Larner
· 7 February 2014
· Chapter 56: I meet an old man who is more than he seems
Oh, don't threaten dear Bill with the thought of becoming a toad! And he is being considered as the Tenth Walker, of course! Dear Gandalf and his treats for a dear pony. And I love the foreshadowing of the finger that does one day become lost. At least Bill had nothing to do with that day, at least!
Author's reply
Poor Bill! But he has nothing to worry about -- he's much to fine a pony to be a likely candidate for toad-dom. Toadity?
I love your hitting the highlights! Brings the chapter to life.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 3 February 2014
· Chapter 56: I meet an old man who is more than he seems
Ah! I love that Gandalf's fire smells "friendly"!
Poor Bill, for a pony, he is such a worrier!
Author's reply
Poor Bill, he's had a lot to worry about in his short life. Still, I suppose it's good training for worries yet to come.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 3 February 2014
· Chapter 56: I meet an old man who is more than he seems
I have seen a toad or two in my day, in the meadow where I spent my colthood, safe with my dam, and I wonder now, how many of them might have once been mischievous ponies?
Oh my, what a thought! This is such a dear, delightful chapter.
Author's reply
Bill is certainly an imaginative pony, especially for one so literal-minded. Reminds me of a horse I once owned, who was convinced that any puddle, no matter how shallow, had Wicked Intentions.
Thanks!
UTfrog
· 3 February 2014
· Chapter 56: I meet an old man who is more than he seems
A lovely chapter with many sweet details. Thank you so much.
Author's reply
You're welcome! I so appreciate the encouragement. It makes the writing flow...
KathyG
· 21 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
Whoa! This story has really pulled me along. Last night, I felt myself compelled to keep reading from chapter to chapter--right up to the moment when it was bedtime, and I had to log off and go to bed. This morning, I have finished the remaining chapters.
But--there's just one problem with the story. IT'S NOT FINISHED!!! No fair!!!! I want to see how it continues and how it ends! I want to see how Bill persuades Sam to take him along on the Quest (Tolkien gives a hint of that in chapter 3 of Book 2, "The Ring Goes South"). I want to see how Bill fairs on the Quest, right up to the moment when he must part company with the Fellowship at the gates of Moria! I want to know how he manages to make it all the way back to Bree! I want to know about that moment when he is finally reunited with Sam when the Quest is over! I want to know how things turn out when he retires to a life at Bag End! Hmm, wonder if Frodo has a stable built for him and a paddock set up for him so he doesn't have to be boarded elsewhere?
Anyway, keep up the good work! I can't wait to see more chapters.
Author's reply
Thank you for the encouragement! I would also like to see this story (and others) moving again, from leaving Rivendell right on to the ending.
The hardest part has been imagining Bill's wanderings after Moria. Hopefully those chapters will suit and not seem far-fetched...
Glad to have you along for the ride.
Tari
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
I am so happy to see a new chapter posted. I really missed reading this fun tale from Bill's perspective.
Author's reply
Thank you! I've missed the writing, but hoping to get into something of a habit once more, if only we can get a stable, reliable computer once more.
Larner
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
Oh, but I've been waiting so patiently for this! Thanks for this birthday present from you. My writing is just eking out of me at the moment, and it's driving me crazy!
Dear Bill, and I so love his estimation of his Hobbits, and the realization that the twins are more than they seem.
Thank you so, and hope to see you the first week in February.
Author's reply
It was lovely to see you! We finished the chocolates tonight -- they've been a wonderful treat to nibble while snowbound. Hope you're keeping safe and warm!
Dreamflower
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
Awww...I am glad that Bill is enjoying his time in Rivendell, and is still able to cheer the hobbits so much.
I'm so sorry to hear of your computer troubles, dear! I hope you find a solution soon. And that you have a happy birthday!
Author's reply
The birthday was grand, thanks for the good wishes. We bought a refurbished computer, which turned out to have serious problems, and are awaiting its replacement. Still, it allows us to limp along for the moment.
Thanks!
UTfrog
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
Bill is simply delightful. You tell his story well. Good wishes you way on the computer issues.
Author's reply
Thank you. I am hopeful... though it always rains when it pours. (Or something like that.)
shirebound
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
I can make him chuckle by nodding or shaking my head at appropriate times as he talks to me, or to Sam.
That makes me happy.
I'm delighted to see an update, my friend! I hope you had a very nice birthday.
Author's reply
Thank you! It was a nice birthday, indeed, full of food and fellowship, as birthdays ought.
harrowcat
· 20 January 2014
· Chapter 55: The days grow shorter
For some reason it didn't take my review.
Happy birthday Lindelea and thanks for the treat. Computer woes are just the worst and I was wondering if we would ever get to see more of this as I was missing poor old Bill.
All the best for a wonderful year....Liz
Author's reply
Thank you!
It's odd, how things work out. When the computer was working fine, I had no time for writing. Now I have some time for writing, and no reliable computer. Still, we're managing to limp along, somehow.
Author Reply: Happy New Year to you, as well!
Tari
· 23 October 2012
· Chapter 54: I am off my feed
Dear Bill is back and feeling left out. After all they went through together, how could he think the hobbits would leave him behind.
Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, he's learning to trust, but he's got a lot of experience in untrustworthiness (on the part of his old misery, that is) to overcome yet.
Next chapter is nearly done. Whew.
Thanks!
eiluj
· 23 October 2012
· Chapter 54: I am off my feed
Yay: another chapter!
Poor Bill! But after a perfectly horrid morning, he's rewarded with hobbits. (And therefore so am I.)
I loved the musing about sacks.
