All That Glisters by Lindelea
Connie B. · 4 November 2004 · Chapter 35: You Can Lead a Pony to Water
Interesting. At least they have a way of feeding Ferdi till he wakes. I'm wondering, though, just how long he's going to sleep. Did they overdose him? I'm also still curious about what's happening with Pippin and Merry at the lake. Thanks. Connie B.
Connie B. · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 34: Food for Thought
LOL! That last bit was great. I really liked this chapter. Looking forward to more, of course. Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
More tomorrow, I hope! I'm drained today from staying up too late, watching the election. Sounds like you had a long and busy day as well. Sure appreciate your taking the time to stop by and leave notes!
Grey Wonderer · 3 November 2004 · Chapter 34: Food for Thought
I love the idea of the guard being fed to death! LOL Too funny! You are just updating all over the place and I can hardly keep up! I love it when you do that! I am glad that poor long-suffering, half-mad Denethor got such a charming name-sake. At least that much good can be said of him now. Denny does seem to be half-hobbit too.
Author's reply
I got to sneak some computer time and type in another chapter while dh was watching election returns. I was too nervous to watch them--would have nibbled my nails to nubs, I fear. It was better to keep them busy typing. Thanks!
nessa · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 34: Food for Thought
Great! I love the new chapter and keep going with it
Author's reply
Thanks! Will hope to post another chapter tomorrow.
Bodkin · 2 November 2004 · Chapter 34: Food for Thought
I love the vision of courteous guardsmen being forced to eat for the reputation of their country. The things people have to do for good manners! Ferdi (MFH) could do with waking up fairly soon, I think, with a big happy smile on his face and a complete lack of understanding of what all the fuss is about. (Too short. More. Please.)
Author's reply
Stayed up way too late watching election results, so no time to type in another chapter today. At least I had time for two chapters yesterday, one here and a Bucca chapter in "Thain", so I'll just count one of those as today's post. Ferdi's wakening might come in the next chapter; have to check the draft to make sure. I do like your idea that he hasn't a clue what he's put everyone through. Hope for more tomorrow. Thanks for the encouragement!
Bodkin · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 33: Fireside Conversations
So Merry will see what he can do, huh? That sounds more like ensuring that Estella has some knock-out drops in her morning tea than an invitation to his operation. I like the thought of scary Estella frightening off the guardsmen. I hope Posey and Hilly make it to the Lake. I can't remember if they end up with bundles of babies or not, but I hope Posey gets at least one little one. Mardi and Hilly don't think much of traditional Smials Tooks, do they. Mind you, Paladin wasn't really any advance on them - he might have had his reasons, but he was a spiteful old toad. Anyone who is that mean to Ferdi (MFH) has to be a few beans short of a can. And Ferdi (MFH) is doing a bit better. Good. And I should think unconsciousness will suit him down to the ground at the moment. Although, come to think of it, when he recovers, he will refuse to believe he had the Old Gaffer's Friend - he will be convinced he's just had a cold and everyone is making it up. Oh well, Nell will just have to box his ears and tell him to behave.
Author's reply
So far as I know, Hilly is not in the later stories (such as "Merlin" and "Solid Ground". I wonder if he went to Sea... I will have to re-read the later stories on the timeline to see if he is mentioned. Mardi and Hilly are part of a family whose grandfather had opted out of the succession; Mardi would be the next Thain, if anything happened to Pippin, if he wanted, but since his grandfather opted out and separated himself from Great Smials society, Mardi has no obligation. Just as well. He's a better healer than administrator. In any event, there's a reason why Paladin's grandfather, and Mardi's, left the Great Smials! (Her name was Lalia, and she was as bad in her time as Lotho S.-B. was in his.) Oh, I like your idea in your last paragraph, mind if I write it into the story? (Ferdi not believing he had been deathly ill... LOL! That would drive the healers to distraction, wouldn't it?)
Connie B · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 33: Fireside Conversations
Very nice chapter. I especially liked the last bit between Merry and Estella. That "I'll see what I can do" line was great. I got his meaning, even if Estella either missed it, or chose to ignaore it. Sorry I'm reviewing so late. Connie B.
