Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 45: The Search for Clues
They left evidence, they did. Foolish Hobbits! And they will shortly be found out altogether. Grrr!
Author's reply
It won't take long at all...
A New Reckoning by Dreamflower
Reviews (518)
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 44: The Ball Interrupted
Once again the stage is set, and Hyacinth, her children, and the nasty side of the Banks family are about to find themselves at even more of a disadvantage than they were already.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, they are definitely at a disadvantage!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 43: A Plot Gone Awry
Yes, this plot has gone far too far awry. Alas, how things tend to go badly when we conspire to do wrong, and so this is how the two of them ended up being sent south to receive the King's Justice.
Author's reply
Yep. This was the crime that brought about their downfall. Sheer stupidity, really.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 42: Interlude on the Terrace
At least in your universe he CAN dance again, and that is heartening.
Author's reply
Yes, he can--at least at this point in time. My Frodo's physical debilitation was much slower than yours--he really did not begin to rapidly deteriorate until the spring illness of 1421. He remains emotionally fragile, and he *does* have some physical health issues--but they are not quite so bad as your Frodo's.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 41: The Ball Begins
And the players move onto the next step in the game(s). So many being played tonight!
Author's reply
Yes, my plot at this point was getting very tangled! LOL! But there was a method to my madness.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 40: A Matter of Precedence
Frodo the Beloved! How very right that is. And a wonderful introduction to all, and a good chance to see that Sam isn't just a "jumped-up gardener"!
Author's reply
It seemed to me that "Beloved" was the best description, for all who truly know him *do* love him! And of *course* Sam is more than a "jumped-up gardener", though a few hobbits need to get their noses rubbed in that fact!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 39: Finery and Fancy Dress
The stage is set--on with the show! Alas, Frodo--it's worth it and you're worth it, of course!
Author's reply
If only he'd realize that.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 38: The Morning of the Ball
Ah, the song of praise, sung once more for Frodo Baggins, who deserves more honor than he realizes. And they caught the little sneak! Bread and water rations for a meal--what a punishment for a HOBBIT!
Author's reply
Yes, he certainly does. And while he'll not quite appreciate being the cynosure of all eyes, he will, at least appreciate the effect as far as accomplishing Aragorn's goals. And of course, it helps that the song praises Sam as well. *grin* *I* thought so. She's really got herself into a bind now. This whole incident was a bit of her Tookishness coming out--she acts on an impulsive spur of the moment, and then is left to regret it later.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 37: Love and Intrigue
And what will be learned in those records isn't going to be good for the Bankses, I fear. Being Eglantine's brother and nephews will just make it that much the worse!
Author's reply
Noooo, Clodio and Dago are quite right to fear what might be revealed. And their connections to the Thain won't help them at all...
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 36: The Mistress in Action
A good deal accomplished on that day, at least, and the Jewelry is being properly disciplined. Lovely touch! Very nice.
Author's reply
Well, Eglantine has a good deal to keep her busy. And she is *not* going to allow those three to sully the hospitality of the Great Smials. Since Hyacinth *won't* discipline them, Tina *will*!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 35: The Word Spreads
Ah, the Fair Folk, and how they would strike such fools as these three. So hard to believe Regi fathered them! But, then, they do have Hyacinth as a mother. Poor children. And that necklace would certainly catch the attention of these sillies, too!
Author's reply
Unfortunately, yes, Hyacinth's had most of the raising of them. But sooner or later, Regi will get his turn. They are very shallow. I'm afraid I know a number of young women who are just like them--and don't even have the excuse of Hyacinth as a mother!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 34: Eglantine's Plan
Don't give them a lot of time to think, and the lessons might just sink in the better, I believe.
Author's reply
Certainly. The shock value alone will help drive the point home!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 33: Arrival at the Great Smials
Ah, the party is now getting settled and meeting the family. How lovely!
Author's reply
Greetings and reunions are always nice!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 32: Journey to the Convocation
Fascinating look at the preparations here. And so Hyacinth's daughters are the "Jewelry"? How appropriate! Good ordering of the procession.
