The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
shirebound · 9 December 2008 · Chapter 25: Trolls!
I like the way you give us Bill's simple observations and feelings... Our feet fall quiet... our thoughts run unquiet.
Author's reply
It's been fascinating to see the story through a pony's eyes. I've had a whole new appreciation of the depth and detail JRRT gave us in this story. Thanks!
harrowcat · 9 December 2008 · Chapter 25: Trolls!
I keep saying this but good, old, sensible Bill! I am glad that curiosity can overcome pain to some extent as we see in Frodo.
Author's reply
Yes, it's interesting how unusual events can make us forget our troubles, even momentarily. Hope you're doing well. Am keeping up with your LJ posts at the moment, and sending up prayer on your behalf. (And your Mum's, and your Dad's) Thanks!
Larner · 9 December 2008 · Chapter 25: Trolls!
I love the shifting descriptors of Merry, matching his mood and current wariness. And Sam's eminent practicality and Strider's professional wariness are so perfect, as is Merry's dismissal of tweenaged Pippin's eagerness to see while not putting himself out. And Bill continues to be so in character, careful of Master, reassured and anchored by Sam, respectful of the Man, and so much a pony! Wonderful!
Author's reply
Thank you! I meant to answer this chapter's reviews right away, but wouldn't you know it, there's been very little time for fanfic, this past month... I love seeing the characters through your eyes. Hope you came through the snow and ice and wind and torrential rain without a problem. Our basement took in a little water, but we didn't lose much, thankfully.
harrowcat · 4 December 2008 · Chapter 24: Things are looking up; we are moving steadily down
I am going to enjoy having this story on my e.reader when it is finished and I think that this is one of the best chapters yet. Steady, patient Bill does not need telling! Perhaps the Ranger does... :)
Author's reply
An e.reader--that sounds like a wonderful tool! I think you're right about Bill. He's hit his stride. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 24: Things are looking up; we are moving steadily down
Good old Bill! I am tickled by his irritation at the constant admonition to be steady. It's very annoying to be told to do something you are doing *anyway*! LOL!
Author's reply
It is definitely annoying! (BTDT) Bill's patience amazes me, but then, he's making allowances for the shortcomings of human and hobbit understanding. Thanks!
Larner · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 24: Things are looking up; we are moving steadily down
Oh, how I love them all here, and particularly Frodo and Bill. There is a gentle communion of mutual care and understanding between them. Yes, this is why he is the Master, I do believe. So gentle!
Author's reply
It is so nice that JRRT gave them a respite here. Whew. Thanks!
Dinossiel · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 24: Things are looking up; we are moving steadily down
Oh! Bill shows some pony-sense here. Perhaps even smarter than the ranger in some ways... I can't wait for the next chapter. How can I possibly wait until next week?! Yours hopefully, DD
Author's reply
Aw, sweetie, I hate to disappoint you! But really, unless Bill knocks over my mug of tea he's going to have to wait until next week... Thanks for the good word! (And I think Bill would agree with you about "smarter than the ranger in some ways")
shirebound · 3 December 2008 · Chapter 24: Things are looking up; we are moving steadily down
"slightly-merrier" and "marsh-and-mischief". Awwww! I love Bill's names for the hobbits.
Author's reply
LOL, he picks up on their moods more than their monikers.
Baggins Babe · 29 November 2008 · Chapter 23: We pass a cold and windswept night
Poor Bill - I am so looking forward to his meeting with Asfaloth. What will he make of the great Elven horse, I wonder? I could feel that bit of welcome sunshine after so much dismal weather!
Author's reply
Yes, and what will the great Elven horse make of him? A clear sky can be so energizing! (We had a clear morning yesterday, but it's been cloudy and raining on and off every since the clouds rolled in again.) Thanks!
Dinossiel · 26 November 2008 · Chapter 23: We pass a cold and windswept night
Bill is such a dear creature. I love this story through his eyes. I can understand his fear of the road and the 'cry' that was heard on it. This fills in many blanks about Bill. I have often wondered what went on in his head, what he experienced. Now I know, thank to your imagination.
Author's reply
Awww. He really is a good-hearted little creature. I'm glad he found friendship, and a master to love, even if he had to go on a difficult and dangerous journey to find them.
Larner · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 23: We pass a cold and windswept night
Ah--I am in veritable paradise, again sipping so satisfactorily at your stories, Lin! And love Pippin's attempts to lighten moods, Frodo's rally--I ever see him rallying at the last moment, Strider's decision to chance the road, and Sam's joy at the simple praise and thanks, as if it were good gold coin! As for Bill--he is so observant!
