Andrea
· 18 May 2009
· Chapter 12: Language Lessons
"Do you mean to tell me Elves have more than one language?" I was astonished at this revelation. "Why do they need more than one? And what are the others? Do you speak them? And when did you learn Westron? Do you suppose I could learn this Sindarin? Would I need to learn the others too?"
LOL!!! He's definitely a Took ;-)
And now that Elladan and Elrohir are Trotter's teachers I'm quite sure they will have many stories to tell about him to a certain hobbit many years later.
I'm glad that Trotter finally found out that speaking about a problem always helps, no matter how big the problem seems to be. It must have cost him quite an effort, but it was worth it!
Author's reply
Yes, he definitely is! I don't necessarily think *all* of Gerontius' children and descendants had his bump of curiousity, but I do think several of them did, and Hildifons *must* have been such a one!
I think Bilbo will question them quite a lot!
It was worth it. He needed to confide in *someone*!
Elflingimp
· 18 May 2009
· Chapter 12: Language Lessons
I liked the picture it went very well with your descriptions od the rivers and the village the Rangers lived in. I feel bad for Trotter that he gave his heart to that less than worthy Gardenia more like wilted flower if you ask me.LOL! Hugs The Imp
Author's reply
Thanks! I had the motte-and-bailey construction in my mind for a while, as logical for a Ranger village. It was lovely to find that picture when I googled!
Well, of course, if Gardenia had been worthy of him, we would never have had his story! ((hugs back))
GamgeeFest
· 18 May 2009
· Chapter 12: Language Lessons
Two Rivers sounds lovely. I'm sure that Trotter will enjoy his time there. I'm glad that he was finally able to find someone to pour his heart to. He needed to unburden himself and his sleep has already improved for it. And he's learning Elvish? What fun! I loved all his questions - he definitely shares many qualities with a certain later relation of his. ;)
Author's reply
Yes, he did need to unburden his heart, and Dirhael is close enough to him in maturity (I'm envisioning him here as only about 21 or 22, while Trotter at 33 is at about the same level) that it would feel natural to confide in him, as he might not to an older ranger like Arador.
Well, he'd have to start learning sometime! It's as well to make it early on...
*grin* Yes, that Tookish streak is very strong in him, isn't it?
pandemonium_213
· 14 May 2009
· Chapter 11: Interlude: Teatime with the Twins
Hi, Dreamflower!
I'm swooping in here to the Stories of Arda (and feeling a bit like Sauron at a hobbit picnic ;^)) to tell you how enchanting this story is. The premise is so creative. The History of Middle-earth is an absolute treasure trove of material, and you've taken a real gem from there and have run with it. This is a fabulous and wonderfully plausible background behind "Trotter." I swear, I squee'd and shivered when he was given the moniker by the doughty Rangers. Personally, I look at Tolkien's legendarium less as "canon" and more as "mythology" which is a considerably more fluid concept. "Trotter," I think, represents an imaginative application of that tactic, that is, treating the text of the HoMe as a myth or folkloric tale and transforming it into "this is what really happened."
Hildifons' voice is perfect. He's entirely hobbit and yet, well, with a little something extra. I cannot help but relate Hildifons to Mirimë in "The Ancestress" (also an entertaining tale with a *most* satisfactory explanation of the faerie wife -- this would fit seamlessly in my 'verse, too). He is Took through and through, and I have always been more partial to the Tooks and Brandybucks among the hobbitry. At times, Hildifons reminds me of a young British fellow of the 19th century who has left for adventure in foreign parts, i.e., India, the Americas, Africa, etc.
The pacing is well-executed, and the supporting cast nicely drawn. The tactic of switching to Bilbo's point of view in the interludes works nicely. Your use of first person for Hildifons remains in the appropriate PoV. .
The story also works well for me because there's a realism to it, e.g., Hildifons' disappointment in love and his terrifying encounter and captivity with the brigands. No, this is not a fluffy story in the least, but one of a narrator who is a complex fellow.
Be assured I will be following this avidly.
