Larner
· 29 August 2006
· Chapter 32: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 1
I hope on my next trip to England--if it ever comes, of course--to visit the Eagle and Child. I've certainly read enough about the Inklings, singly and as a group!
And now Pippin plans to slip off alone and on a pony and not on foot, does he? And what kind of desperate trouble does he get himself into, I wonder?
Author's reply
The Eagle and Child is a fun visit, but sadly we couldn't sit in *the* room because we had children with us and so we had to go and sit in the pariah room. But we did take a few pics in *the* room, and I breathed very deeply to try and get some of the lingering atmosphere. (And the mushroom hot pot is delicious!)
Dreamflower
· 27 July 2006
· Chapter 32: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 1
Oh Yay! This is setting off *splendidly*!
I love the way Hilly is afraid of Pippin's disapprobation. Pip's already taking after Frodo in *that* regard! It's a shame Hilly's such a jerk; I'm so glad he eventually grows up!
This is going to be fun!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, it's going to be fun! Hopefully I can get another update in before our full school schedule kicks in, later in the month...
Thanks!
Nienor Niniel
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 32: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 1
I am just starting to start reading your work, and I really enjoy this fic!
I like the two interwoven storylines, and the subjects of each. Clearly you developped a whole own concept of the Took family which is very detailed. I like that a lot.
Also the part from the past with the Northern history is very inventive.
So I'm going to follow this fic, and read your others, too.
All the best, Nienor
Author's reply
Nice to meet you, Nienor. Thanks so much for taking the time to leave feedback.
Hope you enjoy the reading! Will be interested in hearing your impressions, if you've the time to drop a note here and there.
Garnet Took
· 26 July 2006
· Chapter 32: Thain: The Right Place at the Right Time, part 1
So glad to see an update to this one, and glad it's back to Pippin for this bit. Why do I have the feeling something big is about to happen. I'm thinking either Pippin overhears or sees something that others might wish kept secret, or that something bad is going to happen to him, especially since he's done what he does so well and slippe the escort, again.
I just love the way the others respect Pippin. They don't want to get on his bad side so they do what they should do anyway, like treat Ferdi like a person.
Thanks again.
GT.
Author's reply
Bless you, Garnet, you know me too well, I fear. But perhaps I will do the unpredictable, because I am in a contrary mood. We'll see!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving a note. So very encouraging, as you know.
Bodkin
· 21 May 2006
· Chapter 31: Thorn: A Matter of Timing
Cirdan was right - the moment wasn't ripe. And now Bucca is off home to fetch hobbit archers. Fingers crossed he finds some - and that his family is coping in his absence.
‘I will go,’ Bucca said although I do not know the way.... An echo of a future event there, it seems.
Courageous and loyal creatures, hobbits.
Author's reply
Exactly; you caught the "echo" as I meant it to be heard, but didn't want to club anyone over the head with it.
He'll get to see the Shire soon. Or what's left, anyhow.
I was thinking the other day that this is about 1,000 years before Frodo & Co.? I might be totally "off", not having looked at the timeline or Tale of Years in weeks. But if it is, 1,000 years would be enough time for quite a bit of healing to be accomplished, to the hobbits and to the land.
Larner
· 20 May 2006
· Chapter 31: Thorn: A Matter of Timing
"The world has changed" actually is book-verse first, although at the moment my mind can't remember if it was Treebeard or Tom Bombadil who said it. I want my radio changed out for the one with the CD player so I can listen to my Rob Inglis reading as I have to drive back and forth to work.
Bucca now has a purpose, at least.
I am SOOOOOO glad to see this update, as you know. I love it so much! One of my favorites of your works.
Author's reply
Oh, hurrah, am glad to hear that I'm still more-or-less in book-verse.
Have checked out Rob Inglis' reading on CD from the library more times than I can tell. Sure wish I had my own copy! One of the young hobbits was just saying the other day that she wished we'd check it out again.
Happy to oblige! Now if I can just whip that draft "Pippin" chapter into shape, you'll have another.
Garnet Took
· 19 May 2006
· Chapter 31: Thorn: A Matter of Timing
I knew that opening had a familiar "feel" to it.
Ooo, this was one of the best "Thorn" chapters yet. I'm really starting to be able to visualize this character. He's been kind of hard to wrap my mind around, but now I'm starting to see him as what he really is--a hobbit, just like the ones I already know, just from a slightly earlier time. I'd been having trouble seeing the Shire in its earlier days. I keep forgetting that this is 1000 years before the events that end the Third Age. A culture, even one as determined not to change as the Shire, can change a great deal in that amount of time. Now that I'm getting ahold of that fact, it's all starting to come togethr. It took me long enough.
