The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
Eärossë · 2 May 2009 · Chapter 35: On to the Ford, at our best speed (or hobble)
I love this chapter, as all the others in this wonderful story. PLEASE update soon.
Author's reply
Coming soon, just putting the polishing touches on the next chapter. Thanks for your encouragement.
Larner · 16 April 2009 · Chapter 35: On to the Ford, at our best speed (or hobble)
Oh, perfectly described, Lin! Poor Bill and Hobbits--and we can see the shard increasing its hold on Frodo as he and Asfaloth note it with their other senses. SHUDDERING!
Author's reply
Frightening stuff, especially for a poor pony. Looking forward to seeing you! Thanks.
harrowcat · 14 April 2009 · Chapter 35: On to the Ford, at our best speed (or hobble)
Loved the conversation btween Bill and Glorfindel and Shadowfax. I like the idea of a bi, (or should that be tri?) lingual pony! Great last sentence! Can't wait for the next chapter.
Author's reply
Next chapter finally done. Whew. Thanks.
Jay of Lasgalen · 14 April 2009 · Chapter 35: On to the Ford, at our best speed (or hobble)
Oh, I love that Glorfindel knows pony speech! Jay
Author's reply
Yes, one thing that struck me about the Elves was their interest in talking to all sorts of living things. Surely they knew pony tongue, among others. Thanks.
Dreamflower · 14 April 2009 · Chapter 35: On to the Ford, at our best speed (or hobble)
Oh, Bill is such a sweet and intelligent pony! I loved the interaction between him and Asfaloth, and even more that between him and Glorfindel. And then the dreadful realization that a dark Something was overshadowing Frodo. What foreshadowing there is in that last sentence!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, he'd sense that, either some scent or some sixth sense prickling the hair on the back of his neck... Poor Frodo! Author Reply: (Thanks.)
shirebound · 14 April 2009 · Chapter 35: On to the Ford, at our best speed (or hobble)
words that speak directly to my heart It is stronger than it was, waxing as Master wanes This chapter is really powerful. Eeee, they are coming! :O
Author's reply
Frightening, and they truly are coming. Glorfindel knows it, and soon the others will, too. Thanks.
Earosse · 13 April 2009 · Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
This is an absolutely fabulous story so far. Please update soon.
Author's reply
Your wish is mine also. Have added another chapter. Another step closer to Imladris! Thanks!
cookiefleck · 8 April 2009 · Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
Beautifully written chapter, and you made me feel their pain and determination.
Author's reply
Thank you, for the chapters since Weathertop have been difficult to write. I'm really looking forward to arriving in Rivendell.
Jay of Lasgalen · 5 April 2009 · Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
Poor Bill - not even sure if he's allowed to eat the grass! Asfaloth's very gentle and understanding to a poor down-trodden pony. I love Bill's names for the party: the shining one, the white one, not-merry, youngest hobbit - just great!
Author's reply
Yes, Asfaloth is a prince among horses. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 4 April 2009 · Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
Oh Lin! This was so heart-breaking to read! Poor hobbits, There is no whip in this case, save the will of the shining one who drives us on. That, and sheer hobbity determination not to let Frodo down, to get him to safety. Love is a far harder taskmaster than a whip. I loved the part where the hobbits could not even comprehend the order to stop, then the way Man and Elf tucked all of them up together, and then Asfaloth leading poor Bill to a nice supper of sweet grass... Poor dears! And even more of a terrifying effort ahead of them...
Author's reply
Finally feeling better. Went to a potluck last weekend and someone there was ill, evidently, for an awful lot of people fell violently ill two days after, including three of our family. Someone thought it might be norovirus, which is highly contagious, and remains contagious for two or three days after you're feeling better. Whew. This and the Ford and its aftermath are perhaps the most difficult chapters to write in this section. Poor hobbits. JRRT doesn't say anything about them casting themselves to the ground where they stop, at this point in the story, and after nearly 20 miles in one day they must be even more exhausted than ever. It is easy to imagine them being so very exhausted they're beyond hearing and heeding the command to stop. (The scene at the entry to Moria and the chapters following might be more difficult for Bill, though.) I will be so glad to spend a little time in Rivendell, though I don't know how long I dare dwell on that happy place, without losing the reader's interest. (Unless I invent all sort of interesting intervals as Shirebound and Budgielover have imagined... LOL!) It may be rather short, as happened in The Hobbit, for much the same reasons. Thanks!
shirebound · 4 April 2009 · Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
Bill's perception of what's happening to Frodo is very well written. mount three of the hobbits on the white one and one of them on my back, and trot along as fast as the Man and Elf lord can manage. Yes, why didn't they do that? It's so logical. Enthralling and poignant, as always.