Author's reply
I'm always glad to see your review, late or prompt or in between. More tomorrow, I hope!
Grey Wonderer · 31 October 2004 · Chapter 33: Fireside Conversations
Love Merry and Estella's chat. I wonder if Merry will have Strider drug both Estella and Pippin? If he does then I fear Diamond will stand in for the two of them. She has the nerve and she certainly wouldn't faint. LOL I look forward to more of this. Hilly and Posey scene very sweet btw.
Author's reply
OOoo, *both* Estella and Pippin, now there are some possibilities there... talk about a conspiracy! Ah, yes, but Diamond is a force to be reckoned with. Thanks for the positive feedback.
FantasyFan · 30 October 2004 · Chapter 33: Fireside Conversations
‘They’ll have to give me a sleeping draught to pry me from your side,’ Estella pronounced. ‘I’ll see what I can do,’ Merry said. Well that made me chuckle into my tea! Reminds me of a certain Took who declared he'd have to be tied up in a sack to be left behind... Estella and Pippin are alike in at least one thing - they know sometimes they have to badger Merry when he's being stubborn (though here Estella never gives him a chance to get too stubborn). When Estella was young, there was nobody more spirited or independent. Your early Estella is probably my favorite of all the hobbits, and I can certainly see why Merry fell in love with her. But of all the hobbits, she may be the one most changed by time and maturity, at least on the outside. Inside she's still strong, but she doesn't get as many obvious chances to show it. I hope she gets to do more than hold Merry's hand.
Author's reply
LOL, I hadn't made the connexion but it *does* sound like the one who'd have to be tied in a sack... Pip is actually going to *wish* he'd been tied in a sack, or everyone else is going to. As far as doing more than holding Merry's hand, it depends on how much info I can find out about shoulder surgery before actually writing the sequence. You don't happen to know anything about surgery on the shoulder, do you? I have an idea of the anatomy, but it's sadly not as precise as it ought to be, considering what the draft says happens during the surgery... Thanks!
Anso the Hobbit · 29 October 2004 · Chapter 26: In the Hands of a Healer
I am so horribly far behind on your story... :) Ferdi is stubborn but so is Fennel. Ferdi´s trying to ignore Fennel and the healer tries to ignore Ferdi´s ignoration! Hilly and Pip seems more shocked about the surgery than Merry. I understand Hilly`s reaction - he has no clue of what is to happen. Pippin is so worried fir his Merry that that makes him not want Merry and himself to go through this. They have almost lost oneanother before. When Merry trusts somone he trusts them completely and utterly, and he does trust Strider and his skills. I don´t have to tell you that I went all squee-ish when I found some Merry h/c in your story, lol, but as always you manage to get so many perspectives and sides of things shown. I am really looking forward to how this will turn out. What will Estella say? She doesn´t know about Men´s way of healing the way Ferdi or even Hilly maybe does?
Grey Wonderer · 29 October 2004 · Chapter 32: Sweet Draughts and Savoury Biscuits
It is always good to be proven right! Way to go, Hilly! And Nell too of course. It's good news and Pip can eat his cheese and biscuits in peace. I wonder if Hilly will come and bring his wife or if he will stay with Nell to see how things progress? Questions, and more questions. Good thing you've been a quick poster on this one. (Oh, wondering 'bout Pip and the sheep in your other story too. Do hope he hasn't gone and lost them all.) Anyway, on to the lake!
Author's reply
To answer your question: both (he'll stay, then go). Have finished the research needed for the next sheep chapter (at least I hope I have) and hope to work on it over the weekend. Hoping to have time to type in the next chapter of "Glisters" over the weekend, too, but it depends on if I can get any computer time. Thanks for commenting!
Hai Took · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 32: Sweet Draughts and Savoury Biscuits
Well....I certainly hope that Ferdi didn't drink more than was good for him! I hope that things are looking up for them all! I hope Woodruff can find out what was in that draught and recreate it! wouldn't that be splendid! I also home that Hilly and Posey decide to come to the Lake anyway, it would probably do them good, in more ways than one! As always looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
Happily there were only a few swallows left, though I'm not sure you can overdose on the stuff. And yes, Hilly and Posey will come to the Lake, for there is so much to hope for. Thanks for commenting!
