All That Glisters by Lindelea
Anso the Hobbit · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
Lol. I love how Pippin just had enough of the Gondorians. it is great to get a glimpse into how that meeting went, as Tolkien barely mentiones it in the books. I loved this chapter so much!
Author's reply
I've been thinking on this meeting for quite a long time. You're right, JRRT hardly mentions it. I tell you, I was very anxious about getting something that sounded right! Thanks.
Anso the Hobbit · 15 October 2004 · Chapter 21: Laying Uneasy Spirits to Rest
I haven´t managed to keep up with my story-reading, but now I fnially got this far, lol! Little Rob is saved, yay for Ferdi! The Rangers are wise but hobbits in general do not know of their ways and understandable that Ferdi - even if he does know men - think all the "ruffians" are killed.
Author's reply
Just saw this review, Anso, and will answer it (but won't answer more, in fear of filling up your mailbox while you're offline). I don't think Ferdi knows men as well as he *thinks* he does! Thanks!
Grey Wonderer · 14 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
Yeah! The feast! I just love Pippin and Strider in this one. Sam was so sweet when presented with Frodo's gift. Can't wait for more as it gets better all the time.
Author's reply
Thanks, GW! Sam's reaction gets a lot of credit from Jodancingtree, who helped me with his characterisation in "At the End of His Rope" and helped me imagine his reaction here. Glad to hear you're enjoying the story! Author Reply: (oops, I meant Jo's help in "Rope" helped me to imagine his reaction here!)
Elena Tiriel · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
Hi Lindelea! I've enjoyed reading this story, and hope to see it continue... I'm glad you decided to include the meeting with Elessar... Pip's irreverent remark (and Strider's response) made me LOL! I think I can shed some light on the "Star of the Dúnedain" controvery: it is most likely NOT the Elendilmir (neither the original nor the copy made for Valandil). (BTW, I agree with Lois(?) that it is probably a star-shaped cloak-pin worn by the Dúnedain, possibly even Strider's own... but that is strictly conjecture on my part.) "Elessar took it [the original Elendilmir] up with reverence, and when he returned to the North and took up again the full kingship of Arnor Arwen bound it upon his brow.... But Elessar did not again imperil it, and wore it only on high days in the North Kingdom. Otherwise, when in kingly raiment he bore the Elendilmir which had descended to him [the copy made for Valandil]. "And this also is thing of reverence," he said, "and above my worth; forty heads have worn it before." [33]" Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields "33 The actual number was thirty-eight, since the second Elendilmir was made for Valandil.... - In the Tale of Years in Appendix B to The Lord of the Rings the entry for the year 16 of the Fourth Age (given under Shire Reckoning 1436) states that when King Elessar came to the Brandywine Bridge to greet his friends he gave the Star of the Dúnedain to Master Samwise, while his daughter Elanor was made a maid of honour to Queen Arwen. On the basis of this record Mr. Robert Foster says in The Complete Guide to Middle-earth that "the Star [of Elendil] was worn on the brow of the Kings of the North-kingdom until Elessar gave it to Sam Gamgee in Fourth Age 16." The clear implication of the present passage is that King Elessar retained indefinitely the Elendilmir that was made for Valandil; and it seems to me in any case out of the question that he would have made a gift of it to the Mayor of the Shire, however greatly he esteemed him. The Elendilmir is called by several names: the Star of Elendil, the Star of the North, the Star of the Northkingdom; and the Star of the Dúnedain (occurring only in this entry in the Tale of Years) is assumed to be yet another both in Robert Foster's Guide and in J. E. A. Tyier's Tolkien Companion. I have found no other reference to it; but it seems to me to be almost certain that it was not, and that Master Samwise received some different (and more suitable) distinction." Unfinished Tales, Part 3, Ch 1, The Disaster of the Gladden Fields: Notes, Note 33 What this boils down to is Christopher Tolkien's opinion; however, I believe that his opinion is likely the most informed and is (IMO) most plausible. - Barbara
Author's reply
