Cuthalion
· 21 February 2005
· Chapter 4: Just in Time for Tea
You should by no means change anything - this is strong and hauting, but it reads and feels absolutely "right" - or you could go and change the TTT-scenes from Tolkien as well. Very good, Lin!
Author's reply
Schoene Gruesse! (My goodness that looks odd in my sleepy state!)
Guten Morgen! (That looks better.)
Ah, Danke sehr for the feedback. My editor-friend and I have been discussing whether the tale was *too* graphic, seeing as how even Tolkien glosses over some details, or so it seems. But if it feels "right", well, that is what I was going for. (I don't care for "gratuitous" violence, but the details I put in are there to serve a purpose. Somehow it seems the height of irony, considering how hobbits are about food, to write about orcs and "food"...)
Larner
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
Ooh, am very disappointed in Paladin Took here. Doesn't seem the least bit fair.
Author's reply
O I know. I think Paladin's cracked, personally. Nursed his bitterness until at last it consumed him.
Thanks.
Anso the Hobbit
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
I like your Merimac! It`s good to see some of the stories from the Buckland side too, and he was after all highly involved in things.
How was it that Saradoc remained ever true to himself after becoming Master, but Paladin had lost himself as Thain?
An important question I think! Might you explore it? :)
Author's reply
Possibly, possibly. Am exploring bits and pieces of it, anyhow. The first cracks in his relationship with Pippin show up in "Pearl of Great Price", and the real shattering happens in "Thain"--which is going *very* slowly at the moment.
I think the Brandybucks might be just a little better-balanced than the Tooks perhaps. Or maybe the difference started as early as when Gorhendad (is that right?) laid down the Thainship and left to found Buckland on the "wrong" side of the Brandywine...? Could be a story there...
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
I hope that Ferdinand hears what happens (I've had a psychic event and suspect I know) and doesn't end up blaming Merimac for not being able to bring Ferdi's torment to an end. If there is one thing that Pippin learned during the quest, it is responsibility - he would not have left his cousin to endure Paladin's bitterness if he could help it. Although I doubt he would be willing to bring Diamond and the as-yet-unnamed (and unborn) infant under his father's rule.
It would be interesting to find that Paladin left extensive journals that Pippin finds and reads in later years, so he can understand better how his father changed from the da of his youth to this extremely unpleasant hobbit.
Poor Ferdi - and his father. They're only about half-way through this torment.
Author's reply
Ah, those psychic events. Sometimes they're quite exciting, and at other times they're rather dismaying, and sometimes they're both at once (as in the rewriting of this story, when I found the obvious solution to the plot hole, and hated it).
I think the observations you've made here will be answered in the Epilogue to this story, still a few chapters away.
Hmmm. Extensive journals. D'you think Paladin would be the type to do that? I wonder... Or maybe Eglantine...?
Poor Ferdi and his father. And poor me. I seem to recall a conversation between Pippin and old Ferdinand, where Pippin asks how he could possibly make it up to Ferdi, but I haven't yet found which story it crept into. (Unless it was "background" and subsequently cut, in which case I don't have to worry so much about continuity. But perfectionist that I am, I'll still worry over it until I find it.)
Thanks!
Grey Wonderer
· 20 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
‘Is he mad?’ he demanded, and it wasn’t Bilbo he was talking about. ‘This goes beyond stubborn pride...’
Loved that bit. It usually is Bilbo when the word mad is used, isn't it? Now, I am wondering how this will go from here. He can't bring Pippin back just yet and I am certain that he doesn't tell him. It does seem as if he believes that Pippin doesn't know about this if I read his remarks correctly. I wonder if he gets that chance to tell anyone and if not, why? LOL More questions that you can't answer except with more chapters. Hope your computer recovers soon. I will be watching for more chapters on this one. For some reason the Ban reminded me for that story, "A Man Without a Country". Where the man is doomed to stay at sea for the rest of his life for the crime of treason and cannot set foot on his home soil. Funny what comes to mind while reading, isn't it?
Author's reply
I do think it is Bilbo who is the byword for madness in the Shire (and perhaps, to a lesser extent, Frodo, though he might be more "eccentric" than "mad").
I do think you've read Merimac's remarks correctly.
I haven't read "A Man Without a Country" though I've heard the title before. What a sad premise!
If only the computer will hold out I'll try to update Monday or Tuesday.
Thanks.
Connie B.
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
I think Merimac is going to have a harder time dragging Pippin back home than he thinks. We are talking about Paladin's son here, and the apple of stubborness didn't fall far from the tree.
This chapter is so sad in a way. It so clearly illistrates how words spoken in haste and anger have long-term concequinces(sp).
Thanks for another great chapter.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Ah, don't sell Pippin short. He might be stubborn, but he's also too proud to let someone else carry the blame and punishment for his own actions.
