SurgicalSteel
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 38: Chapter 38
And so they've reached Rohan! Love that the hobbits are so cleverly able to forage for suitable food, and the riddle contest was just wonderful.
Author's reply
I think that foraging would be something that almost all hobbits would learn at a young age. Rambles through fields and woods in the Shire would probably frequently be punctuated by the desire to eat--and the discovery of nuts, berries, mushrooms, and all sorts of edible greens and roots!
I was fortunate enough to come across a book of Anglo-Saxon verse, and the riddles gave me the idea of a riddle contest between Men and Hobbits, LOL!
Larner
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 38: Chapter 38
A riddle, a riddle we have. And now all know what Bilbo had in his pocket, don't they?
I could guess some of these, for the icicle one is common enough and I got the plow one right away.
I guessed "dark" for the one about the fog, although mist and smoke could also be answers.
Yes, Hobbits are handy to have along when traveling through the wild, aren't they?
Author's reply
Yes, we do. I've always thought it must have been difficult for Bilbo, keeping his "magic ring" a secret, while telling all those stories of his Adventure. But we know he did so, for Frodo was the only one he'd confided in. (Merry found out as well, but he kept that to himself, sharp lad!) But it would explain why most hobbits had a hard time believing his tales--without his being literally invisible, many of his feats would have been hard to explain. Simply saying he hid very well would sound rather lame to his listeners once they were old enough to understand logic.
The riddles were fun to research, and I came up with many more than I could have used here. What's interesting about the Anglo-saxon ones (which I used for the Rohirrim) is that it seems to be the sheer wordiness of them that would obfuscate the answer. Oh, and "dark" would be a good answer, wouldn't it?
I think Hobbits are pretty handy. I love to give them a chance to show their stuff.
Lindelea
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 38: Chapter 38
Ah, but that was a delight! Lovely riddles, and very much in the spirit of The Hobbit.
(Alas, poor Clodio. Why do I think he enjoyed a riddle or two in his time?)
Author's reply
I was so thrilled the other day to come across those Anglo-Saxon riddles at the library, and immediately thought a riddle competition between the Rohirrim and the hobbits would be a fun way for them to pass an evening.
He probably did, poor chap.
Lindelea
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
sick and so staying home from class tonight. thus, hoorah, I have the chance to read your two latest chapters, and posted so quickly together! How lovely.
LOL--Ent draught! You and I have both found a way to keep mortals from beating a path through Fornost after the stuff, it seems.
I find myself wondering just what Woodruff would say if she had the chance to talk with Treebeard. Probably give him a little lecture about side-effects, and then throw her arms around him (his leg?) about as far as she could reach and thank him, with tears in her eyes, for saving those she loved so well.
Bless Freddy for setting tradition aside at the end of the chapter. Poor Clodio, who knows what he's thinking. Perhaps things are worse than he'd thought, if Freddy is talking to him!
Author's reply
Well, I'm sorry you were sick, but I'm very glad it gave you a bit of free time for a change!
Yes, the Ent-draught is what held this chapter up for a while. I had it written, but a couple of things in it did not quite sit well with me. Yet, I had known that Mistress Poppy was going to confront Treebeard over the Ent-draught from the time I knew she was going south, back in "Reckoning". And I had known that the sight of the Ent would be too much for Clodio for nearly as long. It took a few tries before I could make this chapter at all plausible.
I am sure Woodruff would have exactly that reaction--and then quiz him thoroughly. I am sure any healer would be completely fascinated by the idea of such an effective panacea--as well as disppointed that it could not be made available to everyone.
Freddy is a kind and thoughtful hobbit--he's Frodo's, Pippin's and Merry's cousin, after all--and I think he is an eminently practical one. He'll not go overboard trying to become buddies with them, but he will certainly see that they are now kept informed of things that will concern them.
PIppinfan1988
· 22 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
Wow! This is an interesting turn of things -- and I'm looking forward to seeing where this all of this goes with Clodio, Cado, and Freddy. :-) LOL, still keeping my fingers crossed, but not so tight that I won't be expecting another turn of events in this storyline. I'm just following the Storyteller, lol. ;-)
I liked your observation of Treebeard's eyes; that always captured me whenever I read that passage in the books.
