harrowcat
· 24 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Sounds like a good deal all round and for everyone. I love the white patch of feathers and Elanor's concern and thanks. Great chapter.
Author's reply
Glad you're still enjoying it. I had a lot of fun writing this chapter. Rose is a clever lass who knows what to do and how to do it to cheer a friend and acquire some help with the jam-making at the same time. Yes, I love Meneldor and his distinctive patch of white feathers. Ellie was so sweet, the way she showed her concern for this massive bird. She's her parents' daughter alright!
demeter d
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Oh, Baggins Babe! I do very much enjoy visiting in your happily-evr-after alternate Middle Earth. This is exactly the kind of life Frodo deserved to have had, if fate and the good professor had allowed. So many, many delightful images here. "the Captains" getting swatted with Rose's tea towel, and frolicking in the orchard with the younger children. with examples like them, perhaps the Sandyman children can know what a good father would be like. I think, indeed, Pippin would have made a wonderful Da! And Rose as a diplomatic assistant to the Reunited Kingdom! Just too good! So lovely to see a restored Bag End full of love, enough to pour out to all of the Shire.
I vote that Merry and Pippin lead a delegation of feisty Tooks with big bows to escort Ted to the Northern Steward, then a large delegation of Aragorn's very tall Dunedain kin takes him to Gondor. That Hobbit needs to learn, as Gandalf once told Bilbo,"you are really a small fellow in a big wide world, after all.' (Or words to that effect, I read "The Hobbit" last too long ago.) Ted needs to learn that there are bigger villians in the world than he.
Author's reply
I love giving Frodo the life he deserved, there in the Shire with his friends and family around him. I think Bag End and Frodo's character within it would have provided a loving haven for those who were troubled and in need. It is nice to give the Sandyman children some idea of what normal hobbits are like and how they behave, as well as giving Merry and Pip a bit of practice at fatherhood. Ah yes, Rose as assistant diplomat, luring the envoys from Harad with her delicious pickles. I'm sure Aragorn, sensible Man, welcomes some help in charming those somewhat difficult and possibly prickly people. The strange thing about Rose is that she writes herself. She is such a strong character that I almost feel she is standing at my elbow and telling me what to write. You're right - Ted does need to learn that he is a very small fish in a huge pond, but whether he is capable of learning anything is something we shall discover in the next chapter.
Larner
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Sweet, wise Rosie, and a devious one as well she's proved.
And Aragorn will make certain Ted Sandyman has a good idea of how not to behave in the future.
Lovely.
Author's reply
Yes, isn't Rose a sneaky, devious, wise lass? A fitting consort indeed for the Lord Samwise. As for Ted, the realisation that he will be sent to Gondor should come as a very nasty shock.
Tigger
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
That's our Rose!! Not only did she help the Sandyman family relax and enjoy a day away from their troubles, but she got her jam up too. As I know all too well, that is one big job and I will be commanded ;o) by my Mom, our Rose, in a few weeks for picking and peeling peaches and apples for both pies, jams and jellies. BTW, you might want to add a Mint Apple Jelly to Rose's pantry for one of your stories someday. I've discovered it mentioned during Elizabethan Banquets during my reading (Tudor Royal History is one of my passions), so it would fit in Middle Earth. Just a suggestion. I loved, loved, loved Aragorn's mentioning of this...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Arwen and the children send their love to you all. Tell Rose that the last batch of pickles has dwindled too quickly and Faramir and I have had to lock the rest in the Treasury. We made the mistake of serving some at a banquet last month and now everyone knows about Rose's culinary skills. The spiced tomato chutney seems to be exceptionally popular among the representatives from Harad, who signed a new trade treaty on the strength of it! Rose is now officially a diplomatic assistant to the Reunited Kingdom.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Lady Rose Gamgee, wife to Ringbearer Perhail, The Lord Samwise Gamgee, Mother of his children, Elf friend and Culinary Diplomatic Assistant to the Reunited Kingdom...I love it!! Oh and we have friends who had to do the same thing that Aragorn and Faramir did w/Rose's pickles. It was my Mom's Green Tomato Pickle and it went into their safe so they'd at least have one jar left for Christmas supper...LOL!!! :oD
This had me melting in fluff. Rather fitting considering who is speaking when you think of it...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Lord Frodo, Lord Samwise. I apologise if I have alarmed the little chicks.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The little chicks...That is just so fluffy and...and...Awwwww!!!