~ pandemonium
Author's reply
Oh my word! I am truly flattered and gratified by this review. I know that SS told me you were following the story, and I was pleased but surprised, as most of my stuff is--well, lighter than yours. And while this story has some dark edges as you note, it's still essentially hobbity, which means hopeful and optimistic in the long run.
From the first time I *read* Return of the Shadow, I was fascinated by the Idea of Trotter, not so much in his original function as an early incarnation of Strider, but by the thought of a hobbit, clearly once of the Shire, who was a Ranger, and who had travelled in the Wild, and who for some inexplicable reason, wore wooden shoes. It was clear to me that he was a Took, he just *had* to be, and I dearly wanted to do something with him. But I could not wrap my mind around an AU in which he played his original role. So I toyed with the idea that he was someone else altogether--and there was Hildifons, right there on the Took Family Tree, his fate unknown.
I love the parallel you draw between him and young 19th century adventurers, because a bit of that was in the back of my mind when I began to concoct his backstory. A young person leaving home because he has been crossed in love was an often seen scenario back then.
I hope you continue to enjoy the story! Thank you so much!
GamgeeFest
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 11: Interlude: Teatime with the Twins
So the twins mention Hildifons first. Elrond then must have told them that Bilbo knew his uncle had lived there. I too am interested of what stories they might tell. That description could fit nearly any Took, but a certain Peregrin comes to mind. ;)
Author's reply
Yes, I am sure their father mentioned that Bilbo had found the journal! And of course, I am drawing parallels there; a certain Tookish streak of personality that showed up also in Pippin!
GamgeeFest
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 10: A Meeting in the Wild
The famous Trotter? Bet that knocked him off his feet! It's only fitting that Aragorn's grandfather would share his nickname. And I imagine the men cooked to give Trotter a break - which they undoubtedly regretted the moment they started eating. ;)
Author's reply
Yes! Hildifons is indeed the famous Trotter!
Andrea
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 11: Interlude: Teatime with the Twins
"He was a very charming young person, full of questions…"
Well, that could also be the description of *Peregrin* Took, especially the last part ;-)
I'm curious to know what stories the twins will tell about Trotter, but since this was an interlude, I might have to wait a little longer.
So, back to Longshanks :)
Author's reply
Yep; I see curiousity as a very Tookish trait-- it was apparent in Bilbo, as well as in all three of the Old Took's Traveller descendants, but most *especially* in one Peregrin!
Yes, well you may observe for yourself some of what they will tell...
Larner
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 11: Interlude: Teatime with the Twins
Ah--so Sigismond reminds them of Hildifons? Nice! Most interesting indeed that he immediately springs to their minds and as they prepare to answer his questions.
Author's reply
In addition to Tookish temperament, I see a certain similarity of appearance between various Tooks. Pointed features and green or hazel eyes tend to show up in most of my Tooks. Some have a slight, wiry build, taking after Gerontius, while others are much larger than average, taking after Ferumbras II and Bandobras. Most tend to hair with reddish chestnut hair, though some, such as Primula, or many of the North-tooks have very dark hair, nearly black.
And I think that he sprung to their minds because their father had told them Bilbo found the journal...
Elflingimp
· 11 May 2009
· Chapter 11: Interlude: Teatime with the Twins
Hi Dreamflower, this chapter was indeed an interlude,it was very good and just a taste which left me wanting more. Hugs The Imp P.S. I think I'll go make some tea now. LOL!
Author's reply
Thank you, dear! I'm glad you are still enjoying it!
walkerskye
· 10 May 2009
· Chapter 10: A Meeting in the Wild
I can't wait for the rest!
Author's reply
Why, hello! And thank you for the comment! I will be posting a new chapter tomorrow!
Andrea
· 9 May 2009
· Chapter 10: A Meeting in the Wild
*Grins* The whole part about mealtimes, hobbits and rangers was just great!
I can't say I didn't miss second breakfast and elevenses, but it was not the hardship I once would have thought it.
Hear, hear ;-) But I don't think that Merry and Pippin share his opinion!
So, Longshanks is Arador, Aragorn's grandfather! I have a feeling that he will be chieftain of the Dunedain very soon... I hope I'm wrong, though!