We are going on with the Master, after all. I have no doubt about it, none at all. Youngest hobbit says that we need him, and he says it with such assurance that I've little or no doubt in the matter. We shall need him. I have every confidence that he has an important part in our venture. -- This has me wondering what Bill learns, a year from now, of the events which transpired after he left the Fellowship at the door into Moria ... what he learns and what he supposes....
I do love his point of view and his pony wisdom....
Author's reply
I'm so glad you loved the musing about sacks. I should think ponies would be especially literal minded, though they can also be fanciful (imagining terrors in such things as puddles and blowing paper, for example). Still, the ponies I've known have for the most part been eminently practical minded creatures.
Belated thanks for taking the time to comment!
Larner
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 54: I am off my feed
The relief of knowing no one will abuse him for an accident must be so freeing for the pony. Yes, they will all be going forward with the Master. And Bill knows the loving touch of each of the Hobbits--hooray! Yes, he would!
Author's reply
I am very belated in answering, and so I apologize. I do so appreciate your hitting the highlights...
Thanks!
shirebound
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 54: I am off my feed
I'm enjoying this story as much as ever. What a loving, wonderful tale.
Author's reply
Belated thanks! I thought I'd return quickly and add another chapter and reply to reviews, but life has a way of changing such plans...
So glad you have enjoyed this story. I appreciate your coming along on the journey.
harrowcat
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 54: I am off my feed
Poor Bill. I am glad that the misunderstanding became clear. And great to catch this chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I'm glad he and Pippin are friends again. (On Pippin's part, they were never not friends, but Bill didn't understand that...)
Dreamflower
· 22 October 2012
· Chapter 54: I am off my feed
Ah how delightful to see this! I'm so glad that you are finally getting a little time once more for your stories!
Poor Bill! But now he has hope of going thanks to Pippin! *grin*
Author's reply
Thank you! It's so nice to have both writing and reading time!
...which reminds me, I need to go and look up your "journey to Gondor" story. Is it still in progress, or did you finish it whilst I was away?
Pippin's right -- he's definitely needed!
Larner
· 9 November 2011
· Chapter 53: I blot my copybook
A wonderful metaphor used here, bless both Pippin and Bill. How wonderfully thoughtful Bill is, and I can so comprehend his anxiety! Poor Bill--but he WILL get to go, WE know, at least! And I see Ferny is right in character, even when he isn't present!
Author's reply
Old ghosts die slowly, if they die at all. Poor Bill -- but someday he'll understand forgiveness, I think.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 5 November 2011
· Chapter 53: I blot my copybook
Aw, poor poor Bill. Bad memories and worse present just for the moment. Sooooo glad to see you back dear. Been missing you and this.
Author's reply
Thank you. I so seldom have time to sneak online these days, it's a real treat for me as well, when it happens. Poor Bill. Things will get better... but they'll also get worse.
shirebound
· 5 November 2011
· Chapter 53: I blot my copybook
Oh, poor Bill! Old memories cut deepest, and the fear of being either abandoned or scolded is one of the worst for him.
Author's reply
Poor Bill, he's been away from his hobbits long enough to start to forget their gentle ways, but he'll soon be reminded. Thanks!
eiluj
· 5 November 2011
· Chapter 53: I blot my copybook
I am very glad to see Bill again, even in such a state. Hopefully he'll be able to get some sleep, and he won't have to wait long for reassurance.
Author's reply
Thank you! He may suffer a sleepless night, but will make up for it, I think, once he gets that reassurance he so needs.
Dreamflower
· 4 November 2011
· Chapter 53: I blot my copybook
Awww...poor old Bill! He has a perfectly understandable accident, and now he thinks he's done something dreadful!
I love some of Bill's turns of phrase, and how Sam is using his tone of voice that he uses on Frodo on Pippin...
So very lovely to see this update tonight dear!! I'd been wondering how Bill was getting on.
Author's reply
Poor Bill -- it's something Bill Ferny would have punished him severely for doing, and of course it would make him all the more headshy, and more ripe for punishment, a vicious spiral. But he hasn't taken his hobbits into account... especially their capacity for pity and understanding. Thanks!
UTfrog
· 4 November 2011
· Chapter 53: I blot my copybook
Poor Bill. Hope you can update soon.
Thanks too for a good story.
Author's reply
Thank you for dropping by and leaving an encouraging word. I hope I can update soon, too.
MlleGigi
· 29 August 2011
· Chapter 44: Many meetings
I love the fact that you had Asfaloth stand up for Bill against the other Elf-horses. I find it hard to believe that he would do otherwise, since Glorfindel chose him as a steed...but some other stories I've read which tell the story from Bill's point of view portray Asfaloth as being vain and a bit of a snob. Mind you, Tolkien seems to have dropped a hint or two here and there which suggests that Elves can sometimes be a bit snobbish toward members of the other races as well...but Glorfindel doesn't appear to be like that, so I don't think he would be pleased with a horse that behaved that way.
Author's reply
I have read at least one story where Asfaloth was snobbish, and it was a little funny - and not unbelievable, considering the way horses establish a pecking order amongst themselves, but I have also seen larger beasts acting protective, and so I chose to see Asfaloth as more noble than petty. Glad to hear you agree!
Belated thanks for your comment.
Baggins Babe
· 5 April 2011
· Chapter 52: I lend a listening ear
Bill is such an intelligent pony - no wonder Pippin wants to confide in him. And Bill is beginning to realise that he will not be left behind either. His time of peace in Rivendell is coming to an end.
This is so fascinating, seeing the Quest through Bill's eyes.
Author's reply
I didn't realise that I'd missed replying to comments, and so apologies for this belated rely.
Thanks for the good words!