Hai Took
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Casting About
Oh, my Eglantine is doing so very well with trying to help Tolly. Her thinking/knowing that if she were to go to sleep she might not wake up. Not wanting to ruin Pimpernel's birthday by dying that day is very touching. I hope that that will not come to pass. Especially with Ferdi and Aldi so close to them! Oh, I do hope they are in time and this new slide hasn't done any more damage to those who are stuck! Hope more is soon!
Author's reply
Here's more! And the story's nearly done... Thanks.
Larner
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Casting About
Am breathlessly awaiting the coming chapters. Excellently written.
Author's reply
Thank you! Hope the next chapter suits as well. Just one or two chapters left after "Darkest before the Dawn"
Larner
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Tea and Conversation
Am trying to catch up, and enjoying this thoroughly.
Pearl Took
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Casting About
"Let's not, and say we did." I'd never heard this expression until I met my husband! HEHEHE And "Lake Bilbo as it will be disappearting" Wonderful!! And tense as well - a wonderful balance. As always VWD!!
Author's reply
Ah, thank you, Pearl. I'm afraid the next chapter's a cliffhanger, though anyone who's read "later" stories knows what has to happen, somehow. Sometimes I wish I could write these stories in order, rather than jumping around on the timeline, but they don't come to mind in orderly fashion at all.
Grey Wonderer
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Casting About
Good job on the well story. I can see a very stubborn little Pip lugging the big stone to the well and Merry going down the rope to bring him up. Seems Eglantine is finally running out of steam. I hope she can hang on until they get to her.
Author's reply
She's hanging on, in more ways than one (as you'll see). Thanks!
Connie B.
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Casting About
And again we miss the end of the story of Pippin falling down the well. At least we got the gist of it.
What happened in the second slide? Did Eglantine and Tolly get buried, or did they slip farther down the slope? I'm sure you'll clear this up soon.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
You know, I'm still trying to work the end of the well story into this. So you just might hear it, we'll see.
Did clear up what happened in the second slide, but had to break the next chapter up, and so there's a bit of a cliffhanger, sorry.
But if I can get some computer time tomorrow I'll post the rest, or at least the second-to-last chapter, for I think there might be an epilogue.
Thanks for commenting!
Bodkin
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 8: Casting About
They had better get to Tolly and Eglantine soon - they both seem to be suffering from hypothermia.
I love the word pollywog. It's so much cuter than tadpole.
Start yelling Eglantine. Attract their attention. (I've got my fingers crossed that the new slip will get Tolly free from the tree rather than kill them.)
It's just such a motherly reaction to say 'I won't die on your birthday, it will spoil it for you.'
(I keep telling myself; they don't die, they don't die. Get them some help!)
Author's reply
I gave it some thought. I know "tadpole" is what we used when I was little, but "pollywog" sounds more authentic somehow. Now just watch it turn out to be an Americanism!
Help has arrived, but the chapter split itself so the rescue is not quite complete as posted thus far.
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 7: Come Hail or High Water
I just love Eglantine's sense of humor. She takes everything in stride and can always seem to see the silver lining in the darkest cloud.
That "let's not and say we did," line sounds just like my friends and I. My dad used that a lot when I was little, and now I say it often.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Bodkin
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 7: Come Hail or High Water
Eglantine has an amazing talent for the dripping tap style of conversation. I can just picture her as the kind of person who talks on and on, gently and amiably, whilst at the same time picking up on all sorts of clues and pieces of information that the others don't even realise that she has spotted.
But, hail! How cruel . . although possibly less dangerous than too much water at a time like this. But they'll both be lucky to escape the Old Gaffer's Friend.
I hope the rescue party doesn't miss them in the dark and downpour.
Grey Wonderer
· 28 November 2004
· Chapter 7: Come Hail or High Water
I just love Eglantine more all the time. Such spirit and such nerve. I hope she has a pleasing singing voice because Tolly is a captive audience. You can tell how very much she loves Pippin in all of this because she always manages to bring her stories back to him. Looking forward to more.
Hai Took
· 27 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Settling Matters
Dear Eglantine, trying to dig out Tolly even though she does not believe she can do much! I hope it is enough, at least until the others arrive!
oh my, what a blow to the others to find out that the Mistress has not arrived and didn't go by the road expected! Poor Nell, I would be that worried as well, although I'm sorry she has already given up hope that her Mum could be alive, but maybe it is better to be unexpectedly happy then to have the remaining hope crushed out of you! Oh, dear, I hope all goes well! Looking forward to more!
You said I might not like Nell in contrast to Eglantine in this but I think she did rather well in spite of it all. She pulled herself together as did Pippin and everyone got on with things. Diamond will have her hands full while Pippin is out looking for his mother but I know she can handle it. Great chapter.
