FantasyFan
· 29 September 2003
· Chapter 14: Sworn to Silence
Pippin's frustrated, Sam's in shock, Rose is going to be strong, the girls are in tears, the boys are angry, and Frodo vacilates between bewildered and grim. How can so much happen in the short time between breakfast and dinner? Sam is a worry. Of course he's going to resign: he may do it anyway even if Frodo is eventually exonerated. Sam has always had an over-developed sense of propriety. This, however has hit him right in the heart. Perhaps he held out some hope until the end that clever Pippin would find some way out of it. Later, he and his family will find a way to come to terms, but now it seems like he's lost his son. Pippin doesn't believe in Frodo's guilt, but there are enough people who do. I doubt Sam would be able to break the ban and speak to Frodo even in the privacy of his own home (but Rosie might). I hope nothing else happens to Sam right now, because he might not survive it.
Ferdi believes Frodo told the truth. More than that, Ferdi seemed to catch a hint of something during the hearing. I don't know what it was, but his insistance on the hearing being adjourned came right after Ned spoke. Did he hear something that made him think Ned knows more than he's letting on? Does Ned carry enough resentment about his Father's treatment following the troubles, that he wishes for revenge? What can they find out in Hobbiton tomorrow? Guess I'll have to wait and see.
Author's reply
Nice summation. It is amazing just how much can happen in the space of a few hours. Recent events come to mind. You were right in what you noticed about the timing of Ferdi's brainstorm. More will come to light in a future chapter.
Miriel
· 28 September 2003
· Chapter 14: Sworn to Silence
*Groans* This is probably one of the most agonizing things in fiction! Knowing that things will turn out right, yet also knowing that first the reader shall be led through darkness and despair.
How awful that this should happen! For Sam to lose both Frodos...How awful. Poor Rose, devastated as any Mum would be. And let us not forget Frodo. How terrible for him to know that he is innocent, yet unable to prove it. And to be placed under the ban, while innocent! *Sigh*
Actually, the person who deserves the most pity is Pippin. I'm sure that he believes Frodo is innocent, yet all of the evidence points against it. How hard must it be to sentence someone you believe is innocent, much less the son of a dear friend. (Not to mention that I'm sure Pippin is fond of the lad, as well.)
It's almost tragic that the lad was named Frodo. For Sam, its as if he is losing Frodo again, for Pippin, he must place harsh punishment upon Frodo-how hard must it be for him to say that name!
Why is Ned so eager for Frodo's punishment? Just Sandyman nastiness? Or something a bit deeper?
I wonder also what Ferdi knows. I almost cried in relief when he asked for it to be adjourned.
I could feel the anguish of all the characters in this chapter, which made it heart wrenching for me as well. Very well done. Is Goldi in the next chapter?
Author's reply
I wonder how many innocents are put away in our justice system. At least as many as are let off when guilty. O for a truth-sifter, in reality! And yet, in this case, it looks as if hearing the truth is not enough. Somehow, hard evidence must be produced to save an innocent from condemnation. No, Goldi is not in this next chapter, but someone else is whom I think you'll be happy to meet.
Citrine
· 27 September 2003
· Chapter 14: Sworn to Silence
I actually groaned out loud when I read this chapter. Poor old Sam! To lose two Frodo's in one lifetime is more than a hobbit can bear. I could almost see him having a flashback to the Havens when he nearly fainted and then looked at his son. I have faith that Ferdi (or Pippin) will think of something....*Crossing fingers.*
Author's reply
Yes, Samwise is under a terrible strain. He faces losing his son, his reputation, the Mayorship, and worst of all, he knows in his bones that Frodo is innocent, though he has no way to prove it.
Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan
· 26 September 2003
· Chapter 13: To Tell The Truth
The little interlude about Pippin and Diamond's picnic reminds me of why we love the Shire so much (and its inhabitants). There is no evil here, without outside forces like ruffinas intruding. In Merlin, the hobbits didn't know the meaning of the word torture, or of breaking a prisoner. Most don't understand the meanng of the rope marks around Ferdi's neck either. No hobbit has ever killed another on purpose in the Shire, and the names of those 19 killed in the Battle oF Bywater are learned by heart. The concepts of child abuse, or rape, or kidnapping have no place in their world (something that turns me off in a lot of bad fanfiction I've read is when authors don't seem to understand that). But it's not a utopia either. Tolkien writes about gossip, petty jealousy, insular prejudice, the inflated importance of reputation and mistrust of anyone who dares to be the least different: and that's all in the first chapter. Hobbits are clearly capable of strife between themselves, although even the worst that Lotho Sackville-Baggins and Ted Sandyman ever do is motivated as much by too much trust in the wrong people as any evil intent of their own. So, I think that the justice system you have set up is perfectly appropriate for the setting. Everyone knows where the boundaries of polite society are. Transgression are subject to relatively severe and rapidly escalating penalties. Justice is swift and fair (within traditional guidelines). The worst offenders are removed before they can poison the society. As far as we've seen, there is no recourse of appeal of the Thain's decisions, even when they are capriciously and unfairly imposed as in Ferdi's case (perhaps an appeal to the king could be possible?) It's not a perfect system, but it has the advantage of simplicity and of preserving unity.
Having said that, Pippin's hands are trully tied in this case. Frodo has no way of proving his innocence, and once sentence is imposed, he has no way of finding the real criminal. Perhaps it will be up to his family to do that. If the sentence for thievery is one year under the ban, the sentence for delibertely framing someone for a crime should be much more severe, as in the case of Nibs Clayburrow in Flames. There of course, the crime Ferdi was oringinally charged with was malice with intent to do harm, and the punishment for Nibs for the crime and his spontaneous frame-up of Ferdi was banishment. Here, the crime is less serious, but the malice is even more deliberate. I think Frodo-lad is in for a humbling experience, but Truth will out eventually (I hope).
By the way, I read the stories here but sometimes don't think to look for a note from you in the reviews. I usually check the header of the story at ff.n for your comments, as I like to hear what you have to say to others too. I actually feel fairly anonymous posting my reveiws here with the priviledged few others whose names I see often.
(sorry this is late. the computer crashed on the first try, and it was hard reconstructing all that.)
Author's reply
As usual, a very helpful review. You gave me a turn when you mentioned kidnapping and bad fanfic in the same breath, for in my stories, it is a real fear for Pippin, though of course, he learned about the idea in the world of Men. Those in his inner circle know about the concept, as well, if only because he hopes it will give them cause to guard his family more closely, knowing what ruffians might do. Then, of course, I realised that you have already seen kidnapping in "Merlin" (on the part of ruffians, that is), so I see that your comments must be in reference to hobbits kidnapping hobbits, something I've not yet run across in fanfic, though I have seen reference to rape. My beloved Ferdi was branded a rapist in at least one story I've heard about! Talk about unjust accusations!
You'll have to let me know, when we get to the solution in this story, how plausible you think it sounds.
Your computer crashed on the first try, and you typed all that in again? You are a wonder, and I am very grateful to have you for a reader and reviewer! If you ever want to get into the beta business, let me know.
Miriel
· 25 September 2003
· Chapter 13: To Tell The Truth
I enojoyed seeing Pippin and Diamond still romantic, more so as the years go by, much like a marrige should be. Too bad that they never will get to go on their picinic, at least not today.
*Hits head against wall.* This is so frustrating! Why can't Frodo remember lending his knife? Maybe someone could come up with the theory that his knife was stolen? Or he dropped it somewhere besides the chicken coop? Grr.
Ferdi, hopefully, will be able to sort things out as he always does. Although, considereing how this is going so far, probably not anytime soon.
Your right, Goldi and Hodge probably would make a better couple socially than she and Farry. I never thought about it before when I read the appendix, not being too concerned with classes myself, simply thought that it was nice that Sam's daughter and Pippin's son got married. I never once thought of the complications, and it is grand to see them brought to life. (I wonder how far you will let the Hodge/Goldi thing go. Perhaps to the point of agony of your readers? (Which would be engagement, or serious courtship.))
