Pearl of Great Price by Lindelea
Lyta Padfoot · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 26: The Colour of Sunshine
Ferdi's doing well as a hunter and Pearl is making Lalia very happy... the calm before the storm.
Author's reply
You hit the nail on the head. Exactly right. Sort of like the pause as the rollercoaster reaches the top of the steep hill... Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 25: Resting Comfortably
I wouldn't want to be in Pearl's shoes, er, feet, having to answer the same questions day after day after day. I feel so sorry for everyone at this point in the story and I can't wait to see how they manage to get on with things.
Author's reply
Thanks for the review. The next chapter after "Resting Comfortably" is a nice respite before the angst rears up again.
Lyta Padfoot · 8 January 2004 · Chapter 25: Resting Comfortably
Two weeks is a long time to be ill - especially for one who is no spring chicken. Wonder if there will be complications or if I'm mixing your story with one lurking in an unfinished state on my evil hard drive where Ferumbras becomes incapable of fathering children after an illness. Lalia seems more hobbity and vulnerable in this chapter. A friend of mine (who hates to review) that I forced to read this story and "Flames" thinks that Lalia and Thain Paladin have a lot in common. They are put into positions of authority where the only checks are distant and no one can really gainsay them and really aren't prepared. So they are corrupted. Not as bad as Denethor, but as close as hobbits really can get without losing hobbitness. 'Resting Comfortably' seems to mean the same thing as my sister's 'fine' which includes everything from an inch shy of dead to doing well.
Author's reply
Thanks for the faithful reviews! I am suffering bronchitis at the moment and the reviews are very cheering. I think I would just chuck the writing until I feel better, if I didn't have the concrete evidence that people were reading each new chapter. And I must admit that the process of writing brings a satisfaction that helps me to feel better anyhow. You forced a friend to read "Pearl" and "Flames"? LOL. I don't know quite why but this strikes me very funny! I hope your friend didn't suffer too terribly. Very insightful comment from one who hates to review... Yup. "Resting comfortably" means "still breathing" I think... and I doubt Lalia was fooled.
FantasyFan · 7 January 2004 · Chapter 24: Battle Ahead
It looks like I have missed reviewing several chapters of this story - I feel guilty when I eagerly read a new chapter of something you have written, but neglect to find the time to send you my impressions. I don't want you to think I'm not appreciative of your wonderful efforts - I really am. Thank you, in case I forget to say it. I think there's a battle ahead in more ways than one. It seems Ferumbras really is doing what he can under the thumb of his willful and capricious mother. He's smart enough to anticipate her vindictive strike against Paladin, and compassionate enough to preempt it - and that earns him some big brownie points in my book. Yet, now he's falling ill, and Bittersweet's really worried he's in for a bad time for concealing his illness. There's not going to be anyone to protect the one member of Paladin's family who's most vulnerable, by virtue of proximity - Pearl. I hope she's up to the battle, if it comes to it. I've been trying to figure out what is the illness that is running through the Smials right now. Fever, eye irritation, sore throat, headache. None of that is very specific - could be a million things. I had the wild idea that it could be mumps, which can cause sterility when contracted by an adult male. That would certainly change the dynamic of the succession! A wild idea, as I said - that's probably not where you're going at all. It would be nice to see how Rosemary's getting on. Hally would I'm sure like to court her a little, and sooner or later Lalia's going to find out who was the other hobbit in the handfasting. There's no reason, however, for her to find out sooner as most likely nobody at Brandy Hall would know him, and they're far enough away from Tuckborough as to have little contact. I'm also looking forward to seeing Ferdi interacting more with Pearl as he comes back to himself some. Pearl is good with all kinds of people, and for the sake of her sister and her father will I'm sure take as much of an interest in Ferdi as her schedule allows.
Author's reply
A belated answer... The illness I was thinking of was strep, which can lead to scarlet fever and/or rheumatic fever. I remember when we didn't have money for a doctor and I got strep twice and it came back both times not long after the course of antibiotics was finished each time, and came back worse with each recurrence. The third time I got it, I decided to "tough it out" and let my body fight it and build up immunities (probably a stupid decision) instead of spending grocery money on doctor and antibiotics. I knew enough to watch for a purplish rash, in which case I would have gone in for more antibiotics. Thankfully the rash did not appear. However, I have never been so sick in my life... Even mononucleosis (twenty years ago) was mild compared to that bout of strep. The mercy was that evidently my body did build up some sort of defense while fighting the strep, because it hasn't come back in about two years. If only I could say the same about the pneumonia that threatens every winter... thankfully this bout of bronchitis did not progress any further and has nearly cleared up. I suppose mumps might fit the description, but since I haven't researched mumps (thought I remember hearing about the sterility issue) I can say that this was probably not the illness in the story.
