Pearl Took · 18 June 2006 · Chapter 12: To Ask of Father Yule
A beautiful, beautiful story, Lin. So very precious.
Author's reply
A very belated reply, sorry. Thank you for taking time to drop a word of encouragement. *hugs*
This and That by Lindelea
Reviews (255)
Dreamflower · 18 June 2006 · Chapter 15: They Also Serve
Oh, Lin! I remember this one, and it is just as powerful and sad and hopeful this time around--I think this is one of your very best short ones!
harrowcat · 18 June 2006 · Chapter 15: They Also Serve
Of course Rosie would know if anyone did! Great to read this again Lindelea.
Anso the Hobbit · 27 March 2006 · Chapter 14: The 25th of March, S.R. 1419, the Woody End
Very nice indeed! There were many heroes during the Troubles, and many Tooks amongst them. This was a very nice scene. :D
Author's reply
Thanks!
Bodkin · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 14: The 25th of March, S.R. 1419, the Woody End
Good to see Ferdi, Regi and Hilly fighting back. And the doom must have overhung the whole of Middle-earth on that day - and the relief been so great that it echoed across the world. Mind you, stringing up villains so that their friends can cut them down seems a little pointless - and likely to get our heroes spitted by their enemies. I'm glad to know they survived!
Author's reply
Seems a little pointless, but this was only a test of sorts, to see if this first line of defence was enough for Men to blunder into. Eventually the border will be ringed with traps, to snare scouts (for scores, even hundreds, of hobbits are at work on them, even as this episode takes place)--and Men travelling in small numbers to scout out the land might hang some days before someone comes to cut them down. These Men have been inconvenienced long enough for the hobbits to get past a second line of traps, at least, and perhaps a little of their enthusiasm has been dampened by wrenched knees or broken limbs or even stupidly falling on one's own knife. And then for any who get past all the traps there are the bands of Tooks, ready to shoot if need be. But hobbits are a peaceable folk, and do not wish to kill unnecessarily. They'll injure the ruffians, certainly, handicap them, shame them, pull them down a rung or two, and make them think twice about trying to trespass on Tookish lands. Thanks!
harrowcat · 26 March 2006 · Chapter 14: The 25th of March, S.R. 1419, the Woody End
This is great Lindelea. I find myself wanting to know more.
Author's reply
Thanks!
Larner · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 14: The 25th of March, S.R. 1419, the Woody End
Hooray indeed! Far away their cousin Frodo has fallen, wounded, and a ring long hidden is now destroyed; but at hand the enemy is proving itself foolish indeed. Wonderful tale, my lady! Wonderful tale!
Author's reply
And I find myself thinking of another Took, half-smothered (did I say "half"?) and remembering Bilbo and the Eagles... Thanks!
Dreamflower · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 14: The 25th of March, S.R. 1419, the Woody End
Ah, Lin! This was nice! A bit of what happened at home, that the ToY does not give us! It's canon of course, that Rosie felt the tenseness of the Shadow, and the sudden release of fear that came when the One went into the Fire. So I don't find it far-fetched that other hobbits, and especially Tooks, would do the same. And I like the exploration of Hilly's hostility towards Ferdi, and hope that one day we'll discover the moment it went from resentment to friendship, and how.
Author's reply
Yes, it seems possible to me that especially hobbits with connexions to the Travellers might be sensitive to it without necessarily knowing why. Rosie is the example I was thinking of. And now an image of Bilbo sitting by the hearth at this same moment is niggling at me. Perhaps the Hall of Fire has been converted into an infirmary of sorts, for the care of wounded Elves, and the mood is gloomy indeed. But no time to write such things today. It must go to the back of the stove to simmer. And the moment Ferdi and Hilly became friends. Hmmm. It would have to be after the pony races in "Flames", where Hilly supported the false accusation, not knowing it was false, and the shock of realising Ferdi's innocence was enough to jar him from his complacent contempt. But guerilla-fighting the ruffians gives lots of scope for the imagination, doesn't it? Thanks!
Dana · 25 March 2006 · Chapter 14: The 25th of March, S.R. 1419, the Woody End
I absolutely love this, you know. So very intense, and it has such a wonderful flow, and I do love what you did with the tension, and the present tense. And the hobbits cower, pressed to the ground, and still they wait, for the Men’s assault, they think, for they can imagine no other reason for this unreasoning fear. So still are they, so taut with listening, that they feel the tremor that runs through the earth; faint it is, as if it has travelled a long journey, and then a sound like a sigh goes up from all the Woody End around them; and their hearts beat suddenly again. And that, I really love that.
Author's reply
Ah, thank you. You set a very good example, you know, with your mastery of present tense in stories. Thanks for pre-reading and commenting!
Anso the Hobbit · 22 February 2006 · Chapter 13: In Memorium
Nice, a sort of gap-filler to the Beregond story. Poor Beregond. But he did what he thought was best. I am happy it ended well.
