harrowcat · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 26: We'll Cross that Bridge When We Come to It
Go, Pippin go!!!!
Author's reply
Yeah!
One Who Sticks Closer than a Brother by Lindelea
Reviews (198)
Larner · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 26: We'll Cross that Bridge When We Come to It
Now, Aragorn, when it is your friend and the Thain himself that demands you ignore your own ban, will you do it? Best listen--you know how stubborn Tooks--and especially this one--can get! He'll even be likely to use Frodo's own Look on you! Go, Pippin!
Author's reply
I dunno, do you think he will? Pippin was born with a silver tongue in his mouth... we can only hope...
Bodkin · 26 July 2007 · Chapter 25: Too Little, Too Late
Oh no! Fight, Tolly, fight! Ferdi - even in his condition and with his brains shaken halfway to Yule - saw straight to a possible solution - and now the delay might make it all in vain. Poor Tolly. It seems as if his experiences in the Troubles are as bad as Ferdi's - and that's saying something. Although I reckon that he has at least some positive experiences with Big People, because I doubt he'd have made it out of his early grave without some assistance.
Author's reply
You know, I think you have something there. We'll have to look into that idea, one of these chapters... Good to hear from you. Thanks!
Dreamflower · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 25: Too Little, Too Late
*bounce*bounce*bounce* We're getting to the really cool part that I've been waiting for!! Oh, I mean, poor Tolly.
Author's reply
LOL! And now I wonder about the really cool part... y'know, this chapter was *awfully* hard to write, because I kept wanting to jump ahead, myself. Thanks!
FantasyFan · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 25: Too Little, Too Late
I loved the names of the inns in this chapter, expecially "A Rock and a Hard Place". It goes so well with all the aphorisms in the chapter titles! So Pippin's fifty here. So strange to think of Pippin as fifty. I mean, I know as the years go on he gets older, everyone does. And as he ages, he's matured and we've gotten to see a lot of it. And eventually he'll be much older than fifty, and in his prime in wisdom and grace. But Pippin also will be forever young at heart. I think of Bilbo at fifty, set in his ways and then shaken up by his adventure. Bilbo always was a fussy old man, even then. And Frodo at fifty was curious, determined, strong-willed, and ultimately wounded. Frodo at fifty was so self-assured. Pippin at fifty is still feeling his way as Thain, but he's got that wealth of experience the quest brought him. He's a study in contrasts: grown among the great, but not quite trusted. Childlike in his enthusiasm sometimes, impatient as always, still impulsive, and yet as determined in his own way as Frodo was, dragging all the hobbits in the Shire firmly into the fourth age, out of their parochialism and insularity. He's a force to be reckoned with, in much the same way as an ice storm may be: beautiful, sparkling, deceptive, dangerous, and gone as fast as it arrives. Poor Tolly, so close and yet so far. (Oh, wait. That's the title of Chapter 8.) How to get him to Buckland faster? Or how to get Aragorn where he needs to be? Or how to keep Tolly holding on to complete the journey? I wonder what you've got up your sleeve next.
Author's reply
I remember when we visited England, looking at the painted pub signs, wonderful! I find myself wondering how you'd paint a rock and a hard place... Pippin's been Thain for about six years now, if I'm remembering right. He was feeling rather confident about the matter until just before Yule, when he found himself guilty of a rush to judgment, and so he's been proceeding rather more cautiously since. Oo, comparing him to an ice storm... fascinating parallel. (And ironic, since an ice storm shaped so much of what made him who he was.) It is very nice to have a little slack time in the schedule for writing, and a tractable Muse, and a computer that's working, all at the same time. Nearly unbelievable. I do want to knock out this story fairly quickly because Nell and Ferdi's romance is demanding an airing. Somehow the Muse has become interested in Pippin's early years as Thain, once more. Am going with the flow. Thanks!
Larner · 18 July 2007 · Chapter 25: Too Little, Too Late
They'll make it--I have faith in the Thain.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, that Thain. When he sets his mind to something, he's hard to stop.