Thanks for the update. Hope the next chapter is ready for posting soon.
GT.
Author's reply
LOL, very familiar!
Oh, I hope the earlier Shire wasn't too terribly different from the Shire at the start of The Hobbit... It was meant to be very much the same, except for having a King (far away, and hardly ever thought of) and being invaded and overrun by the Witch King's army fairly early on, I suppose it does indeed look like a very different Shire.
But Bucca is just a plain farmer, perhaps a *little* less shy of Men than your usual hobbit due to his father's being a leader of his clan and thus more likely to deal with the King's representatives. I hope that he came off as an ordinary farmer, forced into extraordinary circumstances, anyhow. I'm glad it's coming together!
I hope the next chapter is ready for posting, soon, too! (This story was in last year's MEFA awards in the "unfinished" category. Difficult to realise it has languished this long!)
Dreamflower
· 19 May 2006
· Chapter 31: Thorn: A Matter of Timing
Wonderful chapter! I *do* like the "nod" to PJ at the beginning of the chapter.
I think I may go through and re-read the "Thorn" chapters--I had to think to remember what Bucca had been up to when you left off.
I also love the little bit of using gardening to eavesdrop outside a window, much like Sam would do, many generations later!
Bucca is so very much a hobbity hobbit, and his time among the Men and Elves has not changed that one little whit, I'm pleased to see--I love his comparison of the young princes to hobbit tweens!
Author's reply
It is fun to take the words of others and craft them into slightly different shapes... just so long as proper credit is given, I suppose it's not too wicked of me.
LOL, I had to think to remember what Bucca had been up to, as well, and had to re-read the Bucca chapters before editing this last into the posted form! So busy now, that the part of my brain that was taken over by hobbits is being encroached upon by everyday affairs.
Thanks for the good words!
Garnet Took
· 19 May 2006
· Chapter 30: Thain: Gritting His Teeth
I missed this chapter when you posted it. It must have been during that craziness when I was moving house. Glad I finally am getting caught up with this one.
Hilly really does have some growing up to do, doesn't he? He also needs to get his nose out of the air and his feet planted more firmly on the ground. But he is young, and some leasons come harder than others.
Hmmm, weren't a couple of other hobbits guilty of stealing old Ferdi's teeth a time or two?
Well, I'm off to read the next chapter. Here's a good thought for you getting time to work on this story again.
GT.
Author's reply
Hilly does have a lot of growing to do, I find. It's hard sometimes to reconcile the fine hobbit he grew into, with the spoiled youngest child.
(much belated) Thanks!
Author Reply: (and yes, I seem to recall several other hobbits guilty of stealing old Ferdi's teeth. *sigh* Poor hobbit. Although his lot improved (along with his temper) after Pippin became Thain.
Larner
· 4 March 2006
· Chapter 30: Thain: Gritting His Teeth
I truly hate seeing Hilly this petty and spoiled. Hope he gets his comeuppance soon, for I know he turns out a wonderful gentlehobbit in the end.
Author's reply
Poor Hilly. He's going to have a rough row to hoe, for a while. Spoiling a child is certainly not doing him any favours at all.
Of course, he doesn't become friends with Ferdi until "Flames", some time after Pippin's disappearance on the Quest.
Dreamflower
· 27 February 2006
· Chapter 30: Thain: Gritting His Teeth
Oh dear! Hilly really was a stinky self-centered little prat, wasn't he? Goodness, however did he get over himself? I am hoping that question may be answered, and I hope that perhaps Pippin has a part in reforming him--I can't begin to imagine how much has to happen before he becomes one of Ferdi's fast friends.
I wonder if he ever ponders nowadays on how he used to be, and regrets some of the tacky things he did?
Author's reply
Ah, yes, he really was. You can see a little of it in the beginning of "Flames", his unreasoning prejudice against Ferdi, to the point where he takes part in a false accusation (although unknowingly). When the truth comes out, he's badly shaken and starts to re-think his position.
Another softening element is the love of a good "woman"... whom I think you've met elsewhere, haven't you? ...his beloved Posey who has not yet entered the picture at this point in time.
Thanks!
Author Reply: p.s. "ponders nowadays"--I'd imagine he does. I remember how he was in "All That Glisters", when he was chosen instead of Ferdi to accompany Pippin to the Bridge to meet the King...