I lost your story-alert in my email file! I kept it out as a bookmark to read during the week and somehow lost it! How embarrassing. So sorry I'm *late* -- as usual these days. :-P
PF
Author's reply
So glad you are enjoying the turn events are taking!
It seemed to me that his eyes had to be remarkable, for the description to be so vivid in the books.
"Late" is relative! I'm just glad that you got to R&R!
Larner
· 21 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
Aha! A wise Hobbit Fredegar is growing to be as he learns more about the outer world. I'm sorry that there was no healing draught here for Clodio, but am glad Poppy at least asked, and was pleased with Treebeard's answer to her. And loved seeing the Lines from the Great List quoted so here! Wonderful! \
Am so glad I had the chance to get caught back up today. Now I eagerly await more. (Hint, hint, hint.)
Author's reply
This particular chapter was one I'd had in mind from the minute I knew Mistress Poppy would be going--that she would encounter Treebeard, and confront him about the Ent-draught. And I'd had in mind *almost* as long, that the sight of the Ent would be too much for Clodio to handle. But coming up with the right explanation for Mistress Poppy was the hard part!
I do so *love* the lines the Ents added for hobbits, the "laughing folk"!
Larner
· 21 April 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Ah, the grief of a life cut unwarrentably short by the treason of Isengard; and I'm SO proud of Freddy for accepting this offer so he could join in the honor given Theodred Theoden's son.
Beautiful.
Author's reply
I just didn't see how they could pass by the Fords of Isen without paying tribute to the one who died there so bravely and nobly. And Freddy has grown a lot, hasn't he?
Larner
· 21 April 2007
· Chapter 35: Chapter 35
Ah! Today the ISP is staying stable and I can finally read and review!
How wonderful to catch up. So, the father is regretting his behavior and the way he has raised his sons, particularly Clovis, eh? About time he got a clue, it seems to me.
And they finally approach their goal. Wonderful!
Now, how on earth did I manage to get three chapters behind? I hate my ISP lately! Heh!
Author's reply
Oh dear! Computer woes are the bane of online existence!! Hope things stay stable for you for good now.
Yes, Clodio is beginning to get his eyes opened. A little late in the day for it, sadly. Yet, not, perhaps too late for him.
mews1945
· 17 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
I loved the interaction between Treebeard and Poppy. She's so feisty, and he was so respectful of her. Lovely. And I loved Freddy talking to Clodio and Cado.
Author's reply
She is a feisty little thing, isn't she? She's so eager to learn all about these amazing healings that took place. As for Treebeard, he seems the sort to be very respectful of other beings--as long as they are not "bararum-black-hearted-orcs..."
It had to happen. Freddy's leader of the expedition, and while I don't think he's going to be constantly chatting them up, he can't help but feel responsible for them. And he's a kind hobbit at heart--he had to feel sorry for them, too.
What a delight to find another chapter of this tale! Poor Clodio - I feel quite sorry for him, and how hobbity of Freddy to find himself incapable of ignoring the prisoners.
Lovely to be on the road to Edoras again, and I just love Poppy - she's so bold. Nice to see Treebeard again too. A wonderful explanation about the Ent-draught.
Author's reply
It's one thing to ignore the banished when they are out of sight; quite another when one has to *see* them and travel with them day after day!
I'm rather fond of Poppy myself; she's one of my own favorite OCs, actually, LOL!
The explanation about the Ent-draught is what held this chapter up for a while. I was not completely satisfied with it, and had to do some re-writing.
I loved Poppy in this but I always love her. She was so certain that she might find a cure from Treebeard and so unafraid to ask for it. I do think the Freddy is right about speaking to the prisoners from time to time. If nothing else, it certainly has confused them. I think Freddy is too kind-hearted to be good at banishing folks or ignoring them no matter what they might have done. He is very hobbity!
Author's reply
Poppy's pretty bold, when it comes to finding out what she needs to know.
Freddy is, indeed, very kind-hearted and hobbity! Don't forget he's Frodo's and Pippin's and Merry's cousin too! (On the Took side!)
