FantasyFan
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
Elessar nodded with a smile. Who was he to gainsay Master, Mayor, and Thain?
Has he ever tried? Trying to say no to just Pippin would be difficult enough, but all three of them? Perhaps the only one who could get away with that would be Arwen.
Pippin has been busy, hasn't he. He wasn't just arranging a vacation. This honoring ceremony has many hobbit touches to it. First of all, the public honoring in response to the public shaming reminds me very much of Frodo-lad's treatment at the end of "Truth". And of course, the homey touches inside the shop, from food to herbal sachets, seems hobbity too. Sparkling horses, however, that seems pure Elvish. Or maybe not - I seem to remember a young rapscallion gilding pony hooves once. Do Gwill and Gwillam get to keep the fancy cloaks? (where would they ever wear them, I wonder)
The mercy and justice of the king have been well established. The steward, however, might still need some rehabilitation in the eyes of the populace. I can't help but think that his upcoming vacation and replacement by his brother is going to be seen as punishment, or at least censure, by the merchants of the town. How is Elessar going to address this?
I wonder if Old Gwill will retire to the Shire at some point? I can see a little house for him in the South Farthing, but I suppose that isn't practical to take him from the family who cares for him. Maybe he could be buried there.
Author's reply
Hmmm. Now I wonder if Arwen has ever had occasion to say "No" to Pippin?
There are hobbity touches to the celebration, certainly, and Elessar might have been influenced by hearing the story of Frodo-lad's "fall" and restoration, but I think much of the pomp and circumstance comes from the King, though he has toned it down considerably from what it might have been, had they been in Minas Tirith.
And the hobbits had input into the homey touches, I'm sure, but it is Arwen in my mind who was the guiding force behind the spring cleaning. She is, after all, daughter of the Last Homely House, a perfect house, as Bilbo said. And yes, the horses are definitely Elvish in their decoration. The mithril silver was a clue to that. Good catch!
I'm pretty sure they give the fancy cloaks back. *g* They won't need them for riding in any more parades, and after all, they're pretty used to a quiet life.
Keep in mind that the Steward has been Steward for the past ten years, not just the past two. He had eight good years of being firm and fair, for he was truly a wise choice on Elessar's part, and his decline into bitterness was not overnight but so gradual that it was sort of like the frog-in-boiling-water phenomenon.
The upcoming "vacation" could be seen as punishment, but Elessar is clever enough to put it in the right light--what a high honour it would be, to escort the son of the Ernil and perhaps the son of the Mayor (that plot point is not yet hammered out) to Gondor, retracing the Ring-bearer's Quest. Why, if Elessar cannot go himself, then he is sending his most-trusted man in his place. And with Pippin's endorsement (and remember, he first met the Steward ten years ago, and though he didn't get to know him well, he thought well of the man up until this particular visit), well, who could go wrong with Pippin's endorsement?
And yes, I think that Gwill *must* return to the Shire in the warm season. If you might recall, from "Glisters", Diamond intended to gift the family with gold. They ought to be able to travel in comfort, even enough for an old man in frail health. And, without the stress of living under a sword (was that Damocles?) I even think Jack's health will improve greatly!
Can't you imagine his joy, openly taking Will and Rob to show them all the places he remembers?
And yes, though I don't think I could write it, in my mind is the knowledge that some day his sons will carry him back to the Shire at the end, to be buried on top of a great hill with a panoramic view of the Shire.
Thanks!
Author Reply: The upcoming "vacation" could be seen as punishment, but Elessar is clever enough to put it in the right light--what a high honour it would be, to escort the son of the Ernil and perhaps the son of the Mayor (that plot point is not yet hammered out) to Gondor, retracing the Ring-bearer's Quest.
Just an update, to let you know, as you were so generous in sharing your thoughts and impressions over the years, helping me to work through many a thorny character development. The Travellers will include the son of the Ernil, yes, and definitely a son of the Mayor... and the son of the Master was added as well, as the draft of the new story took shape. Hopefully to begin posting as soon as one of the current WIPs is finished, later in the summer or by September at the latest.
Hope this finds you and yours well.
FantasyFan
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 33: All Work and No Play
Ferdi and Farry are going to Gondor! That's been in the outline for a long time - will we be seeing the start of a new story soon? I knew Pippin was up to something at the end of the last chapter. There was a line in there about him being off on some business, and I said to Raven, "I wonder what he's up to now?"
