The Tenant from Staddle by Larner
Antane · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
What is that about reading too much? Is that even possible?! :) Shows what they know. This is one of the reasons I love Frodo - he loves to read and write, he's ordinary and extraordinary. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Hard to believe, but some folk do think it's possible to read too much. Yes, our Frodo is indeed ordinary and extraordinary! That he is indeed.
Linda Hoyland · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
It is always interesting to see great events from a new perspective.Sam is far more than just a gardener,little do they know !
Author's reply
Even Bob realizes that there's more to all these four he's not yet met than meets the eye, I think, and now finds himself having to deal with the confusion of all this contradictory information. But he's right that for now Frodo holds the key. And he'll soon appreciate that Sam is also more than they think of him.
Dreamflower · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Oh dear! They *just* missed him! Poor Boboli is certainly getting an earful of contradictory gossip, poor fellow! But it's going to be fun when he finally *does* get with Frodo!
Author's reply
Yes, lots of contradictions, and often from the same individuals. No, Frodo's not that special--yet he is........ And he'll not get it fully sorted out for a time, probably.
SurgicalSteel · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Just missed him, didn't they! Ah, well, I'm sure they'll catch up to him soon enough. At least they're getting the Grand Tour of the Shire. Nicely done!
Author's reply
Yes, the grand tour indeed! And they'll find him probably by noon or so.... Thank you!
French Pony · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
The poor family, driving and driving and always missing the elusive Mr. Frodo. But it does give the rest of us a lovely tour of the Shire. And Frodo seems to have become quite famous, even if he didn't mean to do it. I'm sure he has no idea how famous he's become, either.
Author's reply
Yes, everybody knows about Frodo Baggins, old Mad Baggins's odd nephew and heir, the one who never married in spite of expectations, who never accepted candidacy for Mayor, who said he'd run out of money and sold Bag End to THEM, then disappeared and came back again, thinner and more mysterious, and more responsible than ever. Cracked like his uncle but a true gentlehobbit....
Lúmë · 3 October 2006 · Chapter 4: Paths Crossed
Well at least they're getting a good tour of the Shire :-) Very nice as usual!
Author's reply
And I'm certain they'd rather finally meet Frodo and get it over with. Thank you!
Andrea · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
This is going to be a review of the last two chapters, but there was so much to take in that it becomes quite difficult! I loved the way the Rangers took care of Bob and his family, and the family dog that followed them anyway. All the little details to be considered when you go on a trip with young girls - just great! And the moment when Bob finally realised that he didn't know the Hobbit name of Lord Iorhael - that's what I was expecting. Bard is a good observer concerning the four travellers, and especially Frodo. From what little they have told him he is able to derive a lot that is close to the mark. Frodo does everything he can to be a good deputy mayor, but he needs people to tell him to stop. He will never be satisfied with his work, at least not on Middle Earth. Sad, but true, I think! Now, I'm looking forward to the first meeting of Boboli and Lord Iorhael! Maybe Teo is wearing one of these extraordinarily fine shirts, which belonged to Frodo I'd say.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review. Glad you feel the details are right; I certainly remember the trips we would make when I was young, and then those we made with our children. And my own dogs hate being left home. Yogi will come out and jump in the car when the door's opened to try to be included. And there does come the time when he realizes that not only he isn't certain which is Lord Iorhael, but neither do those in the Shire. It's frustrating for him. And you are certainly right about both Bard and Frodo. And we'll see at least one of those shirts again. Frodo tried to leave his time out there OUT THERE, but it didn't work--can never truly work. He's been marked by his experiences, whether he accepts it or not.
Elemmírë · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
Another excellent chapter to what looks to be another intriguing tale of yours, Larner. Looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Am trying to keep up. Stirring Rings is being more recalcitrant, and insists on careful review and even then proves to need small corrections. This one is mostly flowing out, and is threatening to take over. Have to insist it pace itself. Thanks so much for telling how interesting you find it.
Kitty · 2 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
Bard may have been jealous of Frodo, but he is seeing quite clearly how much Frodo has changed and is drawing his clues from it. Somehow it is reassuring to know he has changed his mind and comes to love Frodo now. And he has noted the changes even in Sam, too. Sam has to be the one of the four in which it is not so obvious and it needs a bit more perceptiveness, I think, to realise how confident and responsible he is now and how much more authority he has gained. Enjoyed it to see how protective the lawyers are of Frodo, forbidding him to take documents with him back home to work there. Very sensible of them.
