One Who Sticks Closer than a Brother by Lindelea
Dreamflower · 6 April 2014 · Chapter 51: A Tale that Grows in the Telling
This wonderful chapter left me with a grin on my face! And oh, the tales! Pip will be highly gratified when he learns how well their ruse worked.
Author's reply
So glad! For a change, Pippin gets to use the Talk in his favour. (Well, maybe not for a change. I think he probably grows quite skilled in this crowd-control technique, actually, understanding its power.)
Garnet Took · 6 April 2014 · Chapter 51: A Tale that Grows in the Telling
This was a delightful chapter. Now Tolly will be able to simpathize with Pippin about the being forced to eat all the time. :) Loved the idea of the little inn off the beaten path where the Thain takes his wife for a quiet retreat. That created a very sweet image in my mind. Ned better hope his tale doesn't reach some ears. The Thain isn't exactly fond of the Talk and that story could end up going 'round the whole Shire. Of course, it does through everyone off the idea that a Man entered the Shire. They'll all be more convenced than ever that it was an elf. Hmm, Pippin could actually appreciate the tall tale, but I rather think he'd rather not have it That imbellished.
Author's reply
So glad you enjoyed it! As the rest of the story is pretty much wrapping up loose ends, it's going to be a lot of "comfort" after the "hurt" and not a whole lot of tension. I worry sometimes that it's not "exciting" enough, until I remind myself how much I enjoy reading comfortable chapters from others, like Shirebounds latest about Fili and Kili after the spider stings. Funny how Pippin doesn't have to do any of his own embellishing in this case! All he had to do was start the ball rolling, and hobbity gossip took care of the rest.
Larner · 6 April 2014 · Chapter 51: A Tale that Grows in the Telling
Indeed, it is only right that the "normal" times should return, particularly considering how upsetting the latest troubles proved, and how marvelous the healing that they have seen performed. As for the Son of Elrond--I wonder how many others will figure it out!
Author's reply
Hmmm. Well of course Pippin knew, and Hilly (having spent time with all the sons of Elrond, enough to have some subliminal sense of body language, aura, that sort of thing), but I'm not sure other hobbits have the experience to understand the clues in quite the same way. So Elessar's secret is safe! For surely the conspirators are not going to tell, and Hilly knows better.
Dreamflower · 25 March 2014 · Chapter 50: (Almost) As Fit as a Butcher's Dog
And so Tolly comes to learning his own story! I wonder will he ever guess who that "son of Elrond" is? It must be disconcerting to waken from a serious illness or injury with no idea of what happened and the only clue to how bad it was the fear and grief on the faces of your loved ones.
Author's reply
I wonder if he will! Perhaps he might, if/when he at last meets the King in person. If he remembers dreaming, he might know that King and dream were the same. Good point! I cannot believe this story is within ten chapters of finishing -- or so the draft looks. It might be less, or if something unexpected happens, more, but really, it is nearly finished. I am smiling as I look forward, and that's a good sign. Thank you for your listening ear!
Garnet Took · 25 March 2014 · Chapter 50: (Almost) As Fit as a Butcher's Dog
Trying the review thing again. Hopefully this one will post instead of disappearing into cyberspace. This was a tense chapter even though the threat is passed. Hearing it retold in condensed form was almost as stressful as the longer version of the experience. Looking forward to what you have next in this one.
Author's reply
So it's not just me and my computer giving me fits, with this review thing. I have taken to highlighting and control-C my review text (and review reply text) before attempting to post. That way I can try again. (Though I find often that hitting backspace when I see the error-timeout-whatever message instead of the review posting, will take me back to an intact review in a typing box. Sometimes I'll open another tab, log in once more in that tab, and *then* retry submitting the review. I can be a very determined -- read stubborn -- computer user...). Funny thing is, this chapter was background information and almost didn't get put in, except that their arrival at the Great Smials read as too abrupt and so I needed to put some sense of passing time into the story. Thanks!
Larner · 25 March 2014 · Chapter 50: (Almost) As Fit as a Butcher's Dog
And bless that son of Elrond, who came cloaked and hooded--and who secretly had two fathers! Heh! Tolly may be able to work it out, I'd think. Now--to feed him up again!
Author's reply
He might, perhaps -- I think of Faramir's joyful recognition, waking from a fever -- but then, he might not, if Elessar did not wish it. He's never met the King, if I'm remembering right, and probably hasn't met either of the other sons of Elrond. He may not even have met Legolas yet, though he's heard plenty of stories about him.
Larner · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 49: Between You, Me, and the Bedpost
Having the King near at hand does help, after all. I'm so glad both Ferdi and Tolly are recovering so well! Bless them all. I'll have to reread the whole thing now! Heh!
Author's reply
LOL! Enjoy! (True confession: I had to re-read this and a few other stories for continuity before I could write to the end of this one. Not too many chapters left, depending on how they break out as I type them in... Thanks! Author Reply: LOL! Enjoy! (True confession: I had to re-read this and a few other stories for continuity before I could write to the end of this one. Not too many chapters left, depending on how they break out as I type them in... Thanks!
