shirebound
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 12: "They Say There's Still Hope"
There's something so chilling about a phrase like, "the Mayor rode through what remained of Tuckborough." Goodness! What a dreadful thing to happen in the peaceful Shire.
Author's reply
I have been really mean to the Shire. Don't know if you read "At the End of His Rope" but the poor Shire-hobbits have been through so much, flood, drought, famine, pestilence. Still, Tolkien had a long winter, a famine, a fell winter, not to mention a plague, so while I cannot put myself in his class I can at least say I'm in good company.
Still, I bet they'll rebuild. People always do, it seems.
Connie
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 12: "They Say There's Still Hope"
Oh, you just keep tightening the screw. The disaster film makers could take some lessons from you. All I can say is thank God you didn't leave us hanging with legolas's first words to Diamond.
I hate to admit that I laughed to myself when I read about the markers showing that a dwelling had been searched. A friend of mine and I still sometimes look to see if the big hot-pink X is still visible on her house from the search here after our storm.
Hurry up with more chapters, PLEASE!
Connie.
Author's reply
My, high words of praise indeed! Can you tell I used to be a disaster-film junkie? Had the formula down pat, could tell which part of the equation the movie was in at any time... ("Oh, this is where we get to know all the characters... oh, here's the star-crossed love interest... oh, here's the love interest that will survive the disaster... oh, here's the sleazy guy you just can't wait to see overwhelmed...")
A hot pink X, really? A durable one, too, imagine.
Next chapter is posted, the one after that is written in draft form, just needs to be typed in.
Lyta Padfoot
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 12: "They Say There's Still Hope"
The hobbit looking for the little one had me in tears. Very sad without being melodramatic.
Author's reply
Had me in tears, too. Is it okay to sniffle at one's own writing?
Grey Wonderer
· 17 February 2004
· Chapter 12: "They Say There's Still Hope"
This is wonderful and so sad. Poor Goldi, not knowing if Faramir is alive or dead. Pippin still needs Merry no matter who is with him and that seems completely right to me.Glad Sam has come though as he always knows what to do in times of trouble doesn't he? Hope you are feeling better. Didn't know you'd been ill until I received your review. Get well soon.
Author's reply
Poor Goldi, but brave too. I like that Pippin and Merry need each other, even when they've lived so far apart for so long. Sam is a wonder, as I always say.
I am feeling better, thanks!
Hai
· 16 February 2004
· Chapter 11: And What About...?
Oh! I had completely forgotten that Ferdi was blind! What a mess he is in, to try and feel his way around a disheveled room! I like though how he identified the female in his room by her smell. I'm glad Legolas and Gimli made it to the Smials, Gimli will certainly be a lot of help! Two of Diamond's daughters in a hole! I they all get out with that second shake, or was that just the Smials setteling after the big shake? Merry and Estella will be a great deal of help and comfort! Looking forward to more! thank you!
Author's reply
Yes, I cannot imagine being in Ferdi's shoes... er... whatever the expression would be for hobbits. Still, he's better equipped to deal with pitch-darkness than the other trapped Tooks.
The second shake was an aftershock. I understand these are fairly common after a major quake. Thanks for reviewing!
FantasyFan
· 16 February 2004
· Chapter 11: And What About...?
There is a great deal of angst in these chapters, and I am feeling very perverse for enjoying them so much. I think what I like is that every character gets his or her little moment. All the reactions are different, the situations have more or less peril, and each person gets to shine in their own way. From last chapter, I am struck by Estella and the inkeeper at the Cockerel. Estella is at her most beautiful, Merry thinks. She's fully involved in the rescue, but she's instantly ready to go to the Smials with Merry. She's as concerned for his worry as Merry is for Pippin. Together they will be stronger than ever. And the innkeeper brings tears to my eyes. His gratitude that no hobbit dear to him was lost is so touching and emotional. All the Gamgees are focused on Faramir, which is good because nobody else has thought of him yet. You are keeping his fate a mystery purposely, aren't you? Sam must be thinking of Pippin, knowing he's injured; but he also knows others are tending to him as best as could be possible, so in good hobbit-sense fashion, he's going to move on to the next concern. At least, you've let us know that Ferdi is not hurt, though he's still in peril. Ferdi must be on his ninth life by this point, but it's not yet his time, I hope; amidst that blessing we grieve for the yet-unnamed watcher, first of the dead we've seen. (It's kind of sad that when Ferdi awakes, in his disorientation his first thought is to look for stars, even though it's been many years since he's seen anything.)
