Bracken, what a fitting name, and named after Ferdi no less. I love the picture of Hally in an apron...makes me smile.
How terrible for Gunly(?) to have to hear his neighbors speculating about his brothers wits.He kept his temper well though he will not likely forget what he heard anytime soon. I don't think I would have done half as well if it had been one of MY brothers.
By the way, was he there to gather info to give Hally that their plan was working? Does that make sense? Haven't gotten any sleep yet tonight.
Author's reply
It makes me smile, too. Although people like to make jokes about Hally starving to death if something happened to Rosemary, he's actually quite a good cook in his own right.
I know I'd have trouble listening to someone denounce one of my brothers. The only thing that keeps him silent is the knowledge that he's protecting Hally and Hally's family by his silence, even though it feels like a betrayal.
You're making perfect sense! As a matter of fact, you're exactly right. He has no other reason to go to the market, after spending his life savings the week before, but to gather information and to see if Hally's plan is working, or if they have to engineer a shouting confrontation in the middle of the town to add a persuasive touch to the picture they're painting.
(What kind of newborn pups are you watching over? We have a puppy about ten hours' drive away, that we are chafing to go and pick up... just another month, and she'll be ours.)
Dreamflower
· 6 May 2014
· Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Perfect, my dear! Absolutely perfect! Ah, dear Viola...
Author's reply
Thank you! She does have a good heart, but...
Everlight
· 6 May 2014
· Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Well, their ploy is certainly working. Hally may be quiet but he's as sharp as anyone, maybe more so. The children's remarks definitely made it seem authentic to Violet and now the rumors will be spreading like wild fire.
Author's reply
Hally is the perfect picture of the phrase "still waters run deep". I think those who don't know him well or who don't pay close attention are inclined to underestimate him.
Thanks!
Larner
· 5 May 2014
· Chapter 14: Chapter 14
And poor Violet doesn't appreciate just how much she as well as the ruffians are being taken in by this truly clever Bolger! Heh!
Author's reply
She certainly doesn't. Guess it's a testimony to Hally and Rose's skill...
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 5 May 2014
· Chapter 14: Chapter 14
Okay, I know Hally and Rose can't say anything to anyone about what they're up to, but having to deal with people like Violet into the bargain just makes it worse. I'm sure I could explain it, but I really don't like her. I know she's just being the typical hobbit of the time but she's a bit on the judgemental side and she just rubbed me wrong. Don't get me wrong, I think she was perfect for this story, I just don't think I'd like to meet her. :)
Author's reply
LOL! I read somewhere that JRRT himself found typical Shirefolk to be insular and tiresome. You're in good company!
Thanks!
Tari
· 2 May 2014
· Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Ruffians do have a heart, much to the surprise of the Hobbits. Expectant mothers and wee ones softened them up quite a bit. A very touching chapter.
Author's reply
I am glad the ruffians are still capable of feeling compassion. I'm not sure they'd be able to, if they were already under the direct, frequent influence of Saruman's Voice. But I don't think he arrives until September, and this is still early in the year.
Thanks!
Larner
· 1 May 2014
· Chapter 13: Chapter 13
At least they remembered their humanity for the moment, at least. Compassion is still possible for them. Now--if it would only generalize!
Author's reply
Yes, if it would only generalize. I think some of them are able to see hobbits as people, but peer pressure is enough to keep them in line. Of course, when Saruman and his Voice arrive, all bets are off...
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing you!
Everlight
· 30 April 2014
· Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Great chapter! It was a good thing Scar and his men were there when she went into labor. Poor Ches, thinking the ruffians were stealing his wife and Violet willing to go to save her husband and children.
Very glad the ruffians returned some of the goods (even if their reasons were selfish), it will definitely help in the future.
Author's reply
Ches and Violet were both very brave. I'm glad it was just a midwife that was wanted. (Three-fingers ought to have *said* at the start...)
Yup, the ruffians are definitely looking out for their own best interests, but it'll be a help to Hally and Rosie and their little ones as well -- and will alienate their friends and neighbours all the faster. Sad, but necessary.
Garnet Took
· 30 April 2014
· Chapter 13: Chapter 13
Great chapter!
It really strikes me that had certain things in their backgrounds been different, some of the ruffians actually could have turned out to be honerable men. I'm glad everything came out all right in the end and that the ruffians weren't totally mean. Yes, they have their own reasons for leaving the things they'd gather but the family will benefit as well.
Poor Violet, she's now totally confused but at least she came and helped and her husband didn't offend the ruffians too badly. It is sad that too soon Rose and Hally will be totally outcast from hobbit society.
Author's reply
Thank you!
