Mysterious Jedi · 22 June 2005 · Chapter 15: Chapter 15
This is still good! <>< Saved from sin through Christ, mj
Author's reply
Thanks! 8-)
The Road to Edoras by Dreamflower
Reviews (529)
Anso the Hobbit · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Letters home! I love the different voices you have in them - the jesting with cousins and formal letter to Paladin and loving devotion to family and sweethearts. :D
Author's reply
I wanted to get up close and personal with each of them. Freddy, of course, is the star, but I wanted all of them to have a chance to show just a bit of his or her own personality.
Anso the Hobbit · 21 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Lovely glimpse into Legolas and Gimli`s thoughts here. And it`s always nice when Big and Little folk talk about the ways of hobbits. Lol! I love the little glimpse of the Quest too. Of course Pippin would start singing in the rain! :)
Author's reply
Yes, well, it's always nice to talk about the ways of hobbits, 8-) In fact, I can't think of *anything* better to talk about! I'm glad you enjoyed the little anecdote. Pippin would have understood Gene Kelly perfectly, wouldn't he?
GamgeeFest · 18 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Love all the letters, but the best part was Poppy saying that Beri just might be good enough for Viola. That was a fun ancedote about the bed-jumping. It is good to see Freddy having fun for a change. And I can just see Sam's reaction to being called a "real life hero" lol. You bring out all their personalities so well in their letters.
Author's reply
LOL! I could imagine that Poppy would see all of Beri's potential for her apprentice; if he measures up to Poppy's expectations, that's pretty good. I always thought that Freddy might have been a bit wistful about the bed-jumping in "Conspiracy", so now he finally got his chance to try it--and you will note that the Brandybuck was not averse to trying it too, LOL! Yes, Sam will be blushing all the way to the tips of his ears when he gets his brother-in-law's letter!
Elentariel · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
That was a sweet, poignant remimder of the step that these hobbits are taking into the wide world of the big folk. It's interesting how Berilac's growing relationship with Viola has been noticed by everyone. Please continue the story.
Author's reply
Yes, they are all growing and learning. *grin* I would imagine that in such a small group, it would be hard *not* to notice, LOL! But of course, minding other hobbits' business and taking note of romance is also very hobbity!
Bodkin · 16 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
I always rather enjoy letter chapters - it's so interesting seeing things focused from a specific viewpoint. Freddy is - unsurprisingly - good at both formal and family, and his wish to protect is clear. I'm a bit worried about those prisoners, though. I can't see them remaining meek and mild much longer. The loss of identity must be one of the most horrible things about this shunning of villains in the Shire - removing individual identity is a rather unpleasant way of treating prisoners and possibly against the Geneva convention. I can see why it would drive them to depression - except that this lot aren't sensitive enough to get depressed. And they believe that everything is anybody's fault but their own.
Author's reply
I wanted to take a bit of a break in action, and concentrate a bit on the character's personalities. Freddy, being the main character, got to show his stuff in a few ways; but I wanted to also show the others, especially the ones who'd not yet had a turn to shine. It's not going to be much longer for at least one of them. But remember that they are under the vigilant eye of Men, and Men who have learned enough of hobbits not to underestimate them. And also they are in terra incognita--they are still somewhat overwhelmed by the world they've been brought into. In my Shire, the shunning is not *formally imposed* as a sentence, but it is customary, sometimes even occurring spontaneously in situations where no legal action has been taken (immediately after the Scouring, Sandyman was being shunned before the Thain issued word that action was called for in his case)--and tradition can be a harder taskmaster than law, sometimes. The only one getting depressed so far is Clodio; and you will note Mistress Poppy's tart observation regarding that! But she will not let it go to the point of endangering his health. And you are right about *that*: none of them is yet willing to admit to his own culpability.
Marigold · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
I loved these letters! You got each one in just the right voice, well done! : ) Almost to the you-know-what scene now, right? I am looking forward to it!
