The Road to Edoras by Dreamflower
Larner · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 50: Chapter 50
Ah! How satisfying to see these two together once more! And he's done so very well as a royal page! Now, to see what lessons Eomer has taken from Merry's letters. The greeting was very nice.
Author's reply
I was glad to bring them together once more--they've been apart for a long time. Bergil's fulfilled his duties very well, and his father can be proud of him. *grin* It was, wasn't it?
Grey Wonderer · 2 July 2008 · Chapter 50: Chapter 50
I was nearly as tense as Bergil was waiting for all of the formal things to be over so that he might greet his father. Lovely chapter! Now I wonder what is in store for Gimli when he greets his father? I am also curious to see how Eomer gets along with his 'courting'. I wonder if Merry gave him *that* line with which to greet the Princess? hehehe Oh, and what are the Elves up to? Questions, questions, questions!
Author's reply
I'm so glad that feeling of tense anticipation came through. Originally, I had made it so that Bergil saw them coming, and ran to his father--but then I realized it would hardly be dignified, as his father was on official duty still and so was he. And I think it came out much better this way. Gimli and Gloin, coming up soon. And we'll get to see just a little of Eomer's courting, before the hobbits leave--but don't despair, for sequels are already in the works. As to the Elves--well, they've come to make good on Legolas' promise to Elessar to help in the greening of Ithilien and Gondor...
Grey Wonderer · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 49: Chapter 49
Now this is almost a Father's Day chapter! So much about father's and sons in this one and I do feel sorry for Beregond. It is not at all easy to wait when you want to see someone so very much. And poor Gloin! He has some amends to make. I love that Bilbo chose to write him of it. So like Bilbo. But this made me laugh, (Apparently the Elf had made an extremely favourable impression in the women’s quarters.) Doesn't the Elf always do well with the ladies? Reminded me of Legolas' reception in "A New Reckoning". hehehe
Author's reply
Yes, I think I'm still all inspired by the Father's Day stories in the last GFIC challenge! Poor Beregond! He was used to leaving Bergil behind when he had duties to perform, but having Bergil leave him behind was a very different thing! Actually, I had Gimli's remarks in "Reckoning" in mind when I wrote that bit--and I was so surprised to learn that he had a sister! She just appeared out of nowhere--and I think she had a wee crush on poor old Leggy! (Which might explain some of Gloin's fury, LOL!)
Baggins Babe · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 49: Chapter 49
*giggles* I can imagine Legolas making an impression on all the Dwarf ladies! So much so that Gloin's wife and daughter both took Gimli's side against him. All that Elfy charm no doubt! Let's hope Gloin manages to repair the rift. So sweet to see Beregond's fatherly love for his son. Bergil will have a lot to tell his father. I am loving this tale.
Author's reply
Yes, poor Legolas just can't help it, can he? LOL! I'm looking forward to Beregond and Bergil's reunion, myself.
Baggins Babe · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 48: Chapter 48
Naughty Berilac, telling that story about Merry! I can imagine Eomer would find that amusing. Clovis never learns, does he? He needs to take a good look at himself I think. I love Poppy - she is so understanding and sympathetic and she knows that Viola and Berilac are in love. How sweet. So the advice from Buckland has arrived............Can't wait to read it.
Author's reply
Poor Merry--he just gets no respect from his cousins, LOL! And now Eomer has something to tease him with later. Clovis is still convinced that everyone *else* is responsible for his problems. I don't know if he will ever learn. Poppy's a good Mistress, don't you think? She knows she stands as Viola's surrogate mother in this case. Yes--and just in time!
Larner · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 49: Chapter 49
Ah, all the anticipation of this group!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed! They are looking forward to seeing the others with varying degrees of anxiety!
harrowcat · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 49: Chapter 49
Absence is making a number of hearts grow fonder. Stubborn, silly Dwarf! :)
Author's reply
Yes, it does seem that way. Dwarves do tend to be a bit on the stubborn side, don't they?
Kitty · 24 June 2008 · Chapter 49: Chapter 49
Dear Beregond, he must have missed his son so terribly! No wonder he can’t wait to reach Edoras. Well, when they’re arriving in the morning, Bergil will have (nearly) all day to tell his father everything. The boy has so much to tell! As for Gloín ... it is very probable the survivors of the Battle of Five Armies still have hard feelings to the Elves, but Gloín behaved very badly nonetheless. Glad there are a few other Dwarves more sensible; I would hate Gimli to be sundered from his family and folk because of his friendship with Legolas. This will be an interesting reunion!
