Lyta Padfoot · 20 May 2004 · Chapter 25: Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig
Couldn't help but snicker at Ferdi being described as a babe in the oldest sense of the word.
Author's reply
LOL, bet it doesn't happen often.
StarFire by Lindelea
Reviews (256)
Mysterious Jedi · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 25: Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig
Awww, how cute! :)
Author's reply
Thanks for commenting!
Elena Tiriel · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 25: Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig
‘Shush,’ she told the Thain. ‘Don’t wake the babe! I just got him to s’eep!’ Awwwww! This story just tugs at the heart strings from the beginning. Hobbits are not usually my favorite characters, but this story got me hooked just as soon as I started reading. It's truly a lovely and loving story, Lindelea! P.S. I started to read it out of curiosity... had been following your horse questions on the HASA forums, and when I finally realized that this story is the one you were asking about, I thought I'd take a peek. So glad I did! (Although it did lead to a rather odd reaction: in an early chapter, somebody asked Ferdi how he had learned how to handle ponies so well, and my first thought was "On the internet!". *Doh!*)
Author's reply
"On the internet!" Yup. That's one for the record-books. Have to admit my riding instructor knew a lot of the techniques I've been researching, and passed them on to me, even though she used different words to explain them than people use now. After all the research, I understand a lot more about *why* she taught me to do things a certain way. Even though I learned "techniques" that worked with my difficult mare, I never realised the "why" of horse behaviour until I wrote this story. Live and learn! Thanks for reviewing!
Bodkin · 19 May 2004 · Chapter 25: Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-Jig
Ferdi must really not be himself not to have realised that the pony is not Socks. Interesting homing instinct of the ill. I would move heaven and earth to get myself home to my own bed, too. Goldi is adorable. I want one. Actually, cut that. Been there, done it. Enough is enough.
Author's reply
When I'm ill, I just want bed, and quiet, and aloneness. Folk may bring me a cup of tea once in awhile, but aside from that I'm happy if they leave me alone. My technical advisor says that the star-marking on the pony's face would be rather indistinct. She showed me some gorgeous photos of a grey pony with a star. I'm tempted to be green with envy, but green is not the best colour for me, even if it is a favourite amongst hobbits. True, he ought to have noticed the difference if he weren't so woozy. Author Reply: (The green-with-envy part has to do with all the gorgeous horses she is privileged to associate with... Was always my dream to have horses. Ah well, I had one, once, for several years, so I suppose I wouldn't call it an unrequited love.)
Lyta Padfoot · 17 May 2004 · Chapter 24: Bloody Trail
Good depiction of stressful moments. Goldilocks was adorable!
Author's reply
Thanks! She's playing a game that each of our little ones adored playing. Tuck up Mama or Dada on the sofa and pull the afghan over them, soothe their forehead with a soft little hand and croon a lullaby. It never lasted long enough, though. Just as a weary parent was getting comfortable, the little voice would say brightly, "It's morning now! Time to get up!"
FantasyFan · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 23: Needle in a Haystack
I actually cried out loud, 'Oh, he's back! Starfire is back!' which made all my children come look at what I was reading. I was sure it was Starfire, that is until Farry was sure it was Socks. Then I was confused for a while! I am sure that they will find Ferdi eventually, but what will happen when Socks comes around the last bend and Starfire sees him? This is a very exciting episode you are writing.
Author's reply
Hurrah! The readers all know who the "hero" is even if the hobbits don't. I'm assured by my horse expert that the star marking on a grey horse would be rather indistinct, and if his long, tangled forelock is covering it, it might not be seen at all. The next chapter is posted, and the chapter after that ought to see this little episode safely closed. There is more to the story, of course, including two races to be run and a farm to save. Thanks for reviewing!
Lyta Padfoot · 16 May 2004 · Chapter 23: Needle in a Haystack
The parallels to 'Pearl' continue! Poor Farry, its hard to retrace ones path when out of your mind with worry. I hope Ferdi will recover soon.
Author's reply
The parallels continue indeed! I wonder how often they have to send out lots of hobbits sweeping the countryside after little hobbits. Probably not all that often, seeing as how those who are given charge of the little ones were little ones themselves, once, and so are more prone to keep a close watch, I'd think. Am working as hard as I can to get Ferdi back to the Smials. It was supposed to happen in the "Bloody Trail" chapter, but that one ran too long and split itself into two parts. Thanks for the reviews, I really appreciate it!
Grey Wonderer · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 23: Needle in a Haystack
Faramir's experience reminds me of the very young Pippin treed by the boars in your story about Pearl. It ties things together as history repeats itself for Pippin only now it's his son who has wondered off and gotten into trouble instead of himself. Looking forward to more. My turn to beg for new chapters.
