Daynawayna
· 23 March 2007
· Chapter 16: A Second Chance
A voice spoke softly in that momentary gap between the ringing of the bell and the Master speaking. A soft voice that somehow seemed to fill the room. Everyone looked about to see who had spoken.
Gasps were heard coming from those hobbits at the front of the room. A couple of hobbitesses swooned.
The figure of a hobbit had slowly materialized on the dais beside Jebbin Brandybuck. There wasn’t a hobbit present who could see the dais that doubted for a moment that a ghost now stood beside the accused. Longo Caskbury stood there, gaping.
:O :O :O OMG OMG OMG!! Who who... WHO IS IT!?!? :::bounces excitedly::: OMG MORE MORE MORE!! I'm coming unglued here, woman!
And the Mistress and her eyes... Longo's a deadhobbit. :D :D :D
SQUEEEEE!!!
(but tell us how you REALLY feel, Dayna...?) :) LOL
Author's reply
I'm sorry you didn't like this chapter, Daynawayna . . . LOL!!
The next chapter is written. A few more read-throughs and it'll be posted. You don't have long to wait to know who has shown up :-)
Thank you for your enthusiasm, Daynawayna :-)
Dreamflower
· 22 March 2007
· Chapter 16: A Second Chance
*grin* I am *SO* glad one of the ghosts gets to show up! Wonder which one? Probably Merry, I'm guessing, since his presence would be most impressive at Brandy Hall.
I don't feel sorry a bit for Caskbury--he's getting just what he deserves. I have a hunch about that paper the lasses found. I do feel sorry for Macimas--just what *did* his sorry secretary dose him with? I'm guessing a purgative or emetic of some sort?
Author's reply
You guess about poor Macimas is right, though I'm not saying which; I'll leave the poor hobbit some dignity.
Those papers *are* important indeed. . .
Thank you, Dreamflower
shirebound
· 22 March 2007
· Chapter 16: A Second Chance
“Do I have your word that you will cease these outbursts, Longo Caskbury?”
Her voice seemed to echo in his head. He thought he could see the sharp lights of stars swirling in her eyes.
Ooooh, what a powerful and subtle effect.
Yay, the ghosts have arrived! How thrilling, Pearl.
Author's reply
Thank you, shirebound :-)
Yes, we have ghosts here! hehehe
Bodkin
· 22 March 2007
· Chapter 15: The Winds of Change
Macimas seems drugged. Or hypnotised. I hope he is convinced that he needs to set the trial aside - because it was a travesty!
And I'm intrigued to know, not just how, but why the Secretaries twisted everything in their neighbourhood - and just what they gain from it. And when it started. And whether this demolition of anything contradicting their version of history has anything to do with the past, or whether they are just taking advantage of it to take power in the Shire.
But whatever their motives, I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Mistress and her henchhobbits manage to straighten out the muddle before too much longer passes!
Author's reply
Hi Bodkin!
"henchhobbits"!!! I love that :-D
It will all be revealed soon. I'm back to work on the story today. I had planned to work on it every day this week and RL kept butting in.
Thank you so much for reading this and for your wonderful responses!
Cuthalion
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 15: The Winds of Change
*heaves a deep sigh of relief*
Finally things get in motion - and I love your way of putting how clever young Togo Goodbody "had waltzed the Master away from his secretary with the ease of an expert dancer". Still, what a shame that this evil hobbit (and his forefathers, obviously) had the skill and evil imagination to reduce the Masters of Buckland to helpless puppets on a string! But I have hope that the day will be saved!
Cúthalion
Author's reply
I'm a sucker for happy endings, so I'm sure things will end well eventually :-)
Thank you for the compliment on that line!
I think that sort of thing used to happen with kings in various countries, especially when the king would take the throne as a child or youth.
Thank you so much for all the kind responses, Cuthalion!
Grey Wonderer
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 15: The Winds of Change
I have very high hopes for Mr. Gardener who only gardens as a hobby. I think he may be just what is need, him and the Master's take-charge wife! It was such a relief to see Other and Jebbin and Macidoc reunited with those that love them and support them. I do think all three of them were about to run out of hope. You are doing a wonderful job on this lovely story, Pearl! Bravo!
Author's reply
Thank you so much, GW!
I've no idea what Holman will do, but I think he'll prove to be interesting. Our heroes were about to give up, but they know they have hope now.
I so need those kind words of encouragement, thank you :-)
Grey Wonderer
· 18 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
Help arrives! I love that they got in through a secret entrance. Now I am wondering what was written in that little book though. I am glad I fell behind because it means I get a second chapter! Off to read that now and get answers. Oh, I love the Master's wife. I can see where Macidoc gets his good sense and nerve.
Author's reply
Hi GW!
I couldn't leave them helpless :-)
I'm glad you like Chalcedony; so do I :-)
Thank you so much for staying with this!
Dreamflower
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 15: The Winds of Change
Oh, this looks much smoother.
I am very eager to see where this goes next, and especially to hear what Mr. Gardner has to say! And I have my own suspicions as to what Athelas and Marjy found!
