Ahhh, that was fun! Dago and Clovis obviously have underestimated our dear Legolas very badly. Maybe they should've listened better to the introductions at the ball to understand this kind, handsome, tree loving creature is a formidable warrior! Truly, I *loved* how he dealt with them!
Freddy, on the other hand, is a very kind and caring hobbit. It was nice to tell Cado and Clodio what had happened, instead of let them sit and worry. But now you have done it - I begin to feel sorry for Clodio, although I never liked him. I hope he will not sink too deep in melancholy and depressions.
I suppose this is where the future fate of the four prisoners is starting to drift apart. Cado shows at least a bit common sense, and Clodio is obviously already hard punished with the banishment. But Clovis and Dago did not only try to escape, but with very disgusting plans, too, and I think they will rue it in the future!
I look forward to more!
Author's reply
They simply didn't understand anything about it. Not only about Elven abilities, but about a warrior's code, which meant that even though he and Gimli are seemingly just "along for the ride" with this group, they still would feel responsible and take action when necessary. Those two haven't a clue, and not much hope of getting a real one, though at least as far as Legolas is concerned their eyes are opened.
Freddy is kind and caring--he's still not going to become pals with the two all of a sudden, but I think he's begun to realize that the custom of not speaking to the banished doesn't work when you have to travel along with them.
Don't feel too sorry for Clodio. He has brought this on himself. And if I ever get around to writing another story I have in mind about him, I don't think there will be any chance of your feeling sorry for him.
Yes, they are beginning to drift apart, as you say. I have some idea of where it's going now, and I hope you will like what's coming up.
I do so love Freddy and his kindness toward everyone now matter how little they've earned it. He is a charming character in your stories and I always look forward to his appearances. Legolas should never be underestimated! A good lesson for everyone. It seems that the elf is cropping up in all sort of Hobbit tales lately and I am enjoying him more all of the time. He was wonderful in this chapter.
Author's reply
I'm so glad you love Freddy. He is kind; he seems to share that trait with Pippin, being willing to give people the benefit of a doubt.
There is just *something* about having Legolas interact with the hobbits. In the books, he doesn't get a lot to do, other than spar with Gimli, as far as interacting with the other members of the Fellowship. But he was one of the Three Hunters, and one of the five left at the end. So I think he would have had a special bond with Merry and Pippin, just as Aragorn and Gimli did. And at this point, it's not long after the Quest--he's still getting to know hobbits and their ways.
He's learned here that not all hobbits are as nice as his. I'm sure that he knew that anyway, since he's been around so long, but it's quite different from just knowing it, to having to be in such close proximity with unpleasant creatures like Dago and Clovis. It has to sort of offend his sensibilities that Clovis is related to Pippin.
PIppinfan1988
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
Ahhhh! I came home from work and found this on my alerts. :-D
Clovis kills me--he and Bracegirdle are going to get three times the punishment they would have initially got--lol, that is, if they survive Legolas! I'm really crossing my fingers that Cado and Clodio are turning over a new leaf. I'm getting the feeling though, that Clodio may not make it all the way to Minas Tirith. What a waste; the tales of their lives will probably end sadly.
Thank you for updating! I loved it--as usual. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, Clovis and Dago are going to find themselves being much more uncomfortable for the rest of the trip, LOL!
We shall see what we shall see, regarding Cado and his father.
First lesson Clovis and Dago should have learned is 'Never underestimate an Elf!' Legolas may be very graceful, he sings and he loves trees and the beauties of nature, but he IS a warrior. Tracking a couple of hobbits was never going to tax him unduly and overhearing their comments about Pippin just made him angry. I wouldn't want to annoy Legolas.
I am worried about poor old Clodio - he seems to have been completely out of his depth and now he is sinking into depression. I hope nothing bad happens to him, and Cado is definitely developing a bit of hobbit-sense. Better late than never, I suppose.
Have been waiting for this update and whooped when I saw it. Great chapter, as usual.
Author's reply
I wouldn't want to annoy Legolas.
No, I wouldn't either. The thing is, Clovis and Dago didn't even go so far as to *underestimate* Legolas. They were discounting him and Gimli as well, because they were not *officially* guards. It speaks to their mentality, that it did not occur to them someone who wasn't getting paid to keep watch on them would do so anyway. As far as they were concerned, Legolas and Gimli were just along for the ride. Of course, that also shows what kind of blinkers they wear--they are only observant of what seems to suit their fancy.