Author's reply
Oh goody! I tried hard to have each one reflect the personality of the writer as I envisioned it! *grin* Just a few more chapters. They are *still* a little too close to civilization right at the moment. But it's close. You've noticed, I hope, that there has been a good deal of rain? ;-)
Kitty · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
A nice interlude with letters! No question, Viola is quite formidable, and the others come to realize it. Apparently all have noticed the blooming romance between her and Berilac, too. They will watch with the same amusement as I do, I suppose. Oh, and you do think to hold hands to comfort a frightened apprentice is too much for the G-rating? What a pity! O:-) It is good to see in what high esteem they all held the Men and of course Legolas and Gimli. This embassy even now starts to prove Aragorns purpose right. And I think they start to see more clearly about the four Travellers. When they are back home next year, they will know enough to talk about them with the needed knowledge, and they will appreciate Frodo and Sam much more than they did. It always angered me how less they are esteemed in their own home in relation to Merry and Pippin. But then, this must have changed somewhen, or Sam would never have become Mayor. There must have been some work to convince the Shirefolk he is worth it. And of course, I wonder who has eventually convinced „Mr. Proper“ to accept this honour, as Sam himself surely thought it not proper to become Mayor.
Mysterious Jedi · 15 June 2005 · Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Excellent, as always. Stories like this are cool because they show how all different kinds of characters interact. I will look forward to more! <>< Saved from sin through Christ, MJ
Grey Wonderer · 14 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Poor Freddy and Mosco. Even though I knew it was Ted, that line about how it would be as if he had never existed was very sad. I almost wished that they had marked the grave in some way at that point. Loved how Legolas helped to comfort Freddy. Also loved the hobbits and the large beds. This is a wonderful story. I was very glad to come home from work and find more of it posted.
Author's reply
Well, I thought to make the point that Sandyman had well and truly forfeited his "hobbit-hood" with his behavior. There are those who would be upset at the manner of his death, but there is no one who will truly grieve for him. Legolas has learned a lot about comforting hobbits. Those beds! I think that hobbits were amazed at sleeping in them.
Loremaster of Anorien · 14 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
I love this! It's a great fic. It's nice to find a fic where they're not treated as silly children. *cough, fanfiction.net, cough* I love the hobbits. The only problem I had with "A New Reckoning" (which I also adore)was that there were so many hobbits to keep track of; in fact, I still have difficulty keeping who's who with the villains. Anyway, I adore the little romance between Berilac and Viola. Lucky Berilac, indeed, for not having to compete with Sir Pippin for Viola's affections. As for Viola, she really is coming into her own amidst all these strange places and events she's experiencing. I love Poppy! She truly is a tough old bird. ;) And that examining dead Ted Sandyman scene really does remind of CSI. Freddy is also developing. He's coming to terms with Folco's death and is different from the hobbit we meet at the beginning and end of LotR. *sniffles* Poor Folco. He reminds me of myself, sometimes. I do have a habit of saying things without thinking. Folco seemed like a sweet guy. As for Mosco, I bet he's going to really start understanding the War and life Outside by the end of the year. Poor Denham and Rolly, it must have been shock enough with their abrupt rise in status without Clovis, Cado, er, random villain mocking them. I'm amused by Jolly's Captain Freddy thing, but I would like to learn more about him and the Banks brothers in later chapters The prisoners. *strokes scissors* I'm afraid I can't remember who's who, but the insight in their heads is interesting. I'm glad that guy with the loud mouth is gagged now. Smart old Eothain! As for the Ringbearer comment. . . *grabs noose* I'm furious at that guy. Silly fool, he hasn't an idea what he's thinking about. The respectable families bit was right-on, too. Some people still haven't learned. . . As for the tatoos obsession, I'm curious myself. What's with the Men's tatoos and how is this going to figure in the story? Still, I feel some pity for them. Silly wretches, not a clue what they're doing. Is there a chance of redemption for any of them? Men. Squeeeeeeeeeee! I adore Men! The bits about them and their thoughts about the hobbits are interesting. I guess they're so used to war and hardship that to see such peaceful, happy people surprises them and soothes their emotional wounds a bit. I love Targon; hobbity informality must surprise his Gondorian sensibilities. Those hobbits are probably going to shake up his homeland quite a bit when they arrive. ;) As for everyone else, I usually favor Gondorians (note: see name), but Eothain is fast becoming a favorite of mine. Straightforward Rohirrim, indeed. *snerks* I especially like the gag remedy. Bergil is sweet. Poor kid, growing up in the horrible circumstances only wartime can bring. His time in the Shire and on the road back is finally giving him a chance to just be a kid, not an undergrown adult. I love the Rangers! (This is starting to be redundant, isn't it?) They're cool; I especially like the smoking banter. As for the rest, I'd like a little more insight into their minds and personalities. By the way, Borondir, I believe, means "Enduring Watcher." That puts me in mind of the time he was watching "The Blabbermouth" and stuffed a gag in his mouth the minute he opened his mouth. Vigilant, indeed. *snerks* I love your characterization of Leoglas and Gimli. Finally, someone who understands their characters! I'm afraid that so many horrible characterizations of him has soured my taste for him as a character, but your Legolas has redeemed him in my eyes. And yeay, Gimli is not a jerk, an idiot, or plain not there! He is exactly like he was supposed to be. Haldad's interesting. Do we get to see him more. I'm looking forward to the rest. Carry on. Keep writing! Namarie! Loremaster