Been out of town, but back to posting again, at least so long as Real Life allows. You make a good point about the ruffians turning out differently, had their circumstances been different. I still wonder at the people who grow up in horrible circumstances and still turn out to be fine and upstanding -- what makes them different?
Garnet Took
· 24 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Oh dear. How sad. It looks like, despite their best efforts, they're still going to loose everything. My heart is breaking for them. And it looks like that baby is coming even if those men are there.
Great chapter as always
Author's reply
It's hard to lose everything, but they have courage and determination on their side (not to mention cleverness as well).
Thanks!
Larner
· 24 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Taming the wolves indeed! The unprintable words! Aargh! To take the goats is too much!
Author's reply
I know, it's bad enough to lose what they just purchased at market, but also, to lose what they've been living from (certainly *not* extra!) is a difficult blow. No wonder the farmer (who was said to have been put down his own well) protested at the ruffians' depredations!
Thanks!
Everlight
· 24 April 2014
· Chapter 12: Chapter 12
Ah, such a dangerous game to play. Rose is playing it very well for the nonce...tread carefully now, dear.
Hope she isn't going into labor! I would not want to have ruffians delivering the baby. And the food that's being gathered...Poor Rose.
Author's reply
Dangerous, nerve-wracking game to play. This is probably the hardest part -- setting up the relationship, and not sure how the other party is going to act or react.
Thanks!
Larner
· 22 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
We knew they would, just not when, of course. And just when she was about to take a well needed nap! Of course!
That richness of eggs won't last all that long at this rate, unfortunately.
Author's reply
I remember being a young mum. Something so often happened just when I was about to lie down for a nap -- phone rang, or knock at the door, or dog threw up, or something...
Well, I guess it's a little like being a kid in a candy store -- I imagine she'll settle down pretty quickly after the initial excitement. She may well have been thinking the eggs would be quickly "gathered" in any event, and was going to take advantage while they still had them...
She's used to baking without the benefit of eggs, but it must be such a wonderful luxury to have them and be able to use them (and know how to use them, too! I think her mother's cook was a very good cook...).
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 21 April 2014
· Chapter 11: Chapter 11
You left it there?! Oh the suspense.
I really liked the description of a day in their lives in the new "normal". I'm just woorried about this first encounter with Rose and the children all on their own with the ruffians, and her about to have this baby.
Great job, as always.
Author's reply
This is the real test, isn't it? Hally can't hang around all the time -- his work is in the woods, at least part of the time (a woodcarver has to have something to carve, after all!) and it might look suspicious if he were always at home. He's a very practical sort, as well, and figures the ruffians' tongues might wag more freely with only a bustling mum and little children to hear them.
Thanks!
Author Reply: p.s. I can only imagine that Hally is on pins and needles, out cutting in his "usual" places, and if he's a nail-biter, his nails are taking a beating this day...
Everlight
· 18 April 2014
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
*shivers* Wolves, what a good way to describe the ruffians. The first meeting seemed to go well...hopefully the others go just as well.
I loved the part with them saying what they are thankful for. Reminds me of family prayers around the dinner table. A good family tradition to remind them that there is *always* something to be thankful for, even in the hard times.
Author's reply
The first meeting makes me think of walking on a tightrope, for some reason. Perhaps that's how it always feels? I think Rosemary gets enough used to the ruffians visiting that she can act relaxed with a little more ease, but she never quite lets her hair down completely, at least not on purpose (Whew).
Thanks!
Larner
· 18 April 2014
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
But inviting the wolf right into the house does go against the grain. I'm glad they appear to have forgotten the extra fabric. I certainly appreciate how this is disturbing Rosemary and her family.
Author's reply
Yes, inviting the wolf in seems counter-intuitive. Unless, of course, you're planning to domesticate it. Or semi-domesticate it. Or something like that.
Thanks!
Garnet Took
· 18 April 2014
· Chapter 10: Chapter 10
That was close. They were definitely going to "gather" at least the cloth, and probably anything else they could find. Fortunately, Hally is right, if they just keep throwing food at these wolves, it just may keep them at bay.
The risk they are taking is so great but I hope, when it comes, the payoff will be so much the sweeter. I know they don't get all they hoped for, at least at first, but they get quite a bit. Rose's brother alive, the Shire free, and eventually Rose reinstated into her family, we can hope.
Great job as usual.
Author's reply
You're right, they were definitely going to gather the cloth. Good things ruffians can be distracted.
And yes, the payoff certainly is sweeter for the danger and the effort.
Thanks!
Everlight
· 15 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
No turning back now. It's so sad that they are having to hide so much from their family and friends. Rose's friend knows something is up. It must be so hard on Rose to know that she is going to be losing so much support and her friendships. They are so brave.
