Anso the Hobbit
· 19 September 2004
· Chapter 32: Fool of a Took
I started reading this ages ago, then stopped because there wasn`t more Merry in it. And I did you wrong to stop I think. Because this story is just as great as your other stories - with love and action and familiar and loved hobbits and what not. I do adore your Pippin and I like your Ferdi too so I have just spent a whole day reading this.
You are excellent with the details that makes hobbits and society and relationshops almost spring out of the screen to come alive before me. There are so many details I should comment on, but that would take forever I think. :)
I`m happy to see that Ferdi is the center of their attention for a while. He`s been through so much. I love that the Gamgees adopted him. Those children are so cute. And brave little Farry!
It`s so nice to see the refrences to your other stories too! Like Ferdi`s sister and and her woodcarver family and Pearl and Isum. It`s like the stories are intervowen into a huge family saga that goes on forever. For example: Didn`t they force Merry to eat liver in one of your stories too or was it Pip? And doesn`t Ferdi rescue Farry at some point?
I`m not sure what it is with Ferdi but he does take some very big chances - whit taking that pony in the first place and now rigind the race when he should b ein bed. He has been in so much trouble before so he should know better, but some people never learn.
I`ll be back to read the rest later. Reading all first 32 chapters took me all day :)
Much hugs and thanks for writing these wonderful stories.
Author's reply
So glad you decided to give StarFire another chance!
It's interesting to contemplate this "huge family saga", like you say; the Shire and its history in my head is a quilt, spread out, and I just wander over a few squares whenever I tell a story. It's all connected together, which makes it more interesting even as it's more of a challenge, and sometimes I touch on the same square as I've already described in another story.
Yes, Merry had to eat liver in "A Small and Passing Thing", when a ruffian's arrow had caused him to lose a fair amount of blood during the scouring of the Shire. And I think someone else had to eat liver in another story, but I forget which one. I have a few hobbits in my stories who like liver (Ferdinand, Merimac and Isum), but most of the hobbits of my acquaintance, like most people I know, don't care for the taste of liver...
Ferdi rescues Farry several times, besides in this story. One you might be thinking of is "FirstBorn", and another is "Runaway". In an upcoming story (so long as the Muse keeps whispering) Farry will actually get to rescue Ferdi for a change.
You're right. Some people never learn. But what fun it is to write about their mistakes! (*g*) Ferdi's motto might be "I never make the same mistake twice." (Don't know how true it is, and besides, there are lots and lots of mistakes in the realm of possibilities...)
Thanks for the lovely long review!
babzee
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
This has been an excellent series -- I'm crushed that it's finished!
I've lost count of the number of times it made me cry. But the final two chapters definitely had my tears flowing.
I love 'your' Pippin, and his wonderful relationship with Merry.
Thank you for sharing all your fantastic writing.
Author's reply
Thanks! It's always heartening to hear when someone has enjoyed a story. And you're welcome.
Mariposa
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
What a wonderful, wonderful story you have told here!!! I could NOT stop reading. The complexity and depth of the world you created is incredible. I can hardly think of words to describe how much I enjoyed reading. Okay, one more word: Wow.
Author's reply
So glad to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know. The layers just keep getting added...
Lyta Padfoot
· 8 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
So Pippin finds a way to keep the Grubb-Tooks farming after all. Good for him! I liked how thoughtful Pippin was of the Hobbit's widow. I'm sorry to see 'StarFire' end, I've thoroughly enjoyed reading each new installment. Thank you for posting this wonderful story!
Author's reply
You're welcome! It was nice to show a kind and thoughtful Pippin after all the foolishness I've been writing lately.
A sequel has come to mind, springing off the hint that Men began intruding into the Shire after the Thain's gold. Will have to see if anything comes of it.
Hai Took
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Things are certainly looking up for everyone! I'm glad that things were worked out with the Took-Grubb family! Very nice little ending for everyone! I can't remember though, have you written in another story about King Elessar's trip to the Lake? If so which story would that be in? Thank you for the fun! Something that is always delightful about your stories is the length! I can look forward to a chapter at least once a week and finding out what happens next! Thank you!