That is going to be quite a trip, buy the way. They're retracing the steps of the nine walkers? I assume we're leaving out Moria, although they'll have to attempt the pass of Caradhras to go down the Dimrill Stair. Without the influence of evil sorcerers, maybe the pass will be, em, passable. They won't want to miss Lorien, and the trip on the River, but then what will they do after Amon Hen? I assume the waylaying, wounding and orc-dragging through Rohan are right out too? But Ferdi must go to Isengard and see the Ents. Maybe that will be on the way back, if they go directly to Minas Tirith.
Pippin is showing a remarkable degree of trust in Haldoron. It wasn't two days ago that they were desperately trying to keep him from killing people. Has he truly made up for tragedy and abuse with his acceptance of the guardsmen's punishment? I wonder how he will react to the story Ferdi will have to tell of the attack on Pippin by the false guardsman wearing the uniform of his murdured son. So far, the character of Haldoron doesn't exactly grab me yet, but there'll be a good long time to flesh him out on the way to Gondor.
(Pretty funny that this is Aragorn's idea of a vacation. Maybe you should title the chapter "Plans for a Holiday")
Author's reply
They are going to Gondor! (They've been going to Gondor for months now, even years perhaps, and yet the story has been remarkably uncooperative. But perhaps things are looking up.)
Goodness, you've done a good job of anticipating the journey. But don't be so sure about waylaying... Got to have some tension, after all, or we end up with PWP (which I just learned the meaning of, recently, LOL).
Remember that Pippin has known Haldoron, at least as an acquaintance, for ten years now. Elessar did choose the right man for the job, in the beginning, but perhaps he did not foresee the souring after Haldoron's son was murdered. Things must have looked okay two years "ago", the last time the King was in the Northlands, but then Haldoron's grief was fresh and he was still somewhat in shock. He hardened slowly over the passing months: a gradual process.
Plans for a Holiday! *g* Just the thing! (But there is a dd breathing down my neck at the moment, so no time to change the name now.)
Thanks!
Author Reply: As it is, I titled the chapter "All Work and No Play". Somehow I stuck at putting "Holiday" in the chapter title. Seemed as if it was a spoiler for the chapter, don't know quite why without going back and reading.
And that made the Muse chuckle. Wouldn't it be a challenge to find all the cliches with "Jack" in them and use them for titles in a "Jack" story?
Don't know if it will ever happen, but it was amusing to contemplate for a moment.
Pearl Took
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 33: All Work and No Play
"The rest of his speech was lost on Ferdibrand, and Haldoron, who had locked glances once more. It seemed they were going on a journey together, whether they wanted to, or no."
I sense the beginnings of another story here ;) A good thing that the King and the Ernil are such level headed lads :)
You do write so very well my friend :)
Author's reply
Ah, yes, "Farry and Ferdi Go to Gondor" has been in the works a lo-o-o-o-ong time, but just hasn't wanted to write itself for some reason. Perhaps it was waiting for just the right Captain to come along...
Thanks--coming from you that is high praise.
Pearl Took
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 32: Of Secrets and Sleepyheads
Tricksy Hobbits indeed ;) and most all little ones.
Sorry my reviews aren't as long as some of the others, don't take that as a sign of any less enjoyment or appreciation on my part, I'm loving this story :)
Author's reply
O but I am very glad for your reviews! And sometimes when I'm in that place where no words come easily, and I read during what would be normally "writing time" because it's all I can do, I write awfully brief reviews because I can't think of anything to say... but I still hope the author will be blessed by the feedback... as I am!
Pearl Took
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 31: To Make a Good End
Happiness and joy!!
"And then the baby hiccoughed, for he was awake, and hungry, and it was time for life to resume its flow."
So it always goes :)
VWD
Author's reply
Thank you!
And doesn't it seem that life is defined more by the mundane little moments than the grand?
At least most of the time.
Bodkin
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
Very public restitution. Just what you need. Not just get out of jail free, but gloriously decorated horses, king's cloaks, King and Steward walking at your side, and a very loud announcement of inestimable honour. Yep. I think the population of Annuminas will have got the message.
And Jack - if he is well enough - will be able to visit the place he considers above all others to be his home. Even if he is never fit enough, he will know he can.
I think this episode will actually serve to strengthen the power of the king in the north. Considerably. He has been seen to be someone who will make every effort to be fair and generous in the way he deals with people in his care.
Such a satisfying chapter.
Jack shall have his Jill,
Naught will go ill,
The man shall have his mare again
And all will be well.
(Although the third line could be replaced with - The king is on his throne again.)
Author's reply
Ah yes, perfect rhyme. Or perhaps And Jack shall have his Shire again.
