The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
shirebound · 23 April 2014 · Chapter 62: Comfort, and a blessing to go on
I would do my part, little as it is What a lovely scene. Bill will have so much to tell Arwen when he returns to Rivendell alone.
Author's reply
Thank you! Sadly, I don't think Bill returns to Rivendell -- but he will see Arwen again at some point, anyhow.
Larner · 9 April 2014 · Chapter 61: I am offered one last chance
Oh, yes, how lovely the knowledge that Sam understand how Bill does not wish to be parted from him!
Author's reply
Yes, finally Sam understands him!
KathyG · 9 April 2014 · Chapter 61: I am offered one last chance
He'll be so happy to be with Sam, despite the unpleasant conditions. And then, he'll be so unhappy to be left on his own with the wolves!
Author's reply
So true! He'll be happier with Sam, undergoing trials, than he would be staying behind with the straw heaped high and all the hay and oats he could wish for. Thanks!
shirebound · 9 April 2014 · Chapter 61: I am offered one last chance
More welcome were the apples presented to all the stable dwellers, a few days ago, all at once! It was some sight to see, in the middle night, after we’d been put to bed. It's those warm, sweet details that I love most about your story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love the thought of the Elves sharing their celebration with all the living things around them -- putting out seed for the birds, other treats for the deer and other creatures, and bringing apples to the stables.
Dreamflower · 9 April 2014 · Chapter 61: I am offered one last chance
And now the real adventure begins. Only one canon chapter left now, but one packed with exciting and unpleasant events. I look forward to seeing those through Bill's eyes... And then, poor pony, he'll be on his own!
Author's reply
One more canon chapter, and then I'm on my own, along with Bill! I do hope my imaginings are suitable, and plausible. (I need to go back and look up when Bill was said to have returned to Bree -- I'm not sure if it's specified or not. I do know that he was shaggy and skinny as a rail, though!) Thanks!
KathyG. · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 60: We make preparations
Well, it sounds as if Bill will be pretty content as long as he can stay with his hobbits, the travel conditions notwithstanding. But it's going to be a different story when they're compelled to turn him loose!
Author's reply
Yes, poor Bill, he'll be happy for a little while -- I want to say "three weeks or so" but I don't have the timeline in front of me. And then, he's turned loose on his own, with only Gandalf's words of guiding (and his own good sense, and pony paranoia) to protect him. Yikes!
Dreamflower · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 60: We make preparations
What a lovely chapter! I'm glad that someone who can is explaining things to Bill! He's in for another adventure and I am glad to see it begin--and though I do not look forward to his eventual separation from Sam, I DO look forward to seeing how he makes his way to their eventual reunion!
Author's reply
I have thought, from the first time they met, that perhaps Bill reminded the guide of some childhood pony, and the Elf took a special interest in him for that reason, and also for his courage and loyalty in bringing Frodo through. And yes, I'm looking forward to the reunion at the end -- it's one of the main things that enabled me to write through all the difficulties in between. Whew.
shirebound · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 60: We make preparations
Just in case, I will eat my fill each day before we depart, of the sun-sweet hay in the racks, and drink deeply at every chance. I will roll on the frost-silvered grass, and store up the sunshine in my mind and imagination That's one of my favorite passages in your whole story.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love to hear favorite passages.
Larner · 21 March 2014 · Chapter 60: We make preparations
Ah, he knows now he will be going with his Sam and Master. Good! Now, his guide has left the care of Bill's feet to "another Hobbit" till now? I like Bill's plans to store up memories of his current good life for the hard times to come. He's a practical sort, obviously!
Author's reply
Whoops, good catch! I have no idea where that came from -- it's not in the draft. Slip of the fingers? Wishing for more hobbits, perhaps? Rivendell can obviously use a few hobbits, and not just visiting ones. (LOL) (And now I find myself wishing for a Shirebound or Budgielover or Grey Wonderer gapfiller. I shall have to prowl the archives over the weekend. Got any suggestions? Do you have any stories -- with mention of hobbits -- set in Rivendell?)
Tari · 18 March 2014 · Chapter 59: I make my wishes known
It's a shame people don't show such loyalty to each other. Bill is a gem.
Author's reply
Animals have such a capacity for love and loyalty. We raised a guide dog puppy, and then he went away for training. He was away from us for the better part of a year, yet when we went to his graduation, he remembered my husband and, when his new partner gave him the release word, he practically climbed my husband, swarmed all over him, wagged and licked and whined and wagged some more. He certainly remembered, even after that long absence...
KathyG · 11 March 2014 · Chapter 59: I make my wishes known
It was in the book. The scene itself is not shown, but Sam tells the others, before their departure, that Bill made his wishes known as plainly as if he could speak them.
Author's reply
Yes, you're right, it was in the book. The "eye-opener, and no mistake" wording is from the film, which re-phrased slightly something that Sam said (I think in the film it was in Moria, in the book it was when Gandalf dispersed the attacking wolves with a fireball or something like that). Appreciate the confirmation; I like to give credit where it's due, so far as possible. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 11 March 2014 · Chapter 59: I make my wishes known
Oh Bill!!!
Author's reply
Oh yes!!!
demeter d · 11 March 2014 · Chapter 59: I make my wishes known
Bill must have eventually impressed "Tall Hat" and his elven friend, as they did let him go. It does look like right at the moment he HAS indeed been able to reach "his Sam" as well! I would imagine that the human and elvish riders of the scout horses did not stop for even as much food as they allowed their bony mounts! Now for a short time to refresh, then on to the main adventure! I am delighted to see this tale continue!