Looking forward to more.
Author's reply
Thank you, Dreamflower :-)
I'm once again to where I have only the bones of what is going to happen in my head so I've no idea what Mr. Gardener might or might not say. We'll have to wait and see :-) He came into the story for you and the others who wanted a Sam descendant other than Myrtle Fairbairn and I really know very little about him.
I think a few people have suspicions regarding the contents of those papers. I will say this, that is one thing that I have known for a long time and I haven't been influenced by anyone's guesses. I'm looking forward to people's reactions when that all gets revealed :-)
Thanks so much again for everything!
PIppinfan1988
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 15: The Winds of Change
Well, well! For the love of pete - the Pompous Arse *finally* woke up and smelled the coffee! He'd better be extremely contrite when he begs for his son's forgiveness.
Beautiful reunions, Pearl! I got misty when Mac and his mum embraced. :'(
Another excellent chapter, dear friend! :-) As always, looking forward to more. :-)
PF
Author's reply
I'm thinking he'll do well. I'm so glad you liked the reunions and didn't feel them sappy or such.
More early next week I'm hoping :-) I'm anxious to see how it unfolds too ;-)
Thank you, m'dear PippinFan!
Anonymous
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 15: The Winds of Change
Yay, "winds of change" indeed!
She is here and a force to be reckoned with. I almost feel sorry for Macimas
*giggles* I love strong, forceful hobbit ladies. This is getting much more hopeful, Pearl!
Author's reply
Thank you :-)
Chalcy is very much the Mistress of Buckland ;-)
Andrea
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
No, that wasn't a trial! They let in only those who support the Master and his secretary. All the others were left out!
But now that Chalcy and the others found a way into Brandy Hall, there is hope again!
“Marjy, you have to see this. Read this. Marjy, it’s what will turn the tide!”
What is it, I wonder? A secret message? From Jebiamac Brandybuck or someone else? And how can it turn the tide?
Please update soon!
(And I'm asking together with Other: Where were the ghosts?)
Author's reply
Things will be changing soon now that reinforcements have arrived.
Ah yes, the Ghosts . . .
They're somewhere about, I know they are. Where have I put them?
They'll show up eventually, I promise :-)
Thank you so much, Andrea!
Bodkin
· 17 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
I hope there are enough green-eyed Tooks around to take out the chief conspirators - because that wasn't a trial, it was a travesty. And something has to be done! It's one thing for the passage of years to dull the past, but it's quite another to let the Secretary-birds get away with twisting it to suit themselves.
The prisoners must keep their hopes up - fingers crossed that rescue is on the way. And that Athelas's discovery from the book Marjy saved is about to be revealed!
Author's reply
Getting too comfortable with the way things have "always" been can be a dangerous thing. But changes are in store!
All will be revealed! Soon
Thank you for reading and responding so faithfully, Bodkin :-)
Larner
· 16 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
Yes, Longo had BEST look shaken, particularly if Chelcy had found a way in in spite of his plans. The best laid plans of this rat of a Hobbit had best come crashing down directly. And Macimas is about to be toppled, I think. Stupid git, to rely on such a secretary!
Author's reply
There will be a mighty shaking-up of the status quo, and Longo shall fare the worst.
Thank you so much, Larner :-)
Daynawayna
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
:O Squeeee! CHARGE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please don't make us wait too long for the next installment! Not that it's been long with the others, but this is getting SOOOO GOOD! I'm totally on the edge of my seat!! More More MORE!! :)
Pwease? :)
Author's reply
LOL Thank you, Daynawayna :-)
I shall do my best. I worked on the next chapter last night but it isn't finished yet.
PIppinfan1988
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
What a freakin' weasel of a hobbit - his moniker should be Macimas the Efficient *Arse*!!!!! I should have known that poor excuse of a hobbit would serve a crooked trial. And those poor, heartbroken cousins despairing in their prison cells.
I'm wondering what Athelas found in that note...? Curious me. LOL, now I'm *really* in suspense to watch the rest of this trial and see those jerks put in their place!
Most excellent chapter, Pearl!
PF
Author's reply
Thank you, m'dear Pippinfan!
I needs get busy writing, I don't like to be cruel and leave everyone on tenterhooks.
Yes, Macimas is an arse, LOL!
finafyr
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
I really hate cliffhangers.. that aeful feeling of biting your nails to nothing.. I hope that there is an update soon.. I may now have had a weak heart.. but it is becoming weaker by the minute.. (sigh)
and where are our ghosts at the moment.. what is the thing that fell out of the book... when can we see the evil secretaries get their comuppance..( humm is that the right spelling of that drated word) :)
next chapter please..
Author's reply
Soon I hope - though as of now it is only the chapter title on an otherwise blank page . . . I've had a busy week.
All will get sorted out, I promise :-)
Thank you, finafyr, for reading and respoonding to my story :-)
Cuthalion
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
Aha - so they've finally made their way into the Hall! My goodness, if I've ever seen a false, miserable cause, this is one... but the day is not over. At least the last part of this shocking piece of Shire History contains some hope. *fumes silently*
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Yes, there is indeed hope!