Author's reply
Ah, bless you for the good word, and your own observations! I will keep plugging away so long as the Muse is tractable... think good thoughts and we'll see what comes of it. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 23: We pass a cold and windswept night
Oh, Lin! How delightful--I feel almost as though you are writing just for me--yesterday a bit more of my "Bunny" and the beginning of a new tale, and today more of dear Bill and the journey to Rivendell! I love this small interlude--the wee bit of hope that seems to have come to our weary travellers, and Bill's descriptions. I especially love the touch of the "sour pine needles" (yes, they *are* sour) and the "tasteless bark". 'Come, Merry,' the Big Man says, rising from his crouch. Perhaps I ought to say creaking to his feet for he moves slowly and painfully, indeed, and not with his usual grace. Somehow, I think at that moment, Dunadan or not, you convey the impression that he is feeling his 80+ years. Frodo's rallying a bit is a good thing, and I really liked his interaction with Sam. And I so love the way Aragorn is consulting with Merry as they make their plans--of course, he's making the decisions, but he's keeping Merry informed and making Merry feel as though his opinion matters. I adore Pippin's at least somewhat effective attempts to cheer everyone. And this was so sweet: My Samwise beams as if he's been paid in heavy gold coin, and not just a simple word of praise. 'I'll have breakfast ready as quick as you can say “Overhill, over Dale,” Mr. Frodo!' 'Overhill, over Dale,' youngest hobbit says sleepily, sitting up. 'I say, Samwise, a few eagles would not go amiss... though the eagles over Dale never did fly Bilbo all the way home past Overhill. What a story that would have made'! 'Yes, wouldn't it,' Master says with a fond smile for the youngster, who has walked so very far, and no benefit of eagles to spare his travel-worn feet. It is good to see him smile. Youngest hobbit returns the smile, and heartened, adds, 'I'll settle for some of that tea.' 'Right, Mr. Pippin,' my Sam says in his briskest tone. I prick my ears forward, glad, though my belly is empty. I tear a strip of bark from the tree. It is tasteless, but it gives me something to chew. Poor Bill.
Author's reply
It is very likely that part of this chapter was inspired by your Ode to Tea... It was so nice of the original chapter to suggest that they were heartened at this juncture, perhaps by the sunshine, or the freshness of the rain-washed air. We're studying weather at the moment, and I expect the rising barometer had something to do with their rising spirits. (What fun! To fit our studies into JRRT's so-carefully crafted tale...) Ah, it was lovely to hear some of your favourite bits. (And yes, I think Dunadan or not, Strider must have felt stiff on occasion. Even young hobbits do, after sleeping on cold ground when it's been raining for more than a day, and the dawn comes cold and clear.) Thanks!
shirebound · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 23: We pass a cold and windswept night
'Ah,' he sighs, 'that's good.' My Samwise beams as if he's been paid in heavy gold coin Awww. These are lovely moments amid such a dark time.
Author's reply
It is so nice to have a lightening of the angst, even for a bit! Thanks for stopping by.
harrowcat · 25 November 2008 · Chapter 23: We pass a cold and windswept night
You make us feel every whine of the wind and the grumble of Bill's empty belly. Oooh, *shivers and scuttles off to find breakfast*.
Author's reply
Oooo, breakfast sounds like a good idea. Hot breakfast. And quantities of tea. Thanks!
harrowcat · 7 November 2008 · Chapter 22: We reach the top of the ridge
You made me shiver right along with Bill and the rest. Poor Sam, having to do that to Bill. Lovely, faithful, Bill. (Great to see another chapter!)
Author's reply
Thanks! After cleaning up leaves in the cold rain, I'm shivering too. Off to heat some apple cider...
Elena Tiriel · 6 November 2008 · Chapter 22: We reach the top of the ridge
Hi Lindelea! So glad to see a new chapter in Bill's story.... You really do a marvelous job of putting yourself in his, er, horseshoes... LOL! Well done! - Barbara
Author's reply
Hi back at you! It is so nice to have a little breathing space in the schedule for writing again. Whew. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a good word!
Dreamflower · 6 November 2008 · Chapter 22: We reach the top of the ridge
Oh dear! Poor Bill, poor hobbits, poor Strider. Lin, I love how detailed all this is from Bill's POV. Just as a pony would, he notices every little detail about the "now" he is in. In that way, the shortness of the chapters works to the advantage of the story, because you are able to devote each one to the entirety of Bill's "now". His growing affection for Sam, "not-merry" (it's so sad to see Merry described that way, yet so indicative of his state of mind) and young hobbit and Strider is shown in the way he blows his "warm breath" and tries to block the cold from them. Soon, I hope, they will be encountering a certain Elf and his horse, and perhaps that will put a bit of heart into them...
