The Tenth Walker by Lindelea
Larner · 10 April 2021 · Chapter 104: We play ‘I hide and you seek me’ with the wind and snow
Now--a true cliff-hanger! A terrible situation to find the Fellowship in, and as of now only Bill misses Pippin. ?
Author's reply
Definitely hanging on the edge of a cliff. (I wonder where the term originally came from? Some particular author's works?) Bill's perceptions of some things are sharper than two-legged people's, in my imagining.
shirebound · 30 March 2021 · Chapter 104: We play ‘I hide and you seek me’ with the wind and snow
I love Bill's ever-evolving names for Merry!
Author's reply
He remains confused at Merry's given name, but he makes the best of it. Thanks!
KathyG · 29 March 2021 · Chapter 104: We play ‘I hide and you seek me’ with the wind and snow
Ouch! This is where the snow is getting REALLY bad! So bad, in fact, that they will be compelled to turn around and go back the way they came.
Author's reply
JRRT described it as a blizzard. I had forgotten the feels voices and falling rocks. Definitely not fun. Thanks for reading and stopping to leave an encouraging word! Author Reply: (That should be "fell voices" (on the wind); silly autocorrect!)
Larner · 27 March 2021 · Chapter 103: A snowfall begins
At least we know that Frodo knows of what he speaks, and Merry is wise enough to appreciate the veiled warning. As for Bill--he has the wisdom of his kind, and is ready to help either Frodo or Merry as might be needed, as was true of Frodo earlier.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, older cousins talking over the head of the younger one. Sometimes he's sharp enough to catch it, but this time, thankfully, it goes right past him. Worry is wearying, and Pippin, as smallest hobbit at this point, needs all the energy he can muster for the climb. Thanks for stopping to leave your thoughts!
sue · 26 March 2021 · Chapter 103: A snowfall begins
Oh, my poor cold Bill. What a giving soul he is worrying so about his hobbits!
Author's reply
Ponies can be so affectionate and loving when they have bonded with someone. Thanks so much for reading and leaving an encouraging word!
KathyG · 26 March 2021 · Chapter 103: A snowfall begins
Bill certainly provides an anchor for the hobbits to hold onto in this snowstorm. I'm wondering how poor Bill is going to fare when the snow practically buries the hobbits!
Author's reply
Considering how much I hate heights, I appreciate Bill all the more for his steadiness (four legs are better than two?). I can't imagine walking on a snowy trail with a sheer drop on one side. (Driving mountain roads is bad enough, and thankfully not something I've had to do often.) Poor Bill! JRRT tells us he was dejected, so there is that. Thanks!
KathyG · 26 March 2021 · Chapter 102: We climb a sharp slope, but that is not the worst of it
The ironic thing is, when he's back in the Shire, Frodo ends up doing exactly that! Writing a book, I mean. Meanwhile, it's interesting to see how Bill is faring in this climb.
Author's reply
I wonder when, exactly, he decided he was going to write a book, and what the deciding factor was? That would make an interesting gapfiller. Good old Bill. He does his best, for sure. Thanks!
shirebound · 26 March 2021 · Chapter 103: A snowfall begins
Good old Bill, what would the hobbits do without him? His POV of all of these events is so interesting to experience.
Author's reply
It has been interesting to revisit this familiar story through his POV. I thought I knew it well (it was my comfort reading every winter, getting me through recurring bouts of bronchitis and a couple spells of pneumonia). But going through it again while imagining how it looked through Bill's eyes, so much of it seemed new to me! Thanks! Good to hear from you.
Larner · 24 March 2021 · Chapter 102: We climb a sharp slope, but that is not the worst of it
What Frodo SAID and when and where he said it is one thing. What he Will do is not necessarily the same thing, of course. Bless Frodo for not wanting the scare everybody else when he started to slip. Bless them all for doing their best to assist Bill!
Author's reply
Certainly! I can so see him not wanting anyone to worry about him, so much so that he didn’t even include it in the account he wrote down afterwards. Thanks! So good to hear from you.
shirebound · 22 March 2021 · Chapter 102: We climb a sharp slope, but that is not the worst of it
The smallest moments of -- and reasons for -- laughter are so very precious.