Author's reply
Yes, I hope to draw some parallels between the two stories without sounding like a cliche or rewarming leftovers... Thanks for commenting!
Sulriel · 15 May 2004 · Chapter 23: Needle in a Haystack
another wonderful chapter. and all the horses perfectly in character! Poor little Farry. I know how hard it is to retrace your steps like that.
Author's reply
Thank you! I certainly appreciate your help in the matter of making the horses believable. I have trouble retracing my steps even when I'm not upset. Thanks for reviewing.
Lyta Padfoot · 14 May 2004 · Chapter 22: Worrying Business
Maybe it comes after reading the latest of Shirebound's 'Mind to Mind' immediately before tackling this chapter, but I wonder if hobbits are indeed psychic. Pippin's dream during an earlier chapter harkens back not only to Isum's injury, but foreshadows Ferdi's. Poor Ferdibrand has awful luck, I don't think even Pippin has been consigned to a healer more often in your stories. I take comfort in knowing he makes it; I assume new!pony saved him - looks like the pony is returning the favor.
Author's reply
O I know. I worry sometimes that it will make Ferdi less believable as a character, until I look at my 5yo with her injured toe (five times scraped over) and her knees (I will not count) and the place on her forehead that she bumped three days in a row (door, floor, and I forget the third). I think Tooks as a rule have trouble sitting still, which is one of the reasons they had the energy to keep the ruffians out of Tookland during the Troubles. If Ferdi could just master the art of sitting still, dozing by the hearth, moving from fireside to table and back again with occasional visits to his bed, he wouldn't have all this trouble... But being Tookish, poor lad... I look at how many knocks Bilbo had just in the course of one story and am comforted that I might not be tormenting one poor hobbit too terribly much. Hope not, anyhow!
Lyta Padfoot · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 21: Hide and Seek
Ferdi always seems to be chasing after either Pippin or Farry!
Author's reply
He's an excellent chaser, it seems. And Paladin's descendents seem to need chasing. Wonder if Ferdi will be too old by the time Farry's sons need chasing?
FantasyFan · 12 May 2004 · Chapter 21: Hide and Seek
In my worries, I had totally forgotten Ferdi was an excellent tracker. Though the hide-and-seek trails would be a puzzle worthy of a Ranger, I don't feel so bad now that Ferdi's on the trail of Farry. And I do have ultimate confidence that the story will come out all right: it's just a little hard to remember all that with the awful pictures from the dream still in my head. I may have to go re-read the chapter of A Gentle Rain to see Farry and Goldi grown and happy and anticipating a babe of their own. On a somewhat related note, Raven is finally reading Jewels, one of my favorite stories. She's about half done, and I love to read over her shoulder, listening to her little squeals and biting my tongue not to give anything away. Last night we did the chapter where Estella springs her surprise and Merry finally gets his chance. Such fun.
Author's reply
Well, the pictures from the dream were awful, which is why it never got into the original story ("Pearl") with the real names attached to the hobbits, and I fear the next chapter is rather traumatic, if you haven't read it already. But there is a surprise in that chapter, and the chapters after, and I think all in all it makes a good, tight story. And of course you know how all the characters end up at last. :::waving::: Hullo, Raven! Glad to hear you like "Jewels". I went back looking at it after reading this and my goodness! ...but it looks as if this is the next thing my editor needs to turn her attention to, if her boss ever stops piling ever more papers on her desk. I found :::shudder::: the word "okay", which I've been informed in no uncertain terms is *death* in LOTR fanfiction, and the assumption that Melilot and Celandine were male (that was early days, before I learned more about who was who and actually saw a genealogy with (m) and (f) written in to be able to tell the girls from the boys. I think I've changed "Melilot" to "Meliloc" in all the other stories where it matters, but never realised it was in this one as well). You know, unless I hear an occasional comment like this I somehow figure that the old stories are just lying dusty on the shelf. LOL.
Bodkin · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 20: Shadow and Sunshine
I am so glad the Gamgees have adopted poor Ferdi. They will do him good. I think I am developing a fondness for that poor hobbit - he needs a society set up to defend him. I think Rosie would be just the person to run it, and Diamond can help. So Pippin is dreaming about his escort now, is he? Perhaps that will stop him trying to escape them! I hope the pony is all right. Anything could have happened to him by now.
Author's reply
Yup. I can just see it. The society for the protection and nurturing of unhobbity hobbits. Poor Pip. Cannot escape his escort, even in his dreams. Stay tuned for future developments. I hope to post the next chapter tomorrow. Thanks for commenting!
