Baggins Babe
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 20: Boundaries
Loved Barti's question - 'is Elros still knocking around?'!! It does take him a while to absorb things, doesn't it? Persi is a clever lad - I thought he'd put two and two together before long.
I hope Holby and Lister are getting along well - certainly a lot better than Lyssa and her sister!
Author's reply
Yes, in many ways Barti's rather thick--but all this IS far beyond his experience to date. And Persivo is far more intelligent than his dad.
Holby and Lyster are probably getting on fine now. Lyssa and Begonia probably will be reconciled soon enough. But folks know now.
Dreamflower
· 19 June 2007
· Chapter 20: Boundaries
I *knew* Persivo would be the first to figure it all out!! And now Bartolo also knows. But what will he do with his knowledge? He can't tell anyone!
By the way, Arwen is Aragorn's first cousin, 63 times removed. Someone figured that out for me for one of my own fics!
Author's reply
Yes, Persivo is the first to understand, and now none of them can tell anyone!
And thanks--I figured that one once, but had forgotten how many times removed it was. Arwen has seen so many of those removals go through her father's house, also.
Thanks again, Dreamflower.
Kitty
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 19: Appreciating Honors
Alvric managed to explain a lot to Bartolo without saying *one* word about what Bartolo truly wanted to know. It has to be rather frustrating for Barti and his family, I suppose, even if they learn a lot of other things.
Bartolo is certainly not the only one father to avoid quarreling daughters. It’s understandable, even if a bit cowardly, to back out and stay away from the fight. No wonder poor Delphie didn’t appreciate it. And it was an intriguing idea to compare that to the Dúnedain girls fighting about touching a bow. It is an entirely other world for Bartolo – and still the same.
The children got a lot more details. You know, I think if they’d all get together and everyone tells what he or she knows, they would be able to reconstruct most of the story by now. If they knew the meaning of ‚Cormacolindor’, it would answer Bartolos question at the beginning, wouldn’t it?
Author's reply
Yes, Bartolo's not certain he wants to know, but he's learning anyway. And only one definition lies between Pet and Persi on one hand and really understanding on the other.
The objects fought over may be different, but the quarrels are the same; and Barti realizes just how protected their land has been and how dangerous it can be elsewhere.
So glad you're being patient with this one. I need to work on Rings, also, but need to do a bit of rereading to make certain where I need to start. These little nuzguls do get in the way! Heh!
harrowcat
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 19: Appreciating Honors
Glad to see the next chapter of this although I was equally glad that you let us read to the end of Second Mum before continuing.
Frodo really did put people in an impossible situation and I am glad that the pieces are being put together anyway.
I love Alyssia, typical of a child to only see the obvious when there is another way. More like her dad than her ma in this maybe?
Author's reply
I had to finish Second Mum once I got it going, and now I hope to get the other two stories moving again.
Folks need to know what happened, and the family of Bartolo is in a remarkable position to learn more.
Alyssa reminds me of my stepson in some ways--he'd see a goal and go after it by the most direct route, never recognizing he wasn't necessarily doing right by those whose things he'd borrow to get it done with, then being flustered because the owners of those things were upset. And I agree--she's more like her dad than her mother or older brother.
At last Bartolo seems to be realising the full extent of what the Travellers did - and Perviso is a very clever lad. I think he'll be able to put it all together very soon.
poor Delphie, having to deal with fighting daughters! Barti was a bit of a coward but I'm sure she knows him well enough not to expect anything else.
Another wonderful chapter, Larner.
Author's reply
Yes, Bartolo's learning more than he feels he wants to know; and Persi will know it all in the end, I think.
My two kids could really go at it, you know; and there were times I'd let the husband see to it and times he'd let me deal with it. And I'm certain Delphie knew her husband's weak points fully well.
Thanks for following this, BB.
Linda Hoyland
· 13 June 2007
· Chapter 19: Appreciating Honors
I always love the way you link your stories.Alyssa isan endearing character.