Larner · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 24: A Stitch in Time
Poor Pimpernel--not realizing Pippin has already made the decision independently. Oh, yes, very reasonable, our Pippin! But at least Tolly is on his way to the King's side now. Too bad they can't do the same for Ferdi. Bless the Hobbit anyway! Okay if I drop by Friday afternoon?
Author's reply
Yes, we'll make a point of being home! LOL, so nice to make Nell happy.
harrowcat · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 24: A Stitch in Time
At last. Perhaps Pimpernal might get to doze at least. And it was sensible of Pippin not to waste time arguing who was the quickest to put two and two together!
Author's reply
Yes, I think she'll have some sleep at last. Pippin has got a good grasp of the situation, I think, and he managed people quite well! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 21 June 2007 · Chapter 24: A Stitch in Time
Yaay!!! I love the interaction here between brother and sister. Pippin's so sweet and solicitous of Pimpernel, it's just adorable! And the bit at the end, where he's already made his decision, but he lets her think it's her idea--*snicker* Oh, and *this* part? ‘You’re not going to bury me!’ Tolly said with a sobbing breath. ‘Please... are you going to bury me?’ Pippin was taken back to a narrow lane in Minas Tirith, another cousin who swayed and murmured as one in sleep, who’d asked of him the same question, who... who was saved only by...’ ‘The healing hands of the King!’ Pippin said in sudden realisation. I wanted to just hug him! Of course this has really brought back to him his bad time in Minas Tirith--I noticed he was also remembering how they'd taken Faramir to the Hallows--but whether it's hard on him or not, he'll see it done! And as they are going to be near Buckland, perhaps he'll have Merry's presence there to help ease his heart.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, Buckland and Merry do go together, don't they? Poor Pippin, yes, this *would* remind him of Minas Tirith. Thanks again for your help in shoehorning the two storylines together.
Larner · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 23: Whistling in the Dark
Oh, Aragorn--what a limitation you've put on yourself and the folk of the Hobbits! Come on, Pippin--put it together!
Author's reply
I know... I would love to know what JRRT's thoughts were, about his Edict. I don't recall if any of his letters discuss the matter. As far as I know, it's only mentioned in one place--the Tale of Years, isn't it?
Dreamflower · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 23: Whistling in the Dark
Oh yes! Pippin *will* understand! (And I'm not just saying that because of you know what; I would say that anyway!) but because Pippin is Pippin, and he knows Ferdi very well--it's likely the only hobbit he knows better is Merry.
Author's reply
Yes, I have every confidence in Pippin! (If not Nell, who practically reads Ferdi's mind because of their close bond. That's not exactly a spoiler, because the next chapter isn't written yet, only outlined. But you're right, he knows Ferdi very well, sometimes even better than Ferdi knows himself, I think.) I am shirking my duties, and must go... How tempting on a cloudy morning to bask in the light shining from the screen. But there's much to be done today, and I have stolen as much fanfic time from the schedule as I could... Will hope to post more in the next day or two. (And quite looking forward to your next posting as well!) Author Reply: p.s. Ferdi's ability to sing even though he cannot talk is based on real-life situations where a person is able to sing clearly despite having had a stroke that wiped out their ability to speak. The area of the brain where speech is generated is in one hemisphere of the brain; however, singing appears to be controlled by an area in the other hemisphere of the brain. Thus, a non-verbal stroke victim may be able to sing even though they are unable to speak! I've seen this phenomenon in real life.
harrowcat · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 23: Whistling in the Dark
Methinks that there is a pair of hobbits that need the healing hands of the King. But what a prognosis! Poor Ferdi!
Author's reply
Wow, quick response! Poor Ferdi, indeed, but there are still some chapters yet to come. Thanks!
harrowcat · 14 June 2007 · Chapter 22: A Word to the Wise
Oh, no! What a place to leave us, er it I mean! Get those words out Ferdi!
Author's reply
Well, he's got the words out. Now it's up to Pippin to take their meaning. Thanks!
