FantasyFan
· 27 September 2004
· Chapter 7: Into Darkness
First of all, let me say I'm glad it isn't ruffians. Although with all the troubles from men in the Shire lately, I can understand why that is going to be anyone's first thought (Pip, the Gondorians, even me.) Life has many perils everyday, without adding deliberate evil to the mix.
And, absurdedly, I feel very bad about the poor pony. With Hilly's life at stake, nobody has time to mourn the pony yet, but I suppose (hope) that will come later. And Hilly sees Posey in the woods. She isn't deceased, is she? I wonder what she sees - if the connection works both ways?
Thirdly, Hooray for Diamond and Farry! We know that Pip isn't coming, that he went another way, but they didn't - yet they chose to act rather than wait for him. Diamond was raised as a practical girl with plenty of hobbit-sense, and no stranger to work: there's no use just waiting for someone to come to the rescue, wringing hands, while there's something they could do to help. No matter how soon Pippin would have come, had he gone that way, it would be too late and she knew it. Hilly's still in plenty of danger still, and getting hypothermic, so we'll see if she has any more tricks up her sleeve once Farry sleeps.
It's an interesting mention of Diamond's shapely legs and Hilly's (potential) admiration. Have we seen him noticing before?
Author's reply
More tricks up her sleeve? No, actually, she's cold and exhausted, and worse, she knows Hilly--even though he's barely "there"--is right. She cannot leave Farry alone for a risky rescue. If the bog claimed them both, Farry would be alone in the woods, prey for a passing fox. I think if she did not have the lad with her she'd risk it, but with her son depending on her she cannot try to save Hilly.
Diamond is not just singing Farry to sleep, she's singing Hillly out of the world.
Do you think I ought to add something to make it more clear?
As to the question about Hilly's admiration... the best answer I can give you is that the characters are always evolving and sometimes they surprise even me.
Posey is alive and well at the Great Smials. Hilly is hallucinating and somewhat mentally confused as a result of hypothermia. At least it gives him comfort to think he sees her there.
Bodkin
· 27 September 2004
· Chapter 7: Into Darkness
Save that Hilly! He's not going to last much longer.
Author's reply
I'm afraid Diamond has given up hope, and the only comfort she can offer is to sing him out of the world. If help is to come, it had better arrive soon. (Like in the next chapter, maybe? Am editing the draft of the chapter today and will hope to put it up this evening or early tomorrow, if all goes well.)
Just read your elfling story with hypothermia themes and we seem to be on the same wavelength. Water and chill, so convenient as a plot device, and something I don't ever want to go through again IRL.
Thanks for commenting!
Connie B.
· 27 September 2004
· Chapter 7: Into Darkness
How sad. I know Hilly makes it, but it is still sad to see him slowly sinking both physically and mentally due to the cold. Hope Pippin and the others get there soon.
Thanks for updating so quickly.
Connie B.
Author's reply
You're welcome. Thanks for taking the time to review.
Pippin's on his way, but he's not due in Pincup until midnight, and he's taking a different path than the one they've left. But there might be other travellers about. Keep your hopes up!
Hai Took
· 26 September 2004
· Chapter 6: In the Grip of Misfortune
If only Merry ahd ridden with them! Oh, dear! Stuck in a bog! Poor Hilly, and he is being so brave to try and stay as cheerful as possible when he is facing drowning! Yikes! can't wait for more!
Author's reply
But of course, Merry might have met Hilly's fate, so perhaps he's better off at the Cockerel. OTOH, he might have recognised the danger, seeing the dead trees in the standing water, seeing as how he's encountered bogs before.
Thanks!
Connie B.
· 26 September 2004
· Chapter 6: In the Grip of Misfortune
Oh, this is a bad situation; not as bad as the ruffians I feared, but bad enough. I hope Hilly can hold on for a long time. He's gonna need to. This is really getting good.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Did some brushing up on my knowledge of hypothermia and it's sobering to read that Hilly would lapse into unconsciousness not more than three hours after immersion in cold water, and much sooner if he spent his energy in exertion.
