you! Appreciate the encouragement!
Pervinca · 26 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
I didn't need to worry about reading this at all! You've taken a completely different approach than I have in my Faramir/Goldi fic. I used to avoid Shire disaster fics, until I read a particularly good one about a fire (the name escapes me). This one was also a gem to read, and the disaster was believable and original at the same time (don't think I've read a story with an earthquake in any part of M.E). I also like the way that your stories tie in together, but can stand alone at the same time. The only complaint I have (and it is hardly that) is the sheer amount of names! You've created so many wonderful little characters, it's hard to keep track of them all! But believe me, I don't think there's anything wrong with that.
Anonymous · 25 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
The dialog between Ferdi, Nell, Pippin and Diamond was perfect. I loved Sam's hearing of Frodo and his closing line, what a wonderful way to conclude the story!
Grey Wonderer · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
I like the idea of Frodo as a gardian for those he had to leave behind. A very nice idea and just now, though my weather is much too cold to allow it, I'd love a nice picnic. Thank you for the wonderful story.
Carol · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
I just wanted to say that this was a lovely story and I enjoyed reading it.
Hai · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
Goldi kissing Farry and he waking up! Quite a lovely fairy tale ring to it! I like the conversation between the hobbits and the King about Frodo. That was very nice! and sam thinking about Frodo but telling himself now was not his time. I hope you are planning on writing about a trip to Gondor with all our favorite hobbits! That would be something! Thank you for such a wonderful story!
Connie · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
What a lovely ending. For some reason, I really like the enteraction between Pippin, Merry and the King. I really liked Pippin's little joke about Farry running things, and his,"No wait that was an aftershake." Great to see his sense of humor is still much alive and thriving. Please say there's more. Do you by any chance have a story in mind for their visit to Gondor. That would be really cool. More stories,please. Thanks. Connie.
shirebound · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 20: Epilogue
Wonderful! I love epilogues. And lines like this: ‘Reports of my death are always exaggerated,’ Pippin said. ‘You ought to know that by now.’ I'm so glad Pippin shared the 'vision' of Frodo Faramir had, if only to give Sam such peace. Lovely story.
FantasyFan · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 19: To Have and to Hold
This is a sweet chapter. Farry tells his experience to Goldi, that is right and good. Like you said, honesty to each other. But I wonder, will Goldi tell Sam what she has heard and what she suspects? The Gamgees never speak of the ending of the book, which kind of surprised me when I read it. I guess I was a little dismayed about the ambiguity Goldi expressess - it's not quite real to her. Sam doesn't speak of it, and I suppose he doesn't want to feel that pull too strongly, until it is the right time. Maybe it wouldn't be a comfort to him to know Frodo is waiting. Can he not hear that Frodo is well and happy though? So many of Frodo's friends are gathered together - would it not be good to celebrate one more good thing? (More than one good thing, if you count the fact that they seem to have someone watching over them who isn't hesitant to intervene in extreme circumstances.) I like the way you interwove the three couples sharing intimate moments. Each has a moment of fear, but the fear passes with reassurances of love. Farry and Goldi's fear that they might not have much time together is easily overcome - they are young and just starting out and have just proved themselves invincible. Diamond's fear is made of many experiences and close calls, and is all too real - they decide just to live with it and love anyway. Ferdi's fear is also very real, but I think through all his trials he's come to a place of peace, where he can accept whatever 'is' - a rare strength indeed. Farry saying the vows to Goldi at the end is also sweet, and satisfying. After all, she's the one who needs to hear them. In light of your explanation to the previous review, do Merry, Sam and Pippin hear all the weddings in the Shire? They must be very busy! Who officiates in the Southfarthing, or Westmarch: not exactly conveniently placed for any of them. The outlying regions seem to run fairly autonomously. Would the head of a prominent local family do the honors?
Author's reply
To answer your last question, I don't see them as hearing all the weddings in the Shire; more likely the head of a prominent local family would witness the vows of area hobbits, as you said. Of course, if the head of the family is involved in the wedding as a participant, the head of some other family will have to officiate. (That sounds complicated somehow. Need to have some tea to straighten out my thoughts.) I suppose young Rudivar Bolger could witness Farry's wedding when it comes to that, being the Bolger (!) but it just seems right for the Travellers to honour their own and each other in this way. Sam is focused on the present. He misses Frodo but he doesn't live in anticipation of sailing, for it means another parting, from the Shire he loves and his family and friends there. I think it comes up in his thoughts sometimes, but he always dismisses it with a "not yet", if he even thinks that concretely about the whole idea. Am not coherent, haven't had my first cup of tea yet! Am just finishing typing in the final chapter (draft) and will post it during our mid-morning tea break. Whew!