Author's reply
Glad you like her, slightly thoughtless child that she is. She means well, of course. And I do love linking my stories, as you know.
Tigger
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 19: Appreciating Honors
How wonderful to see a new chapter to this. So, the children know all too well when their father is bothered by something Frodo has done by the tone of his voice. That's a shame in a way, but I'd suspect when someone has such a long standing resentment of someone, as Bartolo has for Frodo, the children would learn rather quickly when to change a topic.
I'd imagine Bartolo's head would be more than spinning after all of the knowledge and stories he'd heard that day. And then to find the deeds were in Sindarin and Aduanic...That wouldn't help matters much. I liked the touch of how the Rangers and King's Messenger didn't stop to realize what language/languages the deeds would be in. They're used to dealing in those after all, so it wouldn't be a concern to them to think of a translation into Westron. Another example of something cropping up during the transition period of Aragorn's reign no one thought of until it happened.
Another excellent chapter and as I've said to Shirebound and Surgical Steel today, I've been going through a really, *really* bad bout of this abdominal pain and when you add in Baggins Babe and Edoraslass' stories, all of you have helped to distract me the last few weeks, but *especially* the last four days. Thank you so much for that!!
Looking forward to the next chapter as always!! :o)
Author's reply
The last Nuzgul with ears on was dealt with, so it's back to this and Stirring Rings once more, of course.
So glad you enjoyed it, and there would always be odd things in the transition phase that would need to be worked through, I'd think. And all of the folks of the Breelands and the Shire are still trying to integrate the new reality. It's not going to be a simple matter.
Sorry about the abdominal pain--have known my own at times. IBS, a hiatal hernia, acid reflux, endometrial cysts, and so on--I just hope it's not anything serious for you.
Dreamflower
· 12 June 2007
· Chapter 19: Appreciating Honors
So good to see this story finally continued!
Well, all Persivo has to do now is discover what "Cormacolindor" means, and he will basically know the whole story--I wonder if he will have learned enough when he does, to keep it to himself and not tell his father.
I got such a kick out of the lasses' bickering. Children will be children, and sibs *will* argue their parents to distraction, whatever the race, LOL!
Author's reply
Now that Second Mum is finished it was time to get back to work on this one. And Persivo almost has all the pieces now.
As for siblings will be siblings--don't I know it! Thought Bartolo needed to realize his children weren't all that different from children of Men, even if they argued about different things. It certainly gives him more perspective on what the world's like for other races.
Bodkin
· 1 May 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
The arrival of a unified kingdom must be a bit of a shock to those used to living at the edge of civilisation. It'll take them a while to get used to the Middle-earth equivalent of 'railway time'.
But they're learning!
Author's reply
Oh, yes, they are learning, aren't they? And love the comparison, Bodkin. So appropriate!
Andrea
· 30 April 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
Dear Larner,
I'm sorry to review *that* late, but last week was very busy!
First of all, Alvric's letter to Frodo was very nice. It shows his respect to the Ring Bearer, but he also points out that he still cannot understand why Frodo has forbidden him to tell about the important role he played in the war of the Ring. I would like to see a meeting of those two, but I'm not quite sure if it is possible!
And then the meeting of the hobbits of Bree and the places nearby and the Rangers of Eriador! Wow! Never before have I recognised how different their way of talking is! The rangers use ancient words, even the structure of their sentences is old-fashioned (as can be seen in Tolkien's work, of course).
But the contrast to the hobbits' talk is obvious and fascinating. The hobbits are a much younger people than the rangers, and they show it in the way they speak! Just wonderful!
During that conversation the hobbits must have felt like Eomer in the fields of Rohan: Legends have come true! And I very much enjoyed Mr Tunnely's speech. He *did* believe in elves!
... and he took what could only be described as a defiant puff at his pipe.
LOL! That's great! I can understand how satisfied he feels!