Author's reply
Bard is now secure in his role as Pearl's husband, so has no need to be jealous now, particularly as he sees no sign Frodo has any interest in any lass any more. As a result his basic compassion is now engaged, and he finds he cares far more deeply for Frodo than he'd dreamed possible, particularly seeing how driven Frodo is to see things set right with the Shire. And it would take time for most to realize Sam is as changed as he is. He isn't just a rustic soul with no care beyond his garden and his Master--he no longer can keep from seeing things that need doing and just get busy doing them in response; he's been tested and has never truly been found wanting; he's been through the worst his life can throw at him, and he knows he's capable. As a result he has become indeed the Lord Perhael, with an inner nobility that's merely the smoothing and polishing of qualities that were already there. And these who see just how much Frodo puts into seeing the administration of the Shire set right again are beginning to appreciate him, and don't want to lose him prematurely due to working himself into the ground.
French Pony · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
Interesting that Bard has noticed so much about the change in the Travelers, and yet he's not quite able to piece together what really happened. It seems that there's one last clue that continues to elude him. Boboli is going to be very impressed when he finally meets his mysterious new landlord.
Author's reply
Exactly what Frodo did isn't completely clear to him as yet, mostly because he can't bring himself to believe all he's been told or what he's read of the King's correpsondence to Paladin. That Pal is still fighting the truth doesn't help matters. But what he needs is to gain sufficient frame of reference to appreciate what Frodo and Sam actually did and to appreciate the implications of what would have happened if Sam and Frodo hadn't been successful. Unfortunately it can take time for all this information into place in the mind to truly appreciate it all. But he's now had time to see that Frodo, no matter how superficial the changes appear on the surface, has changed drastically.
Kitty · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
It’s good Boboli shows a bit interest in the history of men, now there is a King again. But he has to learn that the rangers don’t take it well if someone speaks disrespectful of one of the Nine Walkers. The rangers are very generous to the hobbits, and I hope there aren’t some hobbits who try to draw on this generosity. But the rangers would probably recognise something like this very soon. Oh, Nob gifted Teo with the clothes Frodo discarded there? I am sure Frodo would approve, though I suppose the rangers will be surprised to see Teo in them. The ‚Lord Iorhael’ is causing some confusion, I see, just as I had expected. No wonder the hobbits at the Brandywine Bridge didn’t know the name and thought it had to be Merry or Pippin. But somehow I suppose in the end Boboli will be another one to honour Frodo.
Author's reply
Yes, the Fourth Age is come, and it's a new world out there. Learning the place of the King and his closest companions must be interesting for all of them. In this case I think the basic honesty of Boboli Hedges would be obvious, and so the Rangers would see him as being of the same mould as those they know and would react accordingly. And Nob has found someone who can wear these marvelous things, and it's going to be a shock to see them again, I suspect, for Frodo.
Endaewen · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
This brought a smile to my face.
Author's reply
Thank you, Endaewen. Am glad it did.
SurgicalSteel · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
Nice transition. I'm curious to see Frodo's reactions when he finally meets his tenant. I liked the list of 'excepts.' Really conveys all the changes that the Quest must have wrought in Frodo.
Author's reply
The changes appear superficial; but for those who come to know Frodo intimately it becomes obvious the situation is far more serious than it appears on the surface.
Bodkin · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
Poor Frodo - this is tough on him, considering his physical condition. But while the Shire needs his input, he will do his best. Bard is a good friend and cousin to him.
Author's reply
Frodo's not physically failing yet, but is certainly not as physically enduring as he was. And he's a stubborn Baggins after all--as you note, he'll do the best he can while he can, and Bard is finding himself WANTING to assist him as he can.
Lúmë · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
I'm running out of new nice things to say :-) But I do want you to know that I enjoyed this chapter and you make me ache for Frodo's pain. How you continue to manage this is a wonder :-)
Author's reply
Thanks so much, Lume. Frodo knows some pain now, but the worst is knowing how much he's changed and how much of his simple appreciation of joy has been lost. There is a high cost sometimes tied to loss of innocence, and Frodo's paid it in full and then some.
