Tari
· 5 April 2011
· Chapter 52: I lend a listening ear
Pippin pouring his heart out to Bill who cannot respond, is so sweet. Don't people do that with their dogs and cats?. Animals are patient and loving. Perhaps this has helped Pip work through his dilemma.
I was just thinking about this story and wondering when the next chapter would be posted and here it is. Thank you.
Author's reply
I've told many secrets to our dogs over the years, and a few to my horse as well (though she wasn't quite as good a listener, seeming quite self-absorbed by comparison).
Belated thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a note.
Larner
· 21 March 2011
· Chapter 52: I lend a listening ear
Ah, in your-verse they've not agreed even now to allow Merry and Pippin to go? Glad he's seeking moral support from Bill--a staunch ally in his special way. Bill, too, will refuse to stay behind!
Author's reply
Yes, I think that's the way it was in the book, as I'm remembering -- it was only in the film that they came running in, interrupting the Council, to insist on going along. I seem to recall an indignation meeting after the Council was over, and that it wasn't immediately decided who the remaining Nine Walkers would be.
Bill would certainly follow like a dog, I've no doubt!
harrowcat
· 20 March 2011
· Chapter 52: I lend a listening ear
It is strange - I was told just this morning that I am a good listener and then I find this tonight. I love your horse/pony conversations. And poor Pippin, we all need a friend to confide in and our four-legged ones often have the best ears.
Author's reply
You are so right! They have the best ears, and we can have every confidence that they won't tell a soul.
A good listener is a treasure. What a fine compliment!
Thanks!
shirebound
· 20 March 2011
· Chapter 52: I lend a listening ear
Have to tie me in a sack, they will, he says, lifting his head higher and meeting my gaze as if we are swearing an oath together.
What a wonderful story. Through Bill's POV we're seeing and hearing things about Rivendell and these quick-moving events that would be otherwise missed.
Author's reply
Thank you! I love the story so much, that it's a pleasure to look at it through another viewpoint. (I don't think I'll ever tire of LOTR -- I'm often reminded of parts even when I've been too busy to read or write fanfic for months...)
Hope this finds you well.
Dreamflower
· 19 March 2011
· Chapter 52: I lend a listening ear
Good old Bill! He's a great one to confide in! Poor Pippin-- the waiting to learn if he'd be included must have been especially hard for him, knowing that Elrond seemed to be against it.
Author's reply
Poor Pippin. While it might have served a purpose for him to go back and warn the Shire, he certainly had a crucial role to play. When I think of how things might have been different, without him along on the Quest, I shudder! (Faramir's fate, for one thing...)
Tari
· 11 October 2010
· Chapter 51: I am bid a disquieting farewell
What a brave and strong pony Bill is. I loved the way he turned his back on the others, just like the big white one did, which just goes to show he is not prone to gossip either. He soon will be going down a dangerous road only to be sent back without his beloved Sam.
Author's reply
Poor Bill. I'm glad he can't imagine having to go back without his Sam. It can be a good thing to live in the present.
Larner
· 3 October 2010
· Chapter 51: I am bid a disquieting farewell
He appears to realize that things may well go otherwise than had been expected, and is insistent on being ready for it, isn't he!
I love Bill as you describe him, Lin!
Author's reply
Thank you! He is a plucky pony, sturdy and dependable, yet capable of having his own opinions and acting on them. I'm glad they had Bill to bring them to Rivendell.
harrowcat
· 3 October 2010
· Chapter 51: I am bid a disquieting farewell
Poor Bill - Noone will be ready for the next phase of this journey. I love how Bill distinquishes between elves, men and the half-elven.
Author's reply
No one will be ready, but Bill will be as ready as he can be. I'm glad he doesn't have enough imagination to think about what lies ahead!
harrowcat
· 3 October 2010
· Chapter 50: We think thoughts of home
Oh yes I do think that Bill deserved a little detour - slightly AU or not!
Sorry for the lateness of this. Blame SOA. And apologies for the virus. I am still cursing the unknown person who gave it to me.
Author's reply
*hugs* A virus is a nasty thing. I don't understand the mindset of their authors.
So glad to hear from you! And sorry about the lateness of this reply. Life gets busy. (Goes without saying so pardon me for stating the obvious.)
Dreamflower
· 2 October 2010
· Chapter 51: I am bid a disquieting farewell
Oh Bill!