Larner · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 22: A Word to the Wise
Another ride out, to again make use of the King's healing hands? Well, if Strider's still in the north kingdom--why not! Yes, Ferdi--if you can't speak it you could sing it--a different language center's used for singing than for speaking, after all, and it may be more easily accessed if the speaking center's clogged with recovery from a major blow to the head. Lovely details.
Author's reply
Yes, he was making preparations to ride South, at the time of the earlier story, and Merry and Pippin were due to meet with him at the Bridge very soon now, so he just might conveniently be in the right place at the right time. I learned that, about singing and speaking coming from different parts of the brain, in a biographical work about Jan and Dean. (One of them was in a serious car crash, and while his speech was halting after recovering as far as he could, he could still sing as well as ever.) Thanks!
Dreamflower · 13 June 2007 · Chapter 22: A Word to the Wise
Oh! Oh this is wonderful--*THAT'S* why you were wondering about the song! Ferdi's going to remind Pippin!!! Yay!! I love it!! *rubs hands in anticipation*
Author's reply
Yes, that's why! Thanks for your help! (I hate trying to re-create song lyrics. Sometimes they come out better, but not always, and sometimes they don't come out at all.)
Dreamflower · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 19: Stuff and Rubbish
About your question on the song: in "Just Desserts" Pippin quotes one line from the song in the chapter about "The King's Hands". Is that what you were looking for?
Author's reply
Yes! You found it! That was it, exactly. Now I can go to that file and pull up what exists of the song... Extreme thanks!
harrowcat · 11 June 2007 · Chapter 21: Well Begun is Half Done
I do hope that puppy eyed writing companion of yours is doing his/her best to egg you on as we all want the resolution of this! But happy visiting anyway!
Author's reply
Puppy eyed writing companion is napping at the moment, which is a good thing... Thanks!
Larner · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 21: Well Begun is Half Done
So typical of the thinking of ruffians and half-orcs. Don't like the thought of having to walk to Michel Delving and back? Knock him over the head and bury him alive instead. Of course, we do have the advantage of knowing he survived the original attack, so apparently Anemone's family was able to rescue him, but still! All too likely to be realistic for these fellows. Now, can Tolly survive the memories?
Author's reply
Very astute reading between the lines! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 10 June 2007 · Chapter 21: Well Begun is Half Done
Oh! Here it is--I'd been waiting for this! Such an echo of Ferdi's experience (although, given that this is flashback, I suppose technically speaking, it's Ferdi's experience that was the echo.) Of course, knowing it was coming is not the same as seeing it happen. And of course, it's just what the Ruffians *would* do--too lazy to go to the Lockholes, he'll just say Tolly died on the way, and good riddance. But how horrid for poor delirious Tolly to have to relive this--I hope Pippin hurries! I do so look forward to the resolution you have planned!
Author's reply
Yes, and it was one of the most difficult chapters to write... but knowing what's coming, I'm looking forward to the resolution, too! *g* Thanks!
Larner · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 20: Food for Thought
Last story I was begging him to twitch--now I'm begging him to call Tolly back to awareness so he can give over the memories of death from before. Very vivid descriptions of the scene.
Author's reply
Thank you. I think Ferdi just might hold the key. Now to figure out how he might articulate the important thought...
harrowcat · 7 June 2007 · Chapter 20: Food for Thought
Epic journeys do not have to be measured in days or miles and you are doing so well with Ferdi and Tolly. Thanks for the qick update. I shall have to remember that you respond to 'puppy eyes'!
Author's reply
You're welcome! Am trying to knock this story out quickly for several reasons--the schedule is due to get busy again by the weekend, and if I do find writing time there are a few other stories nagging at me but I don't want to start another work-in-progress until I finish something, and the MEFAs have started up again and I want to set aside some time to read! Sorry if I sound breathless, but my writing partner is due for walkies soon and I am in haste. Thanks for the note of encouragement!
Dreamflower · 6 June 2007 · Chapter 19: Stuff and Rubbish
Poor Ferdi, waking up to find Fredebold grieving in his sitting room for no apparent reason. I suppose he will soon find out about Tolly. Oh, and what a horrid task for poor flashback!Tolly--but at least not quite so bad as digging his own grave!
