very nice wedding ceremony!
...but chilling, considering all the foreshadowing.
Have travelled in such weather, on canoe trips, and remember the cheer of *finally* being able to have hot tea.
Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Thanks.
Yes, lots of foreshadowing in that one. Of course, it's easy for everyone to spot now after the fact.
I just figured they were about due for a spell of nasty weather; it can't be sunny all the way to Rohan, and I needed the rain...
I'll be taking my notebooks with me when I leave to go to my neice's wedding Wednesday, but I don't know how much actual writing I will get done. This story is a lot slower than "A New Reckoning". I have so many people to keep track of as well as a timetable.
Grey Wonderer
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
The storm has, at least given them a bit of rest even if it has made some of them nervous. I liked Legolas's theory on the storm, about still knowing where the stars are even if he can't see them. I wonder what sort of an idea the tattoo has given Dago. Something to do with the tattoo maybe? Or maybe I am reading too much into this and he is simple interested.
Lindelea
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I am addicted to RSF's Bergil story and impatient for updates! (I even nominated the story for the MEFAs, so be sure to go and vote on it.) I do hope inspiration will strike, and soon! I am hungered for more glimpses of Beregond, and his interaction with Bergil, and with Pippin. Beregond is the character that drew me into fanfiction in the first place...
My own Bergil story has been languishing for months, awaiting its final chapter or chapters, but reading RSF's I am inspired at least to be thinking about it again.
Author's reply
I do love that story! I've already entered a tentative review, though I didn't notice you were the nominator, LOL! Bergil is just so sweet!
I love that *your* Bergil gets to be an "adopted hobbit". I notice that both of us managed to get him into the Shire for a while--you during the emergency at "The End of His Rope" and me during the mission of "A New Reckoning". I guess we know that child is really a hobbit at heart!
Anso the Hobbit
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
There`s a lot of interesting things for the hobbits to see as they travel, isn`t it? And I suppose the captives most of all. A tattooed white tree? I do not dare to think how they would do that... :) I like how Legolas comes inside even if they rain doesn`t bother him, he`s been around hobbits for quite some time and knew they would fret, lol.
Author's reply
Yes, well, the captives can't do much *except* see, as no one will talk to them or let them do anything.
He does know how his friends would fret; just as well to ease their minds.
Bodkin
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Must be handy, travelling with an elf. This sounds like the kind of weather it would be best to shelter from. Though a dwarf travelling with an elf might get left out in the rain to rust?
Dago appears to have wisps of thought dredging their way through his brain. Is he thinking of becoming the first hobbit tattooed from head to toe in an attempt to conceal the leaf of his marking in a forest of others? Nasty piece of work, that Bracegirdle. Just enough brighter than the Bankses to be ten times the trouble.
Author's reply
I would venture to guess you might be right. Gimli would complain, but he certainly would not admit that a Dwarf might be less weather-hardy than an Elf. But I guess that Legolas would do what he could to find shelter for his companion, at least.
*chuckle* Could be *something* like that.
He is a nasty piece of work, not malicious, like Clovis, but thoroughly and completely self-serving.
Hai Took
· 2 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Uh-oh, I hope the nasty weather doesn't set them back any, or cause any problems later on! I like that you wrote about what each tent occupants were up to in such weather. That Legolas only accepted the offer to sleep in the tent because others would worry, was a very insightful look at elves! I love to listen to thunder but I don't think I would fancy it if I were in a tent where it was quite a bit louder! The bit about Borondir's tattoo is interesting, Dago will ask about it?
Oh! and I wanted to mention that I like you say who prepared the meals, it is a very hobbit-y way to do it! Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Would the nasty weather cause problems later? *whistles and looks up innocently*
I think Wood-elves in particular would enjoy all sorts of weather, and not mind very much being out in it.
Dago will probably just keep his eyes open. No one will really talk to the prisoners much, so it's not a lot of use his asking.
They are sharing out the cooking duties, taking it in turns, so I like to mention whose turn it is from time to time.
Kitty
· 1 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Can I borrow Legolas for some time? It would be useful to know the weather so well as he does ;-)
Hm ... Dago doesn't think Borondir is 'marked' for something bad as well as he is because of the tattoo, doesn't he? Anyway, he seems the only one of the four who has at least a little bit brain left.
Author's reply
Well, with a couple of millenia to observe the weather patterns, and being so attuned to nature as Elves are, it seemed logical to me that he would know this. Leodwald also is known by the other Rohirrim to have a good weather sense.
Right now, Dago is just observing...
Lindelea
· 1 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
Clodio's observation was interesting (about the soldiers use of down-time).
