Dreamflower
· 18 October 2007
· Chapter 42: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
Oh! That was just *perfect*! With Hilly and the "mysterious stranger" understanding one another, and no revelations made, just the quiet acknowledgemnt of where the thanks belonged.
And I do love that image of the "stranger" sitting watch over hobbits--just like old times...
Author's reply
Finally the Muse has deigned to work on finishing this story, perhaps inspired by that "unfinished" poll you mentioned. I never did get back there to vote, but I imagine I'm going to enjoy your Trotter story when I have some reading time this week!
Sorry for the very belated reply!
Bodkin
· 8 October 2007
· Chapter 41: The Next Best Thing
Save MFH. Ride, Merry, ride!!
Aragorn was very silly to exempt himself from entry to the Shire. Considering the amount of peril that my favourite hobbits seem to wallow in.
But Tolly seems to be standing a chance of recovery. And, if Merry gets there quickly with his blessed leaves, then perhaps Ferdi's brains might get a chance to settle before somebody else decides to attempt their destruction.
So back to ... ride, Merry, ride!!!
Author's reply
Very silly. What was he thinking?
Poor Ferdi, his brains seem to have a big target painted on them. *sigh*
Author Reply: p.s. oops, hit "send" before I finished this reply. Meant to add, Thanks!
Larner
· 7 October 2007
· Chapter 41: The Next Best Thing
Ah! In the salt box, is it? Keeping as fresh as possible! Yes, a good way to set it in motion! I was wondering how you'd see to it from what we discussed!
And we have ruses going withing ruses within ruses at this point! How they're all keeping it straight as to where they're supposed to be--? Heh!
Glad they are enjoying themselves even as they work out all the kinks of aiding each one as he needs it. And nice memories.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, the salt box. Nice and airtight. Middle-earth equivalent to a zipper-locking plastic bag, I suppose.
I'm sure glad *somebody's* keeping it all straight. Whew. *g*
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 7 October 2007
· Chapter 41: The Next Best Thing
Oh yay!! This is the other part of it! I had almost forgotten that!
Good for Merry and good for Strider! I'm so glad that Ferdi will also benefit! And poor Pippin is nearly ready to fall over on his feet, if he's too tired to keep track of such a vital conversation. Sounds like the King may also need to use his healing hands on his Thain as well.
Go Merry, go!!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, I couldn't forget Ferdi, even in a Tolly-angst story that was at first cleverly disguised as Ferdi-angst. (Go, Merry!)
harrowcat
· 7 October 2007
· Chapter 41: The Next Best Thing
Oh, and Mum is doing all right at the moment. Long may it last! Thank you for asking. (I think it was you anyway).
Author's reply
Yes, I did ask. Someone else might have asked, as well, but yes, I did. I'm glad to hear she's doing better.
harrowcat
· 7 October 2007
· Chapter 41: The Next Best Thing
Oh I am glad that Strider is such a clever man, (not to mention Lindelea), as my heart has been grieving for Ferdi while also cheering for Tolly!
Now, have you written those hobbit feast scenes? If not, when? *g*
And as for quick responses, you and I seem to be online about the same time and who can resist your stories just as soon as they are posted!
Author's reply
Oh, the feast scenes are just about the first thing to be written! LOL! And then I just have to write until I get to them. (Even Dreamflower hasn't seen the celebration yet; she just helped me sandwich the flashback/dream sequences into the "now" action, and of course the flashbacks are pretty much over when the crisis is.
Ah, you're a generous soul, taking the time to comment. How heartening, especially when you and I being online at the same time usually means wee hours on my end. *g* Makes a nice nightcap.
harrowcat
· 20 September 2007
· Chapter 40: And Wake Me with the Morning Light
Ah! *deep and very satisfied sigh*
The loyalty of the heart is the source of our personal integrity.
Author's reply
Ah, yes. Nicely put.
Larner
· 19 September 2007
· Chapter 40: And Wake Me with the Morning Light
Aha! Wonderful moment here! Hooray!
Author's reply
Thanks!
Larner
· 19 September 2007
· Chapter 39: Still Waters Run Deep
I suspect Pippin has more knowledge of what went on than Tolly realizes, and now the King does as well. Lovely!
Author's reply
Yes, Pippin does have more knowledge than Tolly knows, though he doesn't know everything, not quite yet. He grew wiser after nearly making an unforgivable mistake in Runaway, and will never be quite so quick again to rush to judgment.
Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 18 September 2007
· Chapter 39: Still Waters Run Deep
Poor Tolly! But you know, I am quite sure that in the back of Pippin's own mind were the words from a certain wizard, regarding a certain Took in another situation: "a fool, but an honest fool". And if he'd known the entire story, he'd have been even more understanding. But he did not even put Tolly on water rations--which must have shocked Tolly as much as the realization that Pippin already knew.