FantasyFan · 11 May 2004 · Chapter 20: Shadow and Sunshine
That is an absolutely chilling scene! Pip was chased by the wild boars, but he wasn't present when Isembold was injured defending Thain Ferumbras. Was it just seeing Pearl's husband that brought it back, or has he been imagining the scene ever since? How absolutely horrible - Tolly is dead, and Ferdi is bleeding his lifeblood out before our eyes - I'm actually glad you didn't write it in Pearl of Great Price quite so vividly. Is Pippin feeling a little guilty for what he is putting Ferdi through, or is it perhaps just general guilt over his responsibilities toward all the Tooks? (Random observation: Isum does not get up when Pip visits him, though he could walk with aid before. Is it just that the years have stiffened his injuries, or is he worse?) I loved that Sandy is listening outside the door, ready to bring warm milk with honey to every generation of Thains. Sleep is not one of his duties! Too funny. Pippin is learning as much about Ferdi and Ferdi is learning about Pippin. Ferdi doesn't let down his hair in Pippin's presence, and as aloof and matter-of-fact and competent as he usually is, I'm not surprised Pip tends to overlook him as a person, taking him for granted. The Gamgees are good for Ferdi, and although he really didn't have a choice about being adopted, it's clear he feels a bond with the youngsters. How can he (or we) not love the adorable hobbitlings (though I note Farry's jealousy)? Then, you close with a note of foreboding. Farry and Goldi (awwww, aren't they cute) have wandered off, too small to be seen through the tall grass, and they aren't missed. If that pig scene at the beginning was foreshadowing, I don't want to read the rest. You wouldn't do that to us, would you? Please?
Author's reply
It was much easier to write the scene as a dream, than to write it using the names of the hobbits who actually died or suffered serious injury, hobbits of whom I'd grown fond.... Yup, I think Pip is feeling a fair amount of guilt all around. I need a "Sandy". At least I have one in my imagination. It's nice to fill Ferdi's cup with love spilling over from the Gamgee children. I wouldn't exactly do that to you, you know that by now. This story is not AU, and fits with later tales, so you know how it has to come out in the end, right? There is angst coming in the next chapter, but also a few surprises. Hang in there. Thanks for reviewing! Author Reply: p.s. Isum was barely able to walk thirty-some years ago, with aid of a heavy stick or a hobbit to lean upon. Age has stiffened his joints, adding to the effects of crippling injury, and now he stays mostly chair-bound. He can walk just a bit with Pearl on one side and his eldest son on the other, supporting him, but it causes him enough pain that he moves only at need. (Bed to chair, chair to bed, and such.) Still, life is sweet and his family are always surrounding him, keeping him in the midst of everything. Author Reply: p.s. Isum was barely able to walk thirty-some years ago, with aid of a heavy stick or a hobbit to lean upon. Age has stiffened his joints, adding to the effects of crippling injury, and now he stays mostly chair-bound. He can walk just a bit with Pearl on one side and his eldest son on the other, supporting him, but it causes him enough pain that he moves only at need. (Bed to chair, chair to bed, and such.) Still, life is sweet and his family are always surrounding him, keeping him in the midst of everything.
Elentari Greenwood · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 19: Painted into the Corner
Lindelea, I am new to this site, and have spent the afternoon reading your story; I could not put it down! Ferdibrand is a wonderful character, and I have already become quite sympathetic of him! I am also a horse-lover, and am hoping for good things to happen to this poor, misunderstood pony of Rohan! This story is well written, the characters carefully developed. I will look for the next chapter anxiously! Thanks, Elentari
Author's reply
Elentari, I know you wrote this a long time ago. I don't remember ever seeing it before. I'm very sorry for this regrettably belated reply. Many thanks for taking the time to leave a note.
Lyta Padfoot · 10 May 2004 · Chapter 19: Painted into the Corner
Pippin's certainly showing his creativity. I liked that Ferdi saw a comparison to Paladin - he still tends to think uncharitably toward Pippin (understandable considering). Thank you for another lovely chapter!
Author's reply
Pippin is creative, practical, and ruthless. I resent him somewhat for using Ferdi. Someday, perhaps, he'll apologise for this and other offences, but at the moment he's concerned more for the welfare of Tookland than for one damaged cousin. I very much appreciate your faithful reviews.
Lyta Padfoot · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 18: Of Tea and Talk
Lovely to see Isum and Pearl, happily married with children. Isum's treatment of Ferdi was perfect - he won't allow him to fade into the background. Ferdi's moment of realization that the farm belonged to Pippin was note-perfect, Ferdi and Pippin are both a bit out of the loop and it shows. I'm surprised there was less friction between Pearl and Pippin, was this the first time they'd seen each other in a less-than-public setting since Pippin left for Buckland? I wonder what Pearl thought of the whole Paladin/Pippin feud - or did she stay out of it altogether?
