harrowcat · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 32: In which a Took remembers past troubles
Hm... second chances can be granted and it sounds like he has abused his! Third or more chances, especially for this offense, may be a lot, lot harder to contemplate.
A Matter of Appearances by Lindelea
Reviews (272)
Bodkin · 28 August 2006 · Chapter 32: In which a Took remembers past troubles
Poor Ferdi. Still - silent is better than a lot of other options. And he has got his tongue back before. Nell's attentions probably make him feel rather better, too. Sam is such a clever hobbit. He is getting a lot of messages across to these two villains. And so is Tolly! I don't think either of them has a chance of convincing these two hobbits - these ruffians have a short and uncomfortable life ahead of them, but maybe Brawny and Red will begin to develop a bit of an appreciation of what they attempted to take on. And maybe not.
Dreamflower · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 32: In which a Took remembers past troubles
*grins* I knew it! I knew it! I knew it! *more smug grinning* I love the way Sam steered the conversation, to let the Men know that *he* knew exactly what kind of people they really were. It also helped Tolly to realize that Sam knew what's what--I've noticed your Tooks seem to rather disregard non-Tooks a lot. But I think Tolly should be somewhat relieved now--and even moreso when Sam turns this lot over! Interesting, the way Brawny decides that it would be useful to beg for mercy from a Ring-bearer. But Tolly's interjection was a surprise to Brawny and Sam both! (Not to me, though! *grins again*) (I'm rather insufferably pleased with myself. 8-D)
Author's reply
Go ahead. Be pleased with yourself. You've earned it. (You must be a card-carrying member of ARC--the Astute Readers Club) And if I might say so, Tolly is in for even more of a surprise, on this little journey. It was originally in this chapter, but when I hit 2000 words I knew there was no way I could get it all in. Next time, I hope. But I messed up, with the Nell-Farry scene, which was actually a *later* scene, and now I'm not quite sure how to rectify the error. Aargh. (not insufferably pleased with myself. So you go ahead. Someone ought to be!)
MaidenofValinor · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 32: In which a Took remembers past troubles
Eek. You're good. Wonderful, wonderful conversation between Tolly and Sam. *bows to you* I can't imagine I'd be too thrilled about finding something like that in the market, either. Eep. Good to see Ferdi recovering...I hope. Never know, with your twists. :)
Author's reply
Whoa, it's fun to hear I'm good! *bows in return* LOL, shouldn't be too many twists left. This story is already twice as long as I'd first outlined it.
Pearl Took · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 32: In which a Took remembers past troubles
If looks could kill! Tolly *would* have killed if Frodo hadn't interferred. Though if the man had thrown down his weapon, I think you said he had, then Frodo was right. But here we are back at my uneasiness with mercy. (I know, makes me sound horrid) Where is the mercy to those innocent victims this man has had in between times? Ones who would not have suffered had Frodo not shown mercy. *sigh* I hope I never have such a choice to make. I truly hope Red rots in Undun!!!
Author's reply
What is Undun? I'd love to know if Red is in for some prolonged compensation for his deeds, more than this story can accomplish. I don't think you sound so horrid. I get squeamish when I hear of guilty murderers being let off because of some technicality or other. How would the Shire have looked, had Saruman not been "let go"? And yet, the brawny man "being there" might have saved Farry. What if the brawny man hadn't been there, and the fat man had gone into the Shire with Red and the club-wielder and the young ruffian, on the strength of the stolen map, and the young ruffian had been sent off in the brawny man's place, leaving Red to take Farry's "tokens"? All things might well work together for good in JRRT's M-e, even though we cannot see the good from our perspective. (Difficult concept, something that I still wrestle with.) *hugs*
Larner · 27 August 2006 · Chapter 32: In which a Took remembers past troubles
He's had his share of mercy, and misused it. Is he worthy of another? I find I don't think so. May he be pitied.
Author's reply
Pitied, but well-deserving of his fate. You can pity someone without witholding their due...
demeter d · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
As Dreamflower said, an end just like Boromir's At least he found redemption at the end. And Sam gets the pleasure of "taking out the trash."
