harrowcat · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Healer Found Out
Now what is the healer up to? Aiding above and beyond his healer's oath could end up getting him into trouble too. But I hope he does!
Author's reply
(be careful what you wish for!)
Just Desserts by Lindelea
Reviews (203)
Bodkin · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Healer Found Out
PS How is Hilly's wife at the moment?
Author's reply
She is well enough to travel with them to the Lake again this year, borne before the saddle on Hilly, or when she wearied, borne gently in the arms of King or guardsman. She still has a dozen or so years of life left to her, and is determined to live each one to the fullest. (And who knows, she may surprise even Arwen and live somewhat longer than predicted. All I know is that Hilly is gone to Sea by the time Faramir marries Goldilocks, and so Posey must have died sometime before. But Farry is about sixteen here, and he's thirty-three when he marries, so that is a potential for a goodly number of years for Posey and Hilly to enjoy together.) Author Reply: very strange, what my fingers do when I haven't had enough sleep. i meant borne on the saddle before Hilly!
Bodkin · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 10: What the Healer Found Out
Well - that's one auction that won't happen. Not in the way they're thinking of, anyway. Not now the hobbits know of it. And Jack's self-sacrifice is pretty staggering really. Not only saving the hobbit lads, but accepting the probability of his own death to protect Will. And then Will and Robin - knowing the possible outcome - committing themselves to saving the father-figure who had saved them. These aren't even ruffians by association, really. Jack/Robin/Gwill is an honorary hobbit from his years in the Shire whatever the outcome. And one who has saved hobbit after hobbit, risking himself along the way - and generally with no thought of reward. There is no way that Pippin (or Merry or Sam) will let this tale finish at the end of a rope. I'm delighted to say. For never in the field of hobbit/man relations has so much been owed by so many to such a Jack. (Does Pippin remember Robin and the teapot?)
Author's reply
Jack is a good sort, who made one bad error in judgment, in a weak moment when it seemed he had nothing left to lose, and I for one don't think it ought to be held against him. Yes, Pippin remembers Robin and the teapot, which is why he referred to "Robin" in this chapter. A little bit about that is in the draft, and if it doesn't slow the story too much or seem to esoteric a reference to those who haven't read "Glisters" it will appear in an upcoming chapter. Thanks!
Elentariel · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 9: The Ties that Bind
Where's strider! Hurry up Elessar, Jack is in a spot of trouble!
Author's reply
I imagine Strider is kicked back on his kinsman's front porch, sipping something cold and refreshing at the moment. Ai!
Bodkin · 21 October 2005 · Chapter 9: The Ties that Bind
I like the thought of a healer wounded by his exposure to the aftermath of war. It seems a very likely scenario. And I can see that attendance on the gallows would not be part of the future he would like to live. The humanity of such a man, though, might make him the perfect man for this particular job! Bergil can't find the way? That's rather a problem - and it's just as well that we have the three Travellers on the case. Holding off the demands of 'justice' might be a bit much for one. I hope Bergil finds the right path soon - Jack doesn't need to be sat in the sun by the gallows for too long. He's an old man - and one who sustained some pretty serious injuries in the aftermath of saving Farry and Pip-lad. And you don't want to upset the hangman. It's bad policy! Will's guard seems a little - goon-like. 'You 'eard the sergeant, you 'orrible little man!' But at least Will was able to pass on the relevant information. And Haleth has decided that the Ernil i Pheriannath is in charge. Very wise. Now, if only Bergil can find Aragorn, I shall start to feel a bit more relaxed!
Author's reply
I think of my uncle, who was a medic in the Battle of the Bulge. I was told that he did not speak, not a word, for six months after he returned from the war. And I know that he never spoke of the war, ever after, as long as he lived. As to the goon--a friend told me some time ago that I write to extremes. Ruffians are bad, guardsmen are good. She said I ought to mix things up a bit and not be so "goody two-shoes" about my writing (Who is goody two shoes?) Thus you have Jack and Will, "good ruffians", and Goon, a bully of a guardsman. Whew.
harrowcat · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 9: The Ties that Bind
May the time never be right indeed!
Author's reply
Truly! (And may I not drop any of the plot-threads...)
Larner · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 9: The Ties that Bind
Hooray--Thain, Master, and Mayor are seeing true JUSTICE begun for Jack. Bless them indeed, and the guards for obeying in the name of humanity. Thanks for this. Now, Bergil--use every ounce of hunters' skills you can to find Aragorn before it's too late!
Author's reply
Poor Bergil, I'm afraid he's more soldier than hunter. They should have brought Ferdi along, to read the trail! Bergil can do a little of that, I expect, but not with such skill as a Ranger or hunter.