Dreamflower · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 49: Between You, Me, and the Bedpost
Very Big Grin!!! What a wonderful happy chapter! So much joy!
Author's reply
Woohoo!
Garnet Took · 15 March 2014 · Chapter 49: Between You, Me, and the Bedpost
Awwww! This was such a sweet chapter. Everyone is recovering nicely and hope has returned. That three day "Welcome/Farewell" sounds like a great party. Wish I could be there. :) Looking forward to seeing how this wraps up. Thanks, once again, for sharing your vision of the Tooks, and the rest of the hobbits, with us.
Author's reply
You're very welcome, and thank you so much for your encouragement. One of the joys of posting is getting into conversations, or just hearing what jumped out at someone. Often something gets pointed out that sparks a whole new idea... You're right, we've come through the deepest of the waters and are mostly wrapping up loose ends -- and celebrating, of course!
Dreamflower · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 48: Caught between a Rock and a Hard Place
LOL! Poor Bergil! (He was pretty sharp as a lad; I wonder if at some later point after he got over his fright, that he realized he'd been had? Of course, he'd never *say* anything! I love all the "evidence" that the King and his Counsellors had been holed up in that tent!
Author's reply
I think once he gets to the mess, after coming off duty, and hears about the bet between the King and Thain, he'll figure it out. Well, he might never know that Sam and Arwen were the only ones in the pavilion, for the longest time, whilst Strider and Pippin and Merry were off gallivanting all over the countryside, but at least he'll figure out that he's not in trouble. Whew. Evidence... poor Sam. Having to eat for three! I think he might better sympathise with Rosie, when she's expecting... Thanks.
Larner · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 48: Caught between a Rock and a Hard Place
Well, if Pippin WERE the reason the discussions were interrupted, even Bergil would be pardoned, I'd think! Alas, the poor guardsmen--how their beloved King has been gulling them! But at least none of them will end up being flogged. Heh!
Author's reply
I think once Bergil went off duty and went to the mess for a bite to eat before retiring, he found out about the bet between the King and the Thain, and realised that he was off the hook. Whew. Thanks.
Garnet Took · 6 March 2014 · Chapter 48: Caught between a Rock and a Hard Place
That was great. I'm grinning and giggling. I think it's a good thing that the hobbits didn't meet Strider at a time when they could have all made mischief together. Middle-earth may never have survived. :)
Author's reply
Oh, my. Hobbits, with their sense of humour and love for pranks, mixed with a long-lived Ranger-King who has had long acquaintance with Bilbo. Such a combination! Thanks.
Dreamflower · 21 February 2014 · Chapter 47: Half a Dozen of Another
LOL! Wise Diamond! I love Merry and Pippin's cousinly banter--but yeah, probably a good idea to get them back to the matter at hand. They'd keep arguing even after the dawn, since they are not trolls... What an interesting plan; not a chance of it going awry, I hope.
Author's reply
LOL, I think Diamond learned something when Tolly was disgraced for wagering too much on a pony race, which indirectly led to his near-banishment... although Pippin has more gold than he knows what to do with, it still wouldn't be a good thing for him to wager it all on a single throw...
Larner · 21 February 2014 · Chapter 47: Half a Dozen of Another
A most handy and "merciful" manner to "correct" those who have been gulled by the Thain, the Master, and the King himself! Heh!
Author's reply
Whew, good thing they all have consciences, or it might be a nightmare to work for any of them.
Larner · 12 February 2014 · Chapter 46: Six of One
At least he's made it, and Elessar is there for what is needed, while Diamond and Faramir are on their way!
Author's reply
Having a healer-King for a friend can be very handy!
Dreamflower · 10 February 2014 · Chapter 46: Six of One
Ah, poor exhausted Merry! But at least his exhaustion spared him much of a scolding from poor worried Pippin. And I loved the speculation on Big Folks' appetites or lack of same!
Author's reply
Exhaustion has its brighter points. Hah. I guess it's true about "every dark cloud has its silver lining..."! Everything here is still covered with snow, though it was supposed to have melted Sunday afternoon. Therefore, Monday is having a slow start. Appointments cancelled, and certainly no shopping in the works (I refuse to stir foot when I can clearly see nearly a foot of snow on the road out my window). Therefore, I was able to sneak one more chapter into the (extended-by-snow) weekend before beginning Monday's indoor tasks... Thanks! Hope this finds you well. (Got time for a chat sometime with a view to finishing Tolly's story? My brain feels as slow as the icicle drips outside this morning. I can't remember all that we talked about oh so long ago.)
Larner · 28 December 2009 · Chapter 45: Sweet Dreams, Good News, and Hope to Come
It was a joy to see you and yours--the Hobbitlings are growing so! Hope Zoe's recovering well from her injury, and that the Christmas gifts were accepted well. Tomorrow I must be up early and to work, but today I've ENJOYED myself and indulged myself as well. Love to see Regi unbending this way, and insistent on at least whispering the news to Ferdi, who NEEDS it at this point! May the remaining Christmas season remain joyful, and the new year filled with blessings.