Author's reply
Never thought that "taking out the trash" could be such a privilege before! And yes, I'm glad the young ruffian made a good end. There just wasn't any possibility for a happy ending for him, not one that was plausible, anyhow. (I wonder if JRRT felt badly for Boromir?) Thanks!
demeter d · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 29: In which a Took contemplates the unthinkable
So the man called Pippin "my lord". Pippin has grown, indeed. Amazing part between Merry and Pippin. Such devotion on Merry's part, that he would do something unthinkable to spare his cousin. I wonder what would happen to the man now, if he has to face Aragorn's justice another time, after all he has done since. Hmmm.
Author's reply
I think that Aragorn, being of the West (the good side of JRRT's good-and-evil equation) would probably grant him a quick, clean death, more's the pity. I can think of lots of unique punishments, but I don't think medieval history completely meshes with Middle-earth's. I asked around, just to see if I had the wrong impression, and most of the opinions meshed with mine. Drat. I know that Men go to the Halls of Mandos when they die, but I don't remember if bad men go there too, or if there's someplace else reserved for them?
demeter d · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
Good, the brawny man is now in Hobbit clutches. Poor Pippin. the wait until the next chapter will be hardest of all on him. Interesting how the ruffian refers to the "coward" who spared his own miserable hide in the Battle of Bywater.there are, indeed, many kinds of courage, and you are dealing with many of them very well here.
demeter d · 25 August 2006 · Chapter 27: In which a Took takes a hint
I have got to start my reviews differently. I have overused an expression! good for Rosamunda. She got right down to business. And good for the young ruffian. "I hope I never do"... I also hope he does not. And I hope he does not get blown up when the cave goes!
Author's reply
Huh. Don't think I saw this review. At least, I don't remember it. Thanks for taking the time to leave your impressions!
MaidenofValinor · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
:D :D :D So cuteeeee!!! And once again, Farry saves an innocent! He's good at that. But awww, so cute!! Makes me feel so warm and fuzzy. You're wonderful.
Author's reply
Glad you liked it! Am tired and overcaffinated, so I didn't quite get the reference to Farry being good at saving innocents. Does he do that in another story? You've raised my curiosity! Author Reply: And now I think I might know... Is it Runaway?
MaidenofValinor · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 30: In which a private vengeance is interrupted
Oh, deerz. Every time I think it's all over and done with, KAPOW, you come back with a hope-crusher. Eep, I'm excited to see what's going to happen, so ON TO THE NEXT CHAPTER!
Author's reply
Well, you can give EF the credit for the hope-crushers. Every time I thought I was out of the woods, she asked for yet another plot twist. Whew. What I do for birthdays. Thanks!
MaidenofValinor · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 29: In which a Took contemplates the unthinkable
HAHA, they got blowed uppp!! But Sam thinks Farry did, too!! OH NOEZ!! Some KILLER dialogue between Pippin and Merry, there. Yowza. I'm impressed. What Pippin's saying he's going to do to the dude (heh) reminds me a bunch of Westley in The Princess Bride, when he tells Prince Humperdink he's going to cut off all these body parts, but leave the ears so he can hear the shrieks of people when they see his hideous-ness. You know the scene I speak of? Oh, dear. Rambling again.
Author's reply
Oh, I'd forgotten that scene. It's been too long since I watched Princess Bride. (Mental note.) Rambling can be fun!
MaidenofValinor · 24 August 2006 · Chapter 28: In which a private grief is interrupted
Aw, such a sweet scene between Ferdi and Nell. And prospects are looking brighter for Farry, as well. YAY! Glad to know the young ruffian has a heart. But, oh, Pippin!! I can't imagine what it would be like to get something as horrible as that package!! Oh, I just want to rush in and tell Pippin that everything's okay. :( Sorry I haven't reviewed more; I'm trying to catch up on all these chapters!! This one was so exciting I had to tell you!! You're amazing. This is wonderfully juicy.