Nessa · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 32: Sweet Draughts and Savoury Biscuits
Please keep going, this is my favourite story at the present
Author's reply
Thanks! Will hope to update on the weekend or by Monday, if I can't get close to the computer over the weekend! (Lots of competition around here.)
Bodkin · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 32: Sweet Draughts and Savoury Biscuits
I'm glad the golden sunshine started working quickly. Woodruff was not a happy healer. Shame there's not much left of the magic potion. (Any relation to miruvor?) Woodruff will have to leave the Shire and go searching for Jack and the lads to find out where it came from. Any smial containing Pippin and Ferdi needs every advantage it can get! If those travelling to the Lake ONLY KNEW!
Author's reply
*sigh* Poor Woodruff. To be a healer amongst Tooks is a tough and rocky row to hoe. The magic potion is amazing, and the back-story will come out at the Lake. If those travelling to the Lake ONLY KNEW they'd turn around and make a bee-line to the Shire... and then the fun and exciting "Lake" chapters would never come to pass... so it's just as well. Thanks!
Connie B. · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 32: Sweet Draughts and Savoury Biscuits
Yea! Healing all around. I love it. Real life is looking a little brighter this morning, too. So I am glad that life and art are once again mirroring each other. I really liked the banter at the end of the chapter. Very sweet. Thanks for giving me something else to smile about. Connie B.
Author's reply
Glad real life is better. Ours is impossibly busy at the moment, but thankfully no more trips to ER. Hoping to make an update this weekend or Monday... Thanks for commenting, and you're most welcome.
Hai Took · 28 October 2004 · Chapter 31: Fighting Fire with Fire
What a brilliant idea for Hilly to go find Mardi! I couldn't recall that they were brothers but I certainly am glad they are! Sometimes siblings make the best friends! Good for Nell! I am glad they disturbed her enough that she is willing to try this! Of course I am looking forward to finding out if it works the way it ought!
Author's reply
It was certainly convenient to have imagined three brothers, two serving on the Thain's escort and the third a healer. So yes, Mardibold is also Tolibold's older brother. (As the head of the "-bold" family, he performed Tolly's wedding in "StarFire".) I'm not sure exactly when Mardibold entered these stories, but it might have been around the time of "Striking Sparks", when Reginard married Mardi's oldest daughter Rosa. Whew! Sometimes it's a challenge to keep track of all these hobbits! The next chapter is posted, so you can see how well the draught is working. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Bodkin · 27 October 2004 · Chapter 31: Fighting Fire with Fire
Thank goodness for Hilly. And Mardi. And Nell is (probably) my favourite female hobbit. It's a good thing that Hilly is too pig-headed to take 'we know best' for an answer. (Much like the rest of the escort, actually. I'd feel sorry for Pippin, being surrounded by such a determined obstinate lot - except that he is exactly the same.) SAVE THAT HOBBIT. (And, by the way, when it works, Woodruff ought to go and ask for the recipe. Just imagine the joy of being to knock out your hobbits WHILE THEY HEAL!! It must be an idea of heaven to a Great Smials healer.)
Author's reply
LOL, they're all Tooks, aren't they? I loved writing the scene in "At the End of His Rope" where Merry called the Tooks every name he could think of, and every one meant "stubborn". I do believe "pig-headed" was in the list. Whoa, Woodruff... if she finds out it's Elvish she might just make a pilgrimage to Rivendell. Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 27 October 2004 · Chapter 31: Fighting Fire with Fire
Way to go Nell. Finally someone will listen to Hilly! Now, if only Nell gets the dose right and doesn't put her patient to sleepfor a year or so. I can't wait to hear what's happening with Merry's surgery at the Lake. I love that there is more posted so quickly on this one. Great story!
Author's reply
You know, it's a good thing there's only a few swallows left in the flask... I had thought of that problem, actually! Rip van Winkel in hobbit-fashion! As far as the timeline goes, Merry is still on his way to the Lake. From what I worked out on the map, it'll take them about a week to get there (not that you have to wait a week, if I keep managing to post a chapter a day...) Thanks!
