A New Reckoning by Dreamflower
Grey Wonderer · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 23: A Look in the Mirror
I am so happy to read more about your wonderful Freddy. I am very glad that he is going along and I do hope that he gets to use some of his elvish. You do make Fredegar come alive in your stories! Wonderful chapter!
Author's reply
You know I couldn't leave dear Fredegar out. I've gotten very fond of him since Conspiracy.
RogerGamgee · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 23: A Look in the Mirror
Dreamflower, Yet another fantastic chapter! I loved seeing the hobbits' reaction to Legolas...he leaves everyone speechless without saying a word. Well done :)
Author's reply
Well, of course Fredegar, like Sam, always did love the Elvish tales, so to actually *meet* one was a bit overwhelming. Poor Legolas, he just can't help being so stunning. 8-)
Pervinca · 18 May 2004 · Chapter 22: Interlude at Whitfurrow
I was hoping that Merry's meeting with Fredegar would be in this chapter, but since it wasn't, I'll hope that it will be in the next :) I liked Rosamunda's little conflict of interest - angry at Merry for Fredegar's situation, but not wanting to be angry at him because of his husband potential. I'd say most mothers in the Shire would be itching for Merry or Pippin to find interest in their daughters! I'm with Frodo - let's hope there won't be any more problems between Whitfurrow and Tuckborough (though the Thain, Master and acting Mayor certainly handled it very well!) - Pervinca
Author's reply
I had originally planned that meeting for this chapter, but I want to give it plenty of room, and the little scene with Chubb took more than I thought it would. Rosamunda is a bit less warm and kindly than most of my hobbit mums. She is more worldly and concerned with social status than Eglantine or Esmerelda. But of course, Esme and Tina are already at the top of the ladder, and know that it is more work than privilege. She also has the tendency of a lot of mothers to blame someone when their child has trouble--the problem is that the blame for Fredegar's trouble goes to Lotho and Sharkey, who are less than satisfactory targets, being dead and out of reach. I see Rosamunda as a less than Tookly Took, which is probably why she made a match with the conventional Bolgers. I'm sure there *will* be a few problems between Whitfurrow and Tuckborough, but let's hope they are not political. I'm not too happy with politics right now. 8-)
RogerGamgee · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 21: Crossing the Bridge
Dreamflower, This is truly a remarkable tale. It's the kind of story that makes one reluctant to put it down. Your characterizations of the Fellowship and the others involved are very well done. I must admit I've become thoroughly engrossed in this story, and look forward to seeing how it progresses. Congratulations on a fine fic, and I hope to see more of your work in the future.
Author's reply
Thank you for your kind review. I've been having a lot of fun. I'm fairly new at this, but have discovered that writing these stories is downright addictive! I don't have any intention of stopping anytime soon. 8-)
Pervinca · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 21: Crossing the Bridge
I have to remember that you update your stories nice and quickly :P I just had to catch up on three chapters! Loved the little prank that (I assume) Merry, Pippin and their new honourary cousin carried out (perhaps even the witness played part!). I'd imagine that most of Brandy Hall was pleased when Merry finally moved out :P This last chapter detailing Targon's meeting with Aragorn was also wonderful. It was good to find out exactly what he had been told - made it easier to understand how Targon has been thinking. And I loved the "twice-as-large-as-you-ought-to-be-lings" line! So very Bilbo :) - Pervinca
Author's reply
Sometimes it does not seem quickly to me. I'm having an awful lot of people to keep track of. Did you know, I very nearly forgot, and almost left poor Pearl in Buckland? 8-) I couldn't think of a better way to have them initiate Bergil than a really good prank. The yarn was my attempt to think of a Shire equivalent of "rolling"--since there is no toilet paper in M.E. that I know of. I'm sure only the fact that they live at Crickhollow now kept Merry's parents from immediately knowing the culprits. They forget the son of the Hall has keys! It has always been plain the affection that Aragorn had for "his" hobbits; those four inspired so much love from the other members of the Fellowship, but I think for Aragorn, that deep love is also filled with gratitude--he *knows* how unprepared and innocent they were when he met them in Bree, and exactly what they all gave up and sacrificed so that he could hold his throne and marry Arwen. Yep. Just seemed to me like the kind of thing Bilbo might say. 8-)
eiluj · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 21: Crossing the Bridge
You make a good point about "twice-as-large-as-you-ought-to-be-lings" -- I don't think I have ever seen anyone mention it that way.