Anyway, thank you again!
Author's reply
Yes, we are barely more than halfway through, so there is still a ways to go before this is over. Ah, well, my grandmother always used to say that adversity was character building. Guess all the Gamgees are under construction at the moment.
I do love writing romantic scenes between my married hobbits, especially the longer they are married.
Ummm, how far will Hodge/Goldi go? Am tempted to answer this, but for the fact that it would be a spoiler to do so.
Thank you for the lovely, long review. It feels more like a conversation, somehow.
FantasyFan
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 12: A Good Name is Finer than Riches
Oh, now I'm really confused. I was positive it was Hodge who stole the chickens and planted the knife in the chicken coop. I figured he would give Frodo-lad a real scare, and then have some way to get him out of it at the last minute at the hearing. When he got left behind to watch the chickens, I wondered how he was going to let anyone know that Frodo didn't really do it. Now, I'm not sure about him at all. He seemed so sincere when he was talking to Goldi. He was apologetic, bashful and almost sweet to her: he sounded like he really didn't believe Frodo was capable of theft. Was that all an act? (He did manage to get in one dig on Rose.) Or if it wasn't Hodge, who was it? This whole 'prank' was done deliberately and with malice; the intent clearly was to do more than discredit Frodo. He could be banished for this, or at the least put under permanent ban! I want to know who was responsible! (And I want to know if I'm guilty of prejudging Hodge.)
Boy, you sure know who are your real friends when trouble arrives. Half the Shire is gleefully gossiping, having convicted Frodo before the trial and ready to destroy Sam and the rest of the family with him as quickly as possible. But there are a few who believe in Frodo-lad's integrity, including the innkeeper, and Daisy Burrows, her mom and da. It's good to know Frodo has a few who will stand by him. But even if they want to support him, a judgement against Frodo by the Thain will be carried out, whether it be banishment or shunning. He's got to be scared to death.
By the way, I loved the aside about lasses weeping over the demise of easy-on-the-eyes Merry or Pippin. It made me giggle, even in the midst of the tension. There's always something like that to look forward to in your stories. You have so many great ideas!
Author's reply
I know, I had a lot of the same feelings as you when the story was in the works. The outline actually called for Hodge to be the culprit, allowing Frodo to go off and be tried, never dreaming he'd be found guilty, only wanting to cause him the maximum embarassment and inconvenience. And then... the story wrote itself in another direction. Guess we'll never know how Hodge would have reacted. Thanks for the kind words. I'm actually feeling a little apprehensive about the angst in "Runaway". Whenever I write angst, I worry that it is "over the top". I almost "chickened out" and cut the story short, with a neat and sweet ending. You'll have to let me know what you think when we get to those chapters in that story. (Please do.)
Miriel
· 23 September 2003
· Chapter 12: A Good Name is Finer than Riches
*Sigh* The plot thinkens...can I say again how much I missed your updates?
Poor, poor, Frodo...
Hmm...Hodge and Godi...*Shudder* at least we know that it would never come to be, but it makes for a very interesting plot.
I liked the lasses weeping when they thought Merry and Pippin had been killed. I hope you update soon!
Author's reply
Amazing. I just discovered that SoA sends the author's reply to the reviewer. What a website!
It's nice to know I was missed.
Hodge and Goldi... you know, it is not so far-fetched. If Sam were not Mayor, they'd be of the same class, socially, whereas Faramir would be far out of Goldi's reach, with her parents being so conventional and class-conscious.
Here comes that update you were waiting for.
Miriel
· 15 September 2003
· Chapter 11: Bound and Determined
Sigh...surely someone would have thought to have questioned Frodo...or Merry and Pippin. *Crosses fingers* Ferdi and the Thain will work it out...right?
Author's reply
Well, they ought to have, but Sam headed that off pretty well when he said that they wouldn't take the knife without asking... and it was a few days ago, so Frodo forgot about loaning it to Merry (I do that all the time), and Merry forgot about borrowing it. You know how when you absent-mindedly lay something down, you might never find it again unless you run across it again later? And if someone else has picked it up, you might never find it again or remember what happened to it...
