Lindelea
· 25 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
With a little more time to leave a coherent review...
I like the farm family, good, solid, down-to-earth people, each an individual. (I like that touch, that one brother is a soldier, while the other is a farmer who turned soldier by necessity, in the desperation of those dark days.)
I agree that Bergil is a "dear boy". And will we perhaps see Beregond in this story? How I love Beregond. I think he remains my favourite of the "Men" in JRRT's story.
I like your description of Freddy (businesslike) and Bergil's (growing boy) manner of eating.
Hmm. Targon seems to be playing right into the renegade hobbits' plans. 'nough said.
Author's reply
Well, I thought it would be more realistic if at least one of them had some extensive farming experience.
Beregond will probably not make his appearance until the sequel to this, when the hobbits finally make it to Minas Tirith.
Hobbits and growing boys have a lot in common, don't they?
Ah, you, uh, noticed that, did you? (I really should be a bit more subtle with my foreshadowing...)
So nice to see more of this. I love the way everyone has stories about the quest and that no matter where they travel or who they meet someone has heard of Merry or Pippin and this time even Bergil. It's fun to have a look at them all through the eyes of others. Am I way off or have elf ears gotten wind of something important? Just a thought.
Author's reply
Well, outside the borders of the Shire, the Quest is quite the most important event to have taken place in the whole of the Third Age. And anyone who was a warrior would have been involved in one of the Ring War battles.
As for Bergil, since he was one of the lads assigned the HoH, then it seemed only logical that any of the healer's assistants would have met him at least once or twice.
No, you aren't way off. I was about as subtle as a *hammer* with that hint. (Speaking of hammers...? I'm anxiously awaiting another update from you...)
PIppinfan1988
· 25 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
You can't leave me hanging like this, lol! Please update soon! Good gracious me--I hope Dago gets his... I don't think they'll get too far. ;-)
I really do like this simple farm family...and you have written their characters and backstory so very well. :-) Bergil being the connection between them is very clever on your part. Can't wait to see a reunion between them. :-)
Most excellent chapter!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, no, I don't suppose they will. My hints were not too subtle, I'm afraid, LOL!
I'm glad you like Beorhthelm's little clan. When I realized who and what they were, I had to know what they were doing there. And since I was quite sure that Merewen had worked among the healers, she would at least have met Bergil.
Thanks ever so!
Lindelea
· 25 October 2005
· Chapter 28: Chapter 28
Read with relish and delight.
Ah, Cado, you're getting wiser. Keep it up. (that last directed both to Cado and the author, BTW)
Author's reply
So glad you are enjoying it! It's taken me a while to get it up. The Bad Guys are not nearly as much fun to write as the Good Guys.
We shall see how far Cado's burgeoning sense goes.
Lindelea
· 14 October 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Ooo, I had forgotten about that tattooed tree. I wonder what its significance is?
Author's reply
Just noticed this review! My idea is that a number of Citadel Guardsmen choose to have a tattoo of the White Tree, an emblem of their loyalty. (Rather like a Marine with a tattoo of "Semper Fi" or a sailor with an anchor.)
PIppinfan1988
· 11 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
This wee adventure with the farmer is going to be very interesting! The whole scene you described of Adrahil and Danulf meeting the farmer's family...I felt like an invisible third party standing with them and watching the reactions to the introductions. Marvelous detail--that whole bit was beautiful!
I see Cado is finally coming to his senses!;-) A bit too late, however, seeing the predicament he's in. Clovis...well, if he and Bracegirdle get away with their escape, then I have suspicions that he'll (both) become orc fodder at some point. I am following this plot closely...
As usual, excellent chapter, brilliant writing! Thank you for sharing!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, I have to admit, originally I didn't intend for that farmer's family to have such a large role, but then I made a mistake and gave them names...suddenly they kind of took over, LOL! I'm rather enjoying seeing where they're going myself, and they may play more of a part yet.