Author's reply
Oh, I'm so thrilled you appreciate the differences in voice between the different peoples. And I love the characterizations of each as you've seen them reflected in the language usage. And of course I'm pleased you feel the usage of the Rangers is in keeping with the Master's own writing. It's always the greatest flattery of all to be compared favorably to the Master!
Frodo has placed Alvric in a somewhat sensitive position, and I trust it will get better with time. As for a possible meeting, it's hard to see how that might happen, of course.
And I'm so glad Hob's satisfaction that his word has been vindicated pleased you. Thanks so much for letting me know! Legends are indeed coming to life, and the folk of Bree are having to adjust to that fact.
As for delays in reviewing--today my ISP is behaving flawlessly, but yesterday it took three tries to get my email downloaded as it was insistent on kicking me off every fifteen minutes or so. If I had any other choice between this and dial-up, I'd take it in a minute, I swear. I've had so many reviews lost lately when I've tried to post them only to find that once more the server is unavailable!
Thanks again.
Kitty
· 29 April 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
Sorry for the belated review, but after my return from Berlin I kept being interrupted every time I tried to review.
Frodo will be very pleased to know Bartolo and Persivo are doing so well.
I can’t help but hope Bartolo’s younger children will tell everyone about Frodo’s and Sam’s ennoblement, no matter if Frodo wants it or not. Even if this may be a hopeless case, I still want them to acknowledge what their own folk did down there and to know more about what happened in the south and how their land had been protected for so long. So I was very satisfied with the explanations of Alvric and the Rangers, too.
It wouldn’t have been too bad if Glorinlas or any other of the elves had been present at this meeting, it seems. It’s difficult to doubt or deny the existence of something you have right under your nose, isn’t it?
It’s rather amusing to watch the good people of Bree and the Shire struggling to realise that the suspicious Rangers are close kin to the new King and that the King was one of them. Though I fear you’re right that in ‚Ties of family’ few even realised he was Strider *and* the King. But that would leave another opportunity for Aragorn to visit Bree, this time as the King. I’m sure Ruvemir would have fun watching that ;-)
Anyway, I think it was about time it was brought home to the people of Bree and the Shire that they remained save for so long only because the Rangers guarded their borders and fought all the enemies. This is certainly something not easy to stomach for them, but necessary to know if they are to be a part of the Reunited Kingdom in the future.
Author's reply
I responded to this yesterday, only my ISP burped and lost it again. Today I've been able to be on for hours. One day I'll understand why this satellite connection has become the bane of my life since the new folk took over and transferred it to their server.
I, too, feel that the folk of the Shire should have a better understanding of just what was done "out there" to assure that such folks as Sharkey and his ruffians wouldn't be able to keep their hold on the land or the rest of Middle Earth. I doubt, however, that the story didn't start getting properly told before Frodo left the Shire, and that it was the children who heard and accepted it first. But I suspect it was in seeing the reactions of those in Bree to what Pippin and Merry tried to tell them that Frodo first appreciated how difficult it would be for his own people to understand what was done and how much lack of acknowledgement they were likely to get. The realization that he was likely to see such looks of incredulity on the faces of folks like old Noakes and Daddy Twofoot and Lotho Sackville-Baggins must have been more than he could stand.
I may yet write the first proper visit of the King to Bree, once I've managed to put this story and Stirring Rings to bed. Heh!
Thanks so much for the feedback. I truly appreciate it, as you know.
harrowcat
· 26 April 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
Glad to see the Rangers begining to reclaim their rightful place in the North and people just starting to realise the potential of a settled time to come.
Oh it is so frustrating not to have time to spend appreciating such wonderful writing - got to run to work again!!!!!
Author's reply
As the King has returned and is no longer hidden, it's time for his folk to come also out of the shadows into the light of recognition.
And so glad you enjoyed it, Harrowcat. Love to Jet and your folks, and my prayers remain with your friend and her family.