And this brought a huge grin to my face...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When all the fruit was picked and in the kitchen, the children played. Violet watched enviously as the Gamgee children and their cousins were carried in turn round the garden on the shoulders of the Captains. Ellie noticed her friend's wistful expression and whispered in her Uncle Pippin's ear. A few moments later he walked to the little lass, crouched down and spoke to her gently.
"Would you like a go, Violet? I won't let you fall, I promise, and I won't make you go higher than you're comfortable with."
She nodded slowly, a small grin curving her mouth. The Thain's son was the tallest hobbit she had ever seen, but he was kind and quite handsome, with friendly green eyes and sandy auburn curls, and he was always laughing and was sometimes as silly as a tween, although she had seen him in his uniform, guarding the King, and he was not silly then.
He lifted the child carefully and paused when she was only three inches off the ground and twinkled at her. "Is this too high?"
"No, sir." She smiled.
"You don't have to call me sir, little flower. Is this too high?" She was level with his knees.
"No.....Mister Pippin." She began to giggle.
He lifted her level with his belt. "Now is this too high?"
"No........." She was laughing now.
"Alright then, shall we go all the way to the top?"
"Yes please!" She squealed delightedly as she was lifted onto Pip's shoulders and he began to trot round the garden, keeping a secure hold on her ankles as she bounced. Her small hands rested on his curls and she was laughing more than Ellie had ever seen.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
That was just too delightful. Little Violet hasn't had enough of that in her young life and this would be right up Pippin's alley too. Violet's right. Pippin's going to be a very good Da. :o)
Oh and a saucer of jam out on the table for the buggie boos. Have to remember that one for a couple of weeks from now.
I think that the combination of Aragorn's letter and Ivy's very perceptive statement that being sent to Gondor to face the King might be the only way for Ted to change his ways will help sway Frodo and Sam into doing just that. Even if he isn't able to, even w/Aragorn's help, at least he's away from The Shire/Eriador/Arnor and wouldn't be able to hurt any more hobbits. Which would tear Frodo apart if that did happen.
This was such a great, great chapter. Looking forward to the next one. :oD
Author's reply
Yes, Mint Apple Jelly was popular at Tudor banquets. I'll have to see what I can do about introducing it into a story. Oh, I think if anyone else was hurt by Ted Frodo would be devastated. He has realised that someone needs to take strong action and it may as well be the King. Perhaps a little awe and terror will do Ted the world of good. I grinned when I found myself typing Meneldor referring to 'the little chicks' but how else would a bird refer to young? *giggle* 'Fluff' is very appropriate!
Violet is a very perceptive lass and quite right - Pippin (and Merry)will be wonderful fathers. I think Pip would have enjoyed cheering a child and bringing a smile to her face.
A saucer of jam will keep the wasps busy. Good luck with the jam!
*goes off to think about Mint Apple Jelly..........*
Dreamflower
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
Yay!!
So, If Diamond's just had Faramir, and Merry and Estella are expecting their first--who will go with the Men to take Ted to Gondor? Or will you send him by himself? That might be an eye-opener of a sort. On the other hand, it might be a good chance for hobbits who haven't traveled yet to go!
Author's reply
That's a good thought - who should go? Isumbrand Took may be a possibility. If the Angmarians couldn't scare him he won't be afraid of Ted. We shall have to wait and see............. I wonder how Ted would react to travelling all that way surrounded by the King's northern kin?
shirebound
· 23 August 2006
· Chapter 4: Creative Accounting
He could see why everyone seemed to gravitate towards Bag End, which had an atmosphere of such happiness and warmth that it was impossible to be sad there for long.
Later Vi arrived in the kitchen and Ivy scarcely recognised her pale, wary, frightened little girl in the lass before her, glowing with a mixture of happiness, sun and strawberry juice, her hair escaping its ribbons and her eyes sparkling with pleasure.
And then... an Eagle! What a treat for *all* of us.
"A few scorched feathers were a small price to pay for the honour of carrying your father out of Mordor, small mistress. The Lord King healed the burn and the white feathers are a mark of great honour. We three are the envy of my kin."
Oh, how wonderful, BB! And what a day for Ivy and her children, and... precious Shire pickles locked in the treasury! Perfection.
Author's reply
Gotta love Shire pickles in the Treasury! I'm sure Rose knows just how good her pickles are and thinks it is a most suitable place. :-))
I think Ivy and her family will long remember the day they met an Eagle.