Well, as I said Cado's fate is up in the air. But I do know what will happen to the other two, as soon as I can figure out one wee little problem with them escaping.
Anso the Hobbit
· 9 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
Yay! A new chapter! :D They are really closing in on the civilized parts of Rohan now. I can't wait to see what happens when they reach Edoras and then Gondor. :D
Author's reply
Well, they will get to Edoras perhaps a bit sooner than I thought they would, but there is still a good deal of territory to cover, and then there is the judgment before Eomer.
Gondor...well, that's going to be a story in itself.
Kitty
· 8 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
Ah – nice to see this again!
Bergil is truly a sweet lad. Somehow I am glad Freddy gave him the flute – Bergil will honour this gift, and probably even more now he knows it once belonged to Frodo.
Adrahil and Danulf have obviously found the right people who knows a lot about the Ring War. Now they surely have no problems to replenish their supplies.
As for the traitors, Cado seems to have a bit sense left – he sees the consequences of a try to escape quite clear. Now you have me very curious, if they, or at least Clovis and Dago, truly try to flee!
Author's reply
Yes, he would have appreciated and honored it anyway, knowing it had belonged to Freddy's friend Folco, but knowing that it had also been the Ringbearer's is probably more than he ever dreamed of.
We will soon learn why they know so much of the War, and will see how the Men will get resupplied.
We'll just have to see what Clovis and Dago get up to--I'm stuck slightly on a matter of logistics, but hope to see my way clear in a day or so.
At last! I've been waiting impatiently for an update of this story.
So many lovely things to think about - I loved Bergil's awe when he realised the flute had once belonged to the Ring-bearer. Bless the boy! How sweet of Freddy to give it to him and to be so concerned about him.
I really hope Cado continues to use his brain. He won't betray his brother but he isn't going to help him either. If his father only has the sense to do the same then there is hope for them. Clovis is a waste of space and the Bracegirdle just lives down to all our expectations.
Interesting to see the family at the farm, and to learn their stories. The War of the Ring was no respecter of persons and no-one escaped unscathed. They sound friendly and keen to help, and are obviously full of admiration for hobbits.
Great to see this - can't wait for more.
Author's reply
Freddy giving Bergil the flute was something I had been planning ever since I first brought both of them into "A New Reckoning", so I was very glad to finally get it done! Bergil, of course, is very much in awe of the Ringbearer.
I'm beginning to see my way clear with the prisoners. I still have several alternatives for their fates, but things are starting to fall together for me.
We will learn more of the family in the next chapter. And anyone who participated in the War of the Ring is going to be filled with admiration and gratitude to the hobbits!
I'm hoping to get back to a pre-Katrina schedule of two to three updates a week if all goes well.
Bodkin
· 8 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
Bergil is good for Freddy. He gives him someone he wants to shield, I think.
The farm family is interesting - quite a mix there - but nice people. It's always good to have new introductions! And it would seem as if it's a good thing for the family to be absorbed into the care of the kings. Via their men.
But I most liked, I think, Cado showing signs of brains and independence. I hope he maintains it. His father - I don't know if he has the intelligence to string together two thoughts, but I would like to see Cado break away from the brother from Mordor and the slimy Bracegirdle and develop a bit of personality of his own. And not just from self-interest, but because he has actually, at long last, learned something.
More. Please.
Author's reply
Yes, Freddy does feel a bit protective of the child; he's really made a friend with him, as well.
The farm family's been in the back of my head for a little while; I just hope that their story will sound credible when I explain it.
Cado's always had some brains, but independence is something else again. Clodio was not exactly stupid, mostly ignorant of the true state of things, and greedy. But he is too sunk in depression right now to be stringing coherent thoughts together.
If Cado does break away, it may very well be from self-interest, but only time will tell if it turns into anything else.