Linda Hoyland
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
There are a lot of doubting Thomas's amongst the Hobbits I fear.Gondor and the King must seem like the moon to them.
Author's reply
To realize that the King has had to do with them, and that these folk they've treated with suspicion for years are the King's own folk, must be a true shock to the folk of Bree. But if they're to go on into the new age it's necessary to appreciate these truths.
French Pony
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
That must have been quite a meeting. A lot for the Breelanders to take in. Learning the identity of the Rangers, or learning about their new King, or learning about Frodo, any one of those is a bombshell on its own, but all three at once? Freeeeeeeow.
Author's reply
Yes, they have a lot of information to process, although most don't appreciate just which Ranger is the new King--not yet!
French Pony
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 17: Learning More
Ooooh, so close! They've almost put all the pieces together. They just have to take that one last step, and believe in stories!
Author's reply
Yes, they're coming ever closer to understanding. They want to understand, and their father is being forced to learn more than he wants to know.
Am so glad you chose to share your comments. Thank you!
Dreamflower
· 25 April 2007
· Chapter 18: Progress Reports
I liked Alvric's letter--very respectful and filled with details, but only the slightest tiny hint of reproach at Frodo's rather futile wish to keep everyone in the dark about his business. He's still hoping--his thought that no one will believe children is not far off the mark, but some will. And children grow up.
Well, Bartolo got an earful. If he will add it up to some of the other hints he's been hearing, he may very well figure Frodo's role out--unless he decides he'd rather *not* know. (His children are another matter.)
I did get a kick out of all the explanations. I am quite sure the Breelanders could not make head nor tail out of a lot of it--being unfamiliar with many of those names and places--but the very demeanor of those who spoke would be enough for most of them to take things seriously. Although it looks as though a few will not truly understand for some time to come.
Author's reply
As we know, Frodo will be long gone from the Shire before the children grow up, and so he will not have to answer questions; and by then the other three will have begun telling the story as well--in my version of things, at least.
And the Breelanders are definitely having their expectations stretched--no question of that! Heh!
Queen Galadriel
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 13: A Trip to Bree
Well, I'm back, for this chapter at least. (Cramming reading time again. I should be finishing off my pile of homework or catching up on sleep so that I can actually stay awake in class tomorrow.)
Bartolo still baffles me completely. He's such a sweet, wonderful father, and yet when it comes to Frodo, it's like he becomes a completely different person, almost. I, of course, find myself thinking of "Joy," and how things turned out there, and I wonder how it will all come about here.
The account of the preparations and of the journey itself was very pleasant to read, especially at the end of a day that has dragged on and on forever. The Bracegirdles are a delightful family; just love the kids. :)
Ooo! And they got to travel with an Elf who obviously has no misgivings about telling them just what's what. Very cool!
Must stop for tonight. Maybe I'll get caught up...eventually. Just maybe not til summer, as fourth quarter in high school is obviously crazy and hectic and jam-packed with all kinds of long projects and review for the ever-approaching end-of-course exams. I really don't think I've fully appreciated that fact till now, having been homeschooled from fourth grade till the second semester of this year. I shall return ASAP.
God bless,
Galadriel
Author's reply
Barti is, after all, very much a Bracegirdle, and we haven't yet found out just what he has against Frodo--only the knowledge it probably goes back to that summer visit to Aunt Lilac's in the South Farthing. But I, too, find I like his family, especially Petunia and Persivo. I think you'll appreciate them even more as you go along.
I've been working more on this story lately, and just got chapter eighteen posted, as you probably noticed.
And I would think going from homeschooling to public school for second semester in high school must be culture shock of the worse sort. I admire you for your perseverence.
I, too, need to get to bed soon--working all nights weekends throws off my sleep patterns all week long, it seems.