Healers need to be able to think straight under stress, eh? Is that foreshadowing?
Lots of little threads and hints here. It'll be interesting to see how the pattern works itself out.
Author's reply
It just makes sense, doesn't it.
Yes.
I hope so. This chapter worked itself out a good deal shorter than most of them.
Lindelea
· 1 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I find myself with tears in my eyes as Freddy remembers Folco. His friend was indeed sweet and "clueless" as you say, but never meant any harm by it, as I am sure many of the hobbits who grew to know him would have understood. (We have a few "clueless" ones amongst our acquaintance and have learned a little about steering conversations, not that it always works, mind.)
I like your Bergil, as well, and the reminders of his friendship with Pippin.
And it is good to see Freddy healing.
Funny, I'd never thought of "Fatty" coming from Estella's baby talk! Cute!
Author's reply
That's the thing. Folco never did mean any harm, even when trying to be witty or funny and saying something hurtful, he never realized it. And it's true that any who knew him well would begin to realize this. But it still put a lot of people off. Merry had to get to know Fatty a good deal better before he began to understand Folco, and Pippin didn't really appreciate anything but his music before the Conspiracy. I think, though, that Frodo understood his sweet nature all along, just as he appreciated Freddy's hidden intelligence.
Bergil has always been a favorite of mine. Are you familiar with Rabidsamfan's "The Errand Lad"? It's a lovely WIP all about Bergil's time in Minas Tirith with the hobbits?
Freddy is indeed healing. He is always going to feel that broken cord, but as time passes it will be much less painful.
I've mentioned it from time to time, just because I think "Fatty" is a little odd as a nickname that would fit 90% of the population, LOL!
GamgeeFest
· 1 May 2005
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
What is Dago planning? He seems to be thinking and observing way too much for my comfort.
Interesting to see how everyone spends their time during the storm. I feel sorry for the men who have to take watch over the next day. I hope they don't get colds or anything from it.
Author's reply
Right now, just thinking and observing. Way too soon for actual planning. But he definitely has his own interests foremost in his mind.
Yes, well, they are soldiers and used to having to take duty during nasty weather if necessary. Plus, they *are* traveling with a couple of very competent healers.
Anso the Hobbit
· 1 May 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Oh, how nice to see Freddy remember his dear friend! It`s cute how Bergil always manages to bring up Pippin though, that lad has a great fondness for his knight. :) Excellent chapter!
Author's reply
This chapter was about friendship, and so even as Freddy was remembering Folco, Bergil was thinking about his own friend. I don't know that Pippin could necessarily be described as Bergil's "best friend"--aside from the age gap and the distance is the fact that they have actually spent relatively little time together--but I'd definitely say one of his *dearest* friends. I get the impression from RotK that there really weren't many lads of his own age about for Bergil to *be* friends with. Pippin clearly filled a much needed niche in Bergil's young life.
Nina the powerwriter
· 25 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
This is my favorite chapter so far! Awww...that makes me so sad about Folco! He seemed like such a good guy, even if he couldn't keep his mouth shut :) I love how Freddy was his best friends, and tried to keep him in line. Wonderful chapter, Barbara!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you liked it.
It is sad about Folco. He was one of those sweet, but totally clueless people--I'm sure you've known one or two yourself. They say something, and when it hurts someone's feelings or makes someone made, get all confused: "What did I say?" They really don't understand.
Freddy, fortunately did--possibly since they had been together since they were babies. I always think they were sort of like Merry and Pippin, only not as equal, for Folco needed looking after a lot more than Pippin did, at least once he got older.
I loved his character, and resisted killing him off as long as I could. I'm hoping that I can occasionally include him in flashbacks like this one.
Hai Took
· 24 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I wish I had been paying attention and started reading this sooner! I'm sure I will forget to say something I wanted to!
I have really liked the way that you ahve had the other hobbits hearing about Merry and Pippin's deeds from some of the soldiers, not that they really doubt them, but I'm sure it makes it a bit more real. I like how you mentioned the Prancing Pony a couple of times as a famous inn. That Butterbur actually pointed out the table Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin had sat at the night they passed through was great!
Hm, Clodio is still more than bitter about what happened, as is Clovis, and not willing to admit that they did wrong. Where as it seems there might be hope for Cado and Dago, King allowing, to make happy lives for themselves outside the Shire.
Poor, Viola! If her only experience with Men, other than the King's Men has been one of fear I'm sure the prospect of a whole town of them is terrifing! If she thought Bree was big I can't imagine what it is going to be like for her in Edora or Minas Tirith!