Thank you for your loyal reading and responding, Cuthalion :-D
shirebound
· 15 March 2007
· Chapter 14: Nearly What They Expected
Eeeee, what happens next????
"it’s what will turn the tide!"
What? What will?
*paces*
Author's reply
I better get writing on the next chapter :-O
Thank you for your excitement, shirebound :-D
Bodkin
· 12 March 2007
· Chapter 13: Timely Arrivals
Those who have not been sucked in to the Secretaries' version of events are gathering - and Chalcy definitely seems a very good person to have on your side! (Green-eyed Tooks - not people to cross!)
Tad's fate is probably - hopefully - a good indication of what will happen to those trying to victimise Jeb and Other and Mac.
And it seems as if the only way to get through to Old Pompous is in his dreams - I wonder if he is being fed mind-altering substances. I hate to think that a descendant of Merry the Magnificent can be quite as dim as he appears.
Author's reply
Good to see you, Bodkin :-)
This has definitely spit the hobbits into two camps.
Tad should have known better than to cross the Mistress when she's in a mood.
I'm not as much sure that he's dim as lazy and (at least up till now) comfortable. He's used to not having to give things much thought, to having things doone for him. I'm still not exactly sure what's going to become of the hobbit.
Thank you so much for responding and reading!
PIppinfan1988
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 13: Timely Arrivals
"There are other Forces at work besides that of evil..." I do think that is the case with this chapter! I was relieved to see Chalcedony, Toby, Marrin and Clary meet up with one another and of the same purpose. The prisoners have help at last - people who are on their side, or at least will see to fairness.
LOL, poor Tad. The ale will help out, though. :-)
I'm eager to read about the upcoming "trial"! We're in the thick of things now. :-)
PF
Andrea
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 13: Timely Arrivals
LOL!!! I like "The Fab Four and the Dream-Speaker", although in my opinion the dream-speaker might very well be one of the fab four ;-)
And that one should "haunt" Old Pompous in the night before the trial, when he is yearning for sleep, but won't get it. *That* would be just.
Chalcedony seems to be able to wield a mighty weapon :) Respect!
Author's reply
I think you are most likely right in your guess of who the Dream-Speaker is ;-)
I don't know if he'll lose his night's sleep or not. I know where the plot is heading but I still don't know many of the wee details until I'm doing the writing, and things have often not gone as I thought they would.
Chalcedony is a force to be reckoned with :-)
Thank you so much, Andrea!
Seems the Took sight is saving the day. I wonder if a certain gardian of Pippin's aquaintance is still around somewhere? Chalcedony seems the type to interest her. I hope they are able to help when the trial begins. A frying pan to the head might be good for more of them.
Author's reply
LOL "A frying pan to the head might be good for more of them."
That literally had me laughing out loud - but what else would I expect from a person on the Quest of the Scotch Egg in its native habitat! ;-)
I think the trial will be interesting. There are secrets to be revealed, unexpected support . . . all sorts of things . . .
. . . I think ;-)
Thank you so much, GW for this and all your encouragement in general!
Bravo! I was glad that Frodo got a chance to visit and if anyone ever needed to see Merry it was Macidoc. I do think he earned that right in a very big way. I had to laugh at what Pippin's ghost was doing with Other. That was so very Pippin, always the one to keep things light even in dark times.
Author's reply
Thank you, GW :-D
Frodo insisted. Merry said he was the only one to really give a potential Master of Buckland any help. Pippin just winked at me and walked through the wall into Other's cell.
Cuthalion
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 13: Timely Arrivals
Whoops - and now I nearly missed the next two instalments! I love the women you create. Your Chalcedony is a true jewel, taking things in her hands and starting the change in the Shire. And thank you thank you thank you for bringing Frodo into this story, with words of wisdom and comfort for poor Jebbin. And the fact that Pippin sang with Other to cheer him up - marvelous idea, very in character.
Love this tale, very much.
Cúthalion
Author's reply
Thank you so much, Cuthalion!
I'm glad you like my OCFs :-) As I've said to others, Frodo insisted. I had thought of Merry and Pippin talking to Jebbin, as usual, but when I started to write it, they just weren't there (so to speak). Then I realized that Frodo was there and it all came tumbling out.
When I tried to think of what Pippin and Other were talking about, there wasn't anything, just that they were being cheerful instead of gloomy or angry.
Lindelea
· 8 March 2007
· Chapter 13: Timely Arrivals
Ah. These story alerts keep arriving in my e-mail box, and here am I with no time for reading. Well, I suppose I could read *this* chapter, for I'm too tired to work any more tonight, but there are all those other chapters unread, and it's near midnight and my eyes are closing of themselves...
Just know that this story is on my want-to-read list, and I hope I will get to it at least by summertime, if not before. (So looking forward to sitting by the side of the community pool whilst swim team practice is going on...)
*hugs*
Author's reply
Bless your heart, Lin!
That sounds like a plan, and it's fun to get responses later on as well. Looking forward to hearing what you think of this :-)