I look forward to Aragorn's and Pippin's conversation when all is done.
Author's reply
Why, you're right, Gandalf's words are certainly applicable!
I look forward to hearing all about the Moot, and also to your thoughts on how the next few chapters turn out. After all, you were a great help in arranging the scenes!
harrowcat
· 18 September 2007
· Chapter 39: Still Waters Run Deep
hidden no longer!
And I am realising that I need to find time to reread this to fully appreciate all it's twists and turns. What a chore! *grin*
Author's reply
Yes, eventually that cup is going to have to come to light. At least the King knows about it! (Though I don't imagine he'd be digging around in Tolly and Meadowsweet's linen press... He's done enough digging around in Tolly's brain. And I certainly hope it's canonical!)
Such a sacrifice. I do admire your dedication.
Thanks so much for your note of encouragement!
FantasyFan
· 17 September 2007
· Chapter 38: If a Thing is Worth Doing
Éomer had a similar problem once:
‘...How shall a man judge what to do in such times?’
‘As he ever has judged,’ said Aragorn. ‘Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man’s part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.’
‘True indeed,’ said Éomer. ‘But I do not doubt you, nor the deed which my heart would do. Yet I am not free to do all as I would. It is against our law to let strangers wander at will in our land, until the king himself shall give them leave, and more strict is the command in these days of peril...’
‘I do not think your law was made for such a chance,’ said Aragorn.
Tolly probably doesn't know that part of the story, or of Faramir's decision to aid Frodo and Sam in Ithilien, but he might know the story of Beregond, and how he too had to judge between good and ill, between friendship and the law, in times of great difficulty; and then how Aragorn was forced to do the same. I'm assuming Tolly's going to hope nobody sees them leave, and that the question may never come up, but if it does, there is certainly good precedent for his choices.
Author's reply
Y'know, I wasn't thinking about those instances at the time, but yes, they are a part of the fabric of the world JRRT wove, and writing in that world, I'm glad to think I'm being consistent.
The awkward part (perhaps not awkward, but it seems awkward at the moment) is that in later stories everyone seems to know what Tolly did here, so I don't think he kept it a secret. Of course, knowing that he is honest "to a fault" as they say, as emerged in "Flames" (do you remember when Ferdi won the Tournament, but Tolly got the purse?) I have a pretty good idea of how the next chapter is going to go even if the draft is very sketchy.
Author Reply: p.s. Thanks for listening earlier. I ought to give you credit for the wording of the last few paragraphs of the newest chapter; I really clarified my thoughts after reading and responding to your comments and was able to shape the draft accordingly.
harrowcat
· 16 September 2007
· Chapter 38: If a Thing is Worth Doing
So the son is indeed Legolas. I did wonder.
And Aragorn knows enough of Tolly's tale to assure him that Hobbit hearts usually see through to the spirit rather than the letter of the law.
Good, good, good!
Author's reply
Yes. I think Aragorn recognised the incident from hearing Legolas tell his side of it, a while back. Thanks!
Dreamflower
· 15 September 2007
· Chapter 38: If a Thing is Worth Doing
Oh Tolly! His heart is a true hobbit heart--friendship and compassion will trump the "rules" any day!
I look forward to the reactions when he recovers!
Author's reply
Yes, hobbits are a wondrous folk. I guess it's one reason why we're so fond of them.
Larner
· 15 September 2007
· Chapter 38: If a Thing is Worth Doing
Hooray! Tolly is Tolly and once again in proper charity and caring with his young friends, and has done what was right rather than what the law requires.
Hooray, hooray! And Aragorn knows their story and undoubtedly will find a way to allow Tolly know he did the right thing in the end. Bless our beloved Lord King Elessar!
Author's reply
Hooray!
(Sure glad Elessar is such a wise King!)
Bodkin
· 12 September 2007
· Chapter 37: To Sing a Song of Joy
I'm sure the children of elf-friends must be exempt from the king's ruling, anyway. After all, that makes them practically elves.
And if Pippin or Sam or Merry had heard that story, they would have ruled the boys to be honorary hobbits - since their mother saved Legolas's life and, without him, Frodo and they would have died.
So Tolly was really carrying out the Thain's command.
Jesuitical, I know, but hey ...
Author's reply
Hmmm. Practically elves. I wonder if such are exempt from the Edict. I don't think Elessar will be making any assumptions. He strikes me as a careful man.
Interesting, the concept of honorary hobbits... wonder if there might be a market in black-market certificates?
