As the Gentle Rain by Lindelea
Lyta Padfoot · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 30: Ruffians, All
Poor Ferdi, he has so much pain held inside him. Pimpernel has healed him to a large degree, but some wounds are still far too tender.
Author's reply
Yes. Am hoping that this story will bring him healing that he hasn't been able to find before. Thanks for reviewing!
RogerGamgee · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 99999: Notes for the Interested, or Merely Confused
Lindelea, This is a truly remarkable tale. There were points in this story - most notably the surgery scene with Pippin - where I was nearly in tears. You've written a moving, thoughtful tale here - one that I must say I am proud to have been able to review. You have a gift for writing that shows clearly throughout this story. Well done!
Author's reply
Thank you for the encouraging words. I appreciate your taking the time to read and review a long story. I sometimes think that readers are put off by the effort required to get through one of these... but I'm writing towards a pre-defined goal, so the story will continue until it reaches the destination. Glad you came along on the ride.
Lyta Padfoot · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Food by Firelight
Its good that Ferdi was able to confront him, to vent some of the pain building up in him - Ferdi holds things inside far too much. Was he trying to determine whether Ulrich was involved in the fire? I feel sorry for Ulrich, he really has changed but his past has caught up with him. I hope his good work will be taken into account in his sentencing. Unlike Ulrich, other ruffians prefer their old tricks and are ready to resort to murder to keep their secrets.
Author's reply
As usual you've hit the nail on the head in your review. (Except for trying to find if Ulrich caused the fire... I think he's pretty well in the clear, since the fire prompted him to confess to being Reinadan, thereby putting his head in the noose.)
FantasyFan · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Food by Firelight
I don't think I like seeing Ferdi so bitter and vengeful. Of course, he had been hurt badly during the occupation of the Shire. To be hanged is not something you forget easily. And he's had the memories of his treatment by the other ruffians brought forcefully back to his mind very recently. But it somehow doesn't seem hobbity for Ferdi, at this later stage of his life, after pain but also success and recovery and love, to be so bitter! I wonder what Pippin was thinking, asking Ferdi to bring the ruffain food. Frodo would have done it, showing mercy was his specialty. Pip has grown a great deal, and perhaps, no I am sure of it, he would do the same. But asking Ferdi to speak to the man, and see to his needs, even show him kindness if possible -- that's asking a lot of Ferdi in his present condition. I would think Pippin is more concerned about Ferdi's state of mind than the Ruffian in the end. Perhaps he's trying to help Ferdi let the hate go: to see a common humanity even with this ruffian, before Ferdi loses any more of his hobbity nature?
Author's reply
I think you have answered your own question. Pippin knows exactly what he's doing at this point in his life. Thanks for reviewing!
Bodkin · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Food by Firelight
Not an extensive comment - but I am so pleased to discover someone who knows the difference between 'hanged' and 'hung'.
Author's reply
Hurrah, I *did* get it right, then! I was going by "ear" as I so often do. Usually it works, but sometimes it doesn't (still wrestle with lay and laid...) Thanks for reviewing.
Hai · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Food by Firelight
At least Ulrich has dropped all lies now and it just facing it. Good of them to make sure he gets fed, although I can't see the King allowing anyone to starve, prisoner or not. Ferdi did a good job conversing with him, not as hostile as he could have been! Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
I can't either, although in the current situation he might let Ulrich go hungry, in accordance with Pippin's plan. He wouldn't be happy about it though. Sure glad that Pippin (and Elessar for that matter) is such a good judge of character. Thanks for commenting.
Pearl Took · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Food by Firelight
This is such a good story, unfortunately I'm skimming a lot. I'm still writing "While We Dwelt in Fear" and don't want your accounting of things to sway mine. Drat!! I seem to have more trouble with all that with your stroies than anyone elses!!! I do so love your writing, which makes it all the more frustrating. This is excellent!!
Author's reply
Oh, I know, I have the same problem with your stories! Horrid, to have to put them off when I'm writing in a similar time period, and I know they'll be such good reads! Thanks for reading anyhow, and reviewing! (Must go and see what I've missed of "While We Dwelt in Fear")
Connie · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 29: Food by Firelight
An offended Ferdi would not be a person I would like to have to deal with. I'm trying to work out Pippin's perpose for having Ferdi talk to Ulrich. I have an idea, but I'll just wait to see if I'm right. Curious where this is now going. Hmm. Connie.
