Thain by Lindelea
Dreamflower · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Thain: Missing and Presumed...
Oops! Oh, Pippin! What a hornet's nest you've stirred up! Poor Frodo, looking forward to a visit with his cousin that doesn't look like happening now...
Author's reply
Poor Frodo. How sad, if he were not able to celebrate his birthday with Pippin. (For one reason or another...)
Garnet Took · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Thain: Missing and Presumed...
OMG! He's gone and done it now. He's taken the best pony and gone missing. He's probably ruined his chance to visit Frodo and earned himself water fashions, if the Thain can punish him that way. And all this hedges on whether or not he's managed to hurt himself, the pony or both. Pippin, Pippin, Pippin. Now I'm going to be wondering if he's all right all through the next chapter until we get back to him and resolve the situation. Great chapter.
Author's reply
"He's gone and done it now." Exactly what I was thinking. It was just a little joy ride, and if he'd been thinking and not acting on impulse it probably wouldn't have come to this. Ah, Pip.
Larner · 19 March 2014 · Chapter 40: Thain: Missing and Presumed...
Oh, dear--Pip's done it this time! Most likely Buckland and Merry, then, I'd guess! I so rejoice this is being continued at last!
Author's reply
He certainly has done something or other. How will he talk his way out of this one, I wonder?
Larner · 9 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Thorn: Element of Surprise
A terrible homecoming in many ways, but at least his sister-in-love and nephew and father are still alive. Sounds as if Primrose is filling what needs she can find that she can handle, and doing very well!
Author's reply
Good to find someone, at least, but tragic that it might not be all. Prim is one of those people who sees what needs to be done and doesn't hesitate to do it. Sometimes it gets her into trouble, but most of the time it's an excellent trait.
Dreamflower · 9 March 2014 · Chapter 39: Thorn: Element of Surprise
Oh dear! Poor Bucca, receiving few real answers! But it's easy enough for the reader to realize what's been going on! Poor hobbits!
Author's reply
Poor hobbits, indeed, but also showing the strength at their core. They are survivors, and no mistake!
Larner · 23 February 2014 · Chapter 38: Thain: Element of Surprise
Ah, dear--it appears he is in for it now, what with this spirited pony bearing him--and how far before he makes a mistake and finds himself sitting on the ground or in a running stream? He has the element of surprise, all right. But what if that element should fall to the pony instead? Lovely to see so many stories being added to, and of course, especially this one!
Author's reply
I smile when I add to this one, knowing how long and patiently you've waited... Thank you for your encouragement. I think it has finally ripened enough, and I've figured out how to tie up a few of the loose ends that would not cooperate until recently, so I'm glad to say that there ought to be a chapter a week for the foreseeable future. Hopefully to the end! Think good thoughts...
Larner · 12 February 2014 · Chapter 37: Thorn: Nasty, Disturbing, Uncomfortable Things
Poor Tuck--his hopes dashed as he is embraced, not by Da, but by his uncle. And I rejoice that Galdor seeks to understand what this tree has observed. Not all the Hobbits of the area are gone, at least.
Author's reply
No, there are still hobbits here. I wonder how many went with Bucca to the battle against Angmar? I haven't found much about it, except a notation that none returned again. (That'll take some thinking to get around...)
Dreamflower · 12 February 2014 · Chapter 37: Thorn: Nasty, Disturbing, Uncomfortable Things
Aww...poor Bucca, poor Tuck, poor Shire! This passage is an absolutely amazing bit of writing: Trees, it might be said, are “nowish” creatures, alive in the present moment, with long memories (as long as the march of rings at their core), and yet all times are “now” to them, with the memories they store in the rings. If you cut living wood (a terrible thought), it bleeds. In the cross-section, you'll see all the years, all the memories, as fresh as when they were laid down – broad rings to show abundant sunlight and rain, narrow rings in times of want, perhaps a fire-blackened area where some of the outer bark burned – not all, with enough left for the tree to survive, grow, and eventually cover the damage with new growth. All years are present, in the cross-section. In a manner of speaking, all years are the present. I think JRRT, with his deep love for trees, would approve!
Author's reply
I hope that he would. He is at the top of my list of authors whose works I love to read, and cannot seem to tire of. Thanks!