And last but not least, the Elf twins seem to have enchanted Trotter from the first moment on. He won't be the last hobbit to react like that.
Author's reply
Well, I'm sure that by the end of the Quest, they knew they could do without them if they had to, LOL!
You can look in the Appendices and the Tale of Years, and find the dates. Or you can just wait and see, since I already did that!
Yes, Trotter was quite impressed with his first sight of Elves, wasn't he? *grin*
Larner
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 10: A Meeting in the Wild
It is wonderful to realize that Longshanks is Arador--so, one of Aragorn's sobriquettes was his grandfather's Bree-name. And love the meeting with the twins! Another Hobbit who's enchanted by Elves! Yes!
Now, to see what the problem foreseen by Arador's father, and how Hildifons reacts to the knowledge he's been dealing with the son of the current Chieftain of the Dunedain and future Chieftain in his own right! And again, love how he's managing to corrupt the Rangers--getting them to observe tea-time! Heh!
Author's reply
Yes, the Rangers, along with Trotter and the twins, are heading quickly home! I figured long legs might just run in the family!!
*grin* I just had to have the Rangers adopt tea-time! LOL!
Antane
· 8 May 2009
· Chapter 9: I Finally Get to Bree
Finally get back to this! Maybe he can send word back home that he's fine but not coming back so at least they know he's okay. He'll continue to have adventures I'm sure.
Namarie, God bless, Antane :)
Author's reply
*grin* I was just getting ready to upload Chapter 10, when your review popped up! You will see!
Larner
· 1 May 2009
· Chapter 9: I Finally Get to Bree
What a truly delightful visit to Bree! And his realization that the Bree-folk are needlessly careful of the Rangers is rather sad. Glad he could deliver Mistress Polly's message. And love his reaction to his dream! Poor Hobbit!
Author's reply
It's sad, but canon. I do think there may have been a few Bree-landers who had a glimmering of the truth, but not most of them, unfortunately.
And I really *did* have to lat him keep his promise to Mistress Polly.
As for the dream, he really never thought things out about his relationship to Gardenia before he impulsively left the Shire, so it's still going to haunt him from time to time. But his Ranger friends make him feel safe...
GamgeeFest
· 30 April 2009
· Chapter 9: I Finally Get to Bree
So Trotter learns that his friends are not well-thought of. He will need to get used to it, if he is to stay in their company. What a sad dream though! If only he could have faced his fears and worries and realize that going home was much the better option for him!
Author's reply
Yes, it's something that he will have to understand if he is going to remain in their company for a while.
It was a sad dream. He never really resolved his feelings about Gardenia before he left the Shire so impulsively; and yet, he still has that Tookish hankering for adventure, and he's also begun to love and admire his new friends, which makes him reluctant to leave them just yet.
GamgeeFest
· 30 April 2009
· Chapter 8: The Men of the West
Appropriate that the Rangers would give Hildifons his nickname. I too am dismayed to think that he might eventually leave the Ranger home, and yet we know already that he will. At least he has seen the good in people, as well as the bad, and he has hopefully learned something from the Rangers about tracking and where and when to travel. Hopefully, that will keep him safe for a while.
Author's reply
Since I imagine that it was hobbits that may have given a few of the Rangers their nicknames, it would be appropriate to have it the other way around for a change!
He's got a lot of adventure ahead of him yet!
Andrea
· 30 April 2009
· Chapter 9: I Finally Get to Bree
“Mr. Chubb, all my hobbit rooms are taken up by a party of Underhills from Staddle, here on account of a wedding.”
*grins* Underhills from Staddle? Well, Trotter won't remain the only hobbit who used an alias at the Prancing Pony ;-)
It seems the people of Bree have always been suspicious of Rangers. But I really like how Trotter defends his new friend Longshanks!
I'm looking forward to reading more about Trotter's adventures. There's more to come, I quite sure :)
Author's reply
Yes, the Underhills of Staddle seem to be very prolific, LOL!
It's true-- that suspicion seems to be a long-standing thing, sadly. But Trotter, like certain great-nephews of his will be, is very loyal!
Quite a bit more, actually! I am going to have to hustle to get it finished for the challenge!