Connie · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 19: To Have and to Hold
Oh, so much love. It is so nice to see so many couples so in love, and in such different stages of that love. I also think the hobbit wedding vows are just wonderful. Such a sweet chapter. Thanks. Connie.
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! I love a happy ending, or almost-ending. Got a few loose ends to tie up.
shirebound · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 19: To Have and to Hold
I do love a happy ending! A very exciting, romantic story.
Author's reply
Thank you very much! There is one more chapter... tell me if it turns out to be an anticlimax. I could end the story here but there are a couple of loose ends.
Lyta Padfoot · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 19: To Have and to Hold
I was wrong... looks like Ferdi has a rival for the 'most romantic hobbit' award. A wonderful chapter. I especially loved his honesty with Goldi.
Author's reply
Well he has spent an awful lot of time in Ferdi's company, after all. Guess some of that courtliness rubbed off. Thanks for the review!
Meldewen Ilce · 24 February 2004 · Chapter 19: To Have and to Hold
Oh what a beautiful wonderful chapter! Got teary from both the conversations between Farry and Goldi as well as with Diamond and Pippin! And have I mentioned I LOVE it that Ferdi can now see again! I am so glad Farry remembered seeing Frodo and found this part interesting: ‘No, just Frodo,’ Faramir said, thinking back to the fading dream. ‘He was... old, as I said, old as a gaffer but somehow young at the same time; I don’t know how to describe him, Goldi. He was lively, and merry, and... well. He was well, Goldi, as if he’d left all troubles behind and lived in peace and joy.’ He laughed suddenly. ‘I asked him if he were dead, and he said, ‘Not yet! Not until...’ 1. ‘Not until what?’ Goldi said, raising her head to look into his eyes again. She remembered the end of the Red Book, and the conversation between Frodo and Sam before they came to the Grey Havens, though the Gamgees never spoke of it. It was part of a story in a book was all, there was naught to it. Or was there? ‘I don’t know,’ Faramir said dismissively. ‘He didn’t say what he was waiting for. He seemed more concerned about sending me back, for your sake and my Da’s.’ I believe I know what the ‘until...’ was - Frodo means he will not die until Sam has joined him in the West... Again GREAT chapter! Oh have I mentioned I love the hobbit wedding vows??? *bg*
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. This chapter and the one where Ferdi gets his vision back and the conversation with Frodo were the driving forces behind this story. The rest of the story sort of got written around the three scenes. I did worry just a bit that this chapter would be too mushy, but it seems to have turned out okay. You're spot on about the "until". Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 18: As Long as Life Shall Last
And, I forgot to add to my review (as if it wasn't long enough already) that I'm thrilled that even though poor Farry has missed the wedding breakfast, he at least has gotten to hear the traditional toast. Not too many hobbits can say that Frodo Baggins gave the toast at their wedding!
Author's reply
Everyone missed the wedding breakfast! Wonder how they'll make it up? I guess Frodo would have toasted Samwise, but don't know who else could claim such an honour. Thanks again for reviewing! Off now to try to get at least half a chapter done before seeking the pillow...
