Dinossiel · 25 October 2009 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
Oi, quite exciting there. I'm glad Woodruff is protecting Ferdi's reputation.
Author's reply
I'm glad you liked it!
Where the Love-light Gleams by Lindelea
Reviews (85)
Nienor Niniel · 15 September 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
Poor Ferdi... he sure goes through a lot! Hospitality can really be troubling... My dad is sometimes forced by his job to make the round through the village, and it is awfully hard to explain to people that "just one glass" or "just one piece of cake" can be too much when he already had "just one" in several other houses. And as we saw, hobbit hospitality does not content itself with "just one" of something. But what was that about Pippin's leg? Well, I guess I'll find out. There are quite a few stories I haven't read yet. All the best, Nienor
Author's reply
Just now saw this! Thanks for taking the time to review. Yes, that "just one" can be a trouble, can't it? It's "just one" at *their* house but they don't consider how many "just ones" the person has had...
Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
What happened? Well, there I was last night, taking a final look-see to decide whether I should read or go to bed - and there this was, on the front page. So I wondered if anything had been added, but it said the whole story was entered on 22nd January. So I wondered why. But now, at 5.30 am, it's all back where it should be. I was just confused, that's all.
Author's reply
Ah, so that was it. And at the time I saw your review in my email I wasn't aware that the story had been deleted and restored.
Garnet Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
That Woodruff certainly is a clever one. She really saved Ferdi's backside this time. Very good story. I enjoyed it a lot. GT.
Author's reply
Good for Woodruff. I'm quite fond of that healer. Why, she's practically a Took--got all their good qualities and not the bad! *g*
Larner · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
And bless them all, especially for Woodruff for not telling what she knew. Allows a certain Ferdi to keep his dignity somewhat. And at least all that was lost was undrinkable cordial--and a proper night's sleep! But he'll make that up before the hangover leaves him, I'm thinking! Lovely story, Lindelea--and I want to see more of Bucca and Pippin, you know.
Author's reply
I have the feeling that he'll sleep through the holiday, anyhow... and have to make it up to the little ones with twice as many stories. So, they shall have satisfaction in the end. Working on Bucca and Pippin, as a matter of fact. Thanks!
FantasyFan · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
A very nice story. Watching the comendy of miscommunication build was quite amusing. Nobody has the right idea by the end of it, except Ferdi, and he probably won't remember anyway. Very clever of Woodruff to have chosen not to tell that she thinks Ferdi is just passed-out drunk. I was very intrigued by the undercurrent of political machinations going on. What was with Pippin's attitude? Had he also figured it out? Is he afraid of Ferdi drinking, or angry at him for revelry when he was 'on duty'? Or is he just on the same wavelength as Woodruff? Otherwise it doesn't make any sense that he relaxed when she made her pronouncement. It was some old-fashioned Ferdi angst, as you said. Guess I'm in the mood for something schmoopy next - got anything on the burner?
Author's reply
Pippin's attitude was tied in with the political undercurrents. He'd probably figured out Ferdi was drunk, and had heard that they'd given him drink at the Dragon to "revive" him; he was on pins and needles to see what Woodruff would say, knowing that Woodruff knew the implications of smearing Ferdi's name; he was incensed to think that Ferdi might actually have been First-footing while performing serious business--and if that was the reason Ferdi fell from his pony in the first place, he was going to be in for it, but good! But of course it wasn't, and Woodruff "covered up", and Pippin relaxed, his plans for the succession still intact. Schmoopy. Schmoopy. Cannot quite connect, though it leaves an impression of sorts. Can you give me an example? Thanks!
Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
Woodruff is a star! I suspect that Pimpernel will pick up on the overdose of alcoholic beverages - in fact, Woodruff will probably tell her to stop her worrying too much - but the Tooks as a whole don't need to know. And Nibs got out of his extra labour - in order to get over his shock. Of course, that means someone else has to do it, but Old Tom doesn't seem too fussed. I like their reasoning for how Ferdi ended up with so many mufflers - blame Farmer Oatley. Seems sensible enough! And Ferdi has survived with his reputation intact, even if his dignity has suffered. Good story.
Author's reply
Too true about the Tooks not needing to know. I shudder to imagine the talk. Old Tom had probably planned to give the stable lads part of the day "off" as his Yule gift to them, but then Nibs messed up. Ferdi has a way of landing on his feet, even when he doesn't know which way is up. LOL!