Thanks for taking the time to type out those references! Looks as if I need to add UT to the "want to buy someday" list. Have modified the note at the end of the chapter to reflect the information you gave. Happily I don't think the text of the chapter needs to be changed, since it says Elessar wore a "star" and not necessarily a jewel. It might not have been either of the Elendilmirs, the way it's written. Will probably leave it deliberately ambiguous. (Have a good example to follow! *g*)
Lois · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
Still thinking about the star issue, now in light of the other comments... If "the Star of the Dunedain" was Aragorn's very own silver cloak pin, worn all his life through all those adventures, it would be of enormous personal significance to both that he should hand it on to Sam. It is also, especially, a symbol of his long protection of the north, very pertinent in this context. Also, there wouldn't be any argument with all those Gondorian nobles over giving away royal regalia (although that version, too, has interesting possibilities for dialogue...) Instead, half of them would miss the deep subtext. But Sam sure wouldn't, nor would anyone else who once knew "Strider". The brooch would *mean* more to Sam than the elvish jewel, I think; potentially, stunningly more. It's not a matter of correct or incorrect. I'm acquainted with the inconclusive identification arguments; I just like the "knighthood for Sam" and the silver star pin interpretation better on a dramatic and emotional level. At this point, the revision would be only the matter of a few lines, quite painless; but which you chose could have diverging consequences in the later story. Your tale, your choice. Carry on! bests, L.
Author's reply
Well, modified the note at the end of the chapter to reflect my current "choice": deliberate ambiguity. While I'm sure JRRT's ambiguity was not deliberate, I'm going to reiterate JRRT's description of Elessar with the "star" bound about his forehead and leave it up to the reader to work out if it was a silver star or a white jewel. OTOH, the "feast" chapter is begging for an insert where Sam learns the history of the star... and which includes the information about the knighthood of Arnor, and so, I might change my mind and clearly indicate that the star is a star and not a jewel. It is difficult to be decisive on so little sleep. (Sick children, up most of the night.) In any event, it has been fun to mull this over. Thanks!
Connie B. · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
I really, really liked this chapter. Merry's remark about listening to the wrong counselers was great. It's a good thing Aragorn didn't hear that "nobleman's" comment. He would not have been a happy king. Aragorn's comfort around people like the hobbits is so obvious in this chapter. Deep down he's much more like them than the high-born Gondorians he's surrounded by these days. Great job. Sorry I can't help with the star issue. Connie B.
Author's reply
Thanks for the moral support, anyhow! (I think I managed to solve the star issue, thankfully!) Amazing how a review can burn off the fog and make me feel more optimistic about writing. I actually managed half a chapter of new writing yesterday, and as soon as I can finish it, another story will enjoy an update. I am reading a marvellous series of books. I forget the author, but the first in the series is "A Squire's Tale". I picked them up as read-alouds (with judicious editing--there's mention of a knight being sawed in half and a few other too-graphic details for the littlest one) and am thoroughly enjoying them. King Arthur in those books is very much like your comment about Aragorn. He lives among all these high-falutin' knights with their fancy talk and all, and occasionally he takes himself off to a monastery for "meditation"--actually, he's old friends with the head of the monastery, and so he "sneaks out" without anyone the wiser, and goes off riding incognito around the countryside, jousting and knocking heads together for the fun of it. I can just see Aragorn going off on a hunting trip with some old buddies and not bathing or combing his hair for days! Sitting around the fire, telling questionable stories, and singing songs, and such...
FantasyFan · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
I was being somewhat facetious about Aragorn carrying around the Star of Elendil, I hope you realize. I assume he actually got it from Ellandan or Elrohir when the Grey Compamy joined him. I read the other comments about the star being a cloak pin, and I don't think I agree, but I admit there isn't much to go on. If there were more than one of them, wouldn't the appendix read, "A Star of the Dunedain" instead of "The Star of the Dunedain"? I figured Elessar just didn't need two crowns, though I can't imagine Sam wearing it.