GamgeeFest
· 16 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
I think Freddy and co. are going to find out that a lot of the things they're used to doing and take for granted in the Shire just don't work in the Outside world.
I enjoyed Poppy's frankness with Treebeard, and he made some good points about the Ent-draught. It's best if they remain hidden in the forest where they are. Besides, the Shire really doesn't have room for more super-sized hobbits! LOL. ;)
Author's reply
The Wide World is quite different than the Shire, that's for certain!
I couldn't see Poppy being anything *but* rather frank and blunt. Unlike, for example, Mistress Lavendar, Poppy is somewhat less than diplomatic at times, LOL!
But, no, I couldn't see having the Ent-draught becoming commonly available. That would cause more problems than it solved.
harrowcat
· 16 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
I am glad that Freddy is able to see beyond the letter of Shire Law for the welfare of all. And I love Poppy's detirmination to ask question's - even of Treebeard himself. Your explanation for the effectiveness of the draughts is very clever and plausable too.
Author's reply
Freddy is an intelligent and thoughtful hobbit, and he's able to see sense.
Poppy is going to find out everything she can--it is why she came, after all.
My explanation for the Ent-draughts was not easily come by--I am so glad it seems plausable!
Bodkin
· 16 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
I'm glad Freddy has decided that Outside isn't like Inside and that sometimes rules need to be redefined. Clodio and Cado, I think, are more likely to distance themselves from Clovis and Dago if they can see some hope - after all, if there is no hope at all, what would be the point in trying to improve?
Poppy was very brave - but Freddy is right to observe that she is there to find out all she can about healing and speaking to Treebeard is part of that! I like the idea that the Ent-draught only worked as it did for a combination of reasons, including the need of Middle-earth.
It'll be a good thing to have them get to Edoras - they've been on the road for a while now and will appreciate settling for a bit.
(I nearly lost this - it is so irritating when that happens! But fortunately I copied it first!)
Author's reply
Freddy has realized this for a while, but it's hard to throw off certain expected behaviors. I think it had been bothering him ever since Clovis and Dago made their escape attempt a few chapters back.
The question of how to deal with Ent-draught was the main thing that held this particular chapter up for a while--I was unsatisfied with my original thoughts on the matter, and did some substantial re-write. A couple of books about LotR helped to clarify my thinking on that. Once I was reminded of the crucial role of Providence in the story, it helped a lot.
They will be arriving in Edoras fairly soon now.
Kitty
· 16 April 2007
· Chapter 37: Chapter 37
How very nice of Treebeard to visit them so far from his home! I am glad the Hobbits got to meet him and to see for themselves that Ents exist.
Was grinning about Poppy. Oh yes, it was only to be expected that she would pester poor Treebeard with questions about the draughts he gave Merry and Pippin. Though I have to agree with the Ent; even if they were in Fangorn, I wouldn’t give any of them a draught, save maybe in very dire circumstances. For as soon as word got out about this, people *would* besiege Fangorn Forest to get this draught, too. But as a healer, Poppy has of course to be fascinated by the whole topic, even more so as she is so dedicated to her profession.
And I am sure you’re right – there was probably some sort of reciprocation between lembas, draughts and all that.
I’m not sure what to feel about Clodio. He is a traitor and I shouldn’t feel sorry for him, but still ... after these heart problems I felt a little bit of pity. To be confronted with an Ent without warning had to be something of a shock to him. But one thing I know for sure – from his two sons Cado is the better one. The fact that he cares about his father left at least a better impression than the way his brother ignores them all. This compassion is so much more than Clovis and Dago show. And that is a reason why am glad Freddy talked to Clodio and Cado, even if I still doubt they deserve any sympathy. Really, I’m dying from curiosity what will happen to the prisoners!
Author's reply
I knew before they ever left the Shire, that these hobbits *had* to meet Treebeard, especially Mistress Poppy! But this chapter gave me all sorts of fits to get just right--not only Treebeard's "voice", but the explanation of why he could not just go passing Ent-draught out like tea or something. For, of course, if the Ents *really* had something that would be that efficacious, then why not provide it to all the world? It was a puzzle for me to get figured out.