Sorry to say, computer is going in the shop. No updates for a week, unless I can somehow borrow access to a computer or something, but who's going to let me sit and write for an hour or two, or format a chapter and upload it to the internet... and not converse? Only my family puts up with such behaviour.
Author Reply: I posted this reply at fanfiction net but don't know if you read there or here, so I'm adding it in here. The way the justice system seemed to work itself out in these stories (I think the first hearing I ever wrote was in “Flames”), the accused has the last word, but is not allowed to speak until the witnesses have finished testifying against him. This fits in with the idea of “guilty until proven innocent”, which would have been the mindset in the Old Country. Since the testimony of more than one witness is required to convict, and it would be unlikely for hobbits to conspire against another hobbit, false charges would not be common in the Shire. Frodo’s case has been carefully crafted by malice and forethought on the part of someone with an axe to grind, even to providing more than one witness to testify against him based upon planted evidence. One exception to this “more than one witness” rule would be if the Thain chose to abuse his power, he could convict someone without due process (see “Flames”, and Paladin unjustly placing Ferdi under the Ban without recourse or appeal), though being a hobbit, this is unlikely.
Miriel
· 15 September 2003
· Chapter 10: The Shirriff Investigates
Oh no! I knew that was coming, but still...
I certainly hope that someone remembers who the knife was lent to- and soon!
Samwisegirl12
· 14 September 2003
· Chapter 6: Frodo Did a-Courting Go
Oh, gosh...I've read this before, but I never noticed when Sam said "Don't thank me, thank the one you're named for." That line almost me me cry!!!!!!
Sam seemed to have changed in this story at first. He seemed to care more about status than he usually did, as did Pippin, but I see that they're just doing what's expected for them. Poor Sam!! He's really suffering inside after Frodo left for the havens!!
Good job, Lindelea! I can't wait for updates!!
Author's reply
Thanks, Samwisegirl! I appreciate your taking time to review. It is difficult, living in a tradition-bound society, to break out of the mould. Even the Thain must live within the constraints dictated by tradition, for the most part... People surely can make your life uncomfortable if you go outside the bounds of their expectations, can't they?
FantasyFan
· 11 September 2003
· Chapter 9: The Trap is Sprung
I was afraid of something like this. Five hens and a rooster are missing. Linden got two months under the ban for breaking 6 mugs of beer with a joke taken too far, so who knows how severe punishment would be for this? Stealing or destroying a "good citizen's" personal property and family's foodsource, with what could be construed as deliberate malace bordering on harassment: it's not like raiding the mushroom field.
It seems here in the shire, there's no warrant needed for arrest, and no presumption of innocence, so Frodo may just well be hauled right to Tuckborough. How will he plead his defense? First of all, he doesn't have the knife - he lent it to his brother, and it was lost. If they are lucky, his brother will remember the last time he saw it was in the vicinity of the mill - anyone could have it.
Secondly, what happened to the chickens? They have to be around somewhere. They didn't go into the stew pot at Bag End - I am sure many from the family could testify to that, and there is precedence for allowing family testimony. If they were killed but not eaten, Hodge would have to be more clever than I give him credit for to implicate the Gamgees by stashing the carcasses somewhere on Bag End property. Eru forbid he just added them to the Bag End chicken coop, so that they could be found just by opening the door. No - someone would have noticed a second rooster, and even Bag End can't have so many chickens that five more wouldn't be commented on. Wait - Robin's never counted them. Oh no. Frodo's in trouble now.
Author's reply
Thanks for the comments! Had no time to write author notes before i posted over at ffnet, but just wanted you to know I got this review and digested it. "Deliberate malice bordering on harassment", nice turn of phrase, I hadn't thought of that.
You're right about the Shire, they are old-fashioned about these things, i.e. a suspect is "guilty until proven innocent"
Nice guesses about the chickens. Your questions will be answered in chapter 10.
