Agape4Gondor
· 15 July 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
I found myself giggling again when I read of the 'identical face' peering down... and then laughed out loud when Elrohir said the boy was lucky to hit the tree!... then 'yay'd' heartily when the stone missed the Rabbit... I loved how the Rabbit 'hopped' out of the way... and sadly read about the knife. Noooo!... another smile when Elrohir said the boy couldn't hit the ground even if he shot down... and I screamed, 'yikes' when Arwen strode out into the glade... and another 'yikes' when Elrond stood behind the two with his hand on their shoulders... I shudder to think on it... great scene between Arwen and her dad and as they walked towards home!... I truly hoped it was the case - that the toy had been o'erloved... The imagining the boys as adults was a bitter thought - tho I do hope Titch might have kept some of his innocence... Drat... I'm very glad that the Rabbit does not seem to have been life-long marred by his time with men...
Author's reply
I haven't written very many stories that involve Elves so I worried about how this might turn out. I have attempted stories with Legolas on occasion and I have one rather 'mad' crack-fic that the twins are in but nothing more.
I had fun attempting to write Elves and I'm glad you enjoyed this part.
This rabbit started out as a minor mention in a short story and has wound up hopping into more than a few stories. Fortunately, I don't think he recalls much of his life with the children of men so he seems fairly well-adjusted.
As to Titch, our good friend Knitted-Merry has written a bit more on that subject and posted it as an epilogue to this story!
Agape4Gondor
· 15 July 2008
· Chapter 1: Very Old Friends
I'm going to start at the beginning, if you don't mind.... since I just found this...
I loved the phrase - 'he was merely travelling a bit.' Brought me a giggle... I smiled when Pip felt the Rabbit was his alone... and when he discovered it was Elvish... and the 'fill up my corners.' Delightful little phrases.
Author's reply
Why thank you. I am very glad you enjoyed this. I hadn't written anything for 'Errol' in a while and so I wasn't certain how this would be received. It's good to know that folks enjoyed it.
Agape4Gondor
· 15 July 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I've just found this delightful little tale... I love the idea of the Rabbit.
The Epilogue phrase about roasting by a forest witch was great! But I really hated Fred's threats! Nasty little boy...
Very nice tale - I'll have to read more of the Rabbit.
Author's reply
I don't know if Knitted-Merry is still on his vacation but just in case, I will reply here for him as I am very certain he would be pleased with your review.
KM has a way with words and his phrase about 'roasting by a forest witch' really was inspired! Fred wasn't at all nice and one can hope that *maybe* he grew out of that phase. Maybe.
KM, Errol, and I thank you for reviewing and most of the Rabbit's adventures are posted to Stories of Arda if you do decide to read more.
TopazTook
· 14 July 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
I was very glad to see this continuation (or prequel, whatever) of Errol's adventures. He has his own unique perspective on Middle Earth, doesn't he? Errol is a favorite of mine among your characters, and it's good to get more of his backstory - although I'm still wondering about his Elvish name.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it and thank you for reviewing. Errol is blushing about now with all of your kind words about him.
I hope he plans to reveal his Elvish name to me at some point but I think he is saving it for a future story. We shall see.
GamgeeFest
· 7 July 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Awww! Mom sure knows how to cheer up her little boy. But that brother is so mean! He deserves for a witch to fry him. This was such a fun story, thanks for sharing it.
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM was happy to set everyone straight about Titch. He is pleased that you enjoyed the epilogue and he is hopeful that you will never become angry with him. Witches frying folks is certainly a serious type of revenge! It also takes a very big frying pan you know. Those are difficult to find.
GamgeeFest
· 7 July 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
So he didn’t start out an Elvish rabbit, but the elves used their magic on him, and so now he is one. I’m glad Errol ended up with Arwen; naturally he would realize how lucky he was to be in Rivendell and owned by the Evenstar. But now you need to tell us how he came to be all the way in the Shire. *hinthint*
Author's reply
This was a story that I was supposed to write ages ago but am just now getting to. I was a bit worried about writing Elves so I kept putting it off. Yes, Errol has been around quite a while and he did start with humans and then wound up with Elves so he isn't completely Elvish. I hope to write the portion of the story that tells how Errol got to the Shire as soon as Errol lets me know what happened. LOL Eventually I hope to have the entire story! Thank you for reading.