I love how skillfully you maintain his POV, dropping only the hints an intelligent pony might be privy to, while allowing the reader in on what's going on!
I am really looking forward to seeing how this continues. Bill's perspective on things really lends freshness to the familiar tale.
Author's reply
It was interesting to read "The Council of Elrond" and find out that Elves were sent out to scout the land, and that Aragorn went out with Elladan and Elrohir, and to work it in from Bill's perspective. I wonder what he's going to make of the rest of the plans.
Won't be long before he sets out again, because I can't imagine writing more than a chapter or two of the preparation time... except perhaps the debate on exactly who's going along on the journey.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 2 October 2010
· Chapter 51: I am bid a disquieting farewell
the not-quite-but-mostly-Elves... love that description.
What a dear, quiet moment between Aragorn and Bill.
Author's reply
It took a little thought to come up with Bill's description of the sons of Elrond. Finally fell back on the pony's keen sense of smell. Whew.
I think Aragorn suspects what may lie in Bill's future.
Thanks!
Tari
· 1 October 2010
· Chapter 50: We think thoughts of home
Finally, Bill is reuinted with his beloved master. He is such a sweet pony. Unfortunately, not all are. The pony that pulled Gandalf's cart was very stubborn and would not come over to us, no matter what was offered to him. I really wanted to scratch him behind his ears.
I'm sure Bill ended his days with Sam somehow even thought Tolkien never says so.
Author's reply
Naughty pony--perhaps he'd been with the dwarves too long, and was sceptical of treats from strangers. Ear scratching and treats (no matter what was offered to him? Sweet grass, freshly pulled? Carrots? Sugar lumps? A crumbly biscuit complete with pocket fuzzies? --silly pony! to forgo all that!), who could ask for anything more?
I wonder if Sam rode Bill to the Havens to say good-bye to Frodo? Must think on this.
Thanks!
Larner
· 23 September 2010
· Chapter 50: We think thoughts of home
Oh, Lindelea, how I hope they did make that visit! And how glad Bill would have been to see it, just as you've noted! Excellent!
Once the kids are out and into their own home, I'll be down for a few days, God willing and the sun shines on us!
Author's reply
The sun's shining, is that a good sign? Will hope for a visit. Found a nice little gluten-free bakery this morning, isn't that fun?
Dreamflower
· 20 September 2010
· Chapter 50: We think thoughts of home
What a wistful and poignant chapter! I loved Bill's reaction to seeing Frodo well! But as we know, of course, they are not going home. I just want to hug them all!
PS and OT: Did you get my email?
Author's reply
Just got it, glad you mentioned it or I might have missed it in my crowded box. (Yes, BTW, in answer to your question. Happily.)
I really wanted a scene of Frodo, happy, after re-reading his awakening with Gandalf, and realising he thought he was done. At least, I think he thought he was done. The giant schnoz was up all night last night with tummy troubles, so I'm a little vague today. But I think that's what I was thinking. Or I think I was thinking. But then again, maybe not.
Muddled enough?
Actually, a nap sounds like just the thing.
eiluj
· 20 September 2010
· Chapter 50: We think thoughts of home
I am perfectly happy. Who needs carrots, or sugarplums, or slices of bread, I ask you? -- And it's wonderful to see him happy. If any pony ever deserved happiness, it would be Bill.
Their talk of "home" is so poignant, knowing what we know....
A few chapters back, I sat down and re-read the whole story. It holds together well despite the brevity of the chapters. I was struck with your consistency in portraying Bill's habits, his "voice," his pony-view of the world, and other details which build a character. (And of course the hobbits and the other characters too.)
Thank you for continuing Bill's tale.
Author's reply
You're very welcome, and I thank you in turn for coming along for the ride.
I'm glad the story holds together. The short chapters are deliberate, reflecting an equine attention span, and so I hope it's not too inconvenient for the reader. (Rather like Fortinbras' journal entries -- those, too, are necessarily brief. If I only had to write *those* chapters it would be easy to move that story along at a quicker pace than it's going.)
Not sure yet how the journey will go. I keep thinking of Frodo's imaginary journal entries, and Bilbo's imagined response. "Snow? That's all?" or something to that effect. Bill's journal could be quite tedious, once they start again.
Walking.
Walking.
Walking.
Resting. Wolves howling.
etc.
shirebound
· 19 September 2010
· Chapter 50: We think thoughts of home
Who needs carrots, or sugarplums, or slices of bread, I ask you? Give me the affectionate attentions of two hobbits, any day, and I will be content.
Another lovely chapter. Bill is feasting indeed... on hobbity love.
Author's reply
A different kind of feast. Must admit that this chapter was heavily influenced by the face-rubbing habit of a certain giant schnauzer (who is almost as big as Bill, come to think of it, and quite prone to grazing and scrounging for edibles).
Tari
· 15 September 2010
· Chapter 49: A merry meeting
I've finally caught up with my reading of this totally delightful tale. I love seeing things from Bill's perspective. Merrylegs is a nice addition. I never thought about Bilbo having a pony, but, why not?
Hope there is more to come and am waiting patientley for the next addition.
Author's reply
Thanks for the nudge! I'm working on several in-progress stories at the moment, but the arrival of your review this week prompted me to move Bill to the top of the list.
Tari
· 24 August 2010
· Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
You've done a beautiful job of expanding the "Flight To The Ford". Tolkien says very little about it, but I'm sure it had to be a very difficult trip. The poor Hobbits are beyond exhaustion, but refuse to give up. They are much stronger that they look.
The "conversation" between horse and pony is delightful.
Author's reply
Thank you! I can't tell you how many times I read this part of the book over, trying to imagine the journey.
Tari
· 23 August 2010
· Chapter 31: We meet hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
A conversation between Bill and Asfaloth. Outstanding! Bill got just the kind of encouragement he needed. Obviously he was not used to horses being kind to him. His adventure gets more interesting every day.
Author's reply
Horses of my acquaintance have a definite pecking order. It seemed to me that such a great steed as Asfaloth might well be beyond all that. I've also read accounts where he was terribly stuck on himself...
Tari
· 20 August 2010
· Chapter 27: We encounter... trolls at close quarters
I love the way you wove the three stone trolls into this story. This was truly a "gotcha" moment. LOL
Author's reply
LOL, poor Bill. He was as frightened as the hobbits! He ought to have trusted his nose.
Tari
· 18 August 2010
· Chapter 20: We follow a promising valley, but it proves false at the last
Poor Frodo is feeling the evil of the wound trying to overtake him. Reaching Rivendell in time is crucial.
As I'm sure I've said before, Bill is absolutely delightful.
Author's reply
Poor Frodo. Rivendell seems nearly unreachable at this point. But he's made of stronger stuff than perhaps even he realizes.
I do love Bill. He has a big heart, as so many ponies do.
Thanks!
Larner
· 31 July 2010
· Chapter 49: A merry meeting
The breakdown kept me from posting before. Love this meeting, too. Now he's seen the "Pet" and knows Merry and Pippin are all right. "Mischief" indeed!
And am so glad he's anxious about "Master" as well. Now he has the bounty to come from the feast to look forward to!
Am so glad Pippin is proud of the Bree pony! Yes! He certainly has reason.
Author's reply
Sorry about the breakdown. Isn't it fun to have Pippin back to his old mischief? *g* I'm pretty proud of the Bree pony, myself. JRRT gave some good hints about his personality.
Dreamflower
· 22 July 2010
· Chapter 49: A merry meeting
Aww...what a sweet reunion! I'm glad Merry and Pippin had a chance to see Bill again as well, and that Bilbo got to meet him for the first time.
And I just adore dear old Merrylegs! He's a wise old pony!
Author's reply
Ah, Merrylegs. It stands to reason that Bilbo's pony would have as much personality as the old hobbit himself.
shirebound
· 22 July 2010
· Chapter 49: A merry meeting
I'm greatly looking forward to a glimpse of the Master myself! :)
This is such a hobbity, light, warm chapter. Dear Bill.
Author's reply
*sigh* Rivendell has been fun to write. I'm really not looking forward to continuing the journey. Alas, poor Bill.
harrowcat
· 22 July 2010
· Chapter 49: A merry meeting
A Merry meeting indeed. But, patience Bill-lad, patience. Sam will come and, I guess the master too - eventually!
Author's reply
(Did you send me an email with benzakin in the body, or was that a virus?)
Yes, Sam will come, and the Master, too, I'm sure of it!