Clodio is beginning to wake up. He is still a traitor, and nothing will change that, but he's beginning to regret a lot of things, as is Cado. However, you see that Clovis and Dago are still intractible.
The prisoner's fate will be soon in coming...
AspenJules
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
I'm skimming these chapters so I can be up to date on what's happening as I read the newer chapters. My memory doesn't hold onto things like it oughtta.
I just had to comment on this image though... Legolas sitting just far enough inside the tent to make the hobbits and other companions happy, but close enough to still be 'a part' of the weather. And especially Whether he could see them or not, he knew where the stars were.
I love that line, and the idea.
Author's reply
Thank you! I try very hard to make Legolas an "Elven" elf, even though I believe some of his attitudes and feelings were changed by the Quest, and his close association with Dwarf, Hobbits, and Men, he is still "other", and I try to keep him that way. I am glad you think it works.
Bodkin
· 14 January 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Two chapters! I hope that means that the juices are flowing nicely!
Freddy was very brave - but he is, isn't he? He did well to ride across the river - and better to go back to honour Theodred and learn more of the courage of the men whose battle contributed to keeping the Shire safe.
The hobbits whose names must not be spoken are - in some cases - showing the strain of the journey and its possible outcomes. I'm glad Freddy enquired what would be likely to happen to them - and I somehow doubt that their fates will be cruel, unless they make it so. But Clodio doesn't seem in a good way - although it's about time he saw his mistakes. Cado - well, I'm still hoping that he has a road to Damascus moment.
I'm looking forward to discovering what happens next!
Author's reply
I'm well along towards the ending, actually, but I have a lot of transition and connecting passages to write in order to get there smoothly. Still, now that RL seems to have settled down a bit, I hope to be able to get there more quickly now!
Freddy *is* and always *has* been brave, but he's never really counted himself that way. And I think that he knew he needed to honor Theodred--he's learning so much of the Men who had fought the Shadow for so long.
The closer they get to Edoras, the more the prisoners are bound to worry, as are those who are in charge of them.
GamgeeFest
· 13 January 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
What a lovely tribute. It's good to see that the soldiers are learning the hobbits' meal schedule and that Freddy is overcoming his fear of water. At least he can joke about it now, if wryly. The healer's observations were intriguing, and the Rohirrim's eager acceptance of the hobbits' cooking was sweet, as was their awe of the Freddy and Beri. Freddy questioning about the Banks' brothers punishment and his epiphany on the full meaning of Frodo and Sam's quest show that his character is continuing to grow and learn from this experience. I love your Freddy. :D
Author's reply
Thanks!
Freddy, and the others, are going to grow greatly over the course of this journey, I do hope!
I'm very fond of Freddy myself.
PIppinfan1988
· 13 January 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Wow--that was an awesome chapter!
Because of Frodo, this land they now were going to visit was also free and safe, and the sacrifices of people like this brave Prince could have meaning.
I'm hard-pressed to think of any remark that rings more true--and not beccause of Frodo, but can apply to any soldier in any "age".
I glad to see Freddy coming along with his fear of water. :-) Alas, I fear that with the small party of leaders being gone, when the cat's away, the mice will play. I smell trouble...
PF
p.s. it was nice to see Clodio's little voice coming to reason in the last chapter, but I'm not really envisioning *any* of the prisoners redeeming themselves like I did before--I'm just riding along with the story and enjoying *every* word. :-) If any do, fine, but I'm not anticipating it. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you very much!
I could not imagine this group passing the Fords without paying respect to the one who was buried there.
Freddy is gradually overcoming his fear of running water--it may never go away completely, but he is learning how to manage it.
Clodio is beginning to realize what he's done--wasting not only his own life but that of his sons as well.
I like the way seeing the sites of battles and hearing the tales of what occured are helping give creedance to Frodo's Quest and earning respect for the four travelers. Nothing makes something real like seeing it all for yourself.
Author's reply
Yes, it does make it all real, to realize that you are right in the place where history happened, and to hear of sacrifices from those who knew.