However, sometimes circumstances don't always work out the way we think they're going to...
Thanks!
Hai Took
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
Well I'm glad that Ferdibrand was at least taken care of when he fell ill. It must be hard to for Merimac to think of the Paladin he use to know in comparison with the one who is now Thain. To think that he was once a close friend of Ferdinands as well! Then to put Ferdinand's son under The Ban!
Hm, I'm wondering what will happen when Merimac returns to Brandy Hall. It seems at this point Pippin won't be in much of a position to travel to Buckland, and when he is well I'm wondering how things will progress in this respect. As always looking forward to more!
It also sounds like there must be some good stories of Merimac, Saradoc, Paladin and Ferdinand when they were younger.
Author's reply
And to think that Paladin was unjustly put under the Ban, himself...
I honestly think he blew a gasket when raging over Pippin's defection. He was never quite the same hobbit after that.
Hmmmm, Merry and Sorry and Dinny twice over, sounds like there *ought* to be some stories there... (especially when you add Ally and Aggie into the mix)
Thanks!
trishette
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
*pats Merimac* I can see why he's quite had his fill indeed =o(
Author's reply
Merimac certainly appreciates the sympathy. (As I left him he was muttering the sort of thing you'd mutter under your breath: "Tooks!")
Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
Oh dear. I'm really worried now.
Knowing all that came after, and what Paladin was trying to hide from everyone, I can understand his strain. Nevertheless, to allow it to make him so bitter and hard is just...just...*unhobbity*
It's a shame Merimac can't take him out, poke him in the nose, and then get him roaring drunk. He might be able to find out what's really going on then. Oh, well...
And it's going to be years before everything is set straight.
Author's reply
Oh, man, for a little bit of time to do some alternate history, just for the opportunity for Merimac to take him out, poke him in the nose, and then get him roaring drunk. What a great idea!
(Wondering if I could shoe-horn such an incident into the story anyhow--it's tempting! But how to make it convincing...)
Thanks.
Citrine
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
You know, everytime one of your stories refreshes my memory of how Paladin put Ferdi under the ban, I get mad at him all over again. Grrr. Petty, hard-hearted, stubborn old...Took. I guess I should feel some sympathy-Pippin must have been a handful, and man, being Thain is certainly no picnic-but all I want to do is kick him in the shins with a big, hobnailed boot.
Author's reply
I'm right behind you. Even though I feel sorry for Paladin much of the time, he irks the heck out of me.
Thanks.
Beruthiel
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
Poor, poor Ferdi. Whatever happened to Paladin to change him so much? It can't be entirely Pippin's fault. Or the Thainship. Saradoc and Pip both turned out fine as Master and Thain, after all.
Loved this: "It won't come to that. You ought to see the hobbit he's grown into: upright, honest, reliable, and conscientious. He'll probably drag *me* back by *my* collar, before I've even changed into a fresh shirt for the return journey . . ."
Finally, *somebody* gives Pippin credit for being a decent hobbit.
Larner
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
Indeed curiouser and curiouser. Must wait till tomorrow to read more, though. Blast!
Author's reply
Know what you mean. I'm up past my time...
Thanks!
Larner
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 7: Meanwhile
Hopefully some thawing is coming.
Well written as always.
Larner
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 6: A Took by any Other Name
Am giggling over the choice of names they are considering. "Stridin"? Lovely!
Author's reply
Will you laugh to see this reply more than a decade later?
Starfire_Moonlight
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 9: Tea and Gossip
This is getting good. Can't wait to see what happens next! :D
Anso the Hobbit
· 19 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
Oh, Poor Pip, trapped in nightmare and fever. I hope he will be better soon!
And yay for you getting more time at the computer so we can read more of your lovely stories :)
I`m sorry that Merimac didn`t get to see his friend, hopefully his father will have news of him? Looking as always forward to more! :)
Author's reply
Yes, now if only the computer will cooperate!
Thanks.
Bodkin
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
It is amazing the effect that Paladin's word has. I am ever more surprised that Ferdi managed to survive being shunned for so long. Only his Tookish obstinacy can have kept him going.
And character death? How have I not noticed that before! (Well, at least I know some survive to squabble another day.)
Author's reply
Well, as Ferdi said to his father in another story, he felt himself to be doing a service to the Tooks, keeping himself before Paladin as a sort of "conscience" or reminder of the consequences of hasty decisions. There must have been some sort of dark satisfaction in that...
You probably hadn't noticed that particular warning before because it was only recently added to the summary when a certain plot hole was resolved during re-writing.
Thanks.
Hai Took
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
Oh dear Pippin is still not in his right mind. Hm, this must be worrisome for Diamond and now being told she should leave.