Making mental note to dress in layers next time we go hiking in the foothills, and carry waterproof matches and fire-starters.
Thanks!
Bodkin
· 26 September 2004
· Chapter 6: In the Grip of Misfortune
The poor pony!
And Hilly is in desperate straights - I hope rescue comes soon, but I'm a bit concerned about who might provide it. It's a good thing that Farry was thrown to safety, but they are not in a good position - to put it mildly.
Author's reply
You're right to be concerned. Pippin is nowhere near, and not due to arrive in Pincup until midnight or so. If I didn't know what was about to happen (and know something of Hilly's future) I'd be terribly worried.
Hai Took
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 5: Midnight Arrival
Oh dear! Now Diamond, Farry and Hildi are missing! I hope things are figured out soon and everyone found! The change you described in Pippin when speaking about his wife and child was very well done. Things seem to be so different when it is your family that is involved and not someone elses. Poor, Ferdi is so tired I hope he is able to function at maximum conpasity! Although he hasn't failed anyone yet! Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
Interesting, how one can keep a cool head, unless it's loved ones in danger. Ferdi is not functioning at maximum capacity, but that's as it should be--it's a plot point, you see.
Thanks for commenting!
Connie B
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 5: Midnight Arrival
Ruffians? Oh dear, what a cliffhanger. Poor Diamond and Farry, poor Pip for that matter. This is so not good. I was afraid somethng like this was going to happen just because of the way you described Diamond's departure.
Please write more soon. I hope I don't have to bite my fingernails all weekend over this turn of events.:)
Thanks.
Connie.
Author's reply
I'm afraid you'll still be biting your fingernails. Perhaps you ought to wear gloves until tomorrow's update... Not that I can talk, my nails are looking a bit ragged. The draft is finished, however, so I know now how it all comes out. Whew.
Thanks for commenting.
FantasyFan
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 5: Midnight Arrival
Sorry, my button-pushing fingers are clumsy today. I sent you a half a review, then a blank review. I meant to include in the first review, that the comment that Pippin is not level-headed when it comes to his wife and child is interesting. Yes, he's fiercely protective, that's come out several times. It's worked to his advantage when confronting the snooty attitudes he encountered on Diamond's first arrival, but it's also been a disadvantage (I'm thinking of his treatment of Starfire, and of Ferdi later on in Runaway). In general I would call it a positive characteristic, but it may not look that way to the inkeeper right now. It's really a manifestation of his intense loyalty - to family first, to the Tooks, and to the Shire in general (He has probably got a similar attitude towards the fellowship, and Beregond). I'm interested to see if the hobbits, who recognize his attitude toward his wife as a characteristic of this Thian, will also see it in the wider context. Perhaps when they see him interact with outsiders.
Author's reply
Happens to me all the time. I'll type in a chapter from the draft and it will look fine to me, so I'll post it, and then upon re-read I come upon typo after typo.
Very insightful comments! Fiercely protective as a manifestation of intense loyalty: how true, but I'd never quite looked at it in exactly that light. You've given me some food for thought.
Thanks for commenting!
Bodkin
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 5: Midnight Arrival
I knew - just as soon as the idea was mooted - and the clues piled up! Pippin staying behind to negotiate! One guard! Ferdi too exhausted to think straight! Mention of the heart of the Shire being safe!
I hope Diamond and Farry are safe - being held for ransom maybe?
Send someone to the bridge STRAIGHT AWAY, Pippin, do you hear?
Author's reply
Ah, I hate it when I'm predictable. Hope it wasn't too much of a bother.
Ummm, Pippin's not quite thinking of ruffians, not quite yet, even though the reader is.
Thanks!
FantasyFan
· 24 September 2004
· Chapter 5: Midnight Arrival
Oh no! There's a fair sense of dread slowly gathering throughout this chapter. Just as you can safely predict that the meeting with the Bracegirdles will be uncomfortable and long, there is a growing suspicion that the trip across the Shire for Diamond and Farry will not turn out as planned either. That I hope they haven't run into ruffians, but if they have the entire Gondorian guard including one extra-famous tracker and warrior will soon be arriving - wouldn't that scare the pants off a Ruffian!