GamgeeFest
· 7 July 2008
· Chapter 1: Very Old Friends
So, Errol is an Elvish rabbit? But what is his name? I liked seeing Pippin so possessive over his toy, even if he is far too old to still have one. Will Errol now be given the King’s children? How wonderful if Errol became the Rabbit of the Future King. :)
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing this one. This part is a bit of a reprint with a few minor changes and is actually from "Freddy and The Thain's Rabbit". Thank you for reading.
cathleen
· 2 July 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
GW, I've always loved your wonderful character Errol. Actually, he is one of the very first ones I recall reading about when I first became involved in LOTR and started reading all the great tales on SOA (still my favorite site) and gradually picking out the stories, characters, and writers I liked best. You've created a wonderful, multi-faceted little guy who still has a great deal more to tell us, I'm quite sure. Each story you write reveals a little more, yet he always retains a bit of mystique about him. Thanks for sharing this, and I look forward to more!
Author's reply
Thank you for this lovely review and for reading. I had not written anything about Errol in quite a while so it is good to know that folks are still interested in him. Take care. GW
PIppinfan1988
· 1 July 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Awww! Now that was lovley! KM, in all his magnificence, can spin a brilliant yarn! And Titch most certainly would make a good shephard with that gentle spirit of his. But...there is still that burning question that I've had. I think Errol/KM the Mag has more tales to tell than he's told already. ;-)
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM was very pleased with your review because you recognized his brilliance at once. He thinks you are very observant.
KM knows all of Errol's secrets or so it seems and if Errol doesn't soon fess up then I may just have to plead with KM and see if I can get more information from him. The Rabbit is very quiet about some things and, as you have mentioned, KM is brilliant at spinning a yarn.
If he weren't on vacation now then I am certain KM would thank you for having the very good taste to read his epilogue.
Larner
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Marvelous! Oh, nasty big brothers! Mine could be like that! And like Tithemus better and better! Lovely!
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM was delighted to be able to give folks a better look at Tithemus' character and he is pleased that you enjoyed reading it. He enjoys reviews in which the word 'Marvelous!' appears. Thank you!
Lindelea
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 0: Skip this and go to chapter one
So sorry to hear about the writers block. Know how that goes.
Am very busy at the moment and don't even have time, really, to read the story proper but when I saw the word Prologue in the chapter alert I found I absolutely had to stop in and leave a note.
Have put the story on my "want to read" list for later. (Will this durn schedule puh-lease slow down????)
Off again at a run,
lin
Author's reply
Hello there! Glad you could stop in for a sec. Good to hear from you and I do know how busy you are. Fortunately the writer's block seems only to apply to the prologues so at least there is hope for the rest of my writing *IF* I find time to do any writing. Like you, I seem to be going in all directions at once. Thanks for the prologue review!
Andrea
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Nice epilogue!
Titch will be a great shepherd some day. He's a clever boy.
As for his brother ... well, I think he should not try to become a bowman ;-)
And we all know that the pretty girl took very good care of the bunny.
Thank you, KM for this magnificent chapter and thank you, GW for posting it.
P.S.: What would a story be without SHEEP :)
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM thanks you for your very perceptive review, Andrea and he is very glad that you enjoyed this epilogue. As to the sheep, well, as you may know, it is very hard to become a shepherd if you haven't any sheep. Tich really did need sheep for his story. Thank you for your review!
PS from GW, Sheep are always important to a story. I couldn't agree more.
Pearl Took
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
A perfect epilogue, KM. Yes, the pretty girl will take good care of bunny . . . and so will a certain hobbit lad ;-)
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM considers you very clever for noticing the perfection of his epilogue. If he weren't away just now doing very important things, I am certain that he would enjoy thanking you for this review!
Pearl Took
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
I'm all teary! This was beautiful, GW! I think you wrote your Elf children excellently. I so glad Arwen rescued the future Errol. Those lads were very cruel both to Errol and to their sibling.
Author's reply
I'm glad you enjoyed it. Elves aren't my normal area so I was concerned.
Dreamflower
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
Aww...once Titch gets to take care of baby lambs, he'll--well, not forget about his bunny, but at least not miss him so much. And he was right about the bunny's new life with the "pretty girl".
And I have a feeling Fred and Bob are going to be in real trouble--Fred doesn't sound very bright, and I have a feeling his explanations about the bow are going to get a little tangled up...
Pleas thank KM for filling us in on this little epilogue!