Larner
· 17 January 2006
· Chapter 29: Thorn: Lessons to Be Learned
Love that my vision of the Hobbits retaining ceremonial songs and dances from their time over the Misty Mountains is matched by Bucca knowing the Old Tongue and being able to interpret the names. And I love these young princes, one accepting, one doubting. Interesting pair, and Bucca may well have his hands full with the two of them.
Glad he was able to fabricate a new bow.
Author's reply
Bucca *did* have his hands full, as a matter of fact! Those youngsters are full of energy. (Wish I had some of it! Too many late nights and early mornings this week.)
Thanks!
(p.s. posted a new chapter in honour of your visit. Hoping for a safe drive home again.)
Bodkin
· 16 January 2006
· Chapter 29: Thorn: Lessons to Be Learned
I love Bucca and his elven cloak! And him being left in charge of the rather headstrong young horse lords. Lwis seems a little more open to strangeness than Frauja - who seems keen to deny the existence of what is standing in front of him. They are both very appealing, though.
Shame all those from Gondor arrived just a tad late - all have history might have changed had they got their a couple of months earlier.
Bucca seems keen to get home - for which I can't blame him. For all the excitement and elves and ships, he must be worried sick about his people. And his family must be pretty anxious about him.
Author's reply
Lwis is bold, impulsive, and optimistic; Frauja is more inclined to take thought before acting. A good combination, in cousins who are as close as brothers, I think.
I have had the same thought about the timing of Gondor's arrival. Pity, really.
I think Bucca may be heading homewards soon. Things are looking that way, anyhow.
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 29: Thorn: Lessons to Be Learned
Glad to see another update to this. Hope the reconstruction of it is going well.
I was really hoping Bucca was going to be heading home. Guess he's got to wait a little longer.
Those young princes sound like a real handful. I'm not I trust the wisdom of putting Bucca in charge of watching them. They all my corrupt each other.
I'm really curious about where all the elements of this are leading. You have obviously put in a lot of effort and research for this story.
Keep up the good work.
GT.
Author's reply
Reconstruction is going very slowly, as a matter of fact, but there are a few draft chapters on my hard drive, at least.
Lots of research... that was one of the hard parts, after losing the story and all its notes. So much ground to have to go over, all over again.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 15 January 2006
· Chapter 29: Thorn: Lessons to Be Learned
Oh, I think you did well enough with the names, and I am glad that you used the linguistic hints JRRT gives!
I like "Lwis"--mayhap pronounced "Lewis?" He's got a good sense of humor, and is atute enough to know a holbytlan when he sees one, unlike his brother, who thinks he knows everything, LOL!
I'm glad to see an update to this--I know you had lost some of it at one time! I'm happy to see it back on track.
Author's reply
It might well be pronounced "Lewis"! I hadn't thought of that, but it's logical. w is, after all, a double-u.
Thanks!
Citrine
· 20 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
Uh-oh, I see trouble ahead. It makes me sad to see hobbits sucking up to Pippin just because he's going to be Thain, but I suppose that's inevitable. It makes me feel a little better that Pippin isn't stuck up. You did an excellent job here of showing Pippin's days as Thain-in-training. Hilly's the one who deserves a switch across the palm, the snobby little b...varmint.
Author's reply
...just because he's going to be Thain. It's part of human nature, isn't it? I don't think hobbits are immune. And, considering how I chose to portray Lalia, it's possible that not all of them are social climbers, but simply seeking some sort of "insurance" if Pippin turns out to be a whimsical Thain. (Which he does, but not in a negative way, thankfully.)
Hilly is really a... ummm... brat in his tween years. But it gives him room for growth. I hope it doesn't make fans of the future mature Hilly angry! I had a very stern review from someone who was mad that I wrote Pippin as immature, irresponsible, and thoughtless after he returned from the Quest. Guess he was supposed to be all grown up in every way when he came back and was plunged into his old place and old associations...
Anyhow, I saw Pippin sort of slipping into the careless ways of the spoilt tweens at the Smials, when he wasn't living at Crickhollow. It's so easy to do, when you are surrounded by the "old crowd", especially when they resist change.
FantasyFan
· 20 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
This is fascinating, whether you're happy with it or not. The personalities of the hobbits that they will become are there, but all awkward and sharp angles and much to learn. Hilly wants to become part of the escort, but he hasn't learned yet how much of his own pride he'll have to give up to become worthy of the place. He's at that very dangerous place in the task of maturing, where he's got to decide what kind of hobbit he wants to be, and no longer go on past accidents of position or talent or circumstance. At this point it looks like it could go either way. I wonder what it will take for him to look past Ferdi's own particular brand of baggage and need, and see the hobbit's worth? For that matter, I can't remember how Ferdi achieves his own redemption. By the way I love Pippin here. He's just being himself, and shining like a star. And absorbing the lessons that matter, which are how to deal with the Tooks in all their forms. He's always been a charmer, and a very good judge of character.