Grey Wonderer · 4 January 2004 · Chapter 24: Battle Ahead
Poor Paladin! Having to lie to protect his family and his home must be killing him. I am so involved in this one and can hardly wait for more.
Author's reply
Thank you for the kind words! I notice that your story-in-progress is coming along nicely as well... Only about five chapters left, unless I change my mind and add more to what has already been written in the first draft.
Lyta Padfoot · 4 January 2004 · Chapter 24: Battle Ahead
Didn't think I'd say this, but - Poor Ferumbras. Very clever to twist events and make it seem as though the Tooks were tossed out by the Brandybucks to protect them. The Thain is becoming a more sympathetic figure by the chapter, a flawed character but still sympathetic.
Author's reply
Yes, I found that too as the writing flowed from the outline. He could have been a good Thain, I think, had his mother not been so dominating. He's been brought up to drift along, and I think that probably continues even after his mother is gone.
Grey Wonderer · 3 January 2004 · Chapter 23: Repercussions
WHO WOULD HAVE GUESSED THAT THE ARRANGED MARRIAGE OF ONE LASS COULD CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE FOR THOSE NOT EVEN INVOLVED? A WONDERFUL STORY THAT KEEPS GETTING BETTER. I FELT SO SORRY FOR PALADIN AND FOR MERRY. PALADIN BECAUSE HE HAD NO CHOICE IN WHAT HE WAS FORCED TO DO AND MERRY BECAUSE HE WAS BEING AFFECTED BY SOMETHING THAT HE HAD NO PART IN.
Author's reply
Belated thanks for taking time to read and leave a review! I'm glad you enjoyed the story. You're right; Paladin was forced to act in self-defense rather than doing what he knew would be the right thing, and Merry has no power in the situation. He's as helpless as his unfortunate mother who at this point, for all practical purposes, has been disowned just as Rosemary was, and for the same selfish, spiteful reasons on Lalia's part.
Lyta Padfoot · 2 January 2004 · Chapter 23: Repercussions
Poor Paladin! Being dragged into politics whether he will or no. At least Rosemary is safe. Wonder how long until Lalia figures out who Rosemary handfasted...
Author's reply
Lalia may be sly and clever, but I don't think she's smart. Plus she's stirred up resentment due to her high-handedness, and the hobbits around her have learned to act out of caution rather than loyalty. Bittersweet knows she can trust Viola but takes pains to mislead everyone else; Hally and Gundy are in on the plot but also rather vulnerable, so they're not going to tell anyone; the Brandybucks aren't going to try to mend the relationship with Lalia by betraying the Bolgers to her for several reasons (not only are they principled, but the Master has known her for a long time and knows her capacity for spitefulness and holding a grudge). All that to say, I don't think she ever figures it out in the time remaining to her. Belated thanks for reading and pausing to share your thoughts!
Lyta Padfoot · 1 January 2004 · Chapter 22: On to Buckland
So Hally and Rosemary are legally handfasted. Lalia's reaction should be highly entertaining though I suspect there might be some sighs of relief at the Great Smials, just because she's been disowned doesn't mean she'll be forgotten. Rosemary will find out she's already been disowned from Paladin and his family. Interesting with all the uproar of this that he still arranges marriages for his own children. By the way, I was confused about something - in "Jewels" the arrangement concerning Pippin and Estella was said to have been in place since Estella was born. At the time Pippin would have been just a well-to-do farmer's son. I can't see them wanting to marry their only daughter to anyone less than a wealthy hobbit. Was the timing reported by Esmerelda an exageration or did the Bolger's see which way the wind was blowing with the Tooks and figure on Pippin as a future Thain since Ferumbras was unwed and unlikely to alter his state and even if he did marry any offspring would be too young to follow him. Arranged marriages are endlessly fascinating to me (in fiction) in case you haven't noticed. You mentioned some far-reaching consequences in one of your author replies, will a souring of the Paladin-Esmeralda relationship be among them or does that result from his personality change upon becoming Thain? In a way the Brandybuck's actions could be seen to reflect badly on Paladin's family with Esmeralda being wed to Saradoc, the recent visit, the Tooks honour, and Paladin's own arrival at Brandy Hall coming soon. I suspect that a nice, quite, visit it won't be since "Jewels" tells us that Paladin doesn't travel at all until he visits Pippin and meets Farry. Stopping what appears to have been regular travels to see your close relatives says a great deal. At least we know Merry and Pippin remain close even if their parents don't. Paladin knows the pain of losing the Pippin to his Merry and isn't apparently willing to inflict that upon his son or nephew. Wow... a very long review. And since I neglected to say it earlier in my dissertation on this chapter - I throughly enjoyed the latest addition to this story. Each chapter is a pearl.