Miriel
· 11 September 2003
· Chapter 9: The Trap is Sprung
Oh no! They should know better than to trust any Sandyman...Grr. I knew that there would be trouble as soon as Frodo lent out his knife. Can't wait to see how this plays out! (Along with Faramir and Goldi!!)
Author's reply
Poor Sandyman, to have to live with such a reputation. "A good name is better than gold". Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan
· 6 September 2003
· Chapter 7: Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be
I'm betting it's Hodgie Sandyman who's found the knife. I wonder what kind of nasty thing he's thought up to do with it. The last line suggested to my son that he might actually throw it at Frodo, but that doesn't seem very likely. Probably he'll use it to get up some mischief, and have Frodo blamed for it. Of course, since Frodo lent it to his brother, perhaps Merry will get in trouble instead.
Two other interesting things are going on in this chapter. The Gamgee boys, or at least Frodo, are beginning to be known as Gardeners. It always seemed a little strange to me that only one generation after Samwise Gamgee returns to the Shire as hero, his family changes its surname. Sam was known for a lot of things, including being seven times Mayor and being one of the Travellers. Was his tree-planting the only thing he was truly honored for in the Shire? Wouldn't surprise me too much, given the way Frodo was ignored.
The other interesting thing is that others in the family are beginning to notice the absence of Faramir, if only in a vague way. Sam and Rosie are against Farry and Goldi's relationship. Frodo-lad is just an interfering busybody (OK, an overprotective brother). Will Goldi find some allies amongst other members of her family? Will they notice her sadness, or question her about Farry, or overhear a converstation? Could falling in love himself even cause Frodo-lad to have some sympathy? I think an old-fashioned conspiracy is in order. Could we bring a Brandybuck into it, just for old times sake?
(One other thing I noticed. Merry laughs a lot. That's cute.)
Hai
· 6 September 2003
· Chapter 7: Neither a Borrower Nor a Lender Be
Oh, dear, Frodo is going to catch it hot I'm thinking when he leant something to his brother! Oh, dear! Looking forward to finding out what happens! Thank you!
Miriel
· 3 September 2003
· Chapter 6: Frodo Did a-Courting Go
Poor Goldi! Its almost torture to read about the happenings of others but her situation xtays the same. *Sigh.* Can hardly wait for the next chapter!
Author's reply
I know, she probably thinks she'll end an old maid...
FantasyFan
· 3 September 2003
· Chapter 6: Frodo Did a-Courting Go
Yippee! Frodo-lad's got Daisy Burrows to distract him from being over-protective of his sisters. I've been waiting for Frodo to gain some personal experience of the trials of young love, as his concern (meddlings) with his sisters' love-lives has been to the point of annoyance at times; but now I hope nothing bad will happen while he's not there to watch out. He's so cute, all dressed fine and slicked up. Things aren't going to run perfectly smooth for him, are they? That wouldn't be fun enough!
This is a wonderful, light-hearted interlude, full of honest hobbit goodness. But it does show that Sam's family is more homey and down-to-earth than the great families at the Smials or Buckland. Too bad Goldi isn't benefiting from the change in mood. Just because her cloth is homespun, it doesn't mean it wouldn't blend with the finer weaves. I know true love will win out in the end, but she's so sad!
Sam sees his children are growing up, and he wants to put everything in place. Sam's got a very traditional mindset here. I'm sure he always assumed that Elanor would marry and his son would carry on the tradition of having a Frodo, if not a Baggins, as master of Bag End. He won't ever let Frodo be forgotten, and I love him for it. His passing on of the inheritance, so to speak, to Frodo-lad is going to make the youngster think even harder about settling down. I wouldn't mind being a guest at another hobbit wedding, sometime in the future.
Looking forward to the next update.
Author's reply
Another hobbit wedding? Hmmmm, interesting idea...
FantasyFan
· 2 September 2003
· Chapter 5: To See Justice Done
Pippin is saved from making a grave mistake by Ferdi's refusal to take things at their surface level. He can't see, but he recognizes the paralysis of shock in the lad's refusal to speak. He hasn't made up his mind beforehand to accept the worst, and so sees truer than those who aren't looking - even the boys' parents.