Clodio is definitely depressed. He was a relatively big fish in the Shire, though not as big as he wanted to be, and suddenly it was all taken away from him. And though he was not the best husband in the world--I can imagine he was both domineering and patronizing to his wife--he was nevertheless fond of Beryl, and her lack of support rather threw him. Add to this the fact that he has now got to realize what an unpleasant and obnoxious person his oldest son is--because in the Shire he never really had to put up with Clovis--his whole world has come crashing down. And now, he's in a world far too large for him and headed to an unknown fate meted out by a powerful but unknown (to him) king. Yeah, I'd say he's depressed.
Cado's never had any reason before to exercise any hobbit-sense. So it's a bit flabby and unused. But it's there, and if he can just keep it up, his hobbit-sense might develop a bit of muscle.
harrowcat
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
Aw this is great Dreamflower. And I really enjoyed seeing Legolas in this mood. You can always sense how the Fellowship feel about each other but it isn't put into words like this very often. The nearest that comes to mind is Pippin as 'King's Messenger' to the ruffians in the Shire.
Author's reply
Oh, that's one of my very most favorite quotes from the Scouring of the Shire! But yes, I do love it when the rest of the Fellowship stands up and demands respect for their friends!
I enjoy Legolas in this mood as long as it's not *me* he's mad at,LOL!
Bodkin
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
Freddy is observant and intelligent - and although he is inclined to go with the non-person treatment of Cado and his father, he has noted that they are not Clovis and Dago. Which sounds obvious, but I mean he has noticed Clodio is failing and that Cado has the traces of a brain and conscience - and some kindness in him that a better family would have developed. I hope he continues to observe - and makes his findings public at the right time!
But Clovis and Dago have learned that a tetchy elf is a scary elf. He might be pretty: he might sing to the stars and sleep in a tree - but he is strong and fierce and very, very loyal to his friends. I like the elven rope. A good thing to have handy. I also love the way he is making the scuzzbuckets run - enough to tire them, enough to punish them, but not enough so he has to carry them. (Although a pleasant trip to the top of a very tall tree might be amusing. Though that could be considered a cruel and unusual punishment.)
Author's reply
Freddy is observant, so he's going to be quite aware of that. But he's still more or less bound by Shire custom. Cado's got a long way to go--we'll see if he gets there.
"...a tetchy elf is a scary elf." *snork* That's one way of putting it. Clovis and Dago clearly have no idea of what they were leaving out of their calculations, simply because Legolas and Gimli were not officially attached to the group as guards, they thought the two would have no interest in preventing their escape, LOL!
Elven rope's right handy, as Sam could attest. At least these two are not so steeped in evil that it burns them like it did Gollum. "Scuzzbuckets"--a good word for them.
Well, not that he couldn't carry them through the trees easily enough, but it being the two of them, it might have slowed him down considerably...
Lindelea
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
Whoo! Go Legolas!
I am more and more fascinated with Clodio and Cado.
I notice that Freddy does not address them by name. Is this part of banishment from the Shire? I *did* notice somewhere that you employ a tatoo to distinguished banished hobbits, so that they cannot sneak back in, I think. (I'm sorry to be reading out of order; I have started reading, in proper order, with the story that comes before this, but I cannot resist reading each new chapter of this one as it pops up...)
Author's reply
Not naming them, and not speaking more than they must is not an *official* part of banishment, but it *is* customary. And in some ways custom, as you know, can be a stricter taskmaster than any official law or rule.
The tattoo on the hand--yes, you have that right, it's so they will be identified as permanently banished, and cannot sneak back in to a part of the Shire where they are not known.
Oh, I don't mind what order you read in, LOL, as long as it makes sense to you! I'm just glad you are finally having the chance to read it...
lovethosehobbits
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
love it...so wiley is our Elf...I think this has taught a valuable lesson to those two. I am wondering about the father...somehow don't think he'll be presented to the King since he's already showing signs of melancholy. Great job, looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Yes, Clodio's health is worrisome, isn't it?
FantasyFan
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: Chapter 30
I don't think these two have ever seen an angry Elf, have they? Elves -they're pretty, they're graceful, they sing well, they're a little alien in the way they sleep and climb trees, but really, compared to armed men, why worry about an Elf in the party?! So funny, but so sad at the same time. There two are the worst of everything hobbity, in their insular disdain and their self-important stupidity.