FantasyFan · 27 October 2004 · Chapter 31: Fighting Fire with Fire
Thank goodness someone in the Smial has some sense! These hobbits drive me crazy sometimes! Their innocence and stubbornness and old-fashioned ways are endearing and part of their charm, until they are so exasperating and bull-headed that they make me want to scream! OK, now I see I've written three sentences with three exclamation points. I guess I have to laugh at myself for letting the story get to me so, especially since I know that Ferdi lives well for years to come, BUT. I guess it's a good measure of how well you write these captivating and irritating creatures, Lindelea. And bit by bit, one slow dragging experience at a time, they are all learning and becoming braver about the new world around them. Carry on! FF
Author's reply
Glad to hear from you! (There, I kept you company in exclamation.) The sad fact is that Hilly would not be so enlightened had he not actually experienced the powers of the draught himself. And Mardi is willing to listen to his brother's recounting of experience, but he's still pretty dubious. If Pippin were there, of course, he might have bulled past Woodruff and administered the draught himself! Thanks for taking the time to comment! Author Reply: p.s. I understand Tolkien himself found "typical" hobbits (like Samwise) to be exasperating as well, so you're in good company.
Connie B. · 27 October 2004 · Chapter 31: Fighting Fire with Fire
Got to love that Nell; such a take-charge person. Mardi is no slouch either. He's got a ton of great qualities, too. I don't feel like I'm doing this review justice at all. My dear friend's medical crisis, that I spoke of in my last review, came to a head this morning and she's now in emergicy sergery. What a week this is turning out to be. Thanks for your kind words in recent review replies, and thanks for great distracting stories. Connie B.
fliewatuet · 27 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
Sorry for not reviewing earlier, but I am still catching up. I absolutely loved Pippin's greeting of King Elessar (am still sniggering at the thought)! fliewatuet (off to read more)
Author's reply
Glad to see you back! The problem with posting a chapter a day of a long story is that it's possible to lose people in the glut of material. I'm happy you've stuck with me. Pippin is... very Pippinish in this chapter, I hope. Thanks!
Hai Took · 26 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hidden Treasure
Oh dear! Ferdi is seriously sick! And no one is listening to poor Hilly! That must be awful for Hilly. But I mean if Ferid is dying anyway what could a drought hurt, wether it finishes him off or helps him? I hope someone comes to this realization or Hilly figures something out. Something I alway love about your stories, when ever there is a problem and one or both parents are having trouble of some kind other hobbits and hobbitesses (sp?) step up and help to take care of the children! Very hobbity and gives such a nice since of community! Looking forward to more and finding out what happens next!
Author's reply
Thanks for commenting! I just posted the next chapter, so now you can see what Hilly figured out. I love writing close-knit families, something our world is woefully lacking!
nessa · 26 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hidden Treasure
Please keep going with this story it is very interesting.
Author's reply
Thank you for taking the time to comment!
Chibi-Kaz · 26 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hidden Treasure
GO HILLY! Make a break for it!!
Author's reply
I'm with you! Cheering Hilly on... Thanks!
Beruthiel · 26 October 2004 · Chapter 30: Hidden Treasure
Of course they don't believe Hilly, they haven't seen the Ent-draught yet. Sigh. Why isn't anything ever easy? I'm betting Hilly manages to get the draught into Ferdi somehow. How else is he supposed to live? Where did Jack get this draught, anyway? It's not Ent-draught; that heals much more painfully than this stuff. Perhaps Jack met Elrond once? Maybe he acquired the Elvish rope at the same time as the mystery draught? I'm getting incoherent. Better go eat some sugar. Ciao!
Author's reply
Your incoherence is remarkably coherent! Don't know yet if the "back story" will make it out of the draft into the final, but yes, Jack did get the rope and the draught at the same time, and your guesses aren't as far off as you think. (Though no, Jack has not met Elrond per se) Thanks! Author Reply: p.s. I might have misused per se just now, but if I did, I have no idea of the phrase I really meant to use. *g* In any event, Jack had no direct personal contact with Elrond. There. Was that clearer? Author Reply: OTOH, wouldn't it be *cool* if Jack met Elrond somehow, in the wilderland somewhere... but the idea boggles my imagination... might give it some thought and tweak the back story or even write a one-shot of that meeting... hmm.