Yes, you know, you're right, Tolly really was carrying out the Thain's command, er, at least, in spirit if not in the letter.
Thanks!
harrowcat
· 12 September 2007
· Chapter 37: To Sing a Song of Joy
'Ah' you do weave a good tale Lindelea.
Author's reply
Ah, thanks! Music to my ears...
Larner
· 12 September 2007
· Chapter 37: To Sing a Song of Joy
Thranduil and Legolas himself they knew? How wonderful! And I pray Anemone may take her sons with her when she goes back over the mountains to Eryn Lasgalen. Come on, Tolly--Pippin KNOWS that Elvish prince, you see!
Author's reply
Yes, indeed, I think you've guessed aright.
I think her sons plan to accompany her... that was a part of the "better life" that Ted promised his wife before he went away with Tod to trespass the Shire's Bounds. Evidently there's not a terribly profitable life for a woodcutter in the Breeland--or at least it's implied, since Ted and Tod's father moved from Mirkwood to the Breeland, and then from the Breeland to the Shire in search of a good life for his family.
Aha. I wonder if Tolly knows enough to put 2 and 2 together? Probably not... I don't think he'd connect the son of the Elvenking in the story with Legolas, though maybe he would... Regi'd make the connection, I'm sure, because he's listened closely to every scrap of information Pippin's let drop.
Dreamflower
· 11 September 2007
· Chapter 37: To Sing a Song of Joy
Oh Lin! It came out beautifully! I was as enthralled by the tale as Tolly was!
Author's reply
Hoorah! Glad news to hear, as I always approach writing about Elves with caution and a great deal of forethought. Thanks so much for your listening ear.
Larner
· 5 September 2007
· Chapter 36: A Tale Oft Told
How wonderful! So Toddy's mom was born on the edge of Mirkwood, was she? So glad to get this backstory for these wonderful children of Men.
Now, Tolly, let them go!
Author's reply
Yup, you got it! There was a clue, very early on, when Barad the woodman, Anemone's husband, introduced himself to Tolly and Tolly's father as being "o' the Greenwood" but that was a long time and quite a few chapters ago.
Anemone's father was a woodcutter, and she married into a woodcutter's family, and when Mirkwood became too dark and dangerous, they made the uncertain trek over the Misty Mountains with a caravan of other travellers, to Bree. And from thence to the Shire...
I'm sure Tolly's working out some sort of solution as he listens. (Probably won't have time to type more in until early next week. BTW, have a safe trip homeward again!)
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 5 September 2007
· Chapter 36: A Tale Oft Told
Of course Tolly had to save Ted and Tod. Not only did they save his life - not much fun being buried alive - but they are the children of an elf-friend.
It's too easy to condemn all men as ruffians. Far too simplistic. And hobbits can be ruffians, too. As can, in truth, elves, dwarves and (look at Sharkey) wizards.
Author's reply
Exactly! (on both your comments)
Hope this finds you well, albeit busy.
Dreamflower
· 5 September 2007
· Chapter 36: A Tale Oft Told
Before all else, I want to say how I loved the hobbity foraging at the beginning--it's so clear that Ted and Tod have not forgotten their early years in the Shire!
And I'm so excited to see the tale at last, told in full! It's just delightful, and I look forward to the rest of it!
Author's reply
Indeed, they are very hobbity for Men, but then they were heavily influenced by hobbit-neighbours and friends in addition to their own family...
Ah, thank you! Am looking forward, too, and the Muse is hinting at a most satisfying epilogue... will have to see if she can pull it off.
harrowcat
· 5 September 2007
· Chapter 36: A Tale Oft Told
Hmm, the tubers and mushrooms tasted wonderful. But do go on with the tale. I want to know the answers to all the intriguing snippits that were let slip and what happened about the jewel?
Author's reply
Tubers, is that the word? I ought to have known it, but couldn't think of it, and said merely "roots" though I wasn't satisfied with it.
More to come soon, I hope--might be Monday, or it might be before, depending on when I can get hold of the computer. (Quite a lot of competition around here!)
Larner
· 2 September 2007
· Chapter 35: For Old Times' Sake
Reason approaches Tolly, at least. Alas, he's been through so much already; don't become the murderer of innocent friends, too, Tolibold Took!
Am eager to see the next chapter now.
Author's reply
Alas, but there's a bit of light and sensibility entering now, am glad to say.
Yikes, it's Monday! (How did Monday sneak up on me so quickly?)
harrowcat
· 2 September 2007
· Chapter 35: For Old Times' Sake
I've hauled up my tree stump next to the campfire all ready to listen the the tale of the wondrous jewel!