The Tenant from Staddle by Larner
SurgicalSteel · 2 April 2008 · Chapter 33: Resentment Stoked
Well, Bartolo's certainly got a crawful of resentment, hasn't he? You've now got me very curious about what caused it to begin with.
Author's reply
I suspect a good deal of the resentment is simply because he's a Bracegirdle and Frodo's a Baggins. In my history of Hobbits the Bracegirdles and Bagginses were related, but the Bracegirdles tended to be generally resentful of the more Tookish qualities of the Bagginses.
Theresa Greenfalcon · 1 April 2008 · Chapter 33: Resentment Stoked
Maybe Bartolo is starting to get it through his thick skull that he was WRONG about Frodo all this time... I hope he gets it before Frodo sails.... T
Author's reply
Oh, I think Bartolo knows in his heart of hearts he's been wrong, but is still too stubborn to admit it to himself. He's been wrong about a few things, actually.... Thanks so for the feedback!
Linda Hoyland · 1 April 2008 · Chapter 33: Resentment Stoked
POor Frodo to even be begrudged a nice cloak.A prophet hath no honour in his own country!
Author's reply
Barti's bound and determined to be contrary, no matter what! He's still got a good bit to learn, he does! Heh!
Dreamflower · 1 April 2008 · Chapter 33: Resentment Stoked
You know, as ornery and cranky as Barti is, he's rapidly becoming of my favorites of your OCs. He's just so *consistently* Bracegirdle-ish, LOL! He *knows* he's being cantankerous for no real good reason, but by golly--he can *be* cantankerous if he wants too! And yet he still is so honest with himself that it hurts--he just *has* to admit that Frodo has done right by others--but he still won't admit what that has to mean. And even though he admits to himself that his resentment is rude and childish, like a dog with a bone, he won't let go of it. Poor Barti! *grin*
Author's reply
You appear to understand Barti all too well! Yes, a stubborn one he is--too stubborn by half, I suspect. And he doesn't appreciate--or doesn't WANT to appreciate--what he truly feels. Thanks, Dreamflower!
Kitty · 1 April 2008 · Chapter 33: Resentment Stoked
Somehow I get the feeling Delphie will have to throw Barti down and sit on him until he tells her finally just *why* he detests Frodo so much. He's behaving a bit childish, as if not mentioning Frodo could make him vanish completely. Admittedly it made me grinning that everywhere Barti went they were talking about Frodo! Oh Barti - he should be glad it was Frodo and *not* his Persi who earned the right to wear this mantle. He has no idea how Frodo suffered and still suffers. Anyway, you know how I think about Frodo and his refusal to tell anyone anything, so you'll probably not be surprised that I felt a great satisfaction while reading Will's account what Frodo did for the Shire, even if certain people weren't as happy with it as I am. And there is a bit of contrariness to Barti as well ;-) He certainly deserved the dressing-down he got from Benlo for his rude behaviour. And Barti wanted Bag End for Persi? It shows him in a better light, I'd say, that he didn't think of himself in this matter. He's quite fond of his son, that much is obvious. Great chapter, as always, Larner!
Author's reply
Once Barti admits the real reasons for the resentment, and to himself as well as to his family, I suspect he'll feel a good deal different than he does now, and will probably shake his head at all who can't understand just how he be so stubborn about it. Barti doesn't believe it, but he's rather a romantic at heart, I think. And to think of his son as the Master of Bag End and the Hill would please him SO! Yes, he loves his children, and particularly his first born. Thanks so, Kitty.
Soledad · 1 April 2008 · Chapter 33: Resentment Stoked
Heh! Poor Barti! It must be very hard to see someone he despises (and without proper reason, as he knows now, but those things are even harder to get over) being praised all day. It's interesting that he wanted Bag End for Persi... that was one point I was wondering about since I started reading this story. Thanks for the lovely update. I just can't have enough of Bartolo, despite his irascible nature. I hope one day you'll find the time and the inspiration to write the tale how Delphie got to marry him.
