As the Gentle Rain by Lindelea
FantasyFan · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 45: A Model of Patience
Merry is smart - he'll find something, if he doesn't wear himself out searching day and night, and sleep through the next crisis point. And I like Elfwine here - he reminds me a little of young Pip with his 'Where are we going?' A little different from the learned men of Gondor, and refreshingly simple.
FantasyFan · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 44: The Rising of a New Song
I am re-reading these few chapters to leave my tardy reviews, and I have to note that Nell and Ferdi's reunion makes me cry, even on the second read. There's not time for light words, or self-consciousness, so the feelings are deep and true. When Nell kisses Ferdi back to this world, I imagine she does it very thoroughly! Pippin's recollection of the old days, as you have written them in Shire, sets up the depth of the bond Ferdi and Nell share, and how she can call him back when even the King couldn't. But it is his comment about Frodo that catches me. Frodo and the Ring have a bond as deep as the love between hobbits, a love so strong it could inspire an immortal to give up the West? That gives me pause, and makes me both sad and angry, because it has that aura of truth about it. Curse that Ring, that wormed its way into his soul over 17 years that were otherwise happy even with a growing restlessness, and that burned him into ash on the quest and withered his future afterward! We truly do hatessss it! (You ought to know by now that you stir me up whenever Frodo appears in your stories, even in such a small way as this remark.)
Meldewen Ilce · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 46: Slow but Steady
Oh, welcome back and thank you for these two chapters! I do wish Merry could remember whatever it is -- I want Ulrich to be saved! And why am I uncomfortable with the idea of Ferdi being a witness at the handfasting? I mean it is great for the two families that their children have found one another but doesn't this in some way hasten Ulrich's demise since he won't be hanged until Ferdi can walk with him? True, Ferdi would be riding down to the Pelennor but still... And I am uncomfortable at the thought because that madman Pilgrim is still on the loose and he's bent on getting the hobbits! Anyway, great job and please don't leave us hanging (no pun intended) for very long!
Author's reply
Thanks for reviewing! Actually, it doesn't hasten Ulrich's demise for Ferdi to witness the handfasting. As you will see in the following chapter, the hanging date has already been set and nothing Ferdi can do (short of faking a relapse, which he's too honest to attempt) will stop matters. As it is, Elessar is giving his old friend a last bit of brightness, a farewell feast of sorts, in that Ulrich is invited to the handfasting and the feast to follow. Ferdi cannot even offer his own life in exchange for the ruffian's, for it would mean the death of his beloved Nell... so he just has to make the best of things, but it is a difficult and distressing situation, no bones about it.
FantasyFan · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 43: Slipping Away
Nell's escape is chilling. She's kept her wits, and understands a little when she thinks of Smeagol and Gollum, but the escape is still a close one. I'm glad Nell has progressed to the point where she can accept help from the guardsman who isn't trying to hurt her. Brant's story is sad, and scary, and you can understand why his mind is damaged. I almost feel sorry for him, he is a victim of cruelty as well. I don't want to blame him for the tortures of the Easterlings, but is was his own choice to desert that put him in the way of harm. It reminds me again of Smeagol. He was a sneak before he found the Ring, and then became a murderer. When Bilbo found it, and Frodo inherited it, the Ring worked on their weaknesses as well, but there was less evil in their souls to start with; and so Bilbo begins his ownership with pity that rules the fate of the world, and Frodo is damaged by his struggle but does not ever become a monster.
FantasyFan · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 42: Thoughts of Hearth and Home
I wonder who was the hobbit who guaranteed Ulrich? Not Merry, for he thought the man already hanged. I doubt Freddy or one of the Lockhole hobbits could quite do it, though they may argue for mercy. Pippin? It is a thing he might do, in full awareness of the price. Sam might see a kindred spirit in Ulrich, but of all the hobbits the one of whom this gesture seems most characteristic is Ferdi. It's the type of extravagent duty he specializes in: could he have made some kind of arrangement for a last bit of time as a free man, guaranteeing Ulrich with his own life? I could easily see that. I hope you explain it somewhere. Goldi and Farry are back! It seems the freakish weather that the story opened with is not gone. Farry has a test for his apprentice-Thianship worthy of many a great ancestor. You've given us just a taste of what's happening, and I hope there'll be more later. I'm sure it will all tie together at the end.
Hai Took · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 46: Slow but Steady
Oh dear, it seems the hobbits are going to play right into the Pilgrim's hands! I do hope they have guards still on the alert who can be in place against the Pilgrims plans! Forget-Me-Not being married to Frodovar so far away! Although it seems Pippin has a good plan for getting them ready to visit lots! I like that Ferdi decided Ulrich wasn't a ruffian but still hadn't decided about the King! Looking forward to more! thank you!