Ah! Creative accounting, indeed! Rosie is a rare jewel! :) Loved seeing the children having such a good time, especially dear little Violet. Ivy is such a sweet lady. I love Meneldor! So dignified and yet so kindly. And Strider's letter is as warm as his manner always is. Wonderful chapter!
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I love Rose - she's wise and funny and not above being very sneaky! Violet is lovely and poor Ivy is a very nice person who has suffered a great deal since her marriage. Ah, Meneldor - what a great chance, to write for the Great Eagles. Although since I started writing him he's been dropping by to put me right on one or two things! Glad you're enjoying it all.
Elemmírë
· 19 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
I love all the pampering Frodo and Sam receive! (and Ivy and her children)
I especially love the lasses playing 'Healer' and using Frodo as their patient! LOL!
"The thought arrived in my mind so firmly and in such a way that I believe it must have been dear Gandalf. The voice of Eru or one of the Valar would not have been so down to earth, I think, nor would thay have called it 'Bilbo''s mailshirt' in that way. I believe it was Gandalf."
That is so cool how you chose to have it be the voice of Gandalf to warn Frodo. The powers of a wizard are mighty indeed and its good to know that he is still watching over his dear hobbits in some manner.
Those Eagles always seems to show up at just the right time. :D
I wonder what Aragorn is going to do to Ted. I would think that trying to murder the most beloved and honored subject of the land would have some dire consequenses, even if he was drunk at the time. Perhaps now Ted will finally believe the tales of Frodo's adventures once he meets the King returned. Likewise, Saradoc and Paladin are going to be none too pleased with him either for injuring their cousin.
Can't wait for more!
Author's reply
I felt it had to be Gandalf who was watching over Frodo - I doubt Gandalf would give up his affectionate interest in the hobbits.
I do like a bit of hobbit pampering now and then! :-)) I'm sure the Gangee girls would be as caring and formidable as their mother in caring for Sam-dad and Uncle Fro.
Love the Eagles - they always turn up at the right time.
Andrea
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
"I knew you'd be cross........."
"Cross?!! I'm bloody furious!
Now, that's exactly what I had expected!
And also this:
"Ted blames the world and everyone in it for his troubles, and you spent years blaming yourself for every bit of trouble in the world. What a pair!"
Well, using Merry's choice of words, I can only say : Damn right ;-)
But he (and we) should always remember that it was Frodo's forgiveness that in the end saved all of Middle Earth, or so I see it.
I'm glad that Aragorn was given the opportunity to witness Sandyman's attack and the speed to deliver his letters.
The King's judgement will not be pleasant for Sandyman, of that I'm sure. But his penalty will be placed somewhere in the middle between Merry's and Frodo's and thus, both will be satisfied.
And thank you for mentioning yet another situation, where the famous tea towel comes in handy ;-)
Author's reply
I'm sure Merry knows that Frodo's mercy and forgiveness saved the world, but he still thinks forgiving Ted is a step too far! :-)) He's just too angry to think clearly at the moment.
The tea towel always comes in handy...........
Dreamflower
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
I was just re-reading this chapter as I ate my lunch, and noticed this:
Later Merry took Will to the stables to see to the ponies, and introduce the lad to Stybba and Pudding. Will asked many questions about Rohan and Merry promised that one day, when the lad was older, he would take him to visit Edoras.
Who is going to have to accompany the escort that takes Sandyman south? Hmm...seems to me a good excuse for another visit to Gondor...with a stop in Rohan on the way...
Author's reply
Woo-hoo! Dreamflower reading while eating lunch - that is a lovely picture for me to think about.
You have been giving this a lot of thought. :-))
Author Reply: I meant to add, I'm not sure Merry will want to go to Gondor when Estella is about to have their first baby, much as he would enjoy kicking Sandyman every step of the way to Minas Anor!
We shall have to see what happens next..............
Kitty
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Reasonably respectable weskit? Love these little reminders of Merry’s taste in clothes! *grin*
Well, Merry’s reaction was to be expected, it was so very Merry-ish! Ted can probably be glad he was out of reach when Merry and Pippin heard the news ... to my shame I have to admit I could enjoy Paladin’s idea of Ted as an archery target ;)
But really, I agree absolutely with Merry – Frodo is much too forgiving if he excuses the attack with Ted being drunk. It’s not as if Ted didn’t know what alcohol does to him, isn’t it? He’s been drinking for quite some time now. And Merry is right about Ted and Frodo being opposites, too. Interesting comparison.
