Lady Forlong
· 28 July 2026
· Chapter 81: I ponder the incomprehensible
Some random thoughts…
He remembers “that marvelous valley…” again. A good sign.
Hm… that song sounds familiar.
Living in the present moment is good advice for anyone, not just for ponies.
Bill doesn’t realize that he’s a hero. I wonder if he's ever going to figure it out. "Only a pony" indeed!
Author's reply
I'm glad you noticed that once Bill was freed from the oppression of the Ring (while Sam was the Ring-bearer), his memories of Rivendell returned. That was intentional on my part. (Sometimes when the writing works, it's all the Muse's doing, meaning I didn't consciously realise how the pieces fit together at the time I was writing. At other times, I might put in a deliberate metaphor [or something like that; my brain feels like it's turning to mush, and I need a nap] that ends up falling flat, even as I'm afraid I'm belaboring the point. I find the writing process quite intriguing to contemplate.)
LOL on familiar songs. I think I read that JRRT's troll song was based on the tune to a nursery rhyme? Melodies persist though lyrics may change over time... and now I find myself wondering how many different lyrics have been sung to the tune of "It's raining, it's pouring, the old man is snoring..."?
For some reason, contemplating Bill's understanding about being a hero (or lack thereof) brought to my mind that lovely conversation between Frodo and Sam as they walked... through Ithilien, was it? The movie did a good job with that scrap of dialogue, I think. 'But [said Frodo after laughing again] you've left out one of the chief characters: Samwise the stouthearted. “I want to hear more about Sam, dad. Why didn’t they put in more of his talk, dad? That’s what I like, it makes me laugh. And Frodo wouldn’t have got far without Sam, would he, dad?”'
For me, living in the present moment portends a nap, I think.
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your impressions. I quite appreciate it.
shirebound
· 28 July 2026
· Chapter 81: I ponder the incomprehensible
What a glorious and well-deserved show of love and respect from the townsfolk! Bill's dam is very wise... all of us would do well to embrace the good times when they come and let the good feelings surround us.
Well done, indeed. My favorite scene in the films that Peter Jackson invented was the display of reverence and gratitude to the hobbits in Gondor. Many of us spent years writing fanfic that gave them the love, respect, and healing they all deserved.
Author's reply
Ah, yes, I love that scene. "My friends, you bow to no one." I love it so much that I've taken inspiration from the film in some of my stories, like when Merry and Sam lead the Shire-folk in bowing to Pippin to show their confidence in him as Thain, and when Elessar and Arwen and all of those travelling with them bow to the hobbits when they meet at the Brandywine Bridge.
Many of us spent years writing fanfic that gave them the love, respect, and healing they all deserved. So true! I think your stories were some of the first I read, that hooked me on the love, respect, and healing to be found in lovingly-crafted fanfic. (I need to go back and read your Cormallen piece. And another thought has been nagging at me lately... was that the one where Pippin was musing over Strider's many names, or was it another one?)
Thanks so much for your encouragement and food for thought, my friend. Embracing the present moment and looking for joy in it is so much more productive than borrowing trouble, I've come to realise.
KathyG
· 22 July 2026
· Chapter 80: Beyond my fondest hopes and dreams, events unfold
Aww, a fond reunion, indeed! Bill's been reunited withy his mother, and he has *so* much to tell her!
Author's reply
It is so satisfying to reach this point in the story.
(I'll be sending you an email this week, so if you don't see it by Thursday, please let me know.)
Lady Forlong
· 21 July 2026
· Chapter 80: Beyond my fondest hopes and dreams, events unfold
... And so good to see him reunited with his mother!
Author's reply
Yes! I'm so happy to have reached this point in Bill's story.
Thanks!
Lady Forlong
· 21 July 2026
· Chapter 79: Things seem to be returning to normal – or what passes for normal these days
“...cannot put my nose upon it in this moment.” I guess that’s the pony equivalent of “can’t put my finger on it” since they don’t have fingers. And “The pen is heavier than the shovel and wheelbarrow” instead of “mightier than the sword” -- another twist on an old saying, since hobbits are into gardening, not swords.
That being said, it's so good to see Bill back on his feet again.
Author's reply
You're right about the idioms! I find it quite fun to run across a cliche and then figure out how to tweak it to fit into Tolkien's world in a way that makes sense.
Thanks for reading and pausing to share your impressions! I'm always happy to hear from you.
shirebound
· 21 July 2026
· Chapter 80: Beyond my fondest hopes and dreams, events unfold
Another joyous reunion! Bill is finding joy to chase any remaining Shadows away.
push at him gently with my nose as he swings the half-door open.
That's exactly what my Rena-pup does to my leg when I delay opening the door for her backyard romps and rambles.
Author's reply
That's exactly what my Rena-pup does to my leg when I delay opening the door for her backyard romps and rambles.
