Mirkwoodmaiden
· 19 May 2020
· Chapter 28: We find a temporary resting place
Lindelea!
Hello! I've been rolling through the last few chapters and they have been an absolute delight! I love how you approached the coming upon the stone trolls and how Aragorn is trying not to laugh when he realises they are stone.
And I am really enjoying Pippin's shifting names, Mud and fear, mud and terror. Poor Pippin he really feels every thing so very vividly. Your solicitude of Frodo by the hobbits and Aragorn and of course, Bill is quite touching. Just thought I would touch base on the story. Shall plow on as Bill might say! :-))
Hope you and yours are well.
Stay safe, mellon nin!
MM
Author's reply
It was such a pleasure to hear your impressions and the things you've enjoyed! I have had a few large projects thrown in my lap, and so I have been "making hay while the sun shines", so to speak. I don't want to leave Bill & Co. on the road for too long, so I am really hoping for a day off soon...
In any event, thanks so much. I am looking forward to catching up on your stories.
hugs, and stay safe, mellon nin!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 14 May 2020
· Chapter 19: We eat a cold and comfortless breakfast
Lindelea!
You write of the solicitous care everyone takes of Frodo so well. It is a joy to read!
Hope you are well.
((hugs))
MM
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 14 May 2020
· Chapter 16: We pick our way through a pathless country
Lindelea!
I love the growing trust between Bill and Aragorn. He is learning that not all Big Men are Bill Ferny.
Hope this review finds you well, Mellon nin!
((hugs))
MM
Author's reply
Bill is a very perceptive pony. He's been paying attention, and he's smart enough to notice the differences.
((hugs)) Stay well!
Larner
· 9 May 2020
· Chapter 97: We make our own hiding places
ooh--like this strategy for hiding in plain sight! Aragorn and Boromir's exchange is both enlightening and heartening.
Hope all is well with you and yours!
hope
hoping all goes well with
Author's reply
Ah, yes. That line just jumped out at me in re-reading "The Council of Elrond", and I couldn't resist including it here.
Just finishing up a job (2 a.m., oy), so I will be sleeping in tomorrow. But I have the next chapter half-typed-in. Here's hoping I can get it finished and posted tomorrow.
And a blessed Mother's Day to you! Hope this finds you well. ((hugs)) and thanks for stopping to leave your thoughts.
shirebound
· 6 May 2020
· Chapter 97: We make our own hiding places
Oh, well done. I noticed, in that movie scene, that Bill had disappeared! This is a wonderful gap filler.
Author's reply
Thank you! That was always a scratch I couldn't itch... Dana and I used to joke that Frodo jammed the Ring onto the tip of Bill's ear and made him disappear when the birds flew over.
((hugs)) Hope this finds you well.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 3 May 2020
· Chapter 12: We elect to leave the dell
Ah Athelas! I love the happy memory it evokes for Bill!
And I love the determination he has in not letting the Master fall. Bill is the very best sort of pony!
Hope this review finds you well. ((Hugs))
MM
Author's reply
Athelas is such an interesting concept, isn’t it? I wonder what JRRT smelled when he wrote about it?
Bill is a very good fellow.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. ((hugs)) Stay well!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 28 April 2020
· Chapter 5: We go from uncertain ground... to uncertain ground
I continue to love your or rather Bill's names for the Hobbits. Poor Pippin, no longer "Apples and Mischief" but rather "marsh-stinking"
MM.
Author's reply
Hello!
This is a flying visit as I take a quick break to brew a mug of tea, and I must get right back to work, but I just wanted to say that I read both your new drabble and the latest chapter of the romance earlier and loved them! Unfortunately, I was outside on the patio on my phone at the time, and my phone would not let me save a review for either... I will have to go back and review later, when I am not on a work deadline!
(((hugs))) Thank you so much for pointing out something you love.
Stay well.
Larner
· 28 April 2020
· Chapter 96: We consider names and books and things
An interesting conversation. Love the magical thinking Pippin is indulging in.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad you caught the magical thinking.
Hope this finds you well. ((hug))
shirebound
· 28 April 2020
· Chapter 96: We consider names and books and things
How clever of Pippin (and you) to pick up on those conversations in the Prancing Pony. I never thought about that! What a delightful chapter to start my morning. :)
Author's reply
I am totally enjoying hobbity conversations - I figure there must have been lots of them along the way. It may be more difficult, once the hobbits have disappeared into Moria... alas, poor Bill!
Thanks so much for stopping to leave an encouraging word. So glad I could contribute to your morning.
((hugs)) I hope this finds you well.