More soon. I'm hoping to get back to two to three updates a week now.
harrowcat
· 8 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
To lose a leg or legs in order to save your life is totally traumatic but, as I have seen in my own Mum, often brings out a strength of character that has been hidden til that moment. Looking forward to hearing this family's story.
It was so good to see more of this one. I love Freddy's relationship with Bergil. I also thought that Bergil's reaction to the flute once he knew that it had belonged to Frodo was perfect. He was so proud to have it and a bit in awe but not so much in awe that he was unable to play it!
I never thought I'd say this but Cado actually seems to have figured things out a bit and learned from his past mistakes. Maybe, like Opal, there is a bit of hope for him. Maybe?
It's all very interesting and entertaining and well, I am going to need to read more of it "as soon as maybe", as some might say. LOL
Larner
· 7 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
How wonderful to see Rohirrim and apparently Gondorians as members of the family in this empty area, and so willing to aid those who need it. And glad at least one of the prisoners is willing to be reasonable, realistic, and practicing forethought before allowing himself to again be swept into potentially dangerous schemes.
Author's reply
Yes, it's been an empty area for a long time. The High King is only too happy to have it settled.
Well,Cado has been observant on this journey, and he does have a bit more sense than his brother. We shall have to see how it yet plays out for him.
Marigold
· 7 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
I am so glad to read this! And this "Inside, they saw there a long table, at which sat an elderly woman holding a drop spindle, her silver hair in a long braid over her shoulder" character with her blue eyes sounds like my Mom!
I hope that Cado can be a bit, if not totally reformed. And I am loving the new family, and the detail you have gone into to describe them!
Author's reply
*chuckle* Weeeellll *grin* your Mom may have been a wee bit of inspiration!
We'll have to see about Cado. I have about three different fates in mind for him, and have yet to decide which one it will be.
I kind of like this little family. I originally wasn't going to go into as much detail, but, as usual, give an OC a name, and they get really pushy, LOL!
GamgeeFest
· 7 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
I almost forgot about this story! So glad to see an update. :)
As if Bergil wasn't honored enough by the flute, now he's really going prize it above all else. Knowing that it initially belonged to Frodo, he'll treat it like a priceless relic.
Cado has some sense. Too bad he waited so long to start using it. He could have at least kept himself out of this trouble, if not talked sense into his brother and father.
Author's reply
I hadn't forgotten it! But I had so much else on my plate, storywise, that it was hard to get back to it. I'm hoping to start updating more often now.
Yes, I thought that bit of informations would really make Bergil's day!
Cado *does* have some sense. He is also, belatedly, beginning to grow a backbone. But whether it will take is another matter...
Viresse
· 7 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
Ahhhh. I open SOA, and there it is, a new chapter to The Road to Edoras. Life is good. Bergil will doubly treasure that flute, it was once the *Ringbearer's*, oh my!
I do so love your ability to find the names for your OCs. And also that you do not refrain from reusing names, i.e., Mardil in this chapter being the same name as Artamir's and Adrahil's father. People *do* have the same names, and I think it adds to the realism of a story to acknowledge that.
Author's reply
Well, JRRT re-used names all the time. So I don't try to make a habit of it, but in this case they would have been of completely different generations, and dead kings and stewards, like dead presidents, make a nice name pool.
You will notice that the grandbaby also has the same name as Sam's future grandbaby--again, I think a new king would end up having any number of babies named for him. But since the family is mostly from Rohan--except for Merewen and her brother--I figured it would take the Rohirric form.
I was very glad to get this chapter up. It was the one story I did *not* work on during my storm-induced absence, and I had so many "little" stories to get up first. I think that is probably the longest I've ever gone in updating a WIP. I hope it doesn't happen again.
Lindelea
· 7 October 2005
· Chapter 27: Chapter 27
Ah, Bergil and Freddy and mention of Folco! Lovely!
I am liking Cado more and more. But that "It could be worse" is never good news.
Your talent for description continues... I almost feel as if I have entered the house in the Dunland. And here I am, settling down with a cup of hot cider, waiting to hear the promised story.