Author's reply
It was fun to catch a glimpse of Isum and Pearl so many years after "Pearl of Great Price". I don't have the chronology in front of me, but I figure they must have been married about 30 years by now, and I think they've had at least the dozen children wished them in one of the blessing toasts spoken at their wedding. It is possible that Pearl was able to visit Pippin in Buckland, though not likely. Though he was somewhat mobile up through the scouring of the Shire and perhaps some time afterwards, her husband is now confined to a chair, and she has a dozen (or more) children and a farm to manage. It is likely they kept in touch through letters. I assume she'd stay neutral. If she took her father's part, Pippin would have cut her off as well (out of self-defence). If she took Pippin's part, Paladin might have found another tenant for the family farm, seeing the bitterness that consumed him in the last years. She wouldn't have worried about herself, but for the sake of Isum and the children she had to stay on Paladin's good side. Thanks for the thoughtful comments.
Grey Wonderer · 9 May 2004 · Chapter 17: A Dose of Truth
Enjoyed this chapter so much more for having read "Flames" and "Pearl of Great Price". Anyone who is reading this one would really enjoy the other two as well. I did. Another great chapter.
Author's reply
Thank you! I hope, however, that this story can stand alone and that the other stories add flavour and depth instead of being absolutely necessary. Don't you hate it when you go to the dictionary to look up a word and instead of a definition it says "See..." and sends you to look up another word? I don't want readers to feel that same frustration, as if they have to read several stories before they can enjoy the current one... (of course, I am pleased if they're intrigued enough by the characters to seek out other stories about them!) Thanks for reviewing! I see you have a new story up. It's on my list, and I hope to get to read some this week. Until later!
Lyta Padfoot · 8 May 2004 · Chapter 17: A Dose of Truth
Being hypoglycemic the thought of voluntarily going without food makes me shiver - if I don't eat I get very sick. I'm surprised how well Ferdi dealt with it, but hobbits are a resilient people. So Pippin and Ferdi are finally having it all out, good for them. I think this story more than any other shows how lonely Ferdi is, he has no one to really confide his feelings in. Its good to know he has Pimpernel and a lot of kids in his future.
Author's reply
I cannot fast anymore, but I used to, years ago. I remember being able to function on a three-day fast so long as I did not try to do any strenuous exercise, such as long-distance running. It is amazing... the hunger lasted into day two but by day three there was a feeling of lightness and well-being and I had no desire to eat. Now, of course, I have blood-sugar problems and have to eat protein on a regular basis or I feel awful. It is easier to write this story, knowing the joy in Ferdi's future (and not so distant... I think he marries his Nell only a little more than a year from "now"). Thanks for reviewing.
Lyta Padfoot · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 16: Saving the Farm
Pippin's certainly thinking creatively! So Tookland doesn't have quite the store of gold one might think - no wonder Paladin was so interested in Estella's fortune. Pippin and Regi need to think long and hard about more reliable sources of income than pony races if they need extra money to help distressed farm families and build up the Took fortunes again. Maybe they could get into trade, for example giving flax or raw wool (raw materials) to poorer families or those on the Thain's charity to card, dye, spin (manufacture) in exchange for their firewood and upkeep. It (the finished product) could then be sold for a profit which would in turn be invested back in the Tookland.
Author's reply
Don't know if this email address is still valid, but while re-reading this story today, I ran across your comment. Very practical! Excellent idea, and sounds jut like Pippin (and/or Diamond). Thanks.
Lyta Padfoot · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 15: A Matter of Honour
So like Ferdi to be unable to kill the pony.
Lyta Padfoot · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 14: A Change of Heart
I hope the reprieve won't come too late, StarFire doesn't appear in your later works.
Lyta Padfoot · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 13: The Challenge
Hmm... this chapter echoes events in 'Runaway' - with regard to his children being in danger, Pippin looses the ability to think clearly.
Lyta Padfoot · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 12: Of Blessing and Bane
I bet Eglantine referred to Pippin as 'your son' in conversations with Paladin when he annoyed her as as 'my son' when she was pleased with him. My folks do that - attributing positive traits to their side of the family and less desirable traits to the other. The description of Pippin as a 'young Paladin' was not a positive one - Pippin is being as insensitive to Ferdi as his father was.
Lyta Padfoot · 7 May 2004 · Chapter 11: Lambs to the Slaughter
Adorable chapter, especially the last bit.