Author's reply
Oh, what a nice long lovely review! The only problem I had with "A New Reckoning" (which I also adore)was that there were so many hobbits to keep track of; That was the problem I had with it *myself*. Sometimes I felt like I was herding cats. I have a lot to keep up with in this fic, too. Bad guys: Clovis is the older brother with the big mouth; he's the one who comes up with all the really *bad* ideas, such as getting Pippin drunk or assaulting the Men's camp Cado is the younger brother who has always gone along with his brother's ideas; he's smarter than Clovis, but he still goes along with him most of the time; he's also a bit more devious Clodio is their father, brother to Pippin's mother Eglantine, and a really nasty peice of work, but all the air was let out of him when he got caught Dago Bracegirdle is a cousin of Lobelia's. The Bracegirdles were mixed up with Saruman for a long time; he's always got an eye out for the main chance. Viola and Poppy really are going to come into their own in upcoming chapters. I'm sure you realize there were *reasons* to have healers accompany the group. Freddy is really growing a lot, and you will also be seeing more of Mosco, Jolly, Denny and Rolly as time goes by. As for the Men--I hope that I am giving them good characterization; I don't want them to be just "generic" Gondorians or Rohirrim, I want them to have personality. I am fairly happy with Targon, and as to Eothain, I have used him in other stories, so he really has been developed a bit more. With the other men, I'm trying to give them some things also: Anwynd teaching Bergil to play the flute, Leodwald being one of the oldest and wisest, Borondir being vigilant (and that's so cool, because I *didn't* know that's what his name meant!) The others I am still working on a bit. As to Legolas and Gimli, I enjoy them immensely. I feel being part of the Fellowship kind of put a special stamp on them. They are no longer your typical Elf and Dwarf, but they have been "touched by hobbits" in a way, LOL! I am very glad that you like my characterization of Legolas--I see him as extremely skilled, very Elf-like in his abilities, and *very* protective of his hobbits. He would do anything for Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin, and Freddy is rapidly beginning to fall into that category as well. I am not sure if we will see Haldad again anytime soon, but rest assured I have not forgotten him.
Kitty · 14 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
You spoil me today, don't you? Three updates in one day! :-) Pippins remark about the temperature of the rainwater was funny! Oh yes, that sounds like him! I loved it how comfortable Freddy is getting with Legolas, even if he is a bit embarassed about it. Poor Hobbits, they don't like to sleep upstairs. It must be quite awkward for them. Especially for Viola who is alone - but she was very brave. A pity Beri can't share the room with her.
Author's reply
I've had that little anecdote in the back of my head for a while, and had thought of using it for one of the 20_rings fics, but it just seemed to fit in here so well. Freddy is beginning to get the kind of friendship towards Legolas and Gimli that Merry and Pippin developed--the main difference being, that now Legolas knows what to expect. And as Freddy starts thinking of him more as a friend than as an Elf, the embarassment will go away. No, hobbits dislike of sleeping upstairs was something JRRT was very clear on! Bite your tongue! This *is* a G rated fic! *grin*
Baggins Babe · 14 June 2005 · Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Oh, poor Viola, having to make a nest to sleep in! She's adorable, and bravely coping without Poppy. These hobbits are made of stern stuff. How priceless! Legolas singing hobbity songs - lovely! :-)) Thank you for bringing Gimli's dwarven skills to the fore. Of course he would know which soil would be best. I like Gimli and sometimes he doesn't get a fair deal. *goes off to start 'Be nice to Gimli' week*
Author's reply
Yes, it must be lonesome for her with Poppy gone! Viola is going to gradually come into her own, though. Well, Pippin learned Elvish songs from him, so I thought it was only fair that he also pick up a few hobbity songs, LOL! I try very hard not to neglect Gimli; he's just as much a part of things as Legolas. But everyone should be nice to Gimli! *grin*
GamgeeFest · 12 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
LOL, those hobbits, always thinking with their stomachs. The Men should know better by now, that if you ask a hobbit if he wants to camp (and have a proper meal) or ride on (and eat on the saddle) he's going to say to camp. As if Berilac wasn't smitten enough by Viola, he gets to see her in a temper, lol. Now he's hooked.