Author's reply
I thought I just caught a contradiction in the "Companion", but if it is reliable (as I hope it is, such a wonderful, carefully-researched and lovingly compiled treasury of information that it is) it really clears things up marvellously. The original Star of Elendil or "Elendilmir" was in Isildur's possession at the time of the disaster of the Gladden Fields. A new Elendilmir was made for Valandil, Isildur's last remaining son--*this* was the jewel Aragorn wore at Pelennor Fields. After the War of the Ring, the *original* Elendilmir was found in Orthanc, after Saruman's expulsion. (I missed the distinction in my first read-through) Therefore, Aragorn could give Samwise his northern crown and still retain the heirloom of his house. Whew! Will have to add an author's note, I guess. Thanks for jogging my memory and sending me to double-check! Author Reply: And now I see that what I got out of the Companion is what you said you found on Encyclopedia of Arda. (There I go, reading too fast, and reading when distracted--there are three young people singing three different songs simultaneously at the moment!) "Companion" has a footnote, saying the information about the original being found in Orthanc was in "Unfinished Tales", p. 359. I don't have a copy of that book, so cannot check, but it is likely to be there.
FantasyFan · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
The appendices say that Strider gave Sam the "Star of the Dunedain" at the bridge. Exactly what that is is not elaborated, but I think we can make an educated guess. When Aragorn meets Eomer on the battle field, it is said that he has the "Star of Elendil" on his brow. Later, when he enters the city, it is said that he removes the "Star of the North Kingdom" before he enters. At his coronation, he is described as the "bearer of the Star of the North". In appendix A, the "Star of Elendil" is described as a heirloom of the North Kingdom, kept at Rivendell, immediately after it talks about the Dunedain being the continuation of the line of kings. It is pretty obvious that all these various-named things are the same. Interestingly, when Elrond gives the 20-year-old Aragorn the heirlooms, the star is not mentioned, but we have to assume he got it sometime before he left on the quest, and has been carrying it around all that time. At his coronation, he is described as wearing a star upon his forehead bound by a slender fillet of silver. Why on earth would that be anything other than the Star of Elendil? The name "Star of the Dunedain" is not mentioned other than in the one line in the appendix where it is given to Sam, but I have always assumed it was the Star of Elendil, which would be consistent with its other names. (The encyclopedia of Arda has something about an original star of Elendil which was lost when Isildur died, and replaced and then the original rediscovered in Orthanc after Saruman left, but I don't know where that story comes from. They don't say anything about it being given to Sam.)
Author's reply
Whew, I feel better! Basically I was working along the same lines as you went over, in your review. It is the information I found, combing LOTR and the appendices. It does say in "The Steward and the King" that a *star* was bound upon his forehead, and not a white jewel. Unless the jewel was shaped like a star? Even if the jewel was called "the Star", the reference doesn't seem all that clear to me: wouldn't it have been capitalized in the description of Aragorn in "The Steward and the King", if it were the jewel and not the silver star? This is sort of the thought process I was going through at the time I outlined this chapter. However, just now, looking in my "Complete Tolkien Companion" I find the information that the "Star of the Dunedain" was "the rayed brooch that Aragorn II, Chieftain of the Dunedain of the North, wore on his cloak when he served Gondor as "Thorongil" ("Eagle of the Star"). He later presented it to Sam Gamgee." Don't know where they get the "rayed brooch", but perhaps they're taking it from the "silver star" he wore on his cloak. Woohoo!!! Just hit the jackpot, looking up the Star of Elendil! (Don't you love stream of consciousness? Am not going to revise what I typed above. Sorry if it's an inconvenience. The "Companion" says: "It was this jewel, known also as the Star of the Dunedain, which Aragorn wore in battle at the Pelennor Fields". Don't know enough to say if the "Companion" is completely reliable, only that I haven't found an error in it yet, so far as I know.