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
And a happy Yule and a great New Year to you too. But oh! I did want to be a fly on the wall when Ferdi wakes up and hear his side of the story. Are you really just going to leave it to our imagination Lindelea? *g*.
Author's reply
Gonna leave it to your imagination. What fun! But while you're imagining, think of this: There's a stable lad at the Great Smials who, years after, has the curious habit of poking the pitchfork gently into the hay pile, pushing it slowly into the middle of the pile, before he commences forking the hay. And Ferdi doesn't remember much after leaving Oatleys'. And of course he's insulted that anyone would *think* he'd be First-footing while on a commission for the Thain (even though the thought did cross his mind originally).
Pearl Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
Bravo!! Bravo!! Bravisimo!!!! Indeed all is well. Bless Woodruff for not wanting the snootier Tooks thinking Ferdi had turned to drink. Had it forced upon him was more the case ;) This was such a well done, enjoyable tale. Highs and lows, some fluffy things and some scary things. A wonderful, wonderful tale :) :) :) MEWD!! Take several bows, Lindelea!!
Author's reply
Bows as ordered. We aim to please. I love it that Tad gets thanked for all he did, when what he did was partly responsible for Ferdi's condition...!
Dreamflower · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
Yay, Woodruff! Not that it wasn't all *perfectly* innocent, but who'd believe poor Ferdi once he got started, or even let him get a word in edgewise? And after all this, he may not even remember the way things happened himself, LOL! Lin, I've only read one other author who can make such hysterical muddles seem perfectly natural, and then leave them with the characters obliviously happy, and the readers giggling and scratching their heads, going "how did *that* happen?" and that is PG Wodehouse! What a knack you have!
Author's reply
Did I answer this? It got corrupted and restored, and I *thought* I answered your review, but no answer is there. What an honour, to be in such esteemed company. I saw a forensics club duo perform a PG Wodehouse story, and it was hysterically funny. I know Wodehouse is a famous name--I must seek out his stories, sounds like. Poor Ferdi. He might very well not remember where he got the four mufflers, and the bottles of wine. And since he visits Oatley only once or twice a year, by the time he goes back, the farmer likely won't remember that he *didn't* do any such thing! *g* Thanks!
demeter d · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 14: All's Well, etc.
All's well indeed! After all, he did start out on a serious mission. And he has already had enough troubles for one lifetime. So good of Woopdruff to lovingly smooth things over for him. You have created a warm, sweet little community of caring people. Thank you for sharing, and a wonderful new year to you, too.
Author's reply
Thank you! Ferdi really has had enough troubles, more than enough for a lifetime, as you said. It was a pleasure to get him off the hook with no more than a hangover. And since he's such a light drinker he'll probably not have this problem another time...
Garnet Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
That "keed willer" actually was good for something after all. Wow. I have the feeling that, when this all gets sorted out, Ferdi is going to be in just a wee spot of trouble.:) Sorry it took me so long to review. I was without computer access for a couple of days. GT.
Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
Poor Nibs. Post-traumatic stress here, I should think. I'm glad Woodruff was on the case - and the keed willer, coloured with beetroot juice, is probably better off soaking into the hay - but the First Footing evidence is beginning to pile up. It won't be long before they all pick up on the number of mufflers. And then - Pimpernel will be livid - with all the unreasonable anger of one who has been desperately worried. Pip, of course, will laugh.
Author's reply
Poor Nibs, and worse, it's in a time before PTSD would be recognised or understood. No, they're likely to tell him to keep a stiff upper lip and get back to business. (You know, get back up on that pony after falling off...)
Pearl Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
You wretch!!! LOL Scaring us all to death like that - not to mention doing it to all those dear hobbits. :) :) Oh my! What a rollercoaster! Too wonderful!! *applause*
Author's reply
Thanks! Good thing I'm addicted to happy endings. ;)
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
I will keep getting caught out in my perennial sin of gulping my reading ration. I read 'sharp piece' and my mind added 'glass' even though I knew he was carrying a wine-skin! Sorry Lindelea. I won't waste my time writing out ' I must read more slowly' or I will have even less time to read. The trouble is, I don't have any will power to wait until I do have ample time as it will never happen.
Author's reply
KWYM, I do the same, sometimes only skim instead of savour, but it's that, sometimes, or not read at all! And perhaps I ought to change that "sharp piece" to "sharp stalk" to avoid confusion!