Author's reply
Am slightly stuck (know where I want to end but have to get *through* somehow. Thanks for the encouragement!
Bodkin · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 28: No Smoke without Fire
My guess is that Freddy will come up with something to save Ulrich. If he does not - then somebody else had better! That rotten pilgrim chap needs sorting - at least being incarcerated as a total fruitcake - but Ulrich has Redeemed Himself. Keep the frequent updates going - I need my daily fix of the doings of the hobbits.
Author's reply
Will continue to update daily so long as the Muse continues to whisper. Glad you share my opinion of Ulrich. People can change (not likely, I suppose, but possible). Thanks for the encouragement! Have added your "fix" for today.
Bluegrass Elf · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 28: No Smoke without Fire
I hope Ulrich doesn't die. He's got a bad past but he's a good person.
Author's reply
Thanks. I hope someone can find a way to save him, though things are looking pretty bleak at the moment. Appreciate your taking time to comment!
Connie · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 28: No Smoke without Fire
I almost hate to say it, but I feel sorry for Ulrich. He has truly turned over a new leaf, but the law is the law and can't be changed. I wish they could find some leanancy for him. I think the hobbits would agree. They hate what he did, but they are not a grudge-holding people, and seeing a true change in someone's attitude would go a long way to enspiring their forgiveness. I'm also feeling a little dense. I knew about Freddy's heart, but I didn't put it together. I somehow overlooked the fact that hearing Ulrich's words had been what gave him the bad turn. Thanks. Connie.
Author's reply
I know... sometimes the Muse and I get contrary and we just love to mess with people's minds, you know? Set up someone to be perceived one way and then strip off a few layers so that you see he's multi-dimensional and things are not so easily cut-and-dried. Just like people in real life. Well, as far as feeling dense, BTDT. Perhaps it was just wishful thinking: you were hoping that Freddy was so much better that you discounted the care that his wife and all around him take of him. I hear you're writing now! Welcome! Let me know when you post it; I'm looking forward to seeing M-e from your eyes. Thanks for reviewing!
Hai · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 28: No Smoke without Fire
That was neat! As I read the chapter before this another one was added! I hope the trial and verdict will all pass soon and that those who started the fire will be caught and adequately punished! Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
I love it when that happens (except for the times when I don't really even have time to be reading the one chapter I'm reading, then it's frustrating!). Working towards the trial. It might take a little bit. Some character development is going on. FAlso, Freddy has to grow stronger, you know, and we need to check in with the Shire occasionally. Hope you don't mind. Thanks for reviewing!
Hai · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burning Truth
If Ulrich is not responsible for the fire who is? Who would want to hurt the hobbits besdies ruffians? I guess it will all be revealed at some point. Yay ofr Beregond! I have always liked him and it has been great to see him again in this fic, playing such a nice role in saving the hobbits! Thank you and looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Well, I was leaning towards mischief on the part of some miscreants who were then going to blackmail the mayor (had he not confessed to being a former ruffian), but now I'm beginning to wonder if somehow the Pilgrim was involved... still working that part out. Thanks for reviewing!
Pearl Took · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burning Truth
This remains incredibly good!! I like the way you've made it still a bit unsure if Ulrich is Reinadan. Or at least, I sense that possibility. Just a wonderful story!! Pearl Took
Author's reply
Thanks for the encouragement! All will come clear over the course of the next few chapters, I hope.
Bluegrass Elf · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burning Truth
So he's a ruffian gone good. Neat!
Author's reply
People can change. After all, Freddy went from being a homebody to a hero! Thanks for reviewing.
FantasyFan · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burning Truth
Well, he might have been a ruffian at one time. He certainly was a liar and interested in saving his own skin. But there is a shred of decency left in Ulrich, and he knows he's in it up past where he's comfortable. Thank goodness, there are to be no more hobbit deaths to be laid to his conscience. I hope he will face what is coming with bravery. I also hope Pip isn't going to suffer from the smoke - has the Entdraught grown his lungs healthy enough that he will not take ill from this?
Author's reply
O yes. Ulrich is an honourable man. And the entdraught cured Pip's lungs, so he'll be only as uncomfortable as everyone else, but not in danger of his life.