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM did want to thank you for this review. He agrees that Fred and Bob aren't very bright but at least Fred did give Errol one of his many names.("If you dare to go back and get that bloody rabbit, ) A name that Knitted-Merry enjoys using for Errol from time to time, so perhaps Fred had a part to play after all? KM is certain that you will remember Errol's name badge from Scotmoot: Errol, that Bloody Rabbit! KM feels that Fred had one moment of brilliance at least.
Pearl Took
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 1: Very Old Friends
I thought this was familiar as I got along in it. I love that Errol is an Elvish stuffed rabbit. It suits him, or he suits being Elvish, or it all mixed together fits well. :-)
Author's reply
Thank you for stopping by and reading.
Pearl Took
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 0: Skip this and go to chapter one
Actually, it's nice, creative prologue :-)
Author's reply
Thank you. For some reason it seemed rather off to me. Who knows?
Marigold
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
How wonderful for KM to take time out of his busy schedule to write this terrific sequel! It's great that he and Errol are beginning to get on so well!
Titch is so sweet and I am relieved that he will be able to get off on his own soon with the sheep and get away from his mean brother and cousin! Loved the realism in the way that the boys interacted : )
Author's reply
As you know, KM is now over-seeing your vacation with Llinos and Knitted-Pippin so it seems that I have been trusted with his responses to the epilogue reviews.
KM thanks you for this review and the fact that you realize that he did go to some considerable effort to find time in his schedule to write this. I don't know this for certain, but I am guessing that Llinos will owe him a very big favour and so will Errol. I may also owe him a favour or two and I am hoping that responding to his reviews will count as a portion of that favour!
(Have a lovely holiday and don't get lost!-GW)
mews1945
· 30 June 2008
· Chapter 9999: Epilogue
I am very glad to find a sequel to Grey-wonderer's story. I too was curious about Titch, and it's good to know he realized his bunny ended up in good hands. He's a sweet character.
Author's reply
KM is vacationing this week and has asked me to reply to *HIS* reviews so I shall do my best.
KM felt that because he was the one that actually knew all about Titch, he should be the one to clear things up. If anyone else had tried to do so, they would have made a mess of things. He would like to thank you for this review which he did read before he left on his trip.
Pathvain Aelien
· 29 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
I've been away for too long! I've fallen into the habit of lurking instead of commenting and posting, it's a bad habit. :) I'm glad to know that I've encouraged you, since you have been my favorite author for some time. Give Errol a hug for me!
Author's reply
Yes, you have encouraged me very much. I've done too much lurking lately myself. I go to work, come home, read, and go to bed. I've been leaving fewer reviews than I should and have been trying to make up for it recently. Hugs to you from Errol and me and I will most certainly hug Errol for you. Take care and stop by when you can.
Neilia
· 28 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
I love the rabbit's POV! This is very precious. I can imagine that Arwen always remembered to stay within the stipulated borders her Ada set from then on. Well, at least while she was little..teehee. ;) Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
That rabbit started out in a tiny little story of mine and has worked his way into more than a few stories now. He seems intent on putting his POV into things. Glad you enjoyed it.
I think most children will behave better for rewards and an understanding of danger rather than threats so I figured an intelligent child like Arwen would do better if reasoned with. But when she got older I am guessing she was all about testing her borders, don't you think? Too strong-willed to be kept anywhere I should think. LOL
Thanks so much for the lovely reviews and for reading!
Neilia
· 28 June 2008
· Chapter 1: Very Old Friends
I'm hooked...charming, great beginning...now for the next chapter. *reviewing, posting and closing window as fast as I can* Hugs, Neilia
Author's reply
Splendid! I love when people are hooked and I do thank you for your reviewing, posting and reading!
Neilia
· 28 June 2008
· Chapter 0: Skip this and go to chapter one
Not entertaining? Give me a break! You always write a great prologue...most anxious to see how elements from The Velveteen Rabbit (one of my faves) fit in. Hugs to you, Neilia
Author's reply
Why thank you. And another Velveteen Rabbit fan! I just love that book. The bit from the book just worked its way in so easily because that book is part of my own childhood. Hope you like it.
Tigger
· 27 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
Oh GW!! This is wonderful!! What a lovely birthday present for Marigold. The Velveteen Rabbit is one of my very favourite stories and, regardless of what others may think, once a stuffed animal is loved by someone it's alive and no longer a toy!! As Arwen and Pippin both know so very well.