FantasyFan · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 18: As Long as Life Shall Last
Goldi is so brave. I'm a blubbering fool at weddings of people I don't even know (including this one, by the way) but she walks head held high. In her heart they are already bound for better or worse: whether or not Farry can respond to her vows, they are already made. The explanation in the scene between Legolas and Gimli was good, but it made me think of Nell and Ferdi, which is of course a second marriage for Nell. It raises questions about a society where arranged marriages are often made in the gentried class. Where the marriage bond is so strong, how can a system evolve which discounts the vital importance of choice to love between the two parties? I'm not meaning this as a criticism, but rather a place where deeper exploration might yield something interesting. By the way, I liked how Gimli's whispered comment to Legolas was almost like shorthand. They know each other well enough that few words communicate much. I had to read it over to understand what Legolas got in a heartbeat. I am glad to see Robin Bolger is alive and relatively undamaged, and able to do the honors as Farry's witness. Plans for the wedding would have been finalized before the disaster, and I wonder, was Robin the original choice? Farry got to know the Bolger family much better in Runaway, and then Robin has been at the Smials for a while. Have he and Farry become close friends? Do you think Robin will be Farry's steward or chancellor when the time comes for him to suceed his father, and help him judge cases? Does Robin have a sweetheart at the Smials who was waiting for him to be found? I'd like to hear more about this, sometime. You do have enough spare time to write all the stories I'd like to read, don't you? (I think that's three I've asked for in two reviews today.) The wedding is so quiet. I didn't think hobbits could be that quiet. The sun is shining, a beautiful day as you said in the previous chapter, and everything one could have wanted for a wedding. The contrast between the bright flowers and Goldi's shining beauty, and Farry's stillness and the solemn onlookers is powerful and distressing. Then, Frodo's words are repeated, tying the timelines together again, and Farry is back with us. Legolas had sensed him leaving, and knew he was not there in the body that was still breathing, and now he understands that he was sent back. Farry obviously remembers the conversation with Frodo at this moment, but in the commotion that follows, will he forget it, like a dream that fades if not captured immediately on waking? I really hope not, for I think it would bring great comfort to Frodo's friends to hear of him. I wonder now, will they do the wedding over again, or at least let Farry have a chance to say his vows, or were the words Merry has already spoken binding enough? I also wonder about Pippin. Despite the fact that the entdraught healed him of much of his former physical maladies, he's once again close to death from shock due to blood loss. And we saw him come near to breaking once before, in Merlin. Frodo says he would die of grief now, should he lose Farry. Even though Pippin loves all his children deeply, Farry has always borne the expectations for the future of Pip's line, and to lose him would be a tremendous reversal to have to bear. And Pip thought for so long that he would die young, so I am sure he never even imagined he would outlive his son. Is it just that the horror of having to bury another child would be too much on top of bodily weakness, or is there something else going on here?
Author's reply
As to the question of Farry's vows... well, that is going to be addressed, as a matter of fact. Ferdi was Nell's first love, as Odovacar well knew. When Rudi died there was nothing in the way of her marrying Ferdi, though of course upright hobbit that he was he'd never have thought to ask... it took Pippin and Odo to push them together. In the research I've done on this, it appears that in earlier generations when arranged marriages were common such marriages were often strong and loving, simply because the people could not imagine an alternative. They expected to come to love their mate... and so they did, because they worked at it. In your words, they chose to love. Thus Nell could marry Rudi and come to love him so well that she nearly died when he did. She accepted her father's decision that Ferdi had been merely a childish fancy, though Ferdi never left off his love for her (and was too honourable to do anything about it, which sounds like the norm for hobbit society rather than the exception, the way JRRT wrote his hobbits). As to the paragraph where Gimli mutters to Legolas, if it is the one I'm thinking of it is badly worded and needs revision. I rewrote it three or four times and was still dissatisfied. Hope my editor can do something with it. Glad Legolas understood! Robin is in training to become Farry's steward. The two are best friends and that is why Robin is standing up with Faramir at the wedding. Perhaps their friendship will develop in a future story but if so it is not on the time line as of yet. Hmmm. Food for thought. Perhaps it'll come out in the Gondor story, or perhaps in another story. Don't know yet, the Gondor story is just a brightness on the horizon at the moment. As to the timelines, is it understandable that a few moments in the Undying Lands corresponded with several days in Middle-earth, or do I have to state it more obviously? Sometimes I make assumptions and confuse readers. Farry and Frodo and the others... let me know if you are satisfied with the solution. You'll see it in the next chapter and/or two. (Just two to go, oh, my!) The wedding was binding and as to Farry's vows... well, you'll see. Nothing else is going on with Pippin. No more lingering chronic illness is on the horizon. He was simply badly injured, lost too much blood in a civilization that doesn't have blood transfusions, and was weighed down with grief in the bargain, thinking all his sons dead, not just Faramir. He knew Farry was with the others, and if Farry had died, then... anyhow, it was a logical conclusion considering the circumstances. Hearing young Beregrin was immensely strengthening to the Thain. Thanks for reviewing! You wouldn't believe how energizing the reviews are. I thought myself too drained to do any writing for a few days, but now I'm ready to tackle it again. Author Reply: p.s. Here is a follow-on reply after many subsequent stories emerged. This early story contains the seeds of ideas that continued to grow and flourish as the timeline I'd envisioned sparked additional stories about various characters, especially hobbits as I have imagined them. As mentioned, Pimpernel and Ferdi remain a rare exception to the idea that hobbits marry only once. Also, in a much later story, Aragorn describes the "heart-ties" that can develop between some hobbits, especially those descended from the Fallohide branch of Hobbitry (though I suspect there was also such a bond tying Frodo and Sam together well before Frodo sailed to the West), specifically mentioning the bond between Pippin and his first-born Faramir along with the bond between Pippin and Merry Brandybuck. Thanks again for the many insights you've shared over the years. I miss hearing your voice, my friend, and hope you are well.