Larner · 15 February 2006 · Chapter 13: In Memorium
Ah, finally found it. Yes, a good intro to the story now being written--although I do wish to see Thain and the tale of two hard winters expanded upon, of course.
harrowcat · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 13: In Memorium
Oh dear - I hope that the throat is getting better and that you are getting some sleep in, finally! Hopped over to your LJ as patience isn't in my vocabulary, (now that is a site that I really must go visit more often,)and found your story. You have GOT to get it posted here Lindelea, edited or not! I enjoyed it so much and will be checking often for that last installment! Sam is the perfect hobbit to be discussing this. He reacts with his heart and guts where Frodo, who doubtless understands the concepts more like Aragorn, would try to argue for mercy more logically. Anyway you are putting it much better than I ever could so I wull shut up and just beg for the story here. *g* (But get better first dear Lindelea. )
Bodkin · 8 February 2006 · Chapter 13: In Memorium
Poor Beregond. Eowyn and Merry disregard orders, kill the Witch King and become heroes. A soldier of the guard disregards orders, saves Faramir's life and spends the next month or so expecting to be executed. Wanting to die in battle to protect his son from what will happen to him. The law can be an ass.
Author's reply
And don't I know it. One of my relatives is in criminal defence, specialising in death penalty cases, and the stories he can tell... This snippet is actually background I wrote, while working on a piece that I'm posting in my LJ, preparatory to editing the thing and posting it here. And hopefully once I've scratched the "Beregond itch" for the moment, I'll be able to turn my thoughts back to the stories-in-progress. It would be nice to think so, anyhow. Thanks!
demeter d · 7 February 2006 · Chapter 13: In Memorium
Well begun. I have always thought there could be many stories around someone who befriends strangers and is willing to lay his own life on the line for the Captain he loved. I hope you can go on.
Author's reply
Actually, if you want to see the piece that this one was written as background for (not actually a scene in that piece, but referred to there, and so I had to have it clear in my mind), you can check out http://lindelea1.livejournal.com The story, "To See Justice Done", is posting in draft form there. Or you can wait until it's edited, and gets posted here. Depends on how patient you are. (Some times my readers have to be awfully patient. The Muse is a fickle creature at best. But I have great hopes of getting back to the current crop of stories by the end of the week, if all goes well.) Thanks!
harrowcat · 7 February 2006 · Chapter 13: In Memorium
Aw this is great Lindelea. I always did wonder how he got to be leading that company of men. Perhaps you should call it a trickle! *g* And yes! More, more, more pleeeeese!
Author's reply
Because it is getting later and I really need to give my pillow a little bit of company, poor lonely thing, please forgive me for repeating what I said in another review reply: Actually, if you want to see the piece that this one was written as background for (not actually a scene in that piece, but referred to there, and so I had to have it clear in my mind), you can check out http://lindelea1.livejournal.com The story, "To See Justice Done", is posting in draft form there. Or you can wait until it's edited, and gets posted here. Depends on how patient you are. (Some times my readers have to be awfully patient. The Muse is a fickle creature at best. But I have great hopes of getting back to the current crop of stories by the end of the week, if all goes well.) And thanks for the encouragement!
demeter d · 11 January 2006 · Chapter 12: To Ask of Father Yule
Oh, Lovely! I too, am old enough now to be "believing again". A Lovely, lovely tale. I want to share this with you. The Disney cartoon movie made in the 1970's, "Bedknobs and Broomsticks" featured a family of children spread from oh, six or so, to the oldest brother who had about reached "that age". Seein that new Narnia movie recently made me think about it again. At one point when the oldest brother begins to scoff at things he can not accept, the country lady in whose home they are staying to escape the Blitz sings a darling song to him, called "The age of not believing." The song ends with the hope that those years will pass and some day he will again start to believe in miracles. Whenever I encounter a story like this, or listen to the anxiety of the teens and twenties employed at the restaurant where I work, that song waltzes around in my head, and I remember that there is hope for them too. Thank you for sharing this story.
Author's reply
"...there is hope for them too." What a lovely sentiment! Thanks!
FantasyFan · 10 January 2006 · Chapter 12: To Ask of Father Yule
Oh God, Lindelea, that made me cry. I feel such sympathy for Farry, growing up knowing that his Da is dying but not able to talk to anyone about it, trying to be too grown up too fast, always afraid that the next crisis will be the last, and very conscious of the weight of responsibility that will either fall to him long before he's ready for it, or be thrust on someone who doesn't want it if Farry isn't 'good enough'. I suppose this is about as close as an ordinary hobbit would get to praying for deliverance, and it's interesting that it's reserved as a child's custom; for hobbits aren't ordinarily without hope. Somehow in those in-between years, that hope gets internalized, for even Regi knows that the wishes will start again. Wonderful story, about some of my favorite parts of your universe.
