Kindred by GamgeeFest
Larner · 16 September 2011 · Chapter 9: Decisions and Dilemmas
How we worry for the children we love! And that she feels she needs to think about Rumbi's proposal speaks volumes, I find.
Author's reply
She certainly wasn't expecting this particular surprise! She has much to think about, and little time to do it.
Andrea · 22 August 2011 · Chapter 12: Fair's End
No, it doesn't end there, I'm sure! Ami and Perry are perfect for each other. And I can't imagine that Ami is able to let him go. But what will the consequences be? Poor Rumbi, though! We know already that he will never marry.
Author's reply
There are a few more chapters to go yet. There's still hope for Ami and Perry. :) Poor Rumbi, yes. He doesn't yet know the fate that awaits him though.
Dreamflower · 22 August 2011 · Chapter 12: Fair's End
But of course it doesn't end there does it? Though Perry and Ami really think it has. Poor Rumbi. I'm sure that Heather's advice was the best.
Author's reply
Well, it is "to be continued..." ;) Rumbi will get a lot of mileage out of Heather's advice.
Dreamflower · 15 August 2011 · Chapter 11: 2 Lithe
Aww...poor Rumbi. You have such a complex take on Lalia. We see her through Ferumbras' eyes, of course. Was she truly vulnerable, as he believes? Does he think that because it makes it easier for him to love her as a son ought? Or does he truly see something no one else does? Her reactions to his "leaving the nest" are telling: she holds her grudge until forced by circumstances to put it aside, but then never admits she was wrong in the first place. She simply ignores her reaction and pretends she never had it. It was simply easier that way. If they had started talking about that, there was no telling what other topics might awaken. I've known people that way. If they are wrong about something, and they can no longer hold to their wrong opinion, they pretend they never had it in the first place.
Author's reply
We all have our vulnerabilities. Lalia hid hers by lording her position over everyone, and by ignoring when she was wrong. She spent much of her married life being told her opinions are wrong or at least not the same as her husband's, who was not inclined to compromise very often, which says something about his as well for all that he was well liked. She did humble herself enough not to question his authority in front of others, but once she no longer had that constraint, she saw no reason to continue doing so. She took that power she has been denied sharing for so long for her own. It was her moment of triumph - and her son "abandons" her over it. She doesn't handle rejection well, as we've seen before. But anyway, before this becomes an essay... :P Yep, poor Rumbi. :D
Andrea · 10 August 2011 · Chapter 10: Overlithe
Oh my! That's what I had expected - at least Ami's decision, and her newly awakened feelings towards Perry. But I have no idea how the story will proceed. There are several possibilities. I'm looking forward to reading more :-)
Author's reply
Yep, things are not going well for Rumbi, and Ami is getting herself into unfamiliar territory here. LOL! Well, for a long time, I had no idea how the story would proceed either! :P So you're not alone. ;) Thanks for reading, dear!
Dreamflower · 8 August 2011 · Chapter 10: Overlithe
Oooh...oh, well, I could see it coming but even so...oooh... But still, I am not sure how it's all going to play out... *sits back to wait for more*
Author's reply
Ooooohhh is right. Ami seems to be poking at the hornet's nest here. It took me a long time to figure out how this was all going to work out, so you're not alone! Thanks for reading! *hugs*
Dreamflower · 2 August 2011 · Chapter 9: Decisions and Dilemmas
Poor Ami, to be so surprised by that proposal! If she had no clue how Rumbi felt, it's no wonder she needed time to think. BTW: I LOVED all of your little winks and nods to other people's fic-- especially Master Tobold and Ferumbras' failure to learn carpentry! But I do hope little Arlo will be all right.
Author's reply
Ami was thrown for a loop. She never would have thought that Rumbi was considering marriage. She has a lot to think about. Master Tobold gets an honorable mention here. Though I had forgotten that Rumbi was supposed to be horrible at carpentry in that story too. Poor Rumbi seems to be a top choice for terrible labor skills. :P It makes sense though. Lalia wouldn't see the point in having Rumbi even taking those lessons in the first place. Arlo has everyone worried, the poor tyke.
Andrea · 28 July 2011 · Chapter 8: Mid-year's Day
Oh my, where is she? Maybe Ami was just distracted again, or she found herself a quiet place to think about the proposal? Rumbi is, of course, disappointed. But he should also understand that for Ami and any other woman in her stead it is a HUGE decision to say "yes" :-)
Author's reply
Ami? Distracted? Nooooo! ;-) Rumbi is disappointed, but he also understands what a big decision it is. After all, he didn't come to his own decision all at once either. He's more than willing to give her time to think about it.