(It's nice to find another chapter of this story, like an old friend.)
Author's reply
LOL! You have the right of it. Just because he and Gimli were not *officially* guards, they left him out of the equation. And you are right, that they have all the bad traits of hobbits, and none of the good.
I have not updated as frequently as I would like with this. I've had a lot of shorter stuff taking my attention, and a good many RL interruptions as well. I really want to get the momentum going again, though.
Anso the Hobbit
· 31 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
Oooh! Angry!Legols, lol! I can't wait for more of this. :D Those two think they are clever but they aren't clever enough.
Author's reply
*Chuckle*
The problem with them is that they aren't clever enough to know how dim they are, LOL!
Anso the Hobbit
· 31 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Oh, I was waiting for the prisoners to start plotting something yes! It is good that Legolas is with them and has his stealth and Elven hearing. :D
The world is little, isn't it? This family in Rohan knows Bergil - how nice!
Author's reply
Yes, Legolas is quite handy to have around. And since Clovis and Dago are not exactly the sharpest knives in the drawer, they forgot to take him into account, since he is not "officially" one of their guards, LOL!
Well, Middle-earth especially is little. I would imagine that anyone who worked in the HoH during the Siege would have known Bergil, since there were only a few of the boys there to run errands.
Oh dear! Clovis and Dago are certainly not the sharpest knives in the drawer, are they? And now they have annoyed an Elf. Legolas may be very serene and charming but I shouldn't want to get on the wrong side of him, and certainly not by insulting two of his dear friends. I don't envy them the next few hours.
How typical of them not to even think that these new species (Elves, Dwarves, Men), of whom they know nothing, might have abilities or skills which hobbits don't have. Hobbits can be silent on the ground but Elves are good at climbing trees - and Legolas is a Wood Elf. D'oh!
I'm starting to feel sorry for Clodio - hope nothing bad happens to him, poor hobbit, and I really hope Cado continues to grow and change.
Great story, Dreamflower!
Lindelea
· 30 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
The "escape" was a riot to read! Talk about a conspiracy! (Why wasn't Freddy in on it? Were they afraid the other hobbits would let something slip?)
How would his father stand up to the punishment? His health seemed to be getting worse the farther they went.
(is this foreshadowing? what is wrong with the hobbit?)
Clovis certainly seems like an unnatural hobbit to me. Is he mentally ill? Is it something that might be cured, or is he incorrigible? (having read a little more about him, I'd say he's beyond help. But JRRT liked to write about redemption...)
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
You know, I *thought* I had replied to this review. I was quite surprised to see that I had not. Maybe I got interrupted and forgot to hit "submit".
To answer your questions--not so much afraid he'd let it slip, as it was typical military "need to know" mentality. Legolas and Gimli knew and reported the plot. And the guards had to know so they wouldn't stop the "escape". But no one else really did.
It's a tad of foreshadowing. He's suffering from depression right now. He never thought he'd ever have to suffer the consequences of his actions, and he's just not up to facing them, so he's withdrawing.
Clovis is very much like Lotho--definitely an unnatural hobbit. I'm would say he's incorrigible, but by his choice, not because he is beyond redemption, but because he's too self-centered to even *want* it. Still, it's a long way yet to their destination, and he will still have to face up to whatever punishment Eomer King deems appropriate for his assault on Danulf. He might come to his senses one day. Even if Lotho never did, Lobelia did in the end.
GamgeeFest
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
Not only did they forget about wild animals, they forgot about one very steathly Elf, who you do not want to piss off. They might think Aragorn's punishment mild after this. Legolas's plan will work, for a while anyway. They won't be so quick to attempt escape again, but I can't see this taking the wind from their sails permanently. They're both too pig-headed and stupid to learn their lesson.
Author's reply
Well, they probably won't learn to be sorry for what they've done, or humility or anything like that. But there is one lesson they will learn, and that is not to fail to take an Elf into account, just because he wasn't officially a guard.
Kitty
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
Ah, what a fun! I had a wide grin on my face through the whole chapter :)
It’s right – it may seem cruel to let them think they have escaped, but it will be much more effective this way. If they were only told the Gondorim and Rohirrim know about their plan, they will try another time. But if they find themselves alone in the wilds, without coin and food, and then being caught again, maybe it will get some sense in their heads. As for their plans, I think they would be surprised if they really tried to live from Clovis’ relationship with Pippin. It would be much too obvious they tried exactly this, I think. They seem to think the Big People quite daft. And I suppose it will not help them that Legolas overheard *this*!
