A Matter of Appearances by Lindelea
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 15: In which a pursuit is interrupted
Traps and traps there are, and Hobbits seeking for the Thain's heir. It will be well, I'm certain; but I keep hoping someone will hear Ferdi breathe!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, I'm a sucker for a happy ending. I have to work my imagination to a sweat, though, sometimes, to get there.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 14: In which a Took is abruptly awakened
They seek to minimize the fear now. And I pray they find the ruffians now, and quickly.
Author's reply
It will be some time before the ruffians are found. The Green Hills encompass a vast amount of territory. Having seen them in person, I have a new understanding of travel in that area.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 13: In which a muster is interrupted
Oh, find them, Pippin-my-lad; find them and make them pay. And they will pay, for they have no true understanding of how the quest refined these Hobbits.
Author's reply
Oh, I think Pippin, and Merry, and Sam have every intention of making the ruffians pay. And no Frodo about, to intercede and plead for mercy. Though I wonder what Frodo's reaction would be, to these particular ruffians? I'm not sure he could say that they were "great, once" or any such thing.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 12: In which a Took is taken by surprise
Glad Bell can read, at least; and now the message is at last passed on. And the poor children....
Author's reply
Yes, things might have gone quite differently if neither Bell nor her husband could read! Yikes!
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 11: In which a good night's sleep is interrupted
What a painful thing to wake up to! Alas, poor child; and Pimpernel must be devastated.
Author's reply
Poor Rudi, to lose his second father, and poor Pimpernel. But at least she's "grown up" enough to care more about her children than herself.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 10: In which a Took hears rather more than he wished
Oh, I WANT to be there to see these get their just desserts! And if they think Pippin, Merry, and Sam are that stupid they have a good deal of learning to do. Think, Farry my lad--you, too, have some strong brains.
Author's reply
These ruffians, be assured, will get their just desserts. It was almost a pleasure to write that part of the story. Goodness, I can be vengeful sometimes. Nearly as savage as "Utah", with the proper motivation.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 8: In which a Took at last makes an appearance
Okay, so they haven't managed to find the heartbeat yet....
Author's reply
No, and I hope it becomes clear in the later chapter that Ferdi was technically "dead" while the healer was looking for signs of life, out of his body (don't know what to believe about the reality of the experience, but the interviews I've read sound real enough), and so of course Fennel could not find a pulse.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 9: In which a murder is interrupted
So, that was the way of it, was it? Farry recognized and kept as a shield! Of course! I'd wondered, of course. Bless the child, and those who carry his uncle, for there will be a resucitation, I know.
Author's reply
Thanks, I'm afraid they need all the blessing they can garner.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 7: In which a messenger is interrupted
The bootmark shows this fall wasn't completely natural. And what is it especially that was found below?
Author's reply
Clever hobbits! You know, by now, that the engineers found pry-marks, and that is what made them scour the hillside, until they found the bootmark that confirmed their suspicion. (After all, what hobbit in his right mind would undertake to send a hillside crashing down?)
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 6: In which a Took considers appearances
And what have the Men done with Farry and Ferdi, then? Aaach!
Author's reply
I know, the editor-friend (henceforth Utah, for it irritates her, I think *g*) is a lover of suspense, and so I've stretched it as far as it will go for this story.
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 5: In which a celebration is interrupted
The worst possible situation for this news to be delivered, of course! Alas, poor Ollie, to be forced to bring this word! Hurry, Merry and Pippin!
Author's reply
Poor Pippin. His clever plan rather backfired on him, I'm afraid. He'd arranged the largest possible crowd to stand witness to Ferdi's loyalty, and instead...
Larner · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 4: In which a Took shows a flair for subtlety
And if only the deviousness of the plan had worked! Now, how is the plot of the treasure seekers to be foiled before Farry finds his head bashed in? Hurry, rescue! Hurry!
Author's reply
Such a lovely raft of reviews. Very encouraging, and puts the Muse into a good mood. It is so helpful (as you undoubtedly know) to catch a glimpse of a story through another's eyes.
Pearl Took · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
*sigh* On we go . . . I'll be on the watch for the next chapter :)
Author's reply
Bless you dear. The ride gets a little rough from here on out, but you know by now, I hope, that I am a sucker for a happy ending, no matter how improbable it might seem while wading through the dreck in the middle. *hugs*
Dreamflower · 15 August 2006 · Chapter 21: In which a Took takes breakfast
*sigh* I had a hunch Farry wouldn't get too far. Poor little fellow. At least they've finally *fed* him. I have to say, I don't like any of your Ruffians, but I've taken a *very* *strong* dislike to "Red". He's a very nasty wild card; sounds like a socio-path and a sadist... Well, things out in the field are beginning to come together, but I do hope that poor Ferdi's not been put in the ground yet...
Author's reply
I know. "Red" is a real piece of work. Rather reminds me of Sean Bean in "Patriot Games", if I'm remembering right. (Only not so good-looking) Poor Ferdi. EF (I mean Utah) is completely ruthless, I'm afraid to say. It is a good thing for Ferdi that I don't write AU, and that there is a clearly delineated future laid out for the hobbit. Whew.
Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 3: In which a journey is interrupted
Take it like a man? The irony of such a statement, and by such a ruffian! Oh, but I am angry for both Farry and Ferdi! Now, who is about to see the the rescue?
Author's reply
Well, the rescue is just a bit more complicated than that, but it is proceeding just so fast as the hunters can follow the trail, at present. Thanks!
Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 2: In which a Took has the best of intentions
A very wise Hobbit, our Ferdi is. And Farry knows to trust Ferdi's instincts.