Connie · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 27: Burning Truth
God, they're everywhere; ruffians that is. One's now confessed, but now they've got to find out who set the fire. How many of these evil men are roaming freely around Aragorn's realm? Looks like he needs to run some sort of criminal roundup like the cops do periodically today. I knew you wouldn't kill off any of the hobbits, but you still had me holding my breath and sitting here with my hand over my mouth in shock for a minute. What is it with these ruffians and their obsession with hobbit flambeau? They are really getting annoying. I'm sure the hobbits think so. I had a little moment of concern for Pippin, too. At one time just that exposure to smoke could have had dire consiquences. I'm still just a tad worried for him. But that's just my protedtive nature coming out where Pippin is concerned. I'm glad Ulrich confessed. That is a mark in his favor. Oh dear, I quite forgot, if he is willing to confess his identity so quickly, then he probably wasn't the person who tried to poisin Freddy. Oh man, the plot thickens once again. Connie.
Author's reply
Ummm... I don't know how to tell you this. You've been labouring under a misapprehension. Freddy has not been poisoned. There was nothing wrong with the mead, or the food. He has a wonky heart, remember, and when he heard a voice from the past the shock was enough to send him into a tailspin. I had thought about Pippin and smoke and was glad of his earlier healing! Baylor said something in her LJ the other day that made me rephrase an old song: "Hobbits roasting on an open fire..." It would have been the perfect crime for the Pilgrim, but I think he's too crazy to work in coordination with anyone else so it wasn't him, probably. Just some "helpful" shady types you'll find around any town of Men. Had Ulrich stayed they might have come around and tried to blackmail him later. He did the only thing he could do, I think, as a Man who'd turned himself around and sought to change, and now saw his silence putting innocent folks in danger. Author Reply: Am rethinking. The outline isn't absolutely clear on this, and it just might be the Pilgrim after all who started the fire. Perhaps he recruited a local lowlife to help him, a not-too-bright fellow who didn't think through the implications of what they were doing. Don't know quite yet.
Grey Wonderer · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
I love the truth-sifting. I also like how Pippin fooled everyone into thinking he was still a bit out of his head due to his injury. Can't wait to see what comes next.
Author's reply
Thanks for commenting! Pippin is quite the gifted actor. I wonder if he ever fooled his cousins?
Hai · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
Ferdi's skill has come in handy again! It really is too bad that Ulrich was a ruffian! I guess they would all be getting old now. I hope there is some sort of redemptiong that can be found in Ulrich, perhaps he has changed. Anyway, as always looking forward to more! Thank you!
Author's reply
I think Ulrich has changed... he's grown wiser with age. You should be seeing more of his story in upcoming chapters. Thanks for reviewing!
Lyta Padfoot · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
Ferdi could find himself in trouble should his abilities become widely known.
Author's reply
You're right! They've always sort of kept it under wraps, just between Ferdi and Pippin and Regi. This is the first time he's openly displayed his truth-sifting before Men. I wonder how hard it was to persuade Elessar to let him listen to the ruffian? Thanks for reviewing.
FantasyFan · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
It's a tribute to Ferdi's gift that he can sift the truth from falsehood of even a professional liar - a species he's probably not encountered often before. Of course, Ferdi's sharp mind and years of experience solving problems certainly helps almost as much as the truth-sifting ability. He'd better be careful, or Elessar may decide he's too valuable to give back to the Shire. Now that the Elves are leaving, Ferdi and his family may be the only truth-sifters left! Actually, that brings up more problems for Ferdi. He'd better watch his back, or those with something to hide may decide he's too valuable to leave alive. Elessar may want this hearing kept private, but I imagine there is at least some precedent in the law of Gondor for public accusation and defense, even though the king has ultimate powers of judgement. The mayor is popular here in his own place, and his people will have to be convinced of his guilt. The king may believe Ferdi, but the testimony of the witnesses will surely be needed. And then, it's a case of yes-he-did, no-I-didn't, without either a confession (which sounds unlikely) or Ferdi's talents exposed. Does Gondor have a witness protection program? There are some interesting ideas in this story of Ulrich. How much do his present helpful, proper and loyal actions mediate the guilt of what he did in a previous life? How much does saving Eldarion? He is shown to be a liar, and known to be an accomplice of evil, but the actions of a soldier in time of war must be judged on a slightly different scale than those of a man in peaceful times - do you agree? Or do scaring Breeland peasants and bullying bewildered hobbits not qualify as war? Remember how persuasive Saruman's voice was - I am sure he used it to coerce and cajole and intimidate his own maybe unwilling minions as well as his enemies. How will Aragorn mix judgement and mercy this time?