Pearl Took
· 27 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Settling Matters
*Gasp!* You have the tension mounting to exquisite torture! I felt the chill myself when Pippin and Nell figured out what they were hearing. Oh so VWD!!!
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad there are only ten or so chapters. I don't think I could stand the strain much longer!
Connie B.
· 27 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Settling Matters
Well, now I know how Pippin dealt with the news. He really has learned to focus on what needs to be done and not worry about the things that can't be fixed at the moment. People always seem to think he's flighty, but he's really very grounded and sometimes even a little grim. It's the sunniest spirits that sometimes face the hardest trial in life.
I know all will be well, but I still feel for him, and the others.
I just love that Eglantine. She's a fighter for sure. I'm really starting to think Pippin is more her son than his father's. Maybe so many of the traits he has that have been assumed to come from the Took side actually are from the Banks branch of the family.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin draws a number of his strengths from his mother. But I think you'll see a number of good qualities in Paladin, in "Thain", that Pippin also inherited, if I can get to writing on that again.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 27 November 2004
· Chapter 6: Settling Matters
Go for it, Egg. You can make a difference.
I hope she manages to dig away enough to make Tolly's breathing easier. It's not an easy task - but I don't think she'll give up.
And thank goodness that at last at the Smials they've realised that Eglantine and Tolly were in the wrong place at the wrong time and they've got the search parties out after them. Shame Nell couldn't remain in ignorance like Meadowsweet though.
Ferdi thinks streams are tricky and treacherous things? Why do I have the urge to see him return from Gondor by ship? Am I getting as keen on Ferdi torture as certain authors of my literary acquaintance?
'Diamond understood. She knew what a tight hold he had on himself. Her duty was to stay behind, to deal with the expected flood of refugees, and to keep Pimpernel from falling apart from grief and worry.' Poor Diamond. I'm not sure that the female role of holding things together is not more difficult than the male 'go out and fight what's coming' one.
(For Ferdi, please read Ferdi (MFH).)
Author's reply
O no, I'd better alert the RSPCF (the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Ferdi). Return from Gondor on a ship, what a concept... I don't think he suffers from sea longing the way Hilly does.
He also fights who stands and waits... My dad was one to quote that old saw. And what a fight it is!
Thanks for taking the time to comment! My family's sleeping in, and perhaps I can get a little more typing done...
Bodkin
· 27 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Bedtime Stories
Say something, Bert! Put the beans together and work out how many make five! Eglantine needs someone to get there quickly. Tolly needs someone to get there even more quickly.
It does seem incredibly unfair that the escort should be blamed for the determination of their victims to escape - after all, they are in the position of being the servants of those they guard, and unable to contradict them - so how on earth can they make them stay safe if they just plain refuse to co-operate? Not that that will make any difference, of course. It's so much simpler to blame the person who can't fight back - the private rather than the general, the train driver rather than the board of directors, etc.
Makes me think of whipping boys. Ferdi spent ten years (or so) in Great Smials being punished by Paladin as Pippin's whipping boy and he was in no position to fight back at all.
Sandy interests me - such a quiet character - a convenience almost, but with access to all sorts of knowledge and experience he never gets much chance to show.
Author's reply
"Put the beans together..." You slay me!
Interesting thought, whipping boys. You're right!
I guess Paladin's rationale was a) it was all Ferdi's fault, and b) Ferdi could leave any time he wanted to. Neither of which was true, but what person in the wrong ever defended truth?
I need to go and get a cup of tea, but thanks for stopping by and leaving your comments!
Reviews certainly grease the writing wheels...
Now Pippin will know that his mother is most likely in trouble with the arrival of Bert and the news of the flooding. Pervinca isn't going to be the only unhappy one in all of this. Eglantine seems to be holding together nicely in spite of it all and keeping Tolly amused while she's at it. Looking forward to more as always.
Author's reply
...keeping Tolly amused. Can you imagine being stuck under a tree and showered with Pippin stories?
OTOH, that might not be so bad.
Thanks!
Hai Took
· 26 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Bedtime Stories
A story with Eglantine! Oh dear I am sorry she is in such a pickle! Tolly is a good hobbit, his always thinking of duty and so on, wanting her to get out while she could. I really do love your Eglantine though, her own stubborness and such, what with staying with Tolly and being caring. I hope that Pippin and the rest of the Tooks are able to get out and find these stuck hobbits! I'm sure they won't give up any time soon or anything but hope it is quick! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I figure Pippin's mom has to be something awesome for him to have turned out as he did!
Thanks.
Pearl Took
· 26 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Bedtime Stories
Eglantine is being so caring. I hope Tolly pulls through. Poor Pip, about to find out his Mother has gone missing! Wonderful, as always!