Author's reply
Yes, horrid task, and you won't believe how many times I reworded a couple of passages to try to... euphemize as much as possible, without badly blurring the meaning. The refuse had to be *bad* after all, really bad, and perhaps I got a little too morbid or whatever. On second thought, have heard descriptions of trashed property from a realtor I know, and perhaps this chapter is not so outrageous as I first thought. Ferdi is a hobbit of action, even if he can barely stand, and so I think you're right about his soon finding out. Thanks! Author Reply: Got a little question for you. Somewhere in one of the stories I've referred to a song about the King and his healing hands. Wouldn't you know it, I've misplaced the reference. I do remember you commenting on it, in a review, and asking if there's more to it. Do you happen to remember where that scrap of song occurs? (Silly of me to ask, but I'm that desperate... the rest of the notes on that song are in that particular file, and I've searched for quite a while now looking for that elusive reference...)
harrowcat · 6 June 2007 · Chapter 19: Stuff and Rubbish
I am not sure that Ferdi thinks he has the better part of the deal - but then he doesn't know about Tolly - yet! More, more, more! Well, ok PLEEEEEEEESE & puppy eyes! *g*
Author's reply
Poor Ferdi. On second thought, poor Tolly. More coming soon, if all goes well. Perhaps even tonight after wee hobbits are abed. I have a rare space of computer time this week, so long as the computer itself is working, and the Internet as well. Puppy eyes are so cute! The new writing partner has the most soulful puppy eyes you ever saw, but only uses them to interrupt the writing for more exciting and interesting things such as food, water, treats, and going outside. Still, who can say "no" to puppy eyes?
Larner · 6 June 2007 · Chapter 19: Stuff and Rubbish
Oh, dear--the pointlessness and absurdity of evil at work. Poor Tolly, having this to remember. And then Ferdi trying to figure out what's happening, and going to advise Ferdi his brother's in need of comfort, not realizing Tolly's own death is judged imminent, somewhere across the Tooklands. Will be down the third week of June, I believe.
Author's reply
Third week of June, hurrah, might have some breathing space then, before the impossibly busy fourth week. Argh. But I guess it's better than being bored out of my gourd. (Somehow the spelling there looks odd. Hm.) Looking forward to seeing you! You haven't met the new writing partner yet, have you? Tolly's actually in the Smials now, but perhaps I made the change rather too abruptly, going from his brothers arriving to take him home, right to him at home without much transition in between. Let me know if you think some bridging is needed. Hopefully the next chapter will clear up the confusion. (That's what comes of fleshing out an outline at midnight...)
Bodkin · 2 June 2007 · Chapter 18: Digging Himself into a Hole
Did any of Annie's family survive the Troubles, I wonder - or did some of them end up adorning a tree outside the Shire. Poor Tolly - there's enough trouble in his past to ensure he's less sure of his black/white than Ferdi - to whom big = bad. Mind you, it seems as if the family gathering is there to see him out of the world rather than take him home ... except in the 'to bury' sense. Brother Freddy seems a little intellectually challenged over anything that isn't edible. Unless it's drinkable. But the rest of the family ... Worrying times.
Author's reply
Hmm, good question. It's interesting to have Tolly and Ferdi best... what would it be, in British idiom? "Best mates" sounds Australian or modern to me, and dh isn't here to ask. Ferdi was "best man" at Tolly's wedding, as Tolly would have been at Ferdi's if not for needing to accomodate Nell's little ones. What with their differing views of black, white and grey, I mean. Though I don't think either of them is the type to carry on long, philosophical discussions. The family gathering is not quite funereal in nature, not quite yet, as will come out in the next chapter, I think. Have been out of town for a week so it's been a while since I've had time to think about this story or any other. However, I'm hoping to sneak in a little writing time this week. Brother Freddy is a simple soul. I suspect he had a high fever as a faunt, though his brothers sometimes joke (a bit grimly, and he all unknowing laughs right along with them) that he was dropped on his head as an infant. Worrying times, indeed, but the plot is taking shape.