Author's reply
Yes, those we despise not for any good reason but simply out of habit we do resent having shoved in our faces all the time, and this is certainly true of Bartolo Bracegirdle. He does love his son, and I suspect he hates in Frodo many of the very things he loves most in Persivo. As for how Delphie came to marry him.... Hmmm. It's always a possibility!
Linda Hoyland · 14 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
Poor frodo.It seems he caught the bug everyone seems to have had! I'm glad you don't forget Fatty Bolger.
Author's reply
Yes--when bugs go around, we tend to all get them, don't we? And Frodo's managed to catch this one. And I had to include Fatty! So glad you are happy to see him referenced.
Soledad · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
Oh, I'm so happy that you updated! This is one of my all-time favourite stories, you know. It was sweet so see how fast Delphie and Frodo came to an understanding - she's a wise one, Delphie is, and not easy to turn away from her chosen path. But again, being married to dear Bartolo requires from a woman to have a strong will, I assume. I was glad to see Barti again. 'No time for such a nonsense' as a bad cold indeed! I can imagine the germs back off in terror. *g* But to know that he was a conkers champion... not that I'd know what conkers are, but Bartolo having been a lad once is a nice idea.
Author's reply
My stepfather was one of those who had no patience with being ill, and the few times he succumbed to a cold or the flu he saw as a distinct affront to his expectations for himself. And you're right, such a one requires a strong-minded wife. Conkers is a game played with horsechestnuts--a hot spike is driven through the nut and a string threaded through it. Each player holds his own "conker" suspended by its string, and the nuts are struck against one another until one or the other of the nuts splits. It was commonly played in Britain at one time, and I believe in parts of the States and Canada as well. I've seen it played by Hobbit children in several stories about the younger Hobbits, and even played by them during the journey south toward Caradhras. I think I've seen such stories here on SoA as well as on FanFiction.net, complete in some instances with the complicated scoring scheme used. I remember the first time I realized that my stepdad was a champion-level diver--he did some very complicated dives off a high-dive and then off a trapeze and rings into one of our favorite swimming lakes that had us all astounded--turned out he'd learned how to do such dives off of rope swings into a sluggish river near where he lived for a time as a teenager. I remember Big Bro, who'd thought himself quite daring as he tried his own flips off the same trapeze and rings, watched Dad's expertise with a sinking heart, realizing he was standing in the presence of someone far more skilled and daring than he'd ever dreamt of being. The things we DON'T know about our own parents' childhoods are often amazing! Heh!
Kitty · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
Ah, I am glad Delphie got to go to Hobbiton and to help out there. It will make her feel better, being able to care for her family. And with this nasty cold going around, they certainly can use a bit of help. Sam and his oliphaunts ... Baggins Babe already evoked in me the image of the Gamgee children walking around Hobbiton with their pet oliphaunt in tow *grin* “Can you fix tea for him if he wants it?” *snicker* That was cute! These children care for Frodo as much as he cares for them. And I am glad Delphie got to talk to Frodo again. It was an interesting talk – and I hope it helps Frodo a bit to feel better about some things.
Author's reply
Somehow I missed these three reviews! I'm so sorry! Family appears to have been very important amongst Hobbits--I think that Delphie would gladly have taken the opportunity to see and help out as she could with both her sister's family and Frodo. And of course the children would wish to check out her "qualifications"! So glad you enjoyed this cahpter--am finishing up the next one now.
harrowcat · 2 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
Well done Delphi! Frodo really needed you.
Author's reply
Oh, I agree, Harrowcat. And hope all are well there in Jolly Old!
Dreamflower · 1 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
How delightful to see a new chapter of this! I really like that Frodo is able to talk to Delphie. Of course, he'd rather have kept it from her, as from everyone else in the Shire. But the cat's out of the bag, so to speak, so now he's free to talk to her. She's very good for him.
Author's reply
Good grief--I missed soe reviews here! I'm working on the next chapter, and hope to have it posted shortly! I agree-- Delphie's proved good for Frodo. Thanks so, Dreamflower!