Author's reply
I have certainly indulged myself this weekend, with the excuse of being snowed in, and thus unable to do half the things that normally take me out of the house and keep me busy on a weekend. It's been fun to catch up on several stories. I actually have two more chapters outlined, in two more stories, but don't know if I'll be able to steal any more time this week for writing. Still, it is nice to brush off the WIPs and know they're not dead... Belated thanks for this lovely review.
Dreamflower · 25 December 2009 · Chapter 45: Sweet Dreams, Good News, and Hope to Come
What a lovely Christmas present, to find a new chapter of this! It's so good to see how well Regi's wits work, LOL! *He* certainly wasn't fooled by any "son of Elrond" circulocutions! I loved the reactions of the children as well! Delightful!
Author's reply
You are most (though belatedly) welcome! Thanks so much for hitting the highlights.
Dreamflower · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 44: Healing Hands
Oh, good old Merry! In plenty of time...I love his holding his breath as he concentrates, and then, breathing in the athelas... Wonderful scene, dear, with Merry the only one acting (as Ferdi and Nell are asleep) it all has a very quiet feel to it.
Author's reply
Thank you! It was nice to have a quiet, healing bit after all the excitement and worry. And Merry ought to find some additional healing as well, though he already benefited from the athelas applied for Farry's (and Pippin's) sake in the earlier story. *hugs* and a most Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Larner · 12 November 2009 · Chapter 44: Healing Hands
Hooray! He made it! He made it! And they will both know easing and healing due to his sacrifice, so freely made! These small veterans of much grief and stoicism also deserve remembrance!
Author's reply
They certainly do deserve much! Hats off to them. (And a very Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year, to you and yours.)
Dreamflower · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 43: Of Travellers and Trouble
How wonderful to see a new chapter of this! I love how it opens, with Merry racing along--so exciting! Poor Faramir. He's been through so much in his young life, and now he's so serious and solemn for a little fellow. He needs a chance to lighten up, poor kid! But Diamond handled it beautifully--she's such a good mother! I'm so glad to see more of this story!
Author's reply
Hoorah for Merry! I love to put him on a galloping pony for some reason. I probably ought to have him remember the charge of the Rohirrim occasionally... but maybe not. I always found riding to the gallop exhilarating, the closest I could come to flying without my own wings, so I'd hate to spoil it for Merry with a memory from such a dark time. Hmm. Food for thought. Thanks! I'm hoping to finish it before the month is up.
Larner · 31 March 2009 · Chapter 43: Of Travellers and Trouble
Ah--been TOO long on this one! Wonderful evaluation of the post rider--not that they had time to realize it was Merry himself! Heh! "Matter of life and death"--how true, how true! And I actually added two paragraphs to "Stirring Rings" last night! Maybe I'll get it finished today!
Author's reply
Really? I am so looking forward to reading "Stirring Rings"! (But if that is your Bucca story, as my brain is telling me--and my brain could well be wrong--it'll have to wait until I get Bucca through the battle where they drive out Angmar...) Well, this one at least seems to be writing itself for the moment. I do hope it'll keep up right to the end, so that I can write something else without this nagging at the back of my head. Whew. (The wee hobbits and I are writing the most marvellous dragon story together...)
harrowcat · 20 October 2007 · Chapter 42: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
The Ranger guarding the Shire. The King guarding his subjects. Not too much difference at the moment. But at least the King gets thanked! Much fiddling and a touch of Gandalf's magic has got my e.mail talking to me again so I am a happy bunny now!
Author's reply
I guess getting thanked is one of the perks of being King! (Rangers, due to the nature of their job, had to go on thanklessly. I wonder if they ever grumbled about it, especially the young, green ones, before they gained the wisdom that comes with experience?) Thanks!
harrowcat · 18 October 2007 · Chapter 42: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Just put some new anti-virus stuff on my laptop and now it isn't letting me access my e.mail! Reading aboutlots of tea and gentle naps is just what I needed! Maybe I will go nap myself and see what happens in the morning. When in doubt - procrastinate!
Author's reply
I do hope your computer troubles are well over. Our own laptop is deathly ill, and I'm almost afraid to turn it on tomorrow, what with the news of this new April 1 virus. Tea and gentle naps, now there's a happy thought. I might just take a page out of that book myself. Apologies for this much-belated reply.
Larner · 18 October 2007 · Chapter 42: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Most faithful of hounds, these resting ones, lying safe under the guard of one who is by now WELL accustomed to sitting by Hobbits in dire need of rest. Beautiful, Lindelea. Very beautiful.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, I love the echo of the Ranger with his empty pipe, sitting watch. Thank you. (And sorry for the very belated reply. I had no idea this story would languish so long in between updates.)