Author's reply
Huh! As if Elessar had a *chance* of keeping Ferdi! (He's offered him a job more than once, as I recall, only to be rebuffed, politely but firmly.) I wonder how many of his children (if any) share the trait, or if only Rosemary's would. Is it passed down through the mother? Haven't thought it out yet. As you have seen with the next chapter, your instincts were spot on. With the witnesses not identified, anybody trying to intervene would have a hard time picking out just which hobbits were "inconvenient". A public trial is possible, but probably not likely in Ulrich's case. He's an old friend of Elessar's, he's cooperating with the authorities, and the King would do what he could to spare the sensibilities of Ulrich's family, so far as can be done. (However, Ulrich, and his family, know his probable fate...) You ask some good, probing questions in your final paragraph, all things that the King must weigh in pronouncing his judgement. It will be a few chapters, however, before all is revealed.
Meldewen Ilce · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
Oh and I also wanted to say awhile ago but did not in my original view that this man Ulrich has not chance of lying his way out of this no matter how hard he tries, not with Ferdi listening to him with his extraordinary gift of descerning falsehoods from the truth. Anyway, great job and I imagine there is more angst coming our way!
Author's reply
Thanks! I understand your browser ate your original review, so I appreciate your coming back to add a comment. You're right, there is more angst, and not just in the next chapter after this one! We still have to get to Minas Tirith, and the Pilgrim is still unaccounted for...
Beruthiel · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
Aragorn says Ulrich saved his son from drowning nearly 30 years ago, but in "End of his Rope" wasn't Eldarion born the same year as Tolman Gamgee (1442 or '43), only 20 or so years before "Gentle Rain"? Is that a mistake or do these people just have an odd definition of "nearly"? Loving this story! Too bad for Ulrich, if he really has turned over a new leaf. Hope Fatty's all right. Eagerly awaiting the story about Paladin you mentioned somewhere.
Author's reply
Thanks for the catch! Will have to do a little rethinking, as to whether to change the date (weakens the story; he and Aragorn are supposed to have known each other a long time!) or change the name of the drowning child (have to research Elven names a bit to come up with a believable name for a princess...unless you have a suggestion, which I'd be happy to incorporate!) I was trying to find Eldarion's birthdate in my notes (it isn't given) and was doing some research in Encyclopedia of Arda, where they speculated that he had been born the same year as Faramir. Of course, it's all speculation, so I can have him being born the same year as Tolman and not worry. Paladin's story is percolating slowly through the layers of my brain and will probably be ready to begin production when either "Rain" or "StarFire" finishes, if not sooner. Not sure if I can handle writing on more than two long stories at a time though, especially with my editor still too busy at her "real" job. Appreciate the review, and the correction!
Bodkin · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
Swift updates on two stories, plus some one offs. How do you do it? I envy Ferdi's ability to tell if someone is speaking true. Wouldn't it be useful - no more need for lawyers! I like the fact that the ruffian seems to have two sides - the past and his more pleasant present. It can be so difficult not to fall into bad ways if you are surrounded by villains - and Ulrich seems more three dimensional for having a good side too. I hope Freddy is recovering.
Author's reply
I think about a story for weeks before I write. For example, the story of Paladin becoming Thain has been outlined awhile now, but I will not get to writing it for some time, probably, and when I do sit down to write it ought to be quick since the thinking is already done... unless I run into something I find needs more research. I write a chapter in about an hour, because it's "already written" in my head. This does not take into account the hours of research and "pre-writing" of course. It is wonderful to have a story to chew on while washing dishes, ironing, vacuuming, or being stuck in rush-hour traffic... There's more on Ferdi's ability in "Runaway" (where it first came to Pippin's attention) and "Truth", if you're interested. Thanks for reviewing.
Bluegrass Elf · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 26: Truth or Dare
Wow! Neat! Ferdi has a gift!
Author's reply
I wish I had that gift. It would make parenting so much easier. Ferdi's gift is also explored in "Runaway" and "Truth". Thanks for reviewing.