Author's reply
No matter how they feel, the invasion has happened, is still happening, and they're going to have to deal with it one way or another. There must be some satisfaction in doing their small part, even though it doesn't seem to make that much difference in the short run. You're right, it is sad! I can only compare it to their other options -- I suppose you might call this the least of all evils.
Thanks!
Author Reply: (I hope my answer did not sound snarky. I was thinking aloud when I wrote it, and thinking how it must feel to be in their position, and I fear I was a little abrupt in writing my answer. Please accept my apologies if it came off as rude.)
Garnet Took
· 15 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
This is such a sad chapter between them having to hide so much from their family and friends and the fact that Rose has so clearly realized that the Shire they have known is gone. My heart breaks for the innocence lost.
Author's reply
It is sad to see such changes happening around you, and feel helpless to do anything to affect the apparent course of things. But Hally and Rosie have courage born of adversity. I have grown quite fond of them in writing this piece. (Have finished the rough draft of the ending, and am delighting in heaping the blessings high...)
It'll be rough going, but they have that core of inner toughness JRRT introduced us to, and faith, and love, and common sense.
Thanks!
Larner
· 15 April 2014
· Chapter 9: Chapter 9
It's plain enough that the Men are in the ascendant for the moment. Sad indeed that they must isolate themselves as they're doing and must do for the safety of many. Wonder what the Man watching her was thinking about?
Author's reply
One thing about Hally and Rosie -- they don't do things by halves! And Hally, for all his quiet ways up until this point (when he's going to have to totally change his approach to strangers and act like an extrovert when he'd rather continue to be introverted), has a good head on his shoulders and is good at figuring out solutions to problems.
I guess he'd have to have a good sense for anticipating problems and looking ahead, or he wouldn't have survived for long as a tree-cutter.
Thanks!
Author Reply: p.s. The Man's thoughts will likely become clearer in the next few chapters...
Tari
· 14 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
"Sun’s last smiles are gone from the sky." What a lovely way to describe a sunset. I am enjoying this tale very much.
Author's reply
Thank you!
Larner
· 11 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Ah, but the breaking of the window went well enough, since such a breaking was deemed necessary. And I fear that Hallie is all too right about the best use of their savings. Now, to bring the plan to bear!
Author's reply
Reminds me of an old tv quote: I love it when a plan comes together. And yes, plans are coming together. I think that they have a good grasp on the inevitable, and are doing their best to influence what's coming in a direction where they can profit, in a manner of speaking.
Thanks!
demeter d
· 10 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
Ahh, so it begins! And now Gundy will be helping, too. It is fascinating to take a step backward from "The Rescue" to take this look at how they got to that point. And, you know, now, after you get this story and "The Rescue" completed, you will need to write for us Hally, Rosie, and Ferdi's appearance before the Thain when this is all over with, don't you! (Pretty please?) But do not hurry. As long as you are enjoying exploring these stories, I will enjoy reading them.
Author's reply
I'm glad you find it fascinating. I love to look behind the main action, and understand whys and hows and undercurrents, and it's nice to have company!
As a matter of fact, there are several chapters already written, and more being added every day or two, dealing with events after the Battle of Bywater. They may be a part of this story (it will be one of the long, many-chaptered stories if that comes about, where the events of "The Rescue" merit brief mention as Hally and Rose pass through them) or end up part of a sequel, if they come to fruition. (Keep thinking good thoughts.)
Thank you for the encouragement!
Garnet Took
· 10 April 2014
· Chapter 8: Chapter 8
And so it truly begins.
I like Gundy's way of solving the problem about keeping the shutters closed. That took care of it right neatly.
I'm glad Hally and his brother have an understanding. That will help all of them
Oh, things are about to get so hard for them in so many ways. I feel for them, and all the other hobbits who couldn't do anything to help themselves in a situation like this.
Still finding the whole surviving in an occupied land idea fascinating. I love a good story like this that I can sink my teeth into.
Author's reply
Gundy is a do-er, more than a talk-er. He gets the job done.
Life is about to get hard for all the hobbits of the Shire. Hally and Rosemary, though, by the choices they're making, can at least feel as if they're accomplishing something and are not totally helpless and carried along on the tide of events.
Author Reply: p.s. Thanks for the vote of confidence!
Larner
· 7 April 2014
· Chapter 7: Chapter 7
A hard necessity, but one that will guarantee their safety. I look forward to the day when they shall be able to embrace their Took heritage again, however.
Author's reply
Too true. Hard to disavow her beloved brother, her only real connection remaining with her family, and the only one willing to dare the consequences of staying in touch with her. And yet, it's for his good, as well as her family's...
I'm looking forward to that day as well, even though they have little hope of its coming in their lifetime. It's nice to have a little extra knowledge (like just how long the Troubles will last, and when and how the ruffians will have their comeuppance).