At least Frodo had agreed that it is no option to simply send Ted back to Bree and thinks himself he should hand him over to Aragorn. Good. So he will not argue about it when Aragorn’s letters arrive.
Ahhh – imagine Ted’s face when he finds out even the Valar intervened to make sure he gets his comeuppance! Nice idea to send one of the Great Eagles; I had already regretted that a messenger from Gondor would need so much time to reach the Shire! Truly, every time I sit here and think I would like to have something in the story, in the next chapter you’re writing exactly this :)
Loved the way everyone fusses over Frodo. And the little girls ordering Frodo to „west“ were so funny!
Author's reply
I always picture Ellie and little Rose being quite bossy - just like their mum!
I doubt Lord Manwe's involvement will impress Ted - he doesn't really believe the Valar exist. He doesn't really believe there is a King, despite massive evidence to the contrary.
I'm delighted that I keep writing what you want to see! *polishes broomstick*
Yes, I'd like to see Ted as an archery target!
demeter d
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
This is indeed getting ambitious. so many nice moments, here. "A troll and Ted Sandyman"... and "Da is all for using him for target practice:... and"no more Brains than a potato".And all of the powers of good still watching out for the Ringbearers. Nice image of the lasses trying to doctor old Rufus! I am sure Uncle Fro appreciates their efforts more than the poor cat. I will be watching to see how they get him to Gondor, and what happens then.
Author's reply
That line about 'no more brains than a potato' comes from my story 'The Neighbourly Thing To Do' which introduced Ivy Sandyman and her children and brought them back to the Shire.
I'm sure Frodo appreciates the efforts of the little girls - certainly far more than our favourite cat!
harrowcat
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Now that is a satisfying chapter BB. Ted is going to get his comeuppence but tempered with the King's mercy as well as justice. Taking it out of Frodo's hands is good.
I was smiling along with Aragorn at the picture of the girls playing 'healer'.
Author's reply
I believe Aragorn would always temper justice with mercy, and Frodo won't need to have anything on his conscience.
The little girls are rather sweet, if somewhat bossy!
cookiefleck
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Continuing to enjoy your fine story. I like the idea of Gandalf, Aragorn and even the Eagles keeping a watchful eye on our wonderful Ringbearers. And this made me laugh out loud: 'No more brains than a potato.'
Author's reply
Glad you're enjoying it. I love to think that everyone kept a loving and watchful eye on our beloved hobbits.
'No more brains than a potato' is Daisy's description of Ted in my story 'The Neighbourly Thing To Do' which saw Ivy and her family return to the Shire. She's a bit acid-tongued - 'a tongue like a sacking needle' is her brother's description, and she takes after the Gaffer more than Bell Gamgee. Doesn't suffer fools gladly.
Bodkin
· 16 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Eagles are definitely handy. Meneldor could carry Ted Sandyman south in his claws. That'd scare the fool hobbit and make him swear off the beer.
Good thing that Frodo has realised that TS is not safe around others - and I'm glad he trusts Aragorn to do what is right, rather than reacting instinctively to revenge himself on the hobbit.
Author's reply
*grin* I can just see Ted dangling from the claws of a Great Eagle - and being dropped somewhere over the Misty Mountains with a bit of luck! I think Ted is on something stronger than beer these days........
No, Ted is not safe, and Frodo knows that Aragorn will do the right thing.
Tigger
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Oh wow!! One of the Great Eagles and Manwe was right. Aragorn did need a faster messenger than one on horseback in this business. Frodo was right in guessing to send Sandyman to Gondor for the King's Justice, but I'm guessing even though he did mention Aragorn's intuitions/foresightedness, even Frodo doesn't begin to suspect Aragorn saw the entire thing happen in the Palantir. The reaction to that letter is going to be interesting to say the least. ;o)
Looking forward to the next part of this story!!
Author's reply
I really wanted to write Eagles! Certainly I very fast messenger and although not a taxi service I'm sure they would help in some cases.
No, Frodo does not suspect that Aragorn saw the whole thing in the palantir. The hobbits will be very surprised
I'm looking forward to writing the letter!
Dreamflower
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Good!
With Meneldor's help, Elessar will be able to act before Frodo can have second thoughts about being merciful.