This is quite an intersting interlude, following as it does on the heels of Goldi's words about justice in the previous chapter. What have we learned? The first lesson is, when in doubt ask Ferdi - he's truly amazing. Also, don't be quick to quarrel with those you love, or take your time with them for granted.
More importantly, things are not always what they seem - you can't tell the truth from surface appearances. Passing judgement is a slippery and difficult thing. Sometimes even those closest can misjudge you horribly. And, the responsibility of judgement that comes with the Thain's signet is a very heavy burden. His decisions have not the power of life or death, but certainly have the power to impose misery or comfort, to pull a family together or destroy it utterly, to impose either punishment or mercy. I think when we throw out phrases like "no justice," what we really mean is "no mercy." One of the main strengths of the hobbit character is their understanding of pity, mercy, humility, selflessness, the triumph of the small and the joy of the simple. It takes a pretty special hobbit to handle the power and responsibility of the Thainship: Pippin is magnificent at it and Ferdi, for all his amazing qualities, wouldn't be as good. I'm interested to see what Pippin is thinking about on his ride.
Author's reply
"Things are not always as they seem."
Truer words were never spoken.
One of Pippin's gifts is the ability to discern others' skills and put them in the right place, serving the function for which they are best-suited. He's also good at giving credit where credit is due, a character quality that I appreciate very much.
Thanks again for your support and generously-supplied insights. They have helped much more than you know in my journey to refine my wordsmithing.
Miriel
· 2 September 2003
· Chapter 5: To See Justice Done
Thank goodness for Pippin that he has Ferdibrand there to keep him from making such horrid mistakes! I am a bit confused about one thing though: when did Ferdibrand go blind? Is there a particular story of yours that I need to read to see when this happened? (He was fine in "Flames" and in "Firstborn".) Anyway, I can hardly wait to see what happens to Faramir and Goldi. Cheers! (And please update soon!)
Author Reply: Thanks for the review! Ferdi's encounter with ruffians happened in "Where the Merlin Cries", which is posted in pre-beta form on fanfiction.net. I am slowly adding chapters here at SoA as I incorporate beta comments.
I hope you get the chance to read it, and look forward to your comments.
FanstasyFan
· 30 August 2003
· Chapter 4: Hodgie Podgie, Pudding and Pie
The Sandyman family is trouble no matter what genereation it seems. I'm afraid Frodo has irritated Hodge to the point where something nasty may result. And poor Frodo-lad needs to find himself a girl of his own really quick, so he can be too busy to go running after his sisters (although in this case it was probably nice for Goldi to be rescued). Here I thought Faramir was going to get in trouble for seeking out Goldi, and it is Goldi who catches it for being seen with Faramir. Should have figured it, as Sam's family was certainly much more against the match than Pippin was: or perhaps we'll see Tolly's report and the other side of the coin in the next chapter. I'm also assuming a deliberate nod to Singe's Blindfold in the opening part of this story - am I right? I think it's wonderful when bits of other writers' worlds come into stories. We all read them all, and the best things ought to be shared.
See you tomorrow!
Author Reply: Have I mentioned lately how helpful your reviews are? Well, they are. As usual, you've hit the nail on the head, except for the last part. I haven't read Singe's Blindfold; the guessing game comes out of a childhood game, where you sneak up behind someone, put your hands over their eyes, and say in a silly voice, "Guess who!" and wait for the silly guesses to start. Children seem to love this game... Of course, it wasn't so nice when it was Hodge teasing Goldi...
Look forward to seeing you on the morrow!
FantasyFan
· 28 August 2003
· Chapter 3: Rocks in the Road
Oh, I love Goldi-Mouldi and Harry-Farry! All by itself this sums up easy familiarity of long acquaintance and affectionate acceptance. But this is a time of life when old relationships get re-evaluated, and of necessity change into one thing or another entirely. Goldi and Farry have just started the questioning, and anything could happen. And here we have evidence of another conspiracy. Either Sam or Pip could have started it, but it's likely they both have their fingers into the stopping of mail. Did they really think they could get away with something like this without being caught? Were they actually naive enough to think if their kids didn't write for a summer they would just forget each other? Didn't they know the surest way to drive two people together is to try to keep them apart? Today they're both being thick!