Author's reply
Thank you! I thought the nickname right--they aren't "Jewels" but "Jewelry"--and I think the idea was, rather tawdry costume jewelry at that!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 31: Heart to Heart Talk
Glad he has the promise of the amusement to help him through the honor he feels he doesn't deserve. This conspiracy is a good one, and intent on helping all, including Frodo himself, to an extent.
Author's reply
Yes, for all that he has--and is--going through, his sense of humor is intact. I am quite sure he *will* find some amusement in shaking up the status quo. It is. But the clincher argument is that it would help Sam and Aragorn. As you know, that argument is one he'd find impossible to deny.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 30: An Evening with Friends
Now, just weave movie-verse into this story, will you? How wonderful! And all of them are equally embarrassed to have their exploits sung! How Freddy popped the Pimple? Yes, just right!
Author's reply
*grin* I had a good time tweaking PJ's nose. And really, it does seem the sort of inaccuracy that would take on a life of its own, LOL! I thought that made a cute song title. I've never been able to come up with lyrics for it though...
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 29: To Tuckborough
Oh, dear, the Ringbearer is going to have some more honor given him, I fear, honor he richly deserves but fears he doesn't. LOVE the overlapping comments here! Very, very nicely done.
Author's reply
Yes. He is. I had a good time trying out that device. I honestly wasn't sure it would work, but it seemed to have been well-received.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 28: Invitation Accepted
The fact that Eglantine spent her time as a farmer's wife will undoubtedly help as well; and I'm GLAD to see she's thinking ahead on how to deal with her own versions of Lobelia.
Author's reply
She's got a lot of common sense, as well as some sensible help. She's dealt with Hyacinth for years, though she honestly doesn't know the true depths of Hyacinth's perfidy. But she *does* know enough to keep a tight leash on her!
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 27: A Grief Observed
Grief can be such a terrible thing.
Author's reply
It can. And it can manifest itself suddenly, and seemingly without warning.
Larner · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 26: Invitations Tendered
I always loved the disparity in the generations, and so wrote into "The Acceptable Sacrifice" the inscriptions of the rolls of the north and south kingdoms as a chance to see how Aragorn and his foster brothers reacted to it. Poor Aragorn--64 generations to one! Heh!
Larner · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 25: Bag End at Last
A wonderful thought that song was originally intended for a house-pridely Dwarf, and only adapted for Bilbo. And I feel for both Freddy and Frodo right now. And Pippin and Merry WOULD find out about Frodo's edict! Heh!
Author's reply
Well, there *had* to be some explanation for the Dwarves to suddenly have such a perfect song, right at the tips of their tongues, so to speak, when they had only just met Bilbo! Yes, both of them feeling the effects of loneliness and grief. *grin* Was there ever any doubt? LOL!
Larner · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 24: A Proper Journey
Definitely not childish, the Hobbits of the Shire.
Author's reply
No, they're not. And seeing them in their native element drives that home for the Men.
Larner · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 23: A Look in the Mirror
A joy to see Freddy joyful again.
Author's reply
It's going to take a while, but yes, he's on that road once more.
Larner · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 22: Interlude at Whitfurrow
Ah--just politics, is it? And one similar to Ted Sandyman only wanting to stir things up a bit, make himself look larger and avoid others knowing the truth about his own lack of action and courage before? Fool of a Chubb!
Author's reply
Yes, Gil Chubb is a similar sort of fool, although most of his foolishness is from wishing to cadge free drinks. He's the sort of idiot that can't see beyond the end of his nose, and always accepts the most shallow and least attractive explanation for things because it's more exciting and dramatic--he thinks. And though he's often been warned, his tongue simply runs away with him once it's been lubricated.
Larner · 27 September 2006 · Chapter 21: Crossing the Bridge
Yes, a most important mission for our lads.
Author's reply
VEry important indeed!