Theresa Greenfalcon · 1 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
Happy - NEW chapter! I note the bad cold going through the Hobbit communities bears a big resemblance to the "supercold" that blasted (and may still be blasting) through the States this year... I think you are one of the few I've seen besides Surgical Steel who has depicted a respiratory ( or other) epidemic and how it affected people in a community, and you did a great job of it. I also appreciated the interaction between Delphie and Frodo - this was a wonderful chapter overall.
Author's reply
This particular cold epidemic has been mentioned in several of my stories spanning this period of time; I felt that if Delphie were to have the chance to speak with him again in such a manner, this would be the one time it was likely to take place. That I should actually finish and post this chapter during our current epidemic was serendipitous at best. I was lucky to not become very ill with it, but that's not been true of everyone else in the house, two of whom have been quite sick indeed. And one of my clients even fought pneumonia this year! This year's crud is quite nasty. And am so glad you found this talk between the two of them struck a chord with you. Thank you so!
SurgicalSteel · 1 March 2008 · Chapter 32: A Bad Cold
Lovely h/c in this chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you, SS. I'm honored, particularly as we've watched the H/C in your own story! Thanks so much!
Linda Hoyland · 20 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
I like the idea of the Hobbits having china marks ! You explain the land situation in Arnor well.
Author's reply
Identifying work as your own is as ancient as mankind itself; and I'm CERTAIN that the Hobbits would have been as vulnerable to that vanity as any potters in Britain or the States. And now the Hedges have a better appreciation for how this property actually came into Frodo's possession. Glad you approve.
Kitty · 19 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
Very interesting to watch them explore the smial and puzzle out what has been there before, as I am interested in archaeology myself. (The last book I was reading was about the beginnings of archaeology in famous excavation places like Troy, Machu Picchu, Mohenjo Daro ...) I want to be there, too! To explore a place once belonging to the Royal family would be exciting. My first thought about this cursed stone was to ask the elves for help, too. And considering how long they have been around, there may even be some who knew the people living there and the place itself. Hm – do you know you have opened another can of worms? Now I want to know more about this former fortress! And now we have a wedding to look forward, too :-)
Author's reply
My mother got me interested in archaeology, and I have many books on the subject. I've also read almost all of Rosemary Sutcliff's books, and particularly loved her stories about Bronze Age and Roman era Britain. Between her works, my interest in Richard III sparked by Josephine Tey's "Daughter of Time," and Gerald Durrell's works on animal collecting, I have developed a great love of England's great, concentrated history. Walking atop Hadrian's wall and being buzzed by the RAF practicing low-level maneuvers has to be among the most memorable experiences in my life! And I love examining diagrams of the fortresses the Romans built. I suspect that the Elves will be likely to assist in dealing with the stone, and perhaps the ancient camping site for those who besieged the fortress. And I can see that any number of nuzguls and plot bunnies have now been set loose. And there is the wedding to anticipate now. Thanks so much for the feedback.
Lynn H · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
One general comment - this is one of my favorite stories and I am always pleased when you have a new chapter up! I don't know if you can see that I have it marked for alerts so I don't miss anything! Specific thought - DON'T put the kitchen garden over the septic drainfield! Not even a good idea to put cutting flowers there, or let animals graze it. You see, gardens, particularly root plants (radishes, carrots, taters), will take up germs as well as water and fertilizer organics. Even some parasite eggs can survive a simple drainage system, working up through worked soil onto leaves. In times of drought the uptake of contaminated water will be worse. You can get sick this way! Also cover the field with broken stones and plant it with something itchy like Fiscus so the kids don't play there. It IS OK to have a separate drainfield for "grey' water, the kitchen wastewater. It's fine to use that for gardens. Since they have a ridge to build on, make sure the septic field drains down the opposite side from the springs and wells, too. There have been some cases of typhus and cholera from contaminated wells. Lynn H
Author's reply
Thanks for keeping me honest, Lynn. I'd not thought on that consideration, although I DO know to keep drainfields and wells WELL separated--I live on a property with both--we have one of the sandhill filters for the water from the septic tank. The property I grew up on had a rather marshy area into which the drain field worked, so we tended not to play there; and as there were other swamps and ponds that were more amenable for the ducks even they avoided it. Thanks for the feedback and the information.
harrowcat · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
Great details Larner. I'm a bit of an avid archaeology fan - at least when it comes to tv shows like Time Team. And then, coming from Warwick makes me feel even more at home with old things! The minute you mentioned a round tower with an upper room my head was screaming 'palantir viewing room'! Am I totally off beam? And another wedding - yeh!