And I *knew* it was Gandalf/Olorin!
And I loved Merry's ranting--it was absolutely delightful, and all I could have hoped for. And he hit the nail on the head about the differences between Sandyman and Frodo.
Actually, your Sandyman should be grateful. He's going to meet a far more merciful fate than mine did.
Author's reply
I think that is why Aragorn is in such haste - he is afraid Frodo will be too merciful.
You were right - it was Gandalf. I'm sure he would keep an eye on his beloved hobbits.
Glad you liked Merry's ranting - I love Merry when he defends his family.
Well, we don't yet know what may happen to Sandyman. The fat lady has not even begun to sing........ :-))
Queen Galadriel
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Oh my goodness, you had me terrified there for a minute! I thought for sure Sandyman had hurt Frodo very, very seriously or worse! But I just love the way the Hobbits cluster around each other in times of trouble, and you capture that beautifully. Love also Aragorn watching in the palantir. Very handy to have the king as a witness. :) And clever of Rose, too, to be sure her lads rested well. Frodo and Sam's conversation was very sweet and one of the best parts, of course, and to see the two little girls playing healers is adorable! :) Sounds like they've got everything under control, and both will one day be excellent mothers. More, more! :)
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
I'm really evil, I know! I wrote that as such a cliff-hanger, which was very naughty of me.
I agree - I love the way hobbits all cluster together in times of trouble - you hit the nail right on the head there.
I'm sure Ellie and little Rose take after their mother and have everything well under control.
shirebound
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
"That mithril shirt has been worth more than the Shire indeed.
My goodness, it certainly has been! And worth/value can certainly be measured in many ways.
"West!" said Rosie-lass sternly, pointing to the parlour. "You need looking-after."
Frodo sighed and obeyed the little tyrants. He lay down on the couch, Ellie plumped a cushion and placed it behind his head and little Rose covered his legs with a blanket. They fussed over him for some minutes and then tip-toed away. When Merry peered round the door a few minutes later he saw that his cousin was sound asleep, Rufus curled up beside him
Awwww. This is an amazing story, BB, and I always appreciate the respectful and noble way Aragorn treats those who deserve it -- such as a lord of Eagles.
Author's reply
Aragorn is so respectful of the other races on Middle-earth - I'm sure he would respect a lord of Eagles, particularly one who risked his life to save Frodo and Sam. And the Eagle, in turn, respects the King.
Glad you are enjoying the atory, Shirebound
Larner
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 3: Counting the Cost
Aha! So the entire double kingdom is getting involved now, as are those from across the Sea! Bless Gandalf!
It's nice to see that your lockholes are Hobbity humane, also.
You know, this is either a very LARGE plotbunny or a small nuzgul....
Author's reply
I thought everyone would want to be involved in this one! I also wanted to write Eagles. :-))
I think the hobbits might have recognised the sense of having some sort of prison but, being hobbits, the prison would be comfortable, with beds and proper meals - of course!
*giggle* It started out as a plotbunny but somewhere along the way it morphed into a very vicious little nuzgul! I am hoping it will revert to a bunny again before the end.
Larner
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 2: A Bill Too Big..............
Aha--the Voice has spoken in Frodo's heart, and Frodo had hearkened to it! I'd SO hoped for that!
Author's reply
I think Frodo has learned to listen to the Voice and act upon it. he is a sensible hobbit after all.
Larner
· 15 August 2006
· Chapter 1: A Score to Pay
Sweet Valar! Sam must feel devastated! Hope that Frodo's foresight had him put on the mithril that morning, or that the special something for the meal is hidden there!
Author's reply
I think Sam must be horrified. To see a knife aimed at his friend's heart would be the worst thing he could imagine.
Tigger
· 12 August 2006
· Chapter 2: A Bill Too Big..............
BB!! How could you have done that to us, to Aragorn, to Sam!?! I'm actually sitting here breathing hard over the shock *I* had reading that. Thanks be to the Valar for warning Frodo to put on the mithril shirt. I don't think Aragorn's the only needing a drink right now though. I hope the rest of the chapters won't be as hard on us as this one was. Yi yi yi!!!
Will Merry need any help w/Sandyman do you think? ;o)
Looking forward to the next installment!!
Author's reply
*peers over parapet* Am I forgiven? As Bugs Bunny says, 'Ain't I a stinker?'