It was a hard lesson for Arwen to learn, but Elrond's right. If those children were doing what they did to Errol, then what would have happened to her and The Twins if they'd been caught by them? Also what kind of adults will they be if this is what they do as children? All children are curious and that can get them into so many predictaments. Thankfully Elrond was there, but what if he hadn't? Glad he put that stipulation to her before Arwen was given her rabbit.
Also loved that the seamstress put that tag on him over the original. He was given a complete and total makeover after all, so of course he's more Elven than Mortal now. :o)
This was just so wonderful on so many levels GW and a bunny ( ;o) ) nailed me just after I finished reading it and began this review. So...Obviously Pippin brought Errol w/him when he and Merry relocated to Minas Tirith during their last years. What if Pippin bequeathed Errol to Arwen and left a letter to her w/in his Will? Explaining he just knows Arwen will need the comfort of *their* Rabbit in the future.
Anyway...Since Errol's your creation, I'm sending that little plot bunny on it's way to you. Yes, I am rather micheavious. ;o)
This really was lovely. Only...Are we going to learn's Errol's Elven name? :o)
Author's reply
Tigger!
Thank you for reading and I am so glad you enjoyed it and that YOU have read The Velveteen Rabbit! It is a childhood favorite of mine and so when Elrond tells Arwen the Errol has been 'loved too much' that is a bit of my affection for Velveteen Rabbit coming out into this story.
I don't think children, even Elf children, see the danger they are in very often. I look back on some of the things I used to do and wonder why I'm still here. LOL
Hey Errol could be on one of the reality shows that do the make-overs. Is there one for stuffed toys or for rabbits?
I love your plot rabbit but in "Freddy and The Thain's Rabbit" Errol winds up doing something that keeps me from writing this one unless someone else gives Errol back to Arwen. Check it out some time and see what you think of that bit of Errol's history.
You are mischievious but I like that in a person so send me any other plot rabbits that bounce in your direction.
I am trying to find out exactly what Errol's Elven name is and when I know, I promise to share.
Thanks for the lovely review!
Llinos
· 27 June 2008
· Chapter 2: Very nearly the beginning
Splendid story! I hardly felt the absence of hobbits at all, possibly because you injected such character into the human lads and elven children.
I loved Arwen's perception. She could see that the lads were teasing Titch rather cruelly by being mean to his rabbit and I think that's what upset her, that and the mean spirit behind their need to inflict damage on an innocent and passive creature.
Excellently written, as always, and looking forward to seeing more of Errol again soon.
In the meantime, you're right about KM. I couldn't help but ask him what had happened to Titch afterwards and if he missed Errol dreadfully.
He explained it to me and asked me to pass it on to others who were concerned about the lad. I hope you don't mind but I repeat it here pretty much verbatim.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What's wrong Tithemus?" His mother always used his full name. "Have you been crying?"
Titch scrubbed his sleeve across his eyes and sniffed. "Fred shot my rabbit and then some strange girl shouted at us and chased us away with stones and bunny got left behind – I think she wanted him."
"Oh your toy rabbit," She suppressed a smile. "Well you're a big lad for toys now. Your father says you can start minding the sheep on your own come Springtide. That's a very responsible job."
Titch's eyes lit up. "The sheep? On my own? Mam that's wonderful! I already know all their names and everything."
"I know love." She put her arm around his shoulder, "You're gentle with animals and that's a good thing. You'll make a fine shepherd."
"And… and perhaps…" A thought slowly coalesced, as if from somewhere outside himself. "Perhaps it's a good thing that girl took bunny. She was very, very pretty and maybe she knew bunny would be safe from Fred and Bob with her."
His mother smiled and kissed him on the cheek. "I'm sure you're right my dear."
And he was – wasn't he!
Author's reply
So it was a splendid story? Is this the bit where I say, "I blame the Beta!" (seriously, I do blame the beta and I blame Marigold too because she did request this story quite some time ago.) I thank you both for helping to make it splendid. (And Errol of course may be blamed.)
KM was way ahead of things and knew that Errol wasn't completely Elvish before we came to visit. He said as much and at the time I had no idea about Errol's past. I should just face the fact that Knitted-Merry knows EVERYTHING.
Oh, please thank KM for clearing up the mystery of what happened to Titch. Errol just left that out completely. And I am THRILLED that it involves SHEEP! I think I was a sheep in a previous life. Ask KM about it and see if he knows that.
KM is such a talented writer. He told this very well. Has he ever considered posting a bit of his magnificent knitted history? Everyone would enjoy that!