Author's reply
I have written a later trip to the Lake in "At the End of His Rope", but not the trip that appears in the Tale of Years, where he gives Sam the Star of the Dunedain. Still haven't figured out why he did that, and I can't write it unless I understand it.
There is another story just taking shape that starts when this one ends and ends in the meeting at the Bridge (I think... if I can figure out what took place at the Bridge).
I really had to work at finding that happy ending for everyone this time! I was stuck for a bit, because Starfire doesn't appear in any later stories (since they were written before I ever thought of him!). I thought I'd have to do away with him, but after much thought was able to figure out a way for him not to appear in any future races. Whew, what a relief!
You're welcome and thanks for taking the time to comment.
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Oh how lovely! I'd almost forgotten about the family whose misfortune had started all this! I guess you are nearly to the end now...
Author's reply
Not just nearly... but all the way there. This was the last chapter, although the new story under construction starts at nearly the same place where this one ends (perhaps a few days earlier; they overlap slightly).
I've been feeling too low to read anything this past week, but your story is at the top of my list. I am looking forward to diving in once again.
Hope you're having a wonderful visit with M. and her mum.
Thanks so much for the lovely, encouraging reviews. They've been a great help in reviving my spirits.
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 53: After the Drought, a Deluge
Oh my word, all I could do through this whole chapter was laugh delightedly! You certainly know how to make up to your hobbits for the angst you put them through!
Author's reply
D'y'know, this was the first chapter written, and the first chapter was the second! All this time I've been working towards the showers of blessing. It does help one get through the angst, knowing the joy to come.
Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to review.
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 52: About a Year Later
Oh cool! Faramir's found the gold! Are we ever going to learn why it was hidden there? Yippee!!
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 51: Of Ruin and Redemption
Oh wow! I was waiting for some old gaffer to jump up and say *he* knew what Lalia had done with the gold. Instead, you came up with something even better! This reminded me of the scene in "It's a Wonderful Life" when all the townspeople come to Jimmy Stewart's rescue! Just shows how much the Tooks have come to respect Peregrin in this short time.
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 49: Tea and Talk and Mouths to Feed
Oh the idiot who's in charge of the Races! That's so stupid! Hopefully in a future year some hobbit with more sense will be put in charge, but for heaven's sake, what more can...nonononono don't ask that! Lindelea is just waiting for me to ask that!
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 48: When Worse Comes to Worst
Oh my goodness, things are really getting dire! But I'm sure the gold will turn up somehow...
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 47: From Bad to Worse
Now it's poor Merry! It must be hard on him to see his beloved Pip in what is obviously desperate trouble, and know that anything he might do to try and help might actually make it worse! He's going to worry himself sick!
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 46: Unexpected Turn
Socks won after all!?!?!?! But what effect will that have on the money? I'm really lost here?
Oh what an exciting race! Poor Ferdinand, to have such an awful vision at that time! But it seemed to end well, anyway, for a change.
One question: I tried to click on to your tunes, but it said "File could not be found"?
Author's reply
File could not be found?
That's odd. I tested both of them just now and they downloaded properly and played. I'm sorry that I cannot offer any suggestions, except perhaps to try it when your computer is freshly started? Mine sometimes gets balky when it's been running awhile.
Connie B.
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
I knew Pippin would find a way to make things right with the farmer.
I'm glad to see everyone doing so well, for the moment.
I especially liked Pippin's description of the widow and his little moments with Socks.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thanks! Just had those little loose ends to tie up--Pippin's health (he's got to survive to make it to the introduction of the Ent-draught, after all) and the Took-Grubbs. Of course their farm was leased to someone else, and they have to start over, but they'll make good.
I enjoy those little details (like the widow) that just seem to slip themselves into the story.
Thanks for stopping by and taking time to comment.
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 44: A Slight Difference of Opinion
Of course! The *one* thing Pippin would *never* be able to confide in Merry about! It had never occurred to me, but he'd never be able to say anything to him about the missing Took funds. But Merry's sharp, he's liable to figure out something's wrong, if not what!