Author's reply
Ironically perhaps, at the time I wrote Jewels I wasn't aware that Paladin wasn't Thain when Pippin left on the Quest or in line to become Thain when Pippin was born (which is something that crept into later stories)! I didn't even realize that Estella was older than Pippin! Jewels might very well have been the first story I ever wrote about the Shire. (I'm fairly sure it is, but it's hard to remember.) Therefore, the original story had quite a few errors as far as Tolkien "canon" goes. Many of those issues were addressed during the beta-reading process, but even then, some were missed. The worst one, maybe, was my mistake making Estella ten years younger than she is (thus, five years younger rather than five years older than Pippin). A beta-reader questioned her age, but I didn't understand the implications of the question she asked until years later because of the way my brain works (or doesn't). I love reading long reviews on my stories as well as other people's stories! JRRT's world has pulled me in ever deeper the more I have pondered the layers and details he included (or even just hinted at) in his creation. Belated thanks for reading and taking the time to type out your thoughts.
Lyta Padfoot · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 21: Good Measure, Heaped Up, and Running Over
Rosemary's been disowned very quickly - even before her whereabouts were known. I was kind of hoping to read the scene where Ferdinand disowned his daughter (hint, hint), but maybe another chapter. The Ferdi and Regi conversation harkened to future discussions in "Flames" - in particular I was reminded of the discussion between them in the pub when Paladin went to visit Pippin. Ferdi, like his sister, has more friends and allies than he knows.
Author's reply
In this belated reply, I have to say I remember imagining the scene, but I don't think I ever wrote it down as it was too heartbreaking. I have, however, written a couple scenes related to her disownment being reversed, at least one of which will appear in The Proposal and the other is still under consideration. Hobbits may be clannish and resistant to change, but they're also what an older relative of mine used to call "salt of the earth" and described in terms of "would give you the shirt off their back" when talking about such people helping others. You're right about the pub conversation! I hadn't made that connection, but there is a certain similarity. Thanks for that insight!
FantasyFan · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 21: Good Measure, Heaped Up, and Running Over
A very satisfying chapter. I feel proud of the farmers of Tookland. It seems that Lalia's ways are well known. Not only has Gundy gotten what he wanted most, his land, he's also gotten the respect of the farmers of the Tookland, and though they think they're rewarding him for his carving, their respect is for an honest and virtuous man: they don't know it, but the reward is just as fitting for his rescue of Rosemary. Lalia may be respected for her cunning, but she is not beloved. Pearl feels she can hold her own at the Smials. She's a few years older, and she had a level head and enough experience to manage her situation. At least she thinks so, and for her sake I hope she's right. She wants to look out for Ferdi, and so does Regi. Having Ferdi train for a hunter is the perfect thing to further pull him out of himself. Not taking the charity of the Thain is a strong motiviation for him. I read somewhere that the strongest bonds that keep a family together are ones of adversity. The memories that matter and the stories that are the best to share around the fireside later, come from the troubled times and remembering the strength that gets you through it together. Somehow, the behaviour of Bittersweet, and Regi, and Pearl and Ferdi and Gundy remind me of a family pulling together in hard circumstances against a common enemy. Now calling Lalia an enemy may be strong, but when a leader acts in her own self-interest over the welfare of the group, others have to stand up and take up the slack or someone will get hurt. I think Lalia has crossed the line from cunning and unpleasant but good for the Tooks, to harmful. Maybe before she only hurt her son; now she's endangering much more. (IMHO)
Author's reply
Lalia's been running things for 22 years since her husband died, and I'm sorry to say that power has gone to her head. The Tooks try their best to explain away the iron fist by focusing on the velvet glove, but those who are wise and/or discerning know the truth of the matter. Pearl is an oldest child, which shapes her confidence and ability. If JRRT had allowed for female Thains, I think she would have made a good one. You're right about adversity pulling people together for a common cause. In fact, Lalia's domineering personality and self-indulgence end up doing a great deal of harm, not only to individuals but to the entire Tookland. The Tooks are incredibly lucky to have Paladin as Thain when the Troubles take place. Lalia would either have been vulnerable to Lotho's flattery, or she would have seen herself as smarter than Lotho (and she might have been, but she wasn't smarter than Saruman, and that would have been her downfall, bringing devastation to the Tooks).