Author's reply
Yes, Bergil will have quite a lot to tell him! I imagined in his letters home he would have been filled with excitement about all the new people and things he was seeing, and rather neglect to tell what he himself was doing. And I am sure he did not wish to worry his father about his mishap on the road home. I think that most of the Dwarves who were imprisoned by Thranduil might still have been harboring hard feelings--Dwarves are noted for remembering slights. But Gloin is an honorable Dwarf, and he will do the right thing.
Grey Wonderer · 20 June 2008 · Chapter 48: Chapter 48
It seems that even now after everything Clovis is still plotting somewhere in the back of his mind. Will that one never give up and accept his fate? Loved how quickly Eomer went to get his message. I hope he finds Merry's advice useful. Hope there will be more soon. I am, like Poppy, still wondering about Berilac and Viola. : ) Again, it is very good to have new chapters of this to enjoy.
Author's reply
Clovis is not a happy camper; he hasn't been one for a very long time. And unlike his brother, he still wants to blame everyone *else* for his troubles except himself. He may make it through his sentence, more or less, but I doubt if he will make things easier on himself by actually trying to accept things. Eomer has been really counting on his little knight to help him out! I imagine him as one of these warriors who has never considered romance, because he never expected to survive all the battles he had to fight, and he never expected to be King. So he needs advice from someone who won't give him a hard time! Berilac and Viola--well, I think there is little doubt where the match is headed. The only question will be how long will it take, and will there be trouble in the meanwhile, LOL! I'm so glad to have gotten over the roadblock--I do believe things will be downhill from here.
Grey Wonderer · 20 June 2008 · Chapter 47: Chapter 47
Oh, I was so glad to see a new chapter of this one! Found it a bit ago and decided to get an early start on my weekend reading. This was wonderful. I love the way Eomer is depending upon Merry for adivce on this particular subject. I just hope it comes in time to help him. I see there are two chapters of this so I am going to hurry on to the next one before I run out of time. Again, very glad to see more of an old favorite turn up again.
Author's reply
Oh how nice to hear from you! For some reason, I've always has this idea that Eomer might think of getting Merry's advice on matters of the heart--but it never occurred to me that it would suddenly intrude on *this* story! It quite threw me for a loop! It wasn't until I realized that Merry was insisting on being in the story that I figured out how to deal with the little surprise he handed me! Now that's settled, I do believe you will be seeing more frequent updates!
harrowcat · 20 June 2008 · Chapter 48: Chapter 48
Ah! The marriage counselling approacheth! So glad this is back.
Author's reply
Yes, Merry's letter has arrived! Very glad to *BE* back! Thank you!
eiluj · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 48: Chapter 48
"On the other hand, the silver weighed a lot less than the pots" -- Oh, I can pity Clovis, if he has to wash pots the size that must be in use in Meduseld! Some of them are probably big enough for him to bathe in! "He was a hobbit. He knew better than to jeopardize his next meal" -- I'm glad he has *some* incentive to behave well (more-or-less). And even Dago is coming to some understanding of priorities. And there's a happy surprise in store for Viola and Berilac. And Merry's advice did indeed arrive before Lothíriel. So glad you are continuing this story!
Author's reply
I'm sure some of them *are*! Of course, he's not the only servant in the scullery--it seems certain he'd have help for some of the biggest ones. But, after all, this is a punishment for the crime of assault! (And food is always a great incentive for a hobbit!) Well, Dago's beginning to understand he's not going to get out of this easily. Mistress Poppy has Viola's best interest at heart--that is her duty to her apprentice, after all. And she is very fond of her. Yes, yes it did! Thanks to a swift-riding messenger! There was never any doubt of my continuing, though I've had a lot longer gaps in the story than I had anticipated!
Larner · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 48: Chapter 48
Ah, if they only knew! Heh! The King of Rohan is getting courting advice from Merry of the chamberpot! That was such a likely thing to happen, too! My younger sister didn't like putting on underware, so the day she was baptised she didn't bother--a fact of which Mom remained ignorant until Father picked her up to hold her over the font, accidently rucking up her skirt. Becky didn't care, but Mom was mortified. And two of the miscreants are coming to appreciate just what their actions have brought on them. Good! They deserve it!
Author's reply
*grin* The chamberpot story is one of my earliest little plot bunnies. It first started as a brief anecdote of "embarrassing childhood stories" being reminisced about at Frodo's birthday dinner before leaving Bag End to the S.B.s. Then sometime later, I expanded it into a story: "Merry's Milestone". They do deserve it. And unfortunately, they don't really look like learning a lesson from it.