Larner · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
Oh, I grieve for the young Man and his end, although I rejoice one waited to guide and accept him, and that he knew Joy at the last. Poor Farry, to have to see such things at his age; but at least Pippin knows that the reports of the blinding and muting of his son were somewhat premature. Bless them both, father and son, in their reunion. And now, back to the Smial to see to the welfare of poor Ferdi and his family, and what he'll actually name his daughter. We've all been waiting for that!
Author's reply
Yes, I think his time contemplating his failings was probably shorter than many, and that he went on beyond the circles of the world to peace and joy, in the end. Poor Farry, who still has some healing needed. The daughter's name is coming soon! But made a mistake in posting (posted a later Ferdi-Nell scene that hasn't "happened yet" in the story, or at least wasn't supposed to have happened yet--the pages were out of order when I was typing them in) and now have to figure out how to rectify the error, or rewrite the naming scene, or something.
TopazTook · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
Sorry haven't reviewed previous; am enjoying the story. Was relieved that Pippin probably wasn't one of the archers who shot the young ruffian, since he's such a terrible shot in your universe, so he won't have that on his conscience, at least, but can't help but wonder how it will impact the other hobbits, especially when they find out that he was the "good" bad guy.
Author's reply
Glad to hear from you. LOL about Pippin; he throws a mean stone, but put a bow between him and the target... must be a mental block. I can't think of any other explanation. As far as the Tooks hastening his death, they probably did him a kindness. I don't think the wound Red inflicted was survivable. Thanks!
Pearl Took · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
I'm weeping. Mind, I seem to do a lot of that lately but none the less, I'm weeping. Farry is safe. Pippin has a whole son. The young ruffian found forgivness and the far green country. Pippin will grant him a decent burial, I'm sure, once Farry tells his tale. Wonderful. Wonderfully wonderful!
Author's reply
Oh, thank you for the heartfelt review. It is just how I felt, reaching the end of the chapter, which was so very difficult to get through.
harrowcat · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
Yes! He's safe, Farry's safe and back with his Da! Perhaps Pippin can now get rid of those grisly reminders. I am glad that our 'good' ruffian had Sam to minister to him at the end. Farry is going to take thhat hard. Now to see to Red!
Author's reply
Poor Farry. He's got some healing to do, and the young ruffian's death won't help any. *sigh* Wish I could have "saved" the fellow some other way. But I'm glad Sam showed pity and mercy to the dying ruffian, even when he thought the worst.
Dreamflower · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 31: In which a rescue is interrupted
Aw...I knew the young ruffian couldn't survive, but I'm glad that he was able to "save" himself in the same way Boromir had--by giving his life to protect another. As for Red--well, I'm glad he's going to face the Rangers, along with Brawny. And Pippin had to be so unimaginably relieved to realize that Farry still had eyes and tongue. To think that all that time he had been grieving for a child maimed horribly, and now to find him whole and, at least physically, more or less well! This is going to take a long time to get over, for all of them. But at least Pippin proved Ferdi could be trusted.
Author's reply
Yes, I wanted so badly to save the young ruffian, somehow, for I liked him, but really, there was no plausible way. His was the "death warning" on the summary. (Of course Brawny and Red will die, too, in the not so distant future, but I don't think they'll be much missed.) Thankfully, Pippin had less than an hour to grieve, for they were very close to Hoard Hill when they intercepted the brawny man. But it must have been one of the longest hours in his life. *snerked* a little at your last statement. Pippin certainly does not do things by halves.
Bodkin · 23 August 2006 · Chapter 30: In which a private vengeance is interrupted
Computer problems are keeping me silent on this! But wow. And I hope Pippin and Merry get to Farry soon - before Red does anything irreversible! And that they can get in there and save the young ruffian while he is still redeemable. Probably as well that Ferdi can't remember why he's worried about Farry - or he'd be off on horseback to the rescue even before his head had time to knit together. Such torment! Every time I think Farry is out of the frying pan, you just fork him straight back in!
Author's reply
I'm sorry. BTDT. Hate computer problems. Glad to hear from you. Poor Ferdi, I can so see this... and him falling on his head in the effort, and *really* sending himself off. So it's a good thing that he's concussed and can't remember. Whew. And poor Farry, such an awful mental image as your last line gives me...