FantasyFan · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 20: Departure
Ferumbras stands up to his mother! (and so does Pearl!) This is a rare day indeed. I still can't decide what to think about the Thain. I thought him rather distasteful, but now in this chapter, I could almost believe that he has a heart after all. He sounded sincere when he was talking to Ferdinand - he would like to help, he would like to make it as easy as possible, and genuinely please his mother, but he really can't. But how will asking Ferdinand to disown his daughter solve the problem? Will it actually placate Lalia and keep her from throwing them out? Still, somehow I don't really trust his sincerity, and I find myself wondering if it's all an act, and he is uncaring and hardened? I don't know whether to pity him or to dislike him. I really don't.
Author's reply
You really won't know him until nearly the end of the story, I'm afraid. The Muse kind of kept me in the dark as well, but now that I've reached the end I understand much more than I did. I didn't like him when the story started, was expecting hints of sexual harassment as a matter of fact, until the Muse firmly reminded me that such was not a part of hobbits in canon (I keep going back to Tolkien's comments on monogamy--committed and contented, it appears--and all else being "under Shadow" in his world). In any event, all will become clear in time.
Lyta Padfoot · 31 December 2003 · Chapter 20: Departure
That explains Rosemary's banishment; it alwaya seemed a bit odd that Ferdinand disowned his daughter when he stuck by Ferdi and even told him he was proud of him while under the ban. The Thain and Lalia really put that family between Scylla and Charybdis, I hope Rosemary doesn't have third thoughts when she learns the consequences for those she left behind - and herself.
Author's reply
Yes, and the reason she stays banished after Lalia's death is explainable too, but may not come out as a plot point, so I'll just tell you. It has to do with the motto of the Tooks: "Honour is all". Kind of like Thain Paladin did not rescind his putting Ferdi under the Ban, for he would have had to admit he was wrong. Ferdinand, wrong or not, was honouring his part of the bargain that kept his son "safe" when he needed the safekeeping.
Lyta Padfoot · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 19: Into Thin Air
The fall-out of this should be most interesting!
Author's reply
Yep. It will be even more far-reaching than has been hinted at thus far... ...but all will have to wait as I go to play in the snow with little ones. Snow does not last long here, have to grab at joy when it presents itself (twill all be melted away by noon, they say).
FantasyFan · 30 December 2003 · Chapter 19: Into Thin Air
My, the timing of the escape is dicey. They need to leave while there's still an uproar over Rosemary and the searchers are all still out, so that nobody pays attention to them, and so that there's the least chance possible that someone will see Hally isn't Hally. Yet they need to avoid the possibility of running into any of the searchers, especially in the pickup at the haystacks or afterward when there's an extra body in the waggon, and the fewer spoken to on the journey the better until they're well away from the Tookland. Not only do they still have to get out of the Smials without anyone wanting to say goodbye, they don't want to call attention to the fact that the only cart driving away from the Smials during the time of Rosemary's escape is theirs. Lalia may be smart enough to put things together at some point - she won't be satisfied without knowing how it was done - but hopefully there will be time to make the handfasting legal beforehand. It's still not going to be a pleasant scene. It will be a miracle if Bittersweet escapes all suspicion, though it was very smart of her to make sure Hally's symptoms were real and well-observed. It's not past Lalia to try for revenge, though possibly she's just pragmatic enough to write off Rosemary and turn her thoughts to her next victim.
Author's reply
Exactly, timing is all. Ah, the handfasting, now how are we to bring *that* about? The Muse has it all worked out but has told me for the nonce to run along and play in the snow. In the meantime, enjoy the latest chapter of "Runaway", finally appearing online. More later!
Lyta Padfoot · 28 December 2003 · Chapter 18: A Switch
So Rosemary is in Hally's bed and Hally is in a haystack. Is he laying a false trail for the searchers to follow while Rosemary slips out with her father-in-love-to-be? It really says a great deal about the state of the Tookland if the servants conspire against the Thain's impending marriage. With Rosemary beyond reach, will Lalia's eye turn to Pearl. She already got her son to agree to one bride - and Pearl is a bit older and thus more palatable to the gossips while still being young enough to be trapped.