KathyG
· 27 April 2020
· Chapter 95: We tread an ancient road
I am so glad that you're back to regular posting! I look forward to seeing how The Tenth Walker goes from here. Though I suspect that once Bill the Pony leaves the Company, you're going to have your work cut out for you, figuring out how he ends up making his way back to Bree! =)
Author's reply
Thank you! I got very busy at work for a few days (but I'm not complaining... it is good to have work) and missed a writing day and thus a day of my planned posting. But I'm back on schedule for the moment, and I am planning to keep posting regularly to the end of the story.
You're quite right! I think DF knows something of it, as I bounced ideas off her once upon a time, but I'm sure she'll 'keep it secret' and 'keep it safe', so to speak! (Please give her my best regards next time you talk.)
((hugs)) I am looking forward to reading the next chapter of yours and DF's story. Stay safe.
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 27 April 2020
· Chapter 4: We share and share alike
Lindelea!
Awww! Frodo is so good! :-)
MM
Author's reply
Ah, yes. Frodo melts my heart several times along this journey. With his capacity for pity and compassion, he was a very fitting candidate to carry this particular burden. I'm not sure anyone else could have done what he did.
(hugs) Be well.
Larner
· 25 April 2020
· Chapter 95: We tread an ancient road
Indeed it was against the wind. A Nazgul mounted upon its fell beast, perhaps? Not a good sign, of course.
Author's reply
If Strider said so, I believe him! I'm wondering if this is the first sighting of a Nazgul since the Ford?
Thanks. (((hugs))) Stay safe!
Larner
· 25 April 2020
· Chapter 95: We tread an ancient road
Indeed it was against the wind. A Nazgul mounted upon its fell beast, perhaps? Not a good sign, of course.
Author's reply
If Strider said so, I believe him! I'm wondering if this is the first sighting of a Nazgul since the Ford?
Thanks. (((hugs))) Stay safe!
Larner
· 25 April 2020
· Chapter 94: Some thoughts on the care and keeping of hobbits
Aha! The King-to-be is recognizing and honoring the responsibility in Merry. Lovely images here!
Author's reply
Yes, I was thinking ahead to Strider having such fine and insightful things to say about Merry when healing him in the Houses of Healing... I think he's quite impressed with his young friends, by this point, and glad that Frodo's younger cousins were allowed to come along on the Quest.
Thanks! Stay well. (((hugs)))
Larner
· 25 April 2020
· Chapter 93: We bid Hollin goodbye
I love how each is caring for the others, and remember flying into Sea-Tac alongside a woman from Wichita who couldn't accept that we were at least twenty miles or more from Mt. Rainier as we skirted it on the south side. She was certain we'd scrape a wing off on the mountainside! Seems Sam's feelings are much the same as that woman's.
Author's reply
Oh, I know, the mountain looks enormous from an airplane! (Of course, it is enormous. So there is that.) There's a certain stretch of freeway some little way to the south of us where while you're driving, the nearest snow-capped volcano somehow looks huge and very close, much closer than when driving anywhere else in town. I don't know quite how the illusion works, but it does. So yes, I'm sure Caradhras looks almost close enough to touch even though it's several days' walking away, even at this point.
Hope this finds you and yours well. (((hugs)))
Larner
· 25 April 2020
· Chapter 92: We endure disappointment for the sake of necessity
Finally have time to read and respond. The spacebar isn't particularly reliable on this tablet's keyboard, I find, so forgive me if things run together.
Again I find I appreciate Bill's quiet wisdom and thoughts. I doubt Pippin would be thrilled at a bran mash, and might even object to porridge. But at least the pony appreciates the sentiment if not the specific meal Pippin would prefer. And all are quiet to accommodate Frodo when he needs it. Love them all!
Author's reply
I'm so glad you have a little time for relaxation! I understand problems with spacebars and such. My laptop has a habit of throwing random full stops in here and there. The ' . ' isn't anywhere near my spacebar, so I wonder what gives?
Poor Bill, I'm sure he has no idea of what Pippin would consider a good hot meal! He does his best. I'm so glad to hear what you enjoyed in the reading.
Thanks! (((hugs))) Stay safe!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 25 April 2020
· Chapter 3: We enter the pathless wilderness, no longer on solid ground
Lindelea!
I do so love this story! You voice Bill so well. I love "My Sam" and "Apples and Mischief" is the so perfect name for Pippin. Also love the young colt description again so apt!
Poor Aragorn. It is not like Rangers can stay in a cozy B & B for the night and catch a shower! LOL! He definitely looks foul but is so good. I love how Bill is slowly reassessing his opinion of Aragorn!
Bill, slowing growing in confidence, as he travels further away from abuse, kinda like Faramir, who in my stories, slowly grows in confidence as he realises Eowyn's love for him!
Love this!
Stay safe! ((virtual hugs))
MM
Author's reply
I'm so glad!
('Grubby Ranger' jokes have abounded for years, ever since the first film came out. He sure did clean up nice, though!) I don't know what I'd do without my morning shower. Whew.