Author's reply
*hugs* I'm so sorry. I hope it was a cathartic kind of crying, rather than ripping the scab off a new-healing wound. I was a grown-up when my dad died, married and with a young child, and still I felt as if I was having to become too grown up too fast, as you say. Yes, I think the hope must get internalized; you see so much of it in LOTR, in Sam, seeing the star peeping through the cloud wrack, in Rosie, knowing months before that all was well and he'd be coming home to her again, even in Pippin's "dying" thoughts under the troll. Belated thanks for your thoughts.
Larner · 10 January 2006 · Chapter 12: To Ask of Father Yule
Yes, just right for the Thain's son, and so worthy of a worthy individual. And glad Regi peeked!
Author's reply
Ah, yes, had Regi not peeked there'd be much less of a story! (If any at all.) Thanks! "Princess Bride" is on the agenda for Saturday! Will let you know what the little ones think. Author Reply: Just had to revisit this to let you know that Princess Bride has become one of the Wee Hobbits' favourites. They quote whole sections at each other. It's a hoot.
harrowcat · 10 January 2006 · Chapter 12: To Ask of Father Yule
This really is a lovely Yule story Lindelea. Trouble with tear-jerkers before work is that I have to wash my face again! And it has reminded me of a story I want to read again!
Author's reply
Ah, the perils of wearing makeup. Almost makes me happy to be allergic to the stuff. Thanks!
Bodkin · 10 January 2006 · Chapter 12: To Ask of Father Yule
Oh, this was just lovely. Poor Faramir. Just young enough to hope, but too old to believe. And desperate, poor lad. Willing to clutch at any straw in the wish to save his father. I wonder if the talented author has any more insights into Faramir around this time - when he had begun to develop greater responsibility, yet was too young to accept as he was watching with the rest as Pippin died by inches. Delightful story. I like Regi, too. Makes a very good secretary to Father Yule. And knows enough to be prepared.
Author's reply
Flattery will get you something, I forget what. Well, I do believe that Faramir had begun to develop responsibility around the time of "Down and Out". You might or might not know that he found work in the stables at the end of "Runaway". By the beginning of "At the End of His Rope" he is quite grown up for his age, even to the point of helping however he can manage, after the coach accident, including helping to deliver the twins. So far as future stories set during this time frame, well, anything is possible, so long as the Muse is in a good mood. Thanks! (And sorry for the belated reply.)
Anso the Hobbit · 22 December 2005 · Chapter 11: A Very (Pippin) Yule
This is such a lovely story and I remember reading it a year ago but it was definitely worth reading over and just perfect timing too since I¨m leaving for my own holiday in a few hours. Happy Yule, Lin! And thanks for a year of wonderful stories. :D I am very much looking forward to another year of them. (((((Lin))))))
Author's reply
I hope you had a wonderful holiday! And thanks for the good words. (((((Anso)))))
Larner · 22 December 2005 · Chapter 11: A Very (Pippin) Yule
Even as a baby Pippin managed to put himself right into the center of the Yule celebrations! Heh! And he put himself in the box, and none was the wiser.
Author's reply
Funny how he managed that! I think it was a sign of things to come.
Pearl Took · 21 December 2005 · Chapter 11: A Very (Pippin) Yule
Utterly, totally, wonderfully charming :) :) I love Pippin getting wrapped up in the shawl and then packed away. And I love the "son of a Brandybuck" and "son of a Took"!! And even Lalia not being too horrid. A wonderful Yule gift :) Many thanks!
Author's reply
Amazing, isn't it, that Lalia could be hobbity sometimes? LOL
shirebound · 21 December 2005 · Chapter 11: A Very (Pippin) Yule
he was overcome by curiosity and excitement to be surrounded by so many bright ribbons, and enticing paper that crumpled and tore with satisfying sounds and sensations! He rolled a little further into the fallen heap and found himself enveloped in softness. He rolled once more, wrapping the softness round himself, and pulling the soft folds of the lovely knitted shawl against his cheek with one hand, he found his mouth with the thumb of the other hand and resumed his interrupted nap. Awwwww! Totally adorable. Happy Yule, Lindelea!
Author's reply
This is sort of based on one of our young ones, who learned to roll before she was three months old, and at a baby shower was so fascinated with the bright wrappings and ribbons that she rolled herself right into the middle of them! Thanks!
Dreamflower · 21 December 2005 · Chapter 11: A Very (Pippin) Yule
What a sweet and delightful little surprise to wake up to this morning! I do remember the shorter version of course, but this is just as cute as it can be! All the details that make your Shire unique and delightful are there, and old Lalia in a good mood at the end, for once! And of course I am enjoying the fun and friendship between Merry and Ferdi; it's funny they were going to quarrel over Pippin! Merry of course, was quite right. Yet in a strange way, when they became adults, circumstances actually brought Ferdi into the position of "special" cousin as well. I do adore that *Merry's* trump argument was "Frodo says"! LOL! I will have to go and look out the original--for I don't recall which of the hobbits told it, nor how he came to know how it happened. But that will be fun as well, for then I can read all the other contributions!
Author's reply
Thanks! I looked out the original as well, and it was just as fun to read this year as it was earlier.