Author's reply
Yes, for I know a thoughtful child like Bergil would worry a bit about that.
Cado *is* the more intelligent of the two. He *may* learn something, though I've not yet made up my mind to what extent.
Hope to work on the next chapter a little bit this weekend, and have another update early next week.
PIppinfan1988
· 30 September 2005
· Chapter 26: Chapter 26
LOL, I really admire how you find these wonderful resources--and its nice that you share them! I still have dial up, so after a while of research, I give up. I tried to review this chapter yesterday, but suddenly my server began acting up; accessing anything was a chore, or it simply wasn't accessed. So, here I am this morning.
Okay, all bets are off about Legolas teaching the lasses to swim in one lesson. ;-) The prisoners are at it again...if Cado didn't learn his lesson with throwing the rock at Danulf in the first place, then there's no hope for his sorry self. As for Clovis, I hope he gets his in the end; he's just a rotten egg to begin with.
The suspense keeps getting better and better...with Danulf and Adrahil finding that farm, I'm on the edge of my seat wondering what is about to happen, good or ill. LOL, now I have to wait like everyone else for your next update...in the meantime I'll entertain myself with some of your other tales. :-) Take care.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Well, I hope that you will be able to access the site sometime. I love to find these things out. It's fun to think to yourself: I wonder what kinds of mushrooms the hobbits would find in that part of the world in the summer? and then do a Google and find out, LOL! And it would be kind of selfish not to share when I find something so cool!
You'll soon see what's happening to everyone. I have very nearly finished with my shorter pieces--I still have a few to post, and one very special shorter story to finish. The MEFAs are rather keeping me from getting everything done at once,LOL! But they are nearly over.
I've got quite a lot of the next chapter ready, so an update by early or mid next week is probable. And after that, I'll get back to updating as often as possible.
Barring Hurricane Stan heading this way, of course.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 25: Chapter 25
Oops--I sort of jumped the gun on that last review. Sorry about that. :-(
I bet Legolas had the lasses swimming on the first lesson! :-) I also enjoy how you have the hobbits doing most of the cooking--adding a bit of pizzaz to all they eat. Very hobbity, and very canon--love it. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
The hobbits decided early on that if the food was to be up to their standards, they'd have to cook it themselves, LOL!
I wouldn't mind Legolas teaching me to swim, if I didn't know how.
PIppinfan1988
· 28 September 2005
· Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Beautiful! I just *knew* Freddy would give Bergil Folco's flute--and not because of any signals you think you might have wrote. No, its because you have written Freddie warm and caring (now that the muck over Folco's death is healing over). That's another reason; because Freddy seems to be in a place where his heart will allow him to do that. The memories of a good friend *never* go away.
I love surreal elements in stories--loved Bergil's nightmare! LOL, that doesn't sound nice, but like that sort of stuff. Having him dream of running the streets in errand to the houses of healing or Denethor behaving like a madman was perfect. oy... :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
I've only been planning it since Merry talked to Freddy in "A New Reckoning" and persuaded him to come meet the Men, LOL! I like the way you put it: he's in a place where his heart will allow him to. If it were not Bergil, he probably would never let go of it, but to this lad who is sweet and open-hearted and helped him talk about his friend--yes.
I was afraid the nightmare was a bit over the top, so I'm glad it came across as surreal--that was the effect I was aiming for.
PIppinfan1988
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Another fantastic chapter. Bergil taking a turn for the worse...I've known someone who was thrown from a horse and broke her ribs...I can't imagine too many other things more painful. Breathing is never again taken for granted!
Poppy asking Legolas to teach her and Viola to swim is just great! I wondered how you would handle that part, but you went about it perfectly--like everything else you write.