Now I begin to feel a bit sorry for Cado and Clodio. Somehow I hope they will not be so hard punished as Dago and particularly the despicable Clovis!
Author's reply
They are the ones who are daft--they just don't realize it yet. Dago is too greedy, and Clovis is too arrogant. But Legolas is just the one to take the wind out of their sails.
Bodkin
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
You let your wrath get the better of you, Legolas. You could have had much more fun tormenting the dim hobbits if you had stayed in your tree and just let them run. Hungry, tired and scared of the dangerous creatures they imagined around them. Those would have been two very miserable hobbits. And two miserable hobbits who could be yanked back on that leash whenever you wanted.
Mind you, I'm looking forward to seeing how the elf manages to insert sufficient respect into them - for him, if not for the Took and the Brandybuck.
I'm glad Cado didn't go. And, of course, his father is just a gibbering wreck at the moment. He's afraid of the outcome, but dealing with it - and if he's refusing to let himself be led, then he is working on what is probably his worst characteristic.
Probably a good thing not to tell Freddy in advance. He finds it quite hard to credit that hobbits can be so self-centred and unhobbity.
I look forward to discovering what Legolas says to Clovis and Dago. I can't imagine him tormenting them too much - but they will have a healthy fear of irritating the elf in future, I'm sure.
Marigold
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
I love that they let those two think that they were so clever! So much better than confronting them!
I hope that Legolas is going to set Clovis straight about Pippin once and for all! I could just see their faces when they saw him...
I saw a little typo: "...he could keep track of them, and foil their (escaped - escape).
I'm looking forward to the next chapter!
Author's reply
Thanks for the heads up on the typo. I'll have to get in there and fix it--again. I had actually spotted it and thought it was fixed, but sometimes I forget to hit that pesky "edit" button. *sigh*
Oh, I would imagine they will not forget what Legolas tells them any time soon...
Author Reply: All fixed now, thanks! 8-D
harrowcat
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
I wish there was a way for reviewers to answer the responses given by Authors without having to write a second review. Mind you, entire conversations might get a little complicated and take up valuable writing/reading time!
I just wanted to say that I agree with you about that moment in the film which is why I called it a low trick. Not one of PJ's finest moments. Truth be told, (and I know this is a flame free site,) there were only about two places where he 'improved' on the original and many more, in my humble opinion, where he made me wince! Not least what he did to Faramir. But on the whole it is a great film. Enough, I digress. I enjoy the work on this site very much, and yours not the least, but then you all stick closely to Canon and work to enhance and fill in the gaps. Thank you all so much!
Author's reply
*chuckle* I know what you mean! You could have a reply to a reply to a review, ad infinitum, LOL! Still, sometimes it's fun.
I got the impression from the commentary that that particular fumble was one of Phillipa's, though, mind you, PJ could have put a stop to it. *sigh* And you are right about the cringe-worthiness of his handling of Faramir. He could have got the point across that he tried to make without being quite so ham-handed about it. *sigh* But even with the flaws, I do love the films, it's just that they take a back seat to the books for me.
I do try very hard to stick close to Canon, and there are only two places in my universe I'm *aware* of that I don't: one is Reggie Took's age, which was accidental, due to my bad math and a misreading of the family tree,(but by the time I realized it, it was too much a part of the plot to fix) and the other is Diamond's age, which I tweaked just a tad on purpose. Any other fumbles I try to correct if I can.
There are some awesome writers here on SoA, and a tremendous respect for canon, even in AU stories.
I really enjoyed the fact that the prisoners were completely convinced that they had got away. Legolas had a great idea there and it seems to be going quite well. Poor Freddy had a minute or two of worry in this. I liked the fact that he simply couldn't understand how a son could leave his family behind like that. So hobbity of Freddy and so tender-hearted. I have said so before and I will say so again, I do love your Freddy!
Author's reply
Yes, they still seemed to think of themselves as smarter than they are. (Not a hard thing to be, in their case, LOL! But unfortunately for them, not so.)
I am afraid Legolas has been indulging his mischievous side in this. He would have had a great time plaguing those two for another day or so, if Clovis had not ticked him off by spouting off about Pippin.