Speedy Hobbit
· 30 April 2009
· Chapter 0: Prologue: An Unexpected Discovery
I'm so excited that someone wrote a Trotter story! I've always considered writing about Peregrin Boffin version of him, but never quite got to it. Trotter has always fascinated me. Great going, and I'm excitred to read the rest of the chapters!
Author's reply
Well, as you see, I did not use the "Peregrin Boffin" version-- though I found it interesting-- but instead went back a couple of generations to another mysterious figure.
I do hope eventually to capture the parts of the original "Trotter" that intrigued me: a hobbit ranger, the wooden shoes, the worldly wise attitude...
I hope you like what I am doing with it!
Queen Galadriel
· 29 April 2009
· Chapter 9: I Finally Get to Bree
Oh I love this! "Trotter" has had quite a lot of adventure already, much of it unpleasant, poor thing; what an awful thing to happen! But I love the Rangers...is Longshanks Aragorn before he was called Strider? That's my guess, as he was still called Longshanks by some in Bree by the time Frodo and his companions came through...and he just has to be Aragorn; there's no one like him.
I love the song! It's so bright and cheery that it sings itself, right off the screen.
Can't wait for more, I'm sure I want to find out what happens now as much as Bilbo does!
Author's reply
He has had a lot of adventure so far, and yes some has been unpleasant. But he's grown quite fond of the Rangers who saved him.
No, Longshanks is not Strider--Aragorn has not even been born yet! But long legs could run in the family!
I was flipping through an old songbook looking for inspiration, and found the one which I used for the first verse--that's all there was to it, and I wanted something longer, but that first verse just seemed very hobbity except for one of the names, which I changed.
Queen Galadriel
· 29 April 2009
· Chapter 1: Unlucky at Love
Oh, poor Hildi...but what a very rash decision!
Author's reply
Yes, well he's an impulsive Took! It was a rash decision, and yet I think it had quite as much to do with Gandalf's tales as it did a broken heart.
Queen Galadriel
· 29 April 2009
· Chapter 0: Prologue: An Unexpected Discovery
Ooo! This is going to be fascinating!
Your descriptions are so Bilboish here, and I love that you borrowed Tolkien's original name for Strider. :)
Author's reply
Well, you know, originally "Trotter" was a "hobbit Ranger" who wore little wooden shoes...I always loved that image,and decided to borrow it.
Raksha The Demon
· 29 April 2009
· Chapter 9: I Finally Get to Bree
I feel a bit bad that Trotter seems to be distancing himself from his life and kin in the Shire; but hopefully he'll be happy in the life he's chosen. Hmmm, Longshanks traveled with Gandalf? Interesting.
Loved the harvest song.
Author's reply
He doesn't yet realize, perhaps he never will, that his "broken heart" was only a catalyst to send him out on Adventure. Hildifons has his full share of the Tookish streak, and he has not had his fill of adventure yet. And he has grown to love and admire his surrogate family among the Rangers.
Yes, indeed he did, on at least one occasion.
I had fun with that! The first verse I found in an old book of children's traditional songs. It helped me to figure out the rest of it! I did change one of the names (Richard to Rolly) to make it more hobbity.
Aiwen
· 29 April 2009
· Chapter 7: I Make Myself Useful
Hildifons feels very hobbitish and a story so far is very plausible. Well done.
Author's reply
Thank you dear! I'm glad you are enjoying it!
Celeritas
· 28 April 2009
· Chapter 8: The Men of the West
Great explanation for the name, his having to trot to keep up with all those longshanked Big Folk! (Though I hope the wooden shoes will make an appearance as well, if only in Bree where the folk can come up with their own explanations for names already given.)
Can't wait till the next is posted!
Author's reply
*grin* I liked it! And yes, the wooden shoes will eventually make their appearance, for that was also part of what charmed me with the "original" Trotter...
I hope to get back to it now that The Cake is out of the way, both ficwise and in RL!
Raksha The Demon
· 25 April 2009
· Chapter 8: The Men of the West
Good for Trotter, showing Hobbit marksmanship! A born Ranger, I think. And now he's got a Ranger name!