The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
Tari · 23 June 2010 · Chapter 6: We make our way towards Weathertop
Another cute nickname for Pippin. I can't wait to see what you come up with next. (I love Bill's personality.)
Author's reply
Thanks! All the ponies I've known have been full of personality... some better than others, of course, for they are such individuals. Still, Bill's got quality. Perhaps it's due to the company he keeps. (At least, since leaving Bree...)
Tari · 23 June 2010 · Chapter 3: We enter the pathless wilderness, no longer on solid ground
"Mr. Apples-and-Mischief". This is be best description of Pippin I have ever read. ROFL I just started reading this story and am so glad it was recommended to me. What a delightfull insight into the mind of Bill. I don't know of anyone else who has tried this. I am excited and can't wait to continue reading. However, since I'm at work, this might take a bit of time (sad to say).
Author's reply
Welcome, Tari! Glad you joined the party. I'm afraid the writing is also taking a bit of time, these days, but I keep plugging away... Thanks!
Larner · 24 May 2010 · Chapter 48: I hear some news of the Master, but want more
How wonderful to guard Sam's sleep in this way, and that they each take such comfort in the other. And I am so glad he wishes to learn the situation with his Master! So delightful an image of him drowsing over Sam, seeking to guard what rest he finds. May the two of them know more such moments as Frodo finally awakens again.
Author's reply
The time between Frodo's healing (or at least the removal of the sliver) and the Council of Elrond must have been a joyous, relaxed time of delight, before the burden descended once more. *sigh* Yes, this time is a delight to write about, so there will be at least one more chapter soaking it in, before the Council takes place. (Maybe two, do you think I can stretch it that far?) Looking forward to seeing you when you come down. Thanks!
harrowcat · 24 May 2010 · Chapter 48: I hear some news of the Master, but want more
A good and well-deserved rest for Sam. Great to see the Guardian guarded so well. And i know so well what Bill means about being able to walk for miles on well-trimmed feet!
Author's reply
Yes, definitely! Very important to take care of the feet! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 24 May 2010 · Chapter 48: I hear some news of the Master, but want more
So very sweet! I love the gentleness and care taken to carry Sam away to a softer and more comfortable bed. Bill's such a good pony!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, Bill is indeed a good pony, or JRRT would not have given him as much ink as he did, I suspect. Thanks!
shirebound · 24 May 2010 · Chapter 48: I hear some news of the Master, but want more
What a sweet, peaceful, loving chapter.
Author's reply
Yes, this is the fun part, light and cheerful, a nice stretch of calm, rest, and good food, to prepare for the journey ahead. Thanks!
Larner · 20 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
Ah, our poor, dear Samwise, and blessed Bill! To know that release of so much fear and concern, and find Bill waiting, himself renewed and happy, and willing to sacrifice his next nibble and sip for him in that way? How wonderful!
Author's reply
Yes, Bill is truly connected to Samwise at the heartstrings, now. This was a fun scene to imagine. Thanks!
cookiefleck · 20 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
Somehow lost track of this story but found it/you again and am caught up. Sorry I missed leaving feedback for some of the chapters. But glad to see you are continuing and wanted you to know that this chapter (their reunion) exceeded my expectations in every way... it's that wonderful. (My beloved) Sam being able to let go and cry with Bill, and then falling asleep... a treasured image that will stick with me. There is a beautiful tenderness that shines through in what you write. You have forever made "pony" a beautiful and magical word to me... to roll around on the tongue lovingly... with your talk of "pony dreams" and such.
Author's reply
Glad you found us (the story and me) again. This is one of my favourite chapters, thus far. There's something to the trust and love of an animal that has given its heart away, that brings a lump to my throat. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 20 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
Awwww...oh, Lin! I do so love this reunion! You've captured the way a pony (or any beast, really) would have a very vague sense of time, so that even a day or two or three can seem like forever. But he's not going to completely forget Sam, and it takes only a little for him to realized and remember. The image of Sam suddenly falling asleep between Bill's legs is just-- well, it made me grin and tear up at the same time, it's so sweet! It's a good thing the farrier is coming, because while Sam may be resting contentedly, he can't be dreadfully comfortable over time. And they will be looking for him soon, to tell him his master's awake! (((hugs))) I am so enjoying this! And if you want my two cents, I'd say continue as you've begun-- the story, after all *is* "The Tenth Walker"! And lots of chapters are a Good Thing!