Larner · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 30: In which a private vengeance is interrupted
Oh, I'd forgotten that bit about Mount Saint Helens. I remember looking far to the south in awe at the great cloud of smoke and ash, though. We couldn't see the mountain itself, but ash I know was found as far east as Idaho, and traces north to the Canadian border. Red survived? Oh, NO! How did that happen, and what's become of the young one? Come on, rescue parties! Three of them now! And am so very glad that Sam thought to call upon Galadriel again, bless him.
Author's reply
I wasn't far from MSH when she blew, and my best friend had been considering hiking on the mountain that day. (Barriers? What barriers?) I'm so glad she didn't. Red has nine lives, or more, but I think he's used about all of them now. Not many more left to him, thankfully. And Sam, and the Lady... I wonder if he ever did get to go to Lothlorien again? Do you know? I can't remember, if I ever did know.
harrowcat · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 30: In which a private vengeance is interrupted
So will Tolly let him go or won't he? I am glad that this is the last cliff-hanger. *G* I found the physics lesson interesting too.
Author's reply
LOL. I think Tolly has learned his lesson. He let a couple of wanderers go, a few months ago, and such a trouble as it landed him in! He's going to leave this one up to the Rangers, to decide. And I think the fact that the brawny man has a brand on his hand, already, will probably seal his fate.
Pearl Took · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 30: In which a private vengeance is interrupted
Whew! I love your research with the effects of the explosion :) You handle the "grisly" parts very well, Lin. They have been disturbing enough without being sickeningly detailed. I hope the hobbits don't let the ruffians just walk away. I'm one of those who is infuriated with "repeat offenders". Is it mercy or justice if you have allowed more innocent people to become victims? I don't think Pippin would follow through on his threats, but these ruffians need to be kept away from hurting anymore people of any race. Their captured one is already thinking of escape and further mischief. This is back to being an incredible story :)
Author's reply
We spent a fascinating afternoon at the Volcano Research Center at Johnson Ridge last summer. The first-hand accounts were gripping, the photos stunning, and the re-enactment (computer graphics mixed with real-life photos and film) simply astonishing. I think the hobbits will hand over the ruffians to the proper authorities and dust their hands of the matter. They're not as trusting as they used to be.
Dreamflower · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 30: In which a private vengeance is interrupted
Ah! Well! It looks as though Red is going to have to face the angry hobbits, and not have the mercy of a quick death blown to kingdom come after all. What I wouldn't give to see Sam, Sting in hand! But poor Farry! And the youngster is in a good deal of danger, for Red's about to discover the deception--he'll be in a very nasty mood when he does. Brawny, I think, is in for a surprise. I don't believe for a minute that Tolly is as gullible as he does--and it wouldn't surprise me a whit to know that Tolly, too, recognizes him as the one he nearly shot in Bywater--so there's no way he's going to fall for the sob story! I really loved Sam's appeal to the Lady. I am very sure she was listening, and I hope she lends wings to his feet--Farry needs help soon. (By the way, I hope you got my email in regard to your question.)
Author's reply
I love that the Lady (must have) stirred pity in the youngest ruffian's heart. Perhaps it's chained together with Frodo's mercy, at Bywater (and Pippin's, indirectly, since it was his shout, seeing Tolly about to murder the man in the heat of the battle, but in cold blood seeing that the man was unarmed, that drew Frodo's attention). Perhaps Pippin's extension of mercy in the past affected the way the situation was "set up" or allowed to happen, with the young, unhardened ruffian in the right place at the right time, for Farry's sake. I hope that last rambling bit made sense, I'm very distracted today.
Dreamflower · 22 August 2006 · Chapter 29: In which a Took contemplates the unthinkable
I realized after I posted my review, that there was one part I meant to comment on and forgot: ‘My lord,’ the brawny man whispered, Just that instant, when the hobbits, and Pippin in particular, ceased to be "little rats". He's addressing Pippin here with the same dreadfilled awe he'd have addressed, oh, say, Denethor. And he is grovelling. I like to see him grovel. Thank you.
Author's reply
You're welcome. We aim to please.