Larner · 15 April 2013 · Chapter 36: Thain: Nasty, Disturbing, Uncomfortable Things
Bless you for posting this on my birthday, although I couldn't get to it until this morning. A pleasure to read! Poor Persimmon--caught as she is between the dragon of her mother and the puzzle of what to think of Pippin's behavior--whether or not it promoted her own future! But Pippin at least has something to look forward to once the "lessons" and tea are both over, at least. Hooray for Frodo's arrival!
Author's reply
You're welcome! I almost didn't get it written in time, but I put in a burst of writing the afternoon of your birthday and got it finished. Bucca chapter still only half-done, but at least it's (half) there... A very happy birthday to you, once more, and hopefully you'll enjoy reading more of Frodo in the next "Pippin" chapter. He's cooperating nicely, unlike Master Bucca.
curiouswombat · 14 April 2013 · Chapter 99999: Author's Notes
I have spent my afternoon, whilst cold wind whistles outside and rain lashes my windows, enjoying this story from the opening chapter to this furthest point. I am enjoying so much both tales, and their intertwining, and now I can only sit and hope for more when you are able.
Author's reply
How encouraging to hear! I'm working on the next "Thorn" chapter, so that I can post the finished "Thain" chapter that comes after. I appreciate your stopping by and taking the time to leave a good word. Thanks! Author Reply: Yikes! I just realised that this review is from a year ago, and I went a year between updates. Sorry to make you wait so long... but updates are now being posted at a rate of once a week, roughly, so if you haven't lost interest, I just thought I'd let you know the tale is continuing (hopefully all the way to the end at the same rate).
Dreamflower · 13 April 2013 · Chapter 36: Thain: Nasty, Disturbing, Uncomfortable Things
Poor Pip! AND poor Persimmon, who sounds as if she might be a "rare sensible lass" if only her mother would allow it! (Puts me in mind of my Hyacinth and her Jewelry, though hopefully Persimmon's mum is not so secretly evil as Hyacinth!) But, oh joy! Pippin will get some time to spend with his beloved Frodo!
Author's reply
You know, I think you're right. She does have the capacity to be one of those rare sensible lasses. Her mother's not exactly evil, simply very optimistic in her ambition. And yes, I do believe Pip and Frodo might even have a bit of an adventure... What fun!
Garnet Took · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 35: Thorn: Right Place, Right Time, and All Wrong
Oh, this is so sad. I had hoped that at least part of his family had survived. How horrible for him to reach his goal only to realize there is nothing there to come back to. He has to find some hobbits, I know. There has to be enough of them left to send a force north with the men and elves and to leave enough of a population to rebuild and begin again. This moment is still devestating, even knowing these facts. Glad to see you working on this story again. Yes, it is obviously a difficult one to write, but it is a very good read.
Author's reply
I think this and the next chapter were two of the more difficult, and probably a big reason why I stalled on the writing. I have a secret desire to write all fluff and no angst, I suspect. Thanks for the vote of confidence.
Celeritas · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 35: Thorn: Right Place, Right Time, and All Wrong
I've been following this whole fic and have really enjoyed it (especially the parallel storylines and dark early Shire history), so I was excited at the prospect of a new update! The wildly swinging pendulum of uncertainty, though--poor Bucca doesn't know what to expect so he has to prepare himself for all outcomes! I hope he learns what happened for sure soon! *passes him tea and biscuits through the computer screen* Excellent chapter and well-written! ~Celeritas
Author's reply
Thanks! Didn't know you were along for the ride, but glad to have you aboard. *Bucca nibbles absently at biscuits and sips at tea without noticing yet feels stronger for the sustenance*
Dreamflower · 20 January 2009 · Chapter 35: Thorn: Right Place, Right Time, and All Wrong
What a wonderful treat to find a new chapter! Poor Bucca. What a contrast between his hopefulness at the beginning and his despair at the end...
Author's reply
Definitely a roller coaster ride, to put it in unShirish terms.
Larner · 19 January 2009 · Chapter 35: Thorn: Right Place, Right Time, and All Wrong
A horrible homecoming for him, to believe his family is all gone now! Alas for what has been lost! Poor Bucca!
Author's reply
Yes, alas, poor Bucca, I knew him well... (sorry, couldn't resist)
Emkay · 9 January 2009 · Chapter 34: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 2
oh please update! I love all of it, and want more! :D
Author's reply
Thank you! This is a tough nut to crack, but I haven't given up on it.