Author's reply
Can you imagine it, the King breaking his own edict to go help in the search for Diamond and Farry? I certainly can...
Anso the Hobbit
· 18 September 2004
· Chapter 4: Truth and Consequences
Oooh! Ferdi`s getting to know about Merry`s battles. I`m glad to se a "sequel" to Ruffians. I thought that story ended too quickly. Poor Merry! *pats Merry`s arm comfortingly* So that`s why he has it in a sling, poor him. If Strider is coming, then he might be able to help Merry. He has done so before and will later :) I hope Strider can help Ferdi too.
Author's reply
Thanks, Anso!
To answer a question you asked elsewhere, this is not exactly a sequel to StarFire. A few things that occur in this story are explained there (like how Pippin got to have so much gold, and how Ferdi got to have the fastest pony in the Shire), and there is more Merry in later chapters of that story than earlier chapters--why, he pops up with frequency once the story moves to Michel Delving, and after.
Merry's injury occured, of course, in "Ruffians" and must be cured by the next story to follow on the timeline, which IIRC is not written yet. ("If Wishes Were Ponies", where Merry Brandybuck and Merry Gamgee go to Rohan together, as it says in the Epilogue that Merry promised young Merry a pony from Rohan.) If I don't recall correctly, "Wishes" is not next... But I do think that "Wishes" comes before the next story in the chronology. I'm muddled, sorry. And as I said, that story is not written yet, nor even outlined, so unless the Muse hits me over the head it remains a future endeavour. (Got any wishes of your own, that you'd like to see in that story? As it's not outlined, the possibilities are numerous!)
Anso the Hobbit
· 18 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Stuff and Nonsense
It was fun to see some humor with the healer. She`s just no-nonsense and heals people. I hope Ferdi doesn`t work himself into a stupor now then. I`m sure they`re still worried, even if he did look well.
What`s happened to Merry`s arm? My poor Merry... :)
Anso the Hobbit
· 18 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Old Enemies, and New
Quite a nightmare there for poor Ferdi. He`s had a rough life. I wonder what happened to him? Fist he talks to the Rangers and then he`s suddenly in bed and can`t breathe... Off to next chapter :)
Anso the Hobbit
· 18 September 2004
· Chapter 1: Signs of Warning
Oh! Great start. I had to start reading before I acutally had intended when you alerted me of what this was about. :)
I`m sure the ruffians would have a keen eye on the Shire now that Pip has got this treasure. The Rangers will have to be careful in their watching now then.
Hai Took
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 4: Truth and Consequences
Oh dear, healers telling Merry that he should have his arm off doesn't sound very good! I hope all is able to heal correctly, I'm sure Stirder will be able to help! Right? Looking forward to that bit!
Sounds like Ferdi is havig some of his own troubles! I hope he is able to find sleep! Maybe through someone who will soon be at hand....looking forward to it all!
I must comment on this because it made me laugh. The whole conversation about Pippin being able to get whatever he wanted just my mentioning it in front of the right people. Ferdi being so honest on the whole subject while Pip tried to wheedled his cousin! Fun, fun!
Looking forward to more, thank you!
Author's reply
Thanks for commenting! It is comforting to know that the hands of the King are healing hands.
It is fun to write hobbits in a whimsical mood.
Bodkin
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 4: Truth and Consequences
I suppose the shoulder injury gives Merry an excuse for the problem with his arm. I'm not worried, though, because it's a two-armed Merry who goes to Gondor in later years. Is it better to be thought a drunkard, or to let people have a greater understanding of the problem? And would they understand if they were told? I suspect not. Drunkard is much easier to accept.
I'm surprised Ferdi hasn't his suspicions.
I hope Strider has his athelas supply topped up - he's approaching hobbits, so he is bound to need it.
Poor Ferdi - he needs to talk to Strider too. His injuries may not be physical, but he could certainly do with having his mind eased.