Bodkin · 20 October 2005 · Chapter 8: A Cup of Cold Water
Poor Jack doesn't seem well - I'm glad Haleth has cottoned on to who is really in charge in this party and is providing water and agreeing to the need for a healer. And here comes a dangerous time - the hangman's assistant is starting to think! Making value judgements about those who are brought before him. He might have to find a new job. Jack seems almost relieved - I imagine he hated living in fear of discovery, but preferred it to the alternative. His real difficulty now is the guilt of having led Will, who was little more than a child at the time, into a situation where he won't be there for his own son's needs. What has happened to that king! You just can't count on him being there when he's needed. I hope Bergil manages to find him soon.
Larner · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 8: A Cup of Cold Water
Glad they are starting to loosen up there, and the pun is partially intended, after all! You could call it "Loosening Up" I suppose. It's descriptive and also a bit of gallows humor, but a fitting one.
Author's reply
Hmmm. Loosening Up. Got a ring to it. But it might fit the next chapter better... Thanks!
Dreamflower · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 8: A Cup of Cold Water
Ah, yes, Pippin has certainly learned to assert himself and his rank when he needs to. What a long way he has come, from the tweenager who doggedly followed his older cousins and cheerfully obeyed when they ordered him around. He has found himself now, and knows what he can and can't do, and has enough confidence to order around these large Men with a stern eye. He is the Thain of the Shire, a representative of the King of the West, a Councillor of the North Kingdom, and a Knight of the White City. He most certainly outranks almost anyone except for the Stewads and the King, and he knows it. And so do the Men who are there. But you know, I bet Merry could still get him to mop the floor. And he'd probably give anything to have Frodo order him to fetch the water again.
Author's reply
You know, I bet you're right. (As I bet Sam would give anything to have Frodo order him out to pull weeds...) I just love it when Pippin pulls rank.
harrowcat · 18 October 2005 · Chapter 8: A Cup of Cold Water
Yes a groan is appropriate for your working title! Unfortunately I can't help with a better one but you might just have opened the flood gates for bad pun suggestions! Part of me is wondering whether Will is really as feeble as he sounds or is he faking and hoping for a chance to run? In which case he could run and end up bumping into our truant King. But then again he sounds too resigned to paying for his choice of many years ago. Our past often catches up with us - especially when there is a skeleton in the cupboard!
Author's reply
Y'know, it would be an interesting plot turn for the old man to be faking and escape and meet up with the King, but unfortunately it won't work for a couple of reasons. He wouldn't leave Will behind, for one, since he's responsible for the whole mess in the first place. For another... Have you read "All that Glisters"? I can't remember if your name appeared among the reviewers. (Apologies) In that story, as will come out soon in this story, Jack, while rescuing Farry and Pip-lad Gamgee from a murderous kidnapper, fell into the base of a large waterfall and was pummelled by rocks and falling water and was thought to have died. He nearly did die, as a matter of fact... but to say any more might be a "spoiler" for this story, so I'll leave it there. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Hurry Up and Wait
Clever, clever Hilly and Bergil (I had to stop and remind myself that Bergil's a grown-up here) taking the hangman with them, LOL! Kind of like taking the key with you... I'm still interested in these varying attitudes towards the hanging. It's going to be really intriguing to watch Aragorn untangle *this* mess.
Author's reply
I know, I have to shake myself to get into the "grown-up Bergil" mode sometimes, especially after reading something like RSF's "Errand Lad". An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! So hopefully Haleth's attitude is explained to the reader's satisfaction, now.
Larner · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Hurry Up and Wait
Now, taking the hangman with them was a stroke of sheer genius! I love that! Find the King, Hilly and Bergil, find him and get him back there double quick! Loving the story more and more.
Author's reply
Well, it just seemed like the logical solution. You wouldn't want the hangman sitting around with time on his hands... he might send word to the Steward, who didn't listen to Diamond's defence of Jack and Will when he was questioning her earlier in the day... (still trying to figure out where that info fits) Thanks! And just read your review of "To Tell a Tale" and forwarded it on to Elendiari... you have a terrible cold? I'm sorry. Sending virtual hot-honey-and-lemon your way.
Bodkin · 17 October 2005 · Chapter 7: Hurry Up and Wait
I'm feeling a big phew coming on here! Bergil kidnapped the hangman (- it's a really good thing that he is right to trust Aragorn's honour and humanity, or he'd be visiting the hangman in quite another way before long!) And what better way to keep him from doing his job! Falathar is quite right - there is a skill in being a hangman that others perhaps don't appreciate, unless they're being strangled by a badly applied noose. (Although I am soooooooo glad that Ferdi (MFH) survived.) And the Men might not think that Pippin, Merry and Sam mean that last throwaway line - but that just goes to show how little they understand hobbits. Go, Bergil, Hilly and Balanurthon. Find that king and get him back where his intelligence and authority are needed.