Author's reply
If I'm remembering right, departure is only a week after the last two scouts (Elladan and Elrohir) return. So you're right! Thanks!
Larner · 11 March 2014 · Chapter 59: I make my wishes known
Oh, yes, Sam understands, and he's most likely both thrilled and appalled. Bill is intended to be the tenth walker.
Author's reply
At last, it all comes clear. Whew. Do you know, about a week before we lost her, Zoe finally taught me the Schnauzer for "feed me" -- when I'm in a different room, that is, and not paying attention to her walking back and forth between the dog food cabinet and her bowl. It involved an intense stare, snapping her jaws to make a clicking noise, and dancing, just a bit. I'd seen her do it before but not really connected it with suppertime before. Sheesh, we people can be so thick sometimes. Author Reply: p.s. Panda has provided further language lessons. Apparently the clicking of the teeth means "want" in Schnauzer, not just "feed me".
shirebound · 11 March 2014 · Chapter 59: I make my wishes known
he is my Sam and I am his That just melts my heart.
Author's reply
I know. I've seen a pony communing with her girl in much the same way. Zoe (though she was a pony-sized dog, not a pony per se) used to bury her face in my lap and just stand there for minutes at a time without moving, for no apparent reason, except maybe love. Thanks.
Tari · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 58: Scouts return and we hear news of the outside world
I think Greatheart is a perfectly good name for Bill. He is wiser and braver than he knows. (IMO)
Author's reply
I think so, too. He's very modest for a pony. Have known ponies that were stuck on themselves, and others that would work their hearts out for you. He's definitely among the latter group. Thanks!
KathyG · 28 February 2014 · Chapter 58: Scouts return and we hear news of the outside world
Now all that remains is for Bill to give Sam a not-so-subtle hint that he wants to go on the Quest, too!)
Author's reply
LOL! Great minds think alike. Coming soon! Thanks!
Larner · 27 February 2014 · Chapter 58: Scouts return and we hear news of the outside world
Certainly he is "Greatheart," which is definitely a proper title for our Bill. I rejoice that Asfaloth finds it needful and right to make his first report to Bill himself. Bless him for it!
Author's reply
Good Asfaloth -- he knows that Bill would take a personal interest in the news. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 26 February 2014 · Chapter 58: Scouts return and we hear news of the outside world
Yes, those poor black horses, stolen perhaps as foals from the grasslands of Rohan, and trained by torment to endure those undead monsters. Bill is wiser, braver and more compassionate than he knows (kind of like Sam), and I am so pleased that Asfaloth recognizes that in him.
Author's reply
I think Sam has rubbed off on Bill, for certain. The black horses, as portrayed in the movie, are as nearly as monstrous as their riders, but from reading the book they strike me as hapless victims, forced to bear their horrifying riders. They must have been strong of will and heart, not to drop dead at the start. Poor creatures. Thanks!
shirebound · 26 February 2014 · Chapter 58: Scouts return and we hear news of the outside world
He is, as always, gracious, calling me Greatheart as the Elves do, and nodding to the old mare and to me, and shouldering aside one or two of the large, hungry scouts who are eager to feast on the hay in the racks, that Merrylegs and I might also be able to have a mouthful or three. I love that. Asfaloth is a compassionate and wise friend for Bill.
Author's reply
I read one fic where Asfaloth was an egomaniac, rather a distant, stuck-up version of a horse, something like some people see Elves' attitudes towards Mortals. It worked for that fic, but I like having him as compassionate towards Bill as Glorfindel was towards Frodo -- and he showed warmth towards Aragorn as well, if I'm remembering right. (But of course he would have known Aragorn from the time the Ranger was a small child...) I don't know if "like rider, like horse" truly applies (yikes! my horse was a total brat!), but it's fun to incorporate here. Thanks!
KathyG · 19 February 2014 · Chapter 57: I take part in a curious conversation
At least, we know how this will turn out--Bill will be chosen! =)
Author's reply
He certainly intends to be! (Thanks!)
shirebound · 19 February 2014 · Chapter 57: I take part in a curious conversation
If my Sam is going on a journey, then of course I am going with him. And it's as simple as that. Thank you for filling in this gap for us, as to how and why Bill was chosen over another.
Author's reply
You're welcome! I have often wondered just how Bill made his case to Sam, and it has been fun to imagine the argument. If Bill is anything like a certain dog or cats of my acquaintance, he has a way of making his wishes known...
Dreamflower · 19 February 2014 · Chapter 57: I take part in a curious conversation
Aww...this is a conversation we know that Gandalf and Elrond must have had. Poor Gandalf, realizing ahead of time that a pony might be unable to travel the whole way and might have to be turned out before journey's end. And poor Bill, understanding some, but not enough. But even if he *did* understand--he'd still want to go, though he'd be very frightened. (Just as Gandalf said about Merry and Pippin when he advocated for them.)
Author's reply
Yes, they must have had it, and I get the impression from reading in the original that Gandalf argued against bringing horses or ponies with them because he feared all along that they must go through Moria... Very nice parallel, what Gandalf said about Merry and Pippin. I hadn't thought of that!
Larner · 19 February 2014 · Chapter 57: I take part in a curious conversation
Poor Bill--to think that they would even consider any other equine should go with the company! No, Bill is the one, and he is telling them so freely and clearly, even if he does not know the cost of companionship nore the reason they go at all. Dear Bill--he knows he belongs already!
Author's reply
Poor Bill. What better pony could they take, than one who has already proved himself so brave and loyal? Thanks!
Tari · 10 February 2014 · Chapter 56: I meet an old man who is more than he seems
No Bill. Sam would never, ever sell you.
Author's reply
He certainly wouldn't!