Kitty · 19 June 2008 · Chapter 48: Chapter 48
Ah, it's so good to see another update so soon! Thank you! :) *shakes head* Clovis is doing his utmost to become as unpopular as possible, isn't he? Frealiss is right, he'll be sorry someday for refusing to say farewell to his father. He is the one about whom I'm wondering the most what will become of him, to be honest - I can't see that he has learned anything, contrary to the others, particularly his father and brother. Poppy has obviously already accepted that Berilac and Viola are hopelessly in love. How nice of her to think about how these two could stay nearer together after their return! She has certainly a good heart. And it seems Merry's answer arrived just in time! Éomer will be *so* glad and happy!
Author's reply
Well, now that I satisfied Merry's itch to be in this story, I am free to finally get on with it!! Clovis is stubbornly clinging to his own selfish view of life. He is like the small child, who puts his fingers in his ears and goes "la-la-la-I-can't-hear-you!" when he's been rebuked. Clovis has spent his whole life trying to kill his conscience, and he's pretty much suceeded. Poppy does have a good heart; she's a very observant healer, and she's realized that making a match does not mean that Viola will give up her career. Yes, I think he will feel much more confident with his Holdwine's advice in hand, LOL!
Larner · 17 June 2008 · Chapter 47: Chapter 47
Ah, a wise one to trust in Merry--Merry the matchmaker! Heh! And Merry is the soul of discretion! And the characterization of Frodo as closed-mouthed--HEH! You know I agree! A most private citizen, Frodo Baggins. It's SO good to see a chapter of this come out again. Now, if I can prod either of my posted longer stories into allowing me to finish the current chapters! They are being most uncooperative.
Author's reply
Well, he *did* help Faramir and Eowyn get together! I mean, that's *canon*! *grin* Yes, Frodo can be very close--and Pippin knew it. Sometimes stories can be so recalcitrant! I'm glad this one finally responded to prodding. I'd had it pretty much ready to the end, before Merry butted in and I had to redo some things.
Kitty · 17 June 2008 · Chapter 47: Chapter 47
Oh wow, finally an update! Yippie! Just what I need after a long and tiring day! Merry is quite taken with gardening, isn't he? I can *so* see him talking with Sam about that topic for hours, probably boring everyone within hearing distance to tears! Even Hobbits would have their limits in discussing herbs so long, I suspect ;-) Have to admit to be in sympathy with Pip - I'd be as curious as he is. An *urgent* message from Éomer has to be something interesting, after all. But he took it well to be denied any details. In spite of the fact, that being a Man, you carry your extra hair upon your chin and not upon your feet *snicker* love that! Anyway, it is moving how much Éomer is trusting for his Holdwine to help him!
Author's reply
Yes, FINALLY! Blame Merry for the long hiatus. I had to figure out what to do with that bombshell when Eomer wrote to him. I was not expecting that! I think that gardens would definitely be something Merry and Sam would have in common--but Merry knows Sam is infinitely a better gardener than he is! (And yes, I think their interest is probably greater than that of the average hobbit, LOL!) Yes, poor Pip! But he knows that Merry has a duty as a Knight of Rohan, just as he does as a Knight of Gondor. (But it doesn't mean he has to *like* it!) I thought Merry might inject a bit of humor into his answer. *grin* I like to think that the two of them had a very deep friendship. Believe it or not, I think Merry might have felt sort of protective of Eomer--after all, he's a year younger than Pippin! And I also think that hobbits would definitely have good ideas about matters of the heart.
Lindelea · 17 June 2008 · Chapter 47: Chapter 47
*gibbers, speechless with excitement* I came in search of your Bilbo essay, to re-read it, that is, and found this! Haven't even read it yet but had to drop you a line to let you know what a pleasure it is to see a new chapter.
Author's reply
I was so glad to get up a chapter, too!
GamgeeFest · 21 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
Poor Eomer! The stout warrior turned bumbling romantic. Merry will have tons of good advise for him, I just hope it gets to him before he can make a fool of himself. But, he might find that he does just fine on his own. Berilac is forming his plan. Of course, Gimli would guess what it's all about, and I'm just as eager as him to find out what Berilac has up his sleeves.