FantasyFan · 23 February 2004 · Chapter 17: From Darkness into Light
Mondays are so wonderful, because I get to catch up on so much lovely writing that I didn't get to see on the busy weekend. You've painted a very dramatic picture of the four women of the Shire standing together, waiting for the bodies of those they love to be brought out. Hope has been sustained for a long time, but when it comes to the moment when you will have to lift the shroud and have hopes ended, and then go on, it takes more strength than is possible to hold back tears. I am so happy for Nell and Ferdi. I had a sneaking suspicion that you would be giving Ferdi back his eyesight, way back at the beginning when he was having the bad headaches for no obvious reason, but I didn't say anything at all for fear you would decide not to do it. Then all the time in the dark, I wondered if he would see a light when they broke through. This was a much better way to do it, with Ferdi unconscious and his first sight Nell's face. How beautiful for them, almost a reward for their steadfast love through troubles and grief. I can't imagine how overwhelming it would be to see your children for the first time after so many years in the dark. Farry and Goldi have an enduring love too, young as they still are. Canon says they get married, and Frodo says that Farry will be Thain, and his children after him, but Goldi doesn't know that. She's determined to make his ending as happy as possible, any way she can. I don't know if there's precedent for marrying an unconscious hobbit, is there? I doubt she's interested in the legal niceties, though. She's got an ally in Estella, who also knows that it feels right. Was it always planned for Merry to do the wedding? Would Pip have performed the ceremony had the quake not happened, or would he have stood with his son? PS - I loved Siggy's not too subtle threat to Pippin - drink up and don't give me any grief, I'm too busy to coddle you today. I'm not sure that there's any tougher training in the Shire than to be a healer of Tooks. You really need to write a story of the healer's convention - you could make it absolutely hilarious.
Author's reply
I have been planning since "Merlin" to give Ferdi back his eyesight just as happened. What fun to get to this chapter -- finally! I don't know about precedent, but since hobbits seldom marry twice I figured it would not be scandalous, but rather sad and sweet instead. Yes, it was always planned for Merry to do the wedding. Somehow it seems to me that a father shouldn't have to perform the ceremony for his own children, but should be able to stand by his wife's side to watch the fledgling fly the nest. Thus either Merry or Pippin could perform the wedding in the "Merrys" story, but not Sam; and Merry has to perform the wedding in this story, neither Sam nor Pippin. LOL. I can just imagine that convention. Workshops on vile-tasting draughts, dealing with Tooks, snappy comebacks to irritable comments...
Grey Wonderer · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 18: As Long as Life Shall Last
Now you've made me cry! This was so sweet and Goldi was so brave. ‘For life,’ the Dwarf said so low that only Legolas heard, but he understood. Way to go, Gimli! ‘You look beautiful,’ he murmured, but then a frown crossed his face. ‘Goldi,’ he said worriedly. ‘It’s bad luck for me to see you before the wedding day.’ A true Took; sweet and confused! Just beautiful all the way through!
Author's reply
Yup. It is a good thing to have a stalwart Dwarf at your side. Sweet and confused: I wonder if the Tooks know that this is truth? Thanks for the encouragement!
Connie · 22 February 2004 · Chapter 18: As Long as Life Shall Last
Aaahh. That was perfect. Thank goodness Legolas didn't get a chance to object. I always knew Gimli was good for something. Also, please forgive all my misspellings. I noticed a huge one after I posted one of my last reviews. Thanks. Connie.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it. A sad occasion turned into a happy one, I like that much better than the other way around! Misspellings? Happen to the best of us (of which, I am not. I love my spelling chequer!). There is a misspelled word (at least one) in one of the earlier chapters. Sure hope my editor catches it. Thanks for reviewing! Two chapters to go and then I can turn back and finish the "Merrys" story.