Author's reply
All I can think is that the Witch King was a dark magician, wasn't he, if I'm remembering right? Perhaps he might have used their belongings to draw themselves to him, somehow. Otherwise it would make sense for them to pile everything in an out-of-the-way place and send a party of Elves back for it after Frodo was safe in Rivendell. Thank you, I think that Bill's perception would be different from people's, more smell- and feel-based somehow, though of course equines do seem quite sensitive to sights and sounds as well. (Maybe oversensitive. My mare hated white, like a blowing paper, and she absolutely distrusted water on the ground in the form of a puddle or stream. I don't know what monsters she saw in them, but *she* did.) Thanks!
Larner · 4 April 2009 · Chapter 34: We reach the limits of endurance, still a day from the Ford
I rejoice that Bill and Asfaloth can finally feed themselves somewhat fully, at least. The description of Frodo's fading from Bill's POV is exactly as I'd think he'd see it. Well done! And the poor walking Hobbits--their exhaustion and determination make my heart bleed for them! Ah, Bill--you are such a good creature! I love him!
Author's reply
It was a relief to get to the part where JRRT says there were patches of grass. I took the liberty of locating one where they stopped for the night. Bill will certainly need the fuel for the last hard push! Thanks, I've been thinking long and hard about Frodo's fading as Bill would perceive it. I think he might well be more aware than the hobbits, even, who would see Frodo as sick and weak while maybe not understanding how the splinter was working to overcome his spirit. It's likely Glorfindel or even Aragorn would know better than Bill how far things were progressing, don't you think? Bill has just a dumb beast's understanding, and if Frodo is on his way to becoming a lesser shade, I imagine even such a shade would be upsetting to an animal. So are we on? Or could we make it an early dinner, perhaps?
cookiefleck · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 33: The Road goes ever on
I really like the subtle way in which you show us the different relationships and personalities. Good work as always!
Author's reply
Thanks! I appreciate the encouraging words.
shirebound · 30 March 2009 · Chapter 33: The Road goes ever on
I'm as anxious as Bill for them to reach that magical valley, which will seem like heaven to our loyal, wonderful pony.
Author's reply
I'm leaning that direction, too. I really don't want to spend five more days (or four, or whatever it is) on the long journey to the Ford. I think I might just skip ahead... I'm sure Bill won't mind too terribly. Do you?
Larner · 29 March 2009 · Chapter 33: The Road goes ever on
I continue to love this look at the flight to the Ford from Bill's POV. He doesn't quite believe Asfaloth's tale, eh? Well, he'll soon learn that the Elf's horse does not lie or exaggerate, and will have ample reward for what he has done. Poor Bill--not fully understanding; but even he feels responsible now for the Hobbits as they feel for one another. And too bad he wasn't offered a sip of miruvor as well!
Author's reply
I suppose Asfaloth's words must sound like paradise to a poor pony. Why, it's even better than the simple yet comfortable circumstances where he was born, before Bill Ferny became a blight on his life. Hmmm. Wonder how a pony would react to a sip of miruvor? Dinner the 13th? Sorry, it's our last rehearsal before the concert. Would lunch be possible?
Dreamflower · 29 March 2009 · Chapter 33: The Road goes ever on
I just love Bill's POV here, because we actually know more than he does, and so the things he can only guess at, we know for sure. I also just adore the determination you show among the three friends, to stick to Frodo and not to slow the party down. I just want to hug Pippin, poor kid, so exhausted and yet keeping up no matter what it takes. And it's nice to know that a pony can smell anxiety even from an Elf like Glorfindel.
Author's reply
I wonder what he'd have thought of that liquor. Poor hobbits. They've got a rough haul ahead. I get exhausted just reading about it, and I always skimmed through this part before, in the reading. Now that I'm thinking it through with a pony's perspective, I have a new appreciation. (Reminds me of the time I walked a marathon with dh and a 2yo. It took us 9 hours to cover the distance. The 2yo walked *one* of the 26 miles. Dh and I took turns carrying her the other 25 miles. I got so tired of walking, I actually *jogged* to rest my muscles, if you can imagine it. (Different muscle set, for jogging, than for walking. I never knew that until that day.) Thanks!