Chibi-Kaz · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
Weehoo! Fun times. I love the Bergil cameo - can't wait 'til Pip spots him. What nobles came? Sheesh, you need to make longer chapters. Cheers, Chibi_kaz
Author's reply
Yes, Bergil's going to enjoy his reunion with Pippin! Sorry, I have a short attention span. I can write long stories, but only if I break them into relatively short chapters (1200-3000 words). It makes for easier editing, as well. Thanks!
Bodkin · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
I love the no-nonsense soldier of Gondor - can we see more of him! I like people who depress pretension. ‘Wrong Counsellors,’ Merry said expressively' - and Merry seems to agree! Well - the embarrassment of having king, courtiers and soldiers kneeling to honour the Travellers - if it wasn't an indirect honour to Frodo, I think Sam would have popped. I like Sam being honoured - and unable to reject it because of the 'for Frodo' tag. He would never have accepted such an honour given the choice, and, in a way, it is even better for the Baggins's former servant and heir to receive it in front of a swathe of Shire representatives, for it will add to his reputation at home. A knighthood of Arnor? Suits him. And I am glad to see that Pippin has his priorities right - jewels and honours are all very well, but bring on the food!
Author's reply
I have the impression that the no-nonsense soldier becomes the King's counsellor who appears in "As the Gentle Rain"--Turamir, is it? But I'm not completely sure if I've written them so that they correspond perfectly. I need to go back and check. You just have to love Sam... And Strider knew just how to get him to stand still for being honoured. Pippin knows that the best part of any celebration is the practical one. You can't live on trumpet fanfares and flying banners, after all! Thanks!
Lois · 13 October 2004 · Chapter 24: When in Rohan...
Lovely writing. Hm. I'd always taken "the Star of the Dunedain" to mean a Ranger's silver cloak pin, the sign of a knighthood of Arnor: co-equal, therefore, to Merry's and Pippin's knighthoods of Rohan and Gondor. Seems nicely balanced. The Star of the North, the crown jewel, I would take to be entailed to the kingship, held in trust for Eldarion and his heirs to come, and not Elessar's to give away at will. Arguable, I suppose... Ta, L.
Author's reply
Very nice "take" (that Sam would receive the knighthood of Arnor)! I might have to re-consider. I'd done some research on the Star and really couldn't find much. Actually, I think your review has more information than I was able to come up with in my research! But then, there is so very much to JRRT's work that I haven't read yet, even though I've been working at it for years! (Ain't it great? Such a wealth of material, and yet it leaves such scope for the imagination at the same time.) Thanks for taking the time to comment! Author Reply: Have just worked this out, through thought, listening to reviewers, and perusing the "Complete Tolkien Companion". The original Star of Elendil or "Elendilmir" was in Isildur's possession at the time of the disaster of the Gladden Fields and was lost with his body. A new Elendilmir was made for Valandil, Isildur's last remaining son--*this* was the jewel Aragorn wore at Pelennor Fields. After the War of the Ring, the *original* Elendilmir was found in Orthanc, after Saruman's expulsion. (I missed the distinction in my first read-through) Therefore, Aragorn could give Samwise his Northern crown (Valandil's) and still retain the heirloom of his house. Whew! Will have to add an author's note, I guess. Thanks for bringing this to my attention and forcing me to clarify what I wrote!
Beruthiel · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
"Get down off your high horse and give your friends a proper greeting!" Loved this! It is just so . . . "Pippin", for lack of a better word. You really must write more of Pippin and Diamond together, dear. I'd read it! They are a lovely couple, perfect for each other. Come to think of it, I'd love to see Pippin and Farry together a lot more. I'm interested in how their relationship changes, and the things they don't say to each other but should (I'm thinking of events in and between "Firstborn", "Runaway", etc). Can't wait to see the rest of the reunion. Poor Sam and Merry, they really need to loosen up and quit going through all this ceremony in their own country, when they know it's not necessary. Aragorn is a friend, not just some foreign dignitary they have to impress! Pippin has the right idea. (How 'bout that, Pippin a good role model . . .)