Author's reply
Definitely. We've discovered that in this long and stressful time. We don't laugh as much as we did when we were able to gather together, which makes laughter all the more precious now. Thanks for reading and stopping to leave a good word.
Larner · 20 March 2021 · Chapter 101: We begin our climb, and pause for a rest
Oh, such a beautiful vignette! Pippin has his own share of Hobbit magic! They needed such sharing that night.
Author's reply
Thank you. The narrative becomes so bleak and desperate from here all the way to the doors of Moria, I am seeking for any glimpses of light I can find.
KathyG · 19 March 2021 · Chapter 101: We begin our climb, and pause for a rest
It was so good of Pippin to give his own apple slice to Bill, since there were no more slices to be had. This is not going to be a pleasant climb for any of them.
Author's reply
It was certainly not a pleasant climb the very first time I read the story decades ago, and it certainly has not improved with time. In fact, I think I didn't realize just how bad this part was until I was combing the text for clues. Somehow, I didn't realize how steep and rocky the way was before the snow started to fall. (I do love Pippin, bless his generous heart.) Thanks!
shirebound · 19 March 2021 · Chapter 101: We begin our climb, and pause for a rest
I move a step towards him and nod my head, and then I rest my face against his breast for a long moment *happy sigh* Dear Pip, and what a gentle moment between them. This is one of my favorite moments so far!
Author's reply
I'm so glad to hear that! To win the trust of an animal is one of the best feelings there is. Thanks!
Larner · 18 March 2021 · Chapter 100: A decision is made, and I am at first happy, then sad and confused
Trust to Hobbit boasting to hide the concern they really feel. So, Gandalf and Aragorn can do osanwe with one another, eh? And, of course, Bill will deny his Sam nothing!
Author's reply
Trust to hobbits... I don't know if they can speak mind-to-mind, or if they simply stood there stubbornly, each waiting for the other to be the first to speak. (LOL!) Thanks so much for taking time to share your thoughts. Glad you're feeling better.
KathyG · 16 March 2021 · Chapter 100: A decision is made, and I am at first happy, then sad and confused
Yaayy!! You're back to working on this story! I have really missed your updates! So, you'll post the next chapter on Friday? I can't wait! =) So, Caradhras is next! It won't be pleasant for man or beast, and that's a fact, as Bill will soon discover.
Author's reply
Oh, Caradhras is a nightmare. And it just keeps getting worse, I'm sorry to say. Poor Bill. There's a long way to go to get to his happy ending. (Sigh.) Yes, at the moment, I have arranged my work schedule (freelancing can be handy that way) to allow me to post two to three chapters a week, so I'm working at finishing one or two of the unfinished stories before tackling another. (And I have time to read again! Looking forward eagerly to the next chapter in your joint effort!) Thanks for stopping to leave a good word.
sue · 16 March 2021 · Chapter 100: A decision is made, and I am at first happy, then sad and confused
Oh joy - Bill is back! I thought he had been abandoned. As usual, I really love your insight into pony thinking. He is wiser than even he knows. You must have been a horse in a previous life. I hope you will recount Bill's adventures getting back to Rivendell and beyond. Will he travel to Gondor with the wedding party? Reunite with Sam and the others and even travel on to the Shire? Oh the possibilities. You write so clearly that I can picture everything that is happening. ( ) - an apple for sweet Bill.
Author's reply
Never! All the WIPs keep bubbling away in the back of my brain, even when life gets in the way. I'm just so glad that the words have started to flow again. "Been a horse in a previous life" - well, at the very least, I grew up horse-crazy. I even owned a horse for a time. Bill's adventures in this story are outlined all the way to the Grey Havens (and back). They follow book canon as far as possible, except for a large blank space that JRRT gave the barest hints about. Hopefully I won't take too much of a liberty with his wonderful characters... Thanks! Bill says the apple was sweet and crunchy, just the way he likes them. Author Reply: (By "Never" I meant I never quite abandoned all the stories that are still waiting to be written. It's late, and I should be in bed, so I didn't know if that was clear in my original answer. Thanks for your patience with me.)
shirebound · 15 March 2021 · Chapter 100: A decision is made, and I am at first happy, then sad and confused
Bill's love for "his hobbits" just warms my heart. :)
Author's reply
(((hugs))) I'm so glad!