Author's reply
Good guesses. The Thain has been impotent and his mother has had her way all too long. If she had been a wise ruler, things might have been differently, but her whims have caused people to be wary towards her. I remember hearing about a leader who was so overbearing that the people working for him started doing *exactly* as he ordered, no more, and no less. It wasn't too long before he got in trouble with his own superiors. Lalia doesn't have superiors, of course, but her servants are not in her corner, either.
Lyta Padfoot · 28 December 2003 · Chapter 17: A Rescue
Yeah for Hally and Rosemary! I do wonder what Lalia did to get her son to push for the marriage to Rosemary. Can't wait to see the plan in action; it and the fall out should prove most interesting.
Author's reply
Lalia's promise to her son will come out in a future chapter. Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan · 28 December 2003 · Chapter 18: A Switch
Half the escape told, I think, and I'm as confused as the Tooks will be. Hally has gone, but Rosemary is sleeping in his clothes in his bed? When the hour before dawn comes, it will be discovered she is gone, but she's not really. They will search for her, but I suppose Bittersweet can keep anyone out of the infirmary, claiming Hally is contagious. So then they will search outside the Smial, in Tuckborough, I suppose. She won't be found there either. Nobody is looking for Hally, so even if he's seen walking away it's no problem. But I don't understand how they will get Rosemary out of the Smials; even dressed in Hally's clothes she won't fool anyone. I guess I'll just have to stay confused and patient, and let you spin out the story!
Author's reply
All will come clear in the next chapter (or two), I hope.
FantasyFan · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 17: A Rescue
There sure is a lot going on in this chapter! First, Ferdi is coming back to himself, even after another shock of seeing the yule log lit. It seems that the stakes are high enough: his need to respond to the threat to Rosemary's welfare has broken through his misery. When there's something important enough to say, he says it. Secondly, Lalia! She's very cunning, and she has probably been waiting for the perfect situation to present itself for a while. Ferdinand can't refuse, but it only appears that Rosemary has nobody to protect her. Here we see that there are plenty who are willing to defy the Mistress - she never counted on that. The interesting sentence to me is, "She was willing to risk scandal and gossip to get her way, but then what else is new?" That seemed to be the weak point in her plan. Marrying off a girl under her protection to her son, old enough to be her grandfather, is scandalous. The Talk would run wild, but the gentry of the Smials are used to the idea of arranged marriages, as well as they are used to the overbearing ways of the Mistress: would there be enough outrage generated within the upper classes to derail the plan? The servant classes would probably feel more powerless and afraid than outraged. The surprise nature of the announcement and relatively short amount of time before the wedding also acts in her favor. So the plan of Bittersweet, Viola and the Bolgers is very daring. They have next to no time to act. For Viola and Bittersweet, they are risking exile if their part is discovered. And though the Bolgers have their land free and clear, I am sure that Lalia will find some way to retaliate. You leave the chapter in a very exciting spot - I can't wait to see exactly how they'll pull it off and who else will be involved.
Author's reply
First, just as Bittersweet predicted, when it was important, Ferdi found his voice. Second, Lalia, indeed! I think if she could set the wedding for First Day, she would. As it is, she'll have it set as soon as possible, if nothing interferes. Dressing Rosemary as an adult is part of the softening-up process. Viola and Bittersweet must be very careful, arranging so that they can answer honestly when questioned, as you'll see in soon-to-come chapters. This is the trickiest part of the story, trying to make all this come out plausibly. Let me know if anything rings false, please?
Grey Wonderer · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 15: Family Matters
I'm so happy for Pearl but poor Rosemary! Some of these Tooks are making life difficult! I still hold out hope for a happy ending.
Author's reply
I always aim at a happy ending, for sure! Sometimes it shades into bittersweet, but I do my best. Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 27 December 2003 · Chapter 14: Decorations
I feel so sorry for Pearl missing her family and afraid that they won't be able to get there through the snow. I hope they make it as she really needs to see them or at least some of them.
Author's reply
As Isum said, Paladin is the most determined hobbit he knows besides Mistress Lalia! Besides, Eglantine would probably nag him mercilessly to ensure Pearl is not "alone" at Yule. (Even though she'd be surrounded by Smials Tooks, it wouldn't be the same without her own family!) Thanks!