RogerGamgee · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
This was a fantastic chapter...I love how Pippin took charge to try and ease everyone's minds. I laughed when he called Strider down off his 'high horse'. Very well done...looking forward to the next chapter.
FantasyFan · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
This chapter gives me a comfortable, peaceful feeling. Everything's right with Diamond and Pippin, and after their scare they are content to love each other in close contentment. I'm sure Pippin's not really fooled by Diamond's stubborn tiredness. And the ending is pure brilliance. You've got the majestic style of the Minas Tirith section of ROTK down pretty well - the description of King Elessar isn't out of place at all. Pippin's "get down off your high horse" made me laugh - and really Strider ought to have known better. The clash of cultures has been going on throughout the story - nowhere more obviously than here.
Chibi-Kaz · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
ROTFLMAO!!!!! "Get down off your high horse and give your old friends a proper greeting!" *Snarf*Snort* I just snarfed my soda! I'm sure Aragorn will be delighted with that greeting! Can't wait for more. Cheers, Chibi-kaz
Author's reply
Oh, very good. I was afraid I couldn't do the Bridge meeting justice. JRRT says so little about it, and leaves so much to the imagination, and yet it must have been a momentous affair. Thanks!
Bodkin · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
'King and Queen seemed impossibly tall, sitting on their horses, awaiting the hobbits’ approach, grown to giants’ height, even.' I suppose that, strictly speaking, Sam, the Ringbearer who bows to no-one, is the one with the right to tell the king to come down to hobbit level - but he never would, so it's a good thing that Pippin is there to insist that they drop some of the formality. (Mind you, is it treason? Could Elessar say 'Off with your head'? We'll see!) It seems a bit insensitive on Aragorn's - and Arwen's - part to loom over the hobbits. I would have thought they would have made a point of being more on their level. They'll be fine once they get to know each other - and they'll love Farry.
Author's reply
O I know, it *does* seem insensitive, but it's not the way Aragorn really wanted to go. He bowed to his advisors' sincere desire to honour the Halflings with all possible deference and honour and all that. He didn't want them to think he was doing his friends any *less*. Some people are more impressed with appearances... Don't know if this will come out as it was part of the backstory, and the "Bridge" chapter has already split itself in half due to length. We'll see. They haven't seen Farry since he was about 2 or 3, I think, when Pippin took Diamond and Farry to Gondor for a visit. Bet they'll be astonished at how much he's grown! Why, he must be at least... knee high, by now! (Maybe taller!) LOL. Still working out relative heights for the "close-ups" to come. Thanks for the comments!
Connie B. · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 23: To Meet Once More
LOL! I love that ending. Pippin is so open and honest which I find sweet and refreshing. He just seems to know when levity is needed. Only he would speak to the king thus. Merry would be too serious and Sam too deferential. The scene with Diamond at the inn was wounderful, too. They love each other so much and enjoy being together so much that it comes through every time they're together alone. Diamond also know just how to deal with her husband. She knows to never make mention of his own weaknesses, but to make it looks like someone else would benefit from an action that, in truth, is in his own best interests. She's a great wife. Can't wait to see Aragorn's interaction with the hobbits in the mext chapter. Connie B.
Author's reply
Merry would grit his way through the pomp and ceremony, and Sam would endure it, but Pippin is impulsive, you know, and one to speak his mind... I love giving Pippin and Diamond time together, partly because I (for the most part) tend to shield their privacy, which is an odd thing to say about fictional characters when you think about it. No matter. If I just wrote about the "good times" I could fill pages and pages and I bet nobody would read it except me! *g* Thanks.