It amuses me as well that the hobbits have taken over cooking. I'm sure for them porridge was quite a trial! The Men will probably get spoiled with all the hobbit cooking and not want to travel without at least one in their company from now on!
It is very nice to see Freddy healing a bit as well. I'm glad he was able to talk to Bergil about Folco and not be overcome with grief but rahter remember him fondly. I did like hearing more about Folco as well! Poor, hobbit! He really did put his foot in his mouth quite a bit! I especially liked him talking about Lobelia and Lotho and Bilbo sticking up for him!
This is splendid and I'm anxiously awaiting more! And I promise to be more on top of things! I was grateful for the recap, I would like to read A New Reckoning again but who knows when I will be given that time! Looking forward to more of this one!
Author's reply
I was concerned before I started this, that it would be difficult to fill the chapters, as it would more than a bit boring if every one was the same, just describing another day of riding south on a pony. So I took a cue from Chaucer. This will be a good chance for the group to tell one another stories, and so get to know one another better: the Men can tell the hobbits about things that happened during the War as well as other things, and the hobbits can fill the Men in on hobbit society. And I have not forgotten Legolas and Gimli, who will also have some interesting anecdotes.
The prisoners are going to have some things to think about. Some good, some not so. They have not yet learned their lesson. Perhaps one of them will, perhaps not.
Viola is the most hobbity of the hobbits travelling. She really will make an effort to overcome her timidity. And she will get a chance to learn how much she has learned from Poppy.
Since nearly all hobbits are pretty good cooks, it only makes sense. I am sure some of the Men are not bad cooks, but travel fare can be pretty unimaginative.
Being able to talk freely about Folco has been a major step for Freddy. And who couldn't be fond of poor Folco, even if he would make you nuts to be around? I was sure though, that Bilbo would have gotten a big kick out of hearing Lobelia and Lotho talked about that way.
That was why I did include the recap. I was pretty sure most readers would not have the time to completely re-read a 73 chapter opus!
And thanks for your review. You know I love yours--you are always so detailed about what you liked!
GamgeeFest
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
What a sweet and wonderful account of Folco! I loved Freddy's way of describing his friend's "foot in mouth" syndrome, and I'm glad he was able to tell the story to Bergil. Freddy still has a lot of healing to do, and this helped him considerably.
Author's reply
Thank you! I think most of us at one time or another have known a "Folco"--someone who is just so totally clueless that it is hard to stay mad, but also impossible not to be exasperated at the same time, LOL!
I think he was ready to talk, finally, and Bergil is a good listener. He is truly interested and caring. Freddy does still have a lot of healing to do, but this step is a major one on that road.
I enjoyed Freddy's explanation to Bergil about Falco and the flute. I loved soem of the unfortunate things that Falco managed to say to folks. I am also fond of your explanation of why Fredegar is called "Fatty" from time-to-time. Little brothers and sisters can give the older ones some interesting nicknames without meaning to do so. I blieve that Bergil would have liked Falco, if for no other reason, Falco and Pippin both have a bit in common when it comes to plain speaking. It would seem that Bergil and the journey are helping Freddy to heal in some measure. As always, a great chapter!
Author's reply
I had fun thinking of the little incidents, wondering what he could be saying that would cause his poor parents to groan "not again", with the facepalm, yet. I came up with many more than I used, as well as a couple of incidents showing Folco's kindness as well. So I have some unused Folco plot bunnies now. They'll have to wait a bit though.
As I've said before, "Fatty" seems a strange nickname for a hobbit, when it probably fit 90% of the population. But it seems a logical "baby name".
Well, Pippin can be very blunt, true, but even he thinks at least a *little* bit as to whether it's going to be insulting or not. He *can* be diplomatic if he needs to. But Folco never let thought get in the way of his words.
Yes, Freddy's healing is progressing...
Oh poor Folco! He sounds quite endearing, despite suffering from foot-in-mouth disease! What a character, and how typical of Bilbo to protect him from Lobelia's wrath, particularly as he was only speaking the truth! LOL!
I feel so sorry for Freddy, losing his friend like that, and how horrible that it was due to Folco offending Lotho and Ted Sandyman. I imagine those two never forgot a slight or an insult.
Bergil is lovely - what a nice lad.
Author's reply
I think he must have been sweet, even though thoroughly aggravating. His personality came to me when I was writing "A Conspiracy of Hobbits" and came to wonder why it was that one who was obviously such a good friend of Frodo was not trusted into the conspiracy as Fatty was. And the answer came to me: he couldn't be trusted with a secret. Why? And that was when he became clear to me.
I could easily see Bilbo protecting him from Lobelia, and getting a kick out of it, too!