Author's reply
Well, Ferdi is part hunter and part wild creature himself, I think, after sneaking around all during the Troubles, hunting ruffians and being hunted by them. And Farry has a good head on his shoulders! Thanks!
Larner · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 1: In which a Took reflects on his present circumstances
A horrible but definitely necessary reason for sending Ferdi out now. Lovely, Lindelea.
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin is quite practical, in his own way. He's still manipulating the Tooks, but he's doing it for their good instead of his own, for the most part.
UnicornsTears · 14 August 2006 · Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
[assuming best PrincessLeia Voice] Now that wasn't so hard, was it? This is going along swimmingly. Now take a deep breath and jump in. The water's fine! BTW I keep thinking of EF Hutton or whoever it is when you call me EF, and that makes me think of Jabba the Hut, and that will not do. No, not at all. So I have thought of the lovely name above, and you may call me UT for short.
Author's reply
UT? Do you answer to Utah? Are you sure someone else isn't already UnicornsTears? (And what is the background to that, anyhow?) Jabba the Hutt. Yes, you certainly can be. Hard. Hard, cold and ruthless. Grinning at the prospect of terrorizing little hobbit children. Burying hobbit heroes alive in the cold grave. Yikes!
Pearl Took · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
GO FARAMIR!!!! I'm voting for him getting away :-) It figures, Woodruff paid no heed to Ted and off Ferdi is going. *sigh* Eagerly awaiting things getting settled out :-)
Author's reply
It figures. Sometimes drama takes, um, sacrifice, or the necessity to hold of instant gratification. (I'm not terribly good at that, but EF is holding my feet to the fire in this one.) Thanks! Author Reply: erp, I meant "hold off" instant gratification. Sorry.
Pearl Took · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 19: In which a Took pauses for reflection
‘Tookland is a poorer place this day,’ Pippin said," Aye, it will, if they actually bury the poor hobbit! "Siggy was half-way through his first plateful, and contemplating with great pleasure his seconds, when he realised that something was not quite right, though he couldn’t put a finger on it. He stopped to think. He scanned the faces around the table, going around thrice in point of fact, before he realised..." 'Bout time, I'd say. Pearl's about to get a nasty surprise.
Vicki_Turner · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
YAY!!!!!! Farry's away! Go run and find Pippin, Farry! As always, I'm anxiously awaiting the next chapter :)
Author's reply
Working on Dana's birthday fic (which hopefully will be short and not spiral out of control) but as soon as that's finished, I'll type in the next chapter of this. Lots of exciting moments to look forward to. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
Oh, brave, brave Farry! He is *so* his father's son! I've been thinking much lately over Pippin's mad dash away from the Uruk-hai, and what a courageous thing that was for him--Farry is definitely cut from the same cloth! Go Farry, go! But why am I worried that it's not going to get him far?
Author's reply
Did you happen to be sitting at the next table, at Starbucks?
harrowcat · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 20: In which a watch is interrupted
Yes, Pippin knows all about seizing the moment - go Farry Go! (I did say we make our lown luck! Idid, I did, I did! (Irrational pleasure at being proved right!) And Ferdi!!! You may not like writing horror my dear Lindelea and I don't like reading it but you are doing an excellent job with this. At least we readers know he is alive!
Author's reply
Thank you for your lovely reviews! I'll try to get back to answer the others soon, but at the moment I only have a few moments online. Welcome back, and I hope you and your Mum had a lovely visit. I'm sorry you don't like reading horror. No, wait, I'm not. It means I'm not the only one! (Had to give up Stephen King long ago. He pulled me into the story so effectively, I loved his writing. But I had to give him up, because, well, he pulled me into the story so effectively.) You did say it, indeed. You're an astute reader, quite, and you contribute nicely to the care and feeding of the Muse, which makes you a treasure. *hug* Author Reply: p.s. Before I got off on a tangent (there was a burst of laughter in the other room), but there is more horror before the end. Those chapter will have warnings at the start so that you can take them or leave them. At least, it's supposed to work out that way. Whew!
harrowcat · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 19: In which a Took pauses for reflection
Sometimes a man has to make his own luck, and the fat man was no stranger to this truth. So it was he sent the brawny man after the club-wielder. ‘Don’t let him know you’re following him,’ he said. ‘Do you take me for a fool?’ the brawny man said. The fat man laughed, a jolly sound. ‘Of course I don’t, old friend!’ he said, slapping the brawny man on the back. ‘I just want to know if he takes the gold for himself, or if he’s the loyal sort.’ ‘A test,’ the brawny man said, and smiled grimly. ‘As you tested me, all those years ago.’ ‘A test,’ the fat man agreed. ‘Is he an honorable thief? A thousand gold sovereigns, now, that’ll tempt a man.’ I didn't read this chapter before I wrote that last review, honestly!!! Great minds think alike obviously! *grin* Either that or you are doing such a good job that you are bringing your readers with you every step of the way! (Probably the latter as I don't claim any greatness!) Right - onward! Three chapters at once is a real treat. And I was only away a day and a half!
harrowcat · 12 August 2006 · Chapter 18: In which an argument is interrupted
It sounds as if of them is hoping to make his own luck and thereis, as always, little honour among these thieves. At least, having one fewer ruffian around, shoud make Pipin's job easier later. I like the sound of the bread dough on sticks can someone put butter and strwberry jam on mine please! *tummy rumbles reminding reviewer that she hasn't had breakfst yet!*
Author's reply
The bread dough on sticks is based on a treat we used to indulge in when we went camping! Everything always seems to taste better when cooked out-of-doors over a fire... Thanks!