What fun! I love seeing this in my imagination...
I am glad to say that Bill has many happy days ahead... up to and including Sam's return. And beyond, of course.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 18 July 2026
· Chapter 79: Things seem to be returning to normal – or what passes for normal these days
There is something familiar about this Man, though I cannot put my nose upon it in this moment.
What a lovely encounter for Bill! And what a lovely chapter, full of joy and relief and resuming the simple lives of these good folk.
Author's reply
It is so nice to get bak to fluff (more or less, or maybe I should say 'more than less'). Good times (along with more chances for Bill to prove his quality) are ahead!
Thanks so much for coming along on this journey. I sincerely appreciate your encouragement.
KathyG
· 17 July 2026
· Chapter 79: Things seem to be returning to normal – or what passes for normal these days
At least Bill's as good as new! Or almost, if not quite there yet. Now all that remains is to keep himself occupied while waiting for his hobbits to come back!
Author's reply
Almost as good as new – even with his recent difficulties, he's probably in much better shape than he was when he set out with the Travellers.
Bill will certainly be kept occupied over the next months... There's a relative shortage of equines in Bree at the moment, even with the influx of boarders at the Prancing Pony brought in by local folk who had lived outside the protection of the Hedge and Dike in less-troubled times. I'm sure he'll be happy to help out where he can.
Thanks so much!
KathyG
· 11 July 2026
· Chapter 78: At last we have our wishes
At least Bill's on his feet and on the mend now! And in his spirit, he has seen Frodo's rescue. Now to see what comes next!
Author's reply
Whew, what a relief to have brought him through! And now, his adventures in Bree will be the main topic, at least for a while, including reunions and new friends and discoveries.
Thanks!
Lady Forlong
· 7 July 2026
· Chapter 78: At last we have our wishes
It’s getting so bad that he’s even starting to forget “that blessed valley” now.
Seeing Frodo lash out at “his” Sam is so heartbreaking for Bill – especially when he doesn’t understand about the Ring, even though he senses that it's evil.
“All’s well that ends better.” I think that’s an improvement on that old phrase.
Once again Bill is in two places at once but I’m glad he’s back for the time being. He needs a break from all this so he can recover. He’s not out of the woods yet.
Author's reply
You're right; I envisioned part of the Ring's influence as oppressive. Alas, It took everything away from poor Frodo near the end. This snippet from "Mount Doom" makes me feel weepy:
‘Do you remember that bit of rabbit, Mr. Frodo?’ he said. ‘And our place under the warm bank in Captain Faramir’s country, the day I saw an oliphaunt?’
‘No, I am afraid not, Sam,’ said Frodo. ‘At least, I know that such things happened, but I cannot see them. No taste of food, no feel of water, no sound of wind, no memory of tree or grass or flower, no image of moon or star are left to me. I am naked in the dark, Sam, and there is no veil between me and the wheel of fire. I begin to see it even with my waking eyes, and all else fades.’
In the film, Sam says, 'Do you remember the Shire, Mr. Frodo? It'll be spring soon. And the orchards will be in blossom. And the birds will be nesting in the hazel thicket. And they'll be sowing the summer barley in the lower fields... and eating the first of the strawberries with cream. Do you remember the taste of strawberries?'
In both cases, Sam says something like "Best be rid of It, then" (and in the book, he casts away his precious cookware).
And so, Bill's mental/spiritual proximity to the Ring during this part of the story have allowed the Ring to oppress him with impressions of his doom at the hands of orcs while suppressing the memories – like his thoughts of Rivendell – that give Bill strength (I tried to show the Ring as connecting directly to Bill's consciousness without words, rather like Gandalf's conveying of the the way home as he bestowed his gift of the Voices on Bill outside the Doors of Moria). But like Sam's love for his master helped the Gardener resist the Ring, Bill's love for and the nearness of his beloved Sam give him strength and keep him anchored.
Hopefully this makes sense! I, in contrast, do remember the taste of food, and I'm overdue in cooking something or other for dinner! When I start rambling, it's a good sign I need to get up and search for protein. If only I had some lembas handy...
(Thanks!)
Lady Forlong
· 7 July 2026
· Chapter 77: The search continues
Poor Bill. He doesn’t realize he’s not the one Sam is calling a “sluggard.” I don’t think Sam even knows he’s there, at least not consciously.
BTW, I’m glad to hear that those Voices are coming from a more benevolent source than I thought at first.
Author's reply
While Sam doesn't consciously realize Bill is with him in spirit, I wonder if he dreams about Bill being present in later years? (The idea intrigues me.)
I'm glad to have been able to reassure you as to the origin of the Voices that were speaking to Bill at this point.
Thanks so much for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts! I really appreciate it.
shirebound
· 7 July 2026
· Chapter 78: At last we have our wishes
I'm here too, I whicker deep in my throat, not caring that he will not understand what I am saying. We've come, dear Master. By life or death, we could not bear to let the orcs have you!