Armariel · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
OMG......that's a lot of "excepts" isn't it?
Author's reply
Well, one "except" leads to another, until Bard has to admit consciously that it ISN'T just a matter of "except" after all.
Dreamflower · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
A wonderful recap of Frodo's life at this particular point in time. It's clear that Bard has begun to suspect the truth about the journey. But it seems no one is willing to push Frodo to speak. Needs a good laugh? Well, he will at least get a distraction when he gets home, and finds his new tenant at the door!
Author's reply
I'm trying NOT to tell the whole story over again, but a recap of some sort was necessary, and Bard is coming to appreciate it. I doubt any would push Frodo to talk at this point, either subconsciously reading him as too fragile or fearful of the Look or his discomfort. But Bard is starting to understand the changes are far deeper than they first appear. And Frodo's going to have visitors soon enough. Poor guy; but he needs the appreciation of others at this point. But what kind of lease he is going to have to give Boboli at this point is the question he'll have to answer next.
harrowcat · 1 October 2006 · Chapter 3: The Deputy Mayor
Crumbs, Larner that only makes a dozen 'except.....s'! *g* Did you run out or edit it down? Very effective though. The comment about the missing finger made me smile. Sorted out by a certain Chief Surgeon perchance? Although I know that Aragorn in your tale is very skilled himself! So Pippin is officially shorter than Merry before the ent draughts but you refused to be drawn about exact heights afterwards! *g* Isumbard's evaluation of Sam is great and very perceptive and that authority will only grow. The idea of such a scruffy Ranger actually being as clean and tidy as possible given the circumstances also raised a smile but I like the picture and it rings true of someone raised by the elves. When I was young we sometimes bought twigs of wood that tasted of licorice. I don't know what kind of tree they were from but they were tasty and calorie and sugar free! What a lot of pieces of jigsaw that Isumbard was trying to piece together. I am glad that a few did and not just let the mystery lie unexamined like most of the Shire. I am not sure that Sam and Rosie's wedding gave Frodo a laugh. Deep and solemn joy perhaps. Lovely descriptive chapter Larner.
Author's reply
Sort of felt a single dozen was enough. As Serinde wasn't part of my vision of Middle Earth when I wrote the stories leading up to this, I never wrote her character into it, although I haven't exactly left her out, either. One can insert the surgeon one prefers--the one who fixed Thorongil's botched amputation or the one who removed a tumor from Sohrabi's father--or perhaps one of the true sons of Elrond. Makes no nevermind at this point. Aragorn was the one who commented the footprints he found along with the Lorien brooch had to be Pippin's because he was smaller and lighter than Merry; so I made it official, and left the "after" height nicely vague but about even on the two of them. Aragorn may have realized some daily grime wasn't likely to kill him, but I suspect he'd do something to keep his gums and teeth clean, and chewing on various twigs was the precursor to the toothbrush. You're right about Sam and Rosie's marriage giving more solemn joy than mirth, but even that is preferable to the solemnity Bard sees in Frodo at the moment, I think. And Bard is truly beginning to appreciate that it's Frodo and Sam who are the lords of the realm, not Merry and Pippin. These two have gone the furthest, and know the most about their limitations and their capabilities. Sam appreciates his strengths better, perhaps, but Frodo's focused on doing what he can while he can. Anise is nice to chew on, and its stems definitely smell like licorice. Alder has a distinct smell and taste, too. But fruitwood twigs can be satisfying to chew on, I've found. If you ever figure out what you used to chew let me know--I'd like to try it.
Armariel · 30 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Ummm, you can keep the nettles, thank you!;);) Argh, Frodo should have kept that surcoat--silly hobbit! Sounds gorgeous! Nice that the doggie is coming along *petpetpet* But I've a feeling they're going to get tired of the ride.... But I think they will profit from meeting our hobbits! ~~~{~@
Author's reply
Oh, I agree very much--they'll like the ride. And last night one of my beasties invited himself to spend the night with my clients. Dogs HATE being left behind, I find.