FantasyFan · 26 December 2003 · Chapter 15: Family Matters
Now we see the source of Rosemary's estrangement from her father. Old Ferdinand feels keenly the bite of having to take the Thain's charity, and in some way this is paying him back by giving him the only thing Ferdinand still has that Ferumbras could want - Rosemary. So Ferumbras is eager to get a heir? It is implied that his mother thinks better of him, for the plans that are being made. Perhaps Lalia wishes to mold the future Mistress to her satisfaction while she still can. I find it a bit curious that Ferumbras is so willing to oblige her. That relationship is rather strange - he either has no ambition at all for himself, and is content to remain under her thumb as a spoiled dandy, or he has to have a lot of really repressed anger to deal with at some time in the future. Marrying or not marrying seems like the last bit of control he has, the last card he could play against his mother. I wonder why he's so eager to spend it?
Author's reply
Ferdinand is also under coercion, which I think becomes clearer later in the story. He's not thrilled about the situation, but he feels he has no choice in the matter. At this point, Lalia recognizes the lack of potential marriage partners amongst the gentry (Rosemary is descended from the Old Took, after all); daughters in the Great Families who are of child-bearing age are not likely to favor Ferumbras, and unmarried females of a similar age to the Thain are too old to bear children! I should also imagine none of them being willing to live under Lalia's thumb if they have any brains at all. So it may not be so much a choice to rob the cradle in order to get someone she can control but rather the lack of other candidates is driving her to take desperate measures. Ferumbras's reasons for what he does will become clearer as the story continues. Thanks!
FantasyFan · 26 December 2003 · Chapter 14: Decorations
Isembold is living up to his name, isn't he? Pearl seems to be settling in well at the Smials. She's made friends among the girls and attracted the attention of the lads. Lalia is proving managable, and there's enough work to make Pearl feel useful as the Yule approaches. I love seeing a younger version of Everard - he's just as serious as he will be later. This whole chapter is a lovely character study - all the personalities are clear, except for Ferdi. He's still in his own world, and although we know he will recover, even later he has a tacturn and reserved quality to his speech, doesn't he? It's nice that you're writing these Yule scenes at Christmas time. The scent of cinnamon and pine in the background just seems to fit.
Author's reply
I think she caught his eye on that first visit of his to the farm with Thain Ferumbras at the beginning of the story. D'you suppose he was one of the people who said a good word to Lalia about here when the subject of choosing a new companion came up? I love to hear your thoughts about the impressions the characters make on you. I find it so helpful to see them through someone else's eyes! I have to admit, it's been fun to imagine how Yule might be celebrated in the Shire. In the Great Smials, at least! I may have to think about how a farmer's family in a smallholding or an innkeeper or a craftsperson or a healer might celebrate, or what differences there are between the Tooks' and the Brandybucks' observances... Thanks!
Lyta Padfoot · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 11: In Remembrance
The Woodcarvers are wonderful. I love your hobbit tradition of setting candles adrift - I did that with my Girl Scout troop as a child and it was amazing (even if the little holders kept capsizing!). Is this tradition a hint to the days when Smeagol's people, the ancestors of the Stoors, lived along the river?
Author's reply
Belated thanks for reading and stopping to share your thoughts on the chapter. Y'know, I hadn't thought of it dating back to the ancestors of the Stoors, but that's a reasonable guess!
Lyta Padfoot · 22 December 2003 · Chapter 12: Fruitcake
Poor Rosemary - its hard to have to be the strong one. Now that Ferdi is improving she'll have to grieve. Mother, uncle, and the entire life shes known gone in a night, plus her father and brother are forever scarred in ways she can't begin to understand. While having no dowry might be a problem for her, it could also be a boon since the Thain and his mother won't want a pauper for his bride. Young Regi was very much like his older self, he always seems to be protecting those who are unable to look after themselves as well as they need to. I adored his chapter even if it did mention fruitcakes; the best use I've ever found for one has been a doorstop.
Author's reply
LOL! I actually had a good fruitcake once! My sister made it, and instead of those artificial-looking/tasting red and green cherries, she used apricots and pecans (and other fruit that I can't remember. Dates? Candied orange?). The cake part was light and golden in color. Like traditional fruitcake, it was baked ahead of time and cured with applications of brandy, I think, but I could be mistaken. Unfortunately, when I asked her for the recipe several years later, she didn't remember where she'd found it anymore. I do like Regi and how he's evolved over the course of the stories I've written. And twenty-some years after he first appeared, he's still evolving! I discovered rather recently that he has the heart of a poet and might have been a troubadour or whatever the Shire equivalent might be, if there is one, had his life worked out differently. Some kind of musician playing in the pub and at weddings and celebrations, possibly. This is a sad and difficult time for Rosemary, and I probably could not have written this part of her story if I didn't already know her outcome. Belated thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts about the characters and the story progression. Such good food for thought!