And Gildor's son must have taken great delight in letting Bartolo know that Bilbo and Frodo are so honored outside the Shire.
harrowcat
· 24 April 2007
· Chapter 9: Words of Warning
Indulging myself in a reread Larner now that life has calmed back down a little although it is still my busiest time of the year!
When I got to this bit
Somehow he’d managed to gain title to most of the inns and all of the major mills of the Shire and far, far more of the major homes and farms than was good for anyone. One of my primary goals as deputy Mayor has been to learn just how Lotho did this, and what I have learned with the aid of the Took lawyers who agreed to assist me is that he did so by perverting our body of law.
I suddenly thought of the game of monopoly. Do you have that in the States or ever play it over here? It is a board game where the players try to acquire property, build houses and hotels and charge rent to others who land on the property. The aim is to acquire the most wealth and bankrupt your opponants.
I have even seen a LOTR version. I shall never play it again without thinking of this story!
Author's reply
Oh, remember that the original game of Monopoly was written to reflect
Atlantic City, New Jersey. I've been playing Monopoly all my life and
own the LOTR version as well. Yes, am well aware of it. And that Lotho's machinations remind you of it is somehow pleasing. Yes, Lotho was doing his own version of Monopoly, wasn't he? A wonderful metaphor! Thank you!
Those trying to invade the Breelands had no true inside support save
from a few ne'er-do-wells such as Bill Ferny and Harry at the Gate;
within the Shire, on the other hand, they had an ally who thought he
was in charge of them rather than the other way around, and who had
plenty of properties they could perch on and work from with no legal
recourse by the rest of the Shire to getting them expelled. With Lotho
controlling who could and couldn't mill flour for bread as well as
shutting down the major places where Hobbits might get together easily
to talk and plot against himself and his Big Men, those Big Men had a far easier time of it there.
The Shire needed the confidence Merry and Pippin brought them to get the ruffians out.
Hope you enjoy the next chapter that I was finally able to post this evening--Hughes.net has again been very spotty, and is driving me crazy trying to get on long enough to get things posted.
Andrea
· 18 April 2007
· Chapter 17: Learning More
I enjoyed the discussion with the Watercresses about Strider being the new king a great deal! I would have liked to see their faces when they looked at the coin.
And I'm right pleased that the Bree hobbits still remember Mr Underhill and his performance! Now that they have learned that said Mr Underhill is in fact Frodo Baggins, the Ring-bearer, the story won't be forgotten for a very long time.
I also found it fascinating how easy it was for the hobbit children to gather information about Frodo and the Ring. Maybe it's because of their youth and their open-mindedness for all things, even those they have never heard of before.
Bartolo could learn from his children!
Last but not least I agree with the other reviewers that we might have just witnessed the beginnings of a romance :)
Author's reply
To realize they'd witnessed someone known by these visitors to Bree who'd deliberately given an assumed name must have been a shock. And maybe they don't know the story of Isildur and Sauron and the use to which the shard of Narsil was put, but the realization that Frodo went on to do something considered great in the outer realm is incipient in their awareness and will one day become evident.
The children WANT to understand, and to such information will be found if one insists on receiving it hard enough. You're right, though--Barti could definitely learn something if he would open himself to it, although he's already learning more than he wants to know, I suspect.
As for a romance beginning--well, you never know, do you? Hee!
Kitty
· 18 April 2007
· Chapter 17: Learning More
The conversation at dinner with the Watercresses was rather amusing - their disbelief, first about Frodo ever have been there in Bree, and then about Strider being the King. Well, the coin was an evidence difficult to deny.
Now I’m imagining the faces of the good people of Bree at Striders first visit there as the Lord King Aragorn Elessar, with his retinue and all. Wouldn’t that be a sight to behold?
Loved the way Delphie defended Frodo. Really, I look forward to get to know *why* Bartolo didn’t get along with Frodo. It seems obvious there has to have been something between them.