Author's reply
Having been through Warwick Castle several times (my roses are decidedly white, and I've climbed both George's and Richard's towers multiple times and have a book on Richard's Book of Hours, even--Josephine Tey's "Daughter of Time," anyone?), so that came to mind as I wrote this, although I was thinking more on Roman-era fortresses I've seen. A palantir viewing room? Always possible, although the that might have added to the fights between Rhudaur and Cardolan regarding the one at Amon Sul, I'd think. I'll have to think about that one. And, yes, a wedding coming up.
Soledad · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
Yay! Update! *rubs hands gleefully* I have the feeling that the Hedges'home hides some deep secret. I hope we'll learn a great deal about the ancient fortress and its siege yet. And a wedding? Great! I'm sure Carnation will enjoy to preside over all the preparations...
Author's reply
Who knows what this ridge has seen in the past? And I might indeed write a bit about the ridge--but then, you never know. As for Carnation presiding over the preparations--I suspect she wouldn't allow anyone else to make the preparations at all! Heh!
Antane · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
“Yes,” Teo said as he removed his own cloak, and they could see the surcoat he wore under it. “This was his, it was. Left it in Bree--said as he didn’t wish t’appear more differnt’n him already was, once he got home. I won’t be able to wear’t much longer, though--am startin’ t’grow again. Too bad--it’s right beautiful, it is.” Oh, you're different all right, darling, but in a very beautiful way which I hope you grew to understand. Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
Ah, to have the love of a Hobbit at heart! Yes, he was different indeed, a fact he could only fully appreciate fully when he left Middle Earth.
Tigger · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
What a lovely surprise to find today. I do love this story and have come to admire the Hedges very much. It's never easy to start over, but w/what they've had to cope w/, even more so. Regardless if it's a Hobbit or child of Men, when forbidden by their parents to go somewhere it's not safe, their curiosity just gets even more intense. :oD I did like Tergi's promise to Teo and they included Lilia in it. Not only will they be keeping their word, but they won't want to go and not have Tergi w/them. A nice way of having everyone keep their respective promises. :o) It sounds like it was quite the Royal Retreat in it's day. How much of it was based on a Tudor Manor House? It just seems the layout fits the descripitions of Elizabeth I's Hatfield. W/out the Watchtower though. Very much enjoying this. Looking forward to the next chapter. :o)
Author's reply
Actually, the details are somewhat based on a Roman-era fortress along Hadrian's Wall, although it could as easily have been a Tudor manor house (although the Tudors are NOT my favorite royal family--my roses are DECIDEDLY white). That the Hobbits would find a way of making a Hobbit-fied nickname for Teregion only seemed very likely, particularly if he and his father have been visiting regularly. And this is a promise that will hold them until it's deemed safe. And at least this chapter finally got written and posted! Heh!
SurgicalSteel · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
I love the architectural detail. Just wonderful! Y'know, I'm a bit of a medical history geek, and I find I have lots of fun researching whether a treatment might have been available and how it might work and finding sketches either in my books or on the web of old surgical instruments. I'm guessing if we're at all similar that you adored doing the research. :) And oh, I'm looking forward to a wedding!