Author's reply
I find change and development of character (whether good or bad) a fascinating topic.
Hilly will remain rather unpleasant, at least towards Ferdi, until a few chapters into "Flames" where he has a bad scare: he comes perilously close to a false accusation for a banishable offence. If you recall, the way I set up justice, a false accusation rates the same sentence as the crime you're accused of. There is probably consideration given to whether you were acting in malice or in good faith, I'm sure. But going back to read a few chapters in "Flames" last night I see that Hilly's attitude towards Ferdi was bitter and rather malicious--he was probably jealous of Pippin's friendship. It is only after that incident (the holes dug in the racecourse) that the blinders come off, he and Ferdi begin working together to keep the ruffians out of the Tookland, and a friendship begins to grow.
"Thain" is not a happy tale for Ferdi, for the most part. It ends as "Flames" is beginning, and if you remember, Ferdi was running away, now that Pippin was "dead" and gone, when that story started.
Author Reply: meant to say "a false accusation rates the same sentence as the crime you're accusing someone else of"
Goodness. Is that a dangling participle before my eyes? My mom always hated those things.
Garnet Took
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
Interesting. Hilly sure has a long way to go before he becomes the hobbit he is in later stories. I don't like him much right now, I must confess.
Poor Ferdi. I'm glad that Pippin sees more in him than the rest of the lads do. Pippin is a good judge of people, and compassionate himself, usually.
I never pictured Pippin and Thain Ferumbras getting along. I don't know why; I just never did.
Hope you can update this soon, it's been a long time. I understand that yu had some bad luck simular to mine with this story. Glad to see you back at work on it. I hope to get some done on rebuilding mine in the next few days.
Thanks.
Garnet Took.
Author's reply
I don't like Hilly much, myself. He's a bit stuck on himself, and a bully besides. I'm afraid he's not going to be very likeable in this story, either, for he doesn't come around to Ferdi's side until partway into "Flames", and this story will probably end just where "Flames" starts out.
Pippin remembers the Ferdi that "was", and he also remembers that his sister is still in love with Ferdi... Perhaps he hopes that Ferdi might recover someday, gain back something of what he was before the fire. (As Ferdi does, eventually, and more.)
I'm glad you're working on rebuilding yours. Will be thinking good thoughts in your direction.
Author Reply: (I meant, of course, that I don't like Hilly much in this particular story! Over the course of the timeline I find him a fascinating figure.)
Grey Wonderer
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
This is a Hilly that I have never seen before. He's quite the little trouble maker, isn't he? LOL If he and Pippin do join forces then the Thain may have his hands full with them. I like that they are made to take good care of the ponies before and after riding and I laughed at Pippin's archery skills or lack of skills I should say. Great chapter. Glad this one is continuing. I had missed it.
Author's reply
Yes, Hilly in all the later stories is a staunch friend of Ferdi, and in "All that Glisters" he comes close to hero-worship, I think. But in the early chapters of "Flames" he's still pretty nasty to Ferdi, condescending at best and at worst, something of a lout.
I laugh at Pippin's lack of archery skills too. I thought it an interesting quirk, though IRL I have no idea how plausible it would be to be a pretty good stone-thrower and terrible archer.
This one is going in fits and starts. There's actually quite a bit of "Bucca" that's been recreated but the Pippin chapters are not co-operating as nicely.
Thanks!
Beruthiel
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
Poor Pippin, stuck with such boring lessons day after day. Fortunately, Isum's lessons seem to make up for that.
Interesting to see Hilly acting bullyish toward Ferdi. Typical for his age, but still a bit of a surprise, considering what good friends they are in the future. This reminds me of "Flames", when Hilly suspected Ferdi of tampering with the racecourse, and made some sort of remark about burning the stables down (will have to go reread). I wonder when he changed his mind about Ferdi's usefulness.
Good to see that Pippin sticks up for Ferdi.
Author's reply
Yes, you're spot on. Hilly was quite nasty towards Ferdi in the early chapters of "Flames". His attitude changed only after he came dangerously close to a false accusation--which bears the same penalty as the crime itself, at least the way "Flames" is written. He was on his best behaviour after that, and gradually a friendship grew up between them as they worked together to keep the ruffians out of the Tookland.