Ohhhh, that's lovely.
No one could ever deny that Bill was as much an essential and courageous part of this Fellowship as any of the others.
Author's reply
No one could ever deny that Bill was as much an essential and courageous part of this Fellowship as any of the others.
Even the Professor said so! In "The Ring Goes South", he wrote:
The stay in Rivendell had worked a great wonder of change on him: he was glossy and seemed to have the vigour of youth. It was Sam who had insisted on choosing him, declaring that Bill (as he called him) would pine, if he did not come.
‘That animal can nearly talk,’ he said, ‘and would talk, if he stayed here much longer. He gave me a look as plain as Mr. Pippin could speak it: if you don’t let me go with you, Sam, I’ll follow on my own.’ So Bill was going as the beast of burden, yet he was the only member of the Company that did not seem depressed.
And Gandalf, who was typically sparing when it came to praise, called him "a useful companion" and admitted that they would have had to travel lighter without him.
Yup. Both courageous and essential; I agree!
(And thanks!)
KathyG
· 5 July 2026
· Chapter 77: The search continues
LOL! Bill may be physically in a stable at The Prancing Pony, but clearly, his spirit is tracking Sam. Wonder is he's still going to tracking Sam in his spirit when Sam finds and rescues Frodo?
Author's reply
You have your answer now, as I have just posted the next chapter.
Thanks!
shirebound
· 4 July 2026
· Chapter 77: The search continues
Light shines within his grasp, driving the shadows away rather than drawing them in.
What a marvelous way to compare the Ring and the phial!
Author's reply
Thank you! Darkness versus Light...
Lady Forlong
· 3 July 2026
· Chapter 76: I witness a curious battle of sorts
Wow! What a devastatingly beautiful and vivid description of Sam's struggle!
If it's really the Ring that's doing this, (Is that the Voice Bill is "hearing"?) then it "shot itself in the foot" (so to speak) because if the connection works both ways, then Bill's "presence" may have actually helped Sam to find the strength he needed to do what he had to do.
Author's reply
Perhaps I didn't make it clear enough, but the Voice that Bill is "hearing" in this part of the story belongs to one of the Valar (or more than one, speaking as one), or perhaps even Eru (!), watching to see the outcome that would be wrought by free will at this point in the story (or do I mean the Song?). For even though I believe it is written that Light will triumph against Darkness in the end, free will is also built into the equation somehow. Thus, Isildur might have cast the Ring into the Fire when he had the chance. Galadriel might have accepted the Ring from Frodo when he offered it to her. Saruman might have recognized the pitfalls of pride and stood firm against Sauron's enticements and illusions. Boromir might have resisted temptation. Etc. Any of these possibilities would have led to a completely different story/journey/epic/thing.
Bill cannot hear the voice of the Ring, but he can see Its effect on Sam.
(Do you think I need to go back and clarify that point?)
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and impressions.
shirebound
· 1 July 2026
· Chapter 76: I witness a curious battle of sorts
Steady, Great-Heart. For now is the moment of Decision, and the fate of all Middle-earth hangs in the balance.
I never really thought of how pivotal that moment was! What a marvelous and insightful chapter. It reminds me of my story "Light out of Darkness", in which Frodo tells Gandalf...
"Much more would have been lost without Sam,” Frodo murmured. “The star-glass wasn’t the only source of light for me, or even the brightest.”
How we love our Sam!
Author's reply
Oh yes! Thank you for reminding me of that story. I went back and re-read it. (I know I re-read it because I left reviews way back when, but I had forgotten much, and so it was almost like reading something new again.) I love your insights into the Professor's story, and how you draw the characters and their inner thought process and their relationships. The idea of Light recognizing Light rings true.
Larner also comes to mind when I think about this idea, and how her stories describe Frodo and Sam in terms of their Light.
I am smiling at Frodo's description of Sam as a source of light, sometimes shining even brighter than the star-glass. (In other words, I love that quote!)
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts! They contain great food for thought.
Lady Forlong
· 30 June 2026
· Chapter 75: Standing firm once more
"He will not let it harm me."
So even in this dream state, Bill has enough "horse sense" to know that the Ring is bad news.
Author's reply
I think so. I remember reading (in one of JRRT's letters?) that the black horses could hardly bear their dreadful Riders. Even in the real world, animals seem to know evil when they encounter it. (A few of our dogs over the years very clearly showed their sensitivity to good vs bad people.)
Thanks!
Erulissé
· 25 June 2026
· Chapter 75: Standing firm once more
You have no idea how relieved I was to read the chapter name!
Little Letty is so precious! It's going to be heart-rending when Sam reclaims him! Hmmm... I wonder if Letty ever comes to visit him or vice versa when Sam goes abroad (I rather seem to remember he didn't do that very often... Food for thought).