Author's reply
Ferdi might have his suspicions at a later date, but this is only two years after Pippin's return to Tookland, if I'm remembering correctly, and before Pippin returned Ferdi lived a fairly isolated life in Tookland. Pippin may not have returned to Buckland for Merry's anniversaries, after he became Thain, and if he did... well, he and Merry were famous for the parties they gave at Crickhollow. You're right, drunkard might be preferable to something that might arouse either superstitious fear or scepticism.
Poor Ferdi indeed. He's just stubborn enough to try to keep his troubles to himself and try to deal with them privately. But if things go beyond his control, people are bound to start noticing, especially that sharp cousin of his, that Thain fellow, who at the moment is in good health and not weighed down with worries, thus well able to take note of those around him. And deal with them.
Hope this makes sense! I am in haste. Thanks for commenting.
FantasyFan
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 4: Truth and Consequences
Just rambling comments today, rather than a proper review. It's quite a shock to hear Merry talking so matter-of-factly about his useless arm. 'Ruffians' is a short story, and I had never thought of lasting consequences from the arrow in the shoulder. That's one of the reasons I enjoy your stories so much - you've got quite a way of bringing in new twists, when I've gotten all comfortable in the world you've created. And what is it about the Shire healers and amputation? Isn't it Ferdi's leg that they want to take off, later? (I'm going to have to print out all your stories, one day, for cross referencing. ) By the way, speaking of 'Ruffians' I re-read it the other day, when you posted it here on SoA, and I'll be danged if I understand the reference to OOC hobbits either. With all the bizarre and unbelievable things I have read hobbits doing in other stories, courage in the face of Ruffians on a trip to Bree does not sound so strange to me. Perhaps they felt Estella too forward? That is the only thing I can stretch to imagine. Also, one last disjointed thought - Is Glisters a real word, sort of a combination of 'glitters' and 'glistens'? I automatically read 'Glitters' until you mentioned the title in your note with Ruffians, and then I had to go back and check to see if it was a typo. Not complaining, understand: there's probably a ton of stories named 'all that glitters', and the word you've chosen has a different feel to it; somewhat rustic and unusual. I'm just wondering what drove your choice, that's all, and I guess making a comment about how unobservant a reader I am sometimes.
Author's reply
From Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, II. vii.
"All that glisters is not gold; / Often have you heard that told. / Many a man his life hath sold / But my outside to behold. / Gilded tombs do worms enfold."
There's a lovely summation of the quote to be found here:
http://www.allshakespeare.com/quotes/1175
There's another quote, from a poem about a cat that drowned trying to catch goldfish, but I couldn't find it just now.
I welcome "rambling comments" as well as "proper reviews", seeing as how I so often ramble when I write.
When I first wrote "Ruffians" I remembered an old interview where a doctor was talking about television dramas where the hero gets shot in the shoulder and by the next episode is back to himself again with no apparent harm done. The doctor said something to the effect, "But if the writers only knew what a delicately constructed mechanism the shoulder is...!" (They wouldn't choose it to introduce a little bit of reversible angst into a story, was his meaning, I think.)
Of course, there was a healing needed after the events in Ruffians, but it just appeared on the timeline as "healing needed". Imagine that. And then when I was plotting this story, and realised that it would fall into the time period of the meeting at the Bridge! Well, things just sort of came together.
Thanks for commenting!
Author Reply: p.s. it was Pippin's leg, in "At the End of His Rope".
Amputation was a (rather drastic) way of dealing with a "useless" limb, in the past. It was also used in an effort to curtail infection, with no antibiotics to call upon. A useless limb, flopping about, was liable (or do I mean likely?) to take injufy without notice, leading to life-threatening infection.