Just knowing he can ought to be enough, I suppose, but I find myself wanting him to go back and see the Shire, and such wonders as the Mallorn tree that grows in the Party field, and yes, perhaps even cook breakfast for the Gamgees in Bag End's kitchen, for old times' sake.
Well, they always thought well of old Gwill, but now the people of Annuminas know what the hobbits think of him as well! And so satisfying, to have the mysterious rescuer's identity revealed!
harrowcat
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
Each with plenty of signatures in red ink I trust. A truly satisfying chapter Lindelea. Just what the healer ordered after all that angst!
Author's reply
Oh yes, plenty of signatures, and those of the most eminent hobbits in the Shire! Mayor, Master, and Thain, their wives, of course, and two heroes of Tookland (Hilly and Ferdi) for starters.
I think heaping up the blessings is a great way to let off angst!
Dreamflower
· 26 November 2005
· Chapter 34: A Token of Gratitude
Seledrith kissed him on the cheek. 'You are an old dear,' she said, 'nothing more... and nothing less.'
'I beg to differ!' Denny said from behind them, Merileth on his arm. 'A great deal more, I'd say!'
Yes, a great deal more indeed!
I just loved Aragorn giving his cloak, and the whole procession! I love that everyone is going to see the injustice completely corrected.
But the best part of all?
'Gwill o'Dale, and Gwillam and Robin, sons of Gwill,' Pippin said grandly, raising his voice though silence reigned in the market place. 'I proclaim you Shire-friends, nay, heroes of the Shire, who have, with your selfless and courageous actions, won the gratitude of Thain...'
'...and Master,' put in Merry, at Pippin's side.
'...and Mayor!' Samwise said decidedly from the Thain's other side.
'...and so, we grant you and your descendants the freedom of the Shire, from now and henceforth!' Pippin said, extending three rolls of parchment, each tied with a bright ribbon.
Gwill took a shaky breath, and his eyes glimmered with tears as he looked to the King. 'My Lord?' he whispered.
Elessar nodded with a smile. Who was he to gainsay Master, Mayor, and Thain?
Deep sigh of great satisfaction!! Those hobbits know just what they are doing!
Author's reply
O yes, that proclamation was the seed for the whole story. It has taken a while to write all the way from the end of "Glisters" to this point! And now we have a scene around the table, and an Epilogue, and I think we can wrap this story up... don't even need the shiny bow, really, because all the sparkle's been supplied in this chapter, I think.
Dreamflower
· 25 November 2005
· Chapter 33: All Work and No Play
Well, *now* I see where all your hints about a "vacation" were leading! *grin* This is rich. Ferdi and Haldoron. And Faramir Took. I'm forgetting how old he is in this--his teens or his tweens? And likely to give his escorts as many fits as his father gave his cousins and the rest of the Company. Well, at least they'll not be carting a Ring of Power around, and hopefully there won't be any Nazgul or Balrogs...*chuckle*
Author's reply
Well, "Farry and Ferdi go to Gondor" has been long in the making. Dana knows something about the story; I sort of tried it out on her in a phone conversation and she laughed, so that's a good sign.
Farry is, I think, sixteen. But precocious, and likely to give his escorts fits, yes. He's got definite ideas of what he wants out of the journey.
Whew, no Nazgul, what a relief! And I think the Balrog is on a holiday of his own. But still plenty of pitfalls out there!
Thanks.
harrowcat
· 25 November 2005
· Chapter 33: All Work and No Play
Can I go too, Lindelea? Can I? Can I? *jumps up and down in anticipation of long evenings by the fire reading of Faramir and Ferdinand's adventures!*
Author's reply
Only if I can go, too.
We will hope for the best, and that the Muse doesn't become miffed at some imagined shortcoming and take herself off to Hawaii.
I love long evenings by the fire, reading.
Larner
· 25 November 2005
· Chapter 33: All Work and No Play
My friend, your Aragorn is as devious and appropriate in his consequences as mine ever was! Ah, how wonderful! And young Faramir Took will begin to learn firsthand, along with the Thain's Steward AND the King's Northern Steward, just what the landscape was like, although hopefully they will travel in summer and NOT winter, and will go over Caradhras instead of through the Mines. And they will learn how the journey helped shape the six who survived and yet remain in Middle Earth while developing more respect for one another's race and endurance. Any Elves or Dwarves going along, just to add to the guard? Can't see Radagast doing so, though....
Author's reply
Quite the compliment!