Merimac trying to find out what has happened to Ferdi and why no one will speak to him about it. Poor Everard, he must have been more than a little worried when Merimac started pressing him! But good of him to direct Merimac where he can possibly get some answers.
As always looking forward to more! ;)
Author's reply
Well, in the earlier chapters it was only when asleep and dreaming that he was troubled, but now Pippin is delirious with fever and so, as you say, he's not in his right mind.
Poor Diamond!
Merimac is a Badger, and will keep digging until he gets at the truth. If Everard hadn't steered him in the right direction, he might have been up half the night laying traps for Tooks! Whew.
Thanks.
Elenar
· 18 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
I really like this story!
I hope Pippin doesn't get worse and I hope they don't have much more trouble with the orcs.
I loved Pippin wanting to pick the most un-Tookish name for his child. And I'm glad to see that Diamond knows about his nightmares so that she can help him.
Paladin is so harsh! No wonder Pip's moved to Buckland.
I'm looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks, Elenar! Glad to hear from you. Thanks for taking the time to note what stood out in the chapter.
Poor Paladin. It's my understanding that a control freak, given more control, goes out of control himself, rather.
Grey Wonderer
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
So, looks like Everard has some sort of plan here. Wonder what he might be up to and I have no idea how it will affect Pippin's friendship with Merimac. I also know from your other stories that Pippin doesn't know about the ban until he returns and so I know that Merimac, if he finds out, doesn't tell Pippin. I wonder why not? Lots to think about at this point so I do hope there is more soon. I also hope that you DH could hear me applauding his generous act and that he plans to continue to assist you so that more will get posted on this wonderful tale. I do hope Pippin doesn't have to think that he is among the Orcs very terribly long. I did like the fact that he recognized Merry's hand in spite of the fever. Says so much about the two of them. Well, standing ovation for the DH and for the author on this chapter and here's hoping for more soon.
Author's reply
Um, no plan, really, more of a flash of indignation on Ev'ard's part.
Cannot answer your ruminations without giving away plot points, but all will be revealed soon, if the computer cooperates and lets me continue writing... (had to post the latest chapter from the old dinosaur computer, as the newer and easier-to-use is having fits and needs to go in the shop)
Thanks for the standing ovation, very heartening!
trishette
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
Aaaagh, not a cliffhanger! X.x. Well... i'm certainly going to hang tight and wait for an update!
Author's reply
Sorry. So often I end up with cliffhangers as they are the most logical stopping point for a chapter. I try not to go over 3,000 words--more is difficult to upload and/or edit with our slow connexion.
Thanks!
Beruthiel
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
Oh dear. Now I'm worried about Pippin. What's wrong with him this time?
And what's Merimac going to think of Pip when he finds out why Ferdi's being shunned? Will he realize Pippin doesn't know, or assume he just doesn't care? When Pippin finally returns, it's pretty obvious that Ferdi thinks he always knew and never did anything about it. Oh dear, dear, dear.
Give your dh a hug for me! :)
Author's reply
Pippin has a fever. It's going around.
I think Merimac's opinion will be made clear in the next chapter to come (which come to think of it, I believe you've already reviewed. Muchly appreciative; reviews make the writing go so much faster and smoother for some reason).
You are right about what Ferdi thinks when Pippin returns.
Am about to sign off and do just that (hug dh).
trishette
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 1: The Morning After
Oh! Poor Pippin.. I hope he's not the character death! I suppose I ought to.. traverse off to the next chapter and find out.
Author's reply
Well, it was nice to hear from you! I'm afraid I haven't quite posted to that point, but I wanted to warn people ahead of time in case they avoid such stories.
Hoping to post another chapter on the weekend (two, if I get my way but at the moment one is more realistic to hope for).
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
A great big cheer for your DH!
Poor Merimac. It's a good thing no one else seemed as disposed to shunning people as Paladin did, or half the Shire would probalby been hushed up. I wonder what the Brandybuck is going to think when he finds out the Ferdi is under the ban because Pippin escaped him all that time ago. Something's going to hit the fan, I just know it.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
My goodness, shades of the Thainfather. Except he uses the Ban instead of cement overshoes. Yikes!
Thanks.
Dreamflower
· 17 February 2005
· Chapter 8: The Badger Delves Deeper
Very loud and grateful applause to Lindelea's wonderful DH!
(Understanding and supportive DHs are more than worth their weight in gold. Mine is lovely, I'm glad you have one, too!)
Poor Pippin, still delirious...
Like Beruthiel, I'm also worried about Merimac. I remembered those dates as well, just having had occasion to look at them for myself...
Author's reply
Yes, yes, qualified yes (he wasn't delirious before, merely dreaming, but now he definitely *is* delirious and there's still some little way to go with that plot point), and yes.
Thanks!