All the attention is slowly focusing on the Smials. We've still got to find Robin, and the rest of Pippin's family, including Faramir.
Author's reply
Yes, I keep wanting to get to Faramir but other loose threads get in the way. Still, I think the Faramir chapter is coming up next (after the one I just posted today, which was supposed to be the Faramir chapter but ran too long and had to be split in half).
Well, the Tooks have been thinking of Faramir too, but he's one among many... and the Thain's entire family is missing, not just Faramir. (Plot points are starting to resolve, however, so soon only half his family is missing.)
Angst is a strange phenomenon, isn't it? I can read "mine" because I know the ending, but I often have a difficult time with other people's unless I can sneak a look at the ending first. Odd, but I want to read towards a relatively happy resolution. I don't want to be left depressed at the end of a story.
Lyta Padfoot
· 16 February 2004
· Chapter 11: And What About...?
Poor Ferdi and the dead watcher. Pretty awful way for Goldi to learn about Faramir, but good thing Sam's all right. The connection to Mordor was a wonderful touch.
Author's reply
Thank you! I don't like writing about death so you'll find few dead hobbits in my stories, probably fewer than would occur if these stories were accounts of real-life situations. There are a few for the sake of sounding "real" but each one was wrenching to put in.
Poor Goldi, she will be in suspense awhile yet. Thanks for reviewing!
Grey Wonderer
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 11: And What About...?
You do keep me in suspense! I need more of this one as soon as maybe. Wonderful story!
Author's reply
Well, here's more, but the suspense continues for a few more chapters, I think. Thanks!
Grey Wonderer
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 10: Journey into Darkness
Can't wait for Merry to arrive. Hope he gets good news about Pippin and his family, but I am guessing that they aren't out of trouble yet are they? Enjoying this very much!
Author's reply
No, there are several more chapters of angst before we start resolving the plot points and bringing this thing in for a landing.
Thanks for reviewing! I have read your new chapters in "Downpour" but hope to review tomorrow when I will (hopefully) be feeling a bit more chipper.
Lyta Padfoot
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 10: Journey into Darkness
Buckthorn? For a moment I was flung back into 'Shire,' nice to know his name continues. Too bad Pippin didn't have a little Pickthorn, but maybe Goldi and Farry can use that one. Loved Estella's comments when she decides to go with Merry, in your hands she and Diamond are wonderful characters.
Author's reply
Yes, Buckthorn and Twig and Pickthorn are traditional names amongst the forest Bolgers. The hoity-toity rich Bolgers have adopted much more sophisticated name-practices, of course.
Thanks for the encouragement!
FantasyFan
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 9: Just in Time for Tea
Tolly's hurt bad, Ferdi's trapped inside, and where is Faramir? Pippin's got me scared for him. The only good thing happening is that Gimli has arrived and can supervise the diggings. You know who else I'm worried about? Rosemary and Hally in the Woody End were probably hit pretty hard too. They have a house rather than a hole, but there's lots of trees to fall. There are so many characters in the story now that it's taking a while to see to all of them. I'll keep hoping for the best, with my fingers crossed.
Author's reply
Now that you mention it, it is about time for Hally to make an appearance... after all, his son Robin is at the Great Smials.
Am home sick, with not much better to do besides sleeping and writing.
