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| The Tenth Walker by Lindelea | 835 Review(s) |
|---|---|
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 126 on 5/10/2025 |
| Ah, it was the empathy of Frodo rather than Aragorn I noted. But the same could indeed be said of the King-to-be had he thought of it first. I bless the pictures Gandalf shows Bill to bring him back to his birthplace. Thanks for this one. Author Reply: I have stolen some time to type review replies this morning, and so I must thank you for your encouraging feedback – for reading reviews is so energizing – but the "kitten" is having a cow, so to speak, and so I think I must close the laptop and embark upon a voyage of discovery to see what she needs. Or thinks she needs. A lap to nap on? Freshening the supply of food or water? A few light-hearted moments chasing a feather tied to a string? All demanding, insistent meows sound alike to me, and so a process of trial-and-error lies in my immediate future. (((hugs))) Thanks again! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 125 on 5/10/2025 |
| I am proud of Bill's strength and courage! And bless Aragorn for his empathy. Author Reply: Bill has learned much and grown much over the past weeks. He had a good foundation, what with the Old Man who bred and trained him and his dam who brought him up (and who evidently had stored up quite a lot of experience and wisdom before he was born). I'm glad that Aragorn made sure he had at least a little water as they walked through the dry lands, but I also wanted to emphasize Boromir's qualities as I imagine would be characteristic of a Captain of Gondor. Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts! I hope this finds you well. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 124 on 5/10/2025 |
| A good reminder that they are no longer in safe places. Author Reply: Gandalf undoubtedly had good reasons for his repeated urging to make haste, and the others probably took their cues from his concern, I should think! Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 123 on 5/10/2025 |
| Bill must be glad he is not expected to climb the stair as well. Author Reply: Poor Bill. Stairs seem to be his bane. I wonder if Gandalf would have welcomed (or at least allowed) his continued service in Moria, had it not been for stairs? Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 122 on 5/10/2025 |
| A lovely, quiet interlude. Author Reply: It was certainly a relief to have this respite after the wolf battle and before the encounter before the Doors of Moria, for sure! (Thanks!) | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 121 on 5/10/2025 |
| Excellent description of the battle with the wolves. Love the continuing evolution of Merry's descriptive renaming! And love that Pippin continues to be aware of the needs of Sam and Bill for protection during the whole process. Author Reply: I have to say, I skimmed over the "wolf battle" in my past readings, or at least I hurried through reading that passage. To write from Bill's perspective, I had to slow way down and read carefully, trying to note every detail as well as keep track where each character was throughout. Thanks so much for the praise! I'm glad the description works. | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 120 on 5/10/2025 |
| How apt the chapter title! The description of Pippin's retreat into terror is well crafted, and the acceptance of the others without discussion that Frodo's comfort of his youngest present cousin is best for both of them until the young Took reawakens and takes his own responsibility for protecting the Ringbearer back is so admirable. Bill's own determination to defend the party in spite of tether and hobbles is wonderful, as is his realization he must wait until he is certain he won't accidently injure his companions in defense of himself or the others. Well written! Author Reply: Your review brings me relief; I wasn't sure if Pippin would be believable, but his suddenly becoming overwhelmed and paralyzed by fear made sense to me in terms of his youth and relatively sheltered life in the Shire before setting out to accompany Frodo (despite all the fanfic out there just dripping with angst and such, my own included). Not knowing what to expect makes it worse, for he cannot even plan or strategize at all because he can't imagine surviving the attack. (Do you think he does better when the Orcs attack in Moria simply because he has experienced this battle and now knows more about fighting back-to-back and that, small as he is, he can make a difference with his sharp blade by applying the skills and lessons Boromir taught him along the way? Somehow, his change in attitude reminds me of something I heard someone say recently: 'Don't let the fear stop you; let it get behind you and push you forward.') As I have said elsewhere, Bill is both a wise pony, and he has grown wiser along the way. I think he might even be able to hold his own with Bill Ferny by the time he reaches Bree once more. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 119 on 5/10/2025 |
| I love that Pippin's continued bravery in spite of his impetuous nature is so recognized by Bill. Author Reply: Bill appreciates his hobbits and each one's individual qualities and strengths. I'm not sure that the loyal pony would recognize weaknesses as weaknesses, either. He might just see them as personality quirks. Thanks! | |
| Larner | Reviewed Chapter: 118 on 5/10/2025 |
| Am catching up belatedly. I am again facing the vagaries of clients' choices and not enough income, and wish people would simply make up their minds and keep them made up for a change! Bless Bill for his awareness of his own inadequacies in appreciating the conversations around him. Love his awareness of Frodo's uncertainties and choice for the night's rest. To have such a wise pony is a blessing for all of them! Author Reply: And I am answering reviews belatedly. I don't know if you'll get the chance to read these replies, but I do so appreciate your pausing long enough to share your thoughts. Reviews are so motivating and encouraging! I hope life has improved for you since you wrote this review. It never seems to rain but that it pours... and I'm sure the saying became a cliche because it's so often and so unfortunately true! It has been fun (even diverting) to travel in my imagination with Bill and watch him gain in experience and wisdom while remaining delightfully oblivious in areas where a pony wouldn't be expected to understand the ins and outs of how "the other half" (meaning two-footed creatures) live and think. Thanks again for your thoughtfulness. I hope life lightens up. In any event, I need to go back and read your older stories, especially the ones I missed when I was away from fanfic because of the demands of needing more income! While my work was absorbing, and I learned a lot, I also missed the fanfic community very much. (So I guess another kindness I must thank you for has to do with your visits, which kept me loosely connected with the phenomenon of fanfic while I had to be away. Not to mention, it's always good to see you!) | |
| Lady Forlong | Reviewed Chapter: 128 on 4/17/2025 |
| I'm glad you're planning a part 2. You can't leave him there! Author Reply: Thank you! Part 2 was promised for April, and I've managed to make it work. So far. (Think good thoughts, if you wouldn't mind.) I agree! I can't bear the thought of Bill lost and alone in the howling wilderness! Thank goodness JRRT wrote a better ending for him than that! | |