Author's reply
It just seemed to me that would be the kind of thing that Bilbo would come up with. We know that Aragorn and Bilbo had a long-standing friendship, from Bilbo's time in Rivendell. I can imagine the crusty old hobbit telling the Dunadan that the first time he called him a halfling.
GamgeeFest · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 20: Departing Buckland
Well, of course Rosie and Marigold have to be there for Sam's birthday. And I liked Eglantine's reaction to Paladin telling her not to worry about money. That would definetly cause a double take! She might just pass out when she finds out why.
Author's reply
Well, Frodo knows how Sam's going to feel, having to leave Rosie in Hobbiton *again* 8-)No one can say Frodo is not thoughtful of his friends. And then there are the wedding plans to work on. Yes, Tina is going to be quite surprised about that, isn't she?
Grey Wonderer · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 20: Departing Buckland
Now that is a party that I wouldn't want to be in charge of! Eglantine has her work cut out for her on this one. I hope whe has lots of help.
Author's reply
Paladin has every confidence in her. She has probably played hostess to even larger gatherings of Tooks and other relatives, but throwing Men, a Dwarf and a Elf at her is going to give her pause for thought. Of course she will have lots of help, there are dozens of Tooks around for her to call on.
Grey Wonderer · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 19: A Little Bit of Fun
I loved this! It made me laugh and it made me sad at points. Excellent writing and a wonderful prank from the cousins and their newest honorary relative. Love how Merry's mum took the whole thing in stride and was a bit amused. I suspect that she's missed that sort of thing.
Author's reply
I would imagine so. Esmerelda is a Took, after all! I wonder what she and Paladin got up to as children? 8-)
GamgeeFest · 13 May 2004 · Chapter 19: A Little Bit of Fun
Merry and Pippin strike again! I doubt that's what Esmeralda had in mind when she asked Pippin to help Bergil lighten up, but that's a pretty good way of doing it. Just good clean harmless kid fun. And don't you just love that Elvish.org site?
Author's reply
Well, I couldn't think of a better way for them to initiate him as an honorary cousin! Yes, I do love that site. Since I do not speak or understand Elvish, I need a bit of help now and then. I can *write* it--as a calligrapher it's a wonderful challenge, but that's not much help in a story that needs some Elvish. Thank goodness for the internet. I loved the music from the films, and from time to time try to slip in a reference to it. (I don't think anyone caught it in "Conspiracy" when I had Pippin say he knew two tunes to "Upon the Hearth". And when I have Folco play the flute, I imagine the Shire theme from the first film. )
Pervinca · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 18: Father-Son Conversation
Such a touching moment between a father and his son - you write these so well! I forgot to comment on how wonderful you're description of how and why Pippin killed the troll was. I'll be honest, and admit that I never thought of it happening like that. I *love* the way your stories make me think like that! - Pervinca
Author's reply
I had often wondered how Pippin could have come to kill a troll. After all, even a small troll is as much larger than a Man as a Man is to a hobbit. So this is a foe that is not twice Pippin's size, but at the very least *four times* his size. How could he have even reached a vital spot, much less dealt it a blow strong enough to matter? But then I remembered how Sam defeated Shelob--it was actually her own weight and momentum that hurt her. I also think that when Boromir was teaching Merry and Pippin, he would have told them ways to help overcome the obstacle of their size, and would have pointed out the most vulnerable parts of the legs, as a way for them to literally cut their enemy down to size. After all, where did Merry strike, when he dealt his death blow to the Witch-King? I'm glad my stories make you think. Part of the reason I like doing them is that they make *me* think.8-) Thank you.