Am posting the next chapter, and going back to bed. Hope there aren't any terrible problems with it, for I'm not even going to proofread until the morrow. Bad me. You'll let me know if you see any gaffes, won't you?
shirebound
· 15 February 2004
· Chapter 9: Just in Time for Tea
How fascinating that Legolas and Gimli are part of this story! And what a complex story it is. You're juggling all the parts beautifully.
Author's reply
I must admit, among all the rest, this was one of the most complicated tales to write. Whew.
Thanks!
Lyta Padfoot
· 14 February 2004
· Chapter 9: Just in Time for Tea
Poor Pippin. What a wrenching chapter. Diamond is very inventive, using petticoats to form a rope.
Author's reply
Of course Pippin married a strong, smart wife. I cannot imagine him (or Merry) doing otherwise. Even the tiny glimpse of Rose that Tolkien provided hints at competence and intelligence, I'm glad to say.
Grey Wonderer
· 14 February 2004
· Chapter 9: Just in Time for Tea
Gimli is here at last! Now the digging can begin. Smart of Diamond to think of a good use for those rediculous petticoats. That lass has a way of seeing what needs done and doing it! Realize you just posted this, but can't wait for more. Hope you don't have to answer any more map questions and get detained from your own work! : )
Author's reply
Yay Gimli!
It does seem that petticoats are good for something after all. I remember reading a story long ago where the heroine's petticoats served well as bandages for someone who had been injured...
Thanks!
Grey Wonderer
· 13 February 2004
· Chapter 8: A Little Later in the Day
The news just keeps getting worse and worse doesn't it? Hope everyone is alright. We need Gimli to come and dig everyne out as that would be one of his strong points, think?
Author's reply
Yes, good thing he was invited to the wedding. Legolas, too, will have a role to play. Too bad Elessar has banned himself from the Shire, we could use a bit of athelas by now.
Thanks!
p.s. more downpour coming soon? Pretty please?
Hai
· 13 February 2004
· Chapter 8: A Little Later in the Day
Tuchborough seems to have got the worst! Hopefully the engineers will be there soone and be able to dig them out. I guess all of the Thain's sons were inside but weren't some on a picinic? Poor, Frodo! I can only imagine what kind of thoughts would be running through your head while trying to unbury your family! Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
No, all his sons were inside and all his daughters were on the picnic, but they are unaccounted for at the moment... so as far as anyone at the Smials knows, his entire family is missing. Cranking up the angst a notch at a time, but things will start resolving sooner or later.
Thanks!
Lyta Padfoot
· 13 February 2004
· Chapter 8: A Little Later in the Day
You seem to love taking Pippin to death's door, don't you? Is that your way of showing that you love him? I like your Frodo lad... and where is Ferdi? I hope he is all right.
Author's reply
Ummmm.... haven't you noticed that I am an equal opportunity angster?
We'll see more of Ferdi in upcoming chapter(s). He's quite important to the plot.
Thanks for reviewing!
shirebound
· 13 February 2004
· Chapter 8: A Little Later in the Day
What a disaster! I'm still on the edge of my seat to find out how everyone is!
Author's reply
Yes, Irwin Allen has nothing on me. (Who's old enough to remember who Irwin Allen is/was?)
Author Reply: p.s. Thanks for the encouragement! Perhaps I'll get another chapter or three written on the weekend. It all depends on if I can get computer time with all the people around here who want to use the computer on the weekend... The outline is finished, the story is calling me, the Muse is in a good mood (for the nonce; someone must have shipped her some pina coladas when I wasn't looking), and the reviews have me fired up... *sigh*
Connie
· 13 February 2004
· Chapter 8: A Little Later in the Day
It just gets worse and worse; especially for the poor Tooks. I am glad that everyone else seems to be doing all right though.
I really liked the part where Merry tells the messengers to remind people to help others if they themselves are all right. It kind of reminded me of the attitude people had around here when we got hit by a freak fall tornado a couple years ago. After the shock wore off, the first thing I asked was how can I help. I was just thankful that I still had a home and that my child was safe, I just wanted to pass on my relief.
I'm still dreadfully worried about Pippin. Please get him help soon.