Beruthiel · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 34: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 2
I remember this incident from an older story. So nice to see more! I was almost giggling through the whole thing.
Author's reply
Yes, it was fun to revisit the original, after writing it as an anecdote a time or two. Thanks!
Larner · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 34: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 2
Excellent! At least he didn't push it too far and give himself away as he might have done!
Author's reply
Yes, he's learning not to be quite so impulsive all the time! Thanks!
Garnet Took · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 34: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 2
It's been a while since I read any of this story, so my memory may not be totally clear on everyting that led up to this chapter. For that I apologize. This was really a nice chapter. Yes, Pippin was trying to stay ahead of his cousins, but the fact that he was actually willing to do hard work to further his cause is a testiment to how far he has come. Yes. he's still young and irresponsible, but he's learning and maturing. Hope we don't have to wait too long to see what happens next. Thanks for the update.
Author's reply
I hope we don't have to wait too long for an update, too! (yikes!) Very nice summing up of Pippin's growing maturity. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 34: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 2
*grin* How wonderful to read the origin of the famous anecdote! There was so much to love about this--Pippin's joy in being alone and free for a while; his courtesy to the old hobbit (and one knows he'd have been courteous anyway, even if he didn't have his own axe to grind); I loved the bit where he covered his jacket with dirt and stones to keep it from getting dirty, LOL! and the old hobbit too hungover to notice the incongruity of it; I do hope we *will* get to see Elberard taken down a peg (and I'd love to see the old hobbit's surprise when he gets an extra silver penny for his work!) I could go on and on, but I have to go and get ready for church. Lovely, anyway--so fun!
Author's reply
Ah, I love it when you hit the high points, and offer suggestions for future installments. Truly Elberard deserves to be taken down a peg. Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 12 August 2007 · Chapter 34: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 2
Oh, I've been waiting for another chapter of this one! I adore the Pippin parts of this. I laughed at how very in-character Pippin got while in disguise and I did think it very amusing that Hilly's greeting to Pippin was almost the same as Pippin's had been to the old worker earlier. Great chapter and worth the wait. I always love it when Pippin gets up to mischief.
Author's reply
Sorry to keep you waiting so long! This story has demanded more in the way of research than any other, since Healer's Tale, and up until recently I didn't have the energy. Glad to hear I didn't lose you with the long break. (I love it when Pippin gets up to mischief, as well. I wonder if Frodo and Merry would have seen through the disguise? Somehow I think they would have.)
Bodkin · 9 December 2006 · Chapter 33: Thorn: The Right Place... But the Right Time?
Going back 'home' in the aftermath of war must be a horrifying experience. Interesting to see that the forest had personality in Bucca's eyes. And that he can disappear in the blinking of an eye. There is more of a link between hobbits and elves than might be thought given their differences. I hope his family have survived.
Author's reply
Since JRRT said the Fallohides loved the forest, it makes sense to me that Shirefolk early in the Shire's history, especially those descended from the Fallohides, would have a kindred feeling for the trees that were their shelter when they were driven from the land, in the dim past, before they crossed the mountains to find their own place in the world. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 7 December 2006 · Chapter 33: Thorn: The Right Place... But the Right Time?
Oh, poor Bucca! He has to be dispirited and frantic! But he'll find his people, we know... I love your song adaptation! That was beautifully done, Lin!
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower. JRRT left us good material to work with.
Larner · 6 December 2006 · Chapter 33: Thorn: The Right Place... But the Right Time?
Yes, very much a Hobbit, even in those dark days, able to disappear from the sight of the Big Folk in a trice, thinking of how best to find those even now hiding about him. It's one reason, I think, why I have the Hobbits loving Frodo's hidden items in pictures, this ability to hide at the edge of sight.... I am so glad to see another chapter here, Lindelea.
Author's reply
Yes, hobbits are very good at hiding, even in plain sight! Thanks for your patience with this one.
Garnet Took · 6 December 2006 · Chapter 33: Thorn: The Right Place... But the Right Time?
Glad to see an update to this one. I know Thorn has to find someone from his family, but I'm worried about what this reunion will hold. The thought that the hobbits have lost so much is heartbreaking. Please, update soon. I know RL is real busy, so I understand that updates come slow. It quality, not quantity, that counts after all. Thanks. GT.
Author's reply
Someone remarked that war is hell, and it certainly is, not only for the combatants but those whose land is the battleground. Sorry it took so long between updates.