GamgeeFest · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 18: Father-Son Conversation
That was beautiful. I almost cried when Pippin was describing how Boromir saved them. Very well done.
Author's reply
I have always found Boromir's death a moving scene, and since seeing it in the film, even more so. It tears me up every time I see it. For Pippin and Merry, who experienced it, it has got to be a pivotal moment in their lives. I think for Pippin, that was the time when he truly began to grow up, and his effort to live up to Boromir's sacrifice spurred him on.
GamgeeFest · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Offer from the King of Rohan
And here I was thinking Eothain's news had something to do with Eowyn and a certain Steward of Gondor. As wonderful as that news would be, this is even better and far more useful to the hobbits. They could have a field day with that chest alone, and to know there's more still to come is pretty overwhelming. It's so cute that the men tried to make them afternoon tea. :)
Grey Wonderer · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 18: Father-Son Conversation
I liked that very much. Paladin did a pretty good job of listening for a change. I am glad that they seem to be on the way to mending things. It will make it so much easier for Pippin.
Author's reply
Pippin is beginning to open up and trust his father again. My take on their relationship is that they were very close up until Paladin became Thain and Pippin approached a difficult adolescence. Those two things combined to drive a wedge between them that was made worse by Pippin's absence. Now they are trying to build a new relationship. Paladin will try hard--maybe too hard, to understand.
Pervinca · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Offer from the King of Rohan
You had me wondering just as much as the hobbits were about the news Éothain had to tell. Wonderful! I was always under the assumption that the Shire was restored after the occupation (I believe "The Grey Havens" actually says so), but I don't know that JRRT actually stated where the funds to do this came from, save a donation from Lobelia, and I doubt that would suffice. A delightful explanation - it's only fitting that Saruman's own treasury should pay to mend his evil. Collecting the heads of the family? Now that should be interesting. :) - Pervinca
Author's reply
I am glad you were surprised! As you said, the donation from Lobelia would not go nearly far enough to undo all the damage her son had wrought, and obviously Saruman's early means of corrupting the Shire were mainly financial, so he had to have some substantial funds on hand. With the attitude of the Rohirrim (which was a Saxon-type culture) on weregild, as well as their gratitude to the hobbits, it only made sense for them to send a portion of that to the Shire. JRRT does not say a lot about the mechanisms of politics in the Shire, aside from the fact that they do elect a Mayor; but this is a rural culture, very clan-based, so I'm thinking that this is something like how it would work, rather than a modern-style democracy with everybody voting. Right now I'm digging in the family tree appendix to try and figure out who the major players will be. I'm trying very hard not to resort to OCs unless I have to. ( I've already used more than I'd like to in this story, but people have to have names, and once they have a name, suddenly they have a personality. Strange how that works.)
Grey Wonderer · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 17: Offer from the King of Rohan
Now Paladin is really confused isn't he? I can wait to see what he decides to do. I look forward to more.
Author's reply
Paladin is not the only confused one, but he's the one with a serious Father/Son talk in the near future.
GamgeeFest · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 16: Proposals from the High King
I'm glad you like my reviews. I'm always worried that I don't say enough. :) Anyway, the Thain and Master are going to have to get used to the fact that there are Men who don't lie and will respect their wishes. :) They've gotten to know the men in the delegation and no doubt like them, but I think trust is still an issue. Just like Paladin, I'm sure there are many hobbits worrying about hidden agendas and fear that these men may yet be wolves in sheep's clothing. A delegation of hobbits will help with that and Aragorn was right to ban the Travelers from it: they already trust the King. I wonder who will get chosen. Berilac would be a good candidate, not just for his open-mindedness but also given his position as the Master's nephew. Seven signatures in red ink! Don't you love hobbit customs?