Author's reply
Thanks, Pearl! I appreciate the feedback.
Connie B.
· 26 November 2004
· Chapter 5: Bedtime Stories
Oh my goodness. If Eglantine and Tolly had stayed with Bert's family, they'd have been in the middle of the flood. Of course, they're not much better off, but at least they haven't drowned yet.
Pippin is starting to have his hands full. First he has to deal with the flood, and then he's going to be faced with his mum's delay. I wonder how long it will take him to figure out the two are connected. I imagine he'll figure things out pretty quick, and then come to some horrible conclusion like that Eglantine and Tolly have drowned, or something.
I'm enjoying this even more than I thought I would.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Come to some horrible conclusion... something like that.
Glad you're enjoying this! And thanks for taking the time to comment.
Grey Wonderer
· 25 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Tea and Conversation
OK, now I want the well story. LOL Thank you for the after-Thanksgiving dinner reading treat. I was thankful that this was here. Now, soon everyone will be worried. I loved how Eglantine kept Tolly from falling into despair, but yet was unable to stand the sawing bit of the story. I cringed a bit myself. Happy Thanksgiving and I will be waiting for more of this one.
Author's reply
I want the well story too! I'm only afraid that I can't tell it as comically as Pippin.
Had a good Thanksgiving indeed, and hope yours was happy.
Pearl Took
· 25 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Tea and Conversation
What a terrifying beginning to chapter 3! Then, Eglantine helping Tolly to see how needed and loved he is. And Tolly and Nell both being distracted by Pippin stories is the perfect touch as I'm sure the family had those in abundance ;) And wonderfully leaving me eager for more!! VWD!!
Author's reply
Yes, chapter 3 was very scary. I hoped no one would think badly of Tolly for his near-hysterical fear... but then he was in an impossible situation.
Thanks so much for the encouragement!
Bodkin
· 25 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Tea and Conversation
Good one, Eglantine. She's not letting Tolly get away with woolly thinking even stuck there in the mud. Although wit ('I’d rather not go on, if I don’t have the legs to go on.') even in the midst of disaster either indicates the kind of personality who would - literally - do anything for a laugh, or maybe that what he is looking for is reassurance. Holding a hobbit down while he had his legs amputated must have been fairly traumatic.
Actually it makes me think of Ferdi's father - surviving the fire to live out years of helplessness - but I suppose Tolly has Sweetie and the sprogs.
Eglantine's making him fight, though.
Ferdi has entered his weather vane phase, has he? So useful to have an extra career path he could follow, should he so desire.
He and Pippin worked hard to keep Nell calm and entertained. Don't know if they've really got her convinced.
Author's reply
I think Tolly just cannot help himself (in more than one way, in this story). I think back to him and Ferdi cracking jokes as they're waiting to be branded and banished from the Shire, in "Runaway"...
Actually, it was Jodancingtree that gave him such a sense of humour, or else she read into the gallows humour of the branding scene I'd written and expanded on it. I keep coming back to the description she wrote of his jokes growing wilder as the level of the hot-toddy in his cup went down...
I was thinking of Ferdi's father, too, but Ferdinand's case was different in that he'd lost everything, not just his arms and legs. His wife and brother were dead, his fortune gone, the ponies burned to death or survivors sold to pay his debts, his daughter run off and his son reduced to a half-wit in the eyes of many. Tolly has great advantages even if he does lose his legs!
Extra career path. *snort* Yes, the weather ache is a result of the head injury Ferdi sustained when he fell in the race. But it brought him together with Nell, so the dark cloud had a silver lining!
Thanks!
Connie B
· 25 November 2004
· Chapter 4: Tea and Conversation
So the worrying begins. The diversions Pippin and Ferdi used were nice. Are we going to get the full story of Pippin in the well, or Pippin and the cat, for that matter?
You're right, I think Eglantine's bluntness is a trait from her family. Pippin must have got a lot more from her tham many think. His Tookishness must come from more distant parts of that bloodline since his own father and grandfather seem to be exceptions to the rules of Took behavior.
Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
Am going to leave off writing and go bake some savoury rolls.
Until later!
This is not what I expected at all. I love that it is Eglantine who is doing the rescuing on this one. She a strong personality and such a fighter. "Son of a Took" LOL now that is both an insult and a compliment, isn't it. The double-edged sword of all time. She has managed to get his arm free. I will be interested to see what else she can do. If another quest shoulc come about, I think Eglantine should get to go.
Author's reply
I surprised you, really? What fun!
Bet Pippin got a lot of his strength from her, don't you think? Hmmm, think of it. A granny-quest!
Thanks!