Author Reply: p.p.s. home with a sick child, and a little under the weather myself (going back to bed), and read this while working out a plot point in "Closer than a Brother", and realised that of course you were right, a Shire healer also tried to take off *Ferdi's* leg in Merlin, just as you said. So, yes, Shire healers do seem to have something of a track record with amputation. Rather a drastic treatment plan, but in keeping with the times and society, I hope. Or do I mean "I think"? Don't know. Had two cups of coffee at a 90th birthday celebration yesterday (not mine, not yet!) and they kept me up nearly until the dawning. Very hobbity, though, raining drink and snowing food and lots of song and storytelling and laughter.
fliewatuet
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 4: Truth and Consequences
Though I have not (yet) read the stories that precede this one, I am hooked! Like the Hobbits I am looking forward to King Elessar's arrival. And I do hope that his healing hands will heal Merry's arm.
Author's reply
Glad to meet you! If you'd like to know the order of the stories related to this one, there's a "Chronological Listing of Stories" here on Stories of Arda, somewhere way down on the list of stories by Lindelea.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Connie B.
· 17 September 2004
· Chapter 4: Truth and Consequences
Cool Chapter. Poor Merry! Even from reading your other stories, I had no idea that things had come to that. And poor Ferdi, too. What is with this dream of his. No one else was hanged with him, were they? His own personal haunting, or foreshadowing, or something. Creepy, weird, but interesting. I likin' this.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Well, in the later stories he'd already been healed, so there was no indication of the trouble he had after "Ruffians".
No one was hanged with Ferdi, that's right, but his mind is weaving his own experience in with what he was told happened to the batch of ruffians he turned over to King's Men. Guilt can be an awful load to bear.
Thanks!
Hai Took
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Stuff and Nonsense
Yay! The King is coming! This will be great! You know I just discovered the bit in the History of the Lord of the Rings byt Christopher Tolkien and the part that looked to have been the original ending for the serious so it was nice to see the envelope announcing the King's plans!
Poor, Nell! She has such a stubbourn husband who won't take his rest! Not breathing can be a problem! Woodruff did a wonderful job in getting her to take some rest though. I like this made me laugh "... she shook her head, chiding herself for Tookish nonsense worthy of the Thain himself, and went about her business."
Thank you and looking forward to more!
Author's reply
Yay! Now if I can just properly imagine the events at the Bridge...
I do like Woodruff. I suspect she's not a Took herself, but is married to one.
Thanks!
Connie B
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Stuff and Nonsense
That certainly was a vivid dream Ferdi had if it could cause him to manifest symptoms. Pretty scary, though not unheard of.
I liked Ferdi's come-back when he was asked what he was doing there. And Pippin's reaction upon seeing the unreadable elvish was good, too.
Thanks.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Yes, a very frightening dream.
We went to the costume store to buy costumes for a Renaissance fair, and just the awful stuff in the windows was enough to give our little ones nightmares! And they didn't even go into the store!
Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Bodkin
· 14 September 2004
· Chapter 3: Stuff and Nonsense
I think Ferdi is my favourite hobbit, really. He seems so tough, but he has a centre of pure marshmallow.
It'll be good to see the reunions at the Brandywine.
Author's reply
Quite a compliment, thank you.
I hope I can manage the reunion at the Brandywine. To tell the truth, I'm a bit apprehensive about getting it right.
Bodkin
· 13 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Old Enemies, and New
Just a dream - quite a scary one!
Very Ferdi - 'mixed up in the way of dreams with the memory of the boy caught with the Men who'd entered the Shire just after the New Year, in search of the Thain's gold.' He acts very tough and ruthless, but his soft spot is young people. Was the boy hanged? How old is old enough to die by Gondor's rules.
I love the way Ferdi can't quite credit that it is he who is ill, not Pippin.
Author's reply
Quite a scary dream!
As to the fate of the boy, that will be revealed at a later time.
Thanks for commenting!
Connie B
· 12 September 2004
· Chapter 2: Old Enemies, and New
Interesting chapter. It is strange what the mind can concoct when one is ill. Poor Ferdi. He has to be one confused hobbit.
Thanks. Looking forward to where this is going.
Connie B.
Author's reply
Thanks! It's outlined, at least. I know where it's going, but as to *how* it gets there, that's still a little up in the air. Glad you're along for the ride.