Author's reply
Trust is definitely an issue, still. But these Men were chosen personally by Aragorn, who knows his hobbits, and who knows his Men. It is difficult, though, for the Thain and the Master *not* to worry about hidden agendas--they've been around long enough to know politics. But they have never encountered anyone quite like their King--who is a leader and statesman, not a politician. Aragorn wants to protect the Shire, and having a number of hobbits there who have dwelt at least for a time among the Big People *will* be a protection, for they will understand the differing customs and ways of doing things. Oh, I *do* love everything hobbity, and you don't get much more so than that.
Pervinca · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 16: Proposals from the High King
I've been caught up again, and only just managed to catch up on all of your recent chapters! Now, you really have me curious as to which hobbits will be sent to Gondor. I can think of a few that may be chosen, but that would be who I'd choose, not who you'd choose (though I may be wrong :P). Poor Frodo. he really is uncomfortable about all the praise these Men shower him with! I can just picture him sitting there chewing his nails, like you said. Again, you've amazed me as to how much story you can fit into so small a time! I love it :D
Author's reply
I haven't yet decided on all the hobbits who are going; only two of them so far, and there may be more than four. I had Aragorn choose that as a minimum, because he knows how hobbits need to be together, and I think he felt his four were just about the right number. Frodo has been told over and over, by the wise, that he did as much as anyone expected of him, and moreso. In his head, he sort of believes them, but in his heart he still feels like a failure for claiming the Ring. This of course makes him very uncomfortable with gratitude. Thank you so much for your kind reviews. I'm glad you are enjoying my story.
eiluj · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 16: Proposals from the High King
Yes. Red ink and appropriate witnesses. It is such a joy to read stories of hobbits who are so hobbity.
Author's reply
Thank you. 9-) I *like* my hobbits hobbity too!
GamgeeFest · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 15: Luncheon with the Men
It is easy to get sidetracked on the smaller details, but in the case of this story, it's not really an issue. It's the recovery of the Shire, which I think includes being able to see the smaller parts of the story that would otherwise get overlooked. Sam finally gets some of his own medicine here! It is too bad Frodo couldn't hear that exchange between Sam and Bergil, but I'm sure Merry and Pippin will waste no time in telling him about it. He better get used to it though, he's not going to be a working-class hobbit much longer. I'm glad Paladin's finally able to feel pride in his son and not just shock and wonderment as too how much he's grown. There's still a lot of healing to be done in that relationship. They didn't really get to resolve that much before Pippin left. And I doubt Paladin will like what Artamir and Adrahil will tell him about the battle.
Author's reply
I'm glad you like the small details. They are some of my favorite parts. I just worry about them slowing the story down. Yes, I couldn't resist that little bit with Sam and Bergil. There's no way Merry and Pippin are going to miss out on telling Frodo about that! And of course, Bergil was perfectly correct. Paladin is indeed proud of Pippin, yet there is still so much he does not understand. To his credit, he *wants* to understand it now, whether it is pleasant or not. And, no, he's not going to be too thrilled with Adrahil's first hand account of the fight with the troll. But it is essential to his learning what Pippin has gone through to get where he is now. Thank you for your reviews; I really appreciate how they keep me going.
Grey Wonderer · 6 May 2004 · Chapter 14: A Lot to Think About
I was away for a couple of days, but was glad to see the the story is still coming along. I loved this chapter all from Paladin's view. He really does have a great deal to think over and adjust to at this moment. I am very interested to see what he decides about the money and even more, what he will say to Pippin when he has the chance.
Author's reply
Yes, I thought that having Paladin's POV would be good, since he's coming to the situation late. He's got a lot on his mind, and not much time to think it over.