I would never have thought of Bill shadowing his Sam, but it is so brilliant! I love it. It really makes me think of an angel. We can't see them, but we know they're there, especially in our darkest moments.
So much love! I can't wait for the next one. All of your time and care is deeply reflected in your writing and it is deeply appreciated!!! 💗
Author's reply
Ah, yes, food for thought. (Perhaps such a scene might appear in the Epilogue, you never know.)
I cannot imagine that Sam was completely abandoned, though his choices remained entirely his own. I seem to remember that the Valar and Maiar did not interfere in the lives of mortals, allowing for the working of free will. (I was thinking of what I've heard about angels, too, actually. Bill is no angel, but he is a vessel for good.)
Thanks for reading and for your encouragement. I do love "playing" in the Professor's sandbox...
shirebound
· 24 June 2026
· Chapter 75: Standing firm once more
I keep as close as I can without stepping on his heels as he begins to creep along.
I'll never again read these chapters without imagining Bill right there with him.
Author's reply
Whew. Somehow it's nice to know that Sam was not completely alone during this time of trial. Bless the hobbit...
Thanks!
Erulissé
· 13 June 2026
· Chapter 74: I emerge from dreams to reality
Aiiiiii!!! The subtle mentions of the other equine in the stable are driving me mad! I am so relieved that Bill has 'turned the corner'! I can't wait for the next chapter, as always! Many thanks! Slán!
Author's reply
Bill's reunion with his mum will be coming soon, perhaps three chapters from now? Anyhow, it's getting closer with every chapter posted.
You're welcome, and thank you for stopping and taking time to share your thoughts and encouragement!
Lady Forlong
· 13 June 2026
· Chapter 74: I emerge from dreams to reality
Bill may have it all wrong about Shire hobbits being wanderers -- nothing could be further from the truth! (Excepting "his" hobbits, of course, but I'm sure they'd rather be safe in their nice comfy hobbit-holes if they had the choice.) But at least he's feeling better. And I have to wonder if it has anything to do with Sam finding Frodo.
Author's reply
Poor Bill has made an assumption based on a partial understanding... and yet, after he returns to the Shire with Sam, it's going to seem to him that he's come to the right conclusion. Sam does travel all round the Shire planting trees, after all, and then when he becomes Mayor, he and Bill will travel to various places to open festivals and celebrations as well as perform other Mayorly duties. Strangely enough, as things work out, Bill is right about his hobbit in this instance.
As to Sam finding Frodo... that's coming up soon in the story.
Thanks!
Author Reply: (Maybe I meant "mayoral" rather than "mayorly"?)
KathyG
· 12 June 2026
· Chapter 74: I emerge from dreams to reality
Thank goodness Bill's on the mend now! He's been somehow keeping track of Frodo and Sam during his sickness, I've noticed, but I don't suppose he'll be doing that now that he's on the mend.
Author's reply
As long as Sam is in possession of the Ring, there's a chance that Bill might connect with him, as you'll see in the newest chapter that was just posted.
Thanks! I appreciate hearing your thoughts.
shirebound
· 12 June 2026
· Chapter 74: I emerge from dreams to reality
Violent may choose horse-grooming as her future profession.
I merely toss my head and whicker a cheerful pony-song
That's so lovely. Hooray for healing and delicious food and cheerfulness!
Author's reply
Hooray! Spoiling Bill is such fun.
I imagine she would love to become a stable worker or have some other vocation that involves lots of time with ponies. (Actually, the Epilogue as currently written provides a glimpse of grown-up Violet, so you've got that to look forward to!)
Thanks!
Erulissé
· 12 June 2026
· Chapter 73: Interlude takes a worrying turn
Wow. What a chapter. That is an absolute MASTERPIECE!!!!!! I have no other words!
Author's reply
Oh my! (Or perhaps I mean LOL?) I have never heard that word applied to my stories before, but I thank you for your enthusiasm and encouragement.
Of course, Tolkien's writing fits my own definition of a "masterpiece", and I try to write as closely to the spirit of the original work as I can (though I am only human and haven't come anywhere close to a professor's store of knowledge in my eclectic learning journey). So I am smiling at the thought that I seem to have succeeded in my aim in this chapter. (Moreover, since so much of the phrasing in this chapter was drawn from the original source and blended into Bill's current narrative, I suppose I can give Tolkien the lion's share of the praise, which is only fitting!)
Lady Forlong
· 9 June 2026
· Chapter 73: Interlude takes a worrying turn
Poor Bill! He's in two places at once, and neither of them are good.
Author's reply
In a nutshell, as they say.
But things ought to be looking up within the next few chapters, so there's a light at the end of the tunnel.
(I seem to be beset by cliches today, and my keyboard is doing weird things, so I'll have to leave it at that.)
Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts!