GamgeeFest
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Chapter 24
What a horrible dream for poor Bergil! Being in the city during the War, he must have worried continuously about his father's safety. At least now, he's past the worst of it. It was touch and go there for awhile, and I'm grateful to see he's pulled through.
Wonder what Freddy has on his mind.
Author's reply
I think his time during the siege must have been very traumatic--being in the Houses of Healing, he'd see the worst of the wounded, and even the dead, and he'd be under the Shadow of the Enemy as was the rest of the City. Plus, his fear for his father and Faramir, compounded with his fear *of* Denethor. A horrible experience for a child of ten.
Freddy? Now you know. I have been planning this since the beginning of "A New Reckoning". I am so glad to get this scene done.
Bodkin
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Bergil's living nightmares over the possible results of Denethor's last hours on his father's life and his own may have been even worse than Beregond's or Faramir's. Bergil, after all, was just a child with no voice or power to affect the outcome. And, considering that his father then went off to die at the Gates of Mordor, I wonder if anyone actually spoke to him about what might happen?
But I'm glad the fever has broken. And the lad will get all the loving care this diverse bunch of travellers can offer. (Well, discounting the prisoners, of course.)
Looking forward to Freddy's decision being made manifest. And more generally.
Author's reply
I think you are right about that--the helplessness would feed into it. Plus, not having actually witnessed what happened, his imagination would make it a good deal worse! I would guess that most of what he heard about what happened might have come secondhand from gossip and rumor; those close to him might have thought to shield him from the horrors by not telling him of them, leaving him to come to his own conclusions when he heard the gossip.
They will all be glad to show him plenty of TLC.
Anso the Hobbit
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Chapter 24
That is one bad nightmare! Poor Bergil. I`m glad to see he`s on the mend now though, he has certainly worried all the camp. They`re all so fond of him. :)
Author's reply
Yes, his fever brought out all his fears and rolled them into one!
Everyone is going to be feeling a good deal better now that Bergil's getting well.
Hai Took
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Poor Bergil! For Denethor to haunt his dreams as well and he didn't even directly witness anything to do with them burning. What a hold evil and insanity had over the people of Gondor! I was so glad to see Bergil's fever break! Now perhaps the camp will be a happier place. I'm very curious to see what Freddy as to say to Bergil! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
I think that not having actually seen it for himself in a way made it worse; I'm sure he heard every bit of gossip, rumor and version of events that was going around, and then, with no reality in his mind, his imagination could make it ten times worse.
Yes, Denethor's opening himself to the Enemy through the palantir cast a pall over the entire White City, I think.
Everyone is going to be a good deal happier now that Bergil's on the mend--they are all so very fond of him.
Kitty
· 13 August 2005
· Chapter 24: Chapter 24
Poor little Bergil, these nightmares must be the absolute horror. I am *so* glad Denethor didn't survive!! And I sometimes wonder how *Faramir* copes with his experiences. The try to burn him alive was only the last blow - his father was probably quite nasty to him many times.
Anyway, I am very glad Bergil is on the mend!
Author's reply
I think those nightmares are pretty awful for him, even when he's not sick, but even worse when he is.
Denethor would have to have changed if he survived, and I simply don't see that proud, inflexible stubborn man admitting that he would *need* to change.
Have you ever seen the icon with Faramir's picture, and the header that says "There aren't enough hours in the week for all the therapy I'm going to need!"? It's very clear that his father's scorn cut him deeply and often. What I always find amazing is how he and Boromir managed to remain close, in spite of Denethor's obvious favoritism.
I'm glad he is too; it's hard for me to write him sick.
Oh what a joy to see that you had updated this morning! And what a relief that poor little Bergil is finally beginning to recover after all the trauma. That was a truly terrible dream though - who would wish to dream about Denethor! *shudder* It was so sweet of Freddy to want to help and comfort the lad.
I love Poppy - she is so brisk and capable. What an adventurous hobbit she is!
Lovely, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Yes, poor little Bergil will be getting better now.
I know *I* wouldn't want to dream about Denethor!
Poppy's something else, isn't she?