As this story is set in springtime, I do believe they will be setting out in early summer at the latest. I do hope they won't be staying over in Imladris until nearly Yule!
I really cannot see Radagast joining the party, though he might make an appearance.
Elves or Dwarves. Hmmm. Might be some potential there. Don't know, at the moment. They're not in the outline, but anything could happen.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 25 November 2005
· Chapter 33: All Work and No Play
So that's why Halbador has become a hermit! You can see why - but I imagine Aragorn was quite keen to bring him back into society even before this crisis arose, and it will be good for his family, too, I should think.
Haldoron has skill in leading children. That sounds like a barbed comment, if ever I heard one. Not happy about this, young Ferdi. But it will Do Him Good and provides a perfect opportunity for another great story!
Love the implementation of hobbit methods: stale - send him outside for off for a break. And, moreover, make Ferdi and Haldoron work towards a real understanding of each other and each other's race. Good stuff.
Author's reply
Yup, that is why he was a recluse. But I don't think he'll be able to remain one. And it'll probably be good for his budget, to live in the city, at least as long as he's acting Steward, for his wife will be able to go to the market every day if she wishes, and won't feel as if she has to buy enough to last her until another visit who-knows-when!
Ah, "Farry and Ferdi Go to Gondor" has been in the works for a long, long time, roughly outlined, even, but stalled for lack of a title. It may be called "Rainbow's End" though that sounds rather hokey to me.
I do think that Ferdi and Haldoron may draw together in face of a common problem: Faramir, who is quite headstrong, as Ferdi observed, and also quite enthused about the journey, and you know how fraught with potential enthusiasm can be...
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 24 November 2005
· Chapter 32: Of Secrets and Sleepyheads
That tailor is a very brave and compassionate man - who deserves to have his good qualities recognised. He would make an excellent counsellor to whoever rules in the north. The sort of person who keeps all around him honest.
I love the term 'life warrant'. Something to treasure. Although it's going to take time to sink in. Good for Denny - coming out with Gwillam's comments and saving him the scolding!
The twist with Robin and the young hobbits revealing the value of pretending sleep to hear what is not intended for young ears is delightful. A twist that Merry recognised perfectly from his experience with Pippin, too.
Is the next thing to hear what Pippin and Ferdi are up to? The intricacies of this story are so enjoyable. I never know who I want to learn about next!
Author's reply
You know, you're right about the tailor. I wonder how it would come about, for him to be made a counsellor to the temporary Steward of the North-kingdom.
Well, you get to hear about what Pippin's up to... Ferdi isn't exactly "in" on it, but he does get pulled in whether he will or no. Although it makes a completely separate story that will not be continued here, except for mention in the Epilogue.
This story is very nearly done, can you believe it?
harrowcat
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 32: Of Secrets and Sleepyheads
At least those who listen whilst pretending to be asleep get to hear truth and not rumour. Got a great giggle out of the advice for pretending and it wasn't the expected way round either! Loved the way that, at least some of the towns folk want to rally round the family even if it feels slightly treasonous.
Author's reply
Truth and not rumour! I hadn't thought of that...
It would be a hoot to write an auction with one person bidding on each item, and then nobody else, and everything being bought for "pennies on the dollar"...
"What'll you give for this fine bed, solid carven wood it is..."
"Ha'pence!"
Dreamflower
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 32: Of Secrets and Sleepyheads
Oh lovely! I love that the neighbors are all set to save as much as they can for Gwillam and his family--but I have a hunch that things are not what they appear to others. I would bet that the family is set for a distinct rise in status...
And I had to giggle at the little exchange about listening children who seem to be asleep. And it wasn't only children who pulled those stunts--after all Sam was full grown when he pretended to sleep while Gildor spoke to Frodo in the Woody End, LOL!
Author's reply
Well, usually your hunches are pretty sound.
I noticed (afterwards) that Sam was not saying anything about pretending sleep--but then, it is not yet clear if he's there or with Pippin and Steward and King, discussing... future development. The next chapter is still in the works.
Larner
· 23 November 2005
· Chapter 32: Of Secrets and Sleepyheads
Aha, is it King, Thain, Steward, or a combination of the three who is seeing to the refurbishing of the home behind the linen shop?
So proud of the neighbor who would get all to agree to bid for the goods of the family that all might be restored to them. Very proud indeed. The type of citizen Aragorn must be proud to rule. May his business bloom and prosper.
Author's reply
LOL, can't pull the wool over *your* eyes!