Chibi-Kaz · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 22: Sleeping Half the Day Away
I can't wait to see Aragorn and Arwen and everyone again! More, I can't wait for Hilly and Ferdi (whom I just know will end up in the thick of things anyway) to meet good honorable Men and have their perceptions changed. Have Faramir and Eowyn tagged along w/ the King? I bet Faramir would love to meet his little namesake. So many opportunities for meetings and getting-to-know-yous and learning that Men can be good too. Ooo, I'm getting a squiggly-excited just thinking about it! Cheers! Chibi-Kaz
Hai Took · 12 October 2004 · Chapter 22: Sleeping Half the Day Away
Missed quite a bit there, didn't I? Oh, when Ferdi and Pippin happened upon the hanging I was so worried it was actually Jack and Will! Thank goodness it wasn't! Maybe Ferdi will have some peace now that he has met the boy he thought he condemned! I couldn't believe that the Rangers would actually be so cruel as to hang a child! It is good to know the little boys are being taken care of when the Rangers come upon them! I wich Ferdi was going to meet the King. I guess he does another time but still, what a time it would be! I feel bad for Hilly, loosing his pony and all, and one he was so close to! Well I am waiting for more! ;) Thank you!
Connie B. · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 22: Sleeping Half the Day Away
Glad to see Ferdi recovering. It is a good thing Hilly has someone like him to talk to. I'm also proud that Ferdi is reporting only the official spin on events. He could have just as easily, in private, spilled the real story, but he really didn't want any more suffering in this matter. It souunds like Hilly's got a lot of his own healing to do now. I think meeting the king will be very good for him. Pippin really is wise in choosing who accompanies him. Ferdi didn't need the experience, hilly does. Good chapter, and good story. Connie B.
Author's reply
As far as Ferdi spilling the real story... well, I've heard it said about him that he wouldn't tell his own father what's for tea if he didn't think old Ferdinand needed to know. What with the way hobbits gossip it's probably wise to limit your gossiping to the "truth" that you don't mind getting around. Perceptive comment, that Hilly needs healing. He also needs to look at Men in a new light. The Bridge meeting is coming up, and was lots of fun to write, though I wonder if I got a little carried away and need to re-do it. The *good* thing about writer's block is that I couldn't re-do it if I wanted to, so you get to see the original version here, even if it changes later. Thanks!
Bodkin · 11 October 2004 · Chapter 22: Sleeping Half the Day Away
It is very refreshing to see Ferdi speaking the pro-Man line about Jack and his lads, with Hilly providing counter-point - and obstinately refusing to listen. Those Tooks! What a pig-headed bunch. Why isn't Ferdi going to the bridge? I would have thought Pippin would want to expose him to a little more mind-stretching. I can empathise with their distress over the pony - poor Whitefoot.
Author's reply
Ferdi, "pro-Man", is something you don't see every day! There are a couple of reasons why Ferdi isn't going to the Bridge, one which will be made clear in the next chapter, and the other the simple fact that Ferdi won't see the Brandywine close up until late in "At the End of His Rope". I had to come up with a reason why Pippin wouldn't take his "right hand" with him. Let me know if it sounds plausible. (I don't think Ferdi falling asleep on guard duty is enough of a reason for Pippin to leave him behind, though Ferdi might not see it the same way.) I'm looking over the next chapter to come and wondering... will people accept Pippin acting outrageously, or will they think he's over the top? Ah, well, hopefully people will not simply shake their heads and turn away, but will make comments if he's truly out of character. Thanks for commenting!
Connie B. · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 21: Laying Uneasy Spirits to Rest
Sorry to be so slow again with a review. RL was Busy this weekend. I should be catching up on sleep right now, but the dogs woke me up, so here I am.:) Nice chapter. I'm glad Ferdi's nightmares about the boy can now be put to rest. Ooo, did I just make a bad pun, or what? Pippin telling Ferdi to be less impulsive was terrific. Pippin has that great gift of being about to laugh at one's self and know one's self so well that he can use his own weaknesses to show others what not to do, but do it with humor and grace. Thanks for sharing your own gifts with us. Connie B.
Author's reply
Well I certainly appreciate the review! You don't know what a nail-biting undertaking writing can be... well, perhaps you do. It is nice to get feedback, to know if the writing sounds "on" or "off" somehow, or what facet of a character strikes you as true to that character. The pun is okay... the chapter title is a pun! (was thinking of Ferdi's spirits, and also the ghosts that haunt him) Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. It makes the writing that much more do-able, somehow.