French Pony · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Good that the Rangers brought Boboli's family a hamper of traveling food. They've fluffed so much of their assignment already, it's the least they could do. I can't believe that Aragorn didn't tell them Frodo's actual name, so they've either forgotten it or neglected to mention it to the Hobbits. Hobbits who, they should know, would have no reason in the world to know a translated name only mentioned recently and hundreds of miles away. Bad Rangers. No biscuit.
Author's reply
Yes, Faradir's insistence on calling Frodo as he was named on the Field of Cormallen is serving them ill here. I'm certain he knew Frodo's proper name--this is but an affectation. Yes, not biscuit for Faradir. And I doubt Eregiel, who stayed in the north realizes Bob has no idea for whom he'll be looking.
Dreamflower · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Well, Boboli is finding out a few things on his journey, but he's yet to put the peices together. I really look forward to the expression on Frodo's face when he's confronted with his new tenant! *grin* Should be very interesting. I liked the stay at the Pony--the clothes will also be interesting to see Frodo's reaction to! And I loved the bargain worked out so that the farm family will give hospitality to Rangers! Very nice!
Author's reply
There's a spate for Boboli to learn yet before he's ready to actually piece it together, but he's already figuring out his best bet is to go to Bag End, I think. And Frodo is going to be surprised, particularly as his own surcoat confronts him on a Hobbit lad. And as Boboli is outside the Shire, he may host as many Rangers as he has a mind to, I think! Heh!
Queen Galadriel · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
So cute that Lister followed them! Though poor Holdfast will be lonely now. Lovely to see Eregiel and Artos again, and I love the name for the pony! "But I doubt the Rangers would refer to him as a lord or anything of the like, for he’s not changed much from when the four of them left the Shire. They might call my cousin Meriadoc Brandybuck something like that, or possibly the Thain’s son Peregrin Took; but the other two, they just went back to the West Farthing and settled back in, you see. Nothing particularly lordly about either of them, not like Captains Merry and Pippin." That's so sad. Of course Merry and Pippin deserved all the praise they got, but to say Frodo hadn't changed much! They have no idea! And I suppose there are some who have to look for nobility before they can even begin to see it. But I'm glad to see that Bob and the family are well on their way to finding Frodo all the same, and a very interesting meeting it will be, I'm sure. Wonder what Teo will think when he finds out he has a lot of Frodo's princely clothing? God bless, Galadriel
Author's reply
Well, Holdfast will have Maddie the cow to watch over, so he's not completely alone. Have had my dogs follow me all the way up the driveway, and if that's not embarrassing to have to stop cars on the highway to scoop them into the car! Felt we could do with another look at some familiar Rangers, and am glad you enjoy Poppet. Somehow it seemed to fit for this family. Unfortunately a lot of folks have to see unequivocal signs of change to accept it's there, and a cursory look at Frodo seems to indicate nothing unusual is going on; but those who see him more closely realize things have changed deeply with Frodo, as will be shown in the next chapter. Certainly Frodo's going to be surprised to see his clothing on a strange Hobbit lad, I think! Heh!
Lúmë · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Hey cool, a visit from Eregiel! And nice to see so much Ranger involvement. Haha, so Lister decided not to miss out on the trip after all. A very nice chapter as usual!
Author's reply
Yes, Eregiel is back in the story again. And the Rangers are again resuming their regular patrols of the Shire and the Breelands. And of course Lister is insisting on being included. My poms have been known to follow the car all the way up the LONG drive to the highway when they think they're being left behind. Thanks for the feedback.
SurgicalSteel · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Heh. Frodo's in for a surprise when Boboli finally catches up to him. And what a puzzle to set for him!
Author's reply
Yes, Frodo's definitely in for a surprise this time. And Boboli's going to be terribly sick and tired of that wagon before he's back home again, I think.
Bodkin · 28 September 2006 · Chapter 2: A Drive into the Shire
Yes - shiny armour and swords are much more impressive than ordinary hobbit wear. And settling back down to obscurity. Just goes to prove the old adage - you can't tell a book by its cover. Sounds as if Teo is going to look rather splendid at party-time. I wonder how Frodo will react to seeing those clothes!
Author's reply
The Hobbits of the Shire are so lacking in information--and unfortunately most don't even WANT information. The Time of Troubles is over? Our four missing ones are back? Good! Now--let's pretend nothing really happened! And Frodo's going to be surprised, I think.