Thaks for updating, and keep up the good work.
Connie.
Author's reply
Tookish luck is legendary in the Shire. I wonder why...
O dear, a freak fall tornado? I grew up in Tornado Alley and still remember my mom getting me up in the middle of the night to go down into the basement to wait out a storm; seemed to happen at least once every summer. The night sky would be an odd greenish color...
Things are going to look pretty black for the next few chapters, I'm afraid. But it will get better, I promise. (The Muse knows I much prefer happy endings, so far as I can get them.)
Thanks for reviewing.
Grey Wonderer
· 12 February 2004
· Chapter 7: As the Dust Settled
Now I am really in need of another chapter on this. Poor Rose and Prim! Poor Pippin! This is quite a mess here isn't it?I love the line about the healer.
‘Hoy!’ the steward shouted. One or two looked up. ‘Hoy!’ he shouted again. ‘We need a healer!’
‘You and everyone else!’ Young Tom shouted back.
Reminds me of when everyone I know wants something now! LOL Wonderful story. More soon?
Hai
· 12 February 2004
· Chapter 7: As the Dust Settled
Oh dear, Reginard did pretty good on his own, weird the way he got all sort of detached. I hope he is able to pull though. I wondered if Pippin would be falling out the window, good thing he didn't. I hope not too much of the Smials caved in! Terrible! I'm glad it seem all the Gamgee's are safe for now! I guess the Healers are pretty tied up at this time! Looking forward to more! Thank you!
Lyta Padfoot
· 12 February 2004
· Chapter 7: As the Dust Settled
Pippin had a narrow escape. Good thing Bag End made it even if the outbuildings did not.
Connie
· 12 February 2004
· Chapter 7: As the Dust Settled
Well, I guess I got a few of my answers. Glad to see the blasting didn't set it off. Now I'm starting to think the epicenter might have been in Buckland. It would have to have been a very strong quake to cause the river to flow backward
Poor Pippin, the worst things aways seem to happen to him. I can't believe he actually fell out the window. Glad he had something to grab onto.
The suspense is killing me.
Connie.
FantasyFan
· 12 February 2004
· Chapter 7: As the Dust Settled
Slowly we're getting to the aftermath. It's quite a torture to read through each scene, knowing that there are other locations still to be heard from. I'm glad Rose and Prim aren't burned worse than they are, and that many at the Smials are up and on their feet. Not all, though, and there are others we don't know about yet. A good description of shock and the first stirrings - it doesn't surprise me that the sturdy hobbits are quick to react and start tending the injured and putting out the fires, but there are some who are braver and bolder than others. Pip's had a very narrow escape, and he's not out of the woods yet. There may be some at the Smials not so lucky. I'll be holding my breath as you reveal more.
Connie
· 12 February 2004
· Chapter 6: Just Before Elevenses (Part 3)
Oh, the cliff-hangers are killing me. I know you have to tell it from everybodies perspective, but I'm dying to know what happened to Pippin. All I can keep thinking about is that huge window shattering.
Also I'm really curious about where the epicenter of the earth quake was. I think I know, but I don't want to speculate. That the explosion set it off just seems too obvious. I tend to think that it was just bad timing that linked the two events. But knowing where it started would either make or break my theory. If the epicenter was in Tookland, then the excavation probably did cause it, if it's not then I'm probably right. Of course, I'm almost never correct on these things.
Oh, please post more soon. The suspense is killing me.
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
The epicenter is between Tuckborough and the Brandywine River, a good deal closer to the Great Smials than Brandy Hall.
Author Reply: oops, hit the wrong button... Meant to say, "somewhat closer" rather than a good deal closer. The nearest hobbit habitation to the epicenter would be... no, cannot say, it would give away a plot point. You'll see soon!
The explosion really had nothing to do with the earthquake. It's just one of those odd coincidences that haunts a person for years afterwards.
Thanks for reviewing! Actually finished another chapter last night so you get your wish for a quick update.