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 43: Confirming the Thain
I had to chuckle at Merry and Estella--Merry certainly knows how to tease Pippin. "No worse than being tied hand and foot and being given orc draughts!" Well, as far as Pip was concerned, it might be. I loved his depiction of his possible reception by the King and Queen if they ran away to Gondor! Arwen worse than Galadriel--I'm sure her grandmother would be proud to hear it!
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 42: Casting His Vote
Oh, now *this* is an interesting way of hobbits voting! Many, many, many years ago, when I was in a small rural school, that's the way voting was done for homecoming--not popularity, but which girl raised the most money for the PTA!
It's funny the different takes people have on the mechanics of Shire politics, but JRRT just didn't give us much to go on did he?
Dreamflower
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 41: On to Michel Delving
Well, I'm finally getting a chance to get back to this. I love your healer Woodruff, so sensible and caring. She is a really terriffic character. Of course, if the precautions are there, they are clearly going to be needed. Poor Pip! Going to be interesting getting Ferdinand out of his hole, and on to Michel Delving.
Beruthiel
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Well, this chapter took a while. Glad to see Pippin's money troubles are over.
Will you be updating "Thain" any time soon?
Author's reply
I got sideswiped by mood swing and then embroiled in a controversy which lengthened the "down" part, but I've put it behind me and am in a productive stage for the nonce.
Working on "Thain". Had to do quite a bit of research to try to get the old shepherd bits to sound realistic. Hope to update some time this week. The next "Bucca" chapter is already written and is just waiting on the "Pippin" chapter that precedes it.
Thanks!
Rosie-Ann
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Sunshine and Shadow
Beautiful, Lindelea! I can't wait until I have time enough to finish reading it. *hugs*
Author's reply
Glad you are enjoying it, Rosie-Ann. I was able to combine two of my favourite genres: horse story and LOTR story. *hugs* back and thanks for commenting!
Bodkin
· 6 September 2004
· Chapter 54: A New Day
Good ending. People and the Land - more important than gold and jewels. I'm glad Pippin didn't forget the Took-Grubbs - and that they didn't allow themselves to drown in bitterness and resentment.
Pippin seems healthier for the moment, too. Although I've forgotten quite what comes next. Nothing like having plenty of money for carrying out the improvements. (I think you've explained a lot of Paladin's resentment).
Good story.
Author's reply
The next story in existence (i.e. already posted) is "Down and Out", which takes place, I think, three years after this ends (or it might be two years; don't have the timeline in front of me).
There's another story in the works that takes place between the end of this story and "Down and Out", regarding ruffians sneaking into the Shire to try to get at the Thain's gold. It doesn't have a title yet and is only partly outlined, but the plot summary is finished so it has a beginning, middle and ending and may yet get written.
Glad that Paladin is more understandable. (Though probably still not likeable.)
Thanks for commenting!
Author Reply: Funny, and I have still not looked at the Chronology, but I realised this morning while brushing my teeth (who knows how many problems get solved in such times) that the next story after "StarFire", after the one in the works (working title: All that Glisters), ought to be "FirstBorn". Did you follow that sentence? For some reason I woke up exhausted this morning, after a full night's sleep. Why is that?
By "Down and Out" Diamond is already expecting the twins who are born in "Rope", so FirstBorn has to come before that, and then "Runaway".
I'm going to have to take another look at my own chronology one of these days, when life slows down a bit, just to get my head in order.
Dreamflower
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 40: The Treasure-hoard of the Thain
Whooops!! I *never* saw *this* one coming! Oh my goodness! Poor Pippin--literally, I guess. Seems your Pip could use some of that stipend my Pip has. Oh dear, no wonder he was so anxious to win that race! And I have to leave off now, it's getting late!
Dreamflower
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 38: By Any Other Name
Poor Eglantine, all set to give Pippin what-for, and then he goes all reasonable on her. That's sooo deflating! I loved Ferdi's hobbity reaction to Pippin's un-hobbity metaphor. I would imagine Pip probably had Caradhras in mind, though they never got over that pass. I guess he never stopped wondering how things might have been different if they could have. Oh, well, I ramble...on to the next chapter
Dreamflower
· 2 September 2004
· Chapter 37: From Frying Pan to Fire
Well, it looks like Pippin is determined to make Ferdi be sensible. Why do I get the feeling it can't last?