Author's reply
Yes, we will soon be getting to Berilac's revenge. *rubs hands fiendishly together* Well, Eomer comes from a culture where the nobles frequently have those decisions taken out of their own hands, while Merry comes from a culture where couples marry for love. So it makes sense.
elanor winterflowers · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
First of all I'll say I'm not seeing any problems with formatting, so either you've fixed it, or for once I have the magic computer screen! Lovely letters, and a very charming chapter. I look forward to seeing how Éomer goes about courting Lothiriel and how Beri gets his revenge! I loved "making smoke"! What a neat colloquialism--I'll use it (and give you credit) when my gang gets to Édoras! Hope Scot-Moot is joy from beginning to end. So many friends together, it should be great! Maybe one of you can write a story about it, just as it happened--that would be fun!
Pryderi · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
I have been really enjoying this story (Although I didn't read its predecessor. Strangely that does not seem to matter.) We are embarking upon an Eomer/Lothiriel romance? Wow! A seamless transition from Mark Twain to Jane Austen. You have strong competition in the E/L romance stakes but I look forward to your resolution of this subplot. By the way, perhaps "Mundberg" should be "Mundburg", more like Hamburg than iceberg? I hope you enjoyed Scotland. It is one of my favourite countries. I know nothing of your conference/convention or whatever but it is likely to be based in a city. You know: cars, buildings, people. City's are all the same. Scotland is mostly not city. It is mostly mountains and sea. I hope you got to see some of that. "Wherever I wander my heart it will be/ Where the Aiguilles de Cairngorm sweep down to the Dee". Tom Patey. ((Comparing disparagingly the French Alps with the mountains of his home(albeit to an Irish tune!)). Keep the chapters coming, Pryderi.
Larner · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
Oh, I wish I could go to Scotland with you, for it's been so long since I was there last. I see the misplaced paragraph demon has struck you, moving the letter to Frodo to the end of the posting. It's done that to me several times, which is distressing whenever it hits one. But I'm glad to see Freddy realizing how Frodo's own understanding had been stretched by his experiences. And the idea that Gimli is indirectly helping Beri get his revenge on Legolas is amusing.
harrowcat · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
Enjoy glorious Scotland! I'm sorry I can't come too. Wave at me in London as you fly over! Oh and loved the chapter. (And I won't add my comments on the formatting as well. I am just glad you got the chapter up before you go gallavanting off to strange places.)
Baggins Babe · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
Let the Elf fend for himself indeed! :-) I was hoping for an update and was delighted to see this first thing this morning. Poor Eomer, gone all soppy over a girl and has to ask Merry for advice! I love it. I also loved Viola saying that Rohan was a 'horsey' sort of place! Bwahahaha!! You might want to sort out the formatting though - I've noticed with several of my own stories that it doesn't like italics and does strange things to letters. The majority of Frodo's letter has reverted out of italics and gone to the end of the chapter!
Lindelea · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
If you happen to see this before you leave, I wanted to let you know that there's something odd about Freddy's letter. I don't know if you meant for it to be split up the way it is, or not, but the latter part is separated from the "Dear Frodo" and is not italicized like the other letters. What a lovely means of storytelling, seeing events through several pairs of eyes with the device of letter-writing. Very nicely done, and each has its own unique voice. Y'know, in my "scheme" I have it as Thain Faramir who does away with banishment. Interesting how we come upon the same ideas with different approaches. I hope you all have a lovely Moot! Take lots of pictures, eat lots of mushrooms, talk and laugh and toast and may the bunnies breed freely and jump into everyone's luggage to ride home again.
Kitty · 19 September 2007 · Chapter 46: Chapter 46
Hurrah, you updated! Oh, Éomer’s letter to Merry was touching. Poor guy, he knew always war only and had never time to do much more than fight, was never trained for Kingship, and now he has to manage things he’s not prepared for. And he seems to be rather uncertain in things of the heart. It’s fun to know *that* is the first thing he’s asking Merry’s advice about! Though I have to admit, I am glad that Imrahil refuses to force his daughter into an unwanted marriage. Well, Merry will do his utmost to help his liege, of that I am sure (and not only because I know the outcome). He’s Merry, after all, and the romantic one who played matchmaker with Éowyn and Faramir. And remembering he told Estella love stories ... ;-) But he is quite handsome if one can overlook his size and all that hair! *snicker* Coming from a Hobbit, who has hair even on the feet, that is hilarious! So Freddy is another one who has realised banishment is not the best way to deal with criminals? I am sure they will all work together in the end to change that. And I found his thank to Frodo touching, too. Freddy has changed, too, with all that has happened to him, and it will do him so much good. Btw, the formatting for Freddy’s letter is somehow screwed up – there’s only „Dear Frodo“, and the rest has gone to the end of the chapter. And now I’m curious what Berilac is planning *grin*