Author's reply
It really is a good thing that he has first-hand experience of Aragorn's wisdom and justice (with his father's case), compared to someone like, say, the old Steward Denethor. Oo, what a chilling thought, Bergil visiting hte hangman in another capacity, as criminal rather than rescuer! Definitely chilling. Glad I didn't think of it. I'm glad Ferdi survived, too, even though it gave him quite a bad impression of Men for a long time after. Poor Bergil. He accompanied the King a few years ago on a visit to this relative, but will he remember the way after so much time has passed?
Harrowcat · 16 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Led to the Slaughter
Shame on me Lindelea! I think that I had better stay behind after class and clean the blackboard or sit down and write 100 times - I must remember to read Lindelea's stories properly, right to the last sentence! But doing that would mean less time to read the story. Of course it was the escort who overheard Farry. So 'mea culpa' I will follow a bit better from now on! That's a promise!
Author's reply
Ah, yes. Every word counts, you know, carefully placed just so to catch the light and such. *g*
TopazTook · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 3: Shipwreck
This imposition of King's "justice" in taking away everything, including their livelihood, from the innocent survivors of a supposed criminal seems awfully unjust -- much like the forfeiture laws, which may have been your inspiration, which confiscate the vehicle a convicted felon's wife may use to get to her job and earn money to feed her kids. I am hoping things somehow work out for the best in the end, and that lessons are learned...
Author's reply
Reprehensible, isn't it? Positively medieval! (Which is the period we're studying in history. Sure glad that the Men of the West seem more upright and justice-oriented than the lords of the history we're studying at present. At least, for the most part.) We are working toward the resolution, even now. Not many chapters left to post, unless the current revision takes a drastic turn. Thanks!
Larner · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Led to the Slaughter
Delay! Delay! Delay! Moving along quite fast, you know! Well paced.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you. Really not much left to the story now, I think. We'll see how the chapters break out.
Bodkin · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 99999: Author's Note
I wonder if Edicts, like the Constitution, could be subject to amendments. And, if reason dictated that amendments would be sensible, just what amendments might be implemented? And who would negotiate just what they were? Was the Edict initially issued without consultation with the hobbits? (The number of times I type bobbits and have to go back and correct it!) Might the Counsellors of the North Kingdom actually request some relaxation of its rigidity? Who better to get the king to adapt it - and their reasons would have far more force on Aragorn than any whingeing from the men of Bree or wherever.
Author's reply
Well it just might be that the edict is about to get renegotiated. Wouldn't you think so? It's not on SoA, but in "LifeWatch" I postulated the possible seed that grew into the Shire-ban for Men as the result of a conversation between Merry and King Eomer, I think.
Dreamflower · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Led to the Slaughter
Ah, so now it's falling into place. I had been assuming that Pippin was planning to get things cleared up, get them out in the open, so that the unsung heroes would no longer have to hide, and that they *were* already actually on their way to the King, that there were just some unpleasant technicalities to get out of the way first. I was rather shocked to realize they actually were on their way to the gallows. But now? Hmm...and the one in charge of the guard detail seems a tad overzealous. Not necessarily enjoying this task, but he also seems to have an agenda in hurrying it up. I wonder why? You would think if the so-called "accuser" was speaking up for them, he would realize that it was in his own best interest to take his time. I have a feeling Pippin's not going to be too happy with him before this is over. But now we find, that the whole arrest was in a way an accident--the children let something drop where the wrong ears could hear, apparently. I'm looking forward to seeing just exactly what happened... Hurry up, Hilly and Bergil...
Author's reply
That's the second time you've said "overzealous". And suddenly I realised that the reader cannot see inside the sergeant's head. Will try to rectify that, and thanks for the nudge. The fifth draft has taken a rather unexpected turn in the attempt to explain something that didn't quite work in the earlier drafts, so we're having a bit of fun with the executioner. (To be posted sooner or later.) How odd that sounds.