Is Freddy about to do what I think he's about to do? I really shouldn't ask. I'll try to be good and wait and see. I am so glad that Bergil is all right now. That was so terrifying dream that he had. Excellent chapter now, if only there were more. Impatient, aren't I?
Author's reply
If what you're thinking is the same thing as what I am thinking then you are probably thinking right, but if you're thinking something else then you might be thinking wrong...0;-) (See, it never hurts to ask.)
Yes, Bergil will be fine; I had a hard time dragging this out to the conclusion I wanted--I didn't like making the poor little kid sick, but it was necessary.
Bodkin
· 6 August 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
I could go with the 'dump them in the middle of the pool and see how long it takes them to get the hang of it' option. Although I suppose that could be considered cruel and unusual punishment. If you were being picky.
Here's hoping Bergil starts to recover soon.
Author's reply
*snort*
Well, you will notice I did not give all the details of their lesson, suffice it to say that they mastered the skill of "not sinking like a stone".
Bergil will recover. I assure you of that.
Kitty
· 2 August 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
A pity this incident didn't happen near Fangorn. Maybe the Ents would've given Bergil one of their draughts, to help him recover much faster.
Beri's explanations about swimming lessons in Buckland are interesting. It makes sense to teach everyone to swim who lives so near of the Brandywine, although I can see why the other hobbits far from the river think the contrary out of the very same reason.
Really, I am sorry for Borondir and Anwynd. They didn't anything to deserve this nasty task to teach the prisoners. I'm not sure I would've had the patience to do it!
And I am glad Freddy is able to let go some of his grief for Folco. It is nice how Legolas and Gimli try to comfort him every time this nightmarish experience torments him without intruding in his private sphere.
Author's reply
I could see that, LOL! Especially if they found out he was a friend of Pippin and Merry.
Yes, I've always thought that. We know that Brandybucks were fond of boating and the River, even when other hobbits shuddered at the thought.
No, they were stuck with the job because their captains knew they were the best swimmers among the Men. They almost didn't have the patience. I'm sure at some point they were just hoping for an excuse to throw the wretches in.
Freddy's grief will be with him forever, probably. But it's become manageable now, especially as he's made new friendships. Legolas and Gimli saw the first time he fell apart. They understand.
I am so glad that Legolas and Gimli are there for Freddy. He really needs his friends now. Between his problems with the swimming lessons and his worry about Bergil and now his sadness at the memory of Falco, he is having a very hard time of it. I loved Berilac's stories of swimming in Buckland and the reason for the required lessons rang so true. It would be one way to attempt to prevent any further drownings.
Author's reply
Well, the two of them understand about his grief for Folco. They were with him after all, the first time he fell apart listening to Anwynd and Bergil play their flutes back in "Reckoning", and their friendship with him has grown steadily over the course of their journey.
I just figured that living so close to the River all the time, swimming was considered a necessary survival skill for Bucklanders who grew up there; but up until Drogo and Primula drowned, they probably had not thought to insist that hobbits from outside Buckland who moved there should also learn. But the way that water safety was drilled into young Brandybucks, it was no wonder Berilac insisted on the lessons.
Larner
· 1 August 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Stubborn prisoners, and gentle comfort. An excellent contrast between the two.
Author's reply
Yes, I did want to show that contrast--between those who will let themselves be comforted and those who will reject any attempt at help. Glad you picked up on it.
Excellent as always
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
MJ
Marigold
· 1 August 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Poor Freddy, at least he is beginning to heal : ( I can see where you are leading up to that chapter! I enjoyed hearing about the swimming lessons at the Hall!
Anso the Hobbit
· 1 August 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Poor Freddy, still troubled over the loss of Folco. I wonder, who taught Frodo to swim? Or doesn`t he swim? I guess he taught Merry so he would be able bo get into the water at some point...
Author's reply
Since Drogo didn't swim, I would guess that at some point, Frodo was taught by an older cousin, one of his uncles, or maybe even his mother. I am quite sure it was Frodo who taught Merry to swim, just as I believe both of them taught Pip. Hmmm...who taught Frodo to swim...(shoo...shoo...I don't have time for another plot bunny right now...stop biting my ankles...)