Larner · 27 July 2011 · Chapter 8: Mid-year's Day
Oh, dear--and where is she? I can understand now why all of them are concerned. As for the decision to think on it--I do believe she is wise here. Marrying Lalia's son would indeed be a hard decision.
Author's reply
Well, knowing Ami, she got distracted! ;-) But she's been gone a long time, even for her. Lalia does complicate things. Ami has much to think about over the next couple of days.
Dreamflower · 27 July 2011 · Chapter 8: Mid-year's Day
You know, proposing is a risky business. It's no wonder guys agonize over it, because not getting an instant "yes" has got to be a let down, and most people are accustomed to the romantic proposals in the movies or on TV, where the guy drops to one knee, and girl is all "oh YES!" But the truth is, it is a HUGE decision. I mean, you are making up your mind to spend the rest of your LIFE with someone! I wonder how many girls have said "yes" because they were afraid to say "no"? Afraid of hurting his feelings, afraid of "ruining" a romantic moment? I wonder if putting on some pressure is not behind the recent trend for public proposals? A "can I think about it?" is an entirely reasonable response.
Author's reply
I imagine it has to be one of the hardest thing for a man to do. He's making himself completely vulnerable - even if they can be pretty sure of the answer, there's just no way to know. You know, I read an article once that stipulated that the high divorce rate is due to just that - marriages that never should have happened anyway, but the bride, or the groom, just didn't know how to put the brakes on before the "I do's". Everyone accuses Ami of being so impulsive - but she proves she's capable of taking a step back here. She's going to be doing a lot of thinking!
Andrea · 25 July 2011 · Chapter 7: 1 Lithe
So, Perry's people are like gypsies? If Sprig thinks that this revelation will prevent Ami from seeing Perry again, I'd say he's quite mistaken. On the contrary, she is likely to help him even more now. And that might be the cause of even more tangles ;-)
Author's reply
I don't know if I'd categorize them as gypsies, but they are certainly on the fringes. Why, remains the question. You just may be right! Sprig may admire his Darling, but he clearly doesn't understand her very well. heh!
Larner · 25 July 2011 · Chapter 7: 1 Lithe
So, the residents of Pincup are suspicious of these gypsies who refused to leave and whose personal dignity is seen as above their station, are they? Good for Esme and Sara for their wins! Heh!
Author's reply
We know hobbits are suspicious by nature, even of those within the Shire. Perry's clan hasn't helped by keeping so tightly to themselves, and holding to their own suspicions of those outside their clan. It's the kind of mystery gossipy hobbits love!
Larner · 25 July 2011 · Chapter 6: Admonitions
I find myself wondering just what kind of clan the Nettleburs are, then. Sound almost like my Broadloams in some ways, if not as likely to scavenge.
Author's reply
They certainly are a mysterious clan. They would likely scavenge and hunt as much as they need to without having to travel too far. It got them by in the past, but Perry knows it's not enough anymore.
Larner · 24 July 2011 · Chapter 5: Tea and Conversation
I love Rumbi's wisdom here. And I DO like Perry!
Author's reply
Rumbi gives Amber some good advice. He has the advantage of perspective and has probably been waiting for the right moment to approach her. Perry's a nice chap. Cautious, a bit rough around the edges perhaps, but polite. :D
Dreamflower · 24 July 2011 · Chapter 7: 1 Lithe
Ah, now, so Perry's family is the Shire equivalent of the Traveling People (who don't much travel anymore)! Sprig's jealousy is definitely like to cause trouble...
Author's reply
If they ever really traveled at all. ;) Sprig's knowledge is clearly limited. Sprig is certainly concerned about Perry, and suspicious. He wants to protect Ami, but he needs to be mindful of his place as well. He'll need to find some way to toe the line, if he can.
Andrea · 20 July 2011 · Chapter 6: Admonitions
Admonitions indeed! Poor Amy! She tries hard to pull herself together. But that's not natural for her. And I'm sure, sooner or later she will fail. From my point of view Perry, the mysterious shepherd, seems to be a nice fellow. But is that also Sprig's opinion?
Author's reply
lol! Ami is certainly having a difficult time at the Fair so far, but don't count her out yet. She's naturally cheerful. :D Sprig will be meeting Perry soon. We'll see what he makes of the shepherd. ;)
Dreamflower · 19 July 2011 · Chapter 6: Admonitions
Ami's getting all sorts of conflicting advice. I think she's most likely to *take* the advice that suits her own inclinations. I'm very curious now about Perry's people...who could they be, so far out of the mainstream?
Author's reply
You're right about that! She still has more advice to suffer through though. ;) Perry has lived a sheltered life - or at least, an isolated life.