Larner · 13 March 2021 · Chapter 99: We pause to consider
Alas, to scent the worry but not to be able to comfort as Aragorn and Frodo seek to reassure him.
Author's reply
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for him at the moment?), Bill is not afraid of the thought of snow. I figured he'd be able to perceive some strong emotions coming from Strider at this conversation between Ranger and Wizard, so I sneaked Bill into the scene, to listen along with Frodo. Thanks! Good to hear from you. (((hugs)))
Larner · 13 March 2021 · Chapter 98: We wind through the hills, climbing higher
Joy to find this here! Love the exchange of Tookish charges, and Bill taking part in the song in a pony's way.
Author's reply
I'm glad you're feeling well enough to read! It must be great fun for Pippin to be able to accuse others of nonsense on a Tookish scale... (((hugs)))
shirebound · 12 March 2021 · Chapter 99: We pause to consider
I'm always so happy when Bill is fed, and enjoys someone's companionship. He's such a dear member of our Fellowship.
Author's reply
:) I should be perfectly happy to write all fluff for the rest of my life, except Bill would never get back to Bree that way. But then, he'd never get separated from his Sam at this point in the story, either! So it's a thought. On the other hand, the Ring would never go into the Fire, so there is that. I suppose the story must go on. ((hugs))
shirebound · 10 March 2021 · Chapter 98: We wind through the hills, climbing higher
Tuneful, hobbit songs are, even when breathlessly sung, and heartening, and I bob my head to keep the rhythm, my own way of joining in the song. I like that. Dear Bill!
Author's reply
I have to give credit to Tari for mentioning it in a review! Thanks for stopping to leave a good word. This has hit a difficult stretch where lighter moments are getting harder to come by. Poor hobbits, and poor Bill!
Tari · 14 January 2021 · Chapter 85: We move down into the valley of the forgotten Elves
I would love to see the ponies moving their heads in time to the music. TEHEHEHE
Author's reply
Hehee, definitely fun! Have you ever seen horses in a parade appearing to trot in time to the music of a marching band? Some drill teams I've seen definitely seem to enjoy the crowds and celebratory atmosphere. Thanks for stoping to leave a good word! Author Reply: (or maybe I mean "prance in time", as trotting would be faster than a march...)
Tari · 11 September 2020 · Chapter 81: We find rest along the way
I wish I had the gift of words like you have. I tried to write a story once, but it didn't turn out very good.
Author's reply
*Hugs* I understand. I have all these wonderful, vivid pictures in my head, but when I try to set anything down on paper... And it's the same with original fiction. I told the not-so-wee hobbits such wondrous tales when they were little, and you might think I'd be able to write them down and make them work. But no. Still, I am grateful for the outlet that fanfic has provided, and I hope to be able to write again, on a regular basis.
KathyG · 27 July 2020 · Chapter 97: We make our own hiding places
I'm guessing you're still swamped at work, since it's been close to 3 months since you last updated this story. Sure hope you can get back to it one day soon!
Author's reply
I have been over-working and under-sleeping for months now, for sure. I left off halfway through the next chapter too long ago (in the middle of a snowball fight, actually, if you can believe it), and I keep hoping the Muse will come back and finish it enough to post it... Perhaps the sudden chilly weather will help. *hugs*
Tari · 18 June 2020 · Chapter 81: We find rest along the way
I miss reading this story since I retired two and 1/2 years ago. I may have to start at the beginning some day.
Author's reply
Good to hear from you, Tari. I have been swamped at work, but I am hoping to take a day off this week and find some R&R in fanfic. Appreciate your stopping to leave an encouraging word. Congratulations on retiring! I am semi-retired, and looking forward to the real thing in a few years.