Raksha The Demon · 29 March 2009 · Chapter 31: We meet hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
Loved Bill's perspective here; and his interaction with Asfaloth. Bill will have a good time in Rivendell, I'm sure...
Author's reply
Oh, yes, I'm really looking forward to Rivendell myself. Thanks!
Le Rouret · 27 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Not yet pursued, we run
Wow. That chapter made ME tired! Having "the white one" rub his neck over Bill's made my eyes tear up. I love it when horses comfort each other that way. As always, well done!
Author's reply
Thank you! I love to watch horses interacting. I don't get to do it as much as I used to, but sometimes I just close my eyes and remember.
Larner · 26 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Not yet pursued, we run
Ah, yes, that run with Glorfindel leading as seen by Bill. Hope in the hopelessness, and the exhaustion that brought all to collapse where they stood, truly needing the rest, even Aragorn. Doutiest of Men he might have been, but even such have their limits! Wonderful to see this one updated again! Apparently you're having fewer migraines. I'm fighting the flu, and we were without power and phone from about three o'clock until not that long ago. What a freak snowfall! Do you have it there as well?
Author's reply
We had a dusting of snow, an inch or less, probably. It knocked your power out? Fighting the migraines. Win some, lose some. Sorry to hear about the flu. There are a lot of bugs going around. Aragorn may have been stronger than your average Breelander, but I can only imagine he'd need some deep REM sleep *eventually*! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 26 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Not yet pursued, we run
They are in the home stretch now, and yet it will prove to be the most difficult part of the journey! I look forward to seeing Bill's POV when Frodo is forced to flee.
Author's reply
Yes, he's been telling me all about Frodo and the Ford, but I keep telling him we've got to fill in the intervening material first. Thanks!
Dinossiel · 26 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Not yet pursued, we run
Poor Bill. He was so sad when he couldn't carry the Master. The White One and the Shining One are so kind. Imagine, Aragorn pressed into sleep, full, deep sleep!
Author's reply
Imagine it! I'm so glad Glorfindel talked some sense into him. Thanks!
shirebound · 26 February 2009 · Chapter 32: Not yet pursued, we run
Sleep now, little one, the white one whispers with a silent swish of his tail. We will watch. What a lovely passage.
Author's reply
Practically an equine lullaby, I'd think. Thank you.
Le Rouret · 20 February 2009 · Chapter 31: We meet hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
Oh, lovely! There were so many beautiful word-pictures in this chapter, but my favorites of all were the exchanges between Bill and Asfaloth. "That one is mine," made tears come to my eyes. My thanks and commendations to you - this is the best version of Bill's point of view I've read yet!
Author's reply
Thank you! It's been fun to try to see things from a pony's perspective. I'm still working out how he got back to Bree after the encounter with the "snakes" though. JRRT didn't give much to work with, there!
Baggins Babe · 19 February 2009 · Chapter 31: We meet hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
Oooh! I've been waiting for this meeting and it didn't disappoint. I loved that Asfaloth was so Elven - the light, his manner - bit like a four-footed Glorfindel really! :-) I loved Bill's distinctions between Frodo and Sam. A beautiful look at Bill and Asfaloth, and how typical that the horse should acknowledge the pony's courage.
Author's reply
a four-footed Glorfindel--I like that picture! Surely one such as Glorfindel would ride an exceptional horse... Yes, the horse acknowledging the pony sort of makes a parallel to the Big Folks' deference to Frodo, not that I'm saying Bill is a picture of Frodo. Hmmm. Humble bearer of burden, well, perhaps there's more of a parallel than I first thought. Good insight. Thanks!
Elena Tiriel · 19 February 2009 · Chapter 31: We meet hope unlooked for, aid unexpected
What a lovely encounter, Lindelea! And now we know more about Asfaloth: that he is as gracious and caring as his Elf. A humble pony from Bree, especially one formerly owned by Bill Ferny, could never have imagined being treated with such respect! Nicely done! - Barbara
Author's reply
Yes, for some reason I see Asfaloth in my imagination as wise and gracious, worthy of his rider. Ah, Bill, here is someone to teach you to hold up your head! Bearing the wounded Ring-bearer through trackless wilderness is no small doing. Thanks!