Bodkin · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Led to the Slaughter
Pippin and Merry are doing all they can - at least Jack and Will know that, although I doubt that'll be much consolation as the ropes go round their necks. I hope Jack manages to remain as healthy as can be expected as a man of his age and condition can expect until (fingers crossed) the cavalry arrives. I love the irony of suggesting they need to send for a healer to help him recover in order to reach the gallows. (Perhaps Pippin could play on that until Hilly and Bergil manage to drag Aragorn back.) I am seriously going off this Edict. It is brainless! One of those rules that overlooks things like - house on fire: rescue needed or hobbit child fished out of river: how to get said child home. Whatever the circumstances, Jack and Will saved Hilly and Farry (twice) and whichever of Sam's sons it was. Farry will never forgive himself if his inability to keep his mouth shut at relevant moments leads to Jack and Will's deaths and Robin's loss of his family. And 'no hearing necessary'. That's not open to abuse, is it!!! Reminds me of the French Revolution and the Committee of Public Safety and neighbours denouncing neighbours. All it would take is someone with a grudge and you're hanged before anyone has a chance to say 'hold on, this doesn't ring true'. I think this Steward could do with a few lessons in fair ruling - and possibly his officers need some advice about taking prisoners to him before he's had breakfast and six cups of coffee (or ME equivalent). I'm glad that Jack and Will have heard from Pippin himself that this is not his choice. Not that it'll make any difference if somebody with the authority to stop it doesn't turn up pretty soon.
Author's reply
We are having a bit of fun with the gallows sequence. I know, it sounds very strange. Gallows humour? Angst and irony, quite the combination. The edict is a pain in the... Even tho the hobbits have figured out how to profit from it. But still, it could use some practical revision.
harrowcat · 15 October 2005 · Chapter 6: Led to the Slaughter
At least they now know that Pippin is not to blame for the arrests. But who overheard Farry? I guess we are about to hear.
Author's reply
It was the guardsman or guardsmen who were shadowing the young hobbits. Hopefully it will become clear in an upcoming chapter, especially now that I have Dreamflower's lovely list of names to choose from.
Larner · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past
Oh, Eru preserve the child, and them. And not fair! Another cliffhanger! AARGH!
Author's reply
Sorry. Cliffhangers make convenient stopping places, especially when I'm interrupted. Thanks!
harrowcat · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past
Uncertainty is the worst of all possible states to live with I think. The heights of hope and the depths of despair can all come within seconds. And poor lad - brightening at the thought of Farry's promise and then to realise the promise was actually kept! We are all hanging on the thought of the decency and enlightenment of Aragorn; as long as they get as far as him!
Author's reply
I agree with you about uncertainty. That dratted King. Such abysmal timing, to go visiting his relatives at a time like this...
Dreamflower · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past
Well, of course, Robin's faith is not misplaced. I am quite sure Farry's father *is* speaking for them, but of course the legalities are going to be all a-tangle, such as only you can weave, and while they may not have been hung, I am quite sure they will not win free quite so easily...
Author's reply
Of course Robin's faith is in the right place, but it's just been shaken by reality. (I love that old quote, "Don't confuse me with the facts!" or something like that.) Where *are* Will and Jack? One can only rationalise for so long... though of course the delay is explainable, and if it is plausible that no one would go by the gallows on purpose, tucked away in an inconvenient, isolated part of the city as it is, then no one in the marketplace would know that no hanging has taken place. Whew, so much yarn, and such a complicated pattern. Hope I don't drop a stitch.
Bodkin · 14 October 2005 · Chapter 5: Shadows of the Past
I'm gibbering!! I'm not surprised that Robin has managed to have some faith that Pippin will have spoken for Jack and Will - he knows what happened and knows that saving Hilly, Diamond and Farry - and then saving Farry again and - Merry-lad was it? - has more than earned these three not just forgiveness but gratitude from king and hobbits alike. But in that case - where are they? And everyone else is convinced that they are swinging on the gallows without courtesy of hearing. Poor Seredrith is in shock - this can't be good for her. Or Merileth, come to that. It's a good thing they have a good strong loving family round them. But it is an indictment of the system under which they grew up that none of these common folk expect to have the ear of their rulers - or, in fact, to be granted justice rather than retribution. This is a fantastic story - I'm only glad you consented to write it!
Author's reply
Yes, where are they? Because I was grumbling again about being too predictable, my editor-friend rattled off (she types for a living, and very quickly indeed) and sent me a draft where they come to the gallows to fetch the bodies and Jack and Will are hanging there still, very angsty stuff, absolutely horrid for everyone involved, hobbits and men alike, and there is much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth that is the stuff of tragedy, and the story ends with Pippin presenting Jack's reward to Rob... a hollow ending at best. She says she much prefers my version, and truth be told, so do I. Ok, so I'm not going to moan about predictability any more, or at least for a while. I will still try to get enough twists and turns into the plot so that it is interesting to read, but I can go only so far and no farther. Thanks for the thoughtful review and words of encouragent! It causes me to ponder further the system under which they grew up...