I do like the tailor, resolving to use his "little bit put away" to save what comforts he can for old Gwill. He was also the one who organised the committee to speak to "someone in authority" about the apparent miscarriage of justice. Good man. I'd imagine he's quite well respected amongst the merchants.
Larner
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 31: To Make a Good End
This one is surprised to wake to find himself yet alive, and apparently apt to remain that way. Ah, poor child--doomed to live surrounded by love and honor. Now, to hear the words on that paper with the blood red seal....
Author's reply
Poor fellow. Not only does he have to put up with the already high opinion of his fellow merchants, but now his reputation for selfless heroism is going to spread far and wide.
I haven't the brain to write "high-falutin' " stuff today, so you will have to imagine the fine words on the paper with the blood-red seal, sorry to say. But know that they were read aloud to Gwill and his sons, before the King departed to have a little discussion with Steward, Pippin, and Ferdi.
Bodkin
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 31: To Make a Good End
Poor Will. He's been so out of it that he's missed out on knowing that he's not about to be carted back to the gallows. When she thinks about the way he behaves here, Seledrith is going to be impressed by his courage and determination. It can't be easy to be half-hanged and then bow to the demands of fate and prepare for death without bewailing your fate.
I do like Denny. He is a star. And the torrent of hobbits rushing into the room - under elbows, between legs, arriving like a spring flood and washing away all the dread and horror. And the men - like rocks in the flow. Lovely images.
It's going to take Will a while, though. He's come back from death - and he has to readjust not only to life, but to real freedom - for the first time since they entered the Shire.
I am loving this story!
Author's reply
I am glad you are loving this story. It is so nice to be beyond the "hump" of angst, and even though I hate to see a story end, it is agreeable to heap the blessings high.
The torrent of hobbits was a joyful image in my brain.
You know, I hadn't thought of that yet, that Will would have to adjust to *not* having to look over his shoulder! How strange, not to go "fishing" on the first day of the week when the hobbits are expected at market.
"Fishing" is a nice tradition, though. Perhaps they'll simply move it to another day, and maybe invite the hobbits to join them.
harrowcat
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 31: To Make a Good End
Oh wonderful re-union Lindelea.
And I just loved this image -
a torrent of hobbits were spilling through the door, washing around taller bodies--
I can see it so clearly, like water around boulders in some rapids! Just as well no one fell over or they would happily spill OVER as well as around the obstacles! :)
P.S.(I haven't learned how to put quotes into italics)
Author's reply
O good, that was just the impression I was aiming for, like water around boulders in rapids.
As for putting quotes in italics, what you do is surround the quotes with these symbols [i]quote[/i] only you use those "angle brackets" (greater than and less than symbols) instead of the square brackets. Did that make sense? And you can use the "preview" button to see if it comes out right, before you actually post.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 22 November 2005
· Chapter 31: To Make a Good End
Well, poor Gwillam, lovely as all that was, it must have been also completely confusing--expecting them to finish what had been started I'm sure was devastating--but then everything different than he expected--well, as I said, lovely but confusing. Hopefully he will be enlightened with some reassuring explantaions soon, and he won't be left wondering if it's all a dream, LOL!
Author's reply
Very confusing, I'm sure! It took a week of thinking it over to figure out what his reaction to awakening should be... and I nearly missed the obvious--that he was "out of the loop" and didn't know about the pardon or anything else! Whew, dodged the bullet, there.
But it was a busy week last week, leaving very little time for thinking about fanfic, sorry to say. And dh gets Friday off as well as Thursday, which means he'll be home four days in a row. Not that I'm complaining, mind, just that it'll be hard to get near the computer for awhile.
Still, it's good to get out once in awhile, don't you think?
FantasyFan
· 16 November 2005
· Chapter 30: One Ranger, Two Rangers, Three Rangers, Four
Pippin is very samrt, isn't he? He wants Ferdi to hear the story, but it seems that Haleth needs to tell it as much as Ferdi needs to hear it. Aragorn at least sees that, and that healing is necessary for more than one. To have a memory that is so bad, that you cannot bring yourself to think about it, means that you are frozen emotionally in the place where it happened. Maybe now Haleth can go on with life and promise.
Haleth is a good storyteller, I wanted to mention. Almost as good as Hilly a couple of chapters ago. It was quite mesmorizing to hear that tale told again in brief, and from all the points of view. Knowing the facts of the events let the concentration be on the feelings: the despair and relief and fear came through so well. Here you feel them also, as well as the cold, as Ferdi's reaction supplies the emotions the frozen seargent can't express. It's also interesting to see another view of Aragorn, a very ruthless one.