Author's reply
Vague sense of time, indeed, or so I imagine. It's why the Giant Schnoz can see me out the door, and give a huge greeting when I come back in (having forgotten something) bare moments later. Lots of chapters are certainly possible! Yikes! Thanks!
shirebound · 20 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
I breathe a deep sigh of my own, but keep my feet planted, that my Sam may find me a firm prop and stay, so long as he needs to lean upon me. This chapter makes me as happy and contented as Bill. :)
Author's reply
(Me, too!) Thanks!
harrowcat · 20 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
Now that chapter deserves an *awwwww!* with a lump in my throat!
Author's reply
*sigh* It was a pleasure to write, as well. Thanks!
Celeritas · 19 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
I am astonished at how skillfully and easily you were able to take such a small event as this and turn it into its own Eucatastrophe. Am also exceedingly happy to see that you're posting a lot more regularly now, which I take as a sign that your life has gotten slightly saner. Alas, if mine were as sane, I'd be able to review all your updates as they deserve. Well done!
Author's reply
"its own Eucatastrophe"! Such high praise! Well, I don't know about sane, so much as needing a pressure release valve. But it is so nice to at least be able to steal some writing time again. Thanks!
eiluj · 19 April 2010 · Chapter 47: At long last, I know contentment
"I do not know what "many, many years" means, but I know enough that it was some time before I was born, or perhaps even before my dam came into the world" -- *lol* "I do not know who the Dunedan is, though Merrylegs seems to think I ought -- Poor Bill! No one explains. A wonderful reunion with Sam! And I'm looking forward to whichever elf comes looking for Sam or otherwise discovers him sleeping there. "For the first time in days, years even, I feel complete, content, and happy." Now allow me to be picky and discourse on Elvish as if I understood it 8-) "Dúnedan" -- This should be "Dúnadan" with two A's. Yes: "DúnAdan" but "DúnEdain." Weird, huh? I don't know where Tolkien got this make-a-plural-by-changing-the-vowels-in-TWO-syllables idea, but he used it a lot in Sindarin, for example: talan/telain; mallorn/mellyrn; naneth/nenith (mother); amon/emyn (hill); craban/crebain; ungol/yngyl (spider); anfang/enfeng (a dwarf of the Longbeards). But sometimes -- lest we think we understand it -- only one syllable changes: edhel/edhil (elf); perian/periain (halfling); mellon/mellyn; mírdan/mírdain (jewelsmith). [Disclaimer: I am not at all knowledgeable about Sindarin, but I do know where to find the good dictionary: http://www.jrrvf.com/hisweloke/sindar/online/english.html and at one point I made a list of some examples of how plurals are made in Sindarin and Quenya.]
Author's reply
You are right, and I *ought* to have got it right (all but the accent, which I don't know how to do except for cutting and pasting from someplace where it is already printed that way) as I know very well that it's Dunadan and Dunedain--there was a point at some time in the past where I researched it, or I did it wrong and someone corrected me, or something. I saw the mistake I had made, in your second quote, as matter of fact, and cringed. Aargh. Thanks so much for your gentle correction!
Larner · 13 April 2010 · Chapter 46: More travellers arrive
No, the Hobbits are all distracted at the moment, hanging on the condition of Master. Soon enough he must know. Glad he and Merrylegs are getting on well together. And love him solving his first riddle! See you soon enough.
Author's reply
It was lovely to see you! Thanks for leaving a good word.
harrowcat · 12 April 2010 · Chapter 46: More travellers arrive
And so the riddle of merrylegs is solved for Bill - well nearly. Lots of visitors to the Valley will obviously mean many horses/ponies. It is a shame that Boromir's mount never made it to the Valley.
Author's reply
Nearly! I'm sure he'll understand more when he meets Bilbo. Or perhaps Sam or one of the other hobbits will tell him about Bilbo. I was sorry not to be able to add Boromir's horse to the conversations. Think of the stories he'd be able to tell! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 11 April 2010 · Chapter 46: More travellers arrive
What fun to see a new chapter already! I love the encounter with the dwarf ponies, their snippets of talk that of course were a riddle to Bill, but rather clear to the readers! Merrylegs continues to delight me-- and I do love the way that Bill found the answer to the riddle of Merryleg's rider! I know that once things settle down, Sam will surely be by to see him. This just continues to be delightful! You know, JRRT said that the "good times" in Rivendell were not very interesting to read about, but I do think that he may have been wrong about that! I am enjoying reading of Bill's R&R so much!