Freddy, I am sure, will be troubled over the loss of Folco for the rest of his life. It would be like Merry losing Pippin or Pippin Merry. But he is going to learn to move on with his life and not let it incapacitate him as it had at first.
Hai Took
· 31 July 2005
· Chapter 23: Chapter 23
Berilac certainly would have a different idea of Frodo's youth and melancholy as he grew up seeing it some. I also liked the little glimpse into Buckland life and how they are taught to swim, also that the hobbits who lived there would now be required to learn to swim is a good idea.
The prisoners I'm sure were a great deal of trouble for the Men, hopefully there won't be cause for the prisoners to actually have to swim...but they are being on the safe side. I wouldn't want to have to take them out again either!
Poor Freddy, although I'm sure it is a long and grueling process for him to recover from Folco's death he is getting better, it is nice to see that some of his grief is for Bergil as well.
Looking forward to more and seeing how they continue to progress, in health for some and their journey!
Author's reply
Yes, Beri was just enough older than Merry to remember a few things that Merry probably was too young to recall. I am sure that not only did he see some of Frodo's depression, but that he also saw the reactions of the grown-ups at the Hall to it.
It just seemed to me that in a small little community so very dependent on the River, that swimming would be a survival skill taught young. But of course, young Bucklanders would often marry hobbits from the Shire, and those lads and lasses would not know how to swim.
I don't much imagine there will be a lot of call for it either, but as you said, better be on the safe side. The Men are a bit disgusted with them. But at least they wouldn't drown right off the bat if they fell in the water, and that's the important thing.
Well, his grief for Bergil is sort of mingled with his grief for Folco. Bergil's friendship and acceptance have been part of Freddy's healing process. He would be devestated to lose that now.
Their journey is briefly halted for now, but soon it will resume.
Anso the Hobbit
· 27 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Everyone is so fond of Bergil and now he`s worse! Poor lad!
I like how you described the swimming lessons and Berilac`s thoughtfullness to let the hobbits learn to swim fully clad and not in their smallclothes as I suppose the hobbits usually do (they wouldn`t have bathing clothes as we do) and also Mistress Poppy`s wisdom in having Legolas teach the ladies. I`m sure Berilac would like to see Viola in her wet smallclothes, lol! :D
Author's reply
Yes, poor lad. But he will get a lot of good TLC to make up for it!
Well, not exactly. Berilac is letting them swim in their smallclothes, and not in the altogether, or "skinny dipping", as we call it. I would imagine that is the norm in Buckland for lads swimming together, but he knows that hobbits from other parts of the Shire would be too proper to do that.
And I expect that lasses generally swim in their shifts. I don't expect there were any such things as bathing suits, and I would guess that even among the less restrained Bucklanders, mixed swimming would not be encouraged.
Anso the Hobbit
· 27 July 2005
· Chapter 21: Chapter 21
Legolas is no hobbit, indeed! But he is so hobbit-friendly that when he does something really elvish people remember. :) Lovely bit of Gimli looking out for Legolas at the end here. :D
Author's reply
Legolas tends to "tone down" his Elvishness for his good friends, not wishing to overawe them, but that doesn't mean that he still does not think of things from an Elvish perspective, and things that to him are "little things" such as climbing trees tend to stand out to others.
Gimli does look out for his friend. I don't often have Gimli saying a lot, but that doesn't mean he is not observing what's going on around him. And he keeps close watch on "his" Elf.
Once again, I have to let you know how very much I love your Fredegar. This was such a sweet chapter with him. I loved he's efforts to be brave with the swimming lessons. He is becoming a very good leader in spite of not being a Brandybuck. LOL Berilac may have Merry's sense of order and leadership but Freddy has the heart. I also liked his concern for Bergil. Can't wait for Legolas to begin giving his swimming lessons. Looking forward to more of this!
Won't the other hobbits from the shire be surprised when the embassy hobbits can all swim; especially Freddy.
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
mj
Author's reply
I'm sure they will. I will have to think up a scene after their return, where Merry goes swimming and Freddy joins him, LOL! Can you imagine the shock?