Larner · 17 July 2011 · Chapter 4: The Shepherd of Nohill
Ah, Perry's awake now, and perhaps a wee bit jealous as well? And it's plain just how it is that Ami becomes so distracted from what she's supposed to be doing. Ferumbras isn't going to get the easy betrothal he's been looking forward to--that's plain (even if whe didn't know it to begin with).
Author's reply
Perry is more resigned than anything else. He always knew it was just a dream and he just had that confirmed. Ami lives very much in the moment - easy to be distracted, especially when the present offers up such mysteries! Ferumbras certainly has his work cut out for him. ;)
Andrea · 10 July 2011 · Chapter 4: The Shepherd of Nohill
Dear Gamgeefest, I like this story very much, especially Ami who is indeed very Tookish but unfortunately very easily distracted ;-) I agree with Dreamflower that things get more and more tangled up. And so I have no idea of what will happen next. But I'm sure Perry the mysterious shepherd is involved. I'm looking forward to reading more!
Author's reply
Hello Andrea! I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. :) Ami does appear to have a chronic case of short-attention span, even for a Took. :D I can't seem to keep tangles out of my stories - they're so much fun to write and figure out! Thanks for reading!
Dreamflower · 9 July 2011 · Chapter 4: The Shepherd of Nohill
More "uh-oh". I am as mystified by Perry as Ami was... he seems very oddly isolated for a hobbit of the Shire. And of course, Ami's at the center of the Talk again. I have a feeling things are going to get even more tangled up. (BTW-- re-reading "Distractions" lately! That's such a fun story!)
Author's reply
Things do seem to get tangled up in my stories. :D Perry does appear to live off the map, so to speak. Not every hobbit is going to live in a town, but the ones to isolate themselves aren't going to come to the fairs or other gatherings either. Perry is a mystery. And yes, Ami is the center of Talk again. She just can't seem to help herself. (I had a lot of fun writing Distractions. Glad you're enjoying it the second time through!)
eiluj · 6 July 2011 · Chapter 3: Many Meetings
Oh dear.... Interesting idea about the Mayor presiding over trials. I agree trials would have been rare, so it makes sense for the Mayor to preside, as well as to decide in the case of lawsuits resulting from boundary issues, contested wills, etc. I suppose the Mayor could appoint advisers if he needed help. I wonder how Bree handled those situations? We don't know if they had anything along the lines of a mayor or town council -- or the equivalent of Bounders or Shirriffs.
Author's reply
I'm sure that the Thain and Master would just as easily conduct trials - and no doubt have over the many years - but it could just as easily be the Mayor. We do know that Sam wrote at least one law, so it stands to reason there is a precedent for that. Bree would be interesting. There would have to be both Big and Little People in on those decisions!
Dreamflower · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 3: Many Meetings
Uh-oh! Well, of course, I already knew, but you wrote the chapter so skillfully that I forgot I already knew. Of course it wasn't going to go smoothly! It's Lalia after all, and we know from the Family Tree that Ferumbras never weds... But still-- you managed the suspense quite well, and the foreshadowing too! I have to say, looking at the litany of Ami's offenses, Lalia did have a point. Oh dear...
Author's reply
Oh, Lalia does throw quite a wrench into the dealings here, that's for certain. Ferumbras certainly never has heirs - not every wife is listed on the family trees. ;) Ami has been negligent, for all that she's been well-meaning. Lalia could have picked a better time - and manner - for bringing all this up of course. Ferumbras still has some hope - but for how long?
Larner · 5 July 2011 · Chapter 3: Many Meetings
Ah, but there is the Lalia Clayhanger Took we all love to be frustrated with! Poor Rumbi, and poor Ami!
Author's reply
Yep. Though Lalia had obviously kept all this in as long as she could. She had quite a list stored up! :P But yes, poor Rumbi and poor Ami.
Larner · 1 July 2011 · Chapter 2: Here We Go a Traveling
Ah, she is cute!
Author's reply
:D They all have their adorable moments. Thanks for reading!
Larner · 1 July 2011 · Chapter 1: The Darling of Tookland
Hmm. A most interesting superstition there. Poor Hildigard, dying young like that! Ami's obviously a heart-breaker already, and these lasses are definitely more democratic in their attitudes than most of the gentry! Heh! I can see how she got her nickname. And both Ferumbras and Lalia are displayed a good deal more sympathetically than they usually are, which is a nice change.
Author's reply
Poor Hildigard, yes. But Tolkien made did it, not me! :P Oh, Ami is a heart-breaker, though she certainly doesn't mean to be. She's far more democratic than the rest of her clan, and her times, that is certain. She's a rare one, the type to come along and challenge the status quo, as it were. :) I am doing my best to show Lalia with some sympathy here, but it's not going to be easy! Ferumbras I think is just misunderstood. Thanks for reading!