Well, Targon used a "need to know" basis for this operation. Obviously the guards and Gimli *had* to be in on it, but there would have been no reason to apprise the hobbits of the true state of affairs.
The fact that Clovis is clearly behaving in such an unhobbity manner is very disturbing to Freddy. He *is* a sweetie-pie, isn't he?
harrowcat
· 29 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
Yes - slurs on two of his favourite hobbits might just annoy Legolas. The journey bread isn't Lembas obviously or are these two too far gone to appreciate it? And I suppose it is too low a trick, for an Elf to have played the one against the other as Gollum did in the film version at Minas Morgul.
And haven't these two recognised that 'cousin' isn't such close kin to men!
Author's reply
Oh yeah. Legolas probably would have had a good time playing them along for a while if Clovis had not opened his mouth and let his brain fall out again. But then Clovis has always been jealous of Pip, and never understood him, and of course he's been in fear of Merry for years.
No, it's not lembas. It's not even cram. It's just plain old hardtack that Men make to chew on while travelling, LOL!
I always thought it was rather a stupid trick, and I never believed that even a ring-addled Frodo fell for it--I've always had the thought that he was sending Sam off because he did realize what the Ring was doing, and hoped to protect him. My own interpretation of PB's atrocious addition. Still, even though it was not one of my favorite moments, I could not resist giving it a little tweak. And it was far more logical here...
PIppinfan1988
· 28 October 2005
· Chapter 29: Chapter 29
I'm still sitting on the edge of my seat--I'm almost falling off of it, lol! This is getting more and more interesting! Seems those two half-wits didn't get far before they tripped the wrong trigger on the elf. I do hope Cado has learned his lesson and somehow redeems himself. I eager to see how the remaining hobbits will react when they discover "the oldest son and that *other* one" took off. Excellent chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I think Legolas might have enjoyed the game a bit longer if they had not started insulting Pippin and Merry.
We'll have to see what the repercussions of this is going to be...
Larner
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Hobbits aren't used to looking UP for eavesdroppers, are they? And Legolas, the wood elf, was in a perfect place to do just that. Now, to see how today's foray will work out....
Author's reply
No, they don't tend to look UP, and I have a feeling that even if they had, they would not spot Legolas unless he wanted them to...
harrowcat
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Oh silly hobbits - don't make things worse for yourselves! Let's hope at least one of them is growing some sense!
Author's reply
They are rather silly hobbits.
And one of them *is* beginning to grow just a bit...
Kitty
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Things are going to heat up, I see. Well, theoretically Dago is right, if they have any chance to escape, then it will be now. But they will run in a nice little trap, I suppose, after Legolas eavesdropping their plans. That was so much fun! They should check the trees before talking about this **very* evil grin*. But you know, I despise Clovis more and more. To think his brother a coward because he is only more sensible and to see his father as useless! A quite nasty lad, really!
Ah, now we know why there in the farm are Rohirrim - I had wondered because Rohan is so far away. Nice story! It is good they are being so helpful. And they know Bergil :)
Author's reply
Yes, they are running in a trap. Hopefully finding that out will take some of the ginger out of them, LOL!
Clovis *is* pretty despicable, isn't he?
Yes, I see these uninhabited areas as being sort open to homesteading, as the American West once was. Aragorn would want to repopulate, and the Dunlenders tended to stay towards the southern reaches.
Bodkin
· 26 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
I hope Legolas and Targon are setting up the Dim Hobbits. An escape under Legolas's unnoticed elven supervision would be quite good for them. A couple of days without food and they would be much more amenable.
Cado is, I hope, showing that difficulties can stimulate the development of the odd brain cell. Whereas his father is demonstrating that some respond to adverse circumstances by losing all backbone. Not that he had much to start with.
Bergil and Freddy indulging in some serious gourmandising together was rather lovely. Nothing like sharing food - with boys and hobbits. Very important.
The extended family of farmers and retired warriors is really appealing - they are developing a life of their own and might end up demanding their own story! I love the way they all interconnect - and I'm glad the party has been invited to stay for a while, to top up their stores.
Good stuff.
Author's reply
I wasn't very subtle, was I? LOL! You'll have to wait and see, but don't forget that Elves do have a mischievous side.
The votes are definitely stacking up in Cado's favor...
I just love Bergil and Freddy together.
And we'll see a bit more of the family soon.