Bodkin · 10 October 2004 · Chapter 21: Laying Uneasy Spirits to Rest
Well, OK - respect to Pippin. He is showing a lot of subtle understanding and kindness here. I'm so glad that Ferdi need no longer be haunted by the fate of the child he handed over to the Rangers. In fact, he could find a few more abandoned children and give them into the care of the Protectors of the Shire. And, having discovered that the child was being used by nasty villains who were not kin to him, he needn't even feel bad about the others being hanged. I cannot imagine that a picnic near Hanging Wood is an ideal afternoon's entertainment - I am definitely with Pippin on what should happen to the bodies of those hanged. It is rather humorous to have Pippin accusing Ferdi of driving himself too hard and overdoing it. You can tell they are cousins - but poor Ferdi (my favourite hobbit) didn't have the presence of Frodo and Merry in his life to give his spirits some release and after the fire he just had so much misery he was just braced for everything to be bad. Even after marrying Nell, it took a long time for him to be able to look forward positively and expect good things. (Not surprising really, considering how much happens to the poor hobbit!)
Author's reply
Well, Pippin is maturing, and his fight to be the best Thain he can be in the face of his own physical limitations is contributing to that. I might call "Runaway" OOC except for the fact that (hopefully) I've established that the one thing that sends him off his rockers is a threat to wife and/or son. Hmmm. Ferdi as stray-collector. An interesting concept. I'm with you as far as the Hanging Wood goes. Bury the bodies! And likely the little stretches of woods around the Bounds of the Shire will grow reputations and be thought of as Haunted Woods instead. It's interesting, Frodo and Merry provided steadying influences for Pippin, but I also see Pippin and Merry as providing cheer to Frodo, poor orphaned lad. It is interesting, postulating Ferdi as having been so close to Merry before the fire, and so close to Pippin for most of his life before the Quest. Have had to do a bit of thinking to work out why he wasn't part of the conspiracy (besides the fact that JRRT didn't include him amongst Frodo's inner circle! LOL). Of course, the fire had a lot to do with that, as well as the fact that he's a "friend of a friend" and not friends with Frodo. Poor Ferdi, he's had a hard life, but it's been an exciting one, and at least he had his Nell for the better part of it. Thanks so much for your review! It makes me feel quite cheerful and inclined to keep pegging away, to open up my email and see feedback there.
Grey Wonderer · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 20: Clearing the Air
This was a wonderful chapter. I loved the way that Pippin called the shots. He sounded so very nuch the Thain of the Shire. My favorite was: ‘So say I,’ Pippin said. ‘Only the King can gainsay me. It is my right to grant such. You read your Edict and you’ll see.’ But I am also rather fond of: ‘Fat lot of good it does!’ he flared. ‘Men are still coming into the Shire, while you sit on your backsides, expecting stinking corpses to do your duty for you!’ Peregrin Took has come into his own at this point. Now on to Pincup and the Valar help those that stand in Pip's way.
Author's reply
I was a little tenative when I wrote this, thinking, "o my goodness, he's *insulting* a *Ranger*! The guy could break him in half with one hand tied behind his back!" But then I realised, of course, that seasoned, disciplined troops are used to accepting whatever an authority figure dishes out without blinking an eye (no matter what they might think about it, or even say about it in private), and so of course the Ranger wouldn't be annoyed or insulted but more courteous than anything else. Valar help those that stand in his way... including Ferdi! Thanks.
Connie B. · 7 October 2004 · Chapter 20: Clearing the Air
Go, Pippin! I love the way he took charge of this whole situation. This was great. And I'm so glad that Jack and the boys got away. Yes! Thanks. Connie B.
Author's reply
I do love writing a "Thainly" Pippin, and it is fun to see him protecting Ferdi instead of the other way around. I'm glad Jack and the boys got away, too. While drafting the story there was some discussion as to how it would turn out, either way (as in, they got away; they didn't get away), and I'm glad that the version you're seeing here was the final decision.