Author's reply
That's hobbits for you. You will notice my hobbits almost always tell time by what meal it is: before first breakfast, after elvenses, right around teatime, etc. They use clocks and watches, because Bilbo had them, but most of the time they just tell time by their stomachs, especially the young ones. I thought it was time Viola got a chance to show that when it comes to something important, she's not always timid. And when it comes to her profession, she's learned from Poppy just how to put her healer's foot down. Poor Beri doesn't stand a chance. Isn't Merry going to be surprised when he finally gets back?
Anso the Hobbit · 10 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Very nice! I can clearly see the hobbits longing for bed and proper food. It`s nice to see that Viola has some spirit and I also like how you express the prisoners thoughts about who should rule the Shire! :D
Author's reply
Yes, camping's all very well and good, but a roof and a hot meal are better. Viola *does* have a good bit of spirit, or Poppy would never have taken her on as an apprentice. But she's not been shown to her best light on this trip, because going out of the Shire has been such a trial for her. I just wanted to reinforce my villain's natures. They have to be a bit resentful being dragged around and ignored like they are. It's no wonder if they indulge themselves in some fantasy from time to time...
Elentariel · 9 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
This is a beautiful story. I think Clovis' thirst for power is going to cause trouble. It's an interesting way to show it, the 'if I had the ring' scenario. Please update soon
Author's reply
Clovis wants a lot of things, but he's not got what it takes to get them, and never has had. His idea of the Ring is nothing more than a wild fantasy...
Grey Wonderer · 9 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Scary thought, Clovis with the ring of power. Good thing it is already gone and his day dreaming will come to nothing or Merry would be the first to suffer, but hardly the last. The healer's apprentice is starting to come out of her shell. I think it has been good for her to be away from Poppy for a while. She seems to be getting the hang of things and impressing Berilac in the bargain.
Author's reply
Yes, it is good it's gone. Not that Clovis would have even had the intelligence of a Smeagol. I think the Ring would have made short work of him. But even a bit of slime like Clovis can dream... Viola has all that's needed to be a competent healer, but when Poppy is there it is only right that she take the back seat. This way she gets a chance to show her stuff.
Larner · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Mushrooms and fresh fish--sounds like a wonderful meal for them. And love the idea that it is better to offend the warrior than the healer. Lovely!
Author's reply
Sounded like it might be to me, ;-) but then, I think I've just about turned into a hobbit myself. Well, all the warrior can do is kill you--the healer can just make you *wish* you were dead, LOL!
Baggins Babe · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Well thank goodness they arrived in time for lunch! Always a good idea for hobbits! I'm so glad to see another chapter of this story and I love the budding romance between Viola and Berilac. So sweet. Re-reading the previous chapter and realised what I meant to add. Poppy Burrows, Shire CSI. I was wondering when she would turn to Legolas and snap, "Pass me the luminol!" :-)) Great story, Dreamflower!
Author's reply
Yes, lunch is always a good idea for hobbits--especially when they had to eat second breakfast and elevenses from the saddle. Yes, things seem to be going fairly smoothly for Viola and Beri so far... I've never seen CSI, but I've seen and read enough other crime dramas to know what you mean, LOL! But I think any competent healer would have been able to tell as much as she did from just a basic assessment of the body, with the shape it was in.
Bodkin · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
People who pride themselves on their respectability always seem to be such - such slime. I can see Lobelia priding herself on being better than everyone else - and that entitling her to take what she wants. All those Bankses are just so nasty. Especially Cado - who is a nasty vicious slimeball of the worst variety. It's much nicer to think about Viola and Berilac. I loved seeing Viola take on the healer persona and boss! (Berilac, take note!) Although it's actually to everyone's benefit and just goes to prove she'll make a good mother. I'm glad they're in the process of teaching Bergil to tell the difference between different types of mushroom. Most particularly, which mushrooms to leave alone. (I hope Cado doesn't get in touching distance of poisonous fungi - he's loathsome enough to think that it might be a good way to escape the Men.) And such a hobbity conclusion!