I'm looking forward to more!! :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Because I had established that Bergil could swim, I had to have a *reason* that he wasn't able to when he fell in. Hitting on the rocks hard enough to knock the breath out and break his ribs served two purposes: it explained why he didn't try to save himself, and also explained why Lavender wasn't able to get all the water out of his lungs, which is what leads to his being sick...(ah, the complexities of plottin h/c...)
I too, have known folks who've broken a rib, and you are quite right.
Yes, even in the wide world there are hobbity proprieties to observe.
PIppinfan1988
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Absolutely wonderful! Freddy is having to overcome some very real fears with water. He's doing fine. These are things all great leaders go through.
Poor, miserable Bergil! I hate the thought of this sweet lad going through hades with and illness, and top of that, broken ribs. I did like that you wrote him grinning at having "matched" Pippin with broken ribs. That was a nice touch.
Oh, and I thought the lads in Buckland swimming in "naught but their skin" was cute. Yep, it was a whole different era "back then". Most lads could do that and not think anything of it.
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Yes, I didn't want Freddy to overcome his fear of running water just from one little dunk; that's not very realistic.
I figured if *anything* could make the pain more bearable, it would be the thought of being like his hero.
It was a different time. I like that I can have young hobbits doing all those innocent fun things that children used to be able to do with no harm done, but nowadays would be looked at with horror.
PIppinfan1988
· 27 September 2005
· Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Well, it seems I read a bit more than I first thought...(blushes). I suppose this will be the only time I will "heap" reviews--because I like to comment on specific details in each chapter. Especially for tales that are so well thought out and well written. Anyway...
I am just enjoying all the interaction between Viola and Berilac! I *love* love stories! Oh, yes--I'm eye-balling your P&D tale for when I catch up. ;-) And *all* the hobbits learing how to swim! I have a great feeling all of this is going to snowball into something bigger later on, and I can't wait! Everyting is moving right along so smoothly--and I'm feeling real bad for little Bergil.
Onto the next chapters...I took two today. :-)
Pippinfan
Author's reply
Oh yay! I came back after supper, and lo! and behold! three reviews from you and a new chapter of "Courtship"! I really feel like I'm back now--or I will when I finally get the last of my "little" stories up and can update this one again!
I'm so very glad you like my Viola/Berilac romance. I've had *that* one in mind for a long time, too, as soon as I knew who was *going* on the embassy, in fact...
Imrahoil
· 2 September 2005
· Chapter 26: Chapter 26
Thinking about you. I hope you and your family are well.
Author's reply
Thank you! I just now saw this. We are fine, unlike so many of our friends.
I hope to get back to this story soon.
PIppinfan1988
· 27 August 2005
· Chapter 16: Chapter 16
This chapter was full of lovely moments! Yes, the notion of hobbits being mistaken for children *can* be rather humorous, but understandably disconcerting for them. Having Legolas "show" himself in order to convince the matron that Beri and Viola were not children, was fantastic on your part.
btw, I do like romances, so I am quite interested in Beri and Viola's romantic endeavors! ;-)
Good old Freddy! He's coming right along in overcoming his fear of deep bodies of water. He's going to make it as a world-class leader. :-) Thank you for such a wonderful chapter/story!
Pippinfan
Author's reply
This was another of those moments I had planned as soon as I knew I would be doing the sequel--that somewhere along the journey, one or more of the hobbits would be mistaken for a child. But it wasn't until I was writing this part that I realized this was the perfect setting for it.
And of course, as she was trying to intimidate the hobbits, Legolas felt justified in intimidating her a bit. It was kind of fun having him gently but firmly put her in her place.
I am having a good deal of fun with the Berilac/Viola romance. Unlike Merry/Estella and Pippin/Diamond, I am not in the least constrained by canon, so I can do with them as I will. *bwahahaha* But I'm basically an old softy, so any bumps along their way will probably be rather gentle.
Freddy has always had it in him to be a good leader, as he proved during the Troubles. And now it is going to come out and let him shine.
I'm glad you are enjoying it. You are almost catching up to me!