As for the question of swimming, I suppose a Bucklander would say one could distrust Bartolo because he *doesn’t* swim *grin*
Little Alyssa is a very perceptive child. And the logic may be childish, but she is right about why nobody saw Frodo with It. Sometimes you need childish logic to figure something out. Anyway, the children are well on their way to find out and understand a lot about what happened.
After all the agitation last week in the media about Friday 13th, I was grinning through Orin’s explanation what’s wrong with the number 13. No superstition, but simple reason. Oh, these dwarves are so wonderful down-to-earth.
Anyway, clever way to confirm to the hobbit children once again that Bilbo didn’t made up his stories.
Another suitor for Denra? Hmmm ... not as bad as the last one, but still ... somehow I have the feeling the best one might be staying in the house already ;-) And I was delighted to know Denra sold her medicaments to Strider. Of course, who could be interested in them, if not Aragorn? Healing hands alone don't cure everything, after all.
Author's reply
This last Friday the Thirteenth was my birthday, so I didn't consider it very unlucky until I got home, at which time I got into a terrible argument and found myself wanting to pound someone into being reasonable, which of course was rather pointless. But as the Dwarves of Middle Earth knew nothing about the Last Supper, there had to be some other reason why they'd want someone else in the party for the journey to the Lonely Mountain, and considering their appreciation apparently for applied geometry in their carving and all, this seemed to me as logical a reason for preferring to take a burglar of unknown capabilities at Gandalf's recommendation.
The folk of Bree must have been pretty shocked when they realized that Strider the Ranger was their new King--if they recognized him. It's likely that with his joy and delight at being there with his new family and possibly his Hobbit friends from the Shire they'd not recognize him, although if I recall correctly in The Ties of Family I had him appear in the Prancing Pony AS Strider the Ranger again and keep his distance from the others in his party until after the trial of a number of folk from Umbar. How much they appreciated in Bree who he was in the new order of things is, of course, anyone's guess.
I love to think how Delphie might have been torn between loyalty to her husband and pride in her family of birth, and I agree with you that a Brandybuck or Frodo could easily have turned Barti's argument back on him as you noted. Lovely to think of.
As for the children--I agree with you completely. After all, they are all part Baggins, you know. Heh!
Thanks for the feedback.
Tigger
· 17 April 2007
· Chapter 17: Learning More
I've been on the lookout for a new chapter of this. I know w/the computer problems you've been having, it's hard for you to share your wonderful stories w/us, but we do appreciate them when we see them. :o)
Hmmm...Do I sense the beginnings of a romance between our Gondorian lawyer and his hostess? They do seem to be well matched and I loved Denra's realization that she did sell supplies to the King. Also knowing that the King is proud of the Breelands and the Shire for defending their homes. I'm sure that Aragorn was more than proud of them, as they really are his people and the lands he considers his home.
Sigh...When will Bartolo learn not to be so silly when it comes to talking about how he feels about Frodo in front of Delphie? He really should know better by now. That was such a well written piece on the dinner between them and the Bree hobbit lawyer's family. It will take time, but another group of hobbits are learning about what really happened out there and that they are no longer isolated. I especially liked the reactions to Aragorn's face on the new coinage. That more than anything else would bring home the fact that yes, Strider is indeed the King.
However, it's the children who seem to be learning far more about their cousin Frodo than he ever really wanted. Also that the stories they've been told all their lives are more than just tales to amuse small children and/or adults. They actually are true!! The little one is especially perceptive.
Everything is starting to come together for them. Slowly, but it's happening.
Really enjoying this one. Look forward to the next installment. :o)
Oh and in reply to my last review you asked me if I was still following skating. Almost two weeks ago, I took in the Toronto show of this years Canadian Stars On Ice tour. Had a wonderful time, saw some great skating and found out yesterday I was actually watching a trio when Jamie Sale and David Pelletier were out there on the ice. Their little bundle will be arriving in October.