Author's reply
Yes, the brand of "respectability" that the Bankses prefer is very similar to Lobelia's--a chance to brand everyone else as "inferior". They are all pretty nasty. I wanted to show that in spite of Viola's timidity, she has what it takes. A lot of that timidness is due simply to the very *strangeness* of everything. After all, she is neither a Took nor a Brandybuck, with a heritage of wanting adventure; she probably did not grow up listening to Bilbo's stories as many of the others did; she is a lass, as well and so she probably never in her wildest dreams ever thought of leaving the Shire. But she is a competent healer, and when she is in that element, the timidity evaporates. It would have to, or Poppy would never have thought to bring her. And Berilac needed to see that she wasn't simply a "shrinking violet". Poor Bergil. He was so proud of himself for giving Pippin mushrooms in "Kingly Gifts" that Pip just didn't have the heart to bust his bubble at the time. Yes, finishing up on a mealtime *is* pretty hobbity...
Mysterious Jedi · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
This is wonderful, as always. I look forward to the next chapter! Won't Pippin be impressed with Bergil's new ability to distinguish between edible and poisonous fungi! <>< Saved from sin through Christ, MJ
Author's reply
Yes. That was something Pippin meant to get around to teaching Bergil, but he never got the time. There are a good many little skills that a country lad takes for granted that Bergil, raised in the City, would not know. For with the War on, he would not even have had very much opportunity to even go out into the surrounding countryside.
Kitty · 8 June 2005 · Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Ah, an update perfectly well in time for my lunch break - thank you! Why couldn’t a *respectable* family be in charge of the Shire? *lol* Because the hobbits have too much common sense to elect someone like Cado and his immediate family? I must admit, I'm enjoying Cado's silent complaints quite much. It is so nice to see him fuming over this *eg* And the tattoos again. I wonder if they think in the world of men this is a sign of honour or a fashion or something like this and they can lie about the meaning of their own tattoos? For even the Bankses can't be so stupid to think the men's tattoos alike to their own. He supposed it was about time to return, as he thought, amused, that he was in some danger of being turned into a hobbit. Another great line which left me giggling. No doubt, it is infectious to be too long in the presence of Hobbits! We're ourself the best example, I fear. The men will miss them if they are back at home, and probably ever fondly remember this journey. There were too much nice little bits to mention them all, so I will say only I have enjoyed this!
Author's reply
It's probably because that branch of the Bankses meant something *else* by "respectable" than most hobbits do. I think most hobbits mean living a quiet peaceful life and getting along with folks when they speak of "respectable", but certain families, such as the S.-B.s, the Bracegirdles, and Clodio's branch of the Banks family mean something different altogether, and usually that is meaning "We're better than everyone else." I thought it would be interesting to get into their heads a bit now and then. I don't want them to simply be extraneous props. Dago (and perhaps Cado) are beginning to get ideas about the tattoos (and no, it wouldn't be lying about their own.) Yes, the Men are definitely going to miss the Shire and the Hobbits they met there, and will remember their journey for the rest of their lives.
Anso the Hobbit · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 11: Chapter 11
Oh, Poor Freddy! But it is against hobbit nature to wish anyone - even their enemy - to be treated like that. Excellent! Eagerly looking forward to more. :D
Author's reply
Yes, poor Freddy! In his darkest thoughts, he had envisioned Sandyman recieving the same treatment as was dished out to his friend Folco, but when faced with the reality, he realized that was not what he really wished for after all.
Anso the Hobbit · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 10: Chapter 10
Of all people to find dead I had not expected Ted Sandyman! It surely explains what happened to him though. What a moment of surprise. :)
Author's reply
I am so glad most of the readers were surprised. Only one person guessed who it was, (and one person *knew* in advance who it was--our friend with the stickses) but I have had this scene in mind for a *very long time*. Ever since "A New Reckoning" in fact.
Anso the Hobbit · 28 May 2005 · Chapter 9: Chapter 9
Yay for more of this story! I love how Freddy boosts his confidence to think about Merry overcoming his fears and that he is half Took. :) Oh, action! I`m sure the ranger must have intimtaded the hobbits quite a lot. Off to next chapter!