Larner
· 24 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Glad to see the care given Bergil, and love the swimming lessons and the reasoning Poppy shows.
Author's reply
Thanks. Bergil needs some TLC.
I'm having fun figuring out the swimming lessons.
Bodkin
· 24 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Poor Bergil. When you're feeling rough, all you really want is the comfort of home and family. But at least the thought of comparing injuries with Pippin made him smile.
I can see Jolly coping quite well with aquatics. Practical. Doesn't overwhelm himself with imagination. Freddy, on the other hand. . .
Made me laugh when Poppy decided that lessons from an elf were morally preferable to having wet Viola and wet Beri in the same pond. (Perhaps Legolas should educate her on the elves' attitude to immersion in water.) Beri'll be disappointed, too.
The prisoners aren't enjoying the swimming? Shame!
I hope Bergil starts feeling better soon. And that his health doesn't suffer any further. Not, at least, if there aren't some healing hands handy.
Author's reply
Yes, poor child, he's definitely feeling very young right now, and not so much like someone in service to the King. And yes, Adrahil knew he would like thinking of having something in common with Pippin.
Bingo! I have a feeling Jolly is going to take to this quite well. Imagine the shock when he comes home to the Cottons, and perhaps goes swimming in the pond some hot day... Yes, Freddy's nerves come from too easily imagining what it must feel like to drown...
For some reason, Poppy has decided that Legolas is the senior member of the expedition (and going by age, I'd guess she's right) and so there would be nothing wrong in having him teach the females. She definitely feels it would be too much temptation for the young courting couple. I would guess that Beri is going to be disappointed, but probably not too surprised, by her decision.
Yes, it is shame, isn't it? *grin*
Bergil will recover. But not before one more important thing happens...
harrowcat
· 24 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Oh poor Bergil - I suspect that things are going to be worse before they get better. I love the chaperoning of the blossoming relationship!
Author's reply
You suspect right.
Well, Poppy is going to take very good care of her apprentice, even if she *does* approve of Berilac.
Kitty
· 24 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Poor little Bergil! Please don't let him suffer so much. Turn for the worse - I don't want so see this! Not my sweet lad! *pouts*
And I am quite sure Poppy will make sure to ask Aragorn and his healers a lot about the right doses for men at every age! She will not risk to be unsure of the right amount of medicine another time.
Oh, and it was so nice how Adrahil comforted Bergil. The idea to relate his injury to these of Pippin was very good! I think it will make it a bit easier for him.
As for the swimming lessons - it is clearly not easy particularly for Freddy with his massive fear of water. Poor guy. Maybe Legolas should take over, he can probably ease his fears to a certain amount. And it was *very* funny how Poppy asked Legolas to teach her and Viola out of fear the temptation would be too much for Beri and Viola. Legolas is right, that reminds me of Sam. Always being proper :-D
Author's reply
Well, just keep in mind that he will get plenty of TLC and comfort to make up for being hurt and sick! He is a sweet lad, isn't he?
Oh, Poppy is going to really pick Aragorn's brains, trust me! I have a feeling that Pippin will have nothing on her when it comes to asking questions--and she'll persist until she gets all the answers she wants!
I didn't want this to be too easy for Freddy. His fears are real ones, and not something he will get over quickly, just because he fell in once and didn't drown. But he is going to persist as well. He's got enough Took in him to be really stubborn, once he's made his mind up.
Of the four hobbits who went on the Quest, Sam was, by far, the most hobbity. He had no Took or Brandybuck in him, and he was raised in Hobbiton and taught about "proper" from the time he was born. So his attitudes to most things would have been the attitudes of the average hobbit. And Poppy, though unconventional in some ways due to being a healer, is in very many ways an average hobbit as well. And she is going to take her responsibility towards Viola very seriously.
Hai Took
· 23 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Hello! I was finally able to sit down and finish reading this! I had read a couple of chapters when I could grab a moment but now I can write a proper review! There is so much I want to say so here goes...
I still love the way you incorporate stories into of other times into the stories, esecially when Legolas and Gimli are doing the story telling. Like talking about Pippin singing in the rain and Merry telling him the water wasn't hot. Pippin convinced that if he didn't know it wasn't cold it wouldn't be!