Author's reply
Yes, I agree that Pippin is smart! I wonder how he came to hear the story in the first place... was it from one of the Rangers who rode with Aragorn to the Black Gate? He's had several visits to the Lake, and has undoubtedly had some contact with Haleth. Had he noticed, somehow, that the Man avoided the subject of capture by Orcs? I don't know... I'm rambling. Have had way too little sleep the past few days, and that plagued by nightmares. Must be a food allergy asserting itself, what with the potlucks and special occasions lately.
You know, I hadn't thought of Haleth's need for healing, but you're right, he has been frozen, in a sense, since before the War of the Ring. And Halbarad fell in the Southlands... another reason to grieve. And it must be difficult for him to have watched Haldoron turn from a decent, thoughtful man into the hard, cold Steward seen in this story, after the death of his son. Being of lower status (he's a sergeant, after all), and very probably a much younger cousin (isn't that what "kinsman" would translate to, in hobbit terms?), he's not in any position to call Haldoron on his actions.
I have the feeling he was a very young Ranger at the time Halbarad and Haldoron were taken by Orcs, perhaps his first patrol or not long after, and travelling under the wing of older, more experienced companions.
It must have been so very difficult for Aragorn to lie there under cover, waiting for the signal that Elladan and Elrohir had taken care of the sentries, watching the treatment being meted out to Haldoron and knowing the Orcs might begin to feast at any moment... I wonder if he'd have been able to restrain himself if the sons of Elrond had not quite finished their task when they did? But my stomach threatens to tie itself in knots at the possibilities, and gladly do I abandon that thread of speculation. Strange, how the written word can affect us so.
Well, going back to the original thought, I don't think Pippin had Haleth's healing in mind, but rather was thinking of Ferdi first and Haldoron as a possible second. Haleth's healing will likely be an unintentional benefit.
...and I have really rambled here, and hope you don't mind too much. It must be bedtime.
Larner
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: One Ranger, Two Rangers, Three Rangers, Four
Have been resting mostly today--this night job is frustrating at times, the way it disrupts my sleep patterns.
Anyways--Ferdi is learning about orcs, and I doubt he's going to be as dismissive of Men as he once was. And he's heard the caring the Rangers have had for their chieftain, and sees the caring that one has for his Men, well proven. And I think he's coming to realize that there is as much variation among Men as there is among Hobbits, and that perhaps there might be a reason for what this Steward has done.
He saw the ruffian in the uniform--when he realizes the uniform may have been taken from the Steward's own son, I think he'll have a far different understanding of motivations.
Author's reply
I remember working midnight shift for three months. What a difficulty! I sympathise.
Very nice summation, and yes, I was thinking about the possibility that the ruffian that tried to murder Pippin might have been wearing the uniform of the Steward's murdered son.
Pearl Took
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: One Ranger, Two Rangers, Three Rangers, Four
A frightful tale indeed and stirringly told. *shiver*
Author's reply
Thank you.
*throwing another log on the fire*
(not that it helps the "inside" shivers, but it might help the "outside" ones)
Dreamflower
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: One Ranger, Two Rangers, Three Rangers, Four
A harrowing tale indeed, and one Ferdi truly needed to hear. It's definitely going to give him something to chew on. Pippin's still pretty manipulative when he thinks it serves a good purpose. And of course Aragorn knew exactly what the Thain had been up to.
An excellent chapter!
Author's reply
Thank you!
(Perhaps Orcs really are worse than ruffians... at least the sane ruffians.)
I think Pippin has perfected manipulating his cousins. But nowadays it is not for selfish purposes. At least it's mostly not.
harrowcat
· 14 November 2005
· Chapter 30: One Ranger, Two Rangers, Three Rangers, Four
I am glad that I, too, had eaten my tea and digested it before logging on tonight Lindelea. And it was just as well that Elessar arrived when he did or none of us might have heard the end. But it is just as well that Aragorn knows the ways of his hobbits or there might have been a lot of trouble. Yeh for the Twins - even in such an awful situation! My compliments on a hard chapter to write or so I imagine. Good to keep up the lighter-hearted bit with the food.
Author's reply
Yes, it was difficult to write. The light-hearted stuff actually came into existence on edit--the dark stuff split itself in half and screamed for something lighter to interfere.
And Elessar was right; Pippin wanted Ferdi to hear that particular story, and somehow had the insight to expect it to come out under those circumstances. But where did Pippin hear it? Must have been along the way, on that long march to the Black Gate with the Northern Rangers.