So...That was a long answer to your question, but yes. I am still following skating. :oD
Once again, looking forward to the next installment of this!! :o)
Author's reply
One never knows what will attract the attention and affections of such as these. Perhaps they're being drawn together, or perhaps they're not....
So glad you liked the dinner conversation, and how much Pet and Persi and Lyssa are putting together. They do have Baggins blood, after all, as well as Bracegirdle. Heh!
Bree, standing as it does at a crucial crossroad in Eriador, needs even more strongly to accept there is a King again, and to accept the new role what they thought of as a sinister individual has taken on. And so it's taking the coming of Shire Hobbits to begin waking them up a bit.
Eventually we will learn at least a good part of why Barti still finds it hard to like Frodo, although that is still to be fully revealed.
And the skating sounds glorious. I'd hoped to have my satellite service restored by now, but things keep conspiring to keep me from paying it off and all. Am so frustrated not being able to get it up again. Now and then I love to watch figure skating and ice dancing.
Linda Hoyland
· 17 April 2007
· Chapter 17: Learning More
I loved the reaction to the coins !
Author's reply
So glad you do, Linda. This will be a shock for many in the Breelands as they look over these new coins. Many will put it down to coincidence at first, I'm certain.
Anyway, am able to be online for at least a short bit. Hope to read your new chapter when I'm done here.
Dreamflower
· 17 April 2007
· Chapter 17: Learning More
This was a very interesting chapter--the almost argument between Delphie and Bartolo was very revealing. He really doesn't have any real rationale behind his dislike of Frodo. I especially loved Delphie's incredulous response.
“He swims.”
She gave a disgusted sigh. “You don’t trust him because he swims? You yourself pointed out he grew up near the Brandywine. His mother was the Master’s sister, after all. Of course he swims."
I could just *hear* her tone of voice.
And I loved also the way the two of them revealed Strider's true identity to Ora and his family. I giggled all through that exchange.
The children, though, are so close to the truth. If they'd had only a few minutes more with Orin son of Bofur they'd probably have had the whole story. Orin, after all, had not been primed to keep his mouth shut!
I do think Pet and Persivo are going to find out the whole story before they go back to the Shire.
Author's reply
No, Bofur hasn't been told not to tell, although as a Dwarf I doubt he'd bother respecting that wish from Frodo anyway. And the children are starting to put it together.
I'd think that a true Baggins married to a Bracegirdle would lead to an interesting relationship, no matter how much they love one another. And at times she'd get terribly frustrated with the way Bracegirdles can take offense and hold grudges. Now, it's supposed to be Bagginses that are dreadfully conventional, but that's been changing a bit in the past two generations. Neither Frodo nor Bilbo has been particularly conventional at all; but now it's Bartolo who's most concerned about it, although you're right--this isn't a good rationale at all.
And am so glad that all who've responded so far enjoy the discussion at the Watercress dinner table. Physical proof Strider is the King must have been a bit of a shock once it became widespread throughout the Breelands, I'd think. Those Rangers aren't as awful as we'd thought? Whaaaa?
Thanks for the response.
Linda Hoyland
· 21 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Shadowing Rangers
I love the Hobbit names for the Rangers.I'm glad they respect them more now.
Author's reply
I would think once the connection between the lack of the Rangers and the influx of ruffians was made, the folk of Bree would begin questioning their preconceptions regarding just how sinister the Rangers really were. True respect will come over time, however. Thanks so much for the note, Linda.
Bodkin
· 20 February 2007
· Chapter 16: Shadowing Rangers
Petunia's not going to get the whole story from Rangers - close-mouthed lot, they are! She'll have to be a bit cleverer than that to learn more. But she's still finding out a lot of things that Shirefolk don't generally suspect - and she might be able to do a bit of addition.
Author's reply
Oh, yes, they're closed-mouthed, but she's still managing to learn more than they think she is, and indeed far more than most of her countrymen. And I suspect she's able to figure pretty well, as is true of her older brother.