I loved all the letters you had the hobbits writing back home. Freddy's talking to Paladin as Thain and then his more personal one to his uncle. I also liked that more than one letter mentioned Viola and Berilac, the whole Shire will know that they are interested in each other before they even return. I also liked the way you had hobbits from different back ground write their letters in different styles, very well done! Also how they all refer to the Men as "our Men" is great! Puts a little more trust in the hobbits.
Something I want to mention because it made me laugh was while they were staying stopped (I would say where but know I can't remember how to spell it) Gimli asks Legolas if he will share an ale with him before he goes out to "hug his trees for the night"!
Poor Eomer getting the letter from his cousin about having to judge hobbits. Not a pleasant task I'm sure and I hope that he is able to come up with some just punishment, I have the utmost confidence in him and you ;)
Viola and Berilac had a bit of a fright there with the lady in the outpost who thought that they were children, of course if they really had been children at least her heart would have been in the right place! I also liked Viola talking about how Pippin tried to keep his niece from getting into trouble and how he was more upset that they found him out then that they believed for a while it was really him, cute story!
I was so very proud of Freddy for crossing the bridge! He conquered a bit of his fear very nicely! I'm also glad that Merry asked Berilac to keep an eye on Freddy.
Jolly talking to Mosco about Freddy's rebellion and how they intercepted the wagons of weed and were able to put Lotho in a temper, very interesting to see Freddy in the role of Captain although it sounds like he was a bit bitter and melancholy, with good reason of course, but he still did a good job!
I loved hearing about Eothains relationship with Eowyn. It was fun to see what Eowyn was like as a young girl. She obviously got along well with this cousin at least. She has a good brother as well who doesn't want them to get caught!
Poor Bergil! Fallin in the water like that! I was even more proud of Freddy, even if he could have got himself into trouble as well. I'm glad they were rescued obviously but it is very sad about Bergil. It is nice to see though how everyone is in love with him and doesn't want him to be hurt or in pain at all. Adrahil sitting with him and telling that he will at least have something in common with Pippin was cute and did a nice job of lifting Bergil's spirits, poor boy!
It made me laugh that Legolas would want to hang back and hear what announcement Freddy was making! Certainly none of the hobbits were very pleased about learning to swim but I'm sure the prisoners were least likely to like it. I hope we get to see their lessons! Poppy is very astute in her thinking and making sure nothing can be complained about, in how she handles everything. Freddy did a good job of being an example and taking the swim lessons with grace, even if he is a bit frustrated with his lack of progress.
I also felt bad for Legolas when he was set upon with sea longing so suddenly. Something none there can understand. Gimli probably does they best I liked how he just sat and waited knowing "his Elf" would come down. One of the best relationships is theirs of such deep friendship, well portrayed!
I know this is very long and hope I didn't repeat too much as I know the chapters that I covered have already been reviewed! You do such a wonderful job writing all these characters. To tell you the truth I usually don't read very many stories that don't have the main four as main characters but I absolutely love this! It is great to see how hobbits might experience a much less dangerous adventure away from the Shire. I'm looking forward to reading more! Thank you!
Author's reply
Hullo, Hai! It's so good to hear from you again. I always look forward to your reviews! You often pick up on things other reviewers miss, and you have so much enthusiasm!
I myself was not sure how many people would want to follow a story that was not mostly about the Travellers, but I got so many requests that I decided to go for it. And the truth is, they keep getting in this one anyway, with all the flashbacks and people discussing them, LOL!
I'm glad you are enjoying this, and look forward to more of your reactions.
GamgeeFest
· 23 July 2005
· Chapter 22: Chapter 22
Oh, poor Bergil! It was wise of Adrahil to compare Bergil's injury to Pippin's. At least it distracted Bergil for a little bit. I hope he gets better, what a horrible way to end a chapter!
Poor Freddy too. He reminds me of a cat when it's plopped into water, lol.
And I miss Sam! We need a Sam flashback, maybe Jolly could recall something, maybe about his own fears of swimming. *bats eyes*