Author's reply
That sneaky Pilgrim... I hope the guards are on their toes. Someone mentioned how nice it would be for Pippin to have family nearby when he finally removed to Gondor in the end. Funny, I didn't think of that when plotting out this story, but come to think of it, it *is* nice to set up the chance for some "on the spot" grandchildren to brighten his remaining years. Thanks for reviewing.
Bodkin · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 46: Slow but Steady
I hope Freddy doesn't have to die to rescue Ulrich - that really would not be fair. I have a bad feeling about this trip to the Pelennor - except that Ulrich might do something really brave and redeem himself. (Gondor needs to introduce some scheme of appeals and mitigation. Send in the lawyers.) Keep writing and delivering swift updates, if only to stop me brooding about the poor hobbits. (And the rest).
Author's reply
Thank you, I will try to keep up the swift updates. The reviews do help to grease the wheels tremendously. I had no desire to write when I returned from that lovely vacation, but after reading reviews the Muse perked up once more and started whispering. Don't know why it works that way, but who am I to kill the goose that lays the golden eggs? (Did I just mix a metaphor?) Hmmm. Lawyers. Interesting concept. Wonder when lawyers were invented?
FantasyFan · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 46: Slow but Steady
Welcome back from your vacation, I hope you had a fun break. I never did get to reviewing the three chapters I was behind, and now I have two more to do. In case I never get to them, I will say I was grateful you didn't leave us hanging (no pun intended) over the cliff during the last week. Nell is safe and more or less sound, and that is good. Having Brant let her go while the Pilgrim was sleeping was brilliant, but I don't think that the guards should get too relaxed yet. It is the creepiest thing ever to think of him, planning and stalking and obsessing on torturing the hobbits. And with this chapter, I have a sneaking suspicion where you are going with Ulrich and Pilgrim. There's sure to be suffering to come, but I can see a hope for redemption.
Author's reply
Thank you for the warm welcome, and this and the other reviews you took the time to write. It was a fun break--a joyous wedding celebration, and then an "outdoor school" to follow. What a whirlwind fortnight it has been! Hmmm. Let me know if your sneaking suspicion pans out!
Connie · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 46: Slow but Steady
Now I know part of why I never studied to be a lawyer. The law can be so inflexible and unforgiving. They have just got to come up with a way to save Ulrich. I have an idea of something that would go a long way toward saving him. If he could somehow be in the right place at the right time to catch Pilgrim, that would certainly be a big help to his cause. And I have the feeling he may just get the chance. The guards are becoming lax again, and I think Pilgrim is going to try to grab one of the hobbits at the handfasting. Ooo, this could get quite interesting in the next few chapters. Sorry if I just wrote a huge run-on paragraph. The thoughts were flowing and I just couldn't stop them. To your muse: Come on girl, snap out of your trance. You're not on vacation any more and Lindelea needs you to give her lots of enspiration. Back to reality, or fantasy I should say. Thanks Connie.
Author's reply
You're welcome. You don't have to apologise for writing a huge paragraph. Reviews are so heartening, and long reviews are lovely. You're right, the next few chapters will be quite interesting if they follow the outline to the end (and no reason why they shouldn't). Goodness, we're getting close to the finish of this particular story. Can you believe it?
Lyta Padfoot · 7 June 2004 · Chapter 46: Slow but Steady
A charming chapter. I think they all need the handfasting to distract them from the unpleasant aspects of the situation.
Author's reply
Thanks. I think I needed the handfasting to distract me! (It helps that I just attended a joyous wedding...)
Bodkin · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 45: A Model of Patience
Glad to see the attempt to save Ulrich is progressing - if slowly. I hope Ferdi recovers from his sight problems, although prolonged bed rest would probably help him! I look forward to seeing him forcing himself to remain in bed a while longer. Perhaps it would help if Nell moves in with him! I hope Pilgrim/Brant doesn't get another hobbit - but I fear he will. It had better not be Ferdi or Nell or the Society for the Humane Treatment of Ferdibrand Took's Family will be after you!
Connie · 6 June 2004 · Chapter 45: A Model of Patience
Yay! You're back. Pilgrim is truly cracking, isn't he? I guess I should say the Brant half of that duo is cracking. I had hoped they would catch him this time. Now I know he's going to try again to grab a hobbit. Now I'm worried which one. Ferdi can't win. Good thing he knows how to do things with his eyes closed. Double vision can be just as bad as no vision at all. Hope he gets back to normal soon, but not too soon. He has to give Merry time to find that precedent in Gondorian law that could save Ulrich. Glad you're back. Connie.