Author's reply
Glad to hear it worked. I was feeling a little disappointed in this chapter, as I meant to work in Merry opening Frodo's shirt to look at the wound, and Sam peering over his shoulder, and then when I wrote it I forgot about that part, and the way it wrote itself that scene just won't fit. So it must have happened earlier... maybe before the climb began... Anyhow, I am most heartily looking forward to Glorfindel, and afterward, Rivendell. (Actually, part of Bill's stay at Rivendell has been written for months, and I've been working toward it.) I'm glad the short chapters make sense! (Ponies, in my experience, have short attention spans when it comes to anything but eating.)
shirebound · 6 November 2008 · Chapter 22: We reach the top of the ridge
Ohhh, such an arduous, heartbreaking journey! But every time Bill thinks "my Sam", I smile a little.
Author's reply
every time Bill thinks "my Sam", I smile a little Me, too. (or as one of the little ones would say, putting on a grand air, "As do I." *g* ...comes from all the reading aloud from classics, I suppose.)
Larner · 6 November 2008 · Chapter 22: We reach the top of the ridge
Oh, hooray! This is so very likely an expansion! And that Bill recognizes that Sam does only what he feels is necessary shows the trust Bill has developed for the Hobbit Wonderful word pictures here regarding the saddle and the weariness of the group, and the growing distress in Frodo!
Author's reply
Thank you! I do think, in retrospect, that Sam would have just come from looking at Frodo's wound, when he said what he did to Strider, but I couldn't figure out how to work it in. All I can think to do is to re-imagine a little earlier, perhaps during the climb or slightly before it began, and make some excuse for Sam (and Merry) to look at the closed wound. Of course that would be background, and not necessarily in the spoken story. Sorry to say I haven't read any of your latest chapters yet--I took this little bit of free time to write, not read. But they are on my list for holiday reading time...
eiluj · 5 November 2008 · Chapter 22: We reach the top of the ridge
Everyone is doing their best in impossible circumstances. I don't envy them the rocky ground, the cold wind, the exhaustion, and the fear for Frodo. I'm always glad to see more of this story!
Author's reply
Thanks! It's been a long busy spell, but the holidays are coming up and I can hope for a bit of free time again. (Of course, time off from school also means more competition for the computer... LOL!)
Dinossiel · 24 April 2008 · Chapter 1: We take our leave of Bree
'Waste of a good apple,' Sam says, but I shake my head. It was my apple, after all, and I gladly donate it in service to the cause in which it was employed. I love that. But it's too bad that it couldn't have come bouncing back so that poor old Bill could eat his apple. 'My old Misery' was indeed a misery and a poke-nose, and a thief, and an abuser of animals.
Author's reply
He was indeed--an apt description of the old misery. You have a way with words. Do you think Bill would have wanted to eat that apple, tainted as it was by Ferny's touch? Hmmm. I think Sam must have given him another apple after they left the village, to make up for the loss. Thanks!
Raksha The Demon · 18 April 2008 · Chapter 21: We begin an impossible climb
Poor Bill and poor Frodo! I can hardly wait until they all get to Imladris - Bill deserves extra apples and pampering. Good chapter.
Author's reply
Yikes, belated reply! I can hardly wait... I hear the grass is long and sweet in that particular valley. Thanks for reading and taking time to drop a note.
althea · 17 April 2008 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
This climb is so hard on Bill the hobbits. The physical demands are bad enough, but the emotional ones are absolutely draining. Poor Bill is torn between his inability to move and his desire to keep his master safe. My heart weeps for dear Sam who is forced to strike his beloved Bill. My admiration for Frodo continues to grow. His decision to walk was an effort to relive not only Bill's burden but to save Sam from the burden of having to strike Bill again.
Author's reply
Belated thanks for stopping to share your thoughts! I don’t remember seeing this before. If this reply somehow reaches you, I am wishing you and yours safety and comfort in these trying times.
althea · 17 April 2008 · Chapter 14: We climb a long rise and contemplate the Road once more
This climb is so hard on Bill the hobbits. The physical demands are bad enough, but the emotional ones are absolutely draining. Poor Bill is torn between his inability to move and his desire to keep his master safe. My heart weeps for dear Sam who is forced to strike his beloved Bill. My admiration for Frodo continues to grow. His decision to walk was an effort to relive not only Bill's burden but to save Sam from the burden of having to strike Bill again.
Maaya · 16 April 2008 · Chapter 21: We begin an impossible climb
Oh, I am so glad to see more of this. Poor Bill, and poor hobbits. Such desperate struggle, and it is so nicely described through Bill's eyes. Also, I wrote out an author rec about you and your writing a while ago, on my rec journal. http://community.livejournal.com/citrous_tea/24923.html if you are interested. ;)
Author's reply
Thanks for stopping by and taking time to leave a note! I appreciate the author rec - reading it made my day. I too am hoping that Thain will be finished sooner than later... (as well as this one, and a few others.)