That was evil of me I know, but I'm blaming this really vicious plot bunny. Still, at least I didn't leave everyone dangling off that cliff for a month!
No, I doubt Merry will need any help, although Pip will probably offer! :-))
Ted is in more trouble than he realises, especially as Aragorn saw it all.
Kitty
· 12 August 2006
· Chapter 2: A Bill Too Big..............
Do you know you're an evil tease?? After this cliffie I had expected the worst (as you surely know!), at least a badly injured Frodo and a long recovery. But of course, this is much better! :D
Nasty shock for Sandyman to assumedly kill Frodo and then being knocked out by his very alive victim :)
Well, I had thought if maybe Frodo could wear the mithril shirt, but then, I couldn't for the life of me think of any reason *why* he should wear it on a normal day in the perfectly peaceful Shire. Many thanks to the mysterious voice - I hope you'll tell us who it was who saved Frodo's life. Maybe Gandalf? I am *so* glad he and Sam weren't more seriously injured! Though it is bad enough already, particularly for Frodo.
"Perhaps..........'twould be better if we moved away, Mister Baggins. Trouble seems to follow us wherever we go and we've caused so much bother..........." Ivy was allowed to proceed no further as Frodo held up a hand. That was what I had feared, and I am very glad about Frodo's reaction to this. It would not be fair if Ted destroyed the life of his family a second time! Poor Ivy, I hope someone looks after her - maybe May? She will need someone now, I am sure.
But in one thing I disagree with Frodo. It won't do to simply send Ted back to Bree and banish him from the Shire. This banishment wouldn't be much of a punishment, and he would only hurt someone other in Bree in the end, of this I am sure. Somehow I don't think Merry and Pippin and their fathers would agree to let him get away with this attack so easily. And I suppose Aragorn has something to say about this, too, as he witnessed the whole incident in the palantír. Poor guy, to stand there watching and being absolutely helpless to do anything must've been so hard! No wonder he needed a brandy.
No strenuous activity for the next few days - that means no gardening, Master Sam *grin* How sensible of Porto to point this out - I am sure Sam would never think of gardening of strenuous work. Porto knows him ;)
Thank you for the fast update! It was quite uncomfortable to dangle from the cliff ;)
Author's reply
What a wonderful review - a chapter in itself!
I have to say I did enjoy Frodo socking Ted on the jaw! Ted certainly wouldn't have been expecting that!
I'm sure May and Rose will keep an eye on Ivy and steer her away from any silly ideas of leaving. Ted should not be allowed to destroy their lives yet again and I'm sure Frodo and Sam won't allow it.
Frodo is too merciful sometimes, plus he probably isn't thinking very clearly. Perhaps he can be persuaded by others that sending Ted to Bree will solve nothing. As you say, Aragorn may want a say in this matter as he was a witness. Poor Man, having to watch helplessly from so far away - he certainly deserved that brandy!
I doubt Sam would think of gardening as strenuous, so Porto had to be emphatic about it. He's known Sam all his life so he knows what our favourite gardener is like.
Glad you're not dangling any more!
Elemmírë
· 12 August 2006
· Chapter 2: A Bill Too Big..............
Glad to see you posted the next chapter so soon! I don't know if I could have held onto that cliff for much longer! :D
Also glad to see Frodo was wearing his mithril shirt ... I was wondering if you were going to do that. LOL!
Loved those little medical details and the children's pestering of the doctor!
Oh, sneaky Rosie, slipping a draught into Frodo and Sam's tea. She's right though, that's the only way they would rest. Her and the kids are going to have a handful making sure those two follow Porto's orders.
Frodo groaned. "I'm dreading what Merry will say. You know what he's like when anything threatens those he loves. We'll have to stop him skewering Ted with his sword and dragging the body round the Shire tied to Stybba's tail, or whatever they do with miscreants in Rohan."
LOL! I find that description to be very amusing, especially considering that is most likely what Merry would love to do to Ted. Certainly Paladin and Saradoc are NOT going to be pleased when they learn of what occurred.
Can't wait for more, Baggins Babe!
Author's reply
i took pity on everyone!
Yes, that mithril shirt certainly comes in useful.
Rose is very sneaky, isn't she? I'm sure that was the only way she could get the two of them to rest.
The future for Ted Sandyman does look rather turbulent, to say the least. Merry will be furious and the Thain and Master will be very unhappy. The next chapters will be interesting, I'm sure.