I haven't re-visited "Flames" in quite a while, but I seem to remember that Hilly was one of the few that stuck with Ferdi during his troubles between the Battle of Bywater and Pippin's becoming Thain.
Larner
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
Ah, Hilly, if you only knew just how capable that "half-wit" actually is! Better think of feeling him out, for he's well worth the knowing.
Love the pony lesson and that Pippin realizes Ferdi's worth. Wonderful.
Author's reply
I remember seeing my dressage instructor get on my stiff-necked, hard-mouthed horse (abused by a previous owner and quite a challenge), and seeing that horse turn into a picture of a classic pose, and then that woman (who probably weighed 98 pounds dripping wet) put that horse through a whole bunch of paces, including some advanced moves that I *know* that horse had never done before, yet so well were the aids applied that I scarcely saw a muscle move in my instructor's legs and arms.
In the all-too-brief years that I took lessons from her, I learned so very much about hands, legs, and seat. (There are four aids that I remember but for some reason the fourth escapes me at the moment.)
I have bad knees now, and ride very seldom these days, for it hurts. Ah, but I remember that floating feeling.
Dreamflower
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
How interesting. I'm curious to see just how Hilly manages to overcome his case of tweenaged knowitall, and end up nice. Of course a good many people, human as well as hobbits, suffer from that ailment in adolescence, but this one sounds rather pernicious.
Poor Ferdi. You know, I'm reminded of the icon for Faramir that says "there are enough days in the week for all the therapy I'm going to need". Ferdi too, has suffered more than his share of unfair angst. It's no wonder he ends up opinionated and suspicious.
And Pippin *seems* to have adjusted well to life in the Great Smials. Maybe *too* well?
Author's reply
Too well?
Well, Hilly is still rather unpleasant in the early chapters of "Thain". He really doesn't start to change until he and Ferdi begin to work together to resist the ruffians during the Troubles.
Unfair angst? Poor Ferdi. He really has lived the opposite of a charmed life, I suppose.
Bodkin
· 19 November 2005
· Chapter 28: Thain: Lessons to Be Learned
Oh dear. Hilly has got a lot of growing up to do before he becomes the admirable hobbit of later years. At the moment he is a rather unpleasantly spoilt brat. And I'm a bit worried what else he might be about to get up to.
And MFH! Poor Ferdi. Goodness but there are some insensitive tweens round him! As if it's any wonder that he's not functioning like the rest of them. I'm glad Pippin is his usual eager self around him - he needs someone to treat him normally.
Put him on a horse and he's free - perhaps it should happen more often. Fascinating chapter. Such a good look at many hobbits later famed in Shire memory!
(How is Haldoron getting on?)
Author's reply
Haldoron is asleep at the moment, which is where I'm headed.
But with any luck he'll be awake again after the weekend.
Hilly is definitely a spoilt brat, and unfortunately will remain one until the early chapters of "Flames". He's badly shaken, in that story, when he comes perilously close to falsely accusing Ferdi, even though the onus falls on the true culprit in that story. And as the Troubles grow, and Ferdi shows a certain talent for outwitting ruffians, Hilly's admiration grows. I think he's one of the few who sticks by Ferdi in his troubles between the Battle of Bywater and Pippin's becoming Thain, if I'm remembering correctly.
Poor Ferdi. He won't have a pony of his own until he comes of age, and I think at the moment he's 27, so that's a few years off. But it's no wonder that when his Uncle Odo gives him Dapple, that she is so important to him.
Bodkin
· 23 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Thorn: Arrival
It must be difficult to stay in safety while you are worried sick about your people in general and family in particular.
I like the messages brought by the gulls - to whom all men look alike. (Reciprocated, chaps!) And Gondor has come.
I hope Bucca gets to go home soon.
Author's reply
Bucca gets to go home pretty soon! After all, Shire-folk went to the battle that looms ahead, and who better to rally his people and gather a troop of archers?
Larner
· 22 August 2005
· Chapter 27: Thorn: Arrival
Aha--it is about time! I so have looked forward to seeing this updated.
And so glad to see Bucca there as witness. Hope he gets to go back home soon. And I see where perhaps Sam learned the trick of listening near windows....
Author's reply
Why is it so difficult to recreate something that was almost finished and then lost? You'd think it would be a hop, skip, and a jump.
Perfectionism can be such a bother, sometimes.
But there is finally another update, and now that the puzzle of the names for the princes of Rhovanion has been solved (more or less) I hope the work will go forward.