I enjoyed the way this chapter moved seemlessly from one hobbit's thoughts to anothers. A very nice way to include all points of view as the hobbits travel. I thought that Freddy's hesitance when asking what might happen to the prisoners was very in character here. He would be thinking of his own imprisonment and it might be difficult for him to see others go through that even if they did deserve some measure of it. I am so glad that this story is back in full swing again.
Author's reply
I am trying very hard to include all the POVs over the course of the story.
Yes, Freddy had to be thinking of the Lockholes, but also remembering what happened to Sandyman from a mere banishment. He's feeling very responsible for this mission, and he's begun to have just a bit of sympathy for at least one of the prisoners.
What a fascinating chapter, Dreamflower! I found it very touching to see the respect shown by the hobbits when seeing Theodred's last resting place, as well as the emotion shown by the Rohirrim.
Brave Freddy, to face his fear of the river! I always say, it is not bravery to have no fear - courage is to feel fear and still face the danger. He has certainly grown in character.
Glad to see the Rohirrim were as taken with hobbit cooking skills as everyone else!
Author's reply
Well, when I realized they would enter the Gap of Rohan at the Fords of Isen, it seemed only right that the whole group would stop there, and pay respects to the one who had given his life there.
Yes, Freddy *is* brave, and has been all along. And he's beginning to have a chance to face that particular fear--he has grown, a lot, and will even more by the time they return.
*giggle* Well, hobbits *are* good cooks!
harrowcat
· 13 January 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Wow! Brilliant Dreamflower. It is great to see/hear more of Theodred. Especially for those of us who haven't got around to reading more widely. And here we see the true power of Rohirric memory and shared story-telling. On a par with Beowulf!
Author's reply
A good deal of Eothain's tale was condensed from UT, and much of it was direct quotes--so any brilliance is due to JRRT! But I'm glad you think I incorporated it well. I do hope that you get a chance to read UT; it's fascinating material!
The Rohirrim *are* used to learning and telling tales from memory, and I felt that this particular tale would have a powerful emotional meaning for Eothain, so that he would remember it even more.
Kitty
· 13 January 2007
· Chapter 36: Chapter 36
Freddy managed the river very well. It is good there are some who know about his problems and are always there for him. And I think every time he goes through water gives him a bit more self-esteem.
The way they paid their respects to Théodred was touching. I still don't have forgiven Gríma this treachery. Well, I'm not Frodo and think Gríma deserved what he got in the end anyway.
And it is good Freddy is beginning to realise how much his friends truly accomplished and why the Shire was so peaceful for so long. I think the more hobbits do understand of this, the better their relationship with the outer world will be - they see for themselves that not all men are ruffians but many of them died while holding back the threat in the East, what was one of the reasons the hobbits could live in peace.
Author's reply
I think Merry made sure that there were those who knew and could help his future brother-in-law to deal with that problem! And you are right--every time he overcomes it, it gets a bit easier for the next time.
I think he got what he deserved, too!
Freddy has known this in his head for a long time. And he understood more at the beginning, about the Ring anyway, than even Merry or Pippin or Sam. But I don't think it had really connected for him emotionally how important Frodo's mission was to the Outside world. Even meeting and knowing the Men he's been travelling with, it's taken a while to set in. But as they get to the South, and the lands where the battle against the Dark had been a daily fact of life for generations, it is going to really hit home for him (and the other hobbits).
PIppinfan1988
· 11 January 2007
· Chapter 35: Chapter 35
Yeay--I'm finally here!
Too bad Clodio is just now coming to his senses and hearing that still, small voice. Isn't it amazing how clear hindsight can be--and with plenty of idle time to ponder one's actions? I do hope they all come to their senses before they get to Edoras.
I'm still enjoying the personal touches you give the characters--such as Berilac and Viola, the Men amused at the notion of elevenses, and the near-continual thought of food by the hobbits. ;-)
I'll be waiting for the next update(on the edge of my seat).... :-)
PF
Author's reply
Clodio's spent years allowing resentment and greed drown out that little voice, so it's a bit rusty, but it's not gone. I would not count on *all* of them coming to their senses though.
I'm having good fun with Beri and Viola--aren't they sweet? And the Men are coming to get used to the hobbit obssession with food, LOL!
Well, lean back and relax--it's up now!