Beruthiel · 3 June 2004 · Chapter 44: The Rising of a New Song
Very good work. I've been reading your stories for quite a while, but never get around to reviewing. Very naughty of me. Will have to reread everything and review much more frequently than once a year. Can't wait for next chapter. Mustn't miss the once-in-a-lifetime spectacle of Ferdibrand Took cooperating with healers!
Connie · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 44: The Rising of a New Song
Yay! I knew you wouldn't kill him. Now the hobbits have more time to come up with a way to spare Ulrich's life. Yes! Connie.
Connie · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 43: Slipping Away
Thank goodness you were talking about Nell's "slipping away" and not Ferdi's. Pilgrim/Brant really is like Gollum/Smeagol. Connie.
Connie · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 42: Thoughts of Hearth and Home
Oh dear, I had forgotten about what Goldi and Farry were facing. You're startin' to scare me here. I wondering if you just might actually let Ferdi slip away. I live in hope, however, that you won't do that. Who offered himself as a bond for Ulrich? At first I thought it was Merry, but he thought the Man was already dead, so it couldn't have been him. My next guess is Sam, but I am not at all sure of that one. Connie.
Connie · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 41: Into the Dawn
Pilgrim and Brant are really starting to make me think of Gollum and his split personality. I'm glad Pippin's feeling better. I wish someone would hurry up and reassure Merry that everything is still all right with Ulrich. You really aren't going to let Ferdi die like this, are you? I just can't see that happening. You are not that kind of writer. Thanks. Connie.
Connie · 1 June 2004 · Chapter 40: Finders Keepers
Short but bittersweet. I am so relieved that they found the twins, but I'm so sad about both Ferdi and Ulrich. I'm also worried about Nell, of course, too. Connie.
Connie · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 39: Rag, Tag and Barrel
Looks like I missed quite a lot. The vision of Ulrich sitting with Ferdi is quite touching. Poor Diamond. She has to be beside herself. Pippin sick and the babies missing has to be almost more than she can deal with. I don't think I'm going to get to the other chapters tonight. We just got home from MediaWest Con this evening. Also, we had another tornado go through my neighborhood while we were gone, so I spent a lot of this evening walking around to see how people I knew had faired. Right now I'm fighting to keep my eyes open so I know I'm not fit to read anything, least of all something as deep as this story is getting. Thanks again for your efforts. And in case I don't get a chance to write again before your vacation, have a great time. Connie.
Bluegrass Elf · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 44: The Rising of a New Song
Yay! Hurray! Nell has saved the day!
Hai Took · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 44: The Rising of a New Song
Oh creepy! Brant and Pilgrim were the wame person?! Weird! Very much a Smeagol/Gollum character and wodnerfully done at that! Poor, Nell! I'm glad she got back alright but what an ordeal! Whow offered to die for Ulrich should he escape? I have couple of guesses but I will keep them to myself just now. Looking forward to more!
Bodkin · 31 May 2004 · Chapter 44: The Rising of a New Song
Phew - Ferdi's made it! Nell arrived in the nick of time. I like Pippin's insight about Frodo being only half a hobbit - he is developing a nice line in wisdom. We now even have one of the jurors seemingly joining in the conspiracy to hold off the hanging. (I love the thought of Ferdi remaining quiescently in bed, accepting the slow healing he normally fights.) Get on the case, Merry - remember the key to saving Ulrich. Poor old Pilgrim/Brant - I think death is the best solution for him. Brant will be relieved to be freed from his torment. Glad to see life remains hectic in the Shire, even in the absence of the usual troublemakers.
Author's reply
You sound quite a bit insightful yourself, there. Thanks for reviewing!
Bluegrass Elf · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 43: Slipping Away
All right! Brant doesn't seem like such a bad person.
Mysterious Jedi · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 42: Thoughts of Hearth and Home
You may wish to know that you put "Brant" instead of "Ulrich" in the tenth paragraph from the bottom of this chapter.
Author's reply
O thank you! I missed that one!
Bodkin · 30 May 2004 · Chapter 43: Slipping Away
This is so exciting - and the swift updates make it even more so. It is no surprise that poor Brandt is totally insane with that story behind him. I am glad Nell is safe. I hope Merry's inkling comes to fruition before Ferdi wakes. Which hobbit offered his life to guarantee Ulrich's behaviour? I suspect Sam -as mayor to (ex)mayor.