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As the Gentle Rain  by Lindelea 3 Review(s)
Mysterious JediReviewed Chapter: 33 on 5/23/2004
Starting Yuletide early: reminds me of my mother.

I love the story, but I'm rather confused as to how they can hang the criminal after the hobbits had already released every man that asked for mercy (or am I mistaken?)

Author Reply: Good question. Think of the timeline. They released the Men captured in the Battle of Bywater, true, but that was before they saw the conditions in the Lockholes.

They escorted ruffians out of the Shire for the next few weeks, but it is possible that none of these were Lockholes guards, whom I figure "got" while the going was good.

The King's edict later banned all Men from the Shire. Though Tolkien didn't say what the punishment would be, in my stories the penalty is death, if caught by the King's men (whereas the hobbits are more likely to escort a man to the borders and tell him never to come back, seeing as how they don't really care for killing). This was a necessary plot point in "At the End of His Rope".

As a plot point in this story, I'm postulating that the King might have issued a sort of "warrant" for Men who hanged or tortured hobbits during the time of the Troubles. Perhaps it's a stretch, but it moves the plot along and makes Ulrich's identity change more understandable.

Hope this clears up your question, and doesn't sound like too much of a stretch.

ConnieReviewed Chapter: 33 on 5/23/2004
Nice look at what's happening with Goldi and Farry. I really like them.

Wonder whats up with the sudden haste to get to Minas Tirith. I think Pilgrim's involved, but you're keeping us in suspense.

Ferdi came around to a new way of thinking. Pippin is probably very pleased.

Thanks.

Connie.

Author Reply: It is nice to have something to relieve the angst, especially after writing the "background" of what happened to the missing guardsman. Don't know yet if I'll use that material or not, it's as bad as Ferdi and Merry's ordeal.

Yes, I'm sure Pippin is pleased to see Ferdi's closed mind opening again, even though he was probably fit to be tied that his littlest children got so close to the ruffian...

Lyta PadfootReviewed Chapter: 33 on 5/23/2004
Things approach in this chapter: Ulrich's judgement and Yule (and parenthood!) for Goldi and Farry. The poor guardsman, I suspect the Pilgrim is back like the bad penny he is.

Author Reply: Yes, "hangings" are hanging over our heads... joyful and otherwise. And then there's the nebulous but very real threat looming. Things ought to break loose soon. Thanks for commenting!

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