Author's reply
I am trying to keep this one updated, as it has languished so long. I have a pretty good idea all the way up to Moria, and Bill's making his way back to Bree, so it's possible that this story might go that far. (Or perhaps come to an end before the Fellowship sets out, and then put the rest into a Part 2...? Still thinking.) Thanks!
shirebound · 11 April 2010 · Chapter 46: More travellers arrive
you are with your Master, where ever he may be, and so you must be content, as I would be if I walked at your side. That's so lovely. And the thought of ponies enjoying riddles is delightful.
Author's reply
I'm not sure how the idea of ponies enjoying riddles came up, but it seemed logical to me at the time, especially if it were dwarf ponies, for some reason. Thanks!
harrowcat · 10 April 2010 · Chapter 45: I muse about leave-taking
Sorry this is late but I have been in the virtually internet free zone of my parents house for a week. Bilbo as an 'old pet' made me giggle out loud in the office! And you cought the wistfulness of the old mare perfectly.
Author's reply
It is always a pleasure to hear from you! Internet-free zone, yes, I've been to such places. Actually, around here it's hard to get some computer time, with all the competition for the computer! I've managed this week by staying up well past my usual bedtime, but I can't do that much or I have too much trouble getting up, mornings. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a good word! Hope your parents are doing well.
Raksha The Demon · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 43: Restless, I find some sort of rest at last
Bill's delight in his new surroundings makes for a wonderful read. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every horse and pony in the world were so well cared-for? And I love Bilbo's old pony!
Author's reply
It would be wonderful if all creatures under the dominion of others were so well cared for. Ownership is a heavy responsibility. Whew. Bilbo's old pony is quite a character! ...but so's his old pet. *g* Thanks!
Raksha The Demon · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 42: We arrive... at my new home?
I love the delineation of Bill's thoughts here - he is not a human mind encased in an equine body, he is a non-human, a true pony, albeit a smart and brave one, and his balking at the sight of the bridge, and Glorfindel's solution, is delightful and poignant. I love how Bill's thoughts keep returning to the grass, poor hungry fellow, and his intention to be 'steady'.
Author's reply
Thank you! That's exactly what I'm trying for, to get inside the head of a pony, and show events from his limited (and yet different) perspective.
Larner · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 45: I muse about leave-taking
The love of ponies and horses here appears to be well given and true. Love how Merrylegs so reflects the nature of his master, and how truly Bill has already become Sam's in heart and soul! A wonderful interlude of rest for him. See you next week!
Author's reply
It seems to me that after 17 years' acquaintance, Merrylegs would reflect Bilbo very well. It helps that he's a sturdy beast, a plucky pony, and in his youth as restless and fond of wandering as Bilbo was when he left Bag End. Bill does love his Sam. So glad they found each other in the end, too--got that reunion to look forward to! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 45: I muse about leave-taking
Aww...Bill's so sweet, worrying about whether Sam will leave him behind (of course we already know). The mare who used to be Glorfindel's is wise, and Merrylegs is delightful! I love the way he calls Bilbo "his old pet"! Yes, I can imagine Bilbo talking about his young ones to Merrylegs over the years... I do hope someone comes to let Bill know how his hobbits are faring soon.
Author's reply
Horses and ponies can be very good listeners, I find. I'd imagine Merrylegs knows a great deal more than he lets on. Poor Bill--everyone's quite busy at present, and I don't think that they're thinking about a pony. But it won't be too much longer before there's news, I hope. Thanks!
shirebound · 7 April 2010 · Chapter 45: I muse about leave-taking
Dear Bill. I'm looking forward to his reunion with the hobbits, healthy and whole.
Author's reply
So am I! Just one more lonely chapter, if the outline isn't lying to me... Author Reply: Thanks!
harrowcat · 1 April 2010 · Chapter 44: Many meetings
Ah - some well-earned rest at last. You make me wonder how Merrylegs has fared among these elf-horses but it seems like Bill will have at least three friends.
Author's reply
Merrylegs is a... a character, that's the best way to put it. He's a plucky little fellow, and doesn't put up with much guff. Thanks!
eiluj · 31 March 2010 · Chapter 44: Many meetings
So finally Bill has a place to rest, and is well-treated -- about the best a pony could be treated, except that there's a serious lack of news and hobbits around the stable.... I seem to have completely missed who Merrylegs must be (duh!). [No, you don't have to explain: I got it *this* reading.]
Author's reply
Yes, a serious lack. Someone ought to remedy that. *g* Thanks!