Oh, I love the parallel you draw between Bill and Faramir, both recovering from abuse and growing in confidence under the healing influence of love!
((hugs)) Hope this finds you and yours well. Stay safe.
shirebound
· 24 April 2020
· Chapter 95: We tread an ancient road
the wonder that is always in his voice, when ever he speaks of the Fair Folk
Dear Sam. You write him (and all of the hobbits) so beautifully.
Author's reply
How I am loving Sam more and more, seen through Bill's eyes! I suppose I ought to chuckle at myself...
But then, Bill has always been a sound judge of character, it seems to me.
Thanks! (((hugs))) Stay safe!
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 23 April 2020
· Chapter 2: We leave the Road
Lindelea!
Very enjoyable. I love Bill's inner voice. Did Ferny inform on Strider and the hobbits. Horrible man.
"nice smell about him, of apples and pipe-weed and a little of mischief and curiosity thrown in." Love that descripion of Pippin. So spot on!!
Stay safe!
((virtual hug))
MM.
Author's reply
Ferny is a truly unpleasant character. I know JRRT said he modelled Lobelia on a real-life person... I wonder if Bill Ferny was someone else he knew IRL?
Thank you!
((hug))
Mirkwoodmaiden
· 22 April 2020
· Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
Lindelea!
I can tell already. I will love this story. You write Bill so well. His character simply jumps off the page! Sam is so wonderfully kind and Pippin is so sweet. And so happy the old woman was able to see Bill happy at last.
Bill's parting gift to Ferny was indeed priceless!!
Stay safe! ((virtual hugs))
MM
Author's reply
Oh, I’m so glad! Thank you for hitting the highlights! I think Bill must have been special from the glimpses JRRT gave us of him.
(((hugs))) Hope this finds you well and safe.
shirebound
· 22 April 2020
· Chapter 94: Some thoughts on the care and keeping of hobbits
Bill overhears the most wonderful and insightful conversations. And I do love how his names for Merry keep changing!
Author's reply
I think he finds the name “Merry” confusing, actually, as it would imply to his literal equine brain the hobbit’s state of mind. Or what it ought to be, with such a name, anyhow. How gratified he will be in the end to *finally* match the name to the hobbit! (Though that will come a bit later... it helps me get through the difficult parts to imagine a happy ending.)
Thanks!
sue
· 21 April 2020
· Chapter 94: Some thoughts on the care and keeping of hobbits
Oh, I have a sack of oatmeal/apple cookies for Bill. I'm so glad he's nudging you along. He's a good boy!
Author's reply
You have moved to the top of the list of Bill’s favorite people! He’s quite fond of apples and oats, and I imagine the cookies have either honey or brown sugar. Like all the ponies I have known, Bill has a sweet tooth and isn’t afraid to indulge it.
Thanks!
sue
· 21 April 2020
· Chapter 93: We bid Hollin goodbye
Thank you! I've been missing Bill and his wise assessment of situations. I'm so glad you didn't give up on him.
Author's reply
I’m glad you’re along for the journey! Next posting coming in the morning...
shirebound
· 19 April 2020
· Chapter 93: We bid Hollin goodbye
Such a lovely, peaceful chapter. The *fellowship* of these walkers is so beautifully written.
Author's reply
That is exactly the feeling I was going for. Thank you!
I hope this finds you and yours well. (((hugs)))
Author Reply: p.s. Is "Treasures", your story on the FrodoHealers LJ Community, here on SoA or another archive?
KathyG
· 17 April 2020
· Chapter 92: We endure disappointment for the sake of necessity
I wonder what poor Bill's reaction is going to be, when he learns that he must make his way back to Rivendell or elsewhere alone while the rest go into the Mines of Moria. I cannot imagine that that'll be pleasant news to hear!
Author's reply
Oh gosh, it breaks my heart to think about it. The chapter about the doors of Moria was one of the most difficult I've ever written. I've had to keep my thoughts fixed firmly on the joyful reunion to come in Bree. (That terrible parting was one of the motivations behind writing "Flower Fest", which was almost ridiculously full of laughter and joy and Bill-spoiling. Whew. But he deserves all the spoiling his hobbits care to give him.)
I was glad to see the update to your story with DF this morning, though shocked and saddened by the news you shared. I was just reminiscing about febobe to someone the other day, and how her stories (and others') pulled me into the pleasures of fanfic. It was such an amazing discovery to me, to find that other people loved JRRT's world and characters so much that they didn't want the story to end, sort of like the shock I feel every time I get to the page where Sam says, "Well, I'm home." And then to realize I could even write some of my own imaginings... I still remember the wonder of those early days, gulping down chapters of fanfic as quickly as the authors could post them, and wanting more.
Thanks so much for stopping and leaving a good word.