Larner · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
At least it was the cursed weedkiller cordial and NOT his chest that got the brunt of it. Poor, poor Nibs--he'll never manage now!
Author's reply
Yes, probably good riddance to the keed willer.
Dreamflower · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
Well. Thank goodness. I was sure that poor Ferdi had been stuck in a rather inconvenient spot that would have made riding difficult for a while. Glad I was wrong about that. He's home. He's found. He's safe. And after scaring the bejeebers out of his wife and his cousin, he may be in trouble. *snerk* Poor Ferdi! *giggle*
Author's reply
LOL, such fun!
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 13: Putting a Foot Wrong
I think that someone had better start heeding Tolly or this mess will never be cleared up. And will all that hay have to go to waste if there is broken glass in it?
Author's reply
Thankfully there's no broken glass. The cordial is so very special, and made according to family tradition, that it is stored in leather wineskins rather than glass bottles. Soft enough for the tines of the fork to puncture, but tough enough to absorb the force of the thrust. It seems Ferdi has the luck of the Tooks (both good and bad). Author Reply: However, I think they ought to compost any of the hay that got cordial spilt on it. We don't want any ponies with hangovers in the morning!
Beruthiel · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Rude Awakening
Um, Spotted Dog? I thought it was the Spotted Duck. Apologies for not reviewing sooner. My memory seems to be on vacation these days. Quite a delightful story. More Ferdi-angst! Yay!
Author's reply
Goodness, you're right! I missed it, and so did my editor-friend, and also in a chapter of another story, published several months ago, so she owes me a latte! Hoorah! (Altho I always buy her a latte, too, so she's not left out.) Thanks!
Bodkin · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Rude Awakening
Poor Nibs - not only stuck with all the chores, but the victim of work-place bullying. (Well, teasing really, but in these politically correct days ....) At least his wariness of Starfire is understood. But! Murther! I've a feeling pitchforks, haystacks and sleeping hobbits could have something to do with this. But that not all is what it seems!
Garnet Took · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Rude Awakening
Hope poor Nibs didn't accidently stab Ferdi with his hay fork. Hope also the hay has done him no harm. At least he's found now. Wonder if he's slept off his drunk. Sorry to be so slow to review. Looking forward to more. GT.
Author's reply
I think it takes some hours to sleep off such a drunk. Even though it has taken some hours for the journeying, he's been continuing to drink the whole time. I seem to remember from a class somewhere that it takes an hour for every drink you have (and a drink consists of, what, four ounces of wine or one ounce of liquor?) to "wear off". So he could conceivably be under the influence for the rest of the day. Poor fellow.
Larner · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Rude Awakening
Hopefully he wasn't too badly punctured by the hayfork. Poor Ferdi! Alas, poor Ferdi--passed out in the hay stack! And now assaulted by a poor wretch who's not yet up to the work and probably now has a heart condition to match! Heh!
Author's reply
Poor Nibs. Perhaps he ought to go back to the farm. Certainly he has a bossy older brother who'll inherit the land and tell him what to do with the rest of his life, but it'll definitely be saner!
harrowcat · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Rude Awakening
Thanks for the cliffie warning! I was shuddering just as soon as that hay-fork started going anywhere near that hay pile!!! But I hope that Nibs has just uncovered the unfortunate Ferdi and not spiked him!
Author's reply
Well, if all goes well and I can get up before the rest of the family, the next chapter will reveal all on the morrow.
Dreamflower · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 12: Rude Awakening
*guffaw!* Uh-oh. Just *wheeere* did Nibs stick his pitchfork? *snerk*
Author's reply
LOL, more to be revealed in the next chapter!
Larner · 22 January 2006 · Chapter 11: Sounding the Alarm
My connection went wonky last night as I tried to respond. But this is priceless, while Tad is overwhelmed and overtalked, and none of them can imagine the proper diagnosis for Poor Ferdi is DRUNK and passed out in the haystack! Poor child, and poor Ferdi!
Author's reply
Dratted connection. Was it the wind and rain? We've felt as if we were going to blow away, the past few days... With Ferdi being such a (I guess you wouldn't say non-drinker, for he does have a glass of wine or ale, four or five days a week) nobody can credit the fact that he's drunk! Not even himself, never having been drunk before... Author Reply: p.s. When are you coming to town? We'll have to plan something!