GamgeeFest · 6 May 2004 · Chapter 14: A Lot to Think About
That was interesting to see the Fellowship members through the Thain's eyes. His annoyance at Esmeralda and Pearl blushing around Legolas was cute and very true. I wonder what Saradoc thinks of his wife's behavior around the elf. Bergil's indignation at the thought that Frodo would ever do anything silly was cute also. They should tell him the Farmer Maggot-mushroom story. He wouldn't know what to make of it: the Ringbearer stealing mushrooms and getting chased by dogs! As always, this is wonderful. I love how you take your time with the story and let us get these little glimpses into their everyday lives.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked Paladin's POV. The others have had a couple of days to get used to these exotic strangers, but Paladin's just come on the scene with fresh eyes. I think Saradoc is probably amused--he's pretty laid back. Bergil, like most Gondorians,thinks of Frodo as some kind of saint. He's put the Ringbearer up on a pedestal, which is not a place Frodo likes to be. Thank you for your kind words. Sometimes I think I'm rather getting sidetracked, but it's the little glimpses that appeal to me most, and in this story, I do not have to keep on such a close track as in my other long stories. I really appreciate your reviews, and I'm glad you are enjoying the story.
GamgeeFest · 6 May 2004 · Chapter 12: Disturbing Memories
That flashback sequence was amazing. Pippin in a blind rage is never something I pictured, but it does happen often enough in battle, the adreneline just sort of takes over and you lose yourself to the rage. Still not something you expect from a hobbit - it shows how much they really were changed by their experiences. I like Esmeralda's resolve to get Bergil laughing before he leaves. He's too young to have seen all the things he has, and losing his mother on top of that as well makes it all that much more difficult. Add on top of that the fact that his father could die in battle at any moment and you get a very solemn child indeed. That he reminds her of Frodo is very touching as well and probably strengthened her wish to see Bergil have some fun for a change.
Author's reply
I could just imagine: here's Pippin, just barely holding on to his hope that Frodo and Sam will manage their task, Merry back in Minas Tirith far away, and hardly out of the woods, and here comes Mouth of Sauron with what Pippin must take as proof that Frodo and Sam are taken, and probably either dead or being tortured. I think at that point, when the battle began, he was just taking out every last bit of anger and frustration and guilt that he had felt since he left the Shire. Yes, the idea of a berserker hobbit is a little strange, but I think it would be the only way he could survive a battle like that. Esmerelda obviously has a real soft spot for Bergil. He's a serious child, having been brought up in serious conditions. Losing a parent or parents at a tender age, like Frodo--but as Pip pointed out, no Merry in his life. But I do believe that with Pippin on the job, he'll learn to have a bit of fun.
powerwriter · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 7: A Joyful Reunion
This is a wonderful story so far. I haven't gotten to the new chapters yet. It was a clever idea how Pippin was angry with Sam for not being there with Frodo. Then all his emotions came out...that was great.
Author's reply
Thank you. I'm glad you are liking it. I felt that Pippin would be angry with Sam--he was counting on him. (Remember in the first chapter, Pippin took it for granted that Sam would be there, while Merry was less certain.) But a lot of his anger is directed at himself for not being able to be there for Frodo when he wants to. And I always see him as being very Tookish and emotional. Author Reply:
Pervinca · 3 May 2004 · Chapter 12: Disturbing Memories
I wondered what the warning page was for on this chapter, but I figured that it would probably have something to do with a memory. I'm really impressed with how you've managed to go from the humour in the previous chapter, to this very moving and powerful piece. The fact that Bergil wouldn't know any better was a very good idea to use. I'm loving this story more and more :)
Author's reply
When I started writing the chapter, I had no idea it would get so graphic. I dithered over toning it down, but then decided to go with upping the rating for one chapter. The idea of Pippin in a sort of berserker rage came to me, as I thought about how he would be feeling when he believed all was lost. And I wondered how he had managed in the battle until he encountered the troll. Somehow, I could just see him lashing out in anger at all the Orc legs surrounding him. To Bergil, this is a pretty tame story. He had seen the real thing, and its aftermath; but to sheltered hobbit children, this could be the stuff of nightmares. I think if any of the adults had realized in time, they would have stopped him, but once he got started everyone was mesmerized by the story. This story seems to go places I had not expected it to when I started.