Author's reply
My mother introduced me to archaeology at a very young age, and I've even managed to take a class in the subject, which was very interesting. One time when we were in England I sneaked into a dig along Hadrian's Wall and examined it before being chased out of it (I swear I touched nothing--I knew THAT much!), after which I examined the diagrams of the fortress and mentally compared it to the fortress of Ebaracum over which York Minster was built. As one of my favorite historical writers is Rosemary Sutcliff, the entire subject is full of interest for me. (There is even, deep under York Minster, the remains of a Bronze Age round houseplace, the idea of which considering my love of Sutcliff's "Warrior Scarlet" fascinates me, although if you visit the cathedral today they no longer make mention of it when you go through the Undercroft.) The watchtower is somewhat similar to Clifford's Motte in York, and the description of the walkway Teregion walks around is similar to the walls of the city. York has to be absolutely my favorite place to visit, although driving in and around it is almost as big a nightmare as driving in London itself, I think. The description of what can be seen from the hill is mostly based on the smaller Roman fortresses one can find along the Wall, although it is also loosely based on the Hall in Hertford where for a time Bloody Mary banished her half-sister Elizabeth, I suppose. I've been an Anglophile ever since I first read Sutcliff and Tey, I think.
Dreamflower · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
What fun you must have had, figuring out all the archeological details of the ruins within which the smial was being built! Having been to a couple of ruined castles now, I can say you truly painted an accurate picture--I could just imagine it all! Did you draw out plans for it or make sketches? Did you base it on any RL ruins? *grin* And I am looking forward to a wedding!
Author's reply
I love archaeology and British history, and have been fascinated with two periods in particular--Roman-Era Britain and the Wars of the Roses. When we had the antique shop we had the perfect excuse for visiting Britain annually, and I've driven all over from Edinburgh to Portsmouth (even the Isle of Jersey where we went purposefully to see the Jersey Trust Zoo) and from Lands End to Canterbury. I've been through the manor in Hertford where for a time young Elizabeth Tudor was banished while her sister Mary held the throne; I've walked Hadrian's Wall and visited Bosworth Field; I adore York and have walked extensively physically through the city during visits and in my imagination reading the Owen Archer stories; I've climbed George and Richard's towers at Warwick Castle and visited Windsor Castle just before the internment of the Queen Mum; during the restoration of York Minster we visited it and were able to walk across the digs as they examined prior levels of occupation; I've been allowed to enter Stonehenge with my husband, who was blind, and touch the stones, and have been on the Yeoman's Tour of the White Tower.... I've even been chased out of a dig of a smaller fortress along the Wall! I love aerial photography of archaeological sites. No, I didn't do sketches--just loosely based it on a Roman fortress in Britain, rather overlaid with the manor in Hertford. As for the wedding--it will come.
Theresa Greenfalcon · 18 January 2008 · Chapter 31: A Decidedly Mannish Hobbit Hole
I love your other stories - but *this* is the one that caught my eye FIRST on this site, and it introduced me to so many others! Love the new chapter, and the archaeological turn to the building of the Hedges' smial! T
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Theresa! I've always loved archaeology, which was introduced to me by my mother; and I remembering standing over an archaeological site along Hadrian's Wall in England, looking down into the dig to see how the walls were laid out; and looking at aerial shots of ancient fortresses and how what seems haphazard at ground level comes together as you look down at it and see how the straight lines go together. To imagine the Hobbits and Men together on the hill looking down and noting the patterns to an ancient complex just seemed so likely. Am so glad this interested you. The assault ramps are based on the one built by the Roman forces as they worked to enter the hilltop fortress of Masada in Israel.
Linda Hoyland · 4 December 2007 · Chapter 30: Time of Discovery
The journey must have been quite an experience for the Hobbits. I enjoyed the part about Beregond.
Author's reply
Yes, they are beginning to understand even more. And you know how deeply I honor Aragorn for his judgement of Beregond--he's definitely a proper king!
annmarwalk · 21 November 2007 · Chapter 5: Finding Lord Iorhael
I like the way the polite small-talk between Frodo and his unexpected visitors evolves into a bit of a rambling, thoughtful discourse, as the wide-eyed strangers ask questions and explanations of history, current, and local events that Frodo, having been raised somewhat more liberally than most hobbits, has taken for granted. It's interesting to observe Frodo as he must conquer his own native humility and reticence in order to describe these events dispassionately! I'm sure Sam's version would be quite different.
Author's reply
Oh, I suspect you're right about Sam's version being much different from Frodo's. But this is one way to learn about the outer world, don't you think? Heh! Thanks for the comments, Ann.