I also liked Goldi's sense of responsibility when she thought Farry had slipped his escort. After all, it's a Tookish thing to do! But I wonder about Tolly here. Did he not suspect Goldi would be in the vicinity of Bag End, and did he not think Faramir might go looking for her? Will he be in trouble for allowing the meeting, and a chance for the secret to come out, or does he have an inner sympathy for the yougsters? He doesn't say much, so it's hard to tell.
Another brilliant appearance by Ferdi. He's heightened his senses of hearing to make up for the lack of seeing, and now he's not only Pip's memory, he's his lie detector as well. He's not sensitive to the unknowing offhand remark from Linden about blindness, but he catches a little at the sentence of shunning, even for only two months. The memory of old hurts is more damaging than his current disability. I bet the lie-detector mode comes in handy when questioning children about pranks - perhaps that will come into play here?
Is it true this story is only to be nine chapters long? I feel cheated, somehow!
Author's reply
Ah, Tolly. He doesn't say much (he wasn't born with a silver tongue like his younger brother and some of his cousins), and he knows a lot more than he admits to. Still, I'm not sure he was thinking about Farry encountering Goldi; his mind was probably fixed on the business at hand. He's quite straightforward, and he's good at what he does, which so often involves focus and concentration. That said, I don't think he'd be good at multitasking.
The story grew in the telling, as things turned out... They do that sometimes. Even though I work off an outline (so I know how things come out), there are times when the Muse taps me on the shoulder and murmurs, "Er, I was meaning to tell you about this little side-trail that's really rather intrinsic to making the plot work... And I already put in several elements while working on the earlier chapters relating to that particular side-trail that I'm only now clueing you in on..."
Sometimes the subconscious works in mysterious ways.
(Thanks!)
FantasyFan
· 27 August 2003
· Chapter 2: Yuletide at the Great Smials
As with the other current story, Truth, you probably have missed reviews for this one too. I don't mind if you don't want to bother replying here, as I may very well read on ff.n still, but I'm not going to trust any more reviews there for a while.
First of all, the version on storiesofarda has some formatting problems you might want to fix - everything is in one bolded paragraph, which is I know not how you intend it to look.
It is interesting that there are rooms kept ready for the Mayor and his family, yet it does not appear from other things said that they visit that frequently. Or is it just that Ferdi does not dine with them often? It is also interesting how well Elanor has fit into residence at the Smials with her family. She is clearly comfortable and at ease. Pippin spoils her baby (not a surprise) and she has a minder for him. Will Sam and Rosie think she is getting above herself? Is it so big a step to think of Goldie there as well? Poor Goldie, she's so sad Faramir has been sent away to Buckland. And whose idea was that? Is Pippin trying to avoid confrontation, or did Sam enlist Merry's aid? I'm sure there'll be a bit of trouble and heartache for them before the end, but I trust you to finish it to canon. I'm an incurable romantic, so I'm mostly eager for the course of true love to run smooth, while at the same time I'm looking forward to seeing your solution to the pickle you've set up for them.
It is welcome to see Ferdi and Nell at ease. I knew Ferdi would retain his handicap, from what you had written before, yet he also retains his good humor and equanimity. I think dealing with his Da for so many years taught him to see beyond the externals (yes, I did mean it that way) and it has served him well in his own adventures. I hope he'll play a part in this story too.
Looking forward to tomorrow,
FantasyFan
Author Reply: So glad to see you over here, I've missed you! Thanks for alerting me to the problem with chapter 2.
Hai
· 24 August 2003
· Chapter 1: A Visit to an Ailing Friend
I like this story! I'm glad to find out now what happens to Goldilocks and Faramir! Surely there will be lots to tell ;) Usually I don't come here but ff.net is running REALLY slow and is suppose to be down tomorrow so I thought I would catch up on some stuff here. Looking forward to more!
Author Reply: Glad you made it over here, Hai. Thanks for the review.