No, Lotho and Sandyman were not forgiving sorts, and moreover were incapable of understanding that the insults were not deliberate.
I'm very fond of Bergil myself.
Kitty
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
Funny way to shut up Folco. I wouldn't had thought of something like this. But it certainly was necessary to prevent him from talking too much.
Anyway, that was quite sweet. It seems now it is good for Freddy to talk about his friend sometimes. Maybe he should learn to play the flute, too, in honor of Folco and as a way to remember him?
Author's reply
It was the practical and hobbity thing to do, and just the kind of advice I could imagine coming from Aunt Dora, who by the way she is described in the first chapter of FotR, seems to have been a sort of hobbity "Dear Abby".
It is good that Freddy is finally able to talk of his dearest friend; now he really can begin to get on with things.
Bodkin
· 23 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I'm glad Freddy was able to talk to Bergil about Folco, who does sound rather like a match in a fireworks factory. The sort of person who can be terribly endearing and appealing until his tactless observations hit you. Cute in a small child - but less so in an adult. Still, he certainly didn't deserve what happened to him. And Freddy will be better able to come to terms with his grief if he can share his memories.
(And Bergil is such a sweetheart.)
Author's reply
"A match in a fireworks factory" what an apt description! Poor Folco was just so terribly *clueless*. Fatty tried his best, but really, once Lotho was in charge, it was only a matter of time before Folco said the wrong thing to the wrong person.
We do find that sort of thing cute in a child. It's why the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes" strikes such a chord. But adults learn that a certain amount of reticence and diplomacy are necessary to get along in the world. (As Aunt Dora points out.)
But no, however inevitable it was, it was never deserved in the least. Folco was a good person in spite of his big mouth.
Freddy has needed to let some of this out for a long time; it really is the true beginning of real healing for him.
And yes, Bergil is a sweetie. I just *love* that lad.
Elentariel
· 22 April 2005
· Chapter 6: Chapter 6
I really enjoy all of your stories and I hope you continue to write and update regularly.
Author's reply
And I hope to continue to do so! Thank you for the kind words; I hope you continue to enjoy them.
Excellent chapter. I just love how Bilbo gave Folco a pat on the head and a sweet after Folco offended the S-Bs!
<>< Saved from sin through Christ,
MJ
Author's reply
Well, I think Bilbo would have rewarded any affront to the S.-B.s, LOL! He was not too fond of them, was he, LOL?
Anso the Hobbit
· 16 April 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
This is a very nice tale indeed! I like how you portray the friendship between the Men and the Hobbits, and do we see a potantial courtship here, hm? :) Lovely!
Author's reply
Thanks! I am enjoying exploring the way in which the three cultures (the Shire, Gondor and Rohan) interact.
As to your question: quite likely. *grin*
GamgeeFest
· 15 April 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Cado's in deep thought? It's too good (and too soon) to hope this will mean he'll see the light anytime soon, but at least he's been given some food for thought.
Author's reply
Let's just say he's beginning to get a slightly different perspective on some things. Whether it will have a good result or not is too soon to tell.
Kitty
· 13 April 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
It's about time I find some time to review again, for I enjoy reading so much. Unfortunately I hadn't much time over the last days.
The romance between Viola and Berilac is quite promising, and I loved it how you retold the Last Battle. It is quite interesting to see things from different points of view!
And the Bankses ... hm ... after all they now have something to think about, maybe it does them some good. But why have I the feeling they will cause some trouble along the way?
Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
Didn't realize I had not answered this! I'm sorry!
I am hoping that on this journey a number of revelations will be made to different people. There's nothing like a journey to encourage story-telling, as G. Chaucer discovered.
Why do you have that feeling, I wonder? Is it because they are so despicable? LOL!
Bodkin
· 12 April 2005
· Chapter 5: Chapter 5
Might there possibly be a teeny brain cell floating around somewhere in Cado's head? Might it possibly be that, if Clovis is dumped in a large hole somewhere and his lovely Da is removed from his life, that there is some possibility of redemption for the dimmer but less vicious son of the Banks family? It would be good to see that, I think. And, after all, learning about what actually happened in the outside world might proving an instructive experience for him.
And dear Bergil. What a star.
Author's reply
Well, it's early days yet to see what will come of the prisoners, but yes, Cado does have a brain cell or two, he's just very used to not using it, if you know what I mean.
I know. Bergil's a sweetie; I love him to pieces.
Larner
· 11 April 2005
· Chapter 3: Chapter 3
Ah, dried mushrooms and pheasant--